15 years ago today - Mar 31, 2007

The 140th-year-old Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square, closed since January 2005 for extensive renovation and remodeling, was rededicated by President Hinckley. During the renovation, the pillars were strengthened and fortified to meet seismic code, and the roof was strengthened with the addition of steel trusses. Seating capacity in the building was reduced about 1,000 to 3,456.

[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

40 years ago today - Mar 31, 1982

The announcement of the temple to be constructed in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Delays in obtaining government permits postpone the groundbreaking ceremony until 1996.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

90 years ago today - Mar 31, 1932

... President Grant then asked that each one of the brethren present to set forth his feelings in regard to the question of whether Eldred Smith, the oldest son of the Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith, should succeed his father as the Presiding Patriarch, or if it would be preferable to select one of the sons of President Joseph F. Smith. All of those present, with the exception of three, felt that the revelation on the subject, as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 107, does not intend to limit the 'literal descendant of the chosen seed' from whom the Patriarch should be selected, to the descendants of the Patriarch John Smith, grandfather of Hyrum G. Smith; they felt that he might be selected from any of the branches of the lineage of Hyrum Smith, and preferred the family of President Joseph F. Smith. They were of the opinion that the one chosen for this position should be eminently qualified and fitted for the duties and responsibilities of that high office. President Clawson and Elders George Albert Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith were firm in their belief that Eldred Smith is entitled to the position by reason of his lineage, being the oldest son of Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith, who is a descendant of the oldest son of Hyrum Smith; that he has not forfeited that right because of unworthiness; that while he is young and inexperienced, if ordained to that office the Lord would magnify him and qualify him for the work. They felt that he should be given an opportunity to serve in this capacity, even if necessary to postpone filling the vacancy for a few years, in order that he might better qualify himself for the work. President Grant said he was not clear in his mind on the matter, which is the reason he appointed a committee to give the question consideration. ...

[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

125 years ago today - Mar 31, 1897

The Twelve Apostles discuss the health of President Wilford Woodruff. They learn that "his heart does not beat regular every sixth beat seems to be omitted shewing weakness in the muscles of the heart."

125 years ago today - Mar 31, 1897 • Wednesday

[According to Brigham Young] endowments are necessary to make the children heirs in the covenant, and that if the parents have not been endowed, though they have been sealed, the children would have to be adopted. Of course, if this is the law, there is no benefit in having the Apostles seal the people as they have been doing of late in some instances, because the chief object in having the sealing performed is to have the children born in the covenant.

[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, 1855–1875, Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]

140 years ago today - Mar 31,1882

John Taylor closes Church Historian's Office to the public.

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

145 years ago today - Mar 31, 1877

[John Nuttall]
at President B[righam] Youngs in the evening several of the 12 present the telegraph news of the last 3 days was read. showing the spirit of the Press. urging upon the nation the distruction of the Latter day Saints taking on an excuse the confession of John D. Lee in the complicity of Pres[iden]t Young & other leaders in the M[ountain] M[eadows] Massacre'afterwards talked on the necessity of organizing more stakes of Zion'there being but 14 now organized'7 more were proposed spent an agreeable ev[en]ing.

[L. John Nuttall, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

180 years ago today - Mar 31, 1842

[Relief Society Minutes]
Prest. J. Smith arose— spoke of the organization of the Society— said he was deeply interested that it might be built up to the Most High in an acceptable manner— that its rules must be observed— that none should be received into the Society but those who were worthy— propos'd that the Society go into a close examination of every candidate— that they were going too fast— that the Society should grow up by degrees [a Masonic phrase]— should commence with a few individuals— thus have a select Society of the virtuous and those who will walk circumspectly— commended them for their zeal but said sometimes their zeal was not according to knowledge— One principal object of the Institution, was to purge out iniquity— said they must be extremely careful in all their examinations or the consequences would be serious... that the Society should move according to the ancient Priesthood, hence there should be a select Society separate from all the evils of the world, choice, virtuou[s] and holy— Said he was going to make of this Society a kingdom of priests an in Enoch's day— as in Pauls day— that it is the privilege of each member to live long and enjoy health— ...

Mother [Lucy Mack] Smith rose and said she was glad the time had come that iniquity could be detected and reproach thrown off from the heads of the church [IE rumors of polygamy]— We come into the church to be sav'd— that we may live in peace and sit down in the kingdom of heaven— ...

[1.2.3 March 31, 1842, Minutes of the Proceedings of the Third Meeting of the Society, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]

90 years ago today - Mar 30, 1932

[Heber J. Grant]
David O. McKay called the first thing this morning and we had a still further talk with him regarding the appointment of a patriarch. I told him that personally I would like to see my son-in-law made the patriarch but I would very much prefer his brother Calvin; that unless the brethren agreed with me I certainly did not want them to vote in favor of Willard just because he happens to be my son-in-law. I think it will be a great shock to Willard if we appoint him, and that he would prefer to have a business career instead of an official position in the Church.

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

105 years ago today - Mar 30, 1917

Young John Talmage, six-year-old son of Apostle James Talmage goes downtown to buy a gift for a family member. While his governess is looking into a store window, he runs into a nearby National Guard office, where he declares himself ready for duty. The amused recruiters put him through the drill of attention and saluting. However, the boy is devastated when he is told he is too young, and John decides not to tell anyone of the humiliating experience. That afternoon the family receives a call from Lieutenant Albert Meyers who relates the incident and asked permission to report the story in the next day's newspaper. It runs in the Mar, 31 edition of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE.

115 years ago today - Saturday, Mar 30, 1907

[John Henry Smith]
... The Church has in Actual Values about Ten Millions of dollars in Land, buildings, and other projects.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

135 years ago today - Mch. 30 1887

[Interview of William Law (former counsellor to Joseph Smith, editor: Nauvoo Expositor)]
"You speak, in your book, of Joseph Smith having sent Rockwell to kill Governor Boggs. Let me tell you, that Joe Smith, told me the fact himself. The words were substantially like this, "I sent Rockwell to kill Boggs, but he missed him, it was a failure; he wounded him instead of sending him to Hell."

... "What position had Rockwell in Joseph's house?"

"Rockwell was the lackey of the house. He used to comb and shave Joseph, blackened his boots and drove his carriage. He would have done anything Joe wanted him to do. I never saw a horse or carriage belonging to Rockwell which you say he got from Joseph for the attempt to kill Boggs."

...Secret orders went out that nobody could buy property without the permission of Joseph Smith, Hyrum or the authorities, as they called them, so our property was practically worthless. ... [Wilson Law] wrestled with Joe in Nauvoo and threw him on his back."

... "They tried to get rid of me in different ways. One was by poisoning. I was already out of the church when Hyrum called one day and invited me for the next day to a reconciliation dinner as he called it, to his house. He said Joseph would come, too. He invited me and my wife. He was very urgent about the matter, but I declined the invitation. Now I must tell you that I, in those dangerous days, did not neglect to look out somewhat for the safety of my person and that I kept a detective or two among those who were in the confidence of the Smiths. That very same evening of the day on which Hyrum had been to my house inviting me, my detective told me that they had conceived the plan to poison me at the reconciliation dinner. Their object was a double one. My going to the dinner would have shown to the people that I was reconciled and my death would have freed them of an enemy. You may imagine that I didn't regret having declined that amiable invitation."

"Have you had any knowledge of cases of poisoning in Nauvoo, ordered by the authorities?"

"I know that several men, six or seven, died under very suspicious circumstances. Among them were two secretaries of the prophet, Mulholland and Blaskel Thompson. I saw Mulholland die and the symptoms looked very suspicious to me. Dr. Foster, who was a very good physician, believed firmly that those six or seven men had been poisoned, and told me so repeatedly."

"What may have been the reason for poisoning the secretaries?"

(With a smile) "They knew too much, probably."

"What do you know about the Danites?"

"Nothing of my personal knowledge. They existed, but their workings were kept very secret. I never belonged to the initiated. Smith tried very hard to get them to kill me. One day my detective told me, that two Danites had gone to Joseph and told him that they wanted to put me out of the way. Joseph said: "Don't--he (Law) is too influential; his death would bring the country down upon us; wait." ...

"Did Emma, the elect lady, come to your house and complain about Joseph?"

"No. She never came to my house for that purpose. But I met her sometimes on the street and then she used to complain, especially because of the girls whom Joseph kept in the house, devoting his attention to them. You have overrated her, she was dishonest."

"Do you mean to say that she was so outside of the influence Joseph had over her?"

"Yes, that is exactly what I mean. Let me tell you a case, that will be full proof to you. Soon after my arrive in Nauvoo the two L[awrence] girls came to the holy city, two very young girls, 15 to 17 years of age. They had been converted in Canada, were orphans and worth about $8000 in English gold. Joseph got to be appointed their Guardian, probably with the help of Dr. Bennett. He naturally put the gold in his pocket and had the Girls sealed to him. He asked me to go on his bond as a guardian, as Sidney Rigdon had done. "It is only a formality," he said. Foolishly enough, and not yet suspecting anything, I put my name on the paper. Emma complained about Joseph's living with the L[awrence] girls, but not very violently. It is my conviction that she was his full accomplice, that she was not a bit better than he. When I saw how things went I should have taken steps to be released of that bond, but I never thought of it. After Joseph's death, A. W. Babbitt became guardian of the two girls. He asked Emma for a settlement about the $8000. Emma said she had nothing to do with her husband's debts. Now Babbitt asked for the books and she gave them to him. Babbitt found that Joseph had counted an expense of about $3000 for board and clothing of the girls. ...

