135 years ago today - Jun 23, 1891

.In an interview published in the Salt Lake Times, President Wilford Woodruff says that the church would not claim "the right to control the political action of the members of our body." But in private conversation with Brigham Young, Jr., he says that though he was cautious about influencing "his brethren in [political]-matters" he was willing to do so "when prompted by others in whom he has the utmost confidence." Apostle Heber J. Grant writes in his dairy: " The Times publishes an interview this evening with Prests. Woodruff and Cannon. I have never read anything that has caused me to feel worse than the statements in this interview. I could not refrain the tears when thinking of it this evening before I retired. I cannot understand why the Lord would wish us to be so humiliated. I can not for the life of me see why the Presidency need to say that it is their understanding that the people are in good faith, keeping the laws on unlawful cohabitation. It seems to me that such a statement humiliates the sisters who are in plural marriage more than they should be called on to endure. I feel that I would do anything in reason on Gusta and Emily's [Grant's two wives] account sooner than to have had such a statement published. I confess that I do not think it was a good thing for the Presidency to refer to the matter, but then they stand at the head and I hope their position will never be such that it will try my faith, but I am free to confess that I do not and cannot see why the Lord should give a command to his servants to take more wives and then the Presidency should say that it is their understanding that these men are not in good faith living with those wives. It is killing to think of the effect of their words on sensitive women who are in plural marriage. The only way to make these women feel well is for their husbands not to live the law in good faith and such a course is not a very pleasant one after the statements of the Presidency."

[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

135 years ago today - Jun 23, 1891

Salt Lake Times interview on "Mormon" political policy-- The historical background leading up to this "Times Interview" is too complicated and detailed to be covered in a brief note here. Roberts (CHC 6:303-304) discusses this "Interview." But the 'Interview' was only the climax to a political development in Utah covering a number of years. To put this document in its appropriate setting the reader will want to consult CHC 6:277-322 where the numerous questions raised and answered in this 'Interview' will be found in even more detailed treatment in the course of Robert's discussion of (1) the Cleveland and Harrison Administrations; and (2) Political Church Influence.

PRESIDENTS WOODRUFF AND CANNON ON POLITICS.

There appears in the Salt Lake Times, a non-"Mormon" Republican paper, of June 23, an interview between a representative of that paper and Presidents Wilford Woodruff and George Q. Cannon, upon the attitude of the Church with regard to politics. The questions asked and the replies given are stated as follows:

"It is asserted that the People's party was dissolved by direction of the Church. Is there any foundation for that charge?"

"The People's party was dissolved, as we understand, by the action of its leading members. They have stated to us their convictions that the time had come for a division on national party lines. There has been a growing feeling in this direction for a long time, and the dissolution of the People's party is the result of that sentiment, and not the fiat or instruction of the Church. The first intimation we had of dividing on party lines came to us from Ogden. There is, therefore, no foundation for the charge that the Church brought about the dissolution of the People's party."

"Does the Church claim the right to dictate to its members in political matters?"

"The Church does not claim any such right."

"The Times has held that the appearance of Church management of the People's party during recent times resulted purely from the fact that the party was composed almost entirely of members of the Church, with prominent churchmen taking part in its affairs, and that there has not been church rule as charged. Is this view correct?"

"The Times has correctly stated the facts connected with the appearance of church management of the People's party. That party having been composed principally of members of the Church, and self defense having compelled them to consult together and to decide concerning the best steps to be taken to preserve their rights, some color has been given to the charge that it was a Church party. But this has not been done in a church capacity. Men have had influence in that party and been listened to according to their experience, and not because of their official position in the Church."

"That being true, are we to understand that the Church will not assert any right to control the political action of its members in the future?"

"This is what we wish to convey and have you understand. As officers of the Church we disclaim the right to control the political action of the members of our body."

"Will there be any reason why members of the Church should come together and vote solidly, if political conditions here are similar to those which prevail elsewhere?"

"We cannot perceive any reason why they should do this in the future, if, as you say, political conditions should exist here as they prevail elsewhere."

"Would leaders of the Church counsel the support of Church members, irrespective of party affiliation?"

"It is not probable that the leaders of the Church would give any counsel upon such subjects, and certainly would not discriminate against equally suitable men because they were not members of the Church. We would be in favor of voting for suitable men, regardless of their religious beliefs or associations."

"Do you understand that those who join the Republican and Democratic parties will vote and work for Gentile candidates of those parties as freely as for Mormon candidates?"

"This is certainly our understanding, and we fully expect that former members of the People's party who join the two national parties will be true to their party convictions and sustain the nominees of their respective parties, though they may not be members of the Mormon Church."

"Is it your intention to advise members of the Mormon Church, when the People's party members have divided, and after the Liberal party has been broken up, to unite in favor of the Mormon Church and against the Gentiles? Do you know of any intention or understanding on the part of the heads of the Church to advise the members of the Church, if statehood should be obtained, to unite and cooperate in respect to the interests of the Church against the Gentiles."

"We have refrained from interfering in political matters because of our position, we ourselves not having a vote. But we would consider it the height of folly, even if we had a disposition to direct the members of our Church upon political matters, to advise them to unite in favor of our Church and against the non-members thereof, if the present political movement should continue. We see no good reason, if the Liberal party should break up, for any such division as has heretofore existed between Mormons and non-Mormons. We have deplored the existence of this class feelings, and believe it has been a fruitful source of trouble. We shall hail with unfeigned gratification the time when the people of Utah, without regard to their religious views, can unite as citizens and labor for the advancement and prosperity of the Territory. If statehood should ever be obtained, all the influence we could use to break down the distinctions which have created such bitterness in the past would be exerted."

"Do you believe that if Utah should be admitted as a State the Mormons will unite in electing members of the Church to the legislature, and that the legislature will make laws favorable to the Mormons and unfavorable to the non-Mormons?"

"As we have already intimated, whatever influence we can use will be exerted in favor of legislation that will be in the interest and for the benefit of the whole people. It would be most unfortunate if any attempt were made to pass laws favorable to the Mormons and unfavorable to non-Mormons. Any such attempt would be sure to bring upon the Mormon people evils which they are desirous of averting. It is to our interest to furnish no pretext for the formation of an anti-Mormon party, which would no doubt be the result if members of the Church in the legislature were to attempt to discriminate by legislation in favor of their co-religionists."

"Is it your understanding that the Peoples' party has honestly and in good faith dissolved, and that they will unite with the Democratic and Republican parties, according to their convictions of what is right?"

"This certainly is our understanding. We can perceive no reason why the representatives of the People's party should have taken their recent action unless it was their honest intention to unite themselves with the national parties."

"Do you know of any intention on the part of the Church or any of its officers or members ever to organize a political party with respect to the conceived interests of the Mormon Church?"

"We know of no such intention on the part of anyone, and can see no object to be attained, under the new conditions which now surround us, by organizing any such party."

