Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
35 years ago today - Sep 20, 1990
Bookcraft, Inc. releases Gerald N. Lund's first volume in the historical novel series The Work and the Glory. The series sells more than a million copies, becoming one of the most successful ventures in Church publication history.
75 years ago today - Sep 20, 1950
[George Albert Smith]
"LeRoy Snow came to see Arthur about Brother Romney writing the story of his father's lifePresident Lorenzo Snow. I instructed Arthur to have LeRoy see me at some time so that I could talk with him concerning this matter.. I am sure that there is some phase of the book that Roy might like to include which would be inadvisable."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
"LeRoy Snow came to see Arthur about Brother Romney writing the story of his father's lifePresident Lorenzo Snow. I instructed Arthur to have LeRoy see me at some time so that I could talk with him concerning this matter.. I am sure that there is some phase of the book that Roy might like to include which would be inadvisable."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
80 years ago today - Sep 20, 1945
[Marion G. Romney]
Submitted to President Clark a report showing that between the first and last of 1945, we will have distributed in Salt Lake County about $160,000.00 worth of commodities through the Welfare Program. He wanted this information in connection with the request for a contribution made of the First Presidency by the Community Chest.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
Submitted to President Clark a report showing that between the first and last of 1945, we will have distributed in Salt Lake County about $160,000.00 worth of commodities through the Welfare Program. He wanted this information in connection with the request for a contribution made of the First Presidency by the Community Chest.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
90 years ago today - Sep 20, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
I had a burning ambition, when I was a young man, to obtain an education, but left school at the age of fifteen, and went to work in order to support my widowed mother. I was offered a cadetship at the Naval Academy, and it nearly broke my heart to refuse the offer, but I said: 'Mother, I am going to stay home and take care of you.' The dream of my life was to get an education.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Mr. C. F. Steed, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
I had a burning ambition, when I was a young man, to obtain an education, but left school at the age of fifteen, and went to work in order to support my widowed mother. I was offered a cadetship at the Naval Academy, and it nearly broke my heart to refuse the offer, but I said: 'Mother, I am going to stay home and take care of you.' The dream of my life was to get an education.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Mr. C. F. Steed, 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]
115 years ago today - Sep 20, 1910
[J. Golden Kimball]
Elder Geo[rge]. Albert Smith is improving slowly.
The other brethren are pretty well unless it be J. G[olden]. Kimball who says he has appendicitis on both sides and indigestion between and for this reason he positively refuses to smile.
[J. Golden Kimball 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]
Elder Geo[rge]. Albert Smith is improving slowly.
The other brethren are pretty well unless it be J. G[olden]. Kimball who says he has appendicitis on both sides and indigestion between and for this reason he positively refuses to smile.
[J. Golden Kimball 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]
120 years ago today - Sep 20, 1905
As Joseph F. Smith and his wife sleep, a burglar robs their bedroom.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Sep 20, 1900
[Marriner W. Merrill]
I went to the Tabernacle and heard Mr. [President] Roosevelt and some of his party speak on the issues of the day. They complimented Utah people for having so many children to inhabit the land and build up the country. Had a good meeting. No vindictive feeling toward the Democratic Party was indulged in; the party were Republicans. (It was at this meeting, when Theodore Roosevelt was informed that father had 45 children, that he is reported to have said "Bully" and pulled out of his vest pocket a gold button to be given father as a souvenir. M. C. M.)
[I suspect the parenthetical note was added by one of Marriner Merrill's children]
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I went to the Tabernacle and heard Mr. [President] Roosevelt and some of his party speak on the issues of the day. They complimented Utah people for having so many children to inhabit the land and build up the country. Had a good meeting. No vindictive feeling toward the Democratic Party was indulged in; the party were Republicans. (It was at this meeting, when Theodore Roosevelt was informed that father had 45 children, that he is reported to have said "Bully" and pulled out of his vest pocket a gold button to be given father as a souvenir. M. C. M.)
[I suspect the parenthetical note was added by one of Marriner Merrill's children]
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Saturday, Sep 20, 1890
[John Henry Smith]
Kanab
The High Council met at 8 a.m. The following decision was made.
Decision
In the matter of the Bishopric of the Kanab Ward against the Presidency of the Kanab Stake of Zion.
In the first Count we find the rules of the ward in regard to public dances should not have been applied to private parties; but the Presidency of the Stake should have given instructions for the correction of this matter to the Bishopric of the Ward.
The second Count pertains to an incorporate[d] water company whose business policy should be dictated by the stockholders, and while we do not approve of ecclesiastical interference in such matters, if any influence is used it should be for the promotion of union.
... The fourth Count relates to the removal of the Kanab Bishopric by the Presidency of the Stake without a hearing before the High Council.
In this matter we find that it was a strained construction which enabled the Presidency to consider the letter of the Bishopric as a resignation, and their release was hasty and unwarranted....
The conference convened in the stake academy building at 10 a.m. ... Francis M. Lyman took up the ballance of the time explaining to the people their condition and calling for repentance from certain brethren who had made some very harsh remarks about the bishop.
... The High Council and Priesthood of the Stake met at 7 p.m. the brethren nominated a number of men from whom the apostles selected by the aid of those present the bishop and Council. Bishop L. C. Mariger having resigned in the morning at the High Council meeting this action was found necessary. Joel H. Johnson was chosen for Bishop, Alfred Young for first Councillor and Asa W. Judd for second Councillor. All were unanimously sustained.
[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]
Kanab
The High Council met at 8 a.m. The following decision was made.
Decision
In the matter of the Bishopric of the Kanab Ward against the Presidency of the Kanab Stake of Zion.
In the first Count we find the rules of the ward in regard to public dances should not have been applied to private parties; but the Presidency of the Stake should have given instructions for the correction of this matter to the Bishopric of the Ward.
