The first general, unrestricted conference of the Church in four years was held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. (During World War II, general conferences were limited to general, stake, and ward priesthood leaders.)
[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]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
115 years ago today - Oct 5, 1910; Wednesday
[To several Stake Presidents]
Dear Brethren:
We deem it advisable to address a letter to you and to each of the Stake Presidencies in regard to a matter that is causing us much anxiety.
You will recall that at the general conference of April 1904, President Joseph F. Smith made the following statement, afterwards published, defining the attitude of the Church in regard to plural marriages: ...
After the Church had thus spoken plainly, we took it for granted that none of its members would be found disobeying its voice. But in the face of this action, emphasized repeatedly in private and public by us, and the Apostles as well, we now find that some person or persons have assumed authority to solemnize plural marriages, and that men and women have entered into polygamous relations through having been married under such pretended authority.
...Nevertheless it becomes our duty to request you to instruct each Bishop in your Stake to carry out the provisions of the foregoing resolutions by dealing with offenders, if any there be in his Ward, in accordance therewith.
We also desire to make it known to all the Saints in your Stake that no one has been authorized to solemnize plural marriages, and that he who advises, counsels or entices any person to contract a plural marriage renders himself liable to excommunication, as well as th[o]s[e] who enter into such unlawful relations....
Your brethren,
Joseph F. Smith,
Anthon H. Lund
John Henry Smith ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Dear Brethren:
We deem it advisable to address a letter to you and to each of the Stake Presidencies in regard to a matter that is causing us much anxiety.
You will recall that at the general conference of April 1904, President Joseph F. Smith made the following statement, afterwards published, defining the attitude of the Church in regard to plural marriages: ...
After the Church had thus spoken plainly, we took it for granted that none of its members would be found disobeying its voice. But in the face of this action, emphasized repeatedly in private and public by us, and the Apostles as well, we now find that some person or persons have assumed authority to solemnize plural marriages, and that men and women have entered into polygamous relations through having been married under such pretended authority.
...Nevertheless it becomes our duty to request you to instruct each Bishop in your Stake to carry out the provisions of the foregoing resolutions by dealing with offenders, if any there be in his Ward, in accordance therewith.
We also desire to make it known to all the Saints in your Stake that no one has been authorized to solemnize plural marriages, and that he who advises, counsels or entices any person to contract a plural marriage renders himself liable to excommunication, as well as th[o]s[e] who enter into such unlawful relations....
Your brethren,
Joseph F. Smith,
Anthon H. Lund
John Henry Smith ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Oct 5, 1905; Thursday
Brother George A[lbert]. Smith reported that last Sunday night he attended meeting of the Reorganized Church, and heard its president, Joseph Smith [III], speak. During his address he stated he was baptized by his father, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and had never been excommunicated. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Oct 5, 1890
[Heber J. Grant]
The matters considered at the Gardo was as to whether there should be a vote taken tomorrow on the Manifesto by the conference or not. The matter was left entirely in the hands of Prest. Woodruff to act. It was the feelings of those present that Brother Jno T. Caine was the best man to be nominated for Congress ... I am amused, when I see the increase of faith among the saints, at the remarks of our enemies that the Mormon Church is on the decline.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The matters considered at the Gardo was as to whether there should be a vote taken tomorrow on the Manifesto by the conference or not. The matter was left entirely in the hands of Prest. Woodruff to act. It was the feelings of those present that Brother Jno T. Caine was the best man to be nominated for Congress ... I am amused, when I see the increase of faith among the saints, at the remarks of our enemies that the Mormon Church is on the decline.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 5, 1890
President George Q. Cannon occupied the time of the meeting ... spoke of the second coming of the Savior and said we need not look for that event to take place in 1891. ...
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Oct. 5, 1845
And no man need tell me that B Young do[e]s not claim, to be the prophet, Seer & perpetual head of this church, for I know that he do[e]s and you know that it Lawfully & Legal[l]y belongs to Lidle [Little] Joseph [Joseph Smith III] But I shall say no further onley [only] I am not a Brighamite ...
[William Smith to Brother Robbins]
[William Smith to Brother Robbins]
185 years ago today - 1840 5 Oct.
On motion of John C. Bennett, the general conference votes that no one be judged guilty of a crime unless proven "by two or three witnesses." This was Bennett's way of shielding his own extra-marital sexual activities with both females and males.
[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]
185 years ago today - 1840 Oct 5
A general conference is held in Nauvoo . The conference moves to send some brethren to preside over the building up of Kirtland as the gathering place of the eastern Saints. Joseph speaks on the necessity of building a house of the Lord in Nauvoo, the newly disclosed doctrine of baptism for the dead, the two priesthoods, the ordinances, Adam and the keys of the presidency, the mission of Enoch, a need for sacrifice, the mission of Elijah, and the restoration of all ordinances. (See HC 207-12.) The building of the temple is authorized and building committees are appointed. Nauvoo charter proposed. Resolution: No person can be considered guilty of a crime unless proved so by the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses ...
[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]
190 years ago today - Oct 5, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
In the evening attend[ed] a High Councel of the Twelve Apostles. Had a glorious time and gave them many instruction[s] concerning their duties for time to come. Told them that it was the will of God they should take their families to Missouri next season.
