[Marion G. Romney]
Brothers Harold B. Lee, Henry D. Moyle and I spent the day in Grantsville with President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., going over welfare problems. It was decided we should survey the Church to determine how many welfare recipients there are in the Church, and to determine their classification, the aim being to cut down the budget. Brother Clark's feeling is that for those we must take care of permanently , we should supply a rounded-out living, but for those who come and go we should give them some help in staple items.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
150 years ago today - Jul 22, 1875 (Thursday)
The trial of John D. Lee, indicted for murder, was commenced at Beaver.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Jul 22, 1860 (Sunday)
Smithfield, Cache Co., was attacked by Indians. A fight ensued; John Reed and Ira Merrill and two Indians were killed, and several others wounded on both sides.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Jul 22, 1850
[Hosea Stout]
Attended Court Before Esqr Farr First case at 9 a. m. State vs Wm Maykin upon the complaint of J. C. Dill for stealing two of his horses in Echo creek Cañon. The Defendand was convicted & sentenced to 2 years hard labor.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Attended Court Before Esqr Farr First case at 9 a. m. State vs Wm Maykin upon the complaint of J. C. Dill for stealing two of his horses in Echo creek Cañon. The Defendand was convicted & sentenced to 2 years hard labor.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
65 years ago today - Jul 21, 1960
First Presidency issues statement allowing young men to serve missions at age 19, even though they had not met educational and military qualifications previously required.
[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]
90 years ago today - Jul 21, 1935
President Heber J. Grant dedicated the Hill Cumorah Monument near Palmyra, N.Y.
[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]
100 years ago today - Jul 21, 1925
The infamous "Monkey Trial" ended and John Scopes was found guilty of teaching Darwinism.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
115 years ago today - Jul 21, 1910 (Thursday)
Pres. Rudger Clawson and other Elders were arrested in Berlin, Germany, and spent the following night in jail.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Jul 21, 1910; Thursday
I learned today from Brother Ezra C. Dalby of Rexburg, Idaho, that Brother Josiah E. Hickman, of Beaver [Utah], and principal of the church school there had been excommunicated from the church for violating the instructions of the authorities of the church in relation to plural marriage. I am very sorry, because I look upon Brother Hickman as a very sincere and good man, who may have become over zealous. There are several others also implicated in the same conditions there, (apparently through the influence of Brother Hickman) who have been investigated by the authorities and handled. I do not know the extent of the investigation in their cases.
While I believe in the principle of plural marriage, I do not think we are under any obligations to violate the instructions of the President of the church in the matter. He has said there shall be no more such marriages performed in the church, and that those who go into that order of marriage now will be handled on their fellowship.
[James D. Cummings, Diary]
While I believe in the principle of plural marriage, I do not think we are under any obligations to violate the instructions of the President of the church in the matter. He has said there shall be no more such marriages performed in the church, and that those who go into that order of marriage now will be handled on their fellowship.
[James D. Cummings, Diary]
125 years ago today - July 21st 1900.
.... Bro. Cluff here to get supplies for his S.[outh] A.[merica] Expedition ...The idea had been conveyed that this was a Church expedition. Read letter of instruction from Pres. Snow...that it was the unanimous opinion the the Pres. & Apostles that the expedition disband, but if reasons exist which we do not know that a part of the expedition proceed. Cluff must assume the entire responsibility....
Bro. Cluff spoke. Said he greatly desired to go forward. If he returned now the expedition would be a failure & his reputation was worth more to him than his life. He would rather fail on the Isthmus or on the banks of the Magdelena River than turn back now. He did not desire to go forward, however, unless he could do so with the blessings of the Lord....
Pres. Smith made remarks. Bore strong testimony that the work of the Lord would spread till the L. D. S. would control in this land, (&) U. S....
[Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Bro. Cluff spoke. Said he greatly desired to go forward. If he returned now the expedition would be a failure & his reputation was worth more to him than his life. He would rather fail on the Isthmus or on the banks of the Magdelena River than turn back now. He did not desire to go forward, however, unless he could do so with the blessings of the Lord....
Pres. Smith made remarks. Bore strong testimony that the work of the Lord would spread till the L. D. S. would control in this land, (&) U. S....
[Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Jul 21, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman]
[Parowan] I spoke for an hour and 50 minutes upon statehood and woman, or equal suffrage. I had fair liberty but the pitch of my voice was too high. I have never had better liberty in speaking on the subject.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Parowan] I spoke for an hour and 50 minutes upon statehood and woman, or equal suffrage. I had fair liberty but the pitch of my voice was too high. I have never had better liberty in speaking on the subject.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jul 21, 1875
LDS political newspaper SALT LAKE HERALD publishes John D. Lee's "confession" that "all who participated in the lamentable transaction, or most of them, were acting under orders that they considered it their duty-their religious duty-to obey." Lee says that when informed of Mountain Meadows Massacre, Brigham Young "wept like a child, walked the floor and wrung his hands in bitter anguish."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Jul 21, 1875
LDS political Newspaper, the Salt Lake Herald, publishes John D. Lee's "confession" that "all who participated in the lamentable transaction, or most of them, were acting under orders that they considered it their duty--their religious duty--to obey." Lee says that when informed of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Brigham Young "wept like a child, walked the floor and wrung his hands in bitter anguish."
