CHURCH NEWS lists 117 appointments to new position (non-hierarchy) of "Area Authorities," including native-born professors at universities in Brazil, Canada, England, Japan, and Korea.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
30 years ago today - Aug 5, 1995
The Church News lists 117 appointments to the new position (non-hierarchy) of "Area Authorities," including native-born professors at universities in Brazil, Canada, England, Japan, and Korea.
[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 - Aug 5, 1975-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
This morning after our executives meeting, Florence Jacobsen asked me to come to her office and she said that she and her husband would like to give $10,000 to the Mormon History Trust Fund with the understanding that we will prepare or direct the preparation of histories or biographies of Jedediah and Rachel Ivins Grant, the parents of Heber J. Grant; and also the three wives of Heber J. Grant. I told her that we would accept the money and work on these projects, all of which would need to be done as a part of our general preparation of doing a general biography or history of Heber J. Grant as president of the Church. Sister Jacobsen said she wished this matter of her donation to the Mormon History Trust Fund kept quiet; that is, she does not want this information to be told publicly. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
This morning after our executives meeting, Florence Jacobsen asked me to come to her office and she said that she and her husband would like to give $10,000 to the Mormon History Trust Fund with the understanding that we will prepare or direct the preparation of histories or biographies of Jedediah and Rachel Ivins Grant, the parents of Heber J. Grant; and also the three wives of Heber J. Grant. I told her that we would accept the money and work on these projects, all of which would need to be done as a part of our general preparation of doing a general biography or history of Heber J. Grant as president of the Church. Sister Jacobsen said she wished this matter of her donation to the Mormon History Trust Fund kept quiet; that is, she does not want this information to be told publicly. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
135 years ago today - Aug 5, 1890
The object of these councils of 12 apostles being the mutually interchange sentiments promote perfect union and derive strength from our Heavenly Father & more fully [?] our callings & Apostleships. ... Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. B[righam]. Y[oung]. [Jr.] and Moses Thatcher spoke acknowledging their faults and asking brethren forgiveness if they had offended.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
145 years ago today - Aug 5, 1880 (Thursday)
Under the administration of the Elders, Eliza Robinson, of the Birmingham branch, England, was instantly healed of ulcers, after fifteen years suffering.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
150 years ago today - Aug 5, 1875
The trial of John Lee ends in a hung jury, with the nine Mormon jurors voting to acquit and the three non-Mormon jurors voting to convict. The trial, however, severely tarnishes the reputation of the LDS Church in the eyes of most Americans.
[Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html]
[Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html]
150 years ago today - Aug 5, 1875
Apostle Joseph Angell Young dies. He had never been a member of the First Presidency and was never added to the Quorum of the Twelve.
[Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)]
[Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)]
170 years ago today - Aug 5, 1855 (Evening)
President Young though[t] none would inherit this earth when it became celestial and translated into the presence of God but those who would be crowned as Gods and able to endure the fulness of the presence of God except they might be permitted to take with them some servants for whom they would be held responsible. All others would have to inherit another kingdom, even that kingdom agreeing with the law which they had kept. He thought they would eventually have the privilege of proving themselves worthy of advancing to a celestial kingdom, but it would be a slow progress. -- SLC Tabernacle
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:333-334, 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]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:333-334, 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]
175 years ago today - Aug 5, 1850 (Monday)
Pres. Brigham Young pointed out the site for a Temple on the hill where the Manti Temple, Sanpete Co., Utah, now stands.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
10 years ago today - 2015 August 4
The first photos of Joseph Smith's seer stone are made public by the Joseph Smith Papers Project, along with an Ensign article explaining its use in translating the Book of Mormon.
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
15 years ago today - Aug 4, 2010
In his 136-page ruling, Federal District Court Judge Vaughn Walker decided that Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same sex marriage passed in 2008, is unconstitutional.
[Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
115 years ago today - Aug 4, 1910; Thursday
A letter was read from President William A. Seegmiller, dated June 30th, from Tahiti, presenting a very embarrassing condition which our elders are confronted with in this: that the young Tahitians, after reaching ages ranging from 12 years upwards, continue the practice of their forefathers by living together as husband and wife; that after doing this for some years, after getting tired of a life of smoking, card-playing, &c., some of them will perhaps get married with a view of turning over a new leaf, and the custom is that they ask forgiveness, for the reason that they are already members of the Church, having been baptized when they were eight years of age, and they are then received by vote into fellowship; and by this time they generally have raised a family, and getting well along in life. This is a general condition among all faiths in religions in Tahiti, and this condition prevails despite the labors and teachings of the elders, and the government permits it, and in fact
many of the high French officials are themselves living with native women outside the marriage relation; and the absence of a marriage law makes it very hard for our elders, as we do not receive people as members of the Church living together in this done with [sic] our young native people who have been baptized when eight years of age, and who get in this condition a few years afterwards. Shall wholesale excommunication be made, or shall the wheat and tares be allowed to remain.
