Elder Lee proposed to the General Priesthood Committee overhauling the ward teaching program of the past, under the new title "Priesthood Correlation Program." Twelve to fourteen stakes would be selected as pilot programs. Pres. McKay suggested calling the men "Home Teachers," instead of "Priesthood watchmen" that Elder Lee suggested. This was approved.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
170 years ago today - 1856. March 22
Heber J. Grant: Born Heber Jeddy Grant to Apostle Jedediah M. Grant and Rachael Ridgeway Ivins in Salt Lake City. He was first cousin to Apostle Anthony W. Ivins, son-in-law of Brigham Young's Counselor Daniel H. Wells, and brother-in-law to Apostles Orson F. Whitney, Joseph Fielding Smith, and Reed Smoot.
Eight days after Heber's birth, his father died of pneumonia. As a student in Brigham Young's family school, his severe astigmatism and resulting headaches interfered with his early education. He overcame childhood taunts of "sissy" with determined efforts to play baseball: "I spent hours and hours throwing the ball at Bishop Edwin D. Woolley's barn, which caused him to refer to me as the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Often my arm would ache so that I could scarcely go to sleep at night. But I kept on practicing… and eventually played in the nine that won the championship of the territory."
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn..to/newmormonstudies]
Eight days after Heber's birth, his father died of pneumonia. As a student in Brigham Young's family school, his severe astigmatism and resulting headaches interfered with his early education. He overcame childhood taunts of "sissy" with determined efforts to play baseball: "I spent hours and hours throwing the ball at Bishop Edwin D. Woolley's barn, which caused him to refer to me as the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Often my arm would ache so that I could scarcely go to sleep at night. But I kept on practicing… and eventually played in the nine that won the championship of the territory."
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn..to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Mar 22, 1846
[Samuel W. Richards]
Went to my Quorum meeting in the Temple. ... Dressing ourselves in the order of the Priesthood we called upon the Lord, his spirit attended us, and the visions of heaven were opened to our view. I was, as it were lost to my self, and [I] beheld the earth reel to and fro, and [it] was moved out of its place, men fell to the earth and their life departed from them, and at the close thereof, there appeared a great company as it were of Saints coming from the west as I stood with my back to the north and they were passing to the East, and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Come see the desolation which the Lord hast made in the Earth," and the company of the Saints who had been as it were from the Earth, walked in the light of the glory of the Lord [which] was around them, while darkness was on the face of the earth, and I beheld other things which were glorious while the power of God rested upon me. Others also beheld angels, and the glory of God. Having had a season of
enjoyment, it was proposed by C[urtis] E. B[olton] that we pray for the Prophet Joseph [Smith] to come into our midst and converse with us, some consented to do so but the idea was first objected to as being unwise by Bro. Levi [Richards] who received a reprimand by way of [a] hint to leave the room from Bro. B[rown,] [though] not being agreed [to by the] Quorum. The matter was taken up, and after some remarks from several of the brethren, it was decided by the President, that we had no right to pray for such a thing, and all was right again. The Sacrament was administered and our great joy encreased by the gift of Tongues and Prophecy by which great bless- ings were spoken and made known to us.
[Samuel W. Richards journal, Mar. 22, 1846, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Went to my Quorum meeting in the Temple. ... Dressing ourselves in the order of the Priesthood we called upon the Lord, his spirit attended us, and the visions of heaven were opened to our view. I was, as it were lost to my self, and [I] beheld the earth reel to and fro, and [it] was moved out of its place, men fell to the earth and their life departed from them, and at the close thereof, there appeared a great company as it were of Saints coming from the west as I stood with my back to the north and they were passing to the East, and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Come see the desolation which the Lord hast made in the Earth," and the company of the Saints who had been as it were from the Earth, walked in the light of the glory of the Lord [which] was around them, while darkness was on the face of the earth, and I beheld other things which were glorious while the power of God rested upon me. Others also beheld angels, and the glory of God. Having had a season of
enjoyment, it was proposed by C[urtis] E. B[olton] that we pray for the Prophet Joseph [Smith] to come into our midst and converse with us, some consented to do so but the idea was first objected to as being unwise by Bro. Levi [Richards] who received a reprimand by way of [a] hint to leave the room from Bro. B[rown,] [though] not being agreed [to by the] Quorum. The matter was taken up, and after some remarks from several of the brethren, it was decided by the President, that we had no right to pray for such a thing, and all was right again. The Sacrament was administered and our great joy encreased by the gift of Tongues and Prophecy by which great bless- ings were spoken and made known to us.
[Samuel W. Richards journal, Mar. 22, 1846, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
180 years ago today - Sunday, Mar 22, 1846.
President Young said he wanted a new leaf turned over, and if there was not, a scourge would come upon the camp. We must give more attention to keeping the Sabbath and quit shooting and trading, and not pass it off carelessly as any other day, for he knew it was wrong.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Sunday, Mar 22, 1846
Willard Richards's Tent
Prest. Young ^I^ said he ^I^ wanted a new leaf turned over & if there was not, a scourge would come upon the camp. We must give more attention to keeping the sabbath & quit shooting & trading & not pass it off carelessly as any other day, for he knew it was wrong... if Bishop Miller moves again before our arrival he will be disfello^w^shiped from this camp, unless he repents.
[Willard Richards journal, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
Prest. Young ^I^ said he ^I^ wanted a new leaf turned over & if there was not, a scourge would come upon the camp. We must give more attention to keeping the sabbath & quit shooting & trading & not pass it off carelessly as any other day, for he knew it was wrong... if Bishop Miller moves again before our arrival he will be disfello^w^shiped from this camp, unless he repents.
[Willard Richards journal, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
190 years ago today - 1836: 22 March
[Patriarchal Blessing]
Ethan Barrows (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
"... Thou must stand in the midst of wars and see man slay his fellow man, while thousands shall fall by famine and pestilences upon thy right hand and upon thy left, and the destroyer shall sweep his thousands by night and by day, and thine eye shall see it and thy heart will grieve, and thou shalt weep over the calamities which shall come upon thy fellow men, and the Lord shall speak to thee from the heavens and comfort thee. Angels shall minister unto thee and thou shalt rejoice in God in the midst of all the devastations which thou shalt behold. ... though shalt ... live to see the end of this generation and proclaim the gospel to the end of the wicked until the earth shall reel to and fro and stagger like a drunkard at the coming of the glorious Messiah, for thou shalt live to see him come in the clouds of heaven while thou are yet in the flesh. Thou must seek council at the hand of thy God and keep all the commandments and thou shalt receive all the power of the holy
priesthood; power to raise the dead, heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, the dumb to speak. Thou shalt have power to translate thyself from land to land and from country to country, from one end of heaven to the other, and when thy work is done thou shalt translate from earth to heaven.
Thou art one of the hundred and forty four thousand which shall stand upon Mount Zion with the harps of God. These blessings, the Lord shall give unto thee in his own due time and I seal them for thee in thee in the name of Jesus and I seal thee up unto eternal life. Even so. Amen."
[Journal of History 15(1):40, 1922, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Ethan Barrows (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
"... Thou must stand in the midst of wars and see man slay his fellow man, while thousands shall fall by famine and pestilences upon thy right hand and upon thy left, and the destroyer shall sweep his thousands by night and by day, and thine eye shall see it and thy heart will grieve, and thou shalt weep over the calamities which shall come upon thy fellow men, and the Lord shall speak to thee from the heavens and comfort thee. Angels shall minister unto thee and thou shalt rejoice in God in the midst of all the devastations which thou shalt behold. ... though shalt ... live to see the end of this generation and proclaim the gospel to the end of the wicked until the earth shall reel to and fro and stagger like a drunkard at the coming of the glorious Messiah, for thou shalt live to see him come in the clouds of heaven while thou are yet in the flesh. Thou must seek council at the hand of thy God and keep all the commandments and thou shalt receive all the power of the holy
priesthood; power to raise the dead, heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, the dumb to speak. Thou shalt have power to translate thyself from land to land and from country to country, from one end of heaven to the other, and when thy work is done thou shalt translate from earth to heaven.
