At the regional representatives meeting, President Spencer W. Kimball outlined three responsibilities to carry out the mission of the Church: Proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints and redeem the dead.
[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]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
50 years ago today - Apr 3, 1976
Members attending general conference accepted Joseph Smith's Vision of the Celestial Kingdom and Joseph F. Smith's Vision of the Redemption of the Dead for addition to the Pearl of Great Price. These scriptures became part of the Doctrine and Covenants on June 6, 1979.
[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]
90 years ago today - Apr 3, 1936
The First Presidency restores full church and priesthood blessings to Matthias F. Cowley. He unsuccessfully asked for this since 1926. The Deseret News publishes this announcement.
[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 - Wednesday, Apr 3, 1901
Apostle M. W. Merrill ... Prophesied that in the due time of the Lord Pres. Snow would have power to save every soul in his family [Nine wives and 42 children].
Remarks, David H. Cannon. ... Said Pres. Snow had promised the people of the St. George country that, if they were faithful in honoring the law of tithing and other commandments of God, they should be visited by the early and latter rains. This promise had been literally fulfilled, for a recent drought of some 5 years had been broken by copious rains. Explained how he had been guided by revelation in his labors at the temple.
[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]
Remarks, David H. Cannon. ... Said Pres. Snow had promised the people of the St. George country that, if they were faithful in honoring the law of tithing and other commandments of God, they should be visited by the early and latter rains. This promise had been literally fulfilled, for a recent drought of some 5 years had been broken by copious rains. Explained how he had been guided by revelation in his labors at the temple.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
130 years ago today - Apr 3, 1896
Apostle Franklin D. Richards tells the Relief Society conference that women have a right "to rebuke disease in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ & by virtue of the Holy Anointing which I have received."
[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)]]
185 years ago today - Apr 3, 1841
[Charles Anthon]
NEW-YORK, April 3, 1841. Rev. and Dear Sir,--I have often heard that the Mormons claimed me for an auxiliary, but, as no one, until the present time, has ever requested from me any statement in writing, I have not deemed it worth while to say any thing publicly on the subject. ... Many years ago, the precise date I do not now recollect, a plain looking countryman called upon me with a letter from Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, requesting me to examine, and give my opinion upon, a certain paper, marked with various characters which the Doctor confessed he could not decypher, and which the bearer of the note was very anxious to have explained. A very brief examination of the paper convinced me that it was a mere hoax, and a very clumsy one too. The characters were arranged in columns, like the chinese mode of writing, and presented the most singular medley that I had ever beheld. Greek, Hebrew, and all sorts of letters, more or less distorted, either through unskilfulness or from actual
design, were intermingled with sundry delineations of half moons, stars, and other natural objects, and the whole ended in a rude representation of the Mexican zodiac. The conclusion was irresistible, that some cunning fellow had prepared the paper in question, for the purpose of imposing upon the countryman who brought it, and I told the man so without any hesitation. ... To convince him the more clearly that there was no risk whatever in the matter, and that the work was actually what it claimed to be, he was told to take the paper, which purported to be a copy of one of the pages of the book, to the city of New York, and submit it to the learned in that quarter, who would soon dispel all his doubts, and satisfy him as to the perfect safety of the investment. As Dr. [Samuel L.] Mitchell was our "Magnus Apollo" in those days, the man called first upon him; but the Doctor, evidently suspecting some trick, declined giving any opinion about the matter, and sent the countryman down
to the college, to see, in all probability, what the "learned pundits" in that place would make of the affair. On my telling the bearer of the paper that an attempt had been made to impose upon him, and defraud him of his property, he requested me to give him my opinion in writing about the paper which he had shown to me. I did so without any hesitation, partly for the man's sake, and partly to let the individual "behind the curtain" see that his trick was discovered. The import of what I wrote was, as far as I can now recollect, simply this, that the marks in the paper appeared to be merely an imitation of various alphabetic characters, and had in my opinion no meaning at all connected with them. The countryman then took his leave, with many thanks, and with the express declaration that he would in no shape part with his farm or embark in the speculation of printing the golden book. The matter rested here for a considerable time, until one day, when I had ceased entirely to
think of the countryman and his paper, this same individual, to my great surprise, paid me a second visit. He now brought with him a duodecimo volume, which he said was a translation into English of the "Golden Bible." He also stated, that, notwithstanding his original determination, he had been induced eventually to sell his farm, and apply the money to the publication of the book, and had received the golden plates as a security for repayment. He begged my acceptance of the volume, assuring me that it would be found extremely interesting, and that it was already "making a great noise" in the upper part of the State. Suspecting, now, that some serious trick was on foot, and that my plain-looking visitor might be in fact a very cunning fellow, I declined his present, and merely contented myself with a slight examination of the volume while he stood by. The more I declined receiving it, however, the more urgent the man became in offering the book, until at last I told him plainly,
that if he left the volume, as he said he intended to do, I should most assuredly throw it after him as he departed. I then asked him how he could be so foolish as to sell his farm and engage in this affair; and requested him to tell me if the plates were really of gold. In answer to this latter enquiry, he said, that he had never seen the plates themselves, which were carefully locked up in a trunk, but that he had the trunk in his possession. I advised him by all means to open the trunk and examine its contents, and if the plates proved to be of gold, which I did not believe at all, to sell them immediately. His reply was, that if he opened the trunk the "curse of Heaven would descend upon him and his children." "However," added he, "I will agree to open it, provided you will take the `curse of Heaven' upon yourself, for having advised me to the step." I told him I was perfectly willing to do so, and begged him to hasten home and examine the trunk, for he would find he had been
cheated. He promised to do as I recommended, and left me taking his book with him. I have never seen him since. Such is a plain statement of all that I know respecting the Mormons. My impression now is, that the plain-looking countryman was none other than the prophet Smith himself, who assumed an appearance of great simplicity in order to entrap me, if possible, into some recommendation of his book. That the prophet aided me, by his inspiration, in interpreting the volume, is only one of the many amusing falsehoods which the Mormonites utter relative to my participation in their doctrines. Of these doctrines I know nothing whatever, nor have I ever heard a single discourse from any one of their preachers, although I have often felt a strong curiosity to become an auditor, since my friends tell me that they frequently name me in their sermons, and even go so far as to say that I am alluded to in the prophecies of Scripture! If what I have here written shall prove of any service in
opening the eyes of some of their deluded followers to the real designs of those who profess to be the apostles of Mormonism, it will afford me a satisfaction equalled, I have no doubt, only by that which you yourself will feel on this subject.
I remain very respectfully and truly,
Your friend,
CHAS. ANTHON. Rev. Dr. Coit, New Rochelle, N.Y.
