[Leonard Arrington]
Sterling McMurrin, who was at the ballet, told me a J. Golden Kimball story. Said he was present when his grandmother [Mary Ellen], a wife of Joseph W. McMurrin [Sr.], the Seventy (now deceased), was visited by J. Golden. She was complaining of poor treatment by the Church. After her husband died, she had little to live on. She finally complained to the Church, and they soon started sending her a $10 check each month. She was insulted and sent the check back. J. Golden then said he prayed every night that his wife died before he did so she would not have to be subjected to depending on the Church for subsistence.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
135 years ago today - Feb 17, 1890
First Counselor George Q. Cannon meets with the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Senator Calvin S. Brice. He argues against Brice's recommendation that the Church make a public announcement of the cessation of plural marriages by saying that plural marriages have ceased in the church and that older polygamists will eventually die off. He does not mention that church-sanctioned plural marriages are being conducted in Mexico by Alexander McDonald. Later at home, he writes in his diary, "How could any man come out and say that it [polygamy] was not right or that it must be discontinued, and set themselves up in opposition to God."
170 years ago today - Feb 17, 1855
'The Mormon' first published in New York City; John Taylor, editor. Ceases publication in 1857. Its motto was ―it is better to represent ourselves than to be represented by others. Proclaimed its desire to be the ―true representative of Mormonism to the world.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
190 years ago today - Feb 17, 1835
The committee in charge of compiling Latter Day Saint revelations, comprising Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, issue a letter that later becomes the preface to the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. The preface describes the Lectures on Faith as "embracing the important doctrine of salvation", and describes the remaining section as containing "items of principles for the regulation of the church, as taken from the revelations which have been given since its organization, as well as from former ones." In the process of compilation, many of these earlier revelations were extensively revised by the committee.
[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 - Feb 15, 1985
Don LeFevre, director of the LDS press relations, issues a statement warning that "privately arranged placement of any children without a licensed agency's sanction is frequently in violation of local or national law. Church officers or members should not be involved in such arrangements." Recently a baby-smuggling ring, which sold some infants to childless had been broken and Nelda Karen Cotwell of Layton, Utah, convicted for conspiring to illegally bring Mexican infants into the United States and sell them..
85 years ago today - Feb 15, 1940
HOLLYWOOD CITIZEN article about actress Laraine Day: "Wonders never cease and today we met in the center of Hollywood a movie actress, and a beautiful one, too, who never has tasted a cocktail nor smoked a cigarette. Her name is Laraine Day, and lips that touch liquor shall never touch hers, and if there is any other movie star with a record like that, we'll put it in our pipe and smoke it. We're not trying to spoof Miss Day, either. She is a member of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, she's engaged to a missionary, and we have the greatest of respect for her. Only we're a little surprised that a girl of her temperament and background is in the movies. . . .Miss Day, who is hazel-eyed, barely 20, and one of the brightest of M-G-M's younger stars, likes night clubs, where she drinks either soda pop or milk."
90 years ago today - Feb 15, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
I note what you say in your letter of February 12 regarding the activities of the Moose fraternity in your Stake. I have no recollection of having written letters recommending that our people join the Loyal Order of Moose. We have always advised Church members against joining secret societies, as we feel that there is an abundance of opportunity in the Church for young and old to devote all their spare time in helping the Wards or Branches where they reside, or in rendering assistance to our auxiliary associations, and that there is no need to join any other organization of any kind or description, thus dividing their activities. However, it is my understanding that the Moose is not a secret organization, in which event we would not be justified in asking our people not to become affiliated with it.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Josiah Call, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
I note what you say in your letter of February 12 regarding the activities of the Moose fraternity in your Stake. I have no recollection of having written letters recommending that our people join the Loyal Order of Moose. We have always advised Church members against joining secret societies, as we feel that there is an abundance of opportunity in the Church for young and old to devote all their spare time in helping the Wards or Branches where they reside, or in rendering assistance to our auxiliary associations, and that there is no need to join any other organization of any kind or description, thus dividing their activities. However, it is my understanding that the Moose is not a secret organization, in which event we would not be justified in asking our people not to become affiliated with it.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Josiah Call, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Feb 15, 1905
The Smoot hearing had concentrated attention on the practice of polygamy in Utah. However Chairman Burrows was extending the investigation to Mormon practice in other states such as New Mexico. The church felt that the main issue in the Smoot hearing was not simply the seating of the Senator from Utah.
[1905-February 15-Original letter, Reed Smoot collection,, Brigham Young University Library, Archives, Provo, Utah, as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[1905-February 15-Original letter, Reed Smoot collection,, Brigham Young University Library, Archives, Provo, Utah, as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
150 years ago today - Feb 15, 1875
In TRUE L.D.S. HERALD, President Joseph Smith III writes: "We are pained to learn that some few Elders are making an unnecessary distinction between the white and colored races in regard to gospel ordinances and fellowship....It is unjust to the Church for one, two or more Elders to teach, preach, or advise a distinction and exclusion from church fellowship and communion upon the ground of race or color; while the 'articles and covenants of the Church' nowhere warrant such exclusion, and the practice of the Church has never sanctioned it....We think it derogatory to the teaching of Jesus, as found in the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants to insist upon a separation of the races." The RLDS (Community of Christ) Church differs with The Utah Church on race relations.
[E[lisha]. W[oodward]. Vanderhoof (1832-?), Historical Sketches of Western New York (Buffalo, New York: Printed for private distribution by the Matthews-Northrop Works, 1907), 138-39., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Elisha W. Vanderhoof Account]
[E[lisha]. W[oodward]. Vanderhoof (1832-?), Historical Sketches of Western New York (Buffalo, New York: Printed for private distribution by the Matthews-Northrop Works, 1907), 138-39., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Elisha W. Vanderhoof Account]
155 years ago today - Feb 15, 1870
Oliver Cowdery's widow, Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery Johnson, a daughter of David Whitmer, made a statement regarding the translation of the Book of Mormon. "I cheerfully certify that I was familiar with the manner of Joseph Smith's translating the book of Mormon. He translated the most of it at my father's house. And I often sat by and saw and heard them translate and write for hours together. Joseph never had a curtain drawn between him and his scribe while he was translating. He would place the director in his hat, and then place his face in his hat, so as to exclude the light, . . ."
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1845
Sidney Rigdon asks, in the LDS newspaper MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE "Did the Lord ever tell any people that sleeping with their neighbor's wives and daughters had any thing to do with preparing the way of the Savior's coming[?]" Ridgon's daughter, Nancy, had been approached by Joseph Smith and asked to become a secret plural wife. This caused a rift between Rigdon and Smith.
190 years ago today - Feb 15, 1835
In Kirtland Oliver Cowdery contintues ordinations and blessings of original Twelve Apostles chosen the previous day. Though he never spoke to his associates about his ethnic heritage, William E. McLellin, whose mother was Cherokee, is ordained an apostle to become the first general authority of native American extraction. McLellin is blessed: "his days may be prolonged until the coming of the Son of Man. He shall be wafted as on eagles wings from country to country and from people to people and be able to do wonders in the midst of this generation, . . ."
Twenty-three-year-old John F. Boynton is ordained to the apostleship as the first and only never-married bachelor in the hierarchy. He remains a bachelor eleven months. Boynton is blessed: "Thou shalt see the face of thy Redeemer in the flesh."
Orson Hyde is blessed: "He shall be equal with his brethren in holding the keys of the kingdom; that he may stand on the earth and bring souls till Christ comes."
David W. Patten is blessed: "May he have power to smite his enemies before him with utter destruction. May he continue until the Lord comes."
Luke Johnson is blessed: "The nations shall tremble before him. He shall hear the voice of God, he shall comfort the hearts of the saints always. The angels shall bear him up till he shall finish his ministry."
William Smith is blessed: "He shall be preserved and remain on earth until Christ shall come to take vengeance on the wicked."
