[Joseph F. Smith and counselors]
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to John W. Hess, Oct. 31, 1902] Very old men in whom the tobacco habit may have become part of their nature, and who may regard it as a great hardship to be required to abstain from its use in order to receive your recommendation to the temple, should at least be willing to curtail themselves as much as they possibly can, and promise to cleanse themselves from the tobacco odor and not to use it at all the days they do work in the temple. As to drunkenness, we certainly think you should draw the line there.
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
135 years ago today - Oct 31, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
[The apostles discuss [[excommunidated First Presidency member]] Albert Carrington's rebaptism; the motion to approve carries.]
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[The apostles discuss [[excommunidated First Presidency member]] Albert Carrington's rebaptism; the motion to approve carries.]
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
140 years ago today - Oct 31, 1882
[John Taylor to Lot Smith]
Regarding the Lamanites [Native Americans] receiving their endowments, we should like to receive further details from you with regard to them before answering definitely. Certainly none but entirely reliable ones should have this privilege, those whom you know to be worthy according to the light they possess.
[John Taylor to Lot Smith, Oct. 31, 1882, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Regarding the Lamanites [Native Americans] receiving their endowments, we should like to receive further details from you with regard to them before answering definitely. Certainly none but entirely reliable ones should have this privilege, those whom you know to be worthy according to the light they possess.
[John Taylor to Lot Smith, Oct. 31, 1882, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
145 years ago today - Oct 31, 1877
John Taylor tells the apostles that it is wrong for some local patriarchs "to be underbidding the others" in giving patriarchal blessings.
[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 )]]
165 years ago today - Oct 31, 1857
(John Taylor: What was your object in coming here? Was it to rebel against the general government?) President Young: To get away from Christians'- Pres. Brigham Young: Try the vote. All you that are willing to set fire to your property and lay it in ashes, rather than submit to their military rule and oppression, manifest it by raising your hands. (The congregation unanimously raise their hands) I know what your feelings are. We have been persecuted and robbed long enough; and in the name of Israel's God, we will be free! (The whole congregation responded, '"Amen'" and Pres. Brigham Young said, '"I say Amen all the time to that.'" The great God has set this hand to roll forth his purposes, and the hand that opposes it shall be palsied. The power of God shall be felt among the nations that reject the truth. All is right in Israel and we do not want to hurt anybody, but we feel to bless everybody and our hearts are full of blessings for all who will work righteousness. Shall we still bless the human family? Yes. Shall we rally around the Constitution of the United States and protect it in its purity? Yes, we will save it when others forsake it. -- Salt Lake City
[Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - Oct 31, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff on the return of some of the first pioneer company from Salt Lake Valley to Winter Quarters]
We had A hard days drive As our Horses were worn down. We travled hard through the day. When within About one mile of Winter Quarters We made A Halt And the company was drawn up in order & Addresed by President Young & dismissed.
We drove into the city in order. The streets were lined with people to shake hands as we drove along. Each one drove to his own home. I drove up to my own door & was truly rejoiced to once more behold the face of my wife & children again after being absent over six months And having travled with the Twelve & the Pioneers near 2,500 miles & sought out a location for the Saints And Accomplished one of the most interesting mishions ever accomplished at the last days.
Mrs Woodruff had been confined with A daughter 3 days previous to my arival. Mother & daughter doing well. All was cheerful Happy & we felt it A blessing to again meet. Distance from the Horn 30 m[iles].
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We had A hard days drive As our Horses were worn down. We travled hard through the day. When within About one mile of Winter Quarters We made A Halt And the company was drawn up in order & Addresed by President Young & dismissed.
We drove into the city in order. The streets were lined with people to shake hands as we drove along. Each one drove to his own home. I drove up to my own door & was truly rejoiced to once more behold the face of my wife & children again after being absent over six months And having travled with the Twelve & the Pioneers near 2,500 miles & sought out a location for the Saints And Accomplished one of the most interesting mishions ever accomplished at the last days.
Mrs Woodruff had been confined with A daughter 3 days previous to my arival. Mother & daughter doing well. All was cheerful Happy & we felt it A blessing to again meet. Distance from the Horn 30 m[iles].
[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 - Oct 30, 1897 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
In the afternoon Brother Roberts spoke, and in the evening he occupied the entire time and spoke with great power. His style is somewhat dramatic, but I think that he is without doubt the best orator in the Church – at least, I have heard no one that, in my opinion, equals him in oratory. His past operations in politics have created in my mind some distrust of his judgment and soundness; and while I think him very talented and capable of doing great good, I have had in my feelings some fear respecting the policy of pushing him forward as he has been of late....
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
In the afternoon Brother Roberts spoke, and in the evening he occupied the entire time and spoke with great power. His style is somewhat dramatic, but I think that he is without doubt the best orator in the Church – at least, I have heard no one that, in my opinion, equals him in oratory. His past operations in politics have created in my mind some distrust of his judgment and soundness; and while I think him very talented and capable of doing great good, I have had in my feelings some fear respecting the policy of pushing him forward as he has been of late....
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
145 years ago today - Oct 30, 1877
[Weber Stake Relief Society Minutes]
Sister Sarah Kimball said— ... When the Nauvoo Temple was about a foot from the ground, there was a great want of means— A few of the sisters thought they would organize themselves into a society of some kind, that they might be better able to assist the brethren in the work of building the temple— We met, drew up a constitution and Sister Snow showed it to Bro. Smith. He said the Lord accepts your offering—but you shall have something better— He then organized us into a Relief Society—Sister Emma Smith being elected president—(The Book of Covenants [Doctrine and Covenants] calls her elect lady, she was then elected.) We were seven in number, but Joseph said we should become a great society. We see his words fulfilled to day.
I remember being here some years ago.— Sister Richards was then sick. Sister Snow washed and annointed her, and told her if she would take charge of the Relief Society in Ogden—she should have health and the Lord would bless her. We can testify that her words have proved true— I ask the Lord to continue his blessing upon her and upon you all...
[3.28 Weber Stake Relief Society, Minutes, October 30, 1877, 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/]
Sister Sarah Kimball said— ... When the Nauvoo Temple was about a foot from the ground, there was a great want of means— A few of the sisters thought they would organize themselves into a society of some kind, that they might be better able to assist the brethren in the work of building the temple— We met, drew up a constitution and Sister Snow showed it to Bro. Smith. He said the Lord accepts your offering—but you shall have something better— He then organized us into a Relief Society—Sister Emma Smith being elected president—(The Book of Covenants [Doctrine and Covenants] calls her elect lady, she was then elected.) We were seven in number, but Joseph said we should become a great society. We see his words fulfilled to day.
I remember being here some years ago.— Sister Richards was then sick. Sister Snow washed and annointed her, and told her if she would take charge of the Relief Society in Ogden—she should have health and the Lord would bless her. We can testify that her words have proved true— I ask the Lord to continue his blessing upon her and upon you all...
[3.28 Weber Stake Relief Society, Minutes, October 30, 1877, 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 - Oct 30, 1842
[Nauvoo Temple]
The Saints met for the first time in the unfinished temple "and notwithstanding its largeness it was well fill'd." John Taylor was the first to preach in the Temple.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
The Saints met for the first time in the unfinished temple "and notwithstanding its largeness it was well fill'd." John Taylor was the first to preach in the Temple.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
60 years ago today - Oct 29, 1962
In October, first counselor Henry D. Moyle said that second counselor Brown spoke to a Democratic convention in Utah only "because Brother Benson had given a political tirade that needed answering."
[Wilkinson diary, 29 Oct. 1962, referred to a Democratic state convention "two years ago." However, in Buchanan diary, 27 Oct. 1961, Brown said that in response to Benson's conference address that month, "he'd be speaking to the States Democratic leaders in order to set them straight on the position of politics in the church." From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Wilkinson diary, 29 Oct. 1962, referred to a Democratic state convention "two years ago." However, in Buchanan diary, 27 Oct. 1961, Brown said that in response to Benson's conference address that month, "he'd be speaking to the States Democratic leaders in order to set them straight on the position of politics in the church." From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
65 years ago today - Oct 29, 1957
[J. Reuben Clark]
[Mark E. Peterson] said they (the [Deseret] News) had asked if the[y] should print the adverse comment on Sec'y [Secretary Ezra Taft] Benson and he told them to go ahead. I agreed this was right.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[Mark E. Peterson] said they (the [Deseret] News) had asked if the[y] should print the adverse comment on Sec'y [Secretary Ezra Taft] Benson and he told them to go ahead. I agreed this was right.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
130 years ago today - Oct 29, 1892
[Francis M. Lyman]
Showed them our dire need of more Republicans. Of 100 men present there were 48 democrats, 38 mugwumps and 11 republicans. It is remarkable how generally our people have gone off democratic.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Showed them our dire need of more Republicans. Of 100 men present there were 48 democrats, 38 mugwumps and 11 republicans. It is remarkable how generally our people have gone off democratic.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 29, 1887 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
Bro. W^m White, Sr., the butcher, and Bro. Milando Pratt came down to my house this afternoon to administer to Grace. They then proceeded to my wife Sarah Jane's and administered to Joseph. Joseph has not been able for four weeks to touch the ground with his foot. The disease seems to have settled in that limb. He has been unable to use it and could scarcely bear it to be touched part of the time. My wife told me this evening that the brethren administered with unusual power. She felt every word thrill her. Bro. Milando Pratt anointed and Bro. White was mouth. After they departed, my son Hugh said to Joseph, "Joseph, get up and walk." Annie also said, "Yes, Joseph, why can't you walk." At this he arose from where he was and walked a distance of about 25 feet into the other room, without any aid. When he reached the bed, he threw himself on it sobbing for joy. His mother, also, was deeply affected by witnessing the remarkable effect which followed the administration of the Elders. I found them full of joy at the blessing that the Lord had bestowed.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Bro. W^m White, Sr., the butcher, and Bro. Milando Pratt came down to my house this afternoon to administer to Grace. They then proceeded to my wife Sarah Jane's and administered to Joseph. Joseph has not been able for four weeks to touch the ground with his foot. The disease seems to have settled in that limb. He has been unable to use it and could scarcely bear it to be touched part of the time. My wife told me this evening that the brethren administered with unusual power. She felt every word thrill her. Bro. Milando Pratt anointed and Bro. White was mouth. After they departed, my son Hugh said to Joseph, "Joseph, get up and walk." Annie also said, "Yes, Joseph, why can't you walk." At this he arose from where he was and walked a distance of about 25 feet into the other room, without any aid. When he reached the bed, he threw himself on it sobbing for joy. His mother, also, was deeply affected by witnessing the remarkable effect which followed the administration of the Elders. I found them full of joy at the blessing that the Lord had bestowed.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
140 years ago today - Oct 29, 1882
Second counselor Joseph F. Smith's sermon denies that there have even been Danites in Utah but acknowledges that "a few horse thieves and murderers have perchance been summarily dealt with by officers of the law."
[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 )]]
140 years ago today - Oct 29, 1882
Apostle George Q. Cannon seemed to start Joseph's call with the vision of Moroni. He did mention that Joseph saw Jesus and God but did not put those experiences in the framework of the first vision:"He [Joseph] was visited constantly by angels; and the Son of God Himself condescended to come and minister unto him, the Father having also shown Himself unto him; and these various angels, the heads of dispensations, having also ministered unto him. Moroni, in the beginning, as you know, to prepare him for his mission, came and ministered and talked to him from time to time…"
[A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/; Journal of Discourses, Vol. 23, p.362]
[A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/; Journal of Discourses, Vol. 23, p.362]
185 years ago today - Oct 29, 1837
The Elders quorum met in the Lords house
1st Opened by Singing and prayer motioned by Elder [Reuben] Hedlock and Carried by unanimous vote that all the Elders that traveled to preach Should observe and teach the Word of wisdom [D&C 89] to others or be reported to this the Elders quorum and their License be Demanded.
[Kirtland Elder's Quorum Record, http://ogdenkraut.com/?page_id=414]
1st Opened by Singing and prayer motioned by Elder [Reuben] Hedlock and Carried by unanimous vote that all the Elders that traveled to preach Should observe and teach the Word of wisdom [D&C 89] to others or be reported to this the Elders quorum and their License be Demanded.
[Kirtland Elder's Quorum Record, http://ogdenkraut.com/?page_id=414]
120 years ago today - Oct 28, 1902; Tuesday
Mr. Isadore Morris called in company with two Jewish friends named Levy and Louis, representing themselves as representing the orthodox Jews of this city who were now without a synagogue to worship in. It has been found that a majority of the Jews of this city had joined what is known as the reform Jews, being in the majority in this city, had laid claim to the synagogue, rendering it necessary for the orthodox portion of the community to provide themselves with another place of worship. They were now soliciting subscriptions for this purpose, and presented a list with a number of subscribers for $200. each and less. The Presidency subscribed $200., and paid the amount.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Oct 28, 1897; Thursday
The subject of exclusion from the Temple of persons not qualified to receive their endowments was further considered, with the result that the following rule was adopted by the Council:
"That no one of either [sex] be admitted to the Temple to be sealed to their parents when they exceed the age of 18 in the case of girls, and 21 in that of boys, without having received their endowments; but that parents shall have the privilege of having their children receive their endowments younger than those ages and also sealed to them, provided they come properly recommended".
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
"That no one of either [sex] be admitted to the Temple to be sealed to their parents when they exceed the age of 18 in the case of girls, and 21 in that of boys, without having received their endowments; but that parents shall have the privilege of having their children receive their endowments younger than those ages and also sealed to them, provided they come properly recommended".