As President Smith had already given advice on the same question, it was concluded to lay this over until his return home. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
many of the high French officials are themselves living with native women outside the marriage relation; and the absence of a marriage law makes it very hard for our elders, as we do not receive people as members of the Church living together in this done with [sic] our young native people who have been baptized when eight years of age, and who get in this condition a few years afterwards. Shall wholesale excommunication be made, or shall the wheat and tares be allowed to remain.
As President Smith had already given advice on the same question, it was concluded to lay this over until his return home. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
180 years ago today - Aug 4, 1845
[William Clayton]
P.M. met at Dr Richards but the brethren did not come till late & I left. Emmett was at the council. He says his company are settled among the Sioux Indians about 200 miles beyond Council Bluffs. He says the old chief told him the United States government had promised to send white men amongst his tribe to learn them to raise grain &c but had fail-'s and he was determined now he had the opportunity to have the white people settle amongst them to avail himself of the privilege. It seems this is a favorable prospect for our having a home amongst that tribe if the United States should drive us. Emmett was baptized this evening but whether he will prove faithful is yet to be told.
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
P.M. met at Dr Richards but the brethren did not come till late & I left. Emmett was at the council. He says his company are settled among the Sioux Indians about 200 miles beyond Council Bluffs. He says the old chief told him the United States government had promised to send white men amongst his tribe to learn them to raise grain &c but had fail-'s and he was determined now he had the opportunity to have the white people settle amongst them to avail himself of the privilege. It seems this is a favorable prospect for our having a home amongst that tribe if the United States should drive us. Emmett was baptized this evening but whether he will prove faithful is yet to be told.
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
180 years ago today - Aug 4, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of John Needham given by William Smith ... the Lamanites shall hear thy voice for in other tongues the Gospel shall be preached to them the gift of tongues and interpretation shall be given thee, by Revelation thou shalt speak and thy tongue shall be unloosed none shall deceive thee for thou shalt have the discerning of Spirits also great wisdom even the true knowledge of God power to organize kingdoms and build up a church of God ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Aug 4, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Ira Rice given by William Smith ... thou art of a peculiar spirit when thy soul is moved it cometh forth from the deep thicket like the fierce lion that maketh the forest to tremble and as a terror upon thine enemies in thy fierce anger thou canst not be turned back for so the Lord maketh thee an avenger of the blood of Prophets ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
190 years ago today - (Tue) Aug 4, 1835
The Church temporarily withdrew fellowship from Orson Hyde and William E. McLellin, following their criticism of Sidney Rigdon's grammar school.
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
45 years ago today - Aug 3, 1980
Three BYU students are injured (Peter Bergstrom, a Swede, critically) in a terroristt bombing of the railway station of Bologna, Italy.
[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 - Aug 3, 1975-Sunday
[Leonard Arrington]
I should tell also something I heard in the Friday meeting of Bob Thomas, Frank Fox, and myself with Ernest Wilkinson about volume 3 of the BYU history. Someone made a remark about the frenzy with which President [Spencer W.] Kimball has been traveling here and there, making talks. His wife and his counselors became concerned, and entered into a conspiracy to ask his doctor, Ernest Wilkinson, Jr., to counsel him on a medical basis to cut down this activity. So Dr. Wilkinson agreed to do so, and gave him counsel, larded with medical language, about why he should cut his activity some. President Kimball merely looked at him somewhat impatiently and said, "Dr., if you knew what I know, you would not be trying to put a break [brake] on my work."
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
I should tell also something I heard in the Friday meeting of Bob Thomas, Frank Fox, and myself with Ernest Wilkinson about volume 3 of the BYU history. Someone made a remark about the frenzy with which President [Spencer W.] Kimball has been traveling here and there, making talks. His wife and his counselors became concerned, and entered into a conspiracy to ask his doctor, Ernest Wilkinson, Jr., to counsel him on a medical basis to cut down this activity. So Dr. Wilkinson agreed to do so, and gave him counsel, larded with medical language, about why he should cut his activity some. President Kimball merely looked at him somewhat impatiently and said, "Dr., if you knew what I know, you would not be trying to put a break [brake] on my work."
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
105 years ago today - Aug 3, 1920
It was reported that the old Historian's Office had been turned over to the L.D.S. University and would be operated in connection with the Gardo House as part of the L.D.S. School of Music. ... President Guy C. Wilson of the L.D.S.U. states that he conferred with Brother Hooper who agreed that the University School of Music be permitted to occupy the old Historian's Office.
