Today in Mormon History - Dec 31

Church Membership at end of year: 680

New Converts : 400

Percent Change from previous year: 142.86% (1)
-- 180 years ago today - 1831

[Hinckley] Spoke to the youth in a New Years Eve meeting in the Conference Center (2)
-- 5 years ago today - Dec 31, 2006

Administration of Second Anointings to December 31, 1941

Temple Living Dead Total

Nauvoo and other sites (1843-46) 591 0 5911

Endowment House (ded. 1866) 694 0 694

St. George (ded. 1877) 1,814 1,615 3,429

Logan (ded. 1884) 3,040 1,243 4,283

Manti (ded. 1888) 2,412 1,134 3,546

Salt Lake City (ded. 1893) 6,368 2,211 8,579

Laie (ded. 1920) 0 0 0

Alberta (ded. 1923) 13 14

Mesa (ded. 1927) 0 0 0 2

TOTAL 14,932 6,204 21,1262

[from "Temple Ordinance Statistics," Books A, B, C ] (3)
-- 70 years ago today - Dec 31, 1941

1 - Wikipedia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history
2 - LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship

70 years ago today - Dec 31, 1941

Administration of Second Anointings to December 31, 1941

Temple Living Dead Total

Nauvoo and other sites (1843-46) 591 0 5911

Endowment House (ded. 1866) 694 0 694

St. George (ded. 1877) 1,814 1,615 3,429

Logan (ded. 1884) 3,040 1,243 4,283

Manti (ded. 1888) 2,412 1,134 3,546

Salt Lake City (ded. 1893) 6,368 2,211 8,579

Laie (ded. 1920) 0 0 0

Alberta (ded. 1923) 13 14

Mesa (ded. 1927) 0 0 0 2

TOTAL 14,932 6,204 21,1262

[from "Temple Ordinance Statistics," Books A, B, C ]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

5 years ago today - Dec 31, 2006

[Hinckley] Spoke to the youth in a New Years Eve meeting in the Conference Center

[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]

180 years ago today - 1831

Church Membership at end of year: 680

New Converts : 400

Percent Change from previous year: 142.86%

[Source: Wikipedia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 30

Joseph prophesies in the name of the Lord "that the first thing toward building up Warsaw was to break it down." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 4:486-87.) George Miller, having been granted an official dispensation by Grandmaster Jonas, on Oct. 15, to meet with other Masons in Nauvoo, holds the first Masonic gathering in Nauvoo on Dec. 29, at the office of Hyrum Smith. Temporary officers are elected and by-laws are drafted. On Dec. 30 the second meeting of the Nauvoo Lodge is held. By-laws are approved and a petition with a list of names applying for new membership is submitted. Included among the applicants are Joseph Smith, Willard Richards, Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and many other prominent Church leaders. No new members are actually admitted until the next formal installation on March 15, 1842. ___ (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 30, 1841

The Washington Post and Newsweek have launched a new religion blog entitled "On Faith." Fifty panelists representing different faiths are invited to respond to a question each week on a religious topic. Members of the public are then free to respond to the question or to any of the comments either under their own name or using a pseudonym. (2)
-- 5 years ago today - Dec 30, 2006

[Lucy Mack Smith] Ezra Booth (Methodist minister), John Johnson and Mary Musselman Johnson and family, visit Joseph. Joseph heals Mary's lame arm. (3)
-- 180 years ago today - Winter/Spring 1831

1 - Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
2 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book

180 years ago today - Winter/Spring 1831

[Lucy Mack Smith] Ezra Booth (Methodist minister), John Johnson and Mary Musselman Johnson and family, visit Joseph. Joseph heals Mary's lame arm.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

5 years ago today - Dec 30, 2006

[General] The Washington Post and Newsweek have launched a new religion blog entitled "On Faith." Fifty panelists representing different faiths are invited to respond to a question each week on a religious topic. Members of the public are then free to respond to the question or to any of the comments either under their own name or using a pseudonym.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

170 years ago today - Dec 30, 1841

Joseph prophesies in the name of the Lord "that the first thing toward building up Warsaw was to break it down." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 4:486-87.) George Miller, having been granted an official dispensation by Grandmaster Jonas, on Oct. 15, to meet with other Masons in Nauvoo, holds the first Masonic gathering in Nauvoo on Dec. 29, at the office of Hyrum Smith. Temporary officers are elected and by-laws are drafted. On Dec. 30 the second meeting of the Nauvoo Lodge is held. By-laws are approved and a petition with a list of names applying for new membership is submitted. Included among the applicants are Joseph Smith, Willard Richards, Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and many other prominent Church leaders. No new members are actually admitted until the next formal installation on March 15, 1842. ___

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 29

Ezra Booth, a Methodist minister; John Johnson, and Johnson's wife and family visit Joseph Smith out of curiosity. Joseph heals Mrs. Johnson's lame arm miraculously. They are all converted. (1)
-- 180 years ago today - Winter or Spring 1831

Erastus Snow: Returned 29 December 1836, having baptized fifty persons. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 29, 1836

[Masonry] Eighteen (2 X 09) Mormon Masons met in the office of Hyrum Smith to organize the Nauvoo Lodge. George D. Miller was elected Grand Master; John D. Parker, Grand Warden; and Lucius Scovill, Junior Warden. The following day Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon petitioned for membership in the Lodge. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 29, 1841

1 - Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
3 - Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3

170 years ago today - Dec 29, 1841

[Masonry] Eighteen (2 X 09) Mormon Masons met in the office of Hyrum Smith to organize the Nauvoo Lodge. George D. Miller was elected Grand Master; John D. Parker, Grand Warden; and Lucius Scovill, Junior Warden. The following day Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon petitioned for membership in the Lodge.

[Source: Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]

175 years ago today - Dec 29, 1836

Erastus Snow: Returned 29 December 1836, having baptized fifty persons.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

180 years ago today - Winter or Spring 1831

Ezra Booth, a Methodist minister; John Johnson, and Johnson's wife and family visit Joseph Smith out of curiosity. Joseph heals Mrs. Johnson's lame arm miraculously. They are all converted.

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 28

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28 I went to the Office to day. I wrote to Sarah. (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 28, 1891

[Joseph Smith] Joseph baptizes Sidney Rigdon for his dead parents. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 28, 1841

The following is an account of the regular meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve Apostles held this morning at the temple at 10 o'clock:

There were present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Charles W. Penrose and Francis M. Lyman, Elders Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and James E. Talmage. ...

