While organizing stake in Brasilia, Brazil, Apostle Ezra Taft Benson givese a blessing to the new stake president's daughter who "had a large growth on her neck," that the "growth would disappear" without the surgery recommended by the physicians. Five days later the growth is gone.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
50 years ago today - Oct 12, 1975
Presidency counselor N. Eldon Tanner dedicates the LDS dormitory and classroom building at Michigan State University, "the first of its kind at a non-Church school outside 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)]]
115 years ago today - Oct 12, 1910; Wednesday
[Joseph W. Summerhays speaking:] ... I take the stand that you have no right to excommunicate me from the Church for the reasons which I will state further. ... I am at liberty now to say some things which I was not at liberty to say before. In the year 1905, after President [Joseph F.] Smith had issued his statement on plural marriages in 1904, he took a party to Mexico, the occasion being the dedication of the Juarez Academy. Among the party were President Smith and wife, his son Joseph F[ielding]. Jr., and myself. ... President Smith called me to him and took me up into one of the upper rooms in President Ivins' home and he told me this man whom he had met in the garden was married, but had no children and had made all arrangements before the President's declaration to marry a girl and he said I don't know how this can be done, but if you know how it can be done you have it done; you say that it can be done. I spoke to President Ivins about it and he said that he had been told
by President Smith on a previous occasion that unless a bigger man than he came along that he was not to marry any one unless so instructed by this bigger man. I asked President Ivins to let me see his ceremony and he did I have had invitations from twenty or more people to go and officiate and in every instance I have told them no as I had no authority. My conscience is free before God and I had the authority and if told to do it tomorrow I would do it. That is one reason why I think you cannot cut me off the Church. ... I went to President Ivins and said President Smith wants Brother Sears married, and then is when he made the remark that he had instructions that unless a great man came he was not to perform any marriages.... President Smith has said further on several occasions that he didn't want to know anything about this. ...
Summerhays: In February of 1898, President Smith who was then counselor to President [Wilford] Woodruff, Brother Spence and others were in New York, and I asked for an interview with him. I told him some of the brethren were getting wives and I asked him if it would be alright if I took one. He said it would under certain conditions. But my marriage did not take place for five years afterwards on the 25th of September 1903. ... [Not excommunicated].
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]
by President Smith on a previous occasion that unless a bigger man than he came along that he was not to marry any one unless so instructed by this bigger man. I asked President Ivins to let me see his ceremony and he did I have had invitations from twenty or more people to go and officiate and in every instance I have told them no as I had no authority. My conscience is free before God and I had the authority and if told to do it tomorrow I would do it. That is one reason why I think you cannot cut me off the Church. ... I went to President Ivins and said President Smith wants Brother Sears married, and then is when he made the remark that he had instructions that unless a great man came he was not to perform any marriages.... President Smith has said further on several occasions that he didn't want to know anything about this. ...
Summerhays: In February of 1898, President Smith who was then counselor to President [Wilford] Woodruff, Brother Spence and others were in New York, and I asked for an interview with him. I told him some of the brethren were getting wives and I asked him if it would be alright if I took one. He said it would under certain conditions. But my marriage did not take place for five years afterwards on the 25th of September 1903. ... [Not excommunicated].
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]
120 years ago today - Oct 12, 1905
Angus M. Cannon, in a letter to Joseph Smith, III, and his son Frederick, answers a question about Joseph Smith's polygamy. In response to the elder Smith's inquiry, "Where is the issue in evidence of my father's having married plural wives," Cannon replies: "I will now refer you to one case where it was said by the girl's grandmother that your father has a daughter born of a plural wife. The girl's grandmother was Mother Sessions, who lived in Nauvoo and died here in the valley. She was the grand-daughter of Mother Sessions . . . Aunt Patty Sessions, asserts that the girl was born within the time after your father was said to have taken the mother." Cannon was president of the Salt Lake Stake and a brother of Apostle and First Presidency counselor George Q. Cannon.
145 years ago today - Tuesday, Oct 12, 1880
City Hall, Salt Lake City
[Orson Pratt:] In the Church we take the Law of God & his Priesthood as the Constitution of his Church-here in this Council [of Fifty] we have a living constitution not a written one-which we must conform to.
[L. John Nuttall minutes, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
[Orson Pratt:] In the Church we take the Law of God & his Priesthood as the Constitution of his Church-here in this Council [of Fifty] we have a living constitution not a written one-which we must conform to.
[L. John Nuttall minutes, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
180 years ago today - Oct 12, 1845
Rigdon's supporters in Pittsburgh publicly sustain him as "first president of the church" which is formally organized as a new "Church of Christ" on 6 Apr. 1845.
[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 - Oct 12, 1845
[Brigham Young]
[On moving west] We calculate to go three months journey into the wilderness - let every man learn to hold his tongue and I will say to you there are a great many good places not yet settled by whites - and large enough as England, France, etc. - There are many countries not yet explored - excellent islands well watered, good mill privileges - some say Vancouver Island is very fruitful, and would make an excellent beginning for a kingdom when we get ready to start we can say, we are from ev- ery place but this and we will soon be from this. but where we go we know not - Vancouver Island is perfectly healthy - plastered - outside - and if we should float down stream - we shall like to see them look well. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Thomas Bullock Minutes, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[On moving west] We calculate to go three months journey into the wilderness - let every man learn to hold his tongue and I will say to you there are a great many good places not yet settled by whites - and large enough as England, France, etc. - There are many countries not yet explored - excellent islands well watered, good mill privileges - some say Vancouver Island is very fruitful, and would make an excellent beginning for a kingdom when we get ready to start we can say, we are from ev- ery place but this and we will soon be from this. but where we go we know not - Vancouver Island is perfectly healthy - plastered - outside - and if we should float down stream - we shall like to see them look well. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Thomas Bullock Minutes, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
40 years ago today - Oct 11, 1985
Mark Hofmann offers to sell President Hinckley a Kinderhook plate and Joseph's translation of it. The offer is declined.
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
185 years ago today - Oct 11, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... We took tea with Sister Katherine Betes the Prophetess....
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... We took tea with Sister Katherine Betes the Prophetess....
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Oct 11, 1835
Sunday, 11th Visited my Father /again/ who was verry sick./ In secret prayer in the morning the Lord said, "My servant thy Father shall live." ...
At Evening Bro[ther] David Whitmer came in. We called on the Lord in mighty prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, laid our hands on him [Joseph Smith, Sr.], and rebuked the diseas[e]. God heard and answered our prayers to the great Joy and satisfaction of our souls. Our aged Father arose and dressed himself, shouted, and praised the Lord. ...
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
At Evening Bro[ther] David Whitmer came in. We called on the Lord in mighty prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, laid our hands on him [Joseph Smith, Sr.], and rebuked the diseas[e]. God heard and answered our prayers to the great Joy and satisfaction of our souls. Our aged Father arose and dressed himself, shouted, and praised the Lord. ...
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
200 years ago today - Oct 11, 1825
The WAYNE SENTINEL, published in Palmyra New York, prints an article stating: "Those who are conversant with the public and private economy of the Indians, are strongly of [the] opinion that they are the lineal descendants of the Israelites, and my own researches go far to confirm me in the same belief." The article lists a number of reasons for this belief: "The Indians worship one Supreme Being as the fountain of life, and the author of all creation. Like the Israelites of old, they are divided into tribes. . . . their language and dialect are evidently of Hebrew origin. They compute time after the manner of the Israelites. . . . They have their prophets, High Priests, and their sanctum sanctorum. . . . They have their towns and cities of refuge. . . . If the tribes could be brought together, could be made sensible of their origin, could be civilized, and restored to their long lost brethren, what joy to our people, what glory to our God, how clearly have the prophecies been
fulfilled, how certain our dispersion, how miraculous our preservation, how providential our deliverance."
fulfilled, how certain our dispersion, how miraculous our preservation, how providential our deliverance."
10 years ago today - 2015 October 10
Prophet's Prey premieres on Showtime, an exposé of abuses in the FLDS Church.