[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
145 years ago today - Aug 3, 1880
The Mormon Salt Lake Herald reports that "not one-fourth of the registered voters" vote.
[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 )]]
150 years ago today - Aug 3, 1875
[Wilford Woodruff]
I spent the Evening with Bulah. Mrs Woodruff anointed her and I Blessed her <and the Lord revealed to me the [iniquity?]> of <the hearts of both man and woman.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I spent the Evening with Bulah. Mrs Woodruff anointed her and I Blessed her <and the Lord revealed to me the [iniquity?]> of <the hearts of both man and woman.>
[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 - Aug 3, 1845
[Brigham Young]
Well, it is no matter what day we observe or rest upon, if we rest the seventh part of the time. I don't remember that I have lived a Sabbath but I broke it; if we kindle a fire, we break it; if we prepare our victuals, we break it, if we eat, we break it. The fact is, in order to keep the Sabbath we must lie in bed all day and scarcely breathe. I take everything in life as it comes. I live for my friends and will seek to do everything in my power to heal them when they are sick, that is good to nourish and sustain their sinking nature. And if I could not heal them and they must die. ...
[Sermons and Writings of the Restoration. 4 Vols. Ogden Kraut, ed. Pioneer Press, 1994. 1:67-79; Manuscript. f 219, 81, 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]
Well, it is no matter what day we observe or rest upon, if we rest the seventh part of the time. I don't remember that I have lived a Sabbath but I broke it; if we kindle a fire, we break it; if we prepare our victuals, we break it, if we eat, we break it. The fact is, in order to keep the Sabbath we must lie in bed all day and scarcely breathe. I take everything in life as it comes. I live for my friends and will seek to do everything in my power to heal them when they are sick, that is good to nourish and sustain their sinking nature. And if I could not heal them and they must die. ...
[Sermons and Writings of the Restoration. 4 Vols. Ogden Kraut, ed. Pioneer Press, 1994. 1:67-79; Manuscript. f 219, 81, 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]
40 years ago today - Aug 2, 1985
A new LDS hymnbook, the first revision in 37 years, came off the presses.
[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]
70 years ago today - Aug 2, 1955
[J. Reuben Clark]
Mayor Earl J. Glade and County Commissioner Edwin Q. Cannon came in to see me as Chairman of the This is the Place Monument Commission. They wanted to talk about the proposal of Horace Sorenson's group who allegedly represent the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, to make a Pioneer Village Park out of part of the penitentiary property in Sugarhouse. ...
I told them, as I had told Commissioner Cannon yesterday, that personally I thought there was an incongruity and lack of the finer sensibilities to make a state penitentiary into a Pioneer Village; I thought the relationship was incongruous. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Mayor Earl J. Glade and County Commissioner Edwin Q. Cannon came in to see me as Chairman of the This is the Place Monument Commission. They wanted to talk about the proposal of Horace Sorenson's group who allegedly represent the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, to make a Pioneer Village Park out of part of the penitentiary property in Sugarhouse. ...
I told them, as I had told Commissioner Cannon yesterday, that personally I thought there was an incongruity and lack of the finer sensibilities to make a state penitentiary into a Pioneer Village; I thought the relationship was incongruous. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 2, 1900
[Apostle Rudger Clawson]
The clerk read a letter from Emma Jensen of Logan, in which she charged the son [William Smith] of a prominent official [Isaac Smith] of the church in the Cache Stake of being the father of an illegitimate child by her daughter. Apostle A. H. Lund, with Apostle Cowley to assist, was appointed to investigate the matter.
[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]
The clerk read a letter from Emma Jensen of Logan, in which she charged the son [William Smith] of a prominent official [Isaac Smith] of the church in the Cache Stake of being the father of an illegitimate child by her daughter. Apostle A. H. Lund, with Apostle Cowley to assist, was appointed to investigate the matter.
[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]
170 years ago today - Aug 2, 1855
The good people of Davis [county] had brought out their nominees for the Legislature.