Defects in certain of our hymns was informally talked about, and Bro[ther]s. Penrose and Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. had been asked to give attention to them, also to supply corrections.

Pres[iden]t. Penrose now referred to this matter, and suggested that a committee be appointed to do this work, and suggested that Brother Whitney be added.

President Smith now appointed Bro[ther]s. Charles W. Penrose, Orson F. Whitney and Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. as that committee, remarking that he hoped the revision would consist of as few changes as possible. ... (3)
-- 100 years ago today - Dec 28, 1911; Thursday

1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
3 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes

100 years ago today - Dec 28, 1911; Thursday

[General] The following is an account of the regular meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve Apostles held this morning at the temple at 10 o'clock:

There were present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Charles W. Penrose and Francis M. Lyman, Elders Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and James E. Talmage. ...

Defects in certain of our hymns was informally talked about, and Bro[ther]s. Penrose and Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. had been asked to give attention to them, also to supply corrections.

Pres[iden]t. Penrose now referred to this matter, and suggested that a committee be appointed to do this work, and suggested that Brother Whitney be added.

President Smith now appointed Bro[ther]s. Charles W. Penrose, Orson F. Whitney and Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. as that committee, remarking that he hoped the revision would consist of as few changes as possible. ...

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

170 years ago today - Dec 28, 1841

[Joseph Smith] Joseph baptizes Sidney Rigdon for his dead parents.

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

120 years ago today - Dec 28, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28 I went to the Office to day. I wrote to Sarah.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 27

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Today a 2d article appeared in the Herald protesting against John Henry Smith preaching the pernicious principles of Republicanism while he officiates as an Apostle &c. (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 27, 1891

[Lucy Mack Smith] Samuel and William McLellin return from their mission. (2)
-- 180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1831

Joseph Smith exhibits to the Twelve what Young calls the "seer stone" but what Woodruff calls the "Urim and Thummim." Young says that at Nauvoo Smith finds two more seer stones on the banks of the Mississippi River. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 27, 1841

1 - Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book
3 - 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

170 years ago today - Dec 27, 1841

Joseph Smith exhibits to the Twelve what Young calls the "seer stone" but what Woodruff calls the "Urim and Thummim." Young says that at Nauvoo Smith finds two more seer stones on the banks of the Mississippi River.

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1831

[Lucy Mack Smith] Samuel and William McLellin return from their mission.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

120 years ago today - Dec 27, 1891

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Today a 2d article appeared in the Herald protesting against John Henry Smith preaching the pernicious principles of Republicanism while he officiates as an Apostle &c.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 26

[Wilford Woodruff] Brigham Young instructs Twelve on temple endowment ceremony and second anointings (1)
-- 145 years ago today - Dec 26, 1866

Attended the regular weekly meeting of the Presidentcy and Apostles at 11 a.m. For about the 4th time I got an ap[p]ropriation of $900. for the Pres[iden]tcy of the Big Horn

[Wyoming] Stake. It was voted that I go to New Mexico and ascertain the state of Pres[iden]t. Brigham Young [Jr.]'s health and assist him home if he will come. It was voted to invite him to return home. I made preparations to leave tomorrow night. (2)
-- 110 years ago today - Dec 26, 1901; Thursday

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Joseph the Seer Called upon me & others of the Twelve to attend meeting at his house. We did so in the evening & herd many good principles presented by presidents Joseph & Hyrum Smith such as the following: Speak not in tongues to your own nation but to those of annother tongue. Then if one of another tongue interpets it will be a sign to the unbeliever, & then it would condemn those who heard if they rejected it for the Lord does not work in vain. Joseph spoke upon the 14 ch. 1 cor. Prophesies will cease &c ie. A person will cease or stop prophesying & not continue all the while &c untill we come to perfection or a fulness. Then part work will be done away. [Wilford Woodruff Diary] (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 26, 1841

1 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal
2 - Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary
3 - The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook

170 years ago today - Dec 26, 1841

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Joseph the Seer Called upon me & others of the Twelve to attend meeting at his house. We did so in the evening & herd many good principles presented by presidents Joseph & Hyrum Smith such as the following: Speak not in tongues to your own nation but to those of annother tongue. Then if one of another tongue interpets it will be a sign to the unbeliever, & then it would condemn those who heard if they rejected it for the Lord does not work in vain. Joseph spoke upon the 14 ch. 1 cor. Prophesies will cease &c ie. A person will cease or stop prophesying & not continue all the while &c untill we come to perfection or a fulness. Then part work will be done away. [Wilford Woodruff Diary]

[Source: The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]

110 years ago today - Dec 26, 1901; Thursday

[General] Attended the regular weekly meeting of the Presidentcy and Apostles at 11 a.m. For about the 4th time I got an ap[p]ropriation of $900. for the Pres[iden]tcy of the Big Horn

[Wyoming] Stake. It was voted that I go to New Mexico and ascertain the state of Pres[iden]t. Brigham Young [Jr.]'s health and assist him home if he will come. It was voted to invite him to return home. I made preparations to leave tomorrow night.

[Source: Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary]

145 years ago today - Dec 26, 1866

[Wilford Woodruff] Brigham Young instructs Twelve on temple endowment ceremony and second anointings

[Source: Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 25

William Smith writes Strang that Emma Smith "would not let him [Joseph Smith III] have anything to do with Mormonism at present." (1)
-- 165 years ago today - Dec 25, 1846

[Brigham Young] --25-- I partook of a Christmas supper with the Twelve at Brother Hiram Kimball's.

--26 (Sunday)-- I attended meeting at Joseph's house with several of the Twelve, Brothers Hyrum and Joseph Smith and I preached. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 25, 1841

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Herald of today contains Protest of a Democratic Mormon against John Henry Smith preaching pernicious doctrines of Republicanism. (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 25, 1891

1 - 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
2 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
3 - Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies

120 years ago today - Dec 25, 1891

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Herald of today contains Protest of a Democratic Mormon against John Henry Smith preaching pernicious doctrines of Republicanism.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Dec 25, 1841

[Brigham Young] --25-- I partook of a Christmas supper with the Twelve at Brother Hiram Kimball's.