Twenty-three-year-old John F. Boynton is ordained to the apostleship as the first and only never-married bachelor in the hierarchy. He remains a bachelor eleven months. Boynton is blessed: "Thou shalt see the face of thy Redeemer in the flesh."
Orson Hyde is blessed: "He shall be equal with his brethren in holding the keys of the kingdom; that he may stand on the earth and bring souls till Christ comes."
David W. Patten is blessed: "May he have power to smite his enemies before him with utter destruction. May he continue until the Lord comes."
Luke Johnson is blessed: "The nations shall tremble before him. He shall hear the voice of God, he shall comfort the hearts of the saints always. The angels shall bear him up till he shall finish his ministry."
William Smith is blessed: "He shall be preserved and remain on earth until Christ shall come to take vengeance on the wicked."
200 years ago today - Feb 15, 1825
The Boston Medical Intelligencer notes "The students of the Medical Institution in New-Haven, have engaged Mr S. F. B. Morse to paint a portrait of Professor Smith ..." This was Dr. Nathan Smith, who had saved Joseph Smith's leg a dozen years earlier.
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
40 years ago today - Feb 14, 1985
In the United States, the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism formally announced that they would begin to accept women as rabbis.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
45 years ago today - Feb 14, 1980-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
To my weekly meeting with Elder [G. Homer] Durham this morning he had invited Don Schmidt as well. ... The Brethren are very concerned about the leaks that have occurred in the past that have resulted in the Kirtland revelation book, the Joseph Smith diary, and the projected publication of other works by the [Jerald and Sandra] Tanners. [[In 1979 the Tanners had published both of the mentioned items, Joseph Smith's 1832-34 Diary and Joseph Smith's Kirtland Revelation Book, as reproductions of photographic images they had obtained from microfilm copies.]] With respect to our division, he wanted me to emphasize the importance of security with the staff. Specifically, he wanted to know what happened with the materials Sister [Edyth] Romney typed. ...
Jan said that Robert Hullinger, the Lutheran minister who was at Concordia Lutheran College in Kentucky, is now a minister in St. Louis or thereabouts. He called her one day to say he was in trouble. He had earlier prepared an article on why Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon. It was complimentary to Joseph Smith, but still was an interpretation based on the assumption that Joseph Smith wrote it; and the reason he wrote it, Hullinger said, was in order to show further evidence to the divinity and relevance of Jesus to contemporary America. Jan replied in her note to him at that time as follows: ["]If you assume that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon, and if you assume that he was influenced by contemporary thought, this seems to be a sound approach." In the years afterwards, as we had known, Hullinger had expanded that article into a little book entitled Mormon Answer to the Skeptics: Why Joseph Smith Wrote the Book of Mormon. It was accepted for publication by
the Lutheran Press. At Hullinger's suggestion, the press had placed on the back of this paperback book an abbreviated quote from Jan Shipps, which said simply, "I believe this is a sound interpretation of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon." Signed, Jan Shipps, President of MHA. Hullinger had finally realized he ought to have her permission to do this. She said under no circumstances would he have her permission and it must be removed. He said unfortunately the book was already out, and they would have to redo the back page, which would cost several hundred dollars-and he was putting up the money. She said that it must be removed, there was no way out of it. When he discovered he couldn't persuade her otherwise, he asked her to get in touch with the publisher. She phoned her university lawyer, who told her to try to persuade them to change it-in a nice way. If unable to do so, she should mention an injunction against them selling the book, but to hold that threat in reserve. She
talked to the lady at the press, who was so upset that she was crying, but Jan pointed out it would have to be removed. She regarded herself as an intermediary between the Mormons and non-Mormons, and she was furthermore the president of the Mormon History Association and she could not possibly lose her standing and credibility and the confidence and trust in her by Mormon historians. And so it would simply have to be removed. They finally agreed to do it, and she didn't have to mention the threat of an injunction. So the book is now out and you can tell from the back page that something has been blotted out but it doesn't appear there.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
To my weekly meeting with Elder [G. Homer] Durham this morning he had invited Don Schmidt as well. ... The Brethren are very concerned about the leaks that have occurred in the past that have resulted in the Kirtland revelation book, the Joseph Smith diary, and the projected publication of other works by the [Jerald and Sandra] Tanners. [[In 1979 the Tanners had published both of the mentioned items, Joseph Smith's 1832-34 Diary and Joseph Smith's Kirtland Revelation Book, as reproductions of photographic images they had obtained from microfilm copies.]] With respect to our division, he wanted me to emphasize the importance of security with the staff. Specifically, he wanted to know what happened with the materials Sister [Edyth] Romney typed. ...
Jan said that Robert Hullinger, the Lutheran minister who was at Concordia Lutheran College in Kentucky, is now a minister in St. Louis or thereabouts. He called her one day to say he was in trouble. He had earlier prepared an article on why Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon. It was complimentary to Joseph Smith, but still was an interpretation based on the assumption that Joseph Smith wrote it; and the reason he wrote it, Hullinger said, was in order to show further evidence to the divinity and relevance of Jesus to contemporary America. Jan replied in her note to him at that time as follows: ["]If you assume that Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon, and if you assume that he was influenced by contemporary thought, this seems to be a sound approach." In the years afterwards, as we had known, Hullinger had expanded that article into a little book entitled Mormon Answer to the Skeptics: Why Joseph Smith Wrote the Book of Mormon. It was accepted for publication by
the Lutheran Press. At Hullinger's suggestion, the press had placed on the back of this paperback book an abbreviated quote from Jan Shipps, which said simply, "I believe this is a sound interpretation of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon." Signed, Jan Shipps, President of MHA. Hullinger had finally realized he ought to have her permission to do this. She said under no circumstances would he have her permission and it must be removed. He said unfortunately the book was already out, and they would have to redo the back page, which would cost several hundred dollars-and he was putting up the money. She said that it must be removed, there was no way out of it. When he discovered he couldn't persuade her otherwise, he asked her to get in touch with the publisher. She phoned her university lawyer, who told her to try to persuade them to change it-in a nice way. If unable to do so, she should mention an injunction against them selling the book, but to hold that threat in reserve. She
talked to the lady at the press, who was so upset that she was crying, but Jan pointed out it would have to be removed. She regarded herself as an intermediary between the Mormons and non-Mormons, and she was furthermore the president of the Mormon History Association and she could not possibly lose her standing and credibility and the confidence and trust in her by Mormon historians. And so it would simply have to be removed. They finally agreed to do it, and she didn't have to mention the threat of an injunction. So the book is now out and you can tell from the back page that something has been blotted out but it doesn't appear there.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
55 years ago today - Feb 14, 1970
The First Presidency and the Presiding Bishopric launch the first organized effort to "provide sufficient security for the Church headquarters building." The next day First counselor Lee meets with Salt Lake City officials "to discuss the coordination between the Church security personnel and the city police in handling any emergencies that might arise."
[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 )]]
55 years ago today - Feb 14, 1970
First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric launch first organized effort to "provide sufficient security for the Church headquarters building." Next day First counselor Lee meets with Salt Lake City officials "to discuss the coordination between Church security personnel and the city police in handling emergencies that might arise."
125 years ago today - Wednesday, Feb 14, 1900
[President McKinley promises Apostle John Henry Smith to defeat proposed U.S. amendment against polygamy and polygamous cohabitation in exchange for Utah's vote in the Nov. election.] "Washington, D.C."
" ... Called upon President Win. McKinley. He received us nicely and said we should not be hurt. We had a good handshake and he seemed very happy. I told him I would do all I could for him but that he must not overestimate my strength."
[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]
" ... Called upon President Win. McKinley. He received us nicely and said we should not be hurt. We had a good handshake and he seemed very happy. I told him I would do all I could for him but that he must not overestimate my strength."
[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]
155 years ago today - Feb 14, 1870
Seraph C. Young, a grand-niece of Brigham Young, becomes the first woman to vote legally in the United States (at a municipal election in Salt Lake City).
180 years ago today - February 14, 1845. Friday.