Bishop John Stoker for the Council and Anson Call & Jesse Hobson for the House of Representative[.] My business to Davis was to have one of the nominees to withdraw and John D. Parker [of the Council of Fifty, the political governing body] put on the track in his place accordingly I called the Bishops and other leading men together and laid the matter before them[.] The plan was adopted & A Call withdran & Parker put in his place all to the most perfect satisfaction of all partiesstaid with my Brother all night
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Bishop John Stoker for the Council and Anson Call & Jesse Hobson for the House of Representative[.] My business to Davis was to have one of the nominees to withdraw and John D. Parker [of the Council of Fifty, the political governing body] put on the track in his place accordingly I called the Bishops and other leading men together and laid the matter before them[.] The plan was adopted & A Call withdran & Parker put in his place all to the most perfect satisfaction of all partiesstaid with my Brother all night
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Aug 2, 1845
[William Clayton]
P.M. rode in the new Church Carriage with Prest. Young, H. C. Kimball, N. K. Whitney & George Miller to look out two Blocks of Emma-'s which she has agreed to give the Trustees for $550.-They selected Blocks 96 & 97 and then went to mother Smiths and took her into the Carriage to show her the blocks and give her her choice which of the two she would have to be deeded to herself and her daughters. She selected Block 96. She wants a house building of the same pattern with brother Kimballs. After we got through she asked for the new carriage saying that Prest. Young & the Trustees promised it to her. She also wanted another horse and a two horse harness. Neither the Trustees nor Prest. Young ever promised the carriage to mother Smith, but they told her that when it was built they would ride her round in it. There is no doubt but Arthur Millikin, Lucys husband, or else William has prompted her to do this out of ill feelings and jealousy lest brother Brigham should ride in it. Arthur
idles his time away. He will do nothing either for himself or any one else, but out of respect for mother Smith the brethren would rather indulge the whole family than to hurt her feelings. She is old and childish and the brethren strive to do all they can to comfort her. They have lent her the carriage while she lives, but it is church property and when she dies it falls into the hands of the Trustees.
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
P.M. rode in the new Church Carriage with Prest. Young, H. C. Kimball, N. K. Whitney & George Miller to look out two Blocks of Emma-'s which she has agreed to give the Trustees for $550.-They selected Blocks 96 & 97 and then went to mother Smiths and took her into the Carriage to show her the blocks and give her her choice which of the two she would have to be deeded to herself and her daughters. She selected Block 96. She wants a house building of the same pattern with brother Kimballs. After we got through she asked for the new carriage saying that Prest. Young & the Trustees promised it to her. She also wanted another horse and a two horse harness. Neither the Trustees nor Prest. Young ever promised the carriage to mother Smith, but they told her that when it was built they would ride her round in it. There is no doubt but Arthur Millikin, Lucys husband, or else William has prompted her to do this out of ill feelings and jealousy lest brother Brigham should ride in it. Arthur
idles his time away. He will do nothing either for himself or any one else, but out of respect for mother Smith the brethren would rather indulge the whole family than to hurt her feelings. She is old and childish and the brethren strive to do all they can to comfort her. They have lent her the carriage while she lives, but it is church property and when she dies it falls into the hands of the Trustees.
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
45 years ago today - Aug 01, 1980
Jeffrey R. Holland begins his term as the ninth president of BYU (1980-89).
55 years ago today - Aug 1, 1970
(August) First Presidency's instruction: "A female Church member married to a nonmember is not permitted to receive a temple recommend for her endowment blessing. The same applies to a female member married to a Church member who has not received his endowment, even though the husband is willing to give his consent in writing for his wife to receive her endowment." On 27 Jan. 1972, the First Presidency complained that "from time to time recommends are issued to sisters in accordance with the old provision in the handbook but contrary to and in apparent ignorance of the new instruction contained in the Aug. 1970 'Priesthood Bulletin.'" Since 1845 the temple endowment had been available for women to bless their non-LDS husbands. The First Presidency repeats this instruction on 25 July 1979 because of "an increasing number of instances in which local leaders issue temple recommends contrary to the express limitations of the General Handbook."
[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 - Aug 1, 1880
.... my aunt became acquainted with David Whitmer, who lived there; and wishing to be edified by the account of a reliable eye-witness concerning the appearance and peculiarities of the wonderful plates, she took early opportunity to converse with him on the subject, when, to her amazement, the veracious Whitmer assured her that he never had seen them. "Suppose," said he, "that you had a friend whose character was such that you knew it impossible that he could lie; then if he described a city to you which you had never seen, could you not, by the eye of faith, see the city just as he described it?" She answered that, however that might be, the certificate attached to the Mormon Bible had given rise to the belief that the three witnesses had actually seen and handled the book of plates. Thereupon he went on to relate the bottom facts, which formed the basis of his faith, to this effect: That he went into the woods after some maple sap, and having filled two large pails, he set out
to return home. The pails of sap were so heavy that he was obliged to stop and rest at short intervals, and the sharp roots and stubs hurt his bare feet so badly that he had great difficulty in getting along at all. So sitting alone in the woods, he fell to thinking of Smith and of the plates he claimed to have found, and finally, to ease his doubts, he knelt and prayed that if Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and the plates a genuine revelation from God, that the sap might be made lighter as a token thereof. The prayer being ended, he arose, and lifted the sap, which now had apparently no weight whatever, and he went the remaining distance--I think a half mile--without setting it down once, getting over the ground easier than if empty-handed. Whether Cowdery and Harris had such convincing proof, I do not know. ...