[Charles Anthon to Thomas Winthrop Coit, 3 April 1841, Church Record (Flushing, New York) 1 (17 April 1841): 231-32. Reprinted in John A. Clark, Gleanings by the Way (Philadelphia: W. J. & J. K. Simon, 1842), 233-38., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Charles Anthon To Thomas Winthrop Coit]
NEW-YORK, April 3, 1841. Rev. and Dear Sir,--I have often heard that the Mormons claimed me for an auxiliary, but, as no one, until the present time, has ever requested from me any statement in writing, I have not deemed it worth while to say any thing publicly on the subject. ... Many years ago, the precise date I do not now recollect, a plain looking countryman called upon me with a letter from Dr. Samuel L. Mitchell, requesting me to examine, and give my opinion upon, a certain paper, marked with various characters which the Doctor confessed he could not decypher, and which the bearer of the note was very anxious to have explained. A very brief examination of the paper convinced me that it was a mere hoax, and a very clumsy one too. The characters were arranged in columns, like the chinese mode of writing, and presented the most singular medley that I had ever beheld. Greek, Hebrew, and all sorts of letters, more or less distorted, either through unskilfulness or from actual
design, were intermingled with sundry delineations of half moons, stars, and other natural objects, and the whole ended in a rude representation of the Mexican zodiac. The conclusion was irresistible, that some cunning fellow had prepared the paper in question, for the purpose of imposing upon the countryman who brought it, and I told the man so without any hesitation. ... To convince him the more clearly that there was no risk whatever in the matter, and that the work was actually what it claimed to be, he was told to take the paper, which purported to be a copy of one of the pages of the book, to the city of New York, and submit it to the learned in that quarter, who would soon dispel all his doubts, and satisfy him as to the perfect safety of the investment. As Dr. [Samuel L.] Mitchell was our "Magnus Apollo" in those days, the man called first upon him; but the Doctor, evidently suspecting some trick, declined giving any opinion about the matter, and sent the countryman down
to the college, to see, in all probability, what the "learned pundits" in that place would make of the affair. On my telling the bearer of the paper that an attempt had been made to impose upon him, and defraud him of his property, he requested me to give him my opinion in writing about the paper which he had shown to me. I did so without any hesitation, partly for the man's sake, and partly to let the individual "behind the curtain" see that his trick was discovered. The import of what I wrote was, as far as I can now recollect, simply this, that the marks in the paper appeared to be merely an imitation of various alphabetic characters, and had in my opinion no meaning at all connected with them. The countryman then took his leave, with many thanks, and with the express declaration that he would in no shape part with his farm or embark in the speculation of printing the golden book. The matter rested here for a considerable time, until one day, when I had ceased entirely to
think of the countryman and his paper, this same individual, to my great surprise, paid me a second visit. He now brought with him a duodecimo volume, which he said was a translation into English of the "Golden Bible." He also stated, that, notwithstanding his original determination, he had been induced eventually to sell his farm, and apply the money to the publication of the book, and had received the golden plates as a security for repayment. He begged my acceptance of the volume, assuring me that it would be found extremely interesting, and that it was already "making a great noise" in the upper part of the State. Suspecting, now, that some serious trick was on foot, and that my plain-looking visitor might be in fact a very cunning fellow, I declined his present, and merely contented myself with a slight examination of the volume while he stood by. The more I declined receiving it, however, the more urgent the man became in offering the book, until at last I told him plainly,
that if he left the volume, as he said he intended to do, I should most assuredly throw it after him as he departed. I then asked him how he could be so foolish as to sell his farm and engage in this affair; and requested him to tell me if the plates were really of gold. In answer to this latter enquiry, he said, that he had never seen the plates themselves, which were carefully locked up in a trunk, but that he had the trunk in his possession. I advised him by all means to open the trunk and examine its contents, and if the plates proved to be of gold, which I did not believe at all, to sell them immediately. His reply was, that if he opened the trunk the "curse of Heaven would descend upon him and his children." "However," added he, "I will agree to open it, provided you will take the `curse of Heaven' upon yourself, for having advised me to the step." I told him I was perfectly willing to do so, and begged him to hasten home and examine the trunk, for he would find he had been
cheated. He promised to do as I recommended, and left me taking his book with him. I have never seen him since. Such is a plain statement of all that I know respecting the Mormons. My impression now is, that the plain-looking countryman was none other than the prophet Smith himself, who assumed an appearance of great simplicity in order to entrap me, if possible, into some recommendation of his book. That the prophet aided me, by his inspiration, in interpreting the volume, is only one of the many amusing falsehoods which the Mormonites utter relative to my participation in their doctrines. Of these doctrines I know nothing whatever, nor have I ever heard a single discourse from any one of their preachers, although I have often felt a strong curiosity to become an auditor, since my friends tell me that they frequently name me in their sermons, and even go so far as to say that I am alluded to in the prophecies of Scripture! If what I have here written shall prove of any service in
opening the eyes of some of their deluded followers to the real designs of those who profess to be the apostles of Mormonism, it will afford me a satisfaction equalled, I have no doubt, only by that which you yourself will feel on this subject.
I remain very respectfully and truly,
Your friend,
CHAS. ANTHON. Rev. Dr. Coit, New Rochelle, N.Y.
[Charles Anthon to Thomas Winthrop Coit, 3 April 1841, Church Record (Flushing, New York) 1 (17 April 1841): 231-32. Reprinted in John A. Clark, Gleanings by the Way (Philadelphia: W. J. & J. K. Simon, 1842), 233-38., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Charles Anthon To Thomas Winthrop Coit]
190 years ago today - Apr 3, 1836
Mormon apostle Oliver Cowdery, as editor of the Latter Day Saint Messenger and Advocate, published an editorial on behalf of "our southern brethren", stating that "low indeed must be the mind, that would consent for a moment, to see his fair daughter, his sister, or perhaps, his bosom companion in the embrace of a NEGRO!"
[LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan, http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
[LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan, http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
190 years ago today - Apr 3, 1836
Sabbath, April 3rd He [Joseph Smith] attended meeting in the Lord's House [Kirtland Temple]... he retired to the pulpit, the vails being dropped, and bowed himself, with O[liver] Cowdery, in solemn but silent prayer to the Most High.
After rising from prayer the following vision was opened to both of them. The vail was taken from their minds and the eyes of their understandings were opened. They saw the Lord standing upon the breast work of the pulpit before them and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was like the pure snow. His countenance shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the Voice of Jehovah, saying, "I am the first and the last. I am he who liveth. I am he who was slain. I am your Advocate with the Father. Behold your sins are forgiven you. You are clean before me. Therefore lift up your heads and rejoice. Let the hearts of all my brethren /people/ rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
"For behold I have accepted this house and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people, in mercy, in this House. Yea, I will appear unto my servants and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments and do not pollute this Holy House. Yea, the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out and the endowment with which my servants have already been endowed and shall hereafter be endowed in this House. And the fame of this House shall spread to foreign lands, and this is the beginning of the blessing, which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. Even so. Amen."
After this vision closed, the Heavens were again opened unto them and Moses appeared before them and committed unto them the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the Earth and the leading of the ten tribes from the Land of the North. After this Elias appeared and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying, that in them and their seed all generations after them should be blessed.
After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon them, for Elijah the Prophet, who was taken to Heaven without tasting death, also stood before them, and said, "Behold the time has fully come which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi, testifying, that he should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come, to turn the hearts of the Fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse. Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and the dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors." [See D&C 110]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
After rising from prayer the following vision was opened to both of them. The vail was taken from their minds and the eyes of their understandings were opened. They saw the Lord standing upon the breast work of the pulpit before them and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was like the pure snow. His countenance shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the Voice of Jehovah, saying, "I am the first and the last. I am he who liveth. I am he who was slain. I am your Advocate with the Father. Behold your sins are forgiven you. You are clean before me. Therefore lift up your heads and rejoice. Let the hearts of all my brethren /people/ rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
"For behold I have accepted this house and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people, in mercy, in this House. Yea, I will appear unto my servants and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments and do not pollute this Holy House. Yea, the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out and the endowment with which my servants have already been endowed and shall hereafter be endowed in this House. And the fame of this House shall spread to foreign lands, and this is the beginning of the blessing, which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. Even so. Amen."
After this vision closed, the Heavens were again opened unto them and Moses appeared before them and committed unto them the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the Earth and the leading of the ten tribes from the Land of the North. After this Elias appeared and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying, that in them and their seed all generations after them should be blessed.
After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon them, for Elijah the Prophet, who was taken to Heaven without tasting death, also stood before them, and said, "Behold the time has fully come which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi, testifying, that he should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come, to turn the hearts of the Fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse. Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and the dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors." [See D&C 110]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
215 years ago today - Apr 3, 1811
Joseph Smith, Sr. tells his family about his first vision. He sees a field representing the barrenness of true religion upon the earth, and he sees a log containing a box. His spirit guide tells him that if he eats the contents of the box, he will be filled with "wisdom and understanding". He raises the lid of the box, but is unable to eat its contents because "all manner of beasts, horned cattle, and roaring animals, rose up on every side in the most threatening manner possible". Based on the vision, Smith, Sr. concludes, more than ever, that there is no true religion on the earth. He would have six other visions between 1811 and 1819.
