Richard Miller, a twenty-year FBI counter-intelligence veteran, is called into his Los Angeles field office subjected to polygraph tests, fired, then arrested and charged with espionage. Miller is described by his stepfather-in-law as an "active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" who "served well" in a variety of positions, including Sunday School instructor and home teacher. However, LDS church headquarters confirms Miller was excommunicated previous summer for reasons unnamed. The national press reports Miller was engaged in a "sexual affair" with Soviet spy and KGB "major" Svetlana Ogordnikov. Miller had asked for $65,000 in cash and gold in exchange for classified information. twenty-one months later Miller, a BYU graduate and returned missionary, is convicted of expionage and bribery and is sentenced to two consecutive life terms. He is the only (former) FBI agent ever convicted of espionage. In 1989 his conviction is overturned when the admission of
polygraph results is deemed an error. A third trial is held and Miller is convicted again and sentenced to 20 years. He is released in 1994 following a reduction of his sentence by a federal judge.
[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
115 years ago today - Sep 25, 1909
[Evolution]
University Council met at 8 p.m. Prayer by President [George H.] Brimhall. 13 present. President Brimhall reported that he had been invited to a meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles to listen to an article prepared by Apostle O[rson]. F. Whitney under instruction from the First Presidency on the origi[ne] of the physical man. The purpose of the meeting of the Council was to discuss this topic as he desired the views of the council upon it. Each member present gave expression to his views.
[Brigham Young University Faculty Minutes, 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]
University Council met at 8 p.m. Prayer by President [George H.] Brimhall. 13 present. President Brimhall reported that he had been invited to a meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles to listen to an article prepared by Apostle O[rson]. F. Whitney under instruction from the First Presidency on the origi[ne] of the physical man. The purpose of the meeting of the Council was to discuss this topic as he desired the views of the council upon it. Each member present gave expression to his views.
[Brigham Young University Faculty Minutes, 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 - Sep 25, 1894
[George Q. Cannon]
.... I referred to the conversation which was had at the Hoffman House with Colonel Trumbo when he came up from Washington to see me respecting certain propositions that he had. They were to this effect: that a large fund was being raised by different parties on account of the tariff, the object being to prevent injurious legislation to certain interests. This sum was represented by Colonel Trumbo to me as being very large, and it was proposed that Utah should be included in the arrangement. They were willing to have this done if they could have the assurance that two Republican Senators would come from Utah, and Colonel Trumbo had been sent to ask me if any pledge could be obtained to that effect. I had said I could not give a pledge of that kind, and I did not know any one else that could. I would do anything in my power to have Utah admitted as a State and to have it Republican, but could make no pledge of that kind. This seemed, I said, to satisfy Colonel Trumbo at the time; but
I said I want it distinctly understood now that I never knew until after the State was admitted, when I was told by Bishop Clawson, that money had ever been used to admit Utah'that is, solely for the admission of Utah. I did understand that it was to be included in the arrangement mentioned, and the pay was to be the securing of two Republican Senators. ...
[George Q. Cannon, 'Interview with General Clarkson and Colonel Trumbo', as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
.... I referred to the conversation which was had at the Hoffman House with Colonel Trumbo when he came up from Washington to see me respecting certain propositions that he had. They were to this effect: that a large fund was being raised by different parties on account of the tariff, the object being to prevent injurious legislation to certain interests. This sum was represented by Colonel Trumbo to me as being very large, and it was proposed that Utah should be included in the arrangement. They were willing to have this done if they could have the assurance that two Republican Senators would come from Utah, and Colonel Trumbo had been sent to ask me if any pledge could be obtained to that effect. I had said I could not give a pledge of that kind, and I did not know any one else that could. I would do anything in my power to have Utah admitted as a State and to have it Republican, but could make no pledge of that kind. This seemed, I said, to satisfy Colonel Trumbo at the time; but
I said I want it distinctly understood now that I never knew until after the State was admitted, when I was told by Bishop Clawson, that money had ever been used to admit Utah'that is, solely for the admission of Utah. I did understand that it was to be included in the arrangement mentioned, and the pay was to be the securing of two Republican Senators. ...
[George Q. Cannon, 'Interview with General Clarkson and Colonel Trumbo', 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 - Sep 25, 1874
DESERET NEWS editorial about "immortal seven" Mormons who are excused form grand jury in Beaver because they cannot conscientiously indict anyone for polygamy.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Sep 25, 1874
Deseret News editorial about the "immortal seven" Mormons who are excused from the grand jury in Beaver because they can not conscientiously indict anyone for polygamy.
[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 )]]
200 years ago today - Sep 25, 1824
The body of Alvin Smith is exhumed from its grave to quell rumors that the body had been removed. Joseph Smith had said that the Angel Moroni instructed him to bring his brother Alvin to obtain the plates but Alvin had died before the Sept 22, 1824 date set by the angel. Four days later the Wayne Sentinal publishes a notice by Joseph Smith Sr. that, contrary to the rumors, the body had not been removed from the grave or disturbed.
[He also runs the add on the 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th of October and 3rd November.]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[He also runs the add on the 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th of October and 3rd November.]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
50 years ago today - Sep 24, 1974-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
In the meeting with Brother [Joseph] Anderson this morning I mentioned the controversy over Mormonism and Masonry. Brother Anderson said Brother Melvin J. Ballard gave a talk on Mormonism and Masonry which we ought to be familiar with. We should be aware of this and try to get a copy of the talk for our Mormonism and Masonry file.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
In the meeting with Brother [Joseph] Anderson this morning I mentioned the controversy over Mormonism and Masonry. Brother Anderson said Brother Melvin J. Ballard gave a talk on Mormonism and Masonry which we ought to be familiar with. We should be aware of this and try to get a copy of the talk for our Mormonism and Masonry file.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
70 years ago today - Sep 24, 1954
CBS television's Edward R. Murrow's program features Apostle Ezra Taft Benson's family have "LDS Home Night."
[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 )]]
95 years ago today - Sep 24, 1929
Heber J. Grant writes: "I am free to confess that I am disappointed with the Yosemite valley. It seems only about one-half as grand as the American Fork canyon" of Utah.
