Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
45 years ago today - Jan 10, 1981
Fawn McKay Brodie, niece of David O. McKay and author of NO MAN KNOWS MY HISTORY (for which she was excommunicated) dies of cancer in Santa Monica, California at age 65. During her last months she refuses pain medication fearing that it will interfere with her final work - a biography of Richard Nixon. She does, however, ask for and receive a blessing from her active, LDS brother. This later leads to the false rumor that she returned to the Church at the end. At the time she states, "any exaggeration about my requests for a blessing meaning that I was asking to be taken back into the Church at that moment I strictly repudiate and would for all time." Her remains are cremated and the ashes scattered to the wind over the Pacific Palisades area she loved and protected.
95 years ago today - Jan 10, 1931
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
At the H[istorian's] O[ffice] preparing reply to B H Roberts' paper on the Pre-Adamites.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
At the H[istorian's] O[ffice] preparing reply to B H Roberts' paper on the Pre-Adamites.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, 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 - Jan 10, 1906
First Council of Seventy instructs B.H. Roberts to go to Los Angeles for "recuperation" from "a weakness for liquor that had fastened itself upon him." Roberts confessed his problem to the Council in 1901, and its senior president writes in 1908 that he "has been many times much the worse for Liquor in so much that his brethren of the Council have had to take up a labor with him."
[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)]]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 10, 1901
Apostle Reed Smoot ... Referred to some of the fast meetings in Provo last Sunday and said the spirit and power of testimony rested upon the people and the gifts of the gospel were manifested. One brother spoke in tongues to the effect that the impressions given to Pres. Snow of late regarding the redemption of the center stake of Zion and the building of the great temple were from the Lord and such event would transpire much sooner than many supposed.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
180 years ago today - Jan 10, 1846
Two twelve year olds sealed together in Nauvoo Temple each married other spouses in Utah
"On about January 10, 1846, I was privileged to go in the temple… I was sealed to a lovely young girl named Mary, who was about my age, but it was with the understanding that we were not to live together as man and wife until we were 16 years of age. The reason that some were sealed so young was because we knew that we would have to go West and wait many a long time for another temple".
[Mosiah Lyman Hancock Autobiography (1834-1865), typescript, BYU-S; published version by Pioneer Press, Salt Lake City, undated, 20-21; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
"On about January 10, 1846, I was privileged to go in the temple… I was sealed to a lovely young girl named Mary, who was about my age, but it was with the understanding that we were not to live together as man and wife until we were 16 years of age. The reason that some were sealed so young was because we knew that we would have to go West and wait many a long time for another temple".
[Mosiah Lyman Hancock Autobiography (1834-1865), typescript, BYU-S; published version by Pioneer Press, Salt Lake City, undated, 20-21; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
185 years ago today - Jan 10, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
Sister Redman thinks it is the hand of God to bring her to London to help rool on the work of God in this city. She has tried to find us many days, but no one would tell her. On Saturday night she dreamed if she would go to Goswell Road she would see two women & if she followed them it would lead her to the place of meeting. She did so & herd my voice while I was speaking & came into meeting & communed with us. It was a joyful meeting indeed.
She had a vision a few nights since of being called before her Majesty, the Queen Victoria & confined in London Tower because of her religion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Sister Redman thinks it is the hand of God to bring her to London to help rool on the work of God in this city. She has tried to find us many days, but no one would tell her. On Saturday night she dreamed if she would go to Goswell Road she would see two women & if she followed them it would lead her to the place of meeting. She did so & herd my voice while I was speaking & came into meeting & communed with us. It was a joyful meeting indeed.
She had a vision a few nights since of being called before her Majesty, the Queen Victoria & confined in London Tower because of her religion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
195 years ago today - Before Jan 10, 1831
John Corrill, later a convert, visited Kirtland where he said he heard Mormons "speak in tongues unknown to me," and was informed by some non-Mormons who were present "that the tongues were regular Indian dialects, which I was also informed, on inquiry, the persons who spoke had never learned."
[John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, (Commonly Called Mormons) . . . (St. Louis: John Corrill, 1839), 9; Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
[John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, (Commonly Called Mormons) . . . (St. Louis: John Corrill, 1839), 9; Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
130 years ago today - Jan 9, 1896
[Marriner W. Merrill]
Thursday. I went to Savage's Art Gallery and paid $6.00 cash for a picture frame for my photo to hang up in the Annex of the Salt Lake Temple, the Twelve Apostles all having their photos there. I went to the President's office to get my over shoes, as President Woodruff had taken them in mistake and left his, which were too small for me. I found he had gone home and worn them, so I had to buy another pair at Z. C. M. I., which cost me $1.50.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Thursday. I went to Savage's Art Gallery and paid $6.00 cash for a picture frame for my photo to hang up in the Annex of the Salt Lake Temple, the Twelve Apostles all having their photos there. I went to the President's office to get my over shoes, as President Woodruff had taken them in mistake and left his, which were too small for me. I found he had gone home and worn them, so I had to buy another pair at Z. C. M. I., which cost me $1.50.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Jan 9, 1896
Apostle John W. Taylor is assigned by the Quorum of Twelve to speak to fellow apostle Moses Thatcher "and talk over with him his condition or views on the question of insubordination in regard to running for office without an understanding with his brethren." Three months later Thatcher is dropped from the quorum for refusing to sign the "political manifesto" which requires every leading official to get permission from the proper authorities before accepting any position "political or otherwise." The "political manifesto" was seen as aimed at Moses Thatcher and B. H. Roberts, democrats, who had run for office without first getting permission from the brethren, while leaving certain other church officers free to engage in republican politics.
135 years ago today - Jan 9, 1891
Refutation of falsehoods appearing in the Illustrated American-- also Der Stern 21:97-116 (April 1, 1891).
This document or article is an answer to a series of articles which had appeared in the magazine, Illustrated American. The author of the articles (seemingly unsigned) claimed to be a "Mormon." Wilford Woodruff, as President of the Church, points out the historical inaccuracies and plagiarisms in the articles. The articles and President Woodruff's reply devote considerable space to the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Salt Lake City, Utah, January 9th, 1891.
Editor Illustrated American:
My attention has been called to articles in your magazine of December 27th and January 3rd concerning the "Mormon" Church. I have neither the time nor the inclination to notice the numerous misstatements and vile aspersions that frequently appear in the public prints in reference to the "Mormons." ...
We do not believe, as stated by the pretended "Mormon," that divulging the secrets of the Endowment House, marital unfaithfulness on the part of the wife, leaving the Mormon Church, are unpardonable, or that "the only atonement that can be made for any of these offences is the atonement of blood." The statement that "this doctrine is part of our duty" is another proof that the writer is not a "Mormon," and that he does not understand, or else that he wilfully misrepresents the faith which he pretends to explain.