Thou art one of the hundred and forty four thousand which shall stand upon Mount Zion with the harps of God. These blessings, the Lord shall give unto thee in his own due time and I seal them for thee in thee in the name of Jesus and I seal thee up unto eternal life. Even so. Amen."
[Journal of History 15(1):40, 1922, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Mar 22, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Sally Baker given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou shalt see Zion built up and the people of God flourish upon the hills and the glory of God cover the land and thy soul shall be satisfied and thou shalt say it is enough.
If thou shalt desire, thou mayest depart and rest a little season but it shall be thy privilege to be translated and rise victorious over the grave and sing O death where is thy sting, O, grave where is thy victory, and leave the world behind. ... Thou shalt see angels
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101-102, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
If thou shalt desire, thou mayest depart and rest a little season but it shall be thy privilege to be translated and rise victorious over the grave and sing O death where is thy sting, O, grave where is thy victory, and leave the world behind. ... Thou shalt see angels
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101-102, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
190 years ago today - Mar 22, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Jesse Baker given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion and see the glories of Zion and be a sharer therein. ...
Thou shalt see thy redeemer in the flesh ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101, quote in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
Thou shalt see thy redeemer in the flesh ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101, quote in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
195 years ago today - Mar 22, 1831
Ten unidentified Palmyra residents sign a letter asserting that Joseph and his father had "belonged to a gang of money-diggers ... Jo pretending he could see the gold and silver by the aid of what they called a 'peep stone.'" Mormons in the Palmyra area are "few and generally of the dregs of community. ... The whole gang of these deluded mortals, except a few hypocrites, are profound believers in witchcraft, ghosts, goblins, &c." The signers found it "hardly possible that so clumsy an imposition can spread to any considerable extent."
[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]
205 years ago today - Mar 22, 1821
Elijah F. Sheets, later the bishop of the Salt Lake City Eighth Ward for forty-eight years (the longest tenure of any bishop in Church history), is born in Charlestown, Pennsylvania.
25 years ago today - Mar 21, 2001
Ralph Mecham recalls that Harold B. Lee stated "the brethren would never permit another member of the Twelve to serve in the Cabinet or in a high political position because, as he put it, 'Elder Benson had lost his spiritual tone and would no longer accept counsel.'"
[L. Ralph Mecham to Greg Prince 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)]
[L. Ralph Mecham to Greg Prince 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)]
80 years ago today - Mar 21, 1946
[Spencer W. Kimball]
In the 10 A.M. meeting at the temple, the brethren voted to change the name of 'Temple' for that stake which we presented to that stake in its organization two months ago. In last week's meeting I made as heroic a stand as I could. I had felt that there was no reason why the name should not be used because of sacralege or inappropriateness, but the brethren had felt it was not proper. Today they voted to change the name of the Stake. I voted negatively but when they out-voted us, I moved that it be made unanimous. It hurt me not a little, but I am swallowing my pride and disappointment and will be ready to do as the brethren desire at the Stake conference some three weeks to which conference I am now assigned.
[Spencer W. Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
In the 10 A.M. meeting at the temple, the brethren voted to change the name of 'Temple' for that stake which we presented to that stake in its organization two months ago. In last week's meeting I made as heroic a stand as I could. I had felt that there was no reason why the name should not be used because of sacralege or inappropriateness, but the brethren had felt it was not proper. Today they voted to change the name of the Stake. I voted negatively but when they out-voted us, I moved that it be made unanimous. It hurt me not a little, but I am swallowing my pride and disappointment and will be ready to do as the brethren desire at the Stake conference some three weeks to which conference I am now assigned.
[Spencer W. Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
110 years ago today - Mar 21, 1916
Question: Is it wrong to call on a class of sisters to form a circle around sick persons and take turns in prayer over them, as long as they do not do it in the authority of the priesthood, but through the power of our Savior; and is it wrong for the priesthood to take their turns in prayer over the sick? Answer: Much praying or praying at great length should not be indulged in, and to form a circle for this purpose would be an innovation. It is the prayer of faith, not of many words, that avails, and wisdom ofttimes suggests brevity in prayer, and especially is this the case when a delicate or weak patient is the subject of administration.
[First Presidency, Letter to Philemon C. Merrill, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[First Presidency, Letter to Philemon C. Merrill, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
180 years ago today - Mar 21, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
.... we then went on again performing as we rode some Danite evolutions of horsemanship as practised in the War in Davis County Missouri in the fall of 1838.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
.... we then went on again performing as we rode some Danite evolutions of horsemanship as practised in the War in Davis County Missouri in the fall of 1838.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
185 years ago today - Mar 21, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
21st Sunday This is the last Sabbath I shall ever meet with the Saints in Stanley & Frooms Hill. ... I am now privleged of having more than fifteen hundred Saints in this interesting field which I first opened one year ago the 5th of this present months, all of which have embraced the work since that Date. Many of the Saints have gatherd to Zion from that region & the rest are anxious to go & ownly waiting for a door to be open for them. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
21st Sunday This is the last Sabbath I shall ever meet with the Saints in Stanley & Frooms Hill. ... I am now privleged of having more than fifteen hundred Saints in this interesting field which I first opened one year ago the 5th of this present months, all of which have embraced the work since that Date. Many of the Saints have gatherd to Zion from that region & the rest are anxious to go & ownly waiting for a door to be open for them. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Mar 21, 1841 (Sunday)
[Joseph Smith]
Then the three signs which were given were conclusive The dove which sat upon his shoulder was a sure testimony that he was of God[.] Brethren be not deceived [DEL: an :DEL] nor doubtful of this fact a spirit of a good man or an angel[DEL: l :DEL] from heaven who has not a body will never undertake to shake hands with you for he knows you cannot perceive his touch and never will extend his hand but any spirit or body that is attended by a dove you may know to be a pure spirit[.] Thus you may in some measure detect [DEL: them :DEL] the spirits who may come unto you...
[Howard and Martha Coray Notebook]
Then the three signs which were given were conclusive The dove which sat upon his shoulder was a sure testimony that he was of God[.] Brethren be not deceived [DEL: an :DEL] nor doubtful of this fact a spirit of a good man or an angel[DEL: l :DEL] from heaven who has not a body will never undertake to shake hands with you for he knows you cannot perceive his touch and never will extend his hand but any spirit or body that is attended by a dove you may know to be a pure spirit[.] Thus you may in some measure detect [DEL: them :DEL] the spirits who may come unto you...
