An announcement is made that Jack Hoag (the Church's lawyer in Hawaii) is working on something important, possibly the creation of Hawaii's Future Today [the church's first front organization against same-sex marriage].
[Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
60 years ago today - Dec 28, 1965
The organization of the Mormon History Association (MHA) with Professor Leonard J. Arrington as its first president. In 1974 this organization begins publishing its annual Journal of Mormon History, which is still active.
[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)]]
110 years ago today - Dec 28, 1915
[Joseph F. Smith]
Young men or middle aged men who have had experience in the Church should not be ordained to the Priesthood nor recommended to the privileges of the House of the Lord unless they will abstain from the use of tobacco and intoxicating drinks. This is the rule of the Church and should be observed by all its members.
[Joseph F. Smith to C. Elmo Cluff, Dec. 28, 1915, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Young men or middle aged men who have had experience in the Church should not be ordained to the Priesthood nor recommended to the privileges of the House of the Lord unless they will abstain from the use of tobacco and intoxicating drinks. This is the rule of the Church and should be observed by all its members.
[Joseph F. Smith to C. Elmo Cluff, Dec. 28, 1915, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Friday-Saturday, 28-Dec 29, 1900
[Rudger Clawson]
On Saturday afternoon it was finally decided by the Presidency and some members of the Twelve that Apostle Reed Smoot refrain from allowing his name to be put forward as a candidate for the U.S. senatorship. And in view of the fact that President McKinley and the national Republican committee favored Thomas Kearns, it was decided that so far as it might be proper, the brethren would support him for the place.
[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]
On Saturday afternoon it was finally decided by the Presidency and some members of the Twelve that Apostle Reed Smoot refrain from allowing his name to be put forward as a candidate for the U.S. senatorship. And in view of the fact that President McKinley and the national Republican committee favored Thomas Kearns, it was decided that so far as it might be proper, the brethren would support him for the place.
[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]
165 years ago today - Dec 28, 1860
[Brigham Young]
President Young remarked to A. Carrington and others of the brethren who were present that Abel Lincoln must either learn that South Carolina will conform to the Constitution of the Government or he must not take his oath of Office, if he does take the oath of Office he must then compel South Carolina to be submissive to the Constitution of the Union, or he must break his oath of office'- President Young said the US Officers will be scarce here if they do not get their pay. They hate the Mormons because they feel they will rule the world. The worst thing about it is the Blacks will kill off their families and they in their turn will be slaughtered by thousands. I regret many of the innocent will be killed. I am like the woman who saw her husband fighting with a Bear, her husband called upon her to assist him, she replied I have no interest in who whips [who]. ...
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
President Young remarked to A. Carrington and others of the brethren who were present that Abel Lincoln must either learn that South Carolina will conform to the Constitution of the Government or he must not take his oath of Office, if he does take the oath of Office he must then compel South Carolina to be submissive to the Constitution of the Union, or he must break his oath of office'- President Young said the US Officers will be scarce here if they do not get their pay. They hate the Mormons because they feel they will rule the world. The worst thing about it is the Blacks will kill off their families and they in their turn will be slaughtered by thousands. I regret many of the innocent will be killed. I am like the woman who saw her husband fighting with a Bear, her husband called upon her to assist him, she replied I have no interest in who whips [who]. ...
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Dec 28, 1845. Sunday.
.... Elder Kimball continued his remarks, alluded to the stories in circulation that several persons had been killed on their way through the ordinances, and that men and women were stripped naked here. Joseph said that for men and women to hold their tongues, was their Salvation.
A circle was formed, composed of about 20 persons, most of whom had received the ordinances, and been admitted to the first quorum at a previous time. They united in prayer. ...
[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]
A circle was formed, composed of about 20 persons, most of whom had received the ordinances, and been admitted to the first quorum at a previous time. They united in prayer. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Dec 28, 1845
[Brigham Young]
.... After his fall another name was given - he being full of integrity and not to listen to the woman, he was permitted to receive the tokens of the priesthood I wish you to learn one lesson, you will find one lesson, that you hold your tongues, you will never be extricated unless you go to hell; unless you learn, you will be damned - we let no person assemble except in an Upper room according to the priesthood. I have been saluted by the grips and tokens, I have felt to slap their faces. Look at the result of persons rushing to the vail - one of the most sacred places on the earth. ... In prayer you use the first tokens in your own name. This quorum is the more important [because] you are washed - it is [not] trifling. no. ... by all things past rather than [-] my [-] although foreordain Man should follow his wife out of the Garden it follows the woman should be led back - he related an anecdote of Uncle John and the [-] kitchen [-] so with us I want this to be understood all
things sacred not Eternity will never become upon the world until they learn the principle ... [-] do you understand the love of David and Jonathan it was above the law; Women it was the love of the Priesthood I could say Goodbye to the Mountain as freely could to the woman yet I love the priesthood and the principles of righteousness they may go. God told eve your desires shall be to your husband and not his desire to her and he shall rule over him for if God rules over a Man he ought to rule over his household. and you ought to submit to it. I have heard upon the principle of men and Joseph Smith being God I will explain - in your prayer you ask for food. I believe God and the son are personages of tabernacle [and] the Holy Ghost is a personage of a spirit. God dwells in eternal fire [and] it would consume all matter that will [be] consumed. I do not believe any man [can] see his glory and live, as we but [see the writing] as on [the wall or through] the vail [as] the hand is
passed through. so the finger [of God] or the knuckle [-] so the Lord will sometimes pass through his hand and the wicked may see so much and no more because He is behind the vail. if you do not sanctify [yourselves before] the Lord and [purity] your heart, you will go quick to Hell and be dammed four fold. I am rough but I mean what I say. [I] do not like the Dumb Ass that brays in the Streets. - I have shut down the gates for the present - When I begin again, I shall bring in such as are worthy and good Men and women.
