Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
55 years ago today - Mar 13, 1971
Thomas S. Ferguson writes: "[Hugh] Nibley's Era articles on the Book of Abraham aren't worth a tinker-first, because he is not impartial, being the commissioned and paid defender of the faith. Second, because he could not, he dated not, he did not, face the true issue: 'Could Joseph Smith translate Egyptian?' I clipped every one of his articles, and have them in a single file-and I have reviewed them-looking in vain for that issue"
85 years ago today - Mar 13, 1941
President Grant said that he and his Counselors had given consideration to the matter of the need'on account of the growth of the Church and the further fact that some of the Brethren are advanced in years and some not in good health'of some provision being made whereby the Brethren of the Twelve might be given some assistance in looking after the work that comes under their jurisdiction. The First Presidency feel that five men should be ordained to the Apostleship, but not to be set apart as members of the Council of the Twelve, nor would it be expected that they would necessarily become members of that Council when a vacancy occurred. President Grant called attention to the fact that President Brigham Young had ordained a number of brethren to the apostleship, and so had Brother Heber C. Kimball, which brethren were not set apart as members of the Council of the Twelve. The President said he would like from each of the Brethren an expression as to his feelings in this matter, and
told them to feel at perfect liberty to express themselves freely and frankly. Joseph Fielding Smith: I have some very decided views. If this is decided upon, of course I will accept it, but it is contrary to my feelings, and I have had these feelings, I suppose, all the time. I have thought of it a good deal since the appointment of Brother [Sylvester Q.] Cannon as he was appointed. ... The Savior appointed Twelve apostles. We have no account of his appointing more either in Palestine or on this Continent. If you will read the Book of Mormon you will find that they ordained apostles to take the place of those who passed on. Evidently their Church was much larger than the Church is today, during the two hundred years when the people were united. I would like to make this statement, which I can verify by the written word, that is by that which is written in the records of the Church: President Brigham Young held the view that the apostleship was greater than the Melchizedek
Priesthood. He ordained secretly some of his sons as apostles, because he thought he was giving them something more than they could get somewhere else; that is, more than if they were ordained high priests, and that was his view. I know that my father was ordained by President Brigham Young and a number of the apostles in a meeting a year before he came into the Council, and I know that was the practice in the days of President Young, but I do not read anywhere, in any of our scriptures, that the Lord has designated assistant apostles, or that we are authorized by revelation to do it. If the Presidency say so and get the inspiration, of course that is sufficient, but I think there is a better way. A man can serve as a counselor in the Presidency of the Church as a High Priest, and he does not have to be ordained an apostle'some have done that'and while they can serve as High Priests in the Presidency of the Church they preside over the Twelve Apostles as high Priests. It seems to
me that a better way would be to appoint'and I am in full accord with the idea of appointing someone to help carry the burden, but the Presidency of this Church can appoint high priests and give them all the authority that is necessary for them to hold, without ordaining them apostles. They can ordain and set apart Presidents of Stakes by the appointment they get from the Presidency of the Church, and under the direction of the Twelve they can set in order anything as High Priests, and I do not see any need at all of ordaining them to the apostleship only as they are called to go into this council. ... [Stephen L Richards agrees with the wisdom of calling assistants, but also agrees with recommendation of Joseph Fielding Smith that they be only high priests.] Elder Richard R. Lyman: I agree certainly with President Grant and the Brethren that some relief is very desirable, that the burden is getting to be pretty heavy for men who are well along in years. Brother [B. H.] Roberts
explained a number of times'I am not familiar enough with the organization to explain it as Brother Joseph Fielding here can do. I am wondering, after what Brother Roberts said, if the Seventies are to be called upon first by the Council of the Twelve to render assistance, if we could not call first upon the Seven Presidents of Seventies. Brother Roberts spoke of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and I have kind of imagined that as the Church developed and developed we might have the Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and this Quorum o Seventies, seventy men. Probably they would be serving and traveling through the Stakes of the Church just the same as the Seven Presidents do now. I do not know whether that is according to the revelation and Church organization. There is another method: As men get older and want to take it a little easier, I am wondering if there would be any reasonable, honorable and profitable way of retiring us who get older, and let younger men come in an
attend to the business. Brother Talmage said: 'Brother Lyman (He and I were pretty intimate), I would feel very greatly relieved if I did not have to go to those meetings in the Temple on Thursday.' We had to carry him up the steps and carry him down the steps. 'You can see the inconsistency of my belonging to a traveling council when I can not step up a half inch or step down a half inch.' I am wondering if men, as they get older, could take it easier and have a little allowance and let young men come here and do the business of the Church. I have absolute faith in the Presidency of the Church; I am for you. Whatever you say I am for it and shall give it my very hearty support. [John A. Widtsoe sees no objection to ordaining extra apostles as the presidency recommends.] [Joseph F. Merrill sees no objection whatever to ordaining extra apostles as the presidency recommends.] Elder Charles A. Callis: I believe, President Grant, that we should speak with our hearts and our mouths,
speak from our hearts. I would go anywhere the First Presidency told me to go, even if I knew that it meant my death. I have never intentionally disobeyed counsel. I am not in favor of ordaining five apostles. If you say so, of course it is all right. It seems a strange procedure. I feel it is going to create confusion in the Church. When Bishop Cannon was appointed we were asked wherever we went what it meant to have an associate apostle. I am fully in accord with Joseph Fielding Smith and Stephen L. Richards; I believe the spirit of the revelations of God is that we keep this Quorum intact. Jesus Christ chose Twelve, and since the days of Brigham Young, Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow, John Taylor, and Heber J. Grant have followed this practice of holding this council intact as a separate Council. I think we have not given the First Council of Seventy enough consideration. They are apostles, the Lord says. If they are apostles why not use them? There are Seven men there, and the
