[George Q. Cannon]
Directly after President Taylor's death a change was made in the financial affairs of the Church. The receiving of the cash tithing was taken out of the hands of the Trustee-in-Trust and given to the Presiding Bishops. I was averse to it at the time; thought it was wrong; but my influence was such that anything I said had no particular weight. Since that time I have expressed myself on this subject a number of times in the Council, to the effect that it was wrong for the Aaronic Priesthood to be managing affairs in that way, as under this arrangement the Trustee-in-Trust could not draw $5 without sending to the Presiding Bishop's Office. The stream was running, I said, the wrong way; it ought to run from the President of the Church down, not from the Presiding Bishop up. This continued until last month, when a circular was brought to the office for us to sign, instructing the Bishops to send their funds to the Presiding Bishop's Office. I expressed myself to the effect that I could not sign that. I thought it was wrong. Then the change was made from the Presiding Bishop's office to the Trustee-in-Trust, in which the Bishops acquiesced; and to-day it was to complete this arrangement that this conversation was had. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
125 years ago today - Jan 31, 1898
At a conference in Thatcher, Arizona Apostle John W. Taylor "made a ringing address on our duties to our families and on the sacredness of the doctrine of the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, including the Plurality of Wives. He told the brethren to do their full duty to their wives but that man could not take any more wives in the plural order." Wilford Woodruff has already declared publicly that the 1890 manifesto forbade continued cohabitation with plural wives. John W. Taylor himself would perform plural marriages after this conference statement and would eventually be excommunicated for it as a sign to the federal government that the church was serious about stopping polygamy.
[John Henry Smith diary]
[John Henry Smith diary]
130 years ago today - Jan 31, 1893
[James E. Talmage]
This day in an interview with Presidents [Wilford] Woodruff and [Joseph F.] Smith of the First Presidency, I was appointed to now proceed with a work before given and subsequently withdrawn. ... I am requested to prepare a work on Theology, suitable as a text-book for our church schools and other organizations. In making the appointment Pres[ident]. Woodruff gave me his blessing. I told the brethren that I would accept the appointment as a mission; with no expectation of any pecuniary reward should the work ever be published, hoping that the book would be sold more cheaply if I waived all claim to royalty in the sale. Without the blessing of the Almighty, and the support of the brethren I should shrink from even attempting such a work. [This would later be published as "The Articles of Faith"]
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
This day in an interview with Presidents [Wilford] Woodruff and [Joseph F.] Smith of the First Presidency, I was appointed to now proceed with a work before given and subsequently withdrawn. ... I am requested to prepare a work on Theology, suitable as a text-book for our church schools and other organizations. In making the appointment Pres[ident]. Woodruff gave me his blessing. I told the brethren that I would accept the appointment as a mission; with no expectation of any pecuniary reward should the work ever be published, hoping that the book would be sold more cheaply if I waived all claim to royalty in the sale. Without the blessing of the Almighty, and the support of the brethren I should shrink from even attempting such a work. [This would later be published as "The Articles of Faith"]
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
135 years ago today - Jan 31, 1888
[Franklin D. Richards]
Patriarch John Smith's statement of his liabilities was read discussed & voted to appro[priate]. $600.00 to meet his small items increase his annuityfrom 1,000 to 1,250, and 50 more to 2nd wife conditioned that he pay interest on his Note of $1,000.00 was invited in to participate with us.
[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]
Patriarch John Smith's statement of his liabilities was read discussed & voted to appro[priate]. $600.00 to meet his small items increase his annuityfrom 1,000 to 1,250, and 50 more to 2nd wife conditioned that he pay interest on his Note of $1,000.00 was invited in to participate with us.
[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]
155 years ago today - Jan 31, 1868
[Brigham Young]
He also spoke on the cleanliness of person, before going to get their endowments; a woman should not go for a week after her menses were upon her, a man should not have intercourse with his wife for several days, but should be clean in body and exercised in spirit previous thereto; his clothing should be changed once or twice before going there. -- 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]
He also spoke on the cleanliness of person, before going to get their endowments; a woman should not go for a week after her menses were upon her, a man should not have intercourse with his wife for several days, but should be clean in body and exercised in spirit previous thereto; his clothing should be changed once or twice before going there. -- 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]
165 years ago today - Jan 31, 1858
At prayer circle meeting Brigham Young asks Orson Pratt to report on how "traveling Elders were supported in England and about tithing &c." Pratt reports that Franklin D. Richards has "established a tithing system throughout England so that all pay one tenth of all the receive and this stops the constant dunning for money. This money is then used for supporting the Elders to pay their expense to foreign contries & home and to pay rent of chapels . . ." Pratt mentions that he has made enough money from his pamphlets that he has "not used any tithing."
170 years ago today - Jan 31, 1853 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
I forgot to mention that the old man on whom I laid hands on Thursday last for his blindness had began to get his sight and was able to see the next morning after being administered <to>—he had been blind upwards of thirty years. [Cannon retrospectively reported that this man "was afterwards able to go about without any guide; and I have frequently seen him come into meeting, winding his way among the people, without any aid, to a seat which he was accustomed to occupy near the speaker. His restoration caused a great stir in the neighborhood, for his blindness was well known" ]
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I forgot to mention that the old man on whom I laid hands on Thursday last for his blindness had began to get his sight and was able to see the next morning after being administered <to>—he had been blind upwards of thirty years. [Cannon retrospectively reported that this man "was afterwards able to go about without any guide; and I have frequently seen him come into meeting, winding his way among the people, without any aid, to a seat which he was accustomed to occupy near the speaker. His restoration caused a great stir in the neighborhood, for his blindness was well known" ]
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - Jan 31, 1848
Almon W. Babbitt writes to Brigham Young from Nauvoo, "William has got the mummies from Mother Smith and refuses to give them up." Joseph Smith's brother William had previously written James J. Strang, "the mummies and records are with us and will be of benefit to the Church when we can get them to Voree, [Wisconsin]." Babbitt also informs Young that Joseph Smith's widow, Emma, has joined the Methodist Church.
25 years ago today - 1/30/1998
Capitol Resource Institutes Assistant Director Randy Thomasson sends a memo to Loren C. Dunn thanking him "for your interest in considering funding a California ballot initiative to protect marriage. I am looking forward to receiving a phone call today from Marlin Jensen,..." The memo outlines several questions and suggests that a ballot initiative in California "will greatly increase the chances of winning in Hawaii [against gay marriage], and will protect California at the same time. A California initiative would divert and dry up the sizable national resources of the opposition." It further suggests that if $1 million is spent to qualify an initiative for the ballot in California, gay-rights activists would throw away $10 million in a losing battle to fight it. "For these reasons, as well as the reasons outlined in my previous correspondence, I believe it would be very worthwhile and helpful to Hawaii (as well as California and the nation) for LDS leadership to fund a ballot initiative in California." Andy Pugno writes letter to BYU Prof Lynn Wardle on State Senator Pete Knight's letterhead asking Wardle to review the text for the proposed Prop 22 language. Specifically, Pugno asks if it's better to use "one man and one woman" or "a man and a woman" and also asks, "Is there a better way to draft the text of this initiative,
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
110 years ago today - Jan 30, 1913
Is Joseph III the True Successor of Joseph the Prophet in the office of President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
/ENDORSEMENT
The undersigned take pleasure in recommending this book to the consideration of all who are interested in the subject on which it treats. We approve of its contents, after having carefully examined it, and we hope it will have the effect intended by the writer. He presents his arguments from a legal standpoint and in a somewhat different manner from anything of the kind which has heretofore been attempted. JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[1913-January 30-Title page and endorsement from book. Church, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
/ENDORSEMENT
The undersigned take pleasure in recommending this book to the consideration of all who are interested in the subject on which it treats. We approve of its contents, after having carefully examined it, and we hope it will have the effect intended by the writer. He presents his arguments from a legal standpoint and in a somewhat different manner from anything of the kind which has heretofore been attempted. JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[1913-January 30-Title page and endorsement from book. Church, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Jan 30, 1908
[Orson F. Whitmen]
Met at 9 a.m. with Pres[iden]t. [Anthon H.] Lund, B. H. Roberts and James E. Talmage, at the Historian's Office, as a committee appointed yesterday to consider certain matters respecting 'Celestial Marriage' as the term is used in the Idaho Constitution.
[Orson F. Whitney, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Met at 9 a.m. with Pres[iden]t. [Anthon H.] Lund, B. H. Roberts and James E. Talmage, at the Historian's Office, as a committee appointed yesterday to consider certain matters respecting 'Celestial Marriage' as the term is used in the Idaho Constitution.
[Orson F. Whitney, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Jan 30, 1903
First Presidency "found to Day in Examining the [Salt Lake] Temple that the Architect had made No provision for Dressing Rooms in the Temple." The temple is near the end of its 40-year construction period and is to be dedicated in a little over two months.
135 years ago today - Jan 30, 1888
[Franklin D. Richards]
[Presiding] Patriarch John Smith came in stated the experience that led to his needing aid. Corrective Counsel was given for his smoking of Tobacco & he permitted to furnish list of his arrears ... F[rancis] M L[yman], heard reported that J[ohn]. W. Taylor, O[rson]. F. Whitney & John Q. Cannon were advised not to take plural wives J[ohn]. W. T[aylor]. stated it was but temporarily he & O[rson]. F. W[hitney]. were defered by Pres[iden]t John Taylor.
[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]
[Presiding] Patriarch John Smith came in stated the experience that led to his needing aid. Corrective Counsel was given for his smoking of Tobacco & he permitted to furnish list of his arrears ... F[rancis] M L[yman], heard reported that J[ohn]. W. Taylor, O[rson]. F. Whitney & John Q. Cannon were advised not to take plural wives J[ohn]. W. T[aylor]. stated it was but temporarily he & O[rson]. F. W[hitney]. were defered by Pres[iden]t John Taylor.
[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]
145 years ago today - Jan 30, 1878
Deseret News advertises "WAGNER'S BEER ON DRAUGHT AT 5 CENTS A GLASS" on the same page as its directory of "NAMES OF PRESIDENTS AND BISHOPS OF THE ORGANIZED STAKES OF ZION." The "CITY LIQUOR STORE" ad is also immediately about "GENEALOGICAL" ad directed to Latter-day Saints. Deseret News previously ran several alcohol ads in each issues for years, but alcohol ads now appear next to the directory of church officers from its first publication on 9 Jan. 1878 until 1 Apr. 1878. On 2 Jan. 1879 a chewing tobacco ad appears next to an ad for "BETTER AND PURER LIQUORS, WINES AND CIGARS Than can be found at any other House in Utah."
[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 - Jan 30, 1853
P. P. Pratt preached. His Subject was the Kingdom of God which was to be set up in the last days. ... those that wished to save their lives will flee to Zion for safety for they will be the ownly people that will not be at war one with another. ...
Elder Amasa Lyman followed ... we believe that when God said he would set up a kingdom which should break in peaces all other Kingdoms & stand forever that He will perform what He has spoken. The Lord has said that that Nation that fought against Zion should be broaken in peaces & utterly wasted away & while the Elders are gathering the Saints from all Nations & Kingdoms & will continue untill the windingup scene we can make some Calculation what Zion is destined to be.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Elder Amasa Lyman followed ... we believe that when God said he would set up a kingdom which should break in peaces all other Kingdoms & stand forever that He will perform what He has spoken. The Lord has said that that Nation that fought against Zion should be broaken in peaces & utterly wasted away & while the Elders are gathering the Saints from all Nations & Kingdoms & will continue untill the windingup scene we can make some Calculation what Zion is destined to be.
[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 - Jan 30, 1838
Oliver Cowdery meets with David, John, and Jacob Whitmer, Frederick G. Williams, Lyman Johnson, and W. W. Phelps "to take into consideration the state of the Church." They say they are opposed to the manner in which "some of the Authorities of the- [church] have for the time past, and are still, endeavoring to unite ecclesiastical and civil authority, and force men under the pretense of incurring the displeasure of heaven to use their earthly substance contrary to their interest and privilege." Cowdery says local authorities are "endeavoring to make it a rule of faith for said church to uphold a certain man or men right or wrong." He and his friends are determined to separate themselves from such a society and find a new place to gather where they could "live in peace." The WESTERN RESERVE CHRONICLE in Warren, Ohio reports: "The Mormon Society at Kirtland is breaking up. Smith and Rigdon, after prophecying the destruction of the town, left with their families in the night, and others of the faithful are following.- An exposure of the proceedings of the Society is in course of preparation by one Par[r]ish, the former confidential secretary of the prophet Smith." Warren Parrish's expose, published the following month in the PAINESVILLE TELEGRAPH, is a devastating disclosure of the failed financial workings of the church. Of Rigdon and Smith he concludes: "I believe them to be confirmed infidels who have not the fear of God before their eyes.- They lie by revelation, swindle by revelation, cheat and defraud by revelation, run away by revelation, and if they do not mend their ways, I fear they will at last be damned by revelation."