[The Nauvoo Endowment Companies, 1845-1846: A Documentary History. Devery Scott Anderson and Gary James Bergera, eds. Salt Lake City: Signature Books-Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2005. 203-207, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
.... After his fall another name was given - he being full of integrity and not to listen to the woman, he was permitted to receive the tokens of the priesthood I wish you to learn one lesson, you will find one lesson, that you hold your tongues, you will never be extricated unless you go to hell; unless you learn, you will be damned - we let no person assemble except in an Upper room according to the priesthood. I have been saluted by the grips and tokens, I have felt to slap their faces. Look at the result of persons rushing to the vail - one of the most sacred places on the earth. ... In prayer you use the first tokens in your own name. This quorum is the more important [because] you are washed - it is [not] trifling. no. ... by all things past rather than [-] my [-] although foreordain Man should follow his wife out of the Garden it follows the woman should be led back - he related an anecdote of Uncle John and the [-] kitchen [-] so with us I want this to be understood all
things sacred not Eternity will never become upon the world until they learn the principle ... [-] do you understand the love of David and Jonathan it was above the law; Women it was the love of the Priesthood I could say Goodbye to the Mountain as freely could to the woman yet I love the priesthood and the principles of righteousness they may go. God told eve your desires shall be to your husband and not his desire to her and he shall rule over him for if God rules over a Man he ought to rule over his household. and you ought to submit to it. I have heard upon the principle of men and Joseph Smith being God I will explain - in your prayer you ask for food. I believe God and the son are personages of tabernacle [and] the Holy Ghost is a personage of a spirit. God dwells in eternal fire [and] it would consume all matter that will [be] consumed. I do not believe any man [can] see his glory and live, as we but [see the writing] as on [the wall or through] the vail [as] the hand is
passed through. so the finger [of God] or the knuckle [-] so the Lord will sometimes pass through his hand and the wicked may see so much and no more because He is behind the vail. if you do not sanctify [yourselves before] the Lord and [purity] your heart, you will go quick to Hell and be dammed four fold. I am rough but I mean what I say. [I] do not like the Dumb Ass that brays in the Streets. - I have shut down the gates for the present - When I begin again, I shall bring in such as are worthy and good Men and women.
[The Nauvoo Endowment Companies, 1845-1846: A Documentary History. Devery Scott Anderson and Gary James Bergera, eds. Salt Lake City: Signature Books-Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2005. 203-207, 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 - Dec 28, 1845
[Brigham Young]
.... The ordinances that you have received in the garden together with the performances of those things that has been presented are to represent the creation of the world. The name that was given to Adam was more ancient than he was. The name Adam was given him because he was the first man, but his new name pertained to the Holy Priesthood and, as I before stated, is more ancient than he was. There are 4 penal signs and 4 penal tokens and should I want to address the throne to enquire after ancient things which transpired on planets that rolled away before this planet came into existence I should use my new name which is ancient and referred to ancient things. Should I wish to enquire for present things I should use my own name which refers to present things. And should I want to enquire for future things I would use the 3rd name which refers to the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or is the 3rd token that is given and refers to the Son. The 2nd token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood is to be given only in one place and nowhere else, but these signs and tokens that pertain to the Priesthood should never be given anywhere only in such places as belong to the P. H. and that too by none but such as belong to the order of the Priesthood. But there are not 6 persons that have gone through these ordinances that can offer them correctly, and some has had the presumption to approach this veil, which is the most sacred ordinances that is performed in this house, and have marked the garments wrong. And levity has been used here which is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord, therefore I have shut down the gate, and came to the conclusion that when we commence again we would make a selection of such persons as are worthy and will give them their endowments first, and when they get their endowments then the remainder may get their endowment. I don't know but what I shall displease some of you, but I don't care if you I do. There are about 2,00 persons that are
dressed today and unless I lay an embargo on the brethren we will not find garments enough to take the company through tomorrow without changing them from one to another. The Seventies have had about 18 garments made and this morning there are not more than 5 or 6 to be found. Some have taken garments and carried them off. I call such conduct stealing and it must be stopped. ... Lay aside all party strife such as the Seventies and the H P striving to excel each other in power,this ought to be. I intend to put a stop to all such feelings. The H. P. commenced it in Kirtland; the Seventies commenced it in Quincey and to let it go we shall soon be split up and divided into parties. ...
[Nauvoo Temple - Seventies Record, Book B pp 164-165, quoted in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
.... The ordinances that you have received in the garden together with the performances of those things that has been presented are to represent the creation of the world. The name that was given to Adam was more ancient than he was. The name Adam was given him because he was the first man, but his new name pertained to the Holy Priesthood and, as I before stated, is more ancient than he was. There are 4 penal signs and 4 penal tokens and should I want to address the throne to enquire after ancient things which transpired on planets that rolled away before this planet came into existence I should use my new name which is ancient and referred to ancient things. Should I wish to enquire for present things I should use my own name which refers to present things. And should I want to enquire for future things I would use the 3rd name which refers to the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or is the 3rd token that is given and refers to the Son. The 2nd token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood is to be given only in one place and nowhere else, but these signs and tokens that pertain to the Priesthood should never be given anywhere only in such places as belong to the P. H. and that too by none but such as belong to the order of the Priesthood. But there are not 6 persons that have gone through these ordinances that can offer them correctly, and some has had the presumption to approach this veil, which is the most sacred ordinances that is performed in this house, and have marked the garments wrong. And levity has been used here which is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord, therefore I have shut down the gate, and came to the conclusion that when we commence again we would make a selection of such persons as are worthy and will give them their endowments first, and when they get their endowments then the remainder may get their endowment. I don't know but what I shall displease some of you, but I don't care if you I do. There are about 2,00 persons that are
dressed today and unless I lay an embargo on the brethren we will not find garments enough to take the company through tomorrow without changing them from one to another. The Seventies have had about 18 garments made and this morning there are not more than 5 or 6 to be found. Some have taken garments and carried them off. I call such conduct stealing and it must be stopped. ... Lay aside all party strife such as the Seventies and the H P striving to excel each other in power,this ought to be. I intend to put a stop to all such feelings. The H. P. commenced it in Kirtland; the Seventies commenced it in Quincey and to let it go we shall soon be split up and divided into parties. ...