[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 )]]
175 years ago today - Jul 21, 1850
[Brigham Young]
I asked him [Elder Day] how God looks as he was a preacher of the gospel - tell me how the kingdom of glory looks - after a long period he answered, '"I'll not pressure to answer the question how a spirit looks - how do you suppose Father Adam looked - he said like you. I smiled and asked how did his daddy look - he said he was in the image of his father ... the Jews has not 1/4 portion of the light of the advent to the gentiles know of the second advent of Christ, is it a marvel they rejected him - not half so much as the gentiles are now mistaken ... if I were to tell this congregation where they are - I now know and you will know, when the Lord led off those - he took them as the city of Enoch from the earth '- Gent this earth is divided - you may search this earth from earth to west, do you think they are frozen up. when the ten tribes return - you will find them millions and millions - they increased rapidly ... there is a curse on them for killing the Messiah - and the day
is set and when it will be wiped away, we are at the very threshold when Saviors shall come and save the House of Esau, the gentiles, Ephraim in his first career was the savior of this fathers house and he said it is the house of Ephraim and Manasseh. Ephraim is to come up on Mount Zion and save the House of Esau, they have mingled with the blood of gentiles - only a drop in a family - every particle of a drop will be gathered out yet Ephraim will come up on Mount Zion -
[Thomas Bullock Minutes, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I asked him [Elder Day] how God looks as he was a preacher of the gospel - tell me how the kingdom of glory looks - after a long period he answered, '"I'll not pressure to answer the question how a spirit looks - how do you suppose Father Adam looked - he said like you. I smiled and asked how did his daddy look - he said he was in the image of his father ... the Jews has not 1/4 portion of the light of the advent to the gentiles know of the second advent of Christ, is it a marvel they rejected him - not half so much as the gentiles are now mistaken ... if I were to tell this congregation where they are - I now know and you will know, when the Lord led off those - he took them as the city of Enoch from the earth '- Gent this earth is divided - you may search this earth from earth to west, do you think they are frozen up. when the ten tribes return - you will find them millions and millions - they increased rapidly ... there is a curse on them for killing the Messiah - and the day
is set and when it will be wiped away, we are at the very threshold when Saviors shall come and save the House of Esau, the gentiles, Ephraim in his first career was the savior of this fathers house and he said it is the house of Ephraim and Manasseh. Ephraim is to come up on Mount Zion and save the House of Esau, they have mingled with the blood of gentiles - only a drop in a family - every particle of a drop will be gathered out yet Ephraim will come up on Mount Zion -
[Thomas Bullock Minutes, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Jul 21, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Jane Rigby given by William Smith ... I bless thee with that power that shall have dominion over evil Spirits and they shall be rebuked. And by thy prayers they shall flee away ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Jul 21, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of James Rigby given by William Smith ... as an avenger of the blood of Prophets & Patriarchs thou shalt stand as a mighty warrior and contend with great strength for the cause of Zion ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Jul 21, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Benjamin Chase given by William Smith ... as a Savior on Mount Zion thou shalt stand in the last days numbered with the 144,000 ... the names of thy fathers shall be revealed unto thee, up to the time they lost the Holy Priesthood.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
30 years ago today - Jul 20, 1995
Presbyterian General Assembly of the United States adopts a resolution that the LDS church is "a new and emerging religion that expresses allegiance to Jesus Christ in terms used with the Christian tradition." This ecumenical statement is at odds with Protestant denominations which define Mormonism as a non-Christian cult. However, in recognition of the LDS church's own claim to be neither Catholic nor Protestant, this document adds that the LDS church is "not within the historic apostolic tradition of the Christian Church of which the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a part." This pro-Mormon resolution is drafted and presented by Utah's Presbytery, eighty-five years after it fomented several anti-Mormon campaigns nationally.
[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 )]]
40 years ago today - Jul 20, 1985
One hundred thousand people attend a Church dance festival at the Rose Bowl in Southern California.
80 years ago today - Jul 20, 1945
[David O. McKay]
President McKay, upon the insistence of President Smith and President Clark, took a much needed vacation from the office.
[David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
President McKay, upon the insistence of President Smith and President Clark, took a much needed vacation from the office.
[David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
110 years ago today - Jul 20, 1915
[George F. Gibbs to N. E. Shorten]
Please find enclosed answers to the questions contained in ours of the 10th inst. The answers were given by Elder B. H. Roberts, and have been approved by President Joseph F. Smith. ...
Q: Is the original manuscript of the Book of Abraham still in existence? Answer: The papyrus manuscript, together with the mummies with which it was connected, was destroyed in what is known as the great fire of Chicago, it, with the mummies, being on exhibition at the time at Wood's museum. The mummies and manuscript, shortly before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, were turned over by him to his mother, who derived a little revenue from exhibiting them. These things remained in possession of the Smith family after the exodus from Nauvoo, and were disposed of by William Smith, and found their way to Wood's museum after the death of his mother. Q: Has it, or authentic copies of it, ever been submitted to reliable men for translation? Answer: Some facsimiles were submitted by the late Bishop Spaulding of Utah to some of the professors in the late controversy. These facsimiles were taken from an early edition of the Pearl of Great Price.
[George F. Gibbs, Letter to N. E. Shorten, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Please find enclosed answers to the questions contained in ours of the 10th inst. The answers were given by Elder B. H. Roberts, and have been approved by President Joseph F. Smith. ...
Q: Is the original manuscript of the Book of Abraham still in existence? Answer: The papyrus manuscript, together with the mummies with which it was connected, was destroyed in what is known as the great fire of Chicago, it, with the mummies, being on exhibition at the time at Wood's museum. The mummies and manuscript, shortly before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, were turned over by him to his mother, who derived a little revenue from exhibiting them. These things remained in possession of the Smith family after the exodus from Nauvoo, and were disposed of by William Smith, and found their way to Wood's museum after the death of his mother. Q: Has it, or authentic copies of it, ever been submitted to reliable men for translation? Answer: Some facsimiles were submitted by the late Bishop Spaulding of Utah to some of the professors in the late controversy. These facsimiles were taken from an early edition of the Pearl of Great Price.
[George F. Gibbs, Letter to N. E. Shorten, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Jul 20, 1910
The Christian Endeavor Society of Missouri, an early forerunner of the American Religious Right, instituted a campaign to ban movies depicting kissing between non-relatives.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
140 years ago today - Jul 20, 1885 (Monday)
A monster mass meeting was held in Paris, Bear Lake Co., remonstrating against the political oppression in that county, and petitioning Pres. Cleveland for redress.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Jul 20, 1845
[Brigham Young]
I believe and know that no mans body changes in all his life - if the body changes in seven years I wonder what body that was, gotten by the Eternal Father born of the Virgin Mary and suffered for the sins of the world - put down in death and laid in the sepulcher by Joseph - it is the corruptible system that passes away the refined body stays - I am forty, I wonder which body will be resurrected - I have been long enough in this church to have two bodies, I would hate to have six or seven bodies for one spirit - I should be a kind of a monster - ... the refined particles stay and the corrupt particles flee away - Jesus Christ rose with the same wounds that he died with.
[Thomas Bullock Minutes, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I believe and know that no mans body changes in all his life - if the body changes in seven years I wonder what body that was, gotten by the Eternal Father born of the Virgin Mary and suffered for the sins of the world - put down in death and laid in the sepulcher by Joseph - it is the corruptible system that passes away the refined body stays - I am forty, I wonder which body will be resurrected - I have been long enough in this church to have two bodies, I would hate to have six or seven bodies for one spirit - I should be a kind of a monster - ... the refined particles stay and the corrupt particles flee away - Jesus Christ rose with the same wounds that he died with.
