80 years ago today - Jun 30, 1933

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] George Albert Smith brought into the office Frederick M. Smith, President of the Reorganized Church. President Smith expresses a perfect willingness to have the Relief Society place a marker on property owned by the Reorganized Church in Nauvoo.

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

120 years ago today - Jun 30, 1893

Apostle Heber J Grant, in New York seeking a loan for the church receives a letter from Second Counselor Joseph F. Smith: "This is the end of the month and not a dollar to pay anybody with not even Pres[iden]t Woodruff and the Twelve. We have sent out or caused to be sent, circulars to the Presidents of Stakes to dispose of anything on hand in their stakes, in the shape of stock-produce or other property, cheap for cash and send the same to us at once. There is nothing doing-no tithing coming in-or means stirring and everybody seems paralized as well as business."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

140 years ago today - Jun 30, 1873 (Monday)

Salt Lake City was first lighted with gas.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - Jun 30, 1843

Joseph Smith returns to Nauvoo. He learns of Hyrum's sealing of Parley and Mary Ann Pratt and cancels the ordinance, instructing Hyrum that he had no authority to perform the marriage.

[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]

170 years ago today - Jun 30, 1843

[Joseph Smith Sermon] [After Joseph Smith's near extradiction to Missouri] At about 1 oclock PM the citizens of Nauvoo went out on foot horsback & in many Carriages to meet the Prophet viz Gen Smith & And when they did meet their was a seen of Great Joy & with a band of music & a great multitude they followed him to his own house....

President Joseph midst of about seven thousand Saints & the result is as follows:

/...I require attention. I discoverd what the emotions of the people were on my arival to this city, & I have come here to say how do you do to all parties & I do now say How do you do at this time. I meet you with a heart full of gratitude to Almighty God & I presume you all feel the same. I hardly know how to express my feelings. I feel as strong as a Gient. I pulled sticks with the men Coming along & I pulled up the strongest man theire was on the road with one hand & two could not pull me up & I continued to pull untill I pulled them to Nauvoo. I will pass from that subject then.

... I SWEAR I will not deal so mildly with them again for the time has come when forbearance is no longer a virtue. And if you are again taken unlawfully you are at liberty to give loose to Blood and Thunder. But act with Almighty Power.

... But Befor I will bear this unhallowed persecution any longer I will spill my Blood. Their is a time when bearing it longer is a sin. I will not bear it longer. I will spil the last drop of Blood I have and all that will not bear it longer say AH....

We must stop paying the lawyiers money. For I have learned they dont know any thing. For I know more than they all. ...

I say in the name of Jesus Christ I this day turn the key that opens the heavens to restrain you no longer from this time forth. I will lead you to battle & if you are not afraid to die & feel disposed to spill your Blood in your own defence you will not offend me. Be not the aggressor. Bear untill they strike on the one cheek. Offer the other & they will be sure to strike that. Then defend yourselves & God shall bear you off.....

After we have been deprived of our rights & privileges as citizenship driven from town to town place to place state to state with the sacrifice of our homes & lands & our Blood been shed & many murdered & all this becaus of our religion because we worship Almighty God according to the dictates of our own consience. Shall we longer bear these cruelties which have been bearing upon us for the last ten years in the face of heaven & in open violation of the constitution & laws of these United States & of this State? May God forbid. I will not bear it. If they take away my rights I will fight for my rights, manfully & Righteously untill I am used up with Blood & thunder sword & pistol. We have done nothing against law or right....
Furthermore if Missouri continues her warfare & continues to Issue her writs against me & this people unlawfully & unjustly as they have done & our rights are trampled upon & they under take to take away my wrights I sware with uplifted hands to Heaven I will spill my Blood in its defence. They shall not take away our rights, & if they dont stop leading me by the nose I will lead them by the nose & if they dont let me alone I will turn up the world. I will make war. ...

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

1 year ago - Jun 29, 2012

Â"[Regarding] Joseph Smith's relationships with women besides his legal wife Emma, God's words in 1843 said that none of those acts were sinful. The Lord warned everyone (including Emma) not to condemn Joseph. And I do not. Â… If it matters to the listeners or readers of my comments, I remain a believer that Joseph Smith was "the Prophet" as he defined himself, and in the way his written revelations affirmed. Â… Faith is not rational. It is both a gift and a burden, especially for a thorough-going rationalist like me.Â"

[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]

140 years ago today - Jun 29, 1873

First Counselor George Q. Cannon preaches: "The temptations that we are exposed to are the result, in a great degree, of the false organization of society. I believe there are thousands of men in the Christian world, who are adulterers to-day, who would not be adulterers if they knew more and could practice the system of marriage which God has revealed." Brigham Young follows him and preaches: "Brother George Q. Cannon says the sisters have borne a great deal. So they have, but if they could only stand in the shoes of their husbands who are good, true and faithful, they would know that they are by no means free from perplexities. Just fancy a man with two, three, or half a dozen of his beloved wives catching him on one side, and before he can take three steps more, catching him on the other, and "I want this," "I want that," and "this is not right," and "that is not right," and so on; their minds just pulled to pieces. I say if the hair is spared on their heads they may consider that they have got blessed good wives. I have as many wives as many other men, and I keep my hair yet."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

140 years ago today - Jun 29, 1873 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] I say to the Latter-day Saints, that the only reason why we do not take up the subject and enter into the organization of Enoch, or a city of Enoch, is simply because we have not yet been able to find every item of law bearing upon this matter, so as to organize in a way that apostates cannot trouble us. This is the only reason. It is a matter that I am paying particular attention to, with some of my brethren, to see if we have skill enough to get up an organization and draw up papers to bind ourselves together under the laws of the United States, so that we can put our means and labor together and join as one family. ...

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

175 years ago today - Jun 29, 1838

[Word of Wisdom] Lyman Wight, guilty of public drunkenness, is given a month to confess.

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

75 years ago today - Jun 28, 1938

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I had a nap at the office of over an hour, and then I had a talk for over an hour with Alex Schreiner. Alex gave me the impression he would be very glad indeed to be made the Organist of the Church and to devote his entire time, except what he could do in teaching, for $500.00 a month, and I am inclined to think we ought to hire him. He is a grand pastmaster as an Organist, and I am inclined to think we ought to make an offer of $500.00 a month, to devote his entire time to the Church.

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

170 years ago today - Jun 28, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Herd rumours about a writ for P. P. Pratt L Wight & others to take them too Mo. I found them armed & guarded against any kidnaping.

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

175 years ago today - Jun 28, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Adam-ondi-Ahman is formed into a stake and thus a gathering place for members of the church. It is the third stake established in the church. John Smith is named president of the stake, with Reynolds Cahoon and Lyman Wight counselors. Vinson Knight is acting bishop. President John Smith then organizes the High Council: John Lemon, Daniel Stanton, Mayhew Hillman, Daniel Carter, Isaac Perry, Harrison Sagers, Alanson Brown, Thomas Gordon, Lorenzo Barnes, George A. Smith, Harvey Olmstead, Ezra Thayer.

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

185 years ago today - Circa Jun 28, 1828

Joseph Smith withdraws from the Harmony (PA) Methodist class on a Sunday, according to Joseph and Hiel Lewis, perhaps either 21 or 28 of June, the latter being more likely . While the Lewises say that Smith was on the class books three days, Michael Morse, the class leader and Smith's brother-in law, believed his name was in the book for six months, perhaps from June to November 1828.