[Nauvoo Temple - Seventies Record, Book B pp 164-165, quoted in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
190 years ago today - 28 December 1835 - Monday
[Joseph Smith]
.... having prefered a charge against Elder Almon Babbit[t] for traducing my cha racter, he was this morning called before the High Council, and I atten ded, with my witnesses, and subst antiated my charge against him and he in part acknowledged his fault, but not satisfactory to the council, and after parleying with him a long time, and granting him every indulgence, that righeousness require the council adjourned, without obta ining a full confession from him- [[JS asked for an investigation "that my character and influence may be preserved as far as it can in righteousness." Babbitt had been complaining that JS "got mad" after losing an argument at the debating school. Five days later, Babbitt gave a full confession and was restored to fellowship.]]
[Joseph Smith, "Sketch Book for the use of Joseph Smith, jr.," Journal, Sept. 1835-Apr. 1836]
.... having prefered a charge against Elder Almon Babbit[t] for traducing my cha racter, he was this morning called before the High Council, and I atten ded, with my witnesses, and subst antiated my charge against him and he in part acknowledged his fault, but not satisfactory to the council, and after parleying with him a long time, and granting him every indulgence, that righeousness require the council adjourned, without obta ining a full confession from him- [[JS asked for an investigation "that my character and influence may be preserved as far as it can in righteousness." Babbitt had been complaining that JS "got mad" after losing an argument at the debating school. Five days later, Babbitt gave a full confession and was restored to fellowship.]]
[Joseph Smith, "Sketch Book for the use of Joseph Smith, jr.," Journal, Sept. 1835-Apr. 1836]
70 years ago today - Dec 27, 1955
A letter from the Presiding Bishopric announced that students at BYU would be organized into campus wards and stakes beginning Jan. 8, 1956. This move set the pattern for student wards to be organized at Church colleges and institutes of religion wherever their numbers warranted it.
[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]
125 years ago today - Dec. 27th, 1900
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
Pres. Snow too ill to go out. Met in Office. Question of sending "Mormon" to Senate. I am decidedly in favor of it. Gentiles have one Senator or Representative. We must have a Representative or Senator. Pres. Snow thoroughly worn out...
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Pres. Snow too ill to go out. Met in Office. Question of sending "Mormon" to Senate. I am decidedly in favor of it. Gentiles have one Senator or Representative. We must have a Representative or Senator. Pres. Snow thoroughly worn out...
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Winter 1855
[Handcart]
Virtually all the "church train" and commercial freight ox teams die on the range.
[Handcart Timeline, Will Bagley]
Virtually all the "church train" and commercial freight ox teams die on the range.
[Handcart Timeline, Will Bagley]
180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1845. Saturday.
[William Clayton]
At 15 minutes past 10 o clock the United States Deputy Marshall, from Springfield, by the name of Roberts, came to the [Nauvoo] Temple in company with Almon W. Babbitt. He was freely admitted to every part of the Temple, to which he desired access. He went into the tower, on the roof, and into the Attic Story, passed through the various departments into the east room, where he very intently examined the portraits, and made enquiries as to whose they were, severally but obtained no correct information on the subject. ...
In the evening several of the Twelve came in ... these met for prayer in President Younges room at 15 minutes before 7 o clock. Bishop Whitney was with them also. All were clothed in priestly garments. Elder John Taylor came in just as they were commencing their exercises, and without having clothed himself united with them in prayer. . . .
[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]
At 15 minutes past 10 o clock the United States Deputy Marshall, from Springfield, by the name of Roberts, came to the [Nauvoo] Temple in company with Almon W. Babbitt. He was freely admitted to every part of the Temple, to which he desired access. He went into the tower, on the roof, and into the Attic Story, passed through the various departments into the east room, where he very intently examined the portraits, and made enquiries as to whose they were, severally but obtained no correct information on the subject. ...
In the evening several of the Twelve came in ... these met for prayer in President Younges room at 15 minutes before 7 o clock. Bishop Whitney was with them also. All were clothed in priestly garments. Elder John Taylor came in just as they were commencing their exercises, and without having clothed himself united with them in prayer. . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1845
Patriarch John Smith blesses a woman whose husband is non-LDS: "the Priesthood in its fullness shall be confered upon thee in due time[--]thou shalt have pow[e]r ov[e]r try relatives & friends & thy husband & children to lead them whethersoever thou wilt in as much as you seek faithfully & truly to preserve them in the bonds of the new & ev[e]rlasting covenant."
[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]
200 years ago today - Dec 27, 1825
"A few days since was discovered in this town, by the help of a mineral stone, (which becomes transparent when placed in a hat and the light excluded by the face of him who looks into it, provided he is fortune's favorite,) a monstrous potash kettle in the bowels of old mother Earth, filled with the purest bullion. Some attempts have been made to dig it up, but without success. His Satanic Majesty, or some other invisible agent, appears to keep it under marching orders; for no sooner is it dug on to in one place, than it moves off like "false delusive hope," to another still more remote [place]. ... They have entrenched the kettle all around, and driven a steel ramrod into the ground directly over it, to break the enchantment."
[Wayne Sentinel]
[Wayne Sentinel]
125 years ago today - Dec 26, 1900; Wednesday
President [Lorenzo] Snow was feeling somewhat better this morning and was at the office, also President [Joseph F.] Smith. A letter from President [George Q.]
Cannon dated December 17th was received today. President Cannon referring to the meeting held the day before (Dec[ember]. 16) in Honolulu [Hawaii], stated that seldom had he felt more of the spirit of the Lord while speaking then on that occasion to the people, and that he was reminded of old times. By invitation from the ex-queen, Liliukalani, he called upon that lady who received him very graciously. She spoke very warmly of the good effects of his visit to the islands and to the people whom she said were full of love towards him on account of his having brought the Gospel to them. On arising to depart she requested him to bless her and led him into a private room, and, before he was aware, she had knelt at his feet, to receive a blessing. He blessed her very freely and the spirit rested upon them both.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Cannon dated December 17th was received today. President Cannon referring to the meeting held the day before (Dec[ember]. 16) in Honolulu [Hawaii], stated that seldom had he felt more of the spirit of the Lord while speaking then on that occasion to the people, and that he was reminded of old times. By invitation from the ex-queen, Liliukalani, he called upon that lady who received him very graciously. She spoke very warmly of the good effects of his visit to the islands and to the people whom she said were full of love towards him on account of his having brought the Gospel to them. On arising to depart she requested him to bless her and led him into a private room, and, before he was aware, she had knelt at his feet, to receive a blessing. He blessed her very freely and the spirit rested upon them both.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Wednesday, Dec 26, 1900
[Apostle Rudger Clawson]
Salt Lake City. Cloudy and cold. I was busily engaged all day on the books of the Utah Coal Co. Besides this work I am keeping the books of the Brigham City Roller Mill Co., and also from time to time am getting up financial statements relating to the condition of the church. These things added to the requirements made of me as an apostle are almost more than I can attend to. As it is, I often work until ten and eleven o'clock at night.