[Howard and Martha Coray Notebook]
190 years ago today - Mar 21, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Charles Jameson given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou shalt have power to stand on Earth till the heavens shall rend. the Earth real to & fro, & stagger like a drunken man. shalt gaze upon the glories of the Redeamer [Redeemer] & have power to stand & not be consumed with the wicked. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
95 years ago today - Mar 20, 1931
[Heber J. Grant]
David O. McKay called and discussed with the Presidency the possibility of the Governor vetoing the bill for the establishing of State Junior Colleges at Ogden and Ephraim. We decided that it would be well for Dr. Merrill to have a chat with the Governor.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
David O. McKay called and discussed with the Presidency the possibility of the Governor vetoing the bill for the establishing of State Junior Colleges at Ogden and Ephraim. We decided that it would be well for Dr. Merrill to have a chat with the Governor.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
145 years ago today - Sunday, Mar 20, 1881
[John Henry Smith]
.... were in Councill for an hour with Bro. W.[ilford] Woodruff, B.[righam] Young, F.[rancis] M. Lyman, George Teasdale and myself. The question was asked by Daniel Tyler, Can a man attain to the Godhead without his entering into the practice of celestial marriage [plural marriage] in this life or [was] the sealing [marriage] of one wife [sufficient]. We came to the unanimous conclusion that he could not. All men must obey the law or leave the result with the Lord.
[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]
.... were in Councill for an hour with Bro. W.[ilford] Woodruff, B.[righam] Young, F.[rancis] M. Lyman, George Teasdale and myself. The question was asked by Daniel Tyler, Can a man attain to the Godhead without his entering into the practice of celestial marriage [plural marriage] in this life or [was] the sealing [marriage] of one wife [sufficient]. We came to the unanimous conclusion that he could not. All men must obey the law or leave the result with the Lord.
[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]
180 years ago today - Mar 20, 1846
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Mary Jane Bigelow (1827-1868) (aged 19) first marriage divorced 1851
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
195 years ago today - March 20-26, 1831
Doctrine and Covenants 49. Missionaries are called to teach the Shakers. Jesus will return soon, but no one knows when. There are unknown holy men. Christ will not return as a woman. Marriage is ordained of God (one wife) for procreation.
200 years ago today - Mar 20, 1826
Joseph Smith is brought to trial on charges of being a "disorderly person." Court records of Bainbridge, Chenango County, State of New York, "[People] vs Joseph Smith The Glass Looker," reveal that he was brought to trial on charges of money digging, using a "peep stone" to locate buried hidden treasures, gold mines, coined money and lost property. Joseph is convicted but "took Leg Bail," i.e. he is allowed to get out of town rather than serve jail time.
125 years ago today - Mar 19, 1901
President Joseph F. Smith refuses an offer to buy the printer's copy of the Book of Mormon which was preserved by Oliver Cowdery: "The manuscript in . . . possesses no value whatever. It has been repeatedly offered to us and numerous false reports have been put in circulation with regards to our desire to obtain possession of it, but we have at no time regarded it of any value, neither have we ever offered any money to procure it, all the stories to the contrary notwithstanding, for we have always known it was not the original, as aforesaid, and as many editions of the Book of Mormon have been printed, and tens of thousands of copies of it circulated throughout the world you can readily perceive that this manuscript is of no value to anyone. There is no principle involved in its possession, there could be nothing lost if it were utterly destroyed, it can neither add to or diminish aught from the word of God as contained in the printed work which has already gone to the world and
been translated into many languages. Indeed, it is not worth the time and paper I am using to convey these thoughts to you." In 1903 the RLDS Church buys it for $2,450.
been translated into many languages. Indeed, it is not worth the time and paper I am using to convey these thoughts to you." In 1903 the RLDS Church buys it for $2,450.
45 years ago today - Mar 19, 1981
An exchange agreement was signed by LDS and RLDS officials, and a blessing by Joseph Smith naming his son as his successor is turned over to the RLDS Church in exchange for one of the few existing copies of an 1833 Book of Commandments, conservatively valued at $10,000. The exchange was to be conditional for ninety days, pending further authentication by the RLDS. Spokesmen of both churches agreed that the discovery of the blessing had done little to improve chances of reconciliation. The NEW YORK TIMES on this day runs an article headlined "Mormon Document Raises Doubts on Succession of Church's Leaders." On May 18th, 1981, the RLDS Church announces that the document is authentic and the trade is finalized. The document later it turns out to have been forged by Mark Hofmann.
130 years ago today - Mar 19, 1896
First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve "met in Council at the [Salt Lake] Temple. The case of B. H. Roberts for insubordination was considered and we agreed to meet on Thursday next. He is to be required to humble himself and put himself in proper shape before the people." Roberts ran for Congress without first getting permission from Church leaders.
130 years ago today - Mar 19, 1896
The First Presidency and Apostles met at the Temple at 11 A.M. ... Merrill reported that two brethren who had been selected as Counsellors to a Bishop in the Oneida [Idaho] Stake, had acknowledged, when about to be ordained that they were members of a Secret Society. He had therefore deferred their ordination until the First Presidency could be consulted on the matter. After the subject of Secret Societies had been discussed, it was decided that a letter be written to Geo[rge]. C. Parkinson, President of the Oneida Stake, authorizing him to ordain those brethren, with the understanding that they be advised to withdraw from that Secret Organization as soon as wisdom should dictate. It was resolved that the Seven Presidents of Seventies, including Elder B. H. Roberts, be invited to meet with the Council of the Twelve Apostles at their next regular meeting.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
145 years ago today - Mar 19, 1881
It is recorded in the American Cyclopaedia and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, that I, David Whitmer, have denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon; ... I have never at any time, denied that testimony or any part thereof, which has so long since been published with that book as one of the three witnesses... . And that no one may be deceived or misled by this Statement, I wish here to state that I do not indorse Polygamy or Spiritual wifeism. It is a great Evil, Shocking to the moral Sense; and the more so because practiced in the name of religion. ...
[David Whitmer, Proclamation, 19 March 1881, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah. Published in "A Proclamation," Richmond (Missouri) Conservator, 24 March 1881; reprinted in the Hamiltonian (Hamilton, Missouri), 8 April 1881; Saints' Herald 28 (1 June 1881): 168; and David Whitmer, Address to All Believers in Christ (Richmond, Missouri: D. Whitmer, 1887), 8-10; also published as a leaflet, "A Proclamation" (n.p., n.d.)., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Proclamation]
[David Whitmer, Proclamation, 19 March 1881, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah. Published in "A Proclamation," Richmond (Missouri) Conservator, 24 March 1881; reprinted in the Hamiltonian (Hamilton, Missouri), 8 April 1881; Saints' Herald 28 (1 June 1881): 168; and David Whitmer, Address to All Believers in Christ (Richmond, Missouri: D. Whitmer, 1887), 8-10; also published as a leaflet, "A Proclamation" (n.p., n.d.)., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Proclamation]
195 years ago today - Mar 19, 1831
The PALMYRA REFLECTOR notes: "There appears to be a great discrepancy, in the stories told by the famous three witnesses to the Gold Bible; . . . it was roundly asserted that the plates on which Mormon wrote his history, (in the reformed Egyptian language) were of gold, . . . Smith and Harris gave out that no mortal save Jo could look upon it and live; and Harris declares that when he acted as amanuenes, and wrote the translation, as Smith dictated, such was his fear of the Divine displeasure that a screen (sheet) was suspended between the prophet and himself. Whitmar's description of the Book of Mormon, differs entirely from that given by Harris; both of whom it would seem have been of late permitted, not only to see and handle it, but to examine its contents. Whitmar relates that he was led by Smith into an open field, on his father's farm near Waterloo, where they found the book lying on the ground; Smith took it up and requested him to examine it, which he did for the space of
half an hour or more, when he returned it to Smith who placed it in its former position, alledging that the book was in the custody of another, intimating that some Divine agent would have it in safe keeping. This witness describes the book as being something like 8 inches square: (our informant did not recollect precisely), the leaves were plates of metal of a whitish yellow color and of the thickness of tin plate; the back was secured with three small rings of the same metal, passing through each leaf in succession; - that the leaves were divided equi-distant between the back and edge by cutting the plates in two parts, and united again with solder, so that the front might be opened, as it were on a hinge, while the back part remained stationary and immovable and in this manner remained to him and the other witnesses a sealed book, which would not as yet be revealed for ages to come, and that event the prophet himself was not as yet permitted to understand. On opening that
portion of the book which was not secured by the seals, he discovered inscribed on the aforesaid plates, divers and wonderful characters; some of the large and some small, but beyond the wisdom of man to understand without supernatural aid. Some of the other apostles give somewhat similar accounts but varying in many particulars, according to their various powers of description. - Harris, however, gives the lie to a very important part of Whitmar's relation, and declares that the leaves or pages of the book are not cut, and a part of them sealed, but that it opens like any other book, from the edge to the back, the rings operating in the place of common binding. . . . We have on hand a new edition of the prophet's vision, at the time the Gold Bible was revealed to him by the Spirit, and the subsequent transactions, as related by JO'S father and his elder brother; - also sundry money digging scenes in which the Smiths acted conspicuous parts, all of which will be given to the public
in due time.
