[J. Reuben Clark]
Late in afternoon went for ride with Pres Grant: suggested trying out paying for line to Los Angeles and perhaps Southern Idaho during Conference and broadcasting one full conference. I pointed out that increasingly few'proportionately'of our people came to Conference: that few saw one Conference pamphlet: that few sermons were printed in Deseret News our ordinary magazines: that few took the Deseret News: that the old time method of Presidents of Stakes and bishops returning and giving accounts was largely in discard and so few people really knew what went on at Conference. My suggestion was aimed to cure that. He approved. I said I would investigate costs.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
105 years ago today - Mar 9, 1921
[Heber J. Grant]
Played volley ball from after lunch until about three p.m., having nearly an hour of pleasure. I play this game almost as a matter of duty to keep myself in proper trim physically; at the same time I thoroughly enjoy it. ...
Had a long meeting at 4:15 with John M. Whitaker and a young lady who confided in me after Bro. Whitaker had left that she had been married by Patriarch Israel Barlow to John Burt, who is now on a mission in Great Britain. It is little less than wonderful to me that the people can be deceived the way they are to attempt to enter into plural marriage, and how on earth a Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with any sense at all, after all the teachings that have been given in public and private, can persist in performing marriage ceremonies is beyond my comprehension.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Played volley ball from after lunch until about three p.m., having nearly an hour of pleasure. I play this game almost as a matter of duty to keep myself in proper trim physically; at the same time I thoroughly enjoy it. ...
Had a long meeting at 4:15 with John M. Whitaker and a young lady who confided in me after Bro. Whitaker had left that she had been married by Patriarch Israel Barlow to John Burt, who is now on a mission in Great Britain. It is little less than wonderful to me that the people can be deceived the way they are to attempt to enter into plural marriage, and how on earth a Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with any sense at all, after all the teachings that have been given in public and private, can persist in performing marriage ceremonies is beyond my comprehension.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
130 years ago today - Mar 9, 1896
Senator [George F.] Hoar reported from the United Senate Committee on the Judiciary a substitute for Senator [Frank J.] Cannon's Joint Resolution, respecting the property of the Church seized under the Edmunds Act. The substitute grants conveys the Church property held by the Receiver, to the Church after payment of the expense of the Receivership. Gov[enor]. [Heber M.] Wells today in approving an Act of the State Legislature entitling the issue of polygamous marriages, born previous to March 3, 1883, to inherit a distributed share of their father's estate, recommended the removal of whatever legal ban might exist against the issue of polygamous marriages up to one year succeeding the date of the Amnesty Proclamation of the President, or what would be better, up to the date of the admission of Utah into the Union.
[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]
140 years ago today - March 9 or 10, 1886
[Heber J. Grant]
Prest Taylor put his arm on my shoulder just as I was leaving and blessed me said I should be prospered in my financial matters if I continued to labor desiring the advancement of God's Kingdom. Said he felt that I had been blessed in my labors in disposing of the Church's stock, in such a short time. He said many encouraging things to me. In fact his remarks were more encouraging than any I have ever had from him since I entered the Quorum. Many times I have wondered if he did not lack confidence in me he seemed generally so cold and distant in comparison to Bros Lyman, Jno Hy & Jos F Smith & some of my other brethren. I feel truly thankful to have such encouraging remarks from the President and with God's help I shall try to so order my life that my brethren presiding over me shall feel to approve of my labors.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Prest Taylor put his arm on my shoulder just as I was leaving and blessed me said I should be prospered in my financial matters if I continued to labor desiring the advancement of God's Kingdom. Said he felt that I had been blessed in my labors in disposing of the Church's stock, in such a short time. He said many encouraging things to me. In fact his remarks were more encouraging than any I have ever had from him since I entered the Quorum. Many times I have wondered if he did not lack confidence in me he seemed generally so cold and distant in comparison to Bros Lyman, Jno Hy & Jos F Smith & some of my other brethren. I feel truly thankful to have such encouraging remarks from the President and with God's help I shall try to so order my life that my brethren presiding over me shall feel to approve of my labors.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
180 years ago today - Mar 9, 1846
.... It was also decided to light up the loads of the Artillery by burying up the ball & shot in the ground and getting them some other tim
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
185 years ago today - Mar 9, 1841 (Tuesday)
[Joseph Smith]
.... However there is a prist-Hood with the Holy Ghost & Key—the Holy Ghost over shadows you & witness unto you of the authority & the Gifts of the Holly Ghost—he said was the provence of the Father to preside as the Chief or President—Jesus as the Mediator & Holy Ghost as the testator or witness—the Son Had a Tabernicle & so had the father But the Holly Ghost is a personage of spirit without tabernicle the Great God has a name By wich He will be Called which is Ahman—also in asking have Referance to a personage Like Adam for God made Adam Just in his own Image Now this a key for you to know how to ask & obtain. ...
[McIntire Minute Book -Words of Joseph Smith, 64-65]
.... However there is a prist-Hood with the Holy Ghost & Key—the Holy Ghost over shadows you & witness unto you of the authority & the Gifts of the Holly Ghost—he said was the provence of the Father to preside as the Chief or President—Jesus as the Mediator & Holy Ghost as the testator or witness—the Son Had a Tabernicle & so had the father But the Holly Ghost is a personage of spirit without tabernicle the Great God has a name By wich He will be Called which is Ahman—also in asking have Referance to a personage Like Adam for God made Adam Just in his own Image Now this a key for you to know how to ask & obtain. ...
[McIntire Minute Book -Words of Joseph Smith, 64-65]
60 years ago today - Mar 8, 1966
J. Reese Hunter, chair of the [Birch Society - Robert] Welch dinner meeting, mailed a "Dear Brethren" letter to stake presidents and bishops inviting them to attend "with your counselors and wives."
