The announcement of two temple, one to be constructed for Boston and one for White Plains, New York. Additionally, there is a withdrawal of a previous announcement of a temple for Hartford Connecticut, and is the first such cancellation. Even the unused (yet dedicated in 1839) temple site of Far West, Missouri, has not been formally cancelled. The Samoa Temple first slated for Pago Pago.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
60 years ago today - Sep 30, 1965
Cover story of The John Birch Society Bulletin for September 1965: "Fully expose the `civil rights' fraud and you will break the back of the Communist Conspiracy!" Robert Welch concluded the article: "And we repeat once more: It is on the `civil rights' sector of their total [Communist] front that we now have the best chance there has been since 1952 of setting them back with some really effective blows. Let's put our best into the job."
[The John Birch Society Bulletin (Sept. 1965): cover and 23. The October Bulletin (dated 30 Sept. 1965): 2, concluded its reminder about the Birch battle with the African-American civil rights movement: "And in setting out seriously on this gigantic endeavor, we have really stirred up the animals." 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.]
[The John Birch Society Bulletin (Sept. 1965): cover and 23. The October Bulletin (dated 30 Sept. 1965): 2, concluded its reminder about the Birch battle with the African-American civil rights movement: "And in setting out seriously on this gigantic endeavor, we have really stirred up the animals." 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.]
135 years ago today - Tuesday, Sep 30, 1890
Salt Lake City
During the morning hour I was busy about the City.
At 2 p.m. the following named brethren of the Twelve met in Council. Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor and Abraham H. Cannon, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, and Francis M. Lyman spoke upon the President's Manifesto in regard to the solemnization of Plural marriages and endorsed it. John W. Taylor was somewhat mixed but acknowledged the hand of the Lord in it.
[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]
During the morning hour I was busy about the City.
At 2 p.m. the following named brethren of the Twelve met in Council. Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor and Abraham H. Cannon, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, and Francis M. Lyman spoke upon the President's Manifesto in regard to the solemnization of Plural marriages and endorsed it. John W. Taylor was somewhat mixed but acknowledged the hand of the Lord in it.
[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]
135 years ago today - Sep 30, 1890
In a meeting of Apostles who discuss the recently released Manifesto of Wilford Woodruff Heber J. Grant says, "I approve of the Manifesto and feel that it is merely a public announcement of the course which we had already in our private councils decided to adopt and this being the case I do not know why we should not receive any possible benefits which may arise from a public declaration. Yet I believe greater trouble will follow the prominent Elders in the Church through the adoption of this policy. If this plan had been accepted in the beginning of this crusade the nation would not have been tried as it has been and would not be worthy of condemnation such as it now merits, hence I feel this has come at a proper time." Apostle Franklin D. Richards notes, "how the Lord had suspended the operations of His laws in various occasions & held the enemies of his Church responsible for the same."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Sep 30, 1855 (Council Meeting)
[Brigham Young]
I remember I told Thomas B. Marsh one day we shall have more power than we can wield - there is no man but can say he will have more than he can wield they will have all they can do ... Oliver told the lawyer in Michigan he did not believe the Book of Mormon to be true, but he knew it to be true - he died at Far West - Oliver sent me Joseph's first seer stone, Oliver always kept it until he sent it to me - the second seer stone Dr. Williams had - the third one was a very large - and Joseph found two small ones on the beach in Nauvoo - a little larger than a black walnut without the shock on - Joseph said there is a stone for every person on the earth - I don't know that I have ever had a desire to have one ...
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I remember I told Thomas B. Marsh one day we shall have more power than we can wield - there is no man but can say he will have more than he can wield they will have all they can do ... Oliver told the lawyer in Michigan he did not believe the Book of Mormon to be true, but he knew it to be true - he died at Far West - Oliver sent me Joseph's first seer stone, Oliver always kept it until he sent it to me - the second seer stone Dr. Williams had - the third one was a very large - and Joseph found two small ones on the beach in Nauvoo - a little larger than a black walnut without the shock on - Joseph said there is a stone for every person on the earth - I don't know that I have ever had a desire to have one ...
[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 - Tuesday, Sep 30, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball]
The Kingdom [Council of Fifty] met at the Sevntis Hall, adjourned at 12 Oclock as Genral Harden had come in to town with his Possa [Posse] to serch for property and lost men. ...
The Twelve and Bishops met at W[illard] Richards for prair and council. We asked the Lord to f[r]ustrat[e] the designs of our Enimes, and to blind there Eis [eyes] and caus the trops to leave our City. Soon got through about 4 in the after noon. Held council in the Eve at John Tailors. Rote another propersition [proposition] to people of the State, that we was going [a]way, and [if they would] come and purches [purchase] our Lands and houses, we would Leave.
[Heber C. Kimball diary, 137, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
The Kingdom [Council of Fifty] met at the Sevntis Hall, adjourned at 12 Oclock as Genral Harden had come in to town with his Possa [Posse] to serch for property and lost men. ...
The Twelve and Bishops met at W[illard] Richards for prair and council. We asked the Lord to f[r]ustrat[e] the designs of our Enimes, and to blind there Eis [eyes] and caus the trops to leave our City. Soon got through about 4 in the after noon. Held council in the Eve at John Tailors. Rote another propersition [proposition] to people of the State, that we was going [a]way, and [if they would] come and purches [purchase] our Lands and houses, we would Leave.
