[Leonard J. Arrington]
Apostle Ezra Taft Benson delivers a talk, "God's Hand in Our Nation's History," and warns employees of the church's seminary and Institute programs of the "humanizing" trend of the New Mormon History. He will make similar statements in September, implying that such history violates the temple covenant not to speak evil of the Lord's anointed.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
115 years ago today - Mar 28, 1911
[George F. Richards]
I attended a special meeting of the Twelve held in the temple .... Elder Geo[rge] Albert Smith was also with us for a short time but on account of his poor health was excused early. We discussed the merits and demerits in Bro[ther]. [apostle and son of John Taylor] John W. Taylor's case heard some weeks before. The final action taken and made unanimous by unanimous vote was excommunication for insubordination to the Church and the di[s]cipline thereof. It was shown that he had threatened the lives of two of the Apostles, F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. & J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. He had cursed one of the Apostles who has been sick for about two years [i.e., George Albert Smith] and attributed his sickness to that cause. He had disclosed and made improper use of a purported revelation of his father, Pres[ident]. John Taylor to the comfort of those who were opposed to the Church action in discontinuing the practice of plural marriage in the Church. He had characterized the action of the
Church Authorities in relieving B[isho]p. Robinson of Colonia Dublan [Mexico] of his bishopric or presidency over the ward as one of the most unjust and unrighteous acts ever committed. He had confessed to having authorized an elderly man a Patriarch (Wolf) of Canada to marry people in plural marriage. He confessed to having him self performed such marriages since the Manifesto. He would not deny that he had recently taken a plural wife but claimed that his rights were being encroached upon when we demand him to answer thus incriminating himself. He did not propose to make answers before this body of men that might incriminate him before the law. He had said he wanted nothing to do with any of the Twelve. Tho[ugh]t if to go to heaven meant to be associated with these he preferred to not go there or words to that effect. He had been dropped from the Council of the Twelve five years ago because he was out of harmony with the First Presidency and the Twelve but had never done anything
to put himself in harmony since but on the contrary had lent comfort to the enemy and had not tried to influence others to be quieted and sustain the Presidency. He told us in council that we could take it for granted he had a new plural wife. We need not go to the trouble to hunt up evidence, that we could do in his case as we deemed best, that he did not care. I called on Pres[ident] Lyman in the early eve and he told me he had presented to the First Presidency our decision in the J[ohn]. W. Taylor case and our action and that the President said he did not see how we could have done less.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
I attended a special meeting of the Twelve held in the temple .... Elder Geo[rge] Albert Smith was also with us for a short time but on account of his poor health was excused early. We discussed the merits and demerits in Bro[ther]. [apostle and son of John Taylor] John W. Taylor's case heard some weeks before. The final action taken and made unanimous by unanimous vote was excommunication for insubordination to the Church and the di[s]cipline thereof. It was shown that he had threatened the lives of two of the Apostles, F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. & J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. He had cursed one of the Apostles who has been sick for about two years [i.e., George Albert Smith] and attributed his sickness to that cause. He had disclosed and made improper use of a purported revelation of his father, Pres[ident]. John Taylor to the comfort of those who were opposed to the Church action in discontinuing the practice of plural marriage in the Church. He had characterized the action of the
Church Authorities in relieving B[isho]p. Robinson of Colonia Dublan [Mexico] of his bishopric or presidency over the ward as one of the most unjust and unrighteous acts ever committed. He had confessed to having authorized an elderly man a Patriarch (Wolf) of Canada to marry people in plural marriage. He confessed to having him self performed such marriages since the Manifesto. He would not deny that he had recently taken a plural wife but claimed that his rights were being encroached upon when we demand him to answer thus incriminating himself. He did not propose to make answers before this body of men that might incriminate him before the law. He had said he wanted nothing to do with any of the Twelve. Tho[ugh]t if to go to heaven meant to be associated with these he preferred to not go there or words to that effect. He had been dropped from the Council of the Twelve five years ago because he was out of harmony with the First Presidency and the Twelve but had never done anything
to put himself in harmony since but on the contrary had lent comfort to the enemy and had not tried to influence others to be quieted and sustain the Presidency. He told us in council that we could take it for granted he had a new plural wife. We need not go to the trouble to hunt up evidence, that we could do in his case as we deemed best, that he did not care. I called on Pres[ident] Lyman in the early eve and he told me he had presented to the First Presidency our decision in the J[ohn]. W. Taylor case and our action and that the President said he did not see how we could have done less.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Mar 28, 1896
U.S. president Cleveland signs the act to return the confiscated real estate of the LDS church.
