40 years ago today - Oct 13, 1985

Mark Hofmann tries to sell papyrus (supposedly Facsimile 2), for $100,000. By now Hofmann's debts are at least $1,300,000.

[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

45 years ago today - Oct 13, 1980

The "Anthon Transcript" is sold by Mark Hofmann to the LDS church. In exchange the Church gives him a five dollar Mormon gold coin minted in 1850, a first edition of the Book of Mormon, and several examples of pioneer Mormon Currency. Total value: $20,000.

[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

110 years ago today - Oct 13, 1915

[James E. Talmage]

At a conference today attended by the First Presidency, Brother Horace G. Whitney, Business Manager of the Deseret News, and myself, Brother Whitney explained the need of an early beginning on a second edition of the book 'Jesus the Christ'. This day marks the end of the first month since the book was placed on sale and according to Brother Whitney's written report over half the edition has already been sold. As the book is to be used in the Advanced Theology classes in the Sunday Schools beginning January next, and as it has also been adopted in the quorum classes of the Melchizedek priesthood, it appears that a second edition must be issued before the beginning of the coming year. The decision was reached today that plans for the second edition be proceeded with immediately.

[James E. Talmage Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

125 years ago today - Saturday, Oct 13, 1900

[Rudger Clawson]

In the afternoon I assisted Pres. J. F. Smith in ordaining Elder Squire Coop an elder and in setting him apart and blessing [him] for a musical mission to Europe—namely, to pursue the study of music.

[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

130 years ago today - Oct 13, 1895

[Wilford Woodruff]

13 Sunday There is a terrible Stir to day through Utah over the Meeting Held in the Tabernacle Assembly Hall on Oct 7. The Democrats are trying to break up the State Government over [it].

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

130 years ago today - Sunday, Oct 13, 1895

We returned home in the evening to find that Prest. Jos. F. Smith's speach at the Priesthood meeting had thrown the Democracy into Confusion.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

140 years ago today - Oct 13, 1885

[Salt Lake High Council disciplinary proceedings]

The Fifteenth Ward Bishopric and Bro[ther]. Charles W. Stayner met with the Council this evening by request of [Acting Salt Lake Stake] President Joseph E. Taylor.

President Taylor stated that he had heard that Bishop [Joseph] Pollard and Bro[ther]. Stayner had some misunderstanding, from remarks of the latter, in regard to women laying hands for the healing of the sick, and thought it proper to have the matter presented to the Council for the purpose of hearing what the brethren had to say in relation to it. ...

My subject that evening was in relation to young people getting married. I advised them not to get married except through the sealing covenant. ... I mentioned this and said that a young Sister who was married by the sealing power became a partaker of the priesthood which her husband held but could not if she married him by any other means. As an additional inducement to her to do so, I stated if she had a child after this marriage, and it should become sick and afflicted, she could, in the absence of her husband and the absence of the Elders, herself lay hands upon her child by virtue of he priesthood she held in connection with her husband. Bro[ther]. Pollard seemed to infer from this that I intended to convey the idea that a woman could hold the priesthood separate and apart from her husband; at least I judged so from his remarks at the close of the meeting. I told him that there must be some misunderstanding. ... I had no idea that a Sister held the priesthood separate
and apart from her husband, or could exercise any right whatever'separate and apart from him'except in her own family as I have already stated. Bro[ther] Pollard said that a woman had no right whatever to exercise any such power or privilege and consequently we decided, at the first opportunity which presented itself, to lay the matter before the President of the Stake and get a decision with regard to our positions. ...

Bishop Joseph Pollard said: ... I listened to his remarks with a great deal of attention and interest until he said that '1/2the Sister who was sealed to a Brother would have the priesthood he holds in

connection with him.'| Furthermore, he said that she had a right to exercise the priesthood she held to administer to her own family in the absence of her husband and the Elders. I understood Bro[ther]. Stayner to say that a Sister, when sealed to a husband in the House of God, held the same priesthood he held, let it be what it may; whatever priesthood the husband held the Sister also held it in connection with him. I will say that I never heard this doctrine before. I have been in the Church a great many years, and I have tried to inform myself concerning the principles of the Gospel but that is something entirely new to me.

