When a bomb threat is phoned during the afternoon session of conference, first counselor Harold B. Lee tells the police: "There is no bomb here; relax."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
55 years ago today - Apr 5, 1970
Brigham Young University publishes a full-page newspaper advertisement, "Minorities, Civil Rights, and BYU." This responds to the protests about the lack of African-Americans on BYU's athletic teams as an alleged extension of the LDS church's policy of withholding the priesthood from blacks. This athletic restriction ends with the priesthood restriction.
[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 )]]
85 years ago today - Apr 5, 1940
In explaining financial decisions for First Presidency to general conference, first counselor J. Reuben Clark observes: "We are not infallible in our judgment, and we err, but our constant prayer is that the Lord will guide us in our decisions, and we are trying so to live that our minds will be open to His inspiration."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - Apr 5, 1940
In explaining the financial decisions of the First Presidency to general conference, first counselor J. Reuben Clark observes: "We are not infallible in our judgment, and we err, but our constant prayer is that the Lord will guide us in our decisions, and we are trying so to live that our minds will be open to His inspiration."
[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 )]]
110 years ago today - Apr 5, 1915; Monday
[At general priesthood meeting:] The latter [i.e., Joseph F. Smith] observed that the question was agitated about how he stands on the question of Prohibition. He declared that his life should witness that he has always stood for and advocated temperance to come from the conversion of men to the truth. He did not declare for prohibition. His remarks were at once interpretated to be opposed to Prohibition.
[Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
[Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
115 years ago today - Apr 5, 1910
Joseph F. Smith instructs bishops and stake presidents that payment of tithing and observance of the Word of Wisdom are necessary for Mormons to obtain temple recommends. Smith also says: "Suicides who are willful should not be buried in [temple] robes or have a public funeral, but local authorities must be the judges of their state of mind when committing the act and act accordingly."
[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 - Thursday, Apr 5, 1900
President Lorenzo Snow said the question of the seniority of Joseph F. Smith or Brigham Young in the Council of the Apostles was one of moment and must be decided.
It was determined unanimously that Joseph F. Smith was the senior, he having been sustained by the Apostles and church and ordained and set apart as a member of the Council of the Apostles. Brigham had been ordained an apostle when a boy by his Father and taken in to the Council of the Apostles some years later by setting apart and the vote of the Twelve and Saints.
The President requested us to hand to him two names each to fill the vacancy in the Twelve. ...
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
It was determined unanimously that Joseph F. Smith was the senior, he having been sustained by the Apostles and church and ordained and set apart as a member of the Council of the Apostles. Brigham had been ordained an apostle when a boy by his Father and taken in to the Council of the Apostles some years later by setting apart and the vote of the Twelve and Saints.
The President requested us to hand to him two names each to fill the vacancy in the Twelve. ...
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
125 years ago today - Apr 5, 1900; Thursday
Pres[ident] L[orenzo] Snow as follows: ... there is just one thing that a Latter-day Saint, an Elder of Israel, should never forget; it should be a bright, illuminating star before him all the time--in his heart; in his soul, and all through him--that is, he need not worry in the least as to whether he should either be a deacon or president of the church, it is sufficient for him to Know that his destiny is to be like his Father, a God in eternity. He will not only be president of a church, but he may see himself president of a Kingdom, president of worlds, with never-ending opportunities to enlarge his sphere of dominion. I saw this principle after being in the church but a short time; it was made as clear to me as the noon-day sun, and I expressed it in this language: "As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be."
[Minutes, L. John Nuttall Papers, Lee Library]
[Minutes, L. John Nuttall Papers, Lee Library]
125 years ago today - Apr 5, 1900; Thursday
I raised the question with father [about his seniority in the quorum] some years before his death in consequence of what Bro[ther]. O[rson]. Pratt said, and father used these words to me. "It is just right the way it is and you let it alone." He told me as I remember that my name was given to him by revelation with several other names and I would have been put into the quorum a year previous but Bro[ther]. Geo[rge]. A. Smith suggested that it might raise a question & comment if
B[righam]. Y[oung]. Jr. was put in place of Bro[ther] A[masa] M Lyman apostatized; and if Jos[eph]. F. S[mith]. was now put in to the Quorum it could make no differ[e]nce as I B[righam]. Y[oung]. Jr was ordained an apostle and would take his place in the Quorum according to that ordination.
I am satisfied and thank God that I am worthy to be an apostle of the Lord an especial witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
[Apostolic ranking is changed to be according to entry into the quorum, not according to the ordination date as an apostle. This puts Joseph F. Smith ahead of Brigham Young Jr.]
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
B[righam]. Y[oung]. Jr. was put in place of Bro[ther] A[masa] M Lyman apostatized; and if Jos[eph]. F. S[mith]. was now put in to the Quorum it could make no differ[e]nce as I B[righam]. Y[oung]. Jr was ordained an apostle and would take his place in the Quorum according to that ordination.
I am satisfied and thank God that I am worthy to be an apostle of the Lord an especial witness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
[Apostolic ranking is changed to be according to entry into the quorum, not according to the ordination date as an apostle. This puts Joseph F. Smith ahead of Brigham Young Jr.]
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
130 years ago today - Apr 5, 1895 (Friday)
The constitutional convention, after a heated debate of several days, adopted the woman suffrage clause.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
135 years ago today - Apr 5, 1890
George Reynolds is sustained as first convicted felon to become general authority.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Apr 5, 1860
[Minutes of the Council of Twelve]
.... O. Hyde Who is our Heavenly Father. I would as soon it was Father Adam, or any other good and lawful being. I shall see him some time, if I do right. What do I know about Adam, in the Councils of the Great God before he came here, or his privileges. I dont know.
* * *
O. Pratt ... in regard to Adam being our Father and our God, I have not published it, altho' I frankly say, I have no confidence in it, altho advanced by bro. Kimball in the stand, and afterwards approved by bro. Brigham. . . .
* * *
O. Hyde ... I do not see any contradiction or opposition between B. Young & J. Smith.
* * *
O. Pratt it was the Father of Jesus Christ that was talking to Adam in the garden - B. Young says that Adam was the Father of Jesus Christ, both of his Spirit and Body, in his teachings from the stand, bro. Richards publishes in the Pearl of Great Price, that another person would come in the meridian of time, which was Jesus Christ.
* * *
O. Pratt I have heard brother Brigham say that Adam is the Father of our Spirits, and he came here with his resurrected body, to fall for his own children; and I said to him, it leads to an endless number of falls, which leads to sorrow and death: that is revolting to my feelings, even if it were not sustained by revelation. ... I heard brother Young say that Jesus had a body, flesh and bones, before he came, he was born of the Virgin Mary, it was so contrary to every revelation given.