[Heber C. Kimball diary, 137, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
180 years ago today - Sep 30, 1845
A commission orderd by Illinois Governor Ford arrives in Nauvoo for the purpose of arranging some compromise which would avoid further bloodshed and open civil war. Headed by Stephen A. Douglas, the commission confers with Brigham Young and other prominent men. The following day an agreement is reached to the effect that the Mormons would voluntarily commence to move from Nauvoo and Hancock County in late Apr or early May of the following year, if left unmolested, so they might construct wagons, secure animals to pull them, and be allowed to dispose of their property.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Tuesday, Sep 30, 1845
Pres. Brigham Young met in general council [of Fifty] at the Seventies Hall in Nauvoo. Pres. Brigham Young related the following: "I dreamed last night that we had a room the size of the Seventies Hall full of all sorts of people, some with long faces, four feet long, some with clean faces, some with dirty faces, some with pigs' heads, etc. I went and looked at them. Judge [Stephen A.] Douglass said he had been looking at those objects of pity and thought this generation had come to a pretty pass. I thought they had no power to hurt any one."
[Journal History, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
[Journal History, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
180 years ago today - Tuesday, Sep 30, 1845
[Benjamin F. Johnson]
The great idea now was to finish the Temple to the acceptance of the Lord, and prepare for the great move [west] that the Saints now contemplated. I was now called by the Council [of Fifty] to rent and keep open the Nauvoo Mansion. ... At the last meeting of the Council to which I have referred, and which, after the death of the Prophet had been called together, I was appointed with Bishop Newel K. Whitney, to visit sister Emma Smith for the last time, and if possible persuade her to remain with the Church. Nearly all night we labored with her, and all we could learn, was that she was willing to go with the Church on condition she would be the leading Spirit. And so we left her. And she did lead all who would follow her so long as she lived.
[Benjamin F. Johnson autobiography, 93-94, 96, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
The great idea now was to finish the Temple to the acceptance of the Lord, and prepare for the great move [west] that the Saints now contemplated. I was now called by the Council [of Fifty] to rent and keep open the Nauvoo Mansion. ... At the last meeting of the Council to which I have referred, and which, after the death of the Prophet had been called together, I was appointed with Bishop Newel K. Whitney, to visit sister Emma Smith for the last time, and if possible persuade her to remain with the Church. Nearly all night we labored with her, and all we could learn, was that she was willing to go with the Church on condition she would be the leading Spirit. And so we left her. And she did lead all who would follow her so long as she lived.
[Benjamin F. Johnson autobiography, 93-94, 96, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
90 years ago today - Sep 29, 1935
[African American] Elijah Abel, grandson of Elijah Abel [ordained by Joseph Smith], is ordained an Elder.
[Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood]
[Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood]
115 years ago today - Sep 29, 1910; Thursday
[Charles W. Penrose]
Met Temple fasting. There all day till 6 pm. Sacrament. ... [Francis M.] Lyman presented application of 12 for increase of compensation.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
Met Temple fasting. There all day till 6 pm. Sacrament. ... [Francis M.] Lyman presented application of 12 for increase of compensation.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
40 years ago today - Sep 28, 1985.
Keith Perkins, chair of the BYU Department of Church History and Doctrine, says that "officials have established their own symposiums because MHA wasn't allowing orthodox views to be presented. . . . Employees may attend MHA meetings but BYU no longer pays travel costs." Jerry Cahill attributes the policy change to "budget cuts." Two CES employees say "supervisors have questioned them about papers they've published." Stan Peterson, CES associate commissioner, says he knows of no supervisor questioning employees about published works." Bill Russell, for fifteen years a member of MHA and its 1982-83 president, counters with a letter to the editor that "I know of no proposal that has ever been rejected for being too orthodox" while, in contrast, "the program committee for the 1984 meeting, held at BYU, opted not to accept program proposals from four Mormons because of their liberal views." Several BYU history department faculty members later attend the Mormon History Association
annual meeting of May 1987 in Oxford, England, with department funding.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
annual meeting of May 1987 in Oxford, England, with department funding.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
60 years ago today - Sep 28, 1965
The NAACP issued an official statement which tried to instill calm in Utah but also accurately identified Birchers (headed by Ezra Taft Benson's son Reed) as responsible for the September 1965 race-war hysteria in Utah. "The NAACP deplores the malicious and totally irresponsible rumors circulating in many sections of the state to the effect that Negroes are planning a riot at the LDS conference," the statement began. Then the statement continued that the NAACP had "reason to believe the rumors started with certain right-wing societies that make a practice of scaring people."
[The first part of quote is from the version of the statement in "NAACP Chapter Claims Riot Report 'Malicious,'" Ogden Standard-Examiner, 28 Sept. 1965, A-6; the second part is from the version in "Rumors of Riot Hit By Area NAACP," Deseret News, 28 Sept. 1965, B-l; "NAACP Assails Rumors of Protest at LDS Meet," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Sept. 1965, 18. 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.]
[The first part of quote is from the version of the statement in "NAACP Chapter Claims Riot Report 'Malicious,'" Ogden Standard-Examiner, 28 Sept. 1965, A-6; the second part is from the version in "Rumors of Riot Hit By Area NAACP," Deseret News, 28 Sept. 1965, B-l; "NAACP Assails Rumors of Protest at LDS Meet," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Sept. 1965, 18. 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.]
75 years ago today - Sep 28, 1950
[Henry D. Moyle]
Spent day in Temple with the brethren. Pres. McKay, David O'was sustained as Pres. of the Twelve and Joseph Fielding Smith as acting Pres of the Twelve'a new apostle [i.e., Delbert L. Stapley] was nominated by Pres. [George Albert] Smith and unanimously sustained by the Twelve'a wonderful selection the one most of the twelve had recommended.
[Henry D. Moyle 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]
Spent day in Temple with the brethren. Pres. McKay, David O'was sustained as Pres. of the Twelve and Joseph Fielding Smith as acting Pres of the Twelve'a new apostle [i.e., Delbert L. Stapley] was nominated by Pres. [George Albert] Smith and unanimously sustained by the Twelve'a wonderful selection the one most of the twelve had recommended.
