Jerald Tanner is excommunicated from the LDS church at his own request. Tanner later states: "I believed very strongly that I belonged to the only true church and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. When I was about 18, I had to face reality." Jerald, with his wife Sandra, later are a major force in publicizing the Church's problematic history.
[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
90 years ago today - Aug 14, 1935
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay]
.... Should persons guilty of adultery be dealt with for their membership, or for their fellowship in the Church?
Every case should be considered on its merits. If the sin was committed in secret, and the person has confessed, the case should not be made public, but the authority to whom the confession is made should grant the forgiveness asked and the person be permitted to retain his or her membership in the Church. If, however, the case is a flagrant one and known publicly, then such necessary restitution should be made as seems fitting to the presiding authorities. (See: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 42:90-93.)
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Reuben M. Wiberg, 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]
.... Should persons guilty of adultery be dealt with for their membership, or for their fellowship in the Church?
Every case should be considered on its merits. If the sin was committed in secret, and the person has confessed, the case should not be made public, but the authority to whom the confession is made should grant the forgiveness asked and the person be permitted to retain his or her membership in the Church. If, however, the case is a flagrant one and known publicly, then such necessary restitution should be made as seems fitting to the presiding authorities. (See: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 42:90-93.)
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Reuben M. Wiberg, 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]
90 years ago today - Aug 14, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
Regarding to the holding of funerals on Sunday:
We approve of your having recommended to the Bishops that as far as possible funerals be held on week days. However, this cannot be established as a binding rule, and there is no order of the Church prohibiting the holding of funerals on Sunday. When, however, it is deemed advisable to hold funeral services on the Sabbath Day, the hours should be so arranged as not to interfere too seriously with the regularly established Sunday meetings.
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Horace Raymond Pond, 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]
Regarding to the holding of funerals on Sunday:
We approve of your having recommended to the Bishops that as far as possible funerals be held on week days. However, this cannot be established as a binding rule, and there is no order of the Church prohibiting the holding of funerals on Sunday. When, however, it is deemed advisable to hold funeral services on the Sabbath Day, the hours should be so arranged as not to interfere too seriously with the regularly established Sunday meetings.
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Horace Raymond Pond, 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]
95 years ago today - Aug 14, 1930
Attended council meeting of the Twelve beginning at 9 A.M. and meeting of the First Presidency and the twelve at 10, both in the Temple. These are the first council meetings of the kind held since July 9, the intervening period being regarded as vacation time for the brethren, most of whom have been away.
[James E. Talmage 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]
[James E. Talmage 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]
110 years ago today - Aug 14, 1915
[James E. Talmage]
The First Presidency issues the following endorsement of Jesus the Christ in the Deseret Evening News:
We desire that the work, "Jesus the Christ," be read and studied by the Latter-day Saints, in their families, and in the organizations that are devoted wholly or in part to theological study. We commend it especially for use in our Church schools, as also for the advanced theological classes in Sunday schools and priesthood quorums, for the instruction of our missionaries, and for general reading. [Deseret Evening News, 14 August 1915]
[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]
The First Presidency issues the following endorsement of Jesus the Christ in the Deseret Evening News:
We desire that the work, "Jesus the Christ," be read and studied by the Latter-day Saints, in their families, and in the organizations that are devoted wholly or in part to theological study. We commend it especially for use in our Church schools, as also for the advanced theological classes in Sunday schools and priesthood quorums, for the instruction of our missionaries, and for general reading. [Deseret Evening News, 14 August 1915]
[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]
130 years ago today - Aug 14, 1895
Joseph Smith III, son of Joseph Smith Jr and president of the RLDS church writes, "Father had no wife but my mother, Emma Hale, to the knowledge of either my mother or myself, and I was twelve years old nearly when he was killed."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Aug 14, 1895
Brother Reed Smoot came up from Provo [Utah] to see the First Presidency in relation to the indebtedness of the Brigham Young Academy [later BYU] which his father had endorsed. The indebtedness amounts altogether to upwards of $70,000, $15,000 of which is arranged for by the Church. The estate is so tied up by this endorsement that unless something is done for their relief they will be financially ruined. This is a case that has appealed very strongly to my sympathies, as Brother Smoot endorsed these notes in consequence of counsel that he says he received from President [Brigham] Young to stand by that Academy and to do all in his power to sustain it, and he has told his family and others that if it cost him every dollar he had in the world he would do it.