[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)]]
140 years ago today - Sun., March 28th, 1886
[General Authority Abraham H. Cannon]
.... Bro. Olsen brought word in this evening that President Taylor had received a revelation from the Lord in which it stated that God was satisfied with the sacrifice made by the people in this crusade and that He would not turn their wrath aside. This word, he said, came from Bishop Allen of the 21st Ward, and, if true, we as a people can rejoice at it. Bro. F. S. Richards, who starts east tomorrow morning to look after some cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, thinks he will be able to obtain a pardon for Joseph Evans, who has 17 solid months yet to serve for polygamy. Arrests for cohabitation still continue to be made in Salt Lake and elsewhere.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
.... Bro. Olsen brought word in this evening that President Taylor had received a revelation from the Lord in which it stated that God was satisfied with the sacrifice made by the people in this crusade and that He would not turn their wrath aside. This word, he said, came from Bishop Allen of the 21st Ward, and, if true, we as a people can rejoice at it. Bro. F. S. Richards, who starts east tomorrow morning to look after some cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, thinks he will be able to obtain a pardon for Joseph Evans, who has 17 solid months yet to serve for polygamy. Arrests for cohabitation still continue to be made in Salt Lake and elsewhere.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
175 years ago today - Mar 28, 1851
General Assembly of State of Deseret dissolves itself to accept jurisdiction of Territory of Utah. In most elections from 1851 to 1869, 99 percent of Utah's Voters choose church-approved candidates. Ballots are marked to show how persons vote.
[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 27, 1921
Nathan G. Clark says he was advised by Pres. Smith to make himself a sacrifice & he is telling that it is all right for men to take plural wives if they will do it quietly The Church will sanction it.
[Richard R. Lyman, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Richard R. Lyman, 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 - Mar 27, 1906
[Heber J. Grant to Brigham F. Grant]
Your letter written on the 6th came to hand yesterday. You say I know what is going to happen Ap[ri]l 6th. I know nothing of what is going to happen as not one thing has been written me by the [First] Presidency or Pres[ident] [Francis M.] Lyman of any intended action. I have had many letters like yours taking it for granted that I knew the way things were going, but I do not and for my lack of knowledge I am free to say I am not at all sorry. I have a fear in my heart that something may be done that will be as you say trying to men's very souls, and because of
which many will fall, and also that the action will be more than many of us can in any way comprehend. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Brigham F. Grant, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Your letter written on the 6th came to hand yesterday. You say I know what is going to happen Ap[ri]l 6th. I know nothing of what is going to happen as not one thing has been written me by the [First] Presidency or Pres[ident] [Francis M.] Lyman of any intended action. I have had many letters like yours taking it for granted that I knew the way things were going, but I do not and for my lack of knowledge I am free to say I am not at all sorry. I have a fear in my heart that something may be done that will be as you say trying to men's very souls, and because of
which many will fall, and also that the action will be more than many of us can in any way comprehend. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Brigham F. Grant, 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 27, 1886
A polygamist husband confides to his diary: "How delicate is the position of a man in plural marriage who loves his wives and who in turn is loved by them. Every move he makes, in relation or intercourse with them, is an arrow that pierces deep into the heart of one or other of them... A thousand thoughts and plans may come into his mind, but there is only one true solution. He must please God. In doing this, it may be hoped that bye and bye, he may also please them."
[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)]]
175 years ago today - Probably on or before March 27, 1851
[Heber C. Kimball Revelations]
G.S.L. [Great Salt Lake] City, Mar. the 27 18 [rest of date missing]
9 oclock in the Evning the Lord said to H. C. Kimball The division would take place between the North and South within Six years and much Blo[o]d would be spilt on the ocation [occasion] and I should live to see it.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
G.S.L. [Great Salt Lake] City, Mar. the 27 18 [rest of date missing]
9 oclock in the Evning the Lord said to H. C. Kimball The division would take place between the North and South within Six years and much Blo[o]d would be spilt on the ocation [occasion] and I should live to see it.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Friday, Mar 27, 1846.
