110 years ago today - January 31-Feb 2, 1905; Tuesday-Thursday

[Rudger Clawson] I returned to Salt Lake Tuesday, Jan[uary]. 31, and found that the Salt Lake Tribune had published a special dispatch from Logan [Utah] wherein it was charged that Elder [J.] Golden Kimball and myself had defended and advocated the principle of polygamy at the Cache conference. [Because of sensitivities during the Smoot hearings, they publish the notes of the conference in the Deseret News to demonstrate they had not talked about polygamy.]

[Source: Rudger Clawson, Diary]

120 years ago today - Jan 31, 1895

[Apostle Francis M. Lyman] The application of C. R. Savage to ignore his plural wife and to marry another in the Temple was denied after much talk. If he marries a legal wife and casts out his present wife it must be upon his own responsibility.

[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Fri, Jan 31st, 1890

[Abraham H. Cannon] "At the Gardo Houae the question arose this morning as to whether the face of a woman who has had her endowments should be veiled or not when her coffin is closed on her dead body. Pres. Woodruff did not decide in absence of any written law on the subject, but Bro. Joseph F. thought the face should covered as this was the course pursued in early days of the Church, and it was doubtless done in accordance with some instructions of the Prophet."

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

140 years ago today - Jan 31, 1875

[Brigham Young] ... spoke on the '"United Order,'" showing that this was the last dispensation, and the last time that the Lord would establish this Order on the earth, and that it would not prove a failure, only by the perversity of man. -- St. George, Utah

[Source: Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 24:17 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

155 years ago today - Jan 31, 1860

[Brigham Young] The President said he had never differed with him [Orson] only on points of doctrine, and he never had had any personal feelings, but he was anxious that correct doctrines should be taught for the benefit of the Church and the Nations of the earth. Prest said in one thing he had felt vexed that he did not consult them before he published the M.S. [Millenial Star] writings he got from Mother Smith. about the life of the Prophet. Orson admitted that he had done wrong and he now saw it but did not at the time of his purchasing and publishing it. President observed the brethren would have made it a matter of fellowship. The President said he did not have it in his heart to disfellowship but merely to correct men in their views. Prest also remarked to Orson he had been willing to go on a Mission to any place at the drop of the Hat, and observed you might as well question my authority to send you on a Mission as to dispute my views in doctrine; Bro Orson said he had never felt unwillingness in the discharge of his practical duties. -- Salt Lake City

[Lucy Mack Smith

[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009); Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

165 years ago today - Jan 31, 1850

[Minutes of the Quorum of Twelve] ... bro Is Higbee[:] the Indians are continually killing our cattle & stealing horses. & they shot at out boys'-we have lost between 50 & 60 head. they cannot sustain themselves there. we drive our cattle down in the morning & bring them up at night'-the Indians fired two guns at our boys'-& they found one ox with 4 arrows'-another with a tomahawk in it'-they say the mormons have no captn'-they want to fight & will live on our cattle. they say they mean to keep our Cattle'-& go & get the other Indians to kill us'

- P. P. P. [Parley P. Pratt:] my own mind is I can only see 3 ways'-the place be abandoned'-& then they wo[ul]d. ransack all the o[the]r. frontiers'-or we have to defend them'-or leave them to destruction.

I. Higbee[:] we can not defend our Cattle unless there is a company of men'-there are 25 /men/ close by'-& 50 or 75 /men/ on the other side of Lake'-

P. P. P.[:] I felt it b/es/t to kill the Indians, but when I saw the instr[ucti]ons I said hold on till you can get instructions'

- I. Higbee[:] every man & boy help up their hand to kill them off'-we have 60 men to bear arms'-they say we are afraid to kill them'

- P. P. P.[:] Walkers men are different Indians to these'-there can be no communication without a settlement at Utah'

- W R [Williard Richards:] my voice is for War, & exterminate them'

- B. Y. [Brigham Young:] I say go & kill them'-(all hands held up) [Brigham] Young, [Heber C.] Kimball, [Willard] Richards, [George A.] Smith, [Ezra T.] Benson. J. [John] Young, D. Spencer'-O[rson] Spencer D[aniel]. H. Wells, Van Cott Higbee & T B'-A[aron]. Farr. I. Higbee'

-We thought we should want help to do it.

B. Y. [Brigham Young] Tell D[imik]. Huntington to go & kill them'-also Barney Ward. let the Women & children live if they will behave themselves'

- P. P. P. I wo[ul]d. take the women & chil[dren]. & clothe them & dictate them & make them do what we want & dont let them prowl about'

- B. Y. We shall have no peace until the men are killed off'-never treat an Indian as your equal there was a cap of 50 men'-get them & take them up with you'-they have strengthened up the past year & they gather men from other tribes to come & steal our cattle & horses'-it is the Western tribe that come & steal in this Valley'- ...

[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

175 years ago today - Jan 31, 1840. Friday.

[William Clayton] ... Brother Burgess' wife and child poorly. I anointed her breasts and prayed with them. ...

[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]

45 years ago today - Jan 30, 1970

First Presidency letter urges Church members to have their sons and daughters attend post-high school institutions of learning near their home, "so that our young can benefit from the influence of the home, especially during their first two years of post-high school education." It also urges leaders and parents to make full use of seminary and institute programs to supplement the home. In addition, the letter says that the Presidency believes the enrollment at BYU should not exceed 25,000.

CHRISTIANITY TODAY article, "Mormons and Blacks", commends the Church for "refusing to let popular protest shape its doctrines." However it says blacks should not feel deprived because they are not eligible for the Mormon priesthood since the Church itself is "tragically misguided."

125 years ago today - Jan 30, 1890

[Patriarchal Blessing of Susan E. J. Martineau] ... before the earth was thou didst shout hosanna that it would be thy privilege to come forth in this dispensation to assist in bringing forth and establishing Zion preparatory to a reign of peace upon the earth. To this end the Father blessed thee and sent thee as with a crown of glory upon thy head, that through thee mighty men and women should live upon the earth to be prophets, seers and mighty men ...

Thou has earnestly sought to fulfill the Law of Sarah ... of the mothers and matrons of Zion thou shalt stand among those who are the most honored, because of the words of wisdom and comfort that as rubies shall fall from thy lips. ... when the meek shall flee unto Zion in the great day of tribulation, thou shalt feed the hungry, clothe the naked and give shelter to the homeless...

And when because of wickedness the cities of the land shall become desolate, thou, together with thy husband and all thy family shall go forth to inhabit the cities that are desolate, and to inhabit the waste places. ... his angels shall camp around thee, to be as thy companions. His arms shall sustain thee, his hand shall lead thee. His spirit shall fill thy heart with consolation and joy continually, while the visions of heaven shall be opened unto thee, to rebuke aff[l]iction, to command the Destroyer that no power shall invade thy habitation to destroy thy peace or take away thy loved ones.

Years shall be multiplied upon thy head, and thou shalt live even to the fullness of thy desires; and it is thy privilege to assist in the work both for the living and the dead, in the holy temple that shall be reared in Zion; to strike hands with the Son of Man when He shall descend to his holy temple ... Thy inheritance shall be forever in Zion, which thou shalt receive with thy companion and family when the Ancient of Days shall sit. ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Susan E. J. Martineau by Benjamin F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]

125 years ago today - Jan 30, 1890

[Patriarchal Blessing of S. Elvira M. Johnson ] ... for thou shalt see the holy temple reared in Zion, shall strike hands with the Son of Man when He shall descent to the earth, and shall minister therein when His glory shall fill its courts.

... The angels shall camp around thee, if thou wilt be admonished to call upon the name of the Lord ... thou art among the most favored of the daughters of Abraham, and entitled to every privilege that belongs to the wives, the mothers and the matrons in Zion, to stand in thy place as a counsellor to admonish, to teach, and to cultivate the younger of thy sex; and all who hear thy voice shall cleave unto thee and love thee; and all thy kindred shall rejoice in thee because of the wisdom and spirit of consolation and blessing which shall drop as pearls from thy lips ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of S. Elvira M. by Johnson F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]

125 years ago today - Jan 30, 1890

[Patriarchal Blessing of James Henry Martineau] ... And from the days of thy birth His angel had charge concerning thee ... thou shalt become a Prince and a Patriarch, a Prophet and a Seer: and thou and thy Sons shall be an arm of power, even to be as the horns of Ephraim in assisting to push together the people, and to establish them upon the land of their inheritance. And when the cities of the Gentiles are waste, behold thou shalt go forth with thy children and they children's children to redeem the waste places ... they shall rise up and call thee blessed all the days of thy life, and carry thy name and thy fame in honor throughout all generations of Time.

The treasures of the earth shall be unto thee in great fullness, whereby thou shalt be able to assist in bringing to pass the redemption of Zion, the rearing of His holy temple ... it is even thy privilege to live to see the holy temple reared in Zion, and the glory of the Lord resting upon its towers, and to minister therein ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of James Henry Martineau by Benjamin F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]

130 years ago today - Jan 30, 1885

[Wilford Woodruff] I was sealed for 24 Couple of Dead friends & had 10 Adoptions to me. I sealed 1 Couple.