[George Q. Cannon 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]
[George Q. Cannon 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]
195 years ago today - Aug 14, 1830
Justice Nathan Pierce issues an order to collect an unpaid judgment against Hyrum Smith.: "THESE are therefore to command you to levy on the goods and chattels of the said defendant (except such as are by law exempted from execution) the amount of the said judgment, and bring the money before me, on the 13th- day of Sep 1830 at my office in the town of Manchester. . . . And if no goods or chattels can be found, or not sufficient to satisfy this execution, then you are hereby commanded to take the body of the said defendant and convey him to the common Jail of the county aforesaid." The constable, Nathan Harrington, collects less than half the debt from Hyrum and when he returns later to collect the remainder he finds that Hyrum has moved away.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - Aug 13, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
[Upon seeing a special preview for general authorities of the movies on Brigham Young:] It brought tears to my eyes a time or two. Of course there are many things in it that I wish we could change, but I think they have done a splendid job, and I do not want to criticise (sic) at all what they have done. They have to make a picture that will sell.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Upon seeing a special preview for general authorities of the movies on Brigham Young:] It brought tears to my eyes a time or two. Of course there are many things in it that I wish we could change, but I think they have done a splendid job, and I do not want to criticise (sic) at all what they have done. They have to make a picture that will sell.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Aug 13, 1900; Monday
.... President Snow then declared that no such sealings could be performed in Mexico any quicker than in the United States, with his consent, for such marriages had been forbidden.
Brother Rudger Clawson had a talk with Presidents Snow and Cannon on the subject of non-tithe-paying. He had learned that the Davis [Utah] Stake contained a great number of non-tithe payers among whom were some High Priests and Seventies; some of these, he had learned, did not believe in the law of tithing at all and the question had arisen what should be done with them. President Cannon suggested that the proper thing to do was for the quorums to which these men belonged take up the subject of non-tithe-paying and make it a matter of fellowship, that is, that non-tithe-payers belonging to quorums of the Priesthood who declare their unbelief in this law or who refused to pay tithing, should have fellowship withdrawn from them. This would leave them in a suspended state and would relieve the Bishopric and High Council from dealing directly with them, and giving any of them a chance to rail against any unfavorable action that might be taken against them in the regular church
courts. Of course, they should be first labored with.
The sum of $10. was appropriated by President Snow as a donation to the Orphans' home. For some time the Church had been donating $5. a month regularly to that institution.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Brother Rudger Clawson had a talk with Presidents Snow and Cannon on the subject of non-tithe-paying. He had learned that the Davis [Utah] Stake contained a great number of non-tithe payers among whom were some High Priests and Seventies; some of these, he had learned, did not believe in the law of tithing at all and the question had arisen what should be done with them. President Cannon suggested that the proper thing to do was for the quorums to which these men belonged take up the subject of non-tithe-paying and make it a matter of fellowship, that is, that non-tithe-payers belonging to quorums of the Priesthood who declare their unbelief in this law or who refused to pay tithing, should have fellowship withdrawn from them. This would leave them in a suspended state and would relieve the Bishopric and High Council from dealing directly with them, and giving any of them a chance to rail against any unfavorable action that might be taken against them in the regular church
courts. Of course, they should be first labored with.
The sum of $10. was appropriated by President Snow as a donation to the Orphans' home. For some time the Church had been donating $5. a month regularly to that institution.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
175 years ago today - Aug 13, 1850
[Wilford Woodruff]
The whole Appearance of Chimney Rock would indicate that the Ancient Nephites or some one els had built the mound & erected a great tower upon the top of it. And the whole formation of the Bluffs in this region of Country Appears more like the ruins of Ancient Cities than of Nature.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The whole Appearance of Chimney Rock would indicate that the Ancient Nephites or some one els had built the mound & erected a great tower upon the top of it. And the whole formation of the Bluffs in this region of Country Appears more like the ruins of Ancient Cities than of Nature.
[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 - Aug 13, 1845
[Nauvoo Neighbor]
- Announcement: "The Last Shingle" - The [Nauvoo] Temple Roof is Completed
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
- Announcement: "The Last Shingle" - The [Nauvoo] Temple Roof is Completed
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
15 years ago today - 8/12/2010
After reading arguments regarding the stay, Judge Walker says: "None of the factors the court weighs in considering a motion to stay favors granting a stay. Accordingly, proponents motion for a stay is DENIED." Again, rather than having same-sex marriages begin immediately, Walker leaves one week for the appellate court to review the question of a stay. If the appellate court does not lengthen the stay, Walker directs that same-sex marriages could begin at 5:01 p.m. on August 18, 2010.
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
125 years ago today - Aug 12, 1900; Sunday
In our Council meeting this PM the leading men Bro[ther] Cluff Bro[ther] Fairbanks & Bro[ther] Woolff [sic] expressed the desire that with a selected few the Expedition [to South America to look for evidence of the Book of Mormon] might continue and it seemed that the spirit of the Lord impressed it upon the mind of Pres[ident Joseph F.] Smith that this would be permitted.... the telegram from Pres[ident] Snow received at Nogales last night suggesting the disbanding of the expedition but with suggestions that Pres[ident] Smith was to acct [sic] under the direction of the Spirit of God in deciding whether any of the camp should be allowed to go on ...