Also [told them to] attend this fall the Solemn Assembly of the first Elders for the organization of the School of the Prophets and attend to the ordinence of the washing of feet and to prepare the[i]r hearts in all humility for an endowment with power from on high. To which they all agreed with one accord and seamed to be greatly rejoiced. May God spare the lives of the Twelve [Apostles] with one accord to a good old age for Christ the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
In the evening attend[ed] a High Councel of the Twelve Apostles. Had a glorious time and gave them many instruction[s] concerning their duties for time to come. Told them that it was the will of God they should take their families to Missouri next season.
Also [told them to] attend this fall the Solemn Assembly of the first Elders for the organization of the School of the Prophets and attend to the ordinence of the washing of feet and to prepare the[i]r hearts in all humility for an endowment with power from on high. To which they all agreed with one accord and seamed to be greatly rejoiced. May God spare the lives of the Twelve [Apostles] with one accord to a good old age for Christ the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 4, 1900
[Rudger Clawson]
I was in perfect harmony with the brethren of the Twelve and the First Presidency and held myself ready to accept from them correction and reproof when needful. Called attention to a great evil existing in the church, namely, the failure of the acting teachers generally to magnify their callings....
A letter from the presidency of the Snowflake Stake was read by the clerk.. They alluded to the subject of round dancing and said that for a period of about 20 years this mode of dancing had not been permitted in the stake over which they presided—and this by common consent; but now the young people in part were asking for round dances. The brethren were, therefore, appealed to for counsel in the matter.
Some discussion followed the reading of the letter and it was shown to be a difficult matter to control round dancing in the church. The rule permitting two round dances at a party was not enforced, but generally every other dance was a round dance. It was shown that if the young people were denied this privilege or even very greatly restricted, they would go beyond control and would patronize objectionable dance halls. It was also further shown that the evil of round dances, as existing formerly, was at least in part done away. The position taken in the dance was such as almost to entirely prevent "hugging." Some objections to the square dance were mentioned, such as "spinning" on the corners, which was thought to be equally as bad, if not worse than round dancing. It seemed to be the sentiment of the brethren that it would probably be best to allow round dancing without any very serious restrictions as to number in order to keep the young people under the influence and
control of the church. Apostle J. H. Smith was authorized to talk with the presidency of the Snowflake Stake at the coming conference respecting this matter and suggest to them that it would be well to gratify the young people of their stake.
...The tables were spread and the sacrament administered, Apostle B. Young being mouth in blessing the bread and wine. While at the table Pres. Snow made brief remarks. He spoke of the union of the brethren and said we witness today that which has seldom been seen in the world, namely, the perfect union of 15 men—the First Presidency and Twelve. He was sure, he said, that the Lord was pleased with our union, and in this union the brethren are in advance of the Twelve who were with the Savior. There were heartburnings and divisions among them....
[President Snow:] We talk about Jackson County; why, I know a brother who is today holding in reserve a thousand dollars to assist in redeeming Jackson County. That spirit is among the people. I believe the Lord will open the way by cyclones and storms for the redemption of Jackson County. These things are coming....
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
I was in perfect harmony with the brethren of the Twelve and the First Presidency and held myself ready to accept from them correction and reproof when needful. Called attention to a great evil existing in the church, namely, the failure of the acting teachers generally to magnify their callings....
A letter from the presidency of the Snowflake Stake was read by the clerk.. They alluded to the subject of round dancing and said that for a period of about 20 years this mode of dancing had not been permitted in the stake over which they presided—and this by common consent; but now the young people in part were asking for round dances. The brethren were, therefore, appealed to for counsel in the matter.
Some discussion followed the reading of the letter and it was shown to be a difficult matter to control round dancing in the church. The rule permitting two round dances at a party was not enforced, but generally every other dance was a round dance. It was shown that if the young people were denied this privilege or even very greatly restricted, they would go beyond control and would patronize objectionable dance halls. It was also further shown that the evil of round dances, as existing formerly, was at least in part done away. The position taken in the dance was such as almost to entirely prevent "hugging." Some objections to the square dance were mentioned, such as "spinning" on the corners, which was thought to be equally as bad, if not worse than round dancing. It seemed to be the sentiment of the brethren that it would probably be best to allow round dancing without any very serious restrictions as to number in order to keep the young people under the influence and
control of the church. Apostle J. H. Smith was authorized to talk with the presidency of the Snowflake Stake at the coming conference respecting this matter and suggest to them that it would be well to gratify the young people of their stake.
...The tables were spread and the sacrament administered, Apostle B. Young being mouth in blessing the bread and wine. While at the table Pres. Snow made brief remarks. He spoke of the union of the brethren and said we witness today that which has seldom been seen in the world, namely, the perfect union of 15 men—the First Presidency and Twelve. He was sure, he said, that the Lord was pleased with our union, and in this union the brethren are in advance of the Twelve who were with the Savior. There were heartburnings and divisions among them....
[President Snow:] We talk about Jackson County; why, I know a brother who is today holding in reserve a thousand dollars to assist in redeeming Jackson County. That spirit is among the people. I believe the Lord will open the way by cyclones and storms for the redemption of Jackson County. These things are coming....