[E. S. Gilbert to Ellen E. Dickinson, 1 August 1880, in Ellen E. Dickinson, New Light on Mormonism (New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1885), 261-62., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: E. S. Gilbert To Ellen E. Dickinson]
to return home. The pails of sap were so heavy that he was obliged to stop and rest at short intervals, and the sharp roots and stubs hurt his bare feet so badly that he had great difficulty in getting along at all. So sitting alone in the woods, he fell to thinking of Smith and of the plates he claimed to have found, and finally, to ease his doubts, he knelt and prayed that if Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and the plates a genuine revelation from God, that the sap might be made lighter as a token thereof. The prayer being ended, he arose, and lifted the sap, which now had apparently no weight whatever, and he went the remaining distance--I think a half mile--without setting it down once, getting over the ground easier than if empty-handed. Whether Cowdery and Harris had such convincing proof, I do not know. ...
[E. S. Gilbert to Ellen E. Dickinson, 1 August 1880, in Ellen E. Dickinson, New Light on Mormonism (New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1885), 261-62., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: E. S. Gilbert To Ellen E. Dickinson]
150 years ago today - Aug 1, 1875
George W. Hill baptizes more than 300 Shoshone Indians in [the Malad River of] Box Elder County, Utah, and performs priesthood administrations which heal many of them. The First Presidency establishes Washakie Farm for Indian converts in Box Elder County. Two years later one of Brigham Young's sons writes of these Native American converts: "They practiced polygamy [before LDS baptism] & of course continue it."
[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 )]]
165 years ago today - Aug 1, 1860
Brigham Young's office journal records: "In the evening Pres. Young discoursed upon the folly of daring each other to rash acts."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Aug 1, 1855
In conversing upon various principles President Young thought none would inherit this Earth when it became celestial & translated into the presence of God but those who would be Crowned as Gods & able to endure the fulness of the Presence of God ex[cept?] they might be permitted to take with them some servants for whom they would be held responsible. All others would have to inherit another kingdom even that kingdom agreeing with the law which they had kept. Yet He thought they would eventually have the privilege of proveing themselves worthy & advanceing to a Celestial kingdom but it would be a slow progress.
On Saturday evening Aug 4th The Universal Scientific society met in the Music Hall And herd an Address deliverd by Professor Orson Pratt. He there made known the Law governing the Planetary rotation which was the first time that Law was ever made known to the inhabitants of the Earth in this age of the world & we have no account of its ever being revealed to man before. It is the Law which Asstronomers have diligently sought to find out for many centauries.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
On Saturday evening Aug 4th The Universal Scientific society met in the Music Hall And herd an Address deliverd by Professor Orson Pratt. He there made known the Law governing the Planetary rotation which was the first time that Law was ever made known to the inhabitants of the Earth in this age of the world & we have no account of its ever being revealed to man before. It is the Law which Asstronomers have diligently sought to find out for many centauries.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
195 years ago today - August [1-7], 1830
[Word of Wisdom]
Newel Knights and his wife paid us a visit at our place in Harmony. Neither his wife nor mine had been as yet confirmed, and it was proposed that we should <have sacrament together &> confirm them; before he & his wife should leave us.
In order to prepare for these things I set out—to go to procure some wine for the occasion. I had however gone but a short distance when I was met by a heavenly messenger, and had the following revelation [D&C 27]. the first paragraph of which was written at this time, & the remainder in Septer following
Agreeable to this revelation we prepared some wine of our own make, and <and> held our meeting which consisted only of five; viz: Newel Knight & wife myself & wife and John Whitmer. We partook together of the sacrament after which we confirmed the two sisters into the Church, and spent the evening in a glorious manner. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us and we praised God & rejoiced exceedingly.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, Mormon History 1830-1844, Word of Wisdom, http://www.web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/wow.phtml]
Newel Knights and his wife paid us a visit at our place in Harmony. Neither his wife nor mine had been as yet confirmed, and it was proposed that we should <have sacrament together &> confirm them; before he & his wife should leave us.