First Quorum of Seventies I believe that that First Council of Seventy should be invested with power to go out into the Stakes and do what we do, because God calls them apostles. Since He has given us these Seven Apostles why seek more? I hope I speak frankly but humbly. If you Brethren say to choose five apostles I am with you and shall support it publicly and privately but I do hope that we will use the apostles we have. I do hope that these five additional apostles will not be appointed, but I do hope that five assistants or six assistants if we need them will be inducted into office or placed here as assistants, but the First Council of Seventy stand out by revelation of God as apostles and I would like to see them used. I believe it in my heart. I believe it would be a departure probably from the revelation. Now I may be wrong but you have asked me to speak my mind. Those are views that I have and I speak them in the fear of the Lord without any feeling of opposition or
contrariness. ... [Albert E. Bowen speaking, in part:] They could be constituted in some way that would give full effect to what is desired to be accomplished, without ordaining them apostles. I think there is a very firm, fixed feeling on the part of the people that Twelve men constitute the Apostles, and I think it would tend to lessen their confidence in the authority of the apostleship if it were multiplied in the manner suggested. I can not help feeling that it would take a certain amount of confidence, and respect and wisdom for the office out of it if they were multiplied. I know the contrary argument would be that if they go out with any lesser authority people will not feel well, they will feel that there is something lacking, but I do not think the danger of that is half so great as the danger I have already pointed out on the other side. Elder Sylvester Q. Cannon: I would like to express myself as being very appreciative of the kindness and consideration of the Brethren
of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve. I realize that the conditions under which I came into this body are different from the regular conditions, and I am trying to qualify in every way. I am willing to sustain whatever the First Presidency consider desirable and necessary in this matter. [Note: Five were in favor, five opposed.]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
told them to feel at perfect liberty to express themselves freely and frankly. Joseph Fielding Smith: I have some very decided views. If this is decided upon, of course I will accept it, but it is contrary to my feelings, and I have had these feelings, I suppose, all the time. I have thought of it a good deal since the appointment of Brother [Sylvester Q.] Cannon as he was appointed. ... The Savior appointed Twelve apostles. We have no account of his appointing more either in Palestine or on this Continent. If you will read the Book of Mormon you will find that they ordained apostles to take the place of those who passed on. Evidently their Church was much larger than the Church is today, during the two hundred years when the people were united. I would like to make this statement, which I can verify by the written word, that is by that which is written in the records of the Church: President Brigham Young held the view that the apostleship was greater than the Melchizedek
Priesthood. He ordained secretly some of his sons as apostles, because he thought he was giving them something more than they could get somewhere else; that is, more than if they were ordained high priests, and that was his view. I know that my father was ordained by President Brigham Young and a number of the apostles in a meeting a year before he came into the Council, and I know that was the practice in the days of President Young, but I do not read anywhere, in any of our scriptures, that the Lord has designated assistant apostles, or that we are authorized by revelation to do it. If the Presidency say so and get the inspiration, of course that is sufficient, but I think there is a better way. A man can serve as a counselor in the Presidency of the Church as a High Priest, and he does not have to be ordained an apostle'some have done that'and while they can serve as High Priests in the Presidency of the Church they preside over the Twelve Apostles as high Priests. It seems to
me that a better way would be to appoint'and I am in full accord with the idea of appointing someone to help carry the burden, but the Presidency of this Church can appoint high priests and give them all the authority that is necessary for them to hold, without ordaining them apostles. They can ordain and set apart Presidents of Stakes by the appointment they get from the Presidency of the Church, and under the direction of the Twelve they can set in order anything as High Priests, and I do not see any need at all of ordaining them to the apostleship only as they are called to go into this council. ... [Stephen L Richards agrees with the wisdom of calling assistants, but also agrees with recommendation of Joseph Fielding Smith that they be only high priests.] Elder Richard R. Lyman: I agree certainly with President Grant and the Brethren that some relief is very desirable, that the burden is getting to be pretty heavy for men who are well along in years. Brother [B. H.] Roberts
explained a number of times'I am not familiar enough with the organization to explain it as Brother Joseph Fielding here can do. I am wondering, after what Brother Roberts said, if the Seventies are to be called upon first by the Council of the Twelve to render assistance, if we could not call first upon the Seven Presidents of Seventies. Brother Roberts spoke of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and I have kind of imagined that as the Church developed and developed we might have the Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and this Quorum o Seventies, seventy men. Probably they would be serving and traveling through the Stakes of the Church just the same as the Seven Presidents do now. I do not know whether that is according to the revelation and Church organization. There is another method: As men get older and want to take it a little easier, I am wondering if there would be any reasonable, honorable and profitable way of retiring us who get older, and let younger men come in an
attend to the business. Brother Talmage said: 'Brother Lyman (He and I were pretty intimate), I would feel very greatly relieved if I did not have to go to those meetings in the Temple on Thursday.' We had to carry him up the steps and carry him down the steps. 'You can see the inconsistency of my belonging to a traveling council when I can not step up a half inch or step down a half inch.' I am wondering if men, as they get older, could take it easier and have a little allowance and let young men come here and do the business of the Church. I have absolute faith in the Presidency of the Church; I am for you. Whatever you say I am for it and shall give it my very hearty support. [John A. Widtsoe sees no objection to ordaining extra apostles as the presidency recommends.] [Joseph F. Merrill sees no objection whatever to ordaining extra apostles as the presidency recommends.] Elder Charles A. Callis: I believe, President Grant, that we should speak with our hearts and our mouths,