[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]
Salt Lake City. Cloudy and cold. I was busily engaged all day on the books of the Utah Coal Co. Besides this work I am keeping the books of the Brigham City Roller Mill Co., and also from time to time am getting up financial statements relating to the condition of the church. These things added to the requirements made of me as an apostle are almost more than I can attend to. As it is, I often work until ten and eleven o'clock at night.
[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]
180 years ago today - Dec 26, 1845. Friday.
[William Clayton]
There was a necessity for a reformation of this sort, for some men were doing things which ought not to be done in the Temple of the Lord. Some three or four men and perhaps more, had introduced women into the Temple, not their wives, and were living in the side rooms, cooking, sleeping, tending babies, and toying with their women. The men who were guilty of these things were H. G. Sherwood, B. L. Clapp, L. N. Scovil, and perhaps others. There was also a great many men introduced and passed through the ordinances who were not so deserving as some that were passed by. There were also many women and children passed through who were not well entitled to the ordinances, while none of the sons and daughters of the Twelve had been permitted to enter.
There were also many persons lounging about, who had no particular duty to attend to, but who thought they had a right to be present, because they had once passed through the Vail. There was also a number of men taking their stations at the vail without permission of the President; considering it their right to receive through the vail any female whom they might introduce into the washing and anointing room, while it is evidently the sole prerogative of the President to officiate at that place or any one that he may authorize to do 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]
There was a necessity for a reformation of this sort, for some men were doing things which ought not to be done in the Temple of the Lord. Some three or four men and perhaps more, had introduced women into the Temple, not their wives, and were living in the side rooms, cooking, sleeping, tending babies, and toying with their women. The men who were guilty of these things were H. G. Sherwood, B. L. Clapp, L. N. Scovil, and perhaps others. There was also a great many men introduced and passed through the ordinances who were not so deserving as some that were passed by. There were also many women and children passed through who were not well entitled to the ordinances, while none of the sons and daughters of the Twelve had been permitted to enter.
There were also many persons lounging about, who had no particular duty to attend to, but who thought they had a right to be present, because they had once passed through the Vail. There was also a number of men taking their stations at the vail without permission of the President; considering it their right to receive through the vail any female whom they might introduce into the washing and anointing room, while it is evidently the sole prerogative of the President to officiate at that place or any one that he may authorize to do 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]
180 years ago today - Dec 26, 1845
Pres. Young said when he began again he should pay no respect to quorums--every man that comes in is washed & anointed by good men and it makes no difference. Every man that gets his endowment, whether he is High Priest or Seventy, may go into any part of the world and build up the kingdom if he has the keys--or on to any island. We have been ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is the highest order of Priesthood, and it has many branches or offices--And those who have come in here and have received their washing & anointing will be ordained Kings & Priests, and will then have received the fullness of the Priesthood, all that can be given on earth, for Brother Joseph said he had given us all that could be given to man on the earth.--
I feel disposed to rest a few days, and let the Temple rest, and when I commence work again I am going to make a selection of my hands, and shall select those that will stay all the time. We will have no more cooking and eating going on in those rooms. ...
I shall not have any more cutting & sewing of garments going on in the Temple. I shall have houses selected, where garments can be cut and made--It is my right to receive persons through the veil, and it does not belong to any one else, unless I put him there--When persons come into this house & receive the tokens & signs and the key words, they have got all they have worked for in building this house.
[Nauvoo Temple - Heber C. Kimball Journal Mss., in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
I feel disposed to rest a few days, and let the Temple rest, and when I commence work again I am going to make a selection of my hands, and shall select those that will stay all the time. We will have no more cooking and eating going on in those rooms. ...
I shall not have any more cutting & sewing of garments going on in the Temple. I shall have houses selected, where garments can be cut and made--It is my right to receive persons through the veil, and it does not belong to any one else, unless I put him there--When persons come into this house & receive the tokens & signs and the key words, they have got all they have worked for in building this house.
[Nauvoo Temple - Heber C. Kimball Journal Mss., in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
180 years ago today - Dec 26, 1845 (Morning)
[Brigham Young]
.... I have been amused at the people making [use] of their eyes to see who takes the sisters through the vail. It has nothing to do with the sealing power, they say they cannot receive their endowment without being sealed and this [is] to be known hereafter when persons come through the vail. Those who have labored on the temple, they have all they can expect for a recompense. If we get more it is through the mercy of God. ...
[The Nauvoo Endowment Companies, 1845-1846: A Documentary History. Devery Scott Anderson and Gary James Bergera, eds. Salt Lake City: Signature Books-Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2005. 190-191, 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]
.... I have been amused at the people making [use] of their eyes to see who takes the sisters through the vail. It has nothing to do with the sealing power, they say they cannot receive their endowment without being sealed and this [is] to be known hereafter when persons come through the vail. Those who have labored on the temple, they have all they can expect for a recompense. If we get more it is through the mercy of God. ...
[The Nauvoo Endowment Companies, 1845-1846: A Documentary History. Devery Scott Anderson and Gary James Bergera, eds. Salt Lake City: Signature Books-Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2005. 190-191, 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]
190 years ago today - Dec 26, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Harlow Redfield and companion given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt stand upon the earth till the end of wickedness & see the winding up scene. God shall support thee & be with thee to deliver thee from the power of all thy enemies. & give thee power over fire to command all things, heal the sick, cast out Devils open the eyes of the blind, & do all things that shall come within thy mission to do. Thou shalt stand among the 100 & 44000 even as thou hast desired, with the thousands which thou shalt gather from the nations ...