[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 - 24 September 1844, Tuesday
[Nauvoo Temple]
On Wednesday, the 25th, as the brethern were beginning to raise one of the capitals, having neglected to fasten the guys, the crane fell over with a tremendous crash, breaking it considerably. As soon as it was perceived that the crane was falling, the hands fled to get out of the way. One of the brethern, Thomas Jaap, running directly in the course of the falling crane, barely escaped being killed. The crane struck the ground and was within a foot of striking his head. This circumstance hindered the workmen some; but in a few days the crane was mended, reared, and the brethern again went to work on it.
...Jacob Morris ... stated that Miles had come with the intention of setting fire to the lumber, that the building might be hindered, as Lyman Wight had said the temple never would be built.
Whether this was the intention of Brother Miles or not we could not learn satisfactorily. However, enough was known to induce the authorities of the Church to advise the committee to have some of the old police guard the lumber and the temple night and day. The police have continued to guard it to this time. There has since been many threats thrown out from the Rigdonites and other sources that the temple never should be built, and no doubt an attempt would have been made to set fire to it if it had not been well guarded all the time.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
On Wednesday, the 25th, as the brethern were beginning to raise one of the capitals, having neglected to fasten the guys, the crane fell over with a tremendous crash, breaking it considerably. As soon as it was perceived that the crane was falling, the hands fled to get out of the way. One of the brethern, Thomas Jaap, running directly in the course of the falling crane, barely escaped being killed. The crane struck the ground and was within a foot of striking his head. This circumstance hindered the workmen some; but in a few days the crane was mended, reared, and the brethern again went to work on it.
...Jacob Morris ... stated that Miles had come with the intention of setting fire to the lumber, that the building might be hindered, as Lyman Wight had said the temple never would be built.
Whether this was the intention of Brother Miles or not we could not learn satisfactorily. However, enough was known to induce the authorities of the Church to advise the committee to have some of the old police guard the lumber and the temple night and day. The police have continued to guard it to this time. There has since been many threats thrown out from the Rigdonites and other sources that the temple never should be built, and no doubt an attempt would have been made to set fire to it if it had not been well guarded all the time.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
40 years ago today - Sep 23, 1984-Sunday
[Leonard Arrington]
Today I responded to a telephone arrangement with the New York LDS Institute in which Bill Cottam, director, had 20 or 30 persons in a New York apartment. We talked for almost an hour. Questions asked, to which I gave somewhat lengthy responses:
1. Why did the church decide not to publish the sesquicentennial history volumes?
2. Were there [plural] marriages performed with church approval after 1890?
3. Do you still believe, as you wrote in 1968 for Dialogue, that we ought to publish the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in histories?
4. Comment on the Martin Harris Salamander letter.
5. Comment on your Brigham Young biography
6. Comment on the new book by Robert Gottlieb and Peter Wiley, America's Saints.
7. Women and the priesthood in Church history? Priesthood ordinances?
I left, bearing my testimony that this is the Lord's Church.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Today I responded to a telephone arrangement with the New York LDS Institute in which Bill Cottam, director, had 20 or 30 persons in a New York apartment. We talked for almost an hour. Questions asked, to which I gave somewhat lengthy responses:
1. Why did the church decide not to publish the sesquicentennial history volumes?
2. Were there [plural] marriages performed with church approval after 1890?
3. Do you still believe, as you wrote in 1968 for Dialogue, that we ought to publish the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in histories?
4. Comment on the Martin Harris Salamander letter.
5. Comment on your Brigham Young biography
6. Comment on the new book by Robert Gottlieb and Peter Wiley, America's Saints.
7. Women and the priesthood in Church history? Priesthood ordinances?
I left, bearing my testimony that this is the Lord's Church.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
75 years ago today - Sep 23, 1949
[J. Reuben Clark]
Marion Romney called; he said the striking miners are stopping trucks on Solider Summit and the State Road Patrol are protecting those who want to come through, and he has told the Church trucks to come on through. Pres. Taylor of one of the Carbon Stakes says the situation is very tense, the men are pretty sullen; he does not think they can do much, the men are pretty well dominated by the unions; they understand the coal the Church is getting out is for hospitals and Church purposes. Bro. Romney said the unions had threatened to fine any of our members who worked in the Church mine for less than the fixed Union scale, they will let them work outside, but not go into the mines. Pres. Clark approved what Bro. Romney had done, but said that they did not want any accidents and have anybody killed. Bro. Romney said they had three trucks down there; that they only had 500 tons of coal which would only last the hospital a little while ...
Called Leo Young in Mark Petersen's office and cautioned the News on the way they handled the strike question, telling him of the trucks coming from the Church mine to the Hospitals; they did not want anything said that would incite the miners against letting the trucks through.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Marion Romney called; he said the striking miners are stopping trucks on Solider Summit and the State Road Patrol are protecting those who want to come through, and he has told the Church trucks to come on through. Pres. Taylor of one of the Carbon Stakes says the situation is very tense, the men are pretty sullen; he does not think they can do much, the men are pretty well dominated by the unions; they understand the coal the Church is getting out is for hospitals and Church purposes. Bro. Romney said the unions had threatened to fine any of our members who worked in the Church mine for less than the fixed Union scale, they will let them work outside, but not go into the mines. Pres. Clark approved what Bro. Romney had done, but said that they did not want any accidents and have anybody killed. Bro. Romney said they had three trucks down there; that they only had 500 tons of coal which would only last the hospital a little while ...