The connection drawn between this alleged doctrine and the murders committed at Mountain Meadows, also proves the falsity of the claim that the writer is a "Mormon," and demonstrates his misapprehension of his own subject. The company that fell victims to Indian ferocity and white vengeance and rapacity were not "Mormons." They had revealed no secrets, they had not left the Church, they had done nothing to justify their slaughter, even on the false theory of Blood Atonement copied by the writer in the American from old newspaper fiction. This should be evident even to the casual reader.
... There is no pretext for a collision between the Mormons and the government. The only dispute that has arisen of late years between them was a question of law. That has been settled by the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States and the action of the Church in general conference. Plural marriage has been judicially decided to be unlawful. The Church has accepted the decision as legally final, and by my official advice as President of the Church has in the most solemn and authoritative manner decided not to enter into any marriages in future that are contrary to the laws of the land. ...
WILFORD WOODRUFF. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[Typewritten letter, Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
This document or article is an answer to a series of articles which had appeared in the magazine, Illustrated American. The author of the articles (seemingly unsigned) claimed to be a "Mormon." Wilford Woodruff, as President of the Church, points out the historical inaccuracies and plagiarisms in the articles. The articles and President Woodruff's reply devote considerable space to the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Salt Lake City, Utah, January 9th, 1891.
Editor Illustrated American:
My attention has been called to articles in your magazine of December 27th and January 3rd concerning the "Mormon" Church. I have neither the time nor the inclination to notice the numerous misstatements and vile aspersions that frequently appear in the public prints in reference to the "Mormons." ...
We do not believe, as stated by the pretended "Mormon," that divulging the secrets of the Endowment House, marital unfaithfulness on the part of the wife, leaving the Mormon Church, are unpardonable, or that "the only atonement that can be made for any of these offences is the atonement of blood." The statement that "this doctrine is part of our duty" is another proof that the writer is not a "Mormon," and that he does not understand, or else that he wilfully misrepresents the faith which he pretends to explain.
The connection drawn between this alleged doctrine and the murders committed at Mountain Meadows, also proves the falsity of the claim that the writer is a "Mormon," and demonstrates his misapprehension of his own subject. The company that fell victims to Indian ferocity and white vengeance and rapacity were not "Mormons." They had revealed no secrets, they had not left the Church, they had done nothing to justify their slaughter, even on the false theory of Blood Atonement copied by the writer in the American from old newspaper fiction. This should be evident even to the casual reader.
... There is no pretext for a collision between the Mormons and the government. The only dispute that has arisen of late years between them was a question of law. That has been settled by the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States and the action of the Church in general conference. Plural marriage has been judicially decided to be unlawful. The Church has accepted the decision as legally final, and by my official advice as President of the Church has in the most solemn and authoritative manner decided not to enter into any marriages in future that are contrary to the laws of the land. ...
WILFORD WOODRUFF. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[Typewritten letter, Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
135 years ago today - Jan 9, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]
I received from Samuel Roskelly, Temple Recorder, the yearly bulletin showing the amount of work done in Logan Temple for 1890, which is as follows: Baptisms, 30,788; endowments, 12,748; ordinations, 4,465; sealings, 3,831, children to parents, 1,492; adoptions, 53; second anointings, 207.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I received from Samuel Roskelly, Temple Recorder, the yearly bulletin showing the amount of work done in Logan Temple for 1890, which is as follows: Baptisms, 30,788; endowments, 12,748; ordinations, 4,465; sealings, 3,831, children to parents, 1,492; adoptions, 53; second anointings, 207.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jan 9, 1851
Salt Lake City was incorporated.
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
180 years ago today - Jan 9, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
When we came to the Temple some what a considerable number of the guard were assembled and among them was William Hibbard son of the old man Hibbard. He was evidently come as a spy. When I saw him I told Scott that we must "bounce a stone off of his head."to which he agreedwe prepared accordingly & I got an opportunity & hit him on the back of his head which came very near taking his life[.] But few knew any thing about what was the matter he left the ground out of his senses when he came to himself he could not tell what had happened to him &c
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
When we came to the Temple some what a considerable number of the guard were assembled and among them was William Hibbard son of the old man Hibbard. He was evidently come as a spy. When I saw him I told Scott that we must "bounce a stone off of his head."to which he agreedwe prepared accordingly & I got an opportunity & hit him on the back of his head which came very near taking his life[.] But few knew any thing about what was the matter he left the ground out of his senses when he came to himself he could not tell what had happened to him &c
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Jan 9, 1846
[Brigham Young]
I observed to the brethren that it was my wish that all dancing and merriment should cease, lest the brethren and sisters be carried away by levity; and that the name of the Deity should be held in reverence, with all the due deference that belongeth to an infinite being of his character.
[Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
I observed to the brethren that it was my wish that all dancing and merriment should cease, lest the brethren and sisters be carried away by levity; and that the name of the Deity should be held in reverence, with all the due deference that belongeth to an infinite being of his character.
[Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
190 years ago today - Jan 9, 1836
Saturday, 9th Attended School in the fore noon. At about 11 o'clock received the following note:
Thus saith the voice of the Spirit to me, if try Brother Joseph Smith, J[unio]r will attend the feast at thy house this day (at 12 o'cl[ock]) the poor and lame will rejoice at his presence and also think themselves honored.
Yours in friendship and Love,
N[ewel] K. W[hitney]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Thus saith the voice of the Spirit to me, if try Brother Joseph Smith, J[unio]r will attend the feast at thy house this day (at 12 o'cl[ock]) the poor and lame will rejoice at his presence and also think themselves honored.
Yours in friendship and Love,
N[ewel] K. W[hitney]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
50 years ago today - Jan 07, 1976
The Religious Studies Center at Brigham Young University is established to publish scholarly work dealing with topics of interest to Latter-day Saints.