[J. Reese Hunter to "Dear Brethren," 8 Mar. 1966, LDS archives, photocopy in Williams Papers; Utah Forum For the American Idea, "Program," 11 Feb. 1966, Williams Papers. 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.]
[J. Reese Hunter to "Dear Brethren," 8 Mar. 1966, LDS archives, photocopy in Williams Papers; Utah Forum For the American Idea, "Program," 11 Feb. 1966, Williams Papers. 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 8, 1966
Elders Peterson and Lee read to McKay the minutes of the First Presidency meeting of February 18, in which he had unambiguously ordered Petersen to stop the printing of his picture on the magazine. Without mentioning Benson by name, McKay replied, "They have resorted to everything they could to get me associated with that." Tanner said, "One reason we thought we should come this morning is if you thought it should be stopped we ought to get word to them immediately." McKay replied, "You get them by telephone. Tell them I do not want anything to do with it, that I do not want my name associated with [the] John Birch [Society]." Tanner then showed McKay the issue of American Opinion with Benson's picture on the front cover and said, "That is the way they would want to put your picture, and even if they have it printed they could put a new cover on without any trouble." McKay replied, "I do not want my picture on it. Stop it!"
At McKay's direction, his son Lawrence then phoned the editorial office of American Opinion and required that they stop the publication of McKay's picture "no matter what the cost."
[David O. McKay diary; Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
At McKay's direction, his son Lawrence then phoned the editorial office of American Opinion and required that they stop the publication of McKay's picture "no matter what the cost."
[David O. McKay diary; Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
115 years ago today - Mar 8, 1911
[Joseph F. Smith & Anthon Lund]
"In answer to the first question we have no hesitance in saying that every member of the Church should endeavor to observe the Word of Wisdom as near as he and she can do so consistently; and inasmuch as a member does this and is otherwise worthy he should not be denied the blessings of the house of the Lord.
Answering the second question we will say that an adult male member of the Church who does not believe in the law of tithing is unworthy to bear the holy Melchizedek priesthood, and without that priesthood he is not qualified to enter the house of the Lord. A member of the Church who is an elder and a non-tithe-payer is not worthy [of] the fellowship of the quorum to which he belongs, and the quorum might consistently withdraw their fellowship from such a member. In this connection we perhaps ought to say that bishops can well afford to be lenient and merciful, especially to young men who may have been neglectful in obeying the law of tithing, who give promise of doing better and of keeping the law.
[Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund to Robert D. Young, Mar. 8, 1911, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
"In answer to the first question we have no hesitance in saying that every member of the Church should endeavor to observe the Word of Wisdom as near as he and she can do so consistently; and inasmuch as a member does this and is otherwise worthy he should not be denied the blessings of the house of the Lord.
Answering the second question we will say that an adult male member of the Church who does not believe in the law of tithing is unworthy to bear the holy Melchizedek priesthood, and without that priesthood he is not qualified to enter the house of the Lord. A member of the Church who is an elder and a non-tithe-payer is not worthy [of] the fellowship of the quorum to which he belongs, and the quorum might consistently withdraw their fellowship from such a member. In this connection we perhaps ought to say that bishops can well afford to be lenient and merciful, especially to young men who may have been neglectful in obeying the law of tithing, who give promise of doing better and of keeping the law.
[Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund to Robert D. Young, Mar. 8, 1911, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Mar 8, 1906
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
The apostles met and had a long talk over the situation of John W. Taylor, M. F. Cowley and J. M. Tanner. We came to the conclusion to suspend the[m] or rather to accept their resignation.
[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]
The apostles met and had a long talk over the situation of John W. Taylor, M. F. Cowley and J. M. Tanner. We came to the conclusion to suspend the[m] or rather to accept their resignation.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - Mar 8, 1891
John Morgan [spoke] on the danger of our young "politicians "losing their heads" in their political strifes.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Mar 8, 1866 (Thursday)
Carl Widerborg, president of the Scandinavian Mission, was arrested in Copenhagen, Denmark, on a trumped up charge of seduction. After five days' imprisonment he was released, and shortly after honorably acquitted.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Mar 8, 1846
Apostle William Smith: Returned to Nauvoo ... joined with mother [Lucy Mack Smith] in signing back-dated statement of Smith family supporting James J. Strang
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
190 years ago today - Mar 8, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Sarah Harmon given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou shalt see much calamity come on this generation. & great things shall take place in thy day. Zion shall be built up a holy city. the glory of God rest on the land. & wickedness shall be destroyed from off the face of the earth, thou shalt see the desires of thy Soul & be Satisfeid if thou desire thou shalt tarry till the Redeamer [Redeemer] comes. and thou Shalt see him in the flesh. an[d] thy blessings shall be on the blessing of thy husband in this thing also. & thou Shalt triumph over the grave. ... an[d] I seal thee up unto eternal life in the nam[e] of Jesus. Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
190 years ago today - Mar 8, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Oliver Harmon given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou Shalt have power over death & the grave & not sleep in the dust, but if thou wilt seek with all thy heart thou shalt be able to translate & be with Elijah in the Kingdom of heaven. & if not then God['s] will shall be done. thou shalt have power to save thy relatives & keep them by faith from all the power of satan so that he Shall have no dominion over them. these blessings I seal for thee. & I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of Jesus Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
195 years ago today - Mar 8, 1831
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith stopped his Old Testament translation at Genesis 24 and began translating the Gospel of Matthew.
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
115 years ago today - Mar 7, 1911
Apostle Anthony W. Ivins writes to his son, Grant, "You can count on it[-]I have never performed a marriage seremony [sic] without proper authority" Apostle Ivins performed numerous post-manifesto plural marriages.
The First Presidency "visited the [Salt Lake] Temple and gave orders for the placing of more toilets in that building."