half an hour or more, when he returned it to Smith who placed it in its former position, alledging that the book was in the custody of another, intimating that some Divine agent would have it in safe keeping. This witness describes the book as being something like 8 inches square: (our informant did not recollect precisely), the leaves were plates of metal of a whitish yellow color and of the thickness of tin plate; the back was secured with three small rings of the same metal, passing through each leaf in succession; - that the leaves were divided equi-distant between the back and edge by cutting the plates in two parts, and united again with solder, so that the front might be opened, as it were on a hinge, while the back part remained stationary and immovable and in this manner remained to him and the other witnesses a sealed book, which would not as yet be revealed for ages to come, and that event the prophet himself was not as yet permitted to understand. On opening that
portion of the book which was not secured by the seals, he discovered inscribed on the aforesaid plates, divers and wonderful characters; some of the large and some small, but beyond the wisdom of man to understand without supernatural aid. Some of the other apostles give somewhat similar accounts but varying in many particulars, according to their various powers of description. - Harris, however, gives the lie to a very important part of Whitmar's relation, and declares that the leaves or pages of the book are not cut, and a part of them sealed, but that it opens like any other book, from the edge to the back, the rings operating in the place of common binding. . . . We have on hand a new edition of the prophet's vision, at the time the Gold Bible was revealed to him by the Spirit, and the subsequent transactions, as related by JO'S father and his elder brother; - also sundry money digging scenes in which the Smiths acted conspicuous parts, all of which will be given to the public
in due time.
200 years ago today - Mar 19, 1826
Peter Bridgman, nephew of Josiah Stowell, issues a warrant accusing Joseph Smith, Jr., of being "a disorderly person and an Impostor." Joseph is served a warrant by Constable Philip DeZeng on 19 March 1826 and spends two days and one night in custody.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
65 years ago today - Mar 18, 1961
Assistant to the Twelve and future member of First Presidency Alvin R. Dyer addresses a missionary conference in Oslo, Norway. His talk, "For What Purpose" is copied and distributed to missionaries and passed around for years to come: "what I say is not to be given to your investigators by any matter of means.... Why is it that you are white and not colored? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Who had anything to do with your being born into the Church and not born a Chinese or a Hindu, or a Negro? Is God such an unjust person that He would make you white and free and make a Negro cursed under the cursing of Cain that he should not hold the Priesthood of God?...I want to talk to you just briefly about this, not with any information that you would convey to your investigators, but that you, yourselves, may have a better understanding of what we are doing in the mission field today... There were three divisions of mankind in the pre-existence, and when you are born into this
life, you are born into one of these three divisions of people. There is an imposed judgment placed upon everyone who leaves the Spirit World just the same as there will be when they leave this life and go into one of three places. When they left the Spirit World, they had already been judged by what they had done in the Spirit World and in their previous life. From what judgment is determined how they shall be born in this life? When you understand that, you know that God is not unjust to cause a righteous spirit to be born as a cursed member of the black race or to be cursed as one of the other people who have been cursed. Everything is in order. The procreation of man is orderly and in accordance with the plan of life and salvation. -In keeping with this thought, when Noah went into the Ark, here again he took with him his three sons-one representing the cursed lineage.... Those who have been cursed in the pre-existence were born through this lineage of Ham. -I suppose, and you
may have often heard missionaries say it or have asked the question: Why is a Negro a Negro? And, you have heard this answer. 'Well, they must have been neutral in the pre-existence or they must have straddled the fence. That is the most common saying-they were neither hot nor cold, so the Lord made them Negroes. This, of course, is not true. The reason that spirits are born into Negro bodies is because those spirits rejected the Priesthood of God in the pre-existence. This is the reason why you have Negroes upon the earth. -You will observe that when Cain was influenced by the power of Lucifer to follow him...Cain rejected the counsel of God. He rejected again the Priesthood as his forbearers had done in the pre-existence. Therefore, the curse of the pre-existence was made institute through the loins of Cain. Consequently, you have the beginning of the race of men and women into which would be born those in the pre-existence who had rejected the Priesthood of God....Ham reinstated
the curse of the pre-existence when he rejected the Priesthood of Noah, and in consequence of that he preserved the curse on the earth. Therefore, the Negroes to be born thereafter, or those who were to become Negroes, were to be born through the loins of Ham. -All of this is according to a well worked-out plan, that these millions and billions of spirits awaiting birth in the pre-existence would be born through a channel or race of people. Consequently, the cursed were to be born through Ham.... The cursed people are the descendants of Ham. The chosen people are the descendants of Shem... Through these lineages the spirits that compare with their station are born in this life. This is why you have colored people, why you have dark people and why you have white people.-May the Lord bless you in it and bless you with this knowledge. I bear record of its truthfulness in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
life, you are born into one of these three divisions of people. There is an imposed judgment placed upon everyone who leaves the Spirit World just the same as there will be when they leave this life and go into one of three places. When they left the Spirit World, they had already been judged by what they had done in the Spirit World and in their previous life. From what judgment is determined how they shall be born in this life? When you understand that, you know that God is not unjust to cause a righteous spirit to be born as a cursed member of the black race or to be cursed as one of the other people who have been cursed. Everything is in order. The procreation of man is orderly and in accordance with the plan of life and salvation. -In keeping with this thought, when Noah went into the Ark, here again he took with him his three sons-one representing the cursed lineage.... Those who have been cursed in the pre-existence were born through this lineage of Ham. -I suppose, and you
may have often heard missionaries say it or have asked the question: Why is a Negro a Negro? And, you have heard this answer. 'Well, they must have been neutral in the pre-existence or they must have straddled the fence. That is the most common saying-they were neither hot nor cold, so the Lord made them Negroes. This, of course, is not true. The reason that spirits are born into Negro bodies is because those spirits rejected the Priesthood of God in the pre-existence. This is the reason why you have Negroes upon the earth. -You will observe that when Cain was influenced by the power of Lucifer to follow him...Cain rejected the counsel of God. He rejected again the Priesthood as his forbearers had done in the pre-existence. Therefore, the curse of the pre-existence was made institute through the loins of Cain. Consequently, you have the beginning of the race of men and women into which would be born those in the pre-existence who had rejected the Priesthood of God....Ham reinstated
the curse of the pre-existence when he rejected the Priesthood of Noah, and in consequence of that he preserved the curse on the earth. Therefore, the Negroes to be born thereafter, or those who were to become Negroes, were to be born through the loins of Ham. -All of this is according to a well worked-out plan, that these millions and billions of spirits awaiting birth in the pre-existence would be born through a channel or race of people. Consequently, the cursed were to be born through Ham.... The cursed people are the descendants of Ham. The chosen people are the descendants of Shem... Through these lineages the spirits that compare with their station are born in this life. This is why you have colored people, why you have dark people and why you have white people.-May the Lord bless you in it and bless you with this knowledge. I bear record of its truthfulness in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
85 years ago today - Mar 18, 1941
[J. Reuben Clark]
Postmaster Smoot'Called his attention to a folder going through the mails advertising a book "The Bible Unmasked"I suggested he try to get it excluded: He said he would work on it at once. ...