95 years ago today - Jan 7, 1931
B. H. Roberts defends his position which favors the theory of evolution and the existence of "preadamites" before a council of the Twelve Apostles. In a letter to Church President Heber J. Grant Roberts had previously criticized a dogmatic anti-evolution pronouncement by Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith: "If Elder Smith is merely putting forth his own position I call in question his competency to utter such dogmatism either as scholar or as an apostle. I am sure he is not competent to speak in such a manner from general learning or special research work on the subject; nor as an Apostle as in that case he would be in conflict with the plain implication of the scriptures, both ancient and modern and with the teaching of a more experienced and learned and earlier apostle [Orson Hyde], and a contemporary of the prophet Joseph Smith-whose public discourse on the subject appears in the Journal of Discourses and was publicly endorsed by president Brigham Young, all of which would have more
weight in setting forth doctrine than this last dictum of Elder Smith." Two weeks later Joseph Fielding Smith presents his view, a defense of scriptural literalism: "The doctrine of organic evolution which pervades the modern day sciences proclaiming the edict that man has evolved from the lower forms of life through the Java skull, the Heidelberg jaw, the Piltdown man, the Neanderthal skull and last but not least the Peiping man who lived millions of years ago is as false as their author who lives in hell." The Apostles referred the matter back to the First Presidency noting only Roberts' language is "very offensive . . . failing to show the deference due from one brother to another brother of higher rank in the priesthood.- The First Presidency decides that "Neither side of the controversy has been accepted as a doctrine at all" but cautions that general authorities should be more careful when speaking publicly on controversial topics.
weight in setting forth doctrine than this last dictum of Elder Smith." Two weeks later Joseph Fielding Smith presents his view, a defense of scriptural literalism: "The doctrine of organic evolution which pervades the modern day sciences proclaiming the edict that man has evolved from the lower forms of life through the Java skull, the Heidelberg jaw, the Piltdown man, the Neanderthal skull and last but not least the Peiping man who lived millions of years ago is as false as their author who lives in hell." The Apostles referred the matter back to the First Presidency noting only Roberts' language is "very offensive . . . failing to show the deference due from one brother to another brother of higher rank in the priesthood.- The First Presidency decides that "Neither side of the controversy has been accepted as a doctrine at all" but cautions that general authorities should be more careful when speaking publicly on controversial topics.
120 years ago today - Ca. Jan 7, 1906
[Apostle/Senator Reed smoot to President Joseph F. Smith]
.... it was agreed that I should see President [Theodore] Roosevelt on my return to Washington [D.C.] and tell him that the quorum of Apostles had investigated [John W.] Taylor and [Matthias F.] Cowley's case and they had admitted taking plural wives since the Manifesto but it was done not in this country and they never considered the Manifesto applied to any place outside the US. To tend their resignations and ask his advise as to making them public and tell him the reason of the delay. ... The more I studied it and followed the action taken to its logical conclusion the more I became convinced I am either wrong in my conclusions of the Brethren were at home agreeing upon the policy adopted. I could not help but think if I went to President Roosevelt and told him Taylor and Cowley had admitted their guilt, the President in his blunt, honest, and personal way would immediately ask me whether they had been excommunicated, and if not, why not; that the action agreed upon would not
have the desired result, but just the opposite. A mere resignation just before the resuming of the case would be looked upon as a mere subterfuge and worthy of the severest condemnation. ... The fact that they had admitted their guilt and the church knowing it and not excommunicating them would be proof positive of our undoing. ... I decided in my own mind rather than go to President R[oosevelt] I would first talk with George Sutherland and [bind] him to secrecy. I knew if I spoke to the President [he] would have to act and perhaps he would be displeased with our action in the matter.
[Reed Smoot, Draft of letter to Joseph F. Smith, 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]
.... it was agreed that I should see President [Theodore] Roosevelt on my return to Washington [D.C.] and tell him that the quorum of Apostles had investigated [John W.] Taylor and [Matthias F.] Cowley's case and they had admitted taking plural wives since the Manifesto but it was done not in this country and they never considered the Manifesto applied to any place outside the US. To tend their resignations and ask his advise as to making them public and tell him the reason of the delay. ... The more I studied it and followed the action taken to its logical conclusion the more I became convinced I am either wrong in my conclusions of the Brethren were at home agreeing upon the policy adopted. I could not help but think if I went to President Roosevelt and told him Taylor and Cowley had admitted their guilt, the President in his blunt, honest, and personal way would immediately ask me whether they had been excommunicated, and if not, why not; that the action agreed upon would not
have the desired result, but just the opposite. A mere resignation just before the resuming of the case would be looked upon as a mere subterfuge and worthy of the severest condemnation. ... The fact that they had admitted their guilt and the church knowing it and not excommunicating them would be proof positive of our undoing. ... I decided in my own mind rather than go to President R[oosevelt] I would first talk with George Sutherland and [bind] him to secrecy. I knew if I spoke to the President [he] would have to act and perhaps he would be displeased with our action in the matter.
[Reed Smoot, Draft of letter to Joseph F. Smith, 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]
130 years ago today - Jan 7, 1896; Tuesday
Elder C[harles]. W. Penrose called the attention of the Presidency to a prediction concerning Statehood made by President Brigham Young forty years ago, and suggested its publication, as a refutation of assertions made by several persons that President Young had declared that Utah would never be a State in the Union. It was accordingly published in the Deseret Evening News of this date. ....
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
140 years ago today - Jan 7, 1886
U.S. Supreme Court sustains Utah judges' definition of "cohabitation" as not requiring proof of sexual intercourse but rather of marital relationship. Justices Miller and Field dissent on grounds that Congress intended law to prohibit "unlawful habitual sexual intercourse" with more than one woman. Justice Field is on a secret payroll of the First Presidency.
[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)]]
180 years ago today - Jan 7, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple]
The first sealings of husbands and wives administered. Sealings were performed for living, as well as for the dead, but only where one spouse was living and the other was deceased.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
The first sealings of husbands and wives administered. Sealings were performed for living, as well as for the dead, but only where one spouse was living and the other was deceased.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
180 years ago today - Jan 7, 1846. Wednesday.
This morning there was an immense crowd at the reception room waiting for admission into the washing and anointing rooms. The brethren as they came along bearing Baskets, Pails and other vessels filled with all kinds of provisions, for the use of those who are attending on the ordinances of the Lord's House. The supply is much greater than the consumption . . .
This afternoon and evening the new altar was used, for the first time, and four individuals and their wives were sealed. The altar is about 2 1/2 feet high, and 2 1/2 feet long, and about one foot wide, rising from a platform about 8 or 9 inches high and extending out on all sides about a foot, forming a convenient place to kneel upon. The top of the altar and the kneeling place are covered with cusions of scarlet damask cloth. The sides of the upright part, or body of the altar are covered with white linen.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
This afternoon and evening the new altar was used, for the first time, and four individuals and their wives were sealed. The altar is about 2 1/2 feet high, and 2 1/2 feet long, and about one foot wide, rising from a platform about 8 or 9 inches high and extending out on all sides about a foot, forming a convenient place to kneel upon. The top of the altar and the kneeling place are covered with cusions of scarlet damask cloth. The sides of the upright part, or body of the altar are covered with white linen.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - 7 [Jan 1846]
[Brigham Young]
Spent this day also in assisting about the alter which completed & arranged my room. In the evening the council met after sing & prayers we put on our robes & proceeded to dedicate the alter and I pronounced the following dedication prayer, 7 Jan. 1846 Bro. H. C. K. and others received the ordinances according to the law of the Lord upon the alter followed by John Taylor and N. K. Whitney. [Taylor was married to his wife Leonora, and Whitney was married to multiple women].