"You have known the parents of the prophet, old Lucy and old Joe, the Abraham of this new dispensation?"

"Oh, yes, I knew them. Old Lucy was in her dotage at that time; she seemed a harmless old woman. Old Joe sold blessings, so much a head, always in the same style--that my sons should be emperors and my daughters mothers of queens, and that everybody should have as many children as there was sands on the shore. Old Joe was an old tramp."

... "What do you remember about Emma's relations to the revelation on celestial marriage?"

"Well, I told you that she used to complain to me about Joseph's escapades whenever she met me on the street. She spoke repeatedly about that pretended revelation. She said once: "The revelation says I must submit or be destroyed. Well, I guess I have to submit." On another day she said: "Joe and I have settled our troubles on the basis of equal rights." * * * Emma was a full accomplice of Joseph's crimes. She was a large, coarse woman, as deep a woman as there was, always full of schemes and smooth as oil. They were worthy of each other, she was not a particle better than he."...

"Did you ever see the celebrated peepstone?"

"No. I never saw it and I never saw Joseph giving a revelation. But Hyrum told me once that Joseph, in his younger years, used to hunt for hidden treasures with a peepstone."

"Was Joseph a habitual drunkard?"

"I don't believe he was. I only saw him drunk once. I found Joseph and Hyrum at a place where they kept quantities of wine. I remember that Joseph drank heavily, and that I talked to Hyrum begging him to take his brother away, but that was the only time I saw the prophet drunk."

"Have you ever heard of the old woman that was drowned in the interest of the church?"

"I have heard of a woman being put aside. They said she had been brought over the river and buried on an island near the shore or on the other shore, near the water. But at that time I did not believe a word of rumors of this kind, and did not investigate them."

"Did you ever hear of abortion being practiced in Nauvoo?"

"Yes. There was some talk about Joseph getting no issue from all the women he had intercourse with. Dr. Foster spoke to me about the fact. But I don't remember what was told about abortion. If I heard things of the kind, I didn't believe in them at that time. Joseph was very free in his talk about his women. He told me one day of a certain girl and remarked, that she had given him more pleasure than any girl he had ever enjoyed. I told him it was horrible to talk like this." ...

"What do you know about the revelation on polygamy?"

"... When I came to Joseph and showed him the paper, he said: 'Yes, that is a genuine revelation.' I said to the prophet: 'But in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants there is a revelation just the contrary of this.' 'Oh,' said Joseph, 'that was given when the church was in its infancy, then it was all right to feed the people on milk, but now it is necessary to give them strong meat' We talked a long time about it, finally our discussion became very hot and we gave it up..."

"You returned the revelation to Hyrum?"

"Yes, I did. I was astonished to see in your book that the revelation was such a long document. I remember DISTINCTLY that the original given me by Hyrum was MUCH SHORTER. It covered not more than two or three pages of foolscap. The contents are substantially the same, but there was not that theological introduction. The thing consisted simply in the command of doing it, and that command was restricted to the High Priesthood and to virgins and widows. But as to Joseph, himself, the Lord's chosen servant, it was restricted to virgins only, to clean vessels, from which to procure a pure seed to the Lord."

"In what manner would Joseph succeed to keep you and others from knowing what was going on behind the curtain?"

"Marks, Yves, I and some others had, for a long time, no idea of the depravity that was going on. This was simply the result of a very smart system adopted by the prophet and his intimate friends like Brigham Young, Kimball and others. They first tried a man to see whether they could make a criminal tool out of him. When they felt that he would not be the stuff to make a criminal of, they kept him outside the inner circle and used him to show him up as an example of their religion, as a good, virtuous, universally respected brother."/...

"Did you ever hear Joseph speak of his money?"

"Oh yes, he used to boast of his riches. He expressed the opinion, that it was all important that he should be rich. I heard him say myself, 'it would be better that every man in the church should lose his last cent, than that I should fall and go down.'"

... THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE!W.WYL.

["The Law Interview: Dr. Wyl and Wm. Law.," The Daily Trubine (Salt Lake Tribune): Sunday Mormon, July 31, 1887]

145 years ago today - Mar 30, 1877

This is the first day I ever went [to] the [Temp?]le to get Endowments for the Dead. I got Endowments to day for the Prophets Robert Mason. We gave Endowments to 150. There was 52 Elders ordained. W Woodruff ordained 2. I was ordained a High Priest & Patriarch for the Prophet Mason. ...

I sealed 14 dead Persons to President Young. E Snow sealed [ ] Couple. (W Woodruff gave Seconed Anointing to Wilford Woodruff jr for his Grand Father Ezra Carter & Anointed Phebe W. Woodruff for her Mother Sarah Fabyan Carter.) <I anointed Sarah Campbell Smith.> Phebe WW got Endowments for Mary Fabyan & for Mr Samuel Woodruff. Wilford Woodruff jr. got Endowments for Asahel Woodruff.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Mar 30, 1877

Brigham Young instructs apostles to re-organize all the stakes of the Great Basin.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

160 years ago today - Mar 30, 1862

Brigham Young teaches that "God would Judge the world but How would He Judge the world? He would not sit in Judgment upon Each individual case, but the Lord would preside over all his Prophets and Apostles of ev[e]ry generation . . Those who received their testimony and abided by their Council would have no sins to pay for after death, but the wicked would be Judged after death. . . . Joseph Smith will preside over this dispensation and Judge but He has chosen 12 Apostles 70ties & we have High Priest, High Council, and Bishops to Judge the people. Joseph will not judge Each individual neither shall I. Neither do I want to spend my time in listening to the sins & nonsens[e] of the People."

165 years ago today - Mar 30, 1857

Judge W.W. Drummond wrote a letter of resignation in which he charged that the Mormons accepted no law but the priesthood; that there was an oath bound organization to resist the laws of the land; that some Mormon men were called to assassinate those who questioned the authority of the Church; That the Gunnison party was murdered by Indians under the orders and advice of the Mormons; that his predecessor, Leonidas Shaver, had been poisoned by the Mormons; that the Babbitt party was not killed by Indians, but rather several Mormons on orders from Brigham Young; and, the Church had ordered destruction of the Supreme Court papers. He recommended that President Buchanan replace Brigham Young with a non-Mormon governor escorted to Utah by a military force. (complete text: New York Times, May 14, 1857)

[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]

180 years ago today - March/May 1842

Times and Seasons (Nauvoo) prints the available text of what would become the Book of Abraham, facsimiles included, published by Joseph Smith, in Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith publishes Articles of Faith in response to an editor's request.

[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

180 years ago today - Mar 30, 1842

Smith used Masonic terminology in his instructions that the Nauvoo Relief Society "should grow up by degrees," and that there should be "a close examination of every candidate" . He said he was going to "make of this society a kingdom of priests," and also encouraged the women to become "sufficiently skill'd in Masonry as to keep a secret," and that they should be "good masons" . Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Period I: History of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and…Period II: From the Manuscript History of Brigham Young and Other Original Documents, ed. B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1902-32; 2d ed. rev. -Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978]. changed "this society" to "the Church of Jesus Christ."

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

90 years ago today - Mar 29, 1932

[Heber J. Grant]
George F. Richards, David O. McKay and James E. Talmage called and made a report that they thought it would be a serious matter to have Eldred Smith made the Presiding Patriarch. They gave a detailed account of what they had discovered regarding the Young Men's activities, and while they thought he was g good young man they were a unit that it would be a mistake to have him made the Presided Patriarch at least until after he has had years of training and development. We discussed the propriety of changing and having one of Joseph F. Smith's sons made the patriarch. The names of Calvin and Willard R. Smith were suggested. My own impression is that it is almost providential to have a faithful, diligent outstanding Latter-day Saint grandson of Hyrum Smith made the patriarch instead of having a great great-grandson of Hyrum Smith through the line of John Smith. We discussed the matter until nearly seven o'clock.

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

100 years ago today - Late March 1922

Missionary Ezra Taft Benson reported that the "Town [was] in uproar about Mormons. All of vast assembly voted to have us put out of town."

[Gary James Bergera, "Ezra Taft Benson's 1921-23 Mission to England", Journal of Mormon History 35:4 (Fall 2009)]

115 years ago today - Mar 29, 1907

[First Presidency]
You should now take pains to fix the right name firmly in your mind, and having done so the memory of it should be sacredly kept locked up in your own heart. The name under which, you say, you acted by mistake served the purpose for which it was used merely as a password and inasmuch as your intent was honest and sincere the Lord will accept of what you have done as though no mistake had been made.

