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]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
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]
80 years ago today - Oct 5, 1945-7
The first general, unrestricted conference of the Church in four years was held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. (During World War II, general conferences were limited to general, stake, and ward priesthood leaders.)
[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]
115 years ago today - Oct 5, 1910; Wednesday
[To several Stake Presidents]
Dear Brethren:
We deem it advisable to address a letter to you and to each of the Stake Presidencies in regard to a matter that is causing us much anxiety.
You will recall that at the general conference of April 1904, President Joseph F. Smith made the following statement, afterwards published, defining the attitude of the Church in regard to plural marriages: ...
After the Church had thus spoken plainly, we took it for granted that none of its members would be found disobeying its voice. But in the face of this action, emphasized repeatedly in private and public by us, and the Apostles as well, we now find that some person or persons have assumed authority to solemnize plural marriages, and that men and women have entered into polygamous relations through having been married under such pretended authority.
...Nevertheless it becomes our duty to request you to instruct each Bishop in your Stake to carry out the provisions of the foregoing resolutions by dealing with offenders, if any there be in his Ward, in accordance therewith.
We also desire to make it known to all the Saints in your Stake that no one has been authorized to solemnize plural marriages, and that he who advises, counsels or entices any person to contract a plural marriage renders himself liable to excommunication, as well as th[o]s[e] who enter into such unlawful relations....
Your brethren,
Joseph F. Smith,
Anthon H. Lund
John Henry Smith ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Dear Brethren:
We deem it advisable to address a letter to you and to each of the Stake Presidencies in regard to a matter that is causing us much anxiety.
You will recall that at the general conference of April 1904, President Joseph F. Smith made the following statement, afterwards published, defining the attitude of the Church in regard to plural marriages: ...
After the Church had thus spoken plainly, we took it for granted that none of its members would be found disobeying its voice. But in the face of this action, emphasized repeatedly in private and public by us, and the Apostles as well, we now find that some person or persons have assumed authority to solemnize plural marriages, and that men and women have entered into polygamous relations through having been married under such pretended authority.
...Nevertheless it becomes our duty to request you to instruct each Bishop in your Stake to carry out the provisions of the foregoing resolutions by dealing with offenders, if any there be in his Ward, in accordance therewith.
We also desire to make it known to all the Saints in your Stake that no one has been authorized to solemnize plural marriages, and that he who advises, counsels or entices any person to contract a plural marriage renders himself liable to excommunication, as well as th[o]s[e] who enter into such unlawful relations....
Your brethren,
Joseph F. Smith,
Anthon H. Lund
John Henry Smith ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Oct 5, 1905; Thursday
Brother George A[lbert]. Smith reported that last Sunday night he attended meeting of the Reorganized Church, and heard its president, Joseph Smith [III], speak. During his address he stated he was baptized by his father, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and had never been excommunicated. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Oct 5, 1890
[Heber J. Grant]
The matters considered at the Gardo was as to whether there should be a vote taken tomorrow on the Manifesto by the conference or not. The matter was left entirely in the hands of Prest. Woodruff to act. It was the feelings of those present that Brother Jno T. Caine was the best man to be nominated for Congress ... I am amused, when I see the increase of faith among the saints, at the remarks of our enemies that the Mormon Church is on the decline.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The matters considered at the Gardo was as to whether there should be a vote taken tomorrow on the Manifesto by the conference or not. The matter was left entirely in the hands of Prest. Woodruff to act. It was the feelings of those present that Brother Jno T. Caine was the best man to be nominated for Congress ... I am amused, when I see the increase of faith among the saints, at the remarks of our enemies that the Mormon Church is on the decline.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 5, 1890
President George Q. Cannon occupied the time of the meeting ... spoke of the second coming of the Savior and said we need not look for that event to take place in 1891. ...
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Oct. 5, 1845
And no man need tell me that B Young do[e]s not claim, to be the prophet, Seer & perpetual head of this church, for I know that he do[e]s and you know that it Lawfully & Legal[l]y belongs to Lidle [Little] Joseph [Joseph Smith III] But I shall say no further onley [only] I am not a Brighamite ...
[William Smith to Brother Robbins]
[William Smith to Brother Robbins]
185 years ago today - 1840 5 Oct.
On motion of John C. Bennett, the general conference votes that no one be judged guilty of a crime unless proven "by two or three witnesses." This was Bennett's way of shielding his own extra-marital sexual activities with both females and males.