If it is true that a woman holds the priesthood of God I want to know it; not that I oppose it ...

I felt it my duty to speak about this in public as a great many of our sisters would take advantage of this, and when they once got started it would be a hard job to get them quieted down again. ...

[Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 3: Excerpts from the Disciplinary Proceedings of the Salt Lake Stake High Council, 1884-1893]

165 years ago today - Oct 13, 1860

Apostle Orson Hyde intervenes to spare William A. Hickman from excommunication and tells bishopric: "a man may steal and be influenced by the spirit of the Lord to do it, that Hickman had done it in years past." The bishop reluctantly acquits him.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

180 years ago today - Oct 13, 1845

A non-Mormon in Auga, Illinois writes his brother: "there are hundreds of good farms, that the Mormons would sell cheap, go in the Spring they must. They talk of going over the rocky mountains, but I dont believe it. But wherever the wretches can go, I dont know. They have no right to go or stay any where, on earth. They are not fit to be among men!"

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

185 years ago today - Oct 13, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff]

I conversed much with Catherine the Prophetess.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

190 years ago today - 1835 Oct 13

Joseph Smith visits w/ fully healed Joseph Smith Sr.

[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]

45 years ago today - Oct 12, 1980

While organizing stake in Brasilia, Brazil, Apostle Ezra Taft Benson givese a blessing to the new stake president's daughter who "had a large growth on her neck," that the "growth would disappear" without the surgery recommended by the physicians. Five days later the growth is gone.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

50 years ago today - Oct 12, 1975

Presidency counselor N. Eldon Tanner dedicates the LDS dormitory and classroom building at Michigan State University, "the first of its kind at a non-Church school outside of Utah."

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

115 years ago today - Oct 12, 1910; Wednesday

[Joseph W. Summerhays speaking:] ... I take the stand that you have no right to excommunicate me from the Church for the reasons which I will state further. ... I am at liberty now to say some things which I was not at liberty to say before. In the year 1905, after President [Joseph F.] Smith had issued his statement on plural marriages in 1904, he took a party to Mexico, the occasion being the dedication of the Juarez Academy. Among the party were President Smith and wife, his son Joseph F[ielding]. Jr., and myself. ... President Smith called me to him and took me up into one of the upper rooms in President Ivins' home and he told me this man whom he had met in the garden was married, but had no children and had made all arrangements before the President's declaration to marry a girl and he said I don't know how this can be done, but if you know how it can be done you have it done; you say that it can be done. I spoke to President Ivins about it and he said that he had been told
by President Smith on a previous occasion that unless a bigger man than he came along that he was not to marry any one unless so instructed by this bigger man. I asked President Ivins to let me see his ceremony and he did I have had invitations from twenty or more people to go and officiate and in every instance I have told them no as I had no authority. My conscience is free before God and I had the authority and if told to do it tomorrow I would do it. That is one reason why I think you cannot cut me off the Church. ... I went to President Ivins and said President Smith wants Brother Sears married, and then is when he made the remark that he had instructions that unless a great man came he was not to perform any marriages.... President Smith has said further on several occasions that he didn't want to know anything about this. ...

Summerhays: In February of 1898, President Smith who was then counselor to President [Wilford] Woodruff, Brother Spence and others were in New York, and I asked for an interview with him. I told him some of the brethren were getting wives and I asked him if it would be alright if I took one. He said it would under certain conditions. But my marriage did not take place for five years afterwards on the 25th of September 1903. ... [Not excommunicated].

[Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]

120 years ago today - Oct 12, 1905

Angus M. Cannon, in a letter to Joseph Smith, III, and his son Frederick, answers a question about Joseph Smith's polygamy. In response to the elder Smith's inquiry, "Where is the issue in evidence of my father's having married plural wives," Cannon replies: "I will now refer you to one case where it was said by the girl's grandmother that your father has a daughter born of a plural wife. The girl's grandmother was Mother Sessions, who lived in Nauvoo and died here in the valley. She was the grand-daughter of Mother Sessions . . . Aunt Patty Sessions, asserts that the girl was born within the time after your father was said to have taken the mother." Cannon was president of the Salt Lake Stake and a brother of Apostle and First Presidency counselor George Q. Cannon.