Mr Hamer'Post Office'Told him all we knew of the ado. in re "The Bible Unmasked."
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Postmaster Smoot'Called his attention to a folder going through the mails advertising a book "The Bible Unmasked"I suggested he try to get it excluded: He said he would work on it at once. ...
Mr Hamer'Post Office'Told him all we knew of the ado. in re "The Bible Unmasked."
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
100 years ago today - Mar 18, 1926
[Heber J. Grant]
We discussed the recommendations made by Superintendent Adam S. Bennion, namely the closing of the Brigham Young College, the Ricks Academy and some other schools and curtail the activities of the Brigham Young University. No final decision arrived at. Meeting lasted until 5:30 ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
We discussed the recommendations made by Superintendent Adam S. Bennion, namely the closing of the Brigham Young College, the Ricks Academy and some other schools and curtail the activities of the Brigham Young University. No final decision arrived at. Meeting lasted until 5:30 ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
105 years ago today - Mar 18, 1921
[George F. Richards]
A Brother Alma Hansen was told by me that he could not come to the temple any more until he had put himself in harmony with the First Presidency and the presidency of the temple on the marriage question. He thinks the practice of plural marriage should continue.
[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]
A Brother Alma Hansen was told by me that he could not come to the temple any more until he had put himself in harmony with the First Presidency and the presidency of the temple on the marriage question. He thinks the practice of plural marriage should continue.
[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]
140 years ago today - Mar 18, 1886
Deseret News editorial in support of George Q. Cannon's forfeiting bond to become a fugitive from justice: "No one believes he would have had a fair trial." The editorial adds: "And our slandering enemies need not talk about Church funds being used for this purpose, either. It is none of their business anyhow."
[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 - March 18, 1861
Monday the 18th I rode into Farwest & called upon John Whitmer one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon who was cut off from the Church Some 22 years before he received me very kindly & apeared to be glad to see me I Spent 4 or 5 hours with him in conversation he still testefied that the Book of Mormon is true & that Joseph Smith was a Prophit of the Lord he also Said that he believed that the Elders Preached the Gospel Right when the[y] went out into the World & that Brigham Young was careying out the Doctren & sistom which which Joseph Smith taught but he (Whitmer) did not believe in a mans haveing more than one Wife & finely he said that he & his Brother David often talked about the affairs of the Church & it had been made known unto them that it was wisdom for them to Stay where they were & refered me to the case of the harlot Rahab who hid the Spyes &c I invited him to come to Salt Lake City & pay us a visit he said he would not say that he would not come he did not know
what he might do I bid him good by with a feeling of sorrow to think that a man who was once a Bright & shineing light in the kingdom of God should be so lost to his own interest & the wallfare of his family
[John Whitmer Interview with Jacob Gates, (Jacob Gates Journal, March 18, 1861, MS 1501, LDS Church History Library, Salt Lake City)]
what he might do I bid him good by with a feeling of sorrow to think that a man who was once a Bright & shineing light in the kingdom of God should be so lost to his own interest & the wallfare of his family
[John Whitmer Interview with Jacob Gates, (Jacob Gates Journal, March 18, 1861, MS 1501, LDS Church History Library, Salt Lake City)]
170 years ago today - Mar 18, 1856
18th March 1856 Mrs Phebe W. Woodruff & myself in Company with our two oldest Children Wilford & Phebe repaired to the house of the Lord that Our children might receive their endowment. I washed & anointed my Son Wilford and ordained him to the office of an Elder & sealed upon him all the Blessings of his ordination, Anointing, & my Birthright in Compliance with Council of President Kimball. <The following is the symbols of the [blessing?] sealed upon the head of Wilford Woodruff by his father Wilford Woodruff: >
[ ]
I spent the day in the Council House & had an interesting day long to be remembered for the Blessing that Father Joseph Smith the Patriarch sealed upon my head before I had any children was fulfulled this day upon my head in a measure for He said that I should live to have posterity who should recieve the priesthood & my oldest son received it this day under my hands.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[ ]
I spent the day in the Council House & had an interesting day long to be remembered for the Blessing that Father Joseph Smith the Patriarch sealed upon my head before I had any children was fulfulled this day upon my head in a measure for He said that I should live to have posterity who should recieve the priesthood & my oldest son received it this day under my hands.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Mar 18, 1856
Apostle Orson Hyde refers to "the last General Epistle of Franklin Pierce, Chief Apostle of the United States of America, written to his brethren of the Senate and House of Representatives in General Conference assembled." Brigham Young's daughter Susa Young (Gates) is born in the Lion House in Salt Lake City. When hearing the baby was a girl Susa's mother, Lucy Bigelow exclames "Shucks." Zina D. Huntington Jacobs Smith Young, (also a wife of Brigham) who is assisting replies, "No! It isn't all shucks, it's wheat, and full weight too !" Susa is Brigham Young's 41st child. She enters the University of Deseret at age thirteen but is soon banished to St. George by her father for helping her sister Dora elope. Later when she is president of the Relief Society and has an office in the Church Office Building (the only woman to have one at the time) she is jokingly referred to as the "thirteenth apostle."
180 years ago today - Mar 18, 1846
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... After riding a while Phebe [Woodruff's daughter] looks around and says whare is my Mother? I asked her which one. She said the one that come with you & I told her she had gone back. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... After riding a while Phebe [Woodruff's daughter] looks around and says whare is my Mother? I asked her which one. She said the one that come with you & I told her she had gone back. ...
[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 - Wednesday, Mar 18, 1846.
.... Also, verbal intelligence that an agent of William Smith had demanded the keys of the [Nauvoo] Temple; [and] that Elder O. Hyde had received and printed a revelation on Strangism. The guard expected an attack on the Temple from the Strangites and Smithites. William had stated that he would be giving endowments in the Temple within 2 weeks. ...
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
45 years ago today - Mar 17, 1981-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
Apparently Mark Hofmann has furnished xerox copies of the Joseph Smith III ordination to somebody or somebodies. They have been rapidly duplicated, and there are now many copies in circulation. Time magazine has telephoned about it, so has Utah Holiday and other publications. We missed the boat not being allowed to make a public announcement two weeks ago. Because the calls have been coming in last evening and this morning, Earl [Olson] and Elder [G. Homer] Durham have been meeting with Elder [Gordon B.] Hinckley from 7:30 this morning until now-11:30. Don Schmidt has met with them part of that time. Dean Jessee, who has received some of these telephone calls, has been trying to make contact with Elder Durham and Earl without success. Don has now informed him that all telephone calls should be referred to Public Communications. Don says that they have now definitely determined to make a public announcement here today. Why they don't consult Dean Jessee, an authority on the subject,
is strange, nor would they consult any other historian for background. It would be interesting to know whether they got access to the minutes of the Council of Fifty in 1844 that are in the First Presidency's office and whether they are using those. P.M. Ron Esplin said that he had talked with Don Schmidt and that Earl, Elder Durham, and Elder Hinckley had spent all morning going through the minutes of the Council of Fifty in the First Presidency's vault looking for the last charge to the Twelve [Apostles]. [[The Last Charge refers to Joseph Smith's alleged authorization of the Twelve to lead the church, expanding on their original calling to oversee only the members located outside of organized stakes (D68C 107:23).]] None of them know even the year. It would have been so simple for them to have consulted any one of our historians, who could have given them the right date. That they would pursue this without calling in a single historian is almost unbelievable-it certainly isn't
the Spirit of the Kingdom. It makes one a little resentful, even a little angry. [[Arrington had been denied access to the minutes. See Arrington to Gordon B. Hinckley and Hinckley to Arrington, Mar. 9, 12, 1981.]]