The second Count pertains to an incorporate[d] water company whose business policy should be dictated by the stockholders, and while we do not approve of ecclesiastical interference in such matters, if any influence is used it should be for the promotion of union.
... The fourth Count relates to the removal of the Kanab Bishopric by the Presidency of the Stake without a hearing before the High Council.
In this matter we find that it was a strained construction which enabled the Presidency to consider the letter of the Bishopric as a resignation, and their release was hasty and unwarranted....
The conference convened in the stake academy building at 10 a.m. ... Francis M. Lyman took up the ballance of the time explaining to the people their condition and calling for repentance from certain brethren who had made some very harsh remarks about the bishop.
... The High Council and Priesthood of the Stake met at 7 p.m. the brethren nominated a number of men from whom the apostles selected by the aid of those present the bishop and Council. Bishop L. C. Mariger having resigned in the morning at the High Council meeting this action was found necessary. Joel H. Johnson was chosen for Bishop, Alfred Young for first Councillor and Asa W. Judd for second Councillor. All were unanimously sustained.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
140 years ago today - Sunday, Sep 20, 1885
[John Henry Smith]
Ashley, Uinta County
... The brethren voted to ... forgive each other their trespasses.
[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]
Ashley, Uinta County
... The brethren voted to ... forgive each other their trespasses.
[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]
160 years ago today - Sep 20, 1865
The Salt Lake Telegram reports that Salt Lake City's Jews celebrate Yom Kippur in the LDS 14th Ward chapel, as arranged 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)]]
175 years ago today - Sep 20, 1850
Brigham Young: Appointed governor of Utah Territory by Millard Fillmore 20 September 1850.
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
180 years ago today - Sep 20, 1845
Lieutenant General Brigham Young said he laid hands on the deceased the day he was shot that he felt to pronounce a martyr blessing and the blessing of a Martyr crown, in he has died in the cause of mobocracy, I feel to sympathize with this Father Phippins. He died but he desired to live for the same cause as we do. He shall come forth in the first resurrection. I am for work and preach to live long upon the earth. God bless you, Amen. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:69, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:69, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
30 years ago today - Sep 19, 1995
Wallace B. Smith, president of the RLDS church, announces that his successor will be W. Grant McMurray, age forty-eight. Effective as of April 1996, this ends the patrilineal succession of Joseph Smith's descendants as presidents of the RLDS church since 1860.
[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 - Sep 19, 1975
A First Presidency letter instructs that those Mormons who refuse to pay federal income taxes are violating the law and the church's 12th Article of Faith.
[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 19, 1965
Reed Benson, son of Ezra Taft Benson, becomes national directory of public relations for the ultra-right wing John Birch Society
["John Birch Society Representative Reed Benson," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 19 Sept. 1965, A-6. 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.]
["John Birch Society Representative Reed Benson," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 19 Sept. 1965, A-6. 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.]
125 years ago today - Sep 19, 1900
[John Whitaker]
Thursday the 19th of September 1900 was the OUTSTANDING DAY OF OUR LIFE, President Frank Y. Taylor was authorized by the First Presidency of the Church to invite Ida and I TO RECEIVE OUR SECOND ANNOINTINGS, AND IN THE TEMPLE, ON THIS MOMENTOUS DAY, President John R. Winder, President of the [Salt Lake] Temple, explained fully what the 2nd annontings were and told us of the glorious promises offered to those who keep the commandments of the Lord and live a worthy and holy life: that these were the highest of all earthly blessings and no one receives them but those selected by the President of the Church. No one else has that right. How wonderful they were, what hopes they inspire, what a strength they give, what anticipations they awaken in our hearts and how wonderful it is to feel a nearness to the Lord by righteous living. We were thrilled in expectancy and joyous in hopes of living worthy to secure all that was promised us. We have started on an everlasting journey and all
depends on whether we endure until the end.
[John M. Whitaker journal, Sept. 19, 1900, Marriott Library; emphasis in original, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Thursday the 19th of September 1900 was the OUTSTANDING DAY OF OUR LIFE, President Frank Y. Taylor was authorized by the First Presidency of the Church to invite Ida and I TO RECEIVE OUR SECOND ANNOINTINGS, AND IN THE TEMPLE, ON THIS MOMENTOUS DAY, President John R. Winder, President of the [Salt Lake] Temple, explained fully what the 2nd annontings were and told us of the glorious promises offered to those who keep the commandments of the Lord and live a worthy and holy life: that these were the highest of all earthly blessings and no one receives them but those selected by the President of the Church. No one else has that right. How wonderful they were, what hopes they inspire, what a strength they give, what anticipations they awaken in our hearts and how wonderful it is to feel a nearness to the Lord by righteous living. We were thrilled in expectancy and joyous in hopes of living worthy to secure all that was promised us. We have started on an everlasting journey and all
depends on whether we endure until the end.
