[Leonard Arrington]
Yesterday Marv Wallin, principal owner of Bookcraft and of Publishers Press, invited Davis [Bitton] and I to tour his plants and have dinner. ...
... We also spent a little time with George Bickerstaff, who is the editor of the Bookcraft Publishers. Our impression is that he is pretty orthodox and a conservative churchman and wants to be sure that everything he publishes is "safe." I have the same impression of Marv Wallin, who doesn't want to take any chances, but I have the impression that his son will be a little more liberal.
Marv has published the majority of the works by Mark E. Petersen, Sterling Sill, and certain other General Authorities. Marv says that originally the idea of Bookcraft was conceived by Brother [John] Orton and that Brother [John A.] Widtsoe and Richard L. Evans were to be co-owners, but before they ever published any books, he thinks Brother Widtsoe and Evans withdrew their money so there would not be a conflict of interest, and so essentially the owner and principal beneficiary is Brother Orton. Brother Widtsoe, Homer Durham, and Brother Evans channeled a great deal of business to Bookcraft.
Marv said it was an enormous advantage to have a competitive firm to Deseret Book to keep them on their toes. They had been very sloppy and inconsiderate during the period they had a "monopoly" on the Church trade. Bookcraft has achieved [success], Marv says, because of its energetic merchandising and their taking pains to work closely with the General Authorities. He said that a large proportion of their books are his idea. He conceives the idea of the book and helps the General Authority get it done.
... Davis and I got the impression that he has never worked with scholars, does not understand them, and has no desire to build a reputation in the scholarly field-that can be left up to the university presses. ... He does not want to publish anything either by way of topic or by way of lines and paragraphs in any book that would in any way be offensive to any General Authorities or that would cast a shadow on the firm which would cause any General Authority to have second thoughts about publishing through him. Thus if we were to publish a book through him, he would go carefully through it and would insist upon removing anything which might be questionable.
... He invited us to refer to him manuscripts and also to submit any of ours. On the basis of his remarks, however, I do not think he would publish any of our pieces the way our authors would like to see them appear. We discovered he had seen the Orson Pratt manuscript and it was "99 percent acceptable" but there were some controversial inclusions which they would not run and which the author insisted should be included, so they will not run that item. Eugene England reported today on his fellowship. He will do a series of essays for LDS young people on intellectual heroes such as Joseph Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, B. H. Roberts, Hugh B. Brown and possibly others. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
60 years ago today - Jun 24, 1965
A John Birch student-spy complained to Ernest Wilkinson in 1965 about Poll's negative reviews of Cleon Skousen's "Naked Communist" and of "None Dare Call It Treason."
[Poll to Wilkinson, 24 June 1965, defending himself against the complaints by Bryce. 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.]
[Poll to Wilkinson, 24 June 1965, defending himself against the complaints by Bryce. 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.]
110 years ago today - Jun 24, 1915
James E. Talmage reads the final installments of Jesus the Christ to the Brethren, followed by the regular council meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve.
In his journal Talmage writes the following:
This was the eighteenth sitting of the Council to hear the reading of the manuscript. Printing is now in progress on the book.
[MSS 229, Box 5, Folder 2, Journal 18; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
In his journal Talmage writes the following:
This was the eighteenth sitting of the Council to hear the reading of the manuscript. Printing is now in progress on the book.
[MSS 229, Box 5, Folder 2, Journal 18; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
120 years ago today - Jun 24, 1905; Saturday
[Apostle John W. Taylor speaking:] I want to tell that I have not broken any law. The [Wilford Woodruff] manifesto was issued to pacify the U.S. Government and for no other purpose. But thank God the U.S. have no jurisdiction outside of their boundary lines. I have taken my families away from them so that I will break no law of any kind.
[Taylor (Canada) Stake Record of High Council and General Priesthood Meetings, excerpts in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
[Taylor (Canada) Stake Record of High Council and General Priesthood Meetings, excerpts in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
130 years ago today - Jun 24, 1895
[Franklin D. Richards]
The 2 & 3 Nos [numbers] of Men & Women appeared today. The Editor criticises B. H. Roberts, for his course in Con[stitutional]. Convention & for declining to debate with Miss Annie Shaw. I never argue with Women.
[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]
The 2 & 3 Nos [numbers] of Men & Women appeared today. The Editor criticises B. H. Roberts, for his course in Con[stitutional]. Convention & for declining to debate with Miss Annie Shaw. I never argue with Women.
[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 - Jun 24, 1890
[Wilford Woodruff]
I had an interview with Melissa Miller & Mrs C. E. Ells. Mrs Miller Professed to be a prophetess and wanted to Deliver Revelations to the Church.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I had an interview with Melissa Miller & Mrs C. E. Ells. Mrs Miller Professed to be a prophetess and wanted to Deliver Revelations to the Church.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Tuesday, June 24th, 1845
[John Taylor]
There are two parties existing at this time in the country, termed Jack-Mormons or men favorable to us, knowing the justice of our cause; and Anti-Mormons or men who oppose us and desire our expulsion. Appearances at this time indicate that they will quarrel among themselves, and cease to molest us.
['The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
There are two parties existing at this time in the country, termed Jack-Mormons or men favorable to us, knowing the justice of our cause; and Anti-Mormons or men who oppose us and desire our expulsion. Appearances at this time indicate that they will quarrel among themselves, and cease to molest us.
['The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
180 years ago today - Jun 24, 1845. Tuesday.