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
135 years ago today - Oct 10, 1890
[Within days of the Manifesto being presented in General Conference, Apostle] John W. Taylor marries 3rd wife
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
145 years ago today - Oct 10, 1880
Oct 10 1880 Sunday This is a great day to Israel. ... The various Quorums of the Priesthood were seated in the following Order: The first Presidency in the upper Seat The Twelve Apostles in the 2d seat. On the South of the Stand the Patriarchs & Presidets of the Stakes & their Councillors and the High Councils. On the North of the Stand the Bishops and their Councillors, Presiding Bishop Hunter & his Councellors in front of them. The High Priest on the North Benches of the house. The Quorum Presidets in the front. The Elders immediately Behing the High Priest. The Seventies on the Benches of the South side of the House And the Quorum Presidets in the front. The Lesser Priesthood in the North side of the House.
Conference Called to order By Presidet John Taylor. Prayer By Albert Carrington. This is the third time the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have been Called upon to organize a first Presidency of the Church. First the Prophet Joseph Smith & Councillors. Seconed when President Brigham Young & Councillors were Appointed. Third when President John Taylor & Councillors are now Presented to the Assembly.
Elder Orson Pratt then Presented the following Authorities of the Church to the Conference all of which were unanimously sustained without a dissenting vote By Each Quorum of the Priesthood rising in their order with uplifted hands to heaven.... After which George Q Cannon said I hold in my hand the Doctrins & Covenants and I present them to the Conference to see if the people will vote for them. He had also the Pearl of Great Price in Connexion with the Covenants and all the Conference voted to sustain the Revelations Contained therein.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Conference Called to order By Presidet John Taylor. Prayer By Albert Carrington. This is the third time the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have been Called upon to organize a first Presidency of the Church. First the Prophet Joseph Smith & Councillors. Seconed when President Brigham Young & Councillors were Appointed. Third when President John Taylor & Councillors are now Presented to the Assembly.
Elder Orson Pratt then Presented the following Authorities of the Church to the Conference all of which were unanimously sustained without a dissenting vote By Each Quorum of the Priesthood rising in their order with uplifted hands to heaven.... After which George Q Cannon said I hold in my hand the Doctrins & Covenants and I present them to the Conference to see if the people will vote for them. He had also the Pearl of Great Price in Connexion with the Covenants and all the Conference voted to sustain the Revelations Contained therein.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Oct 10, 1880
John Taylor: Sustained Trustee-in-Trust and president of church 10 Oct. 1880 without setting apart or ordination
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers 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 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
145 years ago today - Oct 10, 1880
Joseph Smith—History becomes part of the Pearl of Great Price as Church members vote on the canonized scripture in General Conference. Pearl of Great Price becomes fourth standard work of Church. By this date, the Church officially had four standard works of scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
150 years ago today - Oct 10, 1875 (Afternoon, Conference)
[Brigham Young]
When the earth was framed, made, and brought forth and man placed in the Garden of Eden, the earth was placed at his disposal, and man, not woman, is the King, lord and governor of the earth; and if men, since the fall, had done right, had kept the commandments of God, women would have been willing to go with them and be Saints; and at the present time there are thousands and millions of females who will receive the gospel whose husbands, fathers, and brothers will reject it, and it crowds the necessity of taking more wives than one upon the elders of Israel; for if they were not to do so a great many women never could attain to the same exaltation hereafter they would not have the glory of propagating their species and filling worlds and being associated with the Gods. But to prevent them being thus cut off hereafter, the Elders of Israel, who are obedient to the priesthood, are under the necessity of taking those that present themselves and who wish to be sealed to men. Now, O ye
inhabitants of the earth, repent of your sins, become sons of God by adoption, by entering the Kingdom of God upon the earth, keep his commandments, glorify his name, sanctify yourselves before the Lord, and every one of you take a wife to save us this care and share with us in this blessing....
[Deseret News, 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 the earth was framed, made, and brought forth and man placed in the Garden of Eden, the earth was placed at his disposal, and man, not woman, is the King, lord and governor of the earth; and if men, since the fall, had done right, had kept the commandments of God, women would have been willing to go with them and be Saints; and at the present time there are thousands and millions of females who will receive the gospel whose husbands, fathers, and brothers will reject it, and it crowds the necessity of taking more wives than one upon the elders of Israel; for if they were not to do so a great many women never could attain to the same exaltation hereafter they would not have the glory of propagating their species and filling worlds and being associated with the Gods. But to prevent them being thus cut off hereafter, the Elders of Israel, who are obedient to the priesthood, are under the necessity of taking those that present themselves and who wish to be sealed to men. Now, O ye
inhabitants of the earth, repent of your sins, become sons of God by adoption, by entering the Kingdom of God upon the earth, keep his commandments, glorify his name, sanctify yourselves before the Lord, and every one of you take a wife to save us this care and share with us in this blessing....
[Deseret News, 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 - Oct 10, 1845
[Hosea Stout]
.... selected a Temple guard out of Hunter company & regulated the Commissary department. While there recieved orders from the Lieutenant General by A. P. Rockwood to have the Second Cohort ready to be called out at a moments warning - for them not to be far from home and to rally as usual at the hoisting of the flag at the Temple, for them not to give up their gains to our enemies but first to Shoot....
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
.... selected a Temple guard out of Hunter company & regulated the Commissary department. While there recieved orders from the Lieutenant General by A. P. Rockwood to have the Second Cohort ready to be called out at a moments warning - for them not to be far from home and to rally as usual at the hoisting of the flag at the Temple, for them not to give up their gains to our enemies but first to Shoot....
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
195 years ago today - Oct 10, 1830
Sunday, Samuel Smith is able to visit Joseph Sr. in prison but cannot effect his release to the jail yard.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
200 years ago today - 10-Oct 24, 1825
The Smith family meets Josiah Stowell, who hires Joseph Jr. to locate a lost Spanish mine in Harmony (PA) with seer stone.
[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]
120 years ago today - Oct 9, 1905
The President instructed Patriarchs about keeping with the legitimate line of blessing when giving patriarchal blessings. For instance, some patriarchs had told people they should live in the flesh and never taste of death. It was very questionable, he said, that the Lord revealed such things to them to make known to individuals receiving blessing under their hands, they should not make such promises. This should be understood: that whatever promises are made which do not come to pass are made by the patriarch and not by the Lord through the patriarch. The President thought it would be very proper for the Presiding Patriarch to visit stakes and review the blessings given by local patriarchs, and where necessary, to correct extravagances of every kind. The President also said the Lord had not revealed to him when He is coming to earth; but He has commanded all to be ready when He shall come, and all who are ready will be worthy when he does come. ... By unanimous vote it was decided
that the present condition under which waltzing is not permitted in our social parties continue in force. ...
[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]
that the present condition under which waltzing is not permitted in our social parties continue in force. ...
[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]
140 years ago today - Oct 9, 1885
[J.D.T. McAllister Diary]
Erotic revelations of Herman Fascher Conference. Apostle Erastus Snow addressed us ... and referred to the pretended and exotic Revelations of Herman Fascher.
[Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Erotic revelations of Herman Fascher Conference. Apostle Erastus Snow addressed us ... and referred to the pretended and exotic Revelations of Herman Fascher.
[Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Oct 9, 1880
[Joseph F. Smith]
.... The rest of the time was used in discussing the propriety of organizing the First Presidency. The council are not unanimous. Did not conclude. ... The Twelve met at 6 p.m. in the Endowment House when the motion of C[harles]. C. Rich and seconded by O[rson]. Pratt that we organize the council of the First Presidency was put and carried. Then on motion of W[ilford]. Woodruff, John Taylor was chosen president. He then chose G[eorge]. Q. Cannon and J[oseph]. F. S[mith]. as counsellors.