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
40 years ago today - Apr 2, 1986
BYU's administration prepares a document for its external accreditation review, including: "BYU administrators are advised not to publish in 'Dialogue, a Journal of Mormon Thought,' nor to participate in 'Sunstone' symposia.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
45 years ago today - Apr 2, 1981-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
I have learned of an interesting development with respect to Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. When it was originally set up, the plan was to make it non-Church, non-Mormon, resembling Williamsburg. For that purpose the original advisory board included both non-Mormons and Mormons, and in order to insure historical integrity, it employed and consulted only with top-flight historians, archaeologists, and restorationists. This went on for a few years and then when vacancies in the advisory board appeared, an all-Mormon advisory board was created which included some general authorities. These included Elder Mark Petersen and Elder Delbert Stapley. Originally the corporation was to draw on private funds primarily-the donations of wealthy Mormons and grants from national philanthropic agencies, in addition to the pledged contributions of Dr. LeRoy Kimball. As time went on the Church became less concerned with the historical and artistic integrity and more interested in the proselyt[iz]ing
potential which it offered. It came to be, not a historical restoration, but a missionary tool for preaching the gospel to people who visit the site. This appears to have been primarily the objective of Elder Mark Petersen, who used his very considerable influence to downplay any aspect of the restoration which was not "positive" and helpful in the "missionary sale." For example, he prohibited them from putting up signs about the Masonic Hall and insisted that the sign simply say Cultural Hall. For that purpose also he did not wish any form of cooperation with the RLDS Church, which owned some of the properties and had its own tour guides. While the RLDS tour guides simply provided historical information, Elder Petersen insisted that our own tour guides be missionaries and that they did hard-sell proselyting in connection with the tour. This obviously created ill-will with the RLDS people. When Elder Stapley died, his place was taken by Elder [L.] Tom Parry. Elder Petersen remained
the senior member of the board.
Recently, with Dr. Kimball, who had been president both of the Nauvoo Mission and of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc., reaching 78, the Missionary Committee decided to release him as president of the mission. At the same time Elder Petersen decided that he should be released also as president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. This decision, according to my informant, was made without consultation with President [Spencer W.] Kimball. Elder Petersen wrote a beautiful letter of release which he submitted to the First Presidency for signature. They signed it as a perfunctory thing, as they sign many letters presented to them, and there was no discussion with them about the matter. Dr. Kimball was very hurt when he received the letter-not because he was being released, but because of the manner in which it was done, simply notifying him by letter without any advance warning or consultation. He had put several hundred thousand dollars of his own money into the project, and for him to be
released in this manner deeply injured his feelings. He finally decided, after weeping for a couple of days about it, to go to President Kimball to see if indeed President Kimball approved of this manner of doing things. President Kimball wept with him when Dr. Kimball explained all of this to President Kimball. President Kimball said he was not aware of it and did not approve of it, that he was very disappointed that a letter would be placed for him to sign without preliminary conversation about it.
President Kimball then called a meeting of those involved. This included Elder Petersen, who had written the letter, Elder [L. Tom] Parry, Dr. Kimball, President Kimball, and his two counselors, President [N. Eldon] Tanner and President [Marion G.] Romney. Both of the latter, it turned out, had also signed the letter without knowing the circumstances.
President Kimball said it was not his preference to have Dr. Kimball released as president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. He also said he did not approve of this manner of notification and chastened Elder Petersen, who apologized profusely. It became evident that Elder Petersen himself expected to be the president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc., replacing Dr. Kimball. After the meeting Elder Petersen came up to Dr. Kimball and said, "Dr. Kimball, we love you and wouldn't do anything in the world to hurt you." (This reminds me of a similar action of Elder Petersen after the meeting at which he torpedoed The Story of the Latter-day Saints. He said, "Brother Arrington, we want you to know that we love you and wouldn't do anything to hurt you.") Apparently then[,] Dr. Kimball is back as president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. ...
Yesterday Grace and I attended the Women's History Symposium, jointly sponsored by the Women's Research Center at BYU and the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Church History. Both morning and afternoon papers were excellent... Here are the notes I made from these: Kate Kirkham
3. In early days, what women did [professionally was] perceived as positive because [it] came back to help the community. Different boundary today. [Back then][,] go out and get education and return [to Utah].
4. Change in tasks and in relationship [of women] to priesthood. [Women handling] grain storage v. [rules for] single and married ladies. Difference between initiating [tasks] and supervising [lifestyles]. Easier to coalesce around things you oppose than around something you want to do. Can't agree [today].
5. Relief Society as a change agent of Church. Taking on tasks, develop[ing], [then] turn[ing] [projects] over to Church. Often don't get credit or visibility....
In the evening we watched the address of Elder [Marion D.] Hanks at the fourteen BYU stakes, broadcast on KBYU. It was a truly outstanding talk.9
We noted the change in the sustaining of officers in which they sustained the new Seventy, Elder Abrea, and then simply asked us to sustain all other general authorities as previously constituted. That was a surprise. After Elder [Marion G.] Romney put that motion to the group, there was a delayed "No" shouted by one or two or three women in the rear, with something else being said like "No-because they are against ERA [Equal Rights Amendment]." Elder Romney either did not hear this or deliberately chose to ignore it. No attention was paid to it nor did the television switch to that part of the tabernacle nor was any mention made of it in the Conference news story in the Deseret News.
The News story did carry information about the fifty or sixty women who marched from the State Capitol to Temple Square and marched once around the grounds. They carried placards "Down with the Church That Opposes ERA." The TV news also had a shot of the airplane carrying a banner over the center of Salt Lake City with some inscription like "Mormons for ERA." There were no altercations in connection with the picketing. People seemed to be astonished or oblivious or with the attitude "Here we go again."
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
I have learned of an interesting development with respect to Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. When it was originally set up, the plan was to make it non-Church, non-Mormon, resembling Williamsburg. For that purpose the original advisory board included both non-Mormons and Mormons, and in order to insure historical integrity, it employed and consulted only with top-flight historians, archaeologists, and restorationists. This went on for a few years and then when vacancies in the advisory board appeared, an all-Mormon advisory board was created which included some general authorities. These included Elder Mark Petersen and Elder Delbert Stapley. Originally the corporation was to draw on private funds primarily-the donations of wealthy Mormons and grants from national philanthropic agencies, in addition to the pledged contributions of Dr. LeRoy Kimball. As time went on the Church became less concerned with the historical and artistic integrity and more interested in the proselyt[iz]ing
potential which it offered. It came to be, not a historical restoration, but a missionary tool for preaching the gospel to people who visit the site. This appears to have been primarily the objective of Elder Mark Petersen, who used his very considerable influence to downplay any aspect of the restoration which was not "positive" and helpful in the "missionary sale." For example, he prohibited them from putting up signs about the Masonic Hall and insisted that the sign simply say Cultural Hall. For that purpose also he did not wish any form of cooperation with the RLDS Church, which owned some of the properties and had its own tour guides. While the RLDS tour guides simply provided historical information, Elder Petersen insisted that our own tour guides be missionaries and that they did hard-sell proselyting in connection with the tour. This obviously created ill-will with the RLDS people. When Elder Stapley died, his place was taken by Elder [L.] Tom Parry. Elder Petersen remained
the senior member of the board.
Recently, with Dr. Kimball, who had been president both of the Nauvoo Mission and of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc., reaching 78, the Missionary Committee decided to release him as president of the mission. At the same time Elder Petersen decided that he should be released also as president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. This decision, according to my informant, was made without consultation with President [Spencer W.] Kimball. Elder Petersen wrote a beautiful letter of release which he submitted to the First Presidency for signature. They signed it as a perfunctory thing, as they sign many letters presented to them, and there was no discussion with them about the matter. Dr. Kimball was very hurt when he received the letter-not because he was being released, but because of the manner in which it was done, simply notifying him by letter without any advance warning or consultation. He had put several hundred thousand dollars of his own money into the project, and for him to be
released in this manner deeply injured his feelings. He finally decided, after weeping for a couple of days about it, to go to President Kimball to see if indeed President Kimball approved of this manner of doing things. President Kimball wept with him when Dr. Kimball explained all of this to President Kimball. President Kimball said he was not aware of it and did not approve of it, that he was very disappointed that a letter would be placed for him to sign without preliminary conversation about it.
President Kimball then called a meeting of those involved. This included Elder Petersen, who had written the letter, Elder [L. Tom] Parry, Dr. Kimball, President Kimball, and his two counselors, President [N. Eldon] Tanner and President [Marion G.] Romney. Both of the latter, it turned out, had also signed the letter without knowing the circumstances.
President Kimball said it was not his preference to have Dr. Kimball released as president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. He also said he did not approve of this manner of notification and chastened Elder Petersen, who apologized profusely. It became evident that Elder Petersen himself expected to be the president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc., replacing Dr. Kimball. After the meeting Elder Petersen came up to Dr. Kimball and said, "Dr. Kimball, we love you and wouldn't do anything in the world to hurt you." (This reminds me of a similar action of Elder Petersen after the meeting at which he torpedoed The Story of the Latter-day Saints. He said, "Brother Arrington, we want you to know that we love you and wouldn't do anything to hurt you.") Apparently then[,] Dr. Kimball is back as president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. ...