The First Presidency "visited the [Salt Lake] Temple and gave orders for the placing of more toilets in that building."
125 years ago today - Mar 7, 1901
[Abraham O. Woodruff]
Attended the regular meeting of the Presidentcy and Apostles. ... We discussed at length the question. Does a Deacon hold all of the A[a]ronic Priesthood? Most of the Brethren took the view that a deacon does not hold but part of the Priesthood and that when a Deacon is ordained a Teacher or a Priest he gets more of the Priesthood. Pres[iden]t. Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], John Henry Smith & I did not agree with this view but held that there are but two Priesthoods and that when a man is ordained a Deacon he receives the A[a]ronic Priesthood and when he ordained an elder he receives the Melchesedek Priesthood (and not a part of it). We hold that the offices such as Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Elder, Seventy, High Priest & Apostle are appendages to the priesthood and that any one who holds any one of these offices must needs hold the A[a]ronic or Melch[izedek]. Priesthood. Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow did not make a ruling though will do no doubt at an early date.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Attended the regular meeting of the Presidentcy and Apostles. ... We discussed at length the question. Does a Deacon hold all of the A[a]ronic Priesthood? Most of the Brethren took the view that a deacon does not hold but part of the Priesthood and that when a Deacon is ordained a Teacher or a Priest he gets more of the Priesthood. Pres[iden]t. Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], John Henry Smith & I did not agree with this view but held that there are but two Priesthoods and that when a man is ordained a Deacon he receives the A[a]ronic Priesthood and when he ordained an elder he receives the Melchesedek Priesthood (and not a part of it). We hold that the offices such as Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Elder, Seventy, High Priest & Apostle are appendages to the priesthood and that any one who holds any one of these offices must needs hold the A[a]ronic or Melch[izedek]. Priesthood. Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow did not make a ruling though will do no doubt at an early date.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
135 years ago today - Mar 7, 1891
[George Q. Cannon]
"Do not, brethren, put your trust in man though he be a Bishop, an apostle or a president; if you do, they will fail you at some time or place; they will do wrong or seem to, and your support will be gone; but if we lean on God, He will NEVER fail us. When men and women depend upon GOD ALONE and trust in HIM ALONE, their faith will not be shaken if the highest in the Church should step aside"
[George Q. Cannon, DW 43:322 [Mar 7, 1891]]
"Do not, brethren, put your trust in man though he be a Bishop, an apostle or a president; if you do, they will fail you at some time or place; they will do wrong or seem to, and your support will be gone; but if we lean on God, He will NEVER fail us. When men and women depend upon GOD ALONE and trust in HIM ALONE, their faith will not be shaken if the highest in the Church should step aside"
[George Q. Cannon, DW 43:322 [Mar 7, 1891]]
185 years ago today - Mar 7, 1841
According to Zina Huntington, shortly after Apostle Brigham Young's return to Nauvoo in July 1841, he re-performed her polygamous sealing to the Prophet. - Thus, Zina Huntington was Joseph Smith's plural wife for ten months before her civil marriage to Henry Jacobs on 7 March 1841.
["HYMENIAL," Times and Seasons 2 (1 April 1841): 374; "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
["HYMENIAL," Times and Seasons 2 (1 April 1841): 374; "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
190 years ago today - Mar 7, 1836
In Professor Seixas' class, Joseph translates Genesis 17. Seixas agrees to teach three more weeks after a vacation of two weeks.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
195 years ago today - Mar 7, 1831
"For a long time in the vicinity of Palmyra, there has existed an impression, especially among certain loose classes of society, that treasures of great amount were concealed near the surface of the earth, probably by the Indians, whom they were taught to consider the descendants of the ten lost Israelitish tribes, by the celebrated Jew who a few years since promised to gather Abraham's sons on Grand Island, thus to be made a Paradise. The ignorance and superstition of these fanatics soon conjured up a ghost, who they said was often seen and to whom was committed the care of the precious deposit. ... One Joseph Smith, a perfect ignoramus, is to be a great prophet of the Lord, the fabled ghost the angel of his presence, a few of the accomplices the apostles or witnesses of the imposition, and, to fill up the measure of their wickedness and the absurdity of their proceedings, the hidden golden treasure, is to be a golden bible and a new revelation. This golden bible consisted of
metallic plates six or seven inches square, of the thickness of tin and resembling gold, the surface of which was covered with hieroglyphic characters, unintelligible to Smith, the finder, who could not read English. However the angel (ghost!) that discovered the plates to him, likewise informed him that he would be inspired to translate the inscriptions without looking at the plates while an amanuensis would record his infallible reading; all which was accordingly done. But now the book must be published, the translation of the inscriptions which Smith was authorized to show to no man save a few accomplices, who subscribe a certificate of these pretended facts at the end of the volume. Truly a wise arrangement!"
[David S. Burnett account, 7 March 1831, in Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates]
metallic plates six or seven inches square, of the thickness of tin and resembling gold, the surface of which was covered with hieroglyphic characters, unintelligible to Smith, the finder, who could not read English. However the angel (ghost!) that discovered the plates to him, likewise informed him that he would be inspired to translate the inscriptions without looking at the plates while an amanuensis would record his infallible reading; all which was accordingly done. But now the book must be published, the translation of the inscriptions which Smith was authorized to show to no man save a few accomplices, who subscribe a certificate of these pretended facts at the end of the volume. Truly a wise arrangement!"
[David S. Burnett account, 7 March 1831, in Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates]
195 years ago today - Mar 7, 1831
An important revelation concerning the salvation of man and the calamities of the last days was given through Joseph Smith, jun., at Kirtland. The Saints were also commanded to gather means wherewith to purchase a land of inheritance on which to build a New Jerusalem. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 45.)