In order to prepare for these things I set out—to go to procure some wine for the occasion. I had however gone but a short distance when I was met by a heavenly messenger, and had the following revelation [D&C 27]. the first paragraph of which was written at this time, & the remainder in Septer following
Agreeable to this revelation we prepared some wine of our own make, and <and> held our meeting which consisted only of five; viz: Newel Knight & wife myself & wife and John Whitmer. We partook together of the sacrament after which we confirmed the two sisters into the Church, and spent the evening in a glorious manner. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us and we praised God & rejoiced exceedingly.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, Mormon History 1830-1844, Word of Wisdom, http://www.web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/wow.phtml]
50 years ago today - Jul 31, 1975-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
Today Russell Williams called Earl [Olson], myself, and Maureen [Beecher] to his office. And he told us that we are at liberty to keep Maureen on as a member of our staff after she has her baby. Her case in my letter caused the personnel people to go to the Legal Department of the Church and to other legal firms to get opinions as to whether they could continue the practice they had been following of terminating the services of employees upon going to the hospital to have their babies. Brother Williams wrote a three-paragraph one-page letter to the First Presidency reporting the results of these legal decisions which obviously were that the Church was no longer exempt from the applications of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.
The brethren in their meeting apparently decided to permit Sister Beecher to retain employment and to do the same for other female employees who might be pregnant. With such a decision having been made and approved by President [Marion G.] Romney in consultation with Brother Williams, it is now up to the personnel people to work out the terms to be arranged-how much sick leave will be permitted and so on before they return to work. Brother Williams is now in the process of working out these details. He wanted to give to us the result of the policy change to assure Maureen that she will be retained, but suggests that not much be said about it yet until there is a public announcement until after the details have been worked out.
Maureen, of course, was very happy as was I and Earl. After our return, Maureen and I had a moment of prayer in my office.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Today Russell Williams called Earl [Olson], myself, and Maureen [Beecher] to his office. And he told us that we are at liberty to keep Maureen on as a member of our staff after she has her baby. Her case in my letter caused the personnel people to go to the Legal Department of the Church and to other legal firms to get opinions as to whether they could continue the practice they had been following of terminating the services of employees upon going to the hospital to have their babies. Brother Williams wrote a three-paragraph one-page letter to the First Presidency reporting the results of these legal decisions which obviously were that the Church was no longer exempt from the applications of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.
The brethren in their meeting apparently decided to permit Sister Beecher to retain employment and to do the same for other female employees who might be pregnant. With such a decision having been made and approved by President [Marion G.] Romney in consultation with Brother Williams, it is now up to the personnel people to work out the terms to be arranged-how much sick leave will be permitted and so on before they return to work. Brother Williams is now in the process of working out these details. He wanted to give to us the result of the policy change to assure Maureen that she will be retained, but suggests that not much be said about it yet until there is a public announcement until after the details have been worked out.
Maureen, of course, was very happy as was I and Earl. After our return, Maureen and I had a moment of prayer in my office.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
90 years ago today - 80 years - Jul 31, 1935
[J. Reuben Clark & David O. McKay letter]
We have your letter of July 29, 1935, dealing with the question of the handling of certain persons who, it would appear from your letter, are living in adultery, and trying to cloak their relations under the guise of plural marriage.
We enclose herewith a copy of the circular letter, dated Jun 17, 1933, by the First Presidency, and which covers the situation fully.
You will see from this circular that these people, if living as supposed, are not living the law of plural marriage, but are, on the contrary, simply adulterers.
From your statement it would seem that these people are committing crimes against the laws of Arizona. If this be true it is your duty to assist the civil offices in their efforts to uphold and enforce the law.
You are of course familiar as to the steps to be taken in the matter of excommunication from the Church, and you should proceed against these people at once in order to purge the Church of sin.
[J. Reuben Clark and David O. McKay, Letter to Charles C. Heaton, 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]
We have your letter of July 29, 1935, dealing with the question of the handling of certain persons who, it would appear from your letter, are living in adultery, and trying to cloak their relations under the guise of plural marriage.
We enclose herewith a copy of the circular letter, dated Jun 17, 1933, by the First Presidency, and which covers the situation fully.
You will see from this circular that these people, if living as supposed, are not living the law of plural marriage, but are, on the contrary, simply adulterers.
From your statement it would seem that these people are committing crimes against the laws of Arizona. If this be true it is your duty to assist the civil offices in their efforts to uphold and enforce the law.
You are of course familiar as to the steps to be taken in the matter of excommunication from the Church, and you should proceed against these people at once in order to purge the Church of sin.
[J. Reuben Clark and David O. McKay, Letter to Charles C. Heaton, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - 115 years - Jul 31, 1900; Tuesday
[Anthony Ivins]
Prest. [Joseph F.] Smith informed me that his visit was primarily to meet [BYU President] Bro. [Benjamin] Cluff [Jr.] & advise him to either disband his expedition [to look for Book of Mormon evidence in South America] or reorganize it. ... Prest. Smith said for some time reports had reached the Presidency from this expedition which were alarming. The idea had been conveyed that this was a church expedition. ... Bro. Cluff spoke. Said he greatly desired to go forward. If he returned now the expedition would be a failure & his reputation was worth [more] to him than his life. ... Prest. Smith said that he would not be placed in a position to be held responsible for the act of any individual you must choose for yourself. ...