....Wm. Smith has given bail for another brother of the Hodges who was in custody for robbing, and also beat Brother [Elbridge] Tufts shamefully yesterday for a matter of small consequence. Wm. Smith is railing against the movements of the Twelve and says he has authority here to do as he has a mind to and the people shall know it. It appears he is determined to cause us trouble.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
190 years ago today - Jun 24, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing, proxy blessing of wife, & ordination of Cyrus Smalling given by Joseph Smith, Sr. & First Presidency]
[Name erased] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I lay my hands upon thee to bless thee, with the blessings of a father, as thou hast no father to bless thee ...Thou shalt have all the desires of thy heart which are in righteousness; yea, even to stand to see the winding up scene of this generation. ... even prisons shall not hold thee, except it be for a short season to the glory of God. ... And I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
Brother [name erased] thy wife is not present, therefore I lay my hands upon thy head, and I seal upon thee blessings for her, and thou shalt tell her of it that she may rejoice; for the blessings of a father are her's in common with thee: and this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
... Ordination of Cyrus Smalling to the Apostleship of the First Quorum of the Seventy
on June 30, 1835
[name erased] ordination blessing which he received under the hands of presidents Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio. June 30, 1835 when he was set apart by prophecy to the apostleship of the first Seventy, in the place of Ezra Thayer, who had left the church and the apostleship.
... Thou shalt stand before bishops, archbishops and lord bishops, and even the pope himself. Thou shalt push together thy thousands: thou shalt proclaim to Catholics, to Presbyterians and all other sects and denominations, and teach bishops, archbishops and popes. Thou shalt be changed in the twinkling of an eye ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:24-25, 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]
[Name erased] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I lay my hands upon thee to bless thee, with the blessings of a father, as thou hast no father to bless thee ...Thou shalt have all the desires of thy heart which are in righteousness; yea, even to stand to see the winding up scene of this generation. ... even prisons shall not hold thee, except it be for a short season to the glory of God. ... And I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
Brother [name erased] thy wife is not present, therefore I lay my hands upon thy head, and I seal upon thee blessings for her, and thou shalt tell her of it that she may rejoice; for the blessings of a father are her's in common with thee: and this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
... Ordination of Cyrus Smalling to the Apostleship of the First Quorum of the Seventy
on June 30, 1835
[name erased] ordination blessing which he received under the hands of presidents Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio. June 30, 1835 when he was set apart by prophecy to the apostleship of the first Seventy, in the place of Ezra Thayer, who had left the church and the apostleship.
... Thou shalt stand before bishops, archbishops and lord bishops, and even the pope himself. Thou shalt push together thy thousands: thou shalt proclaim to Catholics, to Presbyterians and all other sects and denominations, and teach bishops, archbishops and popes. Thou shalt be changed in the twinkling of an eye ...
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:24-25, 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]
70 years ago today - Jun 23, 1955
CHURCH NEWS article, "Church-Approved Formal Evening Gowns Designed: Relief Society Sewing Center."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
70 years ago today - Jun 23, 1955
A Church News article, "Church-Approved Formal Evening Gowns Designed: Relief Society Sewing Center."
[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 )]]
125 years ago today - Jun 23, 1900; Saturday
Went to town saw Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow who is much better but still a very sick man. We all pray for him constantly, God spare him to establish the U[nited]. O[rder]. among the Saints; who are they? The spirit will search them out as it did the Twelve apostles; and there will be no mistake. All ready the world feels a lonesome place to me & I look forward to that glorious reunion of the broken ties of love which have come to me in my short life.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
140 years ago today - Jun 23, 1885
Apostle John Henry Smith writes in his journal: " I had a long talk with my Sister Mary A. Wimmer. She told me that her husband Peter Wireruer had been cut off from the Church but had been rebaptised but that his Priesthood had not been restored. I told her if she would leave him, I would make an effort to aid her to care for her family. She told me she did not think she could do it."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
155 years ago today - Jun 23, 1870
Presidt Young spoke 44 Minuts. ... The Blessings of Life & health is in keeping the word of wisdom. Tea Coffee whiskey & tobacco prepares the system for all deseases that Come along. Those who say they Cannot keep the word of wisdom it shows they Cannot. Those who say they Can such Can keep the word of wisdom. The word of wisdom if Carried out would add to the lives of the rising generation 20 to 30 years. How glorious it would be to talk with an intelligent Man 100 years old. I say to my family & to my sisters if they would give up their tea & Coffee, they would be much better off...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Monday, June 23rd, 1845
[John Taylor]
William Smith has been ordained Patriarch to the Church; but he is not the only Patriarch, but would act as a senior Patriarch, holding the keys of that priesthood; and his labors would be more especially connected with the Church in Zion; and he would take the lead, priority, or presidency of the Patriarchal office in this place; and in this capacity if there should be a council of Patriarchs, he as a matter of course would preside by night of office. ...
Every father, after he has received his patriarchal blessing, is a Patriarch to his own family; and has the right to confer patriarchal blessings upon his family; which blessings will be just as legal as those conferred by any Patriarch of the Church; in fact it is his right...
A Patriarch to the Church is appointed to bless those who are orphans, or have no father in the Church to bless them. ...
['The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
William Smith has been ordained Patriarch to the Church; but he is not the only Patriarch, but would act as a senior Patriarch, holding the keys of that priesthood; and his labors would be more especially connected with the Church in Zion; and he would take the lead, priority, or presidency of the Patriarchal office in this place; and in this capacity if there should be a council of Patriarchs, he as a matter of course would preside by night of office. ...
Every father, after he has received his patriarchal blessing, is a Patriarch to his own family; and has the right to confer patriarchal blessings upon his family; which blessings will be just as legal as those conferred by any Patriarch of the Church; in fact it is his right...
A Patriarch to the Church is appointed to bless those who are orphans, or have no father in the Church to bless them. ...
['The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
180 years ago today - 1845 23 Jun.
Irvine Hodge is stabbed to death in front of Young's house, presumably by Nauvoo police officers Hosea Stout, Elbridge Tufts, and Allen J. Stout.