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
195 years ago today - Mar 7, 1831
[D&C 45]
"v.16 concerning the signs of my coming… v.20 And this [Kirtland] Temple which ye now see shall be thrown down that there shall not be left one stone upon another. v.21 And it shall come to pass, that this generation of Jews shall not pass away until every desolation which I have told you concerning them shall come to pass. v.37 Ye look and behold the fig trees, and ye see them with your eyes, and ye say when they begin to shoot forth, and their leaves are yet tender, that summer is now nigh at hand; v.38 Even so it shall be in that day when they shall see all these things, then shall they know that the hour is nigh. v.39 And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man."
[D&C 45: 16-39, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"v.16 concerning the signs of my coming… v.20 And this [Kirtland] Temple which ye now see shall be thrown down that there shall not be left one stone upon another. v.21 And it shall come to pass, that this generation of Jews shall not pass away until every desolation which I have told you concerning them shall come to pass. v.37 Ye look and behold the fig trees, and ye see them with your eyes, and ye say when they begin to shoot forth, and their leaves are yet tender, that summer is now nigh at hand; v.38 Even so it shall be in that day when they shall see all these things, then shall they know that the hour is nigh. v.39 And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man."
[D&C 45: 16-39, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
50 years ago today - Mar 6, 1976
Undoubtedly, Kimball's opposition was behind Benson's non-acceptance of the U.S. presidential nomination from the Concerned Citizens Party in 1976. Involving former members of the American Party (which Benson had publicly endorsed) and LDS members of the Birch Society, the "Concerned Citizens party will be dedicated to individual rights under the Constitution," and proposed to bring God "back into government."
["Party Qualifies For Utah Ballot," Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Mar. 1976, B-5; "LDS Official Says 'No' to Politics," Salt Lake Tribune, 25 Mar. 1976, B-4, and "Party Clarifies Stand on Benson Selection," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Mar 1976, 38. 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.]
["Party Qualifies For Utah Ballot," Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Mar. 1976, B-5; "LDS Official Says 'No' to Politics," Salt Lake Tribune, 25 Mar. 1976, B-4, and "Party Clarifies Stand on Benson Selection," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Mar 1976, 38. 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 6, 1966
BYU Religion professor Rodney Turner, in a speech during a six-stake fireside, quotes a poem: "Women are doormats and have been / The years those mats applaud,- / They keep their men from going in / With muddy feet to God.'" then comments, "I am afraid that is only too true, A man needs that kind of support so that he can go back home without muddy feet. A help meet to God, fulfilling the procreative power that you have; a sustainer of your husband; a homemaker; a rearer of children; and a husband-prodder-these are just a few things you can begin with." The speech, "Woman and the Priesthood" is published as a pamphlet by BYU.
130 years ago today - Mar 6, 1896
President Wilford Woodruff asks Apostle Brigham Young Jr., "Woodruff asked me, "what is your opinion about bro[ther] B. H.] Roberts?" Young answers, "He has passed beyond our help the Lord must handle him." Young writes later, "I found the Presidency felt about the same way." Roberts had been temporarily dropped from the First Quorum of Seventy and suspended from exercising his priesthood and given three weeks to agree to sign the Political Manifesto which states that all church leaders must get permission from above before seeking political office.
140 years ago today - Mar 6, 1886
2,000 LDS women gather at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City to address the reports that they were violating Christian marriage principles. Among other speakers, Ellis Shipp of Salt Lake City, a physician and the first of Milford Shipp's four wives, explains: "True we practice plural marriage, not, however, because we are compelled to, but because we are convinced that it is a divine revelation, and we find in this principle satisfaction, contentment, and more happiness than we could obtain in any other relationship"
145 years ago today - Mar 6, 1881
{William H. and Edmund L. Kelley visited Palmyra and Manchester, New York, and interviewed Thomas H. Taylor, William and Mary Bryant, Danford Booth, Ezra Pierce, Orin Reed, Orlando Saunders, Abel Chase, John H. Gilbert, and Hiram Jackway. They also interviewed John Stafford in Rochester. Notes of these interviews were written in pencil in a small notebook, apparently in the handwriting of William Kelley.}
... Ezra Peirce. Says Joes[eph] [Smith] did not know any thing more about Hyglyerics [hieroglyphics][.] Lyman Cowdry was a Lawyer. O[liver]. Cowd[r]y [was a] School Teacher. Characters good. ["]I know that Joe Smith was ignorant." Has pulled sticks with Joes[eph] for a gallon of Brandy but never knew [him] to get drunk. ... Orlando Saunders. Say 78 year old in April[.] Smiths worked for him and they were good fellows to work[.] Hyram and the old man were coopers[.] very good people. Every bod[y] drank in those days and the Smith[s] drank also. but they never got drunk. They were the best family in the neighborhood in case of sickness. One was at my house nearly all the time when my father died. Martin Haris was [remainder of sentence written sideways on page] one of the first ones of the Town.
Able D. Chase. 67 years old. Old man Smith was a cooper[.] Alvin was the oldest [-] 6 boy[s] 2 girls--&c Alvin[,] Hyr[am]--Josep[h][,] [Samuel] Harrison[,] Wm & Carlos. Every one drank. I was young and dont remember only general character--poorly educated[,] ignorant and selfish--super=sticious Shif[t]less but do a good days work.... Jo[sep]h [Smith] got a [singular] looking stone which was dug up out of my fathers well[.] A sister that [had] a stone she could see in, but it was not the one that Smith had ...
Lorenzo Saunders says [Sidney] Rigdon was in the neighborhood befor[e] B[ook] of M[ormon] was published 18 months[.] Lorenzo Saunders lives in New Adrian[,] Mich. James T. Cob[b] of Salt Lake writes <<Corresponds>> with Colonel Gilbert He knew Lyman and Oliver [Cowdery][.] Lyman was a petifogger[.] Oliver was a school teacher--[Martin] Harris was a very honest farmer but very supersticious--He saw the Book with his spiritual eyes. 79 years of age.