[Minutes of the Meeting of the Council of the Twelve in Historian's upper room as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
.... O. Hyde Who is our Heavenly Father. I would as soon it was Father Adam, or any other good and lawful being. I shall see him some time, if I do right. What do I know about Adam, in the Councils of the Great God before he came here, or his privileges. I dont know.
* * *
O. Pratt ... in regard to Adam being our Father and our God, I have not published it, altho' I frankly say, I have no confidence in it, altho advanced by bro. Kimball in the stand, and afterwards approved by bro. Brigham. . . .
* * *
O. Hyde ... I do not see any contradiction or opposition between B. Young & J. Smith.
* * *
O. Pratt it was the Father of Jesus Christ that was talking to Adam in the garden - B. Young says that Adam was the Father of Jesus Christ, both of his Spirit and Body, in his teachings from the stand, bro. Richards publishes in the Pearl of Great Price, that another person would come in the meridian of time, which was Jesus Christ.
* * *
O. Pratt I have heard brother Brigham say that Adam is the Father of our Spirits, and he came here with his resurrected body, to fall for his own children; and I said to him, it leads to an endless number of falls, which leads to sorrow and death: that is revolting to my feelings, even if it were not sustained by revelation. ... I heard brother Young say that Jesus had a body, flesh and bones, before he came, he was born of the Virgin Mary, it was so contrary to every revelation given.
[Minutes of the Meeting of the Council of the Twelve in Historian's upper room as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
165 years ago today - Apr 5, 1860 (Evening)
[Brigham Young Sermon]
Pres. Young and a council of the Twelve met at the Historians Office and had Orson Pratt's sermon read as revised by the Twelve, which was satisfactory to Pres. Young; he directed Thomas Bullock to make a plain copy for publication.
[Journal History of the Church as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Pres. Young and a council of the Twelve met at the Historians Office and had Orson Pratt's sermon read as revised by the Twelve, which was satisfactory to Pres. Young; he directed Thomas Bullock to make a plain copy for publication.
[Journal History of the Church as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
55 years ago today - Apr 4, 1970
Shortly after the presidency's statement against the ultra- conservative NET organizations, all local LDS leaders received an announcement which began: "There are dangerous sinister trends developing within the church due to the liberal factions gaining control." The announcement urged all "those of the conservative mind" to "cast a dissenting vote against the liberal factions" of "the First Presidency with its social-democrat thinking" on 6 April 1970. This would remove from office the new presidency of Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, and N. Eldon Tanner, all of whom were known as opponents of Benson's ultra-conservative activism. In their place, this proposal claimed that "Brother Benson will sound the trumpet and thousands, yes tens of thousands, will heed his call and stand forth ready to sustain and support the fight for truth, right and liberty." Thus a general conference vote of Mormon ultra-conservatives would propel Benson into the office of LDS church president in
place of the current president and ahead of other senior apostles.
Rather than dismissing this document as the work of a lone crank and giving it no further attention, Counselor Harold B. Lee publicly denounced it two days before the sustaining vote of April 1970 conference. He told the general priesthood meeting that "there is one vicious story to the effect that one of our General Authorities is allegedly being urged to present himself to lead the Church contrary to the Lord's revelation and to make people think there is some division among the authorities of the Church." Lee indicated that this petition and its supporting documents "are finding their way into our Relief Society meetings, into priesthood quorums, firesides, institutes, and seminaries." That was an extraordinary acknowledgement by Lee of the threat to the LDS church he perceived from ultra-conservative Mormons.
["TO ALL STAKE PRESIDENTS INTERESTED IN TRUTH AND LIBERTY THIS CALL IS MADE," photocopy of typed document, undated, in folder 22, box 5, Buerger Papers, with signed copies by J. Wilson Bartlett in MS 2461, LDS archives, and in folder 3, box 124, Hinckley Papers; Lee, "To the Defenders of the Faith," 4 Apr. 1970, Improvement Era 73 (June 1970): 64. 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.]
place of the current president and ahead of other senior apostles.
Rather than dismissing this document as the work of a lone crank and giving it no further attention, Counselor Harold B. Lee publicly denounced it two days before the sustaining vote of April 1970 conference. He told the general priesthood meeting that "there is one vicious story to the effect that one of our General Authorities is allegedly being urged to present himself to lead the Church contrary to the Lord's revelation and to make people think there is some division among the authorities of the Church." Lee indicated that this petition and its supporting documents "are finding their way into our Relief Society meetings, into priesthood quorums, firesides, institutes, and seminaries." That was an extraordinary acknowledgement by Lee of the threat to the LDS church he perceived from ultra-conservative Mormons.
["TO ALL STAKE PRESIDENTS INTERESTED IN TRUTH AND LIBERTY THIS CALL IS MADE," photocopy of typed document, undated, in folder 22, box 5, Buerger Papers, with signed copies by J. Wilson Bartlett in MS 2461, LDS archives, and in folder 3, box 124, Hinckley Papers; Lee, "To the Defenders of the Faith," 4 Apr. 1970, Improvement Era 73 (June 1970): 64. 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 - Apr 4, 1965
"Benson linked the civil rights movement to Communists and made vague insinuations about "trators in the church."
Last month the NAACP protested the Mormons' failure to endorse civil rights legislaton by picketing the church headquarters wile the Utah Legislature was in session. [Hugh B. Browns pro-civil rights statement] was contradicted at this month's conference [by] Ezra Taft Benson, an apostle of the church. ...
"Before I left for Europe, I warned how the Communists were using the civil rights movement to promote revolution and eventual takeover of this country. When are we going to wake up? ... Do you fear the destruction of all vestiges of State government? Now, brethern, the Lord has never promosed there would not be traitors in the church. We have the ignorant, the sleepy, and the deceived who provide temptations and avenues of apostasy for the unwray and the unfaithful."
["Mormons Bickering Over Rights Issue," Pittsburge Courier, Apr 4, 1965]
Last month the NAACP protested the Mormons' failure to endorse civil rights legislaton by picketing the church headquarters wile the Utah Legislature was in session. [Hugh B. Browns pro-civil rights statement] was contradicted at this month's conference [by] Ezra Taft Benson, an apostle of the church. ...
"Before I left for Europe, I warned how the Communists were using the civil rights movement to promote revolution and eventual takeover of this country. When are we going to wake up? ... Do you fear the destruction of all vestiges of State government? Now, brethern, the Lord has never promosed there would not be traitors in the church. We have the ignorant, the sleepy, and the deceived who provide temptations and avenues of apostasy for the unwray and the unfaithful."
["Mormons Bickering Over Rights Issue," Pittsburge Courier, Apr 4, 1965]
100 years ago today - Apr 4, 1925
Heber J. Grant warns general priesthood meeting against Ku Klux Klan, and remarks: "It is beyond my comprehension how people holding the priesthood will want to associate themselves with the Ku Klux Klan or any other [similar] organization."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Apr 4, 1925
Heber J. Grant warns the general priesthood meeting against the Ku Klux Klan, and remarks: "It is beyond my comprehension how people holding the priesthood will want to associate themselves with the Ku Klux Klan or any other [similar] organization."
