100 years ago today - Feb 29, 1912; 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 commencing at 10:30.

There were present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, Francis M. Lyman, Elders Heber J. Grant, Hyrum M. Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay and James E. Talmage. ...

A letter was read from Pres[iden]t. Andrew Jenson, reported the purchase of the Bergen [Norway] property. ...

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

80 years ago today - Feb 29, 1932

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Alonzo E. Hyde called in regard to President John Taylor's silver watch which I loaned to Mrs. Gordon T. Hyde. This is the watch that President Taylor wore at he time of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his Brother Hyrum in Carthage, and which saved his (Brother Taylor's) life. I loaned this watch to Florence Hyde to show to some of her friends and she hasn't returned it. I promised to have it kept safely at the Bureau of Information.

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

120 years ago today - Feb 29, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29 The last day of winter I received 4 Letters. I had an interview with Franklin S Richards who had Just returned from Washington. He gave me a History of Affairs out there.

[Source: 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 28, 1842

[Joseph Smith] A man sends Joseph a note stating that Joseph has been honest and fair in his financial dealings with the man. Joseph immediately publishes the rare but welcome compliment in the Times and Seasons.

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

70 years ago today - Feb 28, 1942

[General] It was announced that due to World War II, the Relief Society general conference scheduled for April, which had been planned to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Relief Society, along with centennial celebrations in the stakes, would not be held. Rather, celebrations were to be held on the ward and branch level.

[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]

30 years ago today - Feb 28, 1982.

[General] At a meeting of the B. H. Roberts Society, James L. Clayton of the University of Utah denounces the archival restrictions and challenges Elder Packer's position: "Selecting only those topics and historians that are comfortable in order to lead the membership more easily into the promised land is, to put it bluntly, intellectually and morally irresponsible from the historians' point of view."

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]

140 years ago today - Feb 27, 1872

[General] LDS MILLENIAL STAR editorial, "Motherhood of God," repeats a child's question: "Why don't you tell me about the Heavenly Mother? Don't SHE give us anything?" Editorial speaks of those who "yearn to adore her" and expresses approval of praying to "Father and Mother God." Editorial conclusion: "When we draw nearer the Divine Man, lo! we shall find a Divine Woman smiling upon us...In the Father's many mansions, we shall find her and be satisfied."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 27, 1842

[Joseph Smith Journal] [Engaged in Counselling the Saints.]

[Source: Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record: Journal, ca. 1841-43 'The Book of the Law of the Lord', http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

180 years ago today - Feb 27, 1832

[Uncannonized Revelation] Revelation for Lincoln Haskin to preach the gospel. Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, 27 February 1832. ("Kirtland Revelation Book," p. 10)

[Source: Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Appendix B, Uncanonized Revelations Received by Joseph Smith (1831-44), http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

20 years ago today - Feb 26, 1992

[General] A BYU DAILY UNIVERSE editorial criticizes a recent memo from the sociology department to University president Rex E. Lee. The editorial upholds the concept of a ban on BYU faculty speaking at unauthorized symposia such as the Sunstone Symposium. "In this case, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has said where it doesn't want research being presented. Is it a case of limited academic freedom? Yes, but any university or organization can limit expression to accomplish its institutional purpose." Professors Edward Kimball (son of Spencer W. Kimball) and Eugene England write a response rebutting the three major points of the editorial.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

100 years ago today - Feb 26, 1912; Monday

[General] Attended a four hours meeting of special committee of the Twelve consisting of Elder Heber J. Grant, Elder Hyrum M. Smith, and myself.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

175 years ago today - 26Feb37

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Kirtland, Ohio 26 Sunday President Joseph Smith Jr again addressed the Congretation of the Saints in the power and spirit of God.

[Source: The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]

150 years ago today - Feb 25, 1862

[General] During the Civil war Brigham Young writes: "The South at this time is being worsted. The sympathies of our brethren are divided some for the Union and some for the South, but the South gets the greatest share. The wise among us read the programme of the war in the revelations of Joseph and the escapes and reverses of our common foe never leads us to the conclusion that peace will again be restored among the enemies of truth and workers of unrighteousness whether belonging to the North or South."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

130 years ago today - Feb 25, 1882

[General] After a bitter dispute between George Q. Cannon (who won a decisive victory) and Liberal Party candidate Allen G. Campbell over who was allowed to represent Utah territory in the House of Representatives, both are denied the position. George Q. Cannon's practice of polygamy was the deciding issue and re-sparks national controversy on the topic.