--26 (Sunday)-- I attended meeting at Joseph's house with several of the Twelve, Brothers Hyrum and Joseph Smith and I preached.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

165 years ago today - Dec 25, 1846

William Smith writes Strang that Emma Smith "would not let him [Joseph Smith III] have anything to do with Mormonism at present."

[Source: 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]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 24

Nauvoo, Illinois. In the evening, Joseph Smith consulted -"with President [Brigham] Young and Bishop [Newel] Whitney about establishing an agency in England for the cheap and expeditious conveyance of the Saints to Nauvoo.-", (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 24, 1841

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Apostle Moses Thatcher his wife & children arrived home from Boston I spoke with him at the depot. (2)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 24, 1891

Virginia Sorensen died on 24 December 1991. (3)
-- 20 years ago today - Dec 24, 1991

1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu
2 - Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Virginia Sorensen, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SORENSEN%2CVIRGINIA.html

20 years ago today - Dec 24, 1991

Virginia Sorensen died on 24 December 1991.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Virginia Sorensen, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SORENSEN%2CVIRGINIA.html]

120 years ago today - Dec 24, 1891

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Apostle Moses Thatcher his wife & children arrived home from Boston I spoke with him at the depot.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Dec 24, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. In the evening, Joseph Smith consulted -"with President [Brigham] Young and Bishop [Newel] Whitney about establishing an agency in England for the cheap and expeditious conveyance of the Saints to Nauvoo.-",

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 23

The African country of Congo grants the Church formal recognition. (1)
-- 20 years ago today - Dec 23, 1991

John Murdock: Died 23 December 1871. (2)
-- 140 years ago today - Dec 23, 1871

[Joseph Smith] To ease tensions among Clay and Jackson County residents and provide a county for Mormon settlers, Caldwell County is created by legislation, passing the House on the 23rd and the Senate on the 27th. Daviess County is also created, although disputations about its purpose arise later. Missouri natives feel that the Mormons agreed not to settle it, although no such agreement existed or was acknowledged by the Mormons. (3)
-- 175 years ago today - December 23-27 1836

1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
3 - Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.

175 years ago today - December 23-27 1836

[Joseph Smith] To ease tensions among Clay and Jackson County residents and provide a county for Mormon settlers, Caldwell County is created by legislation, passing the House on the 23rd and the Senate on the 27th. Daviess County is also created, although disputations about its purpose arise later. Missouri natives feel that the Mormons agreed not to settle it, although no such agreement existed or was acknowledged by the Mormons.

[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]

140 years ago today - Dec 23, 1871

John Murdock: Died 23 December 1871.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

20 years ago today - Dec 23, 1991

[General] The African country of Congo grants the Church formal recognition.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

More History?

Want more Mormon history? Check out LDS-Church-History, a topical approach to the history of the church. Topics from the past have included Tithing, the Word of Wisdom, Z.C.M.I. and Dreams in Latter-day Saint history. More info can be found here: http://bit.ly/ldshst

Today in Mormon History - Dec 22

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith held a conference of the Church in the Kirtland Temple. (1)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 22, 1836

Christmas Greeting-- Wickedness shall be overcome, hatred, enmity, strife, poverty, and war abolished. This will not be accomplished, however, with bombs and battleshot, with submarines or poison gas, but with a slow but never- failing process of changing men's mental and spiritual attitude. (Excerpt.) {1936-December 22-Liahona, the Elders' Journal 34:313-315, December 22, 1936.} (2)
-- 75 years ago today - Dec 22, 1936

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] At evening Charley read me a bill intended by Democracy of Utah get passed by Congress if practicable to give Utah the right to elect her own offices & pay them for their services. Also read part of the accompanying paper. (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 22, 1891

1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu
2 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
3 - Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies

120 years ago today - Dec 22, 1891

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] At evening Charley read me a bill intended by Democracy of Utah get passed by Congress if practicable to give Utah the right to elect her own offices & pay them for their services. Also read part of the accompanying paper.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

75 years ago today - Dec 22, 1936

[General] Christmas Greeting-- Wickedness shall be overcome, hatred, enmity, strife, poverty, and war abolished. This will not be accomplished, however, with bombs and battleshot, with submarines or poison gas, but with a slow but never- failing process of changing men's mental and spiritual attitude. (Excerpt.) {1936-December 22-Liahona, the Elders' Journal 34:313-315, December 22, 1936.}

[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

175 years ago today - Dec 22, 1836

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith held a conference of the Church in the Kirtland Temple.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 21

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] At 1 o'clock this morning Afton Young died....

(1)
-- 70 years ago today - Dec 21, 1941

The following is a report of the meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve Apostles held this morning as usual:

Those present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Charles W. Penrose and Francis M. Lyman, Elders Hyrum M. Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and James E. Talmage. ... (2)
-- 100 years ago today - Dec 21, 1911; Thursday

[Bibliography on the Negro Doctrine] Lythgoe, Dennis L. "Negro Slavery in Utah." Utah Historical Quarterly 39 (Winter 1971): 40-54. (3)
-- 40 years ago today - Winter 1971

1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
3 - Neither White nor Black: Mormon Scholars Confront the Race Issue in a Universal Church: Chronological Bibliography on the Negro Doctrine [1900-1983], Edited by Lester E. Bush, Jr., and Armand L. Mauss, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies

40 years ago today - Winter 1971

[Bibliography on the Negro Doctrine] Lythgoe, Dennis L. "Negro Slavery in Utah." Utah Historical Quarterly 39 (Winter 1971): 40-54.

[Source: Neither White nor Black: Mormon Scholars Confront the Race Issue in a Universal Church: Chronological Bibliography on the Negro Doctrine [1900-1983], Edited by Lester E. Bush, Jr., and Armand L. Mauss, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

100 years ago today - Dec 21, 1911; Thursday

[General] The following is a report of the meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve Apostles held this morning as usual:

Those present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Charles W. Penrose and Francis M. Lyman, Elders Hyrum M. Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and James E. Talmage. ...

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

70 years ago today - Dec 21, 1941

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] At 1 o'clock this morning Afton Young died....