[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]

200 years ago today - 1813. June 28

(Porter Rockwell) : Orrin Porter Rockwell was born in Belcher, Massachusetts. By 1830 the Rockwells were living one mile from Joseph Smith's family in Manchester, New York. Porter was baptized shortly after the Church was organized. His 1832 marriage to Luana Beebe ended in separation ten years later, and he married Mary Ann Neff, Christine Olsen, and a Mrs. Davis. He was the father of fourteen children.

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

20 years ago today - Jun 27, 1993

Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates former Hotel Utah as new Joseph Smith Memorial Building to serve primarily as additional office space for LDS central bureaucracy. Its large theaters also begin showing devotional film, "Legacy" (about Mormon pioneers), scripted by Academy award-winner Keith Merrill according to Hinckley's instruction: "I want them to leave the theater crying."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

125 years ago today - Jun 27, 1888

James E. Talmage writes: "In the evening according to previous appointment, I went to Springville to lecture there under the auspices of the Improvement Associations, on the subject of "Nature and Nature's God." I have been requested by the Springville people, since before the time of the accident to my eye, that I should speak in that place on "Evolution" as a partial offset to the tendency of certain atheistical doctrine there through the teachings of a certain Dr. York. The subject was treated tonight according to my poor ability under the title first above named. I trust it did some good-" Talmage was sympathetic to evolutionary theory but held that it did not lead to atheism.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

150 years ago today - Jun 27, 1863

We have been taught that our Father and God, from whom we sprang, called and appointed his servants to go and organize an earth, and, among the rest, he said to Adam, "You go along also and help all you can; you are going to inhabit it when it is organized, therefore go and assist in the good work." It reads in the Scriptures that the Lord did it, but the true rendering is, that the Almighty sent Jehovah and Michael to do the work. They were also instructed to plant every kind of vegetable, likewise the forest and the fruit trees, and they actually brought from heaven every variety of fruit, of the seeds of vegetables, the seeds of flowers, and planted them in this earth on which we dwell. And I will say more, the spot chosen for the garden of Eden was Jackson County, in the State of Missouri, where Independence now stands; it was occupied in the morn of creation by Adam and his associates who came with him for the express purpose of peopling this earth.

Father Adam was instructed to multiply and replenish the earth, to make it beautiful and glorious, to make it, in short, like unto the garden from which the seeds were brought to plant the garden of Eden. I might say much more upon this subject, but I will ask, has it not been imitated before you in your holy endowments so that you might understand how things were in the beginning of creation and cultivation of this earth? God the Father made Adam the Lord of this creation in the beginning, and if we are the Lords of this creation under Adam, ought we not to take a course to imitate our Father in heaven? Is not all this exhibited to us in our endowments: the earth made glorious and beautiful to look upon, representing everything which the Lord caused to be prepared and placed to adorn the earth. The Prophet Joseph frequently spoke of these things in the revelations which he gave, but the people generally did not understand them, but to those who did they were cheering, they had a tendency to gladden the heart and enlighten the mind.

[Source: Journal of Discourses 10:235; Discourse by Heber C. Kimball; Provo, Utah; June 27, 1863]

27-29 June 1843

Nauvoo June 27th 1843

... I have had

r

a visit from brother Paley and his wife they are truly converted

it appears that J....h [Joseph Smith] has taught him some principles [plural marriage] and

told him his privilege, and even appointed one [Elizabeth Brotherton] for him, I dare

not tell you who it is, you would be astonished and I guess some

tried. she has be[e]n to me for counsel, I told her I did not wish

to advise in such matters. sister Pratt has be[e]n rageing against

these things, she told me her self that the devel [devil] had be[e]n in her

until within a few days past, she said the Lord had shown

her it was all right. she wants Parley to go ahead, says she

will do all in her power to help him; they are so ingagued [engaged] I

feer [fear] they will run to[o] fast. they asked me many questions on

principle I told them I did not know much and I rather they would

go to those that had authority to teach. Parley said he and J were

interrupted before he got what instruction he had wanted, and now

he did not know when he should have an opportunity. he seamed [seemed]



[p. 3:]

unwilling to wate [wait]. I told him these were sacred things

and he better not make a moove [move] until he got more instruct

=ion.— I have a secret to tell you, but I am almost afrade [afraid],

it was commit[t]ed to me Sarah and she was requested not to

tell me, but she said she concidered [considered] me a part of her self and

she would tell me, and I might tell you for it was just what

you had propheeyed [prophesied] would come to pass. now if you know what

you have said about sarah All[e]y then you have got the secret,

for it is even so, and she is tickled about it. and they all appear

in better spirits than they did before. how they will carry it

out, is more than I know, I hope they have got more faith than

I have. ...

[Source: Letter from Vilate Kimball to Heber C. Kimball; and Helen M. Kimball to Heber C. Kimball]

125 years ago today - Jun 26, 1888

Wilford Woodruff writes to "President Daniel H. Wells:... You mentioned the name of Brother Lewis Anderson, assistant Recorder. I infer that he is a young man: I have felt impressed not to grant permission for this ordinance (2nd Anointing) to be administered to any but aged and faithful men, and if you can get along without administering this ordinance to him, it would be better.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

130 years ago today - Tuesday, Jun 26, 1883

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Swansea, South Wales

The brethren and I walked out to Forest Fach some three miles to where Bro. Shadrach Jones body was, took his size and went back and had some temple clothes made for him [for his burial].

[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

170 years ago today - Jun 26, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26 Their was several Natives of the Potawate-mys [that went] through Nauvoo. Called to see the Nauvoo House & Temple. Wanted to talk. Had no interpeter that could interpet much. They spoke about their great father great spirit &c. They manifested a desire to see the Temple & the city. Said they were hungry. I took them home & fed them. Gave them some trinklets &c.

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

35 years ago today - Jun 25, 1978

Marcus Helvecio Martin and his father receive priesthood and are ordained elders in Brazil. Right after the ordination, the son is challenged by his stake president to postpone his wedding (although he and his fiancee have already mailed the invitations) and serve a full-time mission. Marcus declines but later, with the blessing of his fiancee (herself a returned missionary), cancels wedding, and in Aug Marcus H. Martins becomes first full-time missionary of Black African Descent. His father becomes general authority in 1990.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

100 years ago today - Jun 25, 1913

During the early history of the Church, as well as the early settlement of Utah, second blessings [anointings] were adminsitered only to those chosen by the president of the Church, and this continued all through the administration of President Brigham Young, but later the authority [was] vested in the stake presidents to recommend to the First Presidency such men presided over by [the stake presidents and] deemed worthy by them to receive the second anointing, this for the reason that the Church had increased in numbers so that it had become a matter of impossibility for the President of the Church to be personally acquainted with every man suitable and worthy to be thus honored. * [It is suggested that] men [be recommended] whose faith has never been shaken, whose integrity to the Lord and his servants has been beyond question, men who have been valiant for the truth, men who have defended the servants of the Lord and never betrayed them, men who have done what they could, whether in preaching or in working to help their file leaders to build up Zion, and who are ever ready and willing to labor in the interests of Zion at home or abroad, and who are in harmony with[,] and [who] sustain by their faith and prayers and good works[,] the First Presidency and general authorities of the Church, and those immediately presiding over them, and the same with respect to the character of their wives.