[Seymour B. Young, Diary]
[Seymour B. Young, Diary]
125 years ago today - Aug 12, 1900; Sunday
Pres[ident Joseph F]. Smith made remarks. Bore strong testimony that the work of the Lord would spread till the L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints]. would control in this land [Mexico], (&) U.S. ...
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, entry dated August 13, 1900]
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, entry dated August 13, 1900]
125 years ago today - Aug 12, 1900
.... Bro[ther]. Cluff here to get supplies for his S[outh]. A[merican]. Expedition [to search for archaelogical evidence of the Book of Mormon] which is at Nogales waiting under the guard for him to arrange to get them through the Custom House. At 3 P.M. meeting ... The idea had been conveyed that this was a Church expedition. Read letter of instruction from Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow ... that it was the unanimous opinion of the Pres[idency]. & Apostles that the expedition disband, but if reasons exist which we do not know that a part of the expedition proceed. Cluff must assume the entire responsibility. ... Bro[ther]. Cluff spoke. Said he greatly desired to go forward. If he returned now the expedition would be a failure & his reputation was worth more to him than his life. He would rather fail on the Isthmus or on the banks of the Magdelena River than turn back now. He did not desire to go forward, however, unless he could do so with the blessings of the Lord. Bro[ther]. [Joseph
F.] Smith'asked Bro[ther]. Cluff'Do you feel, in view of the contents of the telegram, that you desire to go forward? Pres[ident]. Smith, I do not feel like turning back. Bro[ther]. Kenkie said he was set apart to remain in the South & preach the Gospel. Pres[ident]. Smith made remarks. Bore strong testimony that the work of the Lord would spread till the L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints]. would control in this land, (&) U.S. ... Pres[ident]. Smith said that he would not be placed in a position to be held responsible for the act of any individual. You must chose for yourself.
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, August 13, 1900, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
F.] Smith'asked Bro[ther]. Cluff'Do you feel, in view of the contents of the telegram, that you desire to go forward? Pres[ident]. Smith, I do not feel like turning back. Bro[ther]. Kenkie said he was set apart to remain in the South & preach the Gospel. Pres[ident]. Smith made remarks. Bore strong testimony that the work of the Lord would spread till the L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints]. would control in this land, (&) U.S. ... Pres[ident]. Smith said that he would not be placed in a position to be held responsible for the act of any individual. You must chose for yourself.
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, August 13, 1900, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Aug 12, 1895
[Franklin D. Richards]
The political elements thicken Eastern people seem trying to create public sentiment against women voting on adoption of the Constitution & for Utah officers. Judge Smith's opinion at 1pm I. Judge WH Smith decided that the women of Utah are authorized to Register & vote at Nov election for constitution, &c. Aug-Sept
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The political elements thicken Eastern people seem trying to create public sentiment against women voting on adoption of the Constitution & for Utah officers. Judge Smith's opinion at 1pm I. Judge WH Smith decided that the women of Utah are authorized to Register & vote at Nov election for constitution, &c. Aug-Sept
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Aug 12, 1860 (Sunday)
The Indians made an attack upon the mail station at Egan Canyon, (Tooele Co.) and the following day on Shell Creek Station. A company of soldiers came to the rescue and killed 17 Indians.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Aug 12, 1860
[Brigham Young]
If I have faith enough to cause the devils to eat up the devils, like the Kilkenny cats, I shall certainly exercise it. Joseph Smith said that they would eat each other up, as did those cats. They will do so here, and throughout the world. The nations will consume each other, and the Lord will suffer them to bring it about. It does not require much talent or tact to get up opposition in these days. you see it rife in communities, in meetings, in neighbourhoods, and in cities. That is the knife that will cut down this Government. The axe is laid at the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit will be hewn down. Out of this Church will grow the kingdom which Daniel saw. This is the very people that Daniel saw would continue to grow and spread and prosper...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 8:141-144, 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]
If I have faith enough to cause the devils to eat up the devils, like the Kilkenny cats, I shall certainly exercise it. Joseph Smith said that they would eat each other up, as did those cats. They will do so here, and throughout the world. The nations will consume each other, and the Lord will suffer them to bring it about. It does not require much talent or tact to get up opposition in these days. you see it rife in communities, in meetings, in neighbourhoods, and in cities. That is the knife that will cut down this Government. The axe is laid at the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit will be hewn down. Out of this Church will grow the kingdom which Daniel saw. This is the very people that Daniel saw would continue to grow and spread and prosper...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 8:141-144, 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]
170 years ago today - Aug 12, 1855
[Minutes of the Twelve Apostles]
Twelve met in the Presidents Office upper room. ...