Yesterday Grace and I attended the Women's History Symposium, jointly sponsored by the Women's Research Center at BYU and the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Church History. Both morning and afternoon papers were excellent... Here are the notes I made from these: Kate Kirkham
3. In early days, what women did [professionally was] perceived as positive because [it] came back to help the community. Different boundary today. [Back then][,] go out and get education and return [to Utah].
4. Change in tasks and in relationship [of women] to priesthood. [Women handling] grain storage v. [rules for] single and married ladies. Difference between initiating [tasks] and supervising [lifestyles]. Easier to coalesce around things you oppose than around something you want to do. Can't agree [today].
5. Relief Society as a change agent of Church. Taking on tasks, develop[ing], [then] turn[ing] [projects] over to Church. Often don't get credit or visibility....
In the evening we watched the address of Elder [Marion D.] Hanks at the fourteen BYU stakes, broadcast on KBYU. It was a truly outstanding talk.9
We noted the change in the sustaining of officers in which they sustained the new Seventy, Elder Abrea, and then simply asked us to sustain all other general authorities as previously constituted. That was a surprise. After Elder [Marion G.] Romney put that motion to the group, there was a delayed "No" shouted by one or two or three women in the rear, with something else being said like "No-because they are against ERA [Equal Rights Amendment]." Elder Romney either did not hear this or deliberately chose to ignore it. No attention was paid to it nor did the television switch to that part of the tabernacle nor was any mention made of it in the Conference news story in the Deseret News.
The News story did carry information about the fifty or sixty women who marched from the State Capitol to Temple Square and marched once around the grounds. They carried placards "Down with the Church That Opposes ERA." The TV news also had a shot of the airplane carrying a banner over the center of Salt Lake City with some inscription like "Mormons for ERA." There were no altercations in connection with the picketing. People seemed to be astonished or oblivious or with the attitude "Here we go again."
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
60 years ago today - Early April 1966
Apostle Lee's general conference talk publicly criticized Apostle Benson. Without naming his apostolic subordinate, Lee next told the April 1966 conference, "I would that all who are called to high places in the Church would determine, as did the Apostle to the Gentiles, to know and to preach nothing save Jesus Christ and him crucified." Then Lee darkly added: "The absolute test of the divinity of the calling of any officer in the Church is this: Is he in harmony with the brethren of that body to which he belongs? When we are out of harmony, we should look to ourselves first to find the way to unity." Apostles Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, and Mark E. Petersen had already indicated that Apostle Ezra Taft Benson was not in harmony with his quorum.
[Quinn's telephone conversation on 7 Nov. 1992 with L. Brent Goates. He described his father-in-law's April 1966 conference address as "an insinuation" concerning Benson but declined to comment further on the differences between the two apostles. Goates, Harold B. Lee, makes no reference to the dispute. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Quinn's telephone conversation on 7 Nov. 1992 with L. Brent Goates. He described his father-in-law's April 1966 conference address as "an insinuation" concerning Benson but declined to comment further on the differences between the two apostles. Goates, Harold B. Lee, makes no reference to the dispute. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
60 years ago today - early Apr 1966
During a four- month period, Quinn McKay attempted several times to get a statement from Reed Benson denying that he was the author of [the] September 1965 letter. McKay described the rumors of September 1965 and paraphrased the letter that "all who belong to this group do all they can to foster a whispering campaign that there would be a racial demonstration at General Conference."
[Quinn G. McKay statement, 25 Apr. 1966, in J. Kenneth Davies, Political Extremism Under the Spotlight (Provo, UT: Young Democrats and Young Republicans of Brigham Young University, 1966), 21. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Quinn G. McKay statement, 25 Apr. 1966, in J. Kenneth Davies, Political Extremism Under the Spotlight (Provo, UT: Young Democrats and Young Republicans of Brigham Young University, 1966), 21. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
75 years ago today - Mon Apr 2, 1951
[David O. McKay]
Received word from the doctor that President [George Albert] Smith was in a very serious condition. I went immediately to the house anda was shocked at his appearance. He did not seem to recognize me--the first time since his sickness. I realized that possibly the end was not far off. It came as quite a shock to my nervous system, for I fully sensed then what his passing means.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
Received word from the doctor that President [George Albert] Smith was in a very serious condition. I went immediately to the house anda was shocked at his appearance. He did not seem to recognize me--the first time since his sickness. I realized that possibly the end was not far off. It came as quite a shock to my nervous system, for I fully sensed then what his passing means.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
95 years ago today - Apr 2, 1931
[Heber J. Grant]
At the Council meeting today it was unanimously decided to prepare a statement to be read, refuting some of the lies in The New Era, among other things the declaration that Brother Widtsoe had married a plural wife and then discarded her while he was president of the University. A motion was made that the charge against Brother Widtsoe should be repudiated, and I requested Brother Stephen L. Richards who made the motion to prepare the article.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
At the Council meeting today it was unanimously decided to prepare a statement to be read, refuting some of the lies in The New Era, among other things the declaration that Brother Widtsoe had married a plural wife and then discarded her while he was president of the University. A motion was made that the charge against Brother Widtsoe should be repudiated, and I requested Brother Stephen L. Richards who made the motion to prepare the article.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
105 years ago today - Apr 02, 1921
Clarissa Smith Williams is called as the sixth general president of the Relief Society, with Jennie Brimhall Knight and Louise Yates Robison as counselors.
130 years ago today - Apr 2, 1896
[Brigham Young Jr.]
.... Pres[iden]t Cannon presented change cash a/c [account] from B[isho]p. to Pres[iden]t. Church carried unanimously. Abrogate all salar[is]s paid to Church officials, carried unanimously. If apostles & others must be helped should be done as they need up to present limit, anything over requires special order of First Presidency. Thank God these questions are settled. Pres[iden]t. Woodruff blessed the brethren for being unanimous in righting wrong returning to proper method of managing Church business. Sacrament administered and we rejoiced before the Lord. ...
After meeting proposed to Cannon that the First Presidency & Twelve obtain a farm and operate it on the principle of United Order. My mind opens to visions of Presidents of Stakes High Councils B[isho]p. Etc. gradually'unsolicited'following our example, Coming to us for Council and thus a core of men and women who have received, through their faithfulness, all the blessings in the House of the Lord being prepared to inhabit and build up the Center stake of Zion in Jackson Co[unty], Miss[ouri].
[Brigham Young Jr. 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]
.... Pres[iden]t Cannon presented change cash a/c [account] from B[isho]p. to Pres[iden]t. Church carried unanimously. Abrogate all salar[is]s paid to Church officials, carried unanimously. If apostles & others must be helped should be done as they need up to present limit, anything over requires special order of First Presidency. Thank God these questions are settled. Pres[iden]t. Woodruff blessed the brethren for being unanimous in righting wrong returning to proper method of managing Church business. Sacrament administered and we rejoiced before the Lord. ...
After meeting proposed to Cannon that the First Presidency & Twelve obtain a farm and operate it on the principle of United Order. My mind opens to visions of Presidents of Stakes High Councils B[isho]p. Etc. gradually'unsolicited'following our example, Coming to us for Council and thus a core of men and women who have received, through their faithfulness, all the blessings in the House of the Lord being prepared to inhabit and build up the Center stake of Zion in Jackson Co[unty], Miss[ouri].
[Brigham Young Jr. 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]
135 years ago today - Apr 2, 1891
PRESIDENT [of the Quorum of Twelve] LORENZO SNOW said ... the Savior would come to the temple in Missouri and lay his hands on Joseph and the brethren with him were pretty well supplied with Apostles and that he would not call any more of the Apostles to pass away from this life unless they wished to go. ...
Heber J. Grant, said that at the time that his brother George Smith Grant was accidentally killed that the impression came that his father had the whisperings of the spirit to him at the time he was in Arizona and wondering to himself while riding along in the Navajo reservation why he should be called as an Apostle. These whisperings were to the effect that his father Jedediah M. Grant and the Prophet Joseph to whom his mother had been sealed had asked that he be appointed to the position....