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
165 years ago today - Oct 28, 1857
President Young said ... We will not have any Cursed scoundrel forced upon us to Judge or rule over us and they shall not Come among us.
If Johnson Comes with troops & intends to Come in I expet they will leave their baggage Battery & a company to guard it and come in on a forced march without it. Then we must not let them sleep but use them up [kill them] as soon as we Can. Work night and day & not let them sleep. ... I have sent word that if General Harney is on the way to get into Camp & kill him if Possible and take the Animals from Johnson if Possible & take Charge of the Goods train.
Presidet Young said I am glad of one thing ie this thing will be Just as the Lord wants it. If He wants them to Come & get killed it will be so. ... You will find when the Lord sees that we are willing to fight & get Just ready to shoot that He will fight our battles. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
If Johnson Comes with troops & intends to Come in I expet they will leave their baggage Battery & a company to guard it and come in on a forced march without it. Then we must not let them sleep but use them up [kill them] as soon as we Can. Work night and day & not let them sleep. ... I have sent word that if General Harney is on the way to get into Camp & kill him if Possible and take the Animals from Johnson if Possible & take Charge of the Goods train.
Presidet Young said I am glad of one thing ie this thing will be Just as the Lord wants it. If He wants them to Come & get killed it will be so. ... You will find when the Lord sees that we are willing to fight & get Just ready to shoot that He will fight our battles. ...
[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 - Oct 28, 1857
George Albert Smith: Married Susan Elizabeth West 28 October 1857. Five children: Clarissa West, Margaret, Elizabeth, Priscilla, and Emma Pearl.
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
180 years ago today - Oct 28, 1842
About this time a 37-page pamphlet titled "An Israelite, and a Shepherd of Israel. An Extract from a Manuscript entitled The Peace Maker, or the Doctrines of the Millennium" is published in Nauvoo by "J. Smith, printer." The pamphlet uses the scriptures to defend the practice of polygamy, and is published about a month after John C. Bennett's expose of Mormonism (with its lurid tales of "spiritual wifery") has been published. The author of the pamphlet, Udney Hay Jacob, is a nonmember. When there is a negative uproar about the contents of the pamphlet, Joseph Smith, on Dec. 1, 1842, denies that he knew the content of the pamphlet before publication, but defends the author's right to publish his opinions.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
30 years ago today - Oct 27, 1992.
Scott Abbott, a member of BYU's German faculty and a Sunstone participant, is called in by his stake president, a BYU religion professor, for a "very cordial" meeting. Scott earlier circulated his Sunstone paper, "One Lord, One Faith, Two Universities: Tensions between `Religion' and `Thought' at BYU," to individual religion professors, several of whom were upset by its analysis of religious-education hiring practices. The discussion centers on what the stake president sees as the potential for apostasy in Scott's position. Scott "felt no threats. My job didn't come into it. He's seen me twice since then and has come over and put his arm around me, genuinely showing his love after the rebuke."
[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]
60 years ago today - Oct 27, 1962
In the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, Apostle Benson's son Reed became coordinator for the Birch Society in Utah. His announcement was coupled with his father's first public endorsement of the Birch Society.
["Reed A. Benson Takes Post In Birch Society," Deseret News, 27 Oct. 1962, B-5. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
["Reed A. Benson Takes Post In Birch Society," Deseret News, 27 Oct. 1962, B-5. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
60 years ago today - Oct 27,1962
In midst of Cuban Missile Crisis, Apostle Ezra Taft Benson publicly endorses John Birch Society as "the most effective non-church organization in our fight against creeping socialism and godless communism," and his son Reed A. Benson announces that he is Utah coordinator of the society.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
70 years ago today - Mon Oct 27, 1952
[David O. McKay]
Met by appointment at his request Mr. Clinton Vernon, Attorney General, State of Utah. Mr. Vernon said that word has gone out--evidently from two General Authorities (whose names he would not repeat) to Presidents of Stakes to defeat him in his attempt to be re- elected as Attorney General of the State of Utah. He has specific instances where one of the General Authorities--Alma Sonne--allegedly stated to Presidencies and High Councilmen, that he (Clinton D. Vernon), is an apostate; secondly, that he is in favor of taxing Church property, and, thirdly, that he is in sympathy with the "cultists" at Short Creek. "These accusations," declared Mr. Vernon, "are absolute falsehoods."
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
Met by appointment at his request Mr. Clinton Vernon, Attorney General, State of Utah. Mr. Vernon said that word has gone out--evidently from two General Authorities (whose names he would not repeat) to Presidents of Stakes to defeat him in his attempt to be re- elected as Attorney General of the State of Utah. He has specific instances where one of the General Authorities--Alma Sonne--allegedly stated to Presidencies and High Councilmen, that he (Clinton D. Vernon), is an apostate; secondly, that he is in favor of taxing Church property, and, thirdly, that he is in sympathy with the "cultists" at Short Creek. "These accusations," declared Mr. Vernon, "are absolute falsehoods."
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
80 years ago today - Oct 27, 1942
Helmuth Huebener, age seventeen, is the first Mormon the Gestapo executes (by beheading). He leads the anti-Nazi resistance group involving two other German LDS teenagers who are sent to concentration camps. To protect other Mormons from Nazi reprisals, Hamburg branch president excommunicates Huebener shortly after his arrest. On 24 Jan. 1948 the First Presidency orders the following notation to appear on Huebener's membership record: "Excommuncation is done by mistake."
[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 - Oct 27, 1892
First counselor George Q. Cannon tells the apostles that Utah's newly appointed U.S. marshal has instructions from the Republican administration in Washington, D.C., to "do as he was directed by the heads of the Mormon Church... He had expressed his willingness to do so, and had sent such word to the Presidency."
[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 )]]
180 years ago today - 1842 October 27
John C. Bennett publishes "History of the Saints; or, an Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism."
[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]
45 years ago today - Oct 26, 1977
Some students in Brigham Young University's Washington, D.C., seminar were recruited to "spy" on professors there. One of the student reports of faculty surveillance intended for Ezra Taft Benson's office instead ended up on the desk of Mark E. Petersen. After being informed of this "spy ring" by Apostle Petersen, BYU's president Dallin H. Oaks angrily referred to "that Birch Mafia that surrounds ETB." Apostle Benson had put William O. Nelson in charge of this most recent effort at BYU espionage. Nelson was Benson's secretary in the Church Administration Building.
[Duane E. Jeffery memorandum, 26 Oct. 1977, folder 28, box 6, Buerger Papers.; 299. "LDS Official Acknowledges Church Monitors Critics," Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Aug. 1992, D-l; "LDS Leaders Say Scripture Supports Secret Files on Members," Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Aug. 1992, B-1. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Duane E. Jeffery memorandum, 26 Oct. 1977, folder 28, box 6, Buerger Papers.; 299. "LDS Official Acknowledges Church Monitors Critics," Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Aug. 1992, D-l; "LDS Leaders Say Scripture Supports Secret Files on Members," Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Aug. 1992, B-1. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
60 years ago today - 22 & Oct 26, 1962
In response to Benson's conference statement that "No true Latter-day Saint can be a socialist or a communist," a University of Utah student from Norway countered that "more than half" of Norwegian Mormons vote for the socialist Labor Party. This student concluded: "I am glad the president of the Church has taken a stand against Communism. But I do not think it is the responsibility of any other speaker in the tabernacle to give his own political opinions regarding welfare states." In equally public responses, other LDS students attacked this Mormon undergraduate for criticizing Benson.
[Kjell Nilsen, letters to the editor, Daily Utah Chronicle, 22 Oct. 1962, 2, and 26 Oct. 1962,2, to which Allen Mickelsen and Jim Wanek responded in Daily Utah Chronicle, 24 Oct. 1962, 2, and 25 Oct. 1962, 2. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Kjell Nilsen, letters to the editor, Daily Utah Chronicle, 22 Oct. 1962, 2, and 26 Oct. 1962,2, to which Allen Mickelsen and Jim Wanek responded in Daily Utah Chronicle, 24 Oct. 1962, 2, and 25 Oct. 1962, 2. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
60 years ago today - Oct 26, 1962
Ezra Taft Benson asks David O. McKay to sanction his son Reeds appointment as the John Birch state coordinator for Utah, to which McKay responds: "I have heard about the John Birch Society, and everything so far has been negative, so it is up to you and Reed as to whether or not this position is accepted. ... "I said, 'I have nothing whatever to do with it.' Brother Benson said that Reed would not go into this if I told him not to, and I said that this is a matter that I shall leave entirely with him and Reed."
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
100 years ago today - Oct 26, 1922
[George F. Richards]
INSTRUCTIONS TO TEMPLE WORKERS Temple workers should be recommended the same as other people, and their recommends should be renewed every six months. ... Those who wait upon others should be careful to keep their breath sweet and their fingernails clean. Foul breath may be caused through neglect of the teeth, or over eating; through lack of exercise or of pure air or by neglecting to drink plenty of water. ... There should be no discriminating for or against any person or class of persons. ...
[George F. Richards, Oct. 26, 1922, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
INSTRUCTIONS TO TEMPLE WORKERS Temple workers should be recommended the same as other people, and their recommends should be renewed every six months. ... Those who wait upon others should be careful to keep their breath sweet and their fingernails clean. Foul breath may be caused through neglect of the teeth, or over eating; through lack of exercise or of pure air or by neglecting to drink plenty of water. ... There should be no discriminating for or against any person or class of persons. ...
[George F. Richards, Oct. 26, 1922, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Oct 26, 1897 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
Brother Sjodahl called and reported his mission to Stockholm to carry the Book of Mormon in an onyx box to the King of Norway and Sweden. It was very gratifying to hear his report of the manner in which he was received.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Brother Sjodahl called and reported his mission to Stockholm to carry the Book of Mormon in an onyx box to the King of Norway and Sweden. It was very gratifying to hear his report of the manner in which he was received.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Oct 26, 1887
[Wilford woodruff to James Martineau]
Your letter of the 18th inst. in which you express your wishes concerning an Indian girl who has been sealed to you receiving her second anointing, and also respecting her doing work for 7 or 8 of the early martyrs, unmarried women, and having them sealed to you, has been received. I think it is better for you to defer the ordinance of second anointing for this Indian girl who has been sealed to you since her death. It will be no los[s] to her for the present. As to the martyrs of whom you speak, we see no impropriety in having the ordinance of baptism attended to for them, especially if you know who they are: but before having them sealed to you, you should certainly have some knowledge of them and of your right to have them, as others may claim that they have a better right than you hereafter.
[Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Oct. 26, 1887, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Your letter of the 18th inst. in which you express your wishes concerning an Indian girl who has been sealed to you receiving her second anointing, and also respecting her doing work for 7 or 8 of the early martyrs, unmarried women, and having them sealed to you, has been received. I think it is better for you to defer the ordinance of second anointing for this Indian girl who has been sealed to you since her death. It will be no los[s] to her for the present. As to the martyrs of whom you speak, we see no impropriety in having the ordinance of baptism attended to for them, especially if you know who they are: but before having them sealed to you, you should certainly have some knowledge of them and of your right to have them, as others may claim that they have a better right than you hereafter.
[Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Oct. 26, 1887, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
140 years ago today - Oct 26, 1882 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
Bro. Seymour B. Young enquired of me my views this evening respecting his taking another wife — whether under the present circumstances he ought to go on and risk the consequences of discovery &c. I talked very plainly to him, gave him my experience, and said that under the circumstances I knew very well that I should feel it was an imperative duty to obey that command, putting my trust in the Lord who had given the command. He compared himself to the young man to whom the Savior made the reply about giving his goods to the poor. "He went away sorrowful."
[John Taylor had recently received a revelation indicatig that church leaders should be practicing plural marriage. The revelation stated "You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up the vacancy in the presiding quorum of Seventies, if he will conform to my law."]
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Bro. Seymour B. Young enquired of me my views this evening respecting his taking another wife — whether under the present circumstances he ought to go on and risk the consequences of discovery &c. I talked very plainly to him, gave him my experience, and said that under the circumstances I knew very well that I should feel it was an imperative duty to obey that command, putting my trust in the Lord who had given the command. He compared himself to the young man to whom the Savior made the reply about giving his goods to the poor. "He went away sorrowful."
[John Taylor had recently received a revelation indicatig that church leaders should be practicing plural marriage. The revelation stated "You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up the vacancy in the presiding quorum of Seventies, if he will conform to my law."]
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Oct 26, 1862
... [Brigham Young] wished to say that he considered it important that some regulations should be made in each ward of this city by which the people might be kept from associating with the troops that have come into our city. To this end he recommended that the teachers of the several wards should be constituted policemen to look after the interests of the people, and that there be added to the present number of teachers in each ward sufficient to make the aggregate in each ward 36; that if these teachers became suspicious of any persons in their wards, they should watch them day and night until they learned what they were doing and who frequented their houses. If they found any of the sisters going to camp, no matter under what pretence, they should cast them off from the Church forthwith. He also wished them to select and appoint a committee of one or two in each ward to agree upon and make known to the Wards a list of prices, to have the people do all their trading with the camp through that committee, so that a standard price would be established for every article. ... It was also decided to pull out the warm spring bath, that there might not be that opportunity which at present exists, for loose characters to make it a meeting place for the carrying out of their wicked purposes. Mayor Smoot was instructed to see that the City Council take steps to further regulate and restrain the selling of liquor. Council then adjourned till Monday night at half past six. Benediction by Elder John Taylor. J[ohn]. V. Long, Clerk of meeting
[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]
165 years ago today - Oct 26, 1857
President Young said if an army comes to help them [U.S. troops approaching Utah] in the spring we will use up [IE destroy] this army first & then we will use up the others before they get to the South Pass. In the spring we must ask Allexander what He intends to do. Inform him He must not stay there untill He gets reinforcements in the spring and if they will not leave in the spring we will use them up first the best we Can. In 10 days we can put 2,000 men around them which would soon use them up. I do not believe that they will have 500 fighting men in the spring. They are in a vary Critical situation. They say they have no other way to get a living for their families but to war. I think it is better to let the Army alone this winter. They will die many of them and others desert & many be weakened with the scurvey & in the spring we will wipe them out if necessary if they do not go away.