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Apparently Mark Hofmann has furnished xerox copies of the Joseph Smith III ordination to somebody or somebodies. They have been rapidly duplicated, and there are now many copies in circulation. Time magazine has telephoned about it, so has Utah Holiday and other publications. We missed the boat not being allowed to make a public announcement two weeks ago. Because the calls have been coming in last evening and this morning, Earl [Olson] and Elder [G. Homer] Durham have been meeting with Elder [Gordon B.] Hinckley from 7:30 this morning until now-11:30. Don Schmidt has met with them part of that time. Dean Jessee, who has received some of these telephone calls, has been trying to make contact with Elder Durham and Earl without success. Don has now informed him that all telephone calls should be referred to Public Communications. Don says that they have now definitely determined to make a public announcement here today. Why they don't consult Dean Jessee, an authority on the subject,
is strange, nor would they consult any other historian for background. It would be interesting to know whether they got access to the minutes of the Council of Fifty in 1844 that are in the First Presidency's office and whether they are using those. P.M. Ron Esplin said that he had talked with Don Schmidt and that Earl, Elder Durham, and Elder Hinckley had spent all morning going through the minutes of the Council of Fifty in the First Presidency's vault looking for the last charge to the Twelve [Apostles]. [[The Last Charge refers to Joseph Smith's alleged authorization of the Twelve to lead the church, expanding on their original calling to oversee only the members located outside of organized stakes (D68C 107:23).]] None of them know even the year. It would have been so simple for them to have consulted any one of our historians, who could have given them the right date. That they would pursue this without calling in a single historian is almost unbelievable-it certainly isn't
the Spirit of the Kingdom. It makes one a little resentful, even a little angry. [[Arrington had been denied access to the minutes. See Arrington to Gordon B. Hinckley and Hinckley to Arrington, Mar. 9, 12, 1981.]]
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
60 years ago today - Mar 17, 1966
T]he First Presidency published a denial of any sponsorship of the [Birch Society - Robert] Welch dinner and emphatically stated that "the Church has no connection with the John Birch Society whatever." McKay stopped publication of his photograph in the Birch magazine and withdrew his permission for Benson to introduce the president of the Birch Society at its meeting during April conference.
["Church Tells Position On Dinner for Bircher," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 17 Mar. 1966, A-10; "Notice To Church Members," Deseret News "Church News," 19 Mar. 1966,2; "So Much For Mr. Welch," Rocky Mountain Review, 17 Mar. 1966, 4. 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.]
["Church Tells Position On Dinner for Bircher," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 17 Mar. 1966, A-10; "Notice To Church Members," Deseret News "Church News," 19 Mar. 1966,2; "So Much For Mr. Welch," Rocky Mountain Review, 17 Mar. 1966, 4. 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 - Mar 17, 1966
[Letter from former neighbor of McKay Robert Hinckly to David O. McKay] "The head of the Birch Society, Robert Welch, is due in Salt Lake City on April 6th or 7th, the time of General Conference. Efforts will be made to have him recognized in some way during Conference (Elder Benson may even propose to have him come to the stand to make some brief remarks). But this is the Robert Welch who slandered President Eisenhower by writing that "there is only one possible word to describe his purposes and actions. That word is 'treason.'" Welch bore the same kind of false witness against Eisenhower's Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, calling him "a Communist agent." He also accused the late President John F. Kennedy, during his brief term in office, of being sympathetic to the Communist goals of world conquest…. President McKay, I beseech you to give heed on these matters to all of your dedicated Counselors in the First Presidency…. I fervently hope that Mr. Welch, the Birch
head, will receive no recognition of any sort from you or the Church while he is in Salt Lake City. And I beseech you to require a decision from Elder Benson forthwith as to whether his life will be dedicated to Church or Birch. He is doing the Church a great, great disservice by mixing the two."
[Robert Hinckley to McKay 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)]
head, will receive no recognition of any sort from you or the Church while he is in Salt Lake City. And I beseech you to require a decision from Elder Benson forthwith as to whether his life will be dedicated to Church or Birch. He is doing the Church a great, great disservice by mixing the two."
[Robert Hinckley to McKay 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)]
60 years ago today - Mar 17, 1966
On 21 May 1965, former blessings were restored to [former apostle] John Whittaker Taylor by Joseph Fielding Smith. The attached records of this restoration were received from the Temple and from Brother [Delbert L.] Stapley's office....
A chronological chart has been attached which will show the following multiplicity of questions we are not yet able to answer:
1. What was really restored to John W. Taylor? Does this restoration now enable the family to have sealings take place which were not formerly recognized?
2. Were the sealings of the two wives, married to Brother Taylor after the [Wilford Woodruff] Manifesto but before his resignation, restored or were the sealings every considered valid?
3. Was the sealing of the sixth wife, married to him before his excommunication, restored or was there ever a valid sealing?
4. Were the sealings of the thirty children, born to him after the Manifesto, restored or were only certain of these children's sealings restored?
(Perhaps some of these would require sealings rather than restoration:)
a. The seventeen children born after the Manifesto to the three wives married prior to the Manifesto.
b. The nine children born to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
c. The four children born to the wife married between the time of his resignation and excommunication.
d. The three children born after his resignation to the three wives married before the Manifesto.
e. The six children born after his resignation to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
f. The one child born after his excommunication to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
g. The two children born after his excommunication to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
5. Were any or all of these children 'Born in the Covenant'?
6. Relative to your answers to the questions above, what should we tell these people and what should be shown on the records they submit?
Two living wives, twenty-eight children and a host of grandchildren participating in the Priesthood Genealogical Programs will need to know their status in order to properly prepare their records. Also, we will need to know in order to give them proper handling.
Official answers to these questions are quite urgent and would be appreciated.
[H. Dale Goodwin, Memorandum to Theodore M. Burton, 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]
A chronological chart has been attached which will show the following multiplicity of questions we are not yet able to answer:
1. What was really restored to John W. Taylor? Does this restoration now enable the family to have sealings take place which were not formerly recognized?
2. Were the sealings of the two wives, married to Brother Taylor after the [Wilford Woodruff] Manifesto but before his resignation, restored or were the sealings every considered valid?
3. Was the sealing of the sixth wife, married to him before his excommunication, restored or was there ever a valid sealing?
4. Were the sealings of the thirty children, born to him after the Manifesto, restored or were only certain of these children's sealings restored?
(Perhaps some of these would require sealings rather than restoration:)
a. The seventeen children born after the Manifesto to the three wives married prior to the Manifesto.
b. The nine children born to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
c. The four children born to the wife married between the time of his resignation and excommunication.
d. The three children born after his resignation to the three wives married before the Manifesto.
e. The six children born after his resignation to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
f. The one child born after his excommunication to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
g. The two children born after his excommunication to the two wives married between the time of the Manifesto and his resignation.