[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 - Jan 30, 1845

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday prayer circle meeting; anointing and endowment for Joseph B. Noble, Zina D. Huntington (Jacobs, Smith, Young), and--probably also on this date--Mary Elizabeth Rollins (Lightner, Smith) . Between 30 January and 20 March, Sylvia P. Sessions (Lyon, Smith, Kimball), Harriet Page Wheeler (Decker), and Mary A. Be(a)man (Noble) were anointed and endowed. [Half of those involved in these early anointings were plural wives of Joseph Smith]

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

175 years ago today - Jan 30, 1840

About this time, Joseph leaves Philadelphia for Washington with Orrin Porter Rockwell, Judge Higbee, and Dr. Foster, having left Sidney Rigdon sick in Philadelphia. During his stay in Philadelphia, Joseph had met with some of the Twelve on their way to England, and had held a conference wherein he "arose like a lion about to roar; and being full of the Holy Ghost, spoke in great power. . . . The entire congregation were astounded; electrified, as it were, and overwhelmed with the sense of the truth and power by which he spoke, and the wonders which he related. . . . Multitudes were baptized in Philadelphia and in the regions around."

[Source: Parley Parker Pratt, Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt 297-99 as quoted in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

115 years ago today - Monday, Jan 29, 1900

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Washington, D.C.

It is very cold. President Win. McKinley is 57 years old today. In company with Senator Geo. L. Shoup of Idaho, Bp. H. B. Clawson and I spent thirty minutes with the President. We had a pleasant talk on Utah affairs. I made some explanations as to family matters and the decadence [decrease] of plural relations and told him the Mormon people had kept faith. ...

[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]

155 years ago today - Jan 29, 1860

[Orson Pratt] At the time I expressed these views, I did most sincerely believe that they were in accordance with the word of God. I did most sincerely suppose that I was justifying the truth. But I have since learned from my brethren that some of the doctrines I had advanced in The Seer at Washington were incorrect. Naturally being of a stubborn disposition and having a kind of self-will about me; and moreover supposing really and sincerely that I did understand what true doctrine was in relation to those points, I did not feel to yield to the judgment of my brethren, but believed they were in error.

I do not know that I shall be able to carry out these views; but these are my present determinations. I pray that I may have the grace and strength to perform this. I feel exceedingly weak in regard to these matters.

[Source: Deseret News; Orson Pratt; July 25, 1860. (See also Feb 22, 1860 and Jan 29, 1860 as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]

155 years ago today - Jan 29, 1860

[Wilford Woodruff] 29th Sunday I met at the Tabernacle. Orson Pratt was in the stand and Quite unexpected to his Brethren he arose before his Brethren and made a vary humble full Confession Before the whole assembly for his oposition to President Young and his Brethren and He said he wished all the Church was present to hear it. He quoted Joseph Smiths revelation to prove that President Brigham Young was right and that all was under obligation to follow the Leader of the Church. I never herd Orson Pratt speak better or more to the satisfaction of the People than on this occasion. He would not partake of the sacrament untill he had made a Confession. Then he partook of it.

[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 - 1845 29 Jan.

The Quorum of Twelve votes to exempt apostles, two general bishops, and the Nauvoo Temple Committee from the obligation to pay tithing.

[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 - Jan 29, 1845

[Heber C. Kimball diary] A Revlation given by B. Young. Verly thus saith the Lord the Lad shall be great like unto his Father even a Prophet Seer and Revalater from his youth on whom the Preasthood shall rest from his burth to all Eternity. Even so Amen. My wife was delivered of this son January the 29 quater past 12 in the morning. I gave him the following name Brigham Willard Kimball. A child of promis.

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

55 years ago today - By 28 Jan

[Utah] Presidency decides against requiring McConkie to make public apology because "it might lessen his influence" as general authority. In 1966 year after his father-in-law becomes assistant counselor to First Presidency, McConkie publishes second edition of Mormon Doctrine. It corrects only a few of first edition "errors" cited by First Presidency and apostles in 1960. Book becomes best seller among Latter-day Saints. McConkie becomes member of Quorum of Twelve Apostles to fill vacancy which his father-in-law's death creates in 1972.

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

55 years ago today - Thu Jan 28, 1960

[David O. McKay Office Journal] 8:30 to 9 a.m. Bruce R. McConkie's book. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. I reported to my counselors that I had talked with President Joseph Fielding Smith about the decision that the book "Mormon Doctrine" should not be republished and about handling the matter to avoid undermining Elder McConkie's influence. President Smith agreed that the book should not be republished, and said that he would talk with Brother McConkie. It was decided that the First Presidency should inform Brother McConkie before he learns of our decision from some other source, so Brother McConkie was asked to come into our meeting this morning. When he arrived I informed him of the desire of the First Presidency with reference to his book not being republished, to which he agreed. The recommendation was also made that he answer inquiries on the subject with care. Brother McConkie said, "I am amenable to whatever you Brethren want. I will do exactly what you want. I will be as discreet and as wise as I can." In answering letters he said that he would express no views contrary to views which the First Presidency has expressed. He said that he would conform in every respect.

10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple. At Council meeting I reported to the Brethren our decision regarding Elder Bruce R. McConkie's book "Mormon Doctrine," statine that it had caused considerable comment throughout the Church, and that it has been a source of concern to the Brethren ever since it was published. I said that this book had not been presented to anyone for consideration or approval until after its publication. I further said that the First Presidency have given it very careful consideration, as undoubtedly have some of the Brethren of the Twelve also, and that the First Presidency now recommend that the book not be republished; that it be not republished even in corrected form, even though Brother McConkie mentions in the book that he takes all responsibility for it; and that it be not recognized as an authoritative book. I said further that the question has arisen as to whether a public correction should be made and an addendum given emphasizing the parts which are unwisely presented or misquoted or incorrect; but it is felt that that would not be wise because Brother McConkie is one of the General Authorities, and it might lessen his influence. The First Presicdency recommend that the situation be left as it is, and whenever a question about it arises, we can answer that it is unauthoritative, that it was issued by Brother McConkie on his own responsibility, and he must answer for it. I reported that the First Presidency had talked with Brother McConkie this morning, and he said he will do whatever the Brethren want him to do. He will not attempt to republish the book, nor to say anything by letter, and if he answers letters or inquiries that he will answer them in accordance with the suggestions made by the Brethren, and not advocate those things concerning which question has been raised as contained in the book. The Brethren unanimously approved of this. I then said that the First Presidency further recommend that when any member of the General Authorities desires to write a book, that the Brethren of the Twelve or the First Presidency be consulted regarding it. While the author need not get the approval of these Brethren, they should know before it is published that a member of the General Authorities wants to publish a book. I said it may seem all right for the writer of the book to say, "_I_ _only_ am responsible for it," but I said "you cannot separate your position from your individuality, and we should like the authors to present their books to the Twelve or a Committee appointed." I asked the Brethren of the Twelve to convey this information to the other General Authorities. On motion this became the consensus of the Council.

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

130 years ago today - Jan 28, 1885

[Lorenzo Saunders] Dear Sir. I received your note ready at hand and will try (to) answer the best I can and give all the information I can as respecting Mormonism and the first origin. ... I was cutting corn for Lawrence and went to dinner and he took dinner with us and when dinner was over they went into another room and I didn't see him again till he came to Palmyra to preach. You want to know how Smith acted about it. The next morning after he claimed to have got (the) plates he came to our house and said he had got the plates and what a struggle he had in getting home with them. Two men tackled him and he fought and knocked them both down and made his escape and secured the plates and had them safe and secure. He showed his thumb where he bruised it in fighting those men. ... The time he claimed to have taken the plates from the hill was on the 22 day of September, in 1827, and I went on the next Sunday following with five or six other ones and we hunted the side hill by course and could not find no place where the ground had been broke. There was a large hole where the money diggers had dug a year or two before, but no fresh dirt. There never was such a hole; there never was any plates taken out of that hill nor any other hill in that county, was [or?] in Wayne county. It is all a lie. No, sir, I never saw the plates nor no one else. He had an old glass box with a tile (spelling doubtful, C.A.S.) in it, about 7x8 inches, and that was the gold plates and Martin Harris didn't know a gold plate from a brick at this time. ... He had a peep stone he pretended to see in. He could see all the hidden treasures in the ground and all the stolen property. ...

[Source: Lorenzo Saunders Letter, in Charles A. Shook, The True Origin of the Book of Mormon (Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing Co., [1914]), 134-35., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders To Thomas Gregg]

135 years ago today - Jan 28, 1880

Elder Ebenezer Robinson testified that Hyrum Smith "instructed me in Nov or Dec 1843 to make a selection of some young woman and he would seal her to me, and I should take her home," he recalled, "and if she should have an offspring give out word that she had a husband, an Elder, who had gone on a foreign mission."

