President Wilford Woodruff "spent the day in the office and talked over our Church Debts & how to settle them. F S Richards Just Notified me that the Government had sent back our Real Estate Property to salt Lake City to be dismissed by the Court & the property turned over to the Trustee in trust." [On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
35 years ago today - May 28, 1991
The LDS church receives legal recognition in the Republic of Russia, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs a concert in the Bolshoi Theater on 24 June. The Church News cover photograph emphasizes that this is "America's Choir" at Red Square in Moscow. [The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
75 years ago today - May 28, 1951
[J. Reuben Clark] James Sharp left the following message: He travels throughout the state, meets numerous people, both Mormons and non-Mormons, and the question arises for him to answer which he can't answer, as to why Pres. Clark had to take a back seat. He wanted Pres. Clark to know that the people throughout the State, Mormons and non-Mormons, do not approve of the movement; he does not either, and as a non-Mormon told him yesterday, he said the Presidency of the Church is slipping, does not like to see the way things have gone. There isn't anything he can do, but he wanted Pres. Clark to know how he feels. ( R J M). [The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
130 years ago today - May 28, 1896
The First Presidency at their office this morning conversed on the subject of the terrible disaster with awful destruction of life and property in the City of St. Louis [Missouri] on Wednesday. President [Wilford] Woodruff remarked that the Lord in the early days of the Church required his servants to make a record of their persecutions and the mobbings they endured from their enemies. The Lord also told them that angels were waiting to go forth and reap down the earth, but were told to keep back for a season. President Woodruff said that at the time of the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, the spirit manifested to him that the Lord was about to send special messengers to the earth for special purposes, and he firmly believed as much as he believed anything that some of those messengers had already commenced their work, and that the numerous and great disaster of recent date were the evidences of their presence. [Journal History, 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 - May 26, 1906
Thomas Clawson, brother of Apostle Rudger Clawson, writes: "Held our regular Block Teachers Meeting after the servide. Bro John Woodmansee was the home missionary and his talk was upon the Adam God doctrine which was entirely to deep for him as well as for all who listened to him. In fact it was a very dry and unprofitable meeting." [On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Tuesday, May 26, 1891
[Apostle John Henry Smith] The Republican Committee met and adopted an address to the people. Myself, John M. Zane, and Geo. M. Cannon arc to go about organizing the Counties into clubs. John M. Zane and I took the Document to the Herald and Tribune. [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]
180 years ago today - May 26, 1846
"President Young told Daniel and O. Spencer that he dreamed, asleep or awake, that the Spirit said to him, tell Daniel to gather up what teams, tools, and seed and men he can, and go on and let Orson stay and take care of the families and bring them on, etc." [Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
185 years ago today - May 26, 1841
Joseph Smith writes to Thomas Sharp, editor of the WARSAW SIGNAL: "SIR-You will discontinue my paper-its contents are calculated to pollute me, and to patronize the filthy sheet-that tissue of lies-that sink of iniquity-is disgraceful to any moral man. Yours, with utter contempt, JOSEPH SMITH. P.S. Please publish the above in your contemptible paper." Sharp publishes Smith's letter with the introduction: "In our paper of week before last, we took occasion to express an honest opinion in relation to the Mormons, and some of their leaders -an opinion which we believe is concurred in by nine-tenths of the community. No sooner, however, had our paper reached Nauvoo, than it caused the following highly important revelation to be forwarded us, from his holiness, the Prophet." This is Sharps first published sarcasm towards the Mormons but from now on he refers to Smith as "His Holiness." [On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
60 years ago today - May 25, 1966
Robert H. Hinckley, former assistant secretary of the U.S. commerce department, chair of the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and vice-president of the American Broadcasting Company, criticized the Birch Society in an address to students of the University of Utah. He lambasted the society's "collective slander, which now seems to have become standard operating procedure for some Birchites," and also "the semi-secret chapters that parallel Communist cells, the use of front groups, the tactics of infiltration, [and] the use of the big lie." Hinckley also identified Ezra Taft Benson as part of the "leadership of the Right Wing" in America. The full text of this assessment appeared in the Congressional Record in June 1966. [Robert H. Hinckley, "The Politics of Extremism," in Congressional Record—Senate 112 (13 July 1966): 15584, 15583; "Says Birchers Copy Reds," Deseret News, 25 May 1966, A-12; "Hinckley Blasts Extremists," Provo Daily Herald, 25 May 1966, 14. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