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
Spent this day also in assisting about the alter which completed & arranged my room. In the evening the council met after sing & prayers we put on our robes & proceeded to dedicate the alter and I pronounced the following dedication prayer, 7 Jan. 1846 Bro. H. C. K. and others received the ordinances according to the law of the Lord upon the alter followed by John Taylor and N. K. Whitney. [Taylor was married to his wife Leonora, and Whitney was married to multiple women].
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
185 years ago today - Jan 7, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
DREAM I fell asleep. Soon found myself in the wilderness of wild pair trees which were bending with wild pairs which were the most beautiful of all fruit I ever saw. I tasted of it & found it delicious, & while I was gazing with wonder & admiration upon it evry pare instantly turned into a nice fat dressed sheep hung on the limbs head downwards. I awoke & the spirit said this is a token of fruit among the Lamanites.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
DREAM I fell asleep. Soon found myself in the wilderness of wild pair trees which were bending with wild pairs which were the most beautiful of all fruit I ever saw. I tasted of it & found it delicious, & while I was gazing with wonder & admiration upon it evry pare instantly turned into a nice fat dressed sheep hung on the limbs head downwards. I awoke & the spirit said this is a token of fruit among the Lamanites.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
20 years ago today - 2006-01-06
Founding of the Exponent Blog (http://www.the-exponent.com/2006/01/06/the-exponent-ii-blog-begins)//Building on the tradition of "The Woman's Exponent" and "Exponent II," Mormon feminists Caroline Kline, Jana Remy, and Deborah Kris start the blog to create an online presence for Mormon feminism.
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
55 years ago today - Jan 6, 1971
Any temples now manufacturing ceremonial clothing or other items of clothing for temple wear are requested to discontinue doing so. Sewing rooms in temples should be maintained only for the repair or reconditioning of clothing.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, and N. Eldon Tanner to temple presidents, Jan. 6, 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, Jan. 6, 1971, copy in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
100 years ago today - Jan 6, 1926
[Heber J. Grant]
Brother Adam Bennion called and we had a long confidential talk regarding the situation of the Church Schools. Brother Bennion is rather inclined to think that we should discontinue all church school education that is duplicated by the state. ... It is worthy of the greatest consideration whether we ought not to discontinue the Brigham Young University, Brigham Young College, and Latter Day Saints University in this city, and devote our entire educational work to having seminaries established in the vicinity of all the high schools and also in the vicinity of the University of Utah and the Utah Agricultural College. Brother Bennion feels that in the very near future we cannot maintain our present educational system short of a million dollars of Church funds each year, to say nothing of the tuition paid by the Saints who patronize the Church schools.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Brother Adam Bennion called and we had a long confidential talk regarding the situation of the Church Schools. Brother Bennion is rather inclined to think that we should discontinue all church school education that is duplicated by the state. ... It is worthy of the greatest consideration whether we ought not to discontinue the Brigham Young University, Brigham Young College, and Latter Day Saints University in this city, and devote our entire educational work to having seminaries established in the vicinity of all the high schools and also in the vicinity of the University of Utah and the Utah Agricultural College. Brother Bennion feels that in the very near future we cannot maintain our present educational system short of a million dollars of Church funds each year, to say nothing of the tuition paid by the Saints who patronize the Church schools.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
125 years ago today - Jan 6, 1901; Sunday
[Fast meeting in the temple:] ...--Rev[e]l[a]t[ion]. on Plural Marriage--And as a servant of God I warn you not rej[ec]t this princ[i]p[le] or you will be damned & Jno. [John] Taylor has told me own lips that Jos[eph Smith] com[mande]d me to entd [enter] into plur[al marriage.]
As God is true as Christ is true as Jos[eph Smith] the prophet is true this principle is true--I warn u [you] not to rej[ec]t this princ[i]p[le]--if you do as God loves He will reject u [you]. Geo[rge] A Smith told me P[rophe]t Joseph [Smith] seemed to be impelled to ins[is]t this principle before his death--What God is doing in this world is not childs play. ...
Those women that God show[e]d the P[rophe]t that He had res[er]v[e]d to be his--Will be his through out all eternity & infamous to teach every man to have his mate & absurd to seal for time & eternity only to be dissolved in eternity.
--Sister Bathsheba [Smith] told that Jos[eph] P[rophe]t. said we were mated before we came into this temple.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
As God is true as Christ is true as Jos[eph Smith] the prophet is true this principle is true--I warn u [you] not to rej[ec]t this princ[i]p[le]--if you do as God loves He will reject u [you]. Geo[rge] A Smith told me P[rophe]t Joseph [Smith] seemed to be impelled to ins[is]t this principle before his death--What God is doing in this world is not childs play. ...
Those women that God show[e]d the P[rophe]t that He had res[er]v[e]d to be his--Will be his through out all eternity & infamous to teach every man to have his mate & absurd to seal for time & eternity only to be dissolved in eternity.
--Sister Bathsheba [Smith] told that Jos[eph] P[rophe]t. said we were mated before we came into this temple.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jan 6, 1901; Sunday
Elder John W. Taylor said: some strong minded women say every woman will have her own husband to herself which was the doctrine of Devils.
Elder H[eber]. J. Grant spoke feelingly of his motehr. A[nthon]. H. Lund bore testimony to the truth.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley & A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff each spoke also Rudger Clawson, of the Twelve. Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith bore a powerful testimony of Celestial Marriage and that any one rejecting it God will reject.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
Elder H[eber]. J. Grant spoke feelingly of his motehr. A[nthon]. H. Lund bore testimony to the truth.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley & A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff each spoke also Rudger Clawson, of the Twelve. Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith bore a powerful testimony of Celestial Marriage and that any one rejecting it God will reject.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jan 6, 1901
Went to the Temple fast meeting at 10 a.m. Pres[iden]t. Jos[eph]. F. Smith and John W. Taylor denounced the doctrine that in Eternity one man will have but one wife [as] a 'Doctrine of Devils.' Elder John W. Taylor said: some strong minded women say every woman will have her own husband to herself which was the doctrine of Devils. ... Jos[eph]. F. Smith bore a powerful testimony of Celestial Marriage and that any one rejecting it God will reject.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff 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]
[Abraham Owen Woodruff 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]
130 years ago today - Jan 6, 1896
Apostle Brigham Young Jr. notes in his diary concerning Governor Heber M. Wells' inaugural address: "Polygamy was cuffed about too much in it and in my heart I said Can I take an oath to support a Constitution and men in office who stamp upon that sacred principle to support which I would give my life-at least I think so. That spirit does not harmonize with mine."