[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 )]]
105 years ago today - Apr 04, 1920
Howard W. Hunter is baptized in a swimming pool in Boise, Idaho (he is twelve years and five months old.)
120 years ago today - April 4-5, 1905
Today at the afternoon meeting the general authorities were sustained. One person voted against Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith and one against the Apostles. Since the [Reed] Smoot investigation has been on Saint has been working through his emmesaries both at home and abroad to stir up op[p]osition to Pres[ident]. Smith and other general authorities. He is now crying commercialism, charging that the tithes of the people are being wrongfuly used for the benefit of the authorities or for commercial investments to control same for the ag[g]randisement fo the authorities. Also that the Church as such is still practicing polygamy. Along with this comes a faction who hold that plural marriage ought not to have been stopped and that Pres[ident]. Smith should be removed and another put in who would restore it. It was said that it was their expectation that it would be done Sunday of Conference and that among it all quite a number would be present to vote against him Sunday. The people
never voted for the authorities with so much energy as upon today.
[Rudger Clawson, Record of Meetings and Activities, 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]
never voted for the authorities with so much energy as upon today.
[Rudger Clawson, Record of Meetings and Activities, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
130 years ago today - Apr 4, 1895
[Council] Bro[ther] John W. Taylor spoke upon the right of the Presidency to direct in all things religious, political and temporal. He prophesied relief for the Presidency and people financially. Said bro[ther] Thatcher was in danger of dieing if he does not accept the course of the Presidency. Defended Pres[ident] Cannon. Said bro[ther] Merrill will get thin and live long. ...
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Apr 4, 1895
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
[On 1 April, Brigham Young had a discussion with B. H. Roberts in which Young defended suffrage for women, arguing that their votes would be in the interests of morality and good order.] Twelve met at 10 a.m. in Temple. Excellent spirit we are united in about every thing. Presidency came in at 11:40 Bro[ther] G. Q. C. came just arrived from East. his talk was conservative and very good, but soon we were much divided on Womans Rights. Bro[ther] C. wanted it drawn out of convention and the Pres[ident] was to do it. My feelings were against interfering perhaps I was too pronounced on the subject. Pres[iden]t S. was decididly too strong. Had sacrament, good pure wine & bread.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[On 1 April, Brigham Young had a discussion with B. H. Roberts in which Young defended suffrage for women, arguing that their votes would be in the interests of morality and good order.] Twelve met at 10 a.m. in Temple. Excellent spirit we are united in about every thing. Presidency came in at 11:40 Bro[ther] G. Q. C. came just arrived from East. his talk was conservative and very good, but soon we were much divided on Womans Rights. Bro[ther] C. wanted it drawn out of convention and the Pres[ident] was to do it. My feelings were against interfering perhaps I was too pronounced on the subject. Pres[iden]t S. was decididly too strong. Had sacrament, good pure wine & bread.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Apr 4, 1890
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Gardo House ... Meeting on estate business. Presidency cannot consent to have our people promise to obey the 'law,' repudiate all wives but one, tho' some of the brethren who are actually obeying the law want to know what the difference is. In our circle meeting this afternoon I had a strong intimation or impression, I thought of the spirit, that Joseph F. Smith & myself will wear this anti-Polygamy law out, and ere long we shall ride in these streets with our wives and children.
[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]
Gardo House ... Meeting on estate business. Presidency cannot consent to have our people promise to obey the 'law,' repudiate all wives but one, tho' some of the brethren who are actually obeying the law want to know what the difference is. In our circle meeting this afternoon I had a strong intimation or impression, I thought of the spirit, that Joseph F. Smith & myself will wear this anti-Polygamy law out, and ere long we shall ride in these streets with our wives and children.
[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]
145 years ago today - Apr 4, 1880
We met in the Prayer Circle. A Certain Revelation was discused given to Wilford Woodruff in the Wilderness of Arizona Jan 26 1880 And it was received by the Twelve. [Opposed by church patriarch John Smith]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Apr 4, 1875
.... On motion it was unanimously voted that our organization be called the United Order of Salt Lake City, Number One. On Motion it was voted that this organization continue in existance for a period of twenty five years' On motion it was voted that the general place of business be in Salt Lake City, Utah 355 Territory. On motion it was unanimously voted that the board of seven ele directors be elected consist of seven members. On motion President Brigham Young was unanimously elected President of the association.....
[Minutes, 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]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
155 years ago today - 1870. April 4
George Albert Smith was born in Salt Lake City to Susan Farr and John Henry Smith. He was a great- grandnephew of Joseph Smith, Sr., and a grandson of George A. Smith.
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Apr 4, 1860
[Minutes of the Apostles]
[Orson Pratt] There are certain points taught by Bro. Y. as being true, that there does seem to be disputed between those & the Revel[ations] & when I reflect that there is item upon item, doctrine upon doctrine [upon which Pratt and Young disagree] ... I would like to ennumerate items [upon which Pratt disagrees with Young]. First [Young] preached & publish, that Adam is the fa[ther] of our spirits, & father of Spirit & father of our bodies. [But] when I read the Rev[elations] given to Joseph [Smith] I read directly the opposite. [There] the Lord spake to Adam. [Also,] that men [will] eventually become Adams.
B[righam] Y[oung] your statements to night. you come out to night & place them as charges, & have as many against me as I have [against] you. One thing I have thought that I might still have omited [from the public]. It was Joseph's doctrine that Adam was God & when in Luke Johnson's, at O. Hyde's the power came upon us, a shock that alarmed the neighborhood. God comes to earth & eats & partakes of fruit. Joseph could not reveal what was revealed to him, & if Joseph had it revealed [to him], he was not told to reveal it. The Spirit is sent when the mother feels earth, God put it [the spirit] into his [Adam's] mouth, & when God, wanted to translate he had the power. [There is] not a contradictory thing in what I have said. ...
[Minutes, 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]
[Orson Pratt] There are certain points taught by Bro. Y. as being true, that there does seem to be disputed between those & the Revel[ations] & when I reflect that there is item upon item, doctrine upon doctrine [upon which Pratt and Young disagree] ... I would like to ennumerate items [upon which Pratt disagrees with Young]. First [Young] preached & publish, that Adam is the fa[ther] of our spirits, & father of Spirit & father of our bodies. [But] when I read the Rev[elations] given to Joseph [Smith] I read directly the opposite. [There] the Lord spake to Adam. [Also,] that men [will] eventually become Adams.