[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]
185 years ago today - 1840 Oct 5
A general conference is held in Nauvoo . The conference moves to send some brethren to preside over the building up of Kirtland as the gathering place of the eastern Saints. Joseph speaks on the necessity of building a house of the Lord in Nauvoo, the newly disclosed doctrine of baptism for the dead, the two priesthoods, the ordinances, Adam and the keys of the presidency, the mission of Enoch, a need for sacrifice, the mission of Elijah, and the restoration of all ordinances. (See HC 207-12.) The building of the temple is authorized and building committees are appointed. Nauvoo charter proposed. Resolution: No person can be considered guilty of a crime unless proved so by the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses ...
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
190 years ago today - Oct 5, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
In the evening attend[ed] a High Councel of the Twelve Apostles. Had a glorious time and gave them many instruction[s] concerning their duties for time to come. Told them that it was the will of God they should take their families to Missouri next season.
Also [told them to] attend this fall the Solemn Assembly of the first Elders for the organization of the School of the Prophets and attend to the ordinence of the washing of feet and to prepare the[i]r hearts in all humility for an endowment with power from on high. To which they all agreed with one accord and seamed to be greatly rejoiced. May God spare the lives of the Twelve [Apostles] with one accord to a good old age for Christ the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
In the evening attend[ed] a High Councel of the Twelve Apostles. Had a glorious time and gave them many instruction[s] concerning their duties for time to come. Told them that it was the will of God they should take their families to Missouri next season.
Also [told them to] attend this fall the Solemn Assembly of the first Elders for the organization of the School of the Prophets and attend to the ordinence of the washing of feet and to prepare the[i]r hearts in all humility for an endowment with power from on high. To which they all agreed with one accord and seamed to be greatly rejoiced. May God spare the lives of the Twelve [Apostles] with one accord to a good old age for Christ the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 4, 1900
[Rudger Clawson]
I was in perfect harmony with the brethren of the Twelve and the First Presidency and held myself ready to accept from them correction and reproof when needful. Called attention to a great evil existing in the church, namely, the failure of the acting teachers generally to magnify their callings....
A letter from the presidency of the Snowflake Stake was read by the clerk.. They alluded to the subject of round dancing and said that for a period of about 20 years this mode of dancing had not been permitted in the stake over which they presided—and this by common consent; but now the young people in part were asking for round dances. The brethren were, therefore, appealed to for counsel in the matter.
Some discussion followed the reading of the letter and it was shown to be a difficult matter to control round dancing in the church. The rule permitting two round dances at a party was not enforced, but generally every other dance was a round dance. It was shown that if the young people were denied this privilege or even very greatly restricted, they would go beyond control and would patronize objectionable dance halls. It was also further shown that the evil of round dances, as existing formerly, was at least in part done away. The position taken in the dance was such as almost to entirely prevent "hugging." Some objections to the square dance were mentioned, such as "spinning" on the corners, which was thought to be equally as bad, if not worse than round dancing. It seemed to be the sentiment of the brethren that it would probably be best to allow round dancing without any very serious restrictions as to number in order to keep the young people under the influence and
control of the church. Apostle J. H. Smith was authorized to talk with the presidency of the Snowflake Stake at the coming conference respecting this matter and suggest to them that it would be well to gratify the young people of their stake.
...The tables were spread and the sacrament administered, Apostle B. Young being mouth in blessing the bread and wine. While at the table Pres. Snow made brief remarks. He spoke of the union of the brethren and said we witness today that which has seldom been seen in the world, namely, the perfect union of 15 men—the First Presidency and Twelve. He was sure, he said, that the Lord was pleased with our union, and in this union the brethren are in advance of the Twelve who were with the Savior. There were heartburnings and divisions among them....
[President Snow:] We talk about Jackson County; why, I know a brother who is today holding in reserve a thousand dollars to assist in redeeming Jackson County. That spirit is among the people. I believe the Lord will open the way by cyclones and storms for the redemption of Jackson County. These things are coming....
[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]
I was in perfect harmony with the brethren of the Twelve and the First Presidency and held myself ready to accept from them correction and reproof when needful. Called attention to a great evil existing in the church, namely, the failure of the acting teachers generally to magnify their callings....