[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 - Jun 23, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Rowe given by William Smith ... yet the Angel of God that is appointed in charge, will stand by thee in all the times of thy trouble, and distress, and he shall prove unto thee as the voice of Joseph, and as a mighty deliverer shall he come and thou shalt exclaim lo and behold my deliverer has come, and one who is mighty to save and his voice shall be as the voice of mighty thunders, and many waters, thou shalt see and hear many things that are not told thee in this blessing neither can they be uttered or given to the world ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Jun 23, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing -- Confirmation of Patriarchal Blessing conferred by Joseph Smith Sr. of Ebenezer Landers given by William Smith on June 23, 1845
Confirmation of blessing conferred by father Smith on the head of Ebenezer Landers son of Ebenezer & Betsy born in Pittsburgh County of Frontinack Upper Canada 29th September 1816
Dear Brother this is only a confirmation of the blessing thou hast received from under the hands of my father who was the first Patriarch in the church of God in these last days. this blessing shall be unto thee a source of comfort and a fountain of life for thou art of the blood of Ephraim and thy blood is sprinkled among many nations and with the sons of Abraham thou shalt be gathered and saved in the kingdom of God and thou shalt realize in time and in eternity the fulfilment of this blessing upon thine head and of all that has been spoken before concerning thee in the name of Jesus Christ Even so Amen
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Confirmation of blessing conferred by father Smith on the head of Ebenezer Landers son of Ebenezer & Betsy born in Pittsburgh County of Frontinack Upper Canada 29th September 1816
Dear Brother this is only a confirmation of the blessing thou hast received from under the hands of my father who was the first Patriarch in the church of God in these last days. this blessing shall be unto thee a source of comfort and a fountain of life for thou art of the blood of Ephraim and thy blood is sprinkled among many nations and with the sons of Abraham thou shalt be gathered and saved in the kingdom of God and thou shalt realize in time and in eternity the fulfilment of this blessing upon thine head and of all that has been spoken before concerning thee in the name of Jesus Christ Even so Amen
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Jun 23, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Abigail Abbott given by William Smith ... of thy posterity shall spring a mighty people the glory and power of the Holy Priesthood in them shall be made known, and like Paul they shall speak in the temple of the Ephesians and the great men of the earth shall hail them as mighty Spirits it is not known unto thee at this time the way and manner this blessing shall be fulfilled, ere all this shall be done one of thy posterity named after the name of his father, and after the name of his Great Grandfather, who was a descendant from the tribe of Judah, and of the household of David, shall be a mighty warrior, and be led on to avenge the blood of Prophets and Patriarchs, he shall lead a mighty people from the wilderness and one mighty among them who shall be also a mighty warrior by the name of Nishcosh, he shall be a descendant of one of the name of Nimrod, who was also a descendant of that Nimrod, who was a mighty hunter in days of old, by way of the Jaredites
upon this continent, who founded a city and called it the city of Gnoalum, this city now lying in ruins the wreck of which only appears as the last descriptive monument of a people that has fallen, and the remnants of whom have become barbarous, wild and uncultivated ...
Given by William Smith Patriarch to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints at Nauvoo City of Joseph 23d June 1845
[Marquardt Papers]
upon this continent, who founded a city and called it the city of Gnoalum, this city now lying in ruins the wreck of which only appears as the last descriptive monument of a people that has fallen, and the remnants of whom have become barbarous, wild and uncultivated ...
Given by William Smith Patriarch to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints at Nauvoo City of Joseph 23d June 1845
[Marquardt Papers]
180 years ago today - 1845 Jun 23
John Taylor writes an editorial which is published shortly thereafter in the Times and Seasons bearing the date 1 June designating William as Patriarch to the Church rather than Patriarch over the Church
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
195 years ago today - June 23-25, 1830
The proceedings of the 'Antimasonic State Convention of Vermont, Montpelier, 1830' reports of "a secret combination of great extent and influence ... is such a secret combination compatible with the genius and spirit of our constitution ? ... [One delegate asks,] Does not the blood of a murdered citizen call to each of you from the ground against the monster which deprived that citizen of his life?" (Moses 5:31, 35)
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
155 years ago today - Jun 22, 1870
Presidet Young spoke 38 M. ... I told the people the day would Come when the world would be flooded with Revelation, but from the devil. This begins by a woman being put to sleep & g[iving?] Revelation. Spiritualism began in this way. All their Revelations go to deny Jesus Christ, the gospel & the Atonement. ... In the days of Joseph He felt vary Bad to see a Man Apostitize. But now I feel if a man wants to Apostitize I say let him go. Cut the thread & the least we say about the Apostates or the officers of Government the Better
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jun 22, 1845
William Smith marries Mary Jane Rollins. He also marries Mary Ann Sheffield polygamously (for him) and polyandrously (for her). Mary Jane leaves him in August. Mary Ann considers the marriage at an end when he leaves Nauvoo later that year.
[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]
185 years ago today - 1840: 22 June
[Patriarchal Blessing of Simeon Dunn]
"... thou shalt speak before Kings and Nobles, and they shall be astonished at thee because of the power of God which is in thee. ... I seal thee up to eternal life, even so, Amen."
[Simeon A. Dunn patriarchal blessing, Given by Joseph Smith, Sen., from typescript; William L. Knecht Family Records. In Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"... thou shalt speak before Kings and Nobles, and they shall be astonished at thee because of the power of God which is in thee. ... I seal thee up to eternal life, even so, Amen."