B[righam] Y[oung] your statements to night. you come out to night & place them as charges, & have as many against me as I have [against] you. One thing I have thought that I might still have omited [from the public]. It was Joseph's doctrine that Adam was God & when in Luke Johnson's, at O. Hyde's the power came upon us, a shock that alarmed the neighborhood. God comes to earth & eats & partakes of fruit. Joseph could not reveal what was revealed to him, & if Joseph had it revealed [to him], he was not told to reveal it. The Spirit is sent when the mother feels earth, God put it [the spirit] into his [Adam's] mouth, & when God, wanted to translate he had the power. [There is] not a contradictory thing in what I have said. ...
[Minutes, 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]
165 years ago today - Apr 4, 1860 (Council Meeting)
The sermon [of Orson Pratt] is splendid but [there is] no confession of his errors, but a confession to me. As though a confession was to be made to me, or I will take off Orson's or John's head. ... Did you ever hear me say that the Gods will [not] learn from all eternity to all eternity. Have any of you heard me argue such a doctrine. I have no recollection of anything time saying [such a thing]. This does not come to me as right. It points to me as a tyrant [or] despot, [a] ruler [with a] pinching spirit. Orson wants a revelation to know that I am wrong. No matter whether the men are right or wrong who [stand as] head [of] the Church. This is not the retraction that the statements made by Orson demands. ... I'm willing to go into the endowment house & dress before my Quorum or as we are now, or before Conference & lay down item upon item & let them decide. You make attributes Deity, as well say [there is] no deity now, or that we have to be dispersed to receive those attributes,
go back to atoms, before we get an exaltation. When he lectured several years ago, I asked him, where [was] empty space, when the wicked call for rocks to fall, I could tell them where to go; for there God could not act, for nothing to act upon. That I don't care anything about; & to put that forth to the people; it should be covered up, & let the Doctrine & Covenants & Bible stand... Maybe though he don't think I have revelation, if I don't, I don't magnify my calling. There are hundreds of this. I could write revelation as fast as [a] dog trots. When I write & send forth my Revelations, [they] are the Revelations of eternity.... I'll sweep you down, men tie both my hands, bite my tongue & people cut Orson off the Church. I know his integrity, I love Him. I mean to hang on to him. I want a confession that I can send to the whole of the people that will cover all this ground & preserve bro. Orson a whole Apostle, before the whole church, then we want bro Orson [to make a
confession] that can save him. ... Bro Brigham said could a being in a telestial or terrestrial kingdom keep a celestial law, is it reasonable to expect such a thing. Orson, it is for you to call the 12 together & do as I have suggested or do as you please. It will be brought before Conference and you will be voted as a false teacher, & your false doctrines discharged. I love your integrity, but your ignorance is as great as any philosophers ought to be...
[Brigham Young Office Journals as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
go back to atoms, before we get an exaltation. When he lectured several years ago, I asked him, where [was] empty space, when the wicked call for rocks to fall, I could tell them where to go; for there God could not act, for nothing to act upon. That I don't care anything about; & to put that forth to the people; it should be covered up, & let the Doctrine & Covenants & Bible stand... Maybe though he don't think I have revelation, if I don't, I don't magnify my calling. There are hundreds of this. I could write revelation as fast as [a] dog trots. When I write & send forth my Revelations, [they] are the Revelations of eternity.... I'll sweep you down, men tie both my hands, bite my tongue & people cut Orson off the Church. I know his integrity, I love Him. I mean to hang on to him. I want a confession that I can send to the whole of the people that will cover all this ground & preserve bro. Orson a whole Apostle, before the whole church, then we want bro Orson [to make a
confession] that can save him. ... Bro Brigham said could a being in a telestial or terrestrial kingdom keep a celestial law, is it reasonable to expect such a thing. Orson, it is for you to call the 12 together & do as I have suggested or do as you please. It will be brought before Conference and you will be voted as a false teacher, & your false doctrines discharged. I love your integrity, but your ignorance is as great as any philosophers ought to be...
[Brigham Young Office Journals as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - Apr 4, 1850
Sarah Pratt writes to Bathsheba W. Smith about her husband, Apostle Orson Pratt's absence on missions and time with other wives: "Mr. Pratt left on the 9th of Mar for the Bluffs . . . he will return in Jun, or Jul, perhaps you may think this is a great trial for me, but I can assure it is no more of a trial, than if he were gone on other business, for I have long since made up my mind that it is no use to fret about those who do not fret about me, . . . "
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Apr 4, 1845
Three bishops instruct the high priests of Nauvoo-s 5th Ward that if some members did not reform "they would at once discover themselves in the hands of Aunt Peggy and take leave of absence."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Apr 3, 1900
[Heber J. Grant]
Francis M. Lyman, regretted that every word that Brother Brigham had said could not have been taken down and recorded. Stated that he never allowed a wife or child to see anything that he recorded in his journal, felt that it was sacred. Had purchased a safe in which he kept his journals. Had never recorded anything in his journals about any of his brethren that he would have the least objection to their reading. At the same time he felt that our journals should be held sacred.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Francis M. Lyman, regretted that every word that Brother Brigham had said could not have been taken down and recorded. Stated that he never allowed a wife or child to see anything that he recorded in his journal, felt that it was sacred. Had purchased a safe in which he kept his journals. Had never recorded anything in his journals about any of his brethren that he would have the least objection to their reading. At the same time he felt that our journals should be held sacred.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
125 years ago today - Tuesday, Apr 3, 1900
Apostle F. M. Lyman made brief remarks. Said that as the body cannot live without the spirit, so the church cannot live without or exist without the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ...
Speaking of the Twelve, he said our great merit is not in the fact that we are very great and smart, but that we are honest, humble, and united, and the Lord can use us...
Apostle M. W. Merrill ... Referred to the loss of his son by death. It was a great blow to him, but he acknowledged the hand of the Lord in it. Spoke of the visit of his son to him after his death. He heard his voice and was told not to grieve about his departure. He was told that his son was needed behind the veil to assist in the salvation of his progenitors. ...
[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]
Speaking of the Twelve, he said our great merit is not in the fact that we are very great and smart, but that we are honest, humble, and united, and the Lord can use us...
Apostle M. W. Merrill ... Referred to the loss of his son by death. It was a great blow to him, but he acknowledged the hand of the Lord in it. Spoke of the visit of his son to him after his death. He heard his voice and was told not to grieve about his departure. He was told that his son was needed behind the veil to assist in the salvation of his progenitors. ...