We do all of our Business in the name of Israel God and they in their own way.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We do all of our Business in the name of Israel God and they in their own way.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
30 years ago today - Oct 25, 1992
Based on the instructions of a general authority in October 1992, stake presidents prepared a list of twenty warning signs of apostasy. Third on this list was "John Birch membership or leanings."
["Profile of the Splinter Group Members or Others with Troublesome Ideologies." This list was based on instructions to stake presidents by Second Quorum of Seventy member Malcolm S. Jeppsen in his "We Shall Not Be Led Astray," especially on page 8 of his computer print-out, 25 Oct. 1992. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
["Profile of the Splinter Group Members or Others with Troublesome Ideologies." This list was based on instructions to stake presidents by Second Quorum of Seventy member Malcolm S. Jeppsen in his "We Shall Not Be Led Astray," especially on page 8 of his computer print-out, 25 Oct. 1992. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
80 years ago today - Oct 25, 1942
At his own request, Joseph F. Smith gave his first patriarchal blessing as Patriarch to the Church to Heber J. Grant.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Oct 25, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
John W. Taylor expressed it as his opinion that it would be much better if all of our business in relation to a State was transacted through the Council of Fifty.
Prest Woodruff said it would be all right for the Council of Fifty to meet and attend to this matter but under existing circumstances it would not be safe to have them do so.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
John W. Taylor expressed it as his opinion that it would be much better if all of our business in relation to a State was transacted through the Council of Fifty.
Prest Woodruff said it would be all right for the Council of Fifty to meet and attend to this matter but under existing circumstances it would not be safe to have them do so.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
140 years ago today - Oct 25, 1882
[Franklin D. Richards]
By 10-10 train to City'-had conversation with G[eorge]. Q. C[annon]. & F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. on the causes of [apostle] Amasa [Lyman']s departure from the faith'-I thought it was because he wasn't well grounded in the faith of the Atonement wrought out by our Saviour'-George said Pres[iden]t [Brigham] Young told him that Amasa had lifted his heel against the Lord's anointed.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
By 10-10 train to City'-had conversation with G[eorge]. Q. C[annon]. & F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. on the causes of [apostle] Amasa [Lyman']s departure from the faith'-I thought it was because he wasn't well grounded in the faith of the Atonement wrought out by our Saviour'-George said Pres[iden]t [Brigham] Young told him that Amasa had lifted his heel against the Lord's anointed.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
180 years ago today - Oct 25, 1842
[Heber C. Kimball to Vilate Kimball]
"... I could weep like a child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one moment have been the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you must have many bad feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time, I assure you that you have not been out of my mind many minutes at a time, since I left you. My feelings are of that kind that it makes me sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to eat. My temptations are so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have to lay down and die, I feel as if I must sink beneath it. I go into the woods every chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that he would deliver me and bless you my dear wife, and the first I would know I would be in tears weeping like a child about you and the situation that I am in; but what can I do but go ahead? My dear Vilate do not let it cast you down for the Lord is on our side; this I know from what I see and realize and I marvel at it many times. You are tried and tempted and I am sorry for you, for I know how to pity you. I can say that I never suffered more in all my life than since these things come to pass; and as I have said, so say I again, I have felt as if I should sink and die. Oh my God! I ask thee in the name of Jesus to bless my dear Vilate and comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation, and from all sorrow and open her eyes and let her see things as they are, for Father thou knowest our sorrow; be pleased to look upon thy poor servant and handmaid and grant us the privilege of living the same length of time that one may not go before the other, for thou knowest that we desire this with all our hearts ... "
[Letter: Heber C. Kimball to Vilate Kimball, in Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
"... I could weep like a child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one moment have been the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you must have many bad feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time, I assure you that you have not been out of my mind many minutes at a time, since I left you. My feelings are of that kind that it makes me sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to eat. My temptations are so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have to lay down and die, I feel as if I must sink beneath it. I go into the woods every chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that he would deliver me and bless you my dear wife, and the first I would know I would be in tears weeping like a child about you and the situation that I am in; but what can I do but go ahead? My dear Vilate do not let it cast you down for the Lord is on our side; this I know from what I see and realize and I marvel at it many times. You are tried and tempted and I am sorry for you, for I know how to pity you. I can say that I never suffered more in all my life than since these things come to pass; and as I have said, so say I again, I have felt as if I should sink and die. Oh my God! I ask thee in the name of Jesus to bless my dear Vilate and comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation, and from all sorrow and open her eyes and let her see things as they are, for Father thou knowest our sorrow; be pleased to look upon thy poor servant and handmaid and grant us the privilege of living the same length of time that one may not go before the other, for thou knowest that we desire this with all our hearts ... "
[Letter: Heber C. Kimball to Vilate Kimball, in Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
70 years ago today - Oct 24, 1952
[J. Reuben Clark]
President Clark called Emily Bennett about the call he had just had with Mrs. Manning [of Ogden]; he said that Mrs. Manning had said they were told not to represent negroes on the stage because Pres. Clark said they should not; that he said to her, that he had no recollection of ever having said such a thing, and he had never thought of such a thing ...
President Clark said that he asked Mrs. Manning if they were making fun of the negro, and said he thought they ought [not] to do that, and repeated his attitude toward the intermarriage of races, that he does not like to see things that breaks down the color line ... He repeated he did not think they should make fun of them. He said that he had a deep sympathy for the negroes, but that did not mean he would want one of his children to marry one, and he did not want them to dance with them, and he did not approve of the breaking down of the color line because anything that breaks down the color line leads to marriage.
Sister Bennett said they would tell their people that they have no objection to having colored people portrayed if they are not belittled in any way or made fun of.
President Clark said that he was only telling her what his view was, that he could not speak for the Church or the First Presidency, but since he was tied up to the matter he wanted to try to correct the wrong impression, and repeated that he was not against the portraying of the negro but he did not want him made fun of, which, of course, does not mean that they might not have a character which was humorous or comic, and stated that the Amos and Andy shows were examples of that.
Sister Bennett said that the road show at which Sister Longden recently had taken a negro woman high up in some recreation organization had portrayed a negro as a dirty, indolent tramp and they had been quite embarrassed. Pres. Clark said there again there would have to be the question of just what was intended to be portrayed, that they have dirty, indolent tramps who are whites, and we make fun of white people; but what they would have to watch was anything that would degrade them or wound them.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
President Clark called Emily Bennett about the call he had just had with Mrs. Manning [of Ogden]; he said that Mrs. Manning had said they were told not to represent negroes on the stage because Pres. Clark said they should not; that he said to her, that he had no recollection of ever having said such a thing, and he had never thought of such a thing ...
President Clark said that he asked Mrs. Manning if they were making fun of the negro, and said he thought they ought [not] to do that, and repeated his attitude toward the intermarriage of races, that he does not like to see things that breaks down the color line ... He repeated he did not think they should make fun of them. He said that he had a deep sympathy for the negroes, but that did not mean he would want one of his children to marry one, and he did not want them to dance with them, and he did not approve of the breaking down of the color line because anything that breaks down the color line leads to marriage.
Sister Bennett said they would tell their people that they have no objection to having colored people portrayed if they are not belittled in any way or made fun of.
President Clark said that he was only telling her what his view was, that he could not speak for the Church or the First Presidency, but since he was tied up to the matter he wanted to try to correct the wrong impression, and repeated that he was not against the portraying of the negro but he did not want him made fun of, which, of course, does not mean that they might not have a character which was humorous or comic, and stated that the Amos and Andy shows were examples of that.
Sister Bennett said that the road show at which Sister Longden recently had taken a negro woman high up in some recreation organization had portrayed a negro as a dirty, indolent tramp and they had been quite embarrassed. Pres. Clark said there again there would have to be the question of just what was intended to be portrayed, that they have dirty, indolent tramps who are whites, and we make fun of white people; but what they would have to watch was anything that would degrade them or wound them.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
95 years ago today - Oct 24, 1927
B. H. Roberts writes to Apostle Richard R. Lyman about his decision to not present further Book of Mormon problems he has uncovered to the Quorum of the Twelve. He does, however, present Lyman with an eighteen-page document titled "A Parallel" which shows numerous parallels between the Book of Mormon and Ethan Smith's "View of the Hebrews" published in Vermont before the Book of Mormon. Copies of "A Parallel" circulates in the Mormon underground during the late 1920s and through the early 1940s. It is finally published in the "Rocky Mountain Mason" in 1956 and later is circulated widely being available on the internet.
145 years ago today - Oct 24, 1877
[Franklin D. Richards]
Voted to suspend publication of Book of Mormon in Phonetics &c., etc. {Brigham Young, who died earlier this year, was the primary proponant of the Deseret Alphabet.]
[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Voted to suspend publication of Book of Mormon in Phonetics &c., etc. {Brigham Young, who died earlier this year, was the primary proponant of the Deseret Alphabet.]
[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
185 years ago today - (Tue) Oct 24, 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon tried by state of Ohio for unauthorized banking and each fined $1000. An "appeals court" confirms the conviction and $1,000 fine each of Smith and Rigdon for operating an illegal bank.
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
25 years ago today - Oct 23, 1997
Orgazmo, a film critical of Mormonism, gains theatrical release.
[Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
[Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
70 years ago today - Oct 23, 1952
Apostle Henry D. Moyle expresses opposition in a meeting of the First Presidency and apostles concerning a proposal to add lace to the temple garments for women. The Temple council meeting approves this on 4 Dec.
[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 )]]
95 years ago today - Oct 23, 1927
Mesa Arizona Temple; Location: Mesa, Arizona, US; Announcement: 3 October 1919; Dedication: 23 October 1927 by Heber J. Grant; Rededication: 16 April 1975 by Spencer W. Kimball; Style: Solomon's Temple, no spire; Notes: The first temple to offer ordinances in a language other than English (Spanish).
[Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]
[Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 23, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
While there a question arose as to whether the elders going to Samoa would be permitted to take their wives. In answer to this question Pres. Smith said it would depend largely upon the character of the wives. If they were women of faith and good example, there would be no objection to their going.
[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]
While there a question arose as to whether the elders going to Samoa would be permitted to take their wives. In answer to this question Pres. Smith said it would depend largely upon the character of the wives. If they were women of faith and good example, there would be no objection to their going.
[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]
170 years ago today - Oct 23, 1852
Patriarchal Blessing of Jesse W. Johnstun ... yo[u] Shall be blessed yo[u] Shall have power to Be brake the waves of the sea and the storming winds shalt obey yo[u] to turn Rivers out of their courses like Enoch of old to caus[e] storms to brak[e] forth in dry places and by faith in the priesthood thou Shalt be able to feed thousands in the wilderness in time of famin[e] ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Oct 23, 1842 - Sunday
This day the Temple Committee laid before the Saints the propriety and advantages of laying a temporary floor on the Temple that the brethren could henceforth meet in the Temple to Worship instead of meeting in the grove. This was the instructions of Presi dent Joseph: The saints seemed to rejoice at this privilege very much.
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
230 years ago today - Oct 23, 1792
[A Discourse, Intended to Commemorate the Discovery of America By Christopher Columbus, 1792]
"Regarding the original inhabitants of America: "For three centuries this has been a subject of debate among the learned... The claims of Hanno the Carthaginian, of Madoc the Welchman, of the seven Bishops of Spain, and the ten tribes of Israel, have had their several advocates...
He wonders why the gospel was "... not brought by the Apostles to America, as well as propagated in the several regions of the old continent? To solve this difficulty, it has been alleged that America was known to the ancients; and that it was enlightened by the personal ministry of the Apostles."
"If we survey the whole continent, from the first discovery of America, to the present time, the number of converts to christianity, among the Indians, bears but a small proportion to those, who have [died] .... If the truths of our holy religion are to be propagated among the savages, it will become us to consider, whether we had not better first agree among ourselves, what these truths are. ... If the christian religion is to be propagated, without the assistance of miracles, among the savages of this continent, it must be in some such manner as the Moravians have attempted"
Included are the words to a song performed for the occasion that include: America "form'ed by God's creating hand" the "Ocean kept his sacred charge" to conceal the new world while Europe faltered through war, superstitition, and anti-science under "monastic rubbish ... and pure religion quite were lost." ... "Then, guided by th' Almighty Hand, Columbus" discovers the new world set aside for "pure religion." ... The Lord acted as "shield and sword" against those who threatened America and "Heav'nly truth shall shine on fair Columbia's happy ground; There Freedom and Religion join and spread their influences all around."
He weighs in on the debate of whether the honey bee was native to America or imported.
He also speculates that native Americans may have arrived in two separate groups, both by ship in the 12th and 13th centuries.
[Jeremy Belknap, A Discourse, Intended to Commemorate the Discovery of America By Christopher Columbus, in Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
"Regarding the original inhabitants of America: "For three centuries this has been a subject of debate among the learned... The claims of Hanno the Carthaginian, of Madoc the Welchman, of the seven Bishops of Spain, and the ten tribes of Israel, have had their several advocates...