speak from our hearts. I would go anywhere the First Presidency told me to go, even if I knew that it meant my death. I have never intentionally disobeyed counsel. I am not in favor of ordaining five apostles. If you say so, of course it is all right. It seems a strange procedure. I feel it is going to create confusion in the Church. When Bishop Cannon was appointed we were asked wherever we went what it meant to have an associate apostle. I am fully in accord with Joseph Fielding Smith and Stephen L. Richards; I believe the spirit of the revelations of God is that we keep this Quorum intact. Jesus Christ chose Twelve, and since the days of Brigham Young, Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow, John Taylor, and Heber J. Grant have followed this practice of holding this council intact as a separate Council. I think we have not given the First Council of Seventy enough consideration. They are apostles, the Lord says. If they are apostles why not use them? There are Seven men there, and the
First Quorum of Seventies I believe that that First Council of Seventy should be invested with power to go out into the Stakes and do what we do, because God calls them apostles. Since He has given us these Seven Apostles why seek more? I hope I speak frankly but humbly. If you Brethren say to choose five apostles I am with you and shall support it publicly and privately but I do hope that we will use the apostles we have. I do hope that these five additional apostles will not be appointed, but I do hope that five assistants or six assistants if we need them will be inducted into office or placed here as assistants, but the First Council of Seventy stand out by revelation of God as apostles and I would like to see them used. I believe it in my heart. I believe it would be a departure probably from the revelation. Now I may be wrong but you have asked me to speak my mind. Those are views that I have and I speak them in the fear of the Lord without any feeling of opposition or
contrariness. ... [Albert E. Bowen speaking, in part:] They could be constituted in some way that would give full effect to what is desired to be accomplished, without ordaining them apostles. I think there is a very firm, fixed feeling on the part of the people that Twelve men constitute the Apostles, and I think it would tend to lessen their confidence in the authority of the apostleship if it were multiplied in the manner suggested. I can not help feeling that it would take a certain amount of confidence, and respect and wisdom for the office out of it if they were multiplied. I know the contrary argument would be that if they go out with any lesser authority people will not feel well, they will feel that there is something lacking, but I do not think the danger of that is half so great as the danger I have already pointed out on the other side. Elder Sylvester Q. Cannon: I would like to express myself as being very appreciative of the kindness and consideration of the Brethren
of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve. I realize that the conditions under which I came into this body are different from the regular conditions, and I am trying to qualify in every way. I am willing to sustain whatever the First Presidency consider desirable and necessary in this matter. [Note: Five were in favor, five opposed.]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
105 years ago today - Mar 13, 1921
[Heber J. Grant]
Had dinner just before going to the tabernacle with George and Lucy and their family, and had supper with Ashby, Dessie and Emily, and I then attended meeting in the Ensign Ward and was the only speaker; spoke thirty five or forty minutes, and I laid down with all the force and ability that I possessed in opposition to men and women entering into plural marriages at the present time; that it was contrary to the law of God and the law of man, and that the men that did it were adulterers, and that I would be glad if some of them were sent to the penitentiary.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Had dinner just before going to the tabernacle with George and Lucy and their family, and had supper with Ashby, Dessie and Emily, and I then attended meeting in the Ensign Ward and was the only speaker; spoke thirty five or forty minutes, and I laid down with all the force and ability that I possessed in opposition to men and women entering into plural marriages at the present time; that it was contrary to the law of God and the law of man, and that the men that did it were adulterers, and that I would be glad if some of them were sent to the penitentiary.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
120 years ago today - Tuesday, Mar 13, 1906
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
All of the First Presidency, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith and C. W. Penrose went through the annual reports. The Church has about Four Millions Worth of property.
The Interest on the stocks and bonds of the Church more than pays the Expenses of the Authoraties of the Church by about ten thousand dollars.
The report was very broad and full and was accepted.
[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]
All of the First Presidency, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith and C. W. Penrose went through the annual reports. The Church has about Four Millions Worth of property.
The Interest on the stocks and bonds of the Church more than pays the Expenses of the Authoraties of the Church by about ten thousand dollars.
The report was very broad and full and was accepted.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
125 years ago today - Mar 13, 1901
[Lorenzo Snow]
There could be no objection to the wife revealing to her husband her new name outside of the temple, but it is at all likely that he will not need to know it outside of the temple.
[Lorenzo Snow to E. H. Rhead, Mar. 13, 1901, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
There could be no objection to the wife revealing to her husband her new name outside of the temple, but it is at all likely that he will not need to know it outside of the temple.
[Lorenzo Snow to E. H. Rhead, Mar. 13, 1901, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Mar 13, 1901
In city, talk with Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow on plural marriages. He said there cannot be a plural marriage solemnized in this church without my consent and I have never given consent for this to be done since president of the church. God has removed this privilege from the people and until He restores it I shall not consent to any man taking a plural wife; it is just as fair for one as it is for all to go with out; the business is taken out of our hands and we cannot fight the United States. It is them and God to settle this question, we are not in it. There is no such thing as men taking plural wives and keeping it a secret, it can't be done. Has any one of the apostles a right to seal plural wives to men by reason of former concessions made to them by presidency? No sir, such right must come from me and no man shall be authorized by me to break the law of the land.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Mar 13, 1896
B. H. Roberts writes a letter to church leaders: "My Dear Brethren: - I submit to the authority of God in the brethren. While I can not for I the life of me think of anything in which I have not acted in all good conscience out of an honest heart, yet seeing they think I am in the wrong I will bow to them, and place myself in their hands as the servants of God. This day thirty nine years ago I first saw the light, and now after this struggle I feel lighter. I thank you for your goodness to me. Truly your brother, B.H. Roberts." He had been suspended for not agreeing to the "Political Manifesto" which requires all church leaders to get permission before seeking political office.