....In the evening the following brethren met together to pray and ask God to thwart the plans of the mob and deliver the brethren out of their hands. ... It was also voted that Dr. [John] Bernhisel be appointed a traveling Bishop to visit the churches. We had also some conversation on the subject of sending six brethren with brother Lewis Dana to the West, and especially to Texas.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
190 years ago today - Feb 14, 1835
[Oliver B. Huntington]
On the 14th of Feb. 1835, Joseph Smith said that "God had revealed to him that the coming of Christ would be within 56 years," which being added to 1835 shows that before 1891 and the 14th of Feb. "the Saviour of the world would make his appearance again upon the earth and the winding up scene take place." In connection with this event, was related by my brother Dimick Huntington, the fact that when Joseph and Hyrum Smith submitted in their feelings to consent to give themselves up to the state mob at Nauvoo Illinois, after they had passed the Mississippi River. Joseph said "if they shed my blood it shall shorten this work 10 years." That taken from 1891 would reduce the time to 1881 which if the true time within which the Saviour should come much must be crowded into 6 years. [10-1891=1881]
[Oliver B. Huntington, Autobiography II: 129 (Typescript, BYU Special Collections) quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
On the 14th of Feb. 1835, Joseph Smith said that "God had revealed to him that the coming of Christ would be within 56 years," which being added to 1835 shows that before 1891 and the 14th of Feb. "the Saviour of the world would make his appearance again upon the earth and the winding up scene take place." In connection with this event, was related by my brother Dimick Huntington, the fact that when Joseph and Hyrum Smith submitted in their feelings to consent to give themselves up to the state mob at Nauvoo Illinois, after they had passed the Mississippi River. Joseph said "if they shed my blood it shall shorten this work 10 years." That taken from 1891 would reduce the time to 1881 which if the true time within which the Saviour should come much must be crowded into 6 years. [10-1891=1881]
[Oliver B. Huntington, Autobiography II: 129 (Typescript, BYU Special Collections) quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
190 years ago today - 1835 14 Feb.
Joseph Smith tells a meeting of Zion's Camp veterans and others about "the coming of the Lord, which was nigh--even fifty-six years should wind up the scene [in the year 1891]."
The newly organized Quorum of Twelve Apostles includes astrologer John F. Boynton, rodsman Heber C. Kimball, amulet-wearer Young, and treasure-quest enthusiasts Luke S. Johnson and Orson Hyde. They are ordained apostles by the Book of Mormon's three witnesses, rodsman Oliver Cowdery, seer stone enthusiast David Whitmer, and treasure-quest participant Martin Harris.
[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]
The newly organized Quorum of Twelve Apostles includes astrologer John F. Boynton, rodsman Heber C. Kimball, amulet-wearer Young, and treasure-quest enthusiasts Luke S. Johnson and Orson Hyde. They are ordained apostles by the Book of Mormon's three witnesses, rodsman Oliver Cowdery, seer stone enthusiast David Whitmer, and treasure-quest participant Martin Harris.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
190 years ago today - Feb 14, 1835
Later Joseph Smith explained the duties of the Twelve: "They are Twelve Apostles who are called to the office of traveling high council, who are to preside over all the churches of the Saints among the Gentiles, where there is no presidency [of a standing high council] established, and they are to travel and preach among the Gentiles, until the Lord shall command them to go to the Jews. They hold the keys of this ministry to unlock the door of the kingdom of heaven unto all the nations, and to preach the gospel to every creature. This is the power, authority and virtue of their calling".
On another occasion Joseph Smith explained the differences between the two standing high councils and the traveling high council: "The Twelve Apostles have no right to go into Zion or any of its stakes where there is a regular high council established to regulate any matter pertaining thereto: but it is their duty to go abroad and regulate and set in order all matters relative to the different branches of the Church of the Latter day Saints. No standing high council has authority to go into Zion the Church abroad and regulate the matters thereof, for this belongs to the Twelve"
[Collier, Kirtland Council Minute Book, pp. 84-87, Collier, Kirtland Council Minute Book, pp. 84-87 as quoted in Lisle G Brown, compiler, "Organizational Chronology of The Church of Christ, and The Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1829 - 1836"]
On another occasion Joseph Smith explained the differences between the two standing high councils and the traveling high council: "The Twelve Apostles have no right to go into Zion or any of its stakes where there is a regular high council established to regulate any matter pertaining thereto: but it is their duty to go abroad and regulate and set in order all matters relative to the different branches of the Church of the Latter day Saints. No standing high council has authority to go into Zion the Church abroad and regulate the matters thereof, for this belongs to the Twelve"
[Collier, Kirtland Council Minute Book, pp. 84-87, Collier, Kirtland Council Minute Book, pp. 84-87 as quoted in Lisle G Brown, compiler, "Organizational Chronology of The Church of Christ, and The Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1829 - 1836"]
190 years ago today - Feb 14, 1835
"President Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God commanded it; and it was made known to him by vision and by the Holy Spirit it was the will of God that those who went to Zion [Independence, Missouri] with a determination to lay down their lives, if necessary, should be ordained to the ministry, and go forth to *prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh; even fifty-six years [56+1835=1891] should *wind up the scene*. The Three Witnesses laid their hands upon Lyman E. Johnson, and gave a blessing; in the name of Jesus Christ ... and he [Lyman] shall live until the gathering is accomplished.... and shall see the Savior come and stand upon the earth with power and great glory.
Josephs brother, William Smith's blessing stated: "He shall be preserved and remain on the earth, until Christ shall come to take vengeance on the wicked"
Heber C. Kimball's blessing was "That he might receive visions; the ministration of angels, and hear their voice; and even come into the presence of God ... that angels may waft him from place to place, and that he may stand unto the coming of our Lord."
Orson Hyde's Blessing: "that he shall stand on the earth and bring souls till Christ comes. ... he shall have power to smite the earth with pestilence; to divide waters, and lead through the Saints; he shall go from land to land, and from sea to sea; he shall be like one of the three Nephites."
[History of the Church, vol. 2, chapter 12, p.188; The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
Josephs brother, William Smith's blessing stated: "He shall be preserved and remain on the earth, until Christ shall come to take vengeance on the wicked"
Heber C. Kimball's blessing was "That he might receive visions; the ministration of angels, and hear their voice; and even come into the presence of God ... that angels may waft him from place to place, and that he may stand unto the coming of our Lord."
Orson Hyde's Blessing: "that he shall stand on the earth and bring souls till Christ comes. ... he shall have power to smite the earth with pestilence; to divide waters, and lead through the Saints; he shall go from land to land, and from sea to sea; he shall be like one of the three Nephites."
[History of the Church, vol. 2, chapter 12, p.188; The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
190 years ago today - Feb 14, 1835
Wilford Woodruff writes in his journal: "was suddenly Called to a house of mourning which was Mr. Alexander Akeman's. He had walked out of his house and droped dead upon the ground. In a few moments all his Sons and daughters were present." In his later autobiography, Woodruff recalled the event thusly: " I was warned three times by the Lord, to go to Mr. Akeman, and bear testimony unto him of the truth of 'Mormonism,' and the wickedness of his course in opposing it; and the last time I called upon him, he was filled with wrath against me, and when I left his house, he followed me in a rage, apparently with some evil intent. When I had got a few rods from his door, he was nearly treading on my heels, and fell dead at my feet, as though he had been struck with lightning; he swelled, and immediately turned black. This created a great wailing and mourning among his family."
190 years ago today - Feb 14, 1835
The members of Zion's Camp are seated separately from the others. Chapter 15 of John is read. Joseph talks about calling of the Twelve. The three witnesses of the Book of Mormon pray, and choose 12 from the members of Zion's Camp: Lyman E. Johnson, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, David W. Patten, Luke S. Johnson, William E. McLellin, John F. Boynton, Orson Pratt, William Smith, Thomas B. Marsh, and Parley P. Pratt. Lyman E. Johnson, Brigham Young, and Heber C. Kimball are then set apart by the three witnesses, one witness each setting apart one apostle.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
190 years ago today - Feb 14, 1835.