Called Leo Young in Mark Petersen's office and cautioned the News on the way they handled the strike question, telling him of the trucks coming from the Church mine to the Hospitals; they did not want anything said that would incite the miners against letting the trucks through.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
90 years ago today - Sep 23, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant]
[After learning of the Death of his cousin and counselor, Anthony W. Ivins] ... From the time we were little children we have been as intimate as if we had been own brothers. I never knew two sisters who were so congenial and had such unbounded love for each other as Tone and myself.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[After learning of the Death of his cousin and counselor, Anthony W. Ivins] ... From the time we were little children we have been as intimate as if we had been own brothers. I never knew two sisters who were so congenial and had such unbounded love for each other as Tone and myself.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Sep 23, 1909
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary]
"After meeting Prest F M Lyman ask (Sic) Bishops Tingey Woolley Iverson and myself to remain and he said that inasmuch as elder (Sic) John W. Taylor and Mathias Cowley had been requested not to be talking in public If when they happened to come into our wards we did not invite them to talk it would save them some embarassment &c."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"After meeting Prest F M Lyman ask (Sic) Bishops Tingey Woolley Iverson and myself to remain and he said that inasmuch as elder (Sic) John W. Taylor and Mathias Cowley had been requested not to be talking in public If when they happened to come into our wards we did not invite them to talk it would save them some embarassment &c."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Sep 23, 1899; Saturday
President Snow and family moved into the Beehive house today.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Sep 23, 1889
First Presidency Secretary L. John Nuttall records in his journal: "Prest. Joseph F. Smith had some very plain talk with Bro. Angus M. Cannon in regard to his persistent claim to the land known as the Barn Lot, west of the Lion House, which Bro. Cannon claims he purchased, bonafide. While Pres. Smith claims (it) was only in trust for its safety to the church. Pres. M. Thatcher and Bp. Wm. B. Preston held the same views as Bro. Smith and repudiated Bro. Cannon's claim. No decision was arrived at."
140 years ago today - Sep 23, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the Lecture on Monday night 22 delivered in the Theater by John Nichelson upon the Massacree of the Mormon Elders in Tennessee and proved that Gov Murry, The Tribune and the Conspiritors ring in this City was in a great measure the Cause of the death of those Men. I do not think there were Ever as many people before in that building since it was built.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended the Lecture on Monday night 22 delivered in the Theater by John Nichelson upon the Massacree of the Mormon Elders in Tennessee and proved that Gov Murry, The Tribune and the Conspiritors ring in this City was in a great measure the Cause of the death of those Men. I do not think there were Ever as many people before in that building since it was built.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Sep 23, 1884
[Apostle Heber J. Grant]
The great majority of the people who spoke yesterday and today were decidedly in favor of continuing to labor in the United Order but most of them did not wish to do so unless the present system was changed and more responsibility was placed upon the individual members. ... At our evening meeting we had some spirited remarks. We had an excellent spirit present. I can't recall attending a meeting where I felt that more of the kind and peacful [sic] influences of the good spirit was present than I did this evening. It was decided by a unanimous vote to continue working in the United Order under the system of Stewardship, as found in the Doctrine and Covenants.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The great majority of the people who spoke yesterday and today were decidedly in favor of continuing to labor in the United Order but most of them did not wish to do so unless the present system was changed and more responsibility was placed upon the individual members. ... At our evening meeting we had some spirited remarks. We had an excellent spirit present. I can't recall attending a meeting where I felt that more of the kind and peacful [sic] influences of the good spirit was present than I did this evening. It was decided by a unanimous vote to continue working in the United Order under the system of Stewardship, as found in the Doctrine and Covenants.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Sep 23, 1844
[Nauvoo Temple]
The first sunstone capital stone was placed on the temple walls. Each stone weighed about two tons and cost some $300. Each capital was composed of five stones: the base stone; the sunstone with the sun raising above the clouds; the trumpet stone with two hands holding trumpets; and two cap stones on the top. Benjamin T. Mitchell cut the first sunstone to be placed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
The first sunstone capital stone was placed on the temple walls. Each stone weighed about two tons and cost some $300. Each capital was composed of five stones: the base stone; the sunstone with the sun raising above the clouds; the trumpet stone with two hands holding trumpets; and two cap stones on the top. Benjamin T. Mitchell cut the first sunstone to be placed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
195 years ago today - Sep 23, 1829
In Abner Cole's Palmyra Reflector, he writes, "We understand that the Anti-Masons have declared war against the Gold Bible-O! how impious! / The number of Gold Bible Apostles is said to be complete. Jo Smith, Jr. is about to assign to each, a mission to the heathen. We understand that Abraham Chaddock intends to build the first house in Harris' New-Jerusalem.... / Some few evenings since, a man in the town of Mendon, had a loud call to go and preach the doctrines contained in the Gold Bible, under heavy denunciations." (May refer to Calvin Stoddard, who had a "loud call" according to Tucker (1867).)
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
95 years ago today - Sep 22, 1929
Senior Seventy's president and assistant church historian Brigham H. Roberts tells a congregation in the Salt Lake Tabernacle that "the Latter-day Saints are conscious of receding from that zenith [of early Mormonism] in that they are no longer flooded with revelation." On 3 Oct. in a combined meeting of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and the Seventy's presidents condemns his statement. He apologizes to them.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
110 years ago today - Sep 22, 1914
Apostle James E. Talmage reads an article from Church magazine "The Improvement Era" to the First Presidency. The article, by non-mormon writer J. C. Homans (two years earlier Homans, writing under the name of "Dr. R. C. Webb, PhD," had published articles and a book attempting to defend the Book of Abraham against dismissals by leading Egyptologists) attempts to refute evolution. First Counselor Anthon H. Lund comments that it does not strike him as particularly logical in its assertions.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Sep 22, 1909
.... Elder Reed Smoot called attention to the fact that B[en]. E. R[ich]. had taken a wife since the Manifesto of 1890 by Pres[ident]. [Wilford] Woodruff and that at the examination before the Senate Committee on Elections of U.S. Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith had testified that if it were known to him that parties had violated that Manifesto he would deal with them for their standing in the church and Elder Smoot had testified that he would not sustain such in office. This is of record and to call one of this class to be one of the General Authorities would place the President in an awkward position perhaps later. Elder J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith & Reed Smoot were appointed to bring these facts to the attention of the First Presidency. The results were that another name was presented [i.e., Levi Edgar Young] which to me means that no man having taken a wife since Pres[ident]. Woodruff's Manifesto can be sustained as one of the General Authorities.