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Oct 4, 1900; Thursday
I found a sister awaiting me, who enquired if she could be sealed to a man she loved, who had a wife. I informed her she could not. I further said:--if you desire to be the man's wife eternally, give him a writing, that he may have you and your 4 childrn sealed under the Everlasting Covenant at your death or at his death. I warned her not to permit him to be too familiar with her least [sic] she be condemned of God.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
135 years ago today - Oct 4, 1890
Less than two weeks after the issuing of the Manifesto Byron H. Allred accompanied by a young woman, visits Wilford Woodruff's office to ask permission to marry polygamously. President Woodruff patiently explains the reasons he had issued the Manifesto and then tells Allred to move as soon as possible with his intended plural wife to Mexico where Alexander F. Macdonald would perform the ceremony.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Oct 4, 1860
Brigham Young's financial report informs general conference that from 1857 to this date, the church spent a total of "$70,204 in excess of what has been received in money and Tithing." This is the first financial report to acknowledge the church's deficit spending.
[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)]]
170 years ago today - Oct 04, 1855
The ship Julia Ann, with twenty-eight members of the Church from Australia on board, wrecks on a coral reef near the Scilly Islands. Five Latter-day Saints die, but all others are eventually rescued and complete their journey to San Francisco.
180 years ago today - Saturday, Oct 4, 1845
Elder Richards prophesied that we should have means to move all the poor and want for nothing. Elder Kimball said, Amen. ... Each family [crossing the planes] consisting of five adults, will require ... Two pounds of Tea, five pounds of coffee ... One Keg of Alcohol of five gallons for each two families. ...
[Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
[Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
190 years ago today - Oct 4, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
Sunday, 4th Started early in the mornin[g] with Brother J. Carrell [John Corrill] to hold a meeting in Perry [Geauga County, Ohio]. When about a mile from home we saw two Dears playing in the field which diverted our minds by giving an impatus to our thoughts upon the subject of the creation of God. We conversed upon many topicks and the day passed off in a very agreeable manner. The Lord blessed our souls.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Sunday, 4th Started early in the mornin[g] with Brother J. Carrell [John Corrill] to hold a meeting in Perry [Geauga County, Ohio]. When about a mile from home we saw two Dears playing in the field which diverted our minds by giving an impatus to our thoughts upon the subject of the creation of God. We conversed upon many topicks and the day passed off in a very agreeable manner. The Lord blessed our souls.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
55 years ago today - Oct 3, 1970
Fawn Brodie gives the first annual "American West" lecture at the Hotel Utah. Her lecture is titled "Can We Manipulate the Past?"
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
95 years ago today - Oct 03, 1930
J. Reuben Clark is appointed as U.S. ambassador to Mexico, becoming the first Church member to be appointed as an ambassador.
110 years ago today - Oct 3, 1915
Joseph F. Smith preaches: "Not long ago I happened to be at the home of one of my children when the [ward] teachers came in. We called the family together and submitted ourselves to the duties of the teachers. The head teacher began by saying that he had been sent there by the bishop of the ward to inquire into the condition of the members of the family. He was instructed to inquire of them if they held family prayer, morning and evening, if they asked the blessing upon their food, at each meal. He was required by the bishop to inquire as to whether they kept the word of wisdom, as to whether they attended to their Sabbath meetings and honored the Sabbath day, as to whether those who were of age to attend the various other organizations of the Church, such as the Relief Society, the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, the Sunday Schools, the Primary Associations, and the Religion Class, did so, and if they sustained in their hearts their bishop and his
counselors and were united in feeling and sentiment with them, and if they were in harmony in their feelings and sentiment with the presidency of their stake. And as to whether they sustained, by their faith and prayers, the presiding authorities of the Church, the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles, the Patriarch, the Presidents of Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. If they could pray for them in faith and in good feeling, and were in harmony with them. If they believed and observed the law of tithing, and were at peace with their neighbors, etc. Then he asked that the head of the family should arise and open his heart to the teachers and tell them just what he had to say in relation to all these inquiries and requirements that were made of the teacher by the bishop. I admired it. I thought it was just the right thing to do, and I approved of it, and so pronounced my approval of the thoroughness. the simplicity. and the honesty of the teacher to inquire into all
these things."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
counselors and were united in feeling and sentiment with them, and if they were in harmony in their feelings and sentiment with the presidency of their stake. And as to whether they sustained, by their faith and prayers, the presiding authorities of the Church, the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles, the Patriarch, the Presidents of Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric. If they could pray for them in faith and in good feeling, and were in harmony with them. If they believed and observed the law of tithing, and were at peace with their neighbors, etc. Then he asked that the head of the family should arise and open his heart to the teachers and tell them just what he had to say in relation to all these inquiries and requirements that were made of the teacher by the bishop. I admired it. I thought it was just the right thing to do, and I approved of it, and so pronounced my approval of the thoroughness. the simplicity. and the honesty of the teacher to inquire into all
these things."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Oct 3, 1910 (Monday)
Mrs. Emmeline B. Wells was chosen to succeed the late Bathsheba W. Smith as president of all the Relief Societies in the Church.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Oct 3, 1910; Monday
At 10:30 I met with the Council of the Twelve in the temple and heard the [Judson] Toleman case to conclusion and we excommunicated him, Patriarch Toleman for performing plural marriages and himself taking a wife since the declaration of
Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith of Apr[il]. 1904.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith of Apr[il]. 1904.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
120 years ago today - Oct 3, 1905
[At apostles' quarterly meetings:] ... Any good sister who may desire a blessing at the hand of her sisters before her confinement may be thus administered to. And any good sister who has received her endowments and who is in good standing in the Church might officiate in washing and anointing previous to confinement, if called upon, or if requested to do so, by the sister or sisters desiring the blessing. But in no instance should a sister take the initiative by offering to do this.... Some sisters are gifted in administering and comforting with faith, and yet may hold no official position in the relief society. Then again the sister desiring a blessing might have a choice as to whom she would prefer to render her this service. They should avoid all reference to ceremonies of the temple, and should be very careful not to detract from or encroach upon the privileges or uses of the priesthood. We have heard that the labors of our sisters in this respect have resulted in benefit
and blessing, and that the services of sisters capable of officiating in this ordinance are being sought after. The advice given to all of our sisters who may be called upon to render this service to our sisters approaching their confinement is that they shall regard it in the spirit of the greatest solemnity, and not fail to call upon the Lord in prayer previous to officiating in this as well as every other sacred duty.