[Henry D. Moyle 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]
80 years ago today - Sep 28, 1945
Instructions for admission to the Solemn Assembly at the coming October Conference for the sustaining of Elder George Albert Smith as President of the Church.
[Original circular letter, L.D.S., in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Original circular letter, L.D.S., in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Sep 28, 1910; Wednesday
I attended council meeting of the Twelve in temple from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. and from 2:30 P.M. to 6 P.M. At the morning session Israel Barlow Jr. was excommunicated for entering into illegal marriage contrary to the rule & di[s]cipline of the Church, for lying and for contempt.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
[George F. Richards, Diary]
120 years ago today - Sep 28, 1905; Thursday
A letter was read from C. A. Moody, managed editor of the Out West Magazine. this gentleman had recently met President [Joseph F.] Smith at Los Angeles [California], informing him of a plan the Magazine company wished to carry out in the interest of statehood for Arizona, namely, to devote the whole of one number to of [sic] the magazine, probably that of January next, to a complete presentation by text and illustrations of the fitness of Arizona for statehood, her need of it, and her right to it. And to issue say 100,000 copies, and distribute same free in quarters and to parties where they will do the most good. President Smith invited Mr. Moody to write his proposition, hence this letter, in which that gentleman asks President Smith to contribute $2,000. in this cause?
The matter was now considered, the Council agreeing, on motion of Brother [Rudger] Clawson, seconded by Brother [Charles W.] Penrose, to appropriate $1,000 for this purpose, it being understood that our settlements and people of Arizona are to receive fair, and favorable treatment in the write-up of the territory. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
The matter was now considered, the Council agreeing, on motion of Brother [Rudger] Clawson, seconded by Brother [Charles W.] Penrose, to appropriate $1,000 for this purpose, it being understood that our settlements and people of Arizona are to receive fair, and favorable treatment in the write-up of the territory. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Sep 28, 1895
Had a pleasant visit with Pres[iden]t W. Woodruff at his home B[isho]p Hardy took me there in his buggy, Pres[iden]t related many of his dreams & visits from or with the prophet Joseph & father, He said to me you are a staunch man Bro[ther] Cannon and all the brethren have confidence in you and I prophecy that you are beyond the foolish things at [sic] this life and you are filled with the spirit of your mission, I would rather not that you be Governor or rather that you do not mingle in politics you are not so suitable for that department. And promised me the grace of God all my days. All of the conversation was of a most interesting character. [Brigham Young had been solicited by both democrats and republicans to run for Governor, but had expressed a strong distaste in that regard for sectional politics; 9 July 1895; 28 Sept 1895. In this last instance he records that he would only run if the First Presidency gave him a mission to do so, and then not on a party ticket. Throughout
his journals he expresses distaste for the party machine, sectional politics, and the involvement of high church leaders therein.]
[My reference says the Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., but the reference to "Bro Cannon" suggests George Q. Cannon. Please pass on any clarfication of the source. This is form the New Mormon Studies CD Rom]
his journals he expresses distaste for the party machine, sectional politics, and the involvement of high church leaders therein.]
[My reference says the Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., but the reference to "Bro Cannon" suggests George Q. Cannon. Please pass on any clarfication of the source. This is form the New Mormon Studies CD Rom]
155 years ago today - Sep 28, 1870
[Wilford Woodruff]
"Martin Harris talked a great Deal to us But had been out of the Church so long he was far Behind the times of Mormonism."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Martin Harris talked a great Deal to us But had been out of the Church so long he was far Behind the times of Mormonism."
[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 28, 1870
Baptism at Salt Lake City of Martin Harris, the second of the three Book of Mormon witnesses to return to the church as led by Brigham Young.
[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)]]
195 years ago today - Sep 28, 1830
Levi Daggett swears out a warrant for Hyrum's arrest for a debt of $21.07; it is returned on 26 October stating that neither Hyrum nor any of his property can be found. This may be the nighttime invasion that Lucy describes in which William routs the intruders. [Joseph has a revelation on the say day that Hyrum should move].
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
10 years ago today - 2015 September 27
Some LDS survivalists anticipate cataclysms at a "blood moon" lunar eclipse, based on a vision to Julie Rowe. A church press release distances itself from such "speculation."
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
20 years ago today - 2005 September 27
Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling is published by Knopf.
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
60 years ago today - Sep 27, 1965
Reflecting Ezra Taft Benson's son Reed Benson's instructions to Utah members of the Birch Society, one rumor claimed that "2,000 professional demonstrators and Black Muslims will be imported to this area under NAACP sponsorship." Other widely circulated stories were that "all plane flights from Los Angeles to Salt Lake are chartered by `Watts Negroes,'" and that "3500 `transient Negroes' have already arrived in Salt Lake." As a result, the Utah National Guard began "riot control" maneuvers.
["NAACP Says 'Too Fantastic' Rumors of Demonstrations," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 27 Sept. 1965, 20; "Race Riots in Utah?" Daily Utah Chronicle, 28 Sept. 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.]
["NAACP Says 'Too Fantastic' Rumors of Demonstrations," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 27 Sept. 1965, 20; "Race Riots in Utah?" Daily Utah Chronicle, 28 Sept. 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.]
75 years ago today - Sep 27, 1950
Instructions on calling of missionaries-- Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah. ... Age: Young men should be twenty years of age before they depart for their missions unless they have had two years of college or military service, in which event the age requirement is waived. Young women should be twenty-three before they are recommended for missionary service. However, because of special requests from mission presidents for more experienced help, the age limit has temporarily been lowered to twenty-one. /... GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency.
[Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
85 years ago today - Sep 27, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
I had an appointment this morning to be at the President's office to have a picture taken by the Tribune-Telegram, at 9 o'clock, but Brother McKay was not present. We waited a half hour for him, and when we went to take the pictures President Clark objected to my being dressed in a summer suit of gray clothes and the others in black. I went home and changed my clothes, and by the time I got back with a blue black suit an hour had passed.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I had an appointment this morning to be at the President's office to have a picture taken by the Tribune-Telegram, at 9 o'clock, but Brother McKay was not present. We waited a half hour for him, and when we went to take the pictures President Clark objected to my being dressed in a summer suit of gray clothes and the others in black. I went home and changed my clothes, and by the time I got back with a blue black suit an hour had passed.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
90 years ago today - Sep 27, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
I have heard many people say that President Joseph F. Smith always appointed relatives to positions of importance in the Church. Every time that any one mentioned a relative he has appointed, I would ask that person who he would suggest for the position, and I was capable on all occasions of making him admit that President Smith's relative was better qualified for the position than the person he suggested.
I have to take it for granted, of course, that Bother Jones as the President of the Moapa Stake, in making appointments has selected the best person for the office; if he has done this, the fact that those appointed are relatives should have no bearing on the subject.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Kate L. Taylor, 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]
I have heard many people say that President Joseph F. Smith always appointed relatives to positions of importance in the Church. Every time that any one mentioned a relative he has appointed, I would ask that person who he would suggest for the position, and I was capable on all occasions of making him admit that President Smith's relative was better qualified for the position than the person he suggested.
I have to take it for granted, of course, that Bother Jones as the President of the Moapa Stake, in making appointments has selected the best person for the office; if he has done this, the fact that those appointed are relatives should have no bearing on the subject.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Kate L. Taylor, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
135 years ago today - Sep 27, 1890
Utah Governor Arthur L. Thomas, in an interview in the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, points out that Wilford Woodruff's manifesto "in no way asserts that polygamy is wrong or the law right." The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE opines that the "manifesto was not intended to be accepted as a command by the President of the Church, but as a little bit of harmless dodging to deceive the people of the East."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Sep 27, 1860
President spoke of early times in the church. He said a devil stood at his head when he had chills and fevers, the Devil touched him several times sometimes on his hand and sometimes on his forehead, then the chills would commence again; by exercising faith and rebuking the Devil he kept him off the Devil and the chills & fever also. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - 1845 27 Sept.
Young criticizes Nauvoo police for shooting "a good man," apparently seventeen-year-old Isaac C. Phippen, out of "envy, hatred & malice." The official report is that this young Mormon was shot "accidentally."
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Sep 27, 1845
[Brigham Young]
I would also caution you against using the name of God in vain; it has been used too much and will be with us; like the ancients of old, they forbade them the frequent use of the same. For I tell you, the time is coming when that man who uses the name of the Lord and is used, the penalty will be affixed and immediately be executed on the spot. Why should we use it in our private and public conversation'"the ancients have given us an example of reverencing they had for the name of the deity by calling the priesthood not after God, but after Melchizedek. It must be held sacred, nor must it be the common practice from this time and henceforth.
[On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:74-76, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I would also caution you against using the name of God in vain; it has been used too much and will be with us; like the ancients of old, they forbade them the frequent use of the same. For I tell you, the time is coming when that man who uses the name of the Lord and is used, the penalty will be affixed and immediately be executed on the spot. Why should we use it in our private and public conversation'"the ancients have given us an example of reverencing they had for the name of the deity by calling the priesthood not after God, but after Melchizedek. It must be held sacred, nor must it be the common practice from this time and henceforth.
[On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:74-76, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
70 years ago today - Sep 26, 1955
The Church College of Hawaii, now BYU-Hawaii, was opened.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
90 years ago today - Sep 26, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
Had a nice long visit with Brother Alonzo A. Hinckley and asked him if he had had any impressions as to the appointing of a [the presiding] patriarch. He said his impression is that nothing should be done until I feel perfectly free to nominate the patriarch. He felt that if the Lord wanted Hyrum G.'s son he would manifest it to me, and he felt sure that if the Lord did manifest to me the name Willard R. Smith or Hyrum G. Smith's son, the brethren would unanimously accept my nomination. I told him they had always assured me of that but that up to date I had no impression favoring Hyrum G.'s boy.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Had a nice long visit with Brother Alonzo A. Hinckley and asked him if he had had any impressions as to the appointing of a [the presiding] patriarch. He said his impression is that nothing should be done until I feel perfectly free to nominate the patriarch. He felt that if the Lord wanted Hyrum G.'s son he would manifest it to me, and he felt sure that if the Lord did manifest to me the name Willard R. Smith or Hyrum G. Smith's son, the brethren would unanimously accept my nomination. I told him they had always assured me of that but that up to date I had no impression favoring Hyrum G.'s boy.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Sep 26, 1895
[Heber J. Grant]
Attended a meeting in the Temple Pres[iden]ts Woodruff and Smith Apostles Snow, Richards, Teasdale, Grant and Cannon present. There was some talk about brothers Thatcher and Taylor being away from our meetings so much, and some of us expressed the sentiment that it was not right for them to be absent so much. I said that I felt that they should make an effort to be with us. I said that I felt that there should be a unanimous feeling about all matters in which any one of the apostles engaged. I thought that Bro[ther] Moses should not have accepted the nomination to be one of the United States States Senators without first having had a full and free chat with his brethren of the Apostles and also with the Presidency.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Attended a meeting in the Temple Pres[iden]ts Woodruff and Smith Apostles Snow, Richards, Teasdale, Grant and Cannon present. There was some talk about brothers Thatcher and Taylor being away from our meetings so much, and some of us expressed the sentiment that it was not right for them to be absent so much. I said that I felt that they should make an effort to be with us. I said that I felt that there should be a unanimous feeling about all matters in which any one of the apostles engaged. I thought that Bro[ther] Moses should not have accepted the nomination to be one of the United States States Senators without first having had a full and free chat with his brethren of the Apostles and also with the Presidency.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Sep 26, 1890
[Wilford Woodruff]
Elder H. S. Palmer of Freemont [Utah] writes to us that you have refused to give him a recommend to the House of the Lord because at his late trial he promised to obey the law. If this is the only reason you have for withholding his recommend, and if he is otherwise in good standing in the Church, and were it not for this action of his you could freely recommend him, we do not think it advisable for that reason alone to withhold from him the privileges of the temple.