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Apr 3, 1900
I made a few remarks on proper method of disposing of journals should be willed to Historians office, also concerning our writing so much of what transpires and leaving it where others could read at will.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Brigham Young Jr., 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 - Apr 3, 1895
First Presidency and Apostles discuss B. H. Roberts's opposition to equal suffrage at recent State Constitutional convention. "Brother Roberts had been sent for And told by Pres[iden]ts [Wilford] Woodruff and [Joseph F.] Smith their wishes and requested not to be active in his opposition to the suffrage clause as it was in the interests of the people to have the suffrage clause approved and made a part of the Constitution." Equal suffrage would increase the percentage of Mormon voters.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Apr 3, 1895
[Apostles meeting] Francis M. Lyman He felt that there was great need for the saints to reform in the matter of having hard feelings over political matters.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Apr 3, 1895
I [i.e., Lorenzo Snow] I regret the course Brother [B. H.] Roberts has taken in the convention in speaking on woman's suffrage but perhaps he can satisfactorily explain his position and conduct.
[Minutes, 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]
[Minutes, 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 3, 1890 (Thursday)
The bill providing for the admission of Idaho into the Union as a State was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, with its anti-Mormon test oath clause.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Friday, Apr 3, 1885
Bro. G. Q. Cannon reached home today from Washington. The U.S. Marshall made an effort to capture him but failed. It is said that 20 marshalls from Utah and Idaho are in Logan.
[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]
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
145 years ago today - Apr 3, 1880
Matilda Spaulding, daughter of Solomon Spaulding writes: "he [Solomon Spaulding] read the manuscript which I had seen him writing, to the neighbors, and to the clergyman, a friend of his who came to see him. Some of the names that he mentioned while reading to these people I have never forgotten. They are as fresh to me today as though I heard them yesterday. They were 'Mormon,' 'Maroni,' 'Lamenite,' 'Nephi.'"
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Apr 3, 1860
Salt Lake City's LDS mayor cautions Brigham Young that William A. Hickman has been useful as a dog to protect the Mormon flock but should now be removed because he is also killing Mormons within the fold.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
165 years ago today - Apr 3, 1860
The Pony Express mail service began. A number of young Mormons were among the riders.
[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]
180 years ago today - Apr 3, 1845
[Hosea Stout]
In the morning I went to the Temple and was roughly accosted by Brs Cahoon & Cutler about a circumstance which took place last night at the Temple. They said that the Old Police had beat a man almost to death in the Temple. To which I replied I was glad of it and that I had given orders to that effect in case anyone should be found in the Temple after night and they had only done as they were told, or ordered, that they had been imposed upon long enough while on duty and I was determined to bear it no longer. This created considerable warmth of feelings in them and the bye standers, however after they understood the matter they seemed satisfied and said the guard only done their dutyfrom thence I went to John Higbees from thence to Gullys store, and there met with Br Carn and told him the circumstance at the Temple and we concluded to lay the matter before President Brigham Young and get his advice, as we went we met Brother H. C. Kimball and while relating the matter to him
Brother Brigham came to us and we related the matter to him and he approved of the proceedings of the Police and said he wanted us to still guard the Temple after which he & Br. Kimball went to the Temple to regulate the matters there which was done to our satisfaction and justification. ...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
In the morning I went to the Temple and was roughly accosted by Brs Cahoon & Cutler about a circumstance which took place last night at the Temple. They said that the Old Police had beat a man almost to death in the Temple. To which I replied I was glad of it and that I had given orders to that effect in case anyone should be found in the Temple after night and they had only done as they were told, or ordered, that they had been imposed upon long enough while on duty and I was determined to bear it no longer. This created considerable warmth of feelings in them and the bye standers, however after they understood the matter they seemed satisfied and said the guard only done their dutyfrom thence I went to John Higbees from thence to Gullys store, and there met with Br Carn and told him the circumstance at the Temple and we concluded to lay the matter before President Brigham Young and get his advice, as we went we met Brother H. C. Kimball and while relating the matter to him
Brother Brigham came to us and we related the matter to him and he approved of the proceedings of the Police and said he wanted us to still guard the Temple after which he & Br. Kimball went to the Temple to regulate the matters there which was done to our satisfaction and justification. ...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Apr 3, 1845
Brigham Young's clerk Thomas Bullock copies a revelation received by Young "to be read next Conference." NAUVOO NEIGHBOR reports the reading on April 7 of a revelation "concerning blotting out the names of APOSTATES, that they may not be found upon the Church Record."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Apr 3, 1845. Thursday.
....Evening met with a few of the high quorum [Holy Order] at Dr. Richards house for prayer. ... Our prayers were that the plans of the mob might be frustrated that they might have no influence nor power to disturb nor trouble us. That the leaders of the mob especially [Thomas] Sharp may be visited with judgements, and that we may be preserved in peace to finish the houses and see the Elders endowed and fulfil all that the Lord commanded us in this place ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
190 years ago today - Apr 3, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing of Lyman Sherman given by Joseph Smith, Sr.]
.... inasmuch as thou hast no father God shall be thy father and he shall comfort thee and it has been promised too that thou shalt go forth and the Lord shall minister unto [thee] and thou shalt have power to command the waters and thou shalt cause the earth to tremble for thou art one of the horns of Joseph to push the people together and in the name of [Jesus Christ] ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
.... inasmuch as thou hast no father God shall be thy father and he shall comfort thee and it has been promised too that thou shalt go forth and the Lord shall minister unto [thee] and thou shalt have power to command the waters and thou shalt cause the earth to tremble for thou art one of the horns of Joseph to push the people together and in the name of [Jesus Christ] ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
20 years ago today - Apr 2, 2005
The General Conference annual statistical report shows that the number of convert baptisms in the Church has dropped for the third year in a row.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Monday, Apr 2, 1900
[John R. Winder] Made the following report concerning the labor that had been accomplished in the temple, namely, that since the temple had been open until April 2nd, 1899—475,662 ordinances had been performed, and from Apr. 2nd, 1899, to Apr. 2nd, 1900, 68,871, making a total of 544,337 ordinances performed since the temple was opened. He said that the interest in the work is increasing and the temple workers are perfectly united. In behalf of the temple workers Brother Winder presented President Snow some flowers symbolic of the authorities of the church, namely, three white lilies representing the First Presidency, twelve white roses representing the Twelve Apostles, seven white carnations representing the Seven Presidents of Seventies, three small white roses representing the Lesser Priesthood. These he bound together with
white ribbon and presented them to President Snow.
Remarks [by] Pres. J. F. Smith. ... Those who find fault with the prophet of God because of his weaknesses commit sacrilege—it is a sin. ...
[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]
white ribbon and presented them to President Snow.
Remarks [by] Pres. J. F. Smith. ... Those who find fault with the prophet of God because of his weaknesses commit sacrilege—it is a sin. ...