President Young called for the captains of fifties. No one answered; he responded to his own call. I am the captain of the first 50. Heber C. Kimball said, I am the captain of the second 50. P. P. Pratt [is captain of the] third 50, Peter Haws fourth 50, John Taylor fifth 50, and George Miller sixth 50. Up to this period the organization of this camp was very imperfect. When it was decided that the Saints would remove from Nauvoo, about 25 men were selected by the council of YTFIF [code for "Fifty"] and called captains of hundreds, whose business it was severally to select 100 families and see that they were prepared for a journey across the Rocky Mountains.
Afterward the captains of hundreds selected their own captains of fifties and tens, clerks, etc. ...
President Young was unanimously elected president over the whole camp of Israel by the council. ... President Young said from this time forth ... let every individual hereafter be called by the name that they received by adoption.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
Afterward the captains of hundreds selected their own captains of fifties and tens, clerks, etc. ...
President Young was unanimously elected president over the whole camp of Israel by the council. ... President Young said from this time forth ... let every individual hereafter be called by the name that they received by adoption.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Mar 27, 1846
Orson Hyde wrote Brigham Young that the [Nauvoo] Temple would not be ready to dedicate on the Church's sixteenth anniversary, April 6, 1846.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
190 years ago today - Mar 27, 1836
Joseph Smith leads the first dedicatory service for the House of the Lord in Kirtland. He reads the dedicatory prayer (D&C 109), which angers some individuals.
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
190 years ago today - Mar 27, 1836
The Kirtland Temple is dedicated.
The doors to the temple are open at seven A.M. Joseph seats the people. Almost 1,000 enter, many others are turned away. Contributions in excess of $950 are given. At nine A.M. Sidney Rigdon opens the service and speaks for two and a half hours on the need for belief in "present revelation," at one point drawing tears from many. He says that in spite of the many houses of worship built on the earth, this is the only one built by divine revelation. Songs of hosanna are sung.
The audience rises to sustain the First Presidency. The Twelve are sustained "as Prophets, Seers, Revelators, and special witnesses to all nations of the earth." The Presidents of the Seventy are sustained as "Apostles and special witnesses to the nations, to assist the Twelve in opening the Gospel kingdom among all people." Other officers are also sustained. "The vote was unanimous in every instance." Another hymn is sung.
Joseph offers thededicatory prayer, which was given by revelation. It is recorded as D&C 109.The dedication is then unanimously accepted and the Lord's Supper is administered. Others rise to speak.
President Frederick G. Williams testifies that an angel entered the window. David Whitmer also testifies that he saw an angel. President Brigham Young gives a short speech in tongues, which David W. Patten interprets; Elder Patten then speaks in tongues himself. The meeting is adjourned at about four o'clock.In the evening 416 brothers meet for the ordinance of the washing of feet. George A. Smith begins to prophesy, and a noise "like the sound of a rushing mighty wind" fills the temple; all arise and feel the invisible power, and experience visions, angels, the gift of tongues. People in the neighborhood hearing unusual noises and seeing the bright light above the temple run toward it to see what is happening.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
The doors to the temple are open at seven A.M. Joseph seats the people. Almost 1,000 enter, many others are turned away. Contributions in excess of $950 are given. At nine A.M. Sidney Rigdon opens the service and speaks for two and a half hours on the need for belief in "present revelation," at one point drawing tears from many. He says that in spite of the many houses of worship built on the earth, this is the only one built by divine revelation. Songs of hosanna are sung.
The audience rises to sustain the First Presidency. The Twelve are sustained "as Prophets, Seers, Revelators, and special witnesses to all nations of the earth." The Presidents of the Seventy are sustained as "Apostles and special witnesses to the nations, to assist the Twelve in opening the Gospel kingdom among all people." Other officers are also sustained. "The vote was unanimous in every instance." Another hymn is sung.