[John M. Whitaker journal, Sept. 19, 1900, Marriott Library; emphasis in original, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - Sep 19, 1895
Apostle Francis M. Lyman, visiting in St. Joseph, Nevada, writes "After meeting bro[ther] George Adair told me all about the Mountain Meadow affair. There were but few White men who shed blood. John M. Higby and Joseph White were the worst, having killed a dozen each. Haight did no killing. Stewart was not there. Lee also did much killing. White fired on the camp." Two days later he writes "Bro[ther]s Dudly Leavitt and Nephi Johnson were in the meeting. I talked with those two about the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The first gave me but little information. Bro[ther] Johnson was the man who gave the word to the Indians to fire at the last general killing. He denies that Higby and White did the killing that Adair tells of. He says white men did most of the killing."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Sep 19, 1845
The terms of Peace which they [the mob] offered us - were about as follows if we would enter into bonds - that if by the 1st day of April next leave this state - & all things that appertained to them - & pledge all the property of the church for the performance of the same we shall live in peace this winter[.] ... President Brigham Young requested the Council to unite with him in prayer for the success of our troops &c which they did ... Scott reported that the Hiram Kimball our Mail Carrier with his guard were assaulted in the most inhuman manner their lives threatened & by submitting from an absolute to a sound whipping were permitted to make their way for nauvoo under penalty of death if as ever again seen in Leokuk [Keokuk]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - 19 [Sept 1845]
[Brigham Young]
From the movements it appears the time to favor Zion has come for our men have had perfect success, every shot the brethren have made has taken effect and not a gun missed fire. ... Let all other work be stoped (except the Temple, let the hands that are at work there continue if they have to cary the sword in one hand while they work with the other) ...
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
From the movements it appears the time to favor Zion has come for our men have had perfect success, every shot the brethren have made has taken effect and not a gun missed fire. ... Let all other work be stoped (except the Temple, let the hands that are at work there continue if they have to cary the sword in one hand while they work with the other) ...
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
180 years ago today - Sep 19, 1845
[Anointed Quorum]
"Before council broke up President Young and the company kneeled down and he offered up prayers that the Lord would preserve his servants and ddiver those who had been active in the mob that killed Joseph and Hyrum into our hands that they might received their desserts" .
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
"Before council broke up President Young and the company kneeled down and he offered up prayers that the Lord would preserve his servants and ddiver those who had been active in the mob that killed Joseph and Hyrum into our hands that they might received their desserts" .
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
195 years ago today - Sept 19, 1830
On his 19th birthday Orson Pratt is baptized into the Mormon Church by his brother Parley. He becomes one of the first apostles, almost commits suicide after finding that Joseph Smith had propositioned his wife, is excommunicated, rebaptized, fulfills 11 missions for the church. He teaches himself mathematics, physics and astronomy and publishes textbooks on advanced algebra. He differs in doctrinal matters with president Brigham Young and is threatened with disciplinary action over it but Pratt's views are later adopted by the Church while Young's are labeled as "heresy." Before he dies in 1881 Orson Pratt had been a Mormon longer than any other person.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
40 years ago today - Sep 18, 1985.
Stan Larson, a scripture-translation researcher in the LDS Translation Division, is suspended after his supervisor receives a copy of his paper, "The Sermon on the Mount: What Its Textual Transformation Discloses Concerning the Historicity of the Book of Mormon," from another ward member. Larson had compared the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Mormon to the oldest known manuscripts, monastic documents, and papyri versions and found that Joseph Smith's translation contains errors which do not appear before the 1769 edition of the King James Version. Larson concluded that "Joseph Smith plagiarized from the KJV when dictating the biblical quotations in the Book of Mormon." He is given the choice of being fired or resigning with one month severance pay. He resigns.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
115 years ago today - Sep 18, 1910
[Charles W. Penrose]
Aft[ernoo]n Big meeting [Joseph W.] McMurrin spoke I followed on forbidding plural marriages.
[Charles W. Penrose 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]
Aft[ernoo]n Big meeting [Joseph W.] McMurrin spoke I followed on forbidding plural marriages.
[Charles W. Penrose 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]
130 years ago today - Sep 18, 1895
[Joseph F. Smith]
.... As to the matter of adoptions, you understand that children are to be sealed to their own parents so far as possible, and when not any further possible, the chain (Genealogical chain) is to be linked on to the Prophet who stands at the Head of this great dispensation. ...
[Joseph F. Smith to Charles F. Middleton, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
.... As to the matter of adoptions, you understand that children are to be sealed to their own parents so far as possible, and when not any further possible, the chain (Genealogical chain) is to be linked on to the Prophet who stands at the Head of this great dispensation. ...
[Joseph F. Smith to Charles F. Middleton, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
140 years ago today - Sep 18, 1885
John Sharp, a local bishop, agrees in court to obey the anti-polygamy laws. He is the first Utah polygamist to be convicted and only fined. Regarded as a traitor, he is released as bishop on 1 Oct. However, Sharp remains as chair of the LDS People's Party central committees for Salt Lake County and Utah territory until 1887. Therefore, it is unlikely he would have been released from the Council of Fifty had it convened after Oct. 1884.
[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)]]
145 years ago today - Sep 18, 1880
Orson Pratt gave his most specific identification of the personages in the First Vision:"…in the spring of 1820…in answer to his prayers, there was the manifestation of two of the great personages in the heavens—not angels, not messengers, but two persons that hold the keys of authority over all the creations of the universe. Who were they? God the Eternal Father and his Son Jesus Christ…"
["Journal of Discourses", Vol. 21, p.308, in A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
["Journal of Discourses", Vol. 21, p.308, in A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
180 years ago today - Sep 18, 1845 (Thursday)
Sheriff Backenstos, with a posse consisting of some seven hundred men [including many Mormons], surrounded Carthage, Ill., to make arrests, but the house-burners had fled. He also issued a proclamation to the mobbers to disperse, which, however, was not obeyed, as they went to Missouri and other places, preparing for new depredations.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
185 years ago today - September 18, 1840. Friday.
William Clayton writes "I did not blieve it was the will of God we should lose one soul [to death]". Some of the branch believes a sick child will die and Clayton thought "this showed [] was some unbelief in our midst." "We prayed with the children and desired all to hold them by faith. But after all our exertions Brother hoomes' child died the same night. This as as a grief to our minds, but it was so."