[President Woodruff] Referring to the Manifesto he said that he wished to say that the Lord was with us and he testified in the name of Israel's God that the heavens were not closed over our heads and the Lord had not left us to ourselves. If it had not been for the Manifesto all the work of the living and the dead in our temples would have to stop. Would not have taken the stand he did had he not been moved on by the inspiration of God. The Lord God will hold this Nation responsible for the persecutions the saints have had to pass through. He will et open doors that the principle of plural marriage can and will be restored.... The Presidency and Apostles should remain on the earth until the coming of the Son of God. ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Heber J. Grant, said that at the time that his brother George Smith Grant was accidentally killed that the impression came that his father had the whisperings of the spirit to him at the time he was in Arizona and wondering to himself while riding along in the Navajo reservation why he should be called as an Apostle. These whisperings were to the effect that his father Jedediah M. Grant and the Prophet Joseph to whom his mother had been sealed had asked that he be appointed to the position....
[President Woodruff] Referring to the Manifesto he said that he wished to say that the Lord was with us and he testified in the name of Israel's God that the heavens were not closed over our heads and the Lord had not left us to ourselves. If it had not been for the Manifesto all the work of the living and the dead in our temples would have to stop. Would not have taken the stand he did had he not been moved on by the inspiration of God. The Lord God will hold this Nation responsible for the persecutions the saints have had to pass through. He will et open doors that the principle of plural marriage can and will be restored.... The Presidency and Apostles should remain on the earth until the coming of the Son of God. ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
145 years ago today - Apr 2, 1881
[Heber J. Grant]
[Among the instructions to stake presidents from First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:] Before parties can be recommended to the Temples or house of the Lord, they must be rebaptised & must be tithing payers.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[Among the instructions to stake presidents from First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:] Before parties can be recommended to the Temples or house of the Lord, they must be rebaptised & must be tithing payers.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
180 years ago today - Apr 2, 1846
President Young said in talking about him that he had become satisfied that William [Smith] was in the murder with the Hodges in Iowa for which two were hung as before mentioned[.]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
35 years ago today - Apr 1,1991
Student at BYU's commencement offers prayer to "Our Mother and Father in Heaven."
[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]
35 years ago today - Spring 1991.
An administrator in the Church History Department's archives tells two separate individuals that permission to use archival materials depends to some extent on "who the researcher is," whether this person is considered to be reliable, what approach the researcher will likely take to the material, and where the researcher plans to publish. If Sunstone, Dialogue, or Signature Books are potential publishers, the request receives "extra scrutiny."
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
50 years ago today - Spring-fall 1976.
Elder Ezra Taft Benson defines "historical realism" as "slander and defamation," denounces those who "inordinately humanize the prophets of God," and instructs CES personnel: "If you feel you must write for the scholarly journals, you always defend the faith. Avoid expressions and terminology which offend the Brethren and Church members." He also warns them not to buy the books or subscribe to the periodicals of "known apostates, or other liberal sources" or have such works on office or personal bookshelves.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
60 years ago today - Apr 1, 1966
(Spring) The first issue of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought is published. Dialogue is the longest running independent publication devoted to Mormonism. Characterized by scholarly historical articles, personal essays on contemporary issues, fiction, poetry, graphic arts, and lively letters to the editor. Six men are appointed as general authorities after affliliation with Dialogue: Dallin H. Oaks (board of editors, 1966-70; author 1968), Richard B. Wirthlin (author, 1968), Joseph C. Muren (author, 1969), Ronald E. Poelman (board of advisors, 1970-72), G. Homer Durham (author, 1973), Francis M. Gibbons (author, 1975).
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
90 years ago today - Apr 1, 1936
[David O. McKay]
In the evening Brother M[atthias]. F. Cowley called at our home, and asked me to give to President [Heber J.] Grant for him a written confession and plea for forgiveness. [Cowley had been dropped from the Quorum of Twelve for continued promption of plural marriage.]
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015, Appendix 8: The Reinstatements of Matthias F. Cowley and John W. Taylor]
In the evening Brother M[atthias]. F. Cowley called at our home, and asked me to give to President [Heber J.] Grant for him a written confession and plea for forgiveness. [Cowley had been dropped from the Quorum of Twelve for continued promption of plural marriage.]
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015, Appendix 8: The Reinstatements of Matthias F. Cowley and John W. Taylor]
95 years ago today - April 1931 (conference)
Several times within the past three months I have been approached by individuals and have received communications through the mails, making inquiry concerning a certain purported revelation said to have been given many years ago to President Joseph F. Smith, in which he saw the destruction of many great cities and many countries of the world and other very unusual things. Inquiry has also been made regarding a purported vision given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in relation to the same things, and which has been in circulation for many years. It is evident that these things are again being circulated and many of the people are becoming agitated over them wondering if they are true or not, and some of the people have been deceived.
At the October Conference of the Church in the year 1918, which was the last General Conference attended by President Joseph F. Smith, I made some remarks in relation to these two so-called visions and pointed out the fact that they were not true. At the close of my remarks President Smith arose and also spoke of them. …
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, April 1931, 69]
At the October Conference of the Church in the year 1918, which was the last General Conference attended by President Joseph F. Smith, I made some remarks in relation to these two so-called visions and pointed out the fact that they were not true. At the close of my remarks President Smith arose and also spoke of them. …
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, April 1931, 69]
130 years ago today - Wednesday, Apr 1, 1896
M. W. Merrill. Told of his ordination to the Priesthood. He predicted we would practice plural marriage again and our Nation endorse.
Lorenzo Snow. Told of letters written by a lady to England from Nauvoo, Ill. about Celestial Marriage.
He said that Joseph Smith the Prophet taught him the Doctrine of plural marriage April 15, 1843.
[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]
Lorenzo Snow. Told of letters written by a lady to England from Nauvoo, Ill. about Celestial Marriage.
He said that Joseph Smith the Prophet taught him the Doctrine of plural marriage April 15, 1843.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
130 years ago today - Apr 1, 1896; Wednesday
Pres[iden]t Lorenzo Snow stated that he was in England with Bro[ther] Pratt when reports came from Nauvoo [Illinois] to the effect that the doctrine of plural marriage was bring taught. Upon his return to Nauvoo in the spring of 1843 he had a long talk with the Prophet Joseph Smith, who fully explained to him the doctrine of plural marriage, and stated that an angel with a drawn sword had visited him and commanded him to go into this principle, and President Smith told Bro[ther] Snow to enter into plural marriage.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
130 years ago today - Apr 1, 1896
Lorenzo Snow ... Felt that the influence of the Apostles was very great, and that we were great before we came to this earth. Felt sure that we held high offices before we came here ... Referred to the prayer of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to his Father, asking the Father to glorify him with that same glory which he had before he came to this world, and felt that we should pray the same as the Savior had done ... It was his belief that President Brigham Young would be living today, if the Prophet Joseph Smith had not asked to have him come and assist him in his labors ... Marriner Wood Merrill ... The time will come when this nation will ask to have the law of plural marriage established, and it will be practiced again in Israel. Plural marriage is a trial for men as well as women. Was doing all he could to be true to his family. ... Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow stated that he was in England with Bro[ther]. [Parley P.] Pratt when reports came from Nauvoo [Illinois] to the
effect that the doctrine of plural marriage was being taught. Pres[iden]t. Snow said that the principle was just as true today as it ever was, and bore his testimony to the effect that it will again be practiced by this people. Abraham H. Cannon expressed gratitude at listening to the testimony Pres[iden]t. Snow. He had never had a doubt since arriving at manhood, but that plural marriage was a true principle of the Gospel. Stated that he had been true to his family, and had divided his time as near as may be equally with his wives. Believed that plural marriage would yet be practiced by this Church, and acknowledged all right by this nation. Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow stated that it was his belief that the Lord would soon arrange matters that those brethren who have wives can live with them and raise families by them. Believed that the Lord would assist us in softening the hearts of officials. He said he felt to bless the brethren in keeping their covenants with families and living
with them. Francis M. Lyman testified to the truthfulness of the remarks of Bro[ther]. [Marriner Wood] Merrill regarding plural marriage. He felt that when the time came that this principle was again established among the people, he thought that men would be selected to enter into this principle, and not be allowed to do so from mere choice, as had been the case in years gone by. He felt that no man, unless he was a servant of God in very deed should be permitted to marry more than one wife. ...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
effect that the doctrine of plural marriage was being taught. Pres[iden]t. Snow said that the principle was just as true today as it ever was, and bore his testimony to the effect that it will again be practiced by this people. Abraham H. Cannon expressed gratitude at listening to the testimony Pres[iden]t. Snow. He had never had a doubt since arriving at manhood, but that plural marriage was a true principle of the Gospel. Stated that he had been true to his family, and had divided his time as near as may be equally with his wives. Believed that plural marriage would yet be practiced by this Church, and acknowledged all right by this nation. Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow stated that it was his belief that the Lord would soon arrange matters that those brethren who have wives can live with them and raise families by them. Believed that the Lord would assist us in softening the hearts of officials. He said he felt to bless the brethren in keeping their covenants with families and living
with them. Francis M. Lyman testified to the truthfulness of the remarks of Bro[ther]. [Marriner Wood] Merrill regarding plural marriage. He felt that when the time came that this principle was again established among the people, he thought that men would be selected to enter into this principle, and not be allowed to do so from mere choice, as had been the case in years gone by. He felt that no man, unless he was a servant of God in very deed should be permitted to marry more than one wife. ...