[Wilford Woodruff to William H. Seegmiller, Sept. 26, 1890, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Elder H. S. Palmer of Freemont [Utah] writes to us that you have refused to give him a recommend to the House of the Lord because at his late trial he promised to obey the law. If this is the only reason you have for withholding his recommend, and if he is otherwise in good standing in the Church, and were it not for this action of his you could freely recommend him, we do not think it advisable for that reason alone to withhold from him the privileges of the temple.
[Wilford Woodruff to William H. Seegmiller, Sept. 26, 1890, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
135 years ago today - Sep 26, 1890
[Abraham H. Cannon]
There is considerable comment and fault-finding among some of the Saints because of a manifesto which Pres. Woodruff issued on the 24th inst., in reply to a statement made by the Utah Commission that plural marriages were still authorized and celebrated, and that within the past year some 40 or more had been performed. Pres. W. denied this allegation, and said that such marriages were forbidden by the Church in this Territory, and he called upon the Saints to submit to the law of the land in this particular. In his declaration, however, there is no renunciation of principle nor abandonment of families recommended, as some fault-finders try to make it appear.
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
There is considerable comment and fault-finding among some of the Saints because of a manifesto which Pres. Woodruff issued on the 24th inst., in reply to a statement made by the Utah Commission that plural marriages were still authorized and celebrated, and that within the past year some 40 or more had been performed. Pres. W. denied this allegation, and said that such marriages were forbidden by the Church in this Territory, and he called upon the Saints to submit to the law of the land in this particular. In his declaration, however, there is no renunciation of principle nor abandonment of families recommended, as some fault-finders try to make it appear.
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
160 years ago today - Sep 26, 1865
[Wilford Woodruff]
Presidet Young spok 40 Minuts. In speaking of the daughter of Zion He said ye Elders & young men Court up the girls & marry them & not let them go to the gentiles. I Cannot take them all. If any woman does not want me more than any other man on Earth I do not want her. Let her have her Choice. I am not under the necessity of driving away any Elder to get a wife. I have Chances Enough. ...
I told the people we had visited the Saints all Summer to prepare them to be sanctified before the Lord that they might have power to build up the kingdom of God & prepare for his Coming.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidet Young spok 40 Minuts. In speaking of the daughter of Zion He said ye Elders & young men Court up the girls & marry them & not let them go to the gentiles. I Cannot take them all. If any woman does not want me more than any other man on Earth I do not want her. Let her have her Choice. I am not under the necessity of driving away any Elder to get a wife. I have Chances Enough. ...
I told the people we had visited the Saints all Summer to prepare them to be sanctified before the Lord that they might have power to build up the kingdom of God & prepare for his Coming.
[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: 26 September
[Patriarchal Blessing]
John Smith (brother of Joseph, Sr.). (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.) ... the number of thy years shall be according to thy faith, even to be like those of Moses; thine eye shall not be dim neither shall thy natural forces be abated; thy name shall be known to the ends of the earth; & they shall seek to thee for counsel, even the great men, from the ends of the earth ...
[Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
John Smith (brother of Joseph, Sr.). (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.) ... the number of thy years shall be according to thy faith, even to be like those of Moses; thine eye shall not be dim neither shall thy natural forces be abated; thy name shall be known to the ends of the earth; & they shall seek to thee for counsel, even the great men, from the ends of the earth ...
[Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Sep 26, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Clarrisa Smith given by Joseph Smith, Sr. on September 26, 1835 ... the Lord shall return thine apostate brother to the bosom of the church and the days of thy mourning for him shall cease ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:143, in 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]
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:143, in 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]
190 years ago today - Sep 26, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of George M. Hinkle given by Joseph Smith, Sr. on September 26, 1835 ... if needful to accomplish thy mission, thou shalt have power to call down fire, to remove mountains; and if thou art cast into pits or prisons, they shall have no power over thee to hold thee.
Thou shalt bring thousands and tens of thousands to a knowledge of the truth; yea, even thou shalt baptize hundreds and thousands, and great shall be the power of thy God which shall attend thee in thy ministry, if thou art faithful. If thou wilt receive it, thou shalt receive all these blessings, and stand upon the earth at the coming of the Lord.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:28, quoted in 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]
Thou shalt bring thousands and tens of thousands to a knowledge of the truth; yea, even thou shalt baptize hundreds and thousands, and great shall be the power of thy God which shall attend thee in thy ministry, if thou art faithful. If thou wilt receive it, thou shalt receive all these blessings, and stand upon the earth at the coming of the Lord.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:28, quoted in 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]
195 years ago today - Sep 26, 1830
A church conference is held. Notable events include: (1) The discussion of the Hiram Page seerstone and its refutation by unanimous vote. (2) 35 new members are added, bringing the total number to 62. (3) Peter Whitmer, Jr. is called to preach with Oliver Cowdery to the Native Americans. John Whitmer is also called to preach (D&C 30).
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
195 years ago today - Sep 26, 1830
Doctrine and Covenants 29: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the presence of six elders, at Fayette, New York, September 1830. HC 1: 111-115. This revelation was given some days prior to the conference beginning September 26, 1830.