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Apr 2, 1900; Monday
Two hundred bushels of seed grain were appropriated in favor of the people of Koosharem, who were in need of it. The people of that ward having been quarantined through smallpox, and having suffered also from frost last fall, they were in need of grain.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Apr 2, 1895
[Debate & Vote for women's sufferage]
At 9 A.M. with bro[ther] Daniel Thompson entered the Constitution Hall and took a seat on the platform to wait for 10 o'clock to come. Pres[ident] John Henry Smith called to order on time and every inch of [the] room was crowed with curious listeners awaiting bro[ther] [B. H.] Roberts' eloquence [who opposed sufferage]. I opened the convention with prayer. Speeches by Whitney Raleigh and Roberts occupied most of the time till 11 P.M. Roberts occupied 2 hours. His talk was not logical nor argument. He was not up to his usual standard of eloquence and ease. The vote was almost unanimous in favor of woman suffrage.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At 9 A.M. with bro[ther] Daniel Thompson entered the Constitution Hall and took a seat on the platform to wait for 10 o'clock to come. Pres[ident] John Henry Smith called to order on time and every inch of [the] room was crowed with curious listeners awaiting bro[ther] [B. H.] Roberts' eloquence [who opposed sufferage]. I opened the convention with prayer. Speeches by Whitney Raleigh and Roberts occupied most of the time till 11 P.M. Roberts occupied 2 hours. His talk was not logical nor argument. He was not up to his usual standard of eloquence and ease. The vote was almost unanimous in favor of woman suffrage.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Apr 2, 1875 (Friday)
The case of Geo. Q. Cannon, indicted for polygamy, was dismissed in the Third District Court.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Apr 2, 1860
About 7. Prest. Young & A[lbert]. Carrington called at the historians' Office and staid till about 9. Prest. brought a revised sheet of O[rson]. Pratt's sermon, called a confession, delivered some time ago; the letter sermon was read. G[eorge]. A. S[mith]. E[zra]. T. B[enson]. & A[lbert]. Carrington present. President said that he thought of presenting the principles involved to the conference, but he did not know but that it might hurt brother Pratt's feelings. It was concluded that a council of the Twelve be called to meet on Wednesday evening to take these matters into consideration. [Young and Pratt differed doctrinal ideas regarding the Godhead]
[Church Historian's Office Journal, 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]
[Church Historian's Office Journal, 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]
195 years ago today - Apr 2, 1830
[Rochester Daily Advertiser]
The "Book of Mormon" has been placed in our hands. A viler imposition was never practised. It is an evidence of fraud, blasphemy and credulity, shocking to the Christian and moralist. The "author and proprietor" is one "Joseph Smith, jr."-a fellow who, by some hocus pocus, acquired such an influence over a wealthy farmer of Wayne county [Martin Harris], that the latter mortgaged his farm for $3000, which he paid for printing and binding 5000 copies of the blasphemous work.
[Rochester (NY) Daily Advertiser as quoted in Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates]
The "Book of Mormon" has been placed in our hands. A viler imposition was never practised. It is an evidence of fraud, blasphemy and credulity, shocking to the Christian and moralist. The "author and proprietor" is one "Joseph Smith, jr."-a fellow who, by some hocus pocus, acquired such an influence over a wealthy farmer of Wayne county [Martin Harris], that the latter mortgaged his farm for $3000, which he paid for printing and binding 5000 copies of the blasphemous work.
[Rochester (NY) Daily Advertiser as quoted in Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates]
25 years ago today - Apr 1, 2000-2
The first general conference to be held in the new Conference Center convened, with more than 400,000 requests for free tickets, far exceeding the 21,000-seat capacity of the hall.
[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]
30 years ago today - Apr 01, 1995
Henry B. Eyring is sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
30 years ago today - Apr 1, 1995
Solemn assembly sustains newly ordained Gordon B. Hinckley as LDS president, first time in Mormon history that solemn assemblies have sustained two new presidents within six-month period. For first time, females are asked to vote according to their auxiliary membership, Young Women (ages 12 to 18) and Relief Society (age 18+), in imitation of traditional voting-pattern for males according to their priesthood quorums. Announcement of end of Regional Representative calling, effective Aug 15, to be replaced by Area Authorities. These officers will be high priests serving without financial compensation for six years, while they "continue their current employment, [and] reside in their own homes." Number of Area authorities is intended to be substantially smaller than 284 Regional Representatives serving at this date.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
65 years ago today - Apr 1, 1960
[John A. Widtsoe]
In the sermon referred to, (JD 1:50) President Young places Adam unequivocally as a separate character, "Michael," under the dominion of the Trinity. "The earth was organized by three distinct characters, Elohim, Yahovah, and Michael." There was no substituting of Adam for the God to whom we pray. Likewise, the term "father" was constantly applied by Brigham Young to Adam, because Adam was associated with Jesus Christ in the making of the earth; and also in a more literal sense, because, as the first man, he was the father of the race. Yet there are those who have nursed the irrational conclusion that President Young implied that Adam and God, the Father, are one and the same individual.
Brigham Young's much-discussed sermon says that "Jesus was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the Garden of Eden, and who is our Father in heaven." Enemies of the Church, or stupid people, reading also that Adam is "our father and our God," have heralded far and wide that the Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of Adam. Yet, the rational reading of the whole sermon reveals the falsity of such a doctrine. It is explained that God the Father was in the Garden of Eden before Adam, that he was the Father of Adam, and that this same personage, God the Father, who was in the Garden of Eden before Adam, was the Father of Jesus Christ, when the Son took upon himself a mortal body. That is, the same personage was the Father of Adam and of Jesus Christ. In the numerous published sermons of Brigham Young this is the doctrine that appears; none other. The assertion is repeatedly made that Jesus Christ was begotten by God, the Father, distinct by any
stretch of imagination from Adam. This is a well-established Latter-day Saint doctrine. (56)
With this doctrine in mind, President Brigham Young preached the sermon which has been construed by enemies to teach that Adam is the God to whom we pray and whom we worship. (JD 1:50) President Young merely followed the sound doctrine taught by Joseph Smith that when the earth story is finished, the heads of all the dispensations will deliver their stewardships to Adam, who in turn will deliver them to Jesus Christ, under whose commission the earth work has been done. . . .
Moreover, in the sermon referred to, Brigham Young spoke of Adam as Michael, the archangel, the Ancient of Days, so that nowhere can an intelligent reader confuse Adam with either member of the Godhead. (66-67)
Those who peddle the well-worn Adam-God myth, usually charge the Latter- day Saints with believing that: (1) Our Father in heaven, the Supreme God, to whom we pray, is Adam, the first man; and (2) Adam was the father of Jesus Christ. A long series of absurd and false deductions are made from these propositions. . . . Nowhere is it suggested that Adam is God, the Father, whose child Adam himself was.