[Thomas Bullock Minutes, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Jul 20, 1840
Patriarchal Blessing of Robert D. Foster given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou Shall not loose [lose] thy inheritance, ... thou Shall speak to the raging Sea, and its angry waves Shall be Still the winds Shall be Still at thy bidding, ... thou Shalt behold thousands fall by the Sword, and hundreds perish in famine... and I seal thee against the destroyer, and the Devil, and all delusion Spirits, and the destroying Angle [Angel] Shall pass by thee I seal [thee] up to Eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ Even So Amen
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
50 years ago today - Jul 19, 1975
LDS church and its Bonneville Productions receive national advertising award ("Clio") for its "Homefront" advertising on television. Church also receives Clio awards in 1979, 1980, 1984, 1992, and 1993.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Jul 19, 1900; Thursday
[Heber J. Grant]
I explained tha some of the [Benjamin Cluff] party were giving glowing and wonderful accounts of what the party was to accomplish namely--that Brother Cluff was to unearth the City of Zarahemla; that Prof[essor]. Wolfe was to discover plates and have the gift to interpret them; that they were going to accomplish things greater even than the discovery of the plates containing the Book of Mormon; this expedition meant the dawn of freedom to the Church etc. etc.
The general feeling of the brethren was that somebody should be sent to Mexico to intercept the expedition and decide whether it should be abandoned or a small party should proceed.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
I explained tha some of the [Benjamin Cluff] party were giving glowing and wonderful accounts of what the party was to accomplish namely--that Brother Cluff was to unearth the City of Zarahemla; that Prof[essor]. Wolfe was to discover plates and have the gift to interpret them; that they were going to accomplish things greater even than the discovery of the plates containing the Book of Mormon; this expedition meant the dawn of freedom to the Church etc. etc.
The general feeling of the brethren was that somebody should be sent to Mexico to intercept the expedition and decide whether it should be abandoned or a small party should proceed.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jul 19, 1900; Thursday
Mosiah Hancock, a man well on to seventy years, to accompany the [Benjamin Cluff] expedition [to Central/South America] believing that they might find some new plates as a result of their explorations. Brother Grant could not help but believe that they would be in jeopardy of their lives and belongings while traveling in Mexico.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
185 years ago today - Jul 19, 1840
[Joseph Smith Prophecies]
.... speaking of the Land of Zion [DEL: that :DEL] It consists of all N. & S America but that any place where the Saints gather is Zion which every righteous man will build up for a place of safety for his children [DEL: that :DEL] The olive trees are 12 stakes which are yet to be built not the Temple in Jackson [County, Missouri] as some suppose for while the 12 [DEL: olive :DEL] stakes are being built we will be at peace but the Nations of the Earth will be at war.
... we will continue pleading like the Widow at the feet of the unjust judge but we may plead at the feet of Majistrates and at the feet of Judges At the feet of Governors and at the feet of senators & at the feet of [DEL: the :DEL] Pre [s]idents for 8 years it will be of no avail. We shall find no favor in any of the courts of this government. The redemption of Zion is the redemption of all N & S America and those 12 stake must be built up before the redemption of Zion can take place ...
We shall build the Zion of the Lord in peace untill the servants of that Lord shall begin to lay the foundation of a great and high watch Tower and then shall they begin to say within themselves what need hath my Lord of this tower seeing this is a time of peace &c--Then the Enemy shall [DEL: brak :DEL] come as a thief in the night and scatter the servants abroad when the seed of these 12 Olive trees are scattered abroad they will wake up the Nations of the whole Earth Even this Nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff upon which the Nation shall lean and they shall bear [DEL: away :DEL] the constitution away from the very verge of destruction --Then shall the Lord say go tell all my servants who are the strength of mine house my young men and middle aged &c come to the Land of my vineyard and fight the battle of the Lord--Then the Kings & Queens shall
comethen the rulers of the Earth shall come then shall ail saints come yea the Foreign saints shall come to fight for the Land of my vineyard for in this thing shall be their safety and they will have no power to choose but will come as a man fleeth from a sudden destruction--But before this the time shall be [DEL: when :DEL] these who are now my friends shall become my enemies and shall seek to take my life and [DEL: shall be m :DEL] there are those now before me who will more furiously pursue me [DEL: and :DEL] the more dilligently seek [DEL: to :DEL] my life and be more blood thirsty upon my track than ever were the Missouri Mobbers You say among yourselves as did them of old time it is I & is it I But I know these things by the visions of the Almighty.
... And it is now wisdom in God that we should enter into as compact a city as posible for Zion and Jerusalem [DEL: and :DEL] must both be built up before the coming of Christ [DEL: This will near a half of a century :DEL] How long will it take to do this 10 years Yes more than 40 years will pass before this work will be accomplished and when these cities are built then shall the coming of the Son of man be
... --And I prophecy in the name of the Lord that the state of Illinois shall become a great [DEL: mountain :DEL] and mighty mountain as a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid and a great that giveth light to the world [DEL: and :DEL] The city of Nauvoo als [o] shall become the greatest city in the whole world.
Curse that man who says to his neighbor you are a mean man because you do not believe as I do I now invite all liberall minded men to come up to Nauvoo and help to build up the city of our God We are not greatly distressed no nor ever will be ... We will build upon the top of this Temple a great observatory a great and high watch tower and in the top thereof we will Suspend a tremendous bell [DEL: whi :DEL] that when it is rung shall rouse the inhabitants of Madison wake up the people of Warsaw and sound in the ears of men [in] Carthage Then comes the ancient records yea all of them dig them yea bring them forth speedily
Then shall the poor be fed by the curious who shall come from all parts of the world to see this wonderful temple Yea I prophecy that pleasure parties shall come from England to see the Mamoth and like the Queen of Sheba shall say the half never was told them. School houses shall be built here and High schools shall be established and the great men of the [earth] shall send their sons here to board while they are receiving their education among us And even Noblemen shall crave the priviledge of educating their children with us and these poor saints shall chink in their pockets the money of these proud men received from such as come and dwell with us
Now brethren I obligate myself to build as great a temple as ever solomon did if the church will back me up. Moreover it shall not impoverish any man but enrich thousands I prophecy that the time shall be when these saints shall ride proudly over the mountains of Missouri and no Gentile dog nor Missouri dog shall dare lift a tongue against them but will lick up the dust from beneath their feet and I pray the father that many here may realize this and see it with their eyes. And if it should be (Stretching his hand towards the place and in a melancholly tone that made all hearts tremble) will of God that I might live to behold that temple completed and finished from the foundation to the top stone I will say Oh Lord it is enough Lord let thy servant depart in peace, which is my ernest prayer in the name of the L Jesus Amen ... [Howard and Martha Coray Notebook]
He (J.S.) says Zion is all North & South America The 12 Olive trees are 12 stakes J. Co. Mo. is the centre. The government is fallen & needs redeeming. It is guilty of Blood & cannot stand as it now is but will come so near dessolation [sic] as to hang as it were by a single hair!! -- Then the servants goes to the Nations of the earth, & gethers [sic] the strength of the Lord's house! a mighty army!! -- And this is the redemption of Zion -- When the saints shall have redeemed that government & reinstated it in all its purity & glory!! -- That America may be an asylum for the remnant of all nations [Orson Pratt to George A. Smith, 21 January 1841, Orson Pratt Papers, LDS Church Archives]
[The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
.... speaking of the Land of Zion [DEL: that :DEL] It consists of all N. & S America but that any place where the Saints gather is Zion which every righteous man will build up for a place of safety for his children [DEL: that :DEL] The olive trees are 12 stakes which are yet to be built not the Temple in Jackson [County, Missouri] as some suppose for while the 12 [DEL: olive :DEL] stakes are being built we will be at peace but the Nations of the Earth will be at war.