135 years ago today - Mar 13, 1891
.... I am directed to say that the late El der Newton Daniel Hall and his two wives are approved for further blessings. This does not include his wife Sarah who married Peter Markin. ...
[L. John Nuttall to Daniel D. McArthur, Mar. 13, 1891, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[L. John Nuttall to Daniel D. McArthur, Mar. 13, 1891, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
160 years ago today - Mar 13, 1866
[Wilford Woodruff]
I came home in the Evening of the 16 & found Brother Edward Tullidge raving mad. He was at the City Hall in the hands of the poliece. He had been writing or Compiling my own Autobyography for nearly two years. Of late he had been drinking vary hard & writing Theatrical Plays. He now imagins himself the great Bridegroom & many other foolish things.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I came home in the Evening of the 16 & found Brother Edward Tullidge raving mad. He was at the City Hall in the hands of the poliece. He had been writing or Compiling my own Autobyography for nearly two years. Of late he had been drinking vary hard & writing Theatrical Plays. He now imagins himself the great Bridegroom & many other foolish things.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Mar 13, 1851
[General Young]
Brigham Young followed and advised to have the logs so close that arrows could not be shot into the fort. ... Also the name was to be altered from Cedar City to the Indian name Parowan. -- Salt Lake City Wilford
[Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:25, 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 followed and advised to have the logs so close that arrows could not be shot into the fort. ... Also the name was to be altered from Cedar City to the Indian name Parowan. -- Salt Lake City Wilford
[Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:25, The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
190 years ago today - Mar 13, 1836
Brigham Young writes: "I attended the solemn assembly, and with my brethren of the Twelve, received my washings and anointings, and was privileged to listen to the teachings and administrations of the Prophet of God. We also attended to the washing of feet, which ordinance was administered to me by the Prophet Joseph."
215 years ago today - Mar 13, 1811
William Smith is born at Royalton, Windsor County, Vermont, the eighth child and sixth living son of Joseph Sr. and Lucy Smith. Joseph Sr. reports the first of seven visions, five of which Lucy records.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
20 years ago today - 2006 March 12
First broadcast of HBO's Big Love, a series about Mormon fundamentalists in Utah. The LDS Church criticizes the show for not differentiating clearly between mainstream and schismatic Mormonism. An LDS Church public statement cites concerns over the program's depiction of abuse, polygamy, use of stereotypes, and television's depiction of moral and civic values in general. In March 2009, the LDS Church stated that HBO displayed insensitivity to church members by depicting simulated segments of the church's Endowment ceremony in an episode of Big Love. The church also stated that the show had continued to blur the distinction between the LDS Church and "the show's fictional non-Mormon characters."
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
45 years ago today - Mar 12, 1981-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
Earl Olson said that in the meeting between him and Elder [G. Homer] Durham and Elders [Gordon B.] Hinckley and [Boyd K.] Packer yesterday afternoon Elders Hinckley and Packer authorized Elder Durham to begin negotiations to transfer Dean Jessee to the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute at BYU, effective as soon as it can be arranged. This was on the assumption that he really wanted to do this. The Brethren, on Elder Durham's recommendation, also agreed that our typewriters should be transferred to BYU so that we may take them with us when we move. This is on the assumption that they will become BYU property, not the property of us personally. Later this morning Earl informed me that Elder Durham was instructed to allow us to take our filing cabinets with us to BYU. The question was raised as to what is in these cabinets, and Earl assured them that nearly all of it consisted of our personal notes. That seemed to satisfy the Brethren, and so now we are permitted to take the file
cabinets with us. I assume there will not be any thorough search of our notes before they are released to go. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Earl Olson said that in the meeting between him and Elder [G. Homer] Durham and Elders [Gordon B.] Hinckley and [Boyd K.] Packer yesterday afternoon Elders Hinckley and Packer authorized Elder Durham to begin negotiations to transfer Dean Jessee to the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute at BYU, effective as soon as it can be arranged. This was on the assumption that he really wanted to do this. The Brethren, on Elder Durham's recommendation, also agreed that our typewriters should be transferred to BYU so that we may take them with us when we move. This is on the assumption that they will become BYU property, not the property of us personally. Later this morning Earl informed me that Elder Durham was instructed to allow us to take our filing cabinets with us to BYU. The question was raised as to what is in these cabinets, and Earl assured them that nearly all of it consisted of our personal notes. That seemed to satisfy the Brethren, and so now we are permitted to take the file
cabinets with us. I assume there will not be any thorough search of our notes before they are released to go. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
65 years ago today - Mar 12, 1961
The first non-English-speaking stake is organized at The Hague in the Netherlands, which is also the first stake in continental Europe.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
85 years ago today - Mar 12, 1941
President Heber J. Grant presents a copy of the Book of Mormon in braille to Helen Keller, a well-known advocate for the deaf and the blind.