"Do you understand that it is the wish of the Mormon Church to maintain a separation of church and state with respect to all political questions?"

"However much appearances may have indicated that we have favored the union of church and state, and notwithstanding the many assertions which have been made of this nature, there is no real disposition among the people of our Church to unite church and state; in fact, we believe there should be a separation between the two. But in past times the situation in this Territory was such that officers of the Church were frequently elected to civil office. If the people availed themselves of the best talent of the community, they were under the necessity very frequently of selecting officers of the Church to fill these positions. You must understand that nearly every reputable male member of the Mormon Church holds office in the Church. Of course, where the people, as was the case in many localities, were all Mormons, if they elected any of their own members they had to choose men who held position in the Church. Men were selected for Bishops because of their superior ability to care for and manage the affairs of their wards. They were the practical and experienced men of their several communities, and in the estimation of the people were suitable for legislators, etc. Their election to civil offices led to the idea that there was a union of church and state."

"Do you believe that it is the wish of the Mormon people to unite with the great national parties and to conduct politics in this Territory as they are conducted in all other States?"

"That is the impression we have received from conversation with the men among us who take the greatest interest in political matters."

"Is there any reason why the members of the Church should not act freely with the national parties at all times?"

"We know of no reason why they should not."

"Would the leaders of the Church, under any circumstances, countenance defiance of the laws against polygamy?"

"Speaking for ourselves, in view of the experience of the past, 'No, they would not.'"

"Would leaders of the Church, if placed in official position, wink at violations of the anti-polygamy laws?"

"We cannot say what others would do, but for ourselves we say, 'We would not wink at violations of the law.'"

"Would there be any desire among Church leaders to abolish the laws against polygamy or to make them less stringent if Utah were admitted to statehood?"

"You may rest assured that Church leaders would neither attempt themselves, nor advise others to attempt, to abolish those laws, if Utah were to become a State."

"Is it your understanding that if a member of the Mormon Church, since the issuance of the manifesto and its adoption by the Church, should enter into polygamy he would thereby violate the creed of the Church, and would it be wrong for him to do so?" "We ought to state to you that we have no creed. We have what are called the Articles of Faith, among which, however, there is nothing said concerning polygamy. A member of the Church who should now enter into that relation would violate the rule of the Church, and he would be considered a wrong-doer."

"Would you or any officer of the Church authorize a polygamous marriage or countenance the practice of unlawful cohabitation?"

"Again we have to say we can only speak for ourselves, and say that we would not authorize any such marriage or any practice violative of the law."

"Is it your understanding that the Mormon people are in good faith observing the laws of the United States prohibiting polygamy and unlawful cohabitation?"

"That is our understanding."

"Is there any foundation for the charge that the Mormon leaders are now engaged in a political conspiracy to secure political power for the Church?"

"There is not the least ground for any such statement. We are not engaged in any conspiracy of this character."

"Is there anything to be gained for the Church by securing political control in Utah with or without statehood?"

"We see nothing to be gained for the Church in this way."

"Is it not true that the members and leaders of the Church desire to place it in a position in the community like that occupied by other church societies?"

"The only protection the Church desires is that which it should obtain under general laws which secure the rights of all denominations. It would be most unwise for the Mormon people to endeavor to secure any advantage not shared in by any other religious people. All that we ask is to have equal rights before the law."

"Is it your understanding that the Mormon people differ as to the Republican and Democratic parties, and that they will act in accordance with their convictions in uniting with those parties?"

"That is our understanding."

"Is it your wish that the Republican and Democratic parties should organize and present their principles to the Mormon people, and that they should unite with them according to their honest convictions?"

"Personally we have felt that the time would come when the two great parties would be organized in this Territory, and we have felt that if an attempt of this kind should be made, each should be given the fullest opportunity to lay its principles before the people, so that they might have a clear understanding of the issues and be able to decide in the light of facts presented to them, to which of the parties they would belong."

"That being true, could anything be gained by bad faith even if it should be contemplated by any of the former members of the People's party?"

"Certainly not."

"The opponents of party division on national lines declare that they want evidence of the sincerity of the Mormon people. The Times would ask you to state whether the declarations of sincerity on the part of those leaders who have been before the public reflect your views and meet with your approval."

"Those declarations express our views and have our entire approval. What greater evidence can be asked than those which have already been furnished? The statement has been repeatedly made that the great objection to us was our belief in and practice of patriarchal marriage. In entire good faith the manifesto was written, signed by the leading men, and adopted by one of the largest conferences of the Church ever held-a conference composed by about 15,000 people. It has been asserted, in addition, that the people were governed by the Priesthood in political matters. This is now disproved by the dissolution of the People's party and the union of its members with the two national parties. What could possibly be gained by the action of the people if they were not sincere? If the elements of sincerity were wanting, such a movement would result in entire demoralization." {1891-June 23-MS 53:465-469 (July 27, 1891); also Salt Lake Times, June 23, 1891; Deseret News Weekly, July 4, 1891.}

[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

135 years ago today - Jun 23, 1891

In an interview published in the Salt Lake Times, President Wilford Woodruff says that the church would not claim "the right to control the political action of the members of our body." But in private conversation with Brigham Young, Jr., he says that though he was cautious about influencing "his brethren in [political]-matters" he was willing to do so "when prompted by others in whom he has the utmost confidence." Apostle Heber J. Grant writes in his dairy: " The Times publishes an interview this evening with Prests. Woodruff and Cannon. I have never read anything that has caused me to feel worse than the statements in this interview. I could not refrain the tears when thinking of it this evening before I retired. I cannot understand why the Lord would wish us to be so humiliated. I can not for the life of me see why the Presidency need to say that it is their understanding that the people are in good faith, keeping the laws on unlawful cohabitation. It seems to me that such a statement humiliates the sisters who are in plural marriage more than they should be called on to endure. I feel that I would do anything in reason on Gusta and Emily's [Grant's two wives] account sooner than to have had such a statement published. I confess that I do not think it was a good thing for the Presidency to refer to the matter, but then they stand at the head and I hope their position will never be such that it will try my faith, but I am free to confess that I do not and cannot see why the Lord should give a command to his servants to take more wives and then the Presidency should say that it is their understanding that these men are not in good faith living with those wives. It is killing to think of the effect of their words on sensitive women who are in plural marriage. The only way to make these women feel well is for their husbands not to live the law in good faith and such a course is not a very pleasant one after the statements of the Presidency."