... we will continue pleading like the Widow at the feet of the unjust judge but we may plead at the feet of Majistrates and at the feet of Judges At the feet of Governors and at the feet of senators & at the feet of [DEL: the :DEL] Pre [s]idents for 8 years it will be of no avail. We shall find no favor in any of the courts of this government. The redemption of Zion is the redemption of all N & S America and those 12 stake must be built up before the redemption of Zion can take place ...
We shall build the Zion of the Lord in peace untill the servants of that Lord shall begin to lay the foundation of a great and high watch Tower and then shall they begin to say within themselves what need hath my Lord of this tower seeing this is a time of peace &c--Then the Enemy shall [DEL: brak :DEL] come as a thief in the night and scatter the servants abroad when the seed of these 12 Olive trees are scattered abroad they will wake up the Nations of the whole Earth Even this Nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff upon which the Nation shall lean and they shall bear [DEL: away :DEL] the constitution away from the very verge of destruction --Then shall the Lord say go tell all my servants who are the strength of mine house my young men and middle aged &c come to the Land of my vineyard and fight the battle of the Lord--Then the Kings & Queens shall
comethen the rulers of the Earth shall come then shall ail saints come yea the Foreign saints shall come to fight for the Land of my vineyard for in this thing shall be their safety and they will have no power to choose but will come as a man fleeth from a sudden destruction--But before this the time shall be [DEL: when :DEL] these who are now my friends shall become my enemies and shall seek to take my life and [DEL: shall be m :DEL] there are those now before me who will more furiously pursue me [DEL: and :DEL] the more dilligently seek [DEL: to :DEL] my life and be more blood thirsty upon my track than ever were the Missouri Mobbers You say among yourselves as did them of old time it is I & is it I But I know these things by the visions of the Almighty.
... And it is now wisdom in God that we should enter into as compact a city as posible for Zion and Jerusalem [DEL: and :DEL] must both be built up before the coming of Christ [DEL: This will near a half of a century :DEL] How long will it take to do this 10 years Yes more than 40 years will pass before this work will be accomplished and when these cities are built then shall the coming of the Son of man be
... --And I prophecy in the name of the Lord that the state of Illinois shall become a great [DEL: mountain :DEL] and mighty mountain as a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid and a great that giveth light to the world [DEL: and :DEL] The city of Nauvoo als [o] shall become the greatest city in the whole world.
Curse that man who says to his neighbor you are a mean man because you do not believe as I do I now invite all liberall minded men to come up to Nauvoo and help to build up the city of our God We are not greatly distressed no nor ever will be ... We will build upon the top of this Temple a great observatory a great and high watch tower and in the top thereof we will Suspend a tremendous bell [DEL: whi :DEL] that when it is rung shall rouse the inhabitants of Madison wake up the people of Warsaw and sound in the ears of men [in] Carthage Then comes the ancient records yea all of them dig them yea bring them forth speedily
Then shall the poor be fed by the curious who shall come from all parts of the world to see this wonderful temple Yea I prophecy that pleasure parties shall come from England to see the Mamoth and like the Queen of Sheba shall say the half never was told them. School houses shall be built here and High schools shall be established and the great men of the [earth] shall send their sons here to board while they are receiving their education among us And even Noblemen shall crave the priviledge of educating their children with us and these poor saints shall chink in their pockets the money of these proud men received from such as come and dwell with us
Now brethren I obligate myself to build as great a temple as ever solomon did if the church will back me up. Moreover it shall not impoverish any man but enrich thousands I prophecy that the time shall be when these saints shall ride proudly over the mountains of Missouri and no Gentile dog nor Missouri dog shall dare lift a tongue against them but will lick up the dust from beneath their feet and I pray the father that many here may realize this and see it with their eyes. And if it should be (Stretching his hand towards the place and in a melancholly tone that made all hearts tremble) will of God that I might live to behold that temple completed and finished from the foundation to the top stone I will say Oh Lord it is enough Lord let thy servant depart in peace, which is my ernest prayer in the name of the L Jesus Amen ... [Howard and Martha Coray Notebook]
He (J.S.) says Zion is all North & South America The 12 Olive trees are 12 stakes J. Co. Mo. is the centre. The government is fallen & needs redeeming. It is guilty of Blood & cannot stand as it now is but will come so near dessolation [sic] as to hang as it were by a single hair!! -- Then the servants goes to the Nations of the earth, & gethers [sic] the strength of the Lord's house! a mighty army!! -- And this is the redemption of Zion -- When the saints shall have redeemed that government & reinstated it in all its purity & glory!! -- That America may be an asylum for the remnant of all nations [Orson Pratt to George A. Smith, 21 January 1841, Orson Pratt Papers, LDS Church Archives]
[The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
185 years ago today - Jul 19, 1840
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
John Jones came to oppose us & his carriage broke down & flung him in the mud. He came to meeting but the Lord shut his mouth & he could not utter a word but left the room as soon as I closed.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
John Jones came to oppose us & his carriage broke down & flung him in the mud. He came to meeting but the Lord shut his mouth & he could not utter a word but left the room as soon as I closed.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Jul 19, 1835
"The remainder of this month, I was continually engaged in translating an alphabet to the Book of Abraham, and arranging a grammar of the Egyptian language as practiced by the ancients." On this same date, W. W. Phelps writes to his wife, "These records of old times, when we translate them and print them in a book, will make a good witness for the Book of Mormon." (In reference to the above Phelps letter, Hugh Nibley argues that because Phelps said "we translate them," all of Joseph Smith's notes, Egyptian grammars, etc., were not necessarily prepared by Joseph alone, if at all. Phelps apparently tried his hand at some of these things too, and scholars should be careful not to attack Joseph for the alphabet and grammar if they were, in fact, only vain attempts by W. W. Phelps.
