The Equal Rights Amendment is defeated. As of 1996 no church publication acknowledges the Mormon role in its defeat.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
70 years ago today - Jun 30, 1952
[Spencer W. Kimball]
This morning I assisted Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith in giving Second Blessings to Delbert Stapley and John Longden and wives. This was my first experience. I have been appointed by the First Presidency some months ago to assist in this great program.
[Spencer W. Kimball diary, June 30, 1952, typed excerpt in Quinn Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
This morning I assisted Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith in giving Second Blessings to Delbert Stapley and John Longden and wives. This was my first experience. I have been appointed by the First Presidency some months ago to assist in this great program.
[Spencer W. Kimball diary, June 30, 1952, typed excerpt in Quinn Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
70 years ago today - Jun 30, 1952
A First Presidency letter to stake presidents and ward bishops that "we must always be on our guard against false teachings which destroy faith and lead the Church members into forbidden paths." The letter also cautions, "Officers should not be misled by an innocent looking face and a smoothly pious tongue." In a restatement of this letter on the 22nd of Feb. 1972, a different First Presidency drops the latter phrase.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
90 years ago today - Jun 30, 1932
[James E. Talamge]
Attended meeting of the Council of the Twelve beginning at 9 a.m. in the Temple. At this meeting and in that of the combined Councils which followed matters of grave importance were considered. Among these is the enforced reduction of expenses in Church administration. Having foreseen the necessity of such reductions as approaching, the Council of the Twelve took action months ago suggesting to the First Presidency that the stipends paid to the General Authorities of the Church be reduced as the judgment of the First Presidency may determine, and that the Twelve set the example by accepting a reduction in their own stipends. The reduction now goes into effect among Church employees generally. The general conditions incident to what is tritely called the 'depression' are manifest in a grievous degree among many of our own people, as indeed through the country and in other countries.
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Attended meeting of the Council of the Twelve beginning at 9 a.m. in the Temple. At this meeting and in that of the combined Councils which followed matters of grave importance were considered. Among these is the enforced reduction of expenses in Church administration. Having foreseen the necessity of such reductions as approaching, the Council of the Twelve took action months ago suggesting to the First Presidency that the stipends paid to the General Authorities of the Church be reduced as the judgment of the First Presidency may determine, and that the Twelve set the example by accepting a reduction in their own stipends. The reduction now goes into effect among Church employees generally. The general conditions incident to what is tritely called the 'depression' are manifest in a grievous degree among many of our own people, as indeed through the country and in other countries.
[James E. Talmage, Diary, 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 - Jun 30, 1897 • Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
At 10 o'clock there was a meeting at the office of Zion's Savings Bank & Trust Co, and a dividend of 6% was declared. I moved that Brother Heber J. Grant should be paid $2.50, which is the fee given to each member when he is present, for the last meeting, which he was unable to attend on account of his sickness. This passed without any objection. I then made a motion, "that hereafter any director, who is unavoidably detained from attending a meeting of the Board of Directors of this bank, shall be paid the usual fee for such meeting." Brother H. B. Clawson seconded it. Brother Joseph F. Smith had announced to me yesterday, when I told him that I intended to introduce a resolution of this kind, that he was opposed to it and would not favor it. He did oppose it in quite an earnest manner. After he had sat down, I gave my reasons for moving the resolution. My views were endorsed by all present, I think – at least, all who spoke took the view that it was a proper resolution. President Woodruff said nothing, neither did President Snow, nor Brother Webber; but they all signified by their manner that they were in favor of it. But Brother Joseph F. Smith had announced that he would not vote for it, and he stuck to his resolution. I was not disposed to enter into any argument about it, and did not; but Brother Lyman and he, and Brother Grant and he, did exchange arguments. When I found that he would not vote for it, I said I would withdraw the motion, because I did not want division on a question of that kind, if Brother Clawson would withdraw his second, which he did, and the matter dropped.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
At 10 o'clock there was a meeting at the office of Zion's Savings Bank & Trust Co, and a dividend of 6% was declared. I moved that Brother Heber J. Grant should be paid $2.50, which is the fee given to each member when he is present, for the last meeting, which he was unable to attend on account of his sickness. This passed without any objection. I then made a motion, "that hereafter any director, who is unavoidably detained from attending a meeting of the Board of Directors of this bank, shall be paid the usual fee for such meeting." Brother H. B. Clawson seconded it. Brother Joseph F. Smith had announced to me yesterday, when I told him that I intended to introduce a resolution of this kind, that he was opposed to it and would not favor it. He did oppose it in quite an earnest manner. After he had sat down, I gave my reasons for moving the resolution. My views were endorsed by all present, I think – at least, all who spoke took the view that it was a proper resolution. President Woodruff said nothing, neither did President Snow, nor Brother Webber; but they all signified by their manner that they were in favor of it. But Brother Joseph F. Smith had announced that he would not vote for it, and he stuck to his resolution. I was not disposed to enter into any argument about it, and did not; but Brother Lyman and he, and Brother Grant and he, did exchange arguments. When I found that he would not vote for it, I said I would withdraw the motion, because I did not want division on a question of that kind, if Brother Clawson would withdraw his second, which he did, and the matter dropped.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jun 30, 1887
Unsuccessful convention seeking statehood, even though proposed state constitution has provision outlawing polygamy: "bigamy and polygamy being considered incompatible with a republican form of government, each of them is hereby forbidden and declared a misdemeanor." This is the sixth unsuccessful bid for statehood.
L. John Nuttall, Secretary to the President John Taylor, writes in his journal: "Pres. Taylor is much weaker this morning; he refused to take his usual bath. He does not partake of any nourishment, excepting a little wine and a glass of beer occasionally."
L. John Nuttall, Secretary to the President John Taylor, writes in his journal: "Pres. Taylor is much weaker this morning; he refused to take his usual bath. He does not partake of any nourishment, excepting a little wine and a glass of beer occasionally."
155 years ago today - Jun 30, 1867
Wilford Woodruff performs the ceremony marrying his 16-year-old daughter Bulah to 41-year old Hampton S. Beatie as his third (plural) wife. Woodruff remarks in his journal that his first wife's daughters are now all married.
155 years ago today - Jun 30, 1867 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
I do not know that I will live in the flesh to see what I saw in vision when I came here [Salt Lake Valley]. I see some things, but a great deal more has yet to be accomplished.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 12:93-98, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I do not know that I will live in the flesh to see what I saw in vision when I came here [Salt Lake Valley]. I see some things, but a great deal more has yet to be accomplished.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 12:93-98, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
45 years ago today - Jun 29, 1977
House Bill 3 (HB3), by LDS Rep. Georgia Peterson, R-Salt Lake passed the Utah State House of Representatives by a landslide vote of 71 to 3 making "homosexual marriages in the state of Utah…illegal."
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
115 years ago today - Jun 29, 1907
[James E. Talmage]
Talmage oversees the completion of the installation of a seismograph at the University of Utah.
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
Talmage oversees the completion of the installation of a seismograph at the University of Utah.
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
160 years ago today - Jun 29, 1862
Presidet Young preached in the morning upon the subjet of Apostacy & death including Joseph Morris and those gathered with him at South webber [Morrisites]. He said if he had had his own way he would have let them staid & rotted there. He would not have disturbed them but Judge Kinney thought the Law must be honored & magnifyed & he Called out a posse & it Cost the lives of two innocent men of that posse & several of the Morrisites were killed.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Jun 29, 1862
Br Brigham spoke on the principle of apostacy. Spoke of the clan that had been led by Morris and Banks. Showed their folly and wickedness; forbid any of the Elders of Israel to baptize any of them at their peril. Said let them alone and let them wait a thousand years and then see what chance [there] will be for them. Forbid them coming into the congregation of the Saints. Said he would kick them out if they came nigh [to] him.
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 323, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 323, 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 - Jun 29, 1857
W. Woodruff ... said that He had faith in the doctrin taught by Presidet Young for the rising Generation to go on foot instead of Hors back. I said that I knew the good of it by experience. I traveled 1,200 miles on foot & averaged 40 miles a day then waided the Missisippi swamp from Little Rock Ark to Memphis Term 200 miles & ownly 16 miles out of water. One day walked 60 miles & while on the Journey walked 72 miles without Eating & when I got to Eagle Creek with Parish I believed I Could have killed any horse I ever saw walking to have followed it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Jun 29, 1857
U.S. President James Buchanan declares Utah in rebellion against the U.S. government, and mobilizes a regiment of the U.S. army, initially led by Col. Edmund Alexander.
[Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
[Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
165 years ago today - Jun 29, 1857
[Brigham Young]
George Taylor & others, -- a fresh supply of newspaper scraps ... gave satisfactory Evidence that the Devil is [?] his scepter over this Great Republic. The North, the South, the East, the West, the Politicians, the Priests, the Editors ... all take up the cry for blood! Blood! blood! Exterminate the Mormons sweep them from the earth, go to their Mountain home, lay waste their Cities, destroy their Crops drive off their Stock, raze their dwellings to the ground, cause an innocent people to flee for safety and then return and gloat ever the misery we have caused ... But the day is nigh at hand when the Lord will Mete out a reward to tho wicked according to their [des?]
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
George Taylor & others, -- a fresh supply of newspaper scraps ... gave satisfactory Evidence that the Devil is [?] his scepter over this Great Republic. The North, the South, the East, the West, the Politicians, the Priests, the Editors ... all take up the cry for blood! Blood! blood! Exterminate the Mormons sweep them from the earth, go to their Mountain home, lay waste their Cities, destroy their Crops drive off their Stock, raze their dwellings to the ground, cause an innocent people to flee for safety and then return and gloat ever the misery we have caused ... But the day is nigh at hand when the Lord will Mete out a reward to tho wicked according to their [des?]
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Bef. Jun 29, 1842
Sarah Maryetta Kingsley Howe Cleveland (already married, age 53) marriage to Joseph Smith.
Anderson and Faulring state that this is "only a guess" based on a claim "without any supporting data".
[Wikipedia: List of the Wives of Joseph Smith, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_wives_of_Joseph_Smith]
Anderson and Faulring state that this is "only a guess" based on a claim "without any supporting data".
[Wikipedia: List of the Wives of Joseph Smith, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_wives_of_Joseph_Smith]
180 years ago today - Jun 29, 1842
Joseph Smith marries Eliza R. Snow. Brigham Young performs the ceremony. Joseph Smith's journal records "Rode out in the city on business with Brigham young." Eliza's journal entry for this day does not mention the marriage directly but says, "This is a day of much interest to my feelings, . . ." She would describe him later as "the choice of my heart, the crown of my life." In later years her stake president, Angus Cannon, reports that she responds to the conjecture that her marriage with Joseph Smith was not consummated by saying, "I thought you knew Joseph Smith better than that."
She organized a petition in Summer 1842, with a thousand female signatures, denying Smith a polygamist.
She organized a petition in Summer 1842, with a thousand female signatures, denying Smith a polygamist.
190 years ago today - Jun 29, 1832
Orson Hyde & Samuel Smith's missionary journals record that several converts (including Augusta Adams Cobb, Brigham Young's future first polygamous wife) join the church from predominantly Cochranite neighborhoods and some begin to gather in Kirtland, Ohio
[Mormon Polygamy Timeline of Events, https://hemlockknots.com/monogamy-polygamy-timeline/?fbclid=IwAR3ozoB8xZ8CffCz_HsV4eKupT3z_e0r0NeNmYwMorzgDXj7Wx3HKgyN_lc]
[Mormon Polygamy Timeline of Events, https://hemlockknots.com/monogamy-polygamy-timeline/?fbclid=IwAR3ozoB8xZ8CffCz_HsV4eKupT3z_e0r0NeNmYwMorzgDXj7Wx3HKgyN_lc]
190 years ago today - Jun 29, 1832
At a sacrament meeting in Boston, Samuel H. Smith is interrupted by a man and a woman charging that he and Orson Hyde are teaching the doctrine of the devil, such as abstaining from meat and having spiritual wives, creating something of a sensation.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[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 - Jun 29, 1822
The "Manchester, New York, Assessment Roll," values Joseph Smith Sr.'s 100-acre parcel of land in Manchester at $700 which is the same value as the previous year. A year later on Jul 24, 1823 it is valued at $1000 indicating that improvements (a cabin built and land cleared) have been made.
130 years ago today - Jun 28, 1892 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
The form of the petition, with the list of names of brethren, asking the president for amnesty, was agreed upon by the First Presidency.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
The form of the petition, with the list of names of brethren, asking the president for amnesty, was agreed upon by the First Presidency.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Jun 28, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
G. A. Smith said I want to be baptized with the rest of you. The rest of the brethren wished the same. Presidet Young Chatechized G. A. Smith J M. Bernhisel C. C. Rich & A. Lyman. All passed well.
Presidet Young spoke of Strang & his death. J M. Bernhisel spoke of his death & thought that George Miller was Dead. G. A. Smith said that He was informed that Miller had gathered the following of Strang about 60 in numbers. Presidet Young said they did m[..]e a business of stealing but let men Come here & they would see that we have shown the works of industry.
Phelps said that the man who w[as?] [at] Clay County Court House who said He would kill Jo Smith & if the Turkey Buzzards did not eat out his eyes they should cut out his own, Phelps stood within a few feet of him wh[ile?] going home the boat sunk. He was drowned. Floated upon some flood wood. The Buzzards eat out his eyes & his flesh. Phelps saw his body after this was done & a man said He had fulfilled his own Prophesy.
... Presidet Young Askes Wm. W Phelps if Asstrology is true. Phelps says I dont know. BY. Brother Woodruff write that down. This is the first thing that I ever heard off but what Brother Phelps knew. He says he dont know any thing about Asstrology. But I believe it is true. So is Mesmerism or there is true principles in it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
G. A. Smith said I want to be baptized with the rest of you. The rest of the brethren wished the same. Presidet Young Chatechized G. A. Smith J M. Bernhisel C. C. Rich & A. Lyman. All passed well.
Presidet Young spoke of Strang & his death. J M. Bernhisel spoke of his death & thought that George Miller was Dead. G. A. Smith said that He was informed that Miller had gathered the following of Strang about 60 in numbers. Presidet Young said they did m[..]e a business of stealing but let men Come here & they would see that we have shown the works of industry.
Phelps said that the man who w[as?] [at] Clay County Court House who said He would kill Jo Smith & if the Turkey Buzzards did not eat out his eyes they should cut out his own, Phelps stood within a few feet of him wh[ile?] going home the boat sunk. He was drowned. Floated upon some flood wood. The Buzzards eat out his eyes & his flesh. Phelps saw his body after this was done & a man said He had fulfilled his own Prophesy.