[George F. Richards, 'Record of Matters of Special Importance,' pp. 31-32, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[George F. Richards, 'Record of Matters of Special Importance,' pp. 31-32, 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 - Sep 22, 1904
A meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held this morning. He [Joseph F. Smith] said he told them [church members in St. George] if they would pay their tithing until the Church debts are paid, the Church would do what it could to help them to re-possess the country now held by outsiders, which is regarded as the key to that southern country.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Sep 22, 1899
Presidents Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were at the office, and the former two met with Elders Brigham Young [Jr.] and John Henry Smith, Bishop Joseph S. Rawlins and Attorney F[ranklin]. S. Richards ... The allowance to Elder Samuel W. Richards, of $30.00 a month, for services as an ordinance worker in the Temple was today increased, at his request, by President Snow to $50.00 a month, $20.00 in cash and the balance in scrip.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
135 years ago today - Sep 22, 1889 (Sunday)
Salim Inzil and Pharez Randure were baptized below the Egyptian colony, Yaffa, Palestine, by Elder C.U. Locander. They were confirmed the same day, the first named by Elder J.M. Sjodahl and the latter by Elder Locander. These were the first Arabs who joined the Church in Palestine. A few Germans had previously been baptized.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Sept 22nd 1884
[Scott Anderson to John Taylor]
.... President John Taylor
Sir
Duty imperatively demands that as I am about to withdraw from the Church over which you preside I make known to you and to all whom it may concern the reasons which have compelled me to take this step.
... I joined your Church on the 20th of May 1879 and during the first 2 years of my membership I faithfully adhered to it and would have given my life to defend it, during all this time I never heard of Adam being God, never heard of Blood Atonement, never heard of polygamy being required of all men before they could attain to highest glory. Never dreamed that Brigham Young or any one else cooly threw the Bible overboard and preached whatever they pleased which I was bound to accept as the revelations of God. I do not and cannot accuse these men of having told my anything absolutely false, but they certainly withheld the horrible I was in the Church some five years before I heard or knew anything about these things--doctrines against which my soul revolts. ...
Judge my horror and amazement when I found that he [apostle Albert Carrington] constantly used language which I had only heard from the lips of the lowest blackguards and that his conduct generally was something disgraceful. I saw him myself in the presence of several hundred witnesses on board a tugboat in Liverpool conduct himself so disgracefully with a young girl, then a servant in the Mission House, that every Elder present held his head down with shame. ...
Brigham Young teaches I quote his words, "When our Father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body and brought Eve one of his wives with him. He is our Father and our God and the ONLY God with whom we have to do." At first I could not bring myself to believe that this doctrine was accepted by the Church, but on careful enquiry found to my horror and astonishment that it was really so. It is true a great many know nothing about it and are simply in ignorance....
Then there is the Doctrine of Blood atonement which to me is simply a doctrine of murder. Brigham Young says "I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously slain in order to atone for their sins." Again he says, "I have seen scores and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance if their lives had been taken and their blood spilt upon the ground as a smoking incense to the Almighty." ...
If he has no wife or wives (and you teach that he must have at least three or he cannot have the highest glory) God (Adam) is utterly unable to help him You have the keys and he must wait your leisure and pleasure. ...
Joseph F. Smith during last conference told the Priesthood meeting that to obey the higher law they must have at least three living wives at one and the same time, and that anything to the contrary was a damned lie. You yourself in the Ogden Tabernacle speaking of what the Gentiles were trying to do said "Who the Devil cares." Surely you do not think I can believe such language from the Holy Spirit of God.
I now request you to erase my name from your books, and only add in conclusion that I have had no quarrel...
Yours respectfully,
Scott Anderson
[Letter to Pres. John Taylor from Scott Anderson; Salt Lake City; Sept 22nd 1884 as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
.... President John Taylor
Sir
Duty imperatively demands that as I am about to withdraw from the Church over which you preside I make known to you and to all whom it may concern the reasons which have compelled me to take this step.
... I joined your Church on the 20th of May 1879 and during the first 2 years of my membership I faithfully adhered to it and would have given my life to defend it, during all this time I never heard of Adam being God, never heard of Blood Atonement, never heard of polygamy being required of all men before they could attain to highest glory. Never dreamed that Brigham Young or any one else cooly threw the Bible overboard and preached whatever they pleased which I was bound to accept as the revelations of God. I do not and cannot accuse these men of having told my anything absolutely false, but they certainly withheld the horrible I was in the Church some five years before I heard or knew anything about these things--doctrines against which my soul revolts. ...
Judge my horror and amazement when I found that he [apostle Albert Carrington] constantly used language which I had only heard from the lips of the lowest blackguards and that his conduct generally was something disgraceful. I saw him myself in the presence of several hundred witnesses on board a tugboat in Liverpool conduct himself so disgracefully with a young girl, then a servant in the Mission House, that every Elder present held his head down with shame. ...
Brigham Young teaches I quote his words, "When our Father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body and brought Eve one of his wives with him. He is our Father and our God and the ONLY God with whom we have to do." At first I could not bring myself to believe that this doctrine was accepted by the Church, but on careful enquiry found to my horror and astonishment that it was really so. It is true a great many know nothing about it and are simply in ignorance....
Then there is the Doctrine of Blood atonement which to me is simply a doctrine of murder. Brigham Young says "I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously slain in order to atone for their sins." Again he says, "I have seen scores and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance if their lives had been taken and their blood spilt upon the ground as a smoking incense to the Almighty." ...
If he has no wife or wives (and you teach that he must have at least three or he cannot have the highest glory) God (Adam) is utterly unable to help him You have the keys and he must wait your leisure and pleasure. ...
Joseph F. Smith during last conference told the Priesthood meeting that to obey the higher law they must have at least three living wives at one and the same time, and that anything to the contrary was a damned lie. You yourself in the Ogden Tabernacle speaking of what the Gentiles were trying to do said "Who the Devil cares." Surely you do not think I can believe such language from the Holy Spirit of God.
I now request you to erase my name from your books, and only add in conclusion that I have had no quarrel...