Joseph offers thededicatory prayer, which was given by revelation. It is recorded as D&C 109.The dedication is then unanimously accepted and the Lord's Supper is administered. Others rise to speak.
President Frederick G. Williams testifies that an angel entered the window. David Whitmer also testifies that he saw an angel. President Brigham Young gives a short speech in tongues, which David W. Patten interprets; Elder Patten then speaks in tongues himself. The meeting is adjourned at about four o'clock.In the evening 416 brothers meet for the ordinance of the washing of feet. George A. Smith begins to prophesy, and a noise "like the sound of a rushing mighty wind" fills the temple; all arise and feel the invisible power, and experience visions, angels, the gift of tongues. People in the neighborhood hearing unusual noises and seeing the bright light above the temple run toward it to see what is happening.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
35 years ago today - Mar 26, 1991
The Utah Supreme Court rules in a decision written by Justice Christine Durham: "The fact that our [Utah] constitution requires the state to prohibit polygamy does not necessarily mean that the state must deny any or all civil rights and privleges to polygamists." Therefore, the court rules that polygamists have a right to adopt children.
[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 26, 1966
Mark E. Petersen's [Deseret News] editorial proclaimed that the LDS church has "nothing to do with racists, nothing to do with Birchers, nothing to do with any slanted group." This 1966 editorial further warned Mormons to "avoid extremes and extremists."
["Politics and Religion," Deseret News "Church News," 26 Mar. 1966,16. 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.]
["Politics and Religion," Deseret News "Church News," 26 Mar. 1966,16. 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.]
130 years ago today - Mar 26, 1896; Thursday
[Heber J. Grant]
I told my wife Augusta last night that I felt to bow to the blow that had come to me in the death of my only son, but I would indeed be a thankful man if the Lord would show to me that I was not in a position of being under His disfavor, and today while brother Roberts was overcome by his feelings and had promised to make all the restitution that it was within his power to make it came over me with such force that I bowed my head and silently wept, that I had been the chief instrument in the hands of the Lord in getting brother Roberts to stop just as he was on the point of ruin eternally, and it seemed to me that I could not have asked for any greater evidence of the approval of the Lord of me and my labors than to see such fruits of what He had allowed me to assist in bringing about.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
I told my wife Augusta last night that I felt to bow to the blow that had come to me in the death of my only son, but I would indeed be a thankful man if the Lord would show to me that I was not in a position of being under His disfavor, and today while brother Roberts was overcome by his feelings and had promised to make all the restitution that it was within his power to make it came over me with such force that I bowed my head and silently wept, that I had been the chief instrument in the hands of the Lord in getting brother Roberts to stop just as he was on the point of ruin eternally, and it seemed to me that I could not have asked for any greater evidence of the approval of the Lord of me and my labors than to see such fruits of what He had allowed me to assist in bringing about.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
130 years ago today - Mar 26, 1896
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Met with Council in Temple. Seventies' Presidents were called in Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon made a few opening remarks told B. H. Roberts what was expected of him[;] read from D[octrine]. & C[ovenants]. p. 240 & page 220. Bro[other] R[oberts]. placed himself in the hands of Brethren, he broke down entirely and all eyes were wet. He satisfied us all and fulfilled my request he prayed for himself and did come to us with a broken heart & contrite spirit. We rejoiced in the lord and wept over the return of the stray sheep. Bro[ther] R[oberts]. was humble and wept for himself as we had an a previous occasion wept for him which then affected him not.
[Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Met with Council in Temple. Seventies' Presidents were called in Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon made a few opening remarks told B. H. Roberts what was expected of him[;] read from D[octrine]. & C[ovenants]. p. 240 & page 220. Bro[other] R[oberts]. placed himself in the hands of Brethren, he broke down entirely and all eyes were wet. He satisfied us all and fulfilled my request he prayed for himself and did come to us with a broken heart & contrite spirit. We rejoiced in the lord and wept over the return of the stray sheep. Bro[ther] R[oberts]. was humble and wept for himself as we had an a previous occasion wept for him which then affected him not.
[Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
190 years ago today - Mar 26, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Stephen Post given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou shalt not finish thy ministry upon this ball [planet], thou shalt preach to people of other planets, and thou shalt preach to spirits in prison: be faithful before God and all power both in heaven and under heaven shall be given unto thee. ...
[Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
115 years ago today - Mar 25, 1911
[Joseph F. Smith and counselors]
The fact that Elder Thomas L. Kerr has voluntarily confessed to his wrong doing goes to show that his repentance is genuine, and inasmuch as you yourself belief this to be the case you may baptize him for the remission of his sins and the renewal of his covenants, and re-confirm upon him his former blessings. And this you may do in a strictly private way and without making any record whatever of the baptism.
[First Presidency, Letter to F. S. Bramwell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
The fact that Elder Thomas L. Kerr has voluntarily confessed to his wrong doing goes to show that his repentance is genuine, and inasmuch as you yourself belief this to be the case you may baptize him for the remission of his sins and the renewal of his covenants, and re-confirm upon him his former blessings. And this you may do in a strictly private way and without making any record whatever of the baptism.
[First Presidency, Letter to F. S. Bramwell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
155 years ago today - Mar 25, 1871
At Parowan's School of the Prophets, "speaking of the apostacy in the Church," one of the local Seventy's presidents says that "there were many who are beginning to think they do not worship the same God that Brigham Young does."
[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)]]
55 years ago today - Mar 24, 1971
The First Presidency shortens "the standard term of service for lady missionaries" from 24 months to 18 months.
[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)]]
135 years ago today - Mar 24, 1891
Utah's chief justice Zane write: "Polygamy has demoralized the people of Utah. I presume there are more sexual crimes here in proportion to the population than anywhere else."
[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)]]
160 years ago today - Mar 24, 1866
Heber C. Kimball - "Plurality of wives is a law established by God forever. It would be easier for the United States to build a tower to remove the sun as to remove polygamy."
[Millennial Star, vol. 28, p. 190, quoted at the Instutite for Religious Research]
[Millennial Star, vol. 28, p. 190, quoted at the Instutite for Religious Research]
175 years ago today - Mar 24, 1851
A company of 500 settlers called to settle in California departed from Payson, Utah. The group settled in San Bernardino, Calif., which became the first Mormon colony outside the Great Basin since the arrival of the pioneers in 1847.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
185 years ago today - Mar 24, 1841
"To The Saints Abroad: The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said church, feel it their duty to call upon the saints who reside out of this county, to make preparations to come in, without delay, This is important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the prosperity of this the corner stone of Zion. Here the Temple must be raised, the University be built, and other edifices erected which are necessary for the great work of the last days; and which can only be done by a concentration of energy, and enterprise. Let it therefore be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those in this county, and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances will permit. Joseph Smith."
[Joseph Smith, City of Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill., March 24th 1841. Times and Seasons. "Truth Will Prevail." Vol. 2 No. 15, City of Nauvoo, Ill. June 1st, 1841 http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v2n15.htm, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
[Joseph Smith, City of Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill., March 24th 1841. Times and Seasons. "Truth Will Prevail." Vol. 2 No. 15, City of Nauvoo, Ill. June 1st, 1841 http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v2n15.htm, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
60 years ago today - Mar 23, 1966
[David O. McKay] "I told Brother [Ezra Taft Benson] Benson that I think it would be best for him not to speak at strictly John Birch Society meetings, but approved of his filling speaking appointments already accepted which were not associated with this group."
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
80 years ago today - March 23-24, 1946
[Ezra Taft Benson in post WWII Europe]
(Berlin) "The worst destruction I have witnessed was seen today," he wrote. ". . . I smelled the odor of decaying human bodies, saw half-starved women paying exorbitant prices anxiously for potato peelings." "The sisters have been ravished . . .," he continued. "Some have been beaten and flogged to insensibility, others murdered and still others deported . . ." "Words cannot begin to describe the ruin that has been heaped upon this once proud city," he told the First Presidency. "Traveling amid such surroundings leaves one with a feeling so appalling that it must be experienced to be understood." "The job of taking care of our Saints ...is over whelming," he admitted, "and as we contemplate their rehabilitation, it becomes staggering."