A letter from the presidency of the Snowflake Stake was read by the clerk.. They alluded to the subject of round dancing and said that for a period of about 20 years this mode of dancing had not been permitted in the stake over which they presided—and this by common consent; but now the young people in part were asking for round dances. The brethren were, therefore, appealed to for counsel in the matter.
Some discussion followed the reading of the letter and it was shown to be a difficult matter to control round dancing in the church. The rule permitting two round dances at a party was not enforced, but generally every other dance was a round dance. It was shown that if the young people were denied this privilege or even very greatly restricted, they would go beyond control and would patronize objectionable dance halls. It was also further shown that the evil of round dances, as existing formerly, was at least in part done away. The position taken in the dance was such as almost to entirely prevent "hugging." Some objections to the square dance were mentioned, such as "spinning" on the corners, which was thought to be equally as bad, if not worse than round dancing. It seemed to be the sentiment of the brethren that it would probably be best to allow round dancing without any very serious restrictions as to number in order to keep the young people under the influence and
control of the church. Apostle J. H. Smith was authorized to talk with the presidency of the Snowflake Stake at the coming conference respecting this matter and suggest to them that it would be well to gratify the young people of their stake.
...The tables were spread and the sacrament administered, Apostle B. Young being mouth in blessing the bread and wine. While at the table Pres. Snow made brief remarks. He spoke of the union of the brethren and said we witness today that which has seldom been seen in the world, namely, the perfect union of 15 men—the First Presidency and Twelve. He was sure, he said, that the Lord was pleased with our union, and in this union the brethren are in advance of the Twelve who were with the Savior. There were heartburnings and divisions among them....
[President Snow:] We talk about Jackson County; why, I know a brother who is today holding in reserve a thousand dollars to assist in redeeming Jackson County. That spirit is among the people. I believe the Lord will open the way by cyclones and storms for the redemption of Jackson County. These things are coming....
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Oct 4, 1900; Thursday
I found a sister awaiting me, who enquired if she could be sealed to a man she loved, who had a wife. I informed her she could not. I further said:--if you desire to be the man's wife eternally, give him a writing, that he may have you and your 4 childrn sealed under the Everlasting Covenant at your death or at his death. I warned her not to permit him to be too familiar with her least [sic] she be condemned of God.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
135 years ago today - Oct 4, 1890
Less than two weeks after the issuing of the Manifesto Byron H. Allred accompanied by a young woman, visits Wilford Woodruff's office to ask permission to marry polygamously. President Woodruff patiently explains the reasons he had issued the Manifesto and then tells Allred to move as soon as possible with his intended plural wife to Mexico where Alexander F. Macdonald would perform the ceremony.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Oct 4, 1860
Brigham Young's financial report informs general conference that from 1857 to this date, the church spent a total of "$70,204 in excess of what has been received in money and Tithing." This is the first financial report to acknowledge the church's deficit spending.
[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)]]
170 years ago today - Oct 04, 1855
The ship Julia Ann, with twenty-eight members of the Church from Australia on board, wrecks on a coral reef near the Scilly Islands. Five Latter-day Saints die, but all others are eventually rescued and complete their journey to San Francisco.
180 years ago today - Saturday, Oct 4, 1845
Elder Richards prophesied that we should have means to move all the poor and want for nothing. Elder Kimball said, Amen. ... Each family [crossing the planes] consisting of five adults, will require ... Two pounds of Tea, five pounds of coffee ... One Keg of Alcohol of five gallons for each two families. ...
[Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
[Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
190 years ago today - Oct 4, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
Sunday, 4th Started early in the mornin[g] with Brother J. Carrell [John Corrill] to hold a meeting in Perry [Geauga County, Ohio]. When about a mile from home we saw two Dears playing in the field which diverted our minds by giving an impatus to our thoughts upon the subject of the creation of God. We conversed upon many topicks and the day passed off in a very agreeable manner. The Lord blessed our souls.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Sunday, 4th Started early in the mornin[g] with Brother J. Carrell [John Corrill] to hold a meeting in Perry [Geauga County, Ohio]. When about a mile from home we saw two Dears playing in the field which diverted our minds by giving an impatus to our thoughts upon the subject of the creation of God. We conversed upon many topicks and the day passed off in a very agreeable manner. The Lord blessed our souls.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
55 years ago today - Oct 3, 1970
Fawn Brodie gives the first annual "American West" lecture at the Hotel Utah. Her lecture is titled "Can We Manipulate the Past?"