He wonders why the gospel was "... not brought by the Apostles to America, as well as propagated in the several regions of the old continent? To solve this difficulty, it has been alleged that America was known to the ancients; and that it was enlightened by the personal ministry of the Apostles."
"If we survey the whole continent, from the first discovery of America, to the present time, the number of converts to christianity, among the Indians, bears but a small proportion to those, who have [died] .... If the truths of our holy religion are to be propagated among the savages, it will become us to consider, whether we had not better first agree among ourselves, what these truths are. ... If the christian religion is to be propagated, without the assistance of miracles, among the savages of this continent, it must be in some such manner as the Moravians have attempted"
Included are the words to a song performed for the occasion that include: America "form'ed by God's creating hand" the "Ocean kept his sacred charge" to conceal the new world while Europe faltered through war, superstitition, and anti-science under "monastic rubbish ... and pure religion quite were lost." ... "Then, guided by th' Almighty Hand, Columbus" discovers the new world set aside for "pure religion." ... The Lord acted as "shield and sword" against those who threatened America and "Heav'nly truth shall shine on fair Columbia's happy ground; There Freedom and Religion join and spread their influences all around."
He weighs in on the debate of whether the honey bee was native to America or imported.
He also speculates that native Americans may have arrived in two separate groups, both by ship in the 12th and 13th centuries.
[Jeremy Belknap, A Discourse, Intended to Commemorate the Discovery of America By Christopher Columbus, in Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
65 years ago today - Oct 22, 1957
[J. Reuben Clark]
Mr. Hurst of the Forest Service in Ogden called. He has received a call from Washington (Edward P. Cliff, Assistant Chief'native Utahn), and has been asked to discuss the matter of Pres. Clark's preference out in Grantsville with Pres. Clark. He and Mr. Jacobs (Sanpete man) of his office would like to come down to Salt Lake tomorrow to see Pres. Clark.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Mr. Hurst of the Forest Service in Ogden called. He has received a call from Washington (Edward P. Cliff, Assistant Chief'native Utahn), and has been asked to discuss the matter of Pres. Clark's preference out in Grantsville with Pres. Clark. He and Mr. Jacobs (Sanpete man) of his office would like to come down to Salt Lake tomorrow to see Pres. Clark.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
175 years ago today - Oct 22, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
22nd We travled 14 miles & camped on the open prairie by A slew of water. I have taken Cold & did not feel well to day. 14.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
22nd We travled 14 miles & camped on the open prairie by A slew of water. I have taken Cold & did not feel well to day. 14.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Oct 22, 1837
Twenty-two Mormons are disfellowshipped at church headquarters in Kirtland for "uniting with the world [non-Mormons] in a dance-"
45 years ago today - Oct 21, 1977
[Michael Quinn]
... I went to the home of [LDS Presiding] Patriarch Eldred G. Smith at the invitation of his son Gary. Gary invited me there so that I could begin a study of the Presiding Patriarch from the perspective of the patriarch. I stayed with these two men in one of the most absorbing and fascinating meetings I have ever been in. It lasted from 10 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday morning. Patriarch Smith showed me his "relics" of Hyrum Smith ... During the hours of our meeting, Eldred G. Smith disclosed many fascinating and disturbing things concerning his deprivation of the patriarchal office from the death of his father [Hyrum G. Smith] in 1932 until his appointment in 1947. After nearly 10 years without a Presiding Patriarch of the Smith line, when the Quorum of 12 and Heber J. Grant had been at an impasse over whom to appoint (the Quorum wanting Eldred G. Smith & Heber J. Grant wanting a descendant of Joseph F. Smith), Heber J. Grant called Eldred into his office. He told him that Joseph F. Smith, the grandson of his namesake, was going to be appointed Presiding Patriarch at this conference [in 1942]. Eldred was of course deeply disappointed … President Grant responded: "Because I want you to know why I will never appoint a descendant of John Smith as Patriarch. I hate the man who would brazenly disobey the Word of Wisdom!"
When Eldred asked Pres. Grant if it was necessary to punish him for the actions of his great-grandfather John Smith who had died when Eldred was too young to really know him, President Grant replied: "Yes. No descendant of John Smith will be appointed Patriarch to the Church as long as I live." … Eldred also commented on the extent to which his activities have been curtailed in respect to the activities of his father as Presiding Patriarch. … …
As I left at 1 a.m., Patriarch Smith put his arm around my shoulder and then shook my hand. He said that I should come to his office or home to obtain the other information I wanted for the project his son had asked me to begin. His last words that I remember were: "I am glad that you could spend this time with us, so that you could see that our bark is worse than our bite."
I left the home, carrying with me xerox copies of the Hyrum Smith holographs, the John Smith journals, and the Hyrum G. Smith notebooks. It was certainly the most extraordinary meeting I have ever had with a General Authority of the LDS Church.
[From Quinn's 1988 memoir:] The Patriarch [also] showed me what he described as a "cabalistic" document that had been "passed down" from Joseph Sr. to Hyrum, and from Hyrum's widow to each eldest son in turn. Eldred Smith asked what I thought of it.
Staring at this gold-colored parchment, inscribed with numerous symbols and words in various languages, I said it was "certainly unusual." I didn't have a clue what any of it meant, and no idea why Joseph Smith Sr. had possessed something so strange in the early nineteenth century. I wasn't ignorant of Cabala as a medieval Jewish system of occult knowledge. I remembered a brief discussion of it in James A. Michener's historical novel, The Source, but had long-since forgotten what the Encyclopaedia Britannica said about it. Still, I had absolutely no interest in such an arcane topic, and quickly asked Patriarch Smith to show me the journal of his ancestor Hyrum. THAT was evidence I could understand and interpret immediately. I was so tunnel-visioned at this time that I didn't even think of the talk that LDS Institute director Reed C. Durham Jr. had given three years earlier [at the 1974 annual conference of the Mormon History Association]. I'd carefully read a typescript of his emphasis on Joseph Smith's connection to the occult through a "Jupiter Talisman." There were dots to connect, but I didn't see them while looking at the golden parchment or remembering it vaguely for years after tonight. Some non-Mormon scholars would have recognized the Joseph Smith Family's artifact as a "lamen" of ritual magic. However, I was unaware of ANY context for the strange item that Eldred Smith had shown to me tonight, and my daily journal didn't even mention something that seemed so unimportant. … In eight years, I would no longer be indifferent to the artifact Eldred Smith showed me tonight. Its existence and inscriptions became keys for my understanding the participation of Joseph Sr. and Jr. in the occult activity of the treasure-quest during the early 1820s.
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
... I went to the home of [LDS Presiding] Patriarch Eldred G. Smith at the invitation of his son Gary. Gary invited me there so that I could begin a study of the Presiding Patriarch from the perspective of the patriarch. I stayed with these two men in one of the most absorbing and fascinating meetings I have ever been in. It lasted from 10 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday morning. Patriarch Smith showed me his "relics" of Hyrum Smith ... During the hours of our meeting, Eldred G. Smith disclosed many fascinating and disturbing things concerning his deprivation of the patriarchal office from the death of his father [Hyrum G. Smith] in 1932 until his appointment in 1947. After nearly 10 years without a Presiding Patriarch of the Smith line, when the Quorum of 12 and Heber J. Grant had been at an impasse over whom to appoint (the Quorum wanting Eldred G. Smith & Heber J. Grant wanting a descendant of Joseph F. Smith), Heber J. Grant called Eldred into his office. He told him that Joseph F. Smith, the grandson of his namesake, was going to be appointed Presiding Patriarch at this conference [in 1942]. Eldred was of course deeply disappointed … President Grant responded: "Because I want you to know why I will never appoint a descendant of John Smith as Patriarch. I hate the man who would brazenly disobey the Word of Wisdom!"
When Eldred asked Pres. Grant if it was necessary to punish him for the actions of his great-grandfather John Smith who had died when Eldred was too young to really know him, President Grant replied: "Yes. No descendant of John Smith will be appointed Patriarch to the Church as long as I live." … Eldred also commented on the extent to which his activities have been curtailed in respect to the activities of his father as Presiding Patriarch. … …
As I left at 1 a.m., Patriarch Smith put his arm around my shoulder and then shook my hand. He said that I should come to his office or home to obtain the other information I wanted for the project his son had asked me to begin. His last words that I remember were: "I am glad that you could spend this time with us, so that you could see that our bark is worse than our bite."
I left the home, carrying with me xerox copies of the Hyrum Smith holographs, the John Smith journals, and the Hyrum G. Smith notebooks. It was certainly the most extraordinary meeting I have ever had with a General Authority of the LDS Church.
[From Quinn's 1988 memoir:] The Patriarch [also] showed me what he described as a "cabalistic" document that had been "passed down" from Joseph Sr. to Hyrum, and from Hyrum's widow to each eldest son in turn. Eldred Smith asked what I thought of it.
Staring at this gold-colored parchment, inscribed with numerous symbols and words in various languages, I said it was "certainly unusual." I didn't have a clue what any of it meant, and no idea why Joseph Smith Sr. had possessed something so strange in the early nineteenth century. I wasn't ignorant of Cabala as a medieval Jewish system of occult knowledge. I remembered a brief discussion of it in James A. Michener's historical novel, The Source, but had long-since forgotten what the Encyclopaedia Britannica said about it. Still, I had absolutely no interest in such an arcane topic, and quickly asked Patriarch Smith to show me the journal of his ancestor Hyrum. THAT was evidence I could understand and interpret immediately. I was so tunnel-visioned at this time that I didn't even think of the talk that LDS Institute director Reed C. Durham Jr. had given three years earlier [at the 1974 annual conference of the Mormon History Association]. I'd carefully read a typescript of his emphasis on Joseph Smith's connection to the occult through a "Jupiter Talisman." There were dots to connect, but I didn't see them while looking at the golden parchment or remembering it vaguely for years after tonight. Some non-Mormon scholars would have recognized the Joseph Smith Family's artifact as a "lamen" of ritual magic. However, I was unaware of ANY context for the strange item that Eldred Smith had shown to me tonight, and my daily journal didn't even mention something that seemed so unimportant. … In eight years, I would no longer be indifferent to the artifact Eldred Smith showed me tonight. Its existence and inscriptions became keys for my understanding the participation of Joseph Sr. and Jr. in the occult activity of the treasure-quest during the early 1820s.
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
100 years ago today - Oct 21, 1922
Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith counseled local patriarch Joseph A. Quibell about "cranks" and others who go about trying to get a blessing from every patriarch they meet: "I think every member of the Church should have at least one blessing . . . and for that purpose the Stake Patriarchs are placed in the church-for it is an utter impossibility for the Patriarch of the Church to bless all the people. I think all members of the Church may receive blessings in the stakes, and then those who are fortunate enough may receive one from the Presiding Patriarch-then they should be well blessed for this life."
105 years ago today - Oct 21, 1917
Joseph F. Smith's two counselors write to President Smith: "It surely appears that important events are rapidly moving on towards 'the great consummation,'" World War II has made this millenial sentiment common.
145 years ago today - Oct 21, 1877
[Wilford Woodruff]
I agreed to pay my monthly donation to that Temple. I paid down $2 for 4 Months. At the Close of the Meeting the people Came forward & paid $47 on the 50 cts donation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I agreed to pay my monthly donation to that Temple. I paid down $2 for 4 Months. At the Close of the Meeting the people Came forward & paid $47 on the 50 cts donation.
[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 - Oct 21, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
Presidet Young said Here are the officers around me. I will Call a Council of War. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidet Young said Here are the officers around me. I will Call a Council of War. ...
[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 - Oct 21, 1852
[Hosea Stout]
Thursday 21 Oct. 1852. Travelled on this morning 12 miles to Joel Terrys who regaled us with what Beer we could drink.
At noon we found ourselves on the point of the Utah mountain where we took our last look at Great Salt Lake City. A light cloudy fog rested on it, in which we could see President Brigham Youngs House, like Solomons Temple in the midst of the glory of God.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Thursday 21 Oct. 1852. Travelled on this morning 12 miles to Joel Terrys who regaled us with what Beer we could drink.
At noon we found ourselves on the point of the Utah mountain where we took our last look at Great Salt Lake City. A light cloudy fog rested on it, in which we could see President Brigham Youngs House, like Solomons Temple in the midst of the glory of God.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
30 years ago today - Oct 20, 1992
Provo DAILY HERALD letter to the editor: "'BYU Students for Clinton' the sign blared at the Salt Lake airport at Clinton's departure. Excuse me! Is this the same pro-abortion, pro-gay rights, pro-excessive government, pro-immorality Clinton who has endeared himself to so many people with like values? Why would a BYU student support such a man for president? Bill Clinton stomps on every value that the LDS church and BYU stand for. . . . If abortion, homosexuality, and immorality are on Clinton's agenda, why would a morally upright person want to support him? What also must a teacher or teachers supporting Clinton be teaching students at BYU? BYU should clean house. There are thousands of 'liberal' arts colleges around to take the malcontents at BYU. Before Satan gets both feet in the door at BYU let those on the Lord's side stand up and be counted so that truth can prevail."
40 years ago today - Oct 20, 1982
The LDS Church purchases a letter written by David Whitmer for $10,000. The letter is purchased from Mark Hofmann and is one of his forgeries. Gordon B. Hinckley had authorized $15,000 for the purchase, but Hofmann reduced the price in a show of good will.
60 years ago today - Oct 20, 1962
The Church News announces the purchase of the church's first shortwave radio station, WRUL, in Boston and New York City. The purchase price is $1,771,850. The church sells its shortwave station in 1974 in response to satellite, cable, and videotape technologies.