[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]
20 years ago today - Sep 17, 2005
Elder [Bruce C.] Hafen recounted how, in 1953, a young staff member in the Missionary Department named Gordon B. Hinckley was called into the office of President [David O.] McKay and given the difficult assignment of devising a way to present the temple ordinances in eight languages. After weeks of studying the temple ordinances, pleading with the Lord and counseling with President McKay in the Salt Lake Temple, Brother Hinckley proposed presenting the endowment ordinances in movie form. When the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve approved the idea, the fifth floor of the Salt Lake Temple was organized into a sacred movie set where filming took place.
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
80 years ago today - Sep 17, 1945
.... he [George Albert Smith] wishes me to say that he has not recollection of the incident to which you refer, but it might have happened, because while the Word of Wisdom mentions neither tea nor coffee, nevertheless, while the Prophet was still living his brother Hyrum specifically stated that 'hot drink' meant tea and coffee, and it has been also generally understood that it is the active drugs in those beverages that make them harmful and that where those drugs have been removed, the harmful effect resulting therefrom is absent. He feels that probably there would not be much injury result from imbibing of 1/33 of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. ...
On the question of tithing, the First Presidency have repeatedly left that matter where the revelation leaves it, namely, that you should pay one tenth of your 'interest annually,' leaving it to each individual to determine how much tithing he should pay under that rule. ...
[Joseph Anderson, Letter to J. Leland Anderson, 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]
On the question of tithing, the First Presidency have repeatedly left that matter where the revelation leaves it, namely, that you should pay one tenth of your 'interest annually,' leaving it to each individual to determine how much tithing he should pay under that rule. ...
[Joseph Anderson, Letter to J. Leland Anderson, 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]
100 years ago today - Sep 17, 1925
Heber J. Grant writes: "Had I had any knowledge of what is known as the Pari betting system I never would have consented to go to the races the opening day... The racing that is now being conducted is licensed gambling under a state law. The law was passed during my absence from the city and I regret exceedingly that it ever got on the statue books, and I am humiliated to think that I attended the races the first day." Four days later a First Presidency letter states: "The Church has been and now is unalterably opposed to gambling in any form whatever."
[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 - Sep 17, 1890 (Wednesday)
The motormen and conductors of the Salt Lake City Ry. struck for higher wages. This was the first genuine strike in Salt Lake City. It lasted several days.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Sep 17, 1870
[Wilford Woodruff journal]
/Martin Harris [re]Baptized./
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
/Martin Harris [re]Baptized./
[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 - Saturday, September 17, 1870
[Payson School of the Prophets]
.... Some are greatly tried with the official conduct of President Young, some with one thing and some with another. Showed how spiritualism is calculated to charm some men - believed that that alone will draw many away from the truth. ...
-Elder- -D. H. Holladay spoke next-. Spoke of the influences for evil that are abroad among the people. Said some of our brethren invite the devil into our homes and related his own experience in that matter. It is much easier to invite evil spirits into our houses than it is to cast them out.
[A Record of Sayings and Doings in the School of the Prophets, organized by President Brigham Young September 19, 1868, In Payson City, Utah County, U.T., typescript by Michael Nielsen]
.... Some are greatly tried with the official conduct of President Young, some with one thing and some with another. Showed how spiritualism is calculated to charm some men - believed that that alone will draw many away from the truth. ...
-Elder- -D. H. Holladay spoke next-. Spoke of the influences for evil that are abroad among the people. Said some of our brethren invite the devil into our homes and related his own experience in that matter. It is much easier to invite evil spirits into our houses than it is to cast them out.
[A Record of Sayings and Doings in the School of the Prophets, organized by President Brigham Young September 19, 1868, In Payson City, Utah County, U.T., typescript by Michael Nielsen]
180 years ago today - Sep 17, 1845
[William Clayton]
While in council a brother came in and took up a loaded musket to show how he used it. When he raised it suddenly to show the manouver the gun went off and struck the wall on the under side the ceiling and glanc-'d through the glass window over the door. In our council yesterday a man took up a six shooter and began to examine it and pulling the trigger it went off. The ball passed between two of the brethrens heads and went through the celing and roof. We learned this morning that the person killed yesterday was Frank Worrell, the person who stood at the jail door when Joseph and Hyrum were killed beckoning the mob and urging them on.
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
While in council a brother came in and took up a loaded musket to show how he used it. When he raised it suddenly to show the manouver the gun went off and struck the wall on the under side the ceiling and glanc-'d through the glass window over the door. In our council yesterday a man took up a six shooter and began to examine it and pulling the trigger it went off. The ball passed between two of the brethrens heads and went through the celing and roof. We learned this morning that the person killed yesterday was Frank Worrell, the person who stood at the jail door when Joseph and Hyrum were killed beckoning the mob and urging them on.
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
180 years ago today - Sep 17, 1845
Lieutenant General Brigham Young went into the square and addressed the officers and soldiers as follows: It is my wish that every man from the age of 16 to 100 be enlisted in these companies ... I want this hollowings, beating of drums and firing of guns should cease. The police have their orders from this time to arrest every man or boy in our street found guilty of these acts or anyone walking our street after night, detain them till daylight and stripping off their clothes, show whether they are male or female. I am going to propose to Jacob B. Backenstos that he make every man a deputy then we may sally forth with our writs in our pockets in any number and arrest these mobbers. When you shoot, be sure and shoot right. If you die, die like Miner R. Deming in the defense of your country's rights. When we meet Demings in another world he will be happy in the death he died. God grant you may all live and die in the defense of your country's rights. Keep your guns to yourselves.
Trust no one and when you shoot, take a good aim. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:65, 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]
Trust no one and when you shoot, take a good aim. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:65, 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 - 17 [Sept 1845]
[Brigham Young]
Spent the day in council, in the afternoon bro. Stephen Markham started out in persuit of the mob with about 80 men. and soon after bro Geo. Miller came in from his scout the company having killed two of the mob and wounded others who were surprised in the act of firing buildings.