... Presidet Young Askes Wm. W Phelps if Asstrology is true. Phelps says I dont know. BY. Brother Woodruff write that down. This is the first thing that I ever heard off but what Brother Phelps knew. He says he dont know any thing about Asstrology. But I believe it is true. So is Mesmerism or there is true principles in it.
[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 - Jun 28, 1857
Brigham Young preaches: "Giving endowments to a great many proves their overthrow through revealing things to them which they cannot keep. They are not worthy to receive them. Brother Heber takes the lead in giving endowments, and you may ask, 'Why do you give such folks their endowments?' To qualify them to be devils, if they wish to be. The plan of salvation is calculated to make devils as well as Saints; for by and by we shall need some to serve as devils; and it takes almost as much knowledge to make a complete devil as it does to fit a man to go into the celestial kingdom of God, and become an heir to His kingdom. We want to complete the education of a number of such fellows; they are running to the States, to California, and elsewhere, and are trying to reveal this, that, and the other; but I defy any one of them to give any idea of what is taught them in their endowments, except a garbled mass of trash. God takes that knowledge from their minds."
175 years ago today - Jun 28, 1847
The first pioneer company leaves the Oregon Trail. Rather then taking the Sublette cut-off on the Oregon Trail, the group veers west toward Fort Bridger, Wyoming. After crossing the Little Sandy, the company meets Jim Bridger and discusses with him the possibility of settlement in the Great Basin.
20 years ago today - Jun 27, 2002
Nauvoo Illinois temple rededicated.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
30 years ago today - Jun 27, 1992.
A Salt Lake Tribune article by Peggy Fletcher Stack reports "ongoing intimidation of Mormon intellectuals," including hate mail received by Martha Sonntag Bradley, BYU faculty member and new coeditor of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. That night the Mormon Alliance, organized by Paul J. Toscano and Frederick W. Voros to document and in some cases take action on instances of "spiritual abuse," holds its first meeting. It defines spiritual abuse as "the persistent exercise of power by spiritual or ecclesiastical leaders that serves the interests of the leaders to the detriment of the members."
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
75 years ago today - Jun 27, 1947
[J. Reuben Clark]
[In conversation with Orval Adams:] He also said that the Burroughs Adding Machine people wanted to put something in their July issued about Utah and he had a $10.00 1837 Kirtland Safety Society bill and thought of letting them use that for a cut. Pres. Clark suggested that there was more scandal about that society than anything in the Church. Mr. Adams then said he thought perhaps he had better not let them use it. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[In conversation with Orval Adams:] He also said that the Burroughs Adding Machine people wanted to put something in their July issued about Utah and he had a $10.00 1837 Kirtland Safety Society bill and thought of letting them use that for a cut. Pres. Clark suggested that there was more scandal about that society than anything in the Church. Mr. Adams then said he thought perhaps he had better not let them use it. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
125 years ago today - Jun 27, 1897 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
This being the anniversary of the death of the Prophet Joseph, my mind dwelt on that event, and I read from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants the account of the martyrdom. It was with difficulty that I read, my emotions almost prevented me from speaking.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
This being the anniversary of the death of the Prophet Joseph, my mind dwelt on that event, and I read from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants the account of the martyrdom. It was with difficulty that I read, my emotions almost prevented me from speaking.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
140 years ago today - Tuesday, Jun 27, 1882
[Revelation to the Council of Fifty]
Verily, thus saith the Lord, I have instituted my Kingdom and my laws, with the keys and power thereof, and have appointed you as my spokesman and my Constitution, with President John Taylor at your head ... Thus saith the Lord God who rules in the heavens above and in the earth beneath, I have introduced My Kingdom and my government, even the Kingdom of God [IE Council of Fifty], that my servants have heretofore prophesied of, and that I taught my disciples to pray for, saying, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," for the establishment of my rule, for the introduction of my law, for the protection of my Church, and for the maintenance, promulgation and protection of civil and religious liberty in this nation and throughout the world; and all men of every nation, color and creed shall yet be protected and shielded thereby; ... And now I speak unto you who are members of this council and of my Kingdom ... Ye are my Constitution, and I am your God; ... Is this Kingdom not called, "the Kingdom of God, and His laws, with the keys and power thereof, and judgment in the hands of his servants, Ahman Christ." ...
[John Taylor revelation, June 27, 1882, Unpublished Revelation in Fred C. Collier, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
Verily, thus saith the Lord, I have instituted my Kingdom and my laws, with the keys and power thereof, and have appointed you as my spokesman and my Constitution, with President John Taylor at your head ... Thus saith the Lord God who rules in the heavens above and in the earth beneath, I have introduced My Kingdom and my government, even the Kingdom of God [IE Council of Fifty], that my servants have heretofore prophesied of, and that I taught my disciples to pray for, saying, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," for the establishment of my rule, for the introduction of my law, for the protection of my Church, and for the maintenance, promulgation and protection of civil and religious liberty in this nation and throughout the world; and all men of every nation, color and creed shall yet be protected and shielded thereby; ... And now I speak unto you who are members of this council and of my Kingdom ... Ye are my Constitution, and I am your God; ... Is this Kingdom not called, "the Kingdom of God, and His laws, with the keys and power thereof, and judgment in the hands of his servants, Ahman Christ." ...
[John Taylor revelation, June 27, 1882, Unpublished Revelation in Fred C. Collier, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
140 years ago today - [circa 27 June - 7 July] 1882
[Revelation to John Taylor]
... I will make use of the Kings of the earth, And the rulers and powers of the earth to accomplish my purposes, saith the Lord God your Redeemer, and none shall stay my hand.
And I will build up my Kingdom as I have heretofore decreed and made Known through the mouth of mine holy Prophets, do [so] far as they have declared my purposes pertaining thereto ...
And again, it required this Gospel, this Priesthood, this revelation, this unity, this Spirit, to introduce the Kingdom of God, the law of God, the authority and dominion of God, that the will of God might be done on earth as it is done in heaven.
... if they fight against me and my laws, and my Church, and my Kingdom, they shall be overthrown in mine own due time, for I have so decreed. Even so, Amen.
[Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy, at Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
... I will make use of the Kings of the earth, And the rulers and powers of the earth to accomplish my purposes, saith the Lord God your Redeemer, and none shall stay my hand.
And I will build up my Kingdom as I have heretofore decreed and made Known through the mouth of mine holy Prophets, do [so] far as they have declared my purposes pertaining thereto ...
And again, it required this Gospel, this Priesthood, this revelation, this unity, this Spirit, to introduce the Kingdom of God, the law of God, the authority and dominion of God, that the will of God might be done on earth as it is done in heaven.
... if they fight against me and my laws, and my Church, and my Kingdom, they shall be overthrown in mine own due time, for I have so decreed. Even so, Amen.
[Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy, at Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
140 years ago today - Tuesday, Jun 27, 1882
[John Henry Smith]
The C. of F. [Council of Fifty] met twice today and discused various plans as bearing upon Election matters.
Bros. L. W. Hardy and H. B. Clawson were received members of this society. Two revelations were acepted as the word and will of God. They were given through President John Taylor, and in the same the Lord has promised to fight our battles for us.
We adjourned subject to the call of the President.
[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]
The C. of F. [Council of Fifty] met twice today and discused various plans as bearing upon Election matters.
Bros. L. W. Hardy and H. B. Clawson were received members of this society. Two revelations were acepted as the word and will of God. They were given through President John Taylor, and in the same the Lord has promised to fight our battles for us.
We adjourned subject to the call of the President.
[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]
175 years ago today - Jun 27, 1847
Pioneer company crosses the flat, almost imperceptible 7,750-foot-high continental divide at South Pass. The elevation is measured by Orson Pratt's barometer to assure they have crossed the high point.
180 years ago today - Jun 27, 1842
John C. Bennett writes the first of six letters to be published in the Sangamo Journal. The last would be printed in the September 2nd edition. In his letters he accuses Joseph Smith of numerous sexual improprieties.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
185 years ago today - Jun 27, 1837
Patriarchal Blessing of Polly Johnson given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... if thou art faithfull in all thy duties, and live by faith on the Son of God thou mayest tarry untill the Savior comes in the clouds of heaven.
You then shall abide his coming and meet with his Son Jesus Christ. ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 2:226-227, in Patriarchal Blessings]
You then shall abide his coming and meet with his Son Jesus Christ. ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 2:226-227, in Patriarchal Blessings]
15 years ago today - Jun 26, 2007
Announced one-millionth missionary since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in 1830
[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
40 years ago today - Jun 26, 1982
Marie Osmond marries Steve Craig in the Salt Lake Temple. Elder Paul H. Dunn of the First Council of Seventy, who performed the ceremony, wryly estimates there are 5,000 uninvited guests surrounding Temple Square. Among the crowd are anti-Mormon demonstrators who pass out pamphlets with a drawing of Marie Osmond and Steve Craig in temple clothes. After the wedding the 22- year-old bride emphatically declares, "I'm definitely Marie Craig," and leaves four days later on a tour that does not include her new husband. Elder Dunn, a close friend of the Osmond family is quoted by the Latter-day Sentinal as saying: "I really feel for Steve Craig. He's marrying a three-ring circus." The couple divorces a few years later.
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 26, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
Pres. [Reuben G.] Miller of the Emery Stake had addressed a letter to the Presidency, desiring to know what action should be taken against members of the church who keep saloons for the sale of liquor. Pres. Smith asked for an expression of the brethren regarding this matter. Apostles Smoot, Cowley, Grant, Woodruff, and Clawson expressed themselves strongly upon the subject and said that they felt it should be made a test of a man's fellowship. Apostle Woodruff moved that members of the church who engage in the saloon business and those who frequent such places be tried for their fellowship. Carried by unanimous vote.
[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]
Pres. [Reuben G.] Miller of the Emery Stake had addressed a letter to the Presidency, desiring to know what action should be taken against members of the church who keep saloons for the sale of liquor. Pres. Smith asked for an expression of the brethren regarding this matter. Apostles Smoot, Cowley, Grant, Woodruff, and Clawson expressed themselves strongly upon the subject and said that they felt it should be made a test of a man's fellowship. Apostle Woodruff moved that members of the church who engage in the saloon business and those who frequent such places be tried for their fellowship. Carried by unanimous vote.
[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]
140 years ago today - Jun 26, 1882
In morning John Taylor finished dictating revelation he began previous night concerning Celestial Law of plural marriage. The revelation states: "No person, or people, or nation, can enter into the principle of celestial marriage unless they come in by me, saith the Lord, and obey the law of my Gospel through the medium of him who is appointed unto this power . . . Thus saith the Lord God: obey my law, and seek not to become a law unto yourselves, nor trust to outside influences; . . . Concerning the course taken by the United States, they have a right to reject this law themselves, as they have a right to reject the Gospel; but it is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, for them to prohibit you from obeying it." The revelation is never canonized
140 years ago today - Monday, Jun 26, 1882
[Franklin D. Richards]
... The President [John Taylor] had a communication read & lengthily discussed on Revelation pending which adjourned.
[Franklin D. Richards journal, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
... The President [John Taylor] had a communication read & lengthily discussed on Revelation pending which adjourned.
[Franklin D. Richards journal, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
175 years ago today - Jun 26, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
+ During our travels to day I walked most of the way with Professors Pratt, & Carrington And our conversation turned upon the subject of the original formation of God, Angels, men, & Devils the beget-ting of Spirits in the eternal world, & who by, the begetting of Children on the earth, the Death of men & children & the resurrection of All. Each one gave his views, opinions, & reasoning & many interesting remarks were truly made And Any person who should chance to read these lines I wish them to understand that the Ideas given upon these points were not given as doctrin but opinion untill sum thing better should present itself or be decided by revelation.
One of the most important Items If true was presented by Professor Pratt upon A Subject that Heretofore has been entirely out of the reach of All mankind from the days of Adam to the present time As far as is revealed to us. It was upon the subject of the original formation of the first God. We all admitted in the first place that which we believed to be an important truth ie the eternal formation of matter spirit, intelligence in some form or other. We also Agreed in the opinion that Neither God nor man Always had from all eternity the same formation that they now have but did exhist in some form for if we Admitted the fact that one being exhisted in the present form all might have exhisted in the same form as well as one.
Then the question arose how did God recieve his present formation? The Answer given by Professor Pratt was sumthing in the following language:
He sayes I throw out my Ideas not as doctrin but for you to look at. You know when A Chemist goes to work to Analize or try new experiments they often have to try many times before they put a thing perfect & take certain processes which are unnecessary and are afterward laid aside And pursue the most perfect Course that can be [pursu]ed. It may reasonably have been the case with the first being [form]ed which may be Called God. As eternity was filled as it were with particles of intelligence who had there Agency, two of these particles in process of time might have joined their interest together exchanged ideas found by persueing this course that they gained [double?] strength to what one particle of intelligence would have & afterwards were joined by other particles & continued untill they formed A combination or body though through a long process.
Yet they had power over other intelligences in consequence of their combination, organization & strength And in process of time this being body or God seeing the the Advantage of such an organization desires company or A companion And Having some experiance goes to work & organizes other beings by prevailing intelligences to come to gether & may form sumthing better than at the first. And After trials of this kind & the most perfect way sought ought it was found to be the most expeditious & best way to recieve there formations or bodies either spiritual or temporal through a womb.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
+ During our travels to day I walked most of the way with Professors Pratt, & Carrington And our conversation turned upon the subject of the original formation of God, Angels, men, & Devils the beget-ting of Spirits in the eternal world, & who by, the begetting of Children on the earth, the Death of men & children & the resurrection of All. Each one gave his views, opinions, & reasoning & many interesting remarks were truly made And Any person who should chance to read these lines I wish them to understand that the Ideas given upon these points were not given as doctrin but opinion untill sum thing better should present itself or be decided by revelation.
One of the most important Items If true was presented by Professor Pratt upon A Subject that Heretofore has been entirely out of the reach of All mankind from the days of Adam to the present time As far as is revealed to us. It was upon the subject of the original formation of the first God. We all admitted in the first place that which we believed to be an important truth ie the eternal formation of matter spirit, intelligence in some form or other. We also Agreed in the opinion that Neither God nor man Always had from all eternity the same formation that they now have but did exhist in some form for if we Admitted the fact that one being exhisted in the present form all might have exhisted in the same form as well as one.