[Joseph F. Smith 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]
.... The rest of the time was used in discussing the propriety of organizing the First Presidency. The council are not unanimous. Did not conclude. ... The Twelve met at 6 p.m. in the Endowment House when the motion of C[harles]. C. Rich and seconded by O[rson]. Pratt that we organize the council of the First Presidency was put and carried. Then on motion of W[ilford]. Woodruff, John Taylor was chosen president. He then chose G[eorge]. Q. Cannon and J[oseph]. F. S[mith]. as counsellors.
[Joseph F. Smith 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]
145 years ago today - Oct 9, 1880
.... The Apostle then met in Council at 6 oclok and Decided to Organize the first Presidency of the Church. Wilford Woodruff Nominated John Taylor to be the Presidet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and it was Carried unanimously. Presidet John Taylor then Chose George Q Cannon as his first Councillor and Joseph F Smith as his second Councillor. It was then Moved seconded & Carried Unanimously that Wilford Woodruff Should be the Presidet of the Twelve Apostles.
We then Met in the Assembly Hall with the Priesthood Meeting and at the Meeting after documents were read upon the priesthood Presidet John Taylor was then Presented before the Priesthood Meeting as the Presidet of the Church and his two Councillors And Wilford Woodruff as the Presidet of the Twelve Apostles and Receivd the unanimous vote of all the Priesthood Assembled upon the occasion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We then Met in the Assembly Hall with the Priesthood Meeting and at the Meeting after documents were read upon the priesthood Presidet John Taylor was then Presented before the Priesthood Meeting as the Presidet of the Church and his two Councillors And Wilford Woodruff as the Presidet of the Twelve Apostles and Receivd the unanimous vote of all the Priesthood Assembled upon the occasion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Oct 9, 1875
Last evening the 12 met at Presidet Youngs and after Discussing the Subjet of the Presidency & Twelve voted to drop John Smith from the Patriarchal Office & put in his place Joseph F Smith but during the day John & Joseph F Smith had Seen Presidet Brigham and pled vary hard to try John another six month to see if he would magnify his calling any better than he had done in the past....
John Taylor offered up the dedication prayer which was printed in the Deseret News and Herald. The Tabernacle was then Dedicated. It took 40 Minuts to read it. ...
W. Woodruff said I feel to bear my testimony to what the Apostles have said to you. I have had vary peculiar feelings for the last 3 months of my life. I view in the vision of my mind Forty thousand men in these mountains bearing the Holy and Everlasting Priesthood of the Son of God and these men were fore ordained before the world was Created to Come here on the Earth in this dispensation on purpose to labor with the Lord to build up his kingdom on the Earth. And then I view in the vision of my mind forty Million Devels, fallen spirits gathered to gether to make war against these forty thousand priest of the Lord and strive to hender their building up the kingdom of God.
...I will also say we have many Bishops & Elders who have but one wife who are abundantly able to support more but their wives will not let them do it. Any man who will permit a woman to lead him and bind him down is of but little account in the Church & kingdom of God..
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
John Taylor offered up the dedication prayer which was printed in the Deseret News and Herald. The Tabernacle was then Dedicated. It took 40 Minuts to read it. ...
W. Woodruff said I feel to bear my testimony to what the Apostles have said to you. I have had vary peculiar feelings for the last 3 months of my life. I view in the vision of my mind Forty thousand men in these mountains bearing the Holy and Everlasting Priesthood of the Son of God and these men were fore ordained before the world was Created to Come here on the Earth in this dispensation on purpose to labor with the Lord to build up his kingdom on the Earth. And then I view in the vision of my mind forty Million Devels, fallen spirits gathered to gether to make war against these forty thousand priest of the Lord and strive to hender their building up the kingdom of God.
...I will also say we have many Bishops & Elders who have but one wife who are abundantly able to support more but their wives will not let them do it. Any man who will permit a woman to lead him and bind him down is of but little account in the Church & kingdom of God..
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Sep 17, 1870
[Martin Harris]
Rebaptized in Endowment House
[Martin Harris Chronology, Michael Marquardt, Sunstone Symposium 2016]
Rebaptized in Endowment House
[Martin Harris Chronology, Michael Marquardt, Sunstone Symposium 2016]
160 years ago today - Oct 9, 1865
President B. Young spoke of the calling and ordination of the Twelve Apostles. They were called by revelation, through the Prophet Joseph, and Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris officiated in the ordination in the beginning of 1835. He referred to the washing of feet, in the solemn assembly held in the Temple of Kirtland that was called together by the Prophet. Gave instructions on the principle of adoption, teaching that a man by being adopted, to connect the chain of the Holy Priesthood, loses nothing which he has; and treated on the continued growth and increase in capacity to receive and enjoy given blessings, and of the continued blessings bestowed upon those who live according to the principles of the holy gospel. -- SLC Bowery
[Deseret News, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Deseret News, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Oct 9, 1865
THE SPIRIT
* * *
O may the Saints be perfect
As God our Father was,
When he got back to Eden,
By her celestial laws. ...
He [Elder Richards] dwelt at length on some of the principles of theology, showing that duties of a temporal nature were the first that were enjoined upon our first parents when they were placed in the garden of Eden;. . .
[Conference Report, October 1865, Semi-Annual General Conference; Monday, October 9th, 1865, 10 a.m. [See also Millennial Star XXVII, pp. 770-771; Deseret News XV, 5 (October 12, 1865); "Journal History", 9 October 1865; and "Documentary History", p. 924-- in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
* * *
O may the Saints be perfect
As God our Father was,
When he got back to Eden,
By her celestial laws. ...
He [Elder Richards] dwelt at length on some of the principles of theology, showing that duties of a temporal nature were the first that were enjoined upon our first parents when they were placed in the garden of Eden;. . .
[Conference Report, October 1865, Semi-Annual General Conference; Monday, October 9th, 1865, 10 a.m. [See also Millennial Star XXVII, pp. 770-771; Deseret News XV, 5 (October 12, 1865); "Journal History", 9 October 1865; and "Documentary History", p. 924-- in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
160 years ago today - Oct 9, 1865
[Brigham Young]
I am addressing myself to the ladies of the kingdom of God, to those who know how to keep their houses, furniture and beds pure and clean, who can cook food for their husbands and children in a way that it will be clean, tasteful and wholesome. The woman that can do this I call a lady. In this view I differ from the world generally; for the lady of the world is not supposed to know anything about what is going on in the kitchen; her highest ambition is to be sure and be in the fashion, at no matter what cost to her husband or father; she considers that she may as well be out of the world as out of the fashion...
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I am addressing myself to the ladies of the kingdom of God, to those who know how to keep their houses, furniture and beds pure and clean, who can cook food for their husbands and children in a way that it will be clean, tasteful and wholesome. The woman that can do this I call a lady. In this view I differ from the world generally; for the lady of the world is not supposed to know anything about what is going on in the kitchen; her highest ambition is to be sure and be in the fashion, at no matter what cost to her husband or father; she considers that she may as well be out of the world as out of the fashion...
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Oct 9, 1860
W. W. Phelps came in, and made a statement about the revelation which says the Southern States shall be divided against the north, he said after this revelation was given it was locked up in a desk and the key got lost. Joseph said it was the will of the Lord. Joseph prayed and afterwards ascertained from the Lord that he did not want it published just then; the Pres[ident] remarked he was glad he did not call him to the stand. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - 1840: 9 October
[Patriarchal Blessing]
Wilford Woodruff
"... thou shall be instrumental of Thousands being brought to the knowledge of the truth ..."
[Ms d 7074, LDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Wilford Woodruff
"... thou shall be instrumental of Thousands being brought to the knowledge of the truth ..."
[Ms d 7074, LDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
65 years ago today - Oct 8, 1960
N. Eldon Tanner and Theodore M. Burton are sustained as Assistants to the Twelve. Tanner is the first general authority who had prominent office in a non-U.S. government, three terms as Minister of Lands and Mines in the cabinet of Canada's premier. Burton is the first Ph.D. appointed as an Assistant.