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
Spent the day in council, in the afternoon bro. Stephen Markham started out in persuit of the mob with about 80 men. and soon after bro Geo. Miller came in from his scout the company having killed two of the mob and wounded others who were surprised in the act of firing buildings.
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
120 years ago today - Sep 16, 1905
Apostle Cowley married 4th wife, Lenora Taylor performed by John A. Woolf. Apostle Cowley was disfellowshiped, but never excommunicated. He was restored to full fellowship in 1936. Lenora passed away on 8 Jan 1971 making her the last living legitimate Polygamous wife in the LDS church (not in Mexico).
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
120 years ago today - Sep 16, 1905
Last polygamous marriages performed by Canadian patriarch commissioned by President Joseph F. Smith.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
140 years ago today - Sep 16, 1885 (Wednesday)
Judge Zane, in his instructions to the grand jury, interpreted the law in such a way, that persons found guilty of u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife] could be imprisoned for life. This was the commencement of the segregation policy.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Sep 16, 1845
Orrin Porter Rockwell shoots Robert F. Smith and Frank Worrell of the Carthage Greys militia who participated in the murder of Joseph Smith. Worrell dies. Later that day Rockwell kills four anti-Mormons at Highland Branch, near Warsaw, Illinois. A committee of five is appointed to carry a letter from Brigham Young to vigilante leader Col. Levi Williams "stating to him that if the mob would cease their destructive operations, it is our calculations to leave the country in the spring . . ."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Sep 16, 1845
Phineas Wilcox was stabbed to death by fellow Mormons in Nauvoo, Illinois, because he was believed to be a Christian spy. Wilcox was one of the first victims of "blood atonement," a Mormon doctrine conceived of by Brigham Young, according to which murder is sometimes necessary in order to save a sinful soul.
[Legends of America, Old West Timeline, http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-TimeLine2.html]
[Legends of America, Old West Timeline, http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-TimeLine2.html]
180 years ago today - Sept 16, 1845
Hosea Stout wrote, "It was decided that there would be a guard kept night and day around the temple, and that no stranger be allowed to come within the square of the temple lot, and also that there be four large lanterns made for the purpose and placed about 25 feet from each corner of the [Nauvoo] temple, to keep a light by night for the convenience of the guard."
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
180 years ago today - Sep 16, 1845
The Twelve called agents to confer with the Catholic Church about purchasing the Temple and other Church properties. They apparently approached Judge Ralston of Quincy, an influential Catholic, about such a transaction.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
180 years ago today - Sept 16 [1845]
[Brigham Young]
.... also said to the brethren put a stop to the mobs burning your property shoot the first man who attempts we also agreed to appoint agents to confer with the leading Catholic priests and sell our property to them. ... In the afternoon Mr Gridley returned Col. Backinstos, the mob having persued the col and he with two other men resisting one of the mob was killed a man by the name of Franklin World, (to be cosred) a posse commatitus of upwards of one hundred men was then surmmoned and sent with the col. to quell the mob, and all necessary preparations made to defend the city in case of an emergency
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
.... also said to the brethren put a stop to the mobs burning your property shoot the first man who attempts we also agreed to appoint agents to confer with the leading Catholic priests and sell our property to them. ... In the afternoon Mr Gridley returned Col. Backinstos, the mob having persued the col and he with two other men resisting one of the mob was killed a man by the name of Franklin World, (to be cosred) a posse commatitus of upwards of one hundred men was then surmmoned and sent with the col. to quell the mob, and all necessary preparations made to defend the city in case of an emergency
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
185 years ago today - Sep 16, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... Mr John Simons the Rector of the Church in Dymock manifested much of the Spirit of the Devil by stiring up mobs against the Saints which had disturbed the meetings of the Saints in several instances, & on this occasion as we began to gather together the beat of drums pails pans & Sticks was herd through the street, & the mob soon Collected & Parraded in the streets in front of the house. We Closed the window shutters & doors in the room whare we ware, & I opened meeting by Singing & Prayer & no sooner had we Commenced than the mob armed themselves with eggs, Bricks, rocks, & evry thing els they could lay their hands upon & began to throw them upon the house like a shower of hail Stones for nearly an hour. They dashed in the windows scatterd Stones, Brick, & glass, through the rooms, broke the tile on the rooff & continued such depredations untill the close of the meeting.
And the Brethren feeling disposed to try what virtue their was in the English laws which were strict against such procedings I proposed to accompanied them to go into the midst of the mob to see who they were that there might be testimony against them. But they would not permit me to go with them lest I should receive an injury from the shower of stones. But several of the Brethren went themselvfs into the midst of the mob & took the name of the leaders & returned to the house in the midst of Stones, & Brick bats, though without Injury. The mob soon broke up & after Clearing our rooms of brick, stones & glass we lay down & had a good nights rest. ....
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... Mr John Simons the Rector of the Church in Dymock manifested much of the Spirit of the Devil by stiring up mobs against the Saints which had disturbed the meetings of the Saints in several instances, & on this occasion as we began to gather together the beat of drums pails pans & Sticks was herd through the street, & the mob soon Collected & Parraded in the streets in front of the house. We Closed the window shutters & doors in the room whare we ware, & I opened meeting by Singing & Prayer & no sooner had we Commenced than the mob armed themselves with eggs, Bricks, rocks, & evry thing els they could lay their hands upon & began to throw them upon the house like a shower of hail Stones for nearly an hour. They dashed in the windows scatterd Stones, Brick, & glass, through the rooms, broke the tile on the rooff & continued such depredations untill the close of the meeting.