Then the question arose how did God recieve his present formation? The Answer given by Professor Pratt was sumthing in the following language:
He sayes I throw out my Ideas not as doctrin but for you to look at. You know when A Chemist goes to work to Analize or try new experiments they often have to try many times before they put a thing perfect & take certain processes which are unnecessary and are afterward laid aside And pursue the most perfect Course that can be [pursu]ed. It may reasonably have been the case with the first being [form]ed which may be Called God. As eternity was filled as it were with particles of intelligence who had there Agency, two of these particles in process of time might have joined their interest together exchanged ideas found by persueing this course that they gained [double?] strength to what one particle of intelligence would have & afterwards were joined by other particles & continued untill they formed A combination or body though through a long process.
Yet they had power over other intelligences in consequence of their combination, organization & strength And in process of time this being body or God seeing the the Advantage of such an organization desires company or A companion And Having some experiance goes to work & organizes other beings by prevailing intelligences to come to gether & may form sumthing better than at the first. And After trials of this kind & the most perfect way sought ought it was found to be the most expeditious & best way to recieve there formations or bodies either spiritual or temporal through a womb.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jun 26, 1847
Orson Pratt records in his journal: "We obtained much information from him [Major Moses Harris whom the pioneers had met en route] in relation to the great interior basin of the Salt Lake, the country of our destination. His report like that of Captain Fremont's is rather unfavorable to the formation of a colony in this basin, principally on account of the scarcity of timber."
185 years ago today - Jun 26, 1837
Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel Parker given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou mayest yet stand on distant lands. and teach the catholic the true gospel. Thou hast a great and mighty work to do among the catholics and on account of thy strong reasoning powers of mind thou art to go among the priests. ... Thou canst not travel much by land, but thou canst travel by water. Thou shalt have power over floods to divide and turn rivers. Thou shalt have power over fire that it shall not harm thee. Thou shalt do great things for the kingdom. Thou shalt be blessed like the brother of Jared and like him see God. ... Thou shalt have power over death. Thou shalt have no cause to weep for thy friends. Thou shalt strike hands with the Savior when he comes. ... Thou shalt have the treasures of the earth. Thou shalt feed thy thousands at thy table. May the angel of the presence of God stand with thee. ... I seal this blessing on thy head. I seal thee up to eternal life. Amen. Joseph Pine, Scribe.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:139-140, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:139-140, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
40 years ago today - Jun 25, 1892
[Boyd K. Packer]
"The spiritual part of us and the emotional part of us are so closely linked that is possible to mistake an emotional impulse for something spiritual. We occasionally find people who receive what they assume to be spiritual promptings from God, when those promptings are either centered in the emotions or are from the adversary."
[Elder Boyd K. Packer, The Candle of the Lord, seminar for new mission presidents]
"The spiritual part of us and the emotional part of us are so closely linked that is possible to mistake an emotional impulse for something spiritual. We occasionally find people who receive what they assume to be spiritual promptings from God, when those promptings are either centered in the emotions or are from the adversary."
[Elder Boyd K. Packer, The Candle of the Lord, seminar for new mission presidents]
85 years ago today - Jun 25, 1937
[David O. McKay]
Reports received at this office indicate that there is an increasing practice in some districts of baptizing and confirming children and adults in temples even where baptismal fonts are conveniently accessible. This matter was recently considered by members of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, and after due deliberation it was unanimously decided to confirm a former ruling that baptisms for the living should not be performed in any temples where there is a convenient place for baptisms outside of the temple, and that temple fonts, excepting in case of real necessity, be used only for the purpose of baptizing for the dead.
[David O. McKay to "Dear Brethren", June 25, 1937, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Reports received at this office indicate that there is an increasing practice in some districts of baptizing and confirming children and adults in temples even where baptismal fonts are conveniently accessible. This matter was recently considered by members of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, and after due deliberation it was unanimously decided to confirm a former ruling that baptisms for the living should not be performed in any temples where there is a convenient place for baptisms outside of the temple, and that temple fonts, excepting in case of real necessity, be used only for the purpose of baptizing for the dead.
[David O. McKay to "Dear Brethren", June 25, 1937, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
120 years ago today - Wednesday, Jun 25, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
Apostle Teasdale. ... The union of the apostles and the love they bear each other is productive of good in the midst of the people. He had suggested sometime ago that Saturday of each week be set apart as a holiday for the Presidency, because he felt that the President was overworked. Desired to be a minute man. Every blessing pronounced upon his head in taking various missions had been realized. With regard to Bro. Smoot, felt just as he did some time ago. If the Lord wants him in congress, he will open the way.... Said he knew there would be great rejoicings among our people when plural marriage is restored, but that time will never come so long as the saints rob the Lord of tithes and offerings.
Apostle Jno. H. Smith said ... There was one thing that rather perplexed him and that was this: in a sermon of Pres. Young's published in the Times and Seasons it was stated that if Hyrum Smith had survived the Prophet, he would have become President of the church, but afterwards and later Pres. Young took a different view. He understood that Patriarch John Smith feels that his name should by right follow the Presidency. The question is this, "Do the spirit and letter of the gospel indicate that anything or anybody can come between the Presidency and Twelve." His own judgment, shorn of the spirit of revelation, was that the Almighty when he named the presidency of Three and council of Twelve fixed the order of government for all time to come, and that nothing should come between them. ...
Pres. Young said that the matter was plain to his mind. The succession to the Presidency had been fully determined, and no matter where the patriarch's name was presented, nothing could come between the Presidency and Twelve. Apostle Hyrum M. Smith took a little different view to some of the brethren. He understood that Brother [Patriarch] John Smith lost his place in the line of presentation because of a failure to magnify his calling. If that be true, and he repents, should he not be brought back into line?
...
Pres. [Brigham] Young [Jr.] said that when Pres. Smith, the head, indicated what is right in this matter we would be ready to sustain him. Nevertheless, if he desires our views upon the subject, we will give them. Said, "If I were John Smith, I would work where I am until the Lord calls me to stand before the Twelve. By urging his own claims, he only hurts himself and lessens rather than strengthens his influence." When the matter comes up and Pres. Smith indicates what is right, let us accept the decision and be one.
[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]
Apostle Teasdale. ... The union of the apostles and the love they bear each other is productive of good in the midst of the people. He had suggested sometime ago that Saturday of each week be set apart as a holiday for the Presidency, because he felt that the President was overworked. Desired to be a minute man. Every blessing pronounced upon his head in taking various missions had been realized. With regard to Bro. Smoot, felt just as he did some time ago. If the Lord wants him in congress, he will open the way.... Said he knew there would be great rejoicings among our people when plural marriage is restored, but that time will never come so long as the saints rob the Lord of tithes and offerings.
Apostle Jno. H. Smith said ... There was one thing that rather perplexed him and that was this: in a sermon of Pres. Young's published in the Times and Seasons it was stated that if Hyrum Smith had survived the Prophet, he would have become President of the church, but afterwards and later Pres. Young took a different view. He understood that Patriarch John Smith feels that his name should by right follow the Presidency. The question is this, "Do the spirit and letter of the gospel indicate that anything or anybody can come between the Presidency and Twelve." His own judgment, shorn of the spirit of revelation, was that the Almighty when he named the presidency of Three and council of Twelve fixed the order of government for all time to come, and that nothing should come between them. ...
Pres. Young said that the matter was plain to his mind. The succession to the Presidency had been fully determined, and no matter where the patriarch's name was presented, nothing could come between the Presidency and Twelve. Apostle Hyrum M. Smith took a little different view to some of the brethren. He understood that Brother [Patriarch] John Smith lost his place in the line of presentation because of a failure to magnify his calling. If that be true, and he repents, should he not be brought back into line?
...
Pres. [Brigham] Young [Jr.] said that when Pres. Smith, the head, indicated what is right in this matter we would be ready to sustain him. Nevertheless, if he desires our views upon the subject, we will give them. Said, "If I were John Smith, I would work where I am until the Lord calls me to stand before the Twelve. By urging his own claims, he only hurts himself and lessens rather than strengthens his influence." When the matter comes up and Pres. Smith indicates what is right, let us accept the decision and be one.
[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]
120 years ago today - Jun 25, 1902; Wednesday
George Teasdale spoke of how President [Lorenzo] Snow had labored to bring about perfect union in this Council. When the Manifesto came he considered it the most disasterous [sic] thing that ever struck the Church and it is something we will some day have to meet. Spoke of the conditions which had brought it about and what he considered its disasterous [sic] effects.
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]
140 years ago today - 25-Jun 26, 1882
[Revelation to John Taylor]
... Celestial Marriage
Question[:] Is the law of Celestial Marriage a law given to this nation or to the world?
Answer[:] No. In no other sense than as the Gospel is given, and in accordance with the laws thereof. So far as it is made known unto men, it is made known unto them as the Gospel is made known unto them and is a part of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and it is only those who receive the Gospel that are able to, or capable of, entering into this covenant. ...
No person, or people, or nation can enter into the principle of Celestial Marriage unless they come in by me, saith the Lord, and obey the law of my Gospel through the medium of him who is appointed unto this power as made known unto my people through my servant Joseph [Smith] in a Revelation on "The Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, including Plurality of Wives."
I have therein stated that "all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same; ... Therefore such must be sanctified from all unrighteousness that they may be prepared for the Celestial Glory, "for he that is not able to abide The Law of a Celestial Kingdom, cannot abide a Celestial Glory...
You ask, what shall we do? Thus saith the Lord God, Obey my law, and seek not to become a law unto yourselves, nor trust to outside influences; but seek in the way appointed to the Lord your God. Ye are my spokesmen, I am your God; and as I have before said, I now again say, Henceforeth do as I shall command you.
Concerning the course taken by the United States they have the liberty a right to reject this law themselves, as they have the liberty a right to reject the Gospel; but it is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, for them to prohibit you from obeying it. Therefore abide in my law which I have revealed unto you, saith the Lord God, and contend for your rights by every legal and constitutional method and in accordance with the institutions, laws, and Constitution of the United States. Be humble, be faithful, be diligent, seek unto me and it shall be made known unto you from time to time what my will is pertaining to this matter. I am the Lord your God, hearken to me, and obey my law, and your enemies shall be confounded, and my Kingdom shall be victorious. Even so, Amen.
[Manuscript, John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy, in Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
... Celestial Marriage
Question[:] Is the law of Celestial Marriage a law given to this nation or to the world?
Answer[:] No. In no other sense than as the Gospel is given, and in accordance with the laws thereof. So far as it is made known unto men, it is made known unto them as the Gospel is made known unto them and is a part of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and it is only those who receive the Gospel that are able to, or capable of, entering into this covenant. ...
No person, or people, or nation can enter into the principle of Celestial Marriage unless they come in by me, saith the Lord, and obey the law of my Gospel through the medium of him who is appointed unto this power as made known unto my people through my servant Joseph [Smith] in a Revelation on "The Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, including Plurality of Wives."
I have therein stated that "all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same; ... Therefore such must be sanctified from all unrighteousness that they may be prepared for the Celestial Glory, "for he that is not able to abide The Law of a Celestial Kingdom, cannot abide a Celestial Glory...
You ask, what shall we do? Thus saith the Lord God, Obey my law, and seek not to become a law unto yourselves, nor trust to outside influences; but seek in the way appointed to the Lord your God. Ye are my spokesmen, I am your God; and as I have before said, I now again say, Henceforeth do as I shall command you.
Concerning the course taken by the United States they have the liberty a right to reject this law themselves, as they have the liberty a right to reject the Gospel; but it is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, for them to prohibit you from obeying it. Therefore abide in my law which I have revealed unto you, saith the Lord God, and contend for your rights by every legal and constitutional method and in accordance with the institutions, laws, and Constitution of the United States. Be humble, be faithful, be diligent, seek unto me and it shall be made known unto you from time to time what my will is pertaining to this matter. I am the Lord your God, hearken to me, and obey my law, and your enemies shall be confounded, and my Kingdom shall be victorious. Even so, Amen.
[Manuscript, John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy, in Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
165 years ago today - Jun 25, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
Presidet Young asked G. A. Smith if it was not Hard to Acknowledge the hand of God in the death of Parley P Pratt by as wicked a man as McLain. Yet we will have to do it.
T[homas] B Marsh pleads for Mercy & askes if it is not to late for him to fill his mission. B Young says it is but I am willing to forgive him & that he may be baptized & Confirmed. Then let him Come here....
BY ... then said if the Lord our God does not visit the United States then I am no prophet & we shall find that all good men will come to the mountains for safety.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidet Young asked G. A. Smith if it was not Hard to Acknowledge the hand of God in the death of Parley P Pratt by as wicked a man as McLain. Yet we will have to do it.
T[homas] B Marsh pleads for Mercy & askes if it is not to late for him to fill his mission. B Young says it is but I am willing to forgive him & that he may be baptized & Confirmed. Then let him Come here....
BY ... then said if the Lord our God does not visit the United States then I am no prophet & we shall find that all good men will come to the mountains for safety.
[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 - Jun 25, 1857
C[harles]. C. Rich ... said that David Patten & T[homas]. B. Marsh Came to kirtland in the fall of 1837. He said as soon as they came I got Marsh to go to Joseph, But Patten would go to W Parrish. He got his mind prejudiced & when He went to see Joseph[.] David in[sult?]ed Joseph & Joseph slaped him in the face & kicked him out of the yard.
This done David good. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
This done David good. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jun 25, 1852 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
[After a contentious discussion with a man earlier inthe day ...] In evening Bro. P. and I, the other brethren being present, attended to the commandment of the Lord and the ordinance given for such cases.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
[After a contentious discussion with a man earlier inthe day ...] In evening Bro. P. and I, the other brethren being present, attended to the commandment of the Lord and the ordinance given for such cases.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
35 years ago today - Jun 24, 1987
The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the LDS church, as well as any other religious organization, can discriminate against employees on the basis of religious persuasion and behavior. This ends a $5 million lawsuit against the church by five former employees.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
70 years ago today - Jun 24, 1952
Apostle Albert E. Bowen has debilitating stroke during Council of Twelve's temple meeting. He dies next year.
75 years ago today - Jun 24, 1947
Mark Petersen Left message for President McKay that the Ness has been doing some investigating on gambling places, and that they have learned that Pres. McKay is being blamed, as Chairman of the Centennial Commission, for the Bingo Game at the Exposition Grounds.
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Jun 24, 1907
[Patriarchal Blessing of Emma Wirthlin by Charles D. Evans ... And thou has sought to redeem thy sex. And to lift up the erring and turn them from the downward course like Elizabeth of old. ...