[Rudger Clawson 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]
and blessing, and that the services of sisters capable of officiating in this ordinance are being sought after. The advice given to all of our sisters who may be called upon to render this service to our sisters approaching their confinement is that they shall regard it in the spirit of the greatest solemnity, and not fail to call upon the Lord in prayer previous to officiating in this as well as every other sacred duty.
[Rudger Clawson 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 - Wednesday, Oct 3, 1900
Apostle H. J. Grant was the next speaker. Felt, he said, that those who fail to observe the word of wisdom and pay their tithing ought not to be sustained in presiding positions....
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
130 years ago today - Oct 3, 1895
[Heber J. Grant]
Abraham H. Cannon told of his having had typhoid fever in 1885 and that his spirit left the body and he visited his mother and had a chat with her. He had seen a beautiful country such as brother Merrill had told us of yesterday. His mother told him that he could remain with her if he wished and he said that he would be pleased to remain but when he came to think of his condition and how his family would be left financially if he were to pass away from the earth he decided that he would prefer to return to the earth again. He like brother Merrill had had noticed that there was no sun, but that there was a very brilliant light. I was told by a voice that I could live if I wished to and that the choice rested with me. When I returned to the earth and was about to enter my body again I felt a revulsion of feelings against doing so When I had entered my body and opened my eyes I found my family around me weeping and found that a cloth was tied around my head and preparations were being
made to save my body washed as it was thought that I was dead. Brother Franklin D. Richards came in soon after and administered to me and he used the same words that were used when I was with my mother in which I was told that it was for me to decide as to whether I should live or die. I was very sick after that and many times my folks thought that I would die but I knew that I would live as I had decided to live and the promise that I should do so I felt was from the Lord.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Abraham H. Cannon told of his having had typhoid fever in 1885 and that his spirit left the body and he visited his mother and had a chat with her. He had seen a beautiful country such as brother Merrill had told us of yesterday. His mother told him that he could remain with her if he wished and he said that he would be pleased to remain but when he came to think of his condition and how his family would be left financially if he were to pass away from the earth he decided that he would prefer to return to the earth again. He like brother Merrill had had noticed that there was no sun, but that there was a very brilliant light. I was told by a voice that I could live if I wished to and that the choice rested with me. When I returned to the earth and was about to enter my body again I felt a revulsion of feelings against doing so When I had entered my body and opened my eyes I found my family around me weeping and found that a cloth was tied around my head and preparations were being
made to save my body washed as it was thought that I was dead. Brother Franklin D. Richards came in soon after and administered to me and he used the same words that were used when I was with my mother in which I was told that it was for me to decide as to whether I should live or die. I was very sick after that and many times my folks thought that I would die but I knew that I would live as I had decided to live and the promise that I should do so I felt was from the Lord.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Oct 3, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
have arived at a strange state of affairs in the History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have recorded many Events in my Journals of the History of the Church for the Last 50 years of my life we have been persecuted by individuals villages towns Counties States & Now the whole great Nation of the United States of some 60,000,000 of people have set their hand to destroy the Church & Kingdom of God from off the Earth. The Congress Passed Laws in 1862 Against the Saints for practicing poligamy it being a tenit of our religion. The Nation was not ripe Enough to inforce untill of late.
In 1882 Congress passed a law making it a Crime to Cohabit with our wives. Made it a fine of $300 and imprisionment 6 months. Marshals & Judges were sent to Utah to Exicute this Law ...
The Judges & Marshals seem perfectly insane. Judge Zane puts the penalty of those who will not Deny the faith to the full extent of the Law then Blackguards the prisioners Calls their wives Prostitutes & Children Bastards For Cohabitation. All who do not Deny the faith are sent to Prision 6 month & have to pay a fine of $300....
Out of the whole Number so far up to date has been five parties whore Deserted their wives & Children, Broaken their Coven[an]ts Denyed their religion & dishonored God ... this is now the test which is to try all the Elders of Israel who have obeyed the Celestial Law of Marriage.
As a Historian I would say I would rather be shot dead in the Streets or struck with lightning than to Desert my Children Break my Covenants turn my wives into the Street & desert them with whom I have made sacred Covenants Deny my religion & Dishonor God. The decision I we now make will decide our Destiny for all time & Eternity. We have but a short time to live here but a long Eternity to Live on the other side of the Veil. And any man who is faithful to his wives & Children, his Covenants his religion & his God in this life if it Costs him fines, imprisionment Bonds, or Death No power beneath the Heavens Can deprive him from Enjoying the Society of his wives, & Children his family and friends, The prophets & Apostles & the society of God & Lamb, to all Eternity 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]
have arived at a strange state of affairs in the History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have recorded many Events in my Journals of the History of the Church for the Last 50 years of my life we have been persecuted by individuals villages towns Counties States & Now the whole great Nation of the United States of some 60,000,000 of people have set their hand to destroy the Church & Kingdom of God from off the Earth. The Congress Passed Laws in 1862 Against the Saints for practicing poligamy it being a tenit of our religion. The Nation was not ripe Enough to inforce untill of late.