[Source: Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose to David Halls, June 25, 1913, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

170 years ago today - Jun 25, 1843

[Brigham Young] --25-- Two p.m., Brother William Clayton having brought news of President Joseph Smith's arrest at Dixon, Brother Hyrum Smith went to the stand and requested the brethren to meet him in half an hour at the Masonic Hall, when three hundred volunteered to go in pursuit of President Joseph Smith and prevent his being taken to Missouri, out of which number several companies were selected to go. The companies agreed to meet in the evening at William Law's, which they did, when Hyrum reported he could not raise means. Wilson Law said, if means were not raised he would not go. I told the brethren to get in readiness and the money would be forthcoming, although at the time I knew not from whence, but in two hours I succeeded in borrowing $700 to defray the expenses of the expedition.

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

180 years ago today - Jun 25, 1833

Ziba Peterson: Delivered over to buffetings of Satan 25 June 1833.

[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 - 1833 25 Jun.

Joseph Smith describes the future temple of the City of Zion [Independence, Missouri] as a complex of twenty-four temples, three each designated for deacons, teachers, priests, the presidency of Lesser Priesthood, elders, high priests, bishops, and the presidency of the High Priesthood.

[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]

185 years ago today - Circa Jun 25, 1828

Joseph Jr. joins a Methodist class in Harmony for three days. According to Joseph and Hiel Lewis, Joseph Smith joined on a Wednesday afternoon in June 1828 at their father Nathaniel Lewis's house . If the Lewises are correct about the date, his involvement with the Methodists would have likely followed the death of his infant son on 15 June, thus making the 18th or 25th (Wednesdays) probable dates, the latter being more likely due to Emma's illness. It is also possible that the Lewises were mistaken about the date and that this event actually occurred in early July after Smith's return from Manchester when he had learned of the loss of the translation manuscript.

[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]

130 years ago today - Jun 24, 1883

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] President Taylor occupied the time. It is not lawful for an Elder to talk in meeting. while. Consecrecrating Oil, or administering to the sick, close the doors and be silent. no confusion.

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

130 years ago today - Jun 24, 1883

Parowan 1st Ward membership record and stake history records: "Sister Ellen Banks Wife of Wm Banks was ordained & Set Apart to administer to the Sick in the capacity of Midwifery & all other kinds of Sickness By Apostle Francis M. Lyman." Hers is first entry in a list of "Special Ordinations." Ten other entries (1883-86) are for men to various priesthood offices.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - 24Jun43

[Joseph Smith Sermon] June 24,

I addressed the assembly for an hour and a half on the subject of marriage; my visitors having requested me to give them my views of the law of God respecting marriage.

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

170 years ago today - Jun 24, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, June 24th Celebration of St. Johns [Day] in Nauvoo Laying the corner stone of the Masonic Temple on Main St[reet]. [[by Hyrum Smith, Worshipful Master of lodge of ancient York Masons]]

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

170 years ago today - Jun 24, 1843

Joseph sends William Clayton on an early morning steamer back to Nauvoo. Cyrus Walker arrives and tells Joseph he will help him in exchange for Joseph's vote in the upcoming election. When Joseph promises, Walker says to Stephen Markham, "I am now sure of my election, as Joseph Smith has promised me his vote, and I am going to defend him." Reynolds and Wilson are again arrested on charges of false imprisonment, but getting a writ of habeas corpus for themselves, they are freed into the custody of the Lee County sheriff. Reynolds and Wilson then take Joseph to Pawpaw Grove, 32 miles away. Cyrus Walker sends Lee County Sheriff Campbell to stay the night with Joseph and protect him from abuse by Reynolds and Wilson.

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

5 years ago today - 6/23/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] LDS Church contributes $19,715.08 for legal services to ProtectMarriage.com. This contribution was included in an amended filing by ProtectMarriage after the November election. ... There is no information as to the exact legal services provided on behalf of the ProtectMarriage coalition. The Church did prepare an amicus brief for the In re Marriage cases during the relevant time period, however. Meridian Magazine's Maurine Proctor writes an article soliciting volunteers to support the "protect marriage amendment" in accordance with a "new letter that will be read over the pulpit to California congregations" ...

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

35 years ago today - Jun 23, 1978

Joseph Freeman, Jr., 26, the first black man to gain the priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, went in the Salt Lake Temple with his wife and 5 sons for sacred ordinances. Thomas S. Monson, member of the church's Quorum of Twelve Apostles, conducted the marriage and sealing ordinances. This event shows that blacks not only are able to gain the priesthood, but are able to interracially marry in the temple with the church's blessing. (Salt Lake Tribune, June 24, 1978)

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

40 years ago today - Jun 23, 1973

Golfer Johnny Miller wins the U.S. Open.

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

170 years ago today - Jun 23, 1843

[Heber C. Kimball] I sent a leter to my son Wm. and one to my wife. O that I was such a man as I would desire to be, and Thou O God knowest I wish [to] be pure in hart, that all of /my/ sins may be bloted out that no one of them may ever appear before me in time or through out /all/ Eternity, or Ever sepperate me from my dear Vilate or anny of those that are con[ne]cted to /me/ by the ties of Na[t]ure. Thou knowest I Love my dear family, and may it increas more and more, that now [no] power can sepperate us from Each other, that we may dwell to gether through out all Eternity, and thare be in thrond [enthroned] on worlds, to propragate that thare may be no end to us or our Seeds. I desire to be wise and filled with Knowledge, even the knowledge of God. Let not Thy servent feet slip or do anny thing to bring a stane on his caricter or on the caus of Christ which he has imbraced. Now Father in Heaven I ask The[e] to seel these blessing on my head and all that belongs to me, and Thy nam shall have all the glory through Jesus Christ Amen.

This I rote on the 23 of June.

[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]

170 years ago today - June 23, 1843. Friday.

[William Clayton Journal] This A.M. President Joseph took me and conversed considerable concerning some delicate matters. Said [Emma] wanted to lay a snare for me. He told me last night of this and said he had felt troubled. He said [Emma] had treated him coldly and badly since I came...and he knew she was disposed to be revenged on him for some things. She thought that if he would indulge himself she would too. He cautioned me very kindly for which I felt thankful. He said [Robert] Thompson professed great friendship for him but he gave away to temptation and he had to die. Also Brother [Newel] Knight he gave him one but he went to loose conduct and he could not save him. Also B[righam] Y[oung] had transgressed his covenant and he pled with the Lord to spare him this end and he did so, otherwise he would have died. B[righam] denied having transgressed. He said if I would do right by him and abide his council he would save my life while he lived. I feel desirous to do right and would rather die than loose my interest in the celestial kingdom...