[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Joseph G. Allred, Mar. 29, 1907, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

130 years ago today - Mar 29, 1892

[Wilford Woodruff]
29 Plesant this morning. I gave several Permits to go on to the Temple Tower. I went to the Temple & Examined the Bronze Angel for the Top Stone of the Temple 13 feet high & about 1,500 lbs in weight. I examind the Elevator to go to the top which looked safe. [The capstone is laid on Apr 6, exactly one year before the dedication.]

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

130 years ago today - Tuesday, March 29th, 1892

[Abraham H. Cannon]
I asked Jos. F. Smith why it was that Ham's son Canaan was cursed instead of Ham for exposing his Father's person. He said that the Prophet Joseph is credited with saying that the sin of Ham consisted in trying to castrate his father, Noah, and kill his brothers, Shem and Japeth, so that he might become the head of the nations of the earth. Ham had married a daughter of Cain, and by him the curse was carried through the flood. The seed of this union is the Egyptians, who are not black, but after Ham's curse, his seed was entirely black. Hence the difference between the races who now inhabit Africa.

. . . We continued our meeting. Pres. Snow said he felt that when any question came up among us on which the majority were clear, should there be one who did not see as the others, that one should be willing to yield his views to those of the majority, and leave the responsibility of the course pursued with them. John W. Taylor spoke in relation to the Manifesto: "I do not know that that thing was right, though I voted to sustain it, and will assist to maintain it; but among my father's papers I found a revelation given him of the Lord, and which is now in my possession, in which the Lord told him that the principle of plural marriage would never be overcome. Pres. Taylor desired to have it suspended, but the Lord would not permit it to be done. At the close of John W.'s remarks our meeting adjourned till tomorrow at 10 o'clock. I closed with prayer.

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]

135 years ago today - Tuesday, Mar 29, 1887

[John Henry Smith]
In the evening I met Prest. Wilford Woodruff and we had an excelent visit. He read me a letter that he written to H. J. Grant in regard to the succession to the Presidency. His views are that we succeed in a regular order.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

160 years ago today - Mar 29, 1862

[Heber C. Kimball Revelation]
It was told me the time was near when I Heber should be lifted up in the Eyes of Israel and Daniel H. Wells should see sorrow Even as he had caused sorrow to come on his servent HCK becaus he sat on me and oppressed me when he had power to do me good. Even so Amen. HCK. [Kimball and Wells were both counselors to Brigham Young]

["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

165 years ago today - Mar 29, 1857

Brigham Young preaches: "I can tell the people that once in my life I felt a want of confidence in brother Joseph Smith, soon after I became acquainted with him. It was not concerning religious matters-it was not about his revelations-but it was in relation to his financiering-to his managing the temporal affairs which he undertook. A feeling came ever me that Joseph was not right in his financial management, though I presume the feeling did not last sixty seconds, and perhaps not thirty. But that feeling came on me once and once only, from the time I first knew him to the day of his death. It gave me sorrow of heart, and I clearly saw and understood, by the spirit of revelation manifested to me, that if I was to harbor a thought in my heart that Joseph could be wrong in anything, I would begin to lose confidence in him, and that feeling would grow from step to step, and from one degree to another, until at last. I would have the same lack of confidence in his being the mouthpiece for the Almighty, and I would be left, as brother Hooper observed, upon the brink of the precipice, ready to plunge into what we may call the gulf of infidelity, ready to believe neither in God nor His servants, and to say that there is no God, or, if there is, we do not know anything about Him; . . ."

185 years ago today - Mar 29, 1837

Joseph Smith Jr ... prophesied that unless the church acts in perfect greater union than they had for the winter past it Should be Scourged until they Should feel it four fold to that of the dispersion of Zion.

[Kirtland Elder's Quorum Record, http://ogdenkraut.com/?page_id=414]

190 years ago today - Mar 29, 1832

The infant Joseph Murdock, caught in the attack on his surrogate father, Joseph Smith, dies, apparently from exposure during the mobbing.

[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]

65 years ago today - Mar 28, 1957

[Marion G. Romney]
While I was in the office during the afternoon, President Clark called and said we ought to cancel out the General Church Welfare Committee meeting, with him as representative of the First Presidency, scheduled for in the morning, which we did.

[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]

125 years ago today - Mar 28, 1897 • Sunday

[George Q. Cannon]
Sunday, March 28, 1897

Attended meeting at the Tabernacle at 2 o'clock. Brother Don Carlos Young, who has been on a mission to the Southern States, was called upon to speak. He spoke for about three-quarters of an hour, and I followed him.

In the evening I attended ward meeting. We were visited by two home missionaries, Brothers James T. Flashman and [blank] Fulmer.

[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, 1855–1875, Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]

135 years ago today - Mar 28, 1887

Wilford Woodruff, President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles writes to Apostle Heber J. Grant "in answer to his question 'do you know of any reason in Case of the death of the President of the Church why the Twelve Apostles should not Choose some other Person besides the Preside[n]t of the Twelve to be the Preside[n]t of the Church?'" Woodruff "answered him that I have several vary strong reasons why they should not." Four months later the church president, John Taylor, dies. It takes almost two years after Taylor's death for a new first presidency to be formed. In 1918 Heber J. Grant cites this same letter to assure his own uninterrupted ascendancy to the Presidency of the Church which had been challenged by Church Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith.

170 years ago today - Mar 28, 1852

Wilford Woodruff marries Mary Meek Giles Webster (50) as his 4th plural wife and 2nd living wife (the prior 3 plural wives had all divorced him by this date). She died 7 months later

[Mormon Polygamy Timeline of Events, https://hemlockknots.com/monogamy-polygamy-timeline/?fbclid=IwAR3ozoB8xZ8CffCz_HsV4eKupT3z_e0r0NeNmYwMorzgDXj7Wx3HKgyN_lc]

55 years ago today - Mar 27, 1967

BYU Spy-ring story: "Spies, J[unior]. G[rade].," Newsweek Magazine

[D. Michael Quinn, "Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992)]

55 years ago today - Mar 27, 1967

Germany's magazine DER SPIEGEL reviews the film "Mahlzeiten" calling "a cool, sensible film-the best thus far of the Young German production" The story includes the conversion of the principle characters by Mormon missionaries (played by actual missionaries speaking actual missionary German and using an actual door approach etc. The couple is baptized and "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet" is sung at the baptismal service." The Church later regrets allowing the missionaries to be used due to bathroom and bedroom scenes that, though tasteful, are somewhat offensive to Salt Lake City sensibilities.

120 years ago today - Thursday, Mar 27, 1902

[Rudger Clawson, minutes of the Quorum of Twelve]
Apostle Cowley reported the Hyrum Stake Conference. ... He learned that immorality prevailed among the young people of that place to an alarming extent....

Apostle Hyrum M. Smith said that the conditions in the Hyrum Stake were similar to those in Logan City; there was a great deal of immorality. He spoke during conference against said evils.

At this point Pres. Smith referred to a report made by Elder Jos. M. Tanner at the church board of education meeting yesterday, in which he stated that the practice of masturbation was indulged in by many young people in the church schools. Pres. Smith remarked that this was a most damnable and pernicious practice, and the face of every apostle, president of a stake, and high councillor should be set as flint against it. The priesthood should be called together at the stake conferences and the brethren and parents should be instructed and warned in relation to this matter.

Pres. Winder said he felt that there is too much familiarity between the sexes at the Latter-day Saints University. Pres. Lund, who is president of the board, said he would enquire into the matter.

[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

130 years ago today - Mar 27, 1892

[Francis M. Lyman]
[Asked by George Remington why he was objected to when selected as one of presidents of Seventies.] I told him I understood it was because he lived with his wife who was an adulteress.

[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

175 years ago today - Mar 27, 1847

President Brigham Young said that be did not tease any man to come into my family. Neither did be want any to do so on account of the farming organization. If I am able to save one man why cannot I save more, and sometimes I wish that I could say unto all the ends of the earth, come and be saved. I have no objection to receiving any man into this organization until he behaves like the very devil as Joseph Woodard did after teasing and whining around me for three days to have his wife sealed to me. I told him that they were both adopted to me and that was enough, but that would not do. Now he wants to take my life. He is a poor miserable curse and he will be cursed, and when any man shall act as he has I win treat them like an enemy.

[Journals of John D. Lee 1846-47 and 1859. Charles Kelly, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1984. 135-136, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

180 years ago today - Mar 27, 1842

[Wilford Woodruff]
After meeting [about baptism for the dead] closed the congregation again assembled upon the bank of the river & Joseph the seer went into the river & Baptized all that Came unto him & I considered it my privilege to be Baptized for the remission of my sins for I had not been since I first Joined the Church in 1833. I was then Baptized under the hands of Elder Zerah Pulsi-pher. Therefore I went forth into the river & was Baptized under the hands of JOSepH THE SEER & likewise did Elder J Taylor & many others & Joseph Called upon me to assist him & I did so & went in & Baptized 12 & then Joseph lifted up his hands to heaven & blessed the people & the spirit of God rested upon the congregation. We then again repaired to the place of meeting near the Temple & Elder Taylor & myself was confirmed by the laying on of hands. We then commenced confirming others who had been baptized. I confirmed about 20.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

115 years ago today - Mar 26, 1907

"Address of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the World"

... Neither is it true, as alleged, that "Mormonism" is destructive of the sanctity of the marriage relation; on the contrary, it regards the lawful union of man and woman as the means through which they may realize their highest and holiest aspirations. ...

