[Leonard Arrington]
Yesterday during my day home I listened to the morning rebroadcast of the Donahue show which had been done originally on December 23 [1979]. Following that one-hour show, with Sonia Johnson as the sole guest, was the Church's half-hour response in which Beverly Campbell of Virginia LDS Citizens Against ERA responded to questions put by a reporter.
There were several false impressions conveyed by Sonia Johnson and Donahue in the show; first of all, Donahue said that they had invited the Church to make a response-and the Church had refused to do so. This was wrong on two counts; actually they invited [Relief Society president] Barbara Smith to be on the program and Barbara Smith already had appointments which she could not break, and she was not able to appear, and so she asked that Beverly Campbell represent her. But Sonia absolutely refused to appear on the program with Beverly Campbell. So it proved to be a one-woman show with no Church response. The local [Salt Lake City] Channel 4 station, however, offered the Church "in accordance with the fairness doctrine" to present a response, and that is how the Beverly Campbell interview came to be made.
Sonia herself also made a big point of the judge in Idaho who will rule on the validity of extending the ERA deadline. She said that he was a Regional Representative"equivalent of an archbishop"-being prejudiced on this matter against ERA because of his Church commitments. Actually, the judge was released from his Regional Representative position the previous October and so was not that "very high Church official" which Sonia insisted he was. Of course Sonia might have had no way of knowing this, but she might have done her homework and checked with the judge himself on it.
I was not favorably impressed with Sonia and her presentation. Her statements critical of the Church were pretty strong, and she seemed to be playing to the audience, most of whom were obviously militant feminists, and applauded her frequently. Sonia seemed to be enjoying holding the Church and its officials up to ridicule. ...
Beverly Campbell talked very fast and said a great deal in the half hour she had. What she said seemed to be both reasonable and accurate, and also honest and forthright. ..
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
85 years ago today - Jan 17, 1940
[President Heber J. Grant]
Brother Olsen, who is connected with the Segolite Company, called and I went to lunch with him. He called again later in the afternoon and said that Parker Robison had quit patronizing him, also Z.C.M.I. and the Utah Hotel, and that all of his Gentile friends stay with him and say that he has the finest product. He also says that the L.D.S. Hospital is discontinuing (sic) its use, but several other people also testify that they have never found anything so good. He is very much disappointed.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother Olsen, who is connected with the Segolite Company, called and I went to lunch with him. He called again later in the afternoon and said that Parker Robison had quit patronizing him, also Z.C.M.I. and the Utah Hotel, and that all of his Gentile friends stay with him and say that he has the finest product. He also says that the L.D.S. Hospital is discontinuing (sic) its use, but several other people also testify that they have never found anything so good. He is very much disappointed.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jan 17, 1845 (Friday)
The ship Palmyra sailed from Liverpool, England, with a company of Saints, under the direction of Amos Fielding, bound for Nauvoo.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
200 years ago today - January 17, 1825
[Windsor Journal]
Money digging.-- We are sorry to observe even in this enlightened age, so prevalent a disposition to credit the accounts of the Marvellous. Even the frightful stories of money being hid under the surface of the earth, and enchanted by the Devil or Robert Kidd, are received by many of our respectable fellow citizens as truths. We had hoped that such a shameful undertaking would never have been acted over our country, till the following event occurred, not not long ago in out vicinity.
A respectable gentleman in Tunbridge, was informed by means of a dream, that a chest of money was buried on a small island in Ayer's brook, at Randolph. No sooner was he in possession of this valuable information, than he started off to enrich himself with the treasure. After having been directed by the mineral rod where to search for the money, he excavated the earth about 15 feet square to the depth of 7 or 8; and all the while it was necessary to keep his pumps working to keep out the water. Presently he and his laborers came
Pat upon a chest of gold,
And heard it chink with pleasure,
Then all prepared, just taking hold,
To raise the shining treasure.
One of the company drove an old [file] through the rotten lid of the chest, and perceiving it to be nearly empty, exclaimed with an oath, "There's not ten dollars a piece." No sooner were the words out of his mouth, than the chest moved off through the mud, and has not been seen or heard of since.
Such is the story as related by himself. -- Whether he actually saw the chest, or whether it was the vision of a disturbed brain, we shall leave the public to determine.
[Windsor, Vermont, Friday, January 17, 1825]
Money digging.-- We are sorry to observe even in this enlightened age, so prevalent a disposition to credit the accounts of the Marvellous. Even the frightful stories of money being hid under the surface of the earth, and enchanted by the Devil or Robert Kidd, are received by many of our respectable fellow citizens as truths. We had hoped that such a shameful undertaking would never have been acted over our country, till the following event occurred, not not long ago in out vicinity.
A respectable gentleman in Tunbridge, was informed by means of a dream, that a chest of money was buried on a small island in Ayer's brook, at Randolph. No sooner was he in possession of this valuable information, than he started off to enrich himself with the treasure. After having been directed by the mineral rod where to search for the money, he excavated the earth about 15 feet square to the depth of 7 or 8; and all the while it was necessary to keep his pumps working to keep out the water. Presently he and his laborers came
Pat upon a chest of gold,
And heard it chink with pleasure,
Then all prepared, just taking hold,
To raise the shining treasure.
One of the company drove an old [file] through the rotten lid of the chest, and perceiving it to be nearly empty, exclaimed with an oath, "There's not ten dollars a piece." No sooner were the words out of his mouth, than the chest moved off through the mud, and has not been seen or heard of since.
Such is the story as related by himself. -- Whether he actually saw the chest, or whether it was the vision of a disturbed brain, we shall leave the public to determine.
[Windsor, Vermont, Friday, January 17, 1825]
25 years ago today - Jan 16, 2000
President Gordon B. Hinckley releases a statement that is read in every Latter-Day Saint congregation in California that urges members to "redouble their efforts" to pass Prop. 22 a law stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." Prop 22 passed.
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
105 years ago today - Jan 16, 1920
The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution goes into effect, prohibiting the manufacture, production, and sale of alcohol. President Heber J. Grant, a fervent supporter of the amendment, believes it is divinely mandated because it outlaws items forbidden by the Word of Wisdom.
125 years ago today - Jan 16, 1900; Tuesday
Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office as usual.
Elder John Henry Smith and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson were in the office and stated that they would leave for Washington [D.C.] tomorrow (Wednesday, 17th) for the purpose of imparting to some of the leading men of the nation, chiefly of the Republican party, information in regard to conditions in Utah with a view of preventing any move being made looking to a constitutional amendment on the subject of polygamy. Also to endeavor to influence Congress to create a new circuit court, the circuit to consist of the intermountain states. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Elder John Henry Smith and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson were in the office and stated that they would leave for Washington [D.C.] tomorrow (Wednesday, 17th) for the purpose of imparting to some of the leading men of the nation, chiefly of the Republican party, information in regard to conditions in Utah with a view of preventing any move being made looking to a constitutional amendment on the subject of polygamy. Also to endeavor to influence Congress to create a new circuit court, the circuit to consist of the intermountain states. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Jan 16, 1895
[Heber J. Grant]
Spent the evening at Emily's. I will be a happy man when the time comes that I can live with her as a husband and not have to simply call and spend a few hours, and never stop over night at her home.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Spent the evening at Emily's. I will be a happy man when the time comes that I can live with her as a husband and not have to simply call and spend a few hours, and never stop over night at her home.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jan 16, 1845
Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Mary Pierce (1821-1847) (aged 25) first marriage
[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]
180 years ago today - Jan 16, 1845
Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Margaret Pierce (1823-1907) (aged 22) widow of Morris Whitesides sealed to Morris Whitesides for eternity and Young for time; 1 child
[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 - Jan 16, 1830
[Joseph Smith, Sr., and Martin Harris, Agreement Regarding Sale of Book of Mormon]
I hereby agree that Martin Harris shall have an equal privilege with me & my friends of selling the Book of Mormon of the Edition now printing by Egbert B Grandin until enough of them shall be sold to pay for the printing of the same or until such times as the said Grandin shall be paid for the printing the aforesaid Books or copies[.]