And by care of thy body thou shalt live to see the great Temple of Jackson County reared, when the kings of the gentiles bow and the pillar of fire rests upon it. And a cloud over every dwelling place on Mount Zion.
I seal upon thee the gift of prophecy and the visions of eternity will rest upon thee. All shall be well with thee and thou shalt prosper in the land. And thou shalt dwell as a queen and princess in Israel after the wicked are cut off. And I seal thee up unto thrones and dominions and to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
[Patriarchal Blessings]
And by care of thy body thou shalt live to see the great Temple of Jackson County reared, when the kings of the gentiles bow and the pillar of fire rests upon it. And a cloud over every dwelling place on Mount Zion.
I seal upon thee the gift of prophecy and the visions of eternity will rest upon thee. All shall be well with thee and thou shalt prosper in the land. And thou shalt dwell as a queen and princess in Israel after the wicked are cut off. And I seal thee up unto thrones and dominions and to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
[Patriarchal Blessings]
120 years ago today - Tuesday, Jun 24, 1902
Apostle Marriner W. Merrill ... Spoke in reference to the calling of a patriarch and looked upon it as very different to that of a high priest or elder, as it was his especial duty to bless; there was a time when the patriarchal priesthood and second anointings were conferred only upon those who had entered into the practice of plural marriage. This rule had afterwards been changed by the authority that had the right to decide such matters.
[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]
[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]
120 years ago today - Jun 24, 1902
John Henry Smith presented the matter of the order in which Patriarchs of the Church should be presented. He stated it had been the custom formerly to present the name of the Patriarch after the Presidency and before the twelve and he read from the Doc[trine]. and Covenants Sec[tion]. 124. He spoke of the delicacy of this subject ... This question had caused him a degree of anxiety. The question revolved itself to this: Can anyone come between the Presidency and Apostles, either in being presented or in any other way? Shall we now return to the first order of presenting the Patriarch's name next to the presidency or shall we continue to follow the prescedent set by the last four Presidents of the Church? [Note: The apostles then offered their views on the subject, and Brigham Young Jr., quorum president, concluded that the question should be decided by Joseph F. Smith.]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
135 years ago today - Jun 24, 1887
[Mrs. S. F. Anderick]
... Uncle Earl's farm was four miles south of Palmyra village, and his house was nearly opposite old Jo Smith's, father of the Mormon prophet. ... Jo was pompous, pretentious and active at parties. He claimed, when a young man, he could tell where lost or hidden things and treasures were buried or located with a forked witch hazel. He deceived many farmers, and induced them to dig nights for chests of gold, when the pick struck the chest, someone usually spoke, and Jo would say the enchantment was broken, and the chest would leave. Williard Chase, a Methodist who lived about two miles from uncle's, while digging a well, found a gray smooth stone about the size and shape of an egg. Sallie, Williard's sister, also a Methodist, told me several times that young Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, often came to inquire of her where to dig for treasures. She told me she would place the stone in a hat and hold it to her face, and claimed things would be brought to her view. Sallie let me have it several times, but I never could see anything in or through it. I heard that Jo obtained it and called it a peep-stone, which he used in the place of the witch hazel. Uncle refused to let Jo dig on his farm. I have seen many holes where he dug on other farms."
[Naked Truths About Mormonism (January 1888): 2., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: S. F. Anderick Statement]
... Uncle Earl's farm was four miles south of Palmyra village, and his house was nearly opposite old Jo Smith's, father of the Mormon prophet. ... Jo was pompous, pretentious and active at parties. He claimed, when a young man, he could tell where lost or hidden things and treasures were buried or located with a forked witch hazel. He deceived many farmers, and induced them to dig nights for chests of gold, when the pick struck the chest, someone usually spoke, and Jo would say the enchantment was broken, and the chest would leave. Williard Chase, a Methodist who lived about two miles from uncle's, while digging a well, found a gray smooth stone about the size and shape of an egg. Sallie, Williard's sister, also a Methodist, told me several times that young Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, often came to inquire of her where to dig for treasures. She told me she would place the stone in a hat and hold it to her face, and claimed things would be brought to her view. Sallie let me have it several times, but I never could see anything in or through it. I heard that Jo obtained it and called it a peep-stone, which he used in the place of the witch hazel. Uncle refused to let Jo dig on his farm. I have seen many holes where he dug on other farms."
[Naked Truths About Mormonism (January 1888): 2., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: S. F. Anderick Statement]
135 years ago today - Jun 24, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
Tuesday evening I called at the Prest's office where I met Apostle Moses Thatcher and we had a long talk regarding church matters. We did not feel to approve the way Prest Cannon had acted in the fall of his son John Q. In fact we found a good deal of fault with the way he had treated his brethren the Apostles, and with many of his official acts. We felt a lack of confidence in his official acts that I sincerely wish was not the case. Unless brother Thatcher and myself have greatly misjudged Prest. Cannon I am confident the Twelve Apostles will object to his succeding Prest Taylor and I am of the opinion that he expects to be his successor. Unless my present opinions shall undergo a wonderful change I can't possibly vote to have him succeed Prest Taylor, I am inclined to think nothing short of a revelation from the Lord will make me feel like sustaining him. I regret more than words of mine can tell that my confidence in the second official of our Church should be so limited. ... Prest Cannon, unless I have misjudged him likes power very much and this is why I hope he will not succeed Prest. John Taylor.
Prest Woodruff holds in his letter to me of March 28/87 that the Prest of the Apostles must be made the Prest of the Church in case of the death of our present president. I don't care to express an opinion publicly or even to him but I feel very strongly impressed that Joseph F. Smith will be the successor to Prest John Taylor, and I will wait patiently to see whether I am mistaken. My impressions may be more than half brought about by my wishes to have him made our next President. The Spirit may have nothing to do with them but I think It has.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Tuesday evening I called at the Prest's office where I met Apostle Moses Thatcher and we had a long talk regarding church matters. We did not feel to approve the way Prest Cannon had acted in the fall of his son John Q. In fact we found a good deal of fault with the way he had treated his brethren the Apostles, and with many of his official acts. We felt a lack of confidence in his official acts that I sincerely wish was not the case. Unless brother Thatcher and myself have greatly misjudged Prest. Cannon I am confident the Twelve Apostles will object to his succeding Prest Taylor and I am of the opinion that he expects to be his successor. Unless my present opinions shall undergo a wonderful change I can't possibly vote to have him succeed Prest Taylor, I am inclined to think nothing short of a revelation from the Lord will make me feel like sustaining him. I regret more than words of mine can tell that my confidence in the second official of our Church should be so limited. ... Prest Cannon, unless I have misjudged him likes power very much and this is why I hope he will not succeed Prest. John Taylor.
Prest Woodruff holds in his letter to me of March 28/87 that the Prest of the Apostles must be made the Prest of the Church in case of the death of our present president. I don't care to express an opinion publicly or even to him but I feel very strongly impressed that Joseph F. Smith will be the successor to Prest John Taylor, and I will wait patiently to see whether I am mistaken. My impressions may be more than half brought about by my wishes to have him made our next President. The Spirit may have nothing to do with them but I think It has.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Jun 24, 1887 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
Friday, June 24/87. I attended to correspondence. I have felt very much impressed with the importance of talking with some degree of plainness to President Taylor concerning his condition and the necessity there is for something being done about his affairs as connected with the Church, and also his private matters. ... I also suggested to him that he should secure a plot of his city property and the exact location of his houses, with a view to dividing the property and giving to each wife and her children their portion. This I did hoping that by doing so he might be disposed to express himself; but up to the present time he has not been willing to do anything more than to listen to them and express his approval of some of the writing. ...
On my way to the City this evening I considered the situation of President Taylor. I am convinced that he is not fully conscious himself of his real condition, and the question arose in my mind how far it would do for me to further conceal from his family his real condition. If anything were to happen to him, they would never cease to blame me for concealing it from them. I made up my mind that I would send for his son John W. and communicate to him the facts.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Friday, June 24/87. I attended to correspondence. I have felt very much impressed with the importance of talking with some degree of plainness to President Taylor concerning his condition and the necessity there is for something being done about his affairs as connected with the Church, and also his private matters. ... I also suggested to him that he should secure a plot of his city property and the exact location of his houses, with a view to dividing the property and giving to each wife and her children their portion. This I did hoping that by doing so he might be disposed to express himself; but up to the present time he has not been willing to do anything more than to listen to them and express his approval of some of the writing. ...
On my way to the City this evening I considered the situation of President Taylor. I am convinced that he is not fully conscious himself of his real condition, and the question arose in my mind how far it would do for me to further conceal from his family his real condition. If anything were to happen to him, they would never cease to blame me for concealing it from them. I made up my mind that I would send for his son John W. and communicate to him the facts.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Jun 24, 1857
[William Hickman]
He quickly travelled from Missouri to the territory to report to Brigham Young on 24 June 1857 that the U.S. Army was coming to Utah to take over the local government. Brigham Young kept this report confidential until a month later when it was dramatically confirmed by the arrival of Orrin Porter Rockwell at the 24 July picnic.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: William Hickman, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
He quickly travelled from Missouri to the territory to report to Brigham Young on 24 June 1857 that the U.S. Army was coming to Utah to take over the local government. Brigham Young kept this report confidential until a month later when it was dramatically confirmed by the arrival of Orrin Porter Rockwell at the 24 July picnic.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: William Hickman, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
175 years ago today - Jun 24, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
Soon after we camped Br Holman was driving up the [-] with his gun in his hand. He went to punch a Horse with the musel of his gun. The lock Caught in his cloths & discharged into the best Horse there was in camp owned by president Young called his John Horse. He lived A few hours & died. There are many Accidents happen in that way by caring loaded guns with caps upon their tubes.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Soon after we camped Br Holman was driving up the [-] with his gun in his hand. He went to punch a Horse with the musel of his gun. The lock Caught in his cloths & discharged into the best Horse there was in camp owned by president Young called his John Horse. He lived A few hours & died. There are many Accidents happen in that way by caring loaded guns with caps upon their tubes.
[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 - Jun 24, 1842
[Wilford Woodruff]
CELEBRATION OF ST. JOHN's [John the Baptist's day -- a Masonic celebration] The Nauvoo Masonic Lodge assembled at 9 A.M. at J. Smith store. Received the visiting Brethren, formed processin & marched to the Temple or stand near the Temple. It was judjed their was about six thousand persons present. We herd an address deliverd by President Rigdon appropriate to the occasion.
We then returned to the Lodge & dispersed for two hours to take refreshment. Met at two oclock. Spent two hours in the lodge. We then dispersed.
I called upon Mr A. Crane MD professor of Phrenology who accompanied me to my house & examined my head & the heads of my family & gave us a chart of each head.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
CELEBRATION OF ST. JOHN's [John the Baptist's day -- a Masonic celebration] The Nauvoo Masonic Lodge assembled at 9 A.M. at J. Smith store. Received the visiting Brethren, formed processin & marched to the Temple or stand near the Temple. It was judjed their was about six thousand persons present. We herd an address deliverd by President Rigdon appropriate to the occasion.
We then returned to the Lodge & dispersed for two hours to take refreshment. Met at two oclock. Spent two hours in the lodge. We then dispersed.
I called upon Mr A. Crane MD professor of Phrenology who accompanied me to my house & examined my head & the heads of my family & gave us a chart of each head.
[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 - Thursday, Jun 23, 1892
[John Henry Smith]
My son George Albert [Smith] left for his mission to the Southern States this morning. I went to Ogden with him.
[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]
My son George Albert [Smith] left for his mission to the Southern States this morning. I went to Ogden with him.
[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 - Jun 23, 1892 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
Today I went to the Temple and climbed to the top with Bishop Winder.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Today I went to the Temple and climbed to the top with Bishop Winder.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Jun 23, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Eastern mails arived at 5 past 2 oclok 23 days from Indipendance. Ferrimore Little & Ephraim Hanks came with it the shortest trip on record. We learn that all Hell is boiling over against the saints in Utah. We also are informed that Elder Parley P Pratt was Murdered By [ ] MCLain who shot him in Arkansaw. This was painful news to his Family. The papers of the United States are filled with bitter revileings against us. The devil is exceding mad.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Eastern mails arived at 5 past 2 oclok 23 days from Indipendance. Ferrimore Little & Ephraim Hanks came with it the shortest trip on record. We learn that all Hell is boiling over against the saints in Utah. We also are informed that Elder Parley P Pratt was Murdered By [ ] MCLain who shot him in Arkansaw. This was painful news to his Family. The papers of the United States are filled with bitter revileings against us. The devil is exceding mad.
[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 - Jun 23, 1842
June 23, 1842 • Thursday
Minutes of the Proceedings
of the
Twelfth meeting of the Society.
... Mrs. Chase prophesied that henceforth, if the sisters are faithful, the gifts of the gospel shall be with us, especially the gift of healing— &c. &c.] ...
[1.2.13 June 23, 1842, Minutes of the Proceedings of the Twelfth 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/]
Minutes of the Proceedings
of the
Twelfth meeting of the Society.
... Mrs. Chase prophesied that henceforth, if the sisters are faithful, the gifts of the gospel shall be with us, especially the gift of healing— &c. &c.] ...
[1.2.13 June 23, 1842, Minutes of the Proceedings of the Twelfth 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/]
180 years ago today - Jun 23, 1942
[First Presidency to Ezra Taft Benson]
In a letter to "President Ezra T. Benson, Washington [D.C.] Stake," dated 23 June 1942, the First Presidency issued him a directive to segregate the races during Mormon class time:
"Dear President Benson:
"Through the General Board of the Relief Society, who reported to the Presiding Bishopric, and they to us, it comes to us that you have in the Capitol Reef Ward in Washington two colored sisters who apparently are faithful members of the Church.
"The report comes to us that prior to a meeting which was to be held between the Relief Societies of the Washington Ward and the Capitol Ward, Bishop Brossard of the Washington Ward called up the President of the Relief Society of the Capitol Ward and told her that these two colored sisters should [not] be permitted to attend because the President of the Capitol Ward Relief Society failed to carry out the request made of her by the Bishop of the other ward.
"We can appreciate that the situation may present a problem in Washington, but President Clark recalls that in the Catholic churches in Washington at the time he lived there, colored and white communicants used the same church at the same time. He never entered the church to see how the matter was carried out, but he knew that the facts were as stated.