35 years ago today - Jan 29, 1988
The Utah Board of Pardons deliberates 27 minutes and decides not to grant a parole or rehearing date for forger/murderer Mark Hofmann. The decision by the board virtually guarantees that Hofmann will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Although the board had suggested earlier that Hofmann serve only seven years as part of a plea bargain through which authorities hoped to learn all the details of Hofmann's extraordinarily complex case they change their mind, according to Board Chair Victoria Palacios, because of the "large number of [Hofmann's] victims" and his "callous disregard for human life"
45 years ago today - Jan 29, 1978
NORTH LAS VEGAS VALLEY TIMES story: "Vegas Mormons Dare to Support the ERA [Equal Rights Amendment -- for women]."
80 years ago today - Jan 29, 1943
[Heber J. Grant]
George Albert Smith called and I found no action had been taken on the Owen Woodruff case and I felt very much annoyed. He should have been cut of the Church long ago. George Albert said he would bring me a letter.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
George Albert Smith called and I found no action had been taken on the Owen Woodruff case and I felt very much annoyed. He should have been cut of the Church long ago. George Albert said he would bring me a letter.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
145 years ago today - Jan 29, 1878
Deseret News editorial denies that marked ballots have been used to ostracize those who vote against church candidates, but then observes: "And while no one should be injured in consequence of his breaking loose from his associates and joining with those who oppose them, it cannont be expected that the dissenter will receive as much cordial friendship, countenance and support from his former fellow-partisans as those who remain in accord with them."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
155 years ago today - Jan 29, 1868 (Wednesday)
A legislative act was approved, changing the names of Great Salt Lake City and Great Salt Lake County to Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County. On the same day an act, changing the name of Richland County to Rich County (Utah), was approved.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Jan 29, 1863
The most significant clash between federal troops and Indians took place on 29 January 1863, in what has become known as the Battle of Bear River or the Massacre at Bear River. [Colonel] Connor's force of 300 troops attacked a Shoshoni encampment on the Bear River [near the confluence with Beaver creek, twelve miles north west of Franklin, ID] and killed more than 250 men, women, and children. They also burned the village and thus broke the strength of the Indians in the area.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Civil War, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Civil War, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
180 years ago today - Jan 29, 1843
[Joseph Smith]
... [There is no] a greater prophet than John [the Baptist] ... I dont expect I can work Miracles enough to open greatest prophet. What constituted him.--no prophet, if do no miracles John did no miracles.
... instituted before the creation Devil could not come in sign of a dove.--Holy Ghost is a personage in the form of a personage --does not confine itself to form of a dove--but in sign of a dove....
John at that time was the only legal administrator holding the keys of Power there was on Earth.
[Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards, in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
... [There is no] a greater prophet than John [the Baptist] ... I dont expect I can work Miracles enough to open greatest prophet. What constituted him.--no prophet, if do no miracles John did no miracles.
... instituted before the creation Devil could not come in sign of a dove.--Holy Ghost is a personage in the form of a personage --does not confine itself to form of a dove--but in sign of a dove....
John at that time was the only legal administrator holding the keys of Power there was on Earth.
[Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards, in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
185 years ago today - Jan 29, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff]
... in Company with Elder Ball to Br William Merchant's & we found him, his wife & Sister Crocket in a perilous Situation. There hath a lying spirit gone out into the world & it hath entered into the Priest of Baal as well as the multitude & Mr Douglass the Methodist Priest had visited the three mentioned persons & reported that I utterly denied the Bible & said it could not be depended upon. This with many other fals reports set them against me in spirit but after teaching them concerning the evil spirits &c we had Prayers. ... Brother & Sister Merchant & Sister Crocket became more calm & began to be deliverd from the devil.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... in Company with Elder Ball to Br William Merchant's & we found him, his wife & Sister Crocket in a perilous Situation. There hath a lying spirit gone out into the world & it hath entered into the Priest of Baal as well as the multitude & Mr Douglass the Methodist Priest had visited the three mentioned persons & reported that I utterly denied the Bible & said it could not be depended upon. This with many other fals reports set them against me in spirit but after teaching them concerning the evil spirits &c we had Prayers. ... Brother & Sister Merchant & Sister Crocket became more calm & began to be deliverd from the devil.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
35 years ago today - Jan 28, 1988
Early in the morning, on the Singer-Swapp compound in Marion, Utah, officers with dogs hide in a nearby building and wait for Addam Swapp to start his morning chores. Emerging at about 8:30 a.m., Swapp and his brother Jonathan are surprised by the hidden lawmen. During the gun battle, Addam Swapp is wounded and police officer Fred House was killed. The remaining family members in the Singer home surrender and the thirteen-day siege which began when Addam Swapp bombed a nearby LDS stake house ends.
55 years ago today - Jan 28, 1968
Japanese District and Family Court Judge Hiroshige Takasawa, after more than a year of research studies of Utah's "unique" form of capital punishment, has found "evidence that present laws stem from early Mormon philosophy of blood atonement." Judge Takasawa, a visiting Fulbright research scholar in criminology at the University of Utah, sits on the bench of the Nagoya District Court and Family Court at Toyohashi, Japan. The judge said that through extensive study of the first days of the Mormon pioneers he has found "a possible relationship" between current death sentences and "early days of violence vs. violence." Beginning with the premise, "There must be a background to Utah's unique form of capital punishment—a system which affords a convicted person a choice of death by hanging or shooting," Judge Takasawa sought information and materials from state law enforcement agencies and penal officials.
[Salt Lake Tribune, January 28, 1968, p. 4C, at Mormon Bookshelf: Blood Atonement, http://mormonbookshelf.com/wiki/Blood_Atonement]
[Salt Lake Tribune, January 28, 1968, p. 4C, at Mormon Bookshelf: Blood Atonement, http://mormonbookshelf.com/wiki/Blood_Atonement]
115 years ago today - Jan 28, 1908
[First Presidency to David H. Cannon]
This is in answer to yours of the 23rd inst., in which you state in substance that a certain woman was married to a man tainted with negro blood by whom she had several children, all of whom are dead, and that she became separated from her husband before her death, and that her friends now desire her to be sealed to a good man, she having died in the faith, and have her children sealed to her and the man she is to be sealed to. We see no reason why this should not be done, as the sealing alone would not constitute these children with tainted blood heirs of the priesthood without ordination.
[First Presidency, Letter to David H. Cannon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
This is in answer to yours of the 23rd inst., in which you state in substance that a certain woman was married to a man tainted with negro blood by whom she had several children, all of whom are dead, and that she became separated from her husband before her death, and that her friends now desire her to be sealed to a good man, she having died in the faith, and have her children sealed to her and the man she is to be sealed to. We see no reason why this should not be done, as the sealing alone would not constitute these children with tainted blood heirs of the priesthood without ordination.
[First Presidency, Letter to David H. Cannon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Jan 28, 1883 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
I went to hear a M^r Savage preach at All Souls Church (Unitarian)[.] He is an iconoclast – a Bob Ingersoll kind of preacher; smart; but I never heard such doctrine from a preacher before. He called his sermon "Constructive Rationalism." He did away with hell, heaven, God &c, elevated reason above revelation, and endorsed evolution. He said incidentally that man had been two hundred thousand years upon the earth. Upon our return to our rooms I submitted the points of Judge Black's argument to the brethren, and all agreed that it would be unwise to make such concessions as his argument contained.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I went to hear a M^r Savage preach at All Souls Church (Unitarian)[.] He is an iconoclast – a Bob Ingersoll kind of preacher; smart; but I never heard such doctrine from a preacher before. He called his sermon "Constructive Rationalism." He did away with hell, heaven, God &c, elevated reason above revelation, and endorsed evolution. He said incidentally that man had been two hundred thousand years upon the earth. Upon our return to our rooms I submitted the points of Judge Black's argument to the brethren, and all agreed that it would be unwise to make such concessions as his argument contained.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
180 years ago today - January 28th 1843
Thos Evins Evidence says that Mrs Powell's husband lived in pursuit of illicit conduct with females, knew he tried to marry another woman. ...
Charge against John Wells Taylor and Mary Cook, wife of Henry Cook, (alias the cat fish woman)
Wells said he bought her. The former miunetts took as evidence and both expelled from the Church by the Council ...
[Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
Charge against John Wells Taylor and Mary Cook, wife of Henry Cook, (alias the cat fish woman)
Wells said he bought her. The former miunetts took as evidence and both expelled from the Church by the Council ...
[Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
180 years ago today - January 28th 1843
Thomas Miller. Evidence said that Mrs Pool had a husband in England Viz Mr Pool that he and she had difficulties, yet not very serious or very uncommon, not on account of any adultery--parties separated--not divorced.
...G Hills Esqr said to Blazzard that he thought it lawful to marry Mrs Pool, that Hills asked Joseph's opinion & said that Joseph advised that Blazzard and Mrs Pool be married, he was by Hill married to her.
[Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
...G Hills Esqr said to Blazzard that he thought it lawful to marry Mrs Pool, that Hills asked Joseph's opinion & said that Joseph advised that Blazzard and Mrs Pool be married, he was by Hill married to her.
[Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
180 years ago today - Late Jan. 1843
A group of young people gather at Heber C. Kimball's home. Their "loose style of morals" was made evident because they wasted time with "too frequent attendance at balls, parties, etc." Elder Kimball offers to give them some instruction. Soon they begin meeting regularly. This leads to the formation of the "Young Gentlemen and Ladies Relief Society," a forerunner of future Church youth organizations.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
190 years ago today - Jan 28, 1833
John Taylor: Married Leonora Cannon 28 January 1833 in Toronto. Four children: George John, Mary Ann, Joseph James, and Leonora Agnes.
[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]
15 years ago today - Jan 27, 2008
President Gordon B. Hinckley, the longest-lived president in the history of the Church who served as president for nearly 13 years, died in Salt Lake City at age 97.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
125 years ago today - Jan 27, 1898; Thursday
The sentiment expressed was that the Saints never expected to be so mixed up with the gentiles as circumstances had led them into, but that the United Order would be established and our financial affairs regulated thereby; also that success could not be expected until that system should prevail among the Saints. However, it was conceded that under the present laws of the land, it would not be possible to establish that order, but that a change might come when it would be practicable.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Jan 27, 1888 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
I slept with President Woodruff at the office last night. Having been kept there till quite late in the evening, I preferred doing this to going away and having to arise so early in the morning to get back unobserved.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I slept with President Woodruff at the office last night. Having been kept there till quite late in the evening, I preferred doing this to going away and having to arise so early in the morning to get back unobserved.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
155 years ago today - Jan 27, 1868
[Brigham Young]
Presidents of the seventies might act as Bishops Councellors or act as High Councillor without Being ordained a High Priest.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 6:392, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Presidents of the seventies might act as Bishops Councellors or act as High Councillor without Being ordained a High Priest.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 6:392, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
120 years ago today - Jan 26, 1903 (Monday)
"Nineteen Citizens" of Salt Lake City signed and forwarded to the Senate of the United States a protest asking for the expulsion of Senator Reed Smoot from the Senate.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
135 years ago today - Jan 26, 1888 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
It had come to our ears that Marshal Dyer intended to take a different course hereafter with his deputies to that which he had taken: instead of paying them regular salaries he intended to give them a commission on the fees which they made by securing persons under the Edmunds-Tucker law [polygamists]. I have felt that this was a very dangerous proceeding for us, as it would make every marshal very vigilant and active to secure prey, and we would be in much greater danger than we have been. Brother Clawson told me that he had conversed with the Marshal upon the subject and found that this was his intention. This evening I had him relate to Presidents Woodruff and Smith the information that he had gained, and they felt that he should continue his investigations and learn what steps had better be taken to guard against the effect of this new movement.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
It had come to our ears that Marshal Dyer intended to take a different course hereafter with his deputies to that which he had taken: instead of paying them regular salaries he intended to give them a commission on the fees which they made by securing persons under the Edmunds-Tucker law [polygamists]. I have felt that this was a very dangerous proceeding for us, as it would make every marshal very vigilant and active to secure prey, and we would be in much greater danger than we have been. Brother Clawson told me that he had conversed with the Marshal upon the subject and found that this was his intention. This evening I had him relate to Presidents Woodruff and Smith the information that he had gained, and they felt that he should continue his investigations and learn what steps had better be taken to guard against the effect of this new movement.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
170 years ago today - Jan 26, 1853
[Wilford Woodruff]
Mrs Woodruff was deliverd of a Son this morning at 1 oclock which died at 3 oclock living but 2 Hours. I named it Aphek [after his father] & blessed it before it died. I buried it during the day in my garden. I felt it to be quite a loss to us.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mrs Woodruff was deliverd of a Son this morning at 1 oclock which died at 3 oclock living but 2 Hours. I named it Aphek [after his father] & blessed it before it died. I buried it during the day in my garden. I felt it to be quite a loss to us.