Hyram Jackway 65-6 [year old][.] Saw Joe and his Father Drunk in a hay field[.] Knows nothing about them stealing. Stafford was a Sailor. Wm S=tafford He was the one that furnished the Black Sheep. [-] Smiths translated in the farm hous[e]. Maj Gilbert said they translated in a cave Hyrum and his Father owed Mr. Jaynes 150$ Martin Harris was an honest man[.]...
He [Joseph Smith] was a real clever jovial boy--What [Pomeroy] Tucker said about them was false absolutely--My father was never connected with them in any way--Smiths with others were hunting for money previous to obtaining plates[.] My father Wm S[tafford]. had stone which some thought they could look through--and Old Mrs. S[mith]. came there for it but never go it.--76 years old--... I lived a mile from them. My father is said to have furnished a sheep--but I dont think my father was there at [the] time they say [the] sheep was sacrificed-- Cousin Christopher Stafford [of] Aburn[,] Geauga Co. Ohio, Oliver Cowdry Taught school in house 3 1/2 miles from Palmyry--Cowdry good Character. [Martin] Harris not very religious before B[ook] of M[ormon]--was an Honorable farmer. Dont know whether he was skeptic=al or visionary--old Joe claimed he understood Geology and could tell all kinds of minerals--& they fixed up a dose for him. Joe was quite illit[erate]--until after they
began to have school at their house--and they had school at at their house. ... Saw them dig 3 or 4 years before B[ook of Mormon] was found--Joe not there--The neighbors use to Claim Sally Chase Could look through stone she had & find money--Willard Chase use to dig when she found where the money was[.] Peaceable among themselves--<<old woman>> Had a great deal [of] faith [that] their Child[ren]. was going to do something great. ...
[William Kelley, Notebook, No. 5, 1-16, William H. Kelley Papers, RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Kelley Notes]
... Ezra Peirce. Says Joes[eph] [Smith] did not know any thing more about Hyglyerics [hieroglyphics][.] Lyman Cowdry was a Lawyer. O[liver]. Cowd[r]y [was a] School Teacher. Characters good. ["]I know that Joe Smith was ignorant." Has pulled sticks with Joes[eph] for a gallon of Brandy but never knew [him] to get drunk. ... Orlando Saunders. Say 78 year old in April[.] Smiths worked for him and they were good fellows to work[.] Hyram and the old man were coopers[.] very good people. Every bod[y] drank in those days and the Smith[s] drank also. but they never got drunk. They were the best family in the neighborhood in case of sickness. One was at my house nearly all the time when my father died. Martin Haris was [remainder of sentence written sideways on page] one of the first ones of the Town.
Able D. Chase. 67 years old. Old man Smith was a cooper[.] Alvin was the oldest [-] 6 boy[s] 2 girls--&c Alvin[,] Hyr[am]--Josep[h][,] [Samuel] Harrison[,] Wm & Carlos. Every one drank. I was young and dont remember only general character--poorly educated[,] ignorant and selfish--super=sticious Shif[t]less but do a good days work.... Jo[sep]h [Smith] got a [singular] looking stone which was dug up out of my fathers well[.] A sister that [had] a stone she could see in, but it was not the one that Smith had ...
Lorenzo Saunders says [Sidney] Rigdon was in the neighborhood befor[e] B[ook] of M[ormon] was published 18 months[.] Lorenzo Saunders lives in New Adrian[,] Mich. James T. Cob[b] of Salt Lake writes <<Corresponds>> with Colonel Gilbert He knew Lyman and Oliver [Cowdery][.] Lyman was a petifogger[.] Oliver was a school teacher--[Martin] Harris was a very honest farmer but very supersticious--He saw the Book with his spiritual eyes. 79 years of age.
Hyram Jackway 65-6 [year old][.] Saw Joe and his Father Drunk in a hay field[.] Knows nothing about them stealing. Stafford was a Sailor. Wm S=tafford He was the one that furnished the Black Sheep. [-] Smiths translated in the farm hous[e]. Maj Gilbert said they translated in a cave Hyrum and his Father owed Mr. Jaynes 150$ Martin Harris was an honest man[.]...
He [Joseph Smith] was a real clever jovial boy--What [Pomeroy] Tucker said about them was false absolutely--My father was never connected with them in any way--Smiths with others were hunting for money previous to obtaining plates[.] My father Wm S[tafford]. had stone which some thought they could look through--and Old Mrs. S[mith]. came there for it but never go it.--76 years old--... I lived a mile from them. My father is said to have furnished a sheep--but I dont think my father was there at [the] time they say [the] sheep was sacrificed-- Cousin Christopher Stafford [of] Aburn[,] Geauga Co. Ohio, Oliver Cowdry Taught school in house 3 1/2 miles from Palmyry--Cowdry good Character. [Martin] Harris not very religious before B[ook] of M[ormon]--was an Honorable farmer. Dont know whether he was skeptic=al or visionary--old Joe claimed he understood Geology and could tell all kinds of minerals--& they fixed up a dose for him. Joe was quite illit[erate]--until after they
began to have school at their house--and they had school at at their house. ... Saw them dig 3 or 4 years before B[ook of Mormon] was found--Joe not there--The neighbors use to Claim Sally Chase Could look through stone she had & find money--Willard Chase use to dig when she found where the money was[.] Peaceable among themselves--<<old woman>> Had a great deal [of] faith [that] their Child[ren]. was going to do something great. ...
[William Kelley, Notebook, No. 5, 1-16, William H. Kelley Papers, RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Kelley Notes]
185 years ago today - March 1841 (about 6 March)
Section 125 instructed the Saints to build up opposite Nauvoo a city to be named Zarahemla. In addition, the town of Nashville was to be built up.
[Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
190 years ago today - Mar 6, 1836
Joseph Smith goes to Hebrew teacher Joshua Seixas for private instruction. The next two days the "first class" (of which Joseph is a member) translates, from the Hebrew, chapters 17 and 22 of Genesis, both of which deal with Abraham.
195 years ago today - March 6 or 7, 1831
[Revelations]
Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 45. The Son reminds the Father of his blood and suffering. Believers become his sons, perform miracles. Reasons with followers. City of Enoch. Jews to gather to Jerusalem. Fulness of gospel revealed at beginning of the times of the Gentiles. Scourge and desolation at end of times of the Gentiles. Signs of second coming. Resurrection followed by destruction , conversion of the Jews, who weep for persecuting their king. Satan bound , Jesus' return. Wicked will be cast into the fire, righteous receive earthly reward. Joseph to translate the New Testament. Wars begin soon in America. Gather out of the east. Collect funds to purchase inheritance. New Jerusalem a land of peace, safety.
Manuscripts in the Church Archives, one in the hand of Edward Partridge and another in the hand of William E. McLellin, date the revelation March 6, 1831.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 45. The Son reminds the Father of his blood and suffering. Believers become his sons, perform miracles. Reasons with followers. City of Enoch. Jews to gather to Jerusalem. Fulness of gospel revealed at beginning of the times of the Gentiles. Scourge and desolation at end of times of the Gentiles. Signs of second coming. Resurrection followed by destruction , conversion of the Jews, who weep for persecuting their king. Satan bound , Jesus' return. Wicked will be cast into the fire, righteous receive earthly reward. Joseph to translate the New Testament. Wars begin soon in America. Gather out of the east. Collect funds to purchase inheritance. New Jerusalem a land of peace, safety.
Manuscripts in the Church Archives, one in the hand of Edward Partridge and another in the hand of William E. McLellin, date the revelation March 6, 1831.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
30 years ago today - Mar 5, 1996
Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher accepts an honorary doctorate at Brigham Young University.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
105 years ago today - Mar 5, 1921
[Heber J. Grant]
Bishop Nibley remarked that he expected me to appoint my cousin Anthony W. Ivins as my counselor, that there was no doubt in his mind that people generally would expect it, as he considered Bro. Ivins the best informed and wisest man among the Apostles and that he would be the greatest help to me as a counselor. I incidentally remarked that the Presidency would be strictly Democratic, and he said, yes, but thought that would make no difference at all in my choosing my cousin as my counselor. Personally there is no man living who would please me more to have as a counselor than my own relative. However I desire to choose whoever the Lord wishes me to and certainly do not want to make a choice because of any personal preference.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Bishop Nibley remarked that he expected me to appoint my cousin Anthony W. Ivins as my counselor, that there was no doubt in his mind that people generally would expect it, as he considered Bro. Ivins the best informed and wisest man among the Apostles and that he would be the greatest help to me as a counselor. I incidentally remarked that the Presidency would be strictly Democratic, and he said, yes, but thought that would make no difference at all in my choosing my cousin as my counselor. Personally there is no man living who would please me more to have as a counselor than my own relative. However I desire to choose whoever the Lord wishes me to and certainly do not want to make a choice because of any personal preference.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
125 years ago today - Mar 5, 1901
[David H. Cannon] gave instructions in regard to Adam offering signs at the altar. Adam does not offer signs at the altar in the Telestial Room. He did not want any innovations in the endowments. Spoke of Pres[iden]t [Brigham] Young coming to him in vision and giving him important information in relation to his duty; visiting him three times in one night.
[Temple Minute Book, St. George, Mar. 5, 1901, typed excerpts in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Temple Minute Book, St. George, Mar. 5, 1901, typed excerpts in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - Mar 5, 1896
[J. Golden Kimball]
At 10 AM agreeable with appointment met with the Presidency of the Church, Quorum of Apostles, and 1st Council of Seventies at the Temple in the large room occupied by Twelve Apostles. ... The object of the meeting being to consider Elder B. H. Roberts case. ... They agreed that they concurred with the apostles in not sustaining Elder Roberts unless he would humble himself and seek Council from the Pres[idency] of the Church ... Pres[idents]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Pres[ident] Willfo[r]d Woodruff spoke plainly upon the sustaining of the priesthood, and also regarding the position Bro[ther]. Roberts had taken in political matters viz. sep[a]ration of Church and State and Woman Suffrage. Elder Roberts then spoke explaining why he had taken such a course. Justified himself in accepting a nomination from the Democratic party without consulting with the Authorities. Presumed from conversations had with the bretheren that he had their permission, but in accepting a
position in the Herald as Editor without their consent he believed he was wrong. He stated in answer to a question put to him by Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon that he considered it improper to ask council regarding political matters from men who were Republicans, and that it was ill becoming to an American citizen. ... The instance was called to his attention regarding the time he rebelled against the issuance of the Manifesto, You were wrong then, could it not be possible that you were wrong again. He manifested no change, notwithstanding the labors of all the brethren for 8 hours the first meeting and six hours at this meeting; There seemed to be no willingness to follow council. His mind was darkened and he desired the matter to be settled at once. Apostle [Brigham] Young [Jr.], after some talk from the brethren, motion[ed] that Brother Roberts be dropped from the Council of the Seventies, as one of its seven presidents, and be suspended from all action in the functions of the
Priesthood. This meant that even if he repented at some future time he loses his place as one of the 1st council of the Seventies. The Brethren felt reluctant in crowding the matter and Apostle [Heber J.] Grant moved that three weeks from date of this meeting be given Bro[ther] Roberts before action be taken on Apostle Youngs motion. If at the expiration of that time Bro[ther] Roberts could not humble himself before the Quorum above mentioned action was to be taken agreeable with the resolution. It was a most solemn occasion and one that I will never forget...