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
95 years ago today - Oct 03, 1930
J. Reuben Clark is appointed as U.S. ambassador to Mexico, becoming the first Church member to be appointed as an ambassador.
110 years ago today - Oct 3, 1915
Joseph F. Smith preaches: "Not long ago I happened to be at the home of one of my children when the [ward] teachers came in. We called the family together and submitted ourselves to the duties of the teachers. The head teacher began by saying that he had been sent there by the bishop of the ward to inquire into the condition of the members of the family. He was instructed to inquire of them if they held family prayer, morning and evening, if they asked the blessing upon their food, at each meal. He was required by the bishop to inquire as to whether they kept the word of wisdom, as to whether they attended to their Sabbath meetings and honored the Sabbath day, as to whether those who were of age to attend the various other organizations of the Church, such as the Relief Society, the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, the Sunday Schools, the Primary Associations, and the Religion Class, did so, and if they sustained in their hearts their bishop and his
counselors and were united in feeling and sentiment with them, and if they were in harmony in their feelings and sentiment with the presidency of their stake. And as to whether they sustained, by their faith and prayers, the presiding authorities of the Church, the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles, the Patriarch, the Presidents of Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. If they could pray for them in faith and in good feeling, and were in harmony with them. If they believed and observed the law of tithing, and were at peace with their neighbors, etc. Then he asked that the head of the family should arise and open his heart to the teachers and tell them just what he had to say in relation to all these inquiries and requirements that were made of the teacher by the bishop. I admired it. I thought it was just the right thing to do, and I approved of it, and so pronounced my approval of the thoroughness. the simplicity. and the honesty of the teacher to inquire into all
these things."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
counselors and were united in feeling and sentiment with them, and if they were in harmony in their feelings and sentiment with the presidency of their stake. And as to whether they sustained, by their faith and prayers, the presiding authorities of the Church, the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles, the Patriarch, the Presidents of Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. If they could pray for them in faith and in good feeling, and were in harmony with them. If they believed and observed the law of tithing, and were at peace with their neighbors, etc. Then he asked that the head of the family should arise and open his heart to the teachers and tell them just what he had to say in relation to all these inquiries and requirements that were made of the teacher by the bishop. I admired it. I thought it was just the right thing to do, and I approved of it, and so pronounced my approval of the thoroughness. the simplicity. and the honesty of the teacher to inquire into all
these things."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Oct 3, 1910 (Monday)
Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells was chosen to succeed the late Bathsheba W. Smith as president of all the Relief Societies in the Church.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Oct 3, 1910; Monday
At 10:30 I met with the Council of the Twelve in the temple and heard the [Judson] Toleman case to conclusion and we excommunicated him, Patriarch Toleman for performing plural marriages and himself taking a wife since the declaration of
Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith of Apr[il]. 1904.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith of Apr[il]. 1904.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
120 years ago today - Oct 3, 1905
[At apostles' quarterly meetings:] ... Any good sister who may desire a blessing at the hand of her sisters before her confinement may be thus administered to. And any good sister who has received her endowments and who is in good standing in the Church might officiate in washing and anointing previous to confinement, if called upon, or if requested to do so, by the sister or sisters desiring the blessing. But in no instance should a sister take the initiative by offering to do this.... Some sisters are gifted in administering and comforting with faith, and yet may hold no official position in the relief society. Then again the sister desiring a blessing might have a choice as to whom she would prefer to render her this service. They should avoid all reference to ceremonies of the temple, and should be very careful not to detract from or encroach upon the privileges or uses of the priesthood. We have heard that the labors of our sisters in this respect have resulted in benefit
and blessing, and that the services of sisters capable of officiating in this ordinance are being sought after. The advice given to all of our sisters who may be called upon to render this service to our sisters approaching their confinement is that they shall regard it in the spirit of the greatest solemnity, and not fail to call upon the Lord in prayer previous to officiating in this as well as every other sacred duty.
[Rudger Clawson 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]
and blessing, and that the services of sisters capable of officiating in this ordinance are being sought after. The advice given to all of our sisters who may be called upon to render this service to our sisters approaching their confinement is that they shall regard it in the spirit of the greatest solemnity, and not fail to call upon the Lord in prayer previous to officiating in this as well as every other sacred duty.
[Rudger Clawson Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 3, 1900
Apostle H. J. Grant was the next speaker. Felt, he said, that those who fail to observe the word of wisdom and pay their tithing ought not to be sustained in presiding positions....