130 years ago today - Jan 6, 1896; Monday
President Woodruff was heartily congratulated today by Non-Mormons as well as Mormons, as the oldest living pioneer, in having lived to see and participate in the ceremonies of this glorious day. On leaving the office he said to those present, "Brethren I am happy, my cares do not worry me at all today".
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
165 years ago today - Jan 6, 1861
Bro. Brigham ... Said when our spirits came on this earth they were pure as the Gods and as the angels of heaven, but by reason of the fall we were subject to the weakness of the flesh; but it was for us to overcome and to bring our bodies in subjection to the will of the spirit and to have our whole soul, mind and will swallowed up in the will of Christ.
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker, 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 - Jan 6, 1856
President Young spoke to the people ... if a man had the exact glory that Jesus had he would have to die in the same way & if a man passed through this world without passing through the dregs of poverty he would have to pass through it hereafter before he could be exhalted to Eternal riches in their fulness.
Their is no other way for men to get an exhaltation but to follow their file Leader. The Twelve have no right to ask the Presidency why they do this or that or why they tell the Twelve to do this or that ownly go & do as they are told & this same principle should go through evry quorum in the Church & kingdom of God on Earth & when this rule is observed then the kingdom will be ours.
...Lorenzo Snow spoke to the people first & was followed by president Young. Brother Snow spoke upon the subject of obeying Council & following their leaders without inquiring why they are called to do it.
...He was followed by J. C. Wright. ... He spoke of the Law of God. A woman was under the Law of her husband & no other. If she obeyed his Law she was under no transgression because her husband was her head & evry man & woman had a head. The Presidency of the church is the head of the Church on Earth & if we obey them we shall be saved.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Their is no other way for men to get an exhaltation but to follow their file Leader. The Twelve have no right to ask the Presidency why they do this or that or why they tell the Twelve to do this or that ownly go & do as they are told & this same principle should go through evry quorum in the Church & kingdom of God on Earth & when this rule is observed then the kingdom will be ours.
...Lorenzo Snow spoke to the people first & was followed by president Young. Brother Snow spoke upon the subject of obeying Council & following their leaders without inquiring why they are called to do it.
...He was followed by J. C. Wright. ... He spoke of the Law of God. A woman was under the Law of her husband & no other. If she obeyed his Law she was under no transgression because her husband was her head & evry man & woman had a head. The Presidency of the church is the head of the Church on Earth & if we obey them we shall be saved.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jan 6, 1846. Tuesday.
....Elder H. C. Kimball came into the temple at 5 minutes before 11 o clock and in a few moments called upon all the others of the Twelve to unite with him in consecrating some oil for the anointing. ...
At 20 minutes past 11, President Young came in with Mrs. Young, his health not very good, but being quite comfortable. He slept at home and dreamed the same dream three times in the course of the night.
Elder Babbitt came in at 15 minutes before 12, bringing a letter, written by Gov. Thomas Ford, to J. B. Backenstos, dated Springfield, Dec. 29, in which he refers, among other matters to the probability that the U.S. Government would send a military force to Nauvoo to assist in arresting the Twelve, who are charged with counterfeiting...
The Quorum of Seventies, met in room No. 9 clothed, and offered up prayers for the preservation of the Twelve and all the different quorums, and for the continuation of the blessings of the endowment.
After the business of the day was over the brethren and Sisters, indulged in a dance. ... After dancing two figures, Joseph Young addressed the party at considerable length, and made a prayer in which all joined after which the music and dancing was continued to a late hour, say 12 o clock.
President B. Young returned to the Temple a few minutes after 10, and took part in the exercises. By his directions, Lucian R. Foster and Ann Maria, his wife, and Stephen Markham and his wife, danced a French four. This was the first time that L. R. Foster and his wife danced together.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
At 20 minutes past 11, President Young came in with Mrs. Young, his health not very good, but being quite comfortable. He slept at home and dreamed the same dream three times in the course of the night.
Elder Babbitt came in at 15 minutes before 12, bringing a letter, written by Gov. Thomas Ford, to J. B. Backenstos, dated Springfield, Dec. 29, in which he refers, among other matters to the probability that the U.S. Government would send a military force to Nauvoo to assist in arresting the Twelve, who are charged with counterfeiting...
The Quorum of Seventies, met in room No. 9 clothed, and offered up prayers for the preservation of the Twelve and all the different quorums, and for the continuation of the blessings of the endowment.
After the business of the day was over the brethren and Sisters, indulged in a dance. ... After dancing two figures, Joseph Young addressed the party at considerable length, and made a prayer in which all joined after which the music and dancing was continued to a late hour, say 12 o clock.
President B. Young returned to the Temple a few minutes after 10, and took part in the exercises. By his directions, Lucian R. Foster and Ann Maria, his wife, and Stephen Markham and his wife, danced a French four. This was the first time that L. R. Foster and his wife danced together.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Jan 6 [1846]
[Brigham Young]
1846 This morning I came to the Temple with my wife spent the day in assisting her about preparing the alter. In the evening met the council.
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
1846 This morning I came to the Temple with my wife spent the day in assisting her about preparing the alter. In the evening met the council.
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
185 years ago today - Jan 6, 1841
[Heber C. Kimball]
In the evning we went to Deacons Spencers, and preached and was apposed by one Mr. Cammon a Minister, perssessed [possessed] with the devle.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
In the evning we went to Deacons Spencers, and preached and was apposed by one Mr. Cammon a Minister, perssessed [possessed] with the devle.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
185 years ago today - Jan 6, 1841
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
.... we cannot go to teach in the City of London but what the Devil comes also to oppose us. This accounts for my dreams about serpents.
I returned home fell asleep & again dreamed of vast Serpents both dead & alive. Some were of Antique turned into stone, & many were alive about 20 feet long & Pitched at me like Draggons & I fled from them & arose into the air & sailed a great distance with the greatest ease & delight singing Victory. I also saw large fruit. Tasted of it & it was good, & a man tried to set his dog on me, but he soon repented of his conduct. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... we cannot go to teach in the City of London but what the Devil comes also to oppose us. This accounts for my dreams about serpents.