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 20

[U.S. Religious History] Reflecting on his failed lawsuit against Larry Flynt because of the parody Flynt published in the magazine "Hustler," Jerry Falwell stated: "If Larry had been physically able and were not in a wheelchair, there'd have been no lawsuit. I'm a Campbell County, Virginia country boy. I'd just take him outside the barn and whip him and that'd be the end of it." (1)
-- 15 years ago today - Dec 20, 1996

(Elijah Abel) : Ordained a member of the Third Quorum of Seventy in Kirtland, Ohio. His ordination was certified in Nauvoo. In 1902 President Joseph F. Smith recalled a seventies meeting held in Utah on March 4, 1879: "Bro Elijah Able [sic] gave an outline of his history and experiences during a period of forty years. Of his being in Kirtland. Of his appointment an[d] ordination as a Seventy, and a member of the 3rd Quorum. He related some of the saying[s] of the prophet Joseph who told him that those who were called to the Melchisadec [sic] Priesthood and had magnified that calling would be sealed up unto eternal life." (2)
-- 175 years ago today - 1836. December 20

[S]econd blessings are not given to women who do not live with their husbands. That is, a deceased woman may be sealed to a man without having lived with him as his wife, but would not be entitled to second blessings. [George F. Gibbs to Thomas B. Evans, Dec. 20, 1911] (3)
-- 100 years ago today - Dec 20, 1911

1 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
2 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship

100 years ago today - Dec 20, 1911

[Temple] [S]econd blessings are not given to women who do not live with their husbands. That is, a deceased woman may be sealed to a man without having lived with him as his wife, but would not be entitled to second blessings. [George F. Gibbs to Thomas B. Evans, Dec. 20, 1911]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

175 years ago today - 1836. December 20

[General] (Elijah Abel) : Ordained a member of the Third Quorum of Seventy in Kirtland, Ohio. His ordination was certified in Nauvoo. In 1902 President Joseph F. Smith recalled a seventies meeting held in Utah on March 4, 1879: "Bro Elijah Able [sic] gave an outline of his history and experiences during a period of forty years. Of his being in Kirtland. Of his appointment an[d] ordination as a Seventy, and a member of the 3rd Quorum. He related some of the saying[s] of the prophet Joseph who told him that those who were called to the Melchisadec [sic] Priesthood and had magnified that calling would be sealed up unto eternal life."

[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

15 years ago today - Dec 20, 1996

[U.S. Religious History] Reflecting on his failed lawsuit against Larry Flynt because of the parody Flynt published in the magazine "Hustler," Jerry Falwell stated: "If Larry had been physically able and were not in a wheelchair, there'd have been no lawsuit. I'm a Campbell County, Virginia country boy. I'd just take him outside the barn and whip him and that'd be the end of it."

[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 19

The Church purchases nearly sixty-four acres of the temple lot in Independence, Missouri, from Jones H. Flournoy at a cost of $130. (1)
-- 180 years ago today - Dec 19, 1831

[Brigham Young] --19-- The Twelve met in council at my house this morning. In the evening we met at Joseph's house, when Elder Kimball preached; he was followed by Brother Joseph and myself. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 19, 1841

[Patriarchal Blessings] Kirtland, Ohio, Patriarchal Blessing to Dominicus Carter given by Joseph Smith Sr. stated "Thou shall have power to translate thyself and call down fire from heaven as did Elijah of old" (3)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 19, 1836

1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
3 - Marquardt, H. Michael, "Excerpts from a few Patriarchal Blessings given by Joseph Smith, Sr." http://www.xmission.com/~research/about/patb2.htm

175 years ago today - Dec 19, 1836

[Patriarchal Blessings] Kirtland, Ohio, Patriarchal Blessing to Dominicus Carter given by Joseph Smith Sr. stated "Thou shall have power to translate thyself and call down fire from heaven as did Elijah of old"

[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, "Excerpts from a few Patriarchal Blessings given by Joseph Smith, Sr." http://www.xmission.com/~research/about/patb2.htm]

170 years ago today - Dec 19, 1841

[Brigham Young] --19-- The Twelve met in council at my house this morning. In the evening we met at Joseph's house, when Elder Kimball preached; he was followed by Brother Joseph and myself.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

180 years ago today - Dec 19, 1831

[General] The Church purchases nearly sixty-four acres of the temple lot in Independence, Missouri, from Jones H. Flournoy at a cost of $130.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 18

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18 I am still at home quite sick. We had quite a snow storm. Brother Cannon & Wilken Called upon me. (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 18, 1891

[Joseph Smith] Joseph attends a city council and draws up a resolution thanking James Gordon Bennett for his "very liberal and unprejudiced course towards us as a people, in giving us a fair hearing in his paper." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 4:477-78.) (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 18, 1841

[Brigham Young Jr.] Born 18 December 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio, to Brigham Young and Mary Ann Angell, Brigham Young, Jr., was a twin; his sister Mary died at age seven. (3)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 18, 1836

1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
3 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Brigham Young Jr., http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/y/YOUNG%2CBRIGHAM-JR.html

175 years ago today - Dec 18, 1836

[Brigham Young Jr.] Born 18 December 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio, to Brigham Young and Mary Ann Angell, Brigham Young, Jr., was a twin; his sister Mary died at age seven.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Brigham Young Jr., http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/y/YOUNG%2CBRIGHAM-JR.html]

170 years ago today - Dec 18, 1841

[Joseph Smith] Joseph attends a city council and draws up a resolution thanking James Gordon Bennett for his "very liberal and unprejudiced course towards us as a people, in giving us a fair hearing in his paper." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 4:477-78.)

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

120 years ago today - Dec 18, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18 I am still at home quite sick. We had quite a snow storm. Brother Cannon & Wilken Called upon me.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 17

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Called on Pearl Udall Nelson and told her that we were thinking of appointing her father President of the Arizona Temple. I asked her regarding his family relations and she explained fully his present condition. Consulted with my counselors and some of the apostles and finally concluded to send the letter of appointment of Brother Udall. (1)
-- 85 years ago today - Dec 17, 1926

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 I spent the day at home quite sick. Emma is sick. (2)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 17, 1891

After a 32-month absence of proselytizing missionaries in the Republic of Serbia, six missionaries from the Bulgaria Sofia Mission returned to Serbia. Missionaries were withdrawn from the country in March 1999 because of conflict in the region. (3)
-- 10 years ago today - Dec 17, 2001

1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html

10 years ago today - Dec 17, 2001

[General] After a 32-month absence of proselytizing missionaries in the Republic of Serbia, six missionaries from the Bulgaria Sofia Mission returned to Serbia. Missionaries were withdrawn from the country in March 1999 because of conflict in the region.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