[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)]]
115 years ago today - Oct 8, 1910; Saturday
Certain apostles seeming to be perfectly conscien[t]ious in their position, by authority of their priesthood solemnized such marriages. Subsequently after death of Pres[ident]. Woodruff & Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow, Pres[ident]. Smith endorsed manifesto and endeavored to make it plain that the church isnot sanctioning further plural marriages. But some men holding the Melchisedick priesthood and claiming to thus have the right to marry still has performed such marriages persumably taking licence from what had been done by certain apostles. There has been a kind of secret company of brethren mosto f whom good men in other respects have either willfuly or innocently said that they First Presidency are in sympathy with these plural marriages but it must not be known as the government forbids such. ...
[William H. Smart, Diary]
[William H. Smart, Diary]
115 years ago today - Oct 8, 1910; Saturday
President [Joseph F.] Smith made clear his attitude on the question. He said, "There is not a man in all Israel who is authorized to perform plural marriages. If any man shall say there is tell him he lies. The Lord has revealed that there is but one man at a time who has that authority. Any man who assumes that authority is a falsifyer and trying to injure me and the church and should you knock such an one down I shall not feel badly about it. Now is this clear? Do you see any loophole? If so tell me. If there is any way to make it plainer I wish you would tell me how to do it.["]
[George F. Richards, Diary]
[George F. Richards, Diary]
120 years ago today - Oct 8, 1905
Saml. W. Richards saidhe was intimate with the prophet Jos. In the winter of 1843-44 a messenger came and asked me if I would be one of the party to go and explore the Rocky Mountains with 23 other men to find a place where the Church could be established. He related a vision in which he saw the vallies of the Mountains, California & Northern Mexico, & then the building of a temple at Jackson Co. & the earth redeemed and filled with towns & villages & producing all that was necessary for sustenance of men. -
[Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Monday, Oct 8, 1900
Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon said the Saints must guard against extreme partisanship in politics.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
125 years ago today - Monday, Oct 8, 1900
L. S[now]. He said ... When Jesus came to the earth, he was a God without knowing it—he did not comprehend his
former greatness, neither did we comprehend ours. We are scarcely out of our infancy. We ought to be up and doing, and when people come for counsel, be prepared to give it to them.
... We are giving the brethren their second anointings, and anyone who receives them, I should think, would never apostatize. ... Presidents of stakes and bishops of wards should be very careful in recommending people for their second anointings. They should be sure, so far as it is possible to be sure, that they will not afterwards apostatize. Do not recommend those who are not worthy.
As to some presidents of stakes who have not received their second anointings, he said, if they were worthy to be presidents of stakes, they were worthy of this blessing and could have it upon application.
...J. W. T[aylor]. Warned the authorities against hastily cutting people off the church. We should seek rather to convert than to cut off.
[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]
former greatness, neither did we comprehend ours. We are scarcely out of our infancy. We ought to be up and doing, and when people come for counsel, be prepared to give it to them.
... We are giving the brethren their second anointings, and anyone who receives them, I should think, would never apostatize. ... Presidents of stakes and bishops of wards should be very careful in recommending people for their second anointings. They should be sure, so far as it is possible to be sure, that they will not afterwards apostatize. Do not recommend those who are not worthy.
As to some presidents of stakes who have not received their second anointings, he said, if they were worthy to be presidents of stakes, they were worthy of this blessing and could have it upon application.
...J. W. T[aylor]. Warned the authorities against hastily cutting people off the church. We should seek rather to convert than to cut off.
[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]
145 years ago today - Oct 8, 1880
[George Q. Cannon]
Elder [Wilford] Woodruff's motion [that John Taylor be church president] was then called for and carried unanimously. Pres[ident]. Taylor said he was prepared to name his counselors and being requested to do so, named me as his first and Jos[eph]. F. Smith as his second. The mention of my name was a great surprise to me. As I had been nominated again for congress and would be absent this winter and probably half at least of the next two years, I had felt free in expressing my feelings upon the subject of the first presidency in favor of it, not thinking for a moment that my name would be mentioned for this position and feeling satisfied that no one could suspect me under the circumstances of having any person ambition with this matter. I could scarcely express my feelings. Before the names of the counselors were called Ihad a presentiment that myname would be mentioned and I trembled all over. My nerves twitched all over my body and I could scarcelycontrol myself. When my name was
mentioned I rose to my feet and begged of the brethren to excuse me from filling that position. I told them that I would much rather remain in the quorum of the Twelve. I could think of at least 12 or 13 men who could fill that position in my opinion better than Icould. My agitation was extreme and I was completely overcome. Pres[ident]. Taylor said it was not a matter of personal choice. Several of the brethren also spoke very kindly approving of the nomination and it was carried unanimously on motion of Bro[ther]. Woodruff.
[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]
Elder [Wilford] Woodruff's motion [that John Taylor be church president] was then called for and carried unanimously. Pres[ident]. Taylor said he was prepared to name his counselors and being requested to do so, named me as his first and Jos[eph]. F. Smith as his second. The mention of my name was a great surprise to me. As I had been nominated again for congress and would be absent this winter and probably half at least of the next two years, I had felt free in expressing my feelings upon the subject of the first presidency in favor of it, not thinking for a moment that my name would be mentioned for this position and feeling satisfied that no one could suspect me under the circumstances of having any person ambition with this matter. I could scarcely express my feelings. Before the names of the counselors were called Ihad a presentiment that myname would be mentioned and I trembled all over. My nerves twitched all over my body and I could scarcelycontrol myself. When my name was
mentioned I rose to my feet and begged of the brethren to excuse me from filling that position. I told them that I would much rather remain in the quorum of the Twelve. I could think of at least 12 or 13 men who could fill that position in my opinion better than Icould. My agitation was extreme and I was completely overcome. Pres[ident]. Taylor said it was not a matter of personal choice. Several of the brethren also spoke very kindly approving of the nomination and it was carried unanimously on motion of Bro[ther]. Woodruff.
[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]
150 years ago today - Oct 8, 1875
Brigham Young is sustained again as Trustee-in-Trust, following the death of his replacement, George A. Smith. He has no assistants, and the office remains with the presiding apostle or church president from now on.
[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)]]
150 years ago today - Oct 8, 1875 (Afternoon, Conference)
[Brigham Young]
.... The people to abandon whiskey, wine and beer; when used according to the spirit and meaning of the word of wisdom. ... store up grain; if you do not you will be sorry; this is the word of the Lord. The ten tribes will soon come in from the north; Babylon will fall. He was afraid the people would sleep too long....
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
.... The people to abandon whiskey, wine and beer; when used according to the spirit and meaning of the word of wisdom. ... store up grain; if you do not you will be sorry; this is the word of the Lord. The ten tribes will soon come in from the north; Babylon will fall. He was afraid the people would sleep too long....
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
155 years ago today - Oct 8, 1870
[Joseph F. Smith]
Met with the quorum at Prest. Young's office. John D. Lee and I[saac]. Haight and Geo[rge]. Wood were cut off [from] the church because of extreem wickedness or for having been engaged in the M[ountain]. M[eadows]. M[asscre].
[Joseph F. Smith 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]
Met with the quorum at Prest. Young's office. John D. Lee and I[saac]. Haight and Geo[rge]. Wood were cut off [from] the church because of extreem wickedness or for having been engaged in the M[ountain]. M[eadows]. M[asscre].
[Joseph F. Smith 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]
155 years ago today - Oct 8, 1870 (Afternoon, Conference)
When the motion was put to the Conference to sustain President Brigham Young as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church, he arose and tendered his resignation of that office. At this the congregation manifested strong signs of disapproval. And, when Elder Cannon stated that there were two motions before the Conference, one to sustain President Young as Trustee-in-Trust, and the other to accept of his resignation of that office, thousands of the people shouted '"no,'" '"no;'" and, when the first motion was put, the vast congregation, agitated by one common feeling, moved and surged for a few moments, and, not satisfied with merely holding up the right hand in token of sustain the motion, great numbers rose to their feet and held up both hands and a murmur went up from the human sea. Many of the strangers present held up their hands as if impelled by the same spirit that moved the great assembly. The scene was one which will never be forgotten by those who beheld it, and but few persons
present could prevent feelings of intense emotion swelling up in their bosoms. There stood the veteran, faithful leader of a people who had been led by him through the most trying scenes that have proved him to be their best earthly friend as well as spiritual guide, and the people uttering a united protest against his resigning to act for them in a position of trust. ...
[Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 19:419, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
present could prevent feelings of intense emotion swelling up in their bosoms. There stood the veteran, faithful leader of a people who had been led by him through the most trying scenes that have proved him to be their best earthly friend as well as spiritual guide, and the people uttering a united protest against his resigning to act for them in a position of trust. ...
[Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 19:419, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Oct 8, 1860
Brigham Young preaches "he was contending against a principle in many of the Bishops to use up all the Tithing they could for their own families."
[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)]]
165 years ago today - Oct 8, 1860
[Brigham Young]
'"My policy is to let the men who labor hard have the beef, and those who sit in their easy chairs and do nothing, can do very well with lighter food. Said he wished to build the Temple, not for the people to meet in [as had been done in prevous temples], but for the priesthood to meet in and receive instruction in the things of God.'" -- SLC Bowery
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
'"My policy is to let the men who labor hard have the beef, and those who sit in their easy chairs and do nothing, can do very well with lighter food. Said he wished to build the Temple, not for the people to meet in [as had been done in prevous temples], but for the priesthood to meet in and receive instruction in the things of God.'" -- SLC Bowery
[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 - Oct 8, 1855 (Afternoon, Conference)
Pres Young said there were spirits of a nobler class waiting to take bodies and it was the duty of every man to be taking to himself more wives ...
[Lorenzo Brown Diary, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Lorenzo Brown Diary, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, 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 - Oct 8, 1845
Lucy Mack Smith is the first woman to speak at general conference. Church authorities do not invite another woman to address conference for 143 years.
[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 - Oct 8, 1845
[Brigham Young]
Joseph once said, with outstretched arms, '"If I fall in battle in Missouri, I want you to bring my bones back and deposit them in the sepulcher, I command you to do it in the name of the Lord.'" ... And we will petition Sister Emma, in the name of Israel's God, to let us deposit the remains of Joseph according as he commanded us. And if she will not consent to it, our garments are clear. Then when he awakes in the morning of the resurrection, he shall talk with them, not with me; the sin shall be upon her head, not ours. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[History of the Church. 7 Vols. B. H. Roberts, ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, Co., 1902. 7:472, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Joseph once said, with outstretched arms, '"If I fall in battle in Missouri, I want you to bring my bones back and deposit them in the sepulcher, I command you to do it in the name of the Lord.'" ... And we will petition Sister Emma, in the name of Israel's God, to let us deposit the remains of Joseph according as he commanded us. And if she will not consent to it, our garments are clear. Then when he awakes in the morning of the resurrection, he shall talk with them, not with me; the sin shall be upon her head, not ours. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[History of the Church. 7 Vols. B. H. Roberts, ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, Co., 1902. 7:472, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Oct 8, 1840
[Brigham Young]
I had organized the priesthood in Manchester to meet every Sabbath morning, and distribute themselves throughout the different parts of the city to preach in the streets. In this way they occupied about forty preaching stations, at each one of which the congregation were notified of our regular meetings in the Carpenter's Hall. This so annoyed the sectarians, particularly the Methodists, that they made complaints to the mayor, who issued an order to have all street preachers arrested. I went to the priesthood meeting in the morning and felt impressed to tell the brethren to go home. The police, who had been instructed to arrest all street preachers that morning, took up about twenty, who all proved to be Methodists. When the magistrate learned they were not "Mormons," they were dismissed.
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
I had organized the priesthood in Manchester to meet every Sabbath morning, and distribute themselves throughout the different parts of the city to preach in the streets. In this way they occupied about forty preaching stations, at each one of which the congregation were notified of our regular meetings in the Carpenter's Hall. This so annoyed the sectarians, particularly the Methodists, that they made complaints to the mayor, who issued an order to have all street preachers arrested. I went to the priesthood meeting in the morning and felt impressed to tell the brethren to go home. The police, who had been instructed to arrest all street preachers that morning, took up about twenty, who all proved to be Methodists. When the magistrate learned they were not "Mormons," they were dismissed.
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
25 years ago today - Oct 7, 2000-8
The new 21,000-seat Conference Center, across the street north of Temple Square, was dedicated during general conference by President Hinckley.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
40 years ago today - Oct 7, 1985
Radio Shack outlet in Cottonwood Mall sells to "M. Hansen" [Mark Hoffman alias] a battery holder and a mercury switch.
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
85 years ago today - Oct 7, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
Joseph F. Smith III wrote me a letter expressing his loyalty to me and had it delivered by special delivery mail Saturday afternoon.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Joseph F. Smith III wrote me a letter expressing his loyalty to me and had it delivered by special delivery mail Saturday afternoon.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Oct 7, 1905
[Thomas A. Clawson]
"Joseph Smith [III] and Frederick M Smith of the Reorganized Church are in attendance (Sic) at conference and will hear some strong testimonies of the truth of this work. I hear from common rumor that Joseph Smith [III] is here at the instance of Kearns and Cannon all his expenses being paid, the hope being that there will be a split in the Church and he will step in and gather them into the Reorganized Church. Another report is circulated to the effect that Joseph Smith [III] hoped to be appointed a receiver for the Church &c. All of which if their (Sic) is any truth whatever in them are the very highth (Sic) of folly."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Joseph Smith [III] and Frederick M Smith of the Reorganized Church are in attendance (Sic) at conference and will hear some strong testimonies of the truth of this work. I hear from common rumor that Joseph Smith [III] is here at the instance of Kearns and Cannon all his expenses being paid, the hope being that there will be a split in the Church and he will step in and gather them into the Reorganized Church. Another report is circulated to the effect that Joseph Smith [III] hoped to be appointed a receiver for the Church &c. All of which if their (Sic) is any truth whatever in them are the very highth (Sic) of folly."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Oct 7, 1895
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Priesthood meeting, 7 Oct., "Bro[ther] Jos[eph] F. S. said one of the Twelve & one of Presidency of Seventies were not doing their duty in the church [engaging in politics without approval] and they should make right what was wrong. We all seconded his remarks tho' some thought them premature I did not think so for the brethren have neglected their ecclesiastical duties for years."
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Priesthood meeting, 7 Oct., "Bro[ther] Jos[eph] F. S. said one of the Twelve & one of Presidency of Seventies were not doing their duty in the church [engaging in politics without approval] and they should make right what was wrong. We all seconded his remarks tho' some thought them premature I did not think so for the brethren have neglected their ecclesiastical duties for years."
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 7, 1890
President George Q. Cannon spoke of the necessity of the sisters being encouraged under the difficulties incident to the issuance of the President's Manifesto, and that the local authorities should do their utmost to shield the women and children. Pres[iden]t. Cannon felt that he could prophesy that the course that the Church was pursuing was the path of safety, and that it would lead to political success. President Woodruff drew the attention of the brethren to the fact that the Manifesto did not affect our present family relations, but it simply stated that all plural marriages had ceased. He had the mind and will of God before he took any action, and called upon the brethren not to desert their families but continue to do their duty by treating them with kindness. ...
[First Presidency Office Journal, 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]
[First Presidency Office Journal, 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]
155 years ago today - Oct 7, 1870
Presidet Young gave the following Revelations:
It is the mind & will of God that the Elders of Israel should take the Utah Central Rail Road Bonds & own the road & Pay for it so that He Could pay the debts of the Union Pacific which He owes to the Brethren. It is the will of God that C. C. Rich & Lorenzo Snow should Call for 50 Men to strengthen the Settlemets in Bear lake valley. It is the will of God that Erastus Snow should Call upon the People to Strengthen the Southern Settlemets.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
It is the mind & will of God that the Elders of Israel should take the Utah Central Rail Road Bonds & own the road & Pay for it so that He Could pay the debts of the Union Pacific which He owes to the Brethren. It is the will of God that C. C. Rich & Lorenzo Snow should Call for 50 Men to strengthen the Settlemets in Bear lake valley. It is the will of God that Erastus Snow should Call upon the People to Strengthen the Southern Settlemets.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Oct 7, 1855
William Smith: Called conference in Kirtland, Ohio, 6-7 Oct. 1855 with Martin Harris to organize church of the Bride the Lamb's Wife (no connection to George Hinkle's church), and received revelations through Miss Sexton, Cleveland spiritualist
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers 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 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
190 years ago today - 1835 7 Oct.