[Simeon A. Dunn patriarchal blessing, Given by Joseph Smith, Sen., from typescript; William L. Knecht Family Records. In Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 years ago today - Jun 21, 2000
[Hinckley]
Announced that the two-year Ricks College will begin phasing into a four-year institution to be known as Brigham Young University-Idaho
[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
Announced that the two-year Ricks College will begin phasing into a four-year institution to be known as Brigham Young University-Idaho
[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
90 years ago today - Jun 21, 1935
[David O. McKay]
After your letter of May 30 as read to the Council of First Presidency and Twelve yesterday there were expressions of surprise that 'of approximately 60 men who expressed themselves' upon the significance of the atonement, 'there were not more than a dozen who seemed to understand the double gift to the people of the world in the vicarious work of the Lord.' It seems incredible that so many missionaries have such a beclouded understanding of the atonement of the Lord as it affects individual and general salvation.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Joseph J. Cannon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
After your letter of May 30 as read to the Council of First Presidency and Twelve yesterday there were expressions of surprise that 'of approximately 60 men who expressed themselves' upon the significance of the atonement, 'there were not more than a dozen who seemed to understand the double gift to the people of the world in the vicarious work of the Lord.' It seems incredible that so many missionaries have such a beclouded understanding of the atonement of the Lord as it affects individual and general salvation.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Joseph J. Cannon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
95 years ago today - Jun 21, 1930
[Heber J. Grant]
After lunch Brother Guy C. Wilson called and read a chapter from a book that is being prepared along historical and religious lines for the seminaries. We approved of it and suggested that he make it even stronger. It was with regard to the faith of the leaders in early days in plural marriage. He said the idea was growing among the young people that the introduction of polygamy was a mistake. I read to him a list of the apostles at the time that Brother Lyman was president of the Quorum of the Twelve, and showed him that eight of them were the product of polygamy, that three were too old to have been born in polygamy, and only one of the entire twelve who was young enough to have been the product of polygamy, Matthias F. Cowley, was not the product of polygamy, and he lost his standing in the Council because of advocating the practise (Sic) of plural marriage after the Lord had said stop. It is a fine thing for the people to get it into their heads that when the Lord tells you to
do something and then tells you to quit doing it, he should be obeyed in both cases.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
After lunch Brother Guy C. Wilson called and read a chapter from a book that is being prepared along historical and religious lines for the seminaries. We approved of it and suggested that he make it even stronger. It was with regard to the faith of the leaders in early days in plural marriage. He said the idea was growing among the young people that the introduction of polygamy was a mistake. I read to him a list of the apostles at the time that Brother Lyman was president of the Quorum of the Twelve, and showed him that eight of them were the product of polygamy, that three were too old to have been born in polygamy, and only one of the entire twelve who was young enough to have been the product of polygamy, Matthias F. Cowley, was not the product of polygamy, and he lost his standing in the Council because of advocating the practise (Sic) of plural marriage after the Lord had said stop. It is a fine thing for the people to get it into their heads that when the Lord tells you to
do something and then tells you to quit doing it, he should be obeyed in both cases.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Jun 21, 1900; Thursday
the substance of which was from a letter of a missionary in the Southern states to his father in which the writer states that in common with the other missionaries had been requested to purchase two copies of the Book of Mormon now and agree to dispose of one every month, that is either to sell or give it away, and the reason assigned for this request was to get the price of the Book of Mormon down to fifty cents apiece. Also a request had been made of him, in common with other Elders to deposit $50. to his credit at the office at Chattanooga [Tennessee]; and the reason assigned for this is that if the missionary should take sick or had to be released suddenly he would have the means whereby he could go--for an elder cannot be released in honor except he is out of debt. The writer goes on to state that he regretted having to make this requirement of his father, but asked him to borrow it, and he would work to pay it back on his return home. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
155 years ago today - Jun 21, 1870
Presidet Young spoke 20 Minuts [Richmond]. ...Now ye Elders of Israel lay up your grain for 2 years or 3 years if you Can & not make fools of yourselves & give your grain to your Enemies as you have before. Continue to lay up your grain untill you get 7 years supply. ... we should not depend upon the United States for our support for they are our Deadly Enemies & will do all they Can against us, & now any Elder that will go to our Enemies here to trade are of No use to us or the kingdom of God. They would destroy the kingdom of God if they Could. Cut off such men for they are of no use in the Church. Let them go to the pit....
Presidet Young spoke 20 [Smithfield]. He said I would rather have slept with Joseph Smith than to have lived to turn one honest Man from the Church of Christ.
[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 20 [Smithfield]. He said I would rather have slept with Joseph Smith than to have lived to turn one honest Man from the Church of Christ.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jun 21, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of William A. Beebe given by William Smith]
.... thou shalt have a peculiar desire to examine every apartment of the temple when it is finished and understand the order of its arrangements and all the blessings that belong to the enduement [a Masonic term/ "endowment"] ... and by visions and dreams thou Shalt be warned of marvellous events the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are thine and the discerning of Spirits and none shall have power to deceive thee by their cunning craft for in a most marvellous manner hast thou enjoyed the gift of the Spirit in times that are past and the wicked acts of men have been made known to thine understanding by which thou hast been delivered from their devices to destroy thee ... for by the highest authority in the church of God I seal thee up to eternal life and to a Salvation that is immortal and that shall never end in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessing of William A. Beebe given by William Smith]
.... thou shalt have a peculiar desire to examine every apartment of the temple when it is finished and understand the order of its arrangements and all the blessings that belong to the enduement [a Masonic term/ "endowment"] ... and by visions and dreams thou Shalt be warned of marvellous events the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are thine and the discerning of Spirits and none shall have power to deceive thee by their cunning craft for in a most marvellous manner hast thou enjoyed the gift of the Spirit in times that are past and the wicked acts of men have been made known to thine understanding by which thou hast been delivered from their devices to destroy thee ... for by the highest authority in the church of God I seal thee up to eternal life and to a Salvation that is immortal and that shall never end in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessing of William A. Beebe given by William Smith]
180 years ago today - Jun 21, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Louisa B. Beebe given by William Smith]
.... thou shalt behold an Angel in the dark hours of the night and in a dream he shall appear dressed in white array and he shall be unto thee as the voice of Joseph thy doubts and fears shall be removed thou shalt behold him afar off beckoning for thee to come and the time shall come when thy desire shall be to depart. ... and if thou art tempted & at any time cast down thy guardian Angel which is appointed of God shall comfort thee and by a still small voice thou shalt rest thy Soul in sleep and waking hours and in the morning of the first Resurrection thou shalt wake never to sleep again the sleep of death and the blessing of an eternal Salvation a crown that never fadeth away and a glory that is celestial I seal upon thine head in the name of Jesus Christ Amen
[Patriarchal Blessing of Louisa B. Beebe given by William Smith]
.... thou shalt behold an Angel in the dark hours of the night and in a dream he shall appear dressed in white array and he shall be unto thee as the voice of Joseph thy doubts and fears shall be removed thou shalt behold him afar off beckoning for thee to come and the time shall come when thy desire shall be to depart. ... and if thou art tempted & at any time cast down thy guardian Angel which is appointed of God shall comfort thee and by a still small voice thou shalt rest thy Soul in sleep and waking hours and in the morning of the first Resurrection thou shalt wake never to sleep again the sleep of death and the blessing of an eternal Salvation a crown that never fadeth away and a glory that is celestial I seal upon thine head in the name of Jesus Christ Amen
[Patriarchal Blessing of Louisa B. Beebe given by William Smith]
195 years ago today - 1830 Jun 21
Sales of BoM in Fayette enable Joseph Smith to pay interest to Isaac Hale
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
70 years ago today - Jun 20, 1955
[First Presidency]
.... It should be understood that wives of non-member husbands should not be recommended to the temple to receive their endowments. If they have previously had their endowments, then temple recommends might be issued to them provided they are in every way worthy, but even in such an event it is recommended that the wife receive the written consent of the husband before the recommend is issued. Worthy female members of the Church who are married to husbands who are not worthy to go to the temple must secure the written consent of their husbands, and in addition, the branch president or mission president should interview the husband to satisfy himself that there is no objection on his part to his wife's receiving her endowments in the temple. It is not necessary that worthy brethren receive the consent of their wives, whether the wives be non-members or unworthy of temple recommends, in order that they may be recommended to the temple for their own endowments or to do other ordinance
work.