I returned home fell asleep & again dreamed of vast Serpents both dead & alive. Some were of Antique turned into stone, & many were alive about 20 feet long & Pitched at me like Draggons & I fled from them & arose into the air & sailed a great distance with the greatest ease & delight singing Victory. I also saw large fruit. Tasted of it & it was good, & a man tried to set his dog on me, but he soon repented of his conduct. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Jan 6, 1836
Joshua Seixas, author of "Manual of Hebrew Grammar for the Use of Beginners" (1833, second edition 1834) and former Hebrew instructor of Lorenzo Snow, is "hired" for a term of seven weeks, to teach "forty scholars," beginning in about fifteen days. It is reported that he will "give us sufficient knowledge during this term to start us in reading and translating the language." He does not actually arrive in Kirtland until Jan 26.
195 years ago today - Jan 6, 1831
The Palmyra Reflector writes of "Legends, or traditions respecting hidden treasures, with the SPIRIT, to whom ignorance has formerly given them in charge."
[Abner Cole, "Gold Bible," Reflector, (Palmyra, NY), 6 January 1831, as quoted in A Topical Guide of Treasure-Seeking Rituals From the American Northeast during the 18th and 19th Centuries, Compiled by Joseph T. Antley (2010)]
[Abner Cole, "Gold Bible," Reflector, (Palmyra, NY), 6 January 1831, as quoted in A Topical Guide of Treasure-Seeking Rituals From the American Northeast during the 18th and 19th Centuries, Compiled by Joseph T. Antley (2010)]
195 years ago today - Jan 6, 1831
Joseph Smith accused of using the sacrament to administer a visionary substance (Jan. 6, 1831 edition of the Palmyra Reflector)
[Kirtland Timeline - Kirtland Safety Society, the Bank of Monroe, Temple Dedication, Consecration, and significant historical events related, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirtland-timeline-kirtland-safety-society-the-bank-of-monroe-temple-dedication-consecration-and-significant-historical-events-related/]
[Kirtland Timeline - Kirtland Safety Society, the Bank of Monroe, Temple Dedication, Consecration, and significant historical events related, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirtland-timeline-kirtland-safety-society-the-bank-of-monroe-temple-dedication-consecration-and-significant-historical-events-related/]
115 years ago today - Jan 5, 1911; Thursday
Pres[iden]t. Lund reported that on Sunday the First Presidency met in the Beehive House, on which occasion Sister Emmeline B. Wells was set apart as President of the Relief Society, with Sisters Clarissa Williams and Julina L. Smith as first and second counselors. Sister Wells was set apart by President Smith, Sister Williams by President Lund, and Sister Smith by President John Henry Smith.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Jan 5, 1906
[Heber J. Grant to Joseph F. Smith]
.... A Tribune came to the office the other day and never have I read anything like the vile attack on you and the charge that you are the one responsible for all the crime in Salt Lake. Your remark 'I am sorry for two of the brethren' [Apostles Cowley and Taylor] etc. has caused me a great amount of thought and much anxiety. When I wake up in the night I have thought of these brethren and your statement 'I scarcely see how they can escape,' has worried me. ... With all my heart I plead for these two brethren that they may be protected no matter what the enemy may ask. What they have done I also have done or intended to do, and in so doing I would have done what I thought had the approval of my brethren. ... But for my mission I had intended to get another wife and was going to ask no questions. Your Sec[re]t[ar]y. Gave me to understand that I was a fool, having no sons and with the great city of Liverpool [England] in which to hide a wife, if I did not get one. I had just come
home from a mission and took it for granted he knew what he was talking about. One of the Apostles, old enough to be my father told [Abraham] Owen [Woodruff] and me in the Temple that we should not fail in laying the foundation of our Kingdom in this life. Before I went to Japan my President intimated that I had better take the action needed to increase my family. ... John W. [Taylor] stopped me and as an Apostle in the name of our Master promised that the Lord would deliver me from my financial troubles and that I would make money so rapidly I should be amazed. My tithing in four months was 4,650 dollars nearly 1,200 dollars a month.'the tithing alone being more than I had been making for years. It is no wonder I love John when I think of the blessings he has been the instrument in God's hands of bestowing upon me. It is very tiresome to write as I doing and I do not want to weary you, but from the bottom of my heart I plead for my brethren even if Reed [Smoot] has to resign, if
that would do any good in their case. You are on the ground and I trust and sustain you fully in all you have done or may do, but with my love for my brethren I feel I would be untrue to my own heart if I failed to admit my debt to them, and also acknowledge that they have done no more than I intended to do.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
.... A Tribune came to the office the other day and never have I read anything like the vile attack on you and the charge that you are the one responsible for all the crime in Salt Lake. Your remark 'I am sorry for two of the brethren' [Apostles Cowley and Taylor] etc. has caused me a great amount of thought and much anxiety. When I wake up in the night I have thought of these brethren and your statement 'I scarcely see how they can escape,' has worried me. ... With all my heart I plead for these two brethren that they may be protected no matter what the enemy may ask. What they have done I also have done or intended to do, and in so doing I would have done what I thought had the approval of my brethren. ... But for my mission I had intended to get another wife and was going to ask no questions. Your Sec[re]t[ar]y. Gave me to understand that I was a fool, having no sons and with the great city of Liverpool [England] in which to hide a wife, if I did not get one. I had just come
home from a mission and took it for granted he knew what he was talking about. One of the Apostles, old enough to be my father told [Abraham] Owen [Woodruff] and me in the Temple that we should not fail in laying the foundation of our Kingdom in this life. Before I went to Japan my President intimated that I had better take the action needed to increase my family. ... John W. [Taylor] stopped me and as an Apostle in the name of our Master promised that the Lord would deliver me from my financial troubles and that I would make money so rapidly I should be amazed. My tithing in four months was 4,650 dollars nearly 1,200 dollars a month.'the tithing alone being more than I had been making for years. It is no wonder I love John when I think of the blessings he has been the instrument in God's hands of bestowing upon me. It is very tiresome to write as I doing and I do not want to weary you, but from the bottom of my heart I plead for my brethren even if Reed [Smoot] has to resign, if
that would do any good in their case. You are on the ground and I trust and sustain you fully in all you have done or may do, but with my love for my brethren I feel I would be untrue to my own heart if I failed to admit my debt to them, and also acknowledge that they have done no more than I intended to do.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, 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]
145 years ago today - Wednesday, Jan 5, 1881
Prest. John Taylor gave us some excellent advice in regard to the liberties of other men not of our faith and that we should protect them and theirs as our own. We should not find fault with other religions and from the pulpit rail out at public men, treat all with curtesey and Justice kindness and friendship.