130 years ago today - Jun 23, 1896 • Tuesday

[George Q. Cannon]

Tuesday, June 23, 1896

I started to Ogden in company with Colonel Winder this morning on the 8 o’clock train. I passed a very bad night last night, suffering from sore throat. This is very unusual with me. I do not recall ever having so serious a sore throat as I have now, and I was very much indisposed otherwise. The object in going to Ogden was to decide upon the bids that we had received from the General Electric Co., the Westinghouse Co. and the Stanley Co. I was under the necessity of lying down on the lounge in the office a good deal of the time, but was able to attend to business. In the first place we listened to a report from Mr. Hayward, a gentleman whom we have employed as an electrical engineer. His report was descriptive of the different points of the various articles of machinery on which bids had been made, each company having some peculiar advantages to their machines. We had requested him to examine with the gentlemen who had made the bids into all the points, so that he might form a judgment as to which was best. At the same time we withheld from him any knowledge as to the different prices which had been asked, as we did not wish his mind to be influenced by that knowledge. His conclusion, as reported to us, was that while there were points of difference, taken as a whole each was quite capable of doing our work. There were some things, however, connected with the General Electric Co’s proposition that were not included in the others. After he had made his report and withdrawn, we examined the bids as drawn out by Mr. Bannister, and we found that it would be a saving for us to accept the bid of the General Electric Co.

We lunched with Mr. McKee, who is the vice President of the General Electric Co. and a son-in-law of ex-President Harrison. He was much gratified at having the award made to him and his company.

Colonel Winder and myself returned to the city on the 2:10 train, ad I went directly home.

[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]

130 years ago today - Jun 23, 1896 • Tuesday

[George Q. Cannon]

Tuesday, June 23, 1896

I started to Ogden in company with Colonel Winder this morning on the 8 o’clock train. I passed a very bad night last night, suffering from sore throat. This is very unusual with me. I do not recall ever having so serious a sore throat as I have now, and I was very much indisposed otherwise. The object in going to Ogden was to decide upon the bids that we had received from the General Electric Co., the Westinghouse Co. and the Stanley Co. I was under the necessity of lying down on the lounge in the office a good deal of the time, but was able to attend to business. In the first place we listened to a report from Mr. Hayward, a gentleman whom we have employed as an electrical engineer. His report was descriptive of the different points of the various articles of machinery on which bids had been made, each company having some peculiar advantages to their machines. We had requested him to examine with the gentlemen who had made the bids into all the points, so that he might form a judgment as to which was best. At the same time we withheld from him any knowledge as to the different prices which had been asked, as we did not wish his mind to be influenced by that knowledge. His conclusion, as reported to us, was that while there were points of difference, taken as a whole each was quite capable of doing our work. There were some things, however, connected with the General Electric Co’s proposition that were not included in the others. After he had made his report and withdrawn, we examined the bids as drawn out by Mr. Bannister, and we found that it would be a saving for us to accept the bid of the General Electric Co.

We lunched with Mr. McKee, who is the vice President of the General Electric Co. and a son-in-law of ex-President Harrison. He was much gratified at having the award made to him and his company.

Colonel Winder and myself returned to the city on the 2:10 train, ad I went directly home.

[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]

120 years ago today - Jun 23, 1906

ex-apostle Matthias F. Cowley gives to mission president a copy of John Taylor's revelation of Sept 27, 1886. This is first verified date for distributing 1886 revelation, but Cowley has received copy at earlier date from John W. Taylor.

[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

120 years ago today - Jun 23, 1906

ex-apostle Matthias F. Cowley gives to mission president a copy of John Taylor's revelation of Sept 27, 1886. This is first verified date for distributing 1886 revelation, but Cowley has received copy at earlier date from John W. Taylor.

[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

120 years ago today - Jun 23, 1906

Ex-apostle Matthias F. Cowley gives to a mission president a copy of John Taylor's revelation of 27 Sept. 1886. This is the first verified date for distributing the 1886 revelation, but Cowley has received the copy at an earlier date from John W. Taylor.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

120 years ago today - Jun 23, 1906

ex-apostle Matthias F. Cowley gives to mission president a copy of John Taylor's revelation of Sept. 27, 1886. This is first verified date for distributing 1886 revelation, but Cowley has received copy at earlier date from John W. Taylor.

115 years ago today - Friday, Jun 23, 1911

[Second Counselor John Henry Smith]

Salt Lake City

President Joseph F. Smith and Bp. C. W. Nibley left for Washington, D.C. to appear before Congress on Sugar Matters.

Prest. Lund and I spent the day in the Office.

[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]

115 years ago today - Friday, Jun 23, 1911

[Second Counselor John Henry Smith]

Salt Lake City

President Joseph F. Smith and Bp. C. W. Nibley left for Washington, D.C. to appear before Congress on Sugar Matters.

Prest. Lund and I spent the day in the Office.

[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]

105 years ago today - Jun 23, 1921

[Heber J. Grant to William L. Rich, June 23, 1921; emphasis in original] I have signed the seven recommends for second blessings contained in yours of the 22nd inst., and have forwarded the same to President Shepard of the Logan Temple, as requested by you. The following is one of the instructions given to Stake Presidents in connection with their issuing temple recommends for second blessings: "Send each and every recommend direct to the President, not by the hand of anybody, the person recommended included. After the President returns the recommend to you bearing his signature of approval, it will then be in order for you to deliver it in person to the head of the family thus recommended, explaining to him in a private confidential way the sacredness of the ordinance, cautioning him at the same time not to speak of it to anybody outside the temple: and in the interest of privacy you are requested not to send more than one family to the temple the same week bearing a recommend of this character." If you and Pres[iden]t Sheperd of the Logan temple can agree between yourselves that these blessings can be administered to each family recommended by you[,] without other families so recommended knowing anything at all about it, you have my consent that the recommends be acted on during the week of the visitation of yourself and [others] at the temple, otherwise the instruction in regard to this matter should be strictly adhered to.

[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

105 years ago today - Jun 23, 1921

[Heber J. Grant to William L. Rich, June 23, 1921; emphasis in original] I have signed the seven recommends for second blessings contained in yours of the 22nd inst., and have forwarded the same to President Shepard of the Logan Temple, as requested by you. The following is one of the instructions given to Stake Presidents in connection with their issuing temple recommends for second blessings: "Send each and every recommend direct to the President, not by the hand of anybody, the person recommended included. After the President returns the recommend to you bearing his signature of approval, it will then be in order for you to deliver it in person to the head of the family thus recommended, explaining to him in a private confidential way the sacredness of the ordinance, cautioning him at the same time not to speak of it to anybody outside the temple: and in the interest of privacy you are requested not to send more than one family to the temple the same week bearing a recommend of this character." If you and Pres[iden]t Sheperd of the Logan temple can agree between yourselves that these blessings can be administered to each family recommended by you[,] without other families so recommended knowing anything at all about it, you have my consent that the recommends be acted on during the week of the visitation of yourself and [others] at the temple, otherwise the instruction in regard to this matter should be strictly adhered to.

[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

105 years ago today - Jun 23, 1921

[Heber J. Grant]

After our meeting in the temple today, after the regular business had been transacted, we had an informal talk regarding the prospects of getting an eastern man for the University of Utah, and all of the brethren felt very much worried over the situation, and felt that it would simply be an outrage, nearly sixty per cent of the students being members of the Mormon Church, if an outsider was brought in to preside over the University. It is hard for people to see themselves as others see them.