[History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:238; Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '71, 394 - referenced in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:238; Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '71, 394 - referenced in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
200 years ago today - Jul 19, 1825
[U.S. Religious History]
Liberal members of Congregational churches in New England founded the American Unitarian Association.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
Liberal members of Congregational churches in New England founded the American Unitarian Association.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
75 years ago today - Jul 18, 1950
[J. Reuben Clark]
[Arthur Gaeth telephones to tell Rowena Miller that use of the Tabernacle for Secretary of Agriculture Brannan had been withdrawn after all arrangements had been made, that it was being stated that Clark had authorized this action, and that if the situation were not altered, it would hit national news:] I then mentioned the matter to President Clark later in the afternoon, reviewing the facts and indicating to him that he (President Clark) was being quoted as the source of authority here at headquarters who had directed the stake presidency to refuse the use of the hall. President Clark told me that he had had nothing whatever to do with the matter, had not talked with anyone at Brigham City concerning the question, and told me I could quote him on that, which I later did when Arthur Gaeth called me about four o'clock.
A short time later Emily Stewart called me, said that Arthur Gaeth had called her, and I reiterated President Clark's statement that he had not talked to anyone at Brigham City either by phone or in person. I understand that she then talked to President Smith about the matter, and he called President McKay to see whether or not President McKay had had anything to do with the question, because he himself (President Smith) had not talked to any of the Brigham City people. Upon learning from President McKay that he had not spoken to anyone concerning the matter here, President Smith then asked President McKay to talk with the stake president in Brigham City by telephone and make it clear to them that whoever was saying that the First Presidency was responsible for ordering the contract for the use of the hall cancelled or withdrawing permission for
its use were in error, because no member of the Presidency had given any such instruction.
The matter was left entirely in the hands of the local brethren of the stake presidency as to whether they should make the hall available or not. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[Arthur Gaeth telephones to tell Rowena Miller that use of the Tabernacle for Secretary of Agriculture Brannan had been withdrawn after all arrangements had been made, that it was being stated that Clark had authorized this action, and that if the situation were not altered, it would hit national news:] I then mentioned the matter to President Clark later in the afternoon, reviewing the facts and indicating to him that he (President Clark) was being quoted as the source of authority here at headquarters who had directed the stake presidency to refuse the use of the hall. President Clark told me that he had had nothing whatever to do with the matter, had not talked with anyone at Brigham City concerning the question, and told me I could quote him on that, which I later did when Arthur Gaeth called me about four o'clock.
A short time later Emily Stewart called me, said that Arthur Gaeth had called her, and I reiterated President Clark's statement that he had not talked to anyone at Brigham City either by phone or in person. I understand that she then talked to President Smith about the matter, and he called President McKay to see whether or not President McKay had had anything to do with the question, because he himself (President Smith) had not talked to any of the Brigham City people. Upon learning from President McKay that he had not spoken to anyone concerning the matter here, President Smith then asked President McKay to talk with the stake president in Brigham City by telephone and make it clear to them that whoever was saying that the First Presidency was responsible for ordering the contract for the use of the hall cancelled or withdrawing permission for
its use were in error, because no member of the Presidency had given any such instruction.
The matter was left entirely in the hands of the local brethren of the stake presidency as to whether they should make the hall available or not. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
45 years ago today - Jul 18, 1980
[Spencer W. Kimball letter]
.... This is an official invitation from the President of the Church for both of you to receive the most holy second anointings which it is planned will be given to you in the Ogden Temple on Sunday, August 24, 1980, at 3:00 p.m. For this you should arrange to bring your temple clothing and come also with a temple recommend. Other instructions will be given to you when we meet at the temple. If you wish to receive these blessings, please advise me immediately by letter. These blessings are to be given only upon your total worthiness. We would like you to indicate in your reply regarding this matter. This whole program should be totally confidential; and as a reply to family members as a reason for your being away from home that day, you may say you are going to a special meeting at the temple. * P.S. If you do accept, please complete the enclosed form and return it with your letter of reply.
[Spencer W. Kimball, Letter dated July 18, 1980, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
.... This is an official invitation from the President of the Church for both of you to receive the most holy second anointings which it is planned will be given to you in the Ogden Temple on Sunday, August 24, 1980, at 3:00 p.m. For this you should arrange to bring your temple clothing and come also with a temple recommend. Other instructions will be given to you when we meet at the temple. If you wish to receive these blessings, please advise me immediately by letter. These blessings are to be given only upon your total worthiness. We would like you to indicate in your reply regarding this matter. This whole program should be totally confidential; and as a reply to family members as a reason for your being away from home that day, you may say you are going to a special meeting at the temple. * P.S. If you do accept, please complete the enclosed form and return it with your letter of reply.
[Spencer W. Kimball, Letter dated July 18, 1980, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Jul 18, 1900
With permission from First Presidency First Counselor George Q. Cannon, Apostle Matthias F. Cowley performs plural marriage ceremonies for Cannons son Hugh J. Cannon and nephew John M. Cannon.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Jul 18, 1875
G[eorge] Q Cannon made some Remarks then read the rules of the United Order, which the greatest part of the Assembly voted to receive.
At the Close of the Meeting the Congregation surrounded a pool of water and Elder G Q Cannon went down into the water and Baptized 27 of the leading men of Davis County including the Bishops & their Councillors and Elders John Taylor and W Woodruff Confirmed them.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At the Close of the Meeting the Congregation surrounded a pool of water and Elder G Q Cannon went down into the water and Baptized 27 of the leading men of Davis County including the Bishops & their Councillors and Elders John Taylor and W Woodruff Confirmed them.
[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 - Jul 18, 1875
Apostle Orson Pratt preaches in Salt Lake City that rebaptism "seems to be a kind of standing ordinance for all Latter-day Saints who emigrate here, from the First Presidency down; all are rebaptized and set out anew by renewing their covenants." After his counselor Daniel H. Wells eulogizes Emmeline Free Young, Brigham Young stuns those at the funeral by instructing her children and grandchildren not to follow his plural wife's "bad example." In her manuscript "My Father's Wives," Susa Young Gates explains that "Aunt Emmeline became addicted to morphine in the later years of her life."
[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 )]]
160 years ago today - Jul 18, 1865
President Young spoke 20 minuts on disease & its Cures. He said for the gravel [kidney stones] use Onions, or wintergreen. For the piles [hemorrhoids] or costivenees [constipation] use the syrenge. For sore Eyes put wet Earth in a rag & put on the Eyes. For heart burn let the wind go downwards & not upwards.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 18, 1845
[Wilford Woodruff]
July 18th 1845 This morning at half Past Seven oclok Just 30 minutes past 7 Mrs Phebe W. Woodruff was deliverd of a fine Son After a Short sickness. I laid hands upon her at the commencement of her sickness. I told her it should be well with her & with her Child which was the case. This was the first Child we have had since our endowment & I thank the Lord that it is a Son for unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given. His name shall be Called JOSepH for unto him the Priesthood belongs. He is the first fruits of the fulness of the Priesthood out of the loins of Ancient Joseph through the linage of Ephraim given unto us in answer to our Prayers for we Asked the Lord to give unto us a Son And he has granted unto us our request.