[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]
[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]
145 years ago today - Jan 5, 1881
[Franklin D. Richards]
Council at 2'-John Henry Smith opened & F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. prayed at alter. Form for prayer & list of names of our persecutors read & considered with view to washing of Feet & presenting before the Lord according to Rev[elation]. ... Pr[e]s[iden]t. W[ilford]. Woodruff dedicated N[orth]. E[ast]. corner room for Council room of the 12 Apostles. I also attend[ed] the dedication of the council chamber of the Twelve. President [Wilford] Woodruff offered the dedicatory prayer and I read the 123 Section of the Doctrine and Covenants new edition.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
Council at 2'-John Henry Smith opened & F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. prayed at alter. Form for prayer & list of names of our persecutors read & considered with view to washing of Feet & presenting before the Lord according to Rev[elation]. ... Pr[e]s[iden]t. W[ilford]. Woodruff dedicated N[orth]. E[ast]. corner room for Council room of the 12 Apostles. I also attend[ed] the dedication of the council chamber of the Twelve. President [Wilford] Woodruff offered the dedicatory prayer and I read the 123 Section of the Doctrine and Covenants new edition.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
165 years ago today - Jan 5, 1861
He [Heber C. Kimball] said He had some wives who had never been subjet to his Council & will. Yet He took good Care of them & treated them kindly. <He had one woman that had committed adultery yet he fed her and took care of her but did not sleep with her as a wife.>
[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]
180 years ago today - Jan 5, 1846. Monday.
This was a pleasant morning, and many persons were early at the Temple to receive their washings and anointings. ... After the labors of the day were over, which was soon after nine o clock P.M. the violin and flute, played by brothers Hanson and Averett, in the east room, enlivened the spirits of the saints that were present, and they soon joined in the dance. ... Efforts were made to induce Brother George W. Harris to join in it also, but his great gravity and superior wisdom forbade him to do so, and he thought that as he had not yet danced in his life, he would not begin at the present time. After continuing the dance until about 12 o clock, all retired except the few who generally remain over night. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
185 years ago today - 5Jan41
[Joseph Smith]
Description of Paul the Apostle
Public Speaking
World and Earth
Earth Formed from other Planets
Phrenology - Revelation
No Beginning No End Axiom - Ring Illustration
Eternal Principles are from God
Spirit of Man Eternal-Book of Abraham
Create = Formed
Father has a Body - Resurrected
First Step in Salvation
Grand Council
Purpose of Earth Life
Devil Wants a Body - Obey to Keep Devil at Bay
Earth Will Go Back to God
[The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]
Description of Paul the Apostle
Public Speaking
World and Earth
Earth Formed from other Planets
Phrenology - Revelation
No Beginning No End Axiom - Ring Illustration
Eternal Principles are from God
Spirit of Man Eternal-Book of Abraham
Create = Formed
Father has a Body - Resurrected
First Step in Salvation
Grand Council
Purpose of Earth Life
Devil Wants a Body - Obey to Keep Devil at Bay
Earth Will Go Back to God
[The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]
185 years ago today - Jan 5, 1841
Joseph Smith organizes the Nauvoo Lyceum where men could give presentations on theology "for the benefit of the Elders who are calculated to proclaim the Gospel to this Generation." He also announces a revelation against phrenology, text unavailable. He also gives a description of the Apostle Paul: "He is about 5 foot high; very dark hair; dark complection; dark skin; large Roman nose; sharp face; small black eyes, penetrating as eternity; round shoulders; a whining voice, except when elevated and then it almost resembles the roaring of a Lion. He was a good orator, but Doctor [John C.] Bennett is a superior orator, and like Paul is active and diligent, always employing himself in doing good to his fellow men."
190 years ago today - Jan 5, 1836
Joseph Smith writes in his diary: "Attended Hebrew School [and] divided them into classes. Had some debate with Elder Orson Pratt. He manifested a stub[b]ourn spirit, which I was much grieved at." The next day he writes, "Spent most of the fore noon in set[t]ling the unple[a]sant feelings that existed in the breast of ElderO Pratt. After much controversy, he confessed his fault and asked the forgiv[e]ness of the whol[e] school and was forgiven by all."
195 years ago today - Jan 5, 1831 (Wednesday)
Oliver Cowdery and fellow-missionaries arrived in Jackson County, Missouri, where they commenced their mission among the Lamanites on its western border.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
90 years ago today - 1936 January 4
In a letter the First Presidency requested that local Priesthood and Auxiliary leaders reserve one day a month when no Church duties would be required of the members, so families could spend the time together.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
130 years ago today - Jan 4, 1896
Article 3 Section 1 [of the Utah State constitution]: The following ordinance shall be irrevocable without the consent of the United States and the people of this State: First: -- Perfect toleration of religious sentiment is guaranteed. No inhabitant of this State shall ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of religious worship; but polygamous or plural marriages are forever prohibited. (Utah Constitution art. III sec. 1)
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
130 years ago today - Jan 4, 1896
Democratic president Grover Cleveland proclaims Utah as a state. Only two members of U.S. House of Representatives voted against enabling act in 1893. It caps the end of a long struggle which included a federal occupation, crushing statutes, imprisonment of Church leaders, alteration of a Church doctrine and marital pattern, and the reformation of a party system. At about mid-day, Salt Lake City erupted into an enthusiastic celebration. A shotgun fired in front of the Western Union Telegraph office signaled that word had arrived from Washington, D.C., that President Cleveland had signed the proclamation making Utah the forty-fifth state. This set off a deafening clamor of shouts, fireworks, bells, and cannon salutes. A gigantic steam whistle especially provided for the occasion sounded incessantly for two hours from the tower of the Salt Lake City and County Building. The streets were thronged with people heartily congratulating each other.
130 years ago today - Jan 4, 1896
[Francis M. Lyman]
.... President Grover Cleveland signed the proclamation giving Statehood to Utah. This is a glorious event which the People of Utah have been seeking for 45 years or more. ... There has been in the minds of many a feeling that we never would be admitted. That Pres[ident] Kimball or someone else had so prophesied. If such had been the case certainly Pres[ident] Woodruff and all the Apostles from the days of Pres[ident] Kimball would have remembered it was well as any others. Important prophesies have generally been written down. Nothing of that kind has been recorded in sermons or otherwise. ...
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... President Grover Cleveland signed the proclamation giving Statehood to Utah. This is a glorious event which the People of Utah have been seeking for 45 years or more. ... There has been in the minds of many a feeling that we never would be admitted. That Pres[ident] Kimball or someone else had so prophesied. If such had been the case certainly Pres[ident] Woodruff and all the Apostles from the days of Pres[ident] Kimball would have remembered it was well as any others. Important prophesies have generally been written down. Nothing of that kind has been recorded in sermons or otherwise. ...
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Tuesday, Jan 4, 1881
[John Henry Smith]
In the evening I went to the City Council. ... After regular business we agreed by vote to sustain Justice Pyper in being more severe on our prostitutes and saloons by punishing by imprisonment as well as fine.