Smith prophesied that Orson Hyde would go to Jerusalem, and `by thy hands shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the way and greatly facilitate the gathering of that people [i.e., the Jews].'
[Abanes, R., "One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church"]
[Abanes, R., "One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church"]
190 years ago today - 1835 Feb 14
Oliver Cowdery charges the newly ordained apostles: "It is necessary that you receive a testimony from heaven to yourselves; so that you can bear testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that you have seen the face of God. That is more than the testimony of an angel. When the proper time arrives, you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you bear testimony that you have seen God, this testimony God will never suffer to fall, but will bear you out; although many will not give heed, yet others will. You will therefore see the necessity of getting this testimony from heaven. Never cease striving until you have seen God face to face. Strengthen your faith; cast off your doubts, your sins, and all your unbelief; and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid his hand upon you. ... You have our best wishes, you have our most fervent prayers, that you may be able to bear this testimony, that you have
seen the face of God."
seen the face of God."
55 years ago today - Feb 13, 1970
CHRISTIANITY TODAY article: "Mormons Stand Pat; Forbid Black Males to Become Priests".
65 years ago today - Feb 13, 1960
[J. Reuben Clark]
President [BYU] Wilkinson called me on February 12, 1960 (in the evening, as I recall) and brought up several matters, as follows (this is not the order in which he brought them up, but the order in which I jotted them down afterwards): ...
2. Junior Colleges. I said that we were much interested in that, but I was tremendously interested in it personally because of the enormous expense that was involved in the junior college program. I suggested that he go a bit slow on that, thought he is, as I assume, preparing to discuss it with the Presidency. ...
4. " Dope Ring:" We discussed the question, which was the first one brought up, of the "dope ring" in the school down there and the information which had come to us. I told him that in talking to him I was not pretending to say how the Brethren felt nor what might be done, but that personally I was extremely anxious that we should not put ourselves where we could be accused, however unjustly, of sanctioning or failing to go forward where criminal conduct was involved, and therefore I felt that we should, as soon as the facts justified it, call in the Federal authorities.
I repeatedly said in this conclusion I was only representing myself and certainly not Brother Moyle because he was looking at it from the standpoint of the public prosecutor, to which Brother Ernest immediately replied, that as a public prosecutor, he could determine whether or not we could prosecute, but that we were not in that position. In this connection he referred to the stealing in the Temple which he knew we had been soft-pedalling, and I said, personally, my feeling was much the same there. I said that all soft pedalling seemed to me to be entirely out of place and seemed to me unwise where we had called in civil authorities to make an investigation where they wished to prosecute.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
President [BYU] Wilkinson called me on February 12, 1960 (in the evening, as I recall) and brought up several matters, as follows (this is not the order in which he brought them up, but the order in which I jotted them down afterwards): ...
2. Junior Colleges. I said that we were much interested in that, but I was tremendously interested in it personally because of the enormous expense that was involved in the junior college program. I suggested that he go a bit slow on that, thought he is, as I assume, preparing to discuss it with the Presidency. ...
4. " Dope Ring:" We discussed the question, which was the first one brought up, of the "dope ring" in the school down there and the information which had come to us. I told him that in talking to him I was not pretending to say how the Brethren felt nor what might be done, but that personally I was extremely anxious that we should not put ourselves where we could be accused, however unjustly, of sanctioning or failing to go forward where criminal conduct was involved, and therefore I felt that we should, as soon as the facts justified it, call in the Federal authorities.
I repeatedly said in this conclusion I was only representing myself and certainly not Brother Moyle because he was looking at it from the standpoint of the public prosecutor, to which Brother Ernest immediately replied, that as a public prosecutor, he could determine whether or not we could prosecute, but that we were not in that position. In this connection he referred to the stealing in the Temple which he knew we had been soft-pedalling, and I said, personally, my feeling was much the same there. I said that all soft pedalling seemed to me to be entirely out of place and seemed to me unwise where we had called in civil authorities to make an investigation where they wished to prosecute.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
80 years ago today - Feb 13, 1945
"Saturation-bombing" of Dresden, Germany, a non-military cultural target with no heavy industry and no bomb shelters, but with a P.O.W. camp of Americans. Planned by England in revenge for a similar Nazi raid on Coventry five years earlier, waves of British and U.S. bombers continue pounding Dresden throughout the next day (Ash Wednesday) in order to create hurricane-like "firestorms." The inner city is completely incinerated, including the LDS branch house which is "destroyed right down to the cellar," while the air raid kills 250,000 people. Most are women and children refugees who double Dresden's population due to its being a safe-haven during the years of Allied bombings elsewhere. One survivor is Dorthea Speth, wife of Spencer J. Condie, current general authority.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
135 years ago today - Feb 13, 1890
At Manti Temple. I was endowed for my Uncle Thomas Wilson, and Emma for his wife, Aunt Mary Emily Wilson, and [we] were sealed for them. After that ordinance I and my wife Emma had the great privilege of receiving our second anointings at the hands of President Daniel H. Wells and shortly after I and my wife administered to each the ordinance of washing of feet.
[Thomas Memmott journal, Feb. 13, 1890 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Thomas Memmott journal, Feb. 13, 1890 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
145 years ago today - Feb 13, 1880
[John Taylor]
.... In regard to the three couples of young people, who have lately been married and desire their endowments and to be sealed, I would state that these things are not according to the order which has long been established among us. Some time ago when the Endowment House was closed, it was permitted, under the circumstances that then existed, for persons desirous to be married to have the ceremony performed by certain parties appointed in this City for that purpose; and, under instructions, the Bishops, in some instances, were permitted to officiate in that ordinance. This was done, however, as a matter of necessity, and is not in accordance with the order of the Holy Priesthood, and it was expected, and the parties were so informed, that as soon as the ordinances could be attended to properly, that all parties, thus married, would have to be sealed, either in the Temple or in the Endowment House. This state of things continued for a short time, when the Council [of the Twelve], on
deliberation upon the subject, concluded that it was proper to re-open the Endowment House that these ordinances might be attended to properly. That House has now been opened for some two years, hence you will perceive that all ordinances performed, since that time, in the manner indicated by you, are out of place and should not be performed and cannot be tolerated, except under peculiar circumstances, and by instructions from the proper authorities; for we must maintain intact those sacred principles which God has committed to us. In the case of one young man, which you refer to, it might be excusable, but still we ought to have been consulted in the matter. However, we will let these things pass on this occasion, but hope there will not be a recurrence of this nature in the future; and if you will inform those brethren, and they come properly recommended, the matter can be attended to as per your request.
[John Taylor to Leonard E. Harrington, Feb. 13, 1880 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
.... In regard to the three couples of young people, who have lately been married and desire their endowments and to be sealed, I would state that these things are not according to the order which has long been established among us. Some time ago when the Endowment House was closed, it was permitted, under the circumstances that then existed, for persons desirous to be married to have the ceremony performed by certain parties appointed in this City for that purpose; and, under instructions, the Bishops, in some instances, were permitted to officiate in that ordinance. This was done, however, as a matter of necessity, and is not in accordance with the order of the Holy Priesthood, and it was expected, and the parties were so informed, that as soon as the ordinances could be attended to properly, that all parties, thus married, would have to be sealed, either in the Temple or in the Endowment House. This state of things continued for a short time, when the Council [of the Twelve], on
deliberation upon the subject, concluded that it was proper to re-open the Endowment House that these ordinances might be attended to properly. That House has now been opened for some two years, hence you will perceive that all ordinances performed, since that time, in the manner indicated by you, are out of place and should not be performed and cannot be tolerated, except under peculiar circumstances, and by instructions from the proper authorities; for we must maintain intact those sacred principles which God has committed to us. In the case of one young man, which you refer to, it might be excusable, but still we ought to have been consulted in the matter. However, we will let these things pass on this occasion, but hope there will not be a recurrence of this nature in the future; and if you will inform those brethren, and they come properly recommended, the matter can be attended to as per your request.