{...The wording of the agreement indicates that as of 16 January 1830 Harris anticipated that the sale of the books would fully pay off his $3,000 mortgage to Grandin, and that the surplus would go to Joseph Sr. and friends. However, the lack of sales would eventually force Harris to sell about 151 acres of land to Thomas Lakey.}
[Joseph Smith, Sr., and Martin Harris, Agreement Regarding Sale of Book of Mormon, 16 January 1830, Simon Gratz Collection, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith, Sr., And Martin Harris Agreement]
I hereby agree that Martin Harris shall have an equal privilege with me & my friends of selling the Book of Mormon of the Edition now printing by Egbert B Grandin until enough of them shall be sold to pay for the printing of the same or until such times as the said Grandin shall be paid for the printing the aforesaid Books or copies[.]
{...The wording of the agreement indicates that as of 16 January 1830 Harris anticipated that the sale of the books would fully pay off his $3,000 mortgage to Grandin, and that the surplus would go to Joseph Sr. and friends. However, the lack of sales would eventually force Harris to sell about 151 acres of land to Thomas Lakey.}
[Joseph Smith, Sr., and Martin Harris, Agreement Regarding Sale of Book of Mormon, 16 January 1830, Simon Gratz Collection, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith, Sr., And Martin Harris Agreement]
65 years ago today - Thu Jan 14, 1960
[David O. McKay]
Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. Among matters discussed at this meeting were the following: Elder Mark E. Petersen's proposed editorial on books by General Authorities. A draft of a proposed editorial for the Improvement Era, prepared by Elder Mark E. Petersen, on the subject of selecting good books, and upon the approval of the publication of books by the First Presidency, was read. After consideration it was decided that the general statement, without the reference to "Mormon Doctrine" and "Ancient America and the Book of Mormon," which should be handled separately, would be a suitable editorial on the subject of selecting good books. Further action on the matter of publishing a statement relating to the approval of books by the First Presidency was deferred awaiting consideration of the subject by me with President Joseph Fielding Smith.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. Among matters discussed at this meeting were the following: Elder Mark E. Petersen's proposed editorial on books by General Authorities. A draft of a proposed editorial for the Improvement Era, prepared by Elder Mark E. Petersen, on the subject of selecting good books, and upon the approval of the publication of books by the First Presidency, was read. After consideration it was decided that the general statement, without the reference to "Mormon Doctrine" and "Ancient America and the Book of Mormon," which should be handled separately, would be a suitable editorial on the subject of selecting good books. Further action on the matter of publishing a statement relating to the approval of books by the First Presidency was deferred awaiting consideration of the subject by me with President Joseph Fielding Smith.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
80 years ago today - Jan 14, 1945
[Spencer W. Kimball]
[Int St. George, Utah:] Coming home we heard some interesting stories as also going down. Bro. Kirkham of his being called by his good old friend Emmeline B. Wells to her room where she lived at the Hotel Utah. 'Oscar, go get Heber to come to administer to me.' Pres. Grant was occupied and could not come but sent J. Golden Kimball back with Oscar to take care of the ordinance. As they entered the room she said: 'Well, is that the best you could do?' with some disgust. J. Golden walked up to the bed and some what showing in his voice that he was irate. 'Do you want a blessing from the Lord?' 'Yes. Of course I do!' she said. 'Well, shut up,' he said 'or I won't give it to you.'
[Spencer W. Kimball 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]
[Int St. George, Utah:] Coming home we heard some interesting stories as also going down. Bro. Kirkham of his being called by his good old friend Emmeline B. Wells to her room where she lived at the Hotel Utah. 'Oscar, go get Heber to come to administer to me.' Pres. Grant was occupied and could not come but sent J. Golden Kimball back with Oscar to take care of the ordinance. As they entered the room she said: 'Well, is that the best you could do?' with some disgust. J. Golden walked up to the bed and some what showing in his voice that he was irate. 'Do you want a blessing from the Lord?' 'Yes. Of course I do!' she said. 'Well, shut up,' he said 'or I won't give it to you.'
[Spencer W. Kimball 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]
105 years ago today - Jan. 14, Fri. [1920]
[James E. Talmage]
In addition to other committee work I attended an afternoon session of the Book of Mormon committee, at which preliminary arrangements were made for hearing some of the proponents of different views on Book of Mormon geography. Many varied and conflicting views concerning the location of Book of Mormon lands have been advocated amongst our people; and not a few maps have been put out. With all precautions taken to make plain the fact that these maps have been intended as suggestive presentations only, we find some people accepting one map and others another as authoritative. The matter was brought before the council through the receipt of a communication from Elder Joel Ricks of Logan, who several years ago published a map, of which over 6000 have been disposed of. Brother Ricks and several other good brethren have voiced a sort of complaint that they have had no opportunity to present their views, with the fullness they desire, before the Church authorities. The entire matter was
referred to the Book of Mormon committee; and today appointments were made for the beginning of the series of hearings.
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
In addition to other committee work I attended an afternoon session of the Book of Mormon committee, at which preliminary arrangements were made for hearing some of the proponents of different views on Book of Mormon geography. Many varied and conflicting views concerning the location of Book of Mormon lands have been advocated amongst our people; and not a few maps have been put out. With all precautions taken to make plain the fact that these maps have been intended as suggestive presentations only, we find some people accepting one map and others another as authoritative. The matter was brought before the council through the receipt of a communication from Elder Joel Ricks of Logan, who several years ago published a map, of which over 6000 have been disposed of. Brother Ricks and several other good brethren have voiced a sort of complaint that they have had no opportunity to present their views, with the fullness they desire, before the Church authorities. The entire matter was
referred to the Book of Mormon committee; and today appointments were made for the beginning of the series of hearings.
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
125 years ago today - Sunday, Jan 14, 1900
[Joseph F. Smith]
"The judgments of God upon the nations. The hand of the Lord as seen in the Spanish-American war and the English-Boer war."
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
"The judgments of God upon the nations. The hand of the Lord as seen in the Spanish-American war and the English-Boer war."