[Gary James Bergera, "Ezra Taft Benson's 1946 Mission to Europe" Journal of Mormon History 34:2 (Spring 2008)]
(Berlin) "The worst destruction I have witnessed was seen today," he wrote. ". . . I smelled the odor of decaying human bodies, saw half-starved women paying exorbitant prices anxiously for potato peelings." "The sisters have been ravished . . .," he continued. "Some have been beaten and flogged to insensibility, others murdered and still others deported . . ." "Words cannot begin to describe the ruin that has been heaped upon this once proud city," he told the First Presidency. "Traveling amid such surroundings leaves one with a feeling so appalling that it must be experienced to be understood." "The job of taking care of our Saints ...is over whelming," he admitted, "and as we contemplate their rehabilitation, it becomes staggering."
[Gary James Bergera, "Ezra Taft Benson's 1946 Mission to Europe" Journal of Mormon History 34:2 (Spring 2008)]
170 years ago today - Mar 23, 1856 (Evening)
[Brigham Young]
If some bring slaves they must not sell them but treat them well and send them to school. I don't want one word about it in the constitution, don't mouth it one way or the other. I wish you to define your position on slavery... One line is the traffic in slaves to buy and sell and if a black man strikes a white man he can be killed without any law - then there is the abolition question - the children of Ham were trafficked in as slaves - do we want the southern slavery, the northern abolition or the decree of God? -- Salt Lake City
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
If some bring slaves they must not sell them but treat them well and send them to school. I don't want one word about it in the constitution, don't mouth it one way or the other. I wish you to define your position on slavery... One line is the traffic in slaves to buy and sell and if a black man strikes a white man he can be killed without any law - then there is the abolition question - the children of Ham were trafficked in as slaves - do we want the southern slavery, the northern abolition or the decree of God? -- Salt Lake City
[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 - 23 March 1836 - Wednesday
[Joseph Smith]
Attended School - this is a pleasant day and fine sleighing- 2. more were received into the church by baptism
[Joseph Smith, "Sketch Book for the use of Joseph Smith, jr.," Journal, Sept. 1835-Apr. 1836]
Attended School - this is a pleasant day and fine sleighing- 2. more were received into the church by baptism
[Joseph Smith, "Sketch Book for the use of Joseph Smith, jr.," Journal, Sept. 1835-Apr. 1836]
65 years ago today - Mar 22, 1961
Elder Lee proposed to the General Priesthood Committee overhauling the ward teaching program of the past, under the new title "Priesthood Correlation Program." Twelve to fourteen stakes would be selected as pilot programs. Pres. McKay suggested calling the men "Home Teachers," instead of "Priesthood watchmen" that Elder Lee suggested. This was approved.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
170 years ago today - 1856. March 22
Heber J. Grant: Born Heber Jeddy Grant to Apostle Jedediah M. Grant and Rachael Ridgeway Ivins in Salt Lake City. He was first cousin to Apostle Anthony W. Ivins, son-in-law of Brigham Young's Counselor Daniel H. Wells, and brother-in-law to Apostles Orson F. Whitney, Joseph Fielding Smith, and Reed Smoot.
Eight days after Heber's birth, his father died of pneumonia. As a student in Brigham Young's family school, his severe astigmatism and resulting headaches interfered with his early education. He overcame childhood taunts of "sissy" with determined efforts to play baseball: "I spent hours and hours throwing the ball at Bishop Edwin D. Woolley's barn, which caused him to refer to me as the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Often my arm would ache so that I could scarcely go to sleep at night. But I kept on practicing… and eventually played in the nine that won the championship of the territory."
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn..to/newmormonstudies]
Eight days after Heber's birth, his father died of pneumonia. As a student in Brigham Young's family school, his severe astigmatism and resulting headaches interfered with his early education. He overcame childhood taunts of "sissy" with determined efforts to play baseball: "I spent hours and hours throwing the ball at Bishop Edwin D. Woolley's barn, which caused him to refer to me as the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Often my arm would ache so that I could scarcely go to sleep at night. But I kept on practicing… and eventually played in the nine that won the championship of the territory."