[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]

170 years ago today - Jun 23, 1843

[Joseph Smith] Meanwhile, Joseph H. Reynolds, the Jackson County sheriff, and law officer Harmon T. Wilson of Carthage reach that area to arrest Joseph. Joseph sends Clayton to the town of Dixon to get information. Halfway there, Clayton runs into Reynolds and Wilson. Clayton fails to recognize them, as they are disguised as Mormon elders. In Dixon, Reynolds and Wilson learn of Joseph's whereabouts and ride to the Wasson home. They capture Joseph, arresting him illegally at gunpoint. Brutal jabbings with their guns cause Joseph's chest to turn black and blue with an 18-inch bruise. They swear and threaten to shoot him. Joseph tells them to go ahead, but says he is willing to submit to any legal papers they may have. When they throw him in a wagon, Stephen Markham attempts to hold the horses. They level their guns at Markham, threatening to kill him. Markham lets go of the horses. They ride off just as Emma throws Joseph his hat and coat. Markham rides to Dixon immediately to report thekidnapping. When Reynolds and Wilson reach the town, eight miles away, they lock Joseph in a room while they change horses on the wagon. Joseph yells out the window for help from a lawyer and a writ of habeas corpus. When a few lawyers arrive, Reynolds claims he plans to take Joseph to Missouri without interference and threatens to shoot anyone who tries to stop him. However, as the crowd grows, Reynolds compromises, agreeing to allow 30 minutes for the writ of habeas corpus. Joseph sends messages to several lawyers, including Cyrus H. Walker, a Whig candidate for Congress, who has been electioneering nearby. During this time, Markham swears out a writ against Reynolds and Wilson for threatening his life. The two are then arrested on two counts: for threatening Markham's life and for illegally arresting and threatening Joseph. Reynolds and Wilson as well as Joseph are all locked up overnight so that the complications can be sorted out the next morning.

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

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: - The Life of Lorenzo Snow - Speaking in Tongues - Rebaptism, - Word of Wisdom - Dreams in LDS history - The life of George Albert Smith - The history of Z.C.M.I. - Tithing More info can be found here: http://bit.ly/ldshst

25 years ago today - Jun 22, 1988

At a Taylorsville, Utah, Regional Fireside Elder Paul H. Dunn tells another of his fabricated stories -- this about a conversation with baseball great Mickey Mantle when the two of them participated in a celebrity golf tournament: "ARE you telling me there is baseball in heaven?" Mickey Mantle asks Dunn, "If there isn't, I don't want to go," is the response Dunn tells audiences he gave Mantle.

Addam Swapp writes a nine-page letter from his jail cell justifying his bombing of The Kamas, Utah, LDS stake center. The letter ends: "For these and other reasons, the Lord did command me to blow up the Mormon church building. I did not do what I did out of hatred or malice towards these people. Me and my family pray for them continually. We have only wanted to be left alone." Prior to Swapp's bombing of the stake center and the stand-off where police officer Fred House is killed by Swapp's brother, Baura Kale had discussed religion with Addam Swapp and his father and had concluded that the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. Baura was also a Shotokan Karate student under Fred House.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

50 years ago today - Jun 22, 1963

[Quorum of the Twelve] Hugh B. Brown ordained First Counselor, N. Eldon Tanner Second Counselor to President David O. McKay.

[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)]

80 years ago today - Jun 22, 1933

First Presidency and apostles decide that "the Church as an organization could not take part in the campaign for the repeal of the 18th Amendment since this [is] a partisan political question. It [is] hoped however that all L.D.S. would vote against repeal [of national Prohibition]." Thirty-five years later, LDS hierarchy reverses this decision and participates actively in campaign against liquor-by-the-drink in Utah as "moral issue."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

150 years ago today - Jun 22, 1863

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Presidet Young Preached ... Ownly once in my life has my head acked. This was when Joseph was killed, was martered. In parting with Fathers Mothers, wives & Children is no Comparison to it. When I feel as though the top of my head was Coming off then I think sumthing is the matter. I felt this way for Many days.

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

130 years ago today - Jun 21, 1883

Accidental explosion of stored gun powder destroys Council House and some minute books of Salt Lake Stake, as well as blowing out windows of Assembly Hall and Tabernacle on Temple Square.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

70 years ago today - Jun 21, 1943

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Dies in Salt Lake City.

[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

170 years ago today - Jun 21, 1843

Illinois agents, armed with a warrant from Gov. Thomas Ford, arrested Joseph Smith at Dixon, Lee County, Ill. He was released July 1, 1843.

[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 - Jun 20, 1983

FORBES magazine notes that in recent years at least ten separate swindles have been uncovered in Utah involving more than 9,000 people (1 percent of Utah's adults) and losses are estimated at more than $200 million. In asking itself "why?" the magazine described Utah as "fertile soil for swindles" because of excessive trust among LDS members: "Most of those bilked are Mormons, and the bilkers, too, profess to be upstanding members of the church and use church connections"

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

120 years ago today - Jun 20, 1893

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] At 2 o'clock I went to the races with Joseph F. Smith, John Q. and Chas. H. Wilcken. They were very good. In the 2:20 trot six horses were entered, but the purse of $1,000 was won by Ottinger in three straight heats.

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

130 years ago today - Jun 20, 1883 (Wednesday)

The steamship Nevada sailed from Liverpool, England, with 697 Saints, including 22 returning missionaries, under the direction of Hans O. Magleby. The company arrived in New York July 1st, and at Ogden July 7th.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

185 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 20, 1828

[Book of Mormon Translation] Palmyra, Martin Harris arrives in Palmyra with the 116 pages.

[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]

15 years ago today - Jun 19, 1998

The First Presidency directs the bishops of the Church to confirm new converts in a sacrament meeting soon after their baptism.

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

25 years ago today - Jun 19, 1988

The Church gives the Salt Lake Twenty-Fifth Ward building to the Salvation Army to assist the charitable organization in its work.

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

60 years ago today - Jun 19, 1953

Leadership Week at Brigham Young University where collector Wilford C. Wood displays "a silver piece that was Emma's most priceless possession, that was taken from the pocket of the Prophet-from his dead body. What do you think it was? In hieroglyphics . . . that the Prophet would save: CONFIRMO, O DEUS POTENTISSIMUS (Make me, Oh God, all-powerful)." English texts of magic give the incantation phrase of Jupiter talisman as: "Confirm, O God, they strength in us."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

160 years ago today - Jun 19, 1853

[Brigham Young Sermon] ... If as good a man as Jesus Christ went to hell, we may well expect that a wicked and ungodly man will go there to atone for his sins....

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

175 years ago today - (Tue) Jun 19, 1838

Sidney Rigdon preached and called upon the LDS "Gideonites" to "drive out the dissenters." Joseph Smith spoke of a new Church organization plan, saying that any who criticized the heads of the Church should be driven over the prairies like deer by a pack of hounds. This Rigdon speech is often confused with his so-called "Salt Sermon" of July 4th.

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

80 years ago today - Jun 18, 1933

Nazi Party newspaper in Berlin publishes "Juden und Mormonen," which chritcizes Germans for belonging to LDS church which has "always been very friendly with Jews." Church Section of the Deseret News, prints "official First Presidency statement" by J. Reuben Clark on John Taylor's 1886 revelation on polygamy: "the archives of the Church contain no such revelation; nor any evidence justifying a belief that any such revelation was ever given. From the personal knowledge of some of us, from the uniform and common recollection of the presiding quorums of the Church, from the absence in the Church Archives of any evidence whatsoever justifying any belief that such a revelation was given, we are justified in affirming that no such revelation exists." Clark's statement proves to be incorrect on virtually every point. Though church leaders did not have the original revelation, they owned the copy which John W. Taylor had given Wilford Woodruff in 1887. Furthermore, Heber J. Grant was in attendance at the 22 February 1911 Quorum of the Twelve meeting when the 1886 revelation was discussed and entered into the minutes.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

165 years ago today - Jun 18, 1848

[Brigham Young Sermon] ... an individual might believe Mormonism to be true and be all his life in the midst of the Saints, and be damned and go to hell at last because they did not keep and retain the influence of the Holy Ghost within their own breasts to govern and rule the whole man.