[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]
140 years ago today - Jan 14, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
We are living in Perilous times. No man who obeys the Patriarchal Law of Marriage is safe. I am informed that officers are after me. I spent the day in the 17 ward. ... I Called at my house in the Evening with G Teasdale & got some things and spent the night in the 17 ward.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We are living in Perilous times. No man who obeys the Patriarchal Law of Marriage is safe. I am informed that officers are after me. I spent the day in the 17 ward. ... I Called at my house in the Evening with G Teasdale & got some things and spent the night in the 17 ward.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Jan 14, 1885
[Interview of David Whitmer]
1 [Q]--Do you know that the plates seen with the Angel (on the table) were real metal, did you touch them? Ans We did not touch nor handle the plates. 2 Q--Was the table literal wood? or was the whole a vision such as often occurs in dreams &c? Ans--The table had the appearence of literal wood as shown in the vision, in the glory of God. 3 Q--Did you see the Urim and Thummim, what was it? Ans--I saw the "Interpreters" in the holy [vision] [.] They looked like whitish stones p[ut in the] rim of a bow, looked like spectacles only much larger. ... [p. 1] ... 9. Q. Who was the Angel that showed the plates to you and Cowdery, and have these plates been seen since? Ans--I do not know as no name was given. I have never seen the plates since. ... [p. 1, back] ... 13. Q.--Were you present when Joseph Smith received the revelation commanding him and Oliver Cowdery to ordain each other to the Melchisedek Priesthood, if so, where was it and how? Ans--No I was not--neither did I ever hear
of such a thing as an angel ordaining them until I got into Ohio about the year 1834--or later. 14. Q. Can you tell why that Joseph and Oliver were ordained to the lesser Priesthood by the hand of an Angel but in receiving the Higher they ordained each other? Ans--I moved Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to my fathers house in Fayette[,] Seneca County[,] New York, from Harmony, Penn. in the year 1829, on our way I conversed freely with them [p. 2] upon this great work they were bringing about, and Oliver stated to me in Josephs presence that they had baptized each other seeking by that to fulfill the command--And after our arrival at fathers sometime in June 1829. Joseph ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder, and Oliver ordained Joseph to be an Elder in the Church of Christ. <<and during that year Joseph both baptized and ordained me an elder in the church of Christ.>> Also, during this year the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished, And we preached preached,
baptized and ordained some as Elders, And upon the Sixth day of April 1830, six Elders together with some fifty or sixty (as near as I recollect) of the members met together to effect an organization. I never heard that an Angel had ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic priesthood until the year 1834[,] 5. or 6--in Ohio. my information from Joseph and Oliver upon this matter being as I have stated, and that they were commanded so to do by revealment through Joseph. I do not believe that John the Baptist ever ordained Joseph and Oliver as stated and believed by some. I regard that as an error, a misconception. [p. 2, back] ... 19. [Q] Were the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated in Joseph Smiths possession while translating and seen and handled by several different persons, if not, where were they? Ans--I do not know. 20. Q. Did Joseph use his "peep stone" to finish up the translation? if so why? Ans--He used a stone called a "Seers stone," the "Interpreters"
having been taken away from him because of transgression. 21. Q. Had you seen the plates at anytime before the Angel showed them to you? Ans--No. [p. 3, back] ... 25. Q. Were you present during any of the time of translation, if so, state how it was done. Ans--The "Interpreters" were taken from Joseph after he allowed Martin Harris to carry away the 116 pages of Ms [manuscript]--of the Book of Mormon as a punishment, but he was allowed to go on and translate by the use of a "Seers stone" which he had, and which he placed in a hat into which he buried his face, stating to me and others that the original Character[s] appeared upon parchment and under it the translation in english, which [enabled him] to read it readily. While Brother Whitmer was too feeble to write much, being unable to write the answers to the foregoing 25 questions in person--Yet it was with his consent and in his presence that I wrote them and corrected them, as they appear here. Jan. 21--1885.
[s] Z H. Gurley
["Copy--Questions asked of David Whitmer at his home in Richmond[,] Ray County[,] Mo--Jan 14--1885. relating to Book of Mormon, and the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S. by Elder Z[enas] H. Gurley," Zenas Gurley Collection, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Zenas H. Gurley]
1 [Q]--Do you know that the plates seen with the Angel (on the table) were real metal, did you touch them? Ans We did not touch nor handle the plates. 2 Q--Was the table literal wood? or was the whole a vision such as often occurs in dreams &c? Ans--The table had the appearence of literal wood as shown in the vision, in the glory of God. 3 Q--Did you see the Urim and Thummim, what was it? Ans--I saw the "Interpreters" in the holy [vision] [.] They looked like whitish stones p[ut in the] rim of a bow, looked like spectacles only much larger. ... [p. 1] ... 9. Q. Who was the Angel that showed the plates to you and Cowdery, and have these plates been seen since? Ans--I do not know as no name was given. I have never seen the plates since. ... [p. 1, back] ... 13. Q.--Were you present when Joseph Smith received the revelation commanding him and Oliver Cowdery to ordain each other to the Melchisedek Priesthood, if so, where was it and how? Ans--No I was not--neither did I ever hear
of such a thing as an angel ordaining them until I got into Ohio about the year 1834--or later. 14. Q. Can you tell why that Joseph and Oliver were ordained to the lesser Priesthood by the hand of an Angel but in receiving the Higher they ordained each other? Ans--I moved Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to my fathers house in Fayette[,] Seneca County[,] New York, from Harmony, Penn. in the year 1829, on our way I conversed freely with them [p. 2] upon this great work they were bringing about, and Oliver stated to me in Josephs presence that they had baptized each other seeking by that to fulfill the command--And after our arrival at fathers sometime in June 1829. Joseph ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder, and Oliver ordained Joseph to be an Elder in the Church of Christ. <<and during that year Joseph both baptized and ordained me an elder in the church of Christ.>> Also, during this year the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished, And we preached preached,
baptized and ordained some as Elders, And upon the Sixth day of April 1830, six Elders together with some fifty or sixty (as near as I recollect) of the members met together to effect an organization. I never heard that an Angel had ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic priesthood until the year 1834[,] 5. or 6--in Ohio. my information from Joseph and Oliver upon this matter being as I have stated, and that they were commanded so to do by revealment through Joseph. I do not believe that John the Baptist ever ordained Joseph and Oliver as stated and believed by some. I regard that as an error, a misconception. [p. 2, back] ... 19. [Q] Were the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated in Joseph Smiths possession while translating and seen and handled by several different persons, if not, where were they? Ans--I do not know. 20. Q. Did Joseph use his "peep stone" to finish up the translation? if so why? Ans--He used a stone called a "Seers stone," the "Interpreters"
having been taken away from him because of transgression. 21. Q. Had you seen the plates at anytime before the Angel showed them to you? Ans--No. [p. 3, back] ... 25. Q. Were you present during any of the time of translation, if so, state how it was done. Ans--The "Interpreters" were taken from Joseph after he allowed Martin Harris to carry away the 116 pages of Ms [manuscript]--of the Book of Mormon as a punishment, but he was allowed to go on and translate by the use of a "Seers stone" which he had, and which he placed in a hat into which he buried his face, stating to me and others that the original Character[s] appeared upon parchment and under it the translation in english, which [enabled him] to read it readily. While Brother Whitmer was too feeble to write much, being unable to write the answers to the foregoing 25 questions in person--Yet it was with his consent and in his presence that I wrote them and corrected them, as they appear here. Jan. 21--1885.
