[Michael Quinn]
[From Quinn¿s 1988 memoir:]
Both Newsweek and Time magazines quoted me in their articles about the significance of a document purporting to be the Mormon founder's blessing on [his son] Joseph Smith III to be his successor as Church President. It was 'discovered' by Mormon documents-collector Mark Hofmann.
Charlie Gibbs, a senior member of the Public Affairs Department at LDS headquarters, told me privately that its staff was very grateful I had published the 1976 article about the 'Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844.' He said that this allowed them and the General Authorities to tell the media that BYU Studies and unnamed LDS historians had acknowledged 'for years' that there had been such a blessing. Thus, the PR-Machine said: 'This newly discovered document is no big deal' for the claims of the Church as led to Utah by Brigham Young and currently led by Spencer W. Kimball. Instead of provoking a crisis of faith that the secular media headlined, this publicity resulted in a WELL-INFORMED shrug of faith. Under the present circumstances, my article's perspective was even helpful to those who preferred only Utah's method of succession from Mormonism's founder. This fulfilled what I had hoped to achieve for strengthening the faith of rank-and-file Mormons since I first began my
'controversial' research at age seventeen. Exactly twenty years had passed since then. [Hofmann was later found to have been a forger of historical documents and murderer after he planted two bombs that killed two people. A third bomb exploded prematurely and injured Hofmann himself.]
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
75 years ago today - Mar 30, 1951
[First Presidency secretary] Arthur [Haycock] said that Pres. [George Albert] Smith did not seem so good to him today; he has something on his mind and wants to know if Pres. Clark or Pres. McKay would be at a convention; he has the conference and some convention mixed up, and is completely disoriented.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
95 years ago today - Mar 30, 1931
[Heber J. Grant]
The Presidency spent about an hour discussing differences of opinion regarding the creation of the earth, etc. as expressed in the controversy between Brothers B. H. Roberts and Elder Joseph Fielding Smith [essentially, strict creationsism vs. a religious view that accomodates evolving humans]. Brother Ivins is preparing a paper on the subject.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
The Presidency spent about an hour discussing differences of opinion regarding the creation of the earth, etc. as expressed in the controversy between Brothers B. H. Roberts and Elder Joseph Fielding Smith [essentially, strict creationsism vs. a religious view that accomodates evolving humans]. Brother Ivins is preparing a paper on the subject.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
145 years ago today - Mar 30, 1881
[Genearl]
Helen Mar Kimball pens an autobiographical sheet that refers to her sealing to Joseph Smith.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
Helen Mar Kimball pens an autobiographical sheet that refers to her sealing to Joseph Smith.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
190 years ago today - Mar 30, 1836
[Joseph Smith]
.... I ascended the pulpit and remarked ... that this is a year of jubilee to us and a time of rejoicing, and that it was expedient for us to prepare bread and wine sufficient to make our hearts glad, as we should not probably leave this house until morning. To this end we should call on the brethren to make a contribution; the stewards passed round and took up a liberal contribution and messengers were dispatched for bread and wine.
Tubs, water, and towels were prepared and I called the House to order and the Presidency preceeded to wash the feet of the 12 [Apostles], pronouncing many prophecys and blessings upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus. The brethren began to prophesy upon each others' heads and cursings upon the enimies of Christ who inhabit Jackson County, Missouri. Continued prophesying, blessing, and sealing them with Hosanna and Amen until nearly 7 o'clock P.M.
The bread /and wine/ was then brought in and I observed that we had fasted all the day, and lest we faint as the Saviour did so shall we do on this occasion. We shall bless the bread and give it to the 12 [Apostles] and they to the multitude, after which we shall bless the wine and do likewise.
While waiting for the wine I made the following remarks: that the time that we were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endued [endowed] would be fulfilled in a few days...
I want to enter into the following covenant, that if any more of our brethren are slain or driven from their lands in Missouri by the mob that we will give ourselves no rest until we are avenged of our enimies to the uttermost. This covenant was sealed unaminously [unanimously] by a hosanna and Amen.