[Source: Wikipedia, 19th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)]

30 years ago today - Feb 25, 1982.

[General] Jack and Linda Newell accept the editorship of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, effective that summer. I agree to be associate editor.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]

50 years ago today - Feb 24, 1962

[General] CHURCH NEWS reports that 3,500 teams and 50,000 players are involved in all-church basketball tournament. For final playoffs teams come to Salt Lake City from throughout United States, Canada, and Mexico. Basketball is most popular of all-church team sports which also includes softball and volleyball. However, from 1958 to 1971 more than thirty stakes have been organized outside North America, and their youth obviously cannot participate in such tournaments. Also many less affluent, outlying stakes in North America cannot. In 1971 church headquarters ends "all-Church" sports competitions.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 24, 1842

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a note of authorization for Ebenezer B. Robinson.

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

75 years ago today - Feb 24, 1937

[General] Hilton A. and Hazel Robertson arrive in Hawaii to reopen the Japanese Mission (the mission in Japan had been closed in 1924). From this beginning, many Japanese converts in the Hawaiian Islands are prepared to reopen the island of Japan following World War II.

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

150 years ago today - Feb 23, 1862

[General] Brigham Young preaches "The idea that the Lord our God is not a personage of tabernacle is entirely a mistaken notion. He was once a man. Brother Kimball quoted a saying of Joseph the Prophet, that he would not worship a God who had not a Father; and I do not know that he would if he had not a mother; the one would be as absurd as the other. If he had a Father, he was made in his likeness. And if he is our Father we are made after his image and likeness. He once possessed a body, as we now do; and our bodies are as much to us, as his body to him."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

100 years ago today - Feb 23, 1912

[Temple] No sealing can be done in behalf of children born under the covenant of the Priesthood where the parents of such children separate with just cause, that is, without either the father or the mother breaking the covenant through transgression as in the case of yourself and husband, but children, after they mature through age and understanding, may choose for themselves as between their father and mother. [Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose to Sarah Whitaker, Feb. 23, 1912]

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

170 years ago today - Feb 23, 1842

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith visited the printing office and gave instructions regarding the book of Abraham to be printed in the Church newspaper Times and Seasons.

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

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

100 years ago today - Feb 22, 1912

[General] At a meeting in the St. George Temple, Temple President David H. Cannon describes the "law of retribution:" "To pray the Father to avenge the blood of the prophets and righteous men that has been shed, etc."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

80 years ago today - Feb 22, 1932

[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] he delivers an address about the birth of George Washington at Springfield, Illinois, to the Patriotic Societies, sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution, about which he comments, "It seemed to me to be a cause of rejoicing that a member of the quorum of Twelve of the LDS Church should be asked to be the speaker on the 2 hundredth anniversary of the birth of our first President. And a member of the Smith family too to be so favored."

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

10 years ago today - Feb 22, 2002

[General] President Hinckley appears in a television interview with Tom Brokaw that airs during prime-time Olympic coverage on NBC.

[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

170 years ago today - Feb 21, 1842

[General] Brigham Young writes "a letter calling upon the churches to forward their Tithings and donations to the Trustee-in-Trust [Joseph Smith], that the Temple may go on, and the new translation of the Bible."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

10 years ago today - Feb 21, 2002

[U.S. Religious History] On his "700 Club" program, Pat Robertson stated that Islam "...is not a peaceful religion that wants to coexist. They want to coexist until they can control, dominate and then if need be destroy."

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

100 years ago today - Feb 20, 1912

[General] First Presidency letter denies essentials of Brigham Young's Adam-God teachings, by focusing exclusively on his first 1852 sermon, and makes no reference to his Adam-God sermons during remaining twenty-five years of Young-s life.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

60 years ago today - Wed Feb 20, 1952

[David O. McKay Office Journal] at Presidency meeting: I called attention to a growing tendency in the Church to feel that no member of the Church should hold the sacrament while he himself partakes of it; further, that it is a breach of proper procedure to partake of it with the left hand. The Brethren felt we should keep away from formalities and leave it to the custom or development of the custom. They felt that while the partaking of the sacrament is a covenant and it is the custom to use the right hand in making covenants, failure to do so would not vitiate the covenant.

[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]

75 years ago today - Feb 20, 1937

[General] A portion of the Nauvoo Temple lot in Nauvoo, Ill., returned to Church ownership when Wilford C. Wood, representing the Church, purchased the property.