[David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and J. Reuben Clark Jr. to Presidents of Missions in Europe, June 20, 1955, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
.... It should be understood that wives of non-member husbands should not be recommended to the temple to receive their endowments. If they have previously had their endowments, then temple recommends might be issued to them provided they are in every way worthy, but even in such an event it is recommended that the wife receive the written consent of the husband before the recommend is issued. Worthy female members of the Church who are married to husbands who are not worthy to go to the temple must secure the written consent of their husbands, and in addition, the branch president or mission president should interview the husband to satisfy himself that there is no objection on his part to his wife's receiving her endowments in the temple. It is not necessary that worthy brethren receive the consent of their wives, whether the wives be non-members or unworthy of temple recommends, in order that they may be recommended to the temple for their own endowments or to do other ordinance
work.
[David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and J. Reuben Clark Jr. to Presidents of Missions in Europe, June 20, 1955, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
85 years ago today - Jun 20, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
We afterwards called on the widow of [disfellowshipped apostle] Matthias Cowley at the home on West Temple Street.
May Edwards was very appreciative of our call and so also was Sister Cowley.
I assured Sister Cowley that I was very pleased that Mattie had finally confessed that he had done wrong at the time he was performing plural marriages after the Manifesto. I told her if he had been willing to confess ten years ago that he had done wrong I would have been perfectly willing for him to have been permitted to do temple work, etc. She said she had never heard of that and was very glad to know it. I am thinking some of going to the funeral tomorrow, but perhaps it would not be wise.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
We afterwards called on the widow of [disfellowshipped apostle] Matthias Cowley at the home on West Temple Street.
May Edwards was very appreciative of our call and so also was Sister Cowley.
I assured Sister Cowley that I was very pleased that Mattie had finally confessed that he had done wrong at the time he was performing plural marriages after the Manifesto. I told her if he had been willing to confess ten years ago that he had done wrong I would have been perfectly willing for him to have been permitted to do temple work, etc. She said she had never heard of that and was very glad to know it. I am thinking some of going to the funeral tomorrow, but perhaps it would not be wise.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
130 years ago today - Jun 20, 1895
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Apostles Dedicated a Bottle of Oil from Palestine then Anointed me & Blessed me for my Breathing.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Apostles Dedicated a Bottle of Oil from Palestine then Anointed me & Blessed me for my Breathing.
[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 - Jun 20, 1890
George M. Brown, a polygamist lawyer who had moved to the Mexican colonies to avoid arrest, warns the First Presidency that "international difficulty" could result if U.S. authorities learned of the plural marriages Alexander F. Macdonald is performing in Mexico for U.S. citizens who were returning to the United States.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
140 years ago today - Jun 20, 1885
Elizabeth Ann Starkey is brought in as a witness against Charles S. White by federal officers investigating polygamy. On refusing to answer the question, "Have you ever in this country, within the last two years, occupied the same bed with defendant?" she was sentenced to one day's imprisonment and a fine of $50, and placed in the custody of the United States marshal until payment. On Jun 22 she again declined to answer, and was fined $100 and committed until payment. On Jun 24 she refused to answer similar personal questions to the grand jury, and was committed to the penitentiary until Aug 21, but was again imprisoned and kept till Oct 6.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
140 years ago today - Sat. June 20th, 1885
[Abraham H. Cannon]
Attended a special meeting at President's office "where a society was organized which could hold the Social Hall and prevent outsiders from seizing and confiscating it as Church Property." "I attended another meeting at which the county and city Bishops were present to prepare for holding Church property." "Our enemies are now preparing to attack our property with a view to robbing us of our goods as well as our liberty."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
Attended a special meeting at President's office "where a society was organized which could hold the Social Hall and prevent outsiders from seizing and confiscating it as Church Property." "I attended another meeting at which the county and city Bishops were present to prepare for holding Church property." "Our enemies are now preparing to attack our property with a view to robbing us of our goods as well as our liberty."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
180 years ago today - Jun 20, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball]
My Father in heaven I feel greatfull to The[e] for Thy kindness, for Thou dost bless me and mine and Thy name shall have all the glory Amen. We stopt reding at 2 Oclock in the after noon. My wife wors[e]. I sent for Sister Whitney, she com. We Clothed our selves [in temple robes], and Anointed hur and praid. The Lord hurd. She was beter.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
My Father in heaven I feel greatfull to The[e] for Thy kindness, for Thou dost bless me and mine and Thy name shall have all the glory Amen. We stopt reding at 2 Oclock in the after noon. My wife wors[e]. I sent for Sister Whitney, she com. We Clothed our selves [in temple robes], and Anointed hur and praid. The Lord hurd. She was beter.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
185 years ago today - Jun 20, 1840
Joseph Smith asks to be released as land agent for Nauvoo in order to concentrate on his religious and prophetic duties. He asks the High Council "That when he is relieved from such temporal duties he would have no means of support whatever and and requested that some one might be appointed to see that all his necessary wants are provided for, as well as, sufficient means or appropriations for a Clerk or Clerks which he may require to aid him in his important work."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
195 years ago today - Jun 20, 1830
Joseph Smith's wife Emma is baptized by Oliver Cowdery.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
195 years ago today - Jun 20, 1830
According to Abner Cole, Mormons held a "disorderly meeting on Sunday [20 June] evening at the MARKET" where "one of JO'S greatest apostles, gave decided tokens of entire approbation".