I then observed to the quorums that I had now completed the organization of the Church and we had passed through all the necessary ceremonies. ...
The brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until 5 o'clock in the morning. The Saviour made his appearance to some, while angels minestered unto others, and it was a penticost and enduement [endowment] indeed, long to be remembered. For the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world and the occurrences of this day shall be handeld] down upon the pages of sacred history to all generations as the day of Pentecost. So shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of Jubilee and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God.
[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 ascended the pulpit and remarked ... that this is a year of jubilee to us and a time of rejoicing, and that it was expedient for us to prepare bread and wine sufficient to make our hearts glad, as we should not probably leave this house until morning. To this end we should call on the brethren to make a contribution; the stewards passed round and took up a liberal contribution and messengers were dispatched for bread and wine.
Tubs, water, and towels were prepared and I called the House to order and the Presidency preceeded to wash the feet of the 12 [Apostles], pronouncing many prophecys and blessings upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus. The brethren began to prophesy upon each others' heads and cursings upon the enimies of Christ who inhabit Jackson County, Missouri. Continued prophesying, blessing, and sealing them with Hosanna and Amen until nearly 7 o'clock P.M.
The bread /and wine/ was then brought in and I observed that we had fasted all the day, and lest we faint as the Saviour did so shall we do on this occasion. We shall bless the bread and give it to the 12 [Apostles] and they to the multitude, after which we shall bless the wine and do likewise.
While waiting for the wine I made the following remarks: that the time that we were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endued [endowed] would be fulfilled in a few days...
I want to enter into the following covenant, that if any more of our brethren are slain or driven from their lands in Missouri by the mob that we will give ourselves no rest until we are avenged of our enimies to the uttermost. This covenant was sealed unaminously [unanimously] by a hosanna and Amen.
I then observed to the quorums that I had now completed the organization of the Church and we had passed through all the necessary ceremonies. ...
The brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until 5 o'clock in the morning. The Saviour made his appearance to some, while angels minestered unto others, and it was a penticost and enduement [endowment] indeed, long to be remembered. For the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world and the occurrences of this day shall be handeld] down upon the pages of sacred history to all generations as the day of Pentecost. So shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of Jubilee and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - Mar 30, 1856
Joseph F. Smith preaches to native Hawaians, "I spoke a short time by the spirit and prophysied that they would live (some of them) to see their children a white and delitesome people, if they would only obey the laws of God. ..."
['My Candid Opinion': The Sandwich Islands Diaries of Joseph F. Smith, 1856-1857]
['My Candid Opinion': The Sandwich Islands Diaries of Joseph F. Smith, 1856-1857]
185 years ago today - Mar 30, 1841
.... Joseph said that an Equality [law of consecration] would Not answer for he says if we were eaquel in property at present in six months we would be worse than Ever for there is too many Dishonest men amongst us who has more injenity to threat the Rest &c
[McIntire Minute Book, quoted in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
[McIntire Minute Book, quoted in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
195 years ago today - Late March 1831
Joseph Smith heals Elsa Johnson's arm.
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
195 years ago today - Mar 30, 1831
Warner Doty, about 29, becomes the first Mormon to die in Kirtland. Refused medical aid at Joseph's urging. Believed he would live for a thousand years.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
60 years ago today - Mar 29, 1966
"Brother [Ezra Taft] Benson inquired about the [scheduled John Birch Society] dinner, that in the letter that had been sent out it was announced that he would be in attendance and introduce the speaker. President [N. Eldon] Tanner said that he told Brother Benson that he could not give him any further answer than was given in the meeting on Thursday [not to speak at any more Birch meetings]. Elder Benson asked President Tanner if he would clear this matter for him with President McKay, and President Tanner had said no, that he felt that it was just as clear as anything could be."
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
105 years ago today - Mar 29, 1921
Pres A[nthony]. W. Ivins'came in about the middle of the afternoon'& later was asked to speak on plural marriages'A. W. I.'After 1890'no man who took plural wives were brought to account. He was instructed to tell the Mex. Government he was not then [there?] to perform plural marriages and at the same time he was instructed to perform plural marriages.