[s] Z H. Gurley
["Copy--Questions asked of David Whitmer at his home in Richmond[,] Ray County[,] Mo--Jan 14--1885. relating to Book of Mormon, and the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S. by Elder Z[enas] H. Gurley," Zenas Gurley Collection, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Zenas H. Gurley]
165 years ago today - Jan 14, 1860
[Brigham Young]
The Pres. said no doubt they have applied to Joseph Smith, son of the Prophet, to take his place as his right and Joseph will answer them as he did on a further occasion to a like request that if the Lord wanted him no doubt he would reveal himself as he did to [his] father (the Prophet). -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM 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]
The Pres. said no doubt they have applied to Joseph Smith, son of the Prophet, to take his place as his right and Joseph will answer them as he did on a further occasion to a like request that if the Lord wanted him no doubt he would reveal himself as he did to [his] father (the Prophet). -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM 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]
180 years ago today - Jan 14, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Jesse N. Smith]
.... I pray my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus to preserve thy life and health, even unto the coming of the Saviour ... Angels shall be thy constant companions and thou shalt often converse with them; they shall defend thee from all dangers, heal thy sickness and beat back the power of the destroyer. ... And if thou wilt seek after knowledge, and be sober-minded, thou shalt be like Mormon of old, and shalt be a mighty man in the ministry and a mighty warrior. Thou shalt handle the sword of Laban with such power as to put ten thousand of thine enemies to flight with the help of thy brother. Thy name shall be terrible among thine enemies. ... Thou shalt live to see Israel gathered from the four corners of the earth, to see all the enemies of the Lord swept from off the face of the earth, and cleansed from wickedness, and the Saviour stand upon it; and thou shalt stand in His presence. ...
[Typescript, Michael Marquardt papers]
.... I pray my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus to preserve thy life and health, even unto the coming of the Saviour ... Angels shall be thy constant companions and thou shalt often converse with them; they shall defend thee from all dangers, heal thy sickness and beat back the power of the destroyer. ... And if thou wilt seek after knowledge, and be sober-minded, thou shalt be like Mormon of old, and shalt be a mighty man in the ministry and a mighty warrior. Thou shalt handle the sword of Laban with such power as to put ten thousand of thine enemies to flight with the help of thy brother. Thy name shall be terrible among thine enemies. ... Thou shalt live to see Israel gathered from the four corners of the earth, to see all the enemies of the Lord swept from off the face of the earth, and cleansed from wickedness, and the Saviour stand upon it; and thou shalt stand in His presence. ...
[Typescript, Michael Marquardt papers]
90 years ago today - Jan 13, 1935
[President Heber J. Grant]
Brother [John] Nicholson felt so outraged on account of being in the penitentiary, althought (sic) a poor man, he decided to mortgage his home and pay the fine rather than spend thirty days there. He remarked he would rather be shot than to go back to the penitentiary. Brother Francis M. Lyman rather enjoyed his rest in the penitentiary. He took it as a big joke. Over his cell was a sign: 'Teeth extracted with pleasure and pain.'
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother [John] Nicholson felt so outraged on account of being in the penitentiary, althought (sic) a poor man, he decided to mortgage his home and pay the fine rather than spend thirty days there. He remarked he would rather be shot than to go back to the penitentiary. Brother Francis M. Lyman rather enjoyed his rest in the penitentiary. He took it as a big joke. Over his cell was a sign: 'Teeth extracted with pleasure and pain.'
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Jan 13, 1890 (Monday)
Idaho's admission as a State and the test oath were argued in the U.S. Senate Committee on Territories. The argument was continued the following day, when "Mormons" were heard.
John W. Stewart, of Vermont, introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to disfranchise all "Mormons."
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
John W. Stewart, of Vermont, introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to disfranchise all "Mormons."
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Jan 13, 1870
Between January and March 1870, thousands of Latter-day Saint women assembled in mass "indignation" meetings to protest federal legislation that proposed to deny U.S. citizenship to anyone practicing plural marriage. On January 13, 1870, between five and six thousand Latter-day Saint women congregated in the Salt Lake City tabernacle. Apparently, no men were present except for reporters. Speaking from the pulpit in the "old" tabernacle, women affirmed that they had become plural wives by their own choice and articulated their vehement objections to the antipolygamy legislation pending in Congress. They declared their rights and appealed for the rights of their husbands, fathers, and brothers.
Public defense of plural marriage by women was potentially the most persuasive form of public relations available to the Saints because it answered the key objection: that plural marriage oppressed women. Latter-day Saints first officially acknowledged their practice of plural marriage in 1852, more than a decade after the first plural marriages were contracted in Nauvoo under the direction of Joseph Smith. After that public announcement, Latter-day Saint women began to defend plural marriage publicly as well as privately. ...
Women in Salt Lake City first held a protest meeting on January 6, 1870, to organize against the Cullom Bill. The bill declared marriage in Utah Territory to be a "civil contract" and modified the territory's judicial structure in order to prosecute, fine, and imprison any man cohabiting "with more than one woman as husband and wife." The Cullom Bill did not become law, though some of its provisions were incorporated into subsequent federal legislation: the 1874 Poland Act, the 1882 Edmunds Act, and the 1887 Edmunds-Tucker Act. ...
[3.13 Minutes of "Great Indignation Meeting," January 13, 1870, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
Public defense of plural marriage by women was potentially the most persuasive form of public relations available to the Saints because it answered the key objection: that plural marriage oppressed women. Latter-day Saints first officially acknowledged their practice of plural marriage in 1852, more than a decade after the first plural marriages were contracted in Nauvoo under the direction of Joseph Smith. After that public announcement, Latter-day Saint women began to defend plural marriage publicly as well as privately. ...
Women in Salt Lake City first held a protest meeting on January 6, 1870, to organize against the Cullom Bill. The bill declared marriage in Utah Territory to be a "civil contract" and modified the territory's judicial structure in order to prosecute, fine, and imprison any man cohabiting "with more than one woman as husband and wife." The Cullom Bill did not become law, though some of its provisions were incorporated into subsequent federal legislation: the 1874 Poland Act, the 1882 Edmunds Act, and the 1887 Edmunds-Tucker Act. ...
[3.13 Minutes of "Great Indignation Meeting," January 13, 1870, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
155 years ago today - Jan 13, 1870
General mass meeting of the ladies of Salt Lake City, to protest against the passage of the Cullom bill.
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
170 years ago today - Jan 13, 1855
[Utah labor unions]
On 13 January 1855 a formalized Typographical Association of Deseret was organized, consisting only of Mormon typographers, who were associated with the church-owned Deseret News. Phineas Young, a brother of Brigham Young, and a local church leader in his own right, was its first president. Involved with the association over the next few years were a number of other church leaders including some apostles and a future church president, Wilford Woodruff.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Labor in Utah, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
On 13 January 1855 a formalized Typographical Association of Deseret was organized, consisting only of Mormon typographers, who were associated with the church-owned Deseret News. Phineas Young, a brother of Brigham Young, and a local church leader in his own right, was its first president. Involved with the association over the next few years were a number of other church leaders including some apostles and a future church president, Wilford Woodruff.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Labor in Utah, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
185 years ago today - (Mon) Jan 13, 1840
About this time Smith reportedly informed Pratt about the principle of polygamy. [Benjamin] Winchester later recalled that Smith was engaged in an illicit affair with a female member, while staying in Philadelphia.