[Source: Ebenezer Robinson to Jason W. Briggs, Jan. 28, 1880, LDS archives as quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]

135 years ago today - Jan 28, 1880

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I was again wrapped in vision during a good part of the night concerning the destiny of our nation and of Zion. It was strongly manifest to me the duty of the Apostles and Elders to go into our holy places & Temples and wash our feet and bear testimony to God & heavenly hosts against the wickedness of this nation. My pillow was wet with the fountain of tears that flowed as I beheld the judgments of God upon the wicked.

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

155 years ago today - January 28th 1860

Elder Orson Pratt called upon the President in relation to last evenings proceedings [a debate between Orson Pratt and Brigham Young on the character of God], Bro Orson admitted he was excited; and for the future would omit such points of doctrine in his discourses that related to the Plurality of Gods. &c but would confine himself to the first principles of the Gospel ...

The President remarked to Bro Orson that much false doctrine arose out of arguing upon false premises, such as supposing something that does not exist, as a God without his attributes, as they cannot exist apart. Bro Orson replied "that many of his doctrinal arguments had been advanced while he was in England in answer to the numerous enquiries that were made of him by reasoning men. The President remarked when questions have been put to me, by opposers, who did not want to hear the simple Gospel Message. he would not answer them and asked Orson why he was not as careful to observe the revelations given to preach in plainness and simplicity as to so strenuously observe the doctrines in other revelations.

[Source: Brigham Young (Office) Diary as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]

160 years ago today - Jan 28, 1855

[Chief Wakara] In May, Young and several other Mormon Church leaders and their families went on a tour of southern Mormon settlements. Presents were sent to Wakara and arrangements made for him and other Ute leaders to meet Young and his party at Chicken Creek. The issue of Mormon occupation of Ute lands was not settled; however, Wakara agreed to peace. The treaty was never formalized by federal government action, but Wakara kept his word. He died of pneumonia on 28 January 1855. The story of his body being buried with his goods, including horses and young Indian slaves, has become the stuff of legend.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Chief Wakara, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]

5 years ago today - 1/27/2010

California Watch blog reveals and reports on memos between Andy Pugno, BYU Professor Lynn Wardle, and several LDS General Authorities discussing what language is best suited for Prop 22 and why the matter should be addressed earlier rather than later. A Stipulation [link to PDF version] in the matter of whether the LDS Church reported non-monetary contributions on time during the 2008 election has been completed and will be submitted for final action on June 10th. The Stipulation fines the Church $5,539.00. This is equal to 15% of the amount of money deemed to have been reported late. The 13 separate counts at issue totaled $36,928.00. The stipulation notes the dates and amounts of the late-reported donations. A Church press release backgrounder identifies the non-monetary contributions as: "In response to a complaint filed by a member of the public, the FPPC initiated an investigation into how the Church publicly reported its support of the Yes on 8 campaign. The complaint alleged that the Church had failed

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

30 years ago today - Jan 27, 1985

Church members in U.S. and Canada hold special fast and donate more than $6.5 million to aid famine victims in Africa. Lacking its own relief network in Africa, LDS church distributes this money primarily to Catholic Relief Services.

55 years ago today - Wed Jan 27, 1960

[David O. McKay] Conference with Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith re: Bruce R. McConkie's book, "Mormon Doctrine." At the request of the First Presidency, I called President Joseph Fielding Smith, and told him that we are a unit in disapproving of Brother Bruce R. McConkie's book, "Mormon Doctrine," as an authoritative exposition of the principles of the gospel. I then said, "Now, Brother Smith, hs is a General Authority, and we do not want to give him a public rebuke that would be embarrassing to him and lessen his influence with the members of the Church, so we shall speak to the Twelve at our meetingt in the Temple tomorrow, and tell them that Brother McConkie's book is not approved as an authoritative book, and that it should not be republished, even if the errors (some 1,067 of them) are corrected." Brother Smith agreed with this suggestion to report to the Twelve, and said, "That is the best thing to do." I then said that Brother McConkie is advocating by letter some of the principles as printed in his book in answer to letters he receives. Brother Smith said, "I will speak to him about that." I then mentioned that he is also speaking on these subjects, and Brother Smith said, "I will speak to him about that also." I also said that the First Presidency had decided that General Authorities of the Church should not publish books without submitting them to some member of the General Authorities, and President Smith agreed to this as being wise.

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

115 years ago today - Jan 27, 1900

John Steele writes, "I have worked in the Science [of astrology] for the last 40 years." He casts astrological charts before performing priesthood ordinances for the sick. He also inscribes paper charms against thieves and witches, and wax dolls to injure his enemies. Steele has been a Seventy since 1845, member of Mormon Battalion, marshal and mayor of Parowan, stake presidency counselor, participant in Mountain Meadows Massacre, probate judge, and justice of the Peace.

130 years ago today - Jan 27, 1885

The DESERET NEWS editorializes concerning Mormons who, when arrested and tried for polygamy, agree to obey the law and stop practicing polygamy: "A premium is placed on perfidy and heartless villainy, by offering amnesty to polygamists who will throw their manhood to the dogs and enter the ranks of the debased by discarding their helpless and dependent wives and children, an alternative that death itself would not induce a true Latter-day Saint to accept."

135 years ago today - Jan 27, 1880

[Wilford Woodruff's wilderness Revelation] I arose in the morning after the vision of the night with my heart filled with joy and gratitude for the manifestations of the spirit of God unto me. I have written the revelation of God unto me as it was given by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. I had read the revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants and prayed earnestly unto the Lord to show me his mind and will concerning myself and my brethren of the Apostles and the Lord gave me that revelation in answer to my prayers.

[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 - Jan 27, 1860

[Minutes, Quorum of the Twelve] ... President Young stated the object of the Meeting was to Convers upon Doctrinal Points to see if we see alike & think alike. ... He read it before the Company a peace prepared for the press written by Orson Pratt upon the Godhead. He Claimed that it was the atributes of God that He worshiped and not the person & that He worshiped those Atributes whether he found them in God, Jesus Christ Adam, Moses, The Apostles Joseph, Brigham or in any body Els. After the document was read President Young then Called upon the Twelve to express their feelings upon the subject. He called upon O Hyde to speak & he called upon J Taylor to speak. He spoke a short time. No one knew at the time (except the President & Carrington) who was the author of the document read.

Brother Taylor said he did not see it in that light. He worshiped a personage and not the Atributes. He thought God was Located and Could not worship the Atributes in any body.

President Young then Called a vote of the assembly and said if you understand this to be a Correct doctrin as here written I wish you [to] manifest it by saying yes. No one spoke.

President Young then said do I worship Atributes or the Dispencer of those atributes? I worship the Dispencer of those atributes and Not the Atributes. This is O Pratts Sermon prepared for the Press. I do not want to have it published if it is not right. Brother Orson Worships the Atributes of God but not God. I worship not the Atributes but that God who holds and dispenses. If Eternity was full of atributes and No one to dispens them they would not be worth a feather.

... Joseph Said to us I am a God to you. This was true and upon the same principles I am a God to this people & so is any man who is appointed to lead Israel or the Kingdom of God. ...

You might say I am your Counciller Dictator or your God. Either would be Correct. And they should obey your Just & righteous Command. Yet they should not worship you for this would be sin.

Orson Pratt has differed from me in many things, But this is a great principle & I do not wish to say you shall do so and so. I do not know of a man who has a mathamatical turn of mind but what goes to Far. The trouble between Orson Pratt & me is I do not know Enough & he knows to much. ...

Orson Pratt said I will speak upon this subject. ... In order to worship this God I said that I adored the atributes wharever I found them. I was honest in this matter. ... I must have sumthing more than a declaration of President Young to Convince me. I must have Evidence. I am willing to take President Young as a guide in most things but not in all. President Young does not profess to have revelations in all things. I am not to loose my agency. I have said many things which President Young says is Fals. ... When Joseph teaches one thing & Brigham seems to teach another Contrary to Joseph (I say seems to) I believe them as Joseph has spoken them and as the Apostle speaks of them.

... President Young said I ought to make a Confession But Orson Pratt is not a man to make a Confession of that I do not Believe. I am not going to Crawl to Brigham Young and act the Hypocrite and Confess what I do not Believe. I will be a free man. President Young Condemns my doctrin to be fals. I do not believe them to be fals. I believe President Young to be sincere in sayin that my doctrin is fals.

... If I had thought while in England that President Young worshiped a God without attributes I would not have written what I did. (The above remark was an unkind Cut in Orson Pratt he should not have said.") But I do not believe it yet I will not act the Hypocrite. It may Cost me my fellowship But I will stick to it if I die tonight I would say O Lord God Almighty I believe what I say.

...President Young said Orson Pratt has started out upon false premises to argue upon. His foundation has been a fals one all the time and I will prove it false. You have been like a mad stoubern Mule, and have taken a fals position in order to accuse me. You have accused me of worshiping a stalk or Stone or a dead Body without life or attributes. You never herd such a doctrin taught by me or any leader of the Church. It is as false as Hell and you will not hear the last of it soon. You know it is false. ...