The only conduct seemingly inconsistent with our professions as loyal citizens, is that involved in our attitude during the controversies that have arisen respecting plural marriage. ... What our people did in disregard of the law and of the decisions of the Supreme Court affecting plural marriages, was in the spirit of maintaining religious rights under constitution guaranties, and not in any spirit of defiance or disloyalty to the government.

The "Mormon" people have bowed in respectful submission to the laws enacted against plural marriage. ...

Those who refer to "'Mormon' polygamy" as a menace to the American home, or as a serious factor in American problems, make themselves ridiculous. So far as plural marriage is concerned, the question is settled....

JOSEPH F. SMITH, JOHN R. WINDER, ANTHON H. LUND, In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, March 26, 1907.

Adopted by vote of the Church, in General Conference, April 5, 1907.

[1907-March 26-Improvement Era 10:481-495 (May, 1907), in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

115 years ago today - Mar 26, 1907

In response to strong anti-LDS publicity, Church publishes ―Open Letter explaining history and major doctrines. It is unanimously sustained in the April general conference and is known as an ―Address to the World. It states the Church's standings on the sanctity of marriage, opposition to tyranny, tithe usage, support for the American government, and discontinued practice of plural marriage.

[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

140 years ago today - Mar 26, 1882

Two days after the Edmunds anti-polygamy act is signed in to law, Wilford Woodruff preaches: "However, if I were to express my feelings to Congress and the leading men of our nation, and to our enemies and the whole Christian world, I would say, do not weep for us-and we are sensible of the fact that they will not-but rather weep for yourselves and your children, for as sure as the Lord lives the evils that men seek to bring upon us, will return in due time upon their own heads, heaped up, pressed down and running over. For it is an eternal law, and a law by which we are governed, that what measure we mete, shall be measured back to us again."

165 years ago today - Mar 26, 1857

Philo T. Farnsworth, writing from Beaver, inquires, "Is it my privilege to take a couple more wives if I can find some free girls? If so, I thought I'd come up this summer when you get home from your trip north."

175 years ago today - Mar 26, 1847

[Hosea Stout]
... The subject of killing the Indians was next taken up. It was thought best if any one did kill any, for their depredations, to give the offender up to them ...

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

175 years ago today - Mar 26, 1847

Young confronted William McCary, a half-African, half-Indian man baptized and ordained by Apostle Orson Hyde in October 1846. "Its nothing to do with the blood for [from] one blood has God made all flesh, we have to repent [to] regain what we av [sic] lost – we av one of the best Elders an African in Lowell." [McCary later that fall marries a number of Mormon women in his own polygamous rites and is subsequently excommunicated. Apparently this is what leads Young to ban all men of African descent from holding the Mormon priesthood.]

[LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan, http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]

175 years ago today - Mar 26, 1847

Brigham Young: "At sundown, I met the brethren of the Twelve, and others, also William McCarey, the Indian Negro, and his wife at the office. McCarey made a rambling statement, claiming to be Adam, the ancient of days, and exhibited himself in Indian costume; he also claimed to have an odd rib."

175 years ago today - Mar 26, 1847 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young]
I preached to the saints in the afternoon, and told them that it, would be necessary for those who followed the pioneers to take eighteen months provisions. A committee would be appointed and each wagon examined. The pioneers would probably stay on the other side of the mountains until the snow began to fill up the gaps in the mountains. If mob violence should render it necessary for all to remove, take your cows, put your loads on their backs and fasten your children on the top. When the saints do all they can the Lord will do the rest. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska

[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1847- 1850. William S. Harwell, ed. Collier's Publishing, 1997.:44, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

190 years ago today - Mar 26, 1832 (Thursday)

At a general council, held in Jackson County, Mo., Joseph Smith, jun., was acknowledged the president of the High Priesthood.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

190 years ago today - Mar 26, 1832 (Thursday)

A revelation "showing the order given to Enoch and the Church in his day" was given. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 82.)

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

130 years ago today - Mar 25, 1892

STATEMENT.

We emphatically deny that we, or either of us, authorized Mr. George F. Gibbs or any other person or persons to use our names so as to influence citizens to vote the Republican ticket, at Logan or elsewhere. If our names have been used in any such way, it has been entirely without permission from us, and we hereby condemn it as wrong and reprehensive. ... If any man claims that it is the wish of the First Presidency that a Democrat shall vote the Republican ticket, or a Republican the Democratic ticket, let all people know that he is endeavoring to deceive the public and has no authority of that kind from us. We have no disposition to direct in these matters... WILFORD WOODRUFF, JOSEPH F. SMITH, Of the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[1892-March 25-Deseret News Weekly, March 25, 1892, p. 440, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

140 years ago today - Mar 25, 1882

Apostle Brigham Young Jr. preaches, "This Church will go into Sonora [Mexico] before it goes to Jackson Country [Missouri]." This is an early reference to the alleged prophecy by Joseph Smith that church headquarters will trace horse shoe in moving from Nauvoo to Utah to Mexico to Missouri.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

160 years ago today - Mar 25, 1862

President B. Young had four teeth extracted by Secretary Frank Fuller who is a dentist as well as Secretary. In the evening he told the Pres. D. H. Wells and Briant Stringham and Albert Carrington being in the office that some years ago he while in Office with the Prophet Joseph a Dentist endeavored to extract a tooth the pain being very severe he fainted and dreamt he was in hell and saw the Devils. -- Salt Lake City

[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

165 years ago today - Mar 25, 1857

Brigham Young writes to apostle John Taylor: "It is currently reported that President Buchanan fondles or has administered kindly to six or more 'Cyprians' [prostitutes] and may not be so severe in his legislative enactments against the Polygamists of Utah.- Had the helm of state been put into the hands of [John C.] Fremont the pot would have boiled over a little sooner."

170 years ago today - Mar 25, 1852

To day a party went out to meet the eastern mail[.] California mail came in to day. The first mail from the West since Oct[.] The mail carriers are probably killed by the indians

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

175 years ago today - Thursday, Mar 25, 1847.

President Young told the council that if a brother shot an Omaha Indian for stealing, they must deliver the murderer to Old Elk to be dealt with as the Indians shall decide, and that was the only way to save the lives of the women and children.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

175 years ago today - Mar 25, 1847

[Brigham Young]
I felt that it was wrong to indulge in feelings of hostility and bloodshed toward the Indian, the descendants of Israel, who might kill a cow, an ox or even a horse; to them the deer, the buffalo, the cherry and plum tree or strawberry bed were free. It was their mode of living to kill and eat. If the Omahas would persist in robbing and stealing, after being warned not to do so, whip them.

[Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

190 years ago today - Mar 25, 1832

The people assemble for Sunday worship and Joseph preaches a sermon, never mentioning the episode of the night before [of being tarred and feathered], even though he knows that several of the mob are in the audience. That day he baptizes three. Sidney Rigdon, whose head was dragged across the frozen and rough ground until he became unconscious from the tarring and feathering, goes delirious for several days. The morning after the tarring and feathering, he asks his wife for a razor with which to kill Joseph, and then asks Joseph for a razor with which to kill his wife. Several days later Sidney preaches that the keys have been taken from this people and will be given to another people. He also will not allow praying. Joseph eventually has to take away Sidney's preaching license until he repents and returns to a normal state of mind.

[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

50 years ago today - Mar 24, 1972

The incorporation of the Deseret Trust Company to manage the centrally controlled church trusts and endowments (in contrast to the church stock and bond portfolios managed by major investment houses in New York City).

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

55 years ago today - Mar 24, 1967

[Letter to Hugh B. Brown] "I personally feel that Brother Benson is misusing his Priesthood Authority…. I am finding it increasingly difficult to raise my right hand in Quarterly Conference and sustain Brother Benson as an Apostle. Isn't there something that can be done to curb this type of political involvement of the Church in general?"

[Dorothy L. Skinner to Hugh B. Brown as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]

90 years ago today - Mar 24, 1932

[Heber J. Grant]
At ten o'clock attended the regular weekly meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the Temple. Had a long discussion regarding the purpose of the Seventies. It was the unanimous opinion of the brethren present that it would be a mistake to publish President Brigham Young's remarks made in the Nauvoo Temple regarding the authority of the Seventy. It was also the unanimous opinion that it would be a mistake to allow Brother Roberts' book to be used by the Mutual Improvement Associations, on account of items in chapters 30 and 31 that the committee thought should be modified or eliminated. ...

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

135 years ago today - Mar 24, 1887

Part of First Presidency and Twelve meet for "eleven hours and tried every way to cut and contrive a way to keep our property. It was decided to fight the law by proving that there was no Church Incorporation and for fear of a decision against us, it was decided to loose all of the property."

140 years ago today - Mar 24, 1882

[Wilford Woodruff]
24 The Edmunds Bill was signed to day By Presidet Arthur and it became a law to take away rights of the Latter Day Saints because of their Religin. ...