[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 - Jan 26, 1838
In Far West, apostles Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten, and the high council reject David and John Whitmer, W. W. Phelps as presidents of Zion and arrange for neighborhood meetings on the case.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
150 years ago today - Jan 25, 1873 (Afternoon)
[Charles Lowell Walker]
In the afternoon at a general Priesthood meeting called by Brigham Young. He asked how many there were present that had been in the Church for 40 years. A few stood up, I think about 11, Bro Brigham among them. He asked them if they were willing from that time forth to seek with all their might, means, and ability to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth, and feel that hence forth it shall be the kingdom of God or nothing, and not build up the cities of the Gentiles, but labor for Zion. They all assented. Then Pres Young said if you are willing to do this, press and to let God dictate you thro his Servants, enter into covenant with him this day, and witness before him by raising the right hand up to the square. They all did so. Now there was a power and a solemnity about this covenant which seems to be felt by the entire Elders assembled, and every organization of the Holy Priesthood was represented from the first Presidency down. He then called for those who had been in the Church 35 years to stand up and enter into the same covenant. ...
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 359-360, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
In the afternoon at a general Priesthood meeting called by Brigham Young. He asked how many there were present that had been in the Church for 40 years. A few stood up, I think about 11, Bro Brigham among them. He asked them if they were willing from that time forth to seek with all their might, means, and ability to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth, and feel that hence forth it shall be the kingdom of God or nothing, and not build up the cities of the Gentiles, but labor for Zion. They all assented. Then Pres Young said if you are willing to do this, press and to let God dictate you thro his Servants, enter into covenant with him this day, and witness before him by raising the right hand up to the square. They all did so. Now there was a power and a solemnity about this covenant which seems to be felt by the entire Elders assembled, and every organization of the Holy Priesthood was represented from the first Presidency down. He then called for those who had been in the Church 35 years to stand up and enter into the same covenant. ...
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 359-360, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Jan 25, 1853. Tuesday.
[William Clayton]
... I preached on the plurality doctrine. There are but few saints at this place, but they appear very attentive. Brothers Whiteley, Perks and several others bore testimony after me, Brother Watts, a druggist, got up to oppose the doctrine, and in answer to the question, said he wished to be cut off from the church; and the brethren and sisters raised their hands against him to cut him off from the Church.
[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]
... I preached on the plurality doctrine. There are but few saints at this place, but they appear very attentive. Brothers Whiteley, Perks and several others bore testimony after me, Brother Watts, a druggist, got up to oppose the doctrine, and in answer to the question, said he wished to be cut off from the church; and the brethren and sisters raised their hands against him to cut him off from the Church.
[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]
170 years ago today - Jan 25, 1853 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
... it is not the wife's place to dictate to, and teach the husband any more than it is your place to dictate to, and teach me. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... it is not the wife's place to dictate to, and teach the husband any more than it is your place to dictate to, and teach me. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
105 years ago today - Jan 24, 1918
Patriarchal Blessing of Alice Alicia RosKelley by Joseph R. Shepherd ... Thou shalt see the judgements of God upon the nations and witness the establishment of Zion in power and might. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
135 years ago today - Jan 24, 1888
[Wilford Woodruff to Angus M. Cannon]
... Your letter in reply to mine upon the subject of second anointings for Brother George Lufkin and Brother James Townsend, has been received and considered. Whoever attends to the ordinances for Brother Townsend should certainly take his last wife to the Temple with them, so that she might receive the blessing as well as the deceased wife. Now, in relation to the other subject which you mention * the cases of worthy men and women who are aged who have not had their second anointings, and who, are waiting to have this privilege accorded to them, being counseled by you not to ask for the privilege. We think such cases deserve consideration, and where you know of aged men and woman who are worthy to receive this ordinance, I would like you to forward their names to me for consideration: and these that we decide as proper persons to receive this ordinance can have their recommendations signed to that effect.
[[Wilford Woodruff to Angus M. Cannon, Jan. 24, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
... Your letter in reply to mine upon the subject of second anointings for Brother George Lufkin and Brother James Townsend, has been received and considered. Whoever attends to the ordinances for Brother Townsend should certainly take his last wife to the Temple with them, so that she might receive the blessing as well as the deceased wife. Now, in relation to the other subject which you mention * the cases of worthy men and women who are aged who have not had their second anointings, and who, are waiting to have this privilege accorded to them, being counseled by you not to ask for the privilege. We think such cases deserve consideration, and where you know of aged men and woman who are worthy to receive this ordinance, I would like you to forward their names to me for consideration: and these that we decide as proper persons to receive this ordinance can have their recommendations signed to that effect.
[[Wilford Woodruff to Angus M. Cannon, Jan. 24, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
145 years ago today - Jan 24, 1878
Presiding apostle John Taylor tells a meeting of local bishops, "He expected to present before the people at least once a year an account of what was done with their means." It becomes policy to present a financial report at the April general conference.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
155 years ago today - Jan 24, 1868
[Wilford Woodruff]
[To the School of the Prophets:] I wish to refer to the first doctrin preacheded that Adam was our Father & God. In the Revelation Called the ollive leaf it says that the Devil gathered together the Hosts of Hell And Michael the Arkangel gathered to gether the Hosts of Heaven and he overcame the devil & his Angels & this is the Battle of the Great God." Who is this Michael the Ark Angel? It is Adam who was Michael in the Creation of the World.
... When I was Baptized into this Church I was keeping Saturday for the Sabbath. But I knew that the Later day saints were the tru Church of Christ & if I had imbibed 100 tradition I would have given them up for this.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[To the School of the Prophets:] I wish to refer to the first doctrin preacheded that Adam was our Father & God. In the Revelation Called the ollive leaf it says that the Devil gathered together the Hosts of Hell And Michael the Arkangel gathered to gether the Hosts of Heaven and he overcame the devil & his Angels & this is the Battle of the Great God." Who is this Michael the Ark Angel? It is Adam who was Michael in the Creation of the World.
... When I was Baptized into this Church I was keeping Saturday for the Sabbath. But I knew that the Later day saints were the tru Church of Christ & if I had imbibed 100 tradition I would have given them up for this.
[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 - Jan 24, 1863
Brigham Young (aged 61) marriage to Amelia Folsom (1838-1910) (aged 24, first marriage). Rumoured to be Brigham's favorite wife. [This is his first of six marriages in violation of federal Morrill Act.]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
160 years ago today - Jan 24, 1863
Brigham Young (aged 61) marriage to Amelia Folsom (1838-1910) (aged 24, first marriage), rumoured to be Brigham's favorite wife.
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
175 years ago today - Jan 24, 1848
[Wilford Woodruff]
I met in Council with the Twelve & High Council & herd a Charge prefered by the Policee against E. D Wolley for making use of sedicious language against the Authorities of the Church. ...
Br Wooley in his plea expressed his feelings that the Hickery Clubs carried by the policee, & the Council for Bishops to preside over Any parties in the place to keep order, ... Br Wooley made his confession that he had spoken in an improper manner in a moment of passion. He was forgiven by the council & all was settled....
Brs Pratt & Levi Richards & myself visited Br Henman's family to administer to them for the whole family was sick & had been troubled with evil spirits. We prayed with this family & laid hands upon 7 that were sick of the Household. The spirit of the Lord was with us & we rebuked the sickness & commanded the evil spirits to depart & they recieved A blessing upon the family. [Hosea Stout, chief of police noted: "The trial was the cause of much good as the people were enlightened on the object & intention of a police. The dark cloud of dissatisfied and murmuring feeling was for the time dispelled."]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I met in Council with the Twelve & High Council & herd a Charge prefered by the Policee against E. D Wolley for making use of sedicious language against the Authorities of the Church. ...
Br Wooley in his plea expressed his feelings that the Hickery Clubs carried by the policee, & the Council for Bishops to preside over Any parties in the place to keep order, ... Br Wooley made his confession that he had spoken in an improper manner in a moment of passion. He was forgiven by the council & all was settled....
Brs Pratt & Levi Richards & myself visited Br Henman's family to administer to them for the whole family was sick & had been troubled with evil spirits. We prayed with this family & laid hands upon 7 that were sick of the Household. The spirit of the Lord was with us & we rebuked the sickness & commanded the evil spirits to depart & they recieved A blessing upon the family. [Hosea Stout, chief of police noted: "The trial was the cause of much good as the people were enlightened on the object & intention of a police. The dark cloud of dissatisfied and murmuring feeling was for the time dispelled."]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jan 24, 1848
Henry William Bigler, former Mormon Battalion member and employee at John Sutter's Mill, notes in his journal that "some kind of mettle was found [which] looks like goald". Azariah Smith, another former Mormon Battalion member at Sutter's Mill also records in this day: "Mr. Marshall found some pieces of (as we all suppose) Gold, and he has gone to the Fort, for the Purpose of finding out". News of the find leaks out slowly but when another Mormon, Samuel Brannan, publicly announces the find in San Francisco, the Gold Rush of 1849 (which aids Utah's economy) begins in earnest. The Twelve and High Council hear a charge preferred by the police against E. D. Wolley "for making use of seditious language against the Authorities of the Church."
190 years ago today - Jan 24, 1833
The School of the Prophets commences in accordance with revelation of Dec. 27, 1832. One participant writes, "Much instruction received by the gift of tongues and the interpretation thereof. . . .[T]he science we engaged in for the winter was English grammar, of which we obtained a general knowledge." Joseph Smith washed the feet of the brethren and administered the sacrament.
40 years ago today - Jan 23, 1983
The Idaho Falls TIMES-NEWS republishes a DENVER POST series on the Mormons. Letters to the editor are divided between Mormons incensed at what they perceived as an anti-Mormon attack and evangelical Christians angry at the generous coverage of what they perceived as an anti-Christian cult.
60 years ago today - Jan 23, 1963
[David O. McKay] "Elder Benson said the statement seemed to be leveled against him and his son, Reed, and also Brother [W. Cleon] Skousen. I told Brother Benson that it was intended to apply to them. I said that the statement made by him (Elder Benson) in favor of the John Birch Society was made by him, one of the Twelve, who is an international character and received international publicity, and that that is one reason the Presidency had to make the announcement in the newspapers."
[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)]
70 years ago today - Jan 23, 1953
Ezra Taft Benson sent President Eisenhower a letter urging that all cabinet meetings thereafter "be opened with a word of prayer." Eisenhower did not act immediately, looking instead for a practice that would be acceptable to everyone. Then, on the second Friday morning cabinet meeting after Benson's letter, Eisenhower announced that, barring any objections, he would like to start with a moment of silence. "And that's the way it was . . . from that time on." (Benson made certain that his own departmental staff meetings always began with a vocal invocation — a "custom," he termed it.)
One of Benson's assistants later quipped: "At the first [Cabinet meeting] Ike had Ezra do the praying, but I am informed that after the first one he decided that he'd have silent prayer because Ezra took too darn much time to pray."
[Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
One of Benson's assistants later quipped: "At the first [Cabinet meeting] Ike had Ezra do the praying, but I am informed that after the first one he decided that he'd have silent prayer because Ezra took too darn much time to pray."
[Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
105 years ago today - Jan 23, 1918
Elder Hyrum Mack Smith, eldest son of President Joseph F. Smith, passes away unexpectedly. His death is one of the events setting the stage for President Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead in October of the same year.