[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 )]]
75 years ago today - Oct 20, 1947
[Spencer W. Kimball]
This October Conference was their first General Conference. They were guests of the colored members out in Mill Creek way and attended all the meetings. They desired a Patriarchal Blessing and in our meeting of the Presy and Council of Twelve we decided that colored people could have their blessings from Patriarchs'Pres. McKay had told them they could. The new Patriarch, Eldred Smith, was somewhat perplexed, he said, as to this new experience, so he spent the night in prayer and contemplation and finally felt impressed to indicate that they were 'associated with the line of Manassa.' After the blessings, Brother and Sister Hope told him that they had done considerable genealogical research and had found that each of them had found their ancestors had mixed with Indians so his impressions were verified.
[Spencer W. Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
This October Conference was their first General Conference. They were guests of the colored members out in Mill Creek way and attended all the meetings. They desired a Patriarchal Blessing and in our meeting of the Presy and Council of Twelve we decided that colored people could have their blessings from Patriarchs'Pres. McKay had told them they could. The new Patriarch, Eldred Smith, was somewhat perplexed, he said, as to this new experience, so he spent the night in prayer and contemplation and finally felt impressed to indicate that they were 'associated with the line of Manassa.' After the blessings, Brother and Sister Hope told him that they had done considerable genealogical research and had found that each of them had found their ancestors had mixed with Indians so his impressions were verified.
[Spencer W. Kimball, 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 - Oct 20, 1897 • Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
Another case was mentioned where a man had got possession of a piece of land by a tax title.
These cases were all discussed. Unfortunately, Brother Joseph F. Smith took another view of the matter from that which I did, and it made the conversation quite unpleasant. I felt very much chagrined at the turn affairs took; and as this is the second time that we have had a talk with the Presidency of the Stake, I feel as though I do not want, while this impression remains on my mind, to have any further conversation with them about matters of this kind.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Another case was mentioned where a man had got possession of a piece of land by a tax title.
These cases were all discussed. Unfortunately, Brother Joseph F. Smith took another view of the matter from that which I did, and it made the conversation quite unpleasant. I felt very much chagrined at the turn affairs took; and as this is the second time that we have had a talk with the Presidency of the Stake, I feel as though I do not want, while this impression remains on my mind, to have any further conversation with them about matters of this kind.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Oct 20, 1862 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
The President then arose and said, '"I will not ask any of the rest of the brethren to speak; I am going to preach a short sermon myself, and that is, go to and get out lumber to make yourselves bins, then thrash this wheat that you have raised in such abundance and take care of it, then when you have got these things done I will come and preach to you again.'" (This was the shortest sermon preached during the journey, but it was so significant that all who heard will doubtless remember it.) -- Willard, Utah
[Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
The President then arose and said, '"I will not ask any of the rest of the brethren to speak; I am going to preach a short sermon myself, and that is, go to and get out lumber to make yourselves bins, then thrash this wheat that you have raised in such abundance and take care of it, then when you have got these things done I will come and preach to you again.'" (This was the shortest sermon preached during the journey, but it was so significant that all who heard will doubtless remember it.) -- Willard, Utah
[Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, 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 - Oct 20, 1857
At 12 oclok Col Burton with his Command of Draggoons or minute men arived in this City in good health & spirits. Presidet Heber C Kimball addressed them a short time And said By virtue of the Office which I hold I bless you all in the name of the Lord & if you will live your religion & do right you shall none of you fall by the Hand of an Enemy. But you shall eat peaches & Apples in this valley untill you go to Jackson county Missouri & your Enemies shall not Conquer you. Keep your guns & fire locks in good order & do not waste your aminition for Naught. [There were no military deaths in Utah.]
[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]
180 years ago today - Oct 20, 1842
Apostle Orson Hyde writes to Apostle Orson Pratt that during a voyage from Beirut to Jaffa Hyde saw clearly in the sky "a very bright glittering sword. . .with a beautiful hilt, as plain and complete as any cut you ever saw. And, what is still more remarkable, an arm, with a perfect hand, stretched itself out and took hold of the hilt of the sword. The appearance really made my hair rise, and the flesh, as it were, to crawl on my bones. The Arabs made a wonderful outcry at the sight: 'O, Allah, Allah, Allah!' was their exclamation all over the vessel." In the letter Hyde explains, ""I mention this, because you know there is a commandment to me which says: 'Unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the sign of the coming of the Son of Man.'"
185 years ago today - Oct 20, 1837
Patriarchal Blessing of Walter M. Blanchard given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ...
At a Blessing Meeting held in the house of the Lord in Kirtland ... thou Shalt see thy redeemer Shalt See his hands and feet and behold the wounds thereof, thou Shalt have it to Say to this generation, that thou hast beheld the Lord of Glory the Lord will give the[e] power of thy enemies So that those that oppose the[e] Shall tremble yea brother thou Shalt be able to [illegible] the power of God nothing Shall hold the Prison bars & goals Shall not confine the[e] if thou wilt lay hold of the power of the Priesthood Waters and floods Shall not Surround the[e], thou Shalt be able to Subdue all things Though persecutors may Seek thy life, Though Assassins may aim their blows at thy boddy [body], yet their blows Shall fall on thy Shadow and not on thy boddy [body]
Thou Shalt have such a blessing as Melchizedeck confer[r]ed on the head of Abraham This blessing shall rest upon the[e] & upon thy posterity as long as the earth Shall Stand... thou Shalt have man Servents [Servants] & maid Servents ... thou Shalt Stand in the midsts & with the one hundred & forty & four thousand being able to Sing their Song thou Shalt stand with them in mount Zion when the Lord Shall come in the clouds of heaven with power & great glory, I Seal the name of God on thy forehead, thou must preach the Gospel to this generation ... By the power of the holy priesthood I Seal the[e] up unto eternal life Amen
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:130-131, 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]
At a Blessing Meeting held in the house of the Lord in Kirtland ... thou Shalt see thy redeemer Shalt See his hands and feet and behold the wounds thereof, thou Shalt have it to Say to this generation, that thou hast beheld the Lord of Glory the Lord will give the[e] power of thy enemies So that those that oppose the[e] Shall tremble yea brother thou Shalt be able to [illegible] the power of God nothing Shall hold the Prison bars & goals Shall not confine the[e] if thou wilt lay hold of the power of the Priesthood Waters and floods Shall not Surround the[e], thou Shalt be able to Subdue all things Though persecutors may Seek thy life, Though Assassins may aim their blows at thy boddy [body], yet their blows Shall fall on thy Shadow and not on thy boddy [body]
Thou Shalt have such a blessing as Melchizedeck confer[r]ed on the head of Abraham This blessing shall rest upon the[e] & upon thy posterity as long as the earth Shall Stand... thou Shalt have man Servents [Servants] & maid Servents ... thou Shalt Stand in the midsts & with the one hundred & forty & four thousand being able to Sing their Song thou Shalt stand with them in mount Zion when the Lord Shall come in the clouds of heaven with power & great glory, I Seal the name of God on thy forehead, thou must preach the Gospel to this generation ... By the power of the holy priesthood I Seal the[e] up unto eternal life Amen
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:130-131, 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]
80 years ago today - Oct 19, 1942
[Heber J. Grant]
[In San Marino, California] I called and had a nice long visit with Harry Chandler with Brother Richards. Mr. Chandler is one of the most influential, outstanding men in California and one of the wealthiest. He is the proprietor of the Los Angeles Times. He has always been a very strong friend of the Mormon people. I told him I wished J. Reuben Clark were to be the next President of the United States, and he said: 'So do I.'|
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[In San Marino, California] I called and had a nice long visit with Harry Chandler with Brother Richards. Mr. Chandler is one of the most influential, outstanding men in California and one of the wealthiest. He is the proprietor of the Los Angeles Times. He has always been a very strong friend of the Mormon people. I told him I wished J. Reuben Clark were to be the next President of the United States, and he said: 'So do I.'|
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
140 years ago today - Oct 19, 1882 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
Thursday Octr 19 1882. Another beautiful day. Have been engaged busily today in getting out the revelation in print for the use of the Twelve and Presidents of Stakes. Bro. D. H. Peery, President of the Weber Stake of Zion, tendered his resignation in writing to President Taylor today. He felt that others were better qualified to hold that position than he, as he had not obeyed the revelation on Celestial Marriage, and did not like, he said, in conversing with me to take a wife in order that he might hold an Office. I regretted this step because it left his action open to the inference that he did not intend to obey the revelation.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Thursday Octr 19 1882. Another beautiful day. Have been engaged busily today in getting out the revelation in print for the use of the Twelve and Presidents of Stakes. Bro. D. H. Peery, President of the Weber Stake of Zion, tendered his resignation in writing to President Taylor today. He felt that others were better qualified to hold that position than he, as he had not obeyed the revelation on Celestial Marriage, and did not like, he said, in conversing with me to take a wife in order that he might hold an Office. I regretted this step because it left his action open to the inference that he did not intend to obey the revelation.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
155 years ago today - Oct 19, 1867
[Wilford Woodruff]
Presidet H. C. Kimball wished me to write the following revelation: That if one limb on a tree was dying and all of the other limbs would unite together they Could save the dying limb. So with my family. I have a woman dying. If my wives & Children would unite with me & Exercise faith we Could save her.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidet H. C. Kimball wished me to write the following revelation: That if one limb on a tree was dying and all of the other limbs would unite together they Could save the dying limb. So with my family. I have a woman dying. If my wives & Children would unite with me & Exercise faith we Could save her.
[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 - Oct 19, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
... Capt Lot Smith & his Company Came near being Caught in a trap by the Enemy in the following manner:
About day break they Came near the Enemies camp & thought they saw a drove of mules a distance from the Camp. They made a Charge upon them to stampede them but as they rushed in among them they found they were mounted men & Could not stampede mounted draggoons. The Capt of the Company saluted and said Capt Smith you cannot see vary well good this morning. Capt Smith replied I Can see as well as you Can with your Blind Bridles on.
They looked at each other awhile then Lot Smith troted off at a slow pace but the Enemy tried to surround them & they had to gallop over a vary rough place to get away. When they got about 30 rods off from them they dismounted & took a dead rest & shot about 30 bullets at them. One ball passed through one mans Hat & another Ball grazed a horses leg. That was all the damage that was done. They might thank the Lord for the preservation of their lives. This is the first fireing done on Either side & this fireing was done by our Enemies, but no Blood shed unless it was Blood from a horses leg.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... Capt Lot Smith & his Company Came near being Caught in a trap by the Enemy in the following manner:
About day break they Came near the Enemies camp & thought they saw a drove of mules a distance from the Camp. They made a Charge upon them to stampede them but as they rushed in among them they found they were mounted men & Could not stampede mounted draggoons. The Capt of the Company saluted and said Capt Smith you cannot see vary well good this morning. Capt Smith replied I Can see as well as you Can with your Blind Bridles on.
They looked at each other awhile then Lot Smith troted off at a slow pace but the Enemy tried to surround them & they had to gallop over a vary rough place to get away. When they got about 30 rods off from them they dismounted & took a dead rest & shot about 30 bullets at them. One ball passed through one mans Hat & another Ball grazed a horses leg. That was all the damage that was done. They might thank the Lord for the preservation of their lives. This is the first fireing done on Either side & this fireing was done by our Enemies, but no Blood shed unless it was Blood from a horses leg.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
95 years ago today - Oct 18, 1927
Elder James E. Talmage rededicates the Holy Land on Mount Carmel.
[BYU Jerusalem Center Timeline, BYU Studies Quarterly, vol 59, no 4, 2020]
[BYU Jerusalem Center Timeline, BYU Studies Quarterly, vol 59, no 4, 2020]
140 years ago today - Oct 18, 1882 • Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
At 2 P.M. met with the Council of the Apostles. ... After prayer we separated to go and anoint. Bro. Chas. C. Rich. ... Bro. Woodruff's health did not permit of his taking any part, and I requested Bro. Jos. F. Smith to anoint Bro. Rich and Bro. F. M. Lyman to assist; after which we all gathered round his bed and bowed ourselves in prayer, laying hands upon him, I being mouth. The spirit of God rested down powerfully upon me in blessing him.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
At 2 P.M. met with the Council of the Apostles. ... After prayer we separated to go and anoint. Bro. Chas. C. Rich. ... Bro. Woodruff's health did not permit of his taking any part, and I requested Bro. Jos. F. Smith to anoint Bro. Rich and Bro. F. M. Lyman to assist; after which we all gathered round his bed and bowed ourselves in prayer, laying hands upon him, I being mouth. The spirit of God rested down powerfully upon me in blessing him.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Oct 18, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the prayer meeting in the evening. O P. Rockwell & Dunbar arived about [ ] oclok. Reported that there would be 700 Head of Cattle [stolen from the army] in in 2 days. Nothing decisive yet in relation to the army. He said some of the Brethren were ventersome and in danger of looseing their lives. He said one deserter informed him that the army were ownly fed on Quarter rations. The army are nearly starving to death.
[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 meeting in the evening. O P. Rockwell & Dunbar arived about [ ] oclok. Reported that there would be 700 Head of Cattle [stolen from the army] in in 2 days. Nothing decisive yet in relation to the army. He said some of the Brethren were ventersome and in danger of looseing their lives. He said one deserter informed him that the army were ownly fed on Quarter rations. The army are nearly starving to death.