120 years ago today - Dec 17, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 I spent the day at home quite sick. Emma is sick.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

85 years ago today - Dec 17, 1926

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Called on Pearl Udall Nelson and told her that we were thinking of appointing her father President of the Arizona Temple. I asked her regarding his family relations and she explained fully his present condition. Consulted with my counselors and some of the apostles and finally concluded to send the letter of appointment of Brother Udall.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 16

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16 Wednesday I went to the City & Met with the Bank board. I presented the board with a Statement of Kimball the Bank inspector. Considerable was said upon the subject. (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 16, 1891

Church Publications are now available in Compressed Audio Format. (2)
-- 5 years ago today - Dec 16, 2006

[Word of Wisdom] Hoppers Grill & Brewing Company opens in Midvale. (3)
-- 15 years ago today - Dec 16, 1996

1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php
3 - Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011

15 years ago today - Dec 16, 1996

[Word of Wisdom] Hoppers Grill & Brewing Company opens in Midvale.

[Source: Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]

5 years ago today - Dec 16, 2006

[General] Church Publications are now available in Compressed Audio Format.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

120 years ago today - Dec 16, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16 Wednesday I went to the City & Met with the Bank board. I presented the board with a Statement of Kimball the Bank inspector. Considerable was said upon the subject.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 15

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Brother Franklin S. Richards called and delivered me a book which I put in the safe. It is an account of the meetings of the School of the Prophets at Ogden. (1)
-- 85 years ago today - Dec 15, 1926

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15 I went to the City And Attended the Z.C.M.I Board Meeting. I met with Judg Este & Col Trumbow & others. I was quite Poorly. (2)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 15, 1891

[Brigham Young] --15-- I met with the Twelve at Brother Kimball's. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 15, 1841

1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).

170 years ago today - Dec 15, 1841

[Brigham Young] --15-- I met with the Twelve at Brother Kimball's.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

120 years ago today - Dec 15, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15 I went to the City And Attended the Z.C.M.I Board Meeting. I met with Judg Este & Col Trumbow & others. I was quite Poorly.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

85 years ago today - Dec 15, 1926

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Brother Franklin S. Richards called and delivered me a book which I put in the safe. It is an account of the meetings of the School of the Prophets at Ogden.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 14

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith began unpacking and sorting the dry goods for his Red Brick Store on the corner of Granger and Water Streets. (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 14, 1841

[Lucy Mack Smith] Martha Jane Coray, mother of twelve and BYU's first woman regent, dies at Provo. (2)
-- 130 years ago today - Dec 14, 1881

President [David H.] Cannon said, if the sisters find it necessary to wear shoes while going through endowments, they should put moccasins on over their shoes. This is the order of this temple and we are not controlled by Salt Lake Temple. * This temple has the original of these endowments which w[ere] given by President Brigham Young and we have not nor will we change anything thereof unless dictated by the President of the Church. [Temple Minute Book, St. George, Dec. 14, 1911] (3)
-- 100 years ago today - Dec 14, 1911

1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu
2 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship

100 years ago today - Dec 14, 1911

President [David H.] Cannon said, if the sisters find it necessary to wear shoes while going through endowments, they should put moccasins on over their shoes. This is the order of this temple and we are not controlled by Salt Lake Temple. * This temple has the original of these endowments which w[ere] given by President Brigham Young and we have not nor will we change anything thereof unless dictated by the President of the Church. [Temple Minute Book, St. George, Dec. 14, 1911]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

130 years ago today - Dec 14, 1881

[Lucy Mack Smith] Martha Jane Coray, mother of twelve and BYU's first woman regent, dies at Provo.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

170 years ago today - Dec 14, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith began unpacking and sorting the dry goods for his Red Brick Store on the corner of Granger and Water Streets.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 13

[Brigham Young] --13-- The Twelve wrote an epistle to the Saints of the last days. (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 13, 1841

A sign language version of Church History DVD's is now available. (2)
-- 5 years ago today - Dec 13, 2006

Willard Richards (Brigham Young's cousin) baptized. (3)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 13, 1836

1 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
2 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php
3 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"

175 years ago today - Dec 13, 1836

[General] Willard Richards (Brigham Young's cousin) baptized.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

5 years ago today - Dec 13, 2006

[General] A sign language version of Church History DVD's is now available.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

170 years ago today - Dec 13, 1841

[Brigham Young] --13-- The Twelve wrote an epistle to the Saints of the last days.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 12

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 Saturday I am better. I spent most of the Day reading. (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 12, 1891

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Deictated (sic) my journal from November 23rd to date at 10:50. Really I had made practically no notes during all this time. My health has been such that I have neglected to do so. What little time I have had I had read quite a bit and I have been dumbfounded at the neglect at Pearl Harbor and the loss of a couple of battle ships and the death of Brother Clark's son-in-law, Mervyn S. Bennion, who was commander of the West Virginia. It looks like we were absolutely asleep when the Japanese struck. Two of the great British battleships have also been sunk by the Japanese. It looks like the United States and Great Britain ought to take lessons from the Japanese on how to strike. I never felt more shocked in my life than to think that Brother Clark's son-in-law was killed. He leaves only one child-a son-and his brother has no children. They were at the head of their classes and made marvelous records. It seems too bad that one of them has no childr
en and the other has only one.

(2)
-- 70 years ago today - Dec 12, 1941

[Brigham Young] --12-- I met with the Twelve in the morning, and also in the evening at Brother H. [Heber] C. Kimball's. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 12, 1841

1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).