In 1882 Congress passed a law making it a Crime to Cohabit with our wives. Made it a fine of $300 and imprisionment 6 months. Marshals & Judges were sent to Utah to Exicute this Law ...
The Judges & Marshals seem perfectly insane. Judge Zane puts the penalty of those who will not Deny the faith to the full extent of the Law then Blackguards the prisioners Calls their wives Prostitutes & Children Bastards For Cohabitation. All who do not Deny the faith are sent to Prision 6 month & have to pay a fine of $300....
Out of the whole Number so far up to date has been five parties whore Deserted their wives & Children, Broaken their Coven[an]ts Denyed their religion & dishonored God ... this is now the test which is to try all the Elders of Israel who have obeyed the Celestial Law of Marriage.
As a Historian I would say I would rather be shot dead in the Streets or struck with lightning than to Desert my Children Break my Covenants turn my wives into the Street & desert them with whom I have made sacred Covenants Deny my religion & Dishonor God. The decision I we now make will decide our Destiny for all time & Eternity. We have but a short time to live here but a long Eternity to Live on the other side of the Veil. And any man who is faithful to his wives & Children, his Covenants his religion & his God in this life if it Costs him fines, imprisionment Bonds, or Death No power beneath the Heavens Can deprive him from Enjoying the Society of his wives, & Children his family and friends, The prophets & Apostles & the society of God & Lamb, to all Eternity 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]
150 years ago today - Oct 3, 1875 (Sunday)
U.S. Grant, President of the United States, arrived in Salt Lake City, on a visit. He was met by Pres. Brigham Young and other prominent men at Ogden.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
185 years ago today - Oct 3, 1840
A conference at Nauvoo decides to build a temple, each Saint tithing his tenth-day's labor to the project.
[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]
190 years ago today - Oct 3, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
[I] exhibited to them [the Twelve] the ancient reccords in my possession [Egyptian papyri] and gave explanation of the same. Thus the day passed off with the blessings of the Lord.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[I] exhibited to them [the Twelve] the ancient reccords in my possession [Egyptian papyri] and gave explanation of the same. Thus the day passed off with the blessings of the Lord.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
40 years ago today - Oct 2, 1985
A letter from the LDS Church Education System's Zone Administrators of Curriculum and Instruction Division to area directors, associate area directors, teaching support consultants, CES coordinators, institute directors, and seminary principals: "Even if the letters [circulated by mark Hofmann] were to be unauthentic [as they are], such issues as Joseph Smith's involvement in treasure-seeking and folk magic remain. Ample evidence exists for both of these, even without the letters. The publicity surrounding the letters served only to heighten the general public's awareness of these two issues."
[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)]]
50 years ago today - Oct 2, 1975
[Leonard J. Arrington]
A Relief Society conference is held on the heels of conferences in April and June for the Primary and Young Women organizations. The format is changed to eliminate training workshops directed by women. Confusion caused by general authorities repeating the same addresses to all three conferences results three years later in limiting the Relief Society to an annual evening meeting in April and the Young Women to a short evening program in September, while dropping the Primary from the conference schedule altogether.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
A Relief Society conference is held on the heels of conferences in April and June for the Primary and Young Women organizations. The format is changed to eliminate training workshops directed by women. Confusion caused by general authorities repeating the same addresses to all three conferences results three years later in limiting the Relief Society to an annual evening meeting in April and the Young Women to a short evening program in September, while dropping the Primary from the conference schedule altogether.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
50 years ago today - Oct 2, 1975
The conclusion of the last Relief Society conference. The Primary and Young Women's organizations held their last conferences the previous Apr. and June. Beginning in September 1978, there are annual meetings for women, but these lack the several days of training workshops previously directed by women.
[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)]]
115 years ago today - Oct 2,1910
First anti-Mormon film, Victim of the Mormons ("Mormonens Offer"), opens in Copenhagen, Denmark. Film goes into international distribution, is publicly condemned by Apostle David O. McKay at next general conference. It is target of first censorship effort led by Utah governor (William Spry, LDS).
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
130 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 2, 1895
Bro. [Marriner W.] Merrill gave us an account of dreams and visions given to him, also a marvelous escape from death being rescued by an unseen hand when a large log had rolled upon him and he was unable to help himself. He lost himself and when he came to, his wagon was loaded and he was on it riding home and fully one mile from where the accident had occured.
[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]
[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]
130 years ago today - Oct 2, 1895
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Bro[ther] Moses T[hatcher]. called upon Pres[iden]ts [George Q.] C[annon] & [Joseph F.] S[mith]. were present. Bro[ther]. M[oses]. talked as he did to me quite set in his opinions that he was illy used by Pres[idency]. & Twelve. He could see how the Pres[idency]. can dictate to him or anyone else in political matters in which I think he is right, but how Bro[ther]. M[oses]. T[hatcher]. can throw down the responsibilities of his priesthood and pick up politics without consulting the authority under which he has covenanted to labor is beyond my comprehension. He throws away the Priesthood & hugs politics, rendering fealty to the world at the same time inconstant to his former vows.
[Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Bro[ther] Moses T[hatcher]. called upon Pres[iden]ts [George Q.] C[annon] & [Joseph F.] S[mith]. were present. Bro[ther]. M[oses]. talked as he did to me quite set in his opinions that he was illy used by Pres[idency]. & Twelve. He could see how the Pres[idency]. can dictate to him or anyone else in political matters in which I think he is right, but how Bro[ther]. M[oses]. T[hatcher]. can throw down the responsibilities of his priesthood and pick up politics without consulting the authority under which he has covenanted to labor is beyond my comprehension. He throws away the Priesthood & hugs politics, rendering fealty to the world at the same time inconstant to his former vows.
[Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
135 years ago today - Oct 2, 1890
[Heber J. Grant]
At noon attended a meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the Gardo House. Prest. Woodruff wished to have the expressions of the brethren regarding the Manifesto and a vote was taken fully endorsing it. There was a feeling that it would be a good thing to have theManifesto voted on at Conference by the people among some of the brethren and with others that it should not be referred to only so far as to tell the saints that it had the approval of the Counselors of Presidnet Woodruff and the Aprostles. I wanted the announcement made but did not want it put to the saints for a vote. There was no decision made but we were requested to make the matter a subject of prayer and then we could decide on some action in the premises. Our meeting was an interesing [sic] one and Prest. Woodruff explained the reasons that caused him to publish the Manifesto. The question came up that now our enemies would demand that our people come into court and promise to obey the law and to descard their
wives. Prest. Woodruff said that he would see them in the very best possible kind of a hell first. He said that htere was no telling what we might have to do in the future, but at the present time he felthtat we must be true to our wives. There was a motion carried that we use our influence privately to get our people not to promise to desert their wives when they are taken into court.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At noon attended a meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the Gardo House. Prest. Woodruff wished to have the expressions of the brethren regarding the Manifesto and a vote was taken fully endorsing it. There was a feeling that it would be a good thing to have theManifesto voted on at Conference by the people among some of the brethren and with others that it should not be referred to only so far as to tell the saints that it had the approval of the Counselors of Presidnet Woodruff and the Aprostles. I wanted the announcement made but did not want it put to the saints for a vote. There was no decision made but we were requested to make the matter a subject of prayer and then we could decide on some action in the premises. Our meeting was an interesing [sic] one and Prest. Woodruff explained the reasons that caused him to publish the Manifesto. The question came up that now our enemies would demand that our people come into court and promise to obey the law and to descard their
wives. Prest. Woodruff said that he would see them in the very best possible kind of a hell first. He said that htere was no telling what we might have to do in the future, but at the present time he felthtat we must be true to our wives. There was a motion carried that we use our influence privately to get our people not to promise to desert their wives when they are taken into court.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 2, 1890
The matter being introduced by President Woodruff, after due consideration, Brother F[rancis]. M. Lyman moved that it be the sense of the Council that we fully approve and will sustain the manifesto on plural marriage issued by President Woodruff. Seconded by A[nthon]. H. Lund and carried unanimously. The question of the advice to be given those brethren who were brought before the courts for adultery and unlawful cohabitation with regard to promising to obey the law, was taken up and considered at length. President George Q. Cannon moved that we use our influence quietly with our brethren (not openly to bring us in conflict with the Manifesto) to prevent them going into court and promising to obey the law, and that negotiations be entered into looking to an arrangement between ourselves and the Government as to how in the future polygamists should treat their already existing families. Seconded by President Joseph F. Smith and carried unanimously.
[First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
150 years ago today - Oct 2, 1875
[Orson Pratt]
"God has sent forth His warning message in the midst of this nation, but they have rejected it and treated His servants with contempt; the Lord has gathered out His people from their midst, and has planted them here in these mountains; and He will speedily fulfill the prophecy in relation to the overthrow of this nation, and their destruction. We shall be obliged to have a government to preserve ourselves in unity and peace; for they, through being wasted away, will not have the power to govern; for state will be divided against state, city against city, town against town, and the whole country will be in terror and confusion; mobocracy will prevail and there will be no security, through this great Republic, for the lives or property of the people."
[Orson Pratt, Deseret Evening News, Oct. 2, 187, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"God has sent forth His warning message in the midst of this nation, but they have rejected it and treated His servants with contempt; the Lord has gathered out His people from their midst, and has planted them here in these mountains; and He will speedily fulfill the prophecy in relation to the overthrow of this nation, and their destruction. We shall be obliged to have a government to preserve ourselves in unity and peace; for they, through being wasted away, will not have the power to govern; for state will be divided against state, city against city, town against town, and the whole country will be in terror and confusion; mobocracy will prevail and there will be no security, through this great Republic, for the lives or property of the people."
[Orson Pratt, Deseret Evening News, Oct. 2, 187, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
185 years ago today - Oct 2, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
Oct 2d Elder Kimball & myself arose from our bed in the morning with the power of God resting upon us. Yea the spirit of God is like fire shut up in my bones. O my God, why is thy spirit thus upon me? Why is mine eyes this morning a fountain of tears? What art thou about to do O my God that causes this thing? I ask the father to tell it unto me in the name of Jesus Christ thy son.