[Richard R. Lyman, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Richard R. Lyman, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
110 years ago today - Mar 29, 1916
[Heber J. Grant]
At 10:30 called at Brother Lyman's office as per his request and had a long talk with him on prohibition. He tried to catch me last night. He stated that he is anxious for me to take an active part in the coming campaign in favor of prohibition.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
At 10:30 called at Brother Lyman's office as per his request and had a long talk with him on prohibition. He tried to catch me last night. He stated that he is anxious for me to take an active part in the coming campaign in favor of prohibition.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
125 years ago today - Mar 29, 1901; Friday
[Heber J. Grant]
.... Brother Joseph F. Smith followed, occupying the remainder of the time. He spoke with a great deal of power and force. He announced that he looked upon me as being the seed actually of the Prophet Joseph Smith under the New and Everlasting Covenant, my mother having been sealed to the Prophet for all eternity, and only married to my father for time. This remark was called forth because of Jos[eph]. E. Taylor saying that the Lord would not forget the seed of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but that they would be remembered even if he had to wait until the second, third, or fourth generation for the Prophet's seed to have bestowed upon them the Holy Priesthood.
Brother Joseph F. [Smith] did not mention my name, but he announced that the Lord had not forgotten the seed of the Prophet Joseph, that his seed held the high priesthood in the Church, and that he had a son who was sitting not far from where he was then standing addressing the Saints. I knew Brother Smith meant me as on other occasions he had refered to me as the son of President Joseph Smith, and stated that he looked upon me as his cousin.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
.... Brother Joseph F. Smith followed, occupying the remainder of the time. He spoke with a great deal of power and force. He announced that he looked upon me as being the seed actually of the Prophet Joseph Smith under the New and Everlasting Covenant, my mother having been sealed to the Prophet for all eternity, and only married to my father for time. This remark was called forth because of Jos[eph]. E. Taylor saying that the Lord would not forget the seed of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but that they would be remembered even if he had to wait until the second, third, or fourth generation for the Prophet's seed to have bestowed upon them the Holy Priesthood.
Brother Joseph F. [Smith] did not mention my name, but he announced that the Lord had not forgotten the seed of the Prophet Joseph, that his seed held the high priesthood in the Church, and that he had a son who was sitting not far from where he was then standing addressing the Saints. I knew Brother Smith meant me as on other occasions he had refered to me as the son of President Joseph Smith, and stated that he looked upon me as his cousin.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
190 years ago today - Mar 29, 1836
[Joseph Smith]
Attended school, which was the last day of our course of lectures in Hebrew by Professor Seixas. ...
At evening I met with the Presidency in the Temple of the Lord. The Lord commanded us to tarry and san[c]tify our selves by washing our feet.
...Soon after this, the word of the Lord came to us through Pres[i]d[en]t J[oseph] Smith, Jun[ior], that those who had entered the Holy Place must not leave the House untill morning, but send for such things as were necessary, and also that during our stay we must cleans[e] our feet and partake of the sacrament that we might be made holy before Him, and thereby be qualified to officiate in our calling upon the morrow in washing the feet of the Elders.
Accordingly we proceeded and cleansed our faces and our feet, and then proceeded to wash each other's feet....
The Bishops and their councils were then washed, after which we partook of the bread and wine. The Holy S[p]irit rested down upon us and we continued in the Lord's House all night prophesying and giving glory to God.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Attended school, which was the last day of our course of lectures in Hebrew by Professor Seixas. ...
At evening I met with the Presidency in the Temple of the Lord. The Lord commanded us to tarry and san[c]tify our selves by washing our feet.
...Soon after this, the word of the Lord came to us through Pres[i]d[en]t J[oseph] Smith, Jun[ior], that those who had entered the Holy Place must not leave the House untill morning, but send for such things as were necessary, and also that during our stay we must cleans[e] our feet and partake of the sacrament that we might be made holy before Him, and thereby be qualified to officiate in our calling upon the morrow in washing the feet of the Elders.
Accordingly we proceeded and cleansed our faces and our feet, and then proceeded to wash each other's feet....