[BY] I do not /[k]no[w]/ but /some/ Spirits may be confused & get into wrong tabernacles when they come here. I believe those stereotyped, will advance & go ahead in time'... T[homas] B[ullock] read Joseph's dream of 3 Feb 1844.
B Y[:] I think Jos[eph] had another dream & Hy[rum]- was with him on a Steam boat. Willard was there & wrote both the dreams.
J M G[:] Jos[eph] said I dont intend to do any thing but preside over the Conference. and live on the Mound Farm and make the 12 do all the business of the Ch[urch. H]e said a dozen times, Iam willing to die for my friends. [A]nd [he] told me to tell the Gov[erno]r. just what God puts into your heart. [W]hen I ret[urne]d. at 4 next morn[ing]. I told him not to go for they will try to kill you. [W]hen he was go[ing] he said, I do not [k]no[w] that I will see you ag[ai]n. [O]ver 40 of us were going and see him on the 26[th] but he sent word for us not to go. I rem[em]ber his looks. [H]e made use of the expressn several times, I am go[ing], as a lamb to the slaughter. Jos[ep]h sent J[ohn] S Fullmer to Nauvoo in the morning at 4. I rem[em]ber crying when praying and could not tell what for.
B Y[: T]here was a great darkness over the p[eo]pl[e] at the time. [It was] enquire[d] of J M G fuller particulars & J M B.
J M B[:] I was in Jail on 26 when they took him by force to the Court house. I said emphatically, dont go, but in a short time he was escorted by the Military to the Court House. I dont think Jos[eph] ever had any idea that he sho[ul]d. return alive to Nauvoo. Dr. R. & myself rode in the car. Jos[eph] rode Jo Duncan & said I am going as a Lamb to the Slaughrer but I have a conscience void of offence to the God and man.
J M G[: S]ince then I have not seen a minute but to bel[ieve] that it could not be averted. [L]ike Jesus it had to be done.
B Y[:] I told the p[eo]pl[e] all things have been done accord[ing]. to the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things and ask him about it.
J M G[: W]hen the Dr returned he was perfectly cool. and before he left Carthage. Prayed President Young sung 'Come ye that love the Lord' Pres[iden]t. ... -
B Y[: T]hey /(U S Congress)/ will try to repeal the fugitive slave law, next session. J M G[: T]hat will break up the union.
H C K[:] When that /(Mesmerism)/ goes, something worse will come. ...
[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]
Twelve met in the Presidents Office upper room. ...
[BY] I do not /[k]no[w]/ but /some/ Spirits may be confused & get into wrong tabernacles when they come here. I believe those stereotyped, will advance & go ahead in time'... T[homas] B[ullock] read Joseph's dream of 3 Feb 1844.
B Y[:] I think Jos[eph] had another dream & Hy[rum]- was with him on a Steam boat. Willard was there & wrote both the dreams.
J M G[:] Jos[eph] said I dont intend to do any thing but preside over the Conference. and live on the Mound Farm and make the 12 do all the business of the Ch[urch. H]e said a dozen times, Iam willing to die for my friends. [A]nd [he] told me to tell the Gov[erno]r. just what God puts into your heart. [W]hen I ret[urne]d. at 4 next morn[ing]. I told him not to go for they will try to kill you. [W]hen he was go[ing] he said, I do not [k]no[w] that I will see you ag[ai]n. [O]ver 40 of us were going and see him on the 26[th] but he sent word for us not to go. I rem[em]ber his looks. [H]e made use of the expressn several times, I am go[ing], as a lamb to the slaughter. Jos[ep]h sent J[ohn] S Fullmer to Nauvoo in the morning at 4. I rem[em]ber crying when praying and could not tell what for.
B Y[: T]here was a great darkness over the p[eo]pl[e] at the time. [It was] enquire[d] of J M G fuller particulars & J M B.
J M B[:] I was in Jail on 26 when they took him by force to the Court house. I said emphatically, dont go, but in a short time he was escorted by the Military to the Court House. I dont think Jos[eph] ever had any idea that he sho[ul]d. return alive to Nauvoo. Dr. R. & myself rode in the car. Jos[eph] rode Jo Duncan & said I am going as a Lamb to the Slaughrer but I have a conscience void of offence to the God and man.
J M G[: S]ince then I have not seen a minute but to bel[ieve] that it could not be averted. [L]ike Jesus it had to be done.
B Y[:] I told the p[eo]pl[e] all things have been done accord[ing]. to the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things and ask him about it.
J M G[: W]hen the Dr returned he was perfectly cool. and before he left Carthage. Prayed President Young sung 'Come ye that love the Lord' Pres[iden]t. ... -
B Y[: T]hey /(U S Congress)/ will try to repeal the fugitive slave law, next session. J M G[: T]hat will break up the union.