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

170 years ago today - 18 June 1843, Sunday

[William Clayton Writings] On the night of June 18, 1843, Clayton was visiting at the home of a Sister Booth, along with Ruth and her sister, Margaret {who had only recently become his first plural wife}. Suddenly William F. Cahoon rushed in, telling Clayton that Hyrum Smith wanted to see him at the temple immediately. Another writ was out for Joseph's arrest, but he was away with his wife and family, visiting Emma's sister, Elizabeth Wasson, who lived near Dixon. Clayton rushed to the temple where Hyrum met him and asked him to ride to Dixon immediately to warn Joseph. Clayton borrowed $120 for the trip, persuaded Stephen markham to go with him, and rode swiftly out of town at midnight on Joseph Smith's favorite horse, Joe Duncan. The two riders covered the 190 miles in sixty-four hours, with very little rest along the way. It is not suprising that Joe Duncan was so jaded at the end of the trip that he could not be ridden for several days.

[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]

175 years ago today - Jun 18, 1838

Hyrum and Uncle John Smith, Sampson Avard, and 83 other Mormons sign an ultimatum directed at Oliver Cowdery, David and John Whitmer, Lyman E. Johnson, and William W. Phelps, warning them to leave the county immediately lest a "fatal calamity shall befall you."

[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

35 years ago today - Jun 17, 1978

CHURCH NEWS headline "Interracial Marriage Discouraged" in same issue which announces authorization of priesthood for those of black African descent. Sources at headquarters indicate that Apostle Mark E Petersen requires this emphasis.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

80 years ago today - Jun 17, 1933

Official statement on plural marriage-- produced in pamphlet form.

Despite everything President Grant and his counselors had issued since he became President of the Church on November 23, 1918, and despite everything which his predecessor, President Joseph F. Smith, and his counselors had said and written during his administration from 1901 to 1918, there were still people who insisted on teaching and practicing plural marriage, contrary to the laws of the land and of the Church. ...

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, Utah June 17, 1933 To Presidents of Stakes and Counselors,

Dear Brethren:

As persistent reports are coming to us of activity by a group said to be propagating a false doctrine and illegal practice of polygamous or plural marriage, (the group apparently being composed of avowed or virtual apostates from the Church, of persons excommunicated from the Church, and of a few misguided but otherwise faithful members of the Church) we have deemed it wise to issue, under date of June 17th, 1933, and by way of warning and exhortation, an Official Statement which calls attention to the activities of that group, and which points out that neither the group nor its activities are in any way connected with the Church, that not only are the activities unauthorized and therefore illegal and void, but that they are contrary to the rule of the Church and the will of the Lord as revealed through President Woodruff and adopted by the Church, and that marriages performed by members of this group are false and mock marriages.

... Sincerely your brethren in the Gospel, HEBER J. GRANT, ANTHONY W. IVINS, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., First Presidency.

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

120 years ago today - Saturday, Jun 17, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] The Stockholders of the Mexican C. and A. Co. met and elected [apostle] Moses Thatcher, [apostle] F. M. Lyman, [apostle] George Teasdale, A. F. McDonald,

Bp. W. B. Preston, L. M. Petersen and [apostle] John Henry Smith Directors for one year. The reports of the Manager, Secretary and Treasurer and President were accepted.

The board organized with Moses Thatcher President, John Henry Smith Vice President, George Teasdale as Manager, S. S. Smith as Secretary, and H. Eyring as his Assistant, L. M. Petersen as Treasurer. We voted to pay Our Secretary $20.00, our Treasurer $10.00 amt. for publishing notice.

[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

120 years ago today - Jun 17, 1893

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] I found it very difficult to meet my financial payments today, and on my drawing a personal check of over a thousand dollars to meet a Juvenile [Instructor] office bill Heber M. Wells of the State bank came and said he could not honor it, but on my assurance that the money would be deposited on Monday to meet it, he agreed to let it pass. I hope some day to be in a financial position to get back on some of those who have reproached me for not meeting my obligations as promptly as I have desired[,] the slurs they have cast. With the help of the Lord I will some day be in this position. ...

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

175 years ago today - Jun 17, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... <My father reproved me for reading my words. I Wilford need remember this and improve.>

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

175 years ago today - Jun 17, 1838

First Counselor Sidney Rigdon preaches his "Salt Sermon" as a warning against dissenters at Far West. Quoting the fifth chapter of Matthew ("Ye are the salt of the earth. If the salt has lost its savor, it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men." Matt 5:13) he explains when men embrace the gospel and afterward lose their faith, it is the duty of the Saints to trample them under their feet and calls on the people to rise en masse and rid the country of such a nuisance. Rigdon explains, "when a county, or body of people have individuals among them with whom they do not wish to associate and a public expression is taken against their remaining among them and such individuals do not remove, it is the principle of republicanism itself that gives that community a right to expel them forcibly and no law will prevent it."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - Jun 16, 1843

Governor Ford of Illinois issues an arrest warrant for Joseph Smith to be tried in Missouri for the attempted murder of Lilburn Boggs.

[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]

120 years ago today - Jun 16, 1893

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Charles Crane invited me to go to the Saltair Resort tomorrow evening with Gen. Clarkson Republican friends but I am too much engaged I fear

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

175 years ago today - Jun 16, 1838

George Albert Smith: Moved to Missouri 1838, arriving in Far West 16 June 1838.

[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]

135 years ago today - Jun 15, 1878

[Wilford Woodruff] Copies record of his 12 December 1877 vision of destruction of American cities

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

150 years ago today - Jun 15, 1863

Brigham Young writes to several Indian chiefs: "We have been informed that you have determined to take up the war hatchet, and to kill the whites who are peaceably traveling across the country; . . . It is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong. I have always been your friend and have endeavored to do you good, and you must abide my command."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - Jun 15, 1843

[Nauvoo Temple] The Times and Seasons reprinted an article from the Salem Advertizer and Argus, giving an account of a lecture by J. B. Newell in which he described the Temple, including a drawing made by him from the architect's sketches. Newell stated that the finished building would be one of "the most beautiful, chaste, and noble specimens of architecture to be found in the world."

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

100 years ago today - Jun 14, 1913

[George F. Gibbs to John W. Hart, June 14, 1913] President [Joseph F.] Smith invites you with your wife to come to the temple to receive your second blessings. If you prefer to go to Logan, please let the president know and he will send you the usual recommend. These blessings are administered on Fridays in the Salt Lake temple.

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

140 years ago today - Jun 14, 1873

The DESERET NEWS publishes a sermon by Brigham Young chiding the saints for doubting his Adam-God doctrine: "How much unbelief exists in the minds of the Latter-day Saints in regard to one particular doctrine which I revealed to them, and which God revealed to me-namely that Adam is our Father and God. . . . Our Father Adam helped to make this earth. . . . He brought one of his wives with him. . . . Then he said, 'I want my children who are in the spirit world to come and live here. I once dwelt upon an earth something like this, in a mortal state. I was faithful. I received my crown and exaltation. . . . I want my children that were born to me in the spirit world to come here and take tabernacles of flesh that their spirits may have a house, a tabernacle, or a dwelling place as mine has,' and where is the mystery?" The sermon is published again four days later in the weekend edition.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - Jun 14, 1843

[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Announcement: Temple Description -- Editorial -- The progress of the Temple is described, and a meeting at the Temple Site where Joseph Smith and Rev. Mr. DeWolf (an Episcopal Minister) taught the Saints is mentioned.