Also a blessing for thy companion who is absent She also is sealed up unto eternal life. & I seal a blessing for her even all power which shall be necessary for her in all circumstances, that she may be able to resist the adversary, & escape the power of the destroyer -- She shall remain on the earth even to the end of time & live till She is fully satisfied with life, & the blessing of heaven shall rest upon her, & she shall be qualified for every duty - with wisdom, intel[l]igence, all things both for her & her children, to teach them their duties & govern her house in the absence of her husband. & be accepted at last in the celestial kingdom. These & all kneadful [needful] blessings I seal for her in the name of Jesus Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Also a blessing for thy companion who is absent She also is sealed up unto eternal life. & I seal a blessing for her even all power which shall be necessary for her in all circumstances, that she may be able to resist the adversary, & escape the power of the destroyer -- She shall remain on the earth even to the end of time & live till She is fully satisfied with life, & the blessing of heaven shall rest upon her, & she shall be qualified for every duty - with wisdom, intel[l]igence, all things both for her & her children, to teach them their duties & govern her house in the absence of her husband. & be accepted at last in the celestial kingdom. These & all kneadful [needful] blessings I seal for her in the name of Jesus Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
190 years ago today - Dec 26, 1835 (Saturday)
Joseph Smith, jun., with other Elders, commenced studying the Hebrew language, having previously commenced reading Greek. Mr. Seixas, a competent professor of languages, was subsequently employed as teacher.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
20 years ago today - Dec 25, 2005
"Well, we have nothing to hide. Our history is an open book. They may find what they are looking for, but the fact is the history of the church is clear and open and leads to faith and strength and virtues." -- Gordon B. Hinckley - interview with The Associated Press
[LDS Quotations, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html]
[LDS Quotations, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html]
170 years ago today - Dec 25, 1855
[Hosea Stout]
Tuesday 25 Decr 1855. Cold Christmass but still times[.] No guns firing no boys hooping[.] No petty fandangos,No brilliant cotillion parties[.] Every one minding his own business. And perhaps some few wife hunting or rather hunting the raw material[.]
House met at ten a. m. [and a number of legislative considerations were discussed]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Tuesday 25 Decr 1855. Cold Christmass but still times[.] No guns firing no boys hooping[.] No petty fandangos,No brilliant cotillion parties[.] Every one minding his own business. And perhaps some few wife hunting or rather hunting the raw material[.]
House met at ten a. m. [and a number of legislative considerations were discussed]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Dec 25, 1855
[Hosea Stout]
Cold Christmass but still times[.] No guns firing no boys hooping[.] No petty fandangos,No brilliant cotillion parties[.] Every one minding his own business. And perhaps some few wife hunting or rather hunting the raw material[.]
House met at ten a. m. [and a number of legislative considerations were discussed]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Cold Christmass but still times[.] No guns firing no boys hooping[.] No petty fandangos,No brilliant cotillion parties[.] Every one minding his own business. And perhaps some few wife hunting or rather hunting the raw material[.]
House met at ten a. m. [and a number of legislative considerations were discussed]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
45 years ago today - Dec 24, 1980
National broadcast of "Mr. Krueger's Christmas," dramatic production starring James Stewart and produced by LDS church with proselytizing message at end. It is rebroadcast a year later on 125 commercial U.S. stations in all major markets, on PBS in Spanish, on 136 Spanish International Network stations, and on Turner Broadcasting Network. This rebroadcast airs in every Latin American country, as well as in Italy, Australia, the Philippines, and Iceland. Stewart later donates his papers to BYU.
[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)]]
105 years ago today - Dec 24, 1920
The First Presidency announces the release of a new edition of the Book of Mormon with footnotes and new chapter introductions. The text of this version is set in two columns on each page rather than one.
155 years ago today - Dec 24, 1870
Patriarchal Blessing given by John Smith, Patriarch, upon the head of [future apostle] Moses Thatcher... he [God] hath given thine Angel charge concerning thee; He hath protected thee from the Destroyer, and hath preserved thy life for a wise purpose; therefore seek wisdom and thou shalt know the will of the Lord concerning thee. Thy course shall be made clear and thou shalt comprehend future events. ... Live up to thy priviledges [privileges] and thou shalt become a mighty man in Israel and thy name shall be heard among the nations of the earth, and the wicked shall tremble at the sound of thy voice, and if necessary thou shalt command elements, and the waves of the sea shall obey thy voice. Thou shalt also assist in avenging the blood of the saints and Prophets which was shed by the ungodly; Be prudent and thou shalt live to a good old age; thy posterity shall be numerous and bear thy name in honorable remembrance from generation to generation. This Blessing I seal upon thy head,
and I seal thee up unto eternal life ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
and I seal thee up unto eternal life ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Dec 24, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
.... And being clothed in the Robes of Priesthood, offered up prayers to God for our prosperity, the preservation of the Twelve, for means to remove from this place, for the welfare of all the honest in heart, our wives and children &c &c . . .
At 20 minutes past 12, William Miller who was arrested yesterday, came into the Temple, having been liberated from arrest at Carthage last evening, when they found out that he was not Brigham Young. He was not ill treated . . .
at about 20 minutes past eleven, President Young and H. C. Kimball came in and remained the rest of the night. The labors of this day have been very arduous 122 persons having been washed and anointed and received into the upper department. It was expected that troops would be in, with officers and writs, for the purpose of arresting the Twelve, who are mostly charged with counterfeiting the current coin of the United States, but no signs of troops, writs or officers have appeared to molest our peace. ...
[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]
.... And being clothed in the Robes of Priesthood, offered up prayers to God for our prosperity, the preservation of the Twelve, for means to remove from this place, for the welfare of all the honest in heart, our wives and children &c &c . . .
At 20 minutes past 12, William Miller who was arrested yesterday, came into the Temple, having been liberated from arrest at Carthage last evening, when they found out that he was not Brigham Young. He was not ill treated . . .
at about 20 minutes past eleven, President Young and H. C. Kimball came in and remained the rest of the night. The labors of this day have been very arduous 122 persons having been washed and anointed and received into the upper department. It was expected that troops would be in, with officers and writs, for the purpose of arresting the Twelve, who are mostly charged with counterfeiting the current coin of the United States, but no signs of troops, writs or officers have appeared to molest our peace. ...