Yours respectfully,
Scott Anderson
[Letter to Pres. John Taylor from Scott Anderson; Salt Lake City; Sept 22nd 1884 as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
170 years ago today - Sep 22, 1854
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
The Snake Indians fought the Utahs & killed 6 & brought in the Indian scalps on poles through our streets & had a war dans.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Snake Indians fought the Utahs & killed 6 & brought in the Indian scalps on poles through our streets & had a war dans.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Sep 22, 1839
[Joseph Smith Sermon]
Attended & presided at meeting--Spoke concerning the other Comforter &c &c &c.
[Joseph Smith Diary, by James Mulholland; The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
Attended & presided at meeting--Spoke concerning the other Comforter &c &c &c.
[Joseph Smith Diary, by James Mulholland; The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
195 years ago today - Sep 22, 1829
The Painesville Telegraph publishes an article headlined "Golden Bible" that circulates in the Kirtland area. Although it apparently has no effect, it may have instigated negative perceptions among some of Sidney Rigdon's congregants.
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
200 years ago today - Sep 22, 1824
Joseph Jr. returns to the Manchester hill (without Alvin) and fails to get the plates . According to some sources, Joseph was instructed to bring Samuel Lawrence with him on his next annual visit , but other sources say that he was instructed to bring his future wife, whom he had not yet met . It is likely that no future visits were planned at this time and that Samuel Lawrence and Emma Hale are retrospective insertions into the story.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
45 years ago today - Sep 20, 1979-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
Lavina Anderson came by to tell me that [managing editor] Jay [Todd] had received a note from Elder [M. Russell] Ballard, [new] editor of the Ensign, asking him to respond to two matters. He said that this had been conveyed to him by Elder [Boyd K.] Packer. Lavina assumes that this means it came from someone higher than Elder Packer, such as, for example, from Elder [Ezra Taft] Benson or Elder [Mark E.] Petersen, but Elder Ballard did not reveal who had asked Elder Packer to convey it to him.
Anyway, the two matters were, first, some criticism of the Donna Hill book [a biography of Joseph Smith]; and secondly, a general criticism of my article in the September issue, "Six Lessons in Church History." Dean Jessee is preparing a comment with respect to the statements made about the Donna Hill book. Basically, they are suggesting that the book contains material that is both defamatory and incorrect, about Joseph Smith. After looking over the list of things, it is clear that these were not things that Donna Hill agreed with, but simply charges that she acknowledged were made against the Prophet, and she really provides an answer to them. So that criticism seems to be misplaced.
With respect to my article, there apparently were no specific criticisms but simply demanding a justification as to why the article was published, why I was asked to write it, and so on. So Lavina was trying to get something together to write up for Jay. Certainly I was not asked, in a formal letter, to write the article. It was something which was transmitted by telephone and not in one of our monthly meetings.
Anyway, there is, somewhere in the world, one person who did not like the article, nor did he/she think that I was qualified to write about Church history. Lavina assumes that I should not inform anybody of this, since she was not officially authorized to tell me. But she simply told me as a friend.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Lavina Anderson came by to tell me that [managing editor] Jay [Todd] had received a note from Elder [M. Russell] Ballard, [new] editor of the Ensign, asking him to respond to two matters. He said that this had been conveyed to him by Elder [Boyd K.] Packer. Lavina assumes that this means it came from someone higher than Elder Packer, such as, for example, from Elder [Ezra Taft] Benson or Elder [Mark E.] Petersen, but Elder Ballard did not reveal who had asked Elder Packer to convey it to him.
Anyway, the two matters were, first, some criticism of the Donna Hill book [a biography of Joseph Smith]; and secondly, a general criticism of my article in the September issue, "Six Lessons in Church History." Dean Jessee is preparing a comment with respect to the statements made about the Donna Hill book. Basically, they are suggesting that the book contains material that is both defamatory and incorrect, about Joseph Smith. After looking over the list of things, it is clear that these were not things that Donna Hill agreed with, but simply charges that she acknowledged were made against the Prophet, and she really provides an answer to them. So that criticism seems to be misplaced.
With respect to my article, there apparently were no specific criticisms but simply demanding a justification as to why the article was published, why I was asked to write it, and so on. So Lavina was trying to get something together to write up for Jay. Certainly I was not asked, in a formal letter, to write the article. It was something which was transmitted by telephone and not in one of our monthly meetings.
Anyway, there is, somewhere in the world, one person who did not like the article, nor did he/she think that I was qualified to write about Church history. Lavina assumes that I should not inform anybody of this, since she was not officially authorized to tell me. But she simply told me as a friend.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
115 years ago today - Sep 20, 1909
[Thomas A. Clawson]
.... Bro[ther] James E. Talmage was the speaker and the burden of his remarks were upon Church Organization, the Priesthood its powers and authority, the people and their authority and agency. In the course of his remarks he expressed himself as opposed to these persons, members of the Church, who go whisper about that the Church is not sincere in its declaration against the practice of plural marriage now. He went on to explain that there was only one man on earth at a time who held the Keys of this sealing power with authority to delegate it to others. ...
[Thomas A. Clawson, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
.... Bro[ther] James E. Talmage was the speaker and the burden of his remarks were upon Church Organization, the Priesthood its powers and authority, the people and their authority and agency. In the course of his remarks he expressed himself as opposed to these persons, members of the Church, who go whisper about that the Church is not sincere in its declaration against the practice of plural marriage now. He went on to explain that there was only one man on earth at a time who held the Keys of this sealing power with authority to delegate it to others. ...
[Thomas A. Clawson, 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 - Sep 20, 1884
Lorenzo Saunders was first interviewed by William H. Kelley [RLDS] on 17 September 1884 [regarding Joseph Smith in Palmyra, see http://bit.ly/ZwQNU5]. But Kelley evidently returned on 20 September with a different version of the interview, which rearranged and deleted a number of the questions and answers, but retained nearly identical wording. Following his brother's instructions, Kelley read this version to Saunders and had him sign it before a notary public.
[Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by William H. Kelley, 20 September 1884, 1-7, "Miscellany," RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders Interview]
[Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by William H. Kelley, 20 September 1884, 1-7, "Miscellany," RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders Interview]
150 years ago today - Sep 20, 1874
Orson Pratt preached: "Joseph Smith…was a boy about fourteen years of ageat the time the Lord first revealed himself…to him…he saw nothing excepting the light and two glorious personages…One of these personages, pointing to the other, said—'Behold my beloved Son, hear ye him.'