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

105 years ago today - Jun 23, 1921

Heber J. Grant writes to a stake president with instructions: "Send each and every recommend direct to the President, not by the hand of anybody, the person recommended included. After the President returns the recommend to you bearing his signature of approval, it will then be in order for you to deliver it in person to the head of the family thus recommended, explaining to him in a private confidential way the sacredness of the ordinance, cautioning him at the same time not to speak of it to anybody outside the temple: and in the interest of privacy you are requested not to send more than one family to the temple the same week bearing a recommend of this character."

[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

105 years ago today - Jun 23, 1921

Heber J. Grant writes to a stake president with instructions: "Send each and every recommend direct to the President, not by the hand of anybody, the person recommended included. After the President returns the recommend to you bearing his signature of approval, it will then be in order for you to deliver it in person to the head of the family thus recommended, explaining to him in a private confidential way the sacredness of the ordinance, cautioning him at the same time not to speak of it to anybody outside the temple: and in the interest of privacy you are requested not to send more than one family to the temple the same week bearing a recommend of this character."

70 years ago today - Jun 23, 1956

President Lee B. Valentine of the Argentina Mission sends the first two missionaries to Chile to begin missionary work there.

70 years ago today - Jun 23, 1956

President Lee B. Valentine of the Argentina Mission sends the first two missionaries to Chile to begin missionary work there.

70 years ago today - Jun 23, 1956

Missionary work recommences in Chile, some 104 years after Elder Parley P. Pratt had left the country following an unsuccessful attempt to establish a permanent mission.

65 years ago today - June 23, 1961

Mr. Harry J. Lambeth

Secretary, Right to Work Committee

United States Chamber of Commerce

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Lambeth:

I am directed by President David O. McKay, President of the Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to advise you that we stand for the

Constitution of the United States, and for all rights secured thereby

to both sovereign states of the Union and to the individual citizen.

We believe it is fundamental that the right to voluntary unionism

should once again be re-established in this nation and that State right

to work laws should be maintained inviolate. At the very bassis of all

of our doctrine stands the right to the free agency of man. We are in

favor of maintaining this free agency to the greatest extent possible.

We look upon an infringement thereof not essential to the proper

exercise of police power of the state adversely.

Sincerely yours,

Secretary to the First Presidency

HDM:dp

[David O. Mckay Diary excerpts by Gregory A. Prince, Mormon Studies Library Collection, University of Virginia (https://mormonstudies.as.virginia.edu/david-o-mckay-diary-excerpts/. There are certainly errors in this reproduction, FYI.)]

65 years ago today - June 23, 1961

Mr. Harry J. Lambeth

Secretary, Right to Work Committee

United States Chamber of Commerce

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Lambeth:

I am directed by President David O. McKay, President of the Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to advise you that we stand for the

Constitution of the United States, and for all rights secured thereby

to both sovereign states of the Union and to the individual citizen.

We believe it is fundamental that the right to voluntary unionism

should once again be re-established in this nation and that State right

to work laws should be maintained inviolate. At the very bassis of all

of our doctrine stands the right to the free agency of man. We are in

favor of maintaining this free agency to the greatest extent possible.

We look upon an infringement thereof not essential to the proper

exercise of police power of the state adversely.

Sincerely yours,

Secretary to the First Presidency

HDM:dp

[David O. Mckay Diary excerpts by Gregory A. Prince, Mormon Studies Library Collection, University of Virginia (https://mormonstudies.as.virginia.edu/david-o-mckay-diary-excerpts/. There are certainly errors in this reproduction, FYI.)]

65 years ago today - Fri., 23 June 1961:

[David O. McKay]

Reorganization of the Genealogical Board

I mentioned that approval had heretofore been given for Brother Junius

Jackson to be made Chairman of the Genealogical Board; that the present

Board has now been released, and that the members seem to feel well

about it, but that action must be taken at once to organize a new board

to carry forward the work. We decided to invite Brother Jackson to

meet with the First Presidency tomorrow morning, June 24, at 8:00, for

the purpose of considering this matter.

[David O. Mckay Diary excerpts by Gregory A. Prince, Mormon Studies Library Collection, University of Virginia (https://mormonstudies.as.virginia.edu/david-o-mckay-diary-excerpts/. There are certainly errors in this reproduction, FYI.)]

65 years ago today - Fri., 23 June 1961:

[David O. McKay]

At this hour, we met by appointment, Elders Wendell B. Mendenhall, and

J. Howard Dunn of the Building Committee who discussed the following

matters with us:

1) London Temple Property -- Brother Mendenhall reported that Sir Thomas

Bennett is initiating with the Godstone County Council provisions for a

lay-by at the London Temple and arranging for the water to go under the

road.

2) New Church Administration Building

Sketches of the proposed administration building to be erected on the

northeast corner of the Church Office block, also sketches of the

proposed underground parking arrangement, together with tunnels

proposed to be constructed from the Church administration building to

the Bureau of Information and the Tabernacle were exhibited. The

tunnel would make it possible for the General Authorities to go from

the Church administration building to the temple or the tabernacle by

electric car.

The sketches also presented a picture of the proposed extension of the

Hotel Utah underground garage and the parking that would be made

available for the hotel. Parking space is to be provided on this block

on the first level underground for 242 cars, and on the second level

below the surface there is to be parking space for 341 cars. On the

third underground level of the new administration building provision is

to be made for mechanical rooms including air conditioning equipment,

etc. Excavation is not to extend under the third floor but there would

be parking accommodations on this level for 356 cars --" in other words,

there will be 939 parking stalls on this block. In addition provision

is being made for approximately 50 parking stalls for the Hotel Utah.

One of the sketches of the proposed new administration building as

previously submitted provided for a tower of 35 stories. Another

sketch that was exhibted was for 18 stories, it being the thought that

perhaps it would be well to build 18 stories first, with the

understanding that later they could add additional heighth to the

building. Brother Mendenhall suggested that perhaps there should be a

compromise as to the heighth of the building and complete it now

instead of erecting only a portion of it with the understanding that

additional stories might be built later.

In discussing this matter, we agreed that the building should be

completed at this time, and that it should not exceed 30 stories, and

as a matter of fact it might not go higher than 28 stories. We agreed,

also, that working drawings might now be prepared by architects along

the lines indicated.

[David O. Mckay Diary excerpts by Gregory A. Prince, Mormon Studies Library Collection, University of Virginia (https://mormonstudies.as.virginia.edu/david-o-mckay-diary-excerpts/. There are certainly errors in this reproduction, FYI.)]

65 years ago today - Fri., 23 June 1961:

[David O. McKay]

"8 a.m.

First meeting of the First Presidency where a Quorum of four were

present -- Elder Hugh B. Brown, newly appointed counselor, attended his

first meeting with the First Presidency. In behalf of the First

Presidency, I extended a hearty welcome to him as a member of the First

Presidency's Council.