145 years ago today - Tuesday, Oct 12, 1880

City Hall, Salt Lake City

[Orson Pratt:] In the Church we take the Law of God & his Priesthood as the Constitution of his Church-here in this Council [of Fifty] we have a living constitution not a written one-which we must conform to.

[L. John Nuttall minutes, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]

180 years ago today - Oct 12, 1845

Rigdon's supporters in Pittsburgh publicly sustain him as "first president of the church" which is formally organized as a new "Church of Christ" on 6 Apr. 1845.

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

180 years ago today - Oct 12, 1845

[Brigham Young]

[On moving west] We calculate to go three months journey into the wilderness - let every man learn to hold his tongue and I will say to you there are a great many good places not yet settled by whites - and large enough as England, France, etc. - There are many countries not yet explored - excellent islands well watered, good mill privileges - some say Vancouver Island is very fruitful, and would make an excellent beginning for a kingdom when we get ready to start we can say, we are from ev- ery place but this and we will soon be from this. but where we go we know not - Vancouver Island is perfectly healthy - plastered - outside - and if we should float down stream - we shall like to see them look well. -- Nauvoo, Illinois

[Thomas Bullock Minutes, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

40 years ago today - Oct 11, 1985

Mark Hofmann offers to sell President Hinckley a Kinderhook plate and Joseph's translation of it. The offer is declined.

[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

185 years ago today - Oct 11, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff]

.... We took tea with Sister Katherine Betes the Prophetess....

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

190 years ago today - Oct 11, 1835

Sunday, 11th Visited my Father /again/ who was verry sick./ In secret prayer in the morning the Lord said, "My servant thy Father shall live." ...

At Evening Bro[ther] David Whitmer came in. We called on the Lord in mighty prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, laid our hands on him [Joseph Smith, Sr.], and rebuked the diseas[e]. God heard and answered our prayers to the great Joy and satisfaction of our souls. Our aged Father arose and dressed himself, shouted, and praised the Lord. ...

[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

200 years ago today - Oct 11, 1825

The WAYNE SENTINEL, published in Palmyra New York, prints an article stating: "Those who are conversant with the public and private economy of the Indians, are strongly of [the] opinion that they are the lineal descendants of the Israelites, and my own researches go far to confirm me in the same belief." The article lists a number of reasons for this belief: "The Indians worship one Supreme Being as the fountain of life, and the author of all creation. Like the Israelites of old, they are divided into tribes. . . . their language and dialect are evidently of Hebrew origin. They compute time after the manner of the Israelites. . . . They have their prophets, High Priests, and their sanctum sanctorum. . . . They have their towns and cities of refuge. . . . If the tribes could be brought together, could be made sensible of their origin, could be civilized, and restored to their long lost brethren, what joy to our people, what glory to our God, how clearly have the prophecies been
fulfilled, how certain our dispersion, how miraculous our preservation, how providential our deliverance."

10 years ago today - 2015 October 10

Prophet's Prey premieres on Showtime, an exposé of abuses in the FLDS Church.

[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]

135 years ago today - Oct 10, 1890

[Within days of the Manifesto being presented in General Conference, Apostle] John W. Taylor marries 3rd wife

[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]

145 years ago today - Oct 10, 1880

Oct 10 1880 Sunday This is a great day to Israel. ... The various Quorums of the Priesthood were seated in the following Order: The first Presidency in the upper Seat The Twelve Apostles in the 2d seat. On the South of the Stand the Patriarchs & Presidets of the Stakes & their Councillors and the High Councils. On the North of the Stand the Bishops and their Councillors, Presiding Bishop Hunter & his Councellors in front of them. The High Priest on the North Benches of the house. The Quorum Presidets in the front. The Elders immediately Behing the High Priest. The Seventies on the Benches of the South side of the House And the Quorum Presidets in the front. The Lesser Priesthood in the North side of the House.

Conference Called to order By Presidet John Taylor. Prayer By Albert Carrington. This is the third time the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have been Called upon to organize a first Presidency of the Church. First the Prophet Joseph Smith & Councillors. Seconed when President Brigham Young & Councillors were Appointed. Third when President John Taylor & Councillors are now Presented to the Assembly.