[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]
185 years ago today - Dec 24, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... in addition to some bread & Cheese & a pint of beer we made out a supper & went to bed, & I dreamed of falling among thieves & robbers, who tried to rob us under pretence that we had done sumthing wrong in London some years since. I told them we never had been in London untill within few months that we were Americans & had a family there, & we had come to preach the gospel & we would preach to them, if they would open their doors & after bothering awhile with them I awoke, & found it to be the first Christmas Eve I ever Spent in London.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... in addition to some bread & Cheese & a pint of beer we made out a supper & went to bed, & I dreamed of falling among thieves & robbers, who tried to rob us under pretence that we had done sumthing wrong in London some years since. I told them we never had been in London untill within few months that we were Americans & had a family there, & we had come to preach the gospel & we would preach to them, if they would open their doors & after bothering awhile with them I awoke, & found it to be the first Christmas Eve I ever Spent in London.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
30 years ago today - Dec 23, 1995
190th birthday of Mormon founder Joseph Smith; First Presidency announces new logo for church's name, with larger letters for JESUS CHRIST.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
85 years ago today - Dec 23, 1940
[Frank Evans]
Conferred with office attaches re persons entering vault. Understood by all that one person only shall have combination and that sealed copy of combination shall be kept in secure place; that no one shall enter vault except by consent of person holding key.
[Frank Evans 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]
Conferred with office attaches re persons entering vault. Understood by all that one person only shall have combination and that sealed copy of combination shall be kept in secure place; that no one shall enter vault except by consent of person holding key.
[Frank Evans 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]
115 years ago today - Dec 23, 1910; Friday
[George F. Richards]
My brother Fred came down from Logan [Utah] and I spent an hour with him and my mother at her home and after his departure at 3:30 to go down town and attend to business, I talked with Mother upon a subject about which we have never before conversed.
She told me about President Brigham Young's treatment of Father Willard [Richards]'s family after his death. Father Willard as Church Historian had his office in his home where my mother and his sister Sarah lived. At his death the office effects, papers, records &c were removed from there and when certain papers were wanted and could not be found Brigham came over to their home and charged them with having purloined them for the purpose of getting money out of them later "as did Emma Smith." Mother and Aunt Sarah disclaimed any knowledge of them and he in a gruff manner insisted that they had them and commanded them to tear open their feather beds, which of course they did not do, and when they shed the tears of broken hearts and wounded spirits he charged them with shedding crocodile tears. Bro[ther]. Robert Campbell later told the folks that the papers had been found but no apology was ever offered. The women took in sewing and did what they could at maintaining
themselves and raised what they could in their garden. It was in a conspicuous place where the present Des[eret]. News building stands & in the rear. Brigham told Tho[ma]s. L. Kane the administrator of the estate that that family must be moved from there. Brigham told him to have them moved to Farmington [Utah] and it was done to the sorrow and almost breaking of their hearts. This the cause of the move because these widows were seen working in the garden which was a shame and a disgrace, to whom? After property had been recovered, Brigham instructed B[isho]p. J. W. Hess to not let the Doctor's widows be baptized at time of the reformation and it became known and they were under a cloud in Farmington in consequence, but later word was sent to them that they might be baptized. At one time the properties were consecrated to the Church. Brigham told our folks they owned nothing it all belonged to the Church but when he came to try & sell the property he found the title vested in the
family (Estate) Jennings Corner. I allude to particularly as it was he who was trying to buy the property. Mother's justification for speaking of these things even now for the first time when I am in my fiftieth year is as a partial paliation for the weak faith of Heber, Willard & Joseph, not justifying them but accounting for their condition of faith.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
My brother Fred came down from Logan [Utah] and I spent an hour with him and my mother at her home and after his departure at 3:30 to go down town and attend to business, I talked with Mother upon a subject about which we have never before conversed.
She told me about President Brigham Young's treatment of Father Willard [Richards]'s family after his death. Father Willard as Church Historian had his office in his home where my mother and his sister Sarah lived. At his death the office effects, papers, records &c were removed from there and when certain papers were wanted and could not be found Brigham came over to their home and charged them with having purloined them for the purpose of getting money out of them later "as did Emma Smith." Mother and Aunt Sarah disclaimed any knowledge of them and he in a gruff manner insisted that they had them and commanded them to tear open their feather beds, which of course they did not do, and when they shed the tears of broken hearts and wounded spirits he charged them with shedding crocodile tears. Bro[ther]. Robert Campbell later told the folks that the papers had been found but no apology was ever offered. The women took in sewing and did what they could at maintaining
themselves and raised what they could in their garden. It was in a conspicuous place where the present Des[eret]. News building stands & in the rear. Brigham told Tho[ma]s. L. Kane the administrator of the estate that that family must be moved from there. Brigham told him to have them moved to Farmington [Utah] and it was done to the sorrow and almost breaking of their hearts. This the cause of the move because these widows were seen working in the garden which was a shame and a disgrace, to whom? After property had been recovered, Brigham instructed B[isho]p. J. W. Hess to not let the Doctor's widows be baptized at time of the reformation and it became known and they were under a cloud in Farmington in consequence, but later word was sent to them that they might be baptized. At one time the properties were consecrated to the Church. Brigham told our folks they owned nothing it all belonged to the Church but when he came to try & sell the property he found the title vested in the
family (Estate) Jennings Corner. I allude to particularly as it was he who was trying to buy the property. Mother's justification for speaking of these things even now for the first time when I am in my fiftieth year is as a partial paliation for the weak faith of Heber, Willard & Joseph, not justifying them but accounting for their condition of faith.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
120 years ago today - Saturday, Dec 23, 1905
[John Henry Smith]
South Royalton, Vermont
The Prophet Joseph Smith is one hundred years old today.
... At 11 a.m. services were held in the Cottage owing to the storm. ...President Joseph F. Smith offered the Dedicatory Prayer.
Singing by Choir. Benediction by George Albert Smith. ..
The monument wont cost less than $25,000.00. It is of gray granite polished and about 53 feet high....