[John Taylor to Leonard E. Harrington, Feb. 13, 1880 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
70 years ago today - Feb 12, 1955
President David O. McKay broke ground for Church College of Hawaii.
[Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
[Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
120 years ago today - Feb 12, 1905
Carl A. Badger, secretary to Apostle and U.S. Senator Reed Smoot writes in his diary that Theodore Roosevelt-"told Senator Smoot to have the temple ceremonies abolished, they were 'foolishness.' Being a mason," Badger adds, "He most likely knows something about them." Badger also writes, "from all I can learn, if anything is done with Cowley and Taylor, by the leaders of the Church, it will be because they are forced to do something." The government had learned that Apostles Matthias F. Cowley and John W. Taylor have performed and contracted plural marriages well after the manifesto. They are later dropped from the quorum amid government pressure. That same day Badger writes to his wife, Rose, concerning government accusations of post-manifesto polygamy "This is a contemptible attitude for us to be in, we have said that certain things do not exist, they are proved to exist; we say that if they are proved to exist that the guilty will be punished, and now they are going to wait to
see if we mean what we say.... We are occupying a cowardly, hypocritical attitude in this matter, and cannot but reap a harvest of humiliation and shame. There is no use quibbling about whether we made a 'compact' or a 'covenant,' no one doubts but what the country, which had been fighting us on this issue for a quarter of a century, understood that polygamy had gone, and we allowed them to have such an impression,-encouraged them in it for our own ends, and we are now estopped to say that we made no agreement. Where is our honor on this matter It makes me angry."
see if we mean what we say.... We are occupying a cowardly, hypocritical attitude in this matter, and cannot but reap a harvest of humiliation and shame. There is no use quibbling about whether we made a 'compact' or a 'covenant,' no one doubts but what the country, which had been fighting us on this issue for a quarter of a century, understood that polygamy had gone, and we allowed them to have such an impression,-encouraged them in it for our own ends, and we are now estopped to say that we made no agreement. Where is our honor on this matter It makes me angry."
125 years ago today - Feb 12, 1900 (Monday)
The sectarian ministers of Salt Lake City issued a statement supporting a proposed amendment to the constitution prohibiting polygamy.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Feb 12, 1870
Utah's women were given the right to vote by the Utah Territorial Legislature, following the lead of their sister-state Wyoming. Due to timing of election dates women in Utah were the first in the nation to exercise this new power when Sereph Young votes on Feb 14, 1870.
The Church gave to its women the first exclusively women's organization in all the world; and it was representatives of this organization in mass-meeting assembled to enter their vigorous protest against the pending federal legislation which was intended to affect them seriously in their lives. Note that the Relief Society President used to be a life-long office. Not all Mormon women were members of the Relief Society; you had to be admitted by a vote.
Easterners concerned with breaking up the Mormon political control wrongly thought by giving women the right to vote they would throw off the tyrannical shackles of patriarchal polygamy and join with local nonmembers in removing Church influence in politics. Instead, the Church had correctly assessed that giving the women the right to vote, while their husbands were disenfranchised, would keep the church in control of the territory (as opposed to ceding control to the non-members in Utah.)
Utah women had the right to vote, but not the right to hold office. Female suffrage was ended in Utah by the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887.
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
The Church gave to its women the first exclusively women's organization in all the world; and it was representatives of this organization in mass-meeting assembled to enter their vigorous protest against the pending federal legislation which was intended to affect them seriously in their lives. Note that the Relief Society President used to be a life-long office. Not all Mormon women were members of the Relief Society; you had to be admitted by a vote.
Easterners concerned with breaking up the Mormon political control wrongly thought by giving women the right to vote they would throw off the tyrannical shackles of patriarchal polygamy and join with local nonmembers in removing Church influence in politics. Instead, the Church had correctly assessed that giving the women the right to vote, while their husbands were disenfranchised, would keep the church in control of the territory (as opposed to ceding control to the non-members in Utah.)
Utah women had the right to vote, but not the right to hold office. Female suffrage was ended in Utah by the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887.
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
165 years ago today - Feb 12, 1860
[Orson Pratt] spoke of the great acheivments of Sir Isaac Newton upon this principle and many others had accomplished great things by the great Concentration of the mind which Could not be accomplished upon any other Principle. This principle should be applyled in all our spiritual devotions. Mathimatics was an excellent subject to disipline the mind upon.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Feb 12, 1840. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
Went to see Brother Romney and prayed for him. Was troubled with temptation about the gift of tongues &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://amzn.to/william-clayton]
Went to see Brother Romney and prayed for him. Was troubled with temptation about the gift of tongues &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://amzn.to/william-clayton]
195 years ago today - Feb 12, 1830
[Lucius Fenn]
"... there has been a bible found by 3 men but a short distance from us which is som[e]thing remarkable we think. there was it is said an an angel appeared to these 3 men and told them that there was a bible concealed in such a place and if one of them would go to that place he would find it[.] he went and found as the angel said[.] it was a stone chest[.] what is most to be wondered at is this that the man that found it could not read at all in the english language but he read this bible and nobody else cannot[.] it has been concealed there for fourteen hundred years[.] it is written on a kind of gold leaf[.] it is the same that ours is only there is an addition to it[.] they are a printing it in Palmyra[.] it is expected that it <<will>> come out soon so that we can see it[.] it speaks of the Millenniam day and tells when it is a going to take plais [place] and it tells that the man that is to find this bible his name as [is] Joseph and his fathers name is Joseph. some people
think that it is all a speculation and some think that som[e]thing is a going to take place different from what has been[.] for my part I do not know how it will be but it is som[e]thing singular to me. as it respects religion there has been considerable of an attention paid to it this winter between these lakes and there has been considerable many as we humbly hope have been renewed by the grace of God[.] there is a general solemnity apon the people generally in these parts and we hope that there will be a gre[a]ter outpouring of the spirit than ever[.] so now you see I have given you short account of what is a doing here. ... "
[Lucius Fenn to Birdseye Bronson, 12 February 1830, William Robertson Coe Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lucius Fenn To Birdseye Bronson]
"... there has been a bible found by 3 men but a short distance from us which is som[e]thing remarkable we think. there was it is said an an angel appeared to these 3 men and told them that there was a bible concealed in such a place and if one of them would go to that place he would find it[.] he went and found as the angel said[.] it was a stone chest[.] what is most to be wondered at is this that the man that found it could not read at all in the english language but he read this bible and nobody else cannot[.] it has been concealed there for fourteen hundred years[.] it is written on a kind of gold leaf[.] it is the same that ours is only there is an addition to it[.] they are a printing it in Palmyra[.] it is expected that it <<will>> come out soon so that we can see it[.] it speaks of the Millenniam day and tells when it is a going to take plais [place] and it tells that the man that is to find this bible his name as [is] Joseph and his fathers name is Joseph. some people
think that it is all a speculation and some think that som[e]thing is a going to take place different from what has been[.] for my part I do not know how it will be but it is som[e]thing singular to me. as it respects religion there has been considerable of an attention paid to it this winter between these lakes and there has been considerable many as we humbly hope have been renewed by the grace of God[.] there is a general solemnity apon the people generally in these parts and we hope that there will be a gre[a]ter outpouring of the spirit than ever[.] so now you see I have given you short account of what is a doing here. ... "
[Lucius Fenn to Birdseye Bronson, 12 February 1830, William Robertson Coe Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lucius Fenn To Birdseye Bronson]
15 years ago today - Jan 11, 2010
Two gay and lesbian couples are at the center of a federal trial on the constitutionality of Proposition 8 in San Francisco. The trial, the nation's first to examine if a ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution, was a media madhouse.