Joseph Smith uses his white seer stone to give blessings to Newel K. and Elizabeth A. Whitney. The Whitneys have a seer stone of their own shortly afterwards.
[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]
190 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 7, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
"This afternoon I re-commenced translating from the ancient records."
[Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research]
"This afternoon I re-commenced translating from the ancient records."
[Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research]
195 years ago today - Oct 7, 1830
Joseph Sr. is arrested for debt and jailed for thirty days.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
30 years ago today - Oct 6, 1995
[Paul Dunn]
Here I am a you buck coming into the system and the circulation is "lets excommunicacte the Sterling McMurrins of the church and weed out the liberals" that got throuwn around a lot. Even poor Lowell Bennion got thrown into some of that. If it hadn't been for President McKay, we'd have had a fiasco on Lowell Bennion. There's one of the sweetest, great Christians of the world. I would be totally surprised if all of heaven isn't a Lowell Bennion philosophy. There isn't a kinder, more gentle Christian in the world. And yet there were those in the system who tried to weed him out, because he kept the President McKay kind of vision open.
The George Boyds and the Lowell Bennions kept people in the church whom nobody else could have. Philosophically, they could go with you on the trip through your frustration in thinking, and bring you back. Not many people could do that. I worked with George for many years down at the University of Southern California. i watched him save kids that nobody else could. And yet there was the element in the Church that tried to get him bumped, because he didn't teach what they taught. I've found in the Church and this is what gave me great comfort with President McKay, that there is room for all of them, not just a few, not just those here or there, but the whole spectrum. President McKay would say, and two or three times I heard him say privately, and once or twice publicly in meetings where I sat, that "if you would have to take action on that kind of a person thinking that way, you'd better take action on me, too."
[Paul Dunn Interview in David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, by Greg Prince, p. 44-45, footnote 15]
Here I am a you buck coming into the system and the circulation is "lets excommunicacte the Sterling McMurrins of the church and weed out the liberals" that got throuwn around a lot. Even poor Lowell Bennion got thrown into some of that. If it hadn't been for President McKay, we'd have had a fiasco on Lowell Bennion. There's one of the sweetest, great Christians of the world. I would be totally surprised if all of heaven isn't a Lowell Bennion philosophy. There isn't a kinder, more gentle Christian in the world. And yet there were those in the system who tried to weed him out, because he kept the President McKay kind of vision open.
The George Boyds and the Lowell Bennions kept people in the church whom nobody else could have. Philosophically, they could go with you on the trip through your frustration in thinking, and bring you back. Not many people could do that. I worked with George for many years down at the University of Southern California. i watched him save kids that nobody else could. And yet there was the element in the Church that tried to get him bumped, because he didn't teach what they taught. I've found in the Church and this is what gave me great comfort with President McKay, that there is room for all of them, not just a few, not just those here or there, but the whole spectrum. President McKay would say, and two or three times I heard him say privately, and once or twice publicly in meetings where I sat, that "if you would have to take action on that kind of a person thinking that way, you'd better take action on me, too."
[Paul Dunn Interview in David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, by Greg Prince, p. 44-45, footnote 15]
135 years ago today - Oct 6, 1890
[Marriner W. Merrill]
Monday. Conference convened at 10 a. m. Singing. Prayer by President A. O. Smoot. Singing, after which President George Q. Cannon presented the Authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained. Bishop Orson F. Whitney then read the Articles of Faith, when they were adopted by the Conference by vote. Then President Woodruff's late Manifesto regarding the cessation of plural marriages in the Church was read, and on motion of Apostle Lorenzo Snow President Woodruff was declared by the Conference as the only man in the Church holding the keys of the sealing power; hence has the right to issue or put forth such Manifesto to the people, and it was carried by a weak vote, but seemingly unanimous; after which President George Q. Cannon spoke on the plural relations for 30 minutes. Then President Woodruff spoke on the necessity of his issuing such Manifesto and said it was the impression of the Spirit of the Lord to him...
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Monday. Conference convened at 10 a. m. Singing. Prayer by President A. O. Smoot. Singing, after which President George Q. Cannon presented the Authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained. Bishop Orson F. Whitney then read the Articles of Faith, when they were adopted by the Conference by vote. Then President Woodruff's late Manifesto regarding the cessation of plural marriages in the Church was read, and on motion of Apostle Lorenzo Snow President Woodruff was declared by the Conference as the only man in the Church holding the keys of the sealing power; hence has the right to issue or put forth such Manifesto to the people, and it was carried by a weak vote, but seemingly unanimous; after which President George Q. Cannon spoke on the plural relations for 30 minutes. Then President Woodruff spoke on the necessity of his issuing such Manifesto and said it was the impression of the Spirit of the Lord to him...
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 6, 1890
[Heber J. Grant]
[After Articles of Faith read] Bishop Orson F. Whitney then read the Manifesto of Prest. Woodruff. Prest. Lorenzo Snow then read a motion that we approve of the action of Prest. Woodruff in issuing the Manifesto. Some did not hear the motion and it was read a second time by brother Whitney and the presented by Pres[iden]t Cannon and unanimously sustained by the people ... Pres[iden]t Woodruff among other things said that no man at the head of the Church would ever be permitted to lead the people astray. He said that were he to attempt any such thing the Lord would remove him out of his place ... The meeting this morning is one of the most important that has ever happened in the Church and there were many wet eyes in the congregation when the vote was called to sustain the action of Pres[iden]t Woodruff in his issuing the Manifesto. There were some of the people that did not vote. There were not many as I noticed that the votes was as large if not large than that which had been
given to the authorities when they were sustained.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[After Articles of Faith read] Bishop Orson F. Whitney then read the Manifesto of Prest. Woodruff. Prest. Lorenzo Snow then read a motion that we approve of the action of Prest. Woodruff in issuing the Manifesto. Some did not hear the motion and it was read a second time by brother Whitney and the presented by Pres[iden]t Cannon and unanimously sustained by the people ... Pres[iden]t Woodruff among other things said that no man at the head of the Church would ever be permitted to lead the people astray. He said that were he to attempt any such thing the Lord would remove him out of his place ... The meeting this morning is one of the most important that has ever happened in the Church and there were many wet eyes in the congregation when the vote was called to sustain the action of Pres[iden]t Woodruff in his issuing the Manifesto. There were some of the people that did not vote. There were not many as I noticed that the votes was as large if not large than that which had been
given to the authorities when they were sustained.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 06, 1890
This [1890] Manifesto only refers to future marriages, and does not affect past conditions. I did not, I could not, and would not promise that you would desert your wives and children. This you cannot do in honor." (Marriner W. Merrill, diary entry, 1890-10-06, in LDS Church archives, cited in B. Carmon Hardy, "Solemn Covenant: The Mormon Polygamous Passage" (Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 1992) p. 141)
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
135 years ago today - Oct 6, 1890
Wilford Woodruff signs recommends for seven men to have plural marriages performed in Mexico by Alexander F. Macdonald, the local stake president.
[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)]]
135 years ago today - Oct 6, 1890
In a major effort to reassure the Saints and decrease apocalyptic concern, no fewer than seven Church authorities spoke on the second coming in the same general conference in which the Manifesto was presented. Some advised the Saints not to expect Christ's advent in 1891- Gibson Condie recorded in his journal, "Some of the speakers referred to the year 1891, as a great many of the saints have an Idea that the Lord was to come and reign on earth." George Q. Cannon told members that there was too much "agitation" associated with the 1891 prophecy and that "no man knoweth the day nor the hour."