The Bishops and their councils were then washed, after which we partook of the bread and wine. The Holy S[p]irit rested down upon us and we continued in the Lord's House all night prophesying and giving glory to God.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
50 years ago today - Mar 28, 1976
[Leonard J. Arrington]
Apostle Ezra Taft Benson delivers a talk, "God's Hand in Our Nation's History," and warns employees of the church's seminary and Institute programs of the "humanizing" trend of the New Mormon History. He will make similar statements in September, implying that such history violates the temple covenant not to speak evil of the Lord's anointed.
[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]
Apostle Ezra Taft Benson delivers a talk, "God's Hand in Our Nation's History," and warns employees of the church's seminary and Institute programs of the "humanizing" trend of the New Mormon History. He will make similar statements in September, implying that such history violates the temple covenant not to speak evil of the Lord's anointed.
[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]
115 years ago today - Mar 28, 1911
[George F. Richards]
I attended a special meeting of the Twelve held in the temple .... Elder Geo[rge] Albert Smith was also with us for a short time but on account of his poor health was excused early. We discussed the merits and demerits in Bro[ther]. [apostle and son of John Taylor] John W. Taylor's case heard some weeks before. The final action taken and made unanimous by unanimous vote was excommunication for insubordination to the Church and the di[s]cipline thereof. It was shown that he had threatened the lives of two of the Apostles, F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. & J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. He had cursed one of the Apostles who has been sick for about two years [i.e., George Albert Smith] and attributed his sickness to that cause. He had disclosed and made improper use of a purported revelation of his father, Pres[ident]. John Taylor to the comfort of those who were opposed to the Church action in discontinuing the practice of plural marriage in the Church. He had characterized the action of the
Church Authorities in relieving B[isho]p. Robinson of Colonia Dublan [Mexico] of his bishopric or presidency over the ward as one of the most unjust and unrighteous acts ever committed. He had confessed to having authorized an elderly man a Patriarch (Wolf) of Canada to marry people in plural marriage. He confessed to having him self performed such marriages since the Manifesto. He would not deny that he had recently taken a plural wife but claimed that his rights were being encroached upon when we demand him to answer thus incriminating himself. He did not propose to make answers before this body of men that might incriminate him before the law. He had said he wanted nothing to do with any of the Twelve. Tho[ugh]t if to go to heaven meant to be associated with these he preferred to not go there or words to that effect. He had been dropped from the Council of the Twelve five years ago because he was out of harmony with the First Presidency and the Twelve but had never done anything
to put himself in harmony since but on the contrary had lent comfort to the enemy and had not tried to influence others to be quieted and sustain the Presidency. He told us in council that we could take it for granted he had a new plural wife. We need not go to the trouble to hunt up evidence, that we could do in his case as we deemed best, that he did not care. I called on Pres[ident] Lyman in the early eve and he told me he had presented to the First Presidency our decision in the J[ohn]. W. Taylor case and our action and that the President said he did not see how we could have done less.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
I attended a special meeting of the Twelve held in the temple .... Elder Geo[rge] Albert Smith was also with us for a short time but on account of his poor health was excused early. We discussed the merits and demerits in Bro[ther]. [apostle and son of John Taylor] John W. Taylor's case heard some weeks before. The final action taken and made unanimous by unanimous vote was excommunication for insubordination to the Church and the di[s]cipline thereof. It was shown that he had threatened the lives of two of the Apostles, F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. & J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. He had cursed one of the Apostles who has been sick for about two years [i.e., George Albert Smith] and attributed his sickness to that cause. He had disclosed and made improper use of a purported revelation of his father, Pres[ident]. John Taylor to the comfort of those who were opposed to the Church action in discontinuing the practice of plural marriage in the Church. He had characterized the action of the
Church Authorities in relieving B[isho]p. Robinson of Colonia Dublan [Mexico] of his bishopric or presidency over the ward as one of the most unjust and unrighteous acts ever committed. He had confessed to having authorized an elderly man a Patriarch (Wolf) of Canada to marry people in plural marriage. He confessed to having him self performed such marriages since the Manifesto. He would not deny that he had recently taken a plural wife but claimed that his rights were being encroached upon when we demand him to answer thus incriminating himself. He did not propose to make answers before this body of men that might incriminate him before the law. He had said he wanted nothing to do with any of the Twelve. Tho[ugh]t if to go to heaven meant to be associated with these he preferred to not go there or words to that effect. He had been dropped from the Council of the Twelve five years ago because he was out of harmony with the First Presidency and the Twelve but had never done anything
to put himself in harmony since but on the contrary had lent comfort to the enemy and had not tried to influence others to be quieted and sustain the Presidency. He told us in council that we could take it for granted he had a new plural wife. We need not go to the trouble to hunt up evidence, that we could do in his case as we deemed best, that he did not care. I called on Pres[ident] Lyman in the early eve and he told me he had presented to the First Presidency our decision in the J[ohn]. W. Taylor case and our action and that the President said he did not see how we could have done less.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Mar 28, 1896
U.S. president Cleveland signs the act to return the confiscated real estate of the LDS church.