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
190 years ago today - Jan 13, 1835
[Wilford Woodruff]
Leaves Missouri for his first full-time mission, preaching the gospel in Arkansas and Tennessee.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Salt Lake City, Utah]
Leaves Missouri for his first full-time mission, preaching the gospel in Arkansas and Tennessee.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Salt Lake City, Utah]
195 years ago today - Jan 13, 1830
In Abner Cole's weekly Palmyra Reflector, he continues to print Chapter 1 of the First Book of Nephi from the Book of Mormon.
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
195 years ago today - 1830 Jan 13
Palmyra Reflector defiantly continues printing 1 Nephi before the Book of Mormon is published.
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
75 years ago today - Jan 12, 1950
[George Albert Smith] left SLC to stay at Laguna Beach "to rest my nerves" and returned on Feb 27, 1950 - worked on Church matters while there
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
130 years ago today - Saturday, Jan 12, 1895
[John Henry Smith]
H. J. Grant is inclined to believe that he and his brother B. F. Grant has made a rich find of gold in San Louis Valley, Colo.
[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]
H. J. Grant is inclined to believe that he and his brother B. F. Grant has made a rich find of gold in San Louis Valley, Colo.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
130 years ago today - Jan 12, 1895
Benjamin Johnson states that Joseph "put off" polgyamy and waited until an "angel with a drawn sword" came to him.
[Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review, Mesa, Arizona: 21^st Century Printing, 1992, reprint, 95-96; see also Zina Huntington quoted in "Joseph, the Prophet, His Life and Mission as Viewed by Intimate Acquaintances," Salt Lake Herald Church and Farm Supplement, January 12, 1895, 212 as quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review, Mesa, Arizona: 21^st Century Printing, 1992, reprint, 95-96; see also Zina Huntington quoted in "Joseph, the Prophet, His Life and Mission as Viewed by Intimate Acquaintances," Salt Lake Herald Church and Farm Supplement, January 12, 1895, 212 as quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
130 years ago today - Jan 12, 1895
Benjamin Johnson states that Joseph "put off" polgyamy and waited until an "angel with a drawn sword" came to him.
[Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review, Mesa, Arizona: 21^st Century Printing, 1992, reprint, 95-96; see also Zina Huntington quoted in "Joseph, the Prophet, His Life and Mission as Viewed by Intimate Acquaintances," Salt Lake Herald Church and Farm Supplement, January 12, 1895, 212 as quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review, Mesa, Arizona: 21^st Century Printing, 1992, reprint, 95-96; see also Zina Huntington quoted in "Joseph, the Prophet, His Life and Mission as Viewed by Intimate Acquaintances," Salt Lake Herald Church and Farm Supplement, January 12, 1895, 212 as quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
140 years ago today - Jan 12, 1885
[Martha Pane Thomas]
"... the Millerites were preparing a place for the Savior to come and meet with them, on a certain day [March 10, 1844], in that month in Illinois. They were making great preparations by cleaning a certain piece of ground and spreading carpets, etc. Brother Joseph was speaking on the "Resurrection" and the "Second Coming of the Son of God." "You can go and tell Brother Miller he won't come on that day nor the next, nor the next year. In the name of Jesus Christ I prophesy he won't come in forty years." In a [that] moment I desired to live forty years more, and he has not come; I am just as anxious to live to see the next saying of the Prophet fulfilled concerning his coming, as I was the first. He was enquiring of the Lord concerning his second coming; the answer was, "If you live to be (I think it was eighty) years old you will see the face of the Son of God." I am in my seventy-eighth year. I want to live to see that saying fulfilled. But it matters not. If I am faithful I will
see him when he does come. Another saying of the Prophet, which I heard for myself, for I write nothing only what I can testify to."
[Autobiography of Martha Pane Jones Thomas, Lehi, Utah County, January 12, 188, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"... the Millerites were preparing a place for the Savior to come and meet with them, on a certain day [March 10, 1844], in that month in Illinois. They were making great preparations by cleaning a certain piece of ground and spreading carpets, etc. Brother Joseph was speaking on the "Resurrection" and the "Second Coming of the Son of God." "You can go and tell Brother Miller he won't come on that day nor the next, nor the next year. In the name of Jesus Christ I prophesy he won't come in forty years." In a [that] moment I desired to live forty years more, and he has not come; I am just as anxious to live to see the next saying of the Prophet fulfilled concerning his coming, as I was the first. He was enquiring of the Lord concerning his second coming; the answer was, "If you live to be (I think it was eighty) years old you will see the face of the Son of God." I am in my seventy-eighth year. I want to live to see that saying fulfilled. But it matters not. If I am faithful I will
see him when he does come. Another saying of the Prophet, which I heard for myself, for I write nothing only what I can testify to."
[Autobiography of Martha Pane Jones Thomas, Lehi, Utah County, January 12, 188, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
160 years ago today - January 12, 1865
[Heber C. Kimball Revelations]
[probably originally in memorandum book] In the evening of January 12, 1865 I was told by the Lord that I should not be removed from their places. That Daniel H. Wells, Albert Carrington, Jos. A. Young and others were among that number. In the name of the Lord I predict that this will come true.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[probably originally in memorandum book] In the evening of January 12, 1865 I was told by the Lord that I should not be removed from their places. That Daniel H. Wells, Albert Carrington, Jos. A. Young and others were among that number. In the name of the Lord I predict that this will come true.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jan 12, 1845. Sunday.
[William Clayton]
At the Council Hall. Elder H. C. Kimball preached. He used many figures to illustrate his ideas amongst the rest when speaking of the unwillingness of the saints to abide the laws of exaltation. He said that the church was like a swarm of Bees, who when they want to increase the king and queen go and seek a new location and when they have found it they come back to the hive and persuade the young folks out but as soon as they begin to fly the old women and young women run with their old tin Kettles and pans and cow Bells, ti[n]kling to drown the voice of the king and throw them into a confusion and prevent their enlargement. Just so with the saints when any seem disposed to enlarge their kingdom and godhead the old women and young women run with their old kettles and pans and cow Bells to drown the sound of the leaders and throw the saints into confusion and keep them shut up in their old traditions. After he got through, O[rson] Pratt added an idea on the extent and magnitude of
the planetary system and the beautiful adaptation to the enlargement of the saints. It was a very interesting meeting.
...Evening met with the first quorum at Parleys. Joseph Young and his wife were annointed with the second ordinance. D[iantha, his new 16-year-old bride] was at my house when I got home and tarried with us all night.
[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]
At the Council Hall. Elder H. C. Kimball preached. He used many figures to illustrate his ideas amongst the rest when speaking of the unwillingness of the saints to abide the laws of exaltation. He said that the church was like a swarm of Bees, who when they want to increase the king and queen go and seek a new location and when they have found it they come back to the hive and persuade the young folks out but as soon as they begin to fly the old women and young women run with their old tin Kettles and pans and cow Bells, ti[n]kling to drown the voice of the king and throw them into a confusion and prevent their enlargement. Just so with the saints when any seem disposed to enlarge their kingdom and godhead the old women and young women run with their old kettles and pans and cow Bells to drown the sound of the leaders and throw the saints into confusion and keep them shut up in their old traditions. After he got through, O[rson] Pratt added an idea on the extent and magnitude of
the planetary system and the beautiful adaptation to the enlargement of the saints. It was a very interesting meeting.