[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]
South Royalton, Vermont
The Prophet Joseph Smith is one hundred years old today.
... At 11 a.m. services were held in the Cottage owing to the storm. ...President Joseph F. Smith offered the Dedicatory Prayer.
Singing by Choir. Benediction by George Albert Smith. ..
The monument wont cost less than $25,000.00. It is of gray granite polished and about 53 feet high....
[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]
180 years ago today - Dec 23, 1845. Tuesday.
[William Clayton]
.... At 3 o clock John Scott informed George D. Grant that an officer and assistants were watching for President Young and others at the front door of the Temple. Brother Grant carried the information to President Young, who soon devised a scheme by which their intentions to carry him off might be frustrated.
He directed William Miller who was present at the time, to put on Elder Kimball's cloak, and go down with Geo. D. Grant to his carriage, at the door. They accordingly went down, and as Mr. Miller was about to get into the carriage, with Elder Grant, the officer and 5 or 6 of his assistants arrested him, supposing it to be President B. Young. They were about to drive away with him, having made their boasts that they would get as many of the Twelve as they could, take them down to Warsaw, and have a new Years frolic killing them, but were persuaded to drive to the Nauvoo Mansion and tarry until tomorrow morning when the validity of the writ would be tested.
They were kept in profound ignorance of their mistake all the time. ...
Esquire Babbitt came in at 5 o clock and reports that the Officer who arrested Wm. Miller (supposing it to be President Young) has left the city, and gone to Carthage, with the prisoner, continuing ignorant of his mistake. Mr. Edmonds, a partner of Mr. Babbitts, has gone with them to act as counsel for the prisoner. The Officer has writs for B. Young, P. P. Pratt, H. C. Kimball, John Taylor, Geo. A. Smith, Amasa Lyman and T[heodore] Turley who are all charged with counterfeiting the coin of the United States with President Young . . .
At 20 minutes past 8 o clock, President Brigham Young, H. C. Kimball, P. P. Pratt, George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman left the Temple, nearly at the same time, disguised with other mens Hats and Coats. The reason of this is that their enemies are seeking their lives charging them with high crimes &c . . .
[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]
.... At 3 o clock John Scott informed George D. Grant that an officer and assistants were watching for President Young and others at the front door of the Temple. Brother Grant carried the information to President Young, who soon devised a scheme by which their intentions to carry him off might be frustrated.
He directed William Miller who was present at the time, to put on Elder Kimball's cloak, and go down with Geo. D. Grant to his carriage, at the door. They accordingly went down, and as Mr. Miller was about to get into the carriage, with Elder Grant, the officer and 5 or 6 of his assistants arrested him, supposing it to be President B. Young. They were about to drive away with him, having made their boasts that they would get as many of the Twelve as they could, take them down to Warsaw, and have a new Years frolic killing them, but were persuaded to drive to the Nauvoo Mansion and tarry until tomorrow morning when the validity of the writ would be tested.
They were kept in profound ignorance of their mistake all the time. ...
Esquire Babbitt came in at 5 o clock and reports that the Officer who arrested Wm. Miller (supposing it to be President Young) has left the city, and gone to Carthage, with the prisoner, continuing ignorant of his mistake. Mr. Edmonds, a partner of Mr. Babbitts, has gone with them to act as counsel for the prisoner. The Officer has writs for B. Young, P. P. Pratt, H. C. Kimball, John Taylor, Geo. A. Smith, Amasa Lyman and T[heodore] Turley who are all charged with counterfeiting the coin of the United States with President Young . . .
At 20 minutes past 8 o clock, President Brigham Young, H. C. Kimball, P. P. Pratt, George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman left the Temple, nearly at the same time, disguised with other mens Hats and Coats. The reason of this is that their enemies are seeking their lives charging them with high crimes &c . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Dec 23, 1845
Apostle Willard Richards and a new bride entered into a mutual covenant of marriage for time and eternity, without having Young or anyone else perform this as an ordinance. Richards (who was official Church Recorder of all temple ordinances) recorded the words of the ceremony, as the couple holds each other by the hand: "of our own free will and avow[, we] mutually acknowledge each other [as] husband & wife, in a covenant not to be broken in time or Eternity for time and for all Eternity, to all intents & purposes as though the seal of the covenant had been placed upon us. for time & all Eternity." He did not have this ceremony re-performed in the temple.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Dec 23, 1845
["Bogus Brigham" arrest]
About two oclock a company of the governors troops came in the city with a United States writ for some of 12 and came to the Temple and while they were there not knowing what to do Br William Miller & G. D. Grant came down out of the Temple and started to Brigham carriage and as they were going Br Grant called Br Miller President Young & asked him if he did not want to take a ride and the officer hearing what was said immediately arrested Br Miller and took him down to the Mansion House and from thence to Carthage not knowing but they had Br Young until they had got there.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
About two oclock a company of the governors troops came in the city with a United States writ for some of 12 and came to the Temple and while they were there not knowing what to do Br William Miller & G. D. Grant came down out of the Temple and started to Brigham carriage and as they were going Br Grant called Br Miller President Young & asked him if he did not want to take a ride and the officer hearing what was said immediately arrested Br Miller and took him down to the Mansion House and from thence to Carthage not knowing but they had Br Young until they had got there.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
220 years ago today - Dec 23, 1805
Smith is born in Sharon, Vermont to Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. Vermont residents recall that Smith, Sr. told them the young Joseph was born with a caul (a sign of good luck), and that Smith, Sr. "intended to procure a stone for [him] to see all over the world with".
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
40 years ago today - Dec 22, 1985
The First Presidency issued a special invitation to those members who had ceased activity or become critical of the Church to "come back", and they opened the temples to worthy members married to unendowed spouses.
["Ezra Taft Benson." In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, by Reed Benson and Sheri Dew. New York: Macmillan, 1992; Church News, Dec. 22, 1985, p. 3]
["Ezra Taft Benson." In Encyclopedia of Mormonism, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, by Reed Benson and Sheri Dew. New York: Macmillan, 1992; Church News, Dec. 22, 1985, p. 3]
65 years ago today - Dec 22, 1960
David O. McKay warns Twelve against growing power of LDS bureaucracy.