Elder Orson Pratt then Presented the following Authorities of the Church to the Conference all of which were unanimously sustained without a dissenting vote By Each Quorum of the Priesthood rising in their order with uplifted hands to heaven.... After which George Q Cannon said I hold in my hand the Doctrins & Covenants and I present them to the Conference to see if the people will vote for them. He had also the Pearl of Great Price in Connexion with the Covenants and all the Conference voted to sustain the Revelations Contained therein.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Oct 10, 1880

John Taylor: Sustained Trustee-in-Trust and president of church 10 Oct. 1880 without setting apart or ordination

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

145 years ago today - Oct 10, 1880

Joseph Smith—History becomes part of the Pearl of Great Price as Church members vote on the canonized scripture in General Conference. Pearl of Great Price becomes fourth standard work of Church. By this date, the Church officially had four standard works of scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

150 years ago today - Oct 10, 1875 (Afternoon, Conference)

[Brigham Young]

When the earth was framed, made, and brought forth and man placed in the Garden of Eden, the earth was placed at his disposal, and man, not woman, is the King, lord and governor of the earth; and if men, since the fall, had done right, had kept the commandments of God, women would have been willing to go with them and be Saints; and at the present time there are thousands and millions of females who will receive the gospel whose husbands, fathers, and brothers will reject it, and it crowds the necessity of taking more wives than one upon the elders of Israel; for if they were not to do so a great many women never could attain to the same exaltation hereafter they would not have the glory of propagating their species and filling worlds and being associated with the Gods. But to prevent them being thus cut off hereafter, the Elders of Israel, who are obedient to the priesthood, are under the necessity of taking those that present themselves and who wish to be sealed to men. Now, O ye
inhabitants of the earth, repent of your sins, become sons of God by adoption, by entering the Kingdom of God upon the earth, keep his commandments, glorify his name, sanctify yourselves before the Lord, and every one of you take a wife to save us this care and share with us in this blessing....

[Deseret News, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

180 years ago today - Oct 10, 1845

[Hosea Stout]

.... selected a Temple guard out of Hunter company & regulated the Commissary department. While there recieved orders from the Lieutenant General by A. P. Rockwood to have the Second Cohort ready to be called out at a moments warning - for them not to be far from home and to rally as usual at the hoisting of the flag at the Temple, for them not to give up their gains to our enemies but first to Shoot....

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

195 years ago today - Oct 10, 1830

Sunday, Samuel Smith is able to visit Joseph Sr. in prison but cannot effect his release to the jail yard.

[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

200 years ago today - 10-Oct 24, 1825

The Smith family meets Josiah Stowell, who hires Joseph Jr. to locate a lost Spanish mine in Harmony (PA) with seer stone.

[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]

120 years ago today - Oct 9, 1905

The President instructed Patriarchs about keeping with the legitimate line of blessing when giving patriarchal blessings. For instance, some patriarchs had told people they should live in the flesh and never taste of death. It was very questionable, he said, that the Lord revealed such things to them to make known to individuals receiving blessing under their hands, they should not make such promises. This should be understood: that whatever promises are made which do not come to pass are made by the patriarch and not by the Lord through the patriarch. The President thought it would be very proper for the Presiding Patriarch to visit stakes and review the blessings given by local patriarchs, and where necessary, to correct extravagances of every kind. The President also said the Lord had not revealed to him when He is coming to earth; but He has commanded all to be ready when He shall come, and all who are ready will be worthy when he does come. ... By unanimous vote it was decided
that the present condition under which waltzing is not permitted in our social parties continue in force. ...

[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

140 years ago today - Oct 9, 1885

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary]

Erotic revelations of Herman Fascher Conference. Apostle Erastus Snow addressed us ... and referred to the pretended and exotic Revelations of Herman Fascher.

[Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Oct 9, 1880

[Joseph F. Smith]

.... The rest of the time was used in discussing the propriety of organizing the First Presidency. The council are not unanimous. Did not conclude. ... The Twelve met at 6 p.m. in the Endowment House when the motion of C[harles]. C. Rich and seconded by O[rson]. Pratt that we organize the council of the First Presidency was put and carried. Then on motion of W[ilford]. Woodruff, John Taylor was chosen president. He then chose G[eorge]. Q. Cannon and J[oseph]. F. S[mith]. as counsellors.