[J. Golden Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
At 10 AM agreeable with appointment met with the Presidency of the Church, Quorum of Apostles, and 1st Council of Seventies at the Temple in the large room occupied by Twelve Apostles. ... The object of the meeting being to consider Elder B. H. Roberts case. ... They agreed that they concurred with the apostles in not sustaining Elder Roberts unless he would humble himself and seek Council from the Pres[idency] of the Church ... Pres[idents]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Pres[ident] Willfo[r]d Woodruff spoke plainly upon the sustaining of the priesthood, and also regarding the position Bro[ther]. Roberts had taken in political matters viz. sep[a]ration of Church and State and Woman Suffrage. Elder Roberts then spoke explaining why he had taken such a course. Justified himself in accepting a nomination from the Democratic party without consulting with the Authorities. Presumed from conversations had with the bretheren that he had their permission, but in accepting a
position in the Herald as Editor without their consent he believed he was wrong. He stated in answer to a question put to him by Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon that he considered it improper to ask council regarding political matters from men who were Republicans, and that it was ill becoming to an American citizen. ... The instance was called to his attention regarding the time he rebelled against the issuance of the Manifesto, You were wrong then, could it not be possible that you were wrong again. He manifested no change, notwithstanding the labors of all the brethren for 8 hours the first meeting and six hours at this meeting; There seemed to be no willingness to follow council. His mind was darkened and he desired the matter to be settled at once. Apostle [Brigham] Young [Jr.], after some talk from the brethren, motion[ed] that Brother Roberts be dropped from the Council of the Seventies, as one of its seven presidents, and be suspended from all action in the functions of the
Priesthood. This meant that even if he repented at some future time he loses his place as one of the 1st council of the Seventies. The Brethren felt reluctant in crowding the matter and Apostle [Heber J.] Grant moved that three weeks from date of this meeting be given Bro[ther] Roberts before action be taken on Apostle Youngs motion. If at the expiration of that time Bro[ther] Roberts could not humble himself before the Quorum above mentioned action was to be taken agreeable with the resolution. It was a most solemn occasion and one that I will never forget...
[J. Golden Kimball, 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 5, 1886
Joseph Smith III, president of the RLDS church writes: "You know that while I believe father was not the author of Utah polygamy I have not and am not now making the battle against the Utah church on that ground but upon the ground that plural marriage is not of God no matter whoever the revelation, so called, came through or who taught or practiced it."
145 years ago today - Mar 5, 1881
[Wilford Woodruff]
March 5, 1881 This was an important day with me in several respects. I had invited 50 of my Brethren the leading men of this part of the vineyard to meet me in the Temple of the Lord to give them some instruction and to meet them in the Prayer Circle. But my sickness Pain & distress was so severe I was not able to attend although I got ready to go into the Prayer room. A Pain struck me through the Stomach as though a Dart was shot through me and I was in great distress untill the Prayer was Ended. The revelation that was given me in the wilderness was read and they washed their feet & bore Testimony unto God against those men who had Shed the Blood of the Prophets and Apostles and had persecuted the saints. They then went Before the Lord and offered up Prayers from the Altar upon this subject And the Devil seemed Determined that I should have no hand in it and I was kept in great pain untill the servises were over. I was administered to by the Brethren, and Br James Bleak
administered to me the Medicine.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
March 5, 1881 This was an important day with me in several respects. I had invited 50 of my Brethren the leading men of this part of the vineyard to meet me in the Temple of the Lord to give them some instruction and to meet them in the Prayer Circle. But my sickness Pain & distress was so severe I was not able to attend although I got ready to go into the Prayer room. A Pain struck me through the Stomach as though a Dart was shot through me and I was in great distress untill the Prayer was Ended. The revelation that was given me in the wilderness was read and they washed their feet & bore Testimony unto God against those men who had Shed the Blood of the Prophets and Apostles and had persecuted the saints. They then went Before the Lord and offered up Prayers from the Altar upon this subject And the Devil seemed Determined that I should have no hand in it and I was kept in great pain untill the servises were over. I was administered to by the Brethren, and Br James Bleak
administered to me the Medicine.
[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 - Mar 5, 1881
[J.D.T. McAllister]
Bore testimony against wicked at Temple Sat.
At the Temple. Prayer circle. a Meeting of the Priesthood we went forth and washed our feet and bore testimony against the wicked, who have shed the blood of the Prophets and Saints. And those of the present day who desire to make war on the Saints.
[Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Bore testimony against wicked at Temple Sat.
At the Temple. Prayer circle. a Meeting of the Priesthood we went forth and washed our feet and bore testimony against the wicked, who have shed the blood of the Prophets and Saints. And those of the present day who desire to make war on the Saints.
[Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Mar 4, 1891
[Franklin D. Richards]
B[isho]p Tho[ma]s Wallace called spent some 3 hours with us considering politics & the wisest means of presenting the same to the people for their education and enlightenment so that the younger inexperienced may understand & wisely choose which of the national parties to join affinity with I felt blest in enjoining moderation & respect for each others views. Great danger that contention will drive the Holy Spirit from the bosoms of the Elders who indulge in it.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
B[isho]p Tho[ma]s Wallace called spent some 3 hours with us considering politics & the wisest means of presenting the same to the people for their education and enlightenment so that the younger inexperienced may understand & wisely choose which of the national parties to join affinity with I felt blest in enjoining moderation & respect for each others views. Great danger that contention will drive the Holy Spirit from the bosoms of the Elders who indulge in it.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Mar 4, 1886
President John Taylor, living underground to avoid prosecution for polygamy, answers a request from a member: "Your letter asking the priviledge of 2nd anointing for your parents John Perry and Grace Williams Perry who are deceased, has been received. You are at liberty to have them officiated for and receive their 2nd Anointings; but those who officiate for them must be those who have already had that sacred ordinance. By presenting this to Bro. M. W. Merrill he will have the Ordinance attended to. Very respectfully, John Taylor"
[John Taylor to Eliza Perry Benson, Mar. 4, 1886]
[John Taylor to Eliza Perry Benson, Mar. 4, 1886]
145 years ago today - Mar 4, 1881
President Arthur A. Garfield in his inaugural address says, "The Mormon Church not only offends the moral sense of manhood by sanctioning polygamy, but prevents the administration of justice through ordinary instrumentalities of law" After Garfield's assassination, his successor, Chester A. Arthur, proclaims polygamy "this odious crime, so revolting to the moral and religious sense of Christendom."