[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]
In the evening I went to the City Council. ... After regular business we agreed by vote to sustain Justice Pyper in being more severe on our prostitutes and saloons by punishing by imprisonment as well as fine.
[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]
175 years ago today - Jan 4, 1851
Attended County Court to day[.] The cases of Henry Shenk as principal and Phillip George as accessary before & after the fact in a charge for Larceny was taken up. ... This is the first indictment ever submitted to a jury in the State of Deseret
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Jan 4, 1846
[Joseph Fielding]
1846, January 4. Since the death of Joseph and Hyrum, the building of the [Nauvoo] temple has gone on rapidly and contrary to the expectation and prophecy of Sidney Rigdon and others. The roof has been put on, the spire put up and beautifully ornamented. The temple is indeed a noble structure, and I suppose the architects of our day know not of what order to call it, Gothic, Doric, Corinthian or what. I call it heavenly. The upper room is finished and about the beginning of December it was dedicated and the Twelve began to give to the Saints their endowment.
[Joseph Fielding, Diary (1843-1846), Church Archives in "They Might Have Known That He Was Not a Fallen Prophet"--The Nauvoo Journal of Joseph Fielding," transcribed and edited by Andrew F. Ehat, BYU Studies 19 (Winter 1979), http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/JFielding.html]
1846, January 4. Since the death of Joseph and Hyrum, the building of the [Nauvoo] temple has gone on rapidly and contrary to the expectation and prophecy of Sidney Rigdon and others. The roof has been put on, the spire put up and beautifully ornamented. The temple is indeed a noble structure, and I suppose the architects of our day know not of what order to call it, Gothic, Doric, Corinthian or what. I call it heavenly. The upper room is finished and about the beginning of December it was dedicated and the Twelve began to give to the Saints their endowment.
[Joseph Fielding, Diary (1843-1846), Church Archives in "They Might Have Known That He Was Not a Fallen Prophet"--The Nauvoo Journal of Joseph Fielding," transcribed and edited by Andrew F. Ehat, BYU Studies 19 (Winter 1979), http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/JFielding.html]
180 years ago today - Jan 4, 1846. Sunday.
No public meeting was held in the Temple this day, on account of the floor being not stiff enough to support so large a company as would have come in, without swaying too much.
...Sisters Mary Ann Young, Viiate Kimball, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Eliza R. Snow, Mary Smith, Mercy R. Thompson, and Sarah Ann Kingsbury were employed most of the day in working at the cushions for the new Altar.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
...Sisters Mary Ann Young, Viiate Kimball, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Eliza R. Snow, Mary Smith, Mercy R. Thompson, and Sarah Ann Kingsbury were employed most of the day in working at the cushions for the new Altar.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
190 years ago today - Jan 4, 1836
Joseph Smith and associates begin their first day of "Hebrew School." However they receive a message from the teacher they had hired, Doctor Piexotto, that he will not be able to give his first lecture for two days. The school votes to drop Piexotto and to hire a new teacher. Joshua Seixas is hired two days later for "the term of 7 weeks for $320.00" to teach 40 students. Joseph Smith writes of Seixas, "He is highly celebrated as a Hebrew Schollar and proposes to give us sufficient knowledge in the above term of time to read and translate the language."
50 years ago today - Jan 03, 1976
Because of increasing numbers of missions, those called to foreign-language missions begin reporting directly to the Language Training Mission in Provo, Utah, instead of going to the Mission Home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
115 years ago today - Jan 3, 1911; Tuesday
[Heber J. Grant]
As plural marriage had been preached with much energy for ten years just before the Manifesto he was not at all surprised that there had been a few violations of the Manifesto.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
As plural marriage had been preached with much energy for ten years just before the Manifesto he was not at all surprised that there had been a few violations of the Manifesto.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jan 3, 1901; Thursday
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
I ought to obey the word of wisdom more carefully if I desire more perfect health. God help me to put away all my weaknesses. I joke to[o] much.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
I ought to obey the word of wisdom more carefully if I desire more perfect health. God help me to put away all my weaknesses. I joke to[o] much.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
135 years ago today - Jan 3, 1891
In early 1891, Charles Lowell Walker of St. George wrote, "Some say and have written that great things are to happen . . . in this year 1891. Yea, dire and dreadful things are to transpire. Some even declare that Christ will come and the Millennial Reign inaugurated."
…Future apostle Franklin D. Richards, present in Nauvoo, recorded: "He is therefore now 37 years old last Dec, which leaves 48 years yet to transpire until the time of Promise that Joseph should see Christ."
[Charles Lowell Walker, Diary, Bottom of page 21,22 Needs transcribed, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
…Future apostle Franklin D. Richards, present in Nauvoo, recorded: "He is therefore now 37 years old last Dec, which leaves 48 years yet to transpire until the time of Promise that Joseph should see Christ."
[Charles Lowell Walker, Diary, Bottom of page 21,22 Needs transcribed, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
145 years ago today - Jan 3, 1881
Patriarchal Blessing of George Albert Smith given by John L. Smith ...
George Albert, in the authority of the Patriarchal priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head ... Thy guardian angel hath and will watch over thee and whisper to thee the way in which thou shouldest walk in the right enabling thee to shun every trap and snare set for thy feet. The priesthood in fulness shall ere long be sealed upon thee with all the gifts, powers, and blessings pertaining thereto. The Lord hath in store for thee a mighty work to perform for thy kindred and friends. So speedy and important shall be thy mission that thou shalt travel as upon the wings of the wind. No miracle shall be too hard for thee to perform. ... The winds and the waves shall obey thy voice. The dead shall be raised at thy command if it be necessary for the prosperity of Israel. .
[Patriarchal Blessings]
George Albert, in the authority of the Patriarchal priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head ... Thy guardian angel hath and will watch over thee and whisper to thee the way in which thou shouldest walk in the right enabling thee to shun every trap and snare set for thy feet. The priesthood in fulness shall ere long be sealed upon thee with all the gifts, powers, and blessings pertaining thereto. The Lord hath in store for thee a mighty work to perform for thy kindred and friends. So speedy and important shall be thy mission that thou shalt travel as upon the wings of the wind. No miracle shall be too hard for thee to perform. ... The winds and the waves shall obey thy voice. The dead shall be raised at thy command if it be necessary for the prosperity of Israel. .
[Patriarchal Blessings]
150 years ago today - Jan 03, 1876
Warren N. Dusenberry begins his term as the first principal (president) of Brigham Young Academy, the predecessor of Brigham Young University.
175 years ago today - Jan 3, 1851 (Friday)
The first criminal trial by jury took place in the Provisional State of Deseret, in G.S.L. City.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
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