H C K[:] When that /(Mesmerism)/ goes, something worse will come. ...
[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]
180 years ago today - Aug 13, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Ann Erskine given by William Smith ... thou art sealed up unto eternal life, with power over diseases sickness pain the flesh the Devil and all evil Spirits crowned with the blessings of an eternal Salvation at God[']s right hand to dwell for evermore freed from pain & sorrow which blessing I seal upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Aug 12, 1845
Mrs. Sally (Stacey) Murdock, a Mormon widow who wrote from Nauvoo that, "There has been but few elders sent out since the death of the prophet but when the seventies receive their endeument they will go forth with power to all the nations kindreds tongues and people of the earth . . ." "Endued" is a term used in masonic ceremonies, (I.E. "Since he comes endued with all these necessary qualifications, let him enter this Worshipful Lodge in the name of the Lord, and take heed on what he enters," William Morgan, Illustrations of Masonry" pp. 46-47, 65 [1827])
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
185 years ago today - Aug 12, 1840
Father John Smith Informed us in his letter of some remarkable Signs that lately appeared among the Saints viz on the 14th of June 1840. On Sunday five <[-]> men members of the Church saw two men ride across the Missisippi River from Montrose to Nauvoo. One man was on a white horse & the other on a bay or red horse. The waters parted under their feet & fire flew when their tails moved & they observed the clothing of the men. A few month previous to this a man was seen walking across the river by several believers & others. The Unbeleivers said Probably a mormon was going across to steal sumthing. This is the effect that Signs have on those that Seek them.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
105 years ago today - Aug. 11, Wed. [1920]
[James E. Talmage]
.... We climbed the hill [Cumorah] and traversed it back and fore and examined it with interest and care. It is the largest of the many glacial drumlins of the locality, and is the most prominent of all the elevations in the neighborhood. Aside from the fact that the plates of the Book of Mormon were taken from the hill, I was greatly interested in looking from its summit over the surrounding region and in contemplating the tremendous battle-scenes of the past, whereby first the Jaredites and later the Nephites were exterminated as nations. I believe the Book of Mormon account without reservation or modification. I believe, also, and express it as my personal conviction, that many ancient records, possibly those from which Mormon made his abridgment, are still concealed in that hill. I believe also that they will be brought forth in the Lord's due time, and that until that time no man will succeed in finding them. [...]
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
.... We climbed the hill [Cumorah] and traversed it back and fore and examined it with interest and care. It is the largest of the many glacial drumlins of the locality, and is the most prominent of all the elevations in the neighborhood. Aside from the fact that the plates of the Book of Mormon were taken from the hill, I was greatly interested in looking from its summit over the surrounding region and in contemplating the tremendous battle-scenes of the past, whereby first the Jaredites and later the Nephites were exterminated as nations. I believe the Book of Mormon account without reservation or modification. I believe, also, and express it as my personal conviction, that many ancient records, possibly those from which Mormon made his abridgment, are still concealed in that hill. I believe also that they will be brought forth in the Lord's due time, and that until that time no man will succeed in finding them. [...]
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 11, 1910
[Counselor John Henry Smith]
.... We talked over reports of some new [plural] Marriages. It was decided if evidence can be got [we] will sever such parties from the church.
[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]
.... We talked over reports of some new [plural] Marriages. It was decided if evidence can be got [we] will sever such parties from the church.
[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]
135 years ago today - Aug 11, 1890
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
[Notes that the First Presidenct are going to Albuquerque "where all the First Presidency are going to consult the Southern stake presidents on political matters in Arizona."] ... at 4:30 he & Bro[ther] Lyman blessed and set me apart to preside in foreign lands. Every blessing pronounced upon my head by prophets and apostles should be realized my ive me utterance . . .
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Notes that the First Presidenct are going to Albuquerque "where all the First Presidency are going to consult the Southern stake presidents on political matters in Arizona."] ... at 4:30 he & Bro[ther] Lyman blessed and set me apart to preside in foreign lands. Every blessing pronounced upon my head by prophets and apostles should be realized my ive me utterance . . .