- Announcement: "An Ordinance to Regulate the Rates of toll at the Ferry in Nauvoo" -- Editorial -- Fees to take the Ferry are established.

- Obituary: "Death of Elias Higbee" -- Editorial -- Higbee was 47 years old.

- Announcement: Candidates for Office Announced -- Editorial -- Geo W. Thatcher, L.R. Chaffin, Benjamin Advise, Franklin J. Bartlett - Clerk for the County Commissioner's Court; Chauncey Robinson - Recorder; Ebenezer Rand - Probate Justice of the Peace for Hancock County.

- Announcement: "Church History" -- Church Leadership -- The Church calls for anyone with "any documents, facts, incidents, or other matter in any way connection with the history of said church to hand the same in," to Joseph Smith's Office.

[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]

25 years ago today - Jun 13, 1988

David P. Wright, Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Near Eastern Languages, is terminated by letter from BYU. The letter gives three reasons: (1) his "view that the Book of Mormon is best explained as a nineteenth-century work of scripture rather than a translation of a document from ancient America around 600 B.C.-400 A.D." (2) His "historical-critical view that the prophets of the Hebrew Bible generally spoke for their time, and probably did not have in mind events far into the future in the time of Jesus and our day;" and (3) His "historical-critical approach to the Hebrew Bible generally, which is necessarily skeptical of the historical accuracy of events described in it and seeks to determine the correct authorship of biblical books and the date of their composition." The letter indicates that other than for the foregoing issues, he has been an "exceptional young scholar and teacher." It says his research, publication, teaching, administrative work, personality, morals, and conduct with other faculty and students are strong and good and not grounds for his termination.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

150 years ago today - Jun 13, 1863

Orson Pratt Jr. [son of Apostle Orson Pratt] writes to Brigham Young to refuse a mission call he had previously accepted: "During your recent visit to St. George, I informed you of the change that had taken place in my religious views, thinking that, in such a case, you would not insist on my undertaking the mission assigned me. You received me kindly and gave me what I have no doubt you considered good fatherly advice. I was much affected during the interview and hastily made a promise which, subsequent reflection convinces me it is not my duty to perform. . . . Should any thing hereafter occur to convince me that my present decision is unwise I shall be ready to revoke it." Pratt's "change . . . in my religious views" was that he did not consider Joseph Smith a prophet nor the LDS church true.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - 13 June-Jul 1, 1843

[Joseph Smith] State officials in league with a Missouri sheriff and an Illinois constable conspire to arrest the Prophet at the home of his wife's relatives in Dixon Township, Illinois, intending to whisk him away to Missouri; his friends foil the plan, and the Prophet wins release in the courts.

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

170 years ago today - Jun 13, 1843

[Joseph Smith] Joseph, Emma, and their four children leave Nauvoo on a much-needed vacation. They begin traveling toward the home of Emma's sister, Mrs. Wasson, who lives near Dixon, Lee County, over 200 miles north of Nauvoo.

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

150 years ago today - Jun 12, 1863

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 Two men stage drivers were killed by the Indians and scalped while Coming from Camp Floyd to this City. The bodies were brought into the City. I examined the bodies. All the skin was peeled off from the Head. Wood Reynolds body was Cut a good deal with knives.

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

160 years ago today - Jun 12, 1853

John Taylor: "If there is any truth in heaven, earth, or hell, I want to embrace it."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - Jun 12, 1843

Joseph Smith approves a decision two days previously by a "court martial" "That an arsenal be built in the city of Nauvoo, to be located in any part of the city where the lieutenant and major generals may direct, who are also authorized to make or cause to be made, a draft of the same, and also to purchase any piece of land for the aforesaid purposes which they may deem proper." Joseph Smith takes Rhoda Richards as a plural wife.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

175 years ago today - Jun 12, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] It was with peculiar sensations that mine eyes did roam over farmington meadows, the river, the canal, the hills & dales during this walk to my fathers house & when I arived there my meditations were turned into greater Joy by being permitted to take my Father, Mother, & Sister Eunice once more by the hand in friendship & behold each other face to face & what added to this interesting interview was Brother Ozem Woodruff was among the number. I baptized him the year before & after spending a season in conversing together we all sat down around our fathers table & suped together of the bounties of earth & I felt much refreshed & after bowing our knees together around the family alter of a fathers house to worship the God of Israel, I took an evenings walk with Sister Eunice & found her mind searching for light & truth. I spent the night at fathers house.

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

40 years ago today - Jun 11, 1973

The First Presidency issued a letter approving the organization of three wards exclusively for non-student singles not living at home. This experiment was initially intended to involve only Salt Lake Valley residents. However, by 1976 permission to establish a singles ward was extended worldwide. To be considered the ward must have a membership potential of more than 200 singles between the ages of 18 and 35. In 1982 this requirement was modified to read: "if the population could assure the function of the ward would be carried out property."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

135 years ago today - Jun 11, 1878

At the "old folks excursion" various prizes are given. "Wilford Woodruff took the prize as having Baptized & brought the most people into the Church numbering over 2,000."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - Jun 11, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ... I [am] a rough stone. The sound of the hammer and chisel was never heard on me nor never will be. I desire the learning and wisdom of heaven alone. Have not the least idea but if Christ should come and preach such rough things as he preached to the Jews, but this Generation would reject him for being so rough. I never can find much to say in expounding a text ...

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

170 years ago today - Jun 11, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 11th A large assembly of Saints met at the Temple & were addressed by president Joseph Smith. ...He then asked what was the object of Gathering the Jews together or the people of God in any age of the world. The main object was to build unto the Lord an house whereby he Could reveal unto his people the ordinances of his house and glories of his kingdom & teach the people the ways of salvation. For their are certain ordinances & principles that when they are taught and practized, must be done in a place or house built for that purpose. It is for the same purpose that God gathers together the people in the last days to build unto the Lord an house to prepare them for the ordinances & endowments washings & anointings &c.

...Men will say I will never forsake you, but will stand by you at all times. But the moment you teach them some of the mysteries of God that are retained in the heavens and are to be revealed to the children of men when they are prepared, They will be the first to stone you & put you to death. It was the same principle that crusified the Lord Jesus Christ. ...

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

175 years ago today - Jun 11, 1838

After digging a well on Lyman Wight's property in Daviess county, Missouri, with Joseph and Martin Harris, William Swartzell suggests Joseph name the place. He calls it Adam-ondi-Ahman because, "there was no place by that name under heaven."

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

20 years ago today - Jun 10, 1993

BYU officials terminate five junior professors, including Cecelia K. Farr (pro-choice feminist) and anthropologist David Knowlton who has published studies of Latin American terrorism against LDS buildings and missionaries. In immediate response more than 100 students rally to protest lack of academic freedom at BYU, first such student demonstration at BYU since 1911. Subsequent rallies include holders of prestigious "Benson Scholarship," and Third World students who compare BYU's current situation with repressive regimes these students have fled. This is reported at length in CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, thus worsening BYU's reputation for academic freedom among administrators of nation's universities and grant-giving foundations.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

130 years ago today - Sunday, June 10th 1883

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] At a mtg. in Centerville, several Apostles and all of the First Council of 70 were present and the discussion of plural marriage came up. "Bros Thomas Grover testified to having heard the revelation on celestial marriage read by Hyrum Smith in the high council previous to the death of the Prophet. All of the council present excepting three accepted the doctrine, and those three soon afterwards apostatized. Bro. Nobles testified to having performed the first ceremony in celestial marriage in this generation, he sealing his wife's sister to the Prophet Joseph."