65 years ago today - May 25, 1961
Several apostles "are gravely concerned about the pressures being put on missionaries to baptize to fill a quota of baptisms. . . .This of course[is] a criticism of President Moyle and many of the mission presidents working under his direction." Extensive abuses in "baseball baptism program" lead to counselor Moyle's censure in 1963, mass excommunications of European "kiddie baptisms" in 1964-65, and more than decade of avoiding baptism quotas for full-time missionaries. General authorities are haunted by memories of baseball baptism era and urge restrain upon youthful missionaries. [Wilkinson diary, 25 May 1961, also 6 September 1960 as quoted in D. Michael Quinn, 'I-Thou vs. I-It Conversions: The Mormon "Baseball Baptism" Era', Sunstone Magazine 16 (7) December 1993: 30-44]
170 years ago today - May 25, 1856
The ship Horizon leaves Liverpool, England, for Boston, carrying 856 Saints led by Edward Martin. Most in the company later become part of the ill-fated Martin and Willie handcart companies, which become stranded in present-day Wyoming during their trek to Utah.
170 years ago today - May 25, 1856
Emma Smith Bidamon (widow of Joseph Smith) sells "four Egyptian Mummies with the records of them. These Mummies were obtained from the catacombs of Egypt sixty feet below the surface of the Earth, by the antiquarian society of Paris & forwarded to New York & purchased by the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith at the price of twenty four hundred dollars in the year Eighteen hundred thirty-five they were highly prized by Mr. Smith on account of the importance which attached to the records which were accidentally found enclosed in the breast of one of the Mummies." Emma waited until Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph's mother, died (eleven days previously) before selling the mummies and "records" to "Mr. A. Combs." [On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - May 25, 1841
Lieutenant General Joseph Smith issues General Orders for the Nauvoo Legion: "The 1st Company, (riflemen) 1st Battalion, 2nd Regiment, 2nd Cohort, will be attached to the escort contemplated in the general orders of the 4th inst., for the 3rd of Jul next. In forming the Legion, the Adjutant will observe the rank of companies as follows; to wit: 1st Cohort the flying artillery first, the lancers next, and the riflemen next -- visiting companies of dragoons next the lancers, and cavalry next the dragoons: 2nd Cohort -- the artillery first, the lancers next, the riflemen next, the light-infantry next, and the infantry next -- visiting companies in their appropriate places on the right of said troops of their own grade: the ranking company of the 1st Cohort will be formed on the right of said cohort, and the ranking company of the 2nd Cohort will be formed on the left of said cohort, -- he escort will be formed on the right of the forces." [On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - May 24, 1906
[Carl Badger] "The Senator [i.e., Reed Smoot] says he thinks nothing was said about the reasons for the resignations of T. & C. [John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley] because it was hoped some day to forgive them and take them back into the quorum." [Carl A. Badger, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - May 24th, 1886
[Lorenzo Snow to Governer West] "Utah Penitentiary May 24, 1886 To His Excellency Caleb W. West .... We conscientiously believe in the doctrine of plural marriage, and have practiced it from a firm conviction of its being a divine requirement. Of the forty nine Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints now imprisoned in this Penitentiary for alleged violations of the Edmunds law all but four had plural wives from its passage to thirty five years prior to its passage. We were united to our wives for time and eternity by the most sacred covenants, and in many instances numerous children have been born as a result of our union, who are endeared to us by the strongest parental ties. ... Had you offered us unconditional amnesty, it would have been gladly accepted, but dearly as we prize the great boon of liberty, we cannot afford to obtain it by proving untrue to our conscience, our religion, and our God.... As witness our hands, Lorenzo Snow" [Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
150 years ago today - May 24, 1876