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
Prest. [Joseph F.] Smith informed me that his visit was primarily to meet [BYU President] Bro. [Benjamin] Cluff [Jr.] & advise him to either disband his expedition [to look for Book of Mormon evidence in South America] or reorganize it. ... Prest. Smith said for some time reports had reached the Presidency from this expedition which were alarming. The idea had been conveyed that this was a church expedition. ... Bro. Cluff spoke. Said he greatly desired to go forward. If he returned now the expedition would be a failure & his reputation was worth [more] to him than his life. ... Prest. Smith said that he would not be placed in a position to be held responsible for the act of any individual you must choose for yourself. ...
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
130 years ago today - Jul 31, 1895
Sisters Z[ina] D H Young, Jane S. Richards, Bathsheba B Smith & M I Horne & Emily T. Richards being together'The 3 Presidents & I & later John H[enry]. Smith we listened to the views of the Presidency to the sisters as to the course they should pursue in their political relations & labors as suffragists & as Democrats, very clear pointed & energetic instructions as to political principles and to practice.
[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
180 years ago today - 170 years - Jul 31, 1845
Thursday prayer circle meeting of males at 4 p.m. at Willard Richards's office where "prayers were offered for a number of the sick and for several other general subjects" . However, female members of the Anointed Quorum were told that there was "no prayer meeting to day" .
[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]
[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]
190 years ago today - 180 years - Jul 31, 1835
Patriarchal Blessing of Loren Babbit given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... if thou wilt keep the commandments of God and observe the word of Wisdom[,] Thou shalt live to see thy three score years and ten and be satisfied with life... thou shalt be useful unto thy fellow men. through the seventy years: of thy life which thou mayest live upon the earth, if thou desire.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:112-113, 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 1:112-113, 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]
45 years ago today - Jul 30, 1980
CALGARY HERALD reports: "Blood Indians camped, on the northern edge of Cardston, Alberta, Canada, pledging to pull all their money out of banks in the town of 3200 and refusing to purchase anything from Cardston businesses. . . . Anger was directed at Cardston residents and specifically at the Mormon Church. The town was founded by Mormon pioneers and is the site of a temple. This is the latest turn in the dispute over the Bloods' claim to land they say is rightfully theirs-land that takes in the town. Blood Indians claimed they have heard racist statements from town residents, been refused service in local businesses, and been refused treatment in the local hospital. They now plan to take their economic revenge."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
65 years ago today - Jul 30, 1960
[J. Reuben Clark]
[In conversation with Mark E. Petersen:] Then he told me the following: That he was very much disturbed about the work that was being given to the Brethren; that, confidentially, Brother Spencer Kimball told him that he was working to the point of exhaustion at which he was when he had his last heart attack; that Brother Stapley was taking a nitroglycerin tablet every day and he was worn down; and that the rest of the Brethren were working to the point where he was most apprehensive.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[In conversation with Mark E. Petersen:] Then he told me the following: That he was very much disturbed about the work that was being given to the Brethren; that, confidentially, Brother Spencer Kimball told him that he was working to the point of exhaustion at which he was when he had his last heart attack; that Brother Stapley was taking a nitroglycerin tablet every day and he was worn down; and that the rest of the Brethren were working to the point where he was most apprehensive.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
100 years ago today - Jul 30, 1925
[George F. Richards]
Attended weekly council meeting in the Temple where I received the appointment to attend, alone, the Jordan Stake Conference Aug. 8&9. In my report I suggested that the last written speech of [recently passed away anti-evolutionist preacher] Wm. J. Bryan on Christianity & Evolution should be published in pamphlet form or in some form where it could be referred to and be accessible. Pres. Grant said it could be published in the Improvement Era. After the meeting I phoned Editor Ed. Henderson who said he would see to it &c.
[George F. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Attended weekly council meeting in the Temple where I received the appointment to attend, alone, the Jordan Stake Conference Aug. 8&9. In my report I suggested that the last written speech of [recently passed away anti-evolutionist preacher] Wm. J. Bryan on Christianity & Evolution should be published in pamphlet form or in some form where it could be referred to and be accessible. Pres. Grant said it could be published in the Improvement Era. After the meeting I phoned Editor Ed. Henderson who said he would see to it &c.