[Joseph F. Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

145 years ago today - Oct 9, 1880

.... The Apostle then met in Council at 6 oclok and Decided to Organize the first Presidency of the Church. Wilford Woodruff Nominated John Taylor to be the Presidet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and it was Carried unanimously. Presidet John Taylor then Chose George Q Cannon as his first Councillor and Joseph F Smith as his second Councillor. It was then Moved seconded & Carried Unanimously that Wilford Woodruff Should be the Presidet of the Twelve Apostles.

We then Met in the Assembly Hall with the Priesthood Meeting and at the Meeting after documents were read upon the priesthood Presidet John Taylor was then Presented before the Priesthood Meeting as the Presidet of the Church and his two Councillors And Wilford Woodruff as the Presidet of the Twelve Apostles and Receivd the unanimous vote of all the Priesthood Assembled upon the occasion.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

150 years ago today - Oct 9, 1875

Last evening the 12 met at Presidet Youngs and after Discussing the Subjet of the Presidency & Twelve voted to drop John Smith from the Patriarchal Office & put in his place Joseph F Smith but during the day John & Joseph F Smith had Seen Presidet Brigham and pled vary hard to try John another six month to see if he would magnify his calling any better than he had done in the past....

John Taylor offered up the dedication prayer which was printed in the Deseret News and Herald. The Tabernacle was then Dedicated. It took 40 Minuts to read it. ...

W. Woodruff said I feel to bear my testimony to what the Apostles have said to you. I have had vary peculiar feelings for the last 3 months of my life. I view in the vision of my mind Forty thousand men in these mountains bearing the Holy and Everlasting Priesthood of the Son of God and these men were fore ordained before the world was Created to Come here on the Earth in this dispensation on purpose to labor with the Lord to build up his kingdom on the Earth. And then I view in the vision of my mind forty Million Devels, fallen spirits gathered to gether to make war against these forty thousand priest of the Lord and strive to hender their building up the kingdom of God.

...I will also say we have many Bishops & Elders who have but one wife who are abundantly able to support more but their wives will not let them do it. Any man who will permit a woman to lead him and bind him down is of but little account in the Church & kingdom of God..

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

155 years ago today - Sep 17, 1870

[Martin Harris]

Rebaptized in Endowment House

[Martin Harris Chronology, Michael Marquardt, Sunstone Symposium 2016]

160 years ago today - Oct 9, 1865

President B. Young spoke of the calling and ordination of the Twelve Apostles. They were called by revelation, through the Prophet Joseph, and Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris officiated in the ordination in the beginning of 1835. He referred to the washing of feet, in the solemn assembly held in the Temple of Kirtland that was called together by the Prophet. Gave instructions on the principle of adoption, teaching that a man by being adopted, to connect the chain of the Holy Priesthood, loses nothing which he has; and treated on the continued growth and increase in capacity to receive and enjoy given blessings, and of the continued blessings bestowed upon those who live according to the principles of the holy gospel. -- SLC Bowery

[Deseret News, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

160 years ago today - Oct 9, 1865

THE SPIRIT

* * *

O may the Saints be perfect

As God our Father was,

When he got back to Eden,

By her celestial laws. ...

He [Elder Richards] dwelt at length on some of the principles of theology, showing that duties of a temporal nature were the first that were enjoined upon our first parents when they were placed in the garden of Eden;. . .

[Conference Report, October 1865, Semi-Annual General Conference; Monday, October 9th, 1865, 10 a.m. [See also Millennial Star XXVII, pp. 770-771; Deseret News XV, 5 (October 12, 1865); "Journal History", 9 October 1865; and "Documentary History", p. 924-- in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]

160 years ago today - Oct 9, 1865

[Brigham Young]

I am addressing myself to the ladies of the kingdom of God, to those who know how to keep their houses, furniture and beds pure and clean, who can cook food for their husbands and children in a way that it will be clean, tasteful and wholesome. The woman that can do this I call a lady. In this view I differ from the world generally; for the lady of the world is not supposed to know anything about what is going on in the kitchen; her highest ambition is to be sure and be in the fashion, at no matter what cost to her husband or father; she considers that she may as well be out of the world as out of the fashion...