[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]
[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]
130 years ago today - Oct 3, 1895
[Heber J. Grant]
Abraham H. Cannon told of his having had typhoid fever in 1885 and that his spirit left the body and he visited his mother and had a chat with her. He had seen a beautiful country such as brother Merrill had told us of yesterday. His mother told him that he could remain with her if he wished and he said that he would be pleased to remain but when he came to think of his condition and how his family would be left financially if he were to pass away from the earth he decided that he would prefer to return to the earth again. He like brother Merrill had had noticed that there was no sun, but that there was a very brilliant light. I was told by a voice that I could live if I wished to and that the choice rested with me. When I returned to the earth and was about to enter my body again I felt a revulsion of feelings against doing so When I had entered my body and opened my eyes I found my family around me weeping and found that a cloth was tied around my head and preparations were being
made to save my body washed as it was thought that I was dead. Brother Franklin D. Richards came in soon after and administered to me and he used the same words that were used when I was with my mother in which I was told that it was for me to decide as to whether I should live or die. I was very sick after that and many times my folks thought that I would die but I knew that I would live as I had decided to live and the promise that I should do so I felt was from the Lord.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Abraham H. Cannon told of his having had typhoid fever in 1885 and that his spirit left the body and he visited his mother and had a chat with her. He had seen a beautiful country such as brother Merrill had told us of yesterday. His mother told him that he could remain with her if he wished and he said that he would be pleased to remain but when he came to think of his condition and how his family would be left financially if he were to pass away from the earth he decided that he would prefer to return to the earth again. He like brother Merrill had had noticed that there was no sun, but that there was a very brilliant light. I was told by a voice that I could live if I wished to and that the choice rested with me. When I returned to the earth and was about to enter my body again I felt a revulsion of feelings against doing so When I had entered my body and opened my eyes I found my family around me weeping and found that a cloth was tied around my head and preparations were being
made to save my body washed as it was thought that I was dead. Brother Franklin D. Richards came in soon after and administered to me and he used the same words that were used when I was with my mother in which I was told that it was for me to decide as to whether I should live or die. I was very sick after that and many times my folks thought that I would die but I knew that I would live as I had decided to live and the promise that I should do so I felt was from the Lord.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Oct 3, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
have arived at a strange state of affairs in the History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have recorded many Events in my Journals of the History of the Church for the Last 50 years of my life we have been persecuted by individuals villages towns Counties States & Now the whole great Nation of the United States of some 60,000,000 of people have set their hand to destroy the Church & Kingdom of God from off the Earth. The Congress Passed Laws in 1862 Against the Saints for practicing poligamy it being a tenit of our religion. The Nation was not ripe Enough to inforce untill of late.
In 1882 Congress passed a law making it a Crime to Cohabit with our wives. Made it a fine of $300 and imprisionment 6 months. Marshals & Judges were sent to Utah to Exicute this Law ...
The Judges & Marshals seem perfectly insane. Judge Zane puts the penalty of those who will not Deny the faith to the full extent of the Law then Blackguards the prisioners Calls their wives Prostitutes & Children Bastards For Cohabitation. All who do not Deny the faith are sent to Prision 6 month & have to pay a fine of $300....
Out of the whole Number so far up to date has been five parties whore Deserted their wives & Children, Broaken their Coven[an]ts Denyed their religion & dishonored God ... this is now the test which is to try all the Elders of Israel who have obeyed the Celestial Law of Marriage.
As a Historian I would say I would rather be shot dead in the Streets or struck with lightning than to Desert my Children Break my Covenants turn my wives into the Street & desert them with whom I have made sacred Covenants Deny my religion & Dishonor God. The decision I we now make will decide our Destiny for all time & Eternity. We have but a short time to live here but a long Eternity to Live on the other side of the Veil. And any man who is faithful to his wives & Children, his Covenants his religion & his God in this life if it Costs him fines, imprisionment Bonds, or Death No power beneath the Heavens Can deprive him from Enjoying the Society of his wives, & Children his family and friends, The prophets & Apostles & the society of God & Lamb, to all Eternity after the Resurrection.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
have arived at a strange state of affairs in the History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have recorded many Events in my Journals of the History of the Church for the Last 50 years of my life we have been persecuted by individuals villages towns Counties States & Now the whole great Nation of the United States of some 60,000,000 of people have set their hand to destroy the Church & Kingdom of God from off the Earth. The Congress Passed Laws in 1862 Against the Saints for practicing poligamy it being a tenit of our religion. The Nation was not ripe Enough to inforce untill of late.