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn..to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Mar 22, 1846
[Samuel W. Richards]
Went to my Quorum meeting in the Temple. ... Dressing ourselves in the order of the Priesthood we called upon the Lord, his spirit attended us, and the visions of heaven were opened to our view. I was, as it were lost to my self, and [I] beheld the earth reel to and fro, and [it] was moved out of its place, men fell to the earth and their life departed from them, and at the close thereof, there appeared a great company as it were of Saints coming from the west as I stood with my back to the north and they were passing to the East, and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Come see the desolation which the Lord hast made in the Earth," and the company of the Saints who had been as it were from the Earth, walked in the light of the glory of the Lord [which] was around them, while darkness was on the face of the earth, and I beheld other things which were glorious while the power of God rested upon me. Others also beheld angels, and the glory of God. Having had a season of
enjoyment, it was proposed by C[urtis] E. B[olton] that we pray for the Prophet Joseph [Smith] to come into our midst and converse with us, some consented to do so but the idea was first objected to as being unwise by Bro. Levi [Richards] who received a reprimand by way of [a] hint to leave the room from Bro. B[rown,] [though] not being agreed [to by the] Quorum. The matter was taken up, and after some remarks from several of the brethren, it was decided by the President, that we had no right to pray for such a thing, and all was right again. The Sacrament was administered and our great joy encreased by the gift of Tongues and Prophecy by which great bless- ings were spoken and made known to us.
[Samuel W. Richards journal, Mar. 22, 1846, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Went to my Quorum meeting in the Temple. ... Dressing ourselves in the order of the Priesthood we called upon the Lord, his spirit attended us, and the visions of heaven were opened to our view. I was, as it were lost to my self, and [I] beheld the earth reel to and fro, and [it] was moved out of its place, men fell to the earth and their life departed from them, and at the close thereof, there appeared a great company as it were of Saints coming from the west as I stood with my back to the north and they were passing to the East, and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Come see the desolation which the Lord hast made in the Earth," and the company of the Saints who had been as it were from the Earth, walked in the light of the glory of the Lord [which] was around them, while darkness was on the face of the earth, and I beheld other things which were glorious while the power of God rested upon me. Others also beheld angels, and the glory of God. Having had a season of
enjoyment, it was proposed by C[urtis] E. B[olton] that we pray for the Prophet Joseph [Smith] to come into our midst and converse with us, some consented to do so but the idea was first objected to as being unwise by Bro. Levi [Richards] who received a reprimand by way of [a] hint to leave the room from Bro. B[rown,] [though] not being agreed [to by the] Quorum. The matter was taken up, and after some remarks from several of the brethren, it was decided by the President, that we had no right to pray for such a thing, and all was right again. The Sacrament was administered and our great joy encreased by the gift of Tongues and Prophecy by which great bless- ings were spoken and made known to us.
[Samuel W. Richards journal, Mar. 22, 1846, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
180 years ago today - Sunday, Mar 22, 1846.
President Young said he wanted a new leaf turned over, and if there was not, a scourge would come upon the camp. We must give more attention to keeping the Sabbath and quit shooting and trading, and not pass it off carelessly as any other day, for he knew it was wrong.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Sunday, Mar 22, 1846
Willard Richards's Tent
Prest. Young ^I^ said he ^I^ wanted a new leaf turned over & if there was not, a scourge would come upon the camp. We must give more attention to keeping the sabbath & quit shooting & trading & not pass it off carelessly as any other day, for he knew it was wrong... if Bishop Miller moves again before our arrival he will be disfello^w^shiped from this camp, unless he repents.
[Willard Richards journal, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
Prest. Young ^I^ said he ^I^ wanted a new leaf turned over & if there was not, a scourge would come upon the camp. We must give more attention to keeping the sabbath & quit shooting & trading & not pass it off carelessly as any other day, for he knew it was wrong... if Bishop Miller moves again before our arrival he will be disfello^w^shiped from this camp, unless he repents.