After this, power was given to Mr. Smith to speak, and…he said that he desired to know which was the true Church…immediately after receiving it, he began to relate it to some of his nearest friends, and he was told by some of the ministers who came to him to enquire about it, that there was no such thing as the visitation of heavenly messengers, that God gave no new revelation…he knew that he had seen this light, that he had beheldthese two personages, and that he had heard the voice of one of them…and he continued to testifythat God had made himself manifest to him…"("Journal of Discourses", Vol. 17, pp.278-280)
[A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
After this, power was given to Mr. Smith to speak, and…he said that he desired to know which was the true Church…immediately after receiving it, he began to relate it to some of his nearest friends, and he was told by some of the ministers who came to him to enquire about it, that there was no such thing as the visitation of heavenly messengers, that God gave no new revelation…he knew that he had seen this light, that he had beheldthese two personages, and that he had heard the voice of one of them…and he continued to testifythat God had made himself manifest to him…"("Journal of Discourses", Vol. 17, pp.278-280)
[A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
150 years ago today - Sep 20, 1874
Orson Pratt preached: "Joseph Smith…was a boy about fourteen years of ageat the time the Lord first revealed himself…to him…he saw nothing excepting the light and two glorious personages…One of these personages, pointing to the other, said—'Behold my beloved Son, hear ye him.'
After this, power was given to Mr. Smith to speak, and…he said that he desired to know which was the true Church…immediately after receiving it, he began to relate it to some of his nearest friends, and he was told by some of the ministers who came to him to enquire about it, that there was no such thing as the visitation of heavenly messengers, that God gave no new revelation…he knew that he had seen this light, that he had beheldthese two personages, and that he had heard the voice of one of them…and he continued to testifythat God had made himself manifest to him…"
["Journal of Discourses", Vol. 17, pp.278-280; A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
After this, power was given to Mr. Smith to speak, and…he said that he desired to know which was the true Church…immediately after receiving it, he began to relate it to some of his nearest friends, and he was told by some of the ministers who came to him to enquire about it, that there was no such thing as the visitation of heavenly messengers, that God gave no new revelation…he knew that he had seen this light, that he had beheldthese two personages, and that he had heard the voice of one of them…and he continued to testifythat God had made himself manifest to him…"
["Journal of Discourses", Vol. 17, pp.278-280; A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
160 years ago today - Sep 20, 1864
President Young ... said "we are in the Land of Zion. It is known why we are in this land. This Country was not much known untill we Came into it. Since that time much has been known. Who printed the first Paper in the west, planted the first fruit trees, Penetrated the western wiles, Printed the first paper in the Rocky Mountains? The Latter Day Saints done all these things.
Most people thought that we should go to vancouvers Island. We were urged to go to Calafornia. Had we have gone there we should not have staid but a short time. We Could not have Staid there. The Emigration would have overwhelmed us. But we intend to Fill these mountains....
When we go to the Centre Stake of Zion we shall not have 600 Acres of Land Each to run over. No we shall have a small spot. There will not be a Chicken pig Cow horse or any animal in the City.
If you put in one Acre to grapes as it should be you Could take $5,000 for the use of it. Again tobacco. If you must use it raise it yourselfes. You Can raise 1,000 lbs on an Acre. At $2 per lb. itwould fetch $2,000. You have welth in the Soil here.... You do nothave so many foul spirits to Contend with as we doin the North, both from the Living & the dead."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Most people thought that we should go to vancouvers Island. We were urged to go to Calafornia. Had we have gone there we should not have staid but a short time. We Could not have Staid there. The Emigration would have overwhelmed us. But we intend to Fill these mountains....
When we go to the Centre Stake of Zion we shall not have 600 Acres of Land Each to run over. No we shall have a small spot. There will not be a Chicken pig Cow horse or any animal in the City.
If you put in one Acre to grapes as it should be you Could take $5,000 for the use of it. Again tobacco. If you must use it raise it yourselfes. You Can raise 1,000 lbs on an Acre. At $2 per lb. itwould fetch $2,000. You have welth in the Soil here.... You do nothave so many foul spirits to Contend with as we doin the North, both from the Living & the 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 - 20 September 1844, Friday
[William Clayton]
The works of the temple moved on with astonishing rapidity, and on the 23rd of September the first capital was put up.
The stone weighed about two tons and when the stone was at its hight, and the men were attempting to draw it to the wall, the crane gave way at the foot of the wing or angle, which circumstance caused considerable danger. By great care the stone was safely landed and set without any further accident.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
The works of the temple moved on with astonishing rapidity, and on the 23rd of September the first capital was put up.