170 years ago today - Dec 12, 1841

[Brigham Young] --12-- I met with the Twelve in the morning, and also in the evening at Brother H. [Heber] C. Kimball's.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

70 years ago today - Dec 12, 1941

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Deictated (sic) my journal from November 23rd to date at 10:50. Really I had made practically no notes during all this time. My health has been such that I have neglected to do so. What little time I have had I had read quite a bit and I have been dumbfounded at the neglect at Pearl Harbor and the loss of a couple of battle ships and the death of Brother Clark's son-in-law, Mervyn S. Bennion, who was commander of the West Virginia. It looks like we were absolutely asleep when the Japanese struck. Two of the great British battleships have also been sunk by the Japanese. It looks like the United States and Great Britain ought to take lessons from the Japanese on how to strike. I never felt more shocked in my life than to think that Brother Clark's son-in-law was killed. He leaves only one child-a son-and his brother has no children. They were at the head of their classes and made marvelous records. It seems too bad that one of them has no childr
en and the other has only one.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Dec 12, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 Saturday I am better. I spent most of the Day reading.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 11

Elder F[ranklin]. D. Richards had an interview with Pres[iden]ts. W[ilford]. Woodruff and J[oseph]. F. Smith, Elder G[eorge]. Teasdale being present, in reference to the position of the Deseret News Company in relation to the Deseret News Publishing Company, the latter having leased the Deseret News Office, papers and fixtures on terms that had not been complied with. Elder Richards was urged to continue this matter until some satisfactory settlement was reached.

Gov[enor]. Francis M. Drake of Iowa called on Pres[iden]ts. Woodruff and Smith, introduced by Gov[ernor]. [Heber M.] Wells. He was familiar with the early history of the Church, and said he was a 13 year old boy when the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered, and distinctly remembered seeing their dead bodies shortly after the assassination. (1)
-- 115 years ago today - Dec 11, 1896; Friday

[1st Presidency Changes] Heber J. Grant Anthony W. Ivins Death of Charles W. Nibley (never ordained an apostle) (2)
-- 80 years ago today - Dec 11, 1931 - 6 April 1933

Joseph Smith is sealed to Presendia Lathrop Huntington. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 11, 1841

1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
3 - Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)

170 years ago today - Dec 11, 1841

[Polygamy] Joseph Smith is sealed to Presendia Lathrop Huntington.

[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]

80 years ago today - Dec 11, 1931 - 6 April 1933

[1st Presidency Changes] Heber J. Grant Anthony W. Ivins Death of Charles W. Nibley (never ordained an apostle)

[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]

115 years ago today - Dec 11, 1896; Friday

[General] Elder F[ranklin]. D. Richards had an interview with Pres[iden]ts. W[ilford]. Woodruff and J[oseph]. F. Smith, Elder G[eorge]. Teasdale being present, in reference to the position of the Deseret News Company in relation to the Deseret News Publishing Company, the latter having leased the Deseret News Office, papers and fixtures on terms that had not been complied with. Elder Richards was urged to continue this matter until some satisfactory settlement was reached.

Gov[enor]. Francis M. Drake of Iowa called on Pres[iden]ts. Woodruff and Smith, introduced by Gov[ernor]. [Heber M.] Wells. He was familiar with the early history of the Church, and said he was a 13 year old boy when the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered, and distinctly remembered seeing their dead bodies shortly after the assassination.

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 10

[Black History] Thomas Coleman brutally murdered for "meddling with white women", (1)
-- 145 years ago today - Dec 10, 1866

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10 Thursday I Am some better to day. I sat up a good Deal. (2)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 10, 1891

Henry B. Eyring is inaugurated as the ninth president of Ricks College. (3)
-- 40 years ago today - Dec 10, 1971

1 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

40 years ago today - Dec 10, 1971

[General] Henry B. Eyring is inaugurated as the ninth president of Ricks College.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

120 years ago today - Dec 10, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10 Thursday I Am some better to day. I sat up a good Deal.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Dec 10, 1866

[Black History] Thomas Coleman brutally murdered for "meddling with white women",

[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 09

Church website initiated at lds.org. (1)
-- 15 years ago today - Dec 9, 1996

[World War II] On 9 December 1941 Henry H. Arnold, commanding the United States Army's Air Forces, directed that military resources be dispersed inland so that a single attack could not destroy significant military capability. In such an environment, decisions to locate training and other support facilities to inland areas was a natural extension. The greater security for bases in the Great Basin interior ensured that military efforts would not be impeded by possible enemy attack. (2)
-- 70 years ago today - Dec 9, 1941

Luke S Johnson Death: 9 Dec. 1861, Salt Lake City, Utah , Estate: No record (3)
-- 150 years ago today - Dec 9, 1861

1 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
2 - Utah History Encyclopedia: World War II, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/w/WWII.html
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power

150 years ago today - Dec 9, 1861

[General] Luke S Johnson Death: 9 Dec. 1861, Salt Lake City, Utah , Estate: No record

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

70 years ago today - Dec 9, 1941

[World War II] On 9 December 1941 Henry H. Arnold, commanding the United States Army's Air Forces, directed that military resources be dispersed inland so that a single attack could not destroy significant military capability. In such an environment, decisions to locate training and other support facilities to inland areas was a natural extension. The greater security for bases in the Great Basin interior ensured that military efforts would not be impeded by possible enemy attack.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: World War II, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/w/WWII.html]

15 years ago today - Dec 9, 1996

[General] Church website initiated at lds.org.

[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 08

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 8 1891 Tuesday I had a sick Night & was quite sick this Morning and through the day. The Dr Called upon me. (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 8, 1891

[Brigham Young] --8-- Returned from Ramus with the Twelve who attended conference. We brought about a thousand dollars worth of property for the temple, which had been donated by the Saints at Ramus, consisting of horses, wagons, provisions, clothing, and etc. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 8, 1841

Ezra Booth writes of a revelation directing Elders to marry with the natives. (3)
-- 180 years ago today - Dec 8, 1831

1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
3 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"

180 years ago today - Dec 8, 1831

[General] Ezra Booth writes of a revelation directing Elders to marry with the natives.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

170 years ago today - Dec 8, 1841

[Brigham Young] --8-- Returned from Ramus with the Twelve who attended conference. We brought about a thousand dollars worth of property for the temple, which had been donated by the Saints at Ramus, consisting of horses, wagons, provisions, clothing, and etc.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

120 years ago today - Dec 8, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 8 1891 Tuesday I had a sick Night & was quite sick this Morning and through the day. The Dr Called upon me.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 07

Charles Coulson Rich: Returned to Pleasant Grove 7 December 1836. (1)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 7, 1836

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Esquires Browning and Bushnell. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 7, 1841