100 years ago today - Mar 12, 1926
Provo's DAILY HERALD reports that in a poll of 3000 Provo residents, forty-eight percent favored either outright repeal major modification of prohibition, while fifty-two percent advocated keeping the law as it stood
140 years ago today - Mar 12, 1886
Lorenzo Snow begins serving his sentence, for polygamy, in the Utah Territorial Penitentiary. Two physicians write to the prison authorities, "in consideration of the advanced age of the bearer, Lorenzo Snow, and also of his unusually delicate condition, we the undersigned, take the liberty of stating that we fear his health would be seriously jeopardized by depriving him of his hair and beard, as he has worn the latter 16 years on this account." Snow is allowed to keep his hair and beard. He is released on February 8, 1887, having served eleven months.
145 years ago today - Mar 12, 1881
Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith and Zina had prayers at the Altar to day <[that?] against the enemies of the Church as a representative of the prophet of God>.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Mar 12, 1851
The Ship "George W. Bourne" arrives in New Orleans with a shipload of Mormon converts from England including two sisters who were excommunicated "for levity of behavior with some of the officers of the ship and continued disregard of the counsels of the President."
175 years ago today - 12 March 1851
"He counseled the brethern to buy up the Lamanite children as fast as they could and educate them and teach them the gospel so that no many generations they would be a white and delightsome people. For the Lord could not have devised a better plan than to have put us where we are in order to accomplish this thing."
[[WWJ 4:24-25; Discourses of Brigham Young]
[[WWJ 4:24-25; Discourses of Brigham Young]
180 years ago today - Mar 12, 1846
At 6 Pm Pres Young and H Kimble & Richards in council in the historians Tent where a challenge of a duel on yesterday was reported the following order was instantly issued Camp of Iseral Mar 12 '46 Capt Stephen Markham, Sir, it is reported to the council that Jas. W Hemmick of the Pioneers on yesterday challenged Wilbur J Earl to fight a duel let J M Hemmick be discharged from service of this camp'forthwith'by order of the council W Richards Clerk Signed Brigham Young.
[John D. Lee 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]
[John D. Lee 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]
195 years ago today - Mar 12, 1831
Martin Harris arrives in Painesville from Palmyra and testifies in a hotel bar. "Every idea that he advanced, he knew to be absolutely true, as he said, by the spirit and power of God." Concludes "declaring, that all who believed the new bible would see Christ within fifteen years, and all who did not would absolutely be destroyed and dam'd."
[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 12, 1831
"... The first idea of a "Book," was doubtless suggested to the Smiths by one Walters, a juggling fortune-teller, who made the ignorant believe that an old book in his possession, in the Latin language, contained an account of the ante-deluvians, &c. and the word was given out that the book Smith was about to find, was a history of hidden treasures.
Smith and his father belonged to a gang of money-diggers, who had followed that business for many years, Jo pretending he could see the gold and silver by the aid of what they called a "peep stone."
The book is chiefly garbled from the Old and New Testaments, the Apocraphy having contributed its share: names and phrases have been altered, and in many instances copied upwards--A quarto Bible now in this village, was borrowed and nearly worn out and defaced by their dirty handling. Some seven or eight of them spent many months in copying, Cowdery being principal scribe....
The whole gang of these deluded mortals, except a few hypocrites, are profound believers in witchcraft, ghosts, goblins, &c. From the best information we can obtain, the work has entirely stopped in this country, and some who have been the most ardent are beginning to have misgivings on the subject. ..."
[Unidentified Palmyra Residents to Editor, 12 March 1831, Painesville (Ohio) Telegraph 2 (22 March 1831): 2., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Palmyra Residents To Painesville (Oh) Telegraph]
Smith and his father belonged to a gang of money-diggers, who had followed that business for many years, Jo pretending he could see the gold and silver by the aid of what they called a "peep stone."
The book is chiefly garbled from the Old and New Testaments, the Apocraphy having contributed its share: names and phrases have been altered, and in many instances copied upwards--A quarto Bible now in this village, was borrowed and nearly worn out and defaced by their dirty handling. Some seven or eight of them spent many months in copying, Cowdery being principal scribe....
The whole gang of these deluded mortals, except a few hypocrites, are profound believers in witchcraft, ghosts, goblins, &c. From the best information we can obtain, the work has entirely stopped in this country, and some who have been the most ardent are beginning to have misgivings on the subject. ..."
[Unidentified Palmyra Residents to Editor, 12 March 1831, Painesville (Ohio) Telegraph 2 (22 March 1831): 2., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Palmyra Residents To Painesville (Oh) Telegraph]
55 years ago today - Mar 11, 1971
In issuing these directives [letters dated Jan. 6, Mar. 9, 1971], we had not fully contemplated the extent of the sewing being done in some of the temples, nor of the quantity of fabrics on hand or the wide variety and differing costs of fabrics being used by the various temples. These matters posed an almost insurmountable problem for the (Beehive) Mills in immediately taking over stocks on hand and in standardizing and properly pricing clothing made from these fabrics. In light of these problems, we herewith authorize temples [to continue making garments for now and] to phase out their manufacturing on or before July 2, 1971.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, and N. Eldon Tanner to temple presidents, Mar. 11, 1971, copy in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, and N. Eldon Tanner to temple presidents, Mar. 11, 1971, copy in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
110 years ago today - Mar 11, 1916
The rule of the temple is that a woman who marries outside of the Church cannot receive a recommend to go through the temple, because her husband would be very apt to ask her to reveal the temple ordinances and if she refused to do so it would cause contention between them. If she has married a man in the Church, and she desires to receive her endowments, we do not feel that it would be wise for her to receive her endowments before her husband, and hence bishops are told not to give recommendations to wives before their husbands go with them to the temple. If a wife received her endowments before she married[,] she showed her weakness in not keeping her covenants, but still if she afterwards proves herself a staunch Latterday Saint and tries to live as such and has not cast off her garments, we think the bishop may give her a recommend to do work in the temple. However, if she cast off her garments when she married, we do not feel that she should be entitled to receive a recommend
to the House of the Lord.
[Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose to Edward H. Snow, Mar. 11, 1916, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
to the House of the Lord.
[Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose to Edward H. Snow, Mar. 11, 1916, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - Mar 11, 1896
[James E. Talmage]
They [the Brethern] had learned that my health has been jeopardized and, as they said, my sanity, and life threatened by insomnia and other evidences of nervous disorders. It is true, that overwork or rather worry over my work has affected me in the manner described, and other bodily weaknesses have developed at intervals. Pres[iden]t. George Q. Cannon, speaking in behalf of the First Presidency, told me that it had been reported to them that the moderate use of tobacco would have a good effect upon me. ... Today Pres[ident]. [Wilford] Woodruff, Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, and Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith gave me combined counsel to try the effect of moderate smoking; indeed said Pres[ident]. Cannon, 'We give you this rather as an instruction than as counsel.' Apostle Heber J. Grant was present, and expressed his acquiescence. Bro[ther]. George F. Gibbs was also present. This was unusual counsel and to me very surprising. ... I have long known that tobacco produces an
unusually strong effect upon me,'even the odor of tobacco smoke produces a soothing effect upon me... a good cigar produces a marvellous quietening of my over-wrought nerves. Of course the brethren, in counseling me as they did today, warned me against contracting the smoking habit to injurious degree. ...
[James E. Talmage, Diary, March 12, 1896, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
They [the Brethern] had learned that my health has been jeopardized and, as they said, my sanity, and life threatened by insomnia and other evidences of nervous disorders. It is true, that overwork or rather worry over my work has affected me in the manner described, and other bodily weaknesses have developed at intervals. Pres[iden]t. George Q. Cannon, speaking in behalf of the First Presidency, told me that it had been reported to them that the moderate use of tobacco would have a good effect upon me. ... Today Pres[ident]. [Wilford] Woodruff, Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, and Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith gave me combined counsel to try the effect of moderate smoking; indeed said Pres[ident]. Cannon, 'We give you this rather as an instruction than as counsel.' Apostle Heber J. Grant was present, and expressed his acquiescence. Bro[ther]. George F. Gibbs was also present. This was unusual counsel and to me very surprising. ... I have long known that tobacco produces an
unusually strong effect upon me,'even the odor of tobacco smoke produces a soothing effect upon me... a good cigar produces a marvellous quietening of my over-wrought nerves. Of course the brethren, in counseling me as they did today, warned me against contracting the smoking habit to injurious degree. ...
[James E. Talmage, Diary, March 12, 1896, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Mar 11, 1896
[Heber J. Grant]
.... I really hope that the Lord will bless Bro. Talmage so that he will not have to do any smoking ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
.... I really hope that the Lord will bless Bro. Talmage so that he will not have to do any smoking ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
140 years ago today - Mar 11, 1886
LDS political newspaper, the Salt Lake Herald, reports another Mormon's assault on a reporter for the anti-Mormon Salt Lake Tribune with this headline: "THRASHING A REORTER. Don Carlos Young Remodels the Phiz[sic] of C.T. Harte to Suit His Fancy." A Mormon judge fines Young $17.50 for this assault and battery.
[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)]]
155 years ago today - Mar 11, 1871
[Wilford Woodruff]
11 I met with the school of the Prophets. Presidet Young Called for Donations for Emigrating the poor. Subscribed $1,000 Himself. [$2,000 total was raised that day.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
11 I met with the school of the Prophets. Presidet Young Called for Donations for Emigrating the poor. Subscribed $1,000 Himself. [$2,000 total was raised that day.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Mar 11, 1866
Presidet Young said as the Lamanites are Hosstile let us Exercise faith about them & learn what the will of the Lord is. At the Close of the prayers President Young said let us send out interpeters to them, make them presents & tell them they must stop fighting. It is Better to give them five thousand dollars than to have to fight them & kill them off for they are of the House of Israel.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Mar 11, 1856
A very serious conversation took place between President B. Young and Orson Pratt upon doctrine. O.P. was directly opposed to the President's views and freely expressed his entire disbelief in them after being told by the President that things were so and so in the name of the Lord. He was firm in the position that the President's word in the name of the Lord was not the word of the Lord to him. The President did not believe that Orson Pratt would ever be Adam, to learn by experience the facts discussed, but every person in the room would be if they lived faithful.
[Of this, Wilford Woodruff noted that "when any man crosses the track of a leader in Israel & tryes to lead the prophet He is no longer led by him but is in danger of falling." Brigham Young's Adam God doctrine would later be repudiated by the church.]
[Journal of Samual W. Richards, p. 113, in Sermons and Writings of the Restoration. 4 Vols. Ogden Kraut, ed. Pioneer Press, 1994.R 113, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Of this, Wilford Woodruff noted that "when any man crosses the track of a leader in Israel & tryes to lead the prophet He is no longer led by him but is in danger of falling." Brigham Young's Adam God doctrine would later be repudiated by the church.]
