Today in Mormon History - Aug 12

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 61: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on the bank of the Missouri River, McIlwaine's Bend, August 12, 1831. HC 1: 202-205. On their return trip to Kirtland the Prophet and ten elders had traveled down the Missouri River in canoes. On the third day of the journey many dangers were experienced. Elder William W. Phelps, in daylight vision, saw the destroyer riding in power upon the face of the waters.

1-12, The Lord has decreed many destructions upon the waters; 13-22, The waters were cursed by John, and the destroyer rideth upon their face; 23-29, Some have power to command the waters; 30-35, Elders are to journey two by two and preach the gospel; 36-39, They are to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man. (1)
-- 180 years ago today - Aug 12, 1831

[Same-Sex Marriage] After reading arguments regarding the stay, Judge Walker says: "None of the factors the court weighs in considering a motion to stay favors granting a stay. Accordingly, proponents motion for a stay is DENIED." Again, rather than having same-sex marriages begin immediately, Walker leaves one week for the appellate court to review the question of a stay. If the appellate court does not lengthen the stay, Walker directs that same-sex marriages could begin at 5:01 p.m. on August 18, 2010. (2)
-- 1 year ago - 8/12/2010

U.S. President John F. Kennedy appoints Eshter W. Eggertsen Peterson as assistant secretary of U.S. Labor Department, first Mormon woman in sub-Cabinet position. (3)
-- 50 years ago today - Aug 12, 1961

1 - Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants
2 - Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com