And the Brethren feeling disposed to try what virtue their was in the English laws which were strict against such procedings I proposed to accompanied them to go into the midst of the mob to see who they were that there might be testimony against them. But they would not permit me to go with them lest I should receive an injury from the shower of stones. But several of the Brethren went themselvfs into the midst of the mob & took the name of the leaders & returned to the house in the midst of Stones, & Brick bats, though without Injury. The mob soon broke up & after Clearing our rooms of brick, stones & glass we lay down & had a good nights rest. ....
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
75 years ago today - Sep 15, 1950
[J. Reuben Clark]
[In conversation with Emily Smith Stewart, in part:] She talked about her father's [George Albert Smith's] health, and said that she thought he was going to die the night they were taking him down to California to start on the Hawaiian trip. I explained to her that I was trying to do all I could to help him, but that in some respects he was difficult to help. Called attention to the fact that he would read all these letters that we sent out, and also read the letters to which our letters were a reply. I said that President Grant would have one of the secretaries tell him what the letter was about, and the purport of it, and he would sign it. I observed that if her father could get confidence in us, it would save him a good deal of labor ...
She recalled to my mind that she had spoken to me after the last Conference indicating her desire that we should post some officer there to protect them against these cranks who may come there and apparently at times almost force an entry into the house to see her father. I told her that I would look after that. ...
We discussed at some length the condition of her father's health. I noted his apparent dislike of holidays, having the people away from the office, and his activation on holidays. She said that he never had learned how to take any relaxation. I noted that he seemed always to feel that he should he here on holidays. I thought maybe she might get something over to him that might make him feel a little easier.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[In conversation with Emily Smith Stewart, in part:] She talked about her father's [George Albert Smith's] health, and said that she thought he was going to die the night they were taking him down to California to start on the Hawaiian trip. I explained to her that I was trying to do all I could to help him, but that in some respects he was difficult to help. Called attention to the fact that he would read all these letters that we sent out, and also read the letters to which our letters were a reply. I said that President Grant would have one of the secretaries tell him what the letter was about, and the purport of it, and he would sign it. I observed that if her father could get confidence in us, it would save him a good deal of labor ...
She recalled to my mind that she had spoken to me after the last Conference indicating her desire that we should post some officer there to protect them against these cranks who may come there and apparently at times almost force an entry into the house to see her father. I told her that I would look after that. ...
We discussed at some length the condition of her father's health. I noted his apparent dislike of holidays, having the people away from the office, and his activation on holidays. She said that he never had learned how to take any relaxation. I noted that he seemed always to feel that he should he here on holidays. I thought maybe she might get something over to him that might make him feel a little easier.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
110 years ago today - Sep 15, 1915
[First Presidency letter]
[Yours of the 7th] occasioned both amazement and regret; surprise that one of your experience would undertake to teach a novel doctrine to the First Presidency, using terms both dogmatic and dictatorial, and sorrow that you place yourself in direct antagonism to an established and well-known principle of the Church. That which you pronounce 'a fallacy' and condemn as 'erroneous' is not new nor does it originate with the authorities whose names you mention, but is set forth in the revelations of God both ancient and modern. That the Jesus Christ of the New Testament was the Jehovah of the Old Testament is an accepted feature of the faith of the Latter-day Saints, and yet you presume to assail it as 'error' and call for its 'elimination' from a book that has been inspected and endorsed by the presidency of the Church and the council of the Twelve Apostles! We now pronounce your theory in opposition to it as wrong and misleading and unauthorized and forbid its promulgation as
doctrine.... The notion that Christ, the firstborn, could not possibly be a Creator before he received a body of flesh and passed through a mortal probation, is one of your own and is not a doctrine of the Church ...
[First Presidency, Letter to Ferdinand F. Hintze, 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]
[Yours of the 7th] occasioned both amazement and regret; surprise that one of your experience would undertake to teach a novel doctrine to the First Presidency, using terms both dogmatic and dictatorial, and sorrow that you place yourself in direct antagonism to an established and well-known principle of the Church. That which you pronounce 'a fallacy' and condemn as 'erroneous' is not new nor does it originate with the authorities whose names you mention, but is set forth in the revelations of God both ancient and modern. That the Jesus Christ of the New Testament was the Jehovah of the Old Testament is an accepted feature of the faith of the Latter-day Saints, and yet you presume to assail it as 'error' and call for its 'elimination' from a book that has been inspected and endorsed by the presidency of the Church and the council of the Twelve Apostles! We now pronounce your theory in opposition to it as wrong and misleading and unauthorized and forbid its promulgation as
doctrine.... The notion that Christ, the firstborn, could not possibly be a Creator before he received a body of flesh and passed through a mortal probation, is one of your own and is not a doctrine of the Church ...
[First Presidency, Letter to Ferdinand F. Hintze, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
140 years ago today - Sep 15, 1885
LDS political newspaper, the Salt Lake Herald, describes the "FILTHY OUTRAGE" committed against local leaders of the anti-polygamy crusade. Late Sunday night unidentified persons threw "a dozen fruit jars filled with a horrible mess of filth taken from privy vaults" through the glass windows of the residences of Prosecuting Attorney William H. Dickson, his assistant Charles S. Varian, and United States Commissioner William McKay. The Deseret News describes the weapons as "glass jars filled with human excrement and possibly some other nastiness" and blames the incident on anti-Mormons.
[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)]]
185 years ago today - Sep 15, 1840
The funeral for Joseph Smith, Sr., is held. Governor Boggs of Missouri, having renewed his vengeance against Joseph because of Joseph's accusations against Boggs in Washington, and also because of the recent scandal concerning the kidnappings and river bottom thefts, asks Governor Carlin of Illinois to turn over Joseph, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, Caleb Baldwin, and Alanson Brown to Missouri officials, claiming they are escaped convicts and fugitives from justice.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
155 years ago today - Sep 15, 1870
[Franklin D. Richards]
At 9 eve met as notified and 4 of my wives received their 2d anointing.