[Journal of Samual W. Richards, p. 113, in Sermons and Writings of the Restoration. 4 Vols. Ogden Kraut, ed. Pioneer Press, 1994.R 113, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
35 years ago today - Mar 10, 1991
Deseret News publishes a report by the national Associate Press of first counselor Thomas S. Monson's allowance for conscientious objection against the Persian Gulf War. Although emphatic that LDS church leaders and membership support national decisions concerning war, Monson adds that a Mormon conscientious objector "can serve in some capacity that will suit his conscience and country together." This contrasts with the LDS hierarchy's position during the Vietnam War when the only public statement was Boyd K. Packer's condemnation of conscientious objectors.
[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)]]
80 years ago today - Mar 10, 1946
Elder Ezra Taft Benson, a member of the Twelve and the European Mission president, arrives in Germany with Frederick Babbel, European Mission secretary, to begin their assessment of the status of the Saints in Europe after the conclusion of World War II.
85 years ago today - Mar 10, 1941
[J. Reuben Clark]
"[In conversation with Willard Smith:] Mentioned the combination of Zions Securities and Clayton Investment under one management. He tells me we still have "whorehouses" on Clayton Investment. I told him I felt these must go at once. He said in the event he thought combination management OK."
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
"[In conversation with Willard Smith:] Mentioned the combination of Zions Securities and Clayton Investment under one management. He tells me we still have "whorehouses" on Clayton Investment. I told him I felt these must go at once. He said in the event he thought combination management OK."
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
85 years ago today - Mar 10,1941
First Presidency orders Clayton Investment Company to get rid of its "whore-houses," no matter the financial loss, so that church affiliated company can merge with church-owned Zion's Securities Corp. Ends fifty years of church's leases to brothels.
[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]
105 years ago today - Mar 10, 1921
At the Council meeting President Heber J. Grant nominated as his Counselors, President Charles W. Penrose as First, and Elder Anthony W. Ivins as Second, in the First Presidency. I believe every one of the brethren present had the assurance which only the operation of the Holy Spirit can give, that the nominations were divinely inspired; and the brethren were unanimously sustained in their respective positions by vote of the Council. President Rudger Clawson who, during the life of President Lund since the accession of President Heber J. Grant to the Presidency of the Church, has been Acting President of the Council of the Twelve, President Lund being by seniority the actual President of the Twelve, was nominated and unanimously sustained to be the President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Each member of the Council spoke in turn; and Presidents Charles W. Penrose, Anthony W. Ivins, and Rudger Clawson were duly set apart under the hands of the Council, President Heber J.
Grant being voice in each of the ordinances. To the great satisfaction of all, the inspiration came to make Elder George F. Richards president of the Salt Lake Temple. This action was likewise sustained by the unanimous vote of the Council. This action is promptly filling vacancies caused by deaths among the presiding quorums or councils of the Church appeals to us all as the proper procedure. I am sure that President Anthon H. Lund could he have expressed himself audibly to us, would have commended the action.
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Grant being voice in each of the ordinances. To the great satisfaction of all, the inspiration came to make Elder George F. Richards president of the Salt Lake Temple. This action was likewise sustained by the unanimous vote of the Council. This action is promptly filling vacancies caused by deaths among the presiding quorums or councils of the Church appeals to us all as the proper procedure. I am sure that President Anthon H. Lund could he have expressed himself audibly to us, would have commended the action.
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Saturday, Mar 10, 1906
[John Henry Smith]
I met with Presidents Smith and Winder and Prest. B. W. Smith of the Relief Society and talked over some of the troubles in that organization.
Prest. John R. Winder was mouth in setting apart Bathsheba W. Smith to preside over the Temple Women Workers.
[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]
I met with Presidents Smith and Winder and Prest. B. W. Smith of the Relief Society and talked over some of the troubles in that organization.
Prest. John R. Winder was mouth in setting apart Bathsheba W. Smith to preside over the Temple Women Workers.
[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]
140 years ago today - Mar 10, 1886
[Katharin Smith Salisbury]
.... I am the only surviving sister of the martyrs Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and will soon be 73 years old. I can testify to the fact of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and also to its truth...
I well remember the trials my brother had, before he obtained the records. After he had the vision, he went frequently to the hill, and upon returning would tell us, "I have seen the records, also the brass plates and the sword of Laban with the breast plate and interpreters." He would ask father why he could not get them? The time had not yet come, but when it did arrive he was commanded to go on the 22d day of September 1827 at 2 o'clock. We had supposed that when he should bring them home, the whole family would be allowed to see them, but he said it was forbidden of the Lord. They could be seen only by those who were chosen to bear their testimony to the world. We had therefore to be content until they were translated and we could have the book to read. ...
After the records were translated and the book printed, we often met together and held prayer meetings. Some of our neighbors would come to these meetings and ask us mockingly, if we expected with our little band to convert the world and make them to believe the golden bible? ... I was one of the number who met in the first conference held in these last days, when the church was first organized. We only numbered thirty, but we were a happy little band. It was a great day of rejoicing for us, and a number were added to the fold by baptism. ...
[Katharine Smith Salisbury, Letter to "Dear Sisters," 10 March 1886, Saints' Herald 33 (1 May 1886): 260., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Katharine Smith Salisbury To Dear Sisters]
.... I am the only surviving sister of the martyrs Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and will soon be 73 years old. I can testify to the fact of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and also to its truth...
I well remember the trials my brother had, before he obtained the records. After he had the vision, he went frequently to the hill, and upon returning would tell us, "I have seen the records, also the brass plates and the sword of Laban with the breast plate and interpreters." He would ask father why he could not get them? The time had not yet come, but when it did arrive he was commanded to go on the 22d day of September 1827 at 2 o'clock. We had supposed that when he should bring them home, the whole family would be allowed to see them, but he said it was forbidden of the Lord. They could be seen only by those who were chosen to bear their testimony to the world. We had therefore to be content until they were translated and we could have the book to read. ...