[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)]]
140 years ago today - Sun., March 28th, 1886
[General Authority Abraham H. Cannon]
.... Bro. Olsen brought word in this evening that President Taylor had received a revelation from the Lord in which it stated that God was satisfied with the sacrifice made by the people in this crusade and that He would not turn their wrath aside. This word, he said, came from Bishop Allen of the 21st Ward, and, if true, we as a people can rejoice at it. Bro. F. S. Richards, who starts east tomorrow morning to look after some cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, thinks he will be able to obtain a pardon for Joseph Evans, who has 17 solid months yet to serve for polygamy. Arrests for cohabitation still continue to be made in Salt Lake and elsewhere.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
.... Bro. Olsen brought word in this evening that President Taylor had received a revelation from the Lord in which it stated that God was satisfied with the sacrifice made by the people in this crusade and that He would not turn their wrath aside. This word, he said, came from Bishop Allen of the 21st Ward, and, if true, we as a people can rejoice at it. Bro. F. S. Richards, who starts east tomorrow morning to look after some cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, thinks he will be able to obtain a pardon for Joseph Evans, who has 17 solid months yet to serve for polygamy. Arrests for cohabitation still continue to be made in Salt Lake and elsewhere.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
175 years ago today - Mar 28, 1851
General Assembly of State of Deseret dissolves itself to accept jurisdiction of Territory of Utah. In most elections from 1851 to 1869, 99 percent of Utah's Voters choose church-approved candidates. Ballots are marked to show how persons vote.
[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)]]
105 years ago today - Mar 27, 1921
Nathan G. Clark says he was advised by Pres. Smith to make himself a sacrifice & he is telling that it is all right for men to take plural wives if they will do it quietly The Church will sanction it.
[Richard R. Lyman, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Richard R. Lyman, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Mar 27, 1906
[Heber J. Grant to Brigham F. Grant]
Your letter written on the 6th came to hand yesterday. You say I know what is going to happen Ap[ri]l 6th. I know nothing of what is going to happen as not one thing has been written me by the [First] Presidency or Pres[ident] [Francis M.] Lyman of any intended action. I have had many letters like yours taking it for granted that I knew the way things were going, but I do not and for my lack of knowledge I am free to say I am not at all sorry. I have a fear in my heart that something may be done that will be as you say trying to men's very souls, and because of
which many will fall, and also that the action will be more than many of us can in any way comprehend. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Brigham F. Grant, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Your letter written on the 6th came to hand yesterday. You say I know what is going to happen Ap[ri]l 6th. I know nothing of what is going to happen as not one thing has been written me by the [First] Presidency or Pres[ident] [Francis M.] Lyman of any intended action. I have had many letters like yours taking it for granted that I knew the way things were going, but I do not and for my lack of knowledge I am free to say I am not at all sorry. I have a fear in my heart that something may be done that will be as you say trying to men's very souls, and because of
which many will fall, and also that the action will be more than many of us can in any way comprehend. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Brigham F. Grant, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Mar 27, 1886
A polygamist husband confides to his diary: "How delicate is the position of a man in plural marriage who loves his wives and who in turn is loved by them. Every move he makes, in relation or intercourse with them, is an arrow that pierces deep into the heart of one or other of them... A thousand thoughts and plans may come into his mind, but there is only one true solution. He must please God. In doing this, it may be hoped that bye and bye, he may also please them."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
175 years ago today - Probably on or before March 27, 1851
[Heber C. Kimball Revelations]
G.S.L. [Great Salt Lake] City, Mar. the 27 18 [rest of date missing]
9 oclock in the Evning the Lord said to H. C. Kimball The division would take place between the North and South within Six years and much Blo[o]d would be spilt on the ocation [occasion] and I should live to see it.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
G.S.L. [Great Salt Lake] City, Mar. the 27 18 [rest of date missing]
9 oclock in the Evning the Lord said to H. C. Kimball The division would take place between the North and South within Six years and much Blo[o]d would be spilt on the ocation [occasion] and I should live to see it.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Friday, Mar 27, 1846.