[[Franklin D. Richards diary, Sept. 15, 1870, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
At 9 eve met as notified and 4 of my wives received their 2d anointing.
[[Franklin D. Richards diary, Sept. 15, 1870, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
190 years ago today - Sep 15, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Agnes Smith given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... I seal thy marriage covenant, it shall be sanctioned in heaven ... Satan shall not have power over thee nor thy offsprings to take away your lives. ...
Thou shalt stand to see thy Redeemer come in his glory.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:8, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
Thou shalt stand to see thy Redeemer come in his glory.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:8, 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]
190 years ago today - Sep 15, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Don Carlos Smith given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt remain to see the winding up scene of all things, and shall be numbered among the hundred and forty and four thousand. ... they [his children] shall grow up without sin unto salvation, and never be afflicted with sickness, nor be crippled. ... Thou shalt stand upon the earth at the coming of thy Redeemer, and be caught up to meet him in the cloud and ever be with the Lord. My dear son, if thou wilt be faithful I seal all these blessings upon thy head
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:7-8, 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]
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:7-8, 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]
190 years ago today - Mid-Sept. 1835
The first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants (Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter-day Saints: carefully selected from the Revelations of God) comes off the press, bound and printed (including the "Lectures on Faith"). This is an expanded version of the Book of Commandments, which had been destroyed on July 20, 1833.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
65 years ago today - Sep 14, 1960
BYU president Ernest Wilkinson records an incident in his journal. Wilkinson had called on President David O. McKay at his office. McKay's secretary, Clare Middlemiss, told Wilkinson that his wife had telephoned and that he was to return her call immediately. Middlemiss suggested that he use the telephone in the hall. "By the time I got this telephone [call] through," Wilkinson wrote, Middlemiss "had locked the door on me. There was no question that it was purposeful."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
75 years ago today - Sep 14, 1950
[Henry D. Moyle]
Wallace Bennett called at instance of Pres. Clark and apologized for his behavior the night before at the Alta Club.
[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]
Wallace Bennett called at instance of Pres. Clark and apologized for his behavior the night before at the Alta Club.
[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]
90 years ago today - Sep 14, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
Inasmuch as the young people to whom you refer in your letter of September 13 have confessed to you their transgression and manifest a spirit of repentance, we recommend that you keep the matter in confidence, and that you, yourself, perform the ceremony uniting them in marriage. Nothing should be said to the Bishop or any one else regarding their transgression, and if any one asks why you performed the marriage ceremony for them you can merely explain that they came to you and asked you to do so. Later, after their baby is born, if they have lived worthily in the meantime, they may go to the temple and be sealed for eternity and have their child sealed to them.
The very fact that they have confessed to you their wrongdoing is an indication of the right spirit on their part, and of course they will have to ace the embarrassment that may come to them as a result of their action. The Gospel is one of forgiveness ...
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to H. W. Henderson, 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]
Inasmuch as the young people to whom you refer in your letter of September 13 have confessed to you their transgression and manifest a spirit of repentance, we recommend that you keep the matter in confidence, and that you, yourself, perform the ceremony uniting them in marriage. Nothing should be said to the Bishop or any one else regarding their transgression, and if any one asks why you performed the marriage ceremony for them you can merely explain that they came to you and asked you to do so. Later, after their baby is born, if they have lived worthily in the meantime, they may go to the temple and be sealed for eternity and have their child sealed to them.
The very fact that they have confessed to you their wrongdoing is an indication of the right spirit on their part, and of course they will have to ace the embarrassment that may come to them as a result of their action. The Gospel is one of forgiveness ...
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to H. W. Henderson, 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]
90 years ago today - Sep 14, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
Such a thing as a millionaire being made among the leading officials of the Church has never happened. I doubt if it ever will happen. Nearly all of the Authorities of the Church when they have passed away, have passed away as poor men. Some of them have been fortunate enough to make investment that have grown, and they have been prosperous. There is not today a single wealthy man in the Presidency of the Church or the Council of the Twelve Apostles, or the Seven Presidents of Seventies, or the Presiding Bishopric.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Mrs. T. William Rhoads, 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]
Such a thing as a millionaire being made among the leading officials of the Church has never happened. I doubt if it ever will happen. Nearly all of the Authorities of the Church when they have passed away, have passed away as poor men. Some of them have been fortunate enough to make investment that have grown, and they have been prosperous. There is not today a single wealthy man in the Presidency of the Church or the Council of the Twelve Apostles, or the Seven Presidents of Seventies, or the Presiding Bishopric.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Mrs. T. William Rhoads, 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]
130 years ago today - Sep 14, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman]
At 2 P.M. met with stake Priesthood meeting. Regular business was attended. I then announced the call of bro[ther] A[nthony]. W. Ivins to preside in the Mexican Mission instead of bro[ther] [George] Teasdale. I said good things about him and strongly denounced the felling expressed by some that bro[ther] Ivins was called to get him out of the way in politics. Stated that no one suggested anything of that kind when bro[ther] Anthon H. Lund was called to preside over the European Mission. This church is not run in the interest of persons or parties.
[Francis M. Lyman 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]
At 2 P.M. met with stake Priesthood meeting. Regular business was attended. I then announced the call of bro[ther] A[nthony]. W. Ivins to preside in the Mexican Mission instead of bro[ther] [George] Teasdale. I said good things about him and strongly denounced the felling expressed by some that bro[ther] Ivins was called to get him out of the way in politics. Stated that no one suggested anything of that kind when bro[ther] Anthon H. Lund was called to preside over the European Mission. This church is not run in the interest of persons or parties.