11:30 a.m. -- Returned to my private office where I had short interviews

with the following:

Pres. Hugh B. Brown

Lorin Wheelwright

Brother Henry Smith, Church Section editor, who reported that the

choice of Brother Brown as a counselor in the First Presidency has been

well received by people everywhere."

[David O. Mckay Diary excerpts by Gregory A. Prince, Mormon Studies Library Collection, University of Virginia (https://mormonstudies.as.virginia.edu/david-o-mckay-diary-excerpts/. There are certainly errors in this reproduction, FYI.)]

45 years ago today - Jun 23, 1981-Tuesday

[Leonard Arrington]

A little more information on the Lavina [Fielding Anderson] firing episode. After the appearance of the "leak" in Sunstone in regard to the succession of Joseph [Smith] III document,52 they suspected Lavina of being the source. Somebody called that suspicion to the attention of Elder [M. Russell] Ballard who called in Church security. Church security began opening her mail and, Lavina thinks, they tapped her phone. That is how they found the material in the letter addressed to Randy Dixon.

Peggy Fletcher of Sunstone had noted that there was a difference between Elder Rector's talk in April [1981 general] conference and the version of his talk that was published in the Ensign. She asked if she could see a copy of his talk to compare it with the published version. This would save her copying from a tape of the conference proceedings. In all innocence (!) Lavina sent to Randy the wrong draft of Elder Rector's talk. It appears that Elder Rector, well in advance of the conference, had prepared a talk which had gone to Correlation and which had not been cleared by them, so the talk was considerably altered by the time he gave it in conference. Then there was a further alteration of the revised conference talk after it was delivered. Instead of sending the revised draft given in conference Lavina sent the very first draft which was of course an improper thing for her to do. Randy Dixon was involved in all this quite innocently. He did not know a letter was coming from Lavina when Lavina phoned him a day or two later and asked him "did you get my letter?" He replied, "what letter?" I suppose Lavina sent it to him in order not to be sending anything directly to Sunstone. After Lavina was "caught" and fired Church security called in Randy Dixon and grilled him for some time but of course he didn't know anything about it. Randy was almost fired from Church employment but I suppose they did not do so because they were persuaded he was indeed quite innocent. Elder [G. Homer] Durham then called Randy in and told him that he would have to cease his connection with Sunstone. He has now resigned from the [Sunstone] staff. Bill Slaughter was called in and told the same. He has also resigned. Peggy Fletcher had to run down to the [printing] press to take both their names off the masthead before the issue came out. Richard Oman was called in by Elder Durham and strong hints were made to him that his wife Susan [Staker Oman] ought to resign from Sunstone, but of course they could not order this and she does not expect to do so. Richard assured Elder Durham that his wife was not subversive. Elder Hugh Pinnock, President of the Sunday School, called on Peggy and asked her to eliminate the section on Sunday School lessons ["Sunday School Supplement"] in Sunstone. This was giving the impression that the Sunday School somehow was sponsoring or welcoming this section. Peggy did agree to change the title so as to avoid giving that impression. It is very clear that the Brethren are suddenly down on Sunstone and somehow view it as an insidious threat. Peggy has already determined: A. That she will not frequent the Church Office Building. B. That she will not run as many Church history articles. C. That she will make fewer requests [of the church] for photographs.

Elder Durham has threatened to make the photographs unavailable to Sunstone, but as of this minute has stopped short of that decision (it would be ineffective anyhow as so many of the photographs are already out.)

[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]

45 years ago today - Jun 23, 1981-Tuesday

[Leonard Arrington]

A little more information on the Lavina [Fielding Anderson] firing episode. After the appearance of the "leak" in Sunstone in regard to the succession of Joseph [Smith] III document,52 they suspected Lavina of being the source. Somebody called that suspicion to the attention of Elder [M. Russell] Ballard who called in Church security. Church security began opening her mail and, Lavina thinks, they tapped her phone. That is how they found the material in the letter addressed to Randy Dixon.

Peggy Fletcher of Sunstone had noted that there was a difference between Elder Rector's talk in April [1981 general] conference and the version of his talk that was published in the Ensign. She asked if she could see a copy of his talk to compare it with the published version. This would save her copying from a tape of the conference proceedings. In all innocence (!) Lavina sent to Randy the wrong draft of Elder Rector's talk. It appears that Elder Rector, well in advance of the conference, had prepared a talk which had gone to Correlation and which had not been cleared by them, so the talk was considerably altered by the time he gave it in conference. Then there was a further alteration of the revised conference talk after it was delivered. Instead of sending the revised draft given in conference Lavina sent the very first draft which was of course an improper thing for her to do. Randy Dixon was involved in all this quite innocently. He did not know a letter was coming from Lavina when Lavina phoned him a day or two later and asked him "did you get my letter?" He replied, "what letter?" I suppose Lavina sent it to him in order not to be sending anything directly to Sunstone. After Lavina was "caught" and fired Church security called in Randy Dixon and grilled him for some time but of course he didn't know anything about it. Randy was almost fired from Church employment but I suppose they did not do so because they were persuaded he was indeed quite innocent. Elder [G. Homer] Durham then called Randy in and told him that he would have to cease his connection with Sunstone. He has now resigned from the [Sunstone] staff. Bill Slaughter was called in and told the same. He has also resigned. Peggy Fletcher had to run down to the [printing] press to take both their names off the masthead before the issue came out. Richard Oman was called in by Elder Durham and strong hints were made to him that his wife Susan [Staker Oman] ought to resign from Sunstone, but of course they could not order this and she does not expect to do so. Richard assured Elder Durham that his wife was not subversive. Elder Hugh Pinnock, President of the Sunday School, called on Peggy and asked her to eliminate the section on Sunday School lessons ["Sunday School Supplement"] in Sunstone. This was giving the impression that the Sunday School somehow was sponsoring or welcoming this section. Peggy did agree to change the title so as to avoid giving that impression. It is very clear that the Brethren are suddenly down on Sunstone and somehow view it as an insidious threat. Peggy has already determined: A. That she will not frequent the Church Office Building. B. That she will not run as many Church history articles. C. That she will make fewer requests [of the church] for photographs.

Elder Durham has threatened to make the photographs unavailable to Sunstone, but as of this minute has stopped short of that decision (it would be ineffective anyhow as so many of the photographs are already out.)

[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]

20 years ago today - Jun 23, 2006

Broke ground, on his 96^th birthday, for the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center on the BYU campus

[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]

20 years ago today - Jun 23, 2006

Broke ground, on his 96^th birthday, for the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center on the BYU campus

[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]

60 years ago today - Jun 22, 1966

The church's storage vaults in the granite mountains of Little Cottonwood Canyon are dedicated, which vaults are intended to withstand nuclear explosions in the event of war.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

65 years ago today - Jun 22, 1961

[Marion G. Romney]

"... President McKay also submitted the same of Hugh B. Brown as a counselor in the Presidency to help the Presidency now that President Clark is almost incapacitated. President Clark remains as first counselor and President Moyle as second counselor and Hugh B. Brown as a counselor in the Presidency. I stood with the Presidency and the Twelve while he was set apart to this position."