...Evening met with the first quorum at Parleys. Joseph Young and his wife were annointed with the second ordinance. D[iantha, his new 16-year-old bride] was at my house when I got home and tarried with us all night.
[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]
15 years ago today - 1/11-27/2010
[Same-Sex Marriage]
Perry v. Schwarzenegger opening arguments presented in Federal Courthouse in San Francisco. Although the trial was not broadcast, several livebloggers covered the case and official court transcripts were released daily. Court testimony revealed Mormons were heavily involved in the campaign providing both volunteers and money. Additionally, testimony confirmed that Gary Lawrence and Mark Jansson are LDS.
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
Perry v. Schwarzenegger opening arguments presented in Federal Courthouse in San Francisco. Although the trial was not broadcast, several livebloggers covered the case and official court transcripts were released daily. Court testimony revealed Mormons were heavily involved in the campaign providing both volunteers and money. Additionally, testimony confirmed that Gary Lawrence and Mark Jansson are LDS.
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
20 years ago today - Jan 11, 2005
First-ever global leadership training meeting is transmitted by satellite in 56 languages to more than 97 percent of the Church's priesthood leaders.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
50 years ago today - Jan 11 1975
Church News publishes article decrying Equal Rights Amendment as "not only imperfect, but dangerous," presenting it as a moral issue, not a political one.
[Mark E. Petersen, Equal Rights Amendment; Chronology of Mormon History (Mormon Stories), http://www.mormonstories.org/truth-claims/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
[Mark E. Petersen, Equal Rights Amendment; Chronology of Mormon History (Mormon Stories), http://www.mormonstories.org/truth-claims/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
125 years ago today - Jan 11, 1900
[First Presidency & Quorum of Twelve Minutes]
.... President Cannon ... believed that greater power and gifts would be given to the Apostles, and that this would increase until they should met face to face with the Savior himself. He felt that the day was not far distant when the Savior would meet with His Apostles and instruct them; and that they should prepare for the great events which were coming upon the earth. He knew the Savior was near to us, and that the day would come when the Apostles would be greatly honored of him; and that judgment would be given to the Twelve, as it was given to His Apostles who were with Him in Jerusalem. President Cannon said too, referring to the enemies of Zion, that the predictions concerning them and the wicked generally would be brought about; the Lord would literally burn them up; and the Saints would go on from victory to victory until we should finally triumph. In closing, President Cannon, addressed himself to President Snow. ... President Cannon held that no one Apostle should
undertake to give counsel affecting the interests or well-being of the community; but on the contrary such counsel should be the combined wisdom of as many of the Apostles as could be got together, with the President at their head. This was a critical time, and we needed all the light we could get, and the only safe way to get it, in his opinion, was through the presiding head.
... Before dispersing and immediately following the prayer Elder John Henry Smith asked President Snow if he thought it was wise for the brethren to speak from the public stand on the principle of plural marriage. President Snow answered that the subject should be let alone and that there was too much being said about it already.
This suggested to President Snow the following: Without reference to anyone present, he said, that there were brethren who still seemed to have the idea that it was possible under his administration to obtain a plural wife and have her sealed to him. He authorized and requested the brethren present to correct this impression wherever they find it. He said emphatically that it could not be done.
President Cannon moved that this be accepted as the mind and will of the Lord. Seconded by Brother Lyman and carried unanimously. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
.... President Cannon ... believed that greater power and gifts would be given to the Apostles, and that this would increase until they should met face to face with the Savior himself. He felt that the day was not far distant when the Savior would meet with His Apostles and instruct them; and that they should prepare for the great events which were coming upon the earth. He knew the Savior was near to us, and that the day would come when the Apostles would be greatly honored of him; and that judgment would be given to the Twelve, as it was given to His Apostles who were with Him in Jerusalem. President Cannon said too, referring to the enemies of Zion, that the predictions concerning them and the wicked generally would be brought about; the Lord would literally burn them up; and the Saints would go on from victory to victory until we should finally triumph. In closing, President Cannon, addressed himself to President Snow. ... President Cannon held that no one Apostle should
undertake to give counsel affecting the interests or well-being of the community; but on the contrary such counsel should be the combined wisdom of as many of the Apostles as could be got together, with the President at their head. This was a critical time, and we needed all the light we could get, and the only safe way to get it, in his opinion, was through the presiding head.
... Before dispersing and immediately following the prayer Elder John Henry Smith asked President Snow if he thought it was wise for the brethren to speak from the public stand on the principle of plural marriage. President Snow answered that the subject should be let alone and that there was too much being said about it already.
This suggested to President Snow the following: Without reference to anyone present, he said, that there were brethren who still seemed to have the idea that it was possible under his administration to obtain a plural wife and have her sealed to him. He authorized and requested the brethren present to correct this impression wherever they find it. He said emphatically that it could not be done.
President Cannon moved that this be accepted as the mind and will of the Lord. Seconded by Brother Lyman and carried unanimously. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 11, 1900
[Apostle Rudger Clawson]
.... The tables were then set for the sacrament, and Pres. B. Young, Jr, was mouth in blessing the bread and wine, after which the brethren partook freely of the same. Before the brethren withdrew from the table, Pres. Cannon by request made brief remarks. Said he felt it was a great honor to be associated with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. Felt that we ought to be devoted to the work of the Lord. Said that we were at the threshold of great events and that the time was not far distant, when the Savior would make himself known to us—would converse with and instruct us concerning our duties. ...
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
.... The tables were then set for the sacrament, and Pres. B. Young, Jr, was mouth in blessing the bread and wine, after which the brethren partook freely of the same. Before the brethren withdrew from the table, Pres. Cannon by request made brief remarks. Said he felt it was a great honor to be associated with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. Felt that we ought to be devoted to the work of the Lord. Said that we were at the threshold of great events and that the time was not far distant, when the Savior would make himself known to us—would converse with and instruct us concerning our duties. ...
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Jan 11, 1900
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
Met in Temple at 10. Spoke for 20 m[inutes]. conversation general. One assertion I made while talking That "when the saints received U[nited]. O[rder]. and lived it then will God restore to us the law of celestial marriage." Presidency came at 11 o clock after much talking arranging Con[ference]. & business.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
Met in Temple at 10. Spoke for 20 m[inutes]. conversation general. One assertion I made while talking That "when the saints received U[nited]. O[rder]. and lived it then will God restore to us the law of celestial marriage." Presidency came at 11 o clock after much talking arranging Con[ference]. & business.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
125 years ago today - Jan 11, 1900
[Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff]
.... We partook of the bread and wine, emblems of our Master's body and blood. After the Lord's supper Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow said: so far as I am concerned no plural marriages can be entered into anywhere: in Mexico or elsewhere. John Henry Smith made a speach [sic] in absolute discouragement of the practice anywhere. Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon moved we accept Pres[iden]t. Snow's words as the "word of the Lord". It was seconded and again without any chance to express our feelings and judgment were forced to sustain a motion that some of us were opposed to or be out of harmony with our brethren. I felt forced to sustain this motion and that is why I did it, knowing that if it were not right the responsibility would not rest on me. I absolutely know that a number of the brethren, among them John W. Taylor, Geo[rge]. Teasdale and M[atthias]. F. Cowley entertained feelings in harmony with my own. I owe my exist[e]nce to the princip[le] of Polygamy and I have some intense
feelings regarding the sustaining of that principle. I am indebted to that principle for my life and any time my Father wants my life to defend that principle (and those who practice it in righteousness) God being my helper it is at his command.