President Young said Michael was a resurrected Being and he left Eloheem and Came to this Earth & with an im[mor]tal Body & continued so till he partook of Earthly food and begat Children who were mortal. (Keep this to yourselves). Then they died.

President H C Kimball Followed President Young and said Brother Orson Pratt has withstood Joseph and he has withstood Brother Brigham many times and he has done it to night and it made my Blood Chill. It is not for you to lead but to be led by him. You have not the power to dictate but to be dictated.

You say you are honest in the Course you are pursueing. I wish to ask you if you was honest when you said that if you had known that President Young worshiped a God without life or Attributes that you would not have written what you did. (O Pratt said I will recall that.) It was an insult to President Young and the Holy Priesthood which he holds. Evry man in this room who has a particle of the spirit of God knows that President Young is a Prophet of God and that God sustains him and He has the Holy Spirit and his doctrins are true. ...

But Brother Orson I have seen the day when you was in sorrow. It was when you was Cast out of your Quorum and out of the Church and that to in Consequence of pursueing the Same Course you are this evening. Then you Could both see feel & understand. Then argument Could reach you when you saw your glory and Crown departing from you. I beg of you to reflect and not let your will Carry you to Far in these things....

[Brigham Young] I once was ashamed of one thing which I did while in Missouri in Zions Camp. I got a revelation that God excepted our offering. I had the same thing revealed to me twice & that we should not go into Jackson Co. I named this to some of the Brethren a day or two before Joseph got a Revelation upon the same subject. I felt ashamed that I named it first. I knew whare we were going and I now know that when we go to Jackson County we shall go from the west. ...

I told Brother Joseph that he had given us revelation enough to last us 20 years. When that time is out I can give as good revelation as their is in the Doctrins & Covenants.

...It may be thought strange by the Brethren that I will still fellowship Elder Pratt after what He has said but I shall do it. I am determined to whip Brother Pratt into it and make him work in the harvest.

Orson Pratt said if I gratifyed my feelings I had rather go into the Canyon than to Preach. I have got to go to Tooele to get wood for my family.

Presidet Young said I will give you a mission in Tooele to preach & send word to the Bishop to get some man & draw up his wood. Brother Pratt has no business in the Canyon. The Lord does not want him there. F D Richard Dismissed the meeting.

[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 - 1845 27 Jan.

The Illinois legislature repeals Nauvoo's city charter. Young responds on 7 Apr. by renaming the community "The City of Joseph." On 16 Apr. he uses the general incorporation law of Illinois to protect the temple, Nauvoo House, and other public buildings by creating a one-mile-square Town of Nauvoo.

[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 - Jan 27, 1845

[Brigham Young] When men have come into our midst who were as corrupt as the devil himself, many have supposed it would have been better to have cut their throats with a feather and exposed their sink of corruption, and let them go to hell where they belonged, than to have borne with them as Brother Joseph Smith did; but this course would meet with a conflicting argument. To stop a man in his career would be taking away his agency. Cain was permitted to live, peradventure, he might repent of his wickedness, and redeem a portion of his time, and thereby obtain a glory and salvation, though not a full salvation; and this is the reason that Brother Joseph bore so long with Jackson and others, that peradventure they might, notwithstanding they had been guilty of murder and robbery, come to the waters of baptism through repentance, and redeem a part of their allotted time. If they were cut off from the earth they might with propriety come up in the day of judgment and say we took away their agency, which if we had let alone, they would have repented of their sins and redeemed a part of their time.

[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

45 years ago today - Jan 26, 1970

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED article "Other Side of the Y: Attitude Toward Negroes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," recounts the gathering wave of protest leveled against a recent statement by the First Presidency that it expected no change in the practice of denying priesthood to blacks. It then quoted several non-Mormon athletes at B.Y.U. who expressed similar dissatisfaction. The author contended that no one would be happier to see the Church change its policy on blacks than BYU's athletic department.

125 years ago today - Jan 26, 1890

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill] Closed the Temple for one week on account of coal for fuel not on hand.

[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

135 years ago today - Jan 26, 1880

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] ... I Prayed the Lord to give me his Holy Spirit and light and truth. I went to bed filled with Prayer and Meditation. I fell asleep and slept untill about midnight. I awoke [and] the Lord poured out his spirit upon me and opened the vision of my mind so I could comprehend in a good measure the mind and will of God and his purposes concerning our Nation and the inhabitants of Zion and when the vision of my mind was open to comprehend the situation of our Nation, their wickedness, Abominations & Corruption and the Judgments of God and destruction which awaited them ... my head became a fountain of tears and my Pillow was wet as with dews of heaven and sleep departed from me and the Lord revealed unto me our duty even the duty of the Twelve Apostles ... the following is a portion of the will of the Lord made manifest to me while dwelling in a shepherds tent in the wilderness surrounded by the drifting snows of the mountains while wrapped in the visions of the night.

A Revelation given to Wilford Woodruff in the wilderness of San Francisco Moon lain in Arizona on the 26 day of Jan 1880

Thus saith the Lord unto my servant Wilford Woodruff. I have heard thy Prayers, and Will answer thy Petitions. I will make known unto thee my will concerning the Nation who encumbers and land of promise and also concerning Zion and her inhabitants. ...

Thus saith the Lord unto my servant John Taylor and my servant Wilford Woodruff and my servant Orson Pratt and to all the residue of mine Apostles.

... go ye alone by your selves whether in heat or in cold and clens your feet with water pure water, it matters not whether it be by the running streams or in your closets but bear their testimonies before the Lord and the Heavenly Hosts

And when you have all done this then gather yourselves together in your Holy places and cloth yourselves in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and there offer up your Prayers according to my Holy Law Let him who Presides be mouth and kneel upon the Holy Alter and there let mine Apostles bring all their testimonies before my face and before the heavenly Hosts and before the justified spirits made perfect and thus saith the Lord unto you mine Apostles when you bring these testimonies before me, let them by presented by Name as far as the spirit shall present them unto you. The Presidents of the United States, the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate & House of Congress of the United States, the Governors of the States and Territories, the Judges & officers sent unto you and all men & persons who have taken any part in persecuting your or bringing distress upon you or your lives or sought to hinder you from keeping my commandments or from enjoying the rights which the Constitution of Law of the Land guarantee unto you.

And what I the Lord say unto you mine Apostles I say unto my servants the Seventies, the High Priests, the Elders, and the Priests And all my servants who are pure in heart and who have born testimony unto this Nation Let them go forth & cleans their feet in pure water and bear testimony of it unto your Father who is in heaven

And thus saith the Lord unto mine Apostls and mine Elders when you do these things with Purity of heart & the Lord will hear your Prayers and am bound by oath and covenant to defend you and fight your battles as I have said in a former commandment ...

And I say again wo unto that Nation or house or people who seek to hinder my People from obeying the Patriarchal Law of Abraham which leadeth to a Celestial Glory which has been revealed unto my Saints through the mouth of my servant Joseph for whosoever doeth those things shall be damned ............

A Prayer written By Wilford Woodruff By request of President John Taylor to be Presented at the Altar

....... Now O Lord our God we present before thee, the God of Israel and thy son Jesus Christ and Before the heavenly hosts, and Before Abraham Isaac & Jacob, And all the Justified spirits made perfect And Before the Altar the following names:

/This list of Names are in print & I omit recording them here./ * * * * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

O Lord our God these Classes of Men whether living or dead have made war against Thee and thy kingdom and thine anointed ones. Some have shed the blood of thy Prophets and Apostles. Others have Consented unto their death and have persecuted the Saints of God and have driven them from place to Place and finally driven them into these mountains of Israel and barren deserts and many of our Nation their Presidents Governors and judges still seek our destruction and still wish to pass laws to prevent us from Building up thy Kingdom and keeping thy Commandments and from redeeming our dead and performing the work which thou has Commanded us to do and to deprive us of our freedom as men and our rights as Citizens ......

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

150 years ago today - Jan 26, 1865

Church agent Francis A. Hammond, under the direction of President Brigham Young, agrees to purchase a six-thousand-acre plantation in Laie on the Hawaiian island of Oahu for $14,000. Later, the Church establishes the Church College of Hawaii (later known as BYU—Hawaii), the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the Laie Hawaii Temple at the site.

155 years ago today - Jan 26, 1860

Brigham Young's office journal records: " Pres[ident] Young observed to W. C. Staines he had read an article of this weeks 'Valley Tan' Jan. 25, 1860. which branded the whole Mormon Hierarchy as murderers and observed the Pres[ident] I wonder how the brethren submit to be tamely [or namely] insulted by the Editor of the Tan Mr. De Wolf. In course of the day Br[other] W. C. Staines informed us he had seen De Wolf, and told him, he would kick his arse and cow hide him if he ever inserted another article against this people".