[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]

65 years ago today - Jun 22,1961

First Presidency supports plan to persuade U.S. Army to send its "colored contingents" to California rather than to Utah. At its same meeting Presidency agrees to allow baptism of Nigerians seeking membership in church.

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

105 years ago today - Jun 22, 1921

The PROVO HERALD reports: "Dancing of a standard far worse than anything permitted in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles [was] witnessed at dance halls near Provo. . . . Some eastern people with us were shocked at the dancing permitted at the resort. . . . I have seen a great deal of intoxication at dancing resorts in the county. . . . The obnoxious dancing positions are not graceful. Jazz music must be prohibited."

120 years ago today - Jun 22, 1906

Mormon Carl Badger, reflecting on Church leaders' testimony in the recently completed Reed Smoot Hearings writes to a relative: "I believe our honor is more to us than anything on earth, If as a people we had strictly observed the Manifesto, I believe that our example would have challenged the admiration of the world; but we have thought that there is something higher than honesty, and behold our confusion." Badger yearned for "simple honesty, the facts - a remedy from which we shrink-but I pray for the last time, I wish it were possible for me to hurl in the teeth of the world the accusation and the boast: While you have been cruel, we have been honest"

165 years ago today - Jun 22, 1861 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young]

'When br. woodruff remarked that just so long as the devil lives he will oppose the saints, the question came to my mind '"how long will he live?'" I tell you the time is coming when he will not live.'

[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 - Jun 22, 1856 (Council Meeting)

[Brigham Young]

"When the sermon is published it will be then revelation. This earth was created expressly for the people come dwell on it - The spirits were all pure when they came here - the one third of the spirits were cast down to the earth never to get tabernacles - that is their curse - the fallen spirits are devils - When our persecutors die they become angels of the devils - those who left the first state will have a resurrection - when the bodies and spirits are reunited the second death has power which is dissolution - after all the righteous are redeemed then satan is let loose - All are in uproar again then a warfare again - then Jesus followers wipe them out - put them back to native element - then they can organized again - We have the promise we shall retain our identity both body and spirit - the mobocrats become angels of the devil or his perfect servants having sinned against light and knowledge - it will go on until every individual can preserve his identity - The Jews wont be as well off as the soldiers, for they will do as they were commanded - Jesus agony was not of the body but was greater for the sins of the world which were on him. -- Evening."

[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 - Jun 22, 1856 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young]

"... Take, for instance, the gift of tongues; years ago in this Church you could find men of age, and seemingly of experience, who would preach and raise up Branches, and when quite young boys or girls would get up and speak in tongues, and others interpret, and perhaps that interpretation instructing the Elders who brought them into the Church, they would turn round and say, '"I know my duty, this is the word of the Lord to me and I must do as these boys or girls have spoken in tongues.'" You ask one of the Elders if they understand things so now, and they will say, '"No, the gifts are from the Lord, and we are agents to use them as we please.'" If a man is called to be a Prophet, and the gift of prophecy is poured upon him, though he afterwards actually defies the power of God and turns away from the holy commandments, that man will continue in his gift and will prophecy lies. He will make false prophecies, yet he will do it by the spirit of prophecy; he will feel that he is a prophet and can prophecy, but he does it by another spirit and power than that which was given him of the Lord. He uses the gift as much as you and I use ours. The gift of seeing with the natural eyes is just as much a gift as the gift of tongues."

[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 3:362-375, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

175 years ago today - Jun 22, 1851

[Brigham Young]

"I have seen a prophet and apostles who are perfect in their calling yet they are subject to all weaknesses of man, if the Prophet Joseph has been as perfect as this people wanted him to be they could not behold him, if he had been perfect he would have to wear a black veil over his face all the day long, the people could not behold the face of Moses, they begged for him to hide his face ... "

[Thomas Bullock Minutes, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

60 years ago today - Jun 21, 1966

[David O. McKay]

" ... President Tanner mentioned that at the meeting of the Council referred to on June 9, the Brethren had mentioned that many of our young people who go through the Temples gain a wrong impression, that they do not obtain a proper understanding of the Temple work and sometimes lose their faith by reason of the Temple ceremonies. He explained that when companies of young men and young women going on missions have been through the Temple for the first time and received their endowments, it is customary to hold a meeting with these young people after the Temple session and explain to them the meaning of the Temple ceremonies and give them opportunity to ask questions. It was thought that it would be helpful if a meeting of this kind might be held with new converts, young couples and others who go through the Temples to receive their endowments so that they could ask questions and get enlightenment regarding the Temple ceremonies. ... I also stated that the First Presidency would take the matter under consideration and appoint a committee of three to make a study of this problem."

[David O. McKay diary, June 21, 1966; emphasis in original, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

80 years ago today - Jun 21, 1946

The first shipment of the Welfare Plan foodstuffs and essential commodities arrives in Geneva, Switzerland, for distribution to Mormons in war-devastated European cities. This aid totals eighty-five railroad freight cars. Eight months earlier the First Presidency reestablished proselytizing missions in Europe.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

85 years ago today - Jun 21, 1941

[David O. McKay]

11:00'A. Richard Peterson regarding selling beer in grocery stores: by officers prominent in Church affairs. For example, the case of President A. Richard Peterson who purchased a grocery store and entered into business upon his return home from his Mission. With that purchase there went a license to sell beer. This license terminates June 30 and must be renewed July 1. President Peterson asks advice as to what course he should pursue regarding the renewal of his license.

If there is objection to his selling beer, what about tobacco, cigarettes, etc. which many of the Latter-day Saints are purchasing, even mothers.

[David O. McKay 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]

125 years ago today - Jun 21, 1901

[William Henry Smart]

'This evening from about 9-30 to 12 O.C[lock], my wife and I attended to the second part of the ordinance of second anointings. We besides the ordinance itself sang "We thank thee O God for a prophet," conversed concerning our duties to each other and children, read from John XII:1-8 verses, read the Rev[elation] on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, Section 132. We dedicated [the] room [in our house] for the purpose of this meeting [and] closed by singing: "Oh my father thou that dwellest." Anna was mouth in [the] preliminary prayer [and] I gave the dedicatory prayer and the benediction. The spirit of the Lord was with us and we felt nearer together than usual: were much encouraged in pressing onward in an endeavor to succeed in life. We fasted during the day and broke our fast together a little after 12 O.C[lock].'

[William Henry Smart diary, June 21, 1901, Marriott Library, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

125 years ago today - Jun 21, 1901; Friday

President Lorenzo Snow promised Messrs. Taylor and Wagner, both colored, who are trying to build a church for the colored people that when said church is erected we will give them $70. on it.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

190 years ago today - Jun 21, 1836

Mormon missionaries are tried for preaching. Apostle David W. Patten and future apostle Wilford Woodruff (hereafter Woodruff), among the missionaries in the Tennessee court, are assessed court costs and released.