"From this fact we are assuming that there is not in Washington any such feeling as exists in the South where the colored people are apparently not permitted by their white brethren and sisters to come into the meeting houses and worship with them. We feel that we cannot refuse baptism to a colored person who is otherwise worthy, and we feel that we cannot refuses to permit these people to come into our meeting houses and worship once we baptize them.
"It seems to us that it ought to be possible to work this situation out without causing any feelings on the part of anybody. If the white sisters feel that they may not sit with them or near them, we feel very sure that if the colored sisters were discreetly approached, they would be happy to sit at one side in the rear or somewhere where they would not wound the sensibilities of the complaining sisters. We will rely upon your tact and discretion to work this out so as not to hurt the feelings on the part of anyone.
"Of course, probably each one of the sisters who can afford it, has a colored maid in her house to do the work and to do the cooking for her, and it would seem that under these circumstances they should be willing to let them sit in Church and worship with them.
"Faithfully your brethren,
[signed]
"Heber J. Grant J. Reuben Clark, Jr. David O. McKay"
[Letter from First Presidency to President Ezra T. Benson, Washington D.C. Stake]
In a letter to "President Ezra T. Benson, Washington [D.C.] Stake," dated 23 June 1942, the First Presidency issued him a directive to segregate the races during Mormon class time:
"Dear President Benson:
"Through the General Board of the Relief Society, who reported to the Presiding Bishopric, and they to us, it comes to us that you have in the Capitol Reef Ward in Washington two colored sisters who apparently are faithful members of the Church.
"The report comes to us that prior to a meeting which was to be held between the Relief Societies of the Washington Ward and the Capitol Ward, Bishop Brossard of the Washington Ward called up the President of the Relief Society of the Capitol Ward and told her that these two colored sisters should [not] be permitted to attend because the President of the Capitol Ward Relief Society failed to carry out the request made of her by the Bishop of the other ward.
"We can appreciate that the situation may present a problem in Washington, but President Clark recalls that in the Catholic churches in Washington at the time he lived there, colored and white communicants used the same church at the same time. He never entered the church to see how the matter was carried out, but he knew that the facts were as stated.
"From this fact we are assuming that there is not in Washington any such feeling as exists in the South where the colored people are apparently not permitted by their white brethren and sisters to come into the meeting houses and worship with them. We feel that we cannot refuse baptism to a colored person who is otherwise worthy, and we feel that we cannot refuses to permit these people to come into our meeting houses and worship once we baptize them.
"It seems to us that it ought to be possible to work this situation out without causing any feelings on the part of anybody. If the white sisters feel that they may not sit with them or near them, we feel very sure that if the colored sisters were discreetly approached, they would be happy to sit at one side in the rear or somewhere where they would not wound the sensibilities of the complaining sisters. We will rely upon your tact and discretion to work this out so as not to hurt the feelings on the part of anyone.
"Of course, probably each one of the sisters who can afford it, has a colored maid in her house to do the work and to do the cooking for her, and it would seem that under these circumstances they should be willing to let them sit in Church and worship with them.
"Faithfully your brethren,
[signed]
"Heber J. Grant J. Reuben Clark, Jr. David O. McKay"
[Letter from First Presidency to President Ezra T. Benson, Washington D.C. Stake]
50 years ago today - Jun 22, 1972 - Thursday
[Leonard J. Arrington]
He said that Dr. Widstoe had discussed with him one controversy. Apparently The Twelve had debated, again sometime in the 20's or early 30's the question of whether Adam was the first living thing on earth. Brother Joseph Fielding Smith took a strong attitude based upon reading Genesis and other scriptures that Adam was the first living thing. Brother James E. Talmage took the attitude that one must accept, where scriptures do not especially say differently, the findings of science that life preceded Adam for many thousands of years. Apparently Brother Talmage lost the scriptural debate. Not long afterward, he visited Adam Ondi Ahman in Missouri and in scratching around at that location found the fossil of a trilobite. He carried it back triumphantly to the next meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve as proof to them that there had existed trilobites--living things--before Adam had built his alter. A nice story {DEL:explanation}.
[Leonard J. Arrington Diary (typescript)]
He said that Dr. Widstoe had discussed with him one controversy. Apparently The Twelve had debated, again sometime in the 20's or early 30's the question of whether Adam was the first living thing on earth. Brother Joseph Fielding Smith took a strong attitude based upon reading Genesis and other scriptures that Adam was the first living thing. Brother James E. Talmage took the attitude that one must accept, where scriptures do not especially say differently, the findings of science that life preceded Adam for many thousands of years. Apparently Brother Talmage lost the scriptural debate. Not long afterward, he visited Adam Ondi Ahman in Missouri and in scratching around at that location found the fossil of a trilobite. He carried it back triumphantly to the next meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve as proof to them that there had existed trilobites--living things--before Adam had built his alter. A nice story {DEL:explanation}.
[Leonard J. Arrington Diary (typescript)]
50 years ago today - Jun 22, 1972 - Thursday
[Leonard J. Arrington]
At dinner I sat next to Homer Durham with interesting conversation. I asked him if he had ever heard Dr. Widstoe tell about the controversey in the Quorum of the Twelve in regard to whether Temple garments should be worn only in the Temple or also outside the Temple. He said Dr. Widstoe had never discussed it with him, but he had heard the full story from Franklin L. West. It appears that sometime in the late 1920's or early 1930's the Quorum of the Twelve had discussed this matter and had finally concluded that garments were designed to be worn only in the Temple. Brother Joseph Fielding Smith was not satisfied with this decision and returned to the next meeting saying that he had had a manifestation that the decision was wrong and that Temple garments should be worn all the time. He presented this matter so strongly and earnestly that apparently the decision was reversed and we have the policy which has continued to present.
[Leonard J. Arrington Diary (typescript)]
At dinner I sat next to Homer Durham with interesting conversation. I asked him if he had ever heard Dr. Widstoe tell about the controversey in the Quorum of the Twelve in regard to whether Temple garments should be worn only in the Temple or also outside the Temple. He said Dr. Widstoe had never discussed it with him, but he had heard the full story from Franklin L. West. It appears that sometime in the late 1920's or early 1930's the Quorum of the Twelve had discussed this matter and had finally concluded that garments were designed to be worn only in the Temple. Brother Joseph Fielding Smith was not satisfied with this decision and returned to the next meeting saying that he had had a manifestation that the decision was wrong and that Temple garments should be worn all the time. He presented this matter so strongly and earnestly that apparently the decision was reversed and we have the policy which has continued to present.
[Leonard J. Arrington Diary (typescript)]
125 years ago today - Jun 22, 1897
First plural marriages are performed in Mexico by (verified) written authority of the First Presidency since 1892 and the first performed by stake president Anthony W. Ivins. He is the best-known officiator for post-Manifesto polygamous marriages in Mexico.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
135 years ago today - Jun 22, 1887 • Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
President Taylor is not so well to-day. His mind is not as clear as usual. I answered the correspondence of the First Presidency.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
President Taylor is not so well to-day. His mind is not as clear as usual. I answered the correspondence of the First Presidency.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
145 years ago today - Jun 22, 1877
[Wilford Woodruff]
... my Son Brigham has lost his life apparently for a trifle. We Cannot always Comprehend the ways of Providence. There is a mystery hanging over this affair to me. I never saw a person more anxious to obtain an Education than he was. He has studied untill midnight a good deal of the time for the last two years. He has just finished his Education and gone home to his Mother in Smithfield Cash Co and Drowned in Bear river. He was a good young Man, virtuous, Temperate, Honest, and lived his Religion.
He had received his Endowments. I have felt Calm, Composed, and reconciled in this bereavement. I have thought that as I was doing so much for the dead here in the Temple in St George, that it might be necessary to have one of the family in the spirit world. Brigham Y Woodruff was born Jan [ ] 1857,Drowned June 16, 1877 Aged 20 years.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... my Son Brigham has lost his life apparently for a trifle. We Cannot always Comprehend the ways of Providence. There is a mystery hanging over this affair to me. I never saw a person more anxious to obtain an Education than he was. He has studied untill midnight a good deal of the time for the last two years. He has just finished his Education and gone home to his Mother in Smithfield Cash Co and Drowned in Bear river. He was a good young Man, virtuous, Temperate, Honest, and lived his Religion.
He had received his Endowments. I have felt Calm, Composed, and reconciled in this bereavement. I have thought that as I was doing so much for the dead here in the Temple in St George, that it might be necessary to have one of the family in the spirit world. Brigham Y Woodruff was born Jan [ ] 1857,Drowned June 16, 1877 Aged 20 years.
[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 - Jun 22, 1857
[Brigham Young to Issac Haight]
Bishop I.C. Haight -- I this morning received your letter ... also a letter from Richard Palmer, dated June 10th. Bro. Richard is at liberty to marry whenever he had an opportunity, provided his former wife was not Sealed to him; if She was he will have to wait until a "Bill" can be obtained from this office; Even, if you think proper, you may marry him previous to getting a "bill" from here, provided he makes immediate application for one.
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Bishop I.C. Haight -- I this morning received your letter ... also a letter from Richard Palmer, dated June 10th. Bro. Richard is at liberty to marry whenever he had an opportunity, provided his former wife was not Sealed to him; if She was he will have to wait until a "Bill" can be obtained from this office; Even, if you think proper, you may marry him previous to getting a "bill" from here, provided he makes immediate application for one.
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jun 22, 1847
[William Smith ot Orson Hyde]
Be assured Brethren - that I am with you in Spirit - heart and hand & [illegible] willing to do every thing that lies in my power to help the Brethren of my Corum to build up the Church and kingdom of god and wherein I have offended to heal every wound god being my helper I hope Brother Brigham will forgive me for I have said many hard things . . . I know him to be a man of god he Shall never Complain of me hearafter [hereafter] ...
[William Smith to Orson Hyde]
Be assured Brethren - that I am with you in Spirit - heart and hand & [illegible] willing to do every thing that lies in my power to help the Brethren of my Corum to build up the Church and kingdom of god and wherein I have offended to heal every wound god being my helper I hope Brother Brigham will forgive me for I have said many hard things . . . I know him to be a man of god he Shall never Complain of me hearafter [hereafter] ...
[William Smith to Orson Hyde]
180 years ago today - Jun 22, 1842
John C. Bennett makes a deal with Simeon Francis (Sangamo Journal editor) in Springfield, IL to write a series of letters detailing alleged crimes of Joseph Smith, in return for a guarantee of publishing the letters in full (NY Herald, July 26, 1842, p.2)
[Mormon Polygamy Timeline of Events, https://hemlockknots.com/monogamy-polygamy-timeline/?fbclid=IwAR3ozoB8xZ8CffCz_HsV4eKupT3z_e0r0NeNmYwMorzgDXj7Wx3HKgyN_lc]
[Mormon Polygamy Timeline of Events, https://hemlockknots.com/monogamy-polygamy-timeline/?fbclid=IwAR3ozoB8xZ8CffCz_HsV4eKupT3z_e0r0NeNmYwMorzgDXj7Wx3HKgyN_lc]
85 years ago today - Jun 21, 1937
[George F. Richards]
Pres[ident] [David O.] McKay also said that he would formulate a letter to all Stake Presidents informing them that living baptisms in the Temples should be discontinued. I suggested that Temple Presidents be also notified.
[George F. Richards diary, June 21, 1937, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Pres[ident] [David O.] McKay also said that he would formulate a letter to all Stake Presidents informing them that living baptisms in the Temples should be discontinued. I suggested that Temple Presidents be also notified.
[George F. Richards diary, June 21, 1937, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
105 years ago today - Jun 21, 1917
[James E. Talmage]
Administers to the afflicted, including to one girl whom Talmage writes in his journal is in the "possession [of] evil powers"
[MSS 229, Box 5, Folder 6. Journal 22; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
Administers to the afflicted, including to one girl whom Talmage writes in his journal is in the "possession [of] evil powers"
[MSS 229, Box 5, Folder 6. Journal 22; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
125 years ago today - Jun 21, 1897
[President Wilford Woodruff]
I got out my monthly allowance for my wives & families while at the office.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I got out my monthly allowance for my wives & families while at the office.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Jun 21, 1897; Monday
[Angus M. Cannon]
I received a call from Sister Agness Olsen Thomas and her mother. The former told me her mother was desirous of having her son Hyrum & and [sic] daughters Angess & [blank] (the latter of whom lived in Price, Em[e]ry County [Utah]) sealed to her before the latter departed upon his mission, early in July. I went with her to see President [Wilford] Woodruff and Councilors,--who said it could not be done until she was herself sealed to some man under the Covenant. The man she desired to be sealed to,--having a wife living she was told it could not be permitted at the present time.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
I received a call from Sister Agness Olsen Thomas and her mother. The former told me her mother was desirous of having her son Hyrum & and [sic] daughters Angess & [blank] (the latter of whom lived in Price, Em[e]ry County [Utah]) sealed to her before the latter departed upon his mission, early in July. I went with her to see President [Wilford] Woodruff and Councilors,--who said it could not be done until she was herself sealed to some man under the Covenant. The man she desired to be sealed to,--having a wife living she was told it could not be permitted at the present time.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
130 years ago today - Jun 21, 1892
Sister Sarah M. Kimball, signs the following statement: "At a Relief Society Meeting held Apr 28, 1842, I heard the Prophet Joseph make this statement. While other leading men of the Church have been unrighteously aspiring, Heber C. Kimball has been true and is to me what John was to Jesus, my beloved disciple. Brother Kimball showed me a rod that the Lord through the Prophet Joseph had given to him. He said that when he wanted to find out anything that was his right to know, all he had to do was to kneel down with the rod in his hand, and that sometimes the Lord would answer his questions before he had time to ask them. My mother and my sister, Helen Mar, told me the same thing and added to it, that Pres. Young received a similar rod from the Lord at the same time. They claimed that these rods were given to them because they were the only ones of the original Twelve who had not lifted up their heels against the Prophet."
165 years ago today - Jun 21, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the prayer Circle. Many remarks were made by President Young upon various subjects. He said the devil was mad to be called by his right name by a saint. but if the devil or a wicked man was to call the devil by his right name all would be well.
Presidet Young said when speaking of the Constitution of the U.S that it was got up by inspiration. It gives all men the rights of Conscience. So it will be in the Millennium. It will be like the Constitution. All will have to bow the knee & acknowledge the Lord that it is his right to reign but they must not Blaspheme but they may enjoy there own religion.