I spent the day in Council with the Presidency. We Considered it wisdom for the brethren to live with but one wife under the same Roof.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Mar 24, 1877

First Presidency secretary asks Brigham Young a doctrinal question: "At Prest. Young's in the evening I propounded the following question to him. Is it proper to seal a woman that has died out of the Gospel and who was never married, to a man who died out of the Gospel, they being unknown to or not having any claim on each other in this life. Answer-Yes"

175 years ago today - Wednesday, Mar 24, 1847.

[Willard Richards]
John Barrow says his son, John, was chopping between this place and Cutler Park when five Omahas came upon him, and while they were rifling his pockets, his dog went at them and they shot the dog and struck at his head several times with their tomahawks, and took from him a Green Jacket lined about with a red striped plaid. It is reported that seven cattle have been killed by the Omahas since yesterday.

Old Elk and Logan Fontenell's brother, interpreter, called on President Young about 3 p.m., wanted provisions, said he had heard President Young had some provisions for them. President told him we intended to make a field and raise grain for them at their place, and that was all he could do. Asked them to dine and they might sleep in the council house tonight.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

180 years ago today - Mar 24, 1842 - Thursday

... waited on the members of the Female Relief Soci[e]ty. & entered a complaint againts. Clarissa Marvel for Slander [Marvel was accused of spreading "scandalous falsehoods on the character of Prest Joseph Smith," concerning his relationship with Agnes Coolbrith Smith (wife of his deceased brother Don Carlos). Marvel had lived with Agnes Coolbrith Smith for nearly a year. Joseph Smith had married Agnus in January.]]

[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]

190 years ago today - Mar 24, 1832

Rigdon is dragged behind a horse over frozen ground by his heels. His head bumps along the ground and he "loses his mind" for a few days. He asks his wife for a razor to kill Joseph Smith and when she refuses he asks Joseph Smith for a razor to kill his wife. According to one account, Smith is attacked for seducing Nancy Marinda Johnson, in whose father's house he was residing. Other reports say that "Dr. Dennison" is asked by the mob to castrate Smith but refuses. One mob leader says it was because documents were found indicating that Smith was trying to steal their property.

190 years ago today - Mar 24, 1832

Joseph is sitting up late with his 11-month-old adopted son, who has the measles, when about a dozen men break into the house, drag the Prophet from the house, strip his clothes from him, and begin to pour hot tar all over his body. At this time he sees others of the mob pulling Sidney Rigdon from his house. Because Sidney is unconscious, Joseph supposes that he is dead and begins to plead for his own life. The mobbers break a vial of nitric acid against his mouth, trying to poison him. In the process they break a tooth, causing him to have a slight whistle for life. One man says, ''That's the way the Holy Ghost falls on folks!" and jumps on Joseph, ripping off his remaining clothes and scratching his fingers into Joseph's skin. Joseph pulls the tar away from his mouth so he can breathe. Two men rush out of the house to help Joseph and, each assuming that the other is from the mob, start attacking each other. In this fight, the collar bone of John Johnson, Sr., is broken.When the mob finally flees, Joseph tries to return to the house; when Emma sees him she thinks the tar is blood and faints. Joseph spends the night with his friends, who pull and rip off the pieces of tar and skin. Simonds Ryder, the Johnson sons, and Ezra Booth are thought to have led the mob.

[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

45 years ago today - Mar 23, 1977

Jerusalem's mayor Teddy Kollek writes to the president of the LDS branch there: "We are indeed happy with the great interest shown by the Mormons to build a permanent structure in Jerusalem to house center for their activities in the city." This is the result of BYU's study abroad program in Jerusalem. Israel's government officially recognizes the LDS church as a legal association in April. Kollek receives and honorary doctorate from BYU in 1995.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

80 years ago today - Mar 23, 1942

No missionaries to avoid military service-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Young men registered under the Selective Service Act who have not received their notice of induction can be recommended for missions. "However, no young man should be recommended for a mission for the purpose of evading military service."

[1942-March 23-Original circular letter, L.D.S., in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

135 years ago today - Mar 23, 1887

Members of first presidency and Twelve meet for "eleven hours and tried every way to cut and contrive a way to keep our property. It was decided to fight the law by proving there was no Church Incorporation and for fear of a decision against us, it was decided to loose all of the property." The federal government was confiscating Church property as part of their campaign against polygamy. Justus Morse swears in an affidavit that he had listened to Smith authorize a Danite meeting in Missouri to "suck the milk of the gentiles." Morse, who remained loyal to the prophet throughout his life, added that Smith explained "that we had been injured by the mob in Missouri, and to take from the gentiles was no sin." Morse also recalls that he and others were directed to assist each other when in difficulty by lying, "and to do it with such positiveness and assurance that no one would question our testimony."

135 years ago today - Mar 23, 1887

[Franklin D. Richards]
At 10 met with G[eorge]. Q. Cannon, L[orenzo]. Snow F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, F[ranklin]. S. R[ichards]. L[e].G[rand]. Young A[urelius]. Miner, A[ngus]. M. Cannon, W[illia]m Budge, James Jack, Geo[rge]. Reynolds, W[illiam]. B. Preston at Presidents office'-while we discussed the unfinished business of the changes from the former arrangement to the present new condition of things. A pleasant diversion occurred by a brother asking about Michael Adam. Our Father and our God. which proved edifying as well as instructive.

[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

145 years ago today - Mar 23, 1877

Minersville [--] Beaver County

Utah

March 23rd 1877



I [--] Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner do testify, that in the year 1842 in the month of February[,] the Prophet Joseph Smith came to me and said he had received a direct command from God to take me for a wife for time and all eternity; after receiving what I felt to be a witness of the truth of the said statement made to me by the said Joseph Smith the Prophet, I was sealed to the said Joseph Smith by Pres Brigham Young in Nauvoo, Hancock County[,] Illinois ... The said ceremony was solemnly performed in the month of February A.D. 1842 as first above written

[signed] Mary E R Lightner

[Folder 10, Box 87, Joseph F. Smith Papers, LDS Church History Library, quoted in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]

145 years ago today - 1877. March 23

John D. Lee: Returned to Mountain Meadows to be executed, Lee was given a moment to speak: "I have but little to say this morning. Of course I feel that I am on the brink of eternity, and the solemnities of eternity should rest upon my mind. … I am ready to die. I trust in God. I have no fear. Death has no terror. … I ask the Lord my God, if my labors are done, to receive my spirit."

[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Mar 23, 1877

In St. George L. John Nuttall writes: "Bro. Thomas Allman gave to me his Sister, Sarah Allman, who was born at Handley, Staffordshire, England. She died in England when some 16 years old. She was baptized for 6th Feb. 1877 and confirmed same day, and had her endowments at St. George Temple, 23 Feb. 1877. Sister Jun Walker Allman being proxy for her in all these offices. Also in sealing today. I had Sarah Allman sealed to me by Elder Erastus Snow."

140 years ago today - Mar 23, 1882

The federal Edmunds Act was signed into law, making plural marriage and bigamous (or unlawful) cohabitation criminal offenses subject to fines and jail sentences.

[George Q. Cannon Chronology, The Journal of George Q. Cannon, 1855–1875, Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon/events]

165 years ago today - Mar 23, 1857

[Brigham Young]
"their is many women that care more about their wives Husband sleeping with them than they do about God or his kingdom & if a man was to submit to such women he would not be worth shucks in building up the kingdom of God[.] I have got some such women & I visit them on[c]e a year or once in 3 years as I please & they may go to heaven or Hell just as they please[.] I shall not turn away from the work of God for any woman."

[Brigham Young statement recorded in Wilford Woodruff's journal]

185 years ago today - Mar 23, 1837

Wilford Woodruff describes worship service at the Kirtland Temple: "[T]he congregation took their seats, for the services of the day, in the following order: The house being divided into four parts by veils, the females occupied two parts & the males the others. Some of the presidency presided in each appartment. The time was taken up during the day in each appartment in singing, exortation, & prayer. Some had a tongue, others an interpetation, & all was in order. The power of GOD rested upon the people. The gifts were poured out upon us. Some had the administering of angels & the image of GOD sat upon the countenances of the Saints. At 4 oclock PM the Veils were all rolled up together which brought the whole Congregation in full view of each other and while the presence of the LORD filled the house the congregation of the Saints fell upon their knees & all as one man, vocally poured forth rejoicing, supplication & Prayer, before the God of Israel which Closed the services of the day, after contributing for the support of the poor."

195 years ago today - Mar 23, 1827

The Wayne Sentinel, the Palmyra newspaper published by E. B. Grandin, quotes the Rochester Daily Advertizer in arguing: "The excitement respecting Morgan, instead of decreasing, spreads its influence and aquires [sic] new vigour daily....The Freemason...[is] proscribed, as unworthy of 'any office in town, county, state, or United States!' and the institution of masonry,...is held up as DANGEROUS and detrimental to the interests of the country!".

[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]

55 years ago today - Mar 22, 1967

We have received official notification of the procedures to be followed regarding the records of your father [former apostle John W. Taylor]. The restoration of blessings includes the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood, his endowment blessings, and all sealing ordinances which were valid in the eyes of the Church at the time of his excommunication.