President Young called for the captains of fifties. No one answered; he responded to his own call. I am the captain of the first 50. Heber C. Kimball said, I am the captain of the second 50. P. P. Pratt [is captain of the] third 50, Peter Haws fourth 50, John Taylor fifth 50, and George Miller sixth 50. Up to this period the organization of this camp was very imperfect. When it was decided that the Saints would remove from Nauvoo, about 25 men were selected by the council of YTFIF [code for "Fifty"] and called captains of hundreds, whose business it was severally to select 100 families and see that they were prepared for a journey across the Rocky Mountains.
Afterward the captains of hundreds selected their own captains of fifties and tens, clerks, etc. ...
President Young was unanimously elected president over the whole camp of Israel by the council. ... President Young said from this time forth ... let every individual hereafter be called by the name that they received by adoption.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
Afterward the captains of hundreds selected their own captains of fifties and tens, clerks, etc. ...
President Young was unanimously elected president over the whole camp of Israel by the council. ... President Young said from this time forth ... let every individual hereafter be called by the name that they received by adoption.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Mar 27, 1846
Orson Hyde wrote Brigham Young that the [Nauvoo] Temple would not be ready to dedicate on the Church's sixteenth anniversary, April 6, 1846.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
190 years ago today - Mar 27, 1836
Joseph Smith leads the first dedicatory service for the House of the Lord in Kirtland. He reads the dedicatory prayer (D&C 109), which angers some individuals.
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
190 years ago today - Mar 27, 1836
The Kirtland Temple is dedicated.
The doors to the temple are open at seven A.M. Joseph seats the people. Almost 1,000 enter, many others are turned away. Contributions in excess of $950 are given. At nine A.M. Sidney Rigdon opens the service and speaks for two and a half hours on the need for belief in "present revelation," at one point drawing tears from many. He says that in spite of the many houses of worship built on the earth, this is the only one built by divine revelation. Songs of hosanna are sung.
The audience rises to sustain the First Presidency. The Twelve are sustained "as Prophets, Seers, Revelators, and special witnesses to all nations of the earth." The Presidents of the Seventy are sustained as "Apostles and special witnesses to the nations, to assist the Twelve in opening the Gospel kingdom among all people." Other officers are also sustained. "The vote was unanimous in every instance." Another hymn is sung.
Joseph offers thededicatory prayer, which was given by revelation. It is recorded as D&C 109.The dedication is then unanimously accepted and the Lord's Supper is administered. Others rise to speak.
President Frederick G. Williams testifies that an angel entered the window. David Whitmer also testifies that he saw an angel. President Brigham Young gives a short speech in tongues, which David W. Patten interprets; Elder Patten then speaks in tongues himself. The meeting is adjourned at about four o'clock.In the evening 416 brothers meet for the ordinance of the washing of feet. George A. Smith begins to prophesy, and a noise "like the sound of a rushing mighty wind" fills the temple; all arise and feel the invisible power, and experience visions, angels, the gift of tongues. People in the neighborhood hearing unusual noises and seeing the bright light above the temple run toward it to see what is happening.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
The doors to the temple are open at seven A.M. Joseph seats the people. Almost 1,000 enter, many others are turned away. Contributions in excess of $950 are given. At nine A.M. Sidney Rigdon opens the service and speaks for two and a half hours on the need for belief in "present revelation," at one point drawing tears from many. He says that in spite of the many houses of worship built on the earth, this is the only one built by divine revelation. Songs of hosanna are sung.