However, during the same conference, Moses Thatcher warned the Saints to "prepare themselves for 1891" as "the day of calamity is approaching. It is at the doors," and Apostle Francis M. Lyman told the Saints to "pray twice a day" to "be prepared for what is to come in 1891" Perhaps most tellingly, after the Manifesto's presentation at general conference, Woodruff promised the members: I will say to the Latter-day Saints, as an Elder in Israel and as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are approaching some of the most tremendous judgments God ever poured out upon the world. You watch the signs of the times, the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. They are beginning to be made manifest both in heaven and earth. . . . and when you get through you will understand many things that you do not today.
[Journal of Mormon History, Vol. 22, No. 2, 1996, p. 27, 28 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=mormonhistory, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
However, during the same conference, Moses Thatcher warned the Saints to "prepare themselves for 1891" as "the day of calamity is approaching. It is at the doors," and Apostle Francis M. Lyman told the Saints to "pray twice a day" to "be prepared for what is to come in 1891" Perhaps most tellingly, after the Manifesto's presentation at general conference, Woodruff promised the members: I will say to the Latter-day Saints, as an Elder in Israel and as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are approaching some of the most tremendous judgments God ever poured out upon the world. You watch the signs of the times, the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. They are beginning to be made manifest both in heaven and earth. . . . and when you get through you will understand many things that you do not today.
[Journal of Mormon History, Vol. 22, No. 2, 1996, p. 27, 28 http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=mormonhistory, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
135 years ago today - Oct 6, 1890
The Presidency in the office. Before the morning's meeting the Presidency prepared the motion endorsing the President's Manifesto, for presentation to the Conference. [An account of the presentation of the Manifesto follows.] The vote to sustain the foregoing was unanimous. Between the meetings the Presidency met with Elders A[lexander]. F. McDonald, Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, F[rancis]. M. Lyman and G[eorge]. Reynolds being also present, at which it was decided to stop, for the time being, the performance of plural marriages in Mexico. ... He [Woodruff] told me afterwards that a great weight had been lifted from him by the acceptance by the conference of his manifesto. ...
[First Presidency Office Journal, 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]
[First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
145 years ago today - October 6-9, 1880
[Moses Thatcher]
.... Regarding some things, however, which transpired among the Apostles, in reference particularly to the Organization of the Quorum of the 'First Presidency,' I will record a few items. The subject was presented to the twelve present, Elder Erastus Snow and Brigham Young [Jr.] being absent, south, by Pres[ident]: [John] Taylor himself who evidenced a desire that that Quorum (ie 'the first presidency') be organized, during the present conference. I think the subject was first presented in a meeting of the Council of the Apostles, on the 7th of October. There was not much said about it at this meeting as it was a matter of very weighty importance, but one at the same time, upon which few of the Quorum I think had seriously pondered; indeed the majority seemed to be like myself almost wholy unprepaired for its consideration. Elder [Orson] Pratt referred in a few remarks to the advanced age of many of the Apostles and expressed the bilief that the Quorum could if theythought propper
choose a young man to fill the highest office in the Church, that is to be president of the Church. Upon this subject others made no remark. At a subsiquent meeting the matter of the Organization being again brought forward, (this I believe was on the 8th) one of the brethren I think Elder Wilford Woodruff expressed the view that it was Elder John Taylors right if he choose to claim it, to be president of the Church, by virtue of his calling and position as the Chief and oldest Apostle. The question which seemed to be in the minds of the brethren, at this time, was not as to who was entitled to Nomenation for the office of president, but as to the wisdom or non-wisdom of Organizing at the present time the Quorum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And in reference to it, many of the brethren seemed unsettled, that is, the Spirit of God had not up to this time specially impressed all that it was a duty, the performance of which was now required at our hands. It was
evident however, that our esteemed president Elder Taylor was very anxious to have the Organization perfected at this Conference. He was asked by one of the brethren if he (Elder Taylor) had the mind of the Lord on the matter; to which he declined an answer, saying it should be left with the Quorum of th Twelve to decide'-it rested upon them. Elder Orson Pratt said it would be folly to seek the mind of the Lord upon a subject upon which we already have his mind'-referring to that contained in the Book of Doctrine & Covenants relating to the Organization of the First Presidency ... The brethren expressed themselves in turn according to age, not upon the point touched by Elder Pratt, particularly but upon what should be done at this time. Some expressed the belief that the organization should be perfected at this Conference, not knowing but that the Lord would hold us responsible for neglect of duty if we failed. Among those who entertained these views was, I think, Elders [Albert]
Carrington [Wilford] Woodruff, [Charles c.] Rich, [George Q.] Cannon and [Albert] Carrington. Elders Lorenzo Snow, [Franklin D.] Richards wanted to do just what was right, though did not feel the presure that others perhaps did, at this time for a movement in this direction. Elder D[aniel] H Wells thought it should have been done long ago. Elder Joseph F. Smith expressed doubt, saying that the Spirit had not impressed on him that the organization at this time was either very important or required: thought that every thing in the church was moving harmoneously and that the Saints were not only satisfied but happy under the administration of the Twelve. He for one did not want to live to see repeated what had occurred in the Church, in ignoring the quorum of Apostles and other quorums of the Church. Referred to a prediction which was said to have been made, by our late president Brigham Young, when he was last at the Saint George [Utah] Temple. He had been credibly informed that
president Young said, referring to the Saints 'You think I have been hard in many things but I want to say to you that the little finger of my successor will rest more heavily upon this people, than my whole body has ever done.' Elder Smith asked the brethren present if any of them had heard that uttered by president Young. None appeared to have done so: Elder Cannon thought he had heard him say that 'John Taylor would be his successor.' Elder Wells said that he did not believe that any man ever heard president Young say that,'-for he knew, that he never thought so. President Taylor observed that we had nothing to do with what president Youngs successor might or might not do. It was our place to do our duty and leave the consequences with God. Being the youngest member of the quorum I spoke last; not however until I was asked direct for an expression of my views. I gave them honestly; saying that if the 'necessity' referred to in the Book of Covenants, had arisen there was but one
course to persue and that was to organize the quorum now. But I must honestly confess, though I had most earnestly sought in prayer for light, since the subject had been introduced, that I was not impressed with any necessity for such a move at this time; for I did not believe that the people either expected it, or desired it now. ... On the following day the subject again being brought up, was further discussed and finallyon motion of Elder C[harles]. Rich Elder John Taylor was nomenated and sustained as president by the vote of all present. He chose Elders George Q Cannon and Joseph F Smith as his counsellers. Proceeding at once to a general priesthood meeting being held in the Assembly Hall (Evening) the brethren wee also voted for there and unanimously sustained; it having been explained by Elder Pratt, that the Twelve had taken action on the matter. Two of the vacancies made thus in the Quorum were filled by the choice of Francis Marion Lyman and John Henry Smith. May the
blessings of the Almighty rest upon the moves made by us in this direction this day; that Israel may rejoice and be glad under the approval of our Heavenly Father, is my earnest prayer in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord Amen.