[Minutes, 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 - Thursday, Apr 1, 1886
[John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
I attended fast meeting and heard the speaking in tongues.
[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]
Salt Lake City
I attended fast meeting and heard the speaking in tongues.
[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]
190 years ago today - 1836 Spring
Eliza R. Snow boards with the Smith family and teaches a school for young ladies. [A number of women who stay with the Smiths become his plural wife, including Eliza R. Snow.]
[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]
195 years ago today - 1/Apr 7, 1831
Martin Harris sells his 151-acre farm to Thomas Lakey for $3,000 to cover the Book of Mormon debt. By the end of the month, he settles some property upon his wife, from whom he separates, and leads several other families to Kirtland. Hyrum Smith leads the Colesville branch to Kirtland, departing from New York before the end of April.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
25 years ago today - Mar 31, 2001
[Finances]
Gordon B. Hinckley announces the creation of the Perpetual Education Fund to make loans to members of the church in developing nations, enabling them to improve their job prospects by pursuing higher education and vocational training programs.
[http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]
Gordon B. Hinckley announces the creation of the Perpetual Education Fund to make loans to members of the church in developing nations, enabling them to improve their job prospects by pursuing higher education and vocational training programs.
[http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]
130 years ago today - Mar 31, 1896
Meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Temple. Opening prayer by Bro[ther]. Lorenzo Snow. Bro[ther]. Lorenzo Snow expressed his pleasure at being able to meet ... Said that we should desire to live until the Lord Jesus came, and that he knew that it was possible that the brethren could so live as to preserve their bodies and renew them sufficiently to be enabled to live until the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Said that the brethren by care and faith were entitled to live and that there was no necessity for them to have their bodies buried in the ground. Stated that he did not know that it was his privilege, because of his advanced age, to have his life preserved until the coming of the Savior. It was the design of the Gospel to overcome death, and to enable men who are faithful to so live until they are translated ... Franklin D. Richards ... Felt that inasmuch that we are the special witnesses of our Savior that he would like to know more of him.
Stated, I rejoice beyond all expression, to be one with you, my brethren, and expressed a desire to have the council of fifty again hold some meetings. Brigham Young [Jr.] had felt deeply touched by what he had felt thus far in our meeting this morning. More than once he had been offended by the actions of his brethren, but when he met with them and partook of the good influence present in our meeting, every spirit of resentment or animosity disappeared ... He felt that a great many of the people were preparing themselves to meet our Lord and Savior when he shall come to reign upon the earth. He felt that a majority of the Latter-day Saints are so living today that their lives and the faithfulness of them was calculated to hasten the time of the coming of the Savior ... If we were only prepared for it and had sufficient faith, President [Wilford] Woodruff, Pres[iden]t. Snow and Bro[ther] Richards would not need to die. While he did not know in the providences of the Lord whether
these brethren's lives might be preserved, he felt to pray that they might not be called upon to taste death ...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Stated, I rejoice beyond all expression, to be one with you, my brethren, and expressed a desire to have the council of fifty again hold some meetings. Brigham Young [Jr.] had felt deeply touched by what he had felt thus far in our meeting this morning. More than once he had been offended by the actions of his brethren, but when he met with them and partook of the good influence present in our meeting, every spirit of resentment or animosity disappeared ... He felt that a great many of the people were preparing themselves to meet our Lord and Savior when he shall come to reign upon the earth. He felt that a majority of the Latter-day Saints are so living today that their lives and the faithfulness of them was calculated to hasten the time of the coming of the Savior ... If we were only prepared for it and had sufficient faith, President [Wilford] Woodruff, Pres[iden]t. Snow and Bro[ther] Richards would not need to die. While he did not know in the providences of the Lord whether
these brethren's lives might be preserved, he felt to pray that they might not be called upon to taste death ...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
150 years ago today - Mar 31, 1876
[Wilford Woodruff]
Dedicates ZCMI building
[Kenney, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
Dedicates ZCMI building
[Kenney, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
165 years ago today - Mar 31, 1861
.... Pres. B. Young who closed the meeting by the most powerful prayer I ever heard. -- SLC Tabernacle
[Lorenzo Brown Diary, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.. Also The Journal of Lorenzo Brown 1823-1900, Heritage Press, 1975. 126, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Lorenzo Brown Diary, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.. Also The Journal of Lorenzo Brown 1823-1900, Heritage Press, 1975. 126, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
195 years ago today - Mar 31, 1831
Martin Harris calls the Book of Mormon the "Antimasonic Bible."
[Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.169]
[Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.169]
45 years ago today - March 30, 1981
[Michael Quinn]
[From Quinn¿s 1988 memoir:]
Both Newsweek and Time magazines quoted me in their articles about the significance of a document purporting to be the Mormon founder's blessing on [his son] Joseph Smith III to be his successor as Church President. It was 'discovered' by Mormon documents-collector Mark Hofmann.
Charlie Gibbs, a senior member of the Public Affairs Department at LDS headquarters, told me privately that its staff was very grateful I had published the 1976 article about the 'Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844.' He said that this allowed them and the General Authorities to tell the media that BYU Studies and unnamed LDS historians had acknowledged 'for years' that there had been such a blessing. Thus, the PR-Machine said: 'This newly discovered document is no big deal' for the claims of the Church as led to Utah by Brigham Young and currently led by Spencer W. Kimball. Instead of provoking a crisis of faith that the secular media headlined, this publicity resulted in a WELL-INFORMED shrug of faith. Under the present circumstances, my article's perspective was even helpful to those who preferred only Utah's method of succession from Mormonism's founder. This fulfilled what I had hoped to achieve for strengthening the faith of rank-and-file Mormons since I first began my
'controversial' research at age seventeen. Exactly twenty years had passed since then. [Hofmann was later found to have been a forger of historical documents and murderer after he planted two bombs that killed two people. A third bomb exploded prematurely and injured Hofmann himself.]
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
[From Quinn¿s 1988 memoir:]
Both Newsweek and Time magazines quoted me in their articles about the significance of a document purporting to be the Mormon founder's blessing on [his son] Joseph Smith III to be his successor as Church President. It was 'discovered' by Mormon documents-collector Mark Hofmann.
Charlie Gibbs, a senior member of the Public Affairs Department at LDS headquarters, told me privately that its staff was very grateful I had published the 1976 article about the 'Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844.' He said that this allowed them and the General Authorities to tell the media that BYU Studies and unnamed LDS historians had acknowledged 'for years' that there had been such a blessing. Thus, the PR-Machine said: 'This newly discovered document is no big deal' for the claims of the Church as led to Utah by Brigham Young and currently led by Spencer W. Kimball. Instead of provoking a crisis of faith that the secular media headlined, this publicity resulted in a WELL-INFORMED shrug of faith. Under the present circumstances, my article's perspective was even helpful to those who preferred only Utah's method of succession from Mormonism's founder. This fulfilled what I had hoped to achieve for strengthening the faith of rank-and-file Mormons since I first began my
'controversial' research at age seventeen. Exactly twenty years had passed since then. [Hofmann was later found to have been a forger of historical documents and murderer after he planted two bombs that killed two people. A third bomb exploded prematurely and injured Hofmann himself.]