[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]

175 years ago today - Feb 19, 1837

[General] Joseph Smith returns to Kirtland after business. While he was gone opposition to him builds based mostly on the Kirtland Bank fiasco. He takes the pulpit and preaches: "I am still the President, Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ. God, and not man, has appointed and placed me in this position, and no man or set of men have power to remove me, or appoint another in my stead; and those who undertake this, if they do not speedily repent, will burn their fingers and go to hell."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

10 years ago today - Feb 19, 2002

[U.S. Religious History] Speaking before the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Attorney General John Ashcroft stated that "Civilized people - Muslims, Christians and Jews - all understand that the source of freedom and human dignity is the Creator. Civilized people of all religious faiths are called to the defense of His creation," implying that atheists. simply aren't civilized.

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

75 years ago today - Feb 19, 1937

[General] Wilford C. Wood purchases the first of ten lots eventually acquired by the Church of the original Nauvoo Temple site.

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

70 years ago today - Feb 18, 1942

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Wrote a long-winded letter to a woman who wanted me to sell tickets to a concert given by a negro woman.

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

170 years ago today - Feb 18, 1842

[Brigham Young] --18-- Attended an adjourned meeting of the city council.

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

160 years ago today - Feb 18, 1852

[General] Lorenzo Snow writes from Italy: "Nor can I express the delight which I experienced in gazing upon Mount Brigham, on whose rocky brow we had organized La Chiesa di Gesu Christo dei Santi degli Ultimi Gioni, in Italia." The peak which Snow had renamed Mount Brigham when dedicating the Italian Mission was known to the Italians as Monte Vandalino.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

100 years ago today - Feb 17, 1912

[Temple] Members of the Church who join secret societies after having been made acquainted with the attitude of the Church with respect to secret organizations bar themselves from the temple * [T]hey also render themselves ineligible to hold presiding positions in the priesthood, and should not be used as Teachers of the people, for the simple reason that an unwritten rule of the Church forbids its members from teaching to others that which they themselves do not practice. [Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose to Robert D. Young and counselors, Feb. 17, 1912]

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

40 years ago today - Feb 17, 1972

[General] Actor Vincent Price, who played Joseph Smith in the film "Brigham Young" tells of his role 32 years earlier "I greatly enjoyed the part of Joseph Smith, I read a great deal about him and with the help of the late Heber [J.] Grant kept on finding more material on the subject after the film was released. I have always had the utmost admiration for the Mormon Church which I's sure stems from my fascination with Joseph Smith-what an extraordinary man!. . . [President Heber J. Grant] wrote me several interesting letters; He felt that the picture might have been about Joseph Smith instead of Brigham but of course realized that the great appeal to the public (and of course to the producers) was the difficult trek and the miracle of the gulls, etc."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

10 years ago today - Feb 17, 2002

[Word of Wisdom] Tracks Brewing Company opens in Tooele.

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

100 years ago today - Feb 16, 1912

[Temple] At a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve held January 25th last, it was unanimously decided to ask each of the temples to keep a card index of the names of families for whom work is being done; also that a duplicate of each card be sent to the Genealogical Society of Utah that they, as a central office, may keep on file all information of this character for the use of those interested who are constantly making inquiry, and to aid the society in their work as well. The proposed card index will also [serve] another good purpose, that of enabling the different temples to prevent in future the duplication of temple work, as each temple, by this means, will be kept posted as to the names of the families for which work is being done in other temples. [Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose to Lewis Anderson, Feb. 16, 1912]

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

40 years ago today - Feb 16, 1972

[General] The First Presidency writes: "For your information we may say that some years ago the First Presidency and the brethren of the Twelve authorized certain modifications in the style of the temple garment. These modifications consisted of the following changes: (1) collar eliminated, (2) closed crotch, (3) buttons instead of strings, (4) legs to knee, and (5) short sleeves. . . . However, in order that there may be uniformity in temple work and that expedition in the administration of the ordinances of the House of the Lord may not be impeded, the brethren have recommended that people doing temple work wear the old style garment."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

115 years ago today - Feb 16, 1897; Tuesday

[General] The First Presidency, at their office today, received a report from Sec[retar]y. Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs that the record showed it had been decided to deed the land of the Mexican Colonization in severalty to the bona fide settlers; that the lands had been appraised by a committee appointed for the purpose who had reported to the Presidency. Brother John Henry Smith, President of the Company, was present and was instructed during his approaching trip to Mexico, to make the proper transfers.