[Willard Richards journal, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
190 years ago today - 1836: 22 March
[Patriarchal Blessing]
Ethan Barrows (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
"... Thou must stand in the midst of wars and see man slay his fellow man, while thousands shall fall by famine and pestilences upon thy right hand and upon thy left, and the destroyer shall sweep his thousands by night and by day, and thine eye shall see it and thy heart will grieve, and thou shalt weep over the calamities which shall come upon thy fellow men, and the Lord shall speak to thee from the heavens and comfort thee. Angels shall minister unto thee and thou shalt rejoice in God in the midst of all the devastations which thou shalt behold. ... though shalt ... live to see the end of this generation and proclaim the gospel to the end of the wicked until the earth shall reel to and fro and stagger like a drunkard at the coming of the glorious Messiah, for thou shalt live to see him come in the clouds of heaven while thou are yet in the flesh. Thou must seek council at the hand of thy God and keep all the commandments and thou shalt receive all the power of the holy
priesthood; power to raise the dead, heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, the dumb to speak. Thou shalt have power to translate thyself from land to land and from country to country, from one end of heaven to the other, and when thy work is done thou shalt translate from earth to heaven.
Thou art one of the hundred and forty four thousand which shall stand upon Mount Zion with the harps of God. These blessings, the Lord shall give unto thee in his own due time and I seal them for thee in thee in the name of Jesus and I seal thee up unto eternal life. Even so. Amen."
[Journal of History 15(1):40, 1922, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Ethan Barrows (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
"... Thou must stand in the midst of wars and see man slay his fellow man, while thousands shall fall by famine and pestilences upon thy right hand and upon thy left, and the destroyer shall sweep his thousands by night and by day, and thine eye shall see it and thy heart will grieve, and thou shalt weep over the calamities which shall come upon thy fellow men, and the Lord shall speak to thee from the heavens and comfort thee. Angels shall minister unto thee and thou shalt rejoice in God in the midst of all the devastations which thou shalt behold. ... though shalt ... live to see the end of this generation and proclaim the gospel to the end of the wicked until the earth shall reel to and fro and stagger like a drunkard at the coming of the glorious Messiah, for thou shalt live to see him come in the clouds of heaven while thou are yet in the flesh. Thou must seek council at the hand of thy God and keep all the commandments and thou shalt receive all the power of the holy
priesthood; power to raise the dead, heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, the dumb to speak. Thou shalt have power to translate thyself from land to land and from country to country, from one end of heaven to the other, and when thy work is done thou shalt translate from earth to heaven.
Thou art one of the hundred and forty four thousand which shall stand upon Mount Zion with the harps of God. These blessings, the Lord shall give unto thee in his own due time and I seal them for thee in thee in the name of Jesus and I seal thee up unto eternal life. Even so. Amen."
[Journal of History 15(1):40, 1922, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Mar 22, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Sally Baker given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou shalt see Zion built up and the people of God flourish upon the hills and the glory of God cover the land and thy soul shall be satisfied and thou shalt say it is enough.
If thou shalt desire, thou mayest depart and rest a little season but it shall be thy privilege to be translated and rise victorious over the grave and sing O death where is thy sting, O, grave where is thy victory, and leave the world behind. ... Thou shalt see angels
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101-102, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
If thou shalt desire, thou mayest depart and rest a little season but it shall be thy privilege to be translated and rise victorious over the grave and sing O death where is thy sting, O, grave where is thy victory, and leave the world behind. ... Thou shalt see angels
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101-102, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
190 years ago today - Mar 22, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Jesse Baker given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion and see the glories of Zion and be a sharer therein. ...
Thou shalt see thy redeemer in the flesh ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101, quote in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
Thou shalt see thy redeemer in the flesh ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:101, quote in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
195 years ago today - Mar 22, 1831
Ten unidentified Palmyra residents sign a letter asserting that Joseph and his father had "belonged to a gang of money-diggers ... Jo pretending he could see the gold and silver by the aid of what they called a 'peep stone.'" Mormons in the Palmyra area are "few and generally of the dregs of community. ... The whole gang of these deluded mortals, except a few hypocrites, are profound believers in witchcraft, ghosts, goblins, &c." The signers found it "hardly possible that so clumsy an imposition can spread to any considerable extent."
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
205 years ago today - Mar 22, 1821
Elijah F. Sheets, later the bishop of the Salt Lake City Eighth Ward for forty-eight years (the longest tenure of any bishop in Church history), is born in Charlestown, Pennsylvania.
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