Men talk about making a Law to stop Poligamy in Utah. That would be an expose facto law & the Constitution declairs that Congress shall not make any such law & if the time Comes when the United States do make a law & send men to punish me for poligamy or having more than one wife as there is no law against it you make up your mind that I shall send them to Hell. I do not think they will do it, but if they do you may tell them they had better send 100,000 men with provision for 5 years & they may make their Calculations upon it & they will want to make forts from one end of the route to the other so they Can step from one to the other.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended the prayer Circle. Many remarks were made by President Young upon various subjects. He said the devil was mad to be called by his right name by a saint. but if the devil or a wicked man was to call the devil by his right name all would be well.
Presidet Young said when speaking of the Constitution of the U.S that it was got up by inspiration. It gives all men the rights of Conscience. So it will be in the Millennium. It will be like the Constitution. All will have to bow the knee & acknowledge the Lord that it is his right to reign but they must not Blaspheme but they may enjoy there own religion.
Men talk about making a Law to stop Poligamy in Utah. That would be an expose facto law & the Constitution declairs that Congress shall not make any such law & if the time Comes when the United States do make a law & send men to punish me for poligamy or having more than one wife as there is no law against it you make up your mind that I shall send them to Hell. I do not think they will do it, but if they do you may tell them they had better send 100,000 men with provision for 5 years & they may make their Calculations upon it & they will want to make forts from one end of the route to the other so they Can step from one to the other.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jun 21, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
21st June 1847 {INDEPENDANCE ROCK) I arose early this morning took breakfast And in company with Br Brown we rode clear around Independance Rock. I should judge the distance to be about 3/4 of A mile. We exhamined the many names & lists of names of the trappers, traders, travellers, & eme-grants which are painted upon these rocks. Nearly all the names were put on with read, Black & yellow paint. Some had washed out & defaced. The greatest number was put on within A few Years. Some of them were quite plain of about 30 years standing. Nearly all the Companies pass by put some of their names on the rock.
After going around and exhamining it we staked our horses And mounted the rock. I went forward & gained the highest point of the South end of the Rock which contains the names. After exhamining it I then went to the North end which is the highest part of the rock. Here is An opening or cavern that would contain 30 or 40 persons And A rock stands on the highest peak of about 3 tons wait. We got upon this rock & offered up our prayers according to the order of the priesthood. We prayed earnestly for the blessings of God to r[est?] upon President Young & his brethren the Twelve & all of the Pioneer Camp & the whole Camp of Israel & House of Israel, our wives & children, & relatives the Mormon Battalion, all the Churches Abroad And that the Lord would hasten the time of the fulfillment of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, & Moroni And all the sayings of the Lord concerning the building up of Zions in the last days And Avenging the blood of the Prophets. And while offering up our prayers the spirit of the Lord desended upon us and we truly felt to rejoice.
And while we were attending to our prayers the Missourians was burying A woman A little distance from the rock by the name of Rachel Morgan 25 years of Age being the third one of the family buried on the road. They were supposed to be poisoned by cooking in new Copper vessels.
After surveying the rock what we wished we again desended to the ground. I was the first Latter Day Saint that ever went onto that Rock or offered up prayers according to the order of the Priesthood.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
21st June 1847 {INDEPENDANCE ROCK) I arose early this morning took breakfast And in company with Br Brown we rode clear around Independance Rock. I should judge the distance to be about 3/4 of A mile. We exhamined the many names & lists of names of the trappers, traders, travellers, & eme-grants which are painted upon these rocks. Nearly all the names were put on with read, Black & yellow paint. Some had washed out & defaced. The greatest number was put on within A few Years. Some of them were quite plain of about 30 years standing. Nearly all the Companies pass by put some of their names on the rock.
After going around and exhamining it we staked our horses And mounted the rock. I went forward & gained the highest point of the South end of the Rock which contains the names. After exhamining it I then went to the North end which is the highest part of the rock. Here is An opening or cavern that would contain 30 or 40 persons And A rock stands on the highest peak of about 3 tons wait. We got upon this rock & offered up our prayers according to the order of the priesthood. We prayed earnestly for the blessings of God to r[est?] upon President Young & his brethren the Twelve & all of the Pioneer Camp & the whole Camp of Israel & House of Israel, our wives & children, & relatives the Mormon Battalion, all the Churches Abroad And that the Lord would hasten the time of the fulfillment of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, & Moroni And all the sayings of the Lord concerning the building up of Zions in the last days And Avenging the blood of the Prophets. And while offering up our prayers the spirit of the Lord desended upon us and we truly felt to rejoice.
And while we were attending to our prayers the Missourians was burying A woman A little distance from the rock by the name of Rachel Morgan 25 years of Age being the third one of the family buried on the road. They were supposed to be poisoned by cooking in new Copper vessels.
After surveying the rock what we wished we again desended to the ground. I was the first Latter Day Saint that ever went onto that Rock or offered up prayers according to the order of the Priesthood.
[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 - Jun 20, 1982
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings in Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
45 years ago today - Jun 20, 1977
Henry R. Eliason, age 77, is fatally stabbed in El Cajon, California, the oldest LDS missionary to be murdered.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
135 years ago today - Monday, Jun 20, 1887
[Heber J. Grant / Council of Fifty meeting]
Prest Cannon stated that it would take quite an amount of money for us to get into the Union [IE Statehood for Utah]. Said we were not going to purchase our way in, but that there would be large sums of money needed to spend in a legitimate way.... Some said we would need $1,000,000. What on earth we need of so much unless we are going to purchase our way into the Union is something I can't understand.
[Heber J. Grant diary, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
Prest Cannon stated that it would take quite an amount of money for us to get into the Union [IE Statehood for Utah]. Said we were not going to purchase our way in, but that there would be large sums of money needed to spend in a legitimate way.... Some said we would need $1,000,000. What on earth we need of so much unless we are going to purchase our way into the Union is something I can't understand.
[Heber J. Grant diary, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
175 years ago today - Jun 20, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
At meeting today [Apostle Orson] Hyde preached his celebrated bogus sermon, denouncing all bogus makers, counterfeiters thieves &c & commanding all such & all who knew of any such to come forth with and tell him & also absolved them from all former acts and covenants to keep secrets.
This made quite a stir & caused some to "confess their sins"
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
At meeting today [Apostle Orson] Hyde preached his celebrated bogus sermon, denouncing all bogus makers, counterfeiters thieves &c & commanding all such & all who knew of any such to come forth with and tell him & also absolved them from all former acts and covenants to keep secrets.
This made quite a stir & caused some to "confess their sins"
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 19, 1902
Pres. Smith spoke strongly against the policy adopted by the town and county authorities, granting a right of way through Davis County along the county road. Said that the Presidency had called attention of the county commissioners to the folly of this and had counseled them against trifling away such a valuable right, but they have ignored the counsel. He wanted the visiting apostles to talk the matter up.
Elder Jas. G. Duffin, president of the S.W. States Mission, made brief report by letter of the mobbing of two elders in Van Buren County, Arkansas. He said that he was seeking redress from the governor of the state.
[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]
Elder Jas. G. Duffin, president of the S.W. States Mission, made brief report by letter of the mobbing of two elders in Van Buren County, Arkansas. He said that he was seeking redress from the governor of the state.
[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 - Jun 19, 1892 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
Bishop Jones of Paragoonah, Adams of Parowan, Dalley of Summit, Corry of Cedar, and Counselor Roundy of Kanarra made reports. Taking the reports in general, it left the impression that the Wards were not in as healthy a condition spiritually as they should be. Drunkenness was increasing, the use of tobacco was increasing, a disposition to seek for pleasure on the Sabbath day was increasing, neglect of family prayers was common, and Bishop Adams described the existence of sexual sins in his Ward and a disposition on the part of some members to pay their tithing after their living expenses had been deducted from their income.
... Before the meeting adjourned, I announced to the conference that I could not conscientiously permit the sacrament to be administered until a better understanding was had concerning their condition. I wished them to understand, and I desired to explain to them, my feelings concerning certain things that the Bishops had alluded to, and I therefore suggested that the administration of the sacrament be suspended, at least today.
In the afternoon meeting I occupied an hour and a quarter in speaking to the people upon the subjects that had been mentioned by the Bishops...
A vote was taken as to whether the sacrament should be administered tomorrow and a large number held up their hands as being willing to partake of the sacrament. A number, however, did not lift their hands. As Brother David Ward proposed to leave for home after the forenoon meeting in order to meet President Woodruff at his place, I suggested that the sacrament be administered in the forenoon, as he desired to have the privilege of partaking of it.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Bishop Jones of Paragoonah, Adams of Parowan, Dalley of Summit, Corry of Cedar, and Counselor Roundy of Kanarra made reports. Taking the reports in general, it left the impression that the Wards were not in as healthy a condition spiritually as they should be. Drunkenness was increasing, the use of tobacco was increasing, a disposition to seek for pleasure on the Sabbath day was increasing, neglect of family prayers was common, and Bishop Adams described the existence of sexual sins in his Ward and a disposition on the part of some members to pay their tithing after their living expenses had been deducted from their income.
... Before the meeting adjourned, I announced to the conference that I could not conscientiously permit the sacrament to be administered until a better understanding was had concerning their condition. I wished them to understand, and I desired to explain to them, my feelings concerning certain things that the Bishops had alluded to, and I therefore suggested that the administration of the sacrament be suspended, at least today.
In the afternoon meeting I occupied an hour and a quarter in speaking to the people upon the subjects that had been mentioned by the Bishops...
A vote was taken as to whether the sacrament should be administered tomorrow and a large number held up their hands as being willing to partake of the sacrament. A number, however, did not lift their hands. As Brother David Ward proposed to leave for home after the forenoon meeting in order to meet President Woodruff at his place, I suggested that the sacrament be administered in the forenoon, as he desired to have the privilege of partaking of it.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Jun 19, 1862
The U.S. Congress passes "An Act to secure Freedom to all Persons within the Territories of the United States" which emancipates all slaves held in the U.S. Territories. This ends slavery in Utah Territory where it was legalized ten years earlier by the Utah Territorial Legislature. Years later two former Utah slaves recall, -the joyful expressions which were upon the faces of all the slaves, when they ascertained that they had acquired their freedom through the fortunes of war.-
45 years ago today - Jun 18, 1977
First-Presidency-commissioned editorial appears in DESERET NEWS in which the Church "officially" disclaims "fads . . . advocated under the guise of the Word of Wisdom by unauthorized persons with unwarranted claims respecting health." It also "completely" disclaims "any sponsorship or endorsement of such teachers, remedies, foods or fads" that "use other phases of religion . . . to give further appearance of credibility to their projects." The editorial reaffirms the Mormon view of medical care: "To refuse to accept assistance from the highly skilled men and women now available may be to reject the very help that could save a life. Some patients are known to have died from diseases which 'nature remedies' could not relieve but which proven medical practices could have cured . . ."
160 years ago today - Jun 18, 1862
[Wilford Woodruff]
Judge Kinney had a Court in the Court House at 9 oclok this morning to try the [Morrisite] prisioners. Before the opening of the Court Judge Kinney had some Conversation with me. He asked if I was at the funeral of Jared Smith & Herd President Youngs sermon. I said No I was not present. He said "I was told that Presidet Young said that I was responsible for all these things and that I was weak in the upper Story. But says Judge Kinney I denyed it. I did not Believe it. I have not taken any step without Counciling Presidet Young and when the men came to sware out their Affidavit I told them they must ask Presidet Young. When they came back they said they had done so & Presidet Young told them to go to Judge Kinney & Get out there Affidavits. I told the Judge I know nothing in the matter.
The Prisioners who Col R Burton took at the surrender of the fort at South Webber & brought into this Court yard yesterday was brought into this Court room at 10 minuts past 9 oclok, the number being 98. The Court was then declard opened....
Col Burton gave his testimony and said I am the Depity Marshall of this Territory. I attempted to serve 3 writs at south webber. I went with a posse as I had good reason to believe they Could not be served without a posse. This was on the 13 June 1862. The men Called for would not give themselves up & I had to use force. I sent a Communication to them and requested an answer in 30 minutes but I waited 90 minutes & received no answer. Then I fired a Cannon Ball and they returned to fire with small arms and the fire kept up through the day. Some Brethren Came to me and I organized them into my posse. ...
On the morning of the 14 we fired some in the morning But it began to rain & rained all day and we did not do much. Jared Smith was shot the first day and died.
On Sunday morning the 15 of June we had fair weather. I divided my forces as well as I Could & opened fire with Artillery & small arms from 8 oclok in the morning till 7 oclok at night. At that hour I planted a Battery nearby & took possession of one line of the fort. Then I saw a white flag. I then told them to Come out & give themselves up. They Came out & stacked their arms and surrendered Parsons was among those who surrendered.
I left my Men outside Except Mr Golden & Stodard. I placed some men to take Charge of the arms or guard them. Then Mr Morris made some remarks and asked me what I wanted. I said I wanted all the men who had taken up arms against me. Then Morris Said to the Croud all who will stand by me to the death lift up their hand and all as far as I Could see lifted up their hands & made a rush as though they were going to the school House or some place to defend themselves. I ordered Morris to stop several times & followed him up. I had no arms but my revolver and as He would not stop I stoped him with my revolver. He was shot dead. Banks was also shot through the neck from which wound He died. Two women was shot at the same time which I vary much regret but it Could not be helped. The remainder soon gave themselves up. ...
Dow said I Joined Mr Morris & believed him to be a prophet and I dont know as I have done any thing to break the Law and I believe now that Morris is as much a Prophet as he was before he died. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Judge Kinney had a Court in the Court House at 9 oclok this morning to try the [Morrisite] prisioners. Before the opening of the Court Judge Kinney had some Conversation with me. He asked if I was at the funeral of Jared Smith & Herd President Youngs sermon. I said No I was not present. He said "I was told that Presidet Young said that I was responsible for all these things and that I was weak in the upper Story. But says Judge Kinney I denyed it. I did not Believe it. I have not taken any step without Counciling Presidet Young and when the men came to sware out their Affidavit I told them they must ask Presidet Young. When they came back they said they had done so & Presidet Young told them to go to Judge Kinney & Get out there Affidavits. I told the Judge I know nothing in the matter.
The Prisioners who Col R Burton took at the surrender of the fort at South Webber & brought into this Court yard yesterday was brought into this Court room at 10 minuts past 9 oclok, the number being 98. The Court was then declard opened....
Col Burton gave his testimony and said I am the Depity Marshall of this Territory. I attempted to serve 3 writs at south webber. I went with a posse as I had good reason to believe they Could not be served without a posse. This was on the 13 June 1862. The men Called for would not give themselves up & I had to use force. I sent a Communication to them and requested an answer in 30 minutes but I waited 90 minutes & received no answer. Then I fired a Cannon Ball and they returned to fire with small arms and the fire kept up through the day. Some Brethren Came to me and I organized them into my posse. ...