165 years ago today - Jan 26, 1850

[Minutes of Quorum of Twelve] ... Conversation then took place about Joseph's [i.e., Joseph Smith's] last Sermon on the house top before 7000 of N[auvoo]. Legion besides many others'- W[illard] R[ichards] said that the last Sunday, Joseph was jumping with a Stick'-& his last jump the Stick broke in two prices & he fell flat on his back'-he then got up & went into Court when the trial commenced'-Joseph often said Hyrum [Smith] if ever we go again to Carthage [Illinois] & the mob get hold of us'-we are both dead men'- ... Hyrum believed that Masonry wo[ul]d. save them'-but it was masonry that killed them'-you will find in the sequel that the Lord has ordered it so'- D[aniel]. H. W[ells].

[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

170 years ago today - Jan 26, 1845

Brigham Young tells High Priests, "There are certain branches of the endowment that must be done in an upper room."

175 years ago today - Jan 26, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff] A worthy Sister wished to wash my feet. I gave her an oppertunity & she did so. I had the spirit of prophecy concerning her & delivered it unto her. <She should stand and soon would be the wife of an elder, have sons and daughters Her sons should be the priests of God and live in the millenium. She is of the blood of Ephraim and will remain until the coming of Christ and many additional things the spirit made manifest concerning her.>

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

75 years ago today - Jan 25, 1940

Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Attention was called to a postscript on a letter from President Roscoc C. Cox of the Hawaiian Mission, calling attention to a recommendation he had received for ordination of two boys to the office of Deacon, the mother of these boys having some Negro blood in her veins.

President [J. Reuben] Clark explained that this matter has come up at various times in the past, that is the question of what should be done with those people who are faithful in the Church who are supposed to have some Negro blood in their veins.

President Clark said at his request the clerk of the Council had copied from the old records of the Council discussions that have been had in the past on this subject. He said that he was positive that it was impossible with reference to the Brazilians to tell those who have Negro blood and those who have not, and we are baptizing these people into the Church. The question also arises pertaining to the people in South Africa where we are doing missionary work, and in the Southern States, also in the islands of the Pacific.

President Clark suggested that this matter be referred to the Twelve who might appoint a sub-committee to go into the matter with great care and make some ruling or re-affirm whatever ruling has been made on this question in the past as to whether or not one drop of negro blood deprives a man of the right to receive the priesthood.

Brother [John A.] Widtsoe moved the adoption of President Clark's suggestion.

Motion seconded and unanimously approved.

[Source: George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 as quoted at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]

115 years ago today - Jan 25, 1900

After this Temple was completed and Pres[iden]t Young was organizing the Endowments, he could see the anxiety on the countenance of President Young that everything should be done properly. Every part of this building was set apart and made holy.

[Source: Temple Minute Book, St. George, Jan. 25, 1900 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

115 years ago today - Jan 25, 1900

B. H. Roberts is excluded from taking his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 268 to 50 because he is a polygamist.

170 years ago today - Jan 25, 1845

[Heber C. Kimball revelation] 25 January the 25, 1845. In the Evning fore persons, females recieved thare Anointing [including?] Hellen Kimball. The same Evning I sat down in my hous in the presents of my wife and inquired of the Lord by the [divining] Rod as follows, If we should finish the Temple, it was verly yes, that my sins ware fore given and that I should over come, and get my Apointment of my inheritence while in the probation and that the Temple commity ware not Enimes to the Twelve Apostles.

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

190 years ago today - Jan 25, 1825

Rev. George Lane presents a detailed account of the Palmyra-area revival's progress focusing on how youth were especially affected: "From Catharine I went to Ontario circuit, where the Lord had already begun a gracious work in Palmyra. . . . About this time it appeared to break out afresh. Monday evening, after the quarterly meeting, there were four converted, and on the following evening, at a prayer meeting at Dr. Chase's, there were seven. Among these was a young woman by the name of Lucy Stoddard." Lucy Stoddard's brother Calvin later marries Joseph Smith's sister Sophronia. Calvin joins the Baptists but is later cut off when he affiliates with Mormonism. Lane, according to Joseph Smith's brother William, was the one who suggested the text from James ("If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God") to Joseph Smith when Joseph was unsure of which church to join. Lane began his service in the Palmyra area the year before.

80 years ago today - Jan 24, 1935

[David O. McKay] One reason why more urgent steps have not been taken to replenish quorums is the fact that we are now just passing through a transition period in regard to the ordaining of Seventies. As you no doubt understand, all worthy Priests, after having completed a two-year course, are now ordained Elders with a view to receiving two years training as such. At the conclusion of this training worthy Elders who are prepared will be called upon missions, and will be ordained Seventies. When this plan becomes operative you will readily see that Seventies quorums will be replenished by the young returning missionaries.

In the meantime, however, if you need Seventies to carry on your local missionary work, Elders who have already fulfilled missions, and who are fitted for this home service, may be properly recommended and ordained to the office of Seventy.

[Source: David O. McKay, Letter to Peter A. Hard, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

80 years ago today - Jan 24, 1935

[David O. McKay] You ask whether a person having negro blood in his or hr veins might receive a blessing from a Patriarch. The answer is Yes. A Patriarch may pronounce upon anybody's head the blessing to which that person may be entitled. The privileges, as you know, thus far accorded to negroes are limit in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Source: David O. McKay, Letter to Henry H. Hoff, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

95 years ago today - Jan. 24, Mon. [1920]

[James E. Talmage] We were engaged from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Book of Mormon hearing, with a noon intermission. Elder Anthony W. Ivins of the Council of the Twelve presented his views and suggestions, indicating that the Book of Mormon lands embraced mainly Yucatan and Mexico. There being none others who had expressed a desire to be heard by the committee, this meeting was regarded as the closing session of the present stage of the investigation.

[Source: James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]

120 years ago today - Jan 24, 1895

First Presidency and apostles decide unanimously to ordain all bishops as well as set them apart. Woodruff writes "it had been the Custom in Cache valley by M Thatcher & others to ordain a High Priest then Set him apart for a Bishop. I decided that was wrong. No man had a right to officiate in any office of the Priesthood without being ordained to that office."

170 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845

[Patriarchal Blessing of James Newberry] ... when you receive your annointing [sic] and endowment in the house of the lord whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever you lose on earth shall be loosed in heaven ... thou shalt have riches for inasmuch as thou art liberal God shall be liberal with the[e]...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]

170 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845

[Brigham Young] Frida 24th 1845 Brs H. C. Kimball and N. K. Whitney was at my house we washed and anointed and Praid had a good time. I inquired of the Lord whether we should stay here and finish the temple the ansure was we should

Br Hyde arived from St. Lewis Jan 24 Thursay 24 had a good succes thare

[Source: Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]

170 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845

[Heber C. Kimball] 24 Jan, 1845. N. K. Whitney, B. Young, and my self met at B. Young. Spent the after noon in washing and inointing [anointing] our bodies, and fore prair. The Lord was with us.

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

170 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845

The Illinois legislature repeals the powerful Nauvoo Charter, disincorporating the city as well as the Nauvoo Legion. The vote is nearly two to one, making it clear that the Mormons have little political support in the state.

185 years ago today - Circa 24 January-February 1830

Joseph Smith receives a revelation directing Oliver Cowdery and Hiram Page to sell the Book of Mormon copyright in Canada. Page says that he, Cowdery, Joseph Knight, and Josiah Stowell made the trip to Kingston, Canada, but were unsuccessful in their mission. David Whitmer remembered that Joseph Jr. was at the Whitmer residence in Fayette when the group returned . According to another source, the men left "early in 1830" and "went over on ice" . Because Page said the revelation was received in Manchester, it was probably dictated during Smith's January 1830 visit.

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

45 years ago today - Jan 23, 1970

Quorum of Twelve Apostles ordains Joseph Fielding Smith as church president. Some apostles consider by-passing this ninety-three-year-old apostle for the vigorous Harold B. Lee. Smith promised to make Lee his first counselor if he would support automatic succession of elderly apostle. Both keep their promises, and N. Eldon Tanner remains second counselor. Smith is oldest man to become LDS church president.

115 years ago today - Jan 23, 1900

U.S. House of Representatives excludes B. H. Roberts because he is a polygamist.

150 years ago today - Jan 23, 1865

[Brigham Young] I say the Congress of the United States have no more right to Legislate for us than we have to Legislate for them... The doom of the United States is sealed their die is cast I have run my legs off almost to try to save the Nation. I have warned them of the troubles which are now upon them and they will come to pass until the end. The president of the United States in his message stepped from the Colorado to Nevada, and did not name Utah and I was very glad of it. We shall have to Legislate for ourselves or nobody will do it for us... I don't think the Lord was pleased with us this last time. If we had taken Gen Connor and cut him and bound him out to a gimlet maker and sent the soldiers back to California I think the Lord would have been much better pleased with us than he is now. If Gen Connor crosses my path I will kill him so help me God. He must keep out of my path. ... He wishes to kill the Saints, take our grain and destroy our Daughters and this I will not permit him to do.