[George F. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
130 years ago today - Jul 30, 1895
[Heber J. Grant]
[Council meeting of all presidency, 6 apostles, stake presidents, Caine, Richards, King] The matter under discussion was the activity taken by our sisters in the political matters. Nearly all of us who were present expressed regrets that the sisters should have taken such an active part in political matters and gone out and made so many speeches, and while we regretted this the general feeling was that for the Presidency to now ask these sisters to stop their work would bring ill feelings about among those not of us, and the cry would go out that the Church was not allowing its members perfect freedom. It was decided to let the matter go along as it had started, but the feeling generally was that leading officials in the Relief Societies should have kept out of active work in political matters. ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Council meeting of all presidency, 6 apostles, stake presidents, Caine, Richards, King] The matter under discussion was the activity taken by our sisters in the political matters. Nearly all of us who were present expressed regrets that the sisters should have taken such an active part in political matters and gone out and made so many speeches, and while we regretted this the general feeling was that for the Presidency to now ask these sisters to stop their work would bring ill feelings about among those not of us, and the cry would go out that the Church was not allowing its members perfect freedom. It was decided to let the matter go along as it had started, but the feeling generally was that leading officials in the Relief Societies should have kept out of active work in political matters. ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jul 30, 1850
[Wilford Woodruff]
Our Encampment or the first division of it was called to pass through one of those Horrid scenes to day which are so much dredded by all Emigrating Companies on the plaines which was A stampede of all the ox teams with the family waggons of the first division with the exception of the 10 Baggage who were in the rear. No person who has not Experienced or witnessed one of those dredful scenes cannot form any Correct idea of them And it is almost impossible to give A Correct description of it for to behold 30 or 40 ox teams from 2 to five yoke of oxen in each team Attached to a family waggon of goods & women & Children All in an instant like the twinkling of an Eye be deprived of all reason sens & government & be filled with madness frantic & fright & all dart off with lightning speed each running their own way, roaring, bellowing rolling & tumbling over each other waggons upsetting smashing their wheels Exles & tongues spilling the goods women & Child in the street, for the next
teams to trample under their feet as they roar & charge on their way with their yokes bows & chains flying in evry direction is A scene not easily imagined or described. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Our Encampment or the first division of it was called to pass through one of those Horrid scenes to day which are so much dredded by all Emigrating Companies on the plaines which was A stampede of all the ox teams with the family waggons of the first division with the exception of the 10 Baggage who were in the rear. No person who has not Experienced or witnessed one of those dredful scenes cannot form any Correct idea of them And it is almost impossible to give A Correct description of it for to behold 30 or 40 ox teams from 2 to five yoke of oxen in each team Attached to a family waggon of goods & women & Children All in an instant like the twinkling of an Eye be deprived of all reason sens & government & be filled with madness frantic & fright & all dart off with lightning speed each running their own way, roaring, bellowing rolling & tumbling over each other waggons upsetting smashing their wheels Exles & tongues spilling the goods women & Child in the street, for the next
teams to trample under their feet as they roar & charge on their way with their yokes bows & chains flying in evry direction is A scene not easily imagined or described. ...
[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 - Jul 30, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Patriarchal Blessing of Gad Sprague given by William Smith ... for thou art a descendant of the house of Caleb partaking some little of the blood of Dan as made known by the Spirit in this blessing & like the fierce tempest or the waves of the troubled Sea when thy Soul is troubled because of wrongs thou shalt be borne on until Vengeance hath been afflicted on those who are the murderers of Prophets ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Patriarchal Blessing of Gad Sprague given by William Smith ... for thou art a descendant of the house of Caleb partaking some little of the blood of Dan as made known by the Spirit in this blessing & like the fierce tempest or the waves of the troubled Sea when thy Soul is troubled because of wrongs thou shalt be borne on until Vengeance hath been afflicted on those who are the murderers of Prophets ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
185 years ago today - Jul 30, 1840 (Thursday)
Thurs 30 Went to Nauvoo attend fast & Prayer Meeting for the Purpose of calling on the lord that he would pacify the Elements &c that health may be restored to the Saints. Joseph said that inasmuch as the Saints will leaving of Speaking evil of one another & not Speaking evil of the Seer which Speaking evil of the archangel or the holy Keys which he held & the archangel & if the church would cease from these bickerings & murmerings & be of one mind the Lord would visit them with health & every needed good, for said he this is the voice of the Spirit. furthermore if the Saints are sick or have sickness in their families, and the Elders do not prevail every family should get power by fasting & prayer & anointing with oil & continue so to do their sick shall be healed this also is the voice of the Spirit.
[John Smith Diary -Words of Joseph Smith, 36-37, The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[John Smith Diary -Words of Joseph Smith, 36-37, The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
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