125 years ago today - Sunday, Jan 23, 1898
[John Henry Smith]
Dr. Jas. E. Talmage gave a lecture with sterescoptican views in the Tabernacle tonight on Russia. Eight thousand people present at ten cents a peice. It was very interesting.
[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]
Dr. Jas. E. Talmage gave a lecture with sterescoptican views in the Tabernacle tonight on Russia. Eight thousand people present at ten cents a peice. It was very interesting.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - Jan 23, 1888
President Wilford Woodruff and six apostles "met a number of the Legislative brethren" at Woodruff's office. It is decided which bills to pass and which of the governors appointments to approve and which to not approve.
135 years ago today - Jan 23, 1888
David Whitmer [who died two days later] ... He is not and never has been a believer in polygamy. He left the Mormon Church in 1838 on account of their departure from the faith as he believes. ... Smith, who was at that time [1829] living with his father on a farm near Manchester, was indisposed at first to exhibit his treasure [plates], but was finally persuaded to do so. The treasure consisted of a number of golden plates about eight inches long, seven inches wide, and of the thickness of ordinary sheet tin. They were bound together in the shape of a book by three gold rings. A large portion of the leaves were so securely bound together that it was impossible to separate them, but upon the loose leaves were engraved hieroglyphics which were unintelligible to any person who had seen them. With the tablets was an immense pair of spectacles set in a silver bow. Smith announced that he had been commanded to translate the characters upon the plates as soon as possible, and stated further that the work must be done in the presence of three witnesses. Smith, his wife, Cowdery, and Whitmer then proceeded to the house of Whitmer's father, where the work of translation was carried out, Smith reading the characters by means of the magic spectacles, Cowdery, Christian Whitmer, a brother of David, and Smith's wife acting as amanuenses. The work of translation occupied nearly eight months. Smith careles[s]ly tattled to the neighbors of the secrets which they were working out, and as a consequence the plates were taken from him by the angel of the Lord who in place of them gave him a Urim and Thummin of a different shape which he was to place in his hat and on covering his face with the hat he received straightway a direct revelation. ...
["An Old Mormon's Closing Hours," Chicago Tribune, 24 January 1888., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Chicago Tribune]
["An Old Mormon's Closing Hours," Chicago Tribune, 24 January 1888., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Chicago Tribune]
170 years ago today - Jan 23, 1853
[Wilford Woodruff]
Elder O Hyde preached. Said we should acknowledge the hand of God in all things. Refered to Martin Luther the refermation &c & said the hand of God was in it & that He had inspired Columbus & many men to perform certain works & who knows but what he inspired Mohammad to cause the people to acknowledge one God & one prophet. Martin Luther with others created a great Change in his day from Popary to more freedom of conscience in religious & political matters & the way has been prepared in process of time so the kingdom of God has been esstablished & so with all the events of the present day steem power, Rail Roads Telegraph lines, & all the Revolutions of the present Nations. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Elder O Hyde preached. Said we should acknowledge the hand of God in all things. Refered to Martin Luther the refermation &c & said the hand of God was in it & that He had inspired Columbus & many men to perform certain works & who knows but what he inspired Mohammad to cause the people to acknowledge one God & one prophet. Martin Luther with others created a great Change in his day from Popary to more freedom of conscience in religious & political matters & the way has been prepared in process of time so the kingdom of God has been esstablished & so with all the events of the present day steem power, Rail Roads Telegraph lines, & all the Revolutions of the present Nations. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jan 23, 1848
At the Council House Orson Pratt "addressed them quite lengthy upon Asstronomy Philosophy, and various principles which he had studied . . . He intirely overthrows many of the systems of the modern Phylosiphers & Asstronomiers & modern reasoning in many respects to overthrow the gentile christian Argument "that God made the Heavens, sun, moon, & stars And the earth & all that in them are out of nothing in six days. He said that it was admitted by modern Phylosophers that stars had been discovered through telescopes so remote from the earth that it would take thrity thousand years for the light of it to reach this earth though it should travel at the rate of two hundred thousand miles per second. So it must have been in exhistance 24,000 before the earth was formed."
190 years ago today - Jan 23, 1833
On the second day of the "conference of High Priests" in Kirtland "Conference opened with prayer by the President [Joseph Smith] and after much speaking, praying and singing, all done in tongues, proceeded to washing hands, faces [and] feet in the name of the Lord, as commanded of God, each one washing his own, after which the President girded himself with a towel and again washed the feet of all the Elders, wiping them with the towel. His father presenting himself, the President asked of him a blessing before he would wash his feet, which he obtained by the laying on of his father's hands pronouncing upon his head that he should continue in his Priest[']s office until Christ come."
35 years ago today - Jan 22, 1988
The WASHINGTON POST reports that the filming of the CBS mini-series based on the book THE MORMON MURDERS of the Mark Hofmann murders/forgeries had been postponed due to script rewrites as a result of pressure from wealthy West Coast Mormons.
50 years ago today - Jan 22, 1973
Decided: Roe v. Wade
This landmark decision established that women have a basic right to have an abortion Through various cases, the Supreme Court developed the idea that the Constitution protects a person's to privacy, particularly when it comes to matters involving children and procreation.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
This landmark decision established that women have a basic right to have an abortion Through various cases, the Supreme Court developed the idea that the Constitution protects a person's to privacy, particularly when it comes to matters involving children and procreation.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 22, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
The very pleasing information was conveyed to the brethren that the campaign of Brother Smoot was conducted absolutely without bribery or liquor. There was only one attempt at bribery, and that was in the case of one of the legislators who sent word to Elder Smoot that, if he would use his influence to have said party appointed chairman of the committees on railroads, he would in return vote for him. Brother Smoot immediately turned him down by sending word that, so far as his influence had any weight, he would oppose his appointment to said committee in any capacity and further that he did not want his vote.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
The very pleasing information was conveyed to the brethren that the campaign of Brother Smoot was conducted absolutely without bribery or liquor. There was only one attempt at bribery, and that was in the case of one of the legislators who sent word to Elder Smoot that, if he would use his influence to have said party appointed chairman of the committees on railroads, he would in return vote for him. Brother Smoot immediately turned him down by sending word that, so far as his influence had any weight, he would oppose his appointment to said committee in any capacity and further that he did not want his vote.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Jan 22, 1898
George Q. Cannon teaches: "There are different degrees of glory. Some attain to a more exalted glory. They must help those who are lower to rise up to their plane. Then there is another degree below them, and they must labor to lift those who are lower than they... progressing from one degree of glory to another, without end, because there is no end to eternity."
[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 )]]
145 years ago today - Jan 22, 1878 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
John C. Young said that in talking with his mother about Nauvoo she had said that the brethren had sometimes robbed a few hen roosts, smoke houses, taken a few horses and passed a little counterfeit money, and about three years ago his uncle Phinehas had told him that he had carried $15,000 of counterfeit money into Nauvoo. He asked him what had been done with it, and he replied that the brethren had bought outfits with it. In replying to them I said that I supposed I would be relieved from saying anything in defence of Presidents Joseph and Brigham Young as their son and nephew was present. If I was surprised, however, that he should sit still and acquiesce in their being called <murderers> and charged with other vile crimes. If his father and uncles were chicken and meat thieves, murderers and rogues counterfeiters and rogues generally, the people of Utah did not <know> it. They respected them because they supposed they were honorable, upright men; personally, I said, I did not want anything to do with such a gang as he described his kindred as being.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
John C. Young said that in talking with his mother about Nauvoo she had said that the brethren had sometimes robbed a few hen roosts, smoke houses, taken a few horses and passed a little counterfeit money, and about three years ago his uncle Phinehas had told him that he had carried $15,000 of counterfeit money into Nauvoo. He asked him what had been done with it, and he replied that the brethren had bought outfits with it. In replying to them I said that I supposed I would be relieved from saying anything in defence of Presidents Joseph and Brigham Young as their son and nephew was present. If I was surprised, however, that he should sit still and acquiesce in their being called <murderers> and charged with other vile crimes. If his father and uncles were chicken and meat thieves, murderers and rogues counterfeiters and rogues generally, the people of Utah did not <know> it. They respected them because they supposed they were honorable, upright men; personally, I said, I did not want anything to do with such a gang as he described his kindred as being.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - Jan 22, 1848
B. Y.[:] Its [the Nauvoo Temple] a poor temple, it wont be 20 years until it can't contain a congregation.'[I] dreamed before we left [Nauvoo] that Bro. Kimball & I went back & on to the roof, & [we were] stepping on it carefully lest [we would] fall thro.'[T]he wall presses in & the timbers [were] bend, & rot[t]ed. [W]e have been gone I says 20 years & its rooted [rotted] so that we have got to make all new timbers. B. Y.[: W]e never shall go back to possess that temple until [the] right shall take place'& I don't care what is done to preserve the temple.'We'll rent the Temple
[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]
180 years ago today - Jan 22, 1843
President Joseph Smith deliverd an interesting discourse at the Temple to a large congregation. Among other things he treated upon the kingdom of God & the baptism of John. He remarked some say the kingdom of God was not set up on earth untill the day of pentecost & that John did not preach the Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. But I say in the name of the Lord that the kingdom of God was set upon earth from the days of Adam to the present time whenever there has been a righteous man on earth unto whom God revealed his word & gave power & authority to administer in his name:
And whare theire is a Priest of God, A minister who has power & Authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel & officiate in the Priesthood of God, theire is the kingdom of God & in consequence of rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ & the Prophets whom God hath sent, the judgments of God hath rested upon people, cities & nations in various ages of the world, which was the case with the cities of Sodom & gomoroah who were destroyed for rejecting the Prophets. ...
In these remarks I have no allusion to the kingdoms of the earth. We will keep the Laws of the Land. We do not speak against them....
The plea of many in this day is that we have no right to receive revelations. ... But say you what will become of the world or the various professors of religion who do not believe in revelation & the oracles of God as continued to his Church in all ages of the world when he has a people on earth? I Tell you in the name of Jesus Christ they will be damned & when you get into the eternal world you will find it to be so. They cannot escape the damnation of hell.
As touching the gospel & Baptism that John preached I would say that John came preaching the gospel for the remission of Sins. He had his authority from God & the oricles of God were with him & the kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to be with John alone. The Lord promised Zecheriah that he should have a son, which was a desendant of Aaron & the Lord promised that the priesthood should continue with Aaron & his seed throughout their generations.
... The people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the kingdom of God for John had it with him ...
The endowment was to prepare the desiples for their mission into the world. Whenever men can find out the will of God & find an Administrator legally authorized from God there is the kingdom of God. But whare these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the ordinances Systems, & Administrations on the earth is of no use to the Children of men unless they are ordained & authorized of God for nothing will save a man but a leger Administrator for none others will be acknowledge either by God or Angels.
I know what I say. I understand my mishion & business. God Almighty is my shield & what Can man do if God is my friend? I shall not be sacrafised untill my time comes. Then I shall be offered freely. All flesh is as grass & a governor is no better than other men. When he dies he is but a bag of dung.
[He would later organize the Council of Fifty which was also titled the "Kingdom of God."]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
And whare theire is a Priest of God, A minister who has power & Authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel & officiate in the Priesthood of God, theire is the kingdom of God & in consequence of rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ & the Prophets whom God hath sent, the judgments of God hath rested upon people, cities & nations in various ages of the world, which was the case with the cities of Sodom & gomoroah who were destroyed for rejecting the Prophets. ...
In these remarks I have no allusion to the kingdoms of the earth. We will keep the Laws of the Land. We do not speak against them....
The plea of many in this day is that we have no right to receive revelations. ... But say you what will become of the world or the various professors of religion who do not believe in revelation & the oracles of God as continued to his Church in all ages of the world when he has a people on earth? I Tell you in the name of Jesus Christ they will be damned & when you get into the eternal world you will find it to be so. They cannot escape the damnation of hell.
As touching the gospel & Baptism that John preached I would say that John came preaching the gospel for the remission of Sins. He had his authority from God & the oricles of God were with him & the kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to be with John alone. The Lord promised Zecheriah that he should have a son, which was a desendant of Aaron & the Lord promised that the priesthood should continue with Aaron & his seed throughout their generations.
... The people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the kingdom of God for John had it with him ...
The endowment was to prepare the desiples for their mission into the world. Whenever men can find out the will of God & find an Administrator legally authorized from God there is the kingdom of God. But whare these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the ordinances Systems, & Administrations on the earth is of no use to the Children of men unless they are ordained & authorized of God for nothing will save a man but a leger Administrator for none others will be acknowledge either by God or Angels.