We have dedicated & Consecrated him unto the Lord even from his mother womb he is Holy unto the Lord. My Prayer to my Heavenly father is that his life may be preserved to stand among the Sons of Zion bear the Priesthood with honor And bless his Father and Mother in their old age And Honor them that his days may be long upon the land which the Lord God of Israel shall give unto him.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
July 18th 1845 This morning at half Past Seven oclok Just 30 minutes past 7 Mrs Phebe W. Woodruff was deliverd of a fine Son After a Short sickness. I laid hands upon her at the commencement of her sickness. I told her it should be well with her & with her Child which was the case. This was the first Child we have had since our endowment & I thank the Lord that it is a Son for unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given. His name shall be Called JOSepH for unto him the Priesthood belongs. He is the first fruits of the fulness of the Priesthood out of the loins of Ancient Joseph through the linage of Ephraim given unto us in answer to our Prayers for we Asked the Lord to give unto us a Son And he has granted unto us our request.
We have dedicated & Consecrated him unto the Lord even from his mother womb he is Holy unto the Lord. My Prayer to my Heavenly father is that his life may be preserved to stand among the Sons of Zion bear the Priesthood with honor And bless his Father and Mother in their old age And Honor them that his days may be long upon the land which the Lord God of Israel shall give unto him.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 18, 1845
Lucy Mack Smith obtains a copyright on her manuscript for her history of Joseph Smith and his progenitors. Seven years later Orson Pratt has the manuscript published in Liverpool England after many changes which include inserting Joseph Smiths account of the First Vision which was not mentioned in the original manuscript.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Jul 18, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Mary Walker given by William Smith ... the blessings of the living and the blessings of the dead are upon thee and thou shalt live to see many days and years to come and thy Soul shall not faint within thee neither shall it suffer the pain of death.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
55 years ago today - Jul 17, 1970
First Presidency letter ends financial independence of Relief Society by stopping payment of dues, prohibiting traditional Relief Society bazaar ("a noisy, carnival-like or commercial atmosphere"), and requiring that individual "Relief Societies sould immediately turn over to the appropriate Stake, Mission, Ward, Branch, or District presiding officers all assets which they have accumulated." This clarifies full intent of brief letter of Jun 10. Eliminating Relief Society's autonomy is central goal of Harold B. Lee's vision of church "correlation."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
55 years ago today - Jul 17, 1970
A First Presidency letter ends the financial independence of the Relief Society by stopping the payment of dues, prohibiting the traditional Relief Society bazaar ("a noisy, carnival-like or commercial atmosphere"), and requiring that individual "Relief Societies should immediately turn over to the appropriate Stake, Mission, Ward, Branch, or District presiding officers all assets which they have accumulated." This clarifies the full intent of the brief letter of 10 June. Eliminating the Relief Society's autonomy is the central goal of Harold B. Lee's vision of church "correlation."
[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 )]]
80 years ago today - Jul 17, 1945
3:30 p.m. Bishop Parley Eccles called at the office and reported the following:
Segolite Company'Don B. Colton, Bishop Parley Eccles, and V. A. Olson, Directors. They interested President Grant in the project and he invested several thousand dollars. Company has gone broke. It seems that some blame President Colton for having induced President Grant to invest. Brother Eccles says President Colton is not to blame, but rather than have aspersions directed at either President Colton's or his name, Brother Eccles offers to pay back personally the money President Grant put in.
[David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Segolite Company'Don B. Colton, Bishop Parley Eccles, and V. A. Olson, Directors. They interested President Grant in the project and he invested several thousand dollars. Company has gone broke. It seems that some blame President Colton for having induced President Grant to invest. Brother Eccles says President Colton is not to blame, but rather than have aspersions directed at either President Colton's or his name, Brother Eccles offers to pay back personally the money President Grant put in.
[David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
110 years ago today - Jul 17, 1915
Two young Mormons, Rafael Monroy and Vincente Morales, are shot-execution style-in Mexico by supporters of Emilio Zapata and become the earliest martyrs of Mormonism in Mexico.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - Jul 17, 1880
Meeting held on July 17, 1880:
"Sister Whitney then sang one of her sweet songs of Zion in the language which was spoken and sung (the Prophet Joseph said) by our first parents in the Garden of Eden. Sister Snow explained that Joseph Smith told Mother Whitney 'If she would use the gift with wisdom it should remain with her as long as she lived.- Sister Zina then gave the interpretation. The theme of which was rejoicing and praise to the Great Author and Giver of good."
[R[elief], S[ociety]. Reports," Woman's Exponent 9 (September 1, 1880):54]
"Sister Whitney then sang one of her sweet songs of Zion in the language which was spoken and sung (the Prophet Joseph said) by our first parents in the Garden of Eden. Sister Snow explained that Joseph Smith told Mother Whitney 'If she would use the gift with wisdom it should remain with her as long as she lived.- Sister Zina then gave the interpretation. The theme of which was rejoicing and praise to the Great Author and Giver of good."
[R[elief], S[ociety]. Reports," Woman's Exponent 9 (September 1, 1880):54]
145 years ago today - Jul 17, 1880
"Relief Society Report, Seting Apart Officers, &c.," July 17, 1880; Relief Society Record, 1880-1892, pp. 9-14, CHL (CR 11 175).
On July 17, 1880, a month after John Taylor had nominated a new general Relief Society presidency, he attended a general meeting of women held in the Salt Lake City Fourteenth Ward assembly hall to set apart the newly sustained officers. The terms set apart and ordain were used interchangeably at this time. Taylor used both when setting apart officers on this occasion: "I set thee apart to preside over the Relief Societies in the Church" and "I confer on thee this power and authority and ordain thee to this office."
Eliza R. Snow served seven years in her formal capacity as general president, establishing policies and procedures that would govern the society for years to come. Zina D. H. Young served as first counselor in the presidency until Snow's death in 1887, after which she was appointed Relief Society general president. Second counselor Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who had also been a counselor to Emma Smith, died in 1882, leaving a vacancy in the presidency that was not filled during Snow's administration. Sarah M. Kimball served as general secretary while maintaining her position as president of the Salt Lake City Fifteenth Ward Relief Society. Mary Isabella Horne was named Relief Society treasurer—a position she held until 1901—although she was not set apart on this occasion. Horne served concurrently as general treasurer, president of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society, and president of the Retrenchment Association.
[4.5 General Relief Society Meeting, Report, July 17, 1880, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress..org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
On July 17, 1880, a month after John Taylor had nominated a new general Relief Society presidency, he attended a general meeting of women held in the Salt Lake City Fourteenth Ward assembly hall to set apart the newly sustained officers. The terms set apart and ordain were used interchangeably at this time. Taylor used both when setting apart officers on this occasion: "I set thee apart to preside over the Relief Societies in the Church" and "I confer on thee this power and authority and ordain thee to this office."