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

150 years ago today - Jun 10, 1863 (Wednesday)

The stage coach was attacked by mounted Indians between Fort Crittenden and the Jordan river, Utah Co.; the driver and another man were killed and their bodies fearfully mutilated by the savages.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

175 years ago today - Jun 10, 1838

The "Danites" are organized during a clandestine meeting when Jared Carter, George W. Robinson, and Sampson Avard, "under the instruction of the [First] [P]residency, formed a secret military society, called the 'daughter of Zion.'" Avard instructs the newly inducted members: "As the Lord had raised up a prophet in these last days like unto Moses it shall be the duty of this band to obey him in all things, and whatever he requires you shall perform being ready to give up life and property for the advancement of the cause[.] When any thing is to be performed no member shall have the privilege of judging whether it would be right or wrong but shall engage in its accomplishment and trust God for the result[.]" The next month Joseph Smith's scribe writes in "The Scriptory Book of Joseph Smith, Jr.": "[W]e have a company of Danites in these times, to put right physically that which is not right, and to cleanse the Church of verry great evils which hath hitherto existed among us inasmuch as they cannot be put to right by teachings & persuas[ions]."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

15 years ago today - Jun 9, 1998

[Utah] In Salt Lake City the Southern Baptist Convention approved a new statement on the family that said wives must live in submission to their husbands and that homosexuality was a perversion.

[Source: Ratnikas, Algis, TimelinesDb, http://www.timelinesdb.com/listevents.php?subjid=201title=Utah]

35 years ago today - Jun 9, 1978

In a letter dated June 8 and made public the following day, the First Presidency announced the revelation that worthy men of all races would be eligible to receive the priesthood. On Sept. 30, members accepted the revelation by a sustaining vote at general conference. The First Presidency's announcement is now Official Declaration 2 in the Doctrine and Covenants.

[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]

140 years ago today - Jun 9, 1873

Salt Lake City, School of the Prophets: President Young touched on certain principles and doctrines yesterday, particularly that doctrine pertaining to Adam being our Father and our God... He bore a powerful testimony to the truth of the doctrine remarking that if ever he had received a testimony of any doctrine in this church he had of the truth of this. The endowments plainly teach it and the Bible and other revelations are full of it.

The doctrine was approved or endorsed by Henry Grow, D. B. Huntington , and Joseph F. Smith. The latter read a portion of a revelation given to the church affirming that Michael or Adam is the Father of all - the Prince of all, and stated that the enunciation of that doctrine gave him great joy.

[Source: Discourses of Brigham Young]

165 years ago today - Jun 9, 1848

Miracle of the Gulls occurs.

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

130 years ago today - Jun 8, 1883

Apostle and European Mission President John Henry Smith writes in his journal: "Scott Anderson confessed that he was guilty of self polution [masturbation] and asked to be re-baptised. I instructed Bro. Parkinson to attend to it for him."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

120 years ago today - Thurs., Jun 8, 1893

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Went to the 8 o'clock U.P. train, and at Father's request accompanied him to Ogden on his way to England. On the way up he advised me to hold regular meetings of Geo. Q. Cannon & Sons Co., and give reports of the condition of business to stock holders, so as to prevent dissatisfaction. He also gave me counsel concerning the management of my family. He said I ought to treat them with perfect equality, whatever my feelings towards them may be. He did not know what my course had been, but he felt impressed to mention the matter to me. He also spoke of several items of business to which he desired me to give attention for him.

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

150 years ago today - Jun 8, 1863

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8 to 11th I spent the week mostly at home gardening.

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

30 years ago today - Jun 7, 1983

Before an audience of some 400 people, Eugene England, professor of English at BYU, and Rev. George Nye, senior minister of the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, debated the topic "Are Mormons Christian?"

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

80 years ago today - Jun 7, 1933

Heber J. Grant tells BYU's graduating class: "If every other state in the Union repeals the Eighteenth Amendment, I hope Utah is the one bright star that remains."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

120 years ago today - Jun 7, 1893

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] At 5 o'clock I went to the Temple where I met my folks, we having received permission from Pres. Woodruff to receive our second anointings. Father was there to perform the ceremony. Bro. [Francis M.] Lyman was also there to be with his wife Susan D. Callister Lyman as she received this blessing. Father anointed and spoke the words, John D. T. McAllister held the horn, and Lorenzo Snow and John R. Winder were the witnesses. Sister Lyman was first anointed in the presence of us all, she thus being the first to receive this blessing in this [Salt Lake Temple] building. I then received mine, and my wives followed in the order of their marriages. I felt very much pleased to be thus favored. The ordinance of the washing of feet was explained by Bro. McAllister, after the anointings had been given.

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

130 years ago today - Jun 7, 1883 (Thursday)

Dr. J.B. Carrington, a non-Mormon, arrested for bigamy, was discharged by Commissioner Gilchrist, at Salt Lake City, notwithstanding the proof of his guilt.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

130 years ago today - Jun 6, 1883

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6 We rode to the Junction and travelled up + gunnison River to the Summit of the Divid. [The asterisks in this entry are Woodruff's.] We had to asscend to the highth of 10,700 feet. We asscended 1,000 feet above the first snow drifts. It was a grand scenery ..... This in Connexion with the Royal gorge is the grandest scenery and the Most difficult location for a rail road I think that Can be found in the world. ... As we descended from the summit down the Arkansas River the road was as Crooked as the river and we were sitting in an open Car for observation at the hind End of the train and we were hurled down that Canyon over those sharp Curves at the rate of 40 miles an hour and it seemed to me that nothing but the power of God saved us many times from being hurled into the Billows Below us. Many times when the Locomotive was going North we were going East and vic versa. We were in great danger, and when we arived at the Bottom we breathed much freer.

[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 - Jun 6, 1848 (Tuesday)

[LDS member] Capt. James Brown entered into negotiations with Miles M. Goodyear, an Indian trader, located on the present site of Ogden City, for the purchase of all the lands, claims and improvements, owned by Goodyear, by virtue of a Spanish grant. Brown paid $3,000 for the improvements, and soon after located himself on the Weber.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

180 years ago today - Jun 6, 1833

Kirtland. A conference of high priests chooses Orson Hyde to be clerk of "the Presidency of the High Priesthood." Building committee (Reynolds Cahoon, Jared Carter, and Hyrum Smith) to begin work immediately.

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

1913, 100 years ago this year.

The Church established the Maori Agricultural College in New Zealand. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and was never rebuilt.

[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]

125 years ago today - Tuesday, Jun 5, 1888

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

I spent most of the day at home. I had my bath at the Hot Springs and it is doing good.

[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

180 years ago today - Jun 5, 1833

George A. Smith hauls the first load of stone for the House of the Lord, Hyrum Smith and Reynolds Cahoon commence digging the trench for the walls. (Hyrum's diary for June 7: "... commenced making Preparation for the Building the House of the lord...")