In other words, the sealing of his first three wives are ratified by the restoration and all of the children will be shown as 'Born in the Covenant'. Any sealings claimed for the last three wives can not be considered as having been ratified by the restoration of blessings and the children will not be shown as 'Born in the Covenant'. ...

[H. Dale Goodwin, Letter to Raymond W. Taylor, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

75 years ago today - Mar 22, 1947

The last weekly list of excommunicated Mormons in the Church News. The final list gives names in California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Utah.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

130 years ago today - Mar 22, 1892

First Presidency Secretary L. John Nuttall writes: "Pres. Joseph F Smith . . . requested me to accompany Sister Lucy Walker Kimball to the investigation at the Templeton Hotel as a witness, she having been one of the Prophet Joseph Smiths Wives while he lived. . . . I accompanied her to Pres. Woodruffs office. on the way she explained to me the manner in which the Prophet Joseph first made Known to her the principle of Celestial Marriage and their subsequent feelings before she was sealed to him and the Manner she received the testimony of its truth & of her conviction." Lucy Walker Kimball was a witness in the "Temple Lot Case" to decide ownership of the lot designated by revelation to Joseph Smith for a temple.

140 years ago today - Mar 22, 1882

Edmunds Anti-polygamy Law

Edmunds Act was an amendment to strengthen the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Law of 1862:

· All elective offices in Utah Territory were declared vacant and a board of five members, known as the Utah Commission, was to be appointed by the US President to assume temporarily all duties pertaining to elections.

· Disfranchised polygamists and declared them ineligible for public office.

· Declared polygamy a felony, with penalty of not more than five years imprisonment and / or a $500 fine.

· Defined polygamous living, which it termed "unlawful cohabitation", as a misdemeanor punishable by six months imprisonment and/or a $300 fine.

· Polygamists, whether in practice or merely in belief, were disqualified for jury service.

· The board would issue certificates of election to those eligible for that office and those lawfully elected.

· Gave to the Utah Commission power to deprive citizens of their civil rights without a trial, which is not found in any other such federal legislation of this country or in its jurisprudence, according to Larson in "The Americanization of Utah for Statehood"

[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]

145 years ago today - Mar 22, 1877

[Wilford Woodruff]
I presided in the Temple to day. ... I also Adopted two Couple to Presidet B Young. ... This day was the first time in my life that I Ever herd or performed the Ceremony of Adoption.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

160 years ago today - Mar 22, 1862

Heber C. Kimball preaches that "we are the Children of God, and in the lions of the Father."

175 years ago today - Mar 22, 1847 (Evening)

[Brigham Young]
With regard to blessing children by the church from a history on the earth at first no record kept. Joseph had a revelation to keep a record on the matter and it is right for the bishop to record it. the father has a right to bless as a patriarch in his own family - but when an elder lays his hands on a child to bless is not a patriarchal blessing, the blessing has hold on them till the years of accountability, every mans name ought to be handed in at the conference. If my child is blessed if I can have it recorded I can. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska

[Thomas Bullock Minutes, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

180 years ago today - Mar 22, 1842 - Tuesday

[Joseph Smith Journal]
...(Sarah Ann. Whhitney's [Whitney's] Birth day (17. <years of age)> celebration, at the Lodge Room ... [Joseph Smith would marry Sarah Ann in July]

[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]

45 years ago today - Mar 21, 1977

BYU president Dallin Oaks writes to Gordon B. Hinckley: "The average rating for the fifteen full-time members of the political science faculty was 4.9. The individual ratings varied from 3 to 8. The average for the history department was on the conservative side of the line, 5.8. There the ratings varied from 3 to 9. . . . The middle-of-the-road average alignment of our faculty in these departments is in sharp contrast to the situation that would prevail in any other major university of which I am aware." Oaks had asked academic vice-president Robert Thomas "to rate each faculty member on a political scale from far left liberal (assigned a value of 1) to far right conservative (assigned a value of 9)." His letter to Hinckley summarized the results.

80 years ago today - Mar 21, 1942

[Frank Evans]
President Clark asked me to come to his office and report on total of United States Government bonds held by Corporation of the President. The total of such bonds held by all Church institutions'Church owned or controlled'amounts to nearly twenty million dollars. ...

Also reported on investigation made for protection of offices of First Presidency with bullet- proof glass. He suggested that I mention both matters to President McKay, which I shall do at the first opportunity.

[Frank Evans Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

110 years ago today - Mar 21, 1912

The First Presidency encourages local leaders to discontinue the "common cup" for sacrament and being using small, individual cups (glass or metal). An Improvement Era article in Apr. defends this change as a prevention against the spread of germs.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

120 years ago today - Mar 21, 1902; Friday

A letter was addressed to all Stake Presidents, excepting those of Canada and Mexico, asking them to ascertain the number of polygamists in their several stakes. The anti-Mormons in their petitions to Congress set forth wilful misrepresentations, to the effect that plural marriages were being solemnized as heretofore, &c., and Senator [Thomas] Kearns asked to be furnished with evidence to disprove such allegations, and this information is being sought for this purpose.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

135 years ago today - Monday, Mar 21, 1887

[John Henry Smith]
We were engaged in studying the legal bearings in the effort of the Government to escheat property and also in regard to the test oath [to vote or hold office, one could not encourage polygamy, nor be a member of an organization that encouraged it]. It was decided that the brethren should take it. The Central Committee [of the People's Party] telegraphed to all parts of the Territory for their officers to take the oath.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

145 years ago today - Mar 21, 1877

St. George Temple president Wilford Woodruff writes: "Preside[n]t Young has been laboring all winter to get up a perfect form of Endowments as far as possible. They having been perfected I read them to the Company today." Brigham Young's final form of the endowment included mention of the Adam-God doctrine.

155 years ago today - Mar 21, 1867

President Brigham Young is named president of the Deseret Telegraph Company.

165 years ago today - Mar 21, 1857

[Wilford Woodruff]
I bought an Indian boy of Brother Willis this morning abot 6 years old. His Indian name was Saroquetes. We call him Nephi. He appears like a smart active good boy. I paid $40 for him. I am in hopes to Educate him & prepare his mind that He may some day be useful in preaching to his tribe of the Piedes.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

60 years ago today - Mar 20, 1962

A ward bishop (and future general authority [Richard P. Lindsay]) had complained that Reed [Benson, son of Ezra Taft Benson] violated the First Presidency's policy against political use of chapels by speaking to a stake meeting about the "currently popular, militantly anti-communist movement of which the speaker is the leading spokesman." Lindsay noted to J. D. Williams "I'm sure this sounds soap boxish but the latter talk referred to cost me one whole night's sleep. Everyone seems to profit in the hard sell book business—One of these days write a sequel called 'Conscience of a Liberal.'"

[Richard P. Lindsay, on letterhead of Taylorsville Second Ward Bishopric, to David O. McKay, Henry D. Moyle, and Hugh B. Brown, 20 Mar. 1962, carbon copy in Williams Papers; Lindsay's handwritten note to J. D. Williams at the end of the carbon copy. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]

120 years ago today - Thursday, Mar 20, 1902

Pres. Smith said ... we have not the colonists [to send to Canada], unless they should be taken from the Salt Lake Stake and other populous centers—thus weakening the church politically. ...

Apostle Woodruff made brief remarks in reference to the colonization of the Big Horn country. ... Politically, we control two counties. ...

[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

135 years ago today - Sunday, March 20th, 1887

[Abraham H. Cannon]
At the two o'clock . . . transaction of the business brought before us. A question was asked as to whether a man who held no Priesthood and on being ordained a Seventy did not have the Melchizedek Priesthood conferred upon his was really the possessor of the Priesthood. I maintained that it was necessary to say in the ordination that this was conferred upon him, otherwise he did not possess it. There being some difference of opinion on this point, it was decided to refer the matter to the First Presidency for an answer.

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]

175 years ago today - Mar 20, 1847

In Winter Quarters, while preparing to cross the plains to Utah, forty-five-year-old Brigham Young marries two sisters: sixteen-year-old Lucy Bigelow and nineteen-year-old Mary Jane Bigelow. They are his 42nd and 43rd wives. He and Mary Jane Bigelow are divorced on Sep 3, 1851.

180 years ago today - Mar 20, 1842

Joseph preaches of "certain key words & signs belonging to the priesthood which must be observed in order to obtain the blessings."

[Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.247]

180 years ago today - Mar 20, 1842

Joseph Smith preaches at the funeral of a child, "As concerning the resurrection I will merely say that all men will come from the grave as they lie down, whether old or young. There will not be added unto their stature one cubit neither taken from it. . . . Children will be enthroned in the presence of God & the Lamb with bodies of the same stature that were on earth." Afterwards Joseph Smith "baptized with his own hands about 80 persons" in the Mississippi river.

190 years ago today - 1832 March [20]

D&C 77 (Hiram): Interpretation of Revelation 4-11. The sea of glass is the earth sanctified, the four beasts represent classes of beings in their destined order, eyes represent light, wings represent power to act, Sea of glass. Four beasts. Twenty-four elders. Seven seals. Elias to gather the Twelve Tribes will gather them and restore all things. 144,000 sealed high priests. Trumpets. Elias gathers and restores Two prophets. etc.