On the morning of the 14 we fired some in the morning But it began to rain & rained all day and we did not do much. Jared Smith was shot the first day and died.
On Sunday morning the 15 of June we had fair weather. I divided my forces as well as I Could & opened fire with Artillery & small arms from 8 oclok in the morning till 7 oclok at night. At that hour I planted a Battery nearby & took possession of one line of the fort. Then I saw a white flag. I then told them to Come out & give themselves up. They Came out & stacked their arms and surrendered Parsons was among those who surrendered.
I left my Men outside Except Mr Golden & Stodard. I placed some men to take Charge of the arms or guard them. Then Mr Morris made some remarks and asked me what I wanted. I said I wanted all the men who had taken up arms against me. Then Morris Said to the Croud all who will stand by me to the death lift up their hand and all as far as I Could see lifted up their hands & made a rush as though they were going to the school House or some place to defend themselves. I ordered Morris to stop several times & followed him up. I had no arms but my revolver and as He would not stop I stoped him with my revolver. He was shot dead. Banks was also shot through the neck from which wound He died. Two women was shot at the same time which I vary much regret but it Could not be helped. The remainder soon gave themselves up. ...
Dow said I Joined Mr Morris & believed him to be a prophet and I dont know as I have done any thing to break the Law and I believe now that Morris is as much a Prophet as he was before he died. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jun 18, 1847
Brigham Young "deliverd A short lecture which was interesting & instructive, And said that when He gave A man council He did not want him to reject that Council or to bring up many arguments to try to Alter it for when A man did it I will turn on my heal & leave him."
William Clayton records, "The president preached a short sermon for the benefit of the young elders. He represented them as being continually grasping at things ahead of them which belong to others instead of seeking to bring up those which are behind them. He said the way for young elders to enlarge their dominion and power is to go to the world and preach and then they can get a train and bring it up to the house of the Lord with them &c."
Eliza R. Snow writes: " I spoke to br. H[unter] in the gift of tongues, sis. S[essions] interpreted, after which br. H[unter], sis. S[essions] & I laid hands on sis. H[unter]'s head and rebuk'd her illness & blessed her. I then sang a song to them & sis. S[essions] sang the interpretation. Susanna present & arose & bless'd sis. H[unter]."
William Clayton records, "The president preached a short sermon for the benefit of the young elders. He represented them as being continually grasping at things ahead of them which belong to others instead of seeking to bring up those which are behind them. He said the way for young elders to enlarge their dominion and power is to go to the world and preach and then they can get a train and bring it up to the house of the Lord with them &c."
Eliza R. Snow writes: " I spoke to br. H[unter] in the gift of tongues, sis. S[essions] interpreted, after which br. H[unter], sis. S[essions] & I laid hands on sis. H[unter]'s head and rebuk'd her illness & blessed her. I then sang a song to them & sis. S[essions] sang the interpretation. Susanna present & arose & bless'd sis. H[unter]."
175 years ago today - Jun 18, 1847
[Brigham Young]
There is a general feeling in this church with regard to the doctrine called spiritual wife doctrine. The Lord is [-] in the last struggle between [-]. God the Father will put forth his hand and conquer a [-] of [-] a godly people. ... I've done as I was told, there is not a man have twenty to twenty-five but I can get five wives to his one, who gave me that power, I got it by being faithful, there is not a girl etc take all you can get and see what you can do go a preach? that I may gather thousands they want to give? that [-] of [-] they must take what's behind because they have gone? [-] have brought? it in when my train and his train filled the temple, they want to drive and command and tell me its the duty to be sealed to me and then they can come trailing behind you, its your works will follow you to glory or misery - let the word come now, I never was more willing to go than tonight. I'm going right into the world and deal unrightly. I cant do this because I have a wife the Lord will raise up a hold seed. ...
[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]
There is a general feeling in this church with regard to the doctrine called spiritual wife doctrine. The Lord is [-] in the last struggle between [-]. God the Father will put forth his hand and conquer a [-] of [-] a godly people. ... I've done as I was told, there is not a man have twenty to twenty-five but I can get five wives to his one, who gave me that power, I got it by being faithful, there is not a girl etc take all you can get and see what you can do go a preach? that I may gather thousands they want to give? that [-] of [-] they must take what's behind because they have gone? [-] have brought? it in when my train and his train filled the temple, they want to drive and command and tell me its the duty to be sealed to me and then they can come trailing behind you, its your works will follow you to glory or misery - let the word come now, I never was more willing to go than tonight. I'm going right into the world and deal unrightly. I cant do this because I have a wife the Lord will raise up a hold seed. ...
[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 - Jun 18, 1842
Joseph the seer arose & spoke upon Several subjects.
Among other subjects he spoke his mind in great plainness concerning the iniquity & wickedness of [former assistant president] Gen John Cook Bennet, & exposed him before the public. He also prophesied in the Name of the Lord Concerning the merchants in the City that if they with the rich did not open their hearts & contribute to the poor that they would be cursed by the hand of God & be out off from the land of the living.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Among other subjects he spoke his mind in great plainness concerning the iniquity & wickedness of [former assistant president] Gen John Cook Bennet, & exposed him before the public. He also prophesied in the Name of the Lord Concerning the merchants in the City that if they with the rich did not open their hearts & contribute to the poor that they would be cursed by the hand of God & be out off from the land of the living.
[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 - Jun 17, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff]
17 I was so far gone this morning I had no Controll over myself. I lost my memory & some thought I would die. I was vary sick. I was Administered to By G Q. Cannon & others though [I] did not remember any thing about it. Was quite sick through the day & night.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
17 I was so far gone this morning I had no Controll over myself. I lost my memory & some thought I would die. I was vary sick. I was Administered to By G Q. Cannon & others though [I] did not remember any thing about it. Was quite sick through the day & night.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Jun 17, 1882
Nineteen-year-old Future apostle James E. Talmage writes in his journal: ". . . I have many times contemplated my probable destiny and mission in life without obtaining a satisfactory conclusion; but I have for some time past felt an intense desire to become familiar with the walks of Science for the Sciences have to be redeemed from their present position of infidelity & skepticism. The idea has been a favorite one for my meditations of late, and has formed the theme of my public speaking. I conclude that this great mission has to be performed by the Priesthood of God, and to lay a single stone in such work is perhaps my mission in life . . ."
145 years ago today - Jun 17, 1877
[Brigham Young]
[Some ask] '"Is it not my privilege to find a gold mine, or a silver mine, as well as others?'" As far as I am concerned I would say, '"Yes, certainly it is your privilege, if you can find one.'" But do you know how to find such a mine? No, you do not. These treasures that are in the earth are carefully watched, they can be removed from place to place according to the good pleasure of Him who made them and owns them. He has his messengers at his service, and it is just as easy for an angel to remove the minerals from any part of one of these mountains to another, as it is for you and me to walk up and down this hall. This, however, is not understood by the Christian world, nor by us as a people. ...
Orin P. Rockwell is an eye-witness to some powers of removing the treasures of the earth. He was with certain parties that lived near by where the plates were found that contain the records of the Book of Mormon. There were a great many treasures hid up by the Nephites. Porter was with them one night where there were treasures, and they could find them easy enough, but they could not obtain them.
I will tell you a story which will be marvelous to most of you. It was told me by Porter, whom I would believe just as quickly as any man that lives. When he tells a thing he understands, he will tell it just as he knows it; he is a man that does not lie. He said that on this night, when they [Joseph Smith and others] were engaged hunting for this old treasure, they dug around the end of a chest for some twenty inches. The chest was about three feet square. One man who was determined to have the contents of that chest, took his pick and struck into the lid of it, and split through into the chest. The blow took off a piece of the lid, which a certain lady kept in her possession until she died. That chest of money went into the bank. Porter describes it so [making a rumbling sound]; he says this is just as true as the heavens are. I have heard other tell the same story. I relate this because it is marvelous to you. But to those who understand these things, it is not marvelous. ...
Carlos Smith was a young man of as much veracity as any young man we had, and he was a witness to these things. Samuel Smith saw some things, Hyrum saw a good many things, but Joseph was the leader. Now, you may think I am unwise in publicly telling these things, thinking perhaps I should preserve them in my own breast; but such is not my mind. I would like the people called Latter-day Saints to understand some little things with regard to the workings and dealings of the Lord with his people here upon the earth. I could relate to you a great many more, all of which are familiar to many of our brethren and sisters. ...
People do not know it, but I know there is a seal set upon the treasures of earth; men are allowed to go so far and no farther. I have known places where there were treasures in abundance; but could men get them? No. You can read in the Book of Mormon of the ancient Nephites holding their treasures, and of their becoming slippery; so that after they had privately hid their money, on going to the place again, lo and behold it was not there, but was somewhere else, but they knew not where. ...
Every true principle and every true science and every truth there is, are incorporated within the faith of the Latter-day Saints. This is something worth possessing, this is worth spending our time for; but the religions of the day, independent of their moral worth, are nothing but a myth, a shadow; there is no reality in them. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 19:36-45, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Some ask] '"Is it not my privilege to find a gold mine, or a silver mine, as well as others?'" As far as I am concerned I would say, '"Yes, certainly it is your privilege, if you can find one.'" But do you know how to find such a mine? No, you do not. These treasures that are in the earth are carefully watched, they can be removed from place to place according to the good pleasure of Him who made them and owns them. He has his messengers at his service, and it is just as easy for an angel to remove the minerals from any part of one of these mountains to another, as it is for you and me to walk up and down this hall. This, however, is not understood by the Christian world, nor by us as a people. ...
Orin P. Rockwell is an eye-witness to some powers of removing the treasures of the earth. He was with certain parties that lived near by where the plates were found that contain the records of the Book of Mormon. There were a great many treasures hid up by the Nephites. Porter was with them one night where there were treasures, and they could find them easy enough, but they could not obtain them.
I will tell you a story which will be marvelous to most of you. It was told me by Porter, whom I would believe just as quickly as any man that lives. When he tells a thing he understands, he will tell it just as he knows it; he is a man that does not lie. He said that on this night, when they [Joseph Smith and others] were engaged hunting for this old treasure, they dug around the end of a chest for some twenty inches. The chest was about three feet square. One man who was determined to have the contents of that chest, took his pick and struck into the lid of it, and split through into the chest. The blow took off a piece of the lid, which a certain lady kept in her possession until she died. That chest of money went into the bank. Porter describes it so [making a rumbling sound]; he says this is just as true as the heavens are. I have heard other tell the same story. I relate this because it is marvelous to you. But to those who understand these things, it is not marvelous. ...
Carlos Smith was a young man of as much veracity as any young man we had, and he was a witness to these things. Samuel Smith saw some things, Hyrum saw a good many things, but Joseph was the leader. Now, you may think I am unwise in publicly telling these things, thinking perhaps I should preserve them in my own breast; but such is not my mind. I would like the people called Latter-day Saints to understand some little things with regard to the workings and dealings of the Lord with his people here upon the earth. I could relate to you a great many more, all of which are familiar to many of our brethren and sisters. ...
People do not know it, but I know there is a seal set upon the treasures of earth; men are allowed to go so far and no farther. I have known places where there were treasures in abundance; but could men get them? No. You can read in the Book of Mormon of the ancient Nephites holding their treasures, and of their becoming slippery; so that after they had privately hid their money, on going to the place again, lo and behold it was not there, but was somewhere else, but they knew not where. ...
Every true principle and every true science and every truth there is, are incorporated within the faith of the Latter-day Saints. This is something worth possessing, this is worth spending our time for; but the religions of the day, independent of their moral worth, are nothing but a myth, a shadow; there is no reality in them. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 19:36-45, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Jun 17, 1862
[Wilford Woodruff]
At 10 oclok I went with Col J. C. Little to Brother Lees and attended the funeral of Peter Wahlen who was shot in the battle with the morrisites. ...
In the afternoon I went onto the Balcony of the Deseret Store with H. C. Kimball G. A. Smith F D. Richards A. O. Smoot and several others to see the Army with there prisioners pass by but they passed on the Block below us. Brother Richards and myself went down with the Croud & followed along side of the prisioners to the Court House. There was a vary large procession of the military, prisioners, & spectators. The Prisioners were marched into the Court yard on the East side of the Court House and there guarded.
I went up & took a view of them. I saw Richard Cook who I Consider is the most wicked & the worst man in the Company as he took Morris in & was the means of putting him up to be a prophet & was the main spring of the organization of the band. He looked vary sheepish & wicked. He partially hid himself behind his brother John. There were some 80 prisioners. The remainder old men and ignorant were left with the women. The whole of the Company of Prisioners looked wicked. I went into the House and Herd Dr Clinton give a relation of the affair at South webber & I marvel that there was not more killed upon our side than there was.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At 10 oclok I went with Col J. C. Little to Brother Lees and attended the funeral of Peter Wahlen who was shot in the battle with the morrisites. ...
In the afternoon I went onto the Balcony of the Deseret Store with H. C. Kimball G. A. Smith F D. Richards A. O. Smoot and several others to see the Army with there prisioners pass by but they passed on the Block below us. Brother Richards and myself went down with the Croud & followed along side of the prisioners to the Court House. There was a vary large procession of the military, prisioners, & spectators. The Prisioners were marched into the Court yard on the East side of the Court House and there guarded.
I went up & took a view of them. I saw Richard Cook who I Consider is the most wicked & the worst man in the Company as he took Morris in & was the means of putting him up to be a prophet & was the main spring of the organization of the band. He looked vary sheepish & wicked. He partially hid himself behind his brother John. There were some 80 prisioners. The remainder old men and ignorant were left with the women. The whole of the Company of Prisioners looked wicked. I went into the House and Herd Dr Clinton give a relation of the affair at South webber & I marvel that there was not more killed upon our side than there was.
[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 - Jun 17, 1842
Heber C. Kimball writes to Parley P. Pratt: "We have organized a Lodge here of Masons since we obtained a Charter. That was in Mar. Since that thare was near two hundred been made masons. Br. Joseph and Sidny [Ridgon] was the first that was Received into the Lodg. All of the twelve apostles have become members Except Orson Pratt. He hangs back. He will wake up soon, thare is a similarity of preas Hood [priesthood] in Masonry. Bro. Joseph Ses Masonry was taken from preasthood but has become degenerated. But menny things are perfect."