1-8, Christ gathers his elect; 9-11, His coming ushers in the Millennium; 12-13, The Twelve shall judge all Israel; 14-21, Signs, plagues, and desolations will precede the Second Coming; 22-28, The last resurrection and final judgment follow the Millennium; 29-35, All things are spiritual unto the Lord; 36-39, The devil and his hosts were cast out of heaven to tempt man; 40-45, Fall and atonement bring salvation; 46-50, Little children are redeemed through the atonement.
[Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]
1-8, Christ gathers his elect; 9-11, His coming ushers in the Millennium; 12-13, The Twelve shall judge all Israel; 14-21, Signs, plagues, and desolations will precede the Second Coming; 22-28, The last resurrection and final judgment follow the Millennium; 29-35, All things are spiritual unto the Lord; 36-39, The devil and his hosts were cast out of heaven to tempt man; 40-45, Fall and atonement bring salvation; 46-50, Little children are redeemed through the atonement.
[Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]
115 years ago today - Sunday, Sep 25, 1910
[Second Counselor John Henry Smith]
The funeral of President Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith of the Relief Societies of the Church was held at 2 p.m. in the Tabernacle.
[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]
The funeral of President Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith of the Relief Societies of the Church was held at 2 p.m. in the Tabernacle.
[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 - Sep 25, 1900; Tuesday
An order for $94.50 was issued in favor of Sister Susa Y. Gates which is to pay her fare to Toronto [Canada] and return where she is going to deliver an address by invitation before the National Women's association of which she is a director.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Sep 25, 1895
[Franklin D. Richards]
Sister Mary Bowdige Berry Smith asks me what about & why Angus M. Cannon will not sign her recommend to the Temple to do work in connexion with her son James F. Smith by her 2nd husband that she may be sealed to his father & he to them because she married & had two dau[ghter]'s by a former husband James Preston Berry who had negro blood in him.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
Sister Mary Bowdige Berry Smith asks me what about & why Angus M. Cannon will not sign her recommend to the Temple to do work in connexion with her son James F. Smith by her 2nd husband that she may be sealed to his father & he to them because she married & had two dau[ghter]'s by a former husband James Preston Berry who had negro blood in him.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
135 years ago today - Sept 25, 1890
Wilford Woodruff writes in his diary: "arived at a point in the History of my life as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints whare I am under the necessity of acting for the Temporal Salvation of the Church. The United State Governmet has taken a Stand & passed Laws to destroy the Latter day Saints upon the Subjet of poligamy or Patriarchal order of Marriage. And after Praying to the Lord & feeling inspired by his spirit I have issued . . . [a] Proclamation which is sustained by my Councillors and the 12 Apostles." The Church had been disincorporated and all its property in excess of $50,000 confiscated by the federal government; more than a thousand men had been sentenced to prison for unlawful cohabitation. In February the Supreme Court had upheld the Idaho law which disfranchised anyone unwilling to take an oath denouncing plural marriage.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Sep 25, 1890
At 2pm met with 3 1st Pres[iden]ts & L[orenzo]. Snow for prayer at Gardo House ... deliberated about the Manifesto as LS was not present then [yesterday].
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Sep 25, 1860
I never saw Presidet Young feel Better. He gave a short address... He blessed the Saints, and gave instruction to the Sisters upon the subject of wearing Hoops. He said when we followed that Custom we followed the Custom of Hores & prostitute women and all who ware large hoops expose themselves and show there folly. He advised the Sisters to lay them aside....
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Sep 25, 1890
.... Upon examining the papers this morning we found there was a very meager account of President [Wilford] Woodruff's manifesto [issued the previous day]. We sent for Brother W. B. Dougall and got him to prepare a dispatch to the Associated Press agent at Chicago [Illinois], asking him to publish it in full, and whatever charges there were would be met. ... Brother [Hiram B.] Clawson was requested to translate the manifesto into cipher and send it to Colonel [Isaac] Trumbo for publication in California. Brother Lorenzo Snow failed to come down yesterday, but reached here today, and the manifesto was submitted to him. He read it carefully and approved of it, and also thought it a judicious move to have it issued at the present time. A copy of the manifesto was also sent to Brother John T. Caine, and he was requested to have it published as widely as possible.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
[Franklin D. Richards 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 - Sep 24, 1900
The Presidency were at the office. Elder Charles O. Card of Alberta [Canada] Stake was at the office in the morning. Brother Charles W. Penrose called and brought a large roll of manuscript written by John W. Rigdon and purporting to be the life of his father, Sidney Rigdon, and which is supposed to contain evidence that the Prophet Joseph Smith introduced plural marriage, it also contained what was known as Sidney Rigdon's 'Salt' sermon and testimony showing that Sidney Rigdon knew nothing of the Book of Mormon until it was presented to him by Parley P. Pratt and others. He desires the Church to purchase this manuscript of him for $500. It was proposed to refer the manuscript to a committee to report on its merits. An order for $16,916. was issued for general charity account for the six months ending December 31.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
135 years ago today - Sep 24, 1890
[President Wilford Woodruff]
24 I signed 25 Recommends. I receivd 19 letter. I signed 23 School Certificits. I met with 3 of the Twelve & my Councillors upon an important Subject.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
24 I signed 25 Recommends. I receivd 19 letter. I signed 23 School Certificits. I met with 3 of the Twelve & my Councillors upon an important Subject.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Sep 24, 1890
[Marriner W. Merrill]
I went to Salt Lake and met in council with President Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, F. D. Richards, and Moses Thatcher, where President Woodruff had an article read he had prepared for the press of the country declaring to the world that we did not celebrate plural marriages now in the Church and that he counseled the members of the Church not to break the law in relation to plural marriage. The article was approved by all the brethren present, including myself, which seems the only way to retain the possession of our Temples and continue the ordinance work for the living and dead, which was considered more important than continuing the practice of plural marriages for the present.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I went to Salt Lake and met in council with President Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, F. D. Richards, and Moses Thatcher, where President Woodruff had an article read he had prepared for the press of the country declaring to the world that we did not celebrate plural marriages now in the Church and that he counseled the members of the Church not to break the law in relation to plural marriage. The article was approved by all the brethren present, including myself, which seems the only way to retain the possession of our Temples and continue the ordinance work for the living and dead, which was considered more important than continuing the practice of plural marriages for the present.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Sep 24, 1890
[George Q. Cannon]
[Regarding the Manifesto] The word "permission" which was changed in the committee's document, I felt ought to be changed, because if it were not it would make the parties whose marriages this referred to unhappy, as it would throw a doubt on the legality of their marriage. This whole matter has been at President Woodruff's own instance. He has felt strongly impelled to do what he has, and he has spoken with great plainness to the brethren in regard to the necessity of something of this kind being done. He has stated that the Lord has made it plain to him that this was his duty, and he felt perfectly clear in his mind that it was the right thing.