[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

200 years ago today - Mar 20, 1822

On 20 March 1822 William H. Ashley, then Lieutenant governor of Missouri, placed a notice in the Missouri Republican of St Louis requesting the services of one hundred "enterprising young men" to be employed in the fur trade on the upper Missouri River. Among those who signed on with Ashley were several whose names became famous in history and legend as "mountain men," including Jim Bridger, David Jackson, Jedediah Smith, Thomas Fitzpatrick, John Weber, Hugh Glass, James Clyman, Daniel T. Potts, and the Sublette brothers, Milton and William. The "Ashley men" were the first trappers who arrived in the Rockies out of St Louis.

[Utah History Encyclopedia: Fur Trade, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]

75 years ago today - Mar 19, 1947

[J. Reuben Clark]
Adam S. Bennion called to ask about accepting an invitation to join an American Association for the United Nations, which is headed here by Bp. Moulton. Pres. Clark asked him if he were aware that Bp. Moulton was one of those who joined in the protest against the deporting of the communist leader, Eisler. Pres. Clark said he was not telling him what to do, but he himself was not joining, that he would be fearful of any organization with him as the leading spirit. Bro. Bennion said he thought he would play safe.

[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]

75 years ago today - Mar 19, 1947

In President Smith's office I talked with him about the continuance of allowance of salaries for former Patriarch Joseph F. Smith and of Brother C.A. Carlson and Sister Bertha Irvine. President Smith expressed himself as being in favor of continuing these payments for the time being and until further ordered.

[Frank Evans, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

90 years ago today - Mar 19, 1932

DESERET NEWS reports that Dr. Edgar B. Brossard, Congressman Don B. Colton, and mission president James H. Moyle "represented the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the National Conference of Catholics, Jews, and Protestants" at Washington, D.C.,7-9 Mar. CHURCH SECTION article, "Church Extends New Correlation Project To All Priesthood Quorums, Auxiliaries."

120 years ago today - Wednesday, Mar 19, 1902

[John Henry Smith]
Washington, D.C.

Ben E. Rich and Myself in company with Senator Thos. Kearns called upon President Theodore Roosevelt. He received us with open arms and expressed his personal regard for us and said he would do anything he could for us and that the proposed Constitutional amendment [against polygamy] should not go through.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

125 years ago today - Mar 19, 1897

First Presidency letter: "Where couples living together as man and wife have observed the requirement of their people, tribe or nation, their union should be respected by our brethren," even if it is not a legally performed marriage. Since the 1950s, church policy has reversed that Presidency's ruling in two ways: first by sanctioning and performing temple sealings for the long-term relationships of Latin American couples who are living without legal marriage (due to restrictions on divorce) even though these reltionships are defined as adulterous by the laws of their nation; second by refusing to "respect" the legitimacy of black African polygamous marriages which are legal by the laws of their tribe and nation.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

125 years ago today - Mar 19, 1897; Friday

This morning at his office, Pres[ident]. Wilford Woodruff spoke again into the graphophone, or phonograph, the same words which he uttered into the instrument on March 12th. They were repeated in order to obtain better results than were secured on that date. After reading his testimony as recorded on the 12th inst., he signed it with his own hand, that it might go on record. ...

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

160 years ago today - Mar 19, 1862

George A Smith: Declined offer 19 Mar. 1862 to become Presiding Patriarch in place of current patriarch John Smith (b. 1832)

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

160 years ago today - Mar 19, 1862

Deseret News reports Heber C. Kimball's sermon of 7 July 1861, which says that the church was organized in Manchester [rather than Fayette], New York.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

165 years ago today - Mar 19, 1857

[Wilford Woodruff]
I Commenced the History of the Twelve Apostles. I find it difficult to get much history of some of the first Twelve who have apostitize & left the Church.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Mar 19, 1842

[Wilford Woodruff]
19 Spent the day in the printing Office. We struck off about 500 No of the 10 No 3 vol of Times & Seasons which contained the portion of the Book of Abraham that gave his account of Kolob, Oliblish, God siting upon his Throne The Earth, other planets & many great & glorious things as revealed to Abraham through the power of the priesthood. The truths of the Book of Abraham are truly edifying great & glorious which are among the rich treasures that are revealed unto us in the last days.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

40 years ago today - Mar 18, 1982

Three Church executive committees are created: the Missionary Executive Council, the Priesthood Executive Council, and the Temple and Genealogy Executive Council (later known as the Temple and Family History Executive Council).

75 years ago today - Mar 18, 1947

[J. Reuben Clark]
Bishop Isaacson telephoned President Clark regarding a Mexican boy 17 or 18 years of age who he said swam the river and entered the United States illegally. A stake president has taken him under his wing and is really hiding him. Bishop Isaacson said that his advice to the stake president was that he report the matter immediately. President Clark told him that this was sound advice, that we cannot undertake to engage in the smuggling business. President Clark said that the stake president is the man who should make the report.

[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]

120 years ago today - Mar 18, 1902; Tuesday

[Joseph F. Smith and John R. Winder]
... President [Wilford] Woodruff's instructions to Stake President[s] on the subject of recommending for second anointing limited them to persons who had gathered with the Church, whether dead or alive, and this was the policy adopted by President [Lorenzo] Snow, although he may have made exceptions to it. And it is our mind that faithful men who have gathered with the Church, who can be recommended as worthy to receive these higher blessings, but who through death were deprived of them, should receive them by proxy. It would be in order therefore to extend your recommends to Franklin P. Whitmore, deceased, inasmuch as you knew him to be worthy.

[Joseph F. Smith and John R. Winder, letter to David John and Joseph B. Keeler, LDS Archives]

120 years ago today - Mar 18, 1902

In Washington D.C. Apostle John Henry Smith Meets with a congressman and a group of senators. He is in Washington to lobby against a proposed constitutional amendment outlawing polygamy.

125 years ago today - Mar 18, 1897; Thursday

Pres[ident]. Woodruff related the following:

"While traveling with Zion's Camp, through the State of Ohio, we came to a very high mound, to the top of which we climbed by means of steps over which the grass had grown. The steps were very wide, probably about twelve feet. We found the top of the mound to be quite level and to cover a great deal of ground. After we had over looked the surrounding country, and had descended half way down we were halted by the command of the Prophet Joseph. We had taken a shovel with us to the top of the mound, thinking that we might have some use for it, and after we had halted, the Prophet,

speaking to the man who had the shovel, told him to throw up the dirt at a certain place to which he pointed. After removing a little more than six inches of soil, the skeleton of a man was discovered, from the joint in whose back-bone the Prophet drew a flint arrowhead which had been the means of taking his life.

["]The Lord showed the Prophet Joseph that this was a white Lamanite named Zelph; and that he fought under a great chieftain named Onandagus, whose dominion covered an immense body of country. The Book of Mormon does not mention the name of this Indian Chief, Onandagus."

(The flint arrowhead referred to above came into the possession of the late Pres[ident]. Brigham Young. After his death it came into the possession of Sister Zina Williams Card, who presented it to Pres[ident]. Woodruff, in whose possession it is still.)

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

80 years ago today - Mar 17, 1942

[Frank Evans]
Cannon Young came to my office regarding proposal to place bullet-proof glass in windows of offices of First Presidency. Glass of this size would cost $15 per square foot, also would require new frames. Total cost would be between $3,500 and $4,000 for entire job for 1 1/8' glass, which would stop .45 caliber steel sleeve bullet.

[Frank Evans Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

130 years ago today - Mar 17, 1892 (Thursday)

The Deseret News published a communication from the First Presidency, declaring that the rumors of their directing members of the Church which political party they should support were false and without foundation in fact.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

180 years ago today - Mar 17, 1842

Relief Society in the Masonic Lodge [room]. Included in the actual vocabulary of Joseph Smith's counsel and instructions to the sisters were such words as: ancient orders, examinations, degrees, candidates, secrets, lodges, rules, signs, tokens, order of the priesthood, and keys; all indicating that the Society's orientation possessed Masonic overtones.

[The Temple Timeline (Masons, Ancient Temples, Garments and a Lot More), http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-temple-timeline-masons-ancient-temples-garments-and-a-lot-more/]

180 years ago today - Mar 17, 1842 - Thursday

Assisted in organizing "The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo " in the "Lodge Room" Sister Emma Smith President. ... <I> gave much instru[c]tion. read in the New Testament & Book of Doctrine & Covenants. concer[n]ing the Elect Lady. & Shewed that Elect meant to be Elected to a certain work &c, & that the revelation was then fulfilled by his Sister Emma's Election to the Presidency of the Society, she having previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures. [A few weeks earlier, a group of women in Nauvoo drafted a constitution for a proposed charitable "Sewing Society." When they showed the document to JS, he told them he had "something better" for them and called this meeting...]

[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]

180 years ago today - Mar 17, 1842

Joseph states, "I will organize the sisters under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood," and later adds, "[the] Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized."

[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

180 years ago today - Mar 17, 1842

Emma's title "The Elect Lady," was] a phrase from the New Testament, from an 1830 revelation, and from an unconventional degree for women recognized by French Masonry since 1774 .