The stone weighed about two tons and when the stone was at its hight, and the men were attempting to draw it to the wall, the crane gave way at the foot of the wing or angle, which circumstance caused considerable danger. By great care the stone was safely landed and set without any further accident.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
180 years ago today - Sep 20, 1844
Heber C. Kimball tells William Clayton that he "shall yet have Sarah Crooks." Clayton had fallen in love with Crooks while on a mission in England. Clayton was married so did not pursue the relationship. Joseph Smith encouraged Clayton to send for Crooks after revealing plural marriage to him. Crooks arrived in Nauvoo but did not agree with polygamy or Joseph Smith and had already married another man by this date.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Sep 20, 1844
[Brigham Young]
went to the temple cauld at Sister Evens seald hir up to hir husban Horres hir oldest son stod as proxy lad hands on sister Durly the Lord is with me continuly
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
went to the temple cauld at Sister Evens seald hir up to hir husban Horres hir oldest son stod as proxy lad hands on sister Durly the Lord is with me continuly
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
90 years ago today - Sep 19, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant]
I was delighted to find that the Associated Press cut out only the three articles of our faith and broadcast my talk made at the University chapel in Chicago. To get publicity of this kind in the newspapers is something new. The Associated Press as nearly as I can judge now is our friend.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I was delighted to find that the Associated Press cut out only the three articles of our faith and broadcast my talk made at the University chapel in Chicago. To get publicity of this kind in the newspapers is something new. The Associated Press as nearly as I can judge now is our friend.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Sep 19, 1899; Tuesday
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
....The matter of printing, for Sunday School purposes, the Lord's prayer as proposed at the Council of the First Presidency and the Apostles, held on the third day of last August, was brought up and considered by Presidents Snow and Cannon with Brothers Anthon H. Lund, Rudger Clawson and Heber J. Grant. The question considered was, which version of the prayer should be used, the one given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, or the one contained in St. Matthew's Gospel, the Council having postponed consideration of the matter, owing to the absence of President Cannon, whose opinion, as General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, President Snow wished to have, before the question was decided. President Cannon now stated that while he favored the Prophet Joseph's version, from the sound point of doctrine, he thought it better to adhere to the scriptural version in the Sunday schools, for the reason that this version appears in the Book of Mormon, and if the new version were
adopted, questions might arise that would be confusing to the minds of the children. If the Scriptural version were used, proper explanation could be made, and the wisdom of the Prophet's rendering of the prayer would be appreciated upon comparison. President Snow acquiesced.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
....The matter of printing, for Sunday School purposes, the Lord's prayer as proposed at the Council of the First Presidency and the Apostles, held on the third day of last August, was brought up and considered by Presidents Snow and Cannon with Brothers Anthon H. Lund, Rudger Clawson and Heber J. Grant. The question considered was, which version of the prayer should be used, the one given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, or the one contained in St. Matthew's Gospel, the Council having postponed consideration of the matter, owing to the absence of President Cannon, whose opinion, as General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, President Snow wished to have, before the question was decided. President Cannon now stated that while he favored the Prophet Joseph's version, from the sound point of doctrine, he thought it better to adhere to the scriptural version in the Sunday schools, for the reason that this version appears in the Book of Mormon, and if the new version were
adopted, questions might arise that would be confusing to the minds of the children. If the Scriptural version were used, proper explanation could be made, and the wisdom of the Prophet's rendering of the prayer would be appreciated upon comparison. President Snow acquiesced.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
140 years ago today - Sep 19, 1884
By direction of President [John] Taylor I return herewith the request of Brother David B. Ott without the signature of the president who directs me to say that in regard to the second anointings it used to be usual for others to appoint and designate who should receive them. They now seem to come wrong end first. By this I infer that the president desires to designate the parties who should receive these ordinances without the application of the parties or other persons in their behalf. There may be some instruction given upon this matter at some of our meetings during the coming conference.
[L. John Nuttall to John D. T. McAllister, Sept. 19, 1884 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[L. John Nuttall to John D. T. McAllister, Sept. 19, 1884 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
160 years ago today - Sep 19, 1864
[Brigham Young Sermon]
.... When we read of the History of the City of the Zion of Enoch we find it a beautiful City So will it be with the Zion of God in the last days which we are called to build up. It will be 1500 mile's square and if this was the case it would reach nearly to the pacific Ocean
...I don't want to have the Elders testify that I am Joseph successor for all Earth and Hell knows it and it does not require any proof; ...
[Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 12-56-2, 17 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
.... When we read of the History of the City of the Zion of Enoch we find it a beautiful City So will it be with the Zion of God in the last days which we are called to build up. It will be 1500 mile's square and if this was the case it would reach nearly to the pacific Ocean
...I don't want to have the Elders testify that I am Joseph successor for all Earth and Hell knows it and it does not require any proof; ...
[Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 12-56-2, 17 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Sep 19, 1844
[Heber C. Kimball marriage]
wife #5. Sylvia Porter Sessions (Lyon Smith Kimball Clark), 1818-1882 [former wife of Joseph Smith]. Apparent separation from HCK, time only.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
wife #5. Sylvia Porter Sessions (Lyon Smith Kimball Clark), 1818-1882 [former wife of Joseph Smith]. Apparent separation from HCK, time only.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
180 years ago today - 1844 19 Sept.
Young begins marrying some of Joseph Smith's polygamous widows as his own wives.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Sep 19, 1844
Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Louisa Beaman (1815-1850) (aged 29) plural widow of Joseph Smith, Jr. sealed to Joseph Smith, Jr. for eternity and Young for life; 5 children
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
35 years ago today - Sep 18, 1989-Monday
[Leonard Arrington]
.... Writing good history requires brains, courage, access to archival sources, and appropriate intellectual training and formation. But it also depends on intuition, the daily inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and the inspiration that comes from Sacrament services and individual and collective devotional life. I have not yet come to feel the necessity of frequent attendance at the temple. I think I get as much inspiration watching birds, or looking at the mountains and the wilderness, as participating in the rituals there. The one regret I have is the failure of the Church authorities to recognize that by restricting the use of the archives they are concealing vast riches of inspiration and revelation.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
.... Writing good history requires brains, courage, access to archival sources, and appropriate intellectual training and formation. But it also depends on intuition, the daily inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and the inspiration that comes from Sacrament services and individual and collective devotional life. I have not yet come to feel the necessity of frequent attendance at the temple. I think I get as much inspiration watching birds, or looking at the mountains and the wilderness, as participating in the rituals there. The one regret I have is the failure of the Church authorities to recognize that by restricting the use of the archives they are concealing vast riches of inspiration and revelation.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
45 years ago today - Sep 18, 1979-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
Moana Bennett telephoned this morning to say that she had been requested by Elder [Mark E.] Petersen to leave out all reference to the Expositor incident in [her Nauvoo pageant] "Because of Elizabeth." She wanted some alternative reason for the assassination of the Prophet [Joseph Smith] and his brother [Hyrum Smith]. So what could she portray? ... I told her I thought her play was very historic and that in the absence of mentioning the Expositor she'd have to adapt what happened in Missouri and Ohio or maybe fudge something like Tom Sharp's personal animosity against Joseph [Smith]. She said, "It surely is difficult to follow the Brethren, isn't it?"