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

70 years ago today - Feb 15, 1942

[General] In Hamburg, Germany, Branch President Arnold Zollner writes "Ex-communicated" on 17-year-old Helmuth Hubener's membership record. Hubener had been arrested 10 days previously for distributing anti-Nazi propaganda. Zollner had previously posted "JUDEN IST DER EINTRITT VERBOTEN!" (Jews not allowed to enter.) on the door of the branch meeting-house and would bring his radio to church whenever Hitler or Goebbels were scheduled to speak. Heubner is beheaded by the Nazis on Oct 27, 1942. On Nov 11, 1946, District President Otto Berndt,and the new mission president, Max Zimmer, write "excommunication done by mistake" on Hubener's membership record. Later, Zimmer's successor, Jean Wunderlich, notifies the Salt Lake leadership of the affair, and on 24 Jan 24, 1948, the First Presidency orderes a similar notation placed on the membership record.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

120 years ago today - Feb 15, 1892

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] This evening News contains copy of a Petition that was signed by the First Presidency & Twelve about the 20th of last December directed to the President (Harrison) asking for Amnesty for our polygamous brethren & this was endorsed by Gov. Thomas, Sec. Sells, two of the Commission and the Judges of District Courts & was kept confidential in the Department of Justice till now.

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

30 years ago today - Feb 15, 1982.

[General] A story by Kenneth L. Woodward, religion editor of Newsweek, reports the Packer/Quinn conflict, pointing out that Quinn "violated the Mormon taboo that proscribes the faithful from publicly criticizing `the Lord's Anointed' by name." Elder Packer's address, originally scheduled to appear in the February issue of the Ensign, is withdrawn but is later published in Brigham Young University Studies.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]

170 years ago today - Feb 14, 1842

[Nauvoo Temple] William Clayton was appointed to assist Willard Richards as Temple Recorder, because of the work load was taxing Brother Richards's time.

[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]

120 years ago today - Feb 14, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 Sunday I spent the day at home reading.

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

105 years ago today - Feb 14, 1907; Thursday

[General] The regular ten o'clock meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held this morning as usual.

Present: Pres[iden]ts. [Joseph F.] Smith, [John R.] Winder and [Anthon H.] Lund, Elders Francis M. Lyman, George Teasdale, Rudger Clawson, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay and the Patriarch. ...

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

75 years ago today - Feb 13, 1937

[General] CHURCH SECTION photograph of LDS missionaries in Tahiti, with all males wearing white suit-and-pants, the custom in Tahiti. Issues of Jul 23 and Jul 30, 1938 have similar photographs of missionaries and their mission president in Tonga and Samoa.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 13, 1842. Sunday.

[William Clayton Journal] We had a Singing meeting at Brother Farrs. Brother and Sister Kimball was present.

[Source: 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]

10 years ago today - 2002 13-Feb

[Hinckley] Met with Susanne Riess-Passer, vice chancellor of Austria, during her visit to Salt Lake City for Olympics

[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]

170 years ago today - Feb 12, 1842

[Brigham Young] --12-- Attended the city council.

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

120 years ago today - Feb 12, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 I received 3 Letters to day. I had an interview with How & Morris. President Cannon is preparing to go to Washington. He & H B Clawson left for the East at 10 oclok.

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

165 years ago today - Feb 12, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday Feb 12th 1847. Around as usual today.regulated the guard as before

Today I learned and reported to Brigham that "Tom Brown was threatning the lives of the 12

Orson Pratt came back home today.I went on guard also after leaving the Twelve.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

40 years ago today - Feb 11, 1972

[General] Dr. Stephen L. Browser is inaugurated as the fourth president of the Church College of Hawaii, later known as BYUâ€"Hawaii.

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

120 years ago today - Feb 11, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11 I met with L Snow & Merrill who were preparing to go to Mannassa to settle difficulties in that Branch. I met with the Twelve in meeting. I receivd 3 letters.

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

155 years ago today - Feb 11, 1857

[General] Heber C. Kimball preaches: "In the spirit world there is an increase of males and females, there are millions of them, if I am faithful all the time, and continue right along with brother Brigham, we will go to brother Joseph and say, 'Here we are brother Joseph; we are here ourselves are we not, with none of the property we possessed in our probationary state, not even the rings on our fingers?' He will say to us, 'Come along, my boys, we will give you a good suit of clothes. Where are your wives?' 'They are back yonder; they would not follow us.' 'Never mind,' says Joseph, 'here are thousands, have all you want.'"

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 10, 1842

[Joseph Smith] Joseph is sick and stays in bed.

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

180 years ago today - Feb 10, 1832

[General] Alexander Campbell writes his denunciation of The Book of Mormon, citing numerous discrepancies and contradictions.