President [David H.] Cannon read [a] letter received 6 November 1896 from the Presidency of the Church in regard to apparel to be worn in the temple by those being endowed. This does not apply, he said, to Prayer Circles of the Brethren. There must be no innovation of these things from the instructions herein given, except it come through the proper source. He also spoke in relation to taking our shoes from our feet before entering the temple. A habit is obtaining contrary to this and it is not right. He read a letter from [the] Presidency of the Church in regard to the same and said, none but aged or sick persons are exempt from obedience to this given rule; but who will be the judge? The Doorkeeper must be the judge. Speaker did not wish to assume the r[o]le of grumbler, but let us do as we should and rejoice in the contemplation and reception of blessings that are ours united to enjoy. [Temple Minute Book, St. George, Dec. 7, 1911] (3)
-- 100 years ago today - Dec 7, 1911

1 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith
2 - Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship

100 years ago today - Dec 7, 1911

President [David H.] Cannon read [a] letter received 6 November 1896 from the Presidency of the Church in regard to apparel to be worn in the temple by those being endowed. This does not apply, he said, to Prayer Circles of the Brethren. There must be no innovation of these things from the instructions herein given, except it come through the proper source. He also spoke in relation to taking our shoes from our feet before entering the temple. A habit is obtaining contrary to this and it is not right. He read a letter from [the] Presidency of the Church in regard to the same and said, none but aged or sick persons are exempt from obedience to this given rule; but who will be the judge? The Doorkeeper must be the judge. Speaker did not wish to assume the r[o]le of grumbler, but let us do as we should and rejoice in the contemplation and reception of blessings that are ours united to enjoy. [Temple Minute Book, St. George, Dec. 7, 1911]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

170 years ago today - Dec 7, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Esquires Browning and Bushnell.

[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]

175 years ago today - Dec 7, 1836

Charles Coulson Rich: Returned to Pleasant Grove 7 December 1836.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 06

Brother Charles S. Burton and Superintendent Joseph Young had a talk with the Presidency about paving South Temple Street from the Eagle Gate to the Oregon Shortline Depot. It was decided that the President sign a petition to the City Council asking that this be done.

Mrs. Sarah Everard called at the office in regard to the same business presented to President [Lorenzo] Snow on September 25th last, which proposition was now agreed to by the Presidency. Instead however of seven per cent. being the consideration Sister Everard requires eight. The last clause of her proposition was reconsidered and agreed to by her, namely, that in the event of her death, or in the case the London [England] Branch should cease to exist or be disorganized, that the interest then go to the Temple. (1)
-- 110 years ago today - Dec 6, 1901; Friday

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6 Sunday I spent this day at home. (2)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 6, 1891

Elder Gene R. Cook organizes the Otavalo Ecuador Stake, the first all-Indian stake in South America, with Luis Alfonso Morales C. as president. (3)
-- 30 years ago today - Dec 06, 1981

1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

30 years ago today - Dec 06, 1981

[General] Elder Gene R. Cook organizes the Otavalo Ecuador Stake, the first all-Indian stake in South America, with Luis Alfonso Morales C. as president.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

120 years ago today - Dec 6, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6 Sunday I spent this day at home.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

110 years ago today - Dec 6, 1901; Friday

[General] Brother Charles S. Burton and Superintendent Joseph Young had a talk with the Presidency about paving South Temple Street from the Eagle Gate to the Oregon Shortline Depot. It was decided that the President sign a petition to the City Council asking that this be done.

Mrs. Sarah Everard called at the office in regard to the same business presented to President [Lorenzo] Snow on September 25th last, which proposition was now agreed to by the Presidency. Instead however of seven per cent. being the consideration Sister Everard requires eight. The last clause of her proposition was reconsidered and agreed to by her, namely, that in the event of her death, or in the case the London [England] Branch should cease to exist or be disorganized, that the interest then go to the Temple.

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 05

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith began to proof a new edition of the Book of Mormon prior to its being stereotyped. (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 5, 1841

Met with a committee convened by President Joseph F. Smith, and read the first five chapters of the prospective publication on Temples. The committee was in session from 10 a.m. to 1.20 p.m., and again from 3 to 5.20 p.m. Following are the names of those present: Pres[ident]. Smith Apostles F[rancis]. M. Lyman, Hyrum Smith, C[harles]. W. Penrose, O[rson].

F. Whitney, and Jos[eph]. F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and Elder J[anne]. M. Sjodadahl and D[aniel]. M. McAllister. The last two are authors of pamphlets on temple subjects. (2)
-- 100 years ago today - Dec 5, 1911; Tuesday

[Utah] Stake President relates "incident of the Prophet Joseph telling Dimick B Huntington.....that Noah built the Ark in the land where South Carolina is now. (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Dec 5, 1891

1 - Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0
2 - James E. Talmage, Diary
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power

120 years ago today - Dec 5, 1891

[Utah] Stake President relates "incident of the Prophet Joseph telling Dimick B Huntington.....that Noah built the Ark in the land where South Carolina is now.

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

100 years ago today - Dec 5, 1911; Tuesday

[General] Met with a committee convened by President Joseph F. Smith, and read the first five chapters of the prospective publication on Temples. The committee was in session from 10 a.m. to 1.20 p.m., and again from 3 to 5.20 p.m. Following are the names of those present: Pres[ident]. Smith Apostles F[rancis]. M. Lyman, Hyrum Smith, C[harles]. W. Penrose, O[rson].

F. Whitney, and Jos[eph]. F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and Elder J[anne]. M. Sjodadahl and D[aniel]. M. McAllister. The last two are authors of pamphlets on temple subjects.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

170 years ago today - Dec 5, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith began to proof a new edition of the Book of Mormon prior to its being stereotyped.

[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 04

[Brigham Young] --4-- On the 4th and 5th, attended a conference at Ramus, and discontinued the organization of the Church at Ramus as a stake. (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 4, 1841

[Word of Wisdom] Sacrament and Washing Only

[Kirtland:] President RIGDON called a vote of the Church to discountenance the use intirely of all liquors from the Church in Sickness & in health except wine at the Sacraments & for external Washing. The vote was carried eunanimously. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 4, 1836

Missionary Language Institute opened at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, with Ernest J. Wilkins serving as director . (3)
-- 50 years ago today - Dec 4, 1961

1 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, Mormon History 1830-1844, Word of Wisdom, http://www.saintswithouthalos.com/n/wow.phtml
3 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550

50 years ago today - Dec 4, 1961

[General] Missionary Language Institute opened at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, with Ernest J. Wilkins serving as director .