Pres[iden]t. Brigham Young [Jr.] came to my desk at the close and said, "Bro[ther]. Woodruff I want to tell you that the time is not far distant when the question of Polygamy will be changed and practiced again." I said I will hold you responsible for that remark Bro[ther]. Young. He answered: "You may!" Apostle M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill in yesterday's meeting prophesied that "the time will never come in the church when polygamist children will not be born." I pray God to give me light on this matter as I feel almost sick about it. I want to and intend to be loyal to my Chief.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary]
.... We partook of the bread and wine, emblems of our Master's body and blood. After the Lord's supper Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow said: so far as I am concerned no plural marriages can be entered into anywhere: in Mexico or elsewhere. John Henry Smith made a speach [sic] in absolute discouragement of the practice anywhere. Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon moved we accept Pres[iden]t. Snow's words as the "word of the Lord". It was seconded and again without any chance to express our feelings and judgment were forced to sustain a motion that some of us were opposed to or be out of harmony with our brethren. I felt forced to sustain this motion and that is why I did it, knowing that if it were not right the responsibility would not rest on me. I absolutely know that a number of the brethren, among them John W. Taylor, Geo[rge]. Teasdale and M[atthias]. F. Cowley entertained feelings in harmony with my own. I owe my exist[e]nce to the princip[le] of Polygamy and I have some intense
feelings regarding the sustaining of that principle. I am indebted to that principle for my life and any time my Father wants my life to defend that principle (and those who practice it in righteousness) God being my helper it is at his command.
Pres[iden]t. Brigham Young [Jr.] came to my desk at the close and said, "Bro[ther]. Woodruff I want to tell you that the time is not far distant when the question of Polygamy will be changed and practiced again." I said I will hold you responsible for that remark Bro[ther]. Young. He answered: "You may!" Apostle M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill in yesterday's meeting prophesied that "the time will never come in the church when polygamist children will not be born." I pray God to give me light on this matter as I feel almost sick about it. I want to and intend to be loyal to my Chief.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary]
130 years ago today - Jan 11, 1895
[Apostle Heber J. Grant]
Called at the President's office and had a chat with Pres[iden]ts Woodruff and Smith at the request of the brethren I told them of our meeting in the Temple yesterday and of the statement of Bro[ther] Thatcher that he had not made the remarks which had been attributed to him in the Paris Post and that he was going to write and have them make a correction.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Called at the President's office and had a chat with Pres[iden]ts Woodruff and Smith at the request of the brethren I told them of our meeting in the Temple yesterday and of the statement of Bro[ther] Thatcher that he had not made the remarks which had been attributed to him in the Paris Post and that he was going to write and have them make a correction.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Jan 11, 1880
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
I find quite a large Number of fine Children among the Saints in Arizona named Wilford. But I am not the father of any of them but am what may be Called the God Father of some of them if blessing them would make me so. And to day I was Called upon to Bless a son of Lot and Allice Ann Richards Smith and He was named Wilford Woodruff Smith.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I find quite a large Number of fine Children among the Saints in Arizona named Wilford. But I am not the father of any of them but am what may be Called the God Father of some of them if blessing them would make me so. And to day I was Called upon to Bless a son of Lot and Allice Ann Richards Smith and He was named Wilford Woodruff Smith.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jan 11 1845
Quorum of 12 reemphasized -the duty of all saints to tithe themselves one-tenth of all they possess when they enter into the new and everlasting covenant: and then one-tenth of their interest, or income, yearly afterwards.
[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/]
45 years ago today - Jan 10, 1980
N. Eldon Tanner, chair of the LDS Personnel Committee, writes all leaders "in Wasatch Front Stakes" to invite members to serve as unpaid volunteers at headquarters. The follow-up letter on 16 Apr. 1981 comments: "Their work has resulted in significant savings to the Church" and asks for more volunteers "with managerial, technical, or clerical skills."
[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 )]]
120 years ago today - Jan 10, 1905
[Lewis Anderson to Lars Christensen]
It affords us much pleasure to hand you herewith a recommend for yourself and wife to the Manti Temple to receive your Second Anointing. We feel that your devotion and service to the Church merits this special favor, and we are sure that you will appreciate it. However, should there be any reason why you cannot avail yourself of this blessing, kindly return the recommend to me. You may visit the Temple for this purpose at any time, but it would not be well to delay it very long. You will, of course, understand that this should not be made a matter of conversation.
[Lewis Anderson to Lars M. C. Christensen, Jan. 10, 1905, copy in Buerger Papers as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
It affords us much pleasure to hand you herewith a recommend for yourself and wife to the Manti Temple to receive your Second Anointing. We feel that your devotion and service to the Church merits this special favor, and we are sure that you will appreciate it. However, should there be any reason why you cannot avail yourself of this blessing, kindly return the recommend to me. You may visit the Temple for this purpose at any time, but it would not be well to delay it very long. You will, of course, understand that this should not be made a matter of conversation.
[Lewis Anderson to Lars M. C. Christensen, Jan. 10, 1905, copy in Buerger Papers as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Jan 10, 1900; Wednesday
[Continuation of apostles' quarterly meeting, John Henry Smith speaking:] Endorsed all that had been said by Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill regarding plural marriage. President Brigham Young [Jr.] said that he did not believe to exceed 10 per cent of the people had ever accepted and practiced the principle of plural marriage. This principle had come to President Joseph Smith with a drawn sword commanding him to practice it and he felt that when President Wilford Woodruff received the revelation of the Manifesto stopping the practice of plural marriage, it was on account of the necessity of preserving the 90 per cent who had failed to receive the principle.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
130 years ago today - Jan 10, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman]
[Council] Pres[ident] Snow made a few remarks upon the case of Bro[ther]s Merrill and Thatcher. The later was late coming in ... At 1:15 commenced the case by bro[ther] A. H. Cannon reading the papers in the case. Bro[ther] Moses was reported in the Paris Idaho Post as saying that "Over in Cash Valley a prominent man an Apostle, got on the stand and said the Presidency of the Church wanted the people to vote a certain way. He was tried for it and had to confess his wrong. The eyes of all Israel were on that case" Bro[ther] Merrill felt it was a thrust at him. Bro[ther] Moses denied saying it. We then concluded he should write and publish a denial of it. All agreed to it but bro[ther]s Moses, Taylor and Cannon. The Latter two took strong ground against it and claimed the Presidency were prejudiced against bro[ther] Moses and were pursuant him. This gave bro[ther] Moses much encouragement. He stood up and lectured us, and told how Pres[ident] Young was jealous of Orson Pratt. Said
the Lord knew it would not answer for him to have a strong body. All the brethren spoke upon the subject. Bro[ther] Moses made counter charges against bro[ther] Merrill for the way he brought the case and manifested much bitterness. Bro[ther] Moses concluded to write what was desired. He adjourned till 11 A.M. next Thursday.