70 years ago today - Jun 16, 1952
[J. Reuben Clark]
Mark E. Petersen ... They discussed the leak on the Temple in Europe story.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Mark E. Petersen ... They discussed the leak on the Temple in Europe story.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
105 years ago today - Jun 16, 1917
At John Cannon's funeral his post-manifesto plural wife (married 1900) sits side by side in the front row with two other wives. Speakers are President Joseph F. Smith, his counselor Charles W. Penrose, Apostle Orson F. Whitney, and Stake President Frank Y. Taylor to whom Cannon was first counselor. "These talks were very personal and gave praise to John M. Cannon."
145 years ago today - Jun 16, 1877
[Wilford Woodruff]
At 1 oclok I was taken with a severe pain in my stomach which lasted me six hours. I got no relief untill the Elders laid hands upon me. I was then healed instantly.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At 1 oclok I was taken with a severe pain in my stomach which lasted me six hours. I got no relief untill the Elders laid hands upon me. I was then healed instantly.
[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 - Jun 16, 1877
Apostle and St. George Temple president Wilford Woodruff receives a telegram that his twenty-year-old son Brigham Young Woodruff had drowned in Bear River. Three weeks later on Jul 5, he seals five single women to his deceased son.
160 years ago today - Jun 16, 1862
Brother Briant Stringham arived this morning & brought the news of the surrender last Evening and He brought the septure & Crown of Joseph Morris the fals Prophet and two other septres. The septre of Morris was 5 feet in length. The botton was 8 square run to a point tiped with Iron. 10 inches of the middle was 8 square upon which was written in the different letters the following words:
(To All Nations and People, Off All Languages that now dwell upon the Earth, Be it known unto you, That I am sent by the Great king of kings and Lord of Lords to rule over all Adams Posterity and being his Representative I hold in my hand this Emblem of Power unto which all the Nations and kingdoms of the Earth Must bow for I am the Legitimate Ruler over all the Earth And my Authority is sanctioned by the first God. Therefore I hold in my hand an Emblem of Power to represent His septre which will shortly be Given unto me. I Am Joseph Morris President of the Melchisedec Priesthood.)
On the End of the septre was a Ball 15 inches in Circumference. They also brought two other smaller septres One Containing the following words:
(Behold I am Daniel Smith Even Number Seven and I present myself with this rod in my Hand before this people and also before all mankind in the stead of the seventh first born son of Adam, to Represent or foreshadow his name Number and inscription He being the seventh ruler over all Abrahams seed Even over the Elect of God.)
The other septre Contained the same as the one above ownly it said Behold I am Hugh Park Even Number five. The Crown was tin painted yellow, with red Cloth stufed inside with a small wooden top with a wooden botton with a tin tube to put a stick in to carry around.
The whole Concern shows to what Extent fals Prophets & fanaticism will go. These things were Exhibited in front of the office and hundreds of men women and Children Came to see them and there seemed to be much excitement amoung the people.
The body of Peter Wahlen was brought into the City at 1 oclok. I went down to see the body. He was a fine looking young man. He was shot with a large Ball through the top of the Head & fall dead & never spoke. He was a Jerman by birth & a single man.
The bodies of Joseph Morris & John Banks was brought into the City at 4 oclok & taken to the City Hall By order of [ ]. Their bodies were dressed & washed. I examined them. John Banks was shot with one ball through the neck. Joseph Morris was shot with one ball through the Head & two in the breast & shoulders. They were soon in readiness to be Exhibited to the public. There was near 2,000 people men women & Children in a Croud wishing to see the bodies but they were in a small room and there was such a Croud that after a few had seen them the doors were Closed & they were not Exhibited any more.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
(To All Nations and People, Off All Languages that now dwell upon the Earth, Be it known unto you, That I am sent by the Great king of kings and Lord of Lords to rule over all Adams Posterity and being his Representative I hold in my hand this Emblem of Power unto which all the Nations and kingdoms of the Earth Must bow for I am the Legitimate Ruler over all the Earth And my Authority is sanctioned by the first God. Therefore I hold in my hand an Emblem of Power to represent His septre which will shortly be Given unto me. I Am Joseph Morris President of the Melchisedec Priesthood.)
On the End of the septre was a Ball 15 inches in Circumference. They also brought two other smaller septres One Containing the following words:
(Behold I am Daniel Smith Even Number Seven and I present myself with this rod in my Hand before this people and also before all mankind in the stead of the seventh first born son of Adam, to Represent or foreshadow his name Number and inscription He being the seventh ruler over all Abrahams seed Even over the Elect of God.)
The other septre Contained the same as the one above ownly it said Behold I am Hugh Park Even Number five. The Crown was tin painted yellow, with red Cloth stufed inside with a small wooden top with a wooden botton with a tin tube to put a stick in to carry around.
The whole Concern shows to what Extent fals Prophets & fanaticism will go. These things were Exhibited in front of the office and hundreds of men women and Children Came to see them and there seemed to be much excitement amoung the people.
The body of Peter Wahlen was brought into the City at 1 oclok. I went down to see the body. He was a fine looking young man. He was shot with a large Ball through the top of the Head & fall dead & never spoke. He was a Jerman by birth & a single man.
The bodies of Joseph Morris & John Banks was brought into the City at 4 oclok & taken to the City Hall By order of [ ]. Their bodies were dressed & washed. I examined them. John Banks was shot with one ball through the neck. Joseph Morris was shot with one ball through the Head & two in the breast & shoulders. They were soon in readiness to be Exhibited to the public. There was near 2,000 people men women & Children in a Croud wishing to see the bodies but they were in a small room and there was such a Croud that after a few had seen them the doors were Closed & they were not Exhibited any more.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jun 16, 1847
A Mormon writes Apostle Orson Hyde in Iowa about a previous letter that "I am threatened with Danites," and protests that his guilt should "be established by a fair hearing." Hyde is closely associated in Iowa at this time with William A. Hickman who would later claim that Hyde gave him orders to murder various dissenters this year. Hyde would later admit at a Council of Fifty meeting that he instructed an unnamed person in Iowa to kill a fellow member of the Fifty.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
120 years ago today - Sunday, Jun 15, 1902
Pres. Jos. F. Smith. ... Did not believe in killing animals for the fun of the thing. It may be all right to kill for the purpose of appeasing hunger. Word of wisdom. The value of holding the priesthood. Those who mar their garments by cutting off the sleeves are covenant-breakers and will forfeit their blessings, if they do not repent. Counseled the people to get out of debt and keep out.
[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]
[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]
125 years ago today - Jun 15, 1897 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
President Woodruff made some remarks, and I was called upon to speak. Among other things, I dwelt upon the importance of our women taking a prudent course in regard to political matters. I thought the occasion a proper one to speak upon this subject, from the fact that the company was mostly composed of ladies [Salt Lake Temple workers]. President Smith followed, and President Woodruff again spoke, and his remarks were really more severe than anything I said in condemnation of the course that had been taken at the last election by which the State had been put in its present position.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
President Woodruff made some remarks, and I was called upon to speak. Among other things, I dwelt upon the importance of our women taking a prudent course in regard to political matters. I thought the occasion a proper one to speak upon this subject, from the fact that the company was mostly composed of ladies [Salt Lake Temple workers]. President Smith followed, and President Woodruff again spoke, and his remarks were really more severe than anything I said in condemnation of the course that had been taken at the last election by which the State had been put in its present position.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - Jun 15, 1892
Wilford Woodruff had 36 of his Fathers Houshold Adopted to the Prophet Joseph Smith Begining with Aphek Woodruff & his two wives Bulah Thompson & Azubah Hart Grand Father Eldad Woodruff & his five Sons Eldad, Samuel Titus & Ozem & two Daughters Elizabeth & Hellen Also Grand Father Thompson & wife Anna Hart & Asahel Hart & 3 wives. I had 36 sealing Also at the Altar.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Jun 15, 1892
Anthon H. Lund, apostle and temple president, gives instructions that no proxy endowments should be done for persons who died "under 15 or 16" years of age.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
135 years ago today - Jun 15, 1887
John Taylor says that other general authorities should not "be too particular or scrupulous" about promoting the proposed Utah state constitution which outlaws polygamy.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
155 years ago today - Jun 15, 1867
Eunice Woodruff, Mary Giles, & Rebeca Brown were sealed to Wilford Woodruff sen. By H C Kimball....
H C Kimball sealed Phebe Woodruff to Wilford Woodruff as a proxy For Bulah & Azubah Woodruff to Aphek Woodruff.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
H C Kimball sealed Phebe Woodruff to Wilford Woodruff as a proxy For Bulah & Azubah Woodruff to Aphek Woodruff.
[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 - Jun 15, 1862
[Wilford Woodruff]
Presidet Young Preached the funeral Sermon of Jared Smith who was shot by the morrisites. ...
The Battle Commenced with the Morrisites Early in the morning. The 12 pounder was used with good Effect through the day. [ ] Miller Came down as a messenger. Left at 1 oclok with a dispatch. At about dark Morris sent a flag of truce and offered to surrender. Said they had stacked there Arms. Burton went down to take Charge of them with about 50 men. When they Came into the room whare Morris was, Morris made a speech & Col Burton told him to stop. He did not wish to hear him Preach. Then John Banks arose & said to his followers all who are willing to stand by The Prophet Joseph Morris signify it by raising the right hand. All his followers raised his right hand, & then rushed to sieze there arms. Two obtained their arms & shot Peter Wahlen abought 25 years of age 6 feet 2 inches High through the Head and He fell dead. Then Morris was shot dead through the Heart and John Banks was shot through the throat supposed mortally. They then surrendered as prisioners. They then surrendered themselves up prisioners 1 [ ] Men.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidet Young Preached the funeral Sermon of Jared Smith who was shot by the morrisites. ...
The Battle Commenced with the Morrisites Early in the morning. The 12 pounder was used with good Effect through the day. [ ] Miller Came down as a messenger. Left at 1 oclok with a dispatch. At about dark Morris sent a flag of truce and offered to surrender. Said they had stacked there Arms. Burton went down to take Charge of them with about 50 men. When they Came into the room whare Morris was, Morris made a speech & Col Burton told him to stop. He did not wish to hear him Preach. Then John Banks arose & said to his followers all who are willing to stand by The Prophet Joseph Morris signify it by raising the right hand. All his followers raised his right hand, & then rushed to sieze there arms. Two obtained their arms & shot Peter Wahlen abought 25 years of age 6 feet 2 inches High through the Head and He fell dead. Then Morris was shot dead through the Heart and John Banks was shot through the throat supposed mortally. They then surrendered as prisioners. They then surrendered themselves up prisioners 1 [ ] Men.
[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 - Jun 15, 1862
(June 13th-15th) With authorization of Utah's acting governor Frank Fuller, military-sized Mormon "posse" attacks schismatic community of Joseph Morris in Weber County, Utah. Mormon forces kill principal leaders of the "Morrisite War" for resisting arrest. The rest of the community is imprisoned but receive the governor's pardon on 31 Mar. 1863. [Joseph Morris is killed when he resists arrest and two women are "accidentally" killed in the process. Robert T. Burton, leader of the posse, is indicted eight years later for murder of Morris and others but the indictment is quashed by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1879 Burton is again indicted and brought to trial for the murder of one of the women. A "mixed" jury of Mormons and non-Mormons finds him not guilty.]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Jun 15, 1862 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
Adam and Eve did not sin because it was in their nature to love sin, but, as Paul says in his Epistle to Timothy, '"Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding, she shall be saved in child bearing, if they continue in faith, and charity, and holiness, with sobriety.'" The enemy of all righteousness deceived the woman, and Adam went with her that man might be, and that she might be saved in child-bearing. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 9:305-308, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Adam and Eve did not sin because it was in their nature to love sin, but, as Paul says in his Epistle to Timothy, '"Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding, she shall be saved in child bearing, if they continue in faith, and charity, and holiness, with sobriety.'" The enemy of all righteousness deceived the woman, and Adam went with her that man might be, and that she might be saved in child-bearing. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 9:305-308, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
60 years ago today - Jun 14, 1962
THE CHURCH SECTION quotes Joseph Fielding Smith: "The Latter-day Saints, so commonly called 'Mormons', have no animosity towards the Negro. Neither have they described him as belonging to an 'INFERIOR' race." However Joseph Fielding Smith himself in his book THE WAY TO PERFECTION had used the very words "inferior race" to refer to blacks of African ancestry.
70 years ago today - Jun 14, 1952
Twenty-year-old David B. Bleak, unarmed LDS medic in the Korean War, "While attempting to cross the fire-swept area to attend to the wounded, he came under hostile fire from a small group of the enemy concealed in a trench. Entering the trench he closed with the enemy, killed 2 with bare hands and a third with his trench knife. Moving from the emplacement, he saw a concussion grenade fall in front of a companion and, quickly shifting his position, shielded the man from the impact of the blast. Later, while ministering to the wounded, he was struck by a hostile bullet but, despite the wound, he undertook to evacuate a wounded comrade. As he moved down the hill with his heavy burden, he was attacked by 2 enemy soldiers with fixed bayonets. Closing with the aggressors, he grabbed them and smashed their heads together, then carried his helpless comrade down the hill to safety." That is the explanation for the Congressional Medal of Honor which Bleak receives in 1953.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
130 years ago today - Jun 14, 1892 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
... I think it quite a victory, and it shows what a wonderful change has taken place, when a Mormon [Frank Cannon] will be listened to and applauded by a National Convention, and be appointed also, as he was, on the Committee on Platform and Resolutions. ...
I went to the Temple at 11 o'clock and had a number of persons, living and dead, sealed to me. Sister Gillies had made an appointment to meet me here. She came with her son and had her family adopted to me. Brother Engelstad and wife, also, had come from Long Valley to be adopted with their kindred dead, and Brother Daniel Sill was also adopted.
President Woodruff had a large number of people [130] adopted to him. ... President Woodruff was very much fatigued with the labor he performed.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... I think it quite a victory, and it shows what a wonderful change has taken place, when a Mormon [Frank Cannon] will be listened to and applauded by a National Convention, and be appointed also, as he was, on the Committee on Platform and Resolutions. ...
I went to the Temple at 11 o'clock and had a number of persons, living and dead, sealed to me. Sister Gillies had made an appointment to meet me here. She came with her son and had her family adopted to me. Brother Engelstad and wife, also, had come from Long Valley to be adopted with their kindred dead, and Brother Daniel Sill was also adopted.
President Woodruff had a large number of people [130] adopted to him. ... President Woodruff was very much fatigued with the labor he performed.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
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