I know what I say. I understand my mishion & business. God Almighty is my shield & what Can man do if God is my friend? I shall not be sacrafised untill my time comes. Then I shall be offered freely. All flesh is as grass & a governor is no better than other men. When he dies he is but a bag of dung.
[He would later organize the Council of Fifty which was also titled the "Kingdom of God."]
[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 - Jan 22, 1843
Joseph Smith teaches that God destroyed Sodom for "rejecting the prophets," not for sexual impurity.
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
190 years ago today - Jan. 22-23, 1833
A conference is held with several high priests and elders. Joseph speaks in another tongue, as do other elders. The next day they assemble again and participate in the ordinance of the washing of feet. (See John 13:4-15.) Each elder washes his own feet and then Joseph washes their feet. Joseph receives a father's blessing from Joseph Smith, Sr. F. G. Williams then asks permission to wash Joseph's feet, and does so. They partake of the sacrament.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
40 years ago today - Jan 21, 1983
A First Presidency letter: "We are now informed that there are members of the Church who also refuse to pay state income taxes." The letter provides for the denial of a temple recommend for any Mormon "who deliberately refuses to pay state or federal income taxes, or to comply with any final judgment rendered in income tax case." The letter also authorizes "Church court" action against those convicted of violating tax laws.
[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 )]]
125 years ago today - Jan 21, 1898
Apostle Anthon H. Lund sets apart First Council of the Seventy member Joseph W. McMurrin but mistakenly does not "ordain" him to the office of President of the Seventy. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve agree on 13 Apr. 1899 that this is an error but decide not to re-perform it "correctly." This oversight in 1898 eventually leads to the decision to stop using the word "ordain" for any Seventy's president, local or general.
[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 - Jan 21, 1883
J F Smith spoke upon the Priesthood & Revelation. It was a vary interesting discourse. He said God will not keep any man on Earth to preside over the Church to lead the Church of God astray. He will take him away first and all Men should sustain the Authorities of the Church or Priesthood.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jan 21, 1858
There were many speeches made in the Legislator to day. H. C. Kimball made a lengthy speech. He said that the thread was cut between us and the United States and it would never be tied together again. ... He said that [the] power of God would rest upon Gen Daniel H Wells when He went into the mountains to fight the Battles of this people as it never did before and upon all the officers & soldiers that was under his Command and they should prevail against his Enemies in all things.
[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]
170 years ago today - Jan 21, 1853
Patriarchal Blessing of Charles W. Hubbard ... by John Smith... You shall increase in wives and your children shall be numerous like Jacob. You shall live to see the winding up scene of this generation, and inherit all the blessings of the Kingdom with all your father's house, even so, Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Jan 21, 1843
John Thorp is disfellowshipped by the Nauvoo High Council for bigamy.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
185 years ago today - Jan 21, 1838
Oliver Cowdery writes to his brother Warren: "When he [Joseph Smith] was there we had some conversation in which in every instance I did not fail to affirm that what I had said was strictly true. A dirty, nasty, filthy affair of his and Fanny Alger's was talked over in which I strictly declared that I had never deviated from the truth in the matter, and as I supposed was admitted by himself." In Jul of 1872 former apostle and apostate William E. McLellin wrote to Joseph Smith III : "Now Joseph I will relate to you some history, and refer you to your own dear Mother for the truth. You will probably remember that I visited your Mother and family in 1847, and held a lengthy conversation with her . . .I told her I heard that one night she missed Joseph and Fanny Alger. she went to the barn and saw him and Fanny in the barn together alone. She looked through a crack and saw the transaction!!! She told me this story too was verily true."
35 years ago today - Jan 20, 1988
In his letter of resignation from a tenured position as a full professor of history at Brigham Young University, D. Michael Quinn writes that "academic freedom merely survives at BYU without fundamental support by the institution, exists against tremendous pressure, and is nurtured only through the dedication of individual administrators and faculty members."
[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 )]]
50 years ago today - Jan 20, 1973
Representing Utah, the BYU marching band performs at the inauguration of Richard M. Nixon. Additionally, thirty members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing at a private devotional service at the White House.
55 years ago today - Jan 20, 1968
The Church News reports that the LDS Genealogical Society is tape-recording "oral genealogies dating back to the 9th Century among the people of Samoa." Within a decade the LDS begin recording genealogies memborized by tribal historians of sub-Saharan Africa.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
70 years ago today - Jan 20, 1953
Ezra Taft Benson begins his official service as Secretary of Agriculture in cabinet of newly inaugurated U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Church president David O. McKay already "set apart" Benson as Secretary of Agriculture on Nov 28, 1952. Subsequent LDS Cabinet members are Stewart Udall (Interior, 1961-69), George Romney (Housing and Urban Development, 1969-72), David M. Kennedy (Tresury, 1969-71, and special cabinet member while ambassador-at-large, 1971-73), Terrel H. Bell (Education, 1981-85) In addition to this unprecedented appointment of LDS general authority, Eisenhower appoints Mrs. Ivy M. baker Priest as first Mormon to serve as U.S. Treasurer. In 1981 Republican Ronald Reagan appoints Angela Marie ("Bay") Buchanan as second Mormon to serve as U.S. Treasurer.
120 years ago today - Jan 20, 1903
The Utah legislature, as was the custom of the time in the United States, elects Reed Smoot of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to the U.S. Senate. This begins a national crusade, led by the Salt Lake Ministerial Alliance, to persuade the U.S. Senate to reject him. A long process of governmental investigation of the Church's doctrines, practices, and history ensues. In 1907, Smoot is allowed to retain his seat in the Senate, and he eventually becomes one of the most powerful Republican leaders in the nation.
145 years ago today - Jan 20, 1878
Llewellyn Harris begins proselytizing Zuni Pueblo at the beginning of the small pox epidemic. He administers the priesthood ordinance of healing to 409 Zunis, all of whome "recovered, excepting five or six that the [Presbyterian] minister gave medicine to, and four or five that the [Zuni] medicine man had tried to cure by magic."
[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 - Jan 20, 1858
[Hosea Stout]
D. H. Wells reported the condition of finance and Department of War. Also list of the officers for the Standing army, ect. ect. ect.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
D. H. Wells reported the condition of finance and Department of War. Also list of the officers for the Standing army, ect. ect. ect.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jan 20, 1848
George A. Smith addresses the Saints and "advised them to pay their tithing & not admit of making use of Ardent spirits . . ."
180 years ago today - Jan 20, 1843 - Friday
Joseph told his dream in council— I dreamd. this morni[n]g that I was in the Lobby of the Representative Hall. at Springfield . when some of the members who did not like my being there. began to mar & cut. & pound my shins with pieces of Iron.— I bore it as long as I could. then Jumped over the rail into the hall. caught a rod of Iron. & went at them cursing & swearing at them in the most awful manner. & drove them all out of the hou[s]e I went to the door & told them to send me a clerk & I will <would> make some laws <that would do good> There was quite a collection aro[u]nd the <state> house trying to raise an army to take me.— & there were many horses— tied round the square. I thought th[e]y would not have the privilige of getting me so. I took a rod of Iron & mowed my way. through their way <ranks> looking after their best race horrse thinki[n]g they might catch me when the[y] could find me when I was awake.) To dream of flying signifies prosperity & delivenc [deliverance] f[r]om Enemies Swimming in deep waters signifies success among Many people,— the word will be accomp[an]ied with power.
— told Elder [Orson] Hyde when he spoke in the name of the Lord. it should prove true. but do not cu[r]se the people prop[h]ecy in the nam[e] of the Lord God as soon as we get that temple built so that we will not be obliged to exhaust our means. thereon we will have means to gather the sai[n]ts by thousnds & tens of thosnds
Elder Hyde told of the excellnt white wine he drank in the east. Joseph prophcid in the name of the Lo[r]d— that he would drink wine with him in that country.— Joseph— From the 6th day of April next.
I go in for preparing with all present for a mission thogh [through] the Unitd States . & when we arrive at maine we will take ship— for England. & so on to all countries where we are a mind for to go ... we must have the whole Quorum — we must Send Kings & Queens to Nauvoo — & we will do it. We mu[s]t all start f[r]om this place Let the 12' be calld in on the 6[th] of April— & a notice be givn by for a special confenc [conference] at on the platform on House of the Lord.— We are sure to go as we live till spring.— If I live I take these breth[r]en through these united States . & th[r]ough the world.— & I will make Just as big a wake as god Almighty will let me
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
— told Elder [Orson] Hyde when he spoke in the name of the Lord. it should prove true. but do not cu[r]se the people prop[h]ecy in the nam[e] of the Lord God as soon as we get that temple built so that we will not be obliged to exhaust our means. thereon we will have means to gather the sai[n]ts by thousnds & tens of thosnds
Elder Hyde told of the excellnt white wine he drank in the east. Joseph prophcid in the name of the Lo[r]d— that he would drink wine with him in that country.— Joseph— From the 6th day of April next.
I go in for preparing with all present for a mission thogh [through] the Unitd States . & when we arrive at maine we will take ship— for England. & so on to all countries where we are a mind for to go ... we must have the whole Quorum — we must Send Kings & Queens to Nauvoo — & we will do it. We mu[s]t all start f[r]om this place Let the 12' be calld in on the 6[th] of April— & a notice be givn by for a special confenc [conference] at on the platform on House of the Lord.— We are sure to go as we live till spring.— If I live I take these breth[r]en through these united States . & th[r]ough the world.— & I will make Just as big a wake as god Almighty will let me
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
180 years ago today - Jan 20, 1843
President Joseph Smith remarked that as there was not a quorum when Orson Pratt's case came up before that he was still a member'he had not legally been cut off. O. Pratt remarked that he had rather die than go to preach in any other standing than I had before. Joseph'Let him have the same calling that Paul had. ... 'Orson by transgression laid himself liable to have another ordained in his stead.... Young'said all he had against Orson was when he came home he loved his wife better than David. Joseph'She lied about me'I never made the offair which she said I did [Sarah said Joseph proposed to her].'II will not advise you /presumably Orson/ to break up your family /divorse her/'unless it were asked of me. then I would council you to get a bill [?] from your wife and many a virtuous woman'aXnd sire'[?]'a new family but if you do not do it shall (or she'll) xxxxx [forever?] threw it in your teeth.
Joseph 'Orson, I prophesy in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that it will not be 6 months before you leave [have?] things which will make you glad you have not left us.' Prest. Joseph said to Orson Hyde'I can make a swap with Amasa Lyman & let him have the office we were going to give you. XXX Orson, the latter part of your life shall be more joyful than the former'
3 o'clcok adjourned to President Joseph 4 o'clock Orson Pratt, Sarah Marinda Pratt & lydia Granger were baptized in the River ____ [by Prd]'Joseph Smith'and confirmend in the Court Room'Orson received the Priesthood and the same power and x authority as in former days [B Young] [W Richards]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Joseph 'Orson, I prophesy in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that it will not be 6 months before you leave [have?] things which will make you glad you have not left us.' Prest. Joseph said to Orson Hyde'I can make a swap with Amasa Lyman & let him have the office we were going to give you. XXX Orson, the latter part of your life shall be more joyful than the former'
3 o'clcok adjourned to President Joseph 4 o'clock Orson Pratt, Sarah Marinda Pratt & lydia Granger were baptized in the River ____ [by Prd]'Joseph Smith'and confirmend in the Court Room'Orson received the Priesthood and the same power and x authority as in former days [B Young] [W Richards]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
70 years ago today - Jan 19, 1953
The First Presidency informs stake presidents of the need for stenographers and other office help in the missions and suggests that a few properly trained women at least twenty-one years old be called as missionaries. The previous minimum age for sister missionaries had been twenty-three.
95 years ago today - Jan 19-20,1928
Frederick M. Smith, RLDS president, supervises disinternment of his martyred grandfather and granduncle, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, from coffin-less burial place kept secret since 1844. They are reburied in coffins, one on each side of Emma Hale Smith Bidamon, next to Mansion House in Nauvoo.