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

165 years ago today - Oct 9, 1860

W. W. Phelps came in, and made a statement about the revelation which says the Southern States shall be divided against the north, he said after this revelation was given it was locked up in a desk and the key got lost. Joseph said it was the will of the Lord. Joseph prayed and afterwards ascertained from the Lord that he did not want it published just then; the Pres[ident] remarked he was glad he did not call him to the stand. -- Salt Lake City

[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

185 years ago today - 1840: 9 October

[Patriarchal Blessing]

Wilford Woodruff

"... thou shall be instrumental of Thousands being brought to the knowledge of the truth ..."

[Ms d 7074, LDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

65 years ago today - Oct 8, 1960

N. Eldon Tanner and Theodore M. Burton are sustained as Assistants to the Twelve. Tanner is the first general authority who had prominent office in a non-U.S. government, three terms as Minister of Lands and Mines in the cabinet of Canada's premier. Burton is the first Ph.D. appointed as an Assistant.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

115 years ago today - Oct 8, 1910; Saturday

Certain apostles seeming to be perfectly conscien[t]ious in their position, by authority of their priesthood solemnized such marriages. Subsequently after death of Pres[ident]. Woodruff & Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow, Pres[ident]. Smith endorsed manifesto and endeavored to make it plain that the church isnot sanctioning further plural marriages. But some men holding the Melchisedick priesthood and claiming to thus have the right to marry still has performed such marriages persumably taking licence from what had been done by certain apostles. There has been a kind of secret company of brethren mosto f whom good men in other respects have either willfuly or innocently said that they First Presidency are in sympathy with these plural marriages but it must not be known as the government forbids such. ...

[William H. Smart, Diary]

115 years ago today - Oct 8, 1910; Saturday

President [Joseph F.] Smith made clear his attitude on the question. He said, "There is not a man in all Israel who is authorized to perform plural marriages. If any man shall say there is tell him he lies. The Lord has revealed that there is but one man at a time who has that authority. Any man who assumes that authority is a falsifyer and trying to injure me and the church and should you knock such an one down I shall not feel badly about it. Now is this clear? Do you see any loophole? If so tell me. If there is any way to make it plainer I wish you would tell me how to do it.["]

[George F. Richards, Diary]

120 years ago today - Oct 8, 1905

Saml. W. Richards saidhe was intimate with the prophet Jos. In the winter of 1843-44 a messenger came and asked me if I would be one of the party to go and explore the Rocky Mountains with 23 other men to find a place where the Church could be established. He related a vision in which he saw the vallies of the Mountains, California & Northern Mexico, & then the building of a temple at Jackson Co. & the earth redeemed and filled with towns & villages & producing all that was necessary for sustenance of men. -

[Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Monday, Oct 8, 1900

Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon said the Saints must guard against extreme partisanship in politics.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

125 years ago today - Monday, Oct 8, 1900

L. S[now]. He said ... When Jesus came to the earth, he was a God without knowing it—he did not comprehend his

former greatness, neither did we comprehend ours. We are scarcely out of our infancy. We ought to be up and doing, and when people come for counsel, be prepared to give it to them.

... We are giving the brethren their second anointings, and anyone who receives them, I should think, would never apostatize. ... Presidents of stakes and bishops of wards should be very careful in recommending people for their second anointings. They should be sure, so far as it is possible to be sure, that they will not afterwards apostatize. Do not recommend those who are not worthy.

As to some presidents of stakes who have not received their second anointings, he said, if they were worthy to be presidents of stakes, they were worthy of this blessing and could have it upon application.

...J. W. T[aylor]. Warned the authorities against hastily cutting people off the church. We should seek rather to convert than to cut off.