[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]
35 years ago today - Feb 11, 1990-Sunday
[Leonard Arrington]
.... next to the last page of the book [David S. Hoopes and Ray Hoopes, The Making of a Mormon Apostle: The Story of Rudger Clawson] are some comments on Mormonism. Here is one: "Mormonism as a belief system does not foster the questioning mind. In most of the world's religions, there is a realm of mysticism or avenues of thought where religious beliefs can be adapted to individual needs. Mormonism has few if any such avenues."
This has not been my experience. I would say that my spirit of questioning arose from my Mormonism. Questions in Sunday School, in MIA [Mutual Improvement Association], in Priesthood quorums. Far more questioning than in school, where we were supposed to accept what the teacher said. And I have possessed a questioning spirit all my life and have never found it to conflict with my Mormonism. On the contrary, it led to my writing books and articles that, if they did not betray a questioning spirit, at least were the result of the pursuit of facts and meaning. The very first book I read on Mormon history, when I was 15, was Joseph Smith, An American Prophet, by John Henry Evans, which was given to me as a birthday present by Bertha Mae Thurgood Hansen, a neighbor. The book portrays Joseph Smith as a person with an open mind, a questioning mind, a person in pursuit of education and knowledge. I accepted this as representing the spirit of Mormonism, and still hold to it. This is
the way I have always looked at Joseph Smith in a favorable light and still do. The authors of the biography of Clawson then go on to quote [paraphrase] J. Reuben Clark that religious faith cannot be rationalized. Well, I have come to the entirely opposite conclusion. Not only can religious faith be rationalized, but it ought to be; every attempt should be made to rationalize it. It can be, without damage to the faith, and it ought to be to keep one's faith from degenerating into fanaticism, mental unbalance, incoherence, and unsoundness. Well, that's my testimony for the day. I react against those who see Mormonism as discouraging thought, reason, and intellectuality. I don't see it that way, although there are certainly some Mormons-those of little faith from my point of view-who join in that. Most of them, I think, are in the College of Religious Studies at BYU, though even most of them are not in the anti-intellectual camp.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
.... next to the last page of the book [David S. Hoopes and Ray Hoopes, The Making of a Mormon Apostle: The Story of Rudger Clawson] are some comments on Mormonism. Here is one: "Mormonism as a belief system does not foster the questioning mind. In most of the world's religions, there is a realm of mysticism or avenues of thought where religious beliefs can be adapted to individual needs. Mormonism has few if any such avenues."
This has not been my experience. I would say that my spirit of questioning arose from my Mormonism. Questions in Sunday School, in MIA [Mutual Improvement Association], in Priesthood quorums. Far more questioning than in school, where we were supposed to accept what the teacher said. And I have possessed a questioning spirit all my life and have never found it to conflict with my Mormonism. On the contrary, it led to my writing books and articles that, if they did not betray a questioning spirit, at least were the result of the pursuit of facts and meaning. The very first book I read on Mormon history, when I was 15, was Joseph Smith, An American Prophet, by John Henry Evans, which was given to me as a birthday present by Bertha Mae Thurgood Hansen, a neighbor. The book portrays Joseph Smith as a person with an open mind, a questioning mind, a person in pursuit of education and knowledge. I accepted this as representing the spirit of Mormonism, and still hold to it. This is
the way I have always looked at Joseph Smith in a favorable light and still do. The authors of the biography of Clawson then go on to quote [paraphrase] J. Reuben Clark that religious faith cannot be rationalized. Well, I have come to the entirely opposite conclusion. Not only can religious faith be rationalized, but it ought to be; every attempt should be made to rationalize it. It can be, without damage to the faith, and it ought to be to keep one's faith from degenerating into fanaticism, mental unbalance, incoherence, and unsoundness. Well, that's my testimony for the day. I react against those who see Mormonism as discouraging thought, reason, and intellectuality. I don't see it that way, although there are certainly some Mormons-those of little faith from my point of view-who join in that. Most of them, I think, are in the College of Religious Studies at BYU, though even most of them are not in the anti-intellectual camp.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
40 years ago today - Feb 11, 1985
In a vote taken by residents of Carriage Cove Apartments in Provo, Utah, 221 tenants said "yes" to MTV. Only 167 voted "no," 188 didn't vote, and 4 said they didn't care. Four bishops had banded together to stop MTV availability in various off-campus BYU-approved housing complexes. Before the vote Bishop Leo Wiedner (also Carriage Cove's part-owner and manager), confident that BYU students will vote MTV down, says, "I think I pretty well know how it's going to turn out." At nearby Raintree Apartments a non-secret poll is taken at the bishop's request by manager Hyde Taylor. 27% return the polling letter with 13% against MTV and 14% in favor. Taylor concludes this is insufficient to restore MTV. The story is picked up by the national media and Weidner and Raintree Apartment bishop Jack Christensen appear on "Take Two" TV program from Salt Lake City to defend their actions. Christianson is the author of MUSIC: APPLES OR ONIONS?, a book that defends the LDS church position that hard
or "acid" rock music is harmful. Part of the research for this book involved listening to such rock groups as "Black Sabbath," and, he claims, such listening adversely affected him. "I was not as happy as I used to be," he recalls. "I was ornery and disagreeable." However, he adds, "Just because people don't have the same high standards I'm trying to uphold, I don't think less of them."
or "acid" rock music is harmful. Part of the research for this book involved listening to such rock groups as "Black Sabbath," and, he claims, such listening adversely affected him. "I was not as happy as I used to be," he recalls. "I was ornery and disagreeable." However, he adds, "Just because people don't have the same high standards I'm trying to uphold, I don't think less of them."
90 years ago today - Feb 11, 1935
'What attitude does the Church take toward common law marriages?'
In a country in which the common law marriage is recognized as legal, and the children resulting from such a marriage are recorded as legitimate offspring, the Church will recognize such marriage under the conditions attaching to recognition by the law of the land. However, in a country such as Holland, for instance, where conditions are as presented by President Lyon of the Netherlands Mission, where the children of such unions are registered in the records as 'bastard children and the mother as a prostitute, the father being recorded as unknown,' a couple so living are certainly not living in honorable wedlock, and therefore cannot be recognized by the Church as married people.
With reference to the case of the German sister called by President Kooyman to do local missionary work, who, it has since developed, has been living with a man to whom he is not legally married, obviously the proper course would be for this couple to marry. It appears this cannot be done because the man with whom she is living cannot get a legal divorce from his former wife. In this alternative the woman must of course be immediately released as a missionary.
We are keenly aware of the difficulties that such a situation presents in countries where not only the State but the established church and society wink at such irregularities. Where such relation are of very long standing, particularly if the relation existed at the time the people joined the Church, the Church should urge the legalizing of this union and should refrain from putting its stamp of approval upon such unions by placing in positions persons so living. every effort should be made so to treat such cases that the Church is understood as not sanctioning illicit sexual relations. The Church must always stand for sexual purity.
However, it is our view that persons should not be taken into the Church who are living in such relations, and that every effort should be made to learn before baptism whether such relation exit After persons became members of the Church, illicit sexual relations should no more be tolerated among Church members in Europe than in America, and they must be dealt with there as they are dealt with here. ...
[First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, 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]
In a country in which the common law marriage is recognized as legal, and the children resulting from such a marriage are recorded as legitimate offspring, the Church will recognize such marriage under the conditions attaching to recognition by the law of the land. However, in a country such as Holland, for instance, where conditions are as presented by President Lyon of the Netherlands Mission, where the children of such unions are registered in the records as 'bastard children and the mother as a prostitute, the father being recorded as unknown,' a couple so living are certainly not living in honorable wedlock, and therefore cannot be recognized by the Church as married people.
With reference to the case of the German sister called by President Kooyman to do local missionary work, who, it has since developed, has been living with a man to whom he is not legally married, obviously the proper course would be for this couple to marry. It appears this cannot be done because the man with whom she is living cannot get a legal divorce from his former wife. In this alternative the woman must of course be immediately released as a missionary.