[Source: Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 12-55-5, 1 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

150 years ago today - Jan 23, 1865

The Lieut Govornor H. C. Kimball made a verbal speech. He said we are as free as we ever shall be. The Lord will soon Come to reign on the Earth and we are preparing for it. I say to this Assembly be of good Cheer. You shall never be hurt. God will be our friend [and] deliver us. Our Enemies shall feel the power of God upon them. This is the kingdom of God, & when we ask the United States to be admitted into there Union it looks to me like asking alms of the devil.

[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 - Jan 23, 1860

[Brigham Young] President Young made a few remarks to some brethren on the subject of jealousy which existed with some men in regard to their filling Offices. He observed a man might be able to fill the Office of Bishop; and be unfit for a President; Yet the Bishop might feel he was fully qualified for the position President; the same darkness in his mind which disqualified him for the Office of President; also prevented him from discerning his incapability for wisely filling that office. -- Salt Lake City

[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in 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 - 1845 23 Jan.

Young and Taylor supervise the construction of a woodcut for the "seal of the Twelve." It has a phrygian crown over an all-seeing eye, surrounded by nine stars, not twelve as one would expect in a symbol of the apostles. Rather than an original design, the "seal of the Twelve" is based on an illustration from Jacob Boehme's Theosophical Works, favored by Rosicrucians and Christian Kabbalists for two hundred years. The only part of this seal that would be familiar to Mormons of every background is the inscription, "Holiness to the Lord," which was also on the main magic-parchment ("Lamen") in Hyrum Smith's home at his death.

[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 - Jan 23, 1845

[Brigham Young] Br Aaron Smith had jest returned from Apanos he said Wilson was up there lecturd to the mob he told them they must drive the mormons from Nauvoo before the temple was don or they never could

[Source: Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]

95 years ago today - Jan. 22, Sat. [1920]

[James E. Talmage] The Book of Mormon committee sat during both forenoon and afternoon. Elder Joel Ricks occupied part of the morning session, and the rest of that meeting, together with the whole of the afternoon session was given over to Elder Willard Young, who claims that most of the Book of Mormon scenes were laid in Guatemala, and Honduras.

[Source: James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]

115 years ago today - Jan 22, 1900

[Post-Manifesto plural marriage] Nolan Decature Kartchner, born at Beaver, Utah, May 24, 1863

Ellen Bodella Mortensen, born at Moancoppy, Arizona, April 29, 1877

Married at Colonia Diaz, January 22, 1900

Henry Eyring and W. Derby Johnson, Jr., witnesses

[Source: Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013), Appendix A]

115 years ago today - Jan 22, 1900; Monday

Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office. The question arose today whether or not the temples should be opened to perform marriages on behalf of couples who had previously had their endowments. It was thought once since the closing of the Temples that this might be done, but the Presidency decided today that it would be best not to make this exception, but to close them for all purposes until the danger of the smallpox contagion is passed.

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

130 years ago today - Jan 22, 1885

18 persons dead were adopted to W. Woodruff & 1 to Aphek Woodruff. Thomas Draper & Nathan Wanslee & family 18 person adopted to Wilford Woodruff. Esther Lyman Woodruff Adopted [to] Aphek Woodruff. Wilford Woodruff was sealed for 45 of his dead Relatives. Emma Co[ll/tt?]on Thompson acted for the female portion of the family.

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

135 years ago today - Thursday, Jan. 22nd 1880

[T]he paper published in Mannheim has a piece saying, that the 'Mormons' are going to leave Utah and emigrate to Mexico, and that they have sent Moses Thatcher there to buy land for them; and this to escape the persecution we are receiving in the United States. Bro. Thatcher is in Mexico, but it is only for the purpose of preaching the Gospel.

[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Mission Journal]

155 years ago today - Jan 22, 1860

President Young said that all the world would have been warned long ago in our day if all the world had been as faithful in warning his Neighbor as He & many of the Elders of this Church. When going to Zion in 1834 Joseph reproved the Camp while Standing upon a waggon wheel. I said I had done the best I Could & Could not Better it if I was to try it again. H. C. Kimball said the same. They said they had been in the Church nearly half of his life. (I WW have been in the Church more than half of my life.)

I remarked that it was an interesting time to live to see the fulfillment of the [ ]. President Young said it was an inte[resting?] time. H. C Kimball said we should see it Just as well if Dead as if alive.

President Young said while we are in the flesh, we have to Contend against evil spirits and Devils in a way which will be hid from us in the Spirit World.

... What is spoken in a prayer Circle should never be Named out of the Circle not [to] a wife or any body Els. If there is any thing to be said I will say it. I Could preach all about the Endowments in Public and the world know Nothing about it. I Could preach all about Masonry & None but a mason know any thing about it. And the mane part of Masonry is to keep a secret. ...

[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 - January 22, 1845. Wednesday.

[William Clayton] ...Bought two rings and gave one to S[ara] A[nn] Whitney for painting [temple?] aprons.

[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]

185 years ago today - Jan 22, 1830

In Abner Cole's weekly Palmyra Reflector, he prints an extract from the Book of Alma, chapter 20, from the Book of Mormon.

[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]

25 years ago today - Jan 21, 1990

Appointment of David Hsao Hsi Chen, native of Chinese mainland and professor at BYU-Hawaii, to serve as First Presidency's "traveling elder" for People's Republic of China.

80 years ago today - Jan 21, 1935

[Heber J. Grant] I know as I know that I live that statements that Brigham Young had men killed so that he could get their money is one of the vilest and most wicked lies ever perpetrated. There is not a Latter-day Saint living but what believes that the murderer has not eternal life, and to hire somebody to murder is just as bad as committing murder yourself. Brigham Young was a man of God, whom I knew from the time I was a little child. I attended family prayers in his home, as I lived just across the street. One of his boys was my nearest and dearest friend. When listening to Brigham Young pray, I, as a little child, have actually opened my eyes and turned around to see if the Lord were not standing there'it seemed like he was talking to Him. The reputation of the Savior was so bad they crucified him. Our reputation has not been quite that bad, because some of us are still alive, but the character of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and every man that has presided over the Church have been above reproach, and I know it.

[Source: Heber J. Grant, Letter to J. C. Christensen, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

80 years ago today - Jan 21, 1935

[David O McKay] In the absence of President Grant, who is attending to duties in Los Angeles, I am requested to give such information as advisable in regard to the questions you ask in your letter of January 11th.

All that we feel justified in saying is that the health of a mother demands that there be a reasonable space between the birth of babies, and this should be accomplished in a proper manner with mutual understanding between the husband and wife. Due consideration and regard for the health of the wife should prompt the husband to refrain from intimate relations with her for at least three months after the birth of a child.

I would advise that you consult a responsible physician in regard to this and let him advise you relative to the necessity of preserving your health and strength, that your life may be pronged to take care of the children with whom God has blessed you.

[Source: David O. McKay, Letter to Mrs. Jesse Gale, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

90 years ago today - Jan 21,1925

Mason Grand Lodge of Utah officially prohibits Mormons from membership in any of its Masonic lodges and provides for expulsion of any Mormons who are current members of any Utah lodge. Utah is the only state with formal Masonic restriction against religious group or denomination. Some Mormons (primarily converts) affiliate or preside in Masonic lodges outside Utah after 1925.

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

120 years ago today - Jan 21, 1895

[President Wilford Woodruff] 21 I went to the Office. Samuel Cates from Ogden Called upon me And asked me to Fill a Carr with 20,000 lbs of flour to take to the starving people of Nebraskia. Cash Valley furnished 6,500 lbs. I ordered 1 br[ought?] Bishop Preston 14,000 lbs. to fill the Cars at Richmond making 20,500 lbs which we donate as a Church for that suffering People. I received a Letter from Asahel.

[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 - Jan 21, 1840. Tuesday.

[William Clayton] ... Brother Woodruff laid hands on my head and spoke to this effect. Dear Brother Wm. I lay my hands upon thy head. [Six illegible lines.] Brother, thou art of the blood of Ephraim. Thou art one of the house of Joseph. Thou art one of those who will stand upon the mount Zion with the 144,000. God shall give thee great wisdom. ... Thy life has been hid up with Christ in God and thou hast known it not, and I seal thee up with eternal life and while thou remainst faithful no power shall prevail against thee nor be able to take thy life. ...

[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 - Jan 21, 1845

Brigham Young writes for "the saints in Kirtland to come to Nauvoo, that all who have faith in the latter-day work may be united with us in building the Temple." He also writes to "Elder Jedediah M. Grant, Philadelphia, counseling him to forward all the young men and other available help he could to build the Temple."

175 years ago today - 1840: 21 January

[Patriarchal Blessing of Martha Jane Knowlton, given by Joseph Smith Sen.] ... ere long thou shalt be filled with spirit of prophecy, gift of Tongues, and instruct the Lamanites in needle work; for the spirit testifies, these things were predicted at thy confirmation; and if faithful shall abide until Christ shall come. God shall bless thee all the way through life. Thou shalt not marry a Gentile for this is contrary to the order of heaven. ... I seal thee against the powers of darkness, and say, in the name of the Lord Jesus thou shalt not die, but shalt be changed in the twinkling of an eye and shalt be caught up to meet Him in the air. And I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, Even so Amen."