...
COPY OF ORIGINAL[Manifesto before modifications]
It is reported by the press of the nation that the Utah Commission in their recent report to Congress state that the Mormons are still carrying on the plural marriages in our temples or otherwise; and that ....., marriages have been attended to during the past month; and the press throughout the land is stirred up bitterly against us, and are making many false accusations against us for political effect, to take away our rights as citizens. We wish here to state to the government and people of the nation that these charges are false, and also to say that as soon as the Edmund-Tucker law was passed President John Taylor gave orders for all plural marriages to cease, that no plural marriages should be performed in our temples, and further, that he took steps to not only obey the law himself, but to have the people, and we have endeavored to carry out the same principle since his death. There has never been any plural marriages in our temples since the passage of that law, by
our consent or to our knowledge. And inasmuch as the nation has passed a law forbidding plural marriages we feel to obey that law, and leave the event in the hands of God. We have not been teaching neither are we now teaching the principle to the Church or the world since the passage of that law, and wherever any member of the Church has taught it he has been reproved for the same.
Therefore we make this public declaration that we are neither teaching nor practicing the doctrine of polygamy. And while we have been accused of preaching it in our public sermons there is no sentence which we have uttered since the enactment of that law that can rightly be construed as teaching that doctrine. Our teachings to the members of the Church have been to obey the law. And in one instance where a man testified that he had married a plural wife in the endowment house, this marriage was not with our permission or knowledge, neither could we ever learn who performed the ceremony; but in consequence of this testimony we had the endowment house taken down.
As to man's religious belief, that is something with which we have nothing to do; we can deal only with their acts—a doctrine held by the highest court of the nation. Our religious faith is based 553 upon the Bible. We believe fully in all the principles taught by Jesus Christ and the apostles, and we teach no gospel or religion but that taught by them. And we now publicly declare that our advice to the Latter-day Saints is to obey the law of the land, leaving the nation responsible for their acts in this respect.
We are misrepresented by the press and those who are opposed to us. It is reported that the Utah Commission has reported that there have been some 80 cases of plural marriages in the last month. There is no truth in these charges.
[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]
[Regarding the Manifesto] The word "permission" which was changed in the committee's document, I felt ought to be changed, because if it were not it would make the parties whose marriages this referred to unhappy, as it would throw a doubt on the legality of their marriage. This whole matter has been at President Woodruff's own instance. He has felt strongly impelled to do what he has, and he has spoken with great plainness to the brethren in regard to the necessity of something of this kind being done. He has stated that the Lord has made it plain to him that this was his duty, and he felt perfectly clear in his mind that it was the right thing.
...
COPY OF ORIGINAL[Manifesto before modifications]
It is reported by the press of the nation that the Utah Commission in their recent report to Congress state that the Mormons are still carrying on the plural marriages in our temples or otherwise; and that ....., marriages have been attended to during the past month; and the press throughout the land is stirred up bitterly against us, and are making many false accusations against us for political effect, to take away our rights as citizens. We wish here to state to the government and people of the nation that these charges are false, and also to say that as soon as the Edmund-Tucker law was passed President John Taylor gave orders for all plural marriages to cease, that no plural marriages should be performed in our temples, and further, that he took steps to not only obey the law himself, but to have the people, and we have endeavored to carry out the same principle since his death. There has never been any plural marriages in our temples since the passage of that law, by
our consent or to our knowledge. And inasmuch as the nation has passed a law forbidding plural marriages we feel to obey that law, and leave the event in the hands of God. We have not been teaching neither are we now teaching the principle to the Church or the world since the passage of that law, and wherever any member of the Church has taught it he has been reproved for the same.
Therefore we make this public declaration that we are neither teaching nor practicing the doctrine of polygamy. And while we have been accused of preaching it in our public sermons there is no sentence which we have uttered since the enactment of that law that can rightly be construed as teaching that doctrine. Our teachings to the members of the Church have been to obey the law. And in one instance where a man testified that he had married a plural wife in the endowment house, this marriage was not with our permission or knowledge, neither could we ever learn who performed the ceremony; but in consequence of this testimony we had the endowment house taken down.
As to man's religious belief, that is something with which we have nothing to do; we can deal only with their acts—a doctrine held by the highest court of the nation. Our religious faith is based 553 upon the Bible. We believe fully in all the principles taught by Jesus Christ and the apostles, and we teach no gospel or religion but that taught by them. And we now publicly declare that our advice to the Latter-day Saints is to obey the law of the land, leaving the nation responsible for their acts in this respect.
We are misrepresented by the press and those who are opposed to us. It is reported that the Utah Commission has reported that there have been some 80 cases of plural marriages in the last month. There is no truth in these charges.