In 1882 Congress passed a law making it a Crime to Cohabit with our wives. Made it a fine of $300 and imprisionment 6 months. Marshals & Judges were sent to Utah to Exicute this Law ...
The Judges & Marshals seem perfectly insane. Judge Zane puts the penalty of those who will not Deny the faith to the full extent of the Law then Blackguards the prisioners Calls their wives Prostitutes & Children Bastards For Cohabitation. All who do not Deny the faith are sent to Prision 6 month & have to pay a fine of $300....
Out of the whole Number so far up to date has been five parties whore Deserted their wives & Children, Broaken their Coven[an]ts Denyed their religion & dishonored God ... this is now the test which is to try all the Elders of Israel who have obeyed the Celestial Law of Marriage.
As a Historian I would say I would rather be shot dead in the Streets or struck with lightning than to Desert my Children Break my Covenants turn my wives into the Street & desert them with whom I have made sacred Covenants Deny my religion & Dishonor God. The decision I we now make will decide our Destiny for all time & Eternity. We have but a short time to live here but a long Eternity to Live on the other side of the Veil. And any man who is faithful to his wives & Children, his Covenants his religion & his God in this life if it Costs him fines, imprisionment Bonds, or Death No power beneath the Heavens Can deprive him from Enjoying the Society of his wives, & Children his family and friends, The prophets & Apostles & the society of God & Lamb, to all Eternity after the Resurrection.
[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 3, 1875 (Sunday)
U.S. Grant, President of the United States, arrived in Salt Lake City, on a visit. He was met by Pres. Brigham Young and other prominent men at Ogden.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
185 years ago today - Oct 3, 1840
A conference at Nauvoo decides to build a temple, each Saint tithing his tenth-day's labor to the project.
[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]
190 years ago today - Oct 3, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
[I] exhibited to them [the Twelve] the ancient reccords in my possession [Egyptian papyri] and gave explanation of the same. Thus the day passed off with the blessings of 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]
[I] exhibited to them [the Twelve] the ancient reccords in my possession [Egyptian papyri] and gave explanation of the same. Thus the day passed off with the blessings of 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]
40 years ago today - Oct 2, 1985
A letter from the LDS Church Education System's Zone Administrators of Curriculum and Instruction Division to area directors, associate area directors, teaching support consultants, CES coordinators, institute directors, and seminary principals: "Even if the letters [circulated by mark Hofmann] were to be unauthentic [as they are], such issues as Joseph Smith's involvement in treasure-seeking and folk magic remain. Ample evidence exists for both of these, even without the letters. The publicity surrounding the letters served only to heighten the general public's awareness of these two issues."
[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)]]
50 years ago today - Oct 2, 1975
[Leonard J. Arrington]
A Relief Society conference is held on the heels of conferences in April and June for the Primary and Young Women organizations. The format is changed to eliminate training workshops directed by women. Confusion caused by general authorities repeating the same addresses to all three conferences results three years later in limiting the Relief Society to an annual evening meeting in April and the Young Women to a short evening program in September, while dropping the Primary from the conference schedule altogether.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
A Relief Society conference is held on the heels of conferences in April and June for the Primary and Young Women organizations. The format is changed to eliminate training workshops directed by women. Confusion caused by general authorities repeating the same addresses to all three conferences results three years later in limiting the Relief Society to an annual evening meeting in April and the Young Women to a short evening program in September, while dropping the Primary from the conference schedule altogether.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
50 years ago today - Oct 2, 1975
The conclusion of the last Relief Society conference. The Primary and Young Women's organizations held their last conferences the previous Apr. and June. Beginning in September 1978, there are annual meetings for women, but these lack the several days of training workshops previously directed by women.
[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 2,1910
First anti-Mormon film, Victim of the Mormons ("Mormonens Offer"), opens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Film goes into international distribution, is publicly condemned by Apostle David O. McKay at next general conference. It is target of first censorship effort led by Utah governor (William Spry, LDS).
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
130 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 2, 1895
Bro. [Marriner W.] Merrill gave us an account of dreams and visions given to him, also a marvelous escape from death being rescued by an unseen hand when a large log had rolled upon him and he was unable to help himself. He lost himself and when he came to, his wagon was loaded and he was on it riding home and fully one mile from where the accident had occured.