[Moses Thatcher 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]
.... Regarding some things, however, which transpired among the Apostles, in reference particularly to the Organization of the Quorum of the 'First Presidency,' I will record a few items. The subject was presented to the twelve present, Elder Erastus Snow and Brigham Young [Jr.] being absent, south, by Pres[ident]: [John] Taylor himself who evidenced a desire that that Quorum (ie 'the first presidency') be organized, during the present conference. I think the subject was first presented in a meeting of the Council of the Apostles, on the 7th of October. There was not much said about it at this meeting as it was a matter of very weighty importance, but one at the same time, upon which few of the Quorum I think had seriously pondered; indeed the majority seemed to be like myself almost wholy unprepaired for its consideration. Elder [Orson] Pratt referred in a few remarks to the advanced age of many of the Apostles and expressed the bilief that the Quorum could if theythought propper
choose a young man to fill the highest office in the Church, that is to be president of the Church. Upon this subject others made no remark. At a subsiquent meeting the matter of the Organization being again brought forward, (this I believe was on the 8th) one of the brethren I think Elder Wilford Woodruff expressed the view that it was Elder John Taylors right if he choose to claim it, to be president of the Church, by virtue of his calling and position as the Chief and oldest Apostle. The question which seemed to be in the minds of the brethren, at this time, was not as to who was entitled to Nomenation for the office of president, but as to the wisdom or non-wisdom of Organizing at the present time the Quorum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And in reference to it, many of the brethren seemed unsettled, that is, the Spirit of God had not up to this time specially impressed all that it was a duty, the performance of which was now required at our hands. It was
evident however, that our esteemed president Elder Taylor was very anxious to have the Organization perfected at this Conference. He was asked by one of the brethren if he (Elder Taylor) had the mind of the Lord on the matter; to which he declined an answer, saying it should be left with the Quorum of th Twelve to decide'-it rested upon them. Elder Orson Pratt said it would be folly to seek the mind of the Lord upon a subject upon which we already have his mind'-referring to that contained in the Book of Doctrine & Covenants relating to the Organization of the First Presidency ... The brethren expressed themselves in turn according to age, not upon the point touched by Elder Pratt, particularly but upon what should be done at this time. Some expressed the belief that the organization should be perfected at this Conference, not knowing but that the Lord would hold us responsible for neglect of duty if we failed. Among those who entertained these views was, I think, Elders [Albert]
Carrington [Wilford] Woodruff, [Charles c.] Rich, [George Q.] Cannon and [Albert] Carrington. Elders Lorenzo Snow, [Franklin D.] Richards wanted to do just what was right, though did not feel the presure that others perhaps did, at this time for a movement in this direction. Elder D[aniel] H Wells thought it should have been done long ago. Elder Joseph F. Smith expressed doubt, saying that the Spirit had not impressed on him that the organization at this time was either very important or required: thought that every thing in the church was moving harmoneously and that the Saints were not only satisfied but happy under the administration of the Twelve. He for one did not want to live to see repeated what had occurred in the Church, in ignoring the quorum of Apostles and other quorums of the Church. Referred to a prediction which was said to have been made, by our late president Brigham Young, when he was last at the Saint George [Utah] Temple. He had been credibly informed that
president Young said, referring to the Saints 'You think I have been hard in many things but I want to say to you that the little finger of my successor will rest more heavily upon this people, than my whole body has ever done.' Elder Smith asked the brethren present if any of them had heard that uttered by president Young. None appeared to have done so: Elder Cannon thought he had heard him say that 'John Taylor would be his successor.' Elder Wells said that he did not believe that any man ever heard president Young say that,'-for he knew, that he never thought so. President Taylor observed that we had nothing to do with what president Youngs successor might or might not do. It was our place to do our duty and leave the consequences with God. Being the youngest member of the quorum I spoke last; not however until I was asked direct for an expression of my views. I gave them honestly; saying that if the 'necessity' referred to in the Book of Covenants, had arisen there was but one
course to persue and that was to organize the quorum now. But I must honestly confess, though I had most earnestly sought in prayer for light, since the subject had been introduced, that I was not impressed with any necessity for such a move at this time; for I did not believe that the people either expected it, or desired it now. ... On the following day the subject again being brought up, was further discussed and finallyon motion of Elder C[harles]. Rich Elder John Taylor was nomenated and sustained as president by the vote of all present. He chose Elders George Q Cannon and Joseph F Smith as his counsellers. Proceeding at once to a general priesthood meeting being held in the Assembly Hall (Evening) the brethren wee also voted for there and unanimously sustained; it having been explained by Elder Pratt, that the Twelve had taken action on the matter. Two of the vacancies made thus in the Quorum were filled by the choice of Francis Marion Lyman and John Henry Smith. May the
blessings of the Almighty rest upon the moves made by us in this direction this day; that Israel may rejoice and be glad under the approval of our Heavenly Father, is my earnest prayer in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord Amen.
[Moses Thatcher 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]
145 years ago today - Oct 6, 1880
Most of the apostles oppose John Taylor's proposal to organize the First Presidency during a series of meetings but finally accepts his motion the evening of 9 Oct.
[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)]]
155 years ago today - Oct 6, 1870 (Afternoon, Conference)
.... Brother Orson Hyde referred to a few who complained about not getting revelations. I will make a statement here that has been brought against me as a crime, perhaps, or as a fault in my life. Not here, I do not allude to anything of the kind in this place, but in the councils of the nations'"that Brigham Young has said '"when he sends forth his discourses to the world they may call them Scripture.'" I say now, when they are copied and approved by me they are as good Scripture as is couched in this Bible, and if you want to read revelation read the sayings of him who knows the mind of God, without any special command to one man to go here, and to another to go yonder, or to do this or that, or to go and settle here or there. In the early days of the Church, if a man was going to sell a farm he must have a revelation'"Joseph must receive and give a revelation. Many men would not do one thing until God had given them a revelation through the prophet. It must be: '"Thus saith the
Lord, sell your farm, devote such a portion of your means to education, or printing, or for distributing knowledge to the world. Devote such a portion of your means to do this, and such a portion to do that.'" I have known a good many men in the early days of the Church who had property, that must have revelation to know what disposition to make of their substance; but who, when they received it, were sure not to strictly obey it. What did revelation do for such persons? Nothing but seal their condemnation....
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 13:261-268 in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Lord, sell your farm, devote such a portion of your means to education, or printing, or for distributing knowledge to the world. Devote such a portion of your means to do this, and such a portion to do that.'" I have known a good many men in the early days of the Church who had property, that must have revelation to know what disposition to make of their substance; but who, when they received it, were sure not to strictly obey it. What did revelation do for such persons? Nothing but seal their condemnation....
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 13:261-268 in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
150 years ago today - Oct 6, 1875
William McLellin is quoted in the Salt Lake Tribune alleging one extra-marital relationship by Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
165 years ago today - Oct 6, 1860 (Evening, Conference)
The President [Brigham Young] enquired of him [Br. Budge] his birthplace and ascertained from [him that] it was Scotland, and remarked most of the Anglo-Saxon races will be found to be of the blood of Israel. -- SLC Tabernacle
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, 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 - Oct 6, 1845 (Monday)
The first general conference of the Saints for three years was commenced in the Temple, the Prophet Joseph having ordered that they should not hold another general conference until they could meet in that house. The conference continued for three days. Wm. Smith was dropped as an Apostle and Patriarch.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Oct 6, 1845 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young Sermon]
President Brigham Young ... he said that William Smith had made a great many threats about what he would do, but if he undertook to treat them as he had his brother Joseph, he would find out that he had got the wrong man to deal with for once. He further said that he carried a little toothpick around with him for his own protection, at the same time drawing a long, thin dagger out of a walking cane and presenting it before the congregation, and said it would not be healthy for any man to lay violent hands on him'"if they did he would run that through them, so help him God, if he had power. President Young asserted that we owed the United States nothing, not a farthing, not one sermon. They have rejected our testimony, killed our prophets; our skirts are clear from their blood. We will go out from them; let them see these matters. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Jesse W. Crosby Journal, HC, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
President Brigham Young ... he said that William Smith had made a great many threats about what he would do, but if he undertook to treat them as he had his brother Joseph, he would find out that he had got the wrong man to deal with for once. He further said that he carried a little toothpick around with him for his own protection, at the same time drawing a long, thin dagger out of a walking cane and presenting it before the congregation, and said it would not be healthy for any man to lay violent hands on him'"if they did he would run that through them, so help him God, if he had power. President Young asserted that we owed the United States nothing, not a farthing, not one sermon. They have rejected our testimony, killed our prophets; our skirts are clear from their blood. We will go out from them; let them see these matters. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Jesse W. Crosby Journal, HC, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Oct 6, 1840
John C. Bennett begins daily visits to Sarah Pratt's residence, staying late into the night. Orson Pratt would not return from his mission to England until the following Jul.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
185 years ago today - Oct 6, 1840. Tuesday.
At night Elizabeth and William Poole spoke in tongues. He prophesied of the death of his child.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
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