[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)]]
80 years ago today - Dec 22, 1945
Having received permission from U.S. President Harry S. Truman to send aid to the Saints in war-torn Europe, the First Presidency assigns Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to go immediately to Europe to assess the spiritual and temporal needs of the thirty thousand members of the Church there.
125 years ago today - Dec 22, 1900
With respect to Zadok K. Judd's letter (herewith enclosed) asking for second blessings [second anointings] for his father and grandfather, Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo] Snow says that many faithful people have gone into the spirit world without those blessings, and they will lose nothing by it; and all such cases he prefers to refer to the future than to undertake to endorse recommends for persons who cannot be regularly recommended.
[George F. Gibbs to David H. Cannon, Dec. 22, 1900, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[George F. Gibbs to David H. Cannon, Dec. 22, 1900, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
135 years ago today - Dec 22, 1890 (Monday)
The U.S. Supreme Court rendered a decision in William E. Bassett's case, reversing the decision of the Utah courts, and declaring it illegal for a lawful wife to testify against her husband.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Dec 22, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Devil is stired up in washington against Mormonism. I drew out a list of our persecutors.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Devil is stired up in washington against Mormonism. I drew out a list of our persecutors.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Dec 22, 1880
[Joseph F. Smith]
At the Presidents Office I had a long talk with Brother Andrew Burt on city matters relative to our policy respecting the treatment of gamblers, prostitutes and liquor dealers. He advocates a change of policy and more rigor. I sincerely concur. P.M. at council in the E[ndowment]. H[ouse]. I brought up marshal Burt's suggestion, but Brother [John] Taylor seemed unconcerned and uninterested so the matter dropped. I also recalled the subject of setting apart the officers of the Y[oung] M[ens] M[utual] I[mprovement] A[ssociation]. Brother Taylor objected to it so the matter dropped.
[Joseph F. Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
At the Presidents Office I had a long talk with Brother Andrew Burt on city matters relative to our policy respecting the treatment of gamblers, prostitutes and liquor dealers. He advocates a change of policy and more rigor. I sincerely concur. P.M. at council in the E[ndowment]. H[ouse]. I brought up marshal Burt's suggestion, but Brother [John] Taylor seemed unconcerned and uninterested so the matter dropped. I also recalled the subject of setting apart the officers of the Y[oung] M[ens] M[utual] I[mprovement] A[ssociation]. Brother Taylor objected to it so the matter dropped.
[Joseph F. Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
160 years ago today - Dec 22, 1865
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... I will say unto Sister Jane [Blackhurst] in the name of Jesus Christ as an Appostle that all the Blessings which have been promised you by the Apostles shall be fulfilled upon your head & when you get through with the toils of this life you shall Come forth in the Morning of the first resurrection Clothed with glory immortality & Eternal Life & you shall have the privilege of associating in the Celestial kingdom of God with these vary Apostles & Prophets whom you have been feeding Annually for the last fifteen years. ...
I care not what Congress or the Nation attempts to do against us. God will overthrow them & hedge up their way. ...
Elder Taylor Prophesyed that the Twelve should be delivered from the bondage of the poverty under which they had been weltering for years. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... I will say unto Sister Jane [Blackhurst] in the name of Jesus Christ as an Appostle that all the Blessings which have been promised you by the Apostles shall be fulfilled upon your head & when you get through with the toils of this life you shall Come forth in the Morning of the first resurrection Clothed with glory immortality & Eternal Life & you shall have the privilege of associating in the Celestial kingdom of God with these vary Apostles & Prophets whom you have been feeding Annually for the last fifteen years. ...
I care not what Congress or the Nation attempts to do against us. God will overthrow them & hedge up their way. ...
Elder Taylor Prophesyed that the Twelve should be delivered from the bondage of the poverty under which they had been weltering for years. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Dec 22, 1845
.... Mr. Kimball came to the room; some other persons were then present; he, K., asked if We understood the signs, and Was answered, "We did not." He explained them . . . "Are these not hard sayings?" said he, "you are bound to obey the Heads of the Church; avenge the blood of your brethren in every way possible, and strive to build up the kingdom; if you do not, you must suffer the penalties before mentioned." . . .
[Catherine Lewis, Narrative of Some of the Proceedings of the Mormons; Giving an Account of Their Iniquities, with Particulars Concerning the Training of the Indians by Them, Description of the Mode of Endowment, Plurality of Wives, (19)c., (19)c. (Lynn, Mass.: Catherine Lewis, 1848), 11, 17, as quoted in Sources on the Oath of Vengeance or Law of Retribution, Christopher C. Smith, privately circulated]
[Catherine Lewis, Narrative of Some of the Proceedings of the Mormons; Giving an Account of Their Iniquities, with Particulars Concerning the Training of the Indians by Them, Description of the Mode of Endowment, Plurality of Wives, (19)c., (19)c. (Lynn, Mass.: Catherine Lewis, 1848), 11, 17, as quoted in Sources on the Oath of Vengeance or Law of Retribution, Christopher C. Smith, privately circulated]
190 years ago today - 22 December 1835 - Tuesday
.... Continued my studys [of Hebrew] O may God give me learning even Language and indo [endue] me with qualifycations to magnify his name while I live I also deliv[er]ed an ad dress to the Church this Evening the Lord blessed my Soul, my scribe also is un well O my God heal him and for his kindness to me O my soul be thou greatful to him and bless him and he shall be blessed of for ever of God for ever I believe him to be a faithful friend to me therefore my soul delighteth in him Amen Joseph Smith Jr
[Joseph Smith, “Sketch Book for the use of Joseph Smith, jr.,†Journal, Sept. 1835â€"Apr. 1836]
[Joseph Smith, “Sketch Book for the use of Joseph Smith, jr.,†Journal, Sept. 1835â€"Apr. 1836]
190 years ago today - Dec 22, 1835
"my scribe also is unwell O my God heal him and for his kindness to me O my Soul be thou greatful to him and bless him and he Shall be blessed of for ever of God forever I believe him to be a faithful friend to me therefore my Soul delighteth in him Amen / Joseph Smith Jr"
[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]
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