165 years ago today - Mar 4, 1861
The President [Brigham Young] remarked that Joseph Smith Jun. had predicted 20 years ago that 70 years from that time not one stone would remain on another in the City of New York.
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - Mar 4, 1851 (Tuesday)
The ship Olympus sailed from Liverpool, England, with 245 Saints, bound for Utah, under the direction of Wm. Howell. Some fifty non-Mormon passengers were converted and baptized on the voyage to New Orleans, where the company arrived about April 27th.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
25 years ago today - Mar 3, 2001
Church issued guidelines for the proper use of the church's name in media. The Church's should be referred to by its full name, and the use of "Mormon Church" was discouraged.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
55 years ago today - Mar 3, 1971
The demolition begins of the old tabernacle at Coalville, Utah, formerly on the national register. Mormons and non-Mormons (primarily non-residents of Coalville) waged a court battle and petitioned the First Presidency not to destroy this meeting house now regarded as obsolete by church authorities. The First Presidency publishes a statement in defense of the demolition, which attracts enough attention to merit a feature story in the New York Times.
[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)]]
60 years ago today - Mar 3, 1966
Apostle Benson notified the Twelve's president that President McKay had approved the apostle's acceptance of all invitations to speak at testimonials for the Birch Society's president, Robert Welch. "I feel no compunction to make the Church popular with liberals, socialists, or communists. I do feel responsible to tell the truth," Benson wrote. Of the fact that Mormons were joining the Birch Society and Birchers were becoming Mormons, he added: "and those who love the truth will embrace it without compromise and that is exactly what is happening."
[Ezra Taft Benson to Joseph Fielding Smith, 3 Mar. 1966, MS 4940, LDS archives. 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.]
[Ezra Taft Benson to Joseph Fielding Smith, 3 Mar. 1966, MS 4940, LDS archives. 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 3, 1966
The entire First Presidency decided that "Elder Benson to be told not to mention Birch Society."
["Copy of First Presidency minutes digest 3-3-66," in "Hugh B. Brown's File on the John Birch Society." 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.]
["Copy of First Presidency minutes digest 3-3-66," in "Hugh B. Brown's File on the John Birch Society." 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.]
65 years ago today - Mar 3, 1961
BYU paper DAILY UNIVERSE article, "Archaeologists Explore Probable City Bountiful," claims that BYU expeditions into Central America from 1947 to 1956 have "discovered important evidence bearing on the location of the Book of Mormon city of Bountiful in the Xicalango jungle of western Campeche [as well as] the location of the major Book of Mormon city of Zarahemla in the middle Usumacinta valley"
125 years ago today - Mar 3,1901
Lorenzo Snow promises Salt Lake temple workers that "some of us would go back to Jackson County, Missouri."
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
165 years ago today - Mar 3, 1861
[Brigham Young]
If Christ was to Come now to reign you would not like his dictation as well as you do mine for I am more like you than He is and he would be more strict in his dealings & dictation with you than I am. ... speaking of our government He said Our Nation will not Have a general war all at one & then be settled in a year or two but the spirit of war, madness & disunion will increase for a number of years. They will Commence to fight little by little & keep increase until they will have a general mash up & destruction throughout the Land.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
If Christ was to Come now to reign you would not like his dictation as well as you do mine for I am more like you than He is and he would be more strict in his dealings & dictation with you than I am. ... speaking of our government He said Our Nation will not Have a general war all at one & then be settled in a year or two but the spirit of war, madness & disunion will increase for a number of years. They will Commence to fight little by little & keep increase until they will have a general mash up & destruction throughout the Land.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Mar 3, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff]
Received a mission from President Young to day to prepare and go East in the spring to get the Deseret Alphabet type made & sore [some] books printed in it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Received a mission from President Young to day to prepare and go East in the spring to get the Deseret Alphabet type made & sore [some] books printed in it.
[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 - Tuesday, Mar 3, 1846.
After the encampment, Bishop Miller introduced Dr. Jewett to Dr. Richards in his tent, also President Young. Dr. Jewett gave a long history of experiments on animal magnetism and said it had nearly cured him of infidelity, and he thought the Mormons would understand the principle. President Young told him he did perfectly, that we believed in the Lord's magnetizing, that he magnetized Belthashazer so that he saw the handwriting on the wall.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
190 years ago today - Mar 3, 1836
Joseph Smith authorizes the ordination of African-American Elijah Abel to the office of elder. On Dec. 20 Abel is ordained to the office of Seventy. A skilled carpenter, Abel worked on the Salt Lake Temple but was never allowed to receive his endowments or have his family sealed together because of his race.
195 years ago today - Mar 3, 1831
Smith again writes Hyrum, warning him that creditors again pursuing Smith Sr. for unpaid debts. "Come to Fayette, bring father, do not go through Buffalo for they lie in wait for you."
[Natural Born Seer, Richard Van Wagoner p. 459, Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
[Natural Born Seer, Richard Van Wagoner p. 459, Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
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