[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 - Oct 18, 1857
William A. Hickman kills non-Mormon Richard Yates for trying to transport munitions to U.S. army. Hickman later implicates Britham Young, second counselor Daniel H. Wells, and Joseph A. Young in decision, and judge Hosea Stout in actual murder. In 1858 Mormon woman says that Yates "disappeared-'used up [killed] in the pocket of the Lord,' we call it-and Bill Hickman-one of the 'Destroyers'-passed through this very town, waved the overcoat of Yates, and riding his bay pony." Hickman later writes that he gave to President Young money he took from Yates's body. Despite arrest and pre-trial detention, all those indicted in 1871 for Yates murder are freed by U.S. Supreme Court in 1872 due to improper impaneling of juries. On the same day Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Brethren, our enemies never will inhabit these valleys if we do just as we are told from this time forth; and we will inhabit these valleys and will have power and victory over our enemies from this time henceforth and for ever. . . . I felt pretty well in Nauvoo, at the time brother Brigham was speaking of; though I did regret -perhaps I did wrong-but I did regret that peace was proclaimed so quick; for I tell you there were about one or two score of men I wanted to see under the sod; then I was willing to make peace: but I had to, as it was. We have made peace a great many times, and the United States have taken a course to make us do as they wished us; but let me tell you that day is past and gone, and we will now proclaim the course they will have to take; and they will have to make peace with us, and we never shall make peace with them again. Brother Brigham will designate the course they have got to take; and if they come here, they have got to give up their arms: they cannot come in here with a gun on their shoulders, or a pistol in their belts." Also on the same day Brigham Young preaches: "I would just as soon tell them as to tell you my mode of warfare. As the Lord God lives, we will waste our enemies by millions, if they send them here to destroy us, and not a man of us be hurt. That is the method I intend to pursue. Do you want to know what is going to be done with the enemies now on our borders? If they come here, I will tell you what will be done. As soon as they start to come hate our settlements, let sleep depart from their eyes and slumber from their eyelids until they sleep in death, for they have been warned and forewarned that we will not tamely submit to being destroyed. Men shall be secreted here and there and shall waste away our enemies, in the name of Israel's God. . . . I am going to observe the old maxim-'He that fights and runs away, Lives to fight another day.'"
5 years ago today - Oct 17, 2017
Pornography use as standard missionary question.
(Source/Hearsay: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; LDS; Direct).
[First Presidency, "Standard Interview Questions for Prospective Missionaries", October 17, 2017; Mormonr (mormonr.org/sources)]
(Source/Hearsay: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; LDS; Direct).
[First Presidency, "Standard Interview Questions for Prospective Missionaries", October 17, 2017; Mormonr (mormonr.org/sources)]
50 years ago today - Oct 17, 1972
L. Patrick Gray, FBI director, offers to help the LDS church security to protect members of the First Presidency against assassination attempts by Ervil LeBaron's followers.
[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 )]]
75 years ago today - Oct 17, 1947
[J. Reuben Clark]
Mr. Van Wagoner came in and Pres. Clark loaned to him a copy of his letter to George Bennion about marriage with a Japanese girl; he said he would copy it and send it. Pres. Clark requested that he omit names.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Mr. Van Wagoner came in and Pres. Clark loaned to him a copy of his letter to George Bennion about marriage with a Japanese girl; he said he would copy it and send it. Pres. Clark requested that he omit names.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
110 years ago today - Oct 17, 1912; Thursday
Pres[iden]t. Lyman remarked that the Twelve had been considering the case of Bro[ther]. [Judson] Tolman who had been deprived of his priesthood because he had performed unauthorized, illegal marriages, and had also entered into one himself. His family feel very bad about what has happened, and are pressing very much to have his priesthood restored to him. Bro[ther]. Lyman said that he reminded them that Bro[ther]. Tolman had not only acted without authority for others, but had married a woman himself since President Smith's declaration, and that personally he could not feel to put the seal of approval on what Bro[ther]. Tolman had done by restoring to him his priesthood, and it was very probable therefore that this could not be done during the lifetime of Bro[ther]. Tolman.
President Smith endorsed the position taken by Pres[iden]t. Lyman in regard to this matter. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
President Smith endorsed the position taken by Pres[iden]t. Lyman in regard to this matter. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Oct 17, 1892
[Heber J. Grant]
Pres Geo Q. Cannon presented some letters from parties asking for employment, and stated that the question of furnishing employment for those of our people who were not able to secure it was becoming a very important one, and after a long discussion the matter was referred to the Presiding Bishopric to endeavor to secure employment for those who were willing to work, or try and get them located in some country settlement where there was a favorable opening for them.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Pres Geo Q. Cannon presented some letters from parties asking for employment, and stated that the question of furnishing employment for those of our people who were not able to secure it was becoming a very important one, and after a long discussion the matter was referred to the Presiding Bishopric to endeavor to secure employment for those who were willing to work, or try and get them located in some country settlement where there was a favorable opening for them.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
130 years ago today - Oct 17, 1892
Iosepa Hawaiian Colony, Skull Valley, Utah-- As part of a new type of L.D.S. Church colonization in the late 1880's and the 1890's, joint stock companies were organized under the sponsorship of the Church. "The companies were incorporated, shares of stock were subscribed, dividends distributed and property rights precisely described and apportioned." The Iosepa Agricultural & Stock Company was one of those so formed, in 1889. This colony was founded in Skull Valley, Tooele County, Utah by a group of native Hawaiians who migrated from the Islands. This letter in 1892 appointed Harvey H. Cluff as the ecclesiastical leader and authority for the colony under the direction of the First Presidency but it is made plain that he was not to interfere in the temporal affairs of the colony which were being governed by the joint stock company. Church appointed leaders of colonies prior to this time usually had both ecclesiastical and temporal authority. ...
Salt Lake City, Oct. 17, 1892. Elder Harvey H. Cluff: DEAR BROTHER: You have been selected to take charge of the affairs of the settlement at Iosepa. ... ...
We remain your brethren,
WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH.
[1892-October 17-Cluff Family Journal, pp. 365-366, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Salt Lake City, Oct. 17, 1892. Elder Harvey H. Cluff: DEAR BROTHER: You have been selected to take charge of the affairs of the settlement at Iosepa. ... ...
We remain your brethren,
WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH.
[1892-October 17-Cluff Family Journal, pp. 365-366, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
140 years ago today - Oct 17, 1882
[Heber J. Grant]
The Question as to what constitutes the 1st Quorum of Seventies was asked by Bro. Eldredge. The question was referred to the 1st Presidency of the Church.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
The Question as to what constitutes the 1st Quorum of Seventies was asked by Bro. Eldredge. The question was referred to the 1st Presidency of the Church.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
140 years ago today - Oct 17, 1882
Annie Gallifant Connelly, despite her pregnancy, is the first Mormon woman sentenced to penitentiary for refusing to answer questions from a grand jury seeking to indict her polygamous husband. For a similar refusal, better-known Belle Harris is in a penitentiary with her infant child from 18 May-31 Aug. 1883.
[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 )]]
165 years ago today - Oct 17, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Brethren took 700 Head of Cattle from the Army while they were marching. I married & sealed Matthias Cowley & Sarah Elizabeth Foss at the Altar in the Bonds of matrimony at half past 7 oclock P.M.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Brethren took 700 Head of Cattle from the Army while they were marching. I married & sealed Matthias Cowley & Sarah Elizabeth Foss at the Altar in the Bonds of matrimony at half past 7 oclock P.M.
[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 - Oct 17, 1852
[Hosea Stout]
My son Hosea is now very sick and badly afflicted with canker and a high fever. It seems that the Destroyer is seeking to thwart the purposes of God by afflicting my family but I feel to say in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that the power of the destroyer shall be rebuked in my family that my children shall be healed and their lives and the life of my wife held precious before the Lord. That they shall be prospered and protected from all evil even untill I return from my mission because I know that it is the will of my heavenly father for it to be so. Which may God seal in the heavens. Amen.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
My son Hosea is now very sick and badly afflicted with canker and a high fever. It seems that the Destroyer is seeking to thwart the purposes of God by afflicting my family but I feel to say in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that the power of the destroyer shall be rebuked in my family that my children shall be healed and their lives and the life of my wife held precious before the Lord. That they shall be prospered and protected from all evil even untill I return from my mission because I know that it is the will of my heavenly father for it to be so. Which may God seal in the heavens. Amen.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
120 years ago today - Oct 16, 1902; Thursday
Bro[ther]s. James E. Talmage and George Reynolds had been appointed a committee to ascertain where a suitable place could be obtained for the museum properties until a home could be provided for the museum, the present quarters having to be vacated at the request of the State University, to whom it now belongs. These brethren reported in favor of the Social Hall or the Temple, and that the accommodation at the Temple were ample and highly recommended. It was decided to remove the museum to the upper room of the temple for the present, and to box the minerals and put them in the basement of the temple.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Oct 16, 1892
[Lorenzo Brown]
Took Breakfast at the House & drove * through Leeds to Harrisburg to dinner then to St George before night. * For a few days looking around town then commenced work in the Temple. Wife has found a list of names to work for & I am assisting her. I find the ceremonies the same as ever & am informed that the ceremonies as revised & corrected [and] are used in Logan & Manti have not been altered one whit but [are] word for word & [are] the same [as] will be used in the Salt Lake [temple].
[Lorenzo Brown diary, Oct. 16, 1892, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Took Breakfast at the House & drove * through Leeds to Harrisburg to dinner then to St George before night. * For a few days looking around town then commenced work in the Temple. Wife has found a list of names to work for & I am assisting her. I find the ceremonies the same as ever & am informed that the ceremonies as revised & corrected [and] are used in Logan & Manti have not been altered one whit but [are] word for word & [are] the same [as] will be used in the Salt Lake [temple].
[Lorenzo Brown diary, Oct. 16, 1892, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
140 years ago today - Monday, Oct 16, 1882
[John Henry Smith]
... I am satisfied that before another President over our Church is sustained The Twelve apostles will be compeled to have an understanding in relation to the duties of their respective quorums. The first President takes the whole business in his hands.
[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]
... I am satisfied that before another President over our Church is sustained The Twelve apostles will be compeled to have an understanding in relation to the duties of their respective quorums. The first President takes the whole business in his hands.
[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]
140 years ago today - Oct 16, 1882
[Heber J. Grant]
Recd a telegram from Apostle F. M. Lyman last evening telling me not to failing in Coming to Salt Lake today to attend a Council at 330 P.M. [He gives an account of his ordination as an apostle by George Q. Cannon, in connection with the rest of the First Presidency, and in the presence of the Quorum of Twelve and First Council of Seventy. Part of Cannon's ordination prayer reads:] We ordain thee to be a Prophet, a Seer, a Revelator, to have every key of authority connected with this holy Apostleship'it embodying all the power and all the authority that God ever vouchsafed to His children upon the earth ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Recd a telegram from Apostle F. M. Lyman last evening telling me not to failing in Coming to Salt Lake today to attend a Council at 330 P.M. [He gives an account of his ordination as an apostle by George Q. Cannon, in connection with the rest of the First Presidency, and in the presence of the Quorum of Twelve and First Council of Seventy. Part of Cannon's ordination prayer reads:] We ordain thee to be a Prophet, a Seer, a Revelator, to have every key of authority connected with this holy Apostleship'it embodying all the power and all the authority that God ever vouchsafed to His children upon the earth ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
140 years ago today - Oct 16, 1882
Ordination of the first Utah-born apostle, Heber J. Grant. Grant is also the first general authority who has previously experienced a nervous breakdown. As an apostle his debts result in chronic insomnia and nervousness that he frequently fears are pushing him toward another breakdown. Grant's concern for his emotional health is underscored by mental problems he later observes in four fellow general authorities.
[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 )]]
170 years ago today - Oct 16, 1852
[Wilford Woodruff]
Brother Joseph Young & J M. Grant Assisted in Blessing the Elders [missionaries]. The spirit & power of God rested upon us in a great degree. The Heaven was opened unto us & our minds was filled with visions Revelations & Prophecy & we sealed great Blessings upon their heads as we were moved upon by the Holy Ghost & we told them things that would befal them by sea & by land. They will do a great work & gather many saints & much wealth to Zion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother Joseph Young & J M. Grant Assisted in Blessing the Elders [missionaries]. The spirit & power of God rested upon us in a great degree. The Heaven was opened unto us & our minds was filled with visions Revelations & Prophecy & we sealed great Blessings upon their heads as we were moved upon by the Holy Ghost & we told them things that would befal them by sea & by land. They will do a great work & gather many saints & much wealth to Zion.
[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 - Oct 16, 1852
[Hosea Stout]
To day the Elders who are going on the Western missions met at the Council House to recieve their Blessings.... I recieved my blessing under the hands of Elder Wilford Woodruff one of the Twelve Apostles, which was as follows
Br Hosea ... the Lord thy God shall make thee as a flaming sword in his hand, thy toungue shall be loosed, and thy voice shall be as the voice of the angels of God, thou shalt have power to go forth to that nation, whose bars have been strong, and who have been secluded from all nations under heaven in the generations that have past and gone.
... thousands shall be brought into the kingdom of God through thy instrumentality.