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Aug 11, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Thore Thorsten given by William Smith ... for truly it might be said of thee the blessings of Prophets are upon thy head, and in all thy days and wherever thy lot shall be cast it shall be observed that thou art a child of a peculiar Spirit, and all this because thou hast descended from those fathers, unto whom the promises were made belonging to their stock, for among the number of thy forefathers there shall be them who administered before the alter [altar] who had the Holy Priesthood, stood in the house of David and held the key of knowledge they understood the mysteries of kingdoms, the power of Priesthood authority, held the oracles and wore the sacred robe, to them it was given to understand the principles and power by which kingdoms and empires were built up, kings and thrones were glorified, creation of worlds, by Vissions [Visions] and Revelations to hold power over all the languages of the earth over every nation, kindred tongue and people ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Aug 11, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Martha J. McKee given by William Smith on August 11, 1845
City of Joseph 11 Augt 1845. Wm Smith Patriarch[']s blessing ... Dear sister. In the name of Jesus christ I lay my hands upon your head to seal upon you a father[']s blessing by the consent and request of thy father which will seal thee up unto eternal life beyond the power of Satan and all his temptations...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
City of Joseph 11 Augt 1845. Wm Smith Patriarch[']s blessing ... Dear sister. In the name of Jesus christ I lay my hands upon your head to seal upon you a father[']s blessing by the consent and request of thy father which will seal thee up unto eternal life beyond the power of Satan and all his temptations...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Aug 11, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Joseph H. Lane given by William Smith ... for thou art one of that number even of God[']s chosen ones of whom it is said according to the election of grace that all Israel shall be saved as it is written I have reserved unto myself Seven thousand men who have never bowed the knee to the image of Baal then with this number thou art numbered of this seed and stock counted in the lineage of Joseph of whose blood thou art ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
40 years ago today - Aug 10, 1985.
Speaking at the regional priesthood leadership conference in Winder Stake on 10 August 1985, Elder Packer says: "We are in a time when `magazines' are available which defame and belittle the brethren. Authors are `scratching out' articles which seek these goals--and some young people are following. . . . These people argue, 'i[f] it's true, then say it.' . . . There are those who are crying sin and falsehood about the brethren and the prophets--especially regarding the Manifesto and polygamy. They are `offending little ones.'" Michael Quinn interprets the statement as referring to him.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
65 years ago today - Aug 10, 1960
A reporter from the Chicago Daily News asked Eisenhower on August 10, 1960: "Do you regret having kept Ezra Taft Benson on as Secretary of Agriculture in view of the unresolved farm problem that is giving Mr. Nixon such a hard time in his campaign?" "Ezra Benson has, to my mind," replied Eisenhower, who had also deliberately limited his own involvement, "been very honest and forthright and courageous in trying to get enacted into legislation plans and programs that I think are correct. And, therefore, for me to regret that he has been working would be almost a be trayal of my own views in this matter. I think we must find ways to give greater freedom to the farmer and make his whole business more responsive to market, rather than just to political considerations."
[Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
[Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
120 years ago today - Aug 10, 1905 (Thursday)
Elders Heber C. Miller and Joseph H. Walton, jun., who were laboring as missionaries in Tennessee, were brutally assaulted while engaged in tracting and seeking entertainment.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - August 10, 1845. Sunday.
[William Clayton]
....a letter was read from Pittsburgh from Amos Fielding dated ... that Sidney Rigdon has had a revelation requiring his followers to sell their property and give him the avails of it to purchase land in the East to build up the kingdom. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
....a letter was read from Pittsburgh from Amos Fielding dated ... that Sidney Rigdon has had a revelation requiring his followers to sell their property and give him the avails of it to purchase land in the East to build up the kingdom. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Aug 10, 1845
[Brigham Young to William Smith]
.... with regard to "Cowdery's commentations" on your "Rebellious heart," the council knows not what you refer to unless it be the blessings in the "history of Joseph," (Times & Seasons July 1st 1845). If that be the thing, we think you labor under a mistake. Th[e] blessing is inserted in Joseph's private Journal which he called [ ] pocket book. & is Joseph's own language, & the blessing is good and great to yourself and posterity.
... To your question. "when the Brethren call on me to be sealed to their wives, - their dead friends &c also to get patriarchal blessings for their dead— what shall I say to them?" Of what use for sealing when every thing of the kind must be done over again in the Temple to make it valid? And it is not according to the order of the church to confer Patriarchal Blessings on the dead by proxy, until baptism &c has been attended to for them by proxy, which must be done in the Lord's House, therefore, any thing of the kind done at this time would be of no effect .
You refer to "Joseph's teachings up stairs in the brick Store that the Twelve have power to build up the kingdom of God &c." which the Twelve well recollect.= and they also recollect that Joseph said that the sealing power is always vested in one man, and that there never was, nor never would be but one man on the earth at a time to hold the sealing power keys of the sealing power in the church, that all sealings must be performed by the man holding the keys, or by his dictation, and that man is the president of the church. Hyrum held the patriarchal office legitimately, So do you. Hyrum was counseller [counselor], So are you. but the sealing power was not in Hyrum legitimately neither did he act on the sealing principle only as he was dictated by Joseph in every case. This was proven, for Hyrum did in one case undertake to seal without counsel, & Joseph told him if he did not stop it he would go to hell and all those he sealed with him.
with regard to the "brothers not daring to come to you for blessings for fear of offending the Twelve or Uncle John," we know not what it is made out of.= The Twelve have never thrown a [unclear word] in your way, but done every thing they could for you and will continue to do s. ...