[Source: Howard Coray autobiography, LDS Archives as quoted in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

30 years ago today - Jan 20, 1985

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints becomes the fifth-largest denomination in the United States.

100 years ago today - Jan 20, 1915

Office of The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Prest. Serge F. Ballif, Logan

Dear Brother:

We are greatly in need of lady missionaries in the United States Missions, and would be pleased to receive from you the names of sisters who are physically and financially able to perform missions, and whom you can recommend.

Care should be exercised in selecting lady missionaries. They should be good, steady, representative women, not too young, with a good education and knowledge of the Gospel, and who have had experience in the auxiliary organizations of the Church.

We are especially in need of a few stenographers, and hope you will also be able to suggest sisters qualified for this labor. Your brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.

[Source: 1915-January 20-Original letter. Church Historian's Library, as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

125 years ago today - Jan 20, 1890

Utah Supreme Court rules that polygamous children cannot inherit from their father, even though Utah law since 1852 guaranteed: "Illegitimate children and their mothers inherit in like manner from the father, whether acknowledged by him or not."

155 years ago today - Jan 20, 1860

[Brigham Young] Brother Pyper called upon the President in relation to a family affliction. His first wife was a sufferer from a disease of the heart which was attended with such distressing feeling that she committed suicide. The President remarked to him she had done wrong but by no means had committed the unpardonable sin and in course of time a proxy could be appointed who could be baptized for her. -- Salt Lake City

[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

155 years ago today - Jan 20, 1860

I went to the office in the morning. I there learned that Joseph Rhodes was killed by Jason Luce last evening in Butchers House whare William Hickman lay. [Hickman was recovering from wounds from an earlier gunfight.] Rhodes Came to the House and said he wanted to see Hickman. Luce said he could not. Rhodes swore he would or die on the spot and drew two pistols one Cocked in Each hand and presented them at Luce. Luce drew his knife and sprung at Rhodes and struck him in the Right Breast & the knife went through his body. Ormas Bates sprung at the same time and Caught hold of Each pistol and turned the muzzles up. Luce Continued to thrust the knife into Rhodes and he soon fell and as he began to Fall He snaped the both pistols but the hammer struck Bates Hand and did not go off. Luce Continued to stab him untill he had Eleven gashes through his body.

I went down to see the Corps. It had been washed and laid on a Board Naked. I never saw a Body so Cut up. The poliece took the body From Hickman to the City Hall whare I saw the Body. Luce gave himself up to the Poliece.

I spent the day in the office. Luce had his trial in the evening and was acquited upon the plea of self Defense.

[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 - Jan 20, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff] ... I was called upon with my Brethren to visit a child possessed of the Devil that endeavored to destroy the child. It was the child of the Woman that was possessed with the Devil upon whom we lade hands Saturday evening. We lade hands upon the child that was reathing under the power of the Deavil & commanded the Devil to Depart in the name of Jesus Christ & it was instantly done & the child fell asleep.

+ Among the signs that are appearing in the heavens & earth in fulfillment of the word of God & that the Saints are noticing & prophesying off the following one is worthy of Notice. KANTURK Dec 26 1839. Second and most extraordinary Removal of a Bog Near Kanturk. The account given under the above head states that 300 acres of Colonel Longford's bog land rose up from its mighty bed & travled with the rapidity of a steam engine for the distance of 4 miles carrying destruction in its progress rising in angry surges like the ungovernable sea leaving 10 feet of earth upon the earth or land in many places as it passed over. 1,200 acres was coverd 10 feet & 12 acres 30 feet. *

I lade hands upon 8 sick persons & prayed with them ...

[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 - Jan 19, 1910

[Anthony W. Ivins] I met Bro[ther]. Romney (Junius) and later Miles A. Romney. At 2 P.M. I met with the High Council. After preliminary exercises I presented the case of Miles A. Romney who on the _______ of ____ 1909 had gone to the Manti Temple, where he was married to Emily Burrell, he already having a large family in Mexico. The High Council was well represented, there being present a full representation besides the bishopricks of Dublan & Juarez. The case of Bro[ther]. Romney was considered, he being present. He admitted that he had been to Manti [Utah], had gone to the Temple, and had married Emily Burrell as charged. He plead in extenuation that he had been married 3 years ago & had been advised to live separate from the woman until the matter blew over & then to go to thee temple. After discussion the presidency of the Stake & I retired and after consideration recommended that Bro[ther]. Romney be disfellowshipped. The council voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation.

[Source: Anthony W. Ivins Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

120 years ago today - Jan 19, 1895

[Francis M. Lyman] Showed to Bro[ther]s Jos[eph] F. Smith and [apostle] John Henry Smith an editorial in the Millard County Blade taking bro[ther] John Henry to task for calling Herald man a liar through the Tribune.

[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Jan 19, 1890

[Heber J. Grant] On my way home met H B Clawson. He said that he had learned that there was an effort being made to trap some of the leading brethren [unlawful cohabitation with a plural wife]. Said that Mulloy and Paul had had men on my tracks and that they claimed that they could put me in the "Pen" as soon as they got some one besides Parsons for Marshall.

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

155 years ago today - Jan 19, 1860

Thursday Jan 19 1860. To night Jos Rodes was killed by Jacen Luce. He was attempting to force himself into a house where Hickman was confined of his wound as above stated, and his enterance being disputed he turned on Luce and stabbed eleven times and died instantly.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

175 years ago today - Jan 19, 1840. Sunday.

[William Clayton] Brother Turley spoke this A.M. I spoke a little after. The wicked spirit seemed to disturb David Crooks. ... Elizabeth Mills manifested a bad spirit. I talked to her and she appears better. Brother Woodruff preached at night. Full house. He spoke plain. Good effect []. Distributed timely warnings and prayed [with] many sick. ... There has been several dreams in the church concerning my wife during the last 10 days. First I dreamt I was in the middle of a garden full of ripe fruit and after bringing some home was going out again and my wife run up a hill before me and vanished out of my sight. Another night I dreamed that I was at Hodsons, Penwortham, amongst ripe gooseberrys as above. I felt like a single or unmarried person. Sister Dewsnup dreamed that she saw me at Hardmans with one child in great trouble and the child was crying for bread. I asked her to get it something to eat. While I went somewhere Sarah Crooks dreamed that one of the American brethren was talking and joking me about having a second wife and Sarah joked &c. She thought I had then a second wife. [Crooks would later reject a proposal from Clayton] Sister C. [] says today she dreamed that I was [stopped] in the greatest trouble. My wife was either dead or near to dying and I had one child with me. Sister Jones dreamed same as Sister Dewsnup.

[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]

175 years ago today - Jan 19, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff] I also met a large congregation at the same place in the Evening & preached the gospel unto them. I had the spirit of God & they gave good attention. One Sister said she saw by vision or Revelation Jesus pleading with the Father to spare England one year more that the reapers might gather the grain for the harvest was fully ripe. 2 offered themselves for baptism. We confirmed one & lade hands upon 20 persons that were Sick or afflicted & they were most universally healed.

The Saints in England have great Confidence in God & his Servents & their is so many apply for the laying on of hands that we need as much faith as St. Paul had that at the touch of our garments or hankerchefs that they might be healed.

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

185 years ago today - Jan 19, 1830

Lemuel Durfee, Jr., enters a plea before Justice Nathan Pierce for judgement against Joseph Smith, Sr., and Abraham Fish for $39.92, both of whom sign a consent for the judge to enter judgement against them.

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

45 years ago today - Jan 18, 1970

David O. McKay's death at age 96 years 4 months and 10 days, oldest age to which any LDS president has lived, but not oldest general authority. His is longest service as general authority, sixty-three years and nine months. Heber J. Grant and Joseph Fielding Smith have next longest tenures of sixty-two years and a few months as general authorities.

50 years ago today - Jan 18, 1965

Mormon Tabernacle choir sings at inauguration of U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson, first of several such inaugural invitations by U.S. presidents.

80 years ago today - Jan 18, 1935

[Heber J. Grant] ... The rites and ceremonies performed in the temples are sacred, not secret, and are not open to the public[,] no more than are those which are performed in the Masonic temples. There is no place in the temple that a faithful, worthy Latter-day Saint cannot go, nor is any ordinance administered therein that a worthy Latter-day Saint cannot receive.

[Source: Heber J. Grant to Dorothy C. Alexander, Jan. 18, 1935 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

80 years ago today - Jan 18, 1935

Quorum of Twelve Members Released from Auxiliary Organization Positions

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

115 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 18, 1900

Meeting of the brethren at the temple. ... A motion to close the temples and discontinue stake conferences for the present on account of smallpox was carried. It was also decided to discontinue prayer circles in the temple. Benediction by Apostle F. M. Lyman.