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
30 years ago today - Jun 19, 1995
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reposts that Utah state task force is trying to understand why suicide is second leading cause of death for Utah's teenage males and young men, and why Utah's suicide rate is sixth highest in nation. Article down plays alleged role of LDS church's "too high expectations on young people," by pointing out that five states (all surrounding Utah) with higher suicide rates have lower percentages of Mormons. However, this is statistical error ("ecological fallacy") because states have not identified religious affiliation of suicides who might actually be disproportionately Mormon. TRIBUNE refers to U.S. Health Department's 1989 estimate that homosexual orientation is factor in 30 percent of teenage suicides. DESERET NEWS excluded that estimate from its analysis of federal report on Aug 12, 1989 and has said little about this current Utah task force.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
30 years ago today - Jun 19, 1995
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the Utah state task force is trying to understand why suicide is the second leading cause of death for Utah's teenage males and young men, and why Utah's suicide rate is the sixth highest in the nation. The article downplays the alleged role of the LDS church's "too high expectations on young people," by pointing out that five states (all surrounding Utah) with higher suicide rates have lower percentages of Mormons. However, this is a statistical error ("ecological fallacy") because states have not identified religious affiliation of suicides who might actually be disproportionately Mormon. The Tribune refers to the U.S. Health Department's 1989 estimate that homosexual orientation is a factor in 30 percent of teenage suicides. The Deseret News excluded that estimate from its analysis of the federal report on 12 Aug. 1989 and has said little about this current Utah task force.
[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 )]]
85 years ago today - Jun 19, 1940
Susan Michaelene Packer (Grassli), later the eighth general president of the Primary, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
130 years ago today - Jun 19, 1895
[Marriner W. Merrill]
I commenced Doctor Parkinson's treatment to reduce my weight today.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I commenced Doctor Parkinson's treatment to reduce my weight today.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Jun 19, 1880
The general committee of the Primary Association with Louie B. Felt as its first president.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
145 years ago today - Jun 19, 1880
The general committee of Young women's Mutual Improvement Association (YW MIA) formed with Elmina S. Taylor as president. This committee was later reconstituted as the General Board of theYW MIA with a general superintendent.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
155 years ago today - Jun 19, 1870
Presidet Young spoke 17 Minuts. ... All they in the spirit world will appear Natural Spirits. Can See Each other & their Shape will appear as Natural as it here & when we were in the spirit world with our Father in Heaven all was as natural as it is here & it will be the Same after the resurrection. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - June 19, 1845. Thursday.
[William Clayton]
....Afterwards at Dr. Richards...Prayers were offered up for many things especially that the curse of God may fall upon Judge [?] Young and the Lawyers who have justified the murderers, and that they may not be able to hold court. Evening at home.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
....Afterwards at Dr. Richards...Prayers were offered up for many things especially that the curse of God may fall upon Judge [?] Young and the Lawyers who have justified the murderers, and that they may not be able to hold court. Evening at home.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Jun 19, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball]
.... Sister Richards sent for us to Cloth us [in the robes of the Holy Order] and pray for hur as she felt as she should not live long. We offered up the Signs and praided for my wife; after dinner B. Young, G. A. and my self went to the Temple to see how things ware going on. The Rafters most on. All things going will. At fore in the after noon, we met at W. R. for prair, may the Lord bless His people. Present to this meting of the twelve ... We offerd prair Br... that Jugment to come on Juge Young, that our Enimes might be cursed. Returned home found my wifee quite sick with fowing[?]. Sister Whitney come in annointed hur and sung in Toungs [tongues]. I also sung. The Lord blest us.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
.... Sister Richards sent for us to Cloth us [in the robes of the Holy Order] and pray for hur as she felt as she should not live long. We offered up the Signs and praided for my wife; after dinner B. Young, G. A. and my self went to the Temple to see how things ware going on. The Rafters most on. All things going will. At fore in the after noon, we met at W. R. for prair, may the Lord bless His people. Present to this meting of the twelve ... We offerd prair Br... that Jugment to come on Juge Young, that our Enimes might be cursed. Returned home found my wifee quite sick with fowing[?]. Sister Whitney come in annointed hur and sung in Toungs [tongues]. I also sung. The Lord blest us.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
185 years ago today - Jun 19, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
I arose early in the morning & Baptized & confirmed one. A number of others soon came to us & wished to be Baptized. We immediately walked to the river Lug. & we being hendered a short time in looking for a suitable place for Baptizing a man by the name of Pitt Came to us filled with the Devil & wrath at the head of a mob & commanded us not to he Baptized in that river & threatened us much if we did so. Elder Richard Preached to Mr Pitt & warned him to repent & be Baptized or he could not be saved. But the Devel raged to such a degree in this man & his company we thought it wisdom to omit it on this occasion. We did so & retired & went our way, with this wicked man & the rest of the mob following us shouting, hooting, & yelling as though a part of hell at least had broke loose. The Saints were strengthend seeing that they were not of the world but the world hated them & we also went our way rejoicing that we were counting worthy to partake of thes things.