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

75 years ago today - Jun 4, 1938

Boy Scout Program in the Church-- Church Historian's Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

(Commendation by President Heber J. Grant to Church leaders on the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Boy Scout Program in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) {1938-June 4-scouting in the L.D.S. Church, 1938 ed.}

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

150 years ago today - Jun 4, 1863

Passenger ship AMAZON departs London with 882 Mormon emigrants aboard, British author Charles Dickens observes: "Now, I have seen emigrant ships before this day in june. And these people are so strikingly different from all other people in like circumstances whom I have ever seen." He explains: "Nobody is in an ill-temper, nobody is the worse for drink, nobody swears an oath or uses a coarse word, nobody appears depressed, nobody is weeping . . . they established their own police, made their own regulations, and set their own watches at all hatchways."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

180 years ago today - Jun 4, 1833

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 96: Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, showing the order of the City or Stake of Zion at Kirtland, Ohio, June 4, 1833. Given as an example to the saints in Kirtland. HC 1: 352-353. The occasion was a conference of high priests, and the chief subject of consideration was the disposal of certain lands, known as the French farm, possessed by the Church near Kirtland. Since the conference could not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter.

1, The Kirtland Stake of Zion is to be made strong; 2-5, The bishop is to divide the inheritances for the saints; 6-9, John Johnson is to be a member of the United Order.

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

70 years ago today - Jun 3, 1943

[Joseph Fielding Smith] I was at the usual council meetings today. President Heber J. Grant has not met with the brethren in a meeting on Thursday for many weeks. He is confined to his home most of the time, but is keen on many matters, especially everything financial.

[Source: Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary]

80 years ago today - Jun 3, 1933

CHURCH SECTION reports that, "after years of effort," Mormons have equal rights with other religions in applying to be military chaplains. This is decision of recently appointed Secretary of War George H. Dern, non-Mormon and former governor of Utah.

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

140 years ago today - Jun 3, 1873

Salt Lake Stake Deacons Quorum Minute Book records: "Bro [Samuel D.] Chambers said It was a source of happiness to him to be here, feels to be the least of all the saints of God, but blest to be one of the number. It is joy to him to fill all calls made upon him. Asks an interest in our faith and prayers, that he may receive an exaltation in the kingdom of God." Chambers, a former slave, had been a Mormon for 29 years at this time.

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

170 years ago today - 3 June 1843, Saturday

[William Clayton Writings] Saturday 3rd. This A.M. started for Quincey on the Steam Boat ``Maid of Iowa.'' I took my wife & her child Also Margaret Moon & Sarah Crooks. We had a large company of brethren and sisters on a pleasure voyage. We arrived at Quincey about 1 oclock. I immediately went to the Probate Judge & presented the papers which we had made out pertaining to the Lawrence Estate. He said he could do nothing with them. Upon enquiring what he wanted I finally made a new account which he accepted. I then went to the boat & Prest. J returned with me to make oath to the accounts. ballance in Guardians hands was $3790.89 ¾ We soon got through & started back about 5 oclock ... Sunday A.M ...

/[Sarah & Margaret were also Clayton's wives. The Lawrence estate had to do with the Lawrence sisters who were living at the Smith home after their father died, and whom Joseph Smith had subsequently married]

[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]

180 years ago today - Jun 3, 1833

Dr. Philastus Hurlbut excommunicated for unchristian-like conduct with females. Also, Daniel Copley cut off for not going on a mission (claiming to be too weak).

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

180 years ago today - Jun 3, 1833

A council of high priests discusses building a house of worship and "school of the prophets." Joseph Smith receives a revelation (D&C 95) unfolding the "plan in full" consisting of dimensions of a large structure with two levels.

[Source: Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]

170 years ago today - Jun 2, 1843

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith paid Dan Jones $1,375 to become half-owner of the steamboat Maid of Iowa.

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

175 years ago today - Jun 2, 1838

Rhoda Richards (sister of Apostle Willard Richards) and subsequently a plural wife of Joseph Smith recorded in her journal that when she was baptized a member of the LDS church on 2 June 1838 "In obeying the commands of the Lord I found great good. Health was improved, poison disappeared, the cake of ice was melted from my stomach. I found no need of Thomsonian medicine."

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, "The Practice of Rebaptism at Nauvoo," BYU Studies (1978), 18:2:226]

175 years ago today - Jun 2, 1838

Son of Joseph and Emma Smith - Alexander Hale Smith is born at Far West, Missouri.

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

180 years ago today - Jun 1, 1833

[Black History] W.W. Phelps publishes anti-slavery editorial,

[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]

35 years ago today - Jun 1, 1978

[Black History] Revelation is received granting the Priesthood to those of African Negro descent. Concerning the revelation Kimball states, "I offered the final prayer and I told the Lord if it wasn-t right, if He didn-t want this change to come in the church, that I would be true to it all the rest of my life, and I-d fight the world against it if that-s what He wanted. But this revelation and assurance came to me so clearly that there was no question about it. . . . I knew that the time had come."

[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]

80 years ago today - Jun 1, 1933

The Church opened a 500-foot exhibit in the Hall of Religions at the Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago, Ill. The exhibit was prepared by famed LDS sculptor Avard Fairbanks.

[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]

140 years ago today - Jun 1, 1873 (Morning)

[Brigham Young Sermon] It was revealed in St. George [unknown date, 1871-73] to the Prophet Brigham Young that there should be variations made in the temples to be built. This was given unto the Prophet Brigham in answer to his question, '"Oh Lord show unto thy servants if we shall build all temples after the same pattern?'" The answer came. '"Do you all build your houses after the same pattern used when your family is small? So shall the growth of the knowledge of the principles of the Gospel among my people cause diversity in the pattern of temples.'" -- Provo, Utah

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

170 years ago today - June 1, 1843. Thursday.

[William Clayton Journal] This day I have been at President Joseph's office all day, preparing papers for the settlement of the Lawrence business with Brothers Whiting and Richards...Evening Joseph rode in the carriage with Flora [Woodworth, one of his plural wives]. He let Lorin Walker have a knowledge of some things.

[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]

170 years ago today - Jun 1, 1843

[Joseph Smith] Sealed polygynously to Elvira (Cowles) Holmes who was already married, age 29

[Source: Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record, 'A Joseph Smith Chronology', http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

170 years ago today - 1843 1 Jun.

[Joseph Smith] Jewish convert Alexander Neibauer begins publishing a two-installment discussion of Kabbalist views of spirit transmigration or rebirth. His article cites ten Kabbalistic authors and works available only in Hebrew. The Kabbala is Judaism's mystical and magical tradition.

[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]

170 years ago today - Jun 1, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 1st 1843 The quorum of the Twelve met in Council at President J. Smith Store To make some arangments to start on their mission to collect funds for the Nauvoo House & temple. We each one of us bound ourselves under bonds of two thousands Dollars for the faithful performance of our duty in making strict returns of all property put into our hands to the trustee in trust. Elder Aaron Johnson was my Bondsman.

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

180 years ago today - Jun 1, 1833

[Joseph Smith] There is great excitement in Kirtland as the Saints anticipate the commencement of the building of the house of the Lord. Although the Church is very poor, a letter is sent throughout the Church asking for subscriptions for the house. Joseph receives D&C 95.

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