The audience rises to sustain the First Presidency. The Twelve are sustained "as Prophets, Seers, Revelators, and special witnesses to all nations of the earth." The Presidents of the Seventy are sustained as "Apostles and special witnesses to the nations, to assist the Twelve in opening the Gospel kingdom among all people." Other officers are also sustained. "The vote was unanimous in every instance." Another hymn is sung.
Joseph offers thededicatory prayer, which was given by revelation. It is recorded as D&C 109.The dedication is then unanimously accepted and the Lord's Supper is administered. Others rise to speak.
President Frederick G. Williams testifies that an angel entered the window. David Whitmer also testifies that he saw an angel. President Brigham Young gives a short speech in tongues, which David W. Patten interprets; Elder Patten then speaks in tongues himself. The meeting is adjourned at about four o'clock.In the evening 416 brothers meet for the ordinance of the washing of feet. George A. Smith begins to prophesy, and a noise "like the sound of a rushing mighty wind" fills the temple; all arise and feel the invisible power, and experience visions, angels, the gift of tongues. People in the neighborhood hearing unusual noises and seeing the bright light above the temple run toward it to see what is happening.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
35 years ago today - Mar 26, 1991
The Utah Supreme Court rules in a decision written by Justice Christine Durham: "The fact that our [Utah] constitution requires the state to prohibit polygamy does not necessarily mean that the state must deny any or all civil rights and privleges to polygamists." Therefore, the court rules that polygamists have a right to adopt children.
[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)]]
60 years ago today - Mar 26, 1966
Mark E. Petersen's [Deseret News] editorial proclaimed that the LDS church has "nothing to do with racists, nothing to do with Birchers, nothing to do with any slanted group." This 1966 editorial further warned Mormons to "avoid extremes and extremists."
["Politics and Religion," Deseret News "Church News," 26 Mar. 1966,16. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
["Politics and Religion," Deseret News "Church News," 26 Mar. 1966,16. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
130 years ago today - Mar 26, 1896; Thursday
[Heber J. Grant]
I told my wife Augusta last night that I felt to bow to the blow that had come to me in the death of my only son, but I would indeed be a thankful man if the Lord would show to me that I was not in a position of being under His disfavor, and today while brother Roberts was overcome by his feelings and had promised to make all the restitution that it was within his power to make it came over me with such force that I bowed my head and silently wept, that I had been the chief instrument in the hands of the Lord in getting brother Roberts to stop just as he was on the point of ruin eternally, and it seemed to me that I could not have asked for any greater evidence of the approval of the Lord of me and my labors than to see such fruits of what He had allowed me to assist in bringing about.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
I told my wife Augusta last night that I felt to bow to the blow that had come to me in the death of my only son, but I would indeed be a thankful man if the Lord would show to me that I was not in a position of being under His disfavor, and today while brother Roberts was overcome by his feelings and had promised to make all the restitution that it was within his power to make it came over me with such force that I bowed my head and silently wept, that I had been the chief instrument in the hands of the Lord in getting brother Roberts to stop just as he was on the point of ruin eternally, and it seemed to me that I could not have asked for any greater evidence of the approval of the Lord of me and my labors than to see such fruits of what He had allowed me to assist in bringing about.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
130 years ago today - Mar 26, 1896
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Met with Council in Temple. Seventies' Presidents were called in Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon made a few opening remarks told B. H. Roberts what was expected of him[;] read from D[octrine]. & C[ovenants]. p. 240 & page 220. Bro[other] R[oberts]. placed himself in the hands of Brethren, he broke down entirely and all eyes were wet. He satisfied us all and fulfilled my request he prayed for himself and did come to us with a broken heart & contrite spirit. We rejoiced in the lord and wept over the return of the stray sheep. Bro[ther] R[oberts]. was humble and wept for himself as we had an a previous occasion wept for him which then affected him not.