[The next day, Heber J. Grant records:]
Called at the President's office and had a chat with Pres[iden]ts Woodruff and Smith at the request of the brethren I told them of our meeting in the Temple yesterday and of the statement of Bro[ther] Thatcher that he had not made the remarks which had been attributed to him in the Paris Post and that he was going to write and have them make a correction.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Council] Pres[ident] Snow made a few remarks upon the case of Bro[ther]s Merrill and Thatcher. The later was late coming in ... At 1:15 commenced the case by bro[ther] A. H. Cannon reading the papers in the case. Bro[ther] Moses was reported in the Paris Idaho Post as saying that "Over in Cash Valley a prominent man an Apostle, got on the stand and said the Presidency of the Church wanted the people to vote a certain way. He was tried for it and had to confess his wrong. The eyes of all Israel were on that case" Bro[ther] Merrill felt it was a thrust at him. Bro[ther] Moses denied saying it. We then concluded he should write and publish a denial of it. All agreed to it but bro[ther]s Moses, Taylor and Cannon. The Latter two took strong ground against it and claimed the Presidency were prejudiced against bro[ther] Moses and were pursuant him. This gave bro[ther] Moses much encouragement. He stood up and lectured us, and told how Pres[ident] Young was jealous of Orson Pratt. Said
the Lord knew it would not answer for him to have a strong body. All the brethren spoke upon the subject. Bro[ther] Moses made counter charges against bro[ther] Merrill for the way he brought the case and manifested much bitterness. Bro[ther] Moses concluded to write what was desired. He adjourned till 11 A.M. next Thursday.
[The next day, Heber J. Grant records:]
Called at the President's office and had a chat with Pres[iden]ts Woodruff and Smith at the request of the brethren I told them of our meeting in the Temple yesterday and of the statement of Bro[ther] Thatcher that he had not made the remarks which had been attributed to him in the Paris Post and that he was going to write and have them make a correction.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Jan 10, 1890
[President Wilford Woodruff]
.... We also Met with the Brethren & Architect and discussed the Subject of Heating the [Salt Lake] Temple whether with Hot water or with Steam. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... We also Met with the Brethren & Architect and discussed the Subject of Heating the [Salt Lake] Temple whether with Hot water or with Steam. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Jan 10, 1880
[Patriarchal Blessing of Martha Cox]
.... You will become a prophetess, and the glory of the Highest will rest abundantly upon you. You will go with your husband to the Center State of Zion, for there will be your inheritance. You will have prepared for you a mansion that will be very great, and in that you will see the Lamb of God, and, will talk with him face to face, and a part of His glory will rest abundantly upon you. Your children will witness and receive a part of that glory. And strangers from a far country will visit you and your posterity, and they will eat and drink with you and will tell you many things. They will hand you a roll of your dead, and in that will be the name of your dead & theirs. You will go with your husband and children into the Temple of the Lord, and there you will accomplish a great and mighty work for your dead for they are crying for help to day to redeem them out of their prison, for the Gospel of the Lamb of God has been preached to them. ...
You will witness the return of the ten tribes from the North. You will see John the beloved disciple of Jesus, and you will receive a word f comfort from him. And his glory will be round about you, and when your eyes behold him, you will know him by name. ... You will wait patiently for the coming of the Son of Man and will see Him and His Saints with Him for you will be caught up to meet them and return with them to that great feast the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. You will sit down at the table with your family and partake of its rich bounties. There you will see the Lamb of God in His Glory and you will receive a part of His likeness. And I bless you in your body that it may become strong to accomplish this work with an eye single to His Glory. I seal you up to eternal life, and upon your head a crown of Glory that will never fade away, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessing of Martha Cox by William G. Perkins]
.... You will become a prophetess, and the glory of the Highest will rest abundantly upon you. You will go with your husband to the Center State of Zion, for there will be your inheritance. You will have prepared for you a mansion that will be very great, and in that you will see the Lamb of God, and, will talk with him face to face, and a part of His glory will rest abundantly upon you. Your children will witness and receive a part of that glory. And strangers from a far country will visit you and your posterity, and they will eat and drink with you and will tell you many things. They will hand you a roll of your dead, and in that will be the name of your dead & theirs. You will go with your husband and children into the Temple of the Lord, and there you will accomplish a great and mighty work for your dead for they are crying for help to day to redeem them out of their prison, for the Gospel of the Lamb of God has been preached to them. ...
You will witness the return of the ten tribes from the North. You will see John the beloved disciple of Jesus, and you will receive a word f comfort from him. And his glory will be round about you, and when your eyes behold him, you will know him by name. ... You will wait patiently for the coming of the Son of Man and will see Him and His Saints with Him for you will be caught up to meet them and return with them to that great feast the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. You will sit down at the table with your family and partake of its rich bounties. There you will see the Lamb of God in His Glory and you will receive a part of His likeness. And I bless you in your body that it may become strong to accomplish this work with an eye single to His Glory. I seal you up to eternal life, and upon your head a crown of Glory that will never fade away, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessing of Martha Cox by William G. Perkins]
155 years ago today - Jan 10, 1870
This is a great day in Utah. Some Twelve or Fifteen thousand of the Inhabitants of the City of salt Lake & surrounding Country of Men women & children assembled around the Rail Road Depo to Celibrate the Building of the Utah Central Rail Road & to see the last rail laid & the last spike driven By President Brigham Young. This rail Road was Built By the Hard labouring Men of the Latter Day Saints from Ogden to Salt Lake City about 40 Miles distant. There were preset in the Assembly the Bands of Music from the City, Camp Duglass Band & many others. There were present on the Stand the first Presidency the Twelve Apostles, The officers of the Union & Central Pacific Rail Road & of the Utah Central Rail Road with Many invited guest including the officers of Camp Duglass.
The last spike was driven By President Young. A large steel Mallet was used on the occasion made By Mr James Lawson. It was Elegantly Cha[-]ed on the top. There was Engraved a Beehive surmounted By the inscription Holiness to the Lord. Underneath the Beehive were the letters U.C.R.R. ...
Just Before the Ceremony of laying the last rail Commenced, the sun, which during the whole day, had Been Completely Concealed By Clouds burst forth with unclouded Brilliancy as if determined to Enhance the general Joy By his genial rays. After the performance of the Ceremony which took place about 9 minuts past 2 oclok a salute of 37 guns /was given/ one for Each mile of the road when Capt Croxall's Brass Band burst forth with their Enlivening strains after which the following Prayer was offered By Elder Wilford Woodruff:
O, God ... We dedicate this Rail Road unto thee, the Lord our God. We pray that thy Blessings may rest upon it...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The last spike was driven By President Young. A large steel Mallet was used on the occasion made By Mr James Lawson. It was Elegantly Cha[-]ed on the top. There was Engraved a Beehive surmounted By the inscription Holiness to the Lord. Underneath the Beehive were the letters U.C.R.R. ...
Just Before the Ceremony of laying the last rail Commenced, the sun, which during the whole day, had Been Completely Concealed By Clouds burst forth with unclouded Brilliancy as if determined to Enhance the general Joy By his genial rays. After the performance of the Ceremony which took place about 9 minuts past 2 oclok a salute of 37 guns /was given/ one for Each mile of the road when Capt Croxall's Brass Band burst forth with their Enlivening strains after which the following Prayer was offered By Elder Wilford Woodruff:
O, God ... We dedicate this Rail Road unto thee, the Lord our God. We pray that thy Blessings may rest upon it...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
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