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
75 years ago today - Mar 30, 1951
[First Presidency secretary] Arthur [Haycock] said that Pres. [George Albert] Smith did not seem so good to him today; he has something on his mind and wants to know if Pres. Clark or Pres. McKay would be at a convention; he has the conference and some convention mixed up, and is completely disoriented.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
95 years ago today - Mar 30, 1931
[Heber J. Grant]
The Presidency spent about an hour discussing differences of opinion regarding the creation of the earth, etc. as expressed in the controversy between Brothers B. H. Roberts and Elder Joseph Fielding Smith [essentially, strict creationsism vs. a religious view that accomodates evolving humans]. Brother Ivins is preparing a paper on the subject.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
The Presidency spent about an hour discussing differences of opinion regarding the creation of the earth, etc. as expressed in the controversy between Brothers B. H. Roberts and Elder Joseph Fielding Smith [essentially, strict creationsism vs. a religious view that accomodates evolving humans]. Brother Ivins is preparing a paper on the subject.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
145 years ago today - Mar 30, 1881
[Genearl]
Helen Mar Kimball pens an autobiographical sheet that refers to her sealing to Joseph Smith.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
Helen Mar Kimball pens an autobiographical sheet that refers to her sealing to Joseph Smith.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
190 years ago today - Mar 30, 1836
[Joseph Smith]
.... I ascended the pulpit and remarked ... that this is a year of jubilee to us and a time of rejoicing, and that it was expedient for us to prepare bread and wine sufficient to make our hearts glad, as we should not probably leave this house until morning. To this end we should call on the brethren to make a contribution; the stewards passed round and took up a liberal contribution and messengers were dispatched for bread and wine.
Tubs, water, and towels were prepared and I called the House to order and the Presidency preceeded to wash the feet of the 12 [Apostles], pronouncing many prophecys and blessings upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus. The brethren began to prophesy upon each others' heads and cursings upon the enimies of Christ who inhabit Jackson County, Missouri. Continued prophesying, blessing, and sealing them with Hosanna and Amen until nearly 7 o'clock P.M.
The bread /and wine/ was then brought in and I observed that we had fasted all the day, and lest we faint as the Saviour did so shall we do on this occasion. We shall bless the bread and give it to the 12 [Apostles] and they to the multitude, after which we shall bless the wine and do likewise.
While waiting for the wine I made the following remarks: that the time that we were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endued [endowed] would be fulfilled in a few days...
I want to enter into the following covenant, that if any more of our brethren are slain or driven from their lands in Missouri by the mob that we will give ourselves no rest until we are avenged of our enimies to the uttermost. This covenant was sealed unaminously [unanimously] by a hosanna and Amen.
I then observed to the quorums that I had now completed the organization of the Church and we had passed through all the necessary ceremonies. ...
The brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until 5 o'clock in the morning. The Saviour made his appearance to some, while angels minestered unto others, and it was a penticost and enduement [endowment] indeed, long to be remembered. For the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world and the occurrences of this day shall be handeld] down upon the pages of sacred history to all generations as the day of Pentecost. So shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of Jubilee and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
.... I ascended the pulpit and remarked ... that this is a year of jubilee to us and a time of rejoicing, and that it was expedient for us to prepare bread and wine sufficient to make our hearts glad, as we should not probably leave this house until morning. To this end we should call on the brethren to make a contribution; the stewards passed round and took up a liberal contribution and messengers were dispatched for bread and wine.
Tubs, water, and towels were prepared and I called the House to order and the Presidency preceeded to wash the feet of the 12 [Apostles], pronouncing many prophecys and blessings upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus. The brethren began to prophesy upon each others' heads and cursings upon the enimies of Christ who inhabit Jackson County, Missouri. Continued prophesying, blessing, and sealing them with Hosanna and Amen until nearly 7 o'clock P.M.
The bread /and wine/ was then brought in and I observed that we had fasted all the day, and lest we faint as the Saviour did so shall we do on this occasion. We shall bless the bread and give it to the 12 [Apostles] and they to the multitude, after which we shall bless the wine and do likewise.
While waiting for the wine I made the following remarks: that the time that we were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endued [endowed] would be fulfilled in a few days...
I want to enter into the following covenant, that if any more of our brethren are slain or driven from their lands in Missouri by the mob that we will give ourselves no rest until we are avenged of our enimies to the uttermost. This covenant was sealed unaminously [unanimously] by a hosanna and Amen.
I then observed to the quorums that I had now completed the organization of the Church and we had passed through all the necessary ceremonies. ...
The brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until 5 o'clock in the morning. The Saviour made his appearance to some, while angels minestered unto others, and it was a penticost and enduement [endowment] indeed, long to be remembered. For the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world and the occurrences of this day shall be handeld] down upon the pages of sacred history to all generations as the day of Pentecost. So shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of Jubilee and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - Mar 30, 1856
Joseph F. Smith preaches to native Hawaians, "I spoke a short time by the spirit and prophysied that they would live (some of them) to see their children a white and delitesome people, if they would only obey the laws of God. ..."
['My Candid Opinion': The Sandwich Islands Diaries of Joseph F. Smith, 1856-1857]
['My Candid Opinion': The Sandwich Islands Diaries of Joseph F. Smith, 1856-1857]
185 years ago today - Mar 30, 1841
.... Joseph said that an Equality [law of consecration] would Not answer for he says if we were eaquel in property at present in six months we would be worse than Ever for there is too many Dishonest men amongst us who has more injenity to threat the Rest &c
[McIntire Minute Book, quoted in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
[McIntire Minute Book, quoted in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
195 years ago today - Late March 1831
Joseph Smith heals Elsa Johnson's arm.
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
195 years ago today - Mar 30, 1831
Warner Doty, about 29, becomes the first Mormon to die in Kirtland. Refused medical aid at Joseph's urging. Believed he would live for a thousand years.
[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]
60 years ago today - Mar 29, 1966
"Brother [Ezra Taft] Benson inquired about the [scheduled John Birch Society] dinner, that in the letter that had been sent out it was announced that he would be in attendance and introduce the speaker. President [N. Eldon] Tanner said that he told Brother Benson that he could not give him any further answer than was given in the meeting on Thursday [not to speak at any more Birch meetings]. Elder Benson asked President Tanner if he would clear this matter for him with President McKay, and President Tanner had said no, that he felt that it was just as clear as anything could be."
[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)]
105 years ago today - Mar 29, 1921
Pres A[nthony]. W. Ivins'came in about the middle of the afternoon'& later was asked to speak on plural marriages'A. W. I.'After 1890'no man who took plural wives were brought to account. He was instructed to tell the Mex. Government he was not then [there?] to perform plural marriages and at the same time he was instructed to perform plural marriages.
[Richard R. Lyman, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Richard R. Lyman, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
110 years ago today - Mar 29, 1916
[Heber J. Grant]
At 10:30 called at Brother Lyman's office as per his request and had a long talk with him on prohibition. He tried to catch me last night. He stated that he is anxious for me to take an active part in the coming campaign in favor of prohibition.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
At 10:30 called at Brother Lyman's office as per his request and had a long talk with him on prohibition. He tried to catch me last night. He stated that he is anxious for me to take an active part in the coming campaign in favor of prohibition.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
125 years ago today - Mar 29, 1901; Friday
[Heber J. Grant]
.... Brother Joseph F. Smith followed, occupying the remainder of the time. He spoke with a great deal of power and force. He announced that he looked upon me as being the seed actually of the Prophet Joseph Smith under the New and Everlasting Covenant, my mother having been sealed to the Prophet for all eternity, and only married to my father for time. This remark was called forth because of Jos[eph]. E. Taylor saying that the Lord would not forget the seed of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but that they would be remembered even if he had to wait until the second, third, or fourth generation for the Prophet's seed to have bestowed upon them the Holy Priesthood.
Brother Joseph F. [Smith] did not mention my name, but he announced that the Lord had not forgotten the seed of the Prophet Joseph, that his seed held the high priesthood in the Church, and that he had a son who was sitting not far from where he was then standing addressing the Saints. I knew Brother Smith meant me as on other occasions he had refered to me as the son of President Joseph Smith, and stated that he looked upon me as his cousin.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
.... Brother Joseph F. Smith followed, occupying the remainder of the time. He spoke with a great deal of power and force. He announced that he looked upon me as being the seed actually of the Prophet Joseph Smith under the New and Everlasting Covenant, my mother having been sealed to the Prophet for all eternity, and only married to my father for time. This remark was called forth because of Jos[eph]. E. Taylor saying that the Lord would not forget the seed of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but that they would be remembered even if he had to wait until the second, third, or fourth generation for the Prophet's seed to have bestowed upon them the Holy Priesthood.