Thus Saith the Lord God unto thee my servant Willford. This is my spirit that resteth upon thee to enlighten thy mind to show the things to cum not ownly upon thee but upon all my faithful servants upon the face of the whole earth. Therefore lift up thy voice & spare not for I am about to perform a great work upon the face of the earth Saith the Lord. Mine indignation is about to be poured out without mixture upon the heads of this nation & all the nations of the earth & they shall not escape. The cry of the poor, the widow & orphan is assending into mine ears Saith the Lord & I am about to avenge the cry of mine elect by laying low the oppresser & executing the decree of mine heart upon all the ungodly from among men.
Therefore I put my spirit upon the & say unto thee lift up thy voice & spare not & Call upon all men to repent that cume within the sound of thy voice & many souls shall be given unto the & great shall be thy reward & eternal shall be thy glory Saith the Lord.
The people are much stired up throughout the Potteries. They feel as they never felt before. They believ that sumthing in earnest is cuming in. Great distress is resting upon the peopl. The poor are perishing for bread through the streets. I walked to Stoke & we preached to the people. The power of God was upon us. 3 were Baptized & we confirmed them. We spent the night at Stoke. 3 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Oct 2d Elder Kimball & myself arose from our bed in the morning with the power of God resting upon us. Yea the spirit of God is like fire shut up in my bones. O my God, why is thy spirit thus upon me? Why is mine eyes this morning a fountain of tears? What art thou about to do O my God that causes this thing? I ask the father to tell it unto me in the name of Jesus Christ thy son.
Thus Saith the Lord God unto thee my servant Willford. This is my spirit that resteth upon thee to enlighten thy mind to show the things to cum not ownly upon thee but upon all my faithful servants upon the face of the whole earth. Therefore lift up thy voice & spare not for I am about to perform a great work upon the face of the earth Saith the Lord. Mine indignation is about to be poured out without mixture upon the heads of this nation & all the nations of the earth & they shall not escape. The cry of the poor, the widow & orphan is assending into mine ears Saith the Lord & I am about to avenge the cry of mine elect by laying low the oppresser & executing the decree of mine heart upon all the ungodly from among men.
Therefore I put my spirit upon the & say unto thee lift up thy voice & spare not & Call upon all men to repent that cume within the sound of thy voice & many souls shall be given unto the & great shall be thy reward & eternal shall be thy glory Saith the Lord.
The people are much stired up throughout the Potteries. They feel as they never felt before. They believ that sumthing in earnest is cuming in. Great distress is resting upon the peopl. The poor are perishing for bread through the streets. I walked to Stoke & we preached to the people. The power of God was upon us. 3 were Baptized & we confirmed them. We spent the night at Stoke. 3 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
85 years ago today - Oct 1, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
I told them [his counselors and Presiding Bishop] I would like to publish a card signed by all the General Authorities attacking the [FDR's] New Deal, and they all three spoke up and said: 'Count on us; we would like to do this.' However, I cannot quite make up my mind that it is a wise thing to do.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I told them [his counselors and Presiding Bishop] I would like to publish a card signed by all the General Authorities attacking the [FDR's] New Deal, and they all three spoke up and said: 'Count on us; we would like to do this.' However, I cannot quite make up my mind that it is a wise thing to do.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
110 years ago today - 1915 Fall
The first college classes were taught at Ricks College, which had been Ricks Academy.
[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]
130 years ago today - Tuesday, Oct 1, 1895
Prest. Lorenzo Snow spoke against the taking of animal life and the eating of meats.
[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]
[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]
130 years ago today - Tues., Oct 1, 1895
Some desultory talk was now had in which the following truths were told: Joseph Smith tried the faith of the Saints many times by his peculiarities. At one time he had preached a powerful sermon on the Word of Wisdom, and immediately thereafter he rode through the streets of Nauvoo smoking a cigar. Some of the brethren were tried as was Abraham of old. The Prophet said that the scripture concerning the putting of new wine into old bottles referred to the teaching of the Gospel to old traditionated people, many of whom were unable to stand the new truths. Even baptism for the dead was once unacceptable to the Saints.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
130 years ago today - Oct 1, 1895
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Had a long talk with Bro[ther] M[oses]. T[hatcher]. at the steps of B[isho]p T[ithing]. office west door. He was exceedingly stiff. I advised him to see Pres[iden]t. [Wilford] Woodruff and have a free talk with him in relation to some political complications. At first he refused, but promised to reflect upon what I had said and pray about it. He said that I was too pliable so were the rest of the quorum, in his opinion they failed to maintain their individuality their God given rights--their manhood. Oh God hear the prayers of Bro[ther] Thatchers brethren save him from himself. Thou alone canst do it, Soften his heart and bring him to the humble feeling of a little child.'Thy will be done not mine.
Reported to Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo] Snow who commends what I had said. We agreed to pray for Bro[ther]. M[oses]. T[hatcher].
[Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Had a long talk with Bro[ther] M[oses]. T[hatcher]. at the steps of B[isho]p T[ithing]. office west door. He was exceedingly stiff. I advised him to see Pres[iden]t. [Wilford] Woodruff and have a free talk with him in relation to some political complications. At first he refused, but promised to reflect upon what I had said and pray about it. He said that I was too pliable so were the rest of the quorum, in his opinion they failed to maintain their individuality their God given rights--their manhood. Oh God hear the prayers of Bro[ther] Thatchers brethren save him from himself. Thou alone canst do it, Soften his heart and bring him to the humble feeling of a little child.'Thy will be done not mine.