Kathy [Stephens] says TV Channel 2's Extra [news program] had an interview with Sonia Johnson; ... She talked about the same things she always does: emphasized that the President [Spencer W. Kimball] wouldn't grant her or a group of her associates an interview. Mentioned a conversation with her bishop relating to that, and the interviewer reported that the bishop had denied such a conversation, and then five minutes later had said there was a conversation but he couldn't remember what was said. She stressed that the leaders didn't know how many women and men are feeling as she does, and insisted that there are a great many more than they realize. ... Also interviewed [general Relief Society president] Barbara Smith briefly on the subject. The interviewer pushed, rather rudely, to make her say whether the First Presidency's stand [against the Equal Rights Amendment] was based on opinion or revelation. She finally said, "I don't know, but it doesn't matter," and then
went on to say that whichever it was, it was their stand and it had been the result of careful, prayerful consideration and was "the" word to follow, because they are the First Presidency.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Moana Bennett telephoned this morning to say that she had been requested by Elder [Mark E.] Petersen to leave out all reference to the Expositor incident in [her Nauvoo pageant] "Because of Elizabeth." She wanted some alternative reason for the assassination of the Prophet [Joseph Smith] and his brother [Hyrum Smith]. So what could she portray? ... I told her I thought her play was very historic and that in the absence of mentioning the Expositor she'd have to adapt what happened in Missouri and Ohio or maybe fudge something like Tom Sharp's personal animosity against Joseph [Smith]. She said, "It surely is difficult to follow the Brethren, isn't it?"
Kathy [Stephens] says TV Channel 2's Extra [news program] had an interview with Sonia Johnson; ... She talked about the same things she always does: emphasized that the President [Spencer W. Kimball] wouldn't grant her or a group of her associates an interview. Mentioned a conversation with her bishop relating to that, and the interviewer reported that the bishop had denied such a conversation, and then five minutes later had said there was a conversation but he couldn't remember what was said. She stressed that the leaders didn't know how many women and men are feeling as she does, and insisted that there are a great many more than they realize. ... Also interviewed [general Relief Society president] Barbara Smith briefly on the subject. The interviewer pushed, rather rudely, to make her say whether the First Presidency's stand [against the Equal Rights Amendment] was based on opinion or revelation. She finally said, "I don't know, but it doesn't matter," and then
went on to say that whichever it was, it was their stand and it had been the result of careful, prayerful consideration and was "the" word to follow, because they are the First Presidency.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
50 years ago today - Sep 18, 1974-Wednesday
[Leonard Arrington]
.... They told a number of stories about them such as the daughter of a stake president, who was showing very heavily with child, who came into their home, saw a carton of empty coke bottles on the floor. "You certainly don't drink coke, do you," she said. Another girl, a daughter of a bishop, only fifteen years old, who was pregnant, stayed with them. The Christensens asked her which she thought was worse, to smoke or to commit adultery. She thought and thought, was very serious, and thought and thought, and finally she said she thought it was worse to smoke.
We talked about the matter of telling the truth in Church history to young people. Sister [Marlene] Christensen felt strongly that we must be very careful with children ages three through seven but that young people in their teens ought to be told enough to recognize that Church officials have their faults and shortcomings and ought to be told, for example, that Brigham Young once chewed tobacco.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
.... They told a number of stories about them such as the daughter of a stake president, who was showing very heavily with child, who came into their home, saw a carton of empty coke bottles on the floor. "You certainly don't drink coke, do you," she said. Another girl, a daughter of a bishop, only fifteen years old, who was pregnant, stayed with them. The Christensens asked her which she thought was worse, to smoke or to commit adultery. She thought and thought, was very serious, and thought and thought, and finally she said she thought it was worse to smoke.
We talked about the matter of telling the truth in Church history to young people. Sister [Marlene] Christensen felt strongly that we must be very careful with children ages three through seven but that young people in their teens ought to be told enough to recognize that Church officials have their faults and shortcomings and ought to be told, for example, that Brigham Young once chewed tobacco.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
75 years ago today - Sep 18, 1949
CHURCH NEWS reports that Ute Indian Albert Harris has been "recently chosen to represent his race and Church on the Roosevelt Stake High Council."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Sep 18, 1894
[Francis M. Lyman]
[Summit] I proclaimed against us entertaining our political faith as our religion as some are doing.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Summit] I proclaimed against us entertaining our political faith as our religion as some are doing.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Sep 18, 1864
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
.... I Caught a scorpean between my finger & the stone and he stung me in the middle Joint of my fore finger which gave me a shook through my whole system. It was a small one & I mashed him to peaces in lifting the stone. This alarmed me somewhat as the Sting of a scorpeon is Considered vary dangerous with us as some have died with it. I soon got some tobaco & bound on which took the poison out & I received no material injury from it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... I Caught a scorpean between my finger & the stone and he stung me in the middle Joint of my fore finger which gave me a shook through my whole system. It was a small one & I mashed him to peaces in lifting the stone. This alarmed me somewhat as the Sting of a scorpeon is Considered vary dangerous with us as some have died with it. I soon got some tobaco & bound on which took the poison out & I received no material injury from it.
[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 - Sep 18, 1844
[Nauvoo Neighbor]
.... Reprinted Story: Extermination Order is a Good Idea -- The New York--Republic -- States that the extermination of the Church would be "...a work of Philanthropy."
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Tragedy Again" - Refusal to retract the Murder Verdict -- The Allen Telegram -- Discusses the Warsaw Signal's persistence in asking this paper to retract their statement that the death of Joseph Smith was murder.
- Announcement: "City Proceedings" - O.P. Rockwell's Arrest -- Editorial -- Describes the arrest of O.P. Rockwell for Assault, as well as another arrest...
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
.... Reprinted Story: Extermination Order is a Good Idea -- The New York--Republic -- States that the extermination of the Church would be "...a work of Philanthropy."
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Tragedy Again" - Refusal to retract the Murder Verdict -- The Allen Telegram -- Discusses the Warsaw Signal's persistence in asking this paper to retract their statement that the death of Joseph Smith was murder.
- Announcement: "City Proceedings" - O.P. Rockwell's Arrest -- Editorial -- Describes the arrest of O.P. Rockwell for Assault, as well as another arrest...
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
185 years ago today - Sep 18, 1839
[Heber C. Kimball]
Leaves for fifth mission, his second to England.
[Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987]
Leaves for fifth mission, his second to England.
[Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987]
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