[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]
Met with Council in Temple. Seventies' Presidents were called in Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon made a few opening remarks told B. H. Roberts what was expected of him[;] read from D[octrine]. & C[ovenants]. p. 240 & page 220. Bro[other] R[oberts]. placed himself in the hands of Brethren, he broke down entirely and all eyes were wet. He satisfied us all and fulfilled my request he prayed for himself and did come to us with a broken heart & contrite spirit. We rejoiced in the lord and wept over the return of the stray sheep. Bro[ther] R[oberts]. was humble and wept for himself as we had an a previous occasion wept for him which then affected him not.
[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]
190 years ago today - Mar 26, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Stephen Post given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... thou shalt not finish thy ministry upon this ball [planet], thou shalt preach to people of other planets, and thou shalt preach to spirits in prison: be faithful before God and all power both in heaven and under heaven shall be given unto thee. ...
[Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
115 years ago today - Mar 25, 1911
[Joseph F. Smith and counselors]
The fact that Elder Thomas L. Kerr has voluntarily confessed to his wrong doing goes to show that his repentance is genuine, and inasmuch as you yourself belief this to be the case you may baptize him for the remission of his sins and the renewal of his covenants, and re-confirm upon him his former blessings. And this you may do in a strictly private way and without making any record whatever of the baptism.
[First Presidency, Letter to F. S. Bramwell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
The fact that Elder Thomas L. Kerr has voluntarily confessed to his wrong doing goes to show that his repentance is genuine, and inasmuch as you yourself belief this to be the case you may baptize him for the remission of his sins and the renewal of his covenants, and re-confirm upon him his former blessings. And this you may do in a strictly private way and without making any record whatever of the baptism.
[First Presidency, Letter to F. S. Bramwell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
155 years ago today - Mar 25, 1871
At Parowan's School of the Prophets, "speaking of the apostacy in the Church," one of the local Seventy's presidents says that "there were many who are beginning to think they do not worship the same God that Brigham Young does."
[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)]]
55 years ago today - Mar 24, 1971
The First Presidency shortens "the standard term of service for lady missionaries" from 24 months to 18 months.
[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 - Mar 24, 1891
Utah's chief justice Zane write: "Polygamy has demoralized the people of Utah. I presume there are more sexual crimes here in proportion to the population than anywhere else."
[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 - Mar 24, 1866
Heber C. Kimball - "Plurality of wives is a law established by God forever. It would be easier for the United States to build a tower to remove the sun as to remove polygamy."
[Millennial Star, vol. 28, p. 190, quoted at the Instutite for Religious Research]
[Millennial Star, vol. 28, p. 190, quoted at the Instutite for Religious Research]
175 years ago today - Mar 24, 1851
A company of 500 settlers called to settle in California departed from Payson, Utah. The group settled in San Bernardino, Calif., which became the first Mormon colony outside the Great Basin since the arrival of the pioneers in 1847.
[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]
185 years ago today - Mar 24, 1841
"To The Saints Abroad: The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said church, feel it their duty to call upon the saints who reside out of this county, to make preparations to come in, without delay, This is important, and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the prosperity of this the corner stone of Zion. Here the Temple must be raised, the University be built, and other edifices erected which are necessary for the great work of the last days; and which can only be done by a concentration of energy, and enterprise. Let it therefore be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those in this county, and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances will permit. Joseph Smith."
[Joseph Smith, City of Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill., March 24th 1841. Times and Seasons. "Truth Will Prevail." Vol. 2 No. 15, City of Nauvoo, Ill. June 1st, 1841 http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v2n15.htm, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
[Joseph Smith, City of Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill., March 24th 1841. Times and Seasons. "Truth Will Prevail." Vol. 2 No. 15, City of Nauvoo, Ill. June 1st, 1841 http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v2n15.htm, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
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