[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]
130 years ago today - Oct 2, 1895
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Bro[ther] Moses T[hatcher]. called upon Pres[iden]ts [George Q.] C[annon] & [Joseph F.] S[mith]. were present. Bro[ther]. M[oses]. talked as he did to me quite set in his opinions that he was illy used by Pres[idency]. & Twelve. He could see how the Pres[idency]. can dictate to him or anyone else in political matters in which I think he is right, but how Bro[ther]. M[oses]. T[hatcher]. can throw down the responsibilities of his priesthood and pick up politics without consulting the authority under which he has covenanted to labor is beyond my comprehension. He throws away the Priesthood & hugs politics, rendering fealty to the world at the same time inconstant to his former vows.
[Brigham Young Jr. 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]
Bro[ther] Moses T[hatcher]. called upon Pres[iden]ts [George Q.] C[annon] & [Joseph F.] S[mith]. were present. Bro[ther]. M[oses]. talked as he did to me quite set in his opinions that he was illy used by Pres[idency]. & Twelve. He could see how the Pres[idency]. can dictate to him or anyone else in political matters in which I think he is right, but how Bro[ther]. M[oses]. T[hatcher]. can throw down the responsibilities of his priesthood and pick up politics without consulting the authority under which he has covenanted to labor is beyond my comprehension. He throws away the Priesthood & hugs politics, rendering fealty to the world at the same time inconstant to his former vows.
[Brigham Young Jr. 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]
135 years ago today - Oct 2, 1890
[Heber J. Grant]
At noon attended a meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the Gardo House. Prest. Woodruff wished to have the expressions of the brethren regarding the Manifesto and a vote was taken fully endorsing it. There was a feeling that it would be a good thing to have theManifesto voted on at Conference by the people among some of the brethren and with others that it should not be referred to only so far as to tell the saints that it had the approval of the Counselors of Presidnet Woodruff and the Aprostles. I wanted the announcement made but did not want it put to the saints for a vote. There was no decision made but we were requested to make the matter a subject of prayer and then we could decide on some action in the premises. Our meeting was an interesing [sic] one and Prest. Woodruff explained the reasons that caused him to publish the Manifesto. The question came up that now our enemies would demand that our people come into court and promise to obey the law and to descard their
wives. Prest. Woodruff said that he would see them in the very best possible kind of a hell first. He said that htere was no telling what we might have to do in the future, but at the present time he felthtat we must be true to our wives. There was a motion carried that we use our influence privately to get our people not to promise to desert their wives when they are taken into court.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At noon attended a meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the Gardo House. Prest. Woodruff wished to have the expressions of the brethren regarding the Manifesto and a vote was taken fully endorsing it. There was a feeling that it would be a good thing to have theManifesto voted on at Conference by the people among some of the brethren and with others that it should not be referred to only so far as to tell the saints that it had the approval of the Counselors of Presidnet Woodruff and the Aprostles. I wanted the announcement made but did not want it put to the saints for a vote. There was no decision made but we were requested to make the matter a subject of prayer and then we could decide on some action in the premises. Our meeting was an interesing [sic] one and Prest. Woodruff explained the reasons that caused him to publish the Manifesto. The question came up that now our enemies would demand that our people come into court and promise to obey the law and to descard their
wives. Prest. Woodruff said that he would see them in the very best possible kind of a hell first. He said that htere was no telling what we might have to do in the future, but at the present time he felthtat we must be true to our wives. There was a motion carried that we use our influence privately to get our people not to promise to desert their wives when they are taken into court.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 2, 1890
The matter being introduced by President Woodruff, after due consideration, Brother F[rancis]. M. Lyman moved that it be the sense of the Council that we fully approve and will sustain the manifesto on plural marriage issued by President Woodruff. Seconded by A[nthon]. H. Lund and carried unanimously. The question of the advice to be given those brethren who were brought before the courts for adultery and unlawful cohabitation with regard to promising to obey the law, was taken up and considered at length. President George Q. Cannon moved that we use our influence quietly with our brethren (not openly to bring us in conflict with the Manifesto) to prevent them going into court and promising to obey the law, and that negotiations be entered into looking to an arrangement between ourselves and the Government as to how in the future polygamists should treat their already existing families. Seconded by President Joseph F. Smith and carried unanimously.