[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]

175 years ago today - Dec 4, 1836

[Word of Wisdom] Sacrament and Washing Only

[Kirtland:] President RIGDON called a vote of the Church to discountenance the use intirely of all liquors from the Church in Sickness & in health except wine at the Sacraments & for external Washing. The vote was carried eunanimously.

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, Mormon History 1830-1844, Word of Wisdom, http://www.saintswithouthalos.com/n/wow.phtml]

170 years ago today - Dec 4, 1841

[Brigham Young] --4-- On the 4th and 5th, attended a conference at Ramus, and discontinued the organization of the Church at Ramus as a stake.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 03

The first Spanish-speaking stake in the Church was created in Mexico City. (1)
-- 50 years ago today - Dec 3, 1961

[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] he dreams of meeting his father John Henry Smith and grandfather Lorin Farr, both deceased, at the conclusion of which he remarks on p. 105: "After I was awake I could feel the warmth of his hand and the thrill of the pleasure that I had when I found he could shake hands and had a body of flesh & bone. It was a great comfort to me. I have never dreamed of seeing him or Father before." (2)
-- 100 years ago today - Dec 3, 1911

[Same-Sex Marriage] Judge Chang of the Circuit Court of Hawaii finds in favor of the same-sex plaintiffs. Judge Chang explicitly rejects the expert testimony of Dr. Williams, saying that his testimony is not persuasive or believable because of his expressed bias against the social sciences and that his own testimony therefore impeached his credibility as an expert witness concerning social science. Judge Chang concludes that since the state has failed to demonstrate a compelling interest in denying marriage to same-sex couples, the plaintiffs prevail. The case is immediately appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court. (3)
-- 15 years ago today - Dec 03, 1996

1 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
2 - Journals of George Albert Smith
3 - Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59

15 years ago today - Dec 03, 1996

[Same-Sex Marriage] Judge Chang of the Circuit Court of Hawaii finds in favor of the same-sex plaintiffs. Judge Chang explicitly rejects the expert testimony of Dr. Williams, saying that his testimony is not persuasive or believable because of his expressed bias against the social sciences and that his own testimony therefore impeached his credibility as an expert witness concerning social science. Judge Chang concludes that since the state has failed to demonstrate a compelling interest in denying marriage to same-sex couples, the plaintiffs prevail. The case is immediately appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court.

[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]

100 years ago today - Dec 3, 1911

[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] he dreams of meeting his father John Henry Smith and grandfather Lorin Farr, both deceased, at the conclusion of which he remarks on p. 105: "After I was awake I could feel the warmth of his hand and the thrill of the pleasure that I had when I found he could shake hands and had a body of flesh & bone. It was a great comfort to me. I have never dreamed of seeing him or Father before."

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

50 years ago today - Dec 3, 1961

[General] The first Spanish-speaking stake in the Church was created in Mexico City.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 02

[Mark Hofmann] Defense attorney Yengich and prosecutor Stott begin open discussions about a plea bargain. (1)
-- 25 years ago today - 1986 Early Dec

[Joseph Smith] Joseph receives a revelation for Nancy Marinda Hyde (Orson Hyde's wife), in which he is told that Ebenezer Robinson and his wife are to take in Nancy until Orson Hyde returns from his mission. Nancy is to hearken unto "the counsel of my servant Joseph in all things," and it shall be a blessing to her. (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 4:467.) (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 2, 1841

Gordon B. Hinckley is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (3)
-- 50 years ago today - Dec 2, 1961

1 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,
2 - Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
3 - Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)

50 years ago today - Dec 2, 1961

[General] Gordon B. Hinckley is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]

170 years ago today - Dec 2, 1841

[Joseph Smith] Joseph receives a revelation for Nancy Marinda Hyde (Orson Hyde's wife), in which he is told that Ebenezer Robinson and his wife are to take in Nancy until Orson Hyde returns from his mission. Nancy is to hearken unto "the counsel of my servant Joseph in all things," and it shall be a blessing to her. (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 4:467.)

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

25 years ago today - 1986 Early Dec

[Mark Hofmann] Defense attorney Yengich and prosecutor Stott begin open discussions about a plea bargain.

[Source: Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

Today in Mormon History - Dec 01

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 71: Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, December 1, 1831. HC 1: 238-239. The Prophet had continued to translate the Bible with Sidney Rigdon as his scribe until this revelation was received, at which time it was temporarily laid aside so as to enable them to fulfill the instruction given herein. The brethren were to go forth to preach in order to allay the unfriendly feelings that had developed against the Church as a result of the publication of some newspaper articles by Ezra Booth, who had apostatized.

1-4, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are sent forth to proclaim the gospel; 5-11, Enemies of the saints shall be confounded. (1)
-- 180 years ago today - Dec 1, 1831

[Joseph Smith] The Missouri Saints gather at Far West and petition for an act of incorporation for a new county exclusively for Mormons. Alexander Doniphan, the Saints' lawyer and a Missouri Democrat, introduces the bill into the state legislature. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Dec 1, 1836

[Brigham Young] December 1.-- The Twelve met in council, and wrote an epistle against rogues, thieves and scoundrels which was published.

On the 4th and 5th, attended a conference at Ramus, and discontinued the organization of the Church at Ramus as a stake. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Dec 1, 1841

1 - Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants
2 - Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
3 - Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).

170 years ago today - Dec 1, 1841

[Brigham Young] December 1.-- The Twelve met in council, and wrote an epistle against rogues, thieves and scoundrels which was published.

On the 4th and 5th, attended a conference at Ramus, and discontinued the organization of the Church at Ramus as a stake.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

175 years ago today - Dec 1, 1836

[Joseph Smith] The Missouri Saints gather at Far West and petition for an act of incorporation for a new county exclusively for Mormons. Alexander Doniphan, the Saints' lawyer and a Missouri Democrat, introduces the bill into the state legislature.

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

180 years ago today - Dec 1, 1831

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 71: Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, December 1, 1831. HC 1: 238-239. The Prophet had continued to translate the Bible with Sidney Rigdon as his scribe until this revelation was received, at which time it was temporarily laid aside so as to enable them to fulfill the instruction given herein. The brethren were to go forth to preach in order to allay the unfriendly feelings that had developed against the Church as a result of the publication of some newspaper articles by Ezra Booth, who had apostatized.

1-4, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are sent forth to proclaim the gospel; 5-11, Enemies of the saints shall be confounded.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]