We are keenly aware of the difficulties that such a situation presents in countries where not only the State but the established church and society wink at such irregularities. Where such relation are of very long standing, particularly if the relation existed at the time the people joined the Church, the Church should urge the legalizing of this union and should refrain from putting its stamp of approval upon such unions by placing in positions persons so living. every effort should be made so to treat such cases that the Church is understood as not sanctioning illicit sexual relations. The Church must always stand for sexual purity.
However, it is our view that persons should not be taken into the Church who are living in such relations, and that every effort should be made to learn before baptism whether such relation exit After persons became members of the Church, illicit sexual relations should no more be tolerated among Church members in Europe than in America, and they must be dealt with there as they are dealt with here. ...
[First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
90 years ago today - Feb 11, 1935
[First Presidency Letter]
Must all opening and closing prayers in meetings in which the sacrament is administered be offered by those holding the Priesthood?'
Any member of the Church properly called by the presiding authority in a meeting may appropriately offer either the invocation or the benediction. It is preferable, however, to have the Priesthood officiate in prayer at a regular sacrament meeting. The one who presides holding as he does the Priesthood, is entitled to inspiration as to how the meeting should be conducted, and when he, by virtue of his office, feels impressed to call a boy or girl either to open or close a Sunday School or other auxiliary association, he is not violating any rule of the Church.
[First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, 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]
Must all opening and closing prayers in meetings in which the sacrament is administered be offered by those holding the Priesthood?'
Any member of the Church properly called by the presiding authority in a meeting may appropriately offer either the invocation or the benediction. It is preferable, however, to have the Priesthood officiate in prayer at a regular sacrament meeting. The one who presides holding as he does the Priesthood, is entitled to inspiration as to how the meeting should be conducted, and when he, by virtue of his office, feels impressed to call a boy or girl either to open or close a Sunday School or other auxiliary association, he is not violating any rule of the Church.
[First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, 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]
110 years ago today - Feb 11, 1915; Thursday
Bro[ther]. Talmage reported that he attended temple fast meeting on Sunday, and was engaged the greater part of the remainder of the day working on his forthcoming book, Jesus the Christ. ...
The question of acting on the report of the Dee Hospital [later McKay-Dee Hospital] committee was now considered. Bro[ther]. Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. moved that the recommendation of the committee be accepted, which meant the Church would have to meet its indebtedness, amounting to $7,115 and hereafter the hospital would be under the control of those suggested by the Church, and that the Church was to be responsible for half of any deficit or shortage which might occur in its running expenses. In connection with this motion, President Smith suggested that the committee continue their labors until a legal transfer shall be consummated and the property come to the Trustee-in-Trust. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
The question of acting on the report of the Dee Hospital [later McKay-Dee Hospital] committee was now considered. Bro[ther]. Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. moved that the recommendation of the committee be accepted, which meant the Church would have to meet its indebtedness, amounting to $7,115 and hereafter the hospital would be under the control of those suggested by the Church, and that the Church was to be responsible for half of any deficit or shortage which might occur in its running expenses. In connection with this motion, President Smith suggested that the committee continue their labors until a legal transfer shall be consummated and the property come to the Trustee-in-Trust. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
110 years ago today - Feb 11, 1915
.... Bishop David A. Smith was present with an elevated plan of the new Church office building now being erected, showing Corinthian columns all around the building, and President Smith explained that the question had been put to the First Presidency as to whether the exterior of the building should be granite, terra cotta or brick, that bids had been received to supply granite for the exterior walls for the sum of $300,416, and for terra cotta $179,000 less, but that no bid had ye4t been received for brick. ...
Bro[ther]. Talmage reported that he attended temple fast meeting on Sunday, and was engaged the greater part of the remainder of the day working on his forthcoming book, Jesus the Christ. ...
The question of acting on the report of the Dee Hospital [later McKay-Dee Hospital] committee was now considered. Bro[ther]. Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. moved that the recommendation of the committee be accepted, which meant the Church would have to meet its indebtedness, amounting to $7,115 and hereafter the hospital would be under the control of those suggested by the Church, and that the Church was to be responsible for half of any deficit or shortage which might occur in its running expenses. In connection with this motion, President Smith suggested that the committee continue their labors until a legal transfer shall be consummated and the property come to the Trustee-in-Trust. ...
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Bro[ther]. Talmage reported that he attended temple fast meeting on Sunday, and was engaged the greater part of the remainder of the day working on his forthcoming book, Jesus the Christ. ...
The question of acting on the report of the Dee Hospital [later McKay-Dee Hospital] committee was now considered. Bro[ther]. Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. moved that the recommendation of the committee be accepted, which meant the Church would have to meet its indebtedness, amounting to $7,115 and hereafter the hospital would be under the control of those suggested by the Church, and that the Church was to be responsible for half of any deficit or shortage which might occur in its running expenses. In connection with this motion, President Smith suggested that the committee continue their labors until a legal transfer shall be consummated and the property come to the Trustee-in-Trust. ...
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Feb 11, 1895
The First Presidency of the Church declares Mormon Tabernacle Choir members to be acting missionaries and suggests they consider their choir responsibilities as their primary public duty.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Newsroom, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=036eb2987ff92110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRDvgnextchannel=9ae411154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD]
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Newsroom, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=036eb2987ff92110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRDvgnextchannel=9ae411154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD]
135 years ago today - Feb 11, 1890
[James E. Talmage]
In his journal Talmage writes the following comments regarding the previous day's elections:
The result of the election is known and the Liberals have succeed in stealing their way into power. This city, the central of the Saints, the seat of the First Presidency of the Church is now in the hands of the enemy. The Lord's will be done. He doubtless has His reasons for what is. Perhaps this will teach us humility, and liberality. As a people, we are not entirely free from bigotry or intolerance. If we are made better by the experience, then all is indeed well with us. [MSS 229, Journal]
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
In his journal Talmage writes the following comments regarding the previous day's elections:
The result of the election is known and the Liberals have succeed in stealing their way into power. This city, the central of the Saints, the seat of the First Presidency of the Church is now in the hands of the enemy. The Lord's will be done. He doubtless has His reasons for what is. Perhaps this will teach us humility, and liberality. As a people, we are not entirely free from bigotry or intolerance. If we are made better by the experience, then all is indeed well with us. [MSS 229, Journal]
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
160 years ago today - Feb 11, 1865
[Wilford Woodruff]
On my way to the office I Called into the office of Brother Sharp and stood by the side of Sister Marinda Hyde the wife of Orson Hyde while she had 15 teeth pulled all that she had in her mouth.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
On my way to the office I Called into the office of Brother Sharp and stood by the side of Sister Marinda Hyde the wife of Orson Hyde while she had 15 teeth pulled all that she had in her mouth.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Feb 11, 1855
[Wilford Woodruff]
Sunday 11th I spent the day at the Tabernacle & evening at Prayer Circle. <I wrote a lengthy letter during the night to Emma upon the principle of obeying counsel.>
[Angled brackets indicate shorthand, used as code in Woodruff's journal . This was probably his wife Emma]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Sunday 11th I spent the day at the Tabernacle & evening at Prayer Circle. <I wrote a lengthy letter during the night to Emma upon the principle of obeying counsel.>
[Angled brackets indicate shorthand, used as code in Woodruff's journal . This was probably his wife Emma]
[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 - February 11, 1845. Tuesday.
[William Clayton]
At the Office all day copying records of the Kingdom [Council of Fifty].
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
At the Office all day copying records of the Kingdom [Council of Fifty].
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
15 years ago today - Feb 9, 2010
Trial watchers learn 9th District Court of Appeals Judge Vaughn Walker, assigned to the case randomly, is himself gay.
[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]
80 years ago today - Feb 9, 1945
[First Presidency Letter]
Referring to your letter of December 21, this will advise you that there has been no change in the ruling of the Church regarding the bestowal of the Priesthood upon persons having colored blood. As to the ultimate fate of the colored people, the Prophet Joseph Smith is quoted as having said on one occasion:
'That the seed of Cain could not receive the Priesthood, nor act in any of the offices of the
Priesthood until the seed of Abel should come forward and take precedence over Cain's
offspring.'