5. Were any or all of these children 'Born in the Covenant'?
6. Relative to your answers to the questions above, what should we tell these people and what should be shown on the records they submit?
Two living wives, twenty-eight children and a host of grandchildren participating in the Priesthood Genealogical Programs will need to know their status in order to properly prepare their records. Also, we will need to know in order to give them proper handling.
Official answers to these questions are quite urgent and would be appreciated.
[H. Dale Goodwin, Memorandum to Theodore M. Burton, 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 17, 1921
[James E. Talmage]
.... When after due consideration the name of Brother Widtsoe was placed before the Brethren by President Heber J. Grant for their vote, as we testified to each other our hearts verily burned within us. We know that the selection of Brother Widtsoe is the Lord's choice. Word was sent out and an automobile was dispatched to the University to bring Brother Widtsoe to the Council. Actually, he was overwhelmed when the announcement of the action of the Council was made to him. After he had received a very impressive charge from President Heber J. Grant, Elder John Andreas Widtsoe was ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and was set apart as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles under the hands of the First Presidency and of all members of the Twelve present, President Heber J. Grant being voice in the ordination and setting apart. Brother Widtsoe took his place as the junior member of the Council, and remained with us during the rest of the session. ...
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
.... When after due consideration the name of Brother Widtsoe was placed before the Brethren by President Heber J. Grant for their vote, as we testified to each other our hearts verily burned within us. We know that the selection of Brother Widtsoe is the Lord's choice. Word was sent out and an automobile was dispatched to the University to bring Brother Widtsoe to the Council. Actually, he was overwhelmed when the announcement of the action of the Council was made to him. After he had received a very impressive charge from President Heber J. Grant, Elder John Andreas Widtsoe was ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and was set apart as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles under the hands of the First Presidency and of all members of the Twelve present, President Heber J. Grant being voice in the ordination and setting apart. Brother Widtsoe took his place as the junior member of the Council, and remained with us during the rest of the session. ...
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Wed., March 17th, 1886
[General Authority Abraham H. Cannon]
I was called up to be sentenced. Upon Judge Zane giving me permission to speak I explained by position and stated that I had only sought to obey the law of God in doing what I had done, and if for doing that I deserved punishment, I was prepared for sentence. He then sentenced me to six months imprisonment, to pay a fine of $300 and costs, and stand committed till the fine and costs are paid. I immediately went into the marshal's office under guard, and there remained until about 4 p.m., except for a few minutes when I went to a restaurant under guard, waiting for the Penitentiary wagon. Father's [George Q. Cannon] trial was set for today but as he did not appear, his bonds were forfeited. A great number of special deputies were sworn in for the occasion, a company of soldiers were held in readiness, and all who entered were searched to see if they carried concealed weapons. All precautions were, however, unnecessary, as the prisoner did not come. Considerable money [$45,000] was
lost by his not coming. About 5 p.m. after riding over a very rough road and wet, I arrived at the "Pen" in charge of Guard Janey. . . . There are now 50 of the brethren in the "Pen" for conscience sake, and therefore, it is not nearly as unpleasant as it might be or as I expected it would be.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
I was called up to be sentenced. Upon Judge Zane giving me permission to speak I explained by position and stated that I had only sought to obey the law of God in doing what I had done, and if for doing that I deserved punishment, I was prepared for sentence. He then sentenced me to six months imprisonment, to pay a fine of $300 and costs, and stand committed till the fine and costs are paid. I immediately went into the marshal's office under guard, and there remained until about 4 p.m., except for a few minutes when I went to a restaurant under guard, waiting for the Penitentiary wagon. Father's [George Q. Cannon] trial was set for today but as he did not appear, his bonds were forfeited. A great number of special deputies were sworn in for the occasion, a company of soldiers were held in readiness, and all who entered were searched to see if they carried concealed weapons. All precautions were, however, unnecessary, as the prisoner did not come. Considerable money [$45,000] was
lost by his not coming. About 5 p.m. after riding over a very rough road and wet, I arrived at the "Pen" in charge of Guard Janey. . . . There are now 50 of the brethren in the "Pen" for conscience sake, and therefore, it is not nearly as unpleasant as it might be or as I expected it would be.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
145 years ago today - Mar 17, 1881
[Wilford Woodruff]
We gave Endowments to 91. W. Woodruff sealed 15 Couple and had 14 persons Adopted into his family the Mathews & Edwards family. We had a good day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We gave Endowments to 91. W. Woodruff sealed 15 Couple and had 14 persons Adopted into his family the Mathews & Edwards family. We had a good day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Mar 17, 1866
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
In the Evening I Called at the City Hall to see Edward Tullidge who had became insane. I was left alone with him. I laid hands upon him & rebuke the devels & they Came out of him & he beged of me to take him home. He promised me faithfully to obey me in all things if I would take him to his family who were in my house. Upon this promise I took him by the arm & led him home in his right mind.
I spent the Evening with him reading the news of the day. He went to bed with his Brother John, & slept untill about 1 oclok. Then the devil entered into him & he raged Badly. I arose & went to him & again laid hands upon him & Cast the Devel out of him in the name of Jesus Christ. And he remained quiet untill about day light when the Devil again Entered into him & he raged in a dredful manner. We gave him his breakfast & I took him by the arm & walked with him back to the City Hall & left him in the hands of the poliece.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the Evening I Called at the City Hall to see Edward Tullidge who had became insane. I was left alone with him. I laid hands upon him & rebuke the devels & they Came out of him & he beged of me to take him home. He promised me faithfully to obey me in all things if I would take him to his family who were in my house. Upon this promise I took him by the arm & led him home in his right mind.
I spent the Evening with him reading the news of the day. He went to bed with his Brother John, & slept untill about 1 oclok. Then the devil entered into him & he raged Badly. I arose & went to him & again laid hands upon him & Cast the Devel out of him in the name of Jesus Christ. And he remained quiet untill about day light when the Devil again Entered into him & he raged in a dredful manner. We gave him his breakfast & I took him by the arm & walked with him back to the City Hall & left him in the hands of the poliece.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Mar 17, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... at 10 oclok I went to a stream of water & Baptized all my family that was over 8 years old. Three wives 3 Children & a lamanite Boy Called Moroni. I returned to My house & confirmed them all.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... at 10 oclok I went to a stream of water & Baptized all my family that was over 8 years old. Three wives 3 Children & a lamanite Boy Called Moroni. I returned to My house & confirmed them all.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Mar 17, 1856
The 2nd proposal for Statehood for the State of Deseret was rejected due to growing anti-Mormon sentiment and complaints that unbelievers were said to be mistreated and that the Territorial Government was a shadow or puppet government for the real power or theocratic dictatorship directed by leaders of the Mormon Church ( the latter charge is surely true ). President James Buchanan sends a military army to replace Brigham Young with Alfred Cummings. Johnsons Army was the largest piece-time military effort to ever be sent to squash a civil rebellion, and thus dangerously depleted Union troops just prior to the nations most-encompassing military conflict, the US Civil War.
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
175 years ago today - Mar 17, 1851
Brigham Young speaks in favor of Madison D. Hambleton who is being tried for shooting and killing man at LDS church services, immediately after closing prayer. The man "seduced" wife of Hambleton who is "acquitted by the Court and also by the Voice of the people present." Hambleton later becomes sheriff in Utah.