Brother Joseph F. [Smith] did not mention my name, but he announced that the Lord had not forgotten the seed of the Prophet Joseph, that his seed held the high priesthood in the Church, and that he had a son who was sitting not far from where he was then standing addressing the Saints. I knew Brother Smith meant me as on other occasions he had refered to me as the son of President Joseph Smith, and stated that he looked upon me as his cousin.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
190 years ago today - Mar 29, 1836
[Joseph Smith]
Attended school, which was the last day of our course of lectures in Hebrew by Professor Seixas. ...
At evening I met with the Presidency in the Temple of the Lord. The Lord commanded us to tarry and san[c]tify our selves by washing our feet.
...Soon after this, the word of the Lord came to us through Pres[i]d[en]t J[oseph] Smith, Jun[ior], that those who had entered the Holy Place must not leave the House untill morning, but send for such things as were necessary, and also that during our stay we must cleans[e] our feet and partake of the sacrament that we might be made holy before Him, and thereby be qualified to officiate in our calling upon the morrow in washing the feet of the Elders.
Accordingly we proceeded and cleansed our faces and our feet, and then proceeded to wash each other's feet....
The Bishops and their councils were then washed, after which we partook of the bread and wine. The Holy S[p]irit rested down upon us and we continued in the Lord's House all night prophesying and giving glory to God.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Attended school, which was the last day of our course of lectures in Hebrew by Professor Seixas. ...
At evening I met with the Presidency in the Temple of the Lord. The Lord commanded us to tarry and san[c]tify our selves by washing our feet.
...Soon after this, the word of the Lord came to us through Pres[i]d[en]t J[oseph] Smith, Jun[ior], that those who had entered the Holy Place must not leave the House untill morning, but send for such things as were necessary, and also that during our stay we must cleans[e] our feet and partake of the sacrament that we might be made holy before Him, and thereby be qualified to officiate in our calling upon the morrow in washing the feet of the Elders.
Accordingly we proceeded and cleansed our faces and our feet, and then proceeded to wash each other's feet....
The Bishops and their councils were then washed, after which we partook of the bread and wine. The Holy S[p]irit rested down upon us and we continued in the Lord's House all night prophesying and giving glory to God.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
50 years ago today - Mar 28, 1976
[Leonard J. Arrington]
Apostle Ezra Taft Benson delivers a talk, "God's Hand in Our Nation's History," and warns employees of the church's seminary and Institute programs of the "humanizing" trend of the New Mormon History. He will make similar statements in September, implying that such history violates the temple covenant not to speak evil of the Lord's anointed.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
Apostle Ezra Taft Benson delivers a talk, "God's Hand in Our Nation's History," and warns employees of the church's seminary and Institute programs of the "humanizing" trend of the New Mormon History. He will make similar statements in September, implying that such history violates the temple covenant not to speak evil of the Lord's anointed.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
115 years ago today - Mar 28, 1911
[George F. Richards]
I attended a special meeting of the Twelve held in the temple .... Elder Geo[rge] Albert Smith was also with us for a short time but on account of his poor health was excused early. We discussed the merits and demerits in Bro[ther]. [apostle and son of John Taylor] John W. Taylor's case heard some weeks before. The final action taken and made unanimous by unanimous vote was excommunication for insubordination to the Church and the di[s]cipline thereof. It was shown that he had threatened the lives of two of the Apostles, F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. & J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. He had cursed one of the Apostles who has been sick for about two years [i.e., George Albert Smith] and attributed his sickness to that cause. He had disclosed and made improper use of a purported revelation of his father, Pres[ident]. John Taylor to the comfort of those who were opposed to the Church action in discontinuing the practice of plural marriage in the Church. He had characterized the action of the
Church Authorities in relieving B[isho]p. Robinson of Colonia Dublan [Mexico] of his bishopric or presidency over the ward as one of the most unjust and unrighteous acts ever committed. He had confessed to having authorized an elderly man a Patriarch (Wolf) of Canada to marry people in plural marriage. He confessed to having him self performed such marriages since the Manifesto. He would not deny that he had recently taken a plural wife but claimed that his rights were being encroached upon when we demand him to answer thus incriminating himself. He did not propose to make answers before this body of men that might incriminate him before the law. He had said he wanted nothing to do with any of the Twelve. Tho[ugh]t if to go to heaven meant to be associated with these he preferred to not go there or words to that effect. He had been dropped from the Council of the Twelve five years ago because he was out of harmony with the First Presidency and the Twelve but had never done anything
to put himself in harmony since but on the contrary had lent comfort to the enemy and had not tried to influence others to be quieted and sustain the Presidency. He told us in council that we could take it for granted he had a new plural wife. We need not go to the trouble to hunt up evidence, that we could do in his case as we deemed best, that he did not care. I called on Pres[ident] Lyman in the early eve and he told me he had presented to the First Presidency our decision in the J[ohn]. W. Taylor case and our action and that the President said he did not see how we could have done less.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
I attended a special meeting of the Twelve held in the temple .... Elder Geo[rge] Albert Smith was also with us for a short time but on account of his poor health was excused early. We discussed the merits and demerits in Bro[ther]. [apostle and son of John Taylor] John W. Taylor's case heard some weeks before. The final action taken and made unanimous by unanimous vote was excommunication for insubordination to the Church and the di[s]cipline thereof. It was shown that he had threatened the lives of two of the Apostles, F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. & J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. He had cursed one of the Apostles who has been sick for about two years [i.e., George Albert Smith] and attributed his sickness to that cause. He had disclosed and made improper use of a purported revelation of his father, Pres[ident]. John Taylor to the comfort of those who were opposed to the Church action in discontinuing the practice of plural marriage in the Church. He had characterized the action of the
Church Authorities in relieving B[isho]p. Robinson of Colonia Dublan [Mexico] of his bishopric or presidency over the ward as one of the most unjust and unrighteous acts ever committed. He had confessed to having authorized an elderly man a Patriarch (Wolf) of Canada to marry people in plural marriage. He confessed to having him self performed such marriages since the Manifesto. He would not deny that he had recently taken a plural wife but claimed that his rights were being encroached upon when we demand him to answer thus incriminating himself. He did not propose to make answers before this body of men that might incriminate him before the law. He had said he wanted nothing to do with any of the Twelve. Tho[ugh]t if to go to heaven meant to be associated with these he preferred to not go there or words to that effect. He had been dropped from the Council of the Twelve five years ago because he was out of harmony with the First Presidency and the Twelve but had never done anything
to put himself in harmony since but on the contrary had lent comfort to the enemy and had not tried to influence others to be quieted and sustain the Presidency. He told us in council that we could take it for granted he had a new plural wife. We need not go to the trouble to hunt up evidence, that we could do in his case as we deemed best, that he did not care. I called on Pres[ident] Lyman in the early eve and he told me he had presented to the First Presidency our decision in the J[ohn]. W. Taylor case and our action and that the President said he did not see how we could have done less.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Mar 28, 1896
U.S. president Cleveland signs the act to return the confiscated real estate of the LDS church.
[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 - Sun., March 28th, 1886
[General Authority Abraham H. Cannon]
.... Bro. Olsen brought word in this evening that President Taylor had received a revelation from the Lord in which it stated that God was satisfied with the sacrifice made by the people in this crusade and that He would not turn their wrath aside. This word, he said, came from Bishop Allen of the 21st Ward, and, if true, we as a people can rejoice at it. Bro. F. S. Richards, who starts east tomorrow morning to look after some cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, thinks he will be able to obtain a pardon for Joseph Evans, who has 17 solid months yet to serve for polygamy. Arrests for cohabitation still continue to be made in Salt Lake and elsewhere.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
.... Bro. Olsen brought word in this evening that President Taylor had received a revelation from the Lord in which it stated that God was satisfied with the sacrifice made by the people in this crusade and that He would not turn their wrath aside. This word, he said, came from Bishop Allen of the 21st Ward, and, if true, we as a people can rejoice at it. Bro. F. S. Richards, who starts east tomorrow morning to look after some cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, thinks he will be able to obtain a pardon for Joseph Evans, who has 17 solid months yet to serve for polygamy. Arrests for cohabitation still continue to be made in Salt Lake and elsewhere.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
175 years ago today - Mar 28, 1851
General Assembly of State of Deseret dissolves itself to accept jurisdiction of Territory of Utah. In most elections from 1851 to 1869, 99 percent of Utah's Voters choose church-approved candidates. Ballots are marked to show how persons vote.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
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