[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]
150 years ago today - Oct 2, 1875
[Orson Pratt]
"God has sent forth His warning message in the midst of this nation, but they have rejected it and treated His servants with contempt; the Lord has gathered out His people from their midst, and has planted them here in these mountains; and He will speedily fulfill the prophecy in relation to the overthrow of this nation, and their destruction. We shall be obliged to have a government to preserve ourselves in unity and peace; for they, through being wasted away, will not have the power to govern; for state will be divided against state, city against city, town against town, and the whole country will be in terror and confusion; mobocracy will prevail and there will be no security, through this great Republic, for the lives or property of the people."
[Orson Pratt, Deseret Evening News, Oct. 2, 187, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"God has sent forth His warning message in the midst of this nation, but they have rejected it and treated His servants with contempt; the Lord has gathered out His people from their midst, and has planted them here in these mountains; and He will speedily fulfill the prophecy in relation to the overthrow of this nation, and their destruction. We shall be obliged to have a government to preserve ourselves in unity and peace; for they, through being wasted away, will not have the power to govern; for state will be divided against state, city against city, town against town, and the whole country will be in terror and confusion; mobocracy will prevail and there will be no security, through this great Republic, for the lives or property of the people."
[Orson Pratt, Deseret Evening News, Oct. 2, 187, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
185 years ago today - Oct 2, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
Oct 2d Elder Kimball & myself arose from our bed in the morning with the power of God resting upon us. Yea the spirit of God is like fire shut up in my bones. O my God, why is thy spirit thus upon me? Why is mine eyes this morning a fountain of tears? What art thou about to do O my God that causes this thing? I ask the father to tell it unto me in the name of Jesus Christ thy son.
Thus Saith the Lord God unto thee my servant Willford. This is my spirit that resteth upon thee to enlighten thy mind to show the things to cum not ownly upon thee but upon all my faithful servants upon the face of the whole earth. Therefore lift up thy voice & spare not for I am about to perform a great work upon the face of the earth Saith the Lord. Mine indignation is about to be poured out without mixture upon the heads of this nation & all the nations of the earth & they shall not escape. The cry of the poor, the widow & orphan is assending into mine ears Saith the Lord & I am about to avenge the cry of mine elect by laying low the oppresser & executing the decree of mine heart upon all the ungodly from among men.
Therefore I put my spirit upon the & say unto thee lift up thy voice & spare not & Call upon all men to repent that cume within the sound of thy voice & many souls shall be given unto the & great shall be thy reward & eternal shall be thy glory Saith the Lord.
The people are much stired up throughout the Potteries. They feel as they never felt before. They believ that sumthing in earnest is cuming in. Great distress is resting upon the peopl. The poor are perishing for bread through the streets. I walked to Stoke & we preached to the people. The power of God was upon us. 3 were Baptized & we confirmed them. We spent the night at Stoke. 3 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Oct 2d Elder Kimball & myself arose from our bed in the morning with the power of God resting upon us. Yea the spirit of God is like fire shut up in my bones. O my God, why is thy spirit thus upon me? Why is mine eyes this morning a fountain of tears? What art thou about to do O my God that causes this thing? I ask the father to tell it unto me in the name of Jesus Christ thy son.
Thus Saith the Lord God unto thee my servant Willford. This is my spirit that resteth upon thee to enlighten thy mind to show the things to cum not ownly upon thee but upon all my faithful servants upon the face of the whole earth. Therefore lift up thy voice & spare not for I am about to perform a great work upon the face of the earth Saith the Lord. Mine indignation is about to be poured out without mixture upon the heads of this nation & all the nations of the earth & they shall not escape. The cry of the poor, the widow & orphan is assending into mine ears Saith the Lord & I am about to avenge the cry of mine elect by laying low the oppresser & executing the decree of mine heart upon all the ungodly from among men.
Therefore I put my spirit upon the & say unto thee lift up thy voice & spare not & Call upon all men to repent that cume within the sound of thy voice & many souls shall be given unto the & great shall be thy reward & eternal shall be thy glory Saith the Lord.
The people are much stired up throughout the Potteries. They feel as they never felt before. They believ that sumthing in earnest is cuming in. Great distress is resting upon the peopl. The poor are perishing for bread through the streets. I walked to Stoke & we preached to the people. The power of God was upon us. 3 were Baptized & we confirmed them. We spent the night at Stoke. 3 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
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