[John A. Widtsoe, Evidences & Reconciliations (68-69) as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
In the sermon referred to, (JD 1:50) President Young places Adam unequivocally as a separate character, "Michael," under the dominion of the Trinity. "The earth was organized by three distinct characters, Elohim, Yahovah, and Michael." There was no substituting of Adam for the God to whom we pray. Likewise, the term "father" was constantly applied by Brigham Young to Adam, because Adam was associated with Jesus Christ in the making of the earth; and also in a more literal sense, because, as the first man, he was the father of the race. Yet there are those who have nursed the irrational conclusion that President Young implied that Adam and God, the Father, are one and the same individual.
Brigham Young's much-discussed sermon says that "Jesus was begotten in the flesh by the same character that was in the Garden of Eden, and who is our Father in heaven." Enemies of the Church, or stupid people, reading also that Adam is "our father and our God," have heralded far and wide that the Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was begotten of Adam. Yet, the rational reading of the whole sermon reveals the falsity of such a doctrine. It is explained that God the Father was in the Garden of Eden before Adam, that he was the Father of Adam, and that this same personage, God the Father, who was in the Garden of Eden before Adam, was the Father of Jesus Christ, when the Son took upon himself a mortal body. That is, the same personage was the Father of Adam and of Jesus Christ. In the numerous published sermons of Brigham Young this is the doctrine that appears; none other. The assertion is repeatedly made that Jesus Christ was begotten by God, the Father, distinct by any
stretch of imagination from Adam. This is a well-established Latter-day Saint doctrine. (56)
With this doctrine in mind, President Brigham Young preached the sermon which has been construed by enemies to teach that Adam is the God to whom we pray and whom we worship. (JD 1:50) President Young merely followed the sound doctrine taught by Joseph Smith that when the earth story is finished, the heads of all the dispensations will deliver their stewardships to Adam, who in turn will deliver them to Jesus Christ, under whose commission the earth work has been done. . . .
Moreover, in the sermon referred to, Brigham Young spoke of Adam as Michael, the archangel, the Ancient of Days, so that nowhere can an intelligent reader confuse Adam with either member of the Godhead. (66-67)
Those who peddle the well-worn Adam-God myth, usually charge the Latter- day Saints with believing that: (1) Our Father in heaven, the Supreme God, to whom we pray, is Adam, the first man; and (2) Adam was the father of Jesus Christ. A long series of absurd and false deductions are made from these propositions. . . . Nowhere is it suggested that Adam is God, the Father, whose child Adam himself was.
[John A. Widtsoe, Evidences & Reconciliations (68-69) as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
125 years ago today - Apr 1, 1900; Sunday
[Anthony Ivins]
[At testimony meeting] Bro. Holt spoke in tongues & Bro. Brown interpreted. Sister Johnson sang ["]the Spirit of God like a fire is burning.["]
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
[At testimony meeting] Bro. Holt spoke in tongues & Bro. Brown interpreted. Sister Johnson sang ["]the Spirit of God like a fire is burning.["]
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
130 years ago today - Apr 1, 1895
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Spent evening visiting had a talk with Bro[ther]. B H. Roberts in front of Constitution Buildings. I said 'The Gover[nmen]t. of US. has forced me, with many other polygamists to put away our wives; we have given them their property, they now stand at the head of their families; pay their taxes, and are, to all intents and purposes, pillars of the body politic, Bro[ther]. Roberts what argument can I bring which will satisfy these much enduring women, that we are right in withholding the franchise from them? I cannot do it for their votes would be in the interest of morality and good order, and would therby thwart a class who enjoyed, but ought never to have had the franchise.'
Knowing Bro[ther] Roberts had appointed to make his closing speech on or against woman suffrage I had expressed a wish to see him today & give him my ideas on the question.
[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]
Spent evening visiting had a talk with Bro[ther]. B H. Roberts in front of Constitution Buildings. I said 'The Gover[nmen]t. of US. has forced me, with many other polygamists to put away our wives; we have given them their property, they now stand at the head of their families; pay their taxes, and are, to all intents and purposes, pillars of the body politic, Bro[ther]. Roberts what argument can I bring which will satisfy these much enduring women, that we are right in withholding the franchise from them? I cannot do it for their votes would be in the interest of morality and good order, and would therby thwart a class who enjoyed, but ought never to have had the franchise.'
Knowing Bro[ther] Roberts had appointed to make his closing speech on or against woman suffrage I had expressed a wish to see him today & give him my ideas on the question.
[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 1, 1890 (Tuesday)
The Liberal city council of Salt Lake City raised the salaries of all the city officials, besides creating a number of new and unnecessary offices.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Apr 1, 1865
[Wilford Woodruff]
April fool day I spent the day in the Endowment House whare there was no fooling. We gave Endowments to 47. W Woodruff sealed 11 Couple G Q Cannon 15 Couple. It was a warm plesant day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
April fool day I spent the day in the Endowment House whare there was no fooling. We gave Endowments to 47. W Woodruff sealed 11 Couple G Q Cannon 15 Couple. It was a warm plesant day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Apr 1, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball]
Went to the Temple. From thence in Willard Ricards office, present B. Young, W. Richards, G. A. Smith, J. Tailor, and my self. Elder Richards began to read the history of the Church or the History of Joseph for corection, as Joseph had only corrected 42 pages.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
Went to the Temple. From thence in Willard Ricards office, present B. Young, W. Richards, G. A. Smith, J. Tailor, and my self. Elder Richards began to read the history of the Church or the History of Joseph for corection, as Joseph had only corrected 42 pages.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
180 years ago today - Apr 1, 1845
[Brigham Young]
this day I comenced revising the History of the church Br G. A. Smith was with me, we took grate delight in perusing the history of the church in is infancy
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
this day I comenced revising the History of the church Br G. A. Smith was with me, we took grate delight in perusing the history of the church in is infancy
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
185 years ago today - Apr 1, 1840. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
Supper with Sarah. She washed my feet. She had a dream last night something like this. She thought a man brought a young man before her and said he was to be her companion. Wh[ich] I had told her was not true &c. about eternity and he said we were of different dispositions. She was troubled and thought in her own mind she would not be in a hurry &c. [five lines crossed out]. She gave me a new pair of slender shoes.
[Joseph Smith would later encourage Clayton to plurally marry Crooks]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
Supper with Sarah. She washed my feet. She had a dream last night something like this. She thought a man brought a young man before her and said he was to be her companion. Wh[ich] I had told her was not true &c. about eternity and he said we were of different dispositions. She was troubled and thought in her own mind she would not be in a hurry &c. [five lines crossed out]. She gave me a new pair of slender shoes.
[Joseph Smith would later encourage Clayton to plurally marry Crooks]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
195 years ago today - about Apr 1, 1830
Joseph Smith gives Oliver Cowdery the brown seer stone he had used to translate the Book of Mormon and for earlier treasure hunting. (Quinn 1994, p. 615).