[Francis M. Lyman 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]
175 years ago today - Sep 14, 1850
Incorporation of Perpetual Emigratìng Company by General Assembly of State of Deseret. Before federal government forces its disincorporation in 1887, PEF assists more than third of all European to Utah.
[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)]]
180 years ago today - Sep 14, 1845
[Hosea Stout]
I met the Eleventh Quorum near the Stand, and then in the afternoon attended meeting.it was a business meeting and all who were not in good fellowship were not allowed to be present and the police in keeping them away had to flog three who were determined to stay...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I met the Eleventh Quorum near the Stand, and then in the afternoon attended meeting.it was a business meeting and all who were not in good fellowship were not allowed to be present and the police in keeping them away had to flog three who were determined to stay...
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Sep 14, 1845
President Young prophesied on the stand this day that we would have a winter of peace in Nauvoo. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Willard Richards Journal, 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]
[Willard Richards Journal, 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]
185 years ago today - 1840 14 Sept.
On his deathbed, Joseph Smith, Sr., ordains his son Hyrum as Presiding Patriarch. This would be the last instance of patrilineal ordination which the hierarchy accepted for the office of patriarch. More than a decade later Young would reject a similar ordination by Presiding Patriarch John Smith for his son George A.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
190 years ago today - Sep 14, 1835
Under Joseph Smith's direction and in accordance with instructions in Doctrine & Covenants 25, the high council instructed Emma Smith, the Prophet's wife, to prepare a new selection of sacred hymns to be printed by William W. Phelps.
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
190 years ago today - Sep 14, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Phebe Rigdon given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... I seal thee up unto eternal life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance with the sanctified; even so. Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:32, 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]
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:32, 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]
190 years ago today - Sep 14, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Sidney Rigdon given by Joseph Smith, Sr. the earth shall tremble before thee, the rivers shall turn out of their course, and if it were needful, the lions shall roar out of the forest, while the enemies of the Lord shall stand afar off and tremble, having no power to harm the saints. Thou shalt have power to call thousands into the kingdom, who will rejoice that such a man was born.
Thou shalt receive an ordination not many days hence which shall surpass all human understanding; for thy Redeemer shall come down and stand before thee- thou shalt see his face and hear his voice and great shall be thy rejoicing. ... No enemy shall have power to harm thee; for though thy life has many times been in jeopardy, and once thy body marred, from henceforth thou shalt be protected, that no man shall mar thee. Thou shalt be saved in the day of calamity, when great vengeance falls upon the nations. And though thine eyes shall see cities overthrown and swallowed up, thou shalt stand like unto an angel of God, and nothing shall harm thee. Thou shalt be renewed in thy age and thy system shall be like the vigor of youth.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:31-32, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
Thou shalt receive an ordination not many days hence which shall surpass all human understanding; for thy Redeemer shall come down and stand before thee- thou shalt see his face and hear his voice and great shall be thy rejoicing. ... No enemy shall have power to harm thee; for though thy life has many times been in jeopardy, and once thy body marred, from henceforth thou shalt be protected, that no man shall mar thee. Thou shalt be saved in the day of calamity, when great vengeance falls upon the nations. And though thine eyes shall see cities overthrown and swallowed up, thou shalt stand like unto an angel of God, and nothing shall harm thee. Thou shalt be renewed in thy age and thy system shall be like the vigor of youth.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:31-32, 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]
190 years ago today - Sep 14, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Rebecca Williams given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... I seal thee up unto eternal life, and thou shalt have thy part and portion in the celestial kingdom, in the name of Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:31, 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]
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:31, 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]
190 years ago today - Sep 14, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Frederick G. Williams given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... But thou shalt be a great man in the earth, and thou shalt be renewed, and have power to accomplish the will of the Lord, and when thou hast accomplished it thou shalt have power to be translated, that thou shalt not sleep in the grave
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:30-31, 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]
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:30-31, 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]
190 years ago today - Sep 14, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Ann Whitney given by Joseph Smith, Sr. on September 14, 1835
... for thou art bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh, and the Lord has so ordained that those of the same family and descent might be one to fulfil his purposes; for thou art of the same lineage of thy husband, thy life has been hid also, and thou mayest rejoice, for thy posterity shall be blessed. Thou hast a gift to sing the songs of Zion [sing in tongues], and if thou wilt be humble before the Lord & keep all his commandments, it shall be increased.
[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]
... for thou art bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh, and the Lord has so ordained that those of the same family and descent might be one to fulfil his purposes; for thou art of the same lineage of thy husband, thy life has been hid also, and thou mayest rejoice, for thy posterity shall be blessed. Thou hast a gift to sing the songs of Zion [sing in tongues], and if thou wilt be humble before the Lord & keep all his commandments, it shall be increased.
[Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
190 years ago today - 1835: 14 September
Newel K. Whitney. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.) ... thou art a strange man, and thy ways have been unlike the ways of other men ...
[Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Sep 14, 1835
A high council of the First Presidency calls Oliver Cowdery as Church Recorder and decides, "The laborer is worthy of his hire." Pay salary and expenses for Joseph Sr. (for patriarchal blessings [$10 per week plus expenses]), Frederick G. Williams (for recording blessings), Oliver and Emma to select hymns and W. W. Phelps edit. David Whitmer and Samuel H. Smith are appointed Literary firm agents.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
200 years ago today - Sep 14, 1825
[Heber C. Kimball]
Joins Masonic Lodge, Victor Village, Victor Township, Ontario County, New York.
[Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987]
Joins Masonic Lodge, Victor Village, Victor Township, Ontario County, New York.
[Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987]
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