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

125 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 20, 1901

[Rudger Clawson]

Pres. [Lorenzo] Snow arose and said, I desire to bear my testimony. I know that Jesus lives. Many of you who are here tonight will see him, you will see that he is a noble looking man, and you will feel like going to him and shaking hands. When you return to Jackson County and engage in building the temple there, you will see Jesus and be associated with him. I bear this testimony for I know it is true.

[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]

125 years ago today - June 20th, 1901

[Brigham Young Jr.]

"I have been called or order for teaching that Priesthood is "Divine Authority" and when a Deacon is ordained, all the rights, keys, blessings, etc., are conferred pertaining to this office in the Aaronic Priesthood. Bro. Jos. contended that the whole Priesthood of Aaron was given in the Ordination. This view I cannot see now and take. Bro. Jos. was more than earnest and was brotherly and kindly reprimanded by Pres. Snow. Joined Presidency and Twelve at Pres. Jos. F. Good supper and excellent singing and music. Pres. Snow now spoke of Jesus coming to such gatherings and there were those there who would meet Him in this life and many other good things."

[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Jun 20, 1901

[Abraham O. Woodruff]

Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow after the singing of a hymn arose and said: 'He The Savior Lives and I know it! Many of you will live to see Him. He will be a grand gentleman and will be like a kind father to you. Many of you will live to go to Jackson Co[unty]. [Missouri] and you will see Him there.'

[Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

150 years ago today - Jun 20, 1876

[Wilford Woodruff]

June 20, 1876 Glory Hallalulah for this days for in spite of the Devil through the Blessing of God I have had the privilege this day of going into the Endowment House and with my family have been Baptized for (949) Eight Hundred and Seventy Two of my dead Relatives & friends ...

I Felt to rejoice that after Forty three years labor in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that I had the privilege of going into a Baptismal font with my Eldest Brother Azmon Woodruff and my Children to redeem our dead.

[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 - Saturday, Jun 20, 1846.

A lady from Fort Leavenworth told Brother Lewis that [former Missouri governor] Boggs started with a company of emigrants for Oregon, heard that 4,000 Mormons were on their way, and for fear they would find him and kill him he had returned home to Independence, Missouri.

[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]

190 years ago today - Jun 20, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of Jacob Chamberlain given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt go to Zion and possess the things of this life: thou shalt have houses, lands and possessions. Thou shalt have power to help build up Zion and see her flourish upon the hills: Thou shalt see the hosts of God gathered there. Thou shalt have power to translate thyself like Enoch. Thou art a Son of Abraham, has a right to the priesthood and art called to it. Something whispers me that all will be well with thee

[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:84; text from Patriarchal Blessing Book 2:143-144, 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 - Jun 20, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of Lucia Louisa Leavitt given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt teach the daughters of the Lamanites and instruct them in our Language. ... Thou shalt have children and be instrumental in peopling the new earth. for thou shalt live to behold the winding up scene of this generation when wickedness shall be swept off the face of the earth and thou shalt stand when Jesus Christ shall come in the clouds of heaven. By the authority of the holy priesthood I seal these blessings upon thee, and I seal thee up unto eternal life, even so Amen.

[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:112, 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 - Jun 20, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of Oliver Snow given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt live to see the tribes come in from the North ... Thou salt see thy Redeemer and shalt converse with him face to face. while thou art in the flesh. This is thy portion and I seal these blessings upon thee by the authority of the holy priesthood. I seal thee up unto eternal life on condition of thy obedience, even so Amen.

[Early Patriarchal Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:111, in 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 - (Mon) Jun 20, 1836

Joseph Smith was acquitted in a trial before the Court of Common Pleas at Chardon, on a charge of assault and battery brought by his brother-in-law, Calvin Stoddard.

[Painesville Telegraph, 1:26, June 26, 1835, quoted at Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

75 years ago today - Jun 19, 1951

Look magazine publishes Gordon B. Hinckley's response to an article, "The Mormons: We Are a Peculiar People," one of his earliest exposures in the national media.

110 years ago today - Jun 19, 1916

[First Presidency letter]

To Bishoprics of Wards, Dear Brethren:

At the Stake Clerks' meeting, held during the late general conference, definite instructions were sought for in regard to making a record of cases of transgression of young people who make public confession of their wrongdoing and are forgiven.

No record should be made of this class of cases, nor of cases of the same character of a strictly private nature considered by a Bishop or Bishopric, but a record should be made and kept of cases of fornication or adultery tried in the regular way by the Bishop's court.

This question has also been asked:

At which of the meetings should persons guilty of unchastity be required to make confession, at the general meeting of the members of the ward, at the fast meeting, or at the monthly priesthood meeting?

Answer: The regulation of confessions should be left to the Bishopric of the ward in which the wrongdoing occurs, each case considered by them on its own merits, and disposed of according to the publicity already given to it. For instance, where people guilty of adultery or fornication confess their sin, and their transgression is known to themselves only, their confession should not be made public. But where publicity has been given to it their confession should be made before the priesthood of the ward at the regular monthly meeting; or, if it be deemed advisable that a still more public confession be made, such a confession should be made at the monthly fast meeting, and not at the regular Sunday services. ...

As a rule therefore where the transgression is known to but few, the confession (if required at all) should be made at the priesthood meeting, and only in cases where the offense has become a public scandal and reproach to the Church, should the more public confession be required. Your Brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.

[1916-June 19-Original letter. Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

120 years ago today - Jun 19, 1906; Tuesday

$250. was paid to Fred W. Clemons in payment of the old hand press on which the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed; said press having been received and set up in the press room of the Deseret News building.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

185 years ago today - Jun 19, 1841

James Murdock writes to the CONGREGATIONAL OBSERVER of his interview with William Smith, LDS Apostle and brother of Joseph Smith: "About the year 1823, there was a revival of religion in that region, and Joseph was one of several hopeful converts. The others were joining, some one church, and some another in that vicinity, but Joseph hesitated between the different denominations. While his mind was perplexed with this subject, he prayed for divine direction; and afterwards was awaked one night by an extraordinary vision. The glory of the Lord filled the chamber with a dazzling light, and a glorious angel appeared to him, conversed with him, and told him that he was a chosen vessel unto the Lord to make known true religion."

190 years ago today - Jun 19, 1836

Lorenzo Snow is baptized in the Chagrin River near Kirtland, Ohio. (He is twenty-two years and two months old.)

190 years ago today - Jun 19, 1836

Wilford Woodruff writes that "A state's warrant was issued against D[avid] W. Patten, Warren Parrish and Wilford Woodruff, . . . Elders Patten and Parrish were taken by an armed mob of about fifty, . . . I was in another county, and therefore not taken. We were accused of prophesying falsely, by saying that four persons who were baptized should receive the Holy Ghost in twenty-four hours, and that Christ should come the second time before this generation passed away." Three days later Patten and Parrish are "condemned . . . Without any cause of Guilt found in them & after condemning they let them go clear."