Reported to Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo] Snow who commends what I had said. We agreed to pray for Bro[ther]. M[oses]. T[hatcher].
[Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
135 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 1, 1890
[John Henry Smith]
I spoke upon the manifesto, was not fully clear upon it. Heber J. Grant, Anton H. Lund, and Abraham H. Cannon spoke in regard to the Manifesto and endorsed it. ...
I related to the brethren an answer made to me by Presid[e]nt Brigham Young to the Question "In case of your death to whom should I look to lead the Church[?"]
His answer was. To any one of the Council of the Apostles in the order of ordination, baring Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt, who had forfeited their right. This was in the spring of 1874. My father, George A. Smith, Bathsheba W. Smith and Amelia Folsom Young were also present and I think Erastus Snow, but am not posative.
[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]
I spoke upon the manifesto, was not fully clear upon it. Heber J. Grant, Anton H. Lund, and Abraham H. Cannon spoke in regard to the Manifesto and endorsed it. ...
I related to the brethren an answer made to me by Presid[e]nt Brigham Young to the Question "In case of your death to whom should I look to lead the Church[?"]
His answer was. To any one of the Council of the Apostles in the order of ordination, baring Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt, who had forfeited their right. This was in the spring of 1874. My father, George A. Smith, Bathsheba W. Smith and Amelia Folsom Young were also present and I think Erastus Snow, but am not posative.
[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 - Oct 1, 1890
Apostle asks "how the Son of God was begotten," and Lorenzo Snow tells the apostles, "that he was begotten just the same as you and I were or as our sons are."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
135 years ago today - Oct 1, 1890
John Henry Smith said he felt grateful for privileges of meeting yesterday and now and hearing what had been said. He had felt that for some few years past we had hardly been worthy of the glorious principle [of plural marriage] and it was little wonder to him that its privilege had been suspended from us for a time. He had found Brother B. H. Roberts somewhat despondent and had cheered him up in the use of some information derived from the former session of this council. He feels that the manifesto came at a time when it seemed'-? It looked to him as if it was now the beginning of the end and he felt that the greatest severity was yet to come. He could not say it was not just right but had no positive testimony that it was. He felt like pursuing his duty in hopes to receive a full understanding of its truth and propriety'-if indeed it is so. He had not dreamed that one of the vital principles of the Gospel should ever be suspended in its operation and this principle he held was
supreme.
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
supreme.
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
180 years ago today - Oct 1, 1845
A congress representing nine Illinois counties assembled at Carthage and resolved that the Mormons must either leave voluntarily or be expelled. On the same day the Quorum of Twelve announces their intent to lead Mormons out of Nauvoo in the spring for re-settlement in Oregon or Vancouver Island.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - Fall 1840
Oliver Cowdery moved to Tiffin, OH and opened a law office; partner with Joel W. Wilson and with William Lang. Oliver Cowdery and his family joined the Methodist congregation there.
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
190 years ago today - Oct 1, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
"This afternoon I labored on the Egyptian alphabet, in company with Brothers Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps, and during the research, the principles of astronomy as understood by Father Abraham and the ancients unfolded to our understanding, the particulars of which will appear hereafter."
[History of the Church, 2:286, in Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research]
"This afternoon I labored on the Egyptian alphabet, in company with Brothers Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps, and during the research, the principles of astronomy as understood by Father Abraham and the ancients unfolded to our understanding, the particulars of which will appear hereafter."
[History of the Church, 2:286, in Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research]
195 years ago today - Fall 1830
Joseph Smith, Sr., is imprisoned because of a $14 debt owed to a Quaker. The man offers to forgive the Prophet's father if he will renounce the Book of Mormon, but he refuses. A mob threatens the home of Lucy Mack Smith, but she is saved when 19-year-old William returns and scares the mob away. Joseph, Sr., ends up spending 30 days in jail, but he preaches the gospel while there and converts two men.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
200 years ago today - Oct 1, 1825
M. M. Noah summarized the parallels between the cultures of Hebraic and Indian customs in Joseph's hometown paper. Joseph Smith's father took the paper.
[Fawn Brodie, No Man Knows My History, 45-46, at http://www.exploringmormonism.com/possible-sources-for-plagiarism-for-joseph-smith/]
[Fawn Brodie, No Man Knows My History, 45-46, at http://www.exploringmormonism.com/possible-sources-for-plagiarism-for-joseph-smith/]
200 years ago today - 1825 fall?
[Famous anti-Mason] William Morgan moved from Genesee, Allegany, NY to LeRoy, Genesee, NY where he was accepted as a member of the local Masonic Lodge. Soon after he moved to neighboring Batavia, but was not admitted by the Masonic Lodge there. Morgan then joined with David C. Miller, the publisher of the Batavia Advocate, and others, in writing and preparing for publication a book exposing the rituals of Freemasonry.
[Illustrations of Masonry Batavia, N.Y.: David Miller, 1826; reprinted 1827, Rochester, NY, Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm]
[Illustrations of Masonry Batavia, N.Y.: David Miller, 1826; reprinted 1827, Rochester, NY, Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm]
210 years ago today - 1815 Fall
The Campbells' Brush Run Church [from which Sydney Rigdon and many others converted to Mormonism] applied for membership in the Redstone Baptist Association; after some debate they were accepted
[Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm]
30 years ago today - Sep 30, 1995
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)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
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]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)