185 years ago today - Mar 17, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
17th <Sister> Foxal <came and informed me that she had a vision while I was preaching last night. Said she saw an angel stand [-] me clothed in a white robe.>.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
17th <Sister> Foxal <came and informed me that she had a vision while I was preaching last night. Said she saw an angel stand [-] me clothed in a white robe.>.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
70 years ago today - Mar 16, 1956
[J. Reuben Clark]
Yesterday morning (March 15, 1956), Brother Bruce R. McConkie came in to learn something about the matter that was before the First Presidency, that is, the publication of a part of the sermons in the Journal of Discourses, as already submitted to us....
I said I assumed that he would not print, that is, was not proposing to print the sermons of the other brethren, that is, the early brethren, on such matters as the Adam-God theory, so-called, and the sermons on plural marriage. He said that was his idea. I said that I personally and I thought the other brethren agreed with me, felt it would be unwise to issue a Journal of Discourses with those sermons omitted inasmuch as that would give the cultists an opportunity of attack which might increase our present difficulties instead of mollifying them....
I mentioned the fact that the title he had given to the collection "Sound Doctrine," [this project would later become "Mormon Doctrine] implied that there was other doctrine that was unsound and that perhaps it would not be wise to give forth that implication. He seemed to agree with that idea.
He made a suggestion for another title which I have forgotten, but which was open to somewhat of the same objection. In this connection he made some observation to the effect that his "sound doctrine" might not, of course, be the sound doctrine of some of the other brethren....
I also called attention to the fact that it would have been better if he had conferred with the Brethren before he began the printing of his book, instead of afterward, and he admitted that that was a mistake which he had made.
I told him that I would bring the matter to the attention of the Brethren so soon as I could and intimated to him strongly that perhaps in general the thoughts I had expressed would be the thoughts of the Brethren and that it would not be wise to issue the publication as he had planned it.
I said we were anxious that he should not suffer any undue loss in the matter.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Yesterday morning (March 15, 1956), Brother Bruce R. McConkie came in to learn something about the matter that was before the First Presidency, that is, the publication of a part of the sermons in the Journal of Discourses, as already submitted to us....
I said I assumed that he would not print, that is, was not proposing to print the sermons of the other brethren, that is, the early brethren, on such matters as the Adam-God theory, so-called, and the sermons on plural marriage. He said that was his idea. I said that I personally and I thought the other brethren agreed with me, felt it would be unwise to issue a Journal of Discourses with those sermons omitted inasmuch as that would give the cultists an opportunity of attack which might increase our present difficulties instead of mollifying them....
I mentioned the fact that the title he had given to the collection "Sound Doctrine," [this project would later become "Mormon Doctrine] implied that there was other doctrine that was unsound and that perhaps it would not be wise to give forth that implication. He seemed to agree with that idea.
He made a suggestion for another title which I have forgotten, but which was open to somewhat of the same objection. In this connection he made some observation to the effect that his "sound doctrine" might not, of course, be the sound doctrine of some of the other brethren....
I also called attention to the fact that it would have been better if he had conferred with the Brethren before he began the printing of his book, instead of afterward, and he admitted that that was a mistake which he had made.
I told him that I would bring the matter to the attention of the Brethren so soon as I could and intimated to him strongly that perhaps in general the thoughts I had expressed would be the thoughts of the Brethren and that it would not be wise to issue the publication as he had planned it.
I said we were anxious that he should not suffer any undue loss in the matter.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
105 years ago today - Mar 16, 1921
[George F. Richards]
He [Heber J. Grant] then spoke 30 minutes on the subject of recent plural marriages and the encouraging of same. Any who know anything about what is going on should report to the President of the Temple, &c. President Grant said to me in the temple that he thanked the Lord that I not only have the kind & genuine disposition but the will of my own to do what I am convinced is right to do. Sister Edna L. Smith related a dream she had some time ago in which President Smith appeared to her in the Celestial room and told her this temple must be dusted. Three times he told her with increasing emphasis. She says it did not refer to ordinary dust but that there were things in the temple that were not right. She said Pres. Lund never would have righted them. She says she knew that I was to preside here. We are making some discoveries and we are dusting the temple. Yesterday I had to ask a brother to remain away from the temple until he gets his family affairs settled. To-day I had a
conversation with an other brother on plural marriage charge. He did not deny having performed such marriages recently (Israel Barlow.)
[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]
He [Heber J. Grant] then spoke 30 minutes on the subject of recent plural marriages and the encouraging of same. Any who know anything about what is going on should report to the President of the Temple, &c. President Grant said to me in the temple that he thanked the Lord that I not only have the kind & genuine disposition but the will of my own to do what I am convinced is right to do. Sister Edna L. Smith related a dream she had some time ago in which President Smith appeared to her in the Celestial room and told her this temple must be dusted. Three times he told her with increasing emphasis. She says it did not refer to ordinary dust but that there were things in the temple that were not right. She said Pres. Lund never would have righted them. She says she knew that I was to preside here. We are making some discoveries and we are dusting the temple. Yesterday I had to ask a brother to remain away from the temple until he gets his family affairs settled. To-day I had a
conversation with an other brother on plural marriage charge. He did not deny having performed such marriages recently (Israel Barlow.)
[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]
115 years ago today - Mar 16, 1911
A large group of students publish a petition, signed by 80% of the student body, in the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE to keep professor Henry Peterson at BYU. Peterson is being removed for teaching Evolution. The next day Peterson is fired and the DESERET NEWS prints an editorial chastising the students for publishing the petition in an "anti-Mormon" newspaper.
170 years ago today - Mar 16, 1856 (Morning)
[Brigham Young]
.... A few of the men and women who go into the house of the Lord, and receive their endowments, and in the most sacred manner make covenants before the Almighty, go and violate those covenants. Do I have compassion on them? Yes, I do have mercy on them, for there is something in their organization which they do not understand; and there are but few in this congregation who do understand it. You say, '"That man ought to die for transgressing the law of God.'" Let me suppose a case. Suppose you found your brother in bed with your wife, an put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God. I would at once do so in such a case; and under such circumstances, I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands. But you who trifle with your covenants, be careful lest in judging you will be judged. Every man and women has got to have
clean hands and pure heart, to execute judgment, else they had better let the matter alone. ... There is not a man or woman, who violates the covenants made with their God, that will not be required to pay the debt. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it; and the judgments of the Almighty will come, sooner or later, and every man and woman will have to atone for breaking their covenants. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 3:243-249, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
.... A few of the men and women who go into the house of the Lord, and receive their endowments, and in the most sacred manner make covenants before the Almighty, go and violate those covenants. Do I have compassion on them? Yes, I do have mercy on them, for there is something in their organization which they do not understand; and there are but few in this congregation who do understand it. You say, '"That man ought to die for transgressing the law of God.'" Let me suppose a case. Suppose you found your brother in bed with your wife, an put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God. I would at once do so in such a case; and under such circumstances, I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands. But you who trifle with your covenants, be careful lest in judging you will be judged. Every man and women has got to have
clean hands and pure heart, to execute judgment, else they had better let the matter alone. ... There is not a man or woman, who violates the covenants made with their God, that will not be required to pay the debt. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it; and the judgments of the Almighty will come, sooner or later, and every man and woman will have to atone for breaking their covenants. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 3:243-249, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Mar 16, 1846
Letter to Orson Hyde-- Directed to Orson Hyde at Nauvoo, this letter pictures conditions in the Camp of Israel and urges those still remaining in Nauvoo to turn their backs on the Temple of the Lord and emigrate to some "consecrated spot, where the Kingdom of God may be built up, and we may do his will as the angels do it, undisturbed."
[1846-March 16-RCH 2:148-149, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[1846-March 16-RCH 2:148-149, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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