Eliza R. Snow served seven years in her formal capacity as general president, establishing policies and procedures that would govern the society for years to come. Zina D. H. Young served as first counselor in the presidency until Snow's death in 1887, after which she was appointed Relief Society general president. Second counselor Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who had also been a counselor to Emma Smith, died in 1882, leaving a vacancy in the presidency that was not filled during Snow's administration. Sarah M. Kimball served as general secretary while maintaining her position as president of the Salt Lake City Fifteenth Ward Relief Society. Mary Isabella Horne was named Relief Society treasurer—a position she held until 1901—although she was not set apart on this occasion. Horne served concurrently as general treasurer, president of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society, and president of the Retrenchment Association.
[4.5 General Relief Society Meeting, Report, July 17, 1880, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress..org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
145 years ago today - Jul 17, 1880
"Relief Society Report, Seting Apart Officers, &c.," July 17, 1880; Relief Society Record, 1880-1892, pp. 9-14, CHL (CR 11 175).
On July 17, 1880, a month after John Taylor had nominated a new general Relief Society presidency, he attended a general meeting of women held in the Salt Lake City Fourteenth Ward assembly hall to set apart the newly sustained officers. The terms set apart and ordain were used interchangeably at this time. Taylor used both when setting apart officers on this occasion: "I set thee apart to preside over the Relief Societies in the Church" and "I confer on thee this power and authority and ordain thee to this office."
Eliza R. Snow served seven years in her formal capacity as general president, establishing policies and procedures that would govern the society for years to come. Zina D. H. Young served as first counselor in the presidency until Snow's death in 1887, after which she was appointed Relief Society general president. Second counselor Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who had also been a counselor to Emma Smith, died in 1882, leaving a vacancy in the presidency that was not filled during Snow's administration. Sarah M. Kimball served as general secretary while maintaining her position as president of the Salt Lake City Fifteenth Ward Relief Society. Mary Isabella Horne was named Relief Society treasurer—a position she held until 1901—although she was not set apart on this occasion. Horne served concurrently as general treasurer, president of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society, and president of the Retrenchment Association.
[4.5 General Relief Society Meeting, Report, July 17, 1880, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress..org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
On July 17, 1880, a month after John Taylor had nominated a new general Relief Society presidency, he attended a general meeting of women held in the Salt Lake City Fourteenth Ward assembly hall to set apart the newly sustained officers. The terms set apart and ordain were used interchangeably at this time. Taylor used both when setting apart officers on this occasion: "I set thee apart to preside over the Relief Societies in the Church" and "I confer on thee this power and authority and ordain thee to this office."
Eliza R. Snow served seven years in her formal capacity as general president, establishing policies and procedures that would govern the society for years to come. Zina D. H. Young served as first counselor in the presidency until Snow's death in 1887, after which she was appointed Relief Society general president. Second counselor Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who had also been a counselor to Emma Smith, died in 1882, leaving a vacancy in the presidency that was not filled during Snow's administration. Sarah M. Kimball served as general secretary while maintaining her position as president of the Salt Lake City Fifteenth Ward Relief Society. Mary Isabella Horne was named Relief Society treasurer—a position she held until 1901—although she was not set apart on this occasion. Horne served concurrently as general treasurer, president of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society, and president of the Retrenchment Association.
[4.5 General Relief Society Meeting, Report, July 17, 1880, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress..org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
150 years ago today - Jul 17, 1875
Wilford Woodruff writes: "I met at the Endowment House at 2 oclok [with] the Presidency & Twelve. President Young & G[eorge] A Smith went into the font and G. A. Smith Baptized President Brigham Young for the renewal of his Covenant and as an Example to others. G. A. Smith & Daniel H. Wells Confirmed him. President Young then Baptized G A Smith & Daniel H Wells & Confirmed them. President Young then Baptized Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, & Albert Carrington and Confirmed them. Seven of the Twelve were Baptized by D H. Wells at Sanpete County several weeks ago. They were Confirmed by President Young."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - 1840: 17 July
[Patriarchal Blessing of John Landers given by Joseph Smith, Sen.]
.... thou may remain till the Saviour of the world makes his appearance, and comes to the world without sin unto salvation. ... little or not gentile blood remaining in thy veins. ...
[Typescript, P8 f22, RLDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... thou may remain till the Saviour of the world makes his appearance, and comes to the world without sin unto salvation. ... little or not gentile blood remaining in thy veins. ...
[Typescript, P8 f22, RLDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Jul 16, 1895
.... In regard to the stories Father knew of only the one, that the golden plates <<and a stone>> through which he <<Smith>> had to look to read them were found in the side of a hill near Palmyra while he was diggin[g] for buried treasure. Father had nothing to do with making of the plates, they and never saw them; as a great favor he was allowed to "heft" them and to feel them in the bag in which they were kept and which was made like a pillow case. He does not think that any one besides "Joe Smith" ever saw the plates ... Father says that he never knew of their being dishonest accordin[g] to the common acceptation of the word. They were a good natured, ignorant, shif<<t>>less family, disliking hard work, spending their time in selling gingerbread, telling fortunes, locating water for wells, and digging for hid <<buried>> treasures; it was the ridicule, which people thought, which made him into he received for dig=ging whi that made <<him>> invent the story of the golden plates.
....
[Philana A. Foster to E. W. Taylor, 16 July 1895, Theodore A. Schroeder Papers, Archives, Wisconsin State Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Philana A. Foster To E. W. Taylor]
....
[Philana A. Foster to E. W. Taylor, 16 July 1895, Theodore A. Schroeder Papers, Archives, Wisconsin State Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Philana A. Foster To E. W. Taylor]
130 years ago today - Jul 16, 1895
Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo] Snow returned from Soda Springs. Met him at the Temple and we enjoyed a very interesting chat on the gospel. He is rather inclined to believe that our spirits always existed.