Patriarchal Blessing of James Henry Martineau given by Henry Lunt ... Thou wilt live to see the face of thy Savior, and the holy angels will administer unto thee, and will reveal to thee the genealogy of many of thy forefathers, which to thee are unknown. Thou shalt live until thou art satisfied with life, and inasmuch as thou wilt exercise faith thou shalt not taste of death, but be quickened and changed in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up to meet our Savior when he shall come in his glory. ... Thy guardian angels have charge concerning thee. ... [Patriarchal Blessings]
190 years ago today - May 24, 1836
[Wilford Woodruff] "Travled to Mr Joseph Ash & found the family shaken in their faith three of which were members of the Church. They were shaken by the conduct of Br John Jackson Who was a Teacher in the church but had denied the faith & now become hostile. From thence to Br Petty. From thence to John Jacksons house. He was absent. Found his wife Sister Jackson turning from the faith & desireing to leeve the church. Walked from thence to Br Howard Williams. He had lost faith & desired to leav the church. His wife Sister Williams Also Sister Nancy Wood both were unbelieving & a prospect of their leaving the church & this by the influence of John Jackson." "We then returned to Mr Jacksons. Had an interview with him. He denied all his former faith & pretentions. He raged much. Was filled with the spirit of anger wrath <and the destroyer>. He rejected our testimony <and denied the revelations of Christ>." "We left his house at 10 oclock at night & went to a stream of Pure water & clensed our hands & feet & testified against him that our garments might be clear of his blood. We then walked to Br Petty's & spent the night." [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 - May 24, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Abner Scovel given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... The Lord will bless thee on thy journey to the land of Zion. Thou must respect the sabbath on thy way by calling together thy family for prayer and by supplicating the throne of grace for blessings. Thou wilt assist in the redemption of Zion and succeed if thou art faithful. ... In passing from place to place no winds nor waves shall stop thee. Thou shalt stand on mount Zion with the one hundred and forty four thousand [Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:56, quoted 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 - May 23, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Calvin Harkins given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... The blessing of God shall attend thee. on thy journey to the land of Zion. but thou must not violate the sabbath by travelling on that day. If thou shalt ask the father to see Jesus, that blessing shall not be denied thee. if thou ask in faith [Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:57, quoted 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 - May 23, 1836
.... thou shalt stand till the winding up scene of this generation and Christ shall come in the clouds of heaven. Satan shall have no power over you, and thou shalt stand on the earth & thy strength shall be great when thou art seventy five. Thy strength shall be greater than when thou art twenty five. And thou shalt have many of thy friends with thee. I seal all these blessings upon the[e] and upon thy posterity after thee. if thou art faithful, and I seal thee up to eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ, even so Amen. [Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:56-57, 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]
65 years ago today - May 22, 1961
Ezra Taft Benson made what LDS authorities called "end runs" around the Quorum of Twelve and First Presidency counselors in order to obtain McKay's encouragement for his political activism. However, such "end runs" were common practice for general authorities and church bureaucrats during the McKay presidency. [Specific use of "end run" terminology for this feature of McKay's presidency appears in J. Reuben Clark office diary, 22 May 1961; Wilkinson diary, 25 May 1967; Neal A. Maxwell oral history, 1976-77, 24-25, LDS archives. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
180 years ago today - May 22, 1846
Patriarch "Uncle" John Smith writes: "For the first time since we left Nauvoo I blessed 3 persons & received one dollar. This same day I paid out my last half dollar." Four days later he notes, "Gave four blessings and one gratis." [On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
190 years ago today - May 22, 1836
[Wilford Woodruff] After the close of the last discours Mr Rose rejected the testimony given & called on Br Patten to rase the dead that he might believe. Br Patten rebuked him sharply for his infidelity & unbelief. We then communed with the Saints. I then retired from the scene with Elders Patten & Boydstun to a stream of pure water & cleansed our hands & feet & testified against that people who had threatened us & rejected our testimony. We delivered them unto the hands of God <and the destroyer. O God, thy will be done.> [Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
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