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
20 years ago today - Mar 31, 2005
The Dead Goat Saloon wins in a lawsuit brought against it by the LDS Church. The Church maintained that, although the Saloon/strip club's door was more than 165 feet from a main "gateway corridor" street, its stage was less than 165 feet "as the mole crawls." KUTV news reports that "In her 29-page ruling, [Judge Denise] Lindberg noted how strange it was for lawyers representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the city attorney to sit at the same table during oral arguments since the church was suing the city."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
35 years ago today - Mar 31, 1990
Elaine L. Jack is called as the twelfth general president of the Relief Society, with Chieko Nishimura Okazaki and Aileen Hales Clyde as counselors.
35 years ago today - Mar 31, 1990
Conference sustains first general authority of black African descent, Second Quorum of Seventy-s Helvecio Martins of Brazil (who is released in 1995). Chieko Nishimura Okazaki is sustained as first counselor in general presidency of Relief Society, first non-Caucasian member of auxiliary presidency in Mormon history.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
35 years ago today - Mar 31, 1990
Conference sustains the first general authority of black African descent, Second Quorum of the Seventy's Helvecio Martins of Brazil (who is released in 1995). Chieko Nishimura Okazaki is sustained as the first counselor in the general presidency of the Relief Society, the first non-Caucasian member of an auxiliary presidency in Mormon history.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
75 years ago today - Mar 31, 1950
[David O. McKay]
I said that the only reason I could see that we employ another secretary at this time is that two of the girls in the Council of the Twelve offices are planning to be married, and inasmuch as the Church does not hire married women, that this new girl could take the place of one of these girls. I said that although there are a few married women in the building, it is against the policy of the Church to employ married women.
[David O. McKay 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]
I said that the only reason I could see that we employ another secretary at this time is that two of the girls in the Council of the Twelve offices are planning to be married, and inasmuch as the Church does not hire married women, that this new girl could take the place of one of these girls. I said that although there are a few married women in the building, it is against the policy of the Church to employ married women.
[David O. McKay 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]
125 years ago today - March 31 1900
Presidency changes the Prophet succession policy to prevent John Willard Young ascension to Prophet.
[Chronology of Mormon History (Mormon Stories), http://www.mormonstories.org/truth-claims/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
[Chronology of Mormon History (Mormon Stories), http://www.mormonstories.org/truth-claims/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
150 years ago today - Mar 31, 1875
George Reynolds's trial for breaking the antipolygamy Morrill Act of 1862 commences in the Third District Court. Reynolds was asked by the First Presidency to submit to this trial in an effort to test the constitutionality of the Morrill Act. The next day he is found guilty, which sets the stage for a series of appeals that eventually lead to a hearing before the United States Supreme Court. The Court upholds the constitutionality of the Morrill Act, paving the way for several more antipolygamy bills in the 1880s.
155 years ago today - Mar 31, 1870
A large group of "citizens of Salt Lake City" approve a memorial to Congress: "We - are believers in the principle of plural marriage or polygamy," the petition declared, "not simply as an elevating social relationship and a preventive of many terrible evils which afflict our race, but as a principle revealed by god, underlying our every hope of eternal salvation and happiness in heaven." Encouraging the Senate to reject the Cullom Bill, the petitioners expressed the predicament they would be in should the bill become law. "It gives us no alternative but the cruel one of rejecting God's command and abjuring our religion, or disobeying the authority of a government we desire to honor and respect." The Cullom bill would bar believers in polygamy from serving on juries and would not allow polygamists to hold public office, voting, or becoming naturalized citizens. It passes the house but does not pass the Senate.
35 years ago today - Mar 30, 1990
Apostle Boyd K. Packer, speaks at a Regional Representative Seminar. In a talk titled "Let Them Govern Themselves," he reiterates the importance of the announcement on tithes and offerings and its purpose in reducing "the overregimentation of the Church. This overregimentation is a direct result of too many programmed instructions" He acknowledges that "smaller budgets and fewer activities, fewer programs . . . will leave a vacuum," he pleads with the Regional Representatives to "absolutely resist the temptation to program that vacuum. . . . Please, for this one time, honor the agency of the members, the families." He also significantly in this context, points out that "the term `free' agency is not found in the revelations. It is a moral agency"
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
55 years ago today - Mar 30, 1970
First Presidency statement quotes Church Historian's Office against alleged "Horse Shoe Prophecy." It attributes prophecy to John Taylor rather than to Joseph Smith and concludes: "There is no record by any of the General Authorities about it; nor is there anything in the diaries of which we have copies." Current LDS president Joseph Fielding Smith recently ends fifty-year service as church historian.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
60 years ago today - Mar 30, 1965
Former Czech missionary writes that a prophecy of Apostle John A. Widsoe that was made in 1932 when Widsoe was president of the European mission is coming true. Widsoe said, "Communism is the work of the devil. The Lord is using it to break down the hold of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches over the minds of men."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
70 years ago today - Mar 30,1955
Quorum of Twelve recommends establishment of separate unit or branch for African-American members in Salt Lake City.
[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]
90 years ago today - Mar 30, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
....I am surprised to learn that young girls of our communities are being enticed into bathing beauty contests, and I am wholly in sympathy with your attitude towards such contests. I am sure that some day your sister will appreciate even more fully than she seems to do now your interest in her welfare. The very name, 'bathing beauty contests' signifies the desire of those promoting such to display the forms of our girls. ... I wish more of our girl would heed counsel as readily. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Ben W. Infanger, 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]
....I am surprised to learn that young girls of our communities are being enticed into bathing beauty contests, and I am wholly in sympathy with your attitude towards such contests. I am sure that some day your sister will appreciate even more fully than she seems to do now your interest in her welfare. The very name, 'bathing beauty contests' signifies the desire of those promoting such to display the forms of our girls. ... I wish more of our girl would heed counsel as readily. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Ben W. Infanger, 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]
105 years ago today - Mar 30, 1920
[James E. Talmage]
In the evening I spoke in the 20th Ward under M. I. A. auspices on 'Spirits and Spiritualism.' This topic is claiming attention throughout the country, and many of our young people are being influenced by the vagaries afloat.
[James E. Talmage 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]
In the evening I spoke in the 20th Ward under M. I. A. auspices on 'Spirits and Spiritualism.' This topic is claiming attention throughout the country, and many of our young people are being influenced by the vagaries afloat.
[James E. Talmage Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
180 years ago today - Mar 30, 1845
[Brigham Young]
if you have a pure law of the celestial kingdom you will never catch a woman going to be baptized for a man - I'll prove that and a man cannot be a prophet unless he is first called to be an apostle.
[Thomas Bullock Minutes as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
if you have a pure law of the celestial kingdom you will never catch a woman going to be baptized for a man - I'll prove that and a man cannot be a prophet unless he is first called to be an apostle.
[Thomas Bullock Minutes as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
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