[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]
135 years ago today - Sep 24, 1890
Manifesto is issued as a press release
Wilford Woodruff met with councilor Joseph F. Smith and three members of the Council of the Twelve, presenting papers containing what Woodruff felt were the solution to the churchs current problems. Wilford Woodruff drew upon the previously discarded documents concerning polygamy, both generated within the outside the church, and delivered a 510 word document. George Reynolds, Charles Penrose and John Winder were instructed to take the document and arrange it for publication, to be submitted to us after they had prepared it. When it was read later that day, President Cannon suggested several emendations, which were adopted. Only three apostles were present Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, and Marriner W. Merrill. After a few small additional changes, George Reynolds sent the telegram for publishing in the eastern national newspapers. Apostle Lorenzo Snow was aware of the Manifesto, but was out of town. He was Wilford Woodruffs son in law. He had previously
told the leadership that he was in favor of a Manifesto-like declaration. None of the other eight apostles knew of the press release since they were away from Salt Lake City at the time. The final document contained 356 words. (Quinn, LDS, p 44 & 45).
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
Wilford Woodruff met with councilor Joseph F. Smith and three members of the Council of the Twelve, presenting papers containing what Woodruff felt were the solution to the churchs current problems. Wilford Woodruff drew upon the previously discarded documents concerning polygamy, both generated within the outside the church, and delivered a 510 word document. George Reynolds, Charles Penrose and John Winder were instructed to take the document and arrange it for publication, to be submitted to us after they had prepared it. When it was read later that day, President Cannon suggested several emendations, which were adopted. Only three apostles were present Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, and Marriner W. Merrill. After a few small additional changes, George Reynolds sent the telegram for publishing in the eastern national newspapers. Apostle Lorenzo Snow was aware of the Manifesto, but was out of town. He was Wilford Woodruffs son in law. He had previously
told the leadership that he was in favor of a Manifesto-like declaration. None of the other eight apostles knew of the press release since they were away from Salt Lake City at the time. The final document contained 356 words. (Quinn, LDS, p 44 & 45).
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
155 years ago today - Sep 24, 1870
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
Attended the school of the prophets. A lecture on faith was read & short speeches maid from Many. I spoke a short time. While speaking G. A. Smith Came in & followed me & gave an Account of a raid made upon the City of Provo by some 25 Drunken U.S. soldiers. They broke in the doors & windows of several Houses & tried to burn the Meeting House took several Citizens prisioners & mistreated them.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Attended the school of the prophets. A lecture on faith was read & short speeches maid from Many. I spoke a short time. While speaking G. A. Smith Came in & followed me & gave an Account of a raid made upon the City of Provo by some 25 Drunken U.S. soldiers. They broke in the doors & windows of several Houses & tried to burn the Meeting House took several Citizens prisioners & mistreated them.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Sep 24, 1865
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
Presidet Young spoke 40. He spoke his Feelings in great plainness Concerning O. Pratt & his publications. He said Orson Pratt would go to Hell. Joseph Smith said he would when Orson said that he would believe his wife Sarah before he would Joseph Smith. He will go to Hell as Joseph Said. He would Sell this people for gold. What would I give for Such an Apostle? Not much and yet we hold him in Fellowship in the Church. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidet Young spoke 40. He spoke his Feelings in great plainness Concerning O. Pratt & his publications. He said Orson Pratt would go to Hell. Joseph Smith said he would when Orson said that he would believe his wife Sarah before he would Joseph Smith. He will go to Hell as Joseph Said. He would Sell this people for gold. What would I give for Such an Apostle? Not much and yet we hold him in Fellowship in the Church. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Sep 24, 1860 (Monday)
The second handcart company of the season, under Capt. Oscar O. Stoddard, arrived in G.S.L. City, having left Florence July 6th, with 126 persons and 22 handcarts. These were the last immigrants who crossed the plains with handcarts.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - 1845 24 Sept.
Brigham Young signs a pledge to lead the Mormons out of Nauvoo in the spring for an anticipated re-settlement in Oregon or on Vancouver Island. On 1 Oct. the anti-Mormon leaders agree to these terms of peace.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
190 years ago today - Sep 24, 1835
[Wilford Woodruff]
Spent the day in Perusing the Book from Br Cowdery [Doctrine and Covenants] & found it to be A precious treasure A legacy from heaven.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Spent the day in Perusing the Book from Br Cowdery [Doctrine and Covenants] & found it to be A precious treasure A legacy from heaven.
[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 24 Sept.
The Kirtland high council "by revelation" appoints Joseph Smith as "head" of the "war department" of the "Lord's Host," in imitation of the national Secretary of War. The latter phrase would appear three years later in the "Danite" constitution's description of the unnamed Smith's military role.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
190 years ago today - Sep 24, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
This day the High Council met at my house to take into consid[e]ration the redeem[p]tion of Zion. It was the voice of the spirit of the Lord that we petition to the Governer [of Missouri]. That is those who have been driven out /should/ to do so to be set back on their Lands next spring. We [should] go next season to live or dy [die] to this end so the dy is cast in Jackson County.
We truly had a good time and Covena[n]ted to strug[g]le for this thing u[n]till death shall desolve [dissolve] this union. And if one falls that the rest be not discouraged but pe[r]sue this object untill it is ac[c]omplished. Which may God grant u[n]to us in the name of Christ our 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]
This day the High Council met at my house to take into consid[e]ration the redeem[p]tion of Zion. It was the voice of the spirit of the Lord that we petition to the Governer [of Missouri]. That is those who have been driven out /should/ to do so to be set back on their Lands next spring. We [should] go next season to live or dy [die] to this end so the dy is cast in Jackson County.
We truly had a good time and Covena[n]ted to strug[g]le for this thing u[n]till death shall desolve [dissolve] this union. And if one falls that the rest be not discouraged but pe[r]sue this object untill it is ac[c]omplished. Which may God grant u[n]to us in the name of Christ our 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]
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