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

180 years ago today - Mar 17, 1842

[Eliza R. Snow]
"He [Joseph Smith] propos'd that the Sisters elect a presiding officer to preside over them, and let that presiding officer choose two Counsellors to assist in the duties of her Office— that he would ordain them to preside over the Society — and let them preside just as the Presidency, preside over the church.If any Officers are wanted to carry out the designs of the Institution, let them be appointed ... and set apart, as Deacons, Teachers &c."

[Eliza R Snow, Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes, as quoted at http://ordainwomen.org/quotes. See Quinn, "Mormon Political Conflicts" for full cite and context.]

185 years ago today - (Fri) Mar 17, 1837

Former President Andrew Jackson returned home to Tennessee, and said that he left office "with barely $90 in my pocket." This marked the beginning of the Panic of 1837, an ensuing national depression, and the resultant need for the US Government to borrow money to meet its financial obligations. Practically every bank in the US stopped redeeming bank notes before the end of March [and would affect the Kirtland Saftey Society, which was already having difficulties].

[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

120 years ago today - Sunday, Mar 16, 1902

[John Henry Smith]
Baltimore, Maryland

... I attended the Presbyterian Church in the morning and heard a nice sermon on Charity. ... I attended the services in the Catholic Cathedral. Father O'Gavin gave a fine sermon on the reason why the Catholics adored the Images of dead Saints.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

130 years ago today - Mar 16, 1892

After dining with President Wilford Woodruff, Dr. Charles William Elliot, president of Harvard University, gives an address in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, honoring Latter-day Saint pioneer women.

130 years ago today - Mar 16, 1892

Apostle John Henry Smith writes "A large Democratic Committee waited on the Presidency of the Church and made complaints over the Logan election and read letters and affidavits showing that George F. Gibbs [Secretary to President Woodruff] had used his influence in favor of the Republicans. Some one in this business has done wrong."

130 years ago today - Mar 16, 1892

[Franklin D. Richards]
30 officials & letters were read and addresses affirming that church influence had been used to effect a Repub. majority at Logan on the 7th inst.

... Dyer said whether true or false the impression is out that the church influence is used to promote Republicanism and hoped that this evil might be remedied. ...

[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Mar 16, 1877

[John Nuttle]
Spent the evening at President Youngs got his mind and views in regard to the proper manner of giving the Tokens. and presenting the man at the veil & which were very essential & gave all present further light.

[Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Mar 16, 1842

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were passed as Fellow Craft and raised as Master Masons. Within five months the Nauvoo Lodge had initiated 256 candidates and raised 243 others, which "was six times as many initiations and elevations as all the other lodges in the state combined."

[Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]

100 years ago today - Mar 15, 1922

B. H. Roberts writes a letter to President Heber J. Grant and the Twelve Apostles: "You will perhaps remember that during the hearing on 'Problems of the Book of Mormon' reported to your Council Jan, 1922, I stated in my remarks that there were other problems which I thought should be considered in addition to those submitted in my report. Brother Richard R. Lyman asked if they would help solve the problems already presented, or if they would increase our difficulties. My answer was that they would very greatly increase our difficulties, on which he replied, 'Then I do not know why we should consider them.' . . . It is not necessary for me to suggest that maintenance of the truth of the Book of Mormon is absolutely essential to the integrity of the whole Mormon movement, for it is inconceivable that the Book of Mormon should be untrue in its origin or character and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints be a true Church." However he does not send the letter.

110 years ago today - Mar 15, 1912

[First Presidency letter]
... a revelation given to the Church, to be binding, must be given to and accepted by the Church in conference assembled. And of course it should be written and published, so that the whole Church may know of it and have access to it, a thing which in this instance was never done. Our understanding is that this revelation [i.e., the Word of Wisdom] stands today in the same light as it did when it was first given, and must so remain until the Lord shall see fit to supplement it in any way deemed fit and proper by Him... In this sense the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom is a commandment. But it should be borne in mind that the revelation was not given by commandment or constraint. ...

[First Presidency, Letter to J. Z. Stewart, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

120 years ago today - Mar 15, 1902

We are often requested to grant the privilege, or rather to give recommends, to persons to get second annointings for worthy persons who are dead. Up to the month of December, 1900, there was no question, so far as we know, in our Stake about granting this privilege for the worthy dead. On December 1, 1900, however, the Presidency of this Stake received a letter from President [Lorenzo] Snow, in which he made the following remarks: "I would also suggest that for the present you will confine your names to men who are living, and their wives, living and dead, who are worthy, to assist them to be more faithful and energetic in the future, and not so much for the dead. The time will come when the dead will be properly cared for." Since the receipt of the above mentioned letter, the Presidency of this Stake have followed President Snow's instructions. But yesterday we received a very pressing request from the family of Brother Franklin Merry Whitmore, of Springville Third Ward, who died Feb. 15, 1902. He leaves one wife living; one died before him. The family has requested that he be permitted to receive his second annointings. Shall we give recommends for this purpose or not.

[David John and Joseph B. Keeler to Joseph F. Smith, Mar. 15, 1902 [handwritten note: "If in their judgement he is worthy[,] it will be O.K. to do so.", in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

130 years ago today - Mar 15, 1892 (Tuesday)

The taking of depositions of "Mormons" regarding the ownership of the Temple lot at Independence, Mo., was commenced ... It was part of a suit "brought by the Reorganized church, commonly called Josephites, against the Church of Christ, commonly called Hedrickites, to obtain possession and title to a piece of land in Independence, Jackson Co., Mo., known as the Temple Lot."

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

135 years ago today - Mar 15, 1887

[Wilford Woodruff]
I dreamed again last night of Attending another General Conference. President Taylor was present but seemed in poor health. He seemed to think he should soon pass away. There was an immense body of the saints gathered together. I dream almost Evry night of these great Meetings. I do not now understand what those Dreams Mean. ... Presidet Taylor Died July 25/87.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Mar 15, 1877

[Wilford Woodruff]
We gave Endowments to 222 persons the most we ever gave in one day in that Temple. President Brigham Young spent the day in the Temple. I washed and Anointed him, and gave him his Endowments for [ ] Peirce. I gave Presidet Brigham Young his seconed Anointing for and in Behalf of Moses Whitesides Also Sister Amelia Young her 2d Anointing for her Mother.

E Snow sealed 41 Couple & W Woodruff 26 Couple. I gave President Brigham Young his second Anointing for Br Morris Whiteside And Amelia Young her 2d Anointing for her Mother.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Mar 15, 1877

Romania Bunnell Pratt is the first Mormon woman to obtain an M.D. degree (from Women's Medical College in Philadelphia). On 1 Nov. she opens a school of obstetrics in Salt Lake City where she trains Mormon midwives and nurses for twenty-two years.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

165 years ago today - Mar 15, 1857

[Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the prayer Circle. President Young said he had the following dream: I thought we had a great crop of wheat. The whole Earth was filled with it all around. The Heads were vary long & there was so much of it that people did not seem to care any thing about it. Did not try to save it. I had to Continually urge the people to save the wheat. They said they had more than they wanted for this year. I told them to go to & save all the wheat they had then next year they could work on the Temple."

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

165 years ago today - Mar 15, 1857

First counselor Heber C. Kimball testifies of healing people with his special handkerchief, cane and cloak.

165 years ago today - Mar 15, 1857

Brigham Young preaches: " Joseph [Smith] is not resurrected; and if you will visit the graves you will find the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum yet in their resting place. Do not be mistaken about that; they will be resurrected in due time." Heber C. Kimball preaches: "How much would you give for even a cane that Father Abraham had used? or a coat or ring that the Saviour had worn? The rough oak boxes in which the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum were brought from Carthage, were made into canes and other articles. I have a cane made from the plank of one of those boxes, so as brother Brigham and a great many others, and we prize them highly, and esteem them a great blessing. I want to carefully preserve my cane, and when I am done with it here, I shall hand it down to my heir, with instructions to him to do the same. And the day will come when there will be multitudes who will be healed and blessed through the instrumentality of those canes, and the devil cannot overcome those who have them, in consequence of their faith and confidence in the virtues connected with them."

180 years ago today - Mar 15, 1842

The Church's official newspaper Times and Seasons formally apologized for a sexual joke that had appeared within a wedding announcement the month before. Blaming "the boys" who had previously been compositor and typesetter, this apology insisted that Joseph Smith (the newspaper's editor) had never written "a single indecent or unbecoming word or sentence" in his life. Referring to the bride and groom, the newspaper's offending word-play had stated: "... and they find a peaceful abode in the `narrow house,' may the many outs and ins they have made, leave to the world an abundant posterity to celebrate their glorious example" (emphasis in original).

["MARRIED--In this city on the 6th inst. by the Rev. Erastus H. Derby, Mr. Gilbert H. Rolfe, to Miss Eliza Jane Bates," Times and Seasons 3 (15 February 1842): 701, with the following statement on page 702: "The Times and Seasons, IS EDITED BY Joseph Smith" (emphasis in original). This announcement was immediately followed by another "MARRIED"-notice, signed "Ed.", in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]