[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]
[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]
155 years ago today - Jul 16, 1870
Non-Mormons organized the Liberal party, which markedly divided Utah citizens for more than twenty years. "Godbeites" joined with the Gentiles for political purposes, with members of both groups calling for all who opposed "despotism and tyranny in Utah" and who favored separation of church and state to join in a founding convention held in the Gentile stronghold of Corrine.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
160 years ago today - Jul 16, 1865
Presidet Young spoke one hour & 12 Minuts. He advised the people to get up 100 well disiplined Mounted men & to be in readiness at a moments warning to defend you against all Indians, & do your duty & say nothing to any man ... Use up [IE kill] thes wicked Indians who are killing the inhabitants & if these indians who profess to be friendly will not help bring them to justice, do not let them stay with you but treat them as Enemies, & if [a] white man will not help [-] make him...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 16, 1845
[Zina Huntington Jacobs Smith Young]
I went with sister [Patty] Sessions to brother Green's Funeral. Pres B Young spoke. May I never forget the words that fell from his lips. He spake of the power the Saints would have over disease, The fall of the Earth, its redemption, also all those that ware destined to this planet or world. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Zina Jacobs Young Journal, BYU Studies 19:3, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I went with sister [Patty] Sessions to brother Green's Funeral. Pres B Young spoke. May I never forget the words that fell from his lips. He spake of the power the Saints would have over disease, The fall of the Earth, its redemption, also all those that ware destined to this planet or world. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Zina Jacobs Young Journal, BYU Studies 19:3, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Jul 16, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
.... Soon as she [his 5th wife, Diantha] got laid down she began to toss about and rave as if in great pain which seemed to increase untill she was perfectly out of her mind and raging. She tore her hair ... about half past 10 Sister Farr went and called Brother Farr. He came down and laid hands on her and rebuked the evil spirit and commanded it to leave her in the name of the Lord. She immediately calmed down and seemed to fall into a mild sleep. Soon after she commenced talking or rather answering questions. She seemed to be in the world of spirits on a visit, and about the first she conversed with was Brother Joseph and the conversation seemed to be on the subject of the massacre. She then appeared to go and visit a number of dead relatives who invariably enquired about their relatives on earth. The answers she gave were literally facts as they exist. She then enquired for William Smiths wife Caroline. She was soon taken to her and entered into conversation. Caroline asked
about William of course, how her two girls were and whether he had got married. To all these interrogatories she answered in the nicest manner, avoiding carefully any thing which would wound Carolines feelings. She then enquired for Sister Richards and soon met with her. It seemed by her answers that Sister Richards asked how the Doctor felt when she left him, how his children were, and whether Lucy lived with him, all which she answered correctly. She then visited Wm. Snows first wife and conversed about Wm. and his daughter and father. She then appeared to go back to Brother Joseph and Hyrum Smith and Father Smith. Joseph asked about Emma and the children and how the Twelve and Emma felt towards each other &c. all which she answered wisely but truly. He also asked about Lydia [Moon] and gave her some instructions for Lydia. He asked about me and told her I was a good man. When she parted with her friends she always bid them "good bye" but when she parted with Joseph she said, "I
am not in the habit of kissing men but I want to kiss you" which she appeared to do and then said "farewell." She then seemed to start back for home. She appeared all the time in a hurry to get back. She said she would like to tarry but she could not leave father and mother and another, but she would soon return and bring them with her and then she would tarry with them. She conversed about two hours in this manner and seemed overjoyed all the time. A pleasant smile sat on her countenance which continued after she awoke. It was one of the most interesting and sweet interviews I ever witnessed, and a very good spirit seemd to prevail all the time. I left about 1 o clock apparently much composed and comparatively free from pain.
[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]
.... Soon as she [his 5th wife, Diantha] got laid down she began to toss about and rave as if in great pain which seemed to increase untill she was perfectly out of her mind and raging. She tore her hair ... about half past 10 Sister Farr went and called Brother Farr. He came down and laid hands on her and rebuked the evil spirit and commanded it to leave her in the name of the Lord. She immediately calmed down and seemed to fall into a mild sleep. Soon after she commenced talking or rather answering questions. She seemed to be in the world of spirits on a visit, and about the first she conversed with was Brother Joseph and the conversation seemed to be on the subject of the massacre. She then appeared to go and visit a number of dead relatives who invariably enquired about their relatives on earth. The answers she gave were literally facts as they exist. She then enquired for William Smiths wife Caroline. She was soon taken to her and entered into conversation. Caroline asked
about William of course, how her two girls were and whether he had got married. To all these interrogatories she answered in the nicest manner, avoiding carefully any thing which would wound Carolines feelings. She then enquired for Sister Richards and soon met with her. It seemed by her answers that Sister Richards asked how the Doctor felt when she left him, how his children were, and whether Lucy lived with him, all which she answered correctly. She then visited Wm. Snows first wife and conversed about Wm. and his daughter and father. She then appeared to go back to Brother Joseph and Hyrum Smith and Father Smith. Joseph asked about Emma and the children and how the Twelve and Emma felt towards each other &c. all which she answered wisely but truly. He also asked about Lydia [Moon] and gave her some instructions for Lydia. He asked about me and told her I was a good man. When she parted with her friends she always bid them "good bye" but when she parted with Joseph she said, "I
am not in the habit of kissing men but I want to kiss you" which she appeared to do and then said "farewell." She then seemed to start back for home. She appeared all the time in a hurry to get back. She said she would like to tarry but she could not leave father and mother and another, but she would soon return and bring them with her and then she would tarry with them. She conversed about two hours in this manner and seemed overjoyed all the time. A pleasant smile sat on her countenance which continued after she awoke. It was one of the most interesting and sweet interviews I ever witnessed, and a very good spirit seemd to prevail all the time. I left about 1 o clock apparently much composed and comparatively free from pain.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Jul 16, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball]
After dark I went to the River and Baptized Sarah [Ann Whitney] and Si[s]ter Winchester. [already baptized]
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
After dark I went to the River and Baptized Sarah [Ann Whitney] and Si[s]ter Winchester. [already baptized]
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
180 years ago today - Jul 16, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Rhoda Reid given by William Smith ... to this end [d]ear sister, I seal thee up unto eternal life, and also seal upon thy head the blessings [of] the Resurrection power, to stand in that day numbered with the holy ones of the earth [a]nd priests and kings of heaven ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Jul 16, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing for Ann B. Peterson (deceased) given to Mary Ann Peterson (proxy) by William Smith ... A blessing by Wm Smith Patriarch in favor of Ann B Peterson deceased daughter of Edward and Mary Dennis born Monmouth Co New Jersey April 1818 On the head of Mary ann Peterson sitting as proxy daughter of William C & Elizabeth Patten born Lancaster Co Pen[n]sylvania 23d July 1822
Dear Sister I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth to seal upon you a blessing by proxy for her who is dead yet whose Spirit lives in heaven above ... but the fulness of her Salvation cannot be made perfect until her companion is with her ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Dear Sister I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth to seal upon you a blessing by proxy for her who is dead yet whose Spirit lives in heaven above ... but the fulness of her Salvation cannot be made perfect until her companion is with her ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
200 years ago today - Jul 16, 1825
The REPUBLICAN ADVOCATE in Batavia, New York publishes the text of a speech in defense of Freemasonry: "He [Enoch] also caused a triangular plate of gold to be made, each side was a cubit long, . . .- he then engraved upon it the INEFFABLE CHARACTERS," Joseph Smith later uses the name "Enoch" to refer to himself.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
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