We clensed our feet by the way side as a testimony against Mr Pitt for rejecting our testimony, & forbiding, & hindering, others from Entering into the kingdom of God. May the will of God be done conserning that man, I pray that we may ever be reconciled to his will in all things
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I arose early in the morning & Baptized & confirmed one. A number of others soon came to us & wished to be Baptized. We immediately walked to the river Lug. & we being hendered a short time in looking for a suitable place for Baptizing a man by the name of Pitt Came to us filled with the Devil & wrath at the head of a mob & commanded us not to he Baptized in that river & threatened us much if we did so. Elder Richard Preached to Mr Pitt & warned him to repent & be Baptized or he could not be saved. But the Devel raged to such a degree in this man & his company we thought it wisdom to omit it on this occasion. We did so & retired & went our way, with this wicked man & the rest of the mob following us shouting, hooting, & yelling as though a part of hell at least had broke loose. The Saints were strengthend seeing that they were not of the world but the world hated them & we also went our way rejoicing that we were counting worthy to partake of thes things.
We clensed our feet by the way side as a testimony against Mr Pitt for rejecting our testimony, & forbiding, & hindering, others from Entering into the kingdom of God. May the will of God be done conserning that man, I pray that we may ever be reconciled to his will in all things
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
90 years ago today - Jun 18, 1935
In your letter of June 12, 1935, to President Heber J. Grant, you express the desire to have an explanation which will harmonize the word of the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76, verses 50-94 with the statement in Section 131, where it is stated that in the Celestial Kingdom there are three degrees, or glories. You also say that you feel that the Prophet Joseph Smith was not correctly quoted in Section 131.
There is no conflict between these two revelations. In the verses you refer to in Section 76, the Lord makes it very clear to us that all who are just and true by their integrity and obedience to all the principles of the Gospel, are made 'equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.' This does not, however, preclude others from entering the Celestial Kingdom in some lesser degree who have not received all the covenants and obligations upon which the highest exaltation in that kingdom is based. ....
[David O. McKay, Letter to H.C. Gregersen, 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]
There is no conflict between these two revelations. In the verses you refer to in Section 76, the Lord makes it very clear to us that all who are just and true by their integrity and obedience to all the principles of the Gospel, are made 'equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.' This does not, however, preclude others from entering the Celestial Kingdom in some lesser degree who have not received all the covenants and obligations upon which the highest exaltation in that kingdom is based. ....
[David O. McKay, Letter to H.C. Gregersen, 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]
95 years ago today - Jun 18, 1930
[Heber J. Grant]
If the Bishop of the Ward where Sister R--- S---- resides and the President of her stake see fit to give her a recommend to the temple, from their knowledge of her life since her separation from her former husband, I would raise no objection to their doing so. [She had an abortion three years earlier.]
[Heber J. Grant to Arias G. Belnap, June 18, 1930; hyphens added., quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
If the Bishop of the Ward where Sister R--- S---- resides and the President of her stake see fit to give her a recommend to the temple, from their knowledge of her life since her separation from her former husband, I would raise no objection to their doing so. [She had an abortion three years earlier.]
[Heber J. Grant to Arias G. Belnap, June 18, 1930; hyphens added., quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
155 years ago today - Jun 18, 1870
The Question of Adoption was preached. Presidt Young said the Priesthood had been on the Earth at different times. When the Priesthood has not been on Earth Men will have to be sealed to Each other untill we go on to Father Adam. Men will have to be sealed to Men so as to link the Chain from begining to End & all Children will have to be sealed to their Parents that was born before they had their Endowments. But this must be in A Temple & No whare Els. Joseph will be with us No doubt & Joseph will have to be sealed to Somebody But it will require Revelation to do this. Elijah Holds those keys & who ever holds those keys holds the keys of Elijah.
... He said a Man might take his own life without Committing Suicide but a woman should not be sealed to a Man who had Committed Suicide without Revelation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... He said a Man might take his own life without Committing Suicide but a woman should not be sealed to a Man who had Committed Suicide without Revelation.
[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 - Jun 18, 1870
First counselor George A. Smith tells Salt Lake School of the Prophets about "the evil of Masturbation" among Utah Mormons. Apostle Lorenzo Snow says that "Plural Marriage would tend to diminish this evil self-pollution," and he believes that "indulgence on the part of men was less in Plural marriage than in Monogomy." Elder George Reynolds (Secretary to Brigham Young) also tells the School that "where Monogomy was the Law, it compelled a more frequent (sexual) cohabitation than is right and proper." Medical books of the time advise sexual intercourse only once a month.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
155 years ago today - June 18th 1870
Prest. David P. Kimball asked a question with regard to the glory to be obtained by those having one or more wives.
Prest. Young explained it by a parable of measures of various capacities and said that all were not equal in their capacities for glory but all would receive Celestial glory if they held out faithful to the end whether they had but one wife or many....
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
Prest. Young explained it by a parable of measures of various capacities and said that all were not equal in their capacities for glory but all would receive Celestial glory if they held out faithful to the end whether they had but one wife or many....
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
160 years ago today - Jun 18, 1865
[Brigham Young]
Elder Orson Pratt has written extensively on the doctrines of this church, and upon this particular doctrine. When he writes and speaks upon subjects with which he is acquainted and understands, he is a very sound reasoner; but when he has written upon matters of which he knows nothing'"his own philosophy, which I call vain philosophy'"he is wild, uncertain, and contradictory. ... Jesus Christ is known in the scriptures as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and it is written of Him as being the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person. The word image we understand in the same sense as we do the word in the 3rd verse of the 5th chapter of Genesis, '"And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image.'" I am quite satisfied to be made aware by the scriptures, and by the Spirit of God, that He is not only the God and Father of Jesus Christ, but is also the Father of our spirits and the
Creator of our bodies which bear His image as Seth bore the image of his father Adam.
He (God) created man, as we create our children; for there is no other process of creation in heaven, on the earth, in the earth, or under the earth, or in all the eternities, that is, that were, or that ever will be.