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

175 years ago today - (Fri) Feb 10, 1837

[General] A meeting of the Bank of Monroe Board of Directors was held in Monroe, MI. Joseph and Hyrum Smith attended, along with Oliver Cowdery. Following the Mormon buy-out of Monroe Mayor Harleston's controlling interest in the bank, Oliver Cowdery was made its Vice President. Bailey J. Hathaway, (a nephew of Mrs. Lemuel Durfee and Mrs. Joseph Comstock of Palmyra) was chosen to be the reorganized institution's non-Mormon cashier.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

10 years ago today - 2002 9-Feb

[Hinckley] Met with Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations, during his visit to Salt Lake City for Olympics

[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]

130 years ago today - Feb 9, 1882

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Request permission to raise potatoes on Temple ground

wrote to President Woodruff asking the privilege to use a small piece of the Temple ground to raise a few potatoes and c, also wrote to Samuel K. Gifford.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

140 years ago today - 1872. February 9

[General] (Amy Brown Lyman) : Born Amy Cassandra Brown in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Amy's father, John Brown, who had helped lead a group of Mississippi Mormons to Utah, was mayor and bishop of Pleasant Grove.

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

170 years ago today - Feb 8, 1842

[General] Joseph Smith marries Sylvia Sessions Lyon. She has been legally married to Windsor P. Lyon since 1838 and Windsor is in full fellowship with the Church when the polyandrous marriage takes place. Exactly two years later a child, fathered by Joseph Smith, is born to Sylvia.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

120 years ago today - Feb 8, 1892

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "I was surprised to see the warmth of feeling for John R. Winder when his Democratic principles were assailed, and he did not hesitate to oppose the expressions of Joseph F. Smith in favor of Republicanism. I very much fear that the politics which are being introduced among us will lead to a spirit of disregard and disrespect for the Priesthood. Such a feeling is already beginning to make its appearance in some places.

[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]

10 years ago today - Feb 8, 2002

[General] During his brief visit to Salt Lake City to formally open the Winter Oympics, U.S. President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, visited with the First Presidency.

[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]

10 years ago today - Feb 7, 2002

[General] NBC‘s ―Today show broadcasts from Salt Lake City and features the Church. The show includes a live broadcast by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and an interview with Elder L. Tom Perry.

[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

170 years ago today - Feb 7, 1842

[Joseph Smith] Son dies at birth (no name given).

[Source: Highlights in the Prophet's Life, Ensign, June 1994]

140 years ago today - Feb 07, 1872

[General] Amy Brown (Lyman), later a pioneer in the field of social services and the eighth general Relief Society president, is born in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

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

120 years ago today - Feb 6, 1892

[General] LDS magazine THE YOUNG WOMEN'S JOURNAL publishes article by Oliver B. Huntington: "As far back as 1837, I know that [Joseph Smith] said the moon was inhabited by men and women the same as this earth, and that they lived to a greater age than we do - that they live generally to near the age of a 1000 years. He described the men as averaging near six feet in height, and dressing quite uniformly in something near the Quaker style. In my Patriarchal blessing, given by the father of Joseph the Prophet, in Kirtland, 1837, I was told that I should preach the gospel before I was 21 years of age; that I should preach the gospel to the inhabitants upon the islands of the sea, and - to the inhabitants of the moon, even the planet you can now behold with your eyes. The first two promises have been fulfilled, and the latter may be verified."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 6, 1842

[Emma Smith] Birth of unnamed stillborn son.

[Source: Emma Smith, Woman of Faith, http://emmasmithmormon.com]

100 years ago today - Feb 6, 1912; Tuesday

[General] I saw Elder H[eber]. J. Grant and gave notice of my intention to withdraw from the Board of Directors of the Utah Implement-Vehicle Co[mpany] of which he is president also to dispose of my stock in the company.

[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]

150 years ago today - Feb 5, 1862

[General] Brigham Young writes to the Mormon representative in Washington D. C. "-there was not a particle of authority given Congress by the Constitution to organize Territorial government-Such being the real fact on that point, what good reason can Congress urge against our admission to the family of States, our Constitution being strictly republican in form, and we having long ago proved our capability to sustain self government. Aside from the justness of our being relieved from our illegal colonial position, which we have borne so long and patiently, it most certainly is to their pecuniary interest to admit us, a view of so slight moment at present. You can inform the President that he need not appoint a Governor, Judges, etc., for Utah, or if he appoints them, that he can pay them their salaries there, and advise them to remain at home, for we have no use for them here." Young's letter doesn't mention the main obstacle to Utah statehood: polygamy.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

120 years ago today - Feb 5, 1892

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Goes to Washington, D.C., to try to defeat the Democratic Party-sponsored "Home Rule" bill and promote statehood.