[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]
120 years ago today - Jan 19, 1903
[Post-Manifesto plural marriage]
James Franklin Carrol, born at Heber City, Utah, March 3, 1870
Annie Eliza Burrell, born at Sheffield, England, June 28, 1880
Married at Colonia Juarez, January 19, 1903
[Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, 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), Appendix A]
James Franklin Carrol, born at Heber City, Utah, March 3, 1870
Annie Eliza Burrell, born at Sheffield, England, June 28, 1880
Married at Colonia Juarez, January 19, 1903
[Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, 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), Appendix A]
125 years ago today - Jan 19, 1898; Wednesday
The First Presidency met ... in relation to the business of the Bikuben, which was running behind and in debt to the Deseret News Publishing Company. As a committee they had investigated the affairs of the paper and found that it would take 61,600 a year to keep the paper alive. The Presidency felt that the Church could not afford to appropriate that sum.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
160 years ago today - Jan 19, 1863
[Brigham Young]
Our Constitution which we sent to Washington has been Closely scanned by the members of Congress. All of our moves here are feared by the nations of the earth, especially the United States. This body of men will give laws to the Nations of the Earth. We meet here in our second annual Legislature & I do not Care whether you pass any laws this season or not. But I do not wish you to loose one inch of ground you have gained in your Organization but hold fast to it for this is the kingdom of God and we are the friends of God and you will find that much will grow out of this organization.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 6:92-93; 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]
Our Constitution which we sent to Washington has been Closely scanned by the members of Congress. All of our moves here are feared by the nations of the earth, especially the United States. This body of men will give laws to the Nations of the Earth. We meet here in our second annual Legislature & I do not Care whether you pass any laws this season or not. But I do not wish you to loose one inch of ground you have gained in your Organization but hold fast to it for this is the kingdom of God and we are the friends of God and you will find that much will grow out of this organization.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 6:92-93; 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]
165 years ago today - Jan 19, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
I asked Brother Benson how it was in the States and He said as Bad as it could be. Brother Benson said that persecution had Commenced through England. They gather by thousands with sticks and stones and they break in the doors & windows knock down the Brethren and take the Clothing off the sisters &c.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I asked Brother Benson how it was in the States and He said as Bad as it could be. Brother Benson said that persecution had Commenced through England. They gather by thousands with sticks and stones and they break in the doors & windows knock down the Brethren and take the Clothing off the sisters &c.
[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 - Jan 19, 1858
[Hosea Stout]
Meeting at the Tabernacle at dark to take in consideration the subjects of a Bank &c[.] It was decided to have a Church Bank Charter which was passed called the "Bank of Deseret"[.] President B. Young was elected President and H. C. Kimball, D. H. Wells and W. H. Hooper Directors[.] The capital stock of said bank to be founded on a property basis and the Bills redeemable in live stock[.] The people passed the act of incorporation with great enthusiasm and unanimity.
The Territorial tax being abolished all public works was to be done on labor tithing and under the control of the Bishops
A standing army was also to be raised of 1000 or 1100 men from levies from the different Wards and Counties.
The army thus raised were to be sustained by the Wards and Counties (thus [crossed out]) from whom they are raised ...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Meeting at the Tabernacle at dark to take in consideration the subjects of a Bank &c[.] It was decided to have a Church Bank Charter which was passed called the "Bank of Deseret"[.] President B. Young was elected President and H. C. Kimball, D. H. Wells and W. H. Hooper Directors[.] The capital stock of said bank to be founded on a property basis and the Bills redeemable in live stock[.] The people passed the act of incorporation with great enthusiasm and unanimity.
The Territorial tax being abolished all public works was to be done on labor tithing and under the control of the Bishops
A standing army was also to be raised of 1000 or 1100 men from levies from the different Wards and Counties.
The army thus raised were to be sustained by the Wards and Counties (thus [crossed out]) from whom they are raised ...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Jan 19, 1853
First theatrical performance in Social Hall, Salt Lake City. Soon there are full performances of such classic stage productions as Othello and She Stoops to Conquer.
[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 - Jan 19, 1843
This was also an interesting day in consequence of the return of Orson Pratt to the quorum of the Twelve. He had returned & repented in dust & ashes, as it were for opposing Joseph & the Twelve &c. [Upon returning from his mission, Pratt was upset at his wife's claim Joseph had approached her about plural marriage during his absence.] We met at Brigham Youngs the first Presidency & the Twelve & conversed over the subject & Orson Pratt desired much to return to the quorum of the Twelve. We had an interesting time together.
We then assembled at the river & Joseph the Seer went into the river from the Ice & Baptized Orson Pratt & his wife & widow Granger. Joseph confirmed them & ordaind Orson Pratt to the Apostle-ship & his former standing which caused Joy to our hearts.
Elder Amasa Lyman who had been appointed in his stead as a member of the quorum of the Twelve was taken in to the first Presidency which left the place again vacant for Orson Pratt.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We then assembled at the river & Joseph the Seer went into the river from the Ice & Baptized Orson Pratt & his wife & widow Granger. Joseph confirmed them & ordaind Orson Pratt to the Apostle-ship & his former standing which caused Joy to our hearts.
Elder Amasa Lyman who had been appointed in his stead as a member of the quorum of the Twelve was taken in to the first Presidency which left the place again vacant for Orson Pratt.
[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 - Jan 19, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff]
I arose to speak & the Power of God rested upon me. I Prophesied of the judgments of God & spoke in tongues & interpeted the same. Elder Ball spoke to us in the spirit of God. Two offered themselves for Baptism.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I arose to speak & the Power of God rested upon me. I Prophesied of the judgments of God & spoke in tongues & interpeted the same. Elder Ball spoke to us in the spirit of God. Two offered themselves for Baptism.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
70 years ago today - Jan 18, 1953
Ezra Taft Benson was "deeply disappointed" when President Eisenhower chose not to begin the cabinet's meeting again with prayer. Had he done something wrong, Benson wondered. That evening, he "broke down and wept aloud" in his small apartment.
[Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
[Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
100 years ago today - Jan 18, 1923
[Anthony Ivins to Temple President Joseph Cardon and Counselors]
Dear Brethren:
The following paragraph is part of a letter dated December 15th, 1922, from the First Presidency to Presidents of Temples:
"We feel constrained to call your attention to the custom prevailing to some extent in our temples of baptizing for health, and to remind you that baptism for health is no part of our temple work, and therefore to permit it to become a practice would be an innovation detrimental to temple work, and a departure as well from the provision instituted of the Lord for the care and healing of the sick of His Church. And in this connection we desire to say that the practice of Church members going to temples to be administered to is a departure from the way instituted of the Lord, and we are desirous that these things should be corrected and receive attention of the proper authorities in the branches, Wards and Stakes of the Church where they belong, and it will be for you to so inform your temple workers and those who may come to you from time to time for baptism for health and to be administered to."
The Presidency would thank you to convey the information contained in the foregoing paragraph to your Bishops with the request that they issue no more recommends for baptisms for health or administrations to the sick.
Your brother, ANTHONY W. IVINS, In behalf of First Presidency.
[On October 3, 1914, the First Presidency had written:
"It must always be borne in mind that this administering to the sick by the sisters is in no sense a temple ordinance, and no one is allowed to use the words learned in the temple in washing and anointing the sick."]
[1923-January 18-Original circular letter. Church Historian's, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Dear Brethren:
The following paragraph is part of a letter dated December 15th, 1922, from the First Presidency to Presidents of Temples:
"We feel constrained to call your attention to the custom prevailing to some extent in our temples of baptizing for health, and to remind you that baptism for health is no part of our temple work, and therefore to permit it to become a practice would be an innovation detrimental to temple work, and a departure as well from the provision instituted of the Lord for the care and healing of the sick of His Church. And in this connection we desire to say that the practice of Church members going to temples to be administered to is a departure from the way instituted of the Lord, and we are desirous that these things should be corrected and receive attention of the proper authorities in the branches, Wards and Stakes of the Church where they belong, and it will be for you to so inform your temple workers and those who may come to you from time to time for baptism for health and to be administered to."
The Presidency would thank you to convey the information contained in the foregoing paragraph to your Bishops with the request that they issue no more recommends for baptisms for health or administrations to the sick.
Your brother, ANTHONY W. IVINS, In behalf of First Presidency.
[On October 3, 1914, the First Presidency had written:
"It must always be borne in mind that this administering to the sick by the sisters is in no sense a temple ordinance, and no one is allowed to use the words learned in the temple in washing and anointing the sick."]
[1923-January 18-Original circular letter. Church Historian's, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
180 years ago today - Jan 18, 1843
Dreamed that a sheriff came after me [Joseph]. A man put a musket in my hand and told me to keep him [the sheriff]. I took the musket and walked around him. When he went to go away, I would push him back and if others came to trouble him I would keep them off.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
180 years ago today - Jan 18, 1843
Willard Richards polygamous marriage to Sarah Longstroth [by Joseph Smith].
[Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27]
[Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27]
180 years ago today - Jan 18, 1843, Wednesday
... a group of close friends was invited to the Smith home for a grand dinner party. The list of guests included Lucy Mack Smith (Joseph's mother), Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Willard Richards, John Taylor, Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, Heber C. Kimball, the wives of these men, Eliza R. Snow, several other prominent citizens, and, of course, William and Ruth Clayton. The festivities began with the singing of two jubilee hymns written especially for the occasion, one by Wilson Law and Richards and the other by Snow. Joseph Smith distributed cards with the hymns printed on them. The conversation centered around the deliverance and at 2 p.m. the prophet and Emma began to serve dinner. It took four shifts, for their dinner table could not hold all the guests at once, and the Smiths had their own meal only with the last shift. The party broke up at 6 p.m. Wrote Clayton, ``Truly it was a time of Jubilee; all hearts rejoiced.'' But all the celebration must have been too much for his constitution, for he went home feeling ill and could not even attend the Masonic lodge meeting that evening, as Joseph did.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
65 years ago today - Jan 17, 1958
[David O. McKay]
... I told Brother [Wendell B.] Mendenhall that the First Presidency had approved of his suggestion that a white cloth moccasin for use as footwear in the New Zealand [temple] be made. This will overcome the problem of fitting the feet of the native people. The Temple Committee is to be authorized to go ahead with the project. Although Brother Mendenhall had advised that we have a stretchtype moccasin, the Brethren of the First Presidency chose a terry cloth moccasin.
[David O. McKay diary, Jan. 17, 1958; emphasis in original, Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
... I told Brother [Wendell B.] Mendenhall that the First Presidency had approved of his suggestion that a white cloth moccasin for use as footwear in the New Zealand [temple] be made. This will overcome the problem of fitting the feet of the native people. The Temple Committee is to be authorized to go ahead with the project. Although Brother Mendenhall had advised that we have a stretchtype moccasin, the Brethren of the First Presidency chose a terry cloth moccasin.
[David O. McKay diary, Jan. 17, 1958; emphasis in original, Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
145 years ago today - Jan 17, 1878
Apostle George Q. Cannon (special counselor and private secretary to Brigham Young) comments that fellow apostles "felt that the funds of the Church have been used with a freedom not warranted by the authority which he [Brigham Young] held." He also writes in his diary, "Some of my brethren, as I have learned since the death of President Brigham Young, did have feelings concerning his course. They did not approve of it, and felt oppressed, and yet they dare not exhibit their feelings to him, he ruled with so strong and stiff a hand, and they felt that it would be of no use. In a few words, the feeling seemed to be that he transcended the bounds of authority which he legitimately held. I have been greatly surprised to find so much dissatisfaction in such quarters .... Some even feel that in the promulgation of doctrine he took liberties beyond those to which he was legitimately entitled."
165 years ago today - Jan 17, 1858
At a prayer circle with the apostles and first presidency President Brigham Young, "formed a true Circle. He made each man toe the mark and keep good order or stay at home. You must be of one heart and one mind for Jesus said when two or three are gathered together in my name and are agreed as touching any one thing and asked the father in my name it shall be given unto you. Now Jesus did not tell a lie and when any prayer is offered up & not answered it is because you are not agreed in it and their prayers are not offered in faith and Union."
175 years ago today - Jan 17, 1848
President Young spoke upon the subject of danceing & said that danceing was not an ordinance of the gospel or of the House of the Lord. But the organization of man is such that it requires A variety. Singing stimulates the whole system & the mental mind to such a degree that they want to dance. ... And the ownly lawful place to dance is in a temple or a place of endowments. You will never see any music or danceing in Hell neither Joy or gladness will be there but these things will be in Heaven. ...