[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

145 years ago today - Oct 8, 1880

[George Q. Cannon]

Elder [Wilford] Woodruff's motion [that John Taylor be church president] was then called for and carried unanimously. Pres[ident]. Taylor said he was prepared to name his counselors and being requested to do so, named me as his first and Jos[eph]. F. Smith as his second. The mention of my name was a great surprise to me. As I had been nominated again for congress and would be absent this winter and probably half at least of the next two years, I had felt free in expressing my feelings upon the subject of the first presidency in favor of it, not thinking for a moment that my name would be mentioned for this position and feeling satisfied that no one could suspect me under the circumstances of having any person ambition with this matter. I could scarcely express my feelings. Before the names of the counselors were called Ihad a presentiment that myname would be mentioned and I trembled all over. My nerves twitched all over my body and I could scarcelycontrol myself. When my name was
mentioned I rose to my feet and begged of the brethren to excuse me from filling that position. I told them that I would much rather remain in the quorum of the Twelve. I could think of at least 12 or 13 men who could fill that position in my opinion better than Icould. My agitation was extreme and I was completely overcome. Pres[ident]. Taylor said it was not a matter of personal choice. Several of the brethren also spoke very kindly approving of the nomination and it was carried unanimously on motion of Bro[ther]. Woodruff.

[George Q. Cannon Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

150 years ago today - Oct 8, 1875

Brigham Young is sustained again as Trustee-in-Trust, following the death of his replacement, George A. Smith. He has no assistants, and the office remains with the presiding apostle or church president from now on.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

150 years ago today - Oct 8, 1875 (Afternoon, Conference)

[Brigham Young]

.... The people to abandon whiskey, wine and beer; when used according to the spirit and meaning of the word of wisdom. ... store up grain; if you do not you will be sorry; this is the word of the Lord. The ten tribes will soon come in from the north; Babylon will fall. He was afraid the people would sleep too long....

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

155 years ago today - Oct 8, 1870

[Joseph F. Smith]

Met with the quorum at Prest. Young's office. John D. Lee and I[saac]. Haight and Geo[rge]. Wood were cut off [from] the church because of extreem wickedness or for having been engaged in the M[ountain]. M[eadows]. M[asscre].

[Joseph F. Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

155 years ago today - Oct 8, 1870 (Afternoon, Conference)

When the motion was put to the Conference to sustain President Brigham Young as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church, he arose and tendered his resignation of that office. At this the congregation manifested strong signs of disapproval. And, when Elder Cannon stated that there were two motions before the Conference, one to sustain President Young as Trustee-in-Trust, and the other to accept of his resignation of that office, thousands of the people shouted '"no,'" '"no;'" and, when the first motion was put, the vast congregation, agitated by one common feeling, moved and surged for a few moments, and, not satisfied with merely holding up the right hand in token of sustain the motion, great numbers rose to their feet and held up both hands and a murmur went up from the human sea. Many of the strangers present held up their hands as if impelled by the same spirit that moved the great assembly. The scene was one which will never be forgotten by those who beheld it, and but few persons
present could prevent feelings of intense emotion swelling up in their bosoms. There stood the veteran, faithful leader of a people who had been led by him through the most trying scenes that have proved him to be their best earthly friend as well as spiritual guide, and the people uttering a united protest against his resigning to act for them in a position of trust. ...

[Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 19:419, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

165 years ago today - Oct 8, 1860

Brigham Young preaches "he was contending against a principle in many of the Bishops to use up all the Tithing they could for their own families."

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

165 years ago today - Oct 8, 1860

[Brigham Young]

'"My policy is to let the men who labor hard have the beef, and those who sit in their easy chairs and do nothing, can do very well with lighter food. Said he wished to build the Temple, not for the people to meet in [as had been done in prevous temples], but for the priesthood to meet in and receive instruction in the things of God.'" -- SLC Bowery

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

170 years ago today - Oct 8, 1855 (Afternoon, Conference)

Pres Young said there were spirits of a nobler class waiting to take bodies and it was the duty of every man to be taking to himself more wives ...

[Lorenzo Brown Diary, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

180 years ago today - Oct 8, 1845

Lucy Mack Smith is the first woman to speak at general conference. Church authorities do not invite another woman to address conference for 143 years.