After the records were translated and the book printed, we often met together and held prayer meetings. Some of our neighbors would come to these meetings and ask us mockingly, if we expected with our little band to convert the world and make them to believe the golden bible? ... I was one of the number who met in the first conference held in these last days, when the church was first organized. We only numbered thirty, but we were a happy little band. It was a great day of rejoicing for us, and a number were added to the fold by baptism. ...
[Katharine Smith Salisbury, Letter to "Dear Sisters," 10 March 1886, Saints' Herald 33 (1 May 1886): 260., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Katharine Smith Salisbury To Dear Sisters]
145 years ago today - Mar 10, 1881
Eliza R. Snow says that her polygamous husband Joseph Smith told her "that they (10 tribes) were on an orb or planet by themselves."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
165 years ago today - Mar 10, 1861
[George A. Smith]
"Who is there that is prepared for this movement back to the center stake of Zion, and where are the architects amongst us that are qualified to erect this temple and the city that will surround it… And let me remind you that it is predicted that this generation shall not pass away till a temple shall be built, and the glory of the Lord rest upon it, according to the promises."
[George A. Smith, March 10, 1861, Journal of Discourse, Vol. 9, p. 71 http://jod.mrm.org/9/6, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"Who is there that is prepared for this movement back to the center stake of Zion, and where are the architects amongst us that are qualified to erect this temple and the city that will surround it… And let me remind you that it is predicted that this generation shall not pass away till a temple shall be built, and the glory of the Lord rest upon it, according to the promises."
[George A. Smith, March 10, 1861, Journal of Discourse, Vol. 9, p. 71 http://jod.mrm.org/9/6, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
165 years ago today - Mar 10, 1861
President Young said He did not wish Utah mixed up with the secession movement. He said that when Buchanan sent the armey [to Utah] it was there intention to Hang the Leaders then send thousands of Gentiles here and they intended to rob all this people and take possession of our Houses & lands and they sent Gov Cummings to operate with them. But they got disappointed & it was upon that ground that Governor Cummings told the Forses not to go away that there would soon be Employ here but the Lord has controlled the gov[ernor?] & he has done putty well & I feel to bless him but He had Evil in his heart when he Come here.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Mar 10, 1861 (Morning)
President Young attended Tabernacle in the morning. subject about Tobacco exhorted the people if they did and must chew to put a little piece in their mouths quietly.
[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]
170 years ago today - Mar 10, 1856
[Hosea Stout]
There is a great scarcity of bread now in all the valleys and nearly every body are living on rations who are lucky enough to have any meal or flour.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
There is a great scarcity of bread now in all the valleys and nearly every body are living on rations who are lucky enough to have any meal or flour.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Mar 10, 1856
[Brigham Young]
Jesus will be seen with the natural eye and handled with the natural hand long before he appears at his second coming on Mount Zion.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Jesus will be seen with the natural eye and handled with the natural hand long before he appears at his second coming on Mount Zion.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Mar 10, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
While making down the beds a quail came fluttering in the top of the tent and lit down in the tent door & I picked it up with out any trouble which reminded me of the children of Israel but nowing it was not sent in wrath I had it cooked and it proved a blessing instead of a cursing as their quails did[.]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
While making down the beds a quail came fluttering in the top of the tent and lit down in the tent door & I picked it up with out any trouble which reminded me of the children of Israel but nowing it was not sent in wrath I had it cooked and it proved a blessing instead of a cursing as their quails did[.]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - 1846 Mar 10
Almon Babbitt and Joseph Heywood refuse to give Lucy Mac Smith the deed to her house unless she either promises not to let William enter it or promises to make him support the Twelve. She writes them a scorching letter of rebuke
[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]
185 years ago today - Mar 10, 1841
The governor of Illinois appoints Joseph Smith lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology 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 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
185 years ago today - 1841 Mar 10
Gov. Thomas Carlin officially commissions Joseph as lieutenant-general in the Nauvoo Legion.
[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]
185 years ago today - Mar 10, 1841
[Cyrus Smalling]
"... In his [Joseph Smith's] youth, he and the whole family were money-diggers, and the first knowledge I have of him, is at Harmony, Susquehannah county, Pa. where he was translating the Book of Mormon. Soon after he was taken up and tried as an impostor ; but was cleared on account of the testimony that was given of the chests of money moving so that they could not get them. ..."
[Cyrus Smalling to Dear Sir, 10 March 1841, in E. G. Lee, The Mormons; or, Knavery Exposed (Frankford, Pennsylvania: Published by E. G. Lee; Philadelphia: George Webber and William Fenimore, 1841), 12-15., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Cyrus Smalling To Dear Sir]
"... In his [Joseph Smith's] youth, he and the whole family were money-diggers, and the first knowledge I have of him, is at Harmony, Susquehannah county, Pa. where he was translating the Book of Mormon. Soon after he was taken up and tried as an impostor ; but was cleared on account of the testimony that was given of the chests of money moving so that they could not get them. ..."
[Cyrus Smalling to Dear Sir, 10 March 1841, in E. G. Lee, The Mormons; or, Knavery Exposed (Frankford, Pennsylvania: Published by E. G. Lee; Philadelphia: George Webber and William Fenimore, 1841), 12-15., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Cyrus Smalling To Dear Sir]
85 years ago today - Mar 9, 1941
[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]
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]
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]
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