Since the founding of the Roman empire monogamy has prevailed more extensively than in times previous to that. The founders of that ancient empire were robbers and women stealers, and made laws favoring monogamy in consequence of the scarcity of women among them, and hence this monogamic system which now prevails throughout all Christendom, and which has been so fruitful a source of prostitution and whoredom throughout all the Christian monogamic cities of the Old and New World, until rottenness and decay are at the root of their institutions both national and religious.." In the congregation is visiting Speaker of the U.S. House of representatives and future vice-president Schuyler Colfax.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:119-128, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Elder Orson Pratt has written extensively on the doctrines of this church, and upon this particular doctrine. When he writes and speaks upon subjects with which he is acquainted and understands, he is a very sound reasoner; but when he has written upon matters of which he knows nothing'"his own philosophy, which I call vain philosophy'"he is wild, uncertain, and contradictory. ... Jesus Christ is known in the scriptures as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and it is written of Him as being the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person. The word image we understand in the same sense as we do the word in the 3rd verse of the 5th chapter of Genesis, '"And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image.'" I am quite satisfied to be made aware by the scriptures, and by the Spirit of God, that He is not only the God and Father of Jesus Christ, but is also the Father of our spirits and the
Creator of our bodies which bear His image as Seth bore the image of his father Adam.
He (God) created man, as we create our children; for there is no other process of creation in heaven, on the earth, in the earth, or under the earth, or in all the eternities, that is, that were, or that ever will be.
Since the founding of the Roman empire monogamy has prevailed more extensively than in times previous to that. The founders of that ancient empire were robbers and women stealers, and made laws favoring monogamy in consequence of the scarcity of women among them, and hence this monogamic system which now prevails throughout all Christendom, and which has been so fruitful a source of prostitution and whoredom throughout all the Christian monogamic cities of the Old and New World, until rottenness and decay are at the root of their institutions both national and religious.." In the congregation is visiting Speaker of the U.S. House of representatives and future vice-president Schuyler Colfax.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:119-128, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Wednesday, June 18th, 1845
[John Taylor]
This night I had the following dream: I dreamt that I stood by the Temple and looked up, and saw that it was finished. I admired the elegance and symmetry of the building, and felt animated in my spirits and rejoiced to see the building finished. I remarked to a person standing by, what a beautiful structure this is, how elegant the design, and how well it is executed. I then said it is only a very short time since we laid the topstone; and now it is finished. I knew that a great deal of the wood work was prepared, but did not anticipate that the building would be so soon completed. I felt at the same time filled with the spirit of God, and my heart rejoiced before the Lord.
While I stood gazing with pleasure at the Temple, I saw another tower rising like unto the one that is on the west end of the Temple, and immediately exclaimed to the person that I had before conversed with, why there is another tower, and said I pointing my finger, still further there is another, and yet another; we have not yet began to see the whole; the scenery gradually changed, and a temple very much larger in dimensions, than the one which we are building, stood before me; there were a number of towers, placed apparently at equal distances on the outside, each of which were supported by buildings as large as this temple, and yet were united with, and were a part of the great temple; they were of as large dimensions as that which is on this Temple, from the midst of these towers and in the center of the building arose in majestic grandeur an immense large dome, that seemed to tower as high above the towers, as the towers were from the earth; it was not quite finished
at the top, and there were some workmen employed near the top of the dome, who in consequence of the extreme height of the building appeared very small. I was much delighted with the scenery that presented itself to my view, and soon after awoke retaining for some time afterwards the same pleasing sensation that I had enjoyed during my dream.
['The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
This night I had the following dream: I dreamt that I stood by the Temple and looked up, and saw that it was finished. I admired the elegance and symmetry of the building, and felt animated in my spirits and rejoiced to see the building finished. I remarked to a person standing by, what a beautiful structure this is, how elegant the design, and how well it is executed. I then said it is only a very short time since we laid the topstone; and now it is finished. I knew that a great deal of the wood work was prepared, but did not anticipate that the building would be so soon completed. I felt at the same time filled with the spirit of God, and my heart rejoiced before the Lord.
While I stood gazing with pleasure at the Temple, I saw another tower rising like unto the one that is on the west end of the Temple, and immediately exclaimed to the person that I had before conversed with, why there is another tower, and said I pointing my finger, still further there is another, and yet another; we have not yet began to see the whole; the scenery gradually changed, and a temple very much larger in dimensions, than the one which we are building, stood before me; there were a number of towers, placed apparently at equal distances on the outside, each of which were supported by buildings as large as this temple, and yet were united with, and were a part of the great temple; they were of as large dimensions as that which is on this Temple, from the midst of these towers and in the center of the building arose in majestic grandeur an immense large dome, that seemed to tower as high above the towers, as the towers were from the earth; it was not quite finished
at the top, and there were some workmen employed near the top of the dome, who in consequence of the extreme height of the building appeared very small. I was much delighted with the scenery that presented itself to my view, and soon after awoke retaining for some time afterwards the same pleasing sensation that I had enjoyed during my dream.
['The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
180 years ago today - 18th of June [1845]
Returned home and found Sister Whitney. She anointed my wife and sang in tongues; I also sang and the Lord blessed us.
[Heber Kimball, in Helen Mar Kimball Whitney, "Life Incidents," Woman's Exponent 9 (1880)]
[Heber Kimball, in Helen Mar Kimball Whitney, "Life Incidents," Woman's Exponent 9 (1880)]
185 years ago today - Jun 18, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... The church minister in the Parish Sent a spy to attend meeting to carry him word what we preached. As soon as meeting closed I put my hand upon his shoulder & asked him what he thought of our doctrin. He replied "I think it is of God." He appeared asstonished when he left the house.
Almost evry person I conversed with said they wished to be Baptized as soon as an oppertunity offered. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... The church minister in the Parish Sent a spy to attend meeting to carry him word what we preached. As soon as meeting closed I put my hand upon his shoulder & asked him what he thought of our doctrin. He replied "I think it is of God." He appeared asstonished when he left the house.
Almost evry person I conversed with said they wished to be Baptized as soon as an oppertunity offered. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
195 years ago today - 1830 18 Jun.
The earliest description of the new church is in German by Rev. Diedrich Willers of Fayette, New York. He writes that "Mormonites" call themselves Die wahre Nachfolger Christi ("the True Disciples of Christ"). Concerning six Book of Mormon witnesses who had been his parishioners, Willers writes that the Whitmers "even believe in witches. Hiram Page is likewise full of superstition."
[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]
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