The afternoon & evening was spent in music and danceing. The old grey headed man, with the young man, maiden and children went forth in the dance together & praised the Lord in the dance and all was peace and Harmony.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The afternoon & evening was spent in music and danceing. The old grey headed man, with the young man, maiden and children went forth in the dance together & praised the Lord in the dance and all was peace and Harmony.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jan 17, 1848
Bishop's court orders Salt Lake City marshal to give horse thief "39 lashes on the bare back."
[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 - Jan 17, 1843
As proclaimed by the Quorum of the Twelve a week earlier this day is observed "as a day of humiliation, fasting, prayer and thanksgiving for the great blessings which our heavenly Father has conferred on us in the deliverance of our beloved President, Joseph Smith, who has been honorably discharged from his arrest under the Missouri writ by the U. S. District Court of Illinois; Judge Pope presiding."
35 years ago today - Jan 16, 1988
Son-in-law of the deceased Fundamentalist John Singer bombs an LDS chapel in Kamas, Utah. This begins a several-week stand-off between this polygamous clan and law enforcement officers. This results in even more cooperation between law enforcement and Mormon Fundamentalists, who repudiate the Singer family's actions and seek a peaceful solution. One lawman dies in arresting the family.
[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 )]]
40 years ago today - Jan 16, 1983
Ending a policy of 132 years and six months, the Deseret News (of which Counselor Hinckley is a senior director) begins printing a Sunday edition.
[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 )]]
50 years ago today - Jan. 16-25, 1973
[George F. Ricards]
One of the practices in the temple when I first went to the temple was that you were expected to make a donation as you went in the door to help temple work. That was eliminated later. I don't remember a time when to my knowledge it wasn't customary to allow a certain amount of money for the indigent people who would spend their time in the temple, going through for the dead for endowment work. It used to be fifty cents for a man or fifty cents for a woman, I think. Then people like my father who didn't often have the privilege of going through the temple paid a lot of folks for doing that kind of service for them. It helped some of the elderly people to live, to have groceries to eat and places to rent.
[George F. Richards Jr. oral history, Jan. 16-25, 1973; p. 58, excerpt in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
One of the practices in the temple when I first went to the temple was that you were expected to make a donation as you went in the door to help temple work. That was eliminated later. I don't remember a time when to my knowledge it wasn't customary to allow a certain amount of money for the indigent people who would spend their time in the temple, going through for the dead for endowment work. It used to be fifty cents for a man or fifty cents for a woman, I think. Then people like my father who didn't often have the privilege of going through the temple paid a lot of folks for doing that kind of service for them. It helped some of the elderly people to live, to have groceries to eat and places to rent.
[George F. Richards Jr. oral history, Jan. 16-25, 1973; p. 58, excerpt in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
80 years ago today - Jan 16, 1943
[Heber J. Grant]
I had a love for the old theatre almost like one has for his old home where he has been born and reared. ... I became familiar with the theatre when I was a little child, and I was one of the original pickaninnies in the first presentation of Uncle Tom's cabin.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
I had a love for the old theatre almost like one has for his old home where he has been born and reared. ... I became familiar with the theatre when I was a little child, and I was one of the original pickaninnies in the first presentation of Uncle Tom's cabin.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
115 years ago today - Jan 16, 1908
President Joseph F. Smith dedicates the site for the Maeser Memorial Building, the first building on what would become known as Brigham Young Academy's "upper campus."
135 years ago today - Jan 16, 1888 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
We canvassed very thoroughly the names of the brethren who are eligible for office, with a view to selecting those who are most suitable to fill the City Council.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
We canvassed very thoroughly the names of the brethren who are eligible for office, with a view to selecting those who are most suitable to fill the City Council.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
145 years ago today - Jan 16, 1878
'How is it that a Bishop comes between the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy Apostles, and can cut off an Apostle but an Apostle of the Seventies cannot cut off one of their Quorum;'Br Joseph Young Senr. replied that it was true that the decision of a full Quorum of Seventies, acting unanimously was equal to the Quorum of the Twelve. It is also true and that he had never known that when a man was cut off from the Church that it was ever done by the Seventies, but they could disfellowship them from their Quorum. He referred to the case of Theodore Turley who fell into transgression. The prophet told him to throw him out of his Quorum; having at that time a delicacy the Prophet said he would take him to the High Council. He said that the Seventies are under the jurisdiction of the Bishops. They take their Tithing and Offerings to the Bishops. They do not handle the Seventies except for misconduct. The Presidents of the Stakes have called upon the Seventies as Home Missionaries and they are generally satisfied with the kind treatment they receive from the Bishops. Many have to be sent on Missions and are generally ordained Seventies. Speaking of his own experience he said that he never knew that he was President of the Seventies until he came to Nauvoo and Br Brigham told him that that was his place and he took it. During the reformation he had surrendered his Presidency to Br Brigham and he did not take it.
[Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
[Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
165 years ago today - Jan 16, 1858
[Hosea Stout]
At one p. m. there was a mass meeting at the Tabernacle to memorialize Government &c and the citizens to express their views as to the course pursued by prest B. Young[.] Three memorials one to Prest Buckhannan one to Congress and one to the Govt & people of the U. S. all couched in the plainest and most determined language declaring that they not only approve of Gov Youngs course but that they will not submit to their hellish outrages and tyrannacle oppression any longer.
The Tabernacle was crouded and every vote was unanimous.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
At one p. m. there was a mass meeting at the Tabernacle to memorialize Government &c and the citizens to express their views as to the course pursued by prest B. Young[.] Three memorials one to Prest Buckhannan one to Congress and one to the Govt & people of the U. S. all couched in the plainest and most determined language declaring that they not only approve of Gov Youngs course but that they will not submit to their hellish outrages and tyrannacle oppression any longer.
The Tabernacle was crouded and every vote was unanimous.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
165 years ago today - Jan 16, 1858
Bro. Brigham spoke on our situation as a people and the wrongs we had suffered from the U.S. in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, spoke of the army on our borders said that their intentions to uproot us and destroy the Everlasting Priesthood from the face of the Earth spoke of the time that Joseph Smith, Hyrum gave themselves up to go to Carthage said that he would never give himself up to the Damned Scoundrels and said that he carried a long Bowie knife and swore by the eternal Gods that if they came to take him he would sent them to hell across lots. Said if them and the Army persisted in trying to take the lives of him and his brethren by the help of God and his brethren that he would make millions of them bite the dust to which the congregation shouted Amen which rent the air as it went up to Heaven, said that it had grown from a neighborhood persecution to a National persecution, said the time will come when the Nations of the earth will be arrayed against this people just as much as the U.S. are at the present time; and said many more things which did my soul good. -- Salt Lake City
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980, 14, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980, 14, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Jan 16, 1838
In Dublin, Indiana, Joseph Smith "destitute of money" says to Brigham Young, "You are one of the Twelve who have charge of the kingdom in all the world; I believe I shall throw myself upon you, and look to you for counsel in this case." Brigham Young helps "Brother Tomlinson" sell his farm and Joseph "got three hundred dollars from Brother Tomlinson, which enabled me to pursue my journey."
5 years ago today - Jan 15, 2018
Looking for an entertaining discussion of the latest Mormon-related news? Check out Mormon News Report Podcast
[http://www.theculturalhallpodcast.com/category/mormon-news-report-podcast/]
[http://www.theculturalhallpodcast.com/category/mormon-news-report-podcast/]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 15, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
The Apostles' Room in the temple has been thoroughly renovated: the walls painted, the ceiling calcimined, the woodwork repainted, and the carpet cleaned. The portraits of the Presidency and Twelve by [George H.] Taggart have been substituted for the pictures previously seen in the said room. The improvement is very marked and the room is certainly most delightful and attractive.
[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]
The Apostles' Room in the temple has been thoroughly renovated: the walls painted, the ceiling calcimined, the woodwork repainted, and the carpet cleaned. The portraits of the Presidency and Twelve by [George H.] Taggart have been substituted for the pictures previously seen in the said room. The improvement is very marked and the room is certainly most delightful and attractive.
[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]
185 years ago today - Jan. 15-16, 1838
The printing press in Kirtland, formerly owned by the Church but attached for debt payment in December [to Grandison Newell], burns down. Those loyal to Joseph blame the apostates. The apostates, of course, blame those loyal to Joseph. [LDS member Benjamin F. Johnson later recounted that his brother-in-law Lyman Sherman had burned building in order to prevent enemies of church from gaining access to printing press.]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
115 years ago today - Jan 14, 1908
[George Gibbs to Alma Merrill]
Please find enclosed recommends for second blessings endorsed by President [Joseph F.] Smith. The First Presidency direct me to call your attention to the printed form used by you in this instance recommending for second blessings, and would thank you to let them know if this particular form was prepared by yourself, or purchased by you of the printer already prepared? Their reason for eliciting this information is this, the form is unauthorized, and not in accordance with their mind in recommending for the second anointing. In other words the word "second" should not be in the recommend at all, and you are therefore requested to discard this particular form, and in fact to destroy it. Instructions have been given so many times in regard to this matter, that it has been taken for granted that every Stake President is fully informed in relation to it. The way to do it is to use the common form of temple recommend, and write a letter in connection with it explaining who the people are [who are] thus recommended, and giving, as near as you can, their ages and a brief account of their lives so that the presidency may by this means gather some idea of their suitableness and worthiness to receive the endorsement of the President. And it is taken for granted that you take pains to become personally acquainted with everybody recommended by you for second blessings, and you are of course at liberty to adopt every necessary means to acquire the information; and strict privacy should be enjoined by you and all so recommended by you.
[George F. Gibbs to Alma Merrill, Jan. 14, 1908, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Please find enclosed recommends for second blessings endorsed by President [Joseph F.] Smith. The First Presidency direct me to call your attention to the printed form used by you in this instance recommending for second blessings, and would thank you to let them know if this particular form was prepared by yourself, or purchased by you of the printer already prepared? Their reason for eliciting this information is this, the form is unauthorized, and not in accordance with their mind in recommending for the second anointing. In other words the word "second" should not be in the recommend at all, and you are therefore requested to discard this particular form, and in fact to destroy it. Instructions have been given so many times in regard to this matter, that it has been taken for granted that every Stake President is fully informed in relation to it. The way to do it is to use the common form of temple recommend, and write a letter in connection with it explaining who the people are [who are] thus recommended, and giving, as near as you can, their ages and a brief account of their lives so that the presidency may by this means gather some idea of their suitableness and worthiness to receive the endorsement of the President. And it is taken for granted that you take pains to become personally acquainted with everybody recommended by you for second blessings, and you are of course at liberty to adopt every necessary means to acquire the information; and strict privacy should be enjoined by you and all so recommended by you.
[George F. Gibbs to Alma Merrill, Jan. 14, 1908, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Jan 14, 1898 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
... we had some further conversation with him about my son Frank J. Cannon. I told him that I felt very badly at his talking the way he had done in the Council, when our relations had been such that he might have come to me and told me, as a friend, what he knew about my sons. I said, "I did that with you, Brother Brigham, only a few weeks ago. Brother Joseph F. and myself heard stories about your son, B. S. Young, and I went and told you privately." I said I did not like to hear such stories being circulated about him; ... Our friendship has been such that you ought to have come to me. You have been in my house, and I have been in yours, and I never had a feeling against you in the world. I looked upon you as one of my dearest friends. In fact, one of the brethren who has access to the Office Journal was astonished, he told me, when he read what you have said: 'for', said he, 'I always supposed that Brigham was your pet.'
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... we had some further conversation with him about my son Frank J. Cannon. I told him that I felt very badly at his talking the way he had done in the Council, when our relations had been such that he might have come to me and told me, as a friend, what he knew about my sons. I said, "I did that with you, Brother Brigham, only a few weeks ago. Brother Joseph F. and myself heard stories about your son, B. S. Young, and I went and told you privately." I said I did not like to hear such stories being circulated about him; ... Our friendship has been such that you ought to have come to me. You have been in my house, and I have been in yours, and I never had a feeling against you in the world. I looked upon you as one of my dearest friends. In fact, one of the brethren who has access to the Office Journal was astonished, he told me, when he read what you have said: 'for', said he, 'I always supposed that Brigham was your pet.'
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
140 years ago today - Sunday, Jan 14, 1883
[John Henry Smith]
Liverpool and Manchester
... I spoke upon the history of Joseph Smith and also upon the baptism for the dead and also upon the doctrine of plural marriage, stating that we do not teach that principal in England as it is contrary to the law. [Plural marriage was contrary to the law in the U.S.] I was asked to quote the scripture to sustain me and I answered Rohoboam had several wives and three score concubines. The Voice again called out for a passage from the New Testament. I answered that Christ the son of God was decended [from] that old polygamist David. Seeing that the party was simply trying to make a disturbance I requested the brethren to put him outdoors. As he went he said I was preaching against the English and American government. I retorted I respect the English government and that I loved my own as the apple of my eye. The Congregation seemed to be in sympathy with me.