[Brigham Young to William Smith, August 10, 1845, Brigham Young Collection, LDS Church Archives]
.... with regard to "Cowdery's commentations" on your "Rebellious heart," the council knows not what you refer to unless it be the blessings in the "history of Joseph," (Times & Seasons July 1st 1845). If that be the thing, we think you labor under a mistake. Th[e] blessing is inserted in Joseph's private Journal which he called [ ] pocket book. & is Joseph's own language, & the blessing is good and great to yourself and posterity.
... To your question. "when the Brethren call on me to be sealed to their wives, - their dead friends &c also to get patriarchal blessings for their dead— what shall I say to them?" Of what use for sealing when every thing of the kind must be done over again in the Temple to make it valid? And it is not according to the order of the church to confer Patriarchal Blessings on the dead by proxy, until baptism &c has been attended to for them by proxy, which must be done in the Lord's House, therefore, any thing of the kind done at this time would be of no effect .
You refer to "Joseph's teachings up stairs in the brick Store that the Twelve have power to build up the kingdom of God &c." which the Twelve well recollect.= and they also recollect that Joseph said that the sealing power is always vested in one man, and that there never was, nor never would be but one man on the earth at a time to hold the sealing power keys of the sealing power in the church, that all sealings must be performed by the man holding the keys, or by his dictation, and that man is the president of the church. Hyrum held the patriarchal office legitimately, So do you. Hyrum was counseller [counselor], So are you. but the sealing power was not in Hyrum legitimately neither did he act on the sealing principle only as he was dictated by Joseph in every case. This was proven, for Hyrum did in one case undertake to seal without counsel, & Joseph told him if he did not stop it he would go to hell and all those he sealed with him.
with regard to the "brothers not daring to come to you for blessings for fear of offending the Twelve or Uncle John," we know not what it is made out of.= The Twelve have never thrown a [unclear word] in your way, but done every thing they could for you and will continue to do s. ...
[Brigham Young to William Smith, August 10, 1845, Brigham Young Collection, LDS Church Archives]
185 years ago today - Aug 10, 1840
Seymour Brunson: Died 10 August 1840 in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. At funeral Joseph Smith first publicly announced doctrine of baptism for dead.
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
190 years ago today - Aug 10, 1835
Minutes of "The High Council of Kirtland" note that they assembled "to hear complaint of President Joseph Smith, Jun., against Elder Reynolds Cahoon, in that the latter had failed to do his duty in correcting his children, and instructing them in the way of truth and righteousness; which was proved and decision given accordingly. Elder Cahoon confessed the correctness of the decision and promised to make public acknowledgment before the Church."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 9, 1900
[Rudger Clawson]
....A letter from Pres. J. F. Smith was read. Said that they (namely, Elders S. B. Young, presidency of the Juarez Stake, and himself) had met in council with [BYU President] B[enjamin] Cluff, Jr., pres. of the B. Y. College Scientific Expedition to South America and that Elder Cluff could not give up his cherished project to continue the expedition, although they had so advised it, and in consequence he would select 7 or 8 of his best men to continue the journey, the remainder to be released to take a mission to the S.W. States or return home. Some considerable discussion was indulged in regarding the unwillingness, apparently, of Elder Cluff to take the advice of Pres. J. F. Smith. ... Finally, it was moved and carried by unanimous vote that Pres. J. F. Smith be telegraphed to release and return the members of the expedition to their homes....
Apostle Reed Smoot called attention to the fact that the presidency and high council of the Utah Stake had made a distribution of the 10% tithing set apart as compensation to the bishops, and bishops' clerks, and stake tithing clerks, and that out of the distribution a small margin was reserved to meet some of the stake expenses, such as janitor hire and electric lighting for the stake tabernacle, and sundry other church items. The distribution, he said, was entirely satisfactory to the bishops and all others concerned. Bishop W. B. Preston, the presiding bishop, he remarked, objected to this arrangement, taking the position that the entire 10% should go to the bishops. While no formal vote was taken, it seemed to be the mind of the Presidency and brethren, that the presidency of a stake and high council had ample authority to make the distribution of the said 10%, and that if their action was accepted by the general authorities of the stake, it should stand.
[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]
....A letter from Pres. J. F. Smith was read. Said that they (namely, Elders S. B. Young, presidency of the Juarez Stake, and himself) had met in council with [BYU President] B[enjamin] Cluff, Jr., pres. of the B. Y. College Scientific Expedition to South America and that Elder Cluff could not give up his cherished project to continue the expedition, although they had so advised it, and in consequence he would select 7 or 8 of his best men to continue the journey, the remainder to be released to take a mission to the S.W. States or return home. Some considerable discussion was indulged in regarding the unwillingness, apparently, of Elder Cluff to take the advice of Pres. J. F. Smith. ... Finally, it was moved and carried by unanimous vote that Pres. J. F. Smith be telegraphed to release and return the members of the expedition to their homes....