[Source: White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics, p.xviii, A John Henry Smith Chronology, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

175 years ago today - Feb 05, 1837

[U.S. Religious History] American evangelist Dwight L. Moody was born.

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

170 years ago today - Feb 4, 1842

[General] Joseph Smith records: "closed a contract with Ebenezer Robinson for the printing office-also the paper fixtures, bookbindery, and stereotype foundry, by proxy, namely, Willard Richards, cost between 7,000 and 8,000 dollars." Robinson, who was ordered to sell his printing business to the Church by a revelation, records that he got $6,600 of which he consecrated $4,561.91 to the building of the Nauvoo Temple. Brigham Young called the price paid Robinson "exorbitant." "The reason I paid such a price, was [because] the Prophet directed the Twelve to pay him whatever he asked." The difference between "7,000 and 8,000 dollars" that was paid and $6,600 that Robinson received was, evidently, commission given to the sales agent.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

80 years ago today - Feb 4, 1932-1934

[Change in Presiding Church Patriarch Office] Nicholas G. Smith

(de facto Acting Presiding Patriarch) Son of Apostle John Henry Smith; grandson of Apostle George A. Smith; great-grandson of former Presiding Patriarch "Uncle" John Smith; was never officially called, set apart, or sustained as the Acting Presiding Patriarch, but carried out the functions of the office

[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Presiding Patriarchs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presiding_Patriarch#Chronology_of_the_Presiding_Patriarchs_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints]

130 years ago today - Saturday Feb 4, 1882

[John Nuttle Diary] Prest Taylor arranged to visit the Temple at 11 a m - whilst some of the brethren attended the Conference Meeting - received a letter from Bro John Albiston of Richmond At 11 A. M. Prest Taylor & the brethren visited the Temple and proposed such changes and improvements and gave other directions as to the finishing as appeared Necessary - It was ordered that the Windows of the Font room be cut down even with the floor to give more light Conference convened at. 10 A. M. present. Pres Smith. L. Snow. E Snow F. D. Richards. Lyman. & faith - choir Sang - prayer by J. H. Smith.. Elder E. Snow F. M. Lyman spoke the Statistical report was read also the Relief Society report - Elder Edward Dalton spoke. choir Sang & Geo F. Gibbs dismissed [illegible] p.m. -

[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

50 years ago today - Feb 3, 1962

[General] CHURCH NEWS Headlines, "MIA Bans The Twist," popular dance among teenagers and young adults. This prohibition is widely ignored by youth and even by adult leaders in some wards and stakes, especially in Britain and Europe.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

15 years ago today - Feb 3, 1997

[Same-Sex Marriage] Debbie Hartmann testifies before the Senate committee in support of the constitutional amendment and repeats Hawaii's Future Today (LDS organized lobbying group)s qualified support for the Reciprocal Beneficiaries bill (HB 118). The Reciprocal Beneficiaries bill and the constitutional amendment are both passed by the legislature on the same day. Its final wording is, The legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples. This amendment must be ratified by a majority vote of the citizens in the next general election in November of 1997.

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

60 years ago today - Feb 3, 1952

[General] Elder Joseph F. Merrill dies.

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

130 years ago today - Feb 2, 1882

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Permission to baptize children in Temple font.

Sent information to Priesthood Meeting, we had liberty to Baptise our children who are eight years old in the temple font.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - 1842. February 2

[General] (Moses Thatcher) : Born in Sangamon County, Illinois. His family migrated to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Two years later, touched with the gold fever, they moved to Sacramento, California, where his father operated an "eating house."

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

80 years ago today - Feb 2, 1932

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] My lumbago is no better. While lying in bed I wrote a long letter to J. Reuben Clark, Jr. The typewritten copy of my letter will be on file.

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

170 years ago today - Feb 1, 1842

[General] The Federal Bankruptcy Act, passed the preceding Aug, goes into effect. Six and one-half weeks later, on Apr 18, Joseph Smith and his brothers Hyrum and Samuel declare themselves insolvent before the county commissioner's court and file petitions to be certified bankrupt by the United States District Court for Illinois.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

50 years ago today - Feb 01, 1962

[General] The Southwest British Mission is organized.

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

120 years ago today - Feb 1, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Feb 1 I spent the day at home reading.

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