[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]
Liverpool and Manchester
... I spoke upon the history of Joseph Smith and also upon the baptism for the dead and also upon the doctrine of plural marriage, stating that we do not teach that principal in England as it is contrary to the law. [Plural marriage was contrary to the law in the U.S.] I was asked to quote the scripture to sustain me and I answered Rohoboam had several wives and three score concubines. The Voice again called out for a passage from the New Testament. I answered that Christ the son of God was decended [from] that old polygamist David. Seeing that the party was simply trying to make a disturbance I requested the brethren to put him outdoors. As he went he said I was preaching against the English and American government. I retorted I respect the English government and that I loved my own as the apple of my eye. The Congregation seemed to be in sympathy with me.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
175 years ago today - Jan 14, 1848
[Hosea Stout]
... Mr Long now that he found he was in no danger about stealing Calkins girl, had began to boast about what he had done. That he could outwit even the police &c
We concluded to give him a round on the subject of outwitting tonight. So several of the police ... [got] a pint of whiskey as an excuse but to arrest Long. He went in got the whiskey & started and as it happened Long came out with him. Not proceeding for Miller took hold of him saying "You are my prisoner. We entend to learn you what it is to kidnap young girls in this place as you have doneyou now have got to atone for it now before you leave this place". This spoken in an austerere and commanding tone had the desired effect. It scared Long almost to death[.] He trembled like a leaf in the wind.
... At length he was taken into Cox Shop where we were assured at the same time that his time had come[.] He need not expect to have friends to help him now. The atonement must be made. He must go before the Council & stand his trial but pretending to have some sympathy for him they undertook to plead with me not to report him if he would do anything fair.
After a long consultation in which all agreed that they would not divulge any thing that had passed we agreed to let him go in case he would pay four gallons of whiskey which amounted to 3.75[. ]He gave Calkins orders to let us have it & he would pay it
After all this was over & the bargain fairley made we ran upon him without mercy to suppose that we cared anything about a man marrying a girl whenever they could agree themselves. That we only wanted to let him know that we could outwit him. He was badly plagued & confessed that he did expect to die. We were bamboosing him around in this way till midnight.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
... Mr Long now that he found he was in no danger about stealing Calkins girl, had began to boast about what he had done. That he could outwit even the police &c
We concluded to give him a round on the subject of outwitting tonight. So several of the police ... [got] a pint of whiskey as an excuse but to arrest Long. He went in got the whiskey & started and as it happened Long came out with him. Not proceeding for Miller took hold of him saying "You are my prisoner. We entend to learn you what it is to kidnap young girls in this place as you have doneyou now have got to atone for it now before you leave this place". This spoken in an austerere and commanding tone had the desired effect. It scared Long almost to death[.] He trembled like a leaf in the wind.
... At length he was taken into Cox Shop where we were assured at the same time that his time had come[.] He need not expect to have friends to help him now. The atonement must be made. He must go before the Council & stand his trial but pretending to have some sympathy for him they undertook to plead with me not to report him if he would do anything fair.
After a long consultation in which all agreed that they would not divulge any thing that had passed we agreed to let him go in case he would pay four gallons of whiskey which amounted to 3.75[. ]He gave Calkins orders to let us have it & he would pay it
After all this was over & the bargain fairley made we ran upon him without mercy to suppose that we cared anything about a man marrying a girl whenever they could agree themselves. That we only wanted to let him know that we could outwit him. He was badly plagued & confessed that he did expect to die. We were bamboosing him around in this way till midnight.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
190 years ago today - Jan 14, 1833
A conference is held in the Kirtland Mills (Kirtland, Ohio). Orson Hyde and Hyrum Smith are appointed to write a letter to Zion (Missouri) telling the people not to complain against Joseph, to repent, that they are loved by the Kirtland Saints, and that the School of the Prophets will commence in two or three days. Joseph writes to W. W. Phelps in Independence, sending him D&C 88, the "Olive Leaf," and telling him to make the Star more interesting: "For if you do not render it more interesting than at present, it will fall, and the Church suffer a great loss thereby."
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 13, 1898
[John Henry Smith]
It was voted by the Council [members of the First Presidency and Twelve] the Church purchase Bro. H[eber] J. Grant's interest in the Salt Lake Theatre.
[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]
It was voted by the Council [members of the First Presidency and Twelve] the Church purchase Bro. H[eber] J. Grant's interest in the Salt Lake Theatre.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
125 years ago today - Jan 13, 1898; Thursday
Elder H[eber]. J. Grant reported remarkable and gratifying success resulting from the labors of the missionaries sent out through the Stakes of Zion, under the Y.M.M.I. Associations. Great interest had been aroused and many of the young people had been induced to attend meetings and join the associations. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Jan 13, 1893
[Francis M. Lyman]
Before entering into our [apostles'] meeting I took bro[ther] Moses [Thatcher] to one side and labored to get him to see that he was in error in striking out in politics on his own hook. He would not see with me on that matter. ... Pat Lanan's request to see the Presidency, to get assurances from them as to whether gentiles and particularly our enemies would receive fair treatment if Utah is admitted as a state in the union. It was decided on motion of Pres[ident] [George Q.] Cannon as follows: 'I move that these brethren, F[rancis]. M. Lyman and John Henry Smith be authorized to say to Mr. Lannan for the Presidency and Apostles that we are willing to make and pledge which honorable men could be asked to give, or honorable men be willing to receive that whatever influence we may have will always be exerted in favor of the equal rights of all classes of citizens before the law. and that we feel fully warranted in giving the strongest pledge that no non Mormon whatever his past attitude towards the Mormon people may have been shall ever be disturbed in his person of business in any way whatever in the event of our territory being admitted into the Union.' Armed with a copy of the above with Bro[ther] Smith and B[isho]p [Hiram B.] Clawson met Mr. Lannan in ZCMI office and deliberately talked the situation over. Lannon was not satisfied with the above so concluded to formulate a list of questions to be answered concerning the 'Kingdom of God,' which he will let us have later on. He says statehood is coming and no mistake and he and his friends are very much frightened. He says they will pack up their means and get out of the country. We reported to Pres[iden]ts Cannon & [Joseph F.] Smith the result of the interview. They were pleased.
[Francis M. Lyman 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]
Before entering into our [apostles'] meeting I took bro[ther] Moses [Thatcher] to one side and labored to get him to see that he was in error in striking out in politics on his own hook. He would not see with me on that matter. ... Pat Lanan's request to see the Presidency, to get assurances from them as to whether gentiles and particularly our enemies would receive fair treatment if Utah is admitted as a state in the union. It was decided on motion of Pres[ident] [George Q.] Cannon as follows: 'I move that these brethren, F[rancis]. M. Lyman and John Henry Smith be authorized to say to Mr. Lannan for the Presidency and Apostles that we are willing to make and pledge which honorable men could be asked to give, or honorable men be willing to receive that whatever influence we may have will always be exerted in favor of the equal rights of all classes of citizens before the law. and that we feel fully warranted in giving the strongest pledge that no non Mormon whatever his past attitude towards the Mormon people may have been shall ever be disturbed in his person of business in any way whatever in the event of our territory being admitted into the Union.' Armed with a copy of the above with Bro[ther] Smith and B[isho]p [Hiram B.] Clawson met Mr. Lannan in ZCMI office and deliberately talked the situation over. Lannon was not satisfied with the above so concluded to formulate a list of questions to be answered concerning the 'Kingdom of God,' which he will let us have later on. He says statehood is coming and no mistake and he and his friends are very much frightened. He says they will pack up their means and get out of the country. We reported to Pres[iden]ts Cannon & [Joseph F.] Smith the result of the interview. They were pleased.
[Francis M. Lyman 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]
170 years ago today - Jan 13, 1853 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
Translating [the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian] &c. Visiting and administering to sick and the Lord confirming the administration by healing. ... Hawkins arrived from Makawao. This evening just as <we> were about going to bed one of the brethren came and wanted us to accompany to him to administer to his sister who was in travail. She did not belong to the Church but had faith to believe in our administration and was willing to covenant with the Lord to keep his commandments henceforth; her pains had commenced rather early in the day yesterday. We accompanied him and I took the oil with me. We found her in great pain; after informing her of the object of the ordinance &c., and causing her to enter into a covenant with the Lord, we administered unto her by giving her a dose inwardly, and anointing her head, and rebuking all unnatural pains &c. &c. by the laying on of hands; we afterwards prayed with them before leaving, and told them to have faith for we felt that she would soon be relieved. As we went home we prayed in a secret place in her behalf. We afterwards heard that she gave birth to a fine daughter directly after we left the house, and we thought that it must have been about the time we were praying.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Translating [the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian] &c. Visiting and administering to sick and the Lord confirming the administration by healing. ... Hawkins arrived from Makawao. This evening just as <we> were about going to bed one of the brethren came and wanted us to accompany to him to administer to his sister who was in travail. She did not belong to the Church but had faith to believe in our administration and was willing to covenant with the Lord to keep his commandments henceforth; her pains had commenced rather early in the day yesterday. We accompanied him and I took the oil with me. We found her in great pain; after informing her of the object of the ordinance &c., and causing her to enter into a covenant with the Lord, we administered unto her by giving her a dose inwardly, and anointing her head, and rebuking all unnatural pains &c. &c. by the laying on of hands; we afterwards prayed with them before leaving, and told them to have faith for we felt that she would soon be relieved. As we went home we prayed in a secret place in her behalf. We afterwards heard that she gave birth to a fine daughter directly after we left the house, and we thought that it must have been about the time we were praying.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
190 years ago today - Jan 13, 1833-14
Hyrum Smith and Orson Hyde write the bishopric of Zion (Edward Partridge, Isaac Morley, and John Corrill) objecting to their "accusing Brother Joseph in rather an indirect way of seeking after monarchial power and authority."
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
70 years ago today - Jan 12, 1953
Having suggested that the new cabinet's pre-inaugural first meeting begin with prayer, Ezra Taft Benson was overjoyed when Eisenhower invited him on January 12, 1953, to offer the invocation. For Benson, "beseeching the Lord for spiritual strength was as necessary . . . as eating or sleeping."
[Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
[Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
75 years ago today - Jan 12, 1948
[J. Reuben Clark]
Albert Bowen: asked him if he could check up on the status of the New Polygamists appeal to the Supreme Court without it being known who was making the inquiry. He reported back that Calvin Rampton, one of the Assistant District Attorneys, argued it last month. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Albert Bowen: asked him if he could check up on the status of the New Polygamists appeal to the Supreme Court without it being known who was making the inquiry. He reported back that Calvin Rampton, one of the Assistant District Attorneys, argued it last month. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
95 years ago today - Jan 12, 1928
[Heber J. Grant]
After our bank meeting Franklin S. Richards and Arthur Winter read to us a long statement that has been prepared to send to the attorneys in the Hawaiian Islands. It seems that some of the natives have entered a protest against the Church having the right to deed its beach property, which it recently sold for something over a quarter of a million dollars, they claiming that the property really belonged to the natives. Inasmuch as the natives never paid for it I do not know whether they can win out, but they have won in the first court in which the case came up. We approved the statements that Brother Richards had prepared. ...
Dr. Joseph Amussen called and read to me a short statement that he had written regarding the Prophet Joseph. He also stated that he had prepared an article along scientific lines in defense of plural marriage, as advantage would be taken of it, claiming that we were still preaching and practising it.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
After our bank meeting Franklin S. Richards and Arthur Winter read to us a long statement that has been prepared to send to the attorneys in the Hawaiian Islands. It seems that some of the natives have entered a protest against the Church having the right to deed its beach property, which it recently sold for something over a quarter of a million dollars, they claiming that the property really belonged to the natives. Inasmuch as the natives never paid for it I do not know whether they can win out, but they have won in the first court in which the case came up. We approved the statements that Brother Richards had prepared. ...
Dr. Joseph Amussen called and read to me a short statement that he had written regarding the Prophet Joseph. He also stated that he had prepared an article along scientific lines in defense of plural marriage, as advantage would be taken of it, claiming that we were still preaching and practising it.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
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