Apostle Reed Smoot called attention to the fact that the presidency and high council of the Utah Stake had made a distribution of the 10% tithing set apart as compensation to the bishops, and bishops' clerks, and stake tithing clerks, and that out of the distribution a small margin was reserved to meet some of the stake expenses, such as janitor hire and electric lighting for the stake tabernacle, and sundry other church items. The distribution, he said, was entirely satisfactory to the bishops and all others concerned. Bishop W. B. Preston, the presiding bishop, he remarked, objected to this arrangement, taking the position that the entire 10% should go to the bishops. While no formal vote was taken, it seemed to be the mind of the Presidency and brethren, that the presidency of a stake and high council had ample authority to make the distribution of the said 10%, and that if their action was accepted by the general authorities of the stake, it should stand.
[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 - Aug 9, 1900; Thursday
A letter from President Joseph F. Smith was read. It was dated Juarez [Mexico] 2nd, and conveyed the information that it had been decided to allow Brother [BYU President] Benjamin Cluff to select six or seven of his best men to accompany him, and the others were to be honorably released from the expedition with the privilege of going into the mission field or returning home. President Smith, in closing his letter says: "Bro[ther]. Cluff could not give up his cherished scheme of exploring the south, although I told him we thought it would be well for him to do so."
...Elder Cluff's marital relations were now freely discussed. It seemed that some time ago, but long since the issuance of the Manifesto, he, although already a married man, won the affections of one of his students, and diplomatically endeavored in a quiet way to convey the idea that he had married her, and this he did in hopes of having the marriage ceremony performed secretly in the future. At least this is the supposition. This matter was brought to the attention of President Snow in the presence of Brother Cluff, when it was held by Professor Cluff that there was nothing wrong whatever in the relations between himself and the young lady, but he expressed the desire that the marriage ceremony could be performed...
President Snow then said that from what he had heard, he felt that he should feel perfectly safe in sending word to President Smith that it was the mind of the Twelve--and it was certainly his mind--that the expedition return.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
...Elder Cluff's marital relations were now freely discussed. It seemed that some time ago, but long since the issuance of the Manifesto, he, although already a married man, won the affections of one of his students, and diplomatically endeavored in a quiet way to convey the idea that he had married her, and this he did in hopes of having the marriage ceremony performed secretly in the future. At least this is the supposition. This matter was brought to the attention of President Snow in the presence of Brother Cluff, when it was held by Professor Cluff that there was nothing wrong whatever in the relations between himself and the young lady, but he expressed the desire that the marriage ceremony could be performed...
President Snow then said that from what he had heard, he felt that he should feel perfectly safe in sending word to President Smith that it was the mind of the Twelve--and it was certainly his mind--that the expedition return.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
175 years ago today - Aug 9, 1850
The United States Attorney in Illinois files a complaint to recover a debt Joseph Smith owed from the 1840 purchase of the steamship NAUVOO. The judge upholds the Illinois law that no church can legally hold more than ten acres of property, but he also rules that all the property which exceeded the allotted ten acres that Joseph held either personally or as trustee-in-trust after 1842 must be sold to pay the creditors. This includes all the other property Joseph had conveyed to Emma or the children after that time.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - Aug 8, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
I approved a long letter prepared by President Clark to a sister who wants to live according to the law of Moses ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I approved a long letter prepared by President Clark to a sister who wants to live according to the law of Moses ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Aug 8, 1900
The first of two plural marriages in Mexico that second counselor Joseph F. Smith secretly authorizes without the knowledge of President Lorenzo Snow, who prohibits polygamous ordinances. Counselor Smith instructs senior Seventy's president Seymour B. Young to perform the polygamous marriages.
[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)]]
130 years ago today - Aug 8, 1895
First Presidency met with us at 11 a. m. After Circle prayers we partook of the sacrament of bread and wine. ... It was decided by the First Presidency and Twelve that it was not a good thing for women to register and vote at the coming fall election; they thought it would endanger Statehood.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Aug 8, 1895
Much talk over letter from Mr. Blackwell of Boston of Aug 6 to sister Zina D Young writing strongly against the women of voting on the Constitution as they have not the suffrage until the Constitution gives it to them
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Aug 8 [1845]
[Brigham Young]
.... In the evening went to Wm [William] Smith [age 34] and sealed [him] to Miss Rice [age 14] --
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
.... In the evening went to Wm [William] Smith [age 34] and sealed [him] to Miss Rice [age 14] --
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
185 years ago today - 1840 Aug 8
Joseph answers John C. Bennett's letters, stating, "My general invitation is, Let all that will, come, and partake of the poverty of Nauvoo freely.-
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
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