Thou shalt have power to command the elements and they shall obey thee,Thou shalt have power to perform mighty miracles, and cast out divils heal the sick, and cause the blind to see, the lame to (walk [crossed out]) leap as an hart;... When snares are set for thy feet thou shalt have power to escape them, and be like Nephi and Alma who over came their enemies and every obsticle through their faith and the power of God. This shall be thy lot therefore go forth and and all shall be right with thee
We seal these blessings upon thy head and seal thee up to eternal life, and say no power shall take thy crown, and God shall give thee all thy heart desires. ...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
To day the Elders who are going on the Western missions met at the Council House to recieve their Blessings.... I recieved my blessing under the hands of Elder Wilford Woodruff one of the Twelve Apostles, which was as follows
Br Hosea ... the Lord thy God shall make thee as a flaming sword in his hand, thy toungue shall be loosed, and thy voice shall be as the voice of the angels of God, thou shalt have power to go forth to that nation, whose bars have been strong, and who have been secluded from all nations under heaven in the generations that have past and gone.
... thousands shall be brought into the kingdom of God through thy instrumentality.
Thou shalt have power to command the elements and they shall obey thee,Thou shalt have power to perform mighty miracles, and cast out divils heal the sick, and cause the blind to see, the lame to (walk [crossed out]) leap as an hart;... When snares are set for thy feet thou shalt have power to escape them, and be like Nephi and Alma who over came their enemies and every obsticle through their faith and the power of God. This shall be thy lot therefore go forth and and all shall be right with thee
We seal these blessings upon thy head and seal thee up to eternal life, and say no power shall take thy crown, and God shall give thee all thy heart desires. ...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Oct 16, 1847
Nineteen-year-old plural wife Emmeline B. Woodward writes her fifty-two-year-old husband Newel K. Whitney after two years of marriage: "That portion of your affection which I enjoy is sweeter to me, than the whole love of another could be now...Like as a vine entwineth itself around an aged tree, so do my affections entwine about thy heart."
[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]
180 years ago today - Oct 16, 1842
[Helen Mar Kimball]
In a letter to husband Heber C. Kimball, Vilate Kimball writes about Heber's plural wife Sarah Noon,
"Our good friend S. [Sarah Noon] is as ever, and we are one. You said I must tell you all my feelings; but if I were to tell you that I sometimes felt tempted and tried and feel as though my burden was greater than I could bear, it would only be a source of sorrow to you, and the Lord knows that I do not wish to add one sorrow to your heart, for be assured my dear Heber, that I do not love you any less for what has transpired, neither do I believe that you do me; therefore I will keep my bad feelings to myself, as much as possible, and tell you the good. I can say with propriety that the most of my time I feel comfortable in my mind, and feel that I have much to be thankful for. I realize that the scenes we are called to pass through are calculated to wean us from the world, and prepare us for a better one...."
"I must leave room for Sister S. to write you a few lines."
Sarah Noon writes: "My very dear friend: Inasmuch as I have listened to your counsel hitherto I have been prospered, therefore I hope that I shall ever adhere to it strictly in future."
"Your kind letter was joyfully received. I never read it but I receive some comfort and feel strengthened, and thank you for it. You may depend upon my moving as soon as the house is ready. I feel anxious as I perceive my infirmities increasing daily. Your request with regard to Sister Kimball I will attend to. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to add to the happiness of my friends; I only wish that I had more ability to do so. I am very glad we are likely to see you soon, and pray that nothing may occur to disappoint us. When you request Vilate to meet you, perhaps you forget that I shall stand in jeopardy every hour, and would not her absent for worlds. My mind is fixed and I am rather particular, but still, for your comfort, I will submit."
"I am as ever"
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
In a letter to husband Heber C. Kimball, Vilate Kimball writes about Heber's plural wife Sarah Noon,
"Our good friend S. [Sarah Noon] is as ever, and we are one. You said I must tell you all my feelings; but if I were to tell you that I sometimes felt tempted and tried and feel as though my burden was greater than I could bear, it would only be a source of sorrow to you, and the Lord knows that I do not wish to add one sorrow to your heart, for be assured my dear Heber, that I do not love you any less for what has transpired, neither do I believe that you do me; therefore I will keep my bad feelings to myself, as much as possible, and tell you the good. I can say with propriety that the most of my time I feel comfortable in my mind, and feel that I have much to be thankful for. I realize that the scenes we are called to pass through are calculated to wean us from the world, and prepare us for a better one...."
"I must leave room for Sister S. to write you a few lines."
Sarah Noon writes: "My very dear friend: Inasmuch as I have listened to your counsel hitherto I have been prospered, therefore I hope that I shall ever adhere to it strictly in future."
"Your kind letter was joyfully received. I never read it but I receive some comfort and feel strengthened, and thank you for it. You may depend upon my moving as soon as the house is ready. I feel anxious as I perceive my infirmities increasing daily. Your request with regard to Sister Kimball I will attend to. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to add to the happiness of my friends; I only wish that I had more ability to do so. I am very glad we are likely to see you soon, and pray that nothing may occur to disappoint us. When you request Vilate to meet you, perhaps you forget that I shall stand in jeopardy every hour, and would not her absent for worlds. My mind is fixed and I am rather particular, but still, for your comfort, I will submit."
"I am as ever"
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
40 years ago today - Oct 15, 1982
A First Presidency instruction to all stake and mission leaders that letters from church members "indicate clearly that some local leaders have been delving into private, sensitive matters beyond the scope of what is appropriate... Also, you should never inquire into personal, intimate matters involving marital relations between a man and his wife." The letter continues that even if a church member volunteers such intimate information, "you should not pursue the matter but should merely suggest that if the member has enough anxiety about the propriety of the conduct to ask about it, the best course would be to discontinue it." In response to widespread complaints from married couples being asked if they have oral sex, this returns the First Presidency's stance to what it was prior to the presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, now incapacitated.
[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 )]]
45 years ago today - Oct 15, 1977
Church News feature story that "three LDS men serve their community as members of the five-man committee that controls and regulates the state's [Nevada's] billion-dollar-a-year casino industry."
[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 )]]
80 years ago today - Oct 15, 1942
President Grant said that this morning he had called on Sister Mary T. Smith, widow of President Joseph F. Smith. President Grant said the Patriarch, Joseph F. Smith, had told him that in conversing with his Aunt Mary she had said that President Smith at one time had told her that the patriarchal office belonged in his line. Sister Smith confirmed this statement to President Grant. He asked Joseph F. Smith to tell just what she had said to him. Brother Smith made the following statement: 'A week ago Aunt Mary called and asked my wife and me to come down to dinner, and before dinner she said to me that she had heard my grandfather say that the office of Patriarch belonged in his family. This was the first time I had heard this, and that was her report to me.' President Grant then further commented that it was no wonder that he had tried for ten years to get the impression to give this position to someone else and could not get it. Said he: 'I am grateful beyond expression that what we have done met with the approval of President Joseph F. Smith. He also said further he would make it his business to have a talk with Eldred Smith, as the Evil One is on the alert and may try to persuade Eldred that his birthright, as he put it in his testimony at the Conference, has been taken from him. He never had the birthright to be the Patriarch or undoubtedly would have been called. He was not the one who forfeited this position, it had already been forfeited.
[Minutes (Present: Heber J. Grant, David O. McKay., Rudger Clawson, George F. Richards, Joseph Fielding Smith, Stephen L Richards, Richard R. Lyman, John A. Widtsoe, Joseph F. Merrill, Charles A. Callis, Albert E. Bowen, and Patriarch Joseph F. Smith), as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes (Present: Heber J. Grant, David O. McKay., Rudger Clawson, George F. Richards, Joseph Fielding Smith, Stephen L Richards, Richard R. Lyman, John A. Widtsoe, Joseph F. Merrill, Charles A. Callis, Albert E. Bowen, and Patriarch Joseph F. Smith), as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
85 years ago today - Oct 15, 1937
[Heber J. Grant]
Evening spent at home reading from a new book, the '1/2Life of Parley P. Pratt.'| My wife has read considerable in it, and I think from what she tells me it is too bad the book was ever published. It is endeavoring to magnify Parley P. Pratt and belittle Brigham Young.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Evening spent at home reading from a new book, the '1/2Life of Parley P. Pratt.'| My wife has read considerable in it, and I think from what she tells me it is too bad the book was ever published. It is endeavoring to magnify Parley P. Pratt and belittle Brigham Young.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Oct 15, 1887
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Pres. Woodruff at Marshall Dyers request granted him an interview at 9:30. At 2 p.m. Dept. U. S. Cannon [?] came to the office to serve a subpoena on Pres[iden]t Woodruff but that individual could not be found [was in constant expectation that the Marshalls would search the office] We are of the opinion that Pres[iden]t W. W. has given the enemy an opportunity [receiving him ?].
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Pres. Woodruff at Marshall Dyers request granted him an interview at 9:30. At 2 p.m. Dept. U. S. Cannon [?] came to the office to serve a subpoena on Pres[iden]t Woodruff but that individual could not be found [was in constant expectation that the Marshalls would search the office] We are of the opinion that Pres[iden]t W. W. has given the enemy an opportunity [receiving him ?].
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Oct 15, 1852. Friday.
[William Clayton]
President Orson Pratt ... brought forth proofs sufficient from revelations already given to satisfy any reasonable mind, that the Gods do not eternally progress in knowledge, or wisdom, but shewed that when they arrive at a fulness they have learned all there is to learn. He then referred to the peace and union and the desire after knowledge there is in this camp; and also demonstrated that the Lord is pleased to see us search after the mysteries of his kingdom, for this is eternal life to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. He further showed that there is no difference in opinion between him and President Young in regard to the Gods progressing in knowledge, but the apparent difference arises from our not taking time to connect the ideas. When President Young speaks by the power of the spirit there is frequently such a flood of revelation that he has not time to explain every particular, and unless we have the spirit of God resting upon us, it is easy to get wrong ideas. [Brigham believed God continued to progress, and repeatedly chastized Orson for teaching otherwise.]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
President Orson Pratt ... brought forth proofs sufficient from revelations already given to satisfy any reasonable mind, that the Gods do not eternally progress in knowledge, or wisdom, but shewed that when they arrive at a fulness they have learned all there is to learn. He then referred to the peace and union and the desire after knowledge there is in this camp; and also demonstrated that the Lord is pleased to see us search after the mysteries of his kingdom, for this is eternal life to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. He further showed that there is no difference in opinion between him and President Young in regard to the Gods progressing in knowledge, but the apparent difference arises from our not taking time to connect the ideas. When President Young speaks by the power of the spirit there is frequently such a flood of revelation that he has not time to explain every particular, and unless we have the spirit of God resting upon us, it is easy to get wrong ideas. [Brigham believed God continued to progress, and repeatedly chastized Orson for teaching otherwise.]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Oct 15, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
To night was the most sad and gloomy time which we had. Not knowing where the Twelve and those with them were or what had become of them. Perhap they were broke down, & robbed of all their animals and now near Larimie coming slow afoot. Distressed & nearly exhausted. We sat pondering over these things[.] Some of our own company were sick. While in this melencholy mood Bishop Calkins took me out aside and said that he felt like he wanted to speak in toungs which he said was an uncommon thing for himand if it was right & any one here who could interpret he would be glad to speak.
I spoke to the company about who all were anxious to hear him. Saying if there was any intelligence for us in toungs there would be an interpretation also.
He spoke some time vehemently. Levi Nickerson only understood enough to know that it was relative to our situation and those we were in pursuit of & that all was well.
Bishop Calkins then gave us the interpretation which in substance was that our mission was of God, whose eyes & the eyes of angels were over us for our good.
That the Lord had turned away our enemies from us & we had not been seen
For us to press on & be faithfull and our eyes should see those who we sought and we all should return to our homes in peace.
We all felt the force of what was said & agreed to try and do better if we could & press on untill we met them if we had to go to the valley.
This was a very singular circumstance for there was not one of us who was given to enthusiastic notions of this sort which is so common with some brethren[.] But now we all felt an assureance that we would realize what had been spoken.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
To night was the most sad and gloomy time which we had. Not knowing where the Twelve and those with them were or what had become of them. Perhap they were broke down, & robbed of all their animals and now near Larimie coming slow afoot. Distressed & nearly exhausted. We sat pondering over these things[.] Some of our own company were sick. While in this melencholy mood Bishop Calkins took me out aside and said that he felt like he wanted to speak in toungs which he said was an uncommon thing for himand if it was right & any one here who could interpret he would be glad to speak.
I spoke to the company about who all were anxious to hear him. Saying if there was any intelligence for us in toungs there would be an interpretation also.
He spoke some time vehemently. Levi Nickerson only understood enough to know that it was relative to our situation and those we were in pursuit of & that all was well.
Bishop Calkins then gave us the interpretation which in substance was that our mission was of God, whose eyes & the eyes of angels were over us for our good.
That the Lord had turned away our enemies from us & we had not been seen
For us to press on & be faithfull and our eyes should see those who we sought and we all should return to our homes in peace.
We all felt the force of what was said & agreed to try and do better if we could & press on untill we met them if we had to go to the valley.
This was a very singular circumstance for there was not one of us who was given to enthusiastic notions of this sort which is so common with some brethren[.] But now we all felt an assureance that we would realize what had been spoken.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Oct 15, 1842
In the 15 October Times and Season, Joseph wrote strongly against coveting other men's wives. As Editor, he republished an 1830 revelation in which it was revealed to him: Smith condemns coveting other men's wives . "And again: I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife." (Times and Seasons 3 [October 15,1842]: 944) However, according to LDS authors, by the fall of 1842 Joseph was married to Mary Elizabeth Rollins, wife of Adam Lightner, and Zina Diantha Huntington, wife of Henry B. Jacobs. Both women were living with their husbands at that time.
[Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
[Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
180 years ago today - Oct 15, 1842
The Times and Seasons announces that the Book of Mormon and hymnbook have just been published and are for sale.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
195 years ago today - Oct 15, 1827
W. W. Phelps co-edits the antimasonic 'Trumbansburgh Lake Light' newspaper from October 15, 1827 to about April 1828
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
80 years ago today - Oct 14, 1942
Literature for those in the military service-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Additional pocket-size literature of the Church to be published for the benefit and strengthening of members of the Church serving in the armed forces during World War II. {1942-October 14-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Additional pocket-size literature of the Church to be published for the benefit and strengthening of members of the Church serving in the armed forces during World War II. {1942-October 14-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
125 years ago today - Oct 14, 1897
[George F. Gibbs to Lorenzo Snow, Oct. 14, 1897] The question was considered today in the council of First Presidency and apostles, whether adults who had not received their endowments should be permitted to enter the temple to be sealed to their parents. The question was decided in the negative.
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Oct 14, 1897
[George F. Gibbs to Lorenzo Snow]
The question was considered today in the council of First Presidency and apostles, whether adults who had not received their endowments should be permitted to enter the temple to be sealed to their parents. The question was decided in the negative.
[George F. Gibbs to Lorenzo Snow, Oct. 14, 1897, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
The question was considered today in the council of First Presidency and apostles, whether adults who had not received their endowments should be permitted to enter the temple to be sealed to their parents. The question was decided in the negative.
[George F. Gibbs to Lorenzo Snow, Oct. 14, 1897, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
30 years ago today - Oct 13, 1992.
Avraham Gileadi teaches his regular Tuesday night class on the book of Isaiah, a class on-going since at least the spring of 1991 that has been attracting ever larger groups. Before the next class on 20 October, class members are notified by the director of the Hebraist Foundation, which sponsors Gileadi's research, that the classes are "postponed indefinitely" at the request of Gileadi's stake president, who has also instructed him not to lecture or write on scriptural topics. Gileadi obediently cancels the class and agrees to comply with the instructions not to write more, after completing two books now in progress.
[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]
105 years ago today - Oct 13, 1917
The Deseret News reports that "Bishop Robert McQuarrie has resigned from the bishopric of the Ogden Second ward after rendering efficient service as bishop for a period of 40 years." During Mormonism's first century, presiding officers have the option to honorably resign for personal reasons such as family stress, business problems, ill health, or simply weariness of the position. It is customary to tell their congregation.
[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 )]]
115 years ago today - Oct 13, 1907; Sunday
[Anthony Ivins]
Today's [Salt Lake] Tribune contained a libelous article setting forth that I was a polygamist, etc.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
Today's [Salt Lake] Tribune contained a libelous article setting forth that I was a polygamist, etc.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
125 years ago today - Oct 13, 1897
[Anthon H. Lund]
"The meeting in the Temple began at 3 p.m. Bro[ther]s. Cowley and A. O. Woodruff spoke. There was much talk on the sayings of Pres[iden]t Young in regard to Adam."
[Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"The meeting in the Temple began at 3 p.m. Bro[ther]s. Cowley and A. O. Woodruff spoke. There was much talk on the sayings of Pres[iden]t Young in regard to Adam."
[Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Oct 13, 1892 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
Thursday, October 13, 1892.
At the office this morning with health somewhat improved, though still quite unwell.
A dispatch was received from J. S. Clarkson and Isaac Trumbo informing the Presidency that President Harrison would sign the general amnesty proclamation this week. In this dispatch also was a request that we would offer up our prayers in behalf of his wife, for her recovery if it should be God's will.
At our meeting of the Presidency and Twelve, there being present, besides the Presidency, Elders F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman, J. H. Smith, H. J. Grant and A. H. Cannon, President Woodruff offered the prayer, and Mrs. Harrison was remembered before the Lord. This is the first time that I know of in our history where the Presidency of the Church have been requested to exercise faith in behalf of any of the family of the President of the United States, and it was gratifying to us to know that President Harrison entertained such a friendly regard as to feel like making this request.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Thursday, October 13, 1892.
At the office this morning with health somewhat improved, though still quite unwell.
A dispatch was received from J. S. Clarkson and Isaac Trumbo informing the Presidency that President Harrison would sign the general amnesty proclamation this week. In this dispatch also was a request that we would offer up our prayers in behalf of his wife, for her recovery if it should be God's will.
At our meeting of the Presidency and Twelve, there being present, besides the Presidency, Elders F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman, J. H. Smith, H. J. Grant and A. H. Cannon, President Woodruff offered the prayer, and Mrs. Harrison was remembered before the Lord. This is the first time that I know of in our history where the Presidency of the Church have been requested to exercise faith in behalf of any of the family of the President of the United States, and it was gratifying to us to know that President Harrison entertained such a friendly regard as to feel like making this request.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Oct 13, 1887 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
I disguised myself [Cannon had a warrent out for his arrest] and rode up in the daylight ... where President Woodruff was stopping. President Woodruff, myself and F. D. Richards had a conversation with Le Grand Young about his going East for the purpose of having an interview with Jay Gould and endeavoring to get him to aid us in our State movements, and if he could not aid us, at least to not oppose us. He has newspapers under his control which are influential and we would like to get them to speak in favor of the movement, or, at least, not oppose it. Bro. Young expressed his willingness to go as soon as he could shape the cases that he had in hand, so as to permit him to leave. We afterwards had a meeting of the Deseret News Co. There were present three directors and the secretary. There being a quorum, we proceeded to elect a President and Vice President. I was elected President and Bro. F. D. Richards Vice President.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I disguised myself [Cannon had a warrent out for his arrest] and rode up in the daylight ... where President Woodruff was stopping. President Woodruff, myself and F. D. Richards had a conversation with Le Grand Young about his going East for the purpose of having an interview with Jay Gould and endeavoring to get him to aid us in our State movements, and if he could not aid us, at least to not oppose us. He has newspapers under his control which are influential and we would like to get them to speak in favor of the movement, or, at least, not oppose it. Bro. Young expressed his willingness to go as soon as he could shape the cases that he had in hand, so as to permit him to leave. We afterwards had a meeting of the Deseret News Co. There were present three directors and the secretary. There being a quorum, we proceeded to elect a President and Vice President. I was elected President and Bro. F. D. Richards Vice President.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
140 years ago today - Friday, Oct 13, 1882
[John Henry Smith]
President Taylor presented a revelation he had received in which the Lord presented the names of George Teasdale and H[eber]. J. Grant to fill the vacancies in the quorum of the Twelve and S. B. Young to fill a vacancy in the Seventies. The revelation embodies some nice doctrinal points.
... I am not clear on one of these brethren proposed for position. Bro. Teasdale is distastefull to me in his sycophantic manner. H. J. Grant I love, but he should have the testimony of the truth, and he is physically ruined. S. B. Young is choice in every way, but on the doctrine of celestial marriage [plural marriage] I am afraid he is lame.
[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]
President Taylor presented a revelation he had received in which the Lord presented the names of George Teasdale and H[eber]. J. Grant to fill the vacancies in the quorum of the Twelve and S. B. Young to fill a vacancy in the Seventies. The revelation embodies some nice doctrinal points.
... I am not clear on one of these brethren proposed for position. Bro. Teasdale is distastefull to me in his sycophantic manner. H. J. Grant I love, but he should have the testimony of the truth, and he is physically ruined. S. B. Young is choice in every way, but on the doctrine of celestial marriage [plural marriage] I am afraid he is lame.
[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]
140 years ago today - Oct 13, 1882
REVELATION given through President John Taylor ...
Thus saith the Lord to the Twelve, and to the Priesthood and people of my Church: Let my servants George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant be appointed to fill the vacancies in the Twelve... You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up the vacancy in the presiding quorum of Seventies, if he will conform to my law [plural marriage]; for it is not meet that men who will not abide my law shall preside over my Priesthood; ... you shall be my people and I will be your God; and your enemies shall not have dominion over you, for I will preserve you and confound them, saith the Lord, and they shall not have power nor dominion over you; for my word shall go forth, and my work shall be accomplished, and my Zion shall be established, and my rule and my power and my dominion shall prevail among my people, and all nations shall yet acknowledge me. Even so, Amen. Gardo House, Salt Lake City Friday morning, 13 October 1882
[The revelation is published as a pamphlet in Salt Lake City, and in these editions of the Doctrine and Covenants: Swedish in 1888; German in 1893, 1903, and 1920; Danish in 1900.]
[1882-October 13-Copy of Original document in L. John Nuttall Papers, Brigham Young University Library, Special Collections, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Thus saith the Lord to the Twelve, and to the Priesthood and people of my Church: Let my servants George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant be appointed to fill the vacancies in the Twelve... You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up the vacancy in the presiding quorum of Seventies, if he will conform to my law [plural marriage]; for it is not meet that men who will not abide my law shall preside over my Priesthood; ... you shall be my people and I will be your God; and your enemies shall not have dominion over you, for I will preserve you and confound them, saith the Lord, and they shall not have power nor dominion over you; for my word shall go forth, and my work shall be accomplished, and my Zion shall be established, and my rule and my power and my dominion shall prevail among my people, and all nations shall yet acknowledge me. Even so, Amen. Gardo House, Salt Lake City Friday morning, 13 October 1882
[The revelation is published as a pamphlet in Salt Lake City, and in these editions of the Doctrine and Covenants: Swedish in 1888; German in 1893, 1903, and 1920; Danish in 1900.]
[1882-October 13-Copy of Original document in L. John Nuttall Papers, Brigham Young University Library, Special Collections, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
180 years ago today - Oct 13, 1842 (Thursday)
Some of the brethren arrived at Nauvoo from the Pineries, Wisconsin, with 90,000 feet of lumber and 24,000 cubic feet of timber for the Temple and Nauvoo House.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
45 years ago today - Oct 12, 1977
[Spencer W. Kimball]
This is an official invitation from the President of the Church for you and your wife to receive the most holy second anointings which it is planned will be given to you in the Salt Lake Temple on Sunday, October 23, 1977, at 3:00 p.m. For this you should arrange to bring your temple clothing and come also with a temple recommend. Other instructions will be given to you at that time. If you wish to receive these blessings, please advise me immediately by letter. These blessings are to be given only upon your total worthiness. We would like you to indicate in your reply regarding this matter. This whole program should be totally confidential; and as a reply to family members as a reason for your leaving home that day, you may say you are going to a special meeting at the temple. * P.S. If you do accept, please complete and return the enclosed form.
[Spencer W. Kimball, letter dated Oct. 12, 1977, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
This is an official invitation from the President of the Church for you and your wife to receive the most holy second anointings which it is planned will be given to you in the Salt Lake Temple on Sunday, October 23, 1977, at 3:00 p.m. For this you should arrange to bring your temple clothing and come also with a temple recommend. Other instructions will be given to you at that time. If you wish to receive these blessings, please advise me immediately by letter. These blessings are to be given only upon your total worthiness. We would like you to indicate in your reply regarding this matter. This whole program should be totally confidential; and as a reply to family members as a reason for your leaving home that day, you may say you are going to a special meeting at the temple. * P.S. If you do accept, please complete and return the enclosed form.
[Spencer W. Kimball, letter dated Oct. 12, 1977, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
50 years ago today - Oct 12, 1972
Bruce R. McConkie is ordained an Apostle, replacing Marion G. Romney, who had been called to the First Presidency.
105 years ago today - Oct 12, 1917
[George Albert Smith]
"Sold my house to Trustee in Trust for $11,000 and Mothers for (over) $17,000 net to us. It is probably worth more money but would rather the church had it at a less price."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
"Sold my house to Trustee in Trust for $11,000 and Mothers for (over) $17,000 net to us. It is probably worth more money but would rather the church had it at a less price."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
125 years ago today - Oct 12, 1897
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Twelve met in Temple all present but Bro[ther]s Grant & Merril ... Pres[ident] Snow led out on Adam being our father and God. How beautiful the thought it brought God nearer to us. Bro[ther] Franklin said it made him thrill through his whole body it was new & it was inspiring.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Twelve met in Temple all present but Bro[ther]s Grant & Merril ... Pres[ident] Snow led out on Adam being our father and God. How beautiful the thought it brought God nearer to us. Bro[ther] Franklin said it made him thrill through his whole body it was new & it was inspiring.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Oct 12, 1892 (Wednesday)
Articles of incorporation of the National Woman's Relief Societies were filed with the county clerk, in Salt Lake City; Zina D.H. Young, president; Jane S. Richards, Bathsheba W. Smith and Sarah M. Kimball, vice-presidents; Emmeline B. Wells, secretary; M. Isabella Horne, treasurer. [The name was again changed in 1945 to Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Oct 12, 1877
[Wilford Woodruff]
I spent most of the day in Council. It was voted to give the Twelve $1,500 a year Except Orson Pratt was to have $3,600 a year.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I spent most of the day in Council. It was voted to give the Twelve $1,500 a year Except Orson Pratt was to have $3,600 a year.
[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 - Oct 12, 1862
[Wilford Woodruff]
Sunday I went to Coones Canyon to see about my flock of sheep. Moroni my Indian Boy has left them. After finding my flock & making arangements about them I returned Home.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Sunday I went to Coones Canyon to see about my flock of sheep. Moroni my Indian Boy has left them. After finding my flock & making arangements about them I returned Home.
[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 - Oct 12, 1857
Officer in U.S. army expedition at Fort Laramie, Wyoming writes: "Two men by the name of Hickman, brothers to Bill Hickman who is celebrated in this country as one of thc 'Destroying Angels,' came into our camps yesterday. . . . One of them had a sword belt in his possession which had belonged to the man (Vilkins) who went out gunning on the 7th inst and had not been heard from since."
[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 )]]
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