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

180 years ago today - Oct 8, 1845

[Brigham Young]

Joseph once said, with outstretched arms, '"If I fall in battle in Missouri, I want you to bring my bones back and deposit them in the sepulcher, I command you to do it in the name of the Lord.'" ... And we will petition Sister Emma, in the name of Israel's God, to let us deposit the remains of Joseph according as he commanded us. And if she will not consent to it, our garments are clear. Then when he awakes in the morning of the resurrection, he shall talk with them, not with me; the sin shall be upon her head, not ours. -- Nauvoo, Illinois

[History of the Church. 7 Vols. B. H. Roberts, ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, Co., 1902. 7:472, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

185 years ago today - Oct 8, 1840

[Brigham Young]

I had organized the priesthood in Manchester to meet every Sabbath morning, and distribute themselves throughout the different parts of the city to preach in the streets. In this way they occupied about forty preaching stations, at each one of which the congregation were notified of our regular meetings in the Carpenter's Hall. This so annoyed the sectarians, particularly the Methodists, that they made complaints to the mayor, who issued an order to have all street preachers arrested. I went to the priesthood meeting in the morning and felt impressed to tell the brethren to go home. The police, who had been instructed to arrest all street preachers that morning, took up about twenty, who all proved to be Methodists. When the magistrate learned they were not "Mormons," they were dismissed.

[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

25 years ago today - Oct 7, 2000-8

The new 21,000-seat Conference Center, across the street north of Temple Square, was dedicated during general conference by President Hinckley.

[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

40 years ago today - Oct 7, 1985

Radio Shack outlet in Cottonwood Mall sells to "M. Hansen" [Mark Hoffman alias] a battery holder and a mercury switch.

[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

85 years ago today - Oct 7, 1940

[Heber J. Grant]

Joseph F. Smith III wrote me a letter expressing his loyalty to me and had it delivered by special delivery mail Saturday afternoon.

[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Oct 7, 1905

[Thomas A. Clawson]

"Joseph Smith [III] and Frederick M Smith of the Reorganized Church are in attendance (Sic) at conference and will hear some strong testimonies of the truth of this work. I hear from common rumor that Joseph Smith [III] is here at the instance of Kearns and Cannon all his expenses being paid, the hope being that there will be a split in the Church and he will step in and gather them into the Reorganized Church. Another report is circulated to the effect that Joseph Smith [III] hoped to be appointed a receiver for the Church &c. All of which if their (Sic) is any truth whatever in them are the very highth (Sic) of folly."

[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

130 years ago today - Oct 7, 1895

[Brigham Young Jr.]

Priesthood meeting, 7 Oct., "Bro[ther] Jos[eph] F. S. said one of the Twelve & one of Presidency of Seventies were not doing their duty in the church [engaging in politics without approval] and they should make right what was wrong. We all seconded his remarks tho' some thought them premature I did not think so for the brethren have neglected their ecclesiastical duties for years."

[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

135 years ago today - Oct 7, 1890

President George Q. Cannon spoke of the necessity of the sisters being encouraged under the difficulties incident to the issuance of the President's Manifesto, and that the local authorities should do their utmost to shield the women and children. Pres[iden]t. Cannon felt that he could prophesy that the course that the Church was pursuing was the path of safety, and that it would lead to political success. President Woodruff drew the attention of the brethren to the fact that the Manifesto did not affect our present family relations, but it simply stated that all plural marriages had ceased. He had the mind and will of God before he took any action, and called upon the brethren not to desert their families but continue to do their duty by treating them with kindness. ...

[First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

155 years ago today - Oct 7, 1870

Presidet Young gave the following Revelations:

It is the mind & will of God that the Elders of Israel should take the Utah Central Rail Road Bonds & own the road & Pay for it so that He Could pay the debts of the Union Pacific which He owes to the Brethren. It is the will of God that C. C. Rich & Lorenzo Snow should Call for 50 Men to strengthen the Settlemets in Bear lake valley. It is the will of God that Erastus Snow should Call upon the People to Strengthen the Southern Settlemets.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Oct 7, 1855

William Smith: Called conference in Kirtland, Ohio, 6-7 Oct. 1855 with Martin Harris to organize church of the Bride the Lamb's Wife (no connection to George Hinkle's church), and received revelations through Miss Sexton, Cleveland spiritualist

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

190 years ago today - 1835 7 Oct.

Joseph Smith uses his white seer stone to give blessings to Newel K. and Elizabeth A. Whitney. The Whitneys have a seer stone of their own shortly afterwards.

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

190 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 7, 1835

[Joseph Smith]

"This afternoon I re-commenced translating from the ancient records."

[Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research]

195 years ago today - Oct 7, 1830

Joseph Sr. is arrested for debt and jailed for thirty days.

[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]