[First Presidency, Letter to Graham H. Doxey, 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]
Referring to your letter of December 21, this will advise you that there has been no change in the ruling of the Church regarding the bestowal of the Priesthood upon persons having colored blood. As to the ultimate fate of the colored people, the Prophet Joseph Smith is quoted as having said on one occasion:
'That the seed of Cain could not receive the Priesthood, nor act in any of the offices of the
Priesthood until the seed of Abel should come forward and take precedence over Cain's
offspring.'
[First Presidency, Letter to Graham H. Doxey, 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 - Feb 9, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman]
Bro[ther] P. A. Droubay called upon me and I gave him verbal answer to his letter asking if any one could now take a plural wife. I told no: It could not be done. any one could note take a plural wife. I told no, It could not be done.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Bro[ther] P. A. Droubay called upon me and I gave him verbal answer to his letter asking if any one could now take a plural wife. I told no: It could not be done. any one could note take a plural wife. I told no, It could not be done.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Feb 9, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
We received a message this morning saying that Brother Teasdale was indicted By the Grand Jury on Poligamy and Cohabitation. So we like scores of others must make for the City of refuge. There is hardly a leading Man in Utah that Can Walk the Streets of Salt Lake in safety. Marshals are after him because He had obeyed the Patriarchal Law of Marriage.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We received a message this morning saying that Brother Teasdale was indicted By the Grand Jury on Poligamy and Cohabitation. So we like scores of others must make for the City of refuge. There is hardly a leading Man in Utah that Can Walk the Streets of Salt Lake in safety. Marshals are after him because He had obeyed the Patriarchal Law of Marriage.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Feb 9, 1885 (Monday)
A number of Saints going into exile because of their family relations [plural marriages], left Snowflake, Ariz., for Mexico. On their arrival at Luna Valley, New Mexico, on the 15th, they were organized into a traveling company, with E.A. Noble as captain. The company had increased to about seventy souls.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Feb 9, 1870
Formation of the anti-Mormon "Liberal Party" which opposes the LDS church's "People's Party" at every Utah election for more than twenty years. Presiding Bishopric counselor Jesse C. Little helps lead a group of Mormons who disrupt its first meeting.
[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 )]]
155 years ago today - Feb 9, 1870
Formation of anti-Mormon "Liberal Party" which opposes LDS church's "People's Party" at every Utah election for more than twenty years. Presiding Bishopric counselor Jesse C. Little helps lead group of Mormons who disrupt first meeting.
225 years ago today - Feb 9, 1800
Hyrum Smith is born to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith in Tunbridge, Vermont.
[Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
[Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
80 years ago today - Feb 8, 1945
Urgent call for Spanish-speaking missionaries-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
(An urgent call for Spanish-speaking missionaries.) {1945-February 8-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
(An urgent call for Spanish-speaking missionaries.) {1945-February 8-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
110 years ago today - Feb 8, 1915
The request of the party referred to ... cannot be granted, that is, his name cannot be stricken from the Church records as a means of severing his connection with the Church. No Church member can be severed from the Church without trial and ex-communication. Special Teachers therefore might consistently be appointed to labor with the party ... and if he persists in his desire to be severed from the Church a formal charge of apostasy might be made against him by and by ...
[First Presidency, Letter to Heber Q. Hale, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[First Presidency, Letter to Heber Q. Hale, 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 - Feb 8, 1910
[Apostle Heber J. Grant]
[At meeting in Temple of General Authorities and Stake Presidencies] A question was asked if it was proper for a man who had two wives to marry another in case his legal wife were to die. Prest Smith said it would not be right. He then spoke strongly that there must not be any more plural marriages performed. Urged all to aid in keeping our pledges with the Nation that there should be no more plural marriages. Was very strong.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[At meeting in Temple of General Authorities and Stake Presidencies] A question was asked if it was proper for a man who had two wives to marry another in case his legal wife were to die. Prest Smith said it would not be right. He then spoke strongly that there must not be any more plural marriages performed. Urged all to aid in keeping our pledges with the Nation that there should be no more plural marriages. Was very strong.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Feb 8, 1900; Thursday
In the afternoon George P. Frisby and George D. Cole of "The Church of Christ," commonly known as "Hedrickites," called on the Presidency. They were accompanied by Elder Charles W. Penrose. these gentlemen stated that they had come from Independence, Missouri, for the purpose of ascertaining if it is not possible for a delegation of our Church, a delegation of the "Reorganite" church and a a delegation of their own organization could not meet together for the purpose of trying to harmonize their views on doctrine with a view to our coming together and uniting into one body. This, in brief, was stated as their object in coming here, but their conversation with the Presidency lasted fully an hour, during which time these men manifested a very good spirit. They freely admitted that they were but custodians of the Temple ground in Independence, and they said the Spirit seemed to manifest to them as a body that they ought to take some steps towards placing this ground so it can be used
for the purpose indicated in the revelations. President [Lorenzo] Snow appointed a meeting for tomorrow in the office for two thirty, at which President [George Q.] Cannon and whoever of the Apostles in reach may be present.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
for the purpose indicated in the revelations. President [Lorenzo] Snow appointed a meeting for tomorrow in the office for two thirty, at which President [George Q.] Cannon and whoever of the Apostles in reach may be present.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Saturday, Feb 8, 1890
[John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
There are many strange faces in this City and much excitement over election matters. President W. Woodruff requested the Apostles present in the City to be at the Tabernacle tomorrow.
[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]
Salt Lake City
There are many strange faces in this City and much excitement over election matters. President W. Woodruff requested the Apostles present in the City to be at the Tabernacle tomorrow.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - Feb 8, 1890 (Saturday)
The third and last parade of the [church's] People's Party in Salt Lake City, took place.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
135 years ago today - Feb 8, 1890
Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon telegraphed: 'Should not Saturday's Deseret News & Salt Lake Herald publish John T. Caine's return as an example to all voters? Maud & Tobias telegraph they go to Salt Lake City next week. Ask earliest day I can meet them. They say Hyde & Richard Taylor are determined to make trouble & my presence would help matter greatly. What shall I answer them?' Answer: 'Leave you return here to your judgment. If you decide to do so it will be entirely agreeable to Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruff. James Jack.' Pres[iden]ts Woodruff & [Joseph F.] Smith witnessed the parade of the People's Party.
[First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
140 years ago today - Feb 8, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
We held a priesthood Meeting in the Evening to prepare the way for installing Isaiah Cox as Bishop and we had a stormy time in the midst of a great variety of spirits a great deal of division & but little union. I told the people to poor out all they had against the Bishop & nearly all the Hous spoke & when they got through I Called a vote and all voted for the Bishop but 2.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We held a priesthood Meeting in the Evening to prepare the way for installing Isaiah Cox as Bishop and we had a stormy time in the midst of a great variety of spirits a great deal of division & but little union. I told the people to poor out all they had against the Bishop & nearly all the Hous spoke & when they got through I Called a vote and all voted for the Bishop but 2.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Feb 8, 1850 (Friday)
On this and the following day a battle was fought between the "minute men" and about seventy Indian warriors under Big Elk, close to Utah Fort (now Provo), in which several were killed and wounded on both sides. The Indians subsequently retreated to the mountains.
[Brigham Young had ordered the Indians be removed from Utah Valley by force]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Brigham Young had ordered the Indians be removed from Utah Valley by force]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
190 years ago today - Feb 08, 1835
Joseph Smith tells Brigham and Joseph Young of a vision in which he saw those who had passed away in Zion's Camp: "If I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I ask no more."
[History of the Church, 2:180-81]
[History of the Church, 2:180-81]
190 years ago today - Feb 8, 1835
Brigham and Joseph Young sing for Joseph. "The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and I told them I wanted to see those brethren together, who went up to Zion in the camp, the previous summer, for I had a blessing for them."
[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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