190 years ago today - Jun 19, 1836

Book of Mormon witnesses Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, Apostle Lyman E. Johnson, and Mormon editor William W. Phelps flee for their lives after receiving a written death-threat signed by Danite chief Sampson Avard, two members of the First Presidency, and eighty other Danites. This is two days after Sidney Rigdon announced that the church will now fulfill the commandment to treat dissenters as "salt" to be "trodden under the foot of men."

195 years ago today - Jun 19, 1831

[Joseph Smith]

Starts for Missouri to designate the -"land of Zion.-"

[Highlights in the Prophet's Life, Ensign, June 1994]

195 years ago today - Jun 19, 1831

Colesville saints inquire of Joseph being poor and without farmland. Section 54 of the D&C is revealed in response. Newel Knight is appointed the leader of this company and they moved from Thompson, Ohio to Missouri. After this point, legal deeds of ownership were transferred as part of the Law of Consecration. Edward leaves family with measles and is so exhausted, he fell off his horse while travelling with the company.

[Exploring Mormonism: The Law of Consecration Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-law-of-consecration-timeline/]

170 years ago today - Jun 18, 1856

[Hosea Stout]

Law Suit before probate on an examination[.] People vs William Camp et al. for kidnapping a Negro Dan. The case commenced Monday evening and lasted yesterday & to day till noon

It appears that Camp was the owner of Dan who had ran away and C. had went with three others to bring him back. The court acquitted them[.] Carrington atty Genl for the people & Mr T. S. Williams & self for defts

There was a great excitement on on the occasion[.] The question naturally involving more or Less the Slavery question and I was surprised to see those latent feeling aroused in our midst which are making so much disturbance in the states.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

175 years ago today - Jun 18, 1851

Sarah Lawrence, polygamous widow of Joseph Smith, formally divorces Heber C. Kimball. Two years later she marries Joseph Mount who "had come from the gold mines of California where he made quite a fortune." On this same day Mary Ann Clark Powers, plural wife of Brigham Young since Jan 15, 1845, writes from Kanesville, Iowa: "I wish you to release me from all engagements with you for time and eternity." This request is granted.

30 years ago today - Jun 17, 1996

Time magazine publishes its list of the twenty-five most influential Americans. Among those noted is Steven R. Covey (a former BYU professor, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and founder of the Covey Leadership Center).

120 years ago today - Jun 17, 1906; Sunday

[George F. Richards]

"Talked with Bro[ther]. C[harles]. R. McBride after meeting about a matter of a private nature about which I had a dream some time ago. Left it with him."

[George F. Richards, Diary]

120 years ago today - Jun 17, 1906

[Anthony W. Ivins]

"Sunday 2 P. M. Jos, C. Bently. Present authorities. Bro. H. Pratt made short remarks. Said an effort was being made to eliminate from the Doctrine & Covenants the revelation of marriage."

[Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Jun 17, 1901

A contingent headed by Apostle John Henry Smith and future apostle Anthony W. Ivins meets in Mexico City with Mexican President Porfirio Diaz. Ivins clasps his hand and says, in Spanish, "Mr. President I greatly appreciate this opportunity of grasping the hand of the Chief Magistrate of the Government which gave an asylum and protection to my people when they were in trouble."

130 years ago today - Jun 17, 1896

With approval from President Wilford Woodruff, Second Counselor Joseph F. Smith seals Lillian Hamlin by proxy to the deceased David H. Cannon. During the ceremony, in the Salt Lake Temple, Smith marries her to the proxy Apostle Abraham H. Cannon as a plural wife for time. The next day, the Smiths and Cannons leave Salt Lake City for California. Later Joseph F. Smith is accused of having performed the post-manifesto marriage off the coast of California which he (truthfully) denies.

135 years ago today - June 17, 1891

[James E. Talmage]

Talmage attends the Annual Meeting of the Microscopical Society of London. To his surprise, Talmage is called upon to address the assembly. In his biography John R. Talmage summarizes the event:

[Talmage Story, ch. 11] [Talmage] expected merely to be recognized as a new member, but found himself called upon to address the gathering. He did so, discussing "the scientific wealth yet unmined in the land of my home," with special emphasis on the Great Salt Lake. Professor Talmage's microscopic slides of the artemis fertilis (brine shrimp) and oolitic (spherical) sand were viewed with interest as were the live shrimp which had escaped the greedy gulping of the customs official. The horned lizards had their moment in the limelight, and later found a permanent home in the zoological gardens of Regent's Park and the South Kensington Natural History Museum, a branch of the British Museum. In his room that night after the Society's meeting was over, James reviewed in his mind the impressive event, and returned thanks to the Lord for the privilege he had been accorded in attending, "I regard the occurrences of this night as very significant," [Talmage] wrote in his journal, "not because I have gained recognition in so august a society, but because a representative of the Latter-day Saint Church-one of the despised 'Mormons'-has been so received."

[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]

145 years ago today - Jun 17, 1881

[James E. Talmage]

"[...] if I would give way to selfish feelings I would today almost register a vow that I would not serve in the B. Y. Academy again unless I were well paid. […] Then again I think and realize that the training I am receiving in teaching these higher branches benefits me as much, if not more than regular attendance at school would. Have been enabled to save nothing in the way of money during the year."

[The Journals of James E. Talmage—Excerpts, Compiled by J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dOE6pgN6OkBJIq-X73JGpCdt0p5b8_UdfTfLREz4uTg/]

170 years ago today - Jun 17, 1856

The new Republican Party Platform brought polygamy into the national political debate regarding slavery. It argued that since the Constitution gives Congress sovereign power over the territories it was "right and imperative" that Congress prohibit both slavery and polygamy in the territories. This created a dilemma the Democrats. Virtually all were offended at Mormon polygamy. The Republican Platform put the Democrats in the awkward position of explaining why a territory could become a slave state by the determination of the people, but could not self-determine the legality of polygamy.

[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]

190 years ago today - 1836: 17 June

Patriarchal blessing of Esther Smith Fuller given by Joseph Smith, Sen. ... "I seal the blessing of God on thy children: ... while young shall be in the Spirit and Prophesy, they shall be among the prophets and prophetesses. ..."

[typescript, private collection, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

190 years ago today - Jun 17, 1836

Patriarch Joseph Smith Senior gives blessings to Amos B. Fuller: "Thy years shall be many for thou shalt stand on the Earth and proclaim the Gospel to the Nations of the Gentiles, and the seed of Abraham, as long as the earth shall stand." And to Betsy Smith: " Thy children and thy children's children shall be saved and reign with thee in the kingdom of father and thou shall see the fourth generation and thou shall not see death but shall be grave thou must see tribulation but thou shalt have power to prevail over all thy enemies and shall see thy the Holy One of Israel while yet in the flesh"