[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

150 years ago today - Jan 18, 1865

Orson Pratt and William W. Ritter arrived in Austria. They were soon banished.

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

170 years ago today - Jan 18, 1845

[Brigham Young] Men were rolling and hollering and bawling and thumping, but [they] had no effect on me. I wanted to know the truth that I might not be fooled. -- Nauvoo, Illinois

[Source: Brigham Young Collection, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah as quoted in 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 - Jan 18, 1840. Saturday.

[William Clayton] Went to see Sister Lea and found her quite insensible. Brother Woodruff prayed and rebuked the fowl spirits. We anointed her head and gave her some oil inwardly. I then prayed and rebuked the pain. After washing her forehead with rum she appeared better and we left her.

[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]

175 years ago today - Jan 18, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff] We found the Sister possessed of the Devel & a burning fever on the brain. She was rageing & trying to tare herself although in the hands of three or four men. We lade hands upon her & commanded the devil to Depart, & the fever to Stand rebuked in the name of Jesus Christ & it was done though not without a great Struggle & we left her ca[lm?] in her mind & principly delivered of her pain.

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

75 years ago today - 75 years - Jan 17, 1940

[President Heber J. Grant] Brother Olsen, who is connected with the Segolite Company, called and I went to lunch with him. He called again later in the afternoon and said that Parker Robison had quit patronizing him, also Z.C.M.I. and the Utah Hotel, and that all of his Gentile friends stay with him and say that he has the finest product. He also says that the L.D.S. Hospital is discontinuing (sic) its use, but several other people also testify that they have never found anything so good. He is very much disappointed.

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

170 years ago today - 170 years - Jan 17, 1845 (Friday)

The ship Palmyra sailed from Liverpool, England, with a company of Saints, under the direction of Amos Fielding, bound for Nauvoo.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

15 years ago today - Jan 16, 2000

President Gordon B. Hinckley releases a statement that is read in every Latter-Day Saint congregation in California that urges members to "redouble their efforts" to pass Prop. 22 a law stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." Prop 22 passed.

[Source: Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]

95 years ago today - Jan 16, 1920

The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution goes into effect, prohibiting the manufacture, production, and sale of alcohol. President Heber J. Grant, a fervent supporter of the amendment, believes it is divinely mandated because it outlaws items forbidden by the Word of Wisdom.

115 years ago today - Jan 16, 1900; Tuesday

Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office as usual.

Elder John Henry Smith and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson were in the office and stated that they would leave for Washington [D.C.] tomorrow (Wednesday, 17th) for the purpose of imparting to some of the leading men of the nation, chiefly of the Republican party, information in regard to conditions in Utah with a view of preventing any move being made looking to a constitutional amendment on the subject of polygamy. Also to endeavor to influence Congress to create a new circuit court, the circuit to consist of the intermountain states. ...

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

120 years ago today - Jan 16, 1895

[Heber J. Grant] Spent the evening at Emily's. I will be a happy man when the time comes that I can live with her as a husband and not have to simply call and spend a few hours, and never stop over night at her home.

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

170 years ago today - Jan 16, 1845

Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Mary Pierce (1821-1847) (aged 25) first marriage

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]

170 years ago today - Jan 16, 1845

Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Margaret Pierce (1823-1907) (aged 22) widow of Morris Whitesides sealed to Morris Whitesides for eternity and Young for time; 1 child

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]

185 years ago today - Jan 16, 1830

[Joseph Smith, Sr., and Martin Harris, Agreement Regarding Sale of Book of Mormon] I hereby agree that Martin Harris shall have an equal privilege with me & my friends of selling the Book of Mormon of the Edition now printing by Egbert B Grandin until enough of them shall be sold to pay for the printing of the same or until such times as the said Grandin shall be paid for the printing the aforesaid Books or copies[.]

{...The wording of the agreement indicates that as of 16 January 1830 Harris anticipated that the sale of the books would fully pay off his $3,000 mortgage to Grandin, and that the surplus would go to Joseph Sr. and friends. However, the lack of sales would eventually force Harris to sell about 151 acres of land to Thomas Lakey. ...}

[Source: Joseph Smith, Sr., and Martin Harris, Agreement Regarding Sale of Book of Mormon, 16 January 1830, Simon Gratz Collection, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith, Sr., And Martin Harris Agreement]

Jan 15, 1980

[Gary] C[arlson]:38 What happened in these early days [late 1950s], really when we started working with Brother [Hugh B.] Brown, is that they asked us to look at some basic concepts. We worked with the people in the Genealogical Society and did what [we] thought were some very simple calculations such as estimating how many people have been born on the earth. Some estimates were around seventy billion. At the time we were doing about one million endowments per year in the temples. One million goes into seventy billion an awful lot of times. We made some charts and some fancy overheads and so on to try to explain to the Brethren and help them understand that the numbers get very large, if you assume we need to do the genealogical work for everybody, not knowing who is going to accept and who isn't. I still have some of those charts and they may be in some of those papers that I've passed on to you. The figures showed that if the Church kept on growing the way it was, then every adult member of the Church could spend eight hours a day in the temple seven days a week all of his life and we would never come up to the rate of new births in the world. Even if we were all in the temple all day, we'd still be falling behind. We must have made a half a dozen presentations to various groups trying to just get that idea across, that the numbers were big and we needed computers to process the data and get the job done. Some of the Brethren thought we were tampering with doctrine. They were very nervous about our interferences. ...There was a lot of discussion and I know that some of the Brethren thought we were a bunch of heretics. Again we kept saying, "We don't want to impinge on doctrine. We just want to help you understand the problems, from a data processing standpoint, and the implications for physical processes that have to be faced sooner or later."...

[Source: Gary Carlson oral history, Jan. 15, 1980; pp. 8; 10; 20; 25; excerpt in Buerger Papers as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

45 years ago today - Jan 15, 1970

Salt Lake Tribune publishes statement from David O. McKay's son who verifies accuracy of following statement LDS president made to philosophy professor Sterling M. McMurrin in 1958: "There is no doctrine in this Church and there never was a doctrine in this Church to the effect that the Negroes are under any kind of a divine curse."

50 years ago today - Jan 15, 1965

Reed Benson ... published full page ads in Idaho of Apostle Benson's endorsement of the [right-wing] John Birch Society.

[Source: Jack Anderson, "Reed Benson Spreads Birch Gospel," Washington Post, 15 Jan. 1965, B-13. See Quinn, "Mormon Political Conflicts" for full cite and context.]

90 years ago today - Jan 15, 1925

Excommunication of Lorin C. Woolley for "pernicious lying," rather than for any specific activities as Fundamentalist leader.

105 years ago today - Jan 15, 1910

[Joseph F. Smith, Letter to Anthony W. Ivins] It has been reported to us that Elder Miles A. Romney has recently come from Mexico to you for the purpose of contracting a marriage with a young woman named Emily Burrell, and that he did procure a license here and did marry her, notwithstanding the fact that he already has a numerous family in Mexico.

As you are about to leave for our colonies in Mexico, we wish you to inquire into this matter, and if you find the facts to be as stated, it will be in order for you to instruct the local authorities to deal with Brother Romney on his fellowship in the Church, for violating the published declarations of the authorities of the Church on the question of plural marriage.

[Source: Joseph F. Smith, Letter to Anthony W. Ivins, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

135 years ago today - Thursday, Jan. 15th 1880

[Abraham H. Cannon] ... About 8.30 a number of the saints, with some more persons to be baptized, came to Bro. Postel's; we had prayer, spoke a few words to them, and then went down to the Rhine river, to attend to the baptism. Bro. Enz entered the water and baptized eight persons; one old lady, Sister Buchmiller, was very much affected by the coldness of the water, but after I had administered to her, she became better; ... while on the way back, it commenced to snow. ...

[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Mission Journal]

170 years ago today - 1845 15 Jan.

A Mormon woman writes that "there is all ready ten hundred thousand of the lamanites baptized into the Church and thay are waiting verry impatient to avenge the blood of Joseph and Hirum. We have to keep men among them to keep them back or thay would [have] ben here before this time."

[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 - Jan 15, 1845

Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Mary Ann Clark (1816-?) (aged 28) previously married to - Powers (unknown if she was widowed, divorced, or separated) divorced June 1851

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]

55 years ago today - Thu Jan 14, 1960

[David O. McKay] Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. Among matters discussed at this meeting were the following: Elder Mark E. Petersen's proposed editorial on books by General Authorities. A draft of a proposed editorial for the Improvement Era, prepared by Elder Mark E. Petersen, on the subject of selecting good books, and upon the approval of the publication of books by the First Presidency, was read. After consideration it was decided that the general statement, without the reference to "Mormon Doctrine" and "Ancient America and the Book of Mormon," which should be handled separately, would be a suitable editorial on the subject of selecting good books. Further action on the matter of publishing a statement relating to the approval of books by the First Presidency was deferred awaiting consideration of the subject by me with President Joseph Fielding Smith.

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

70 years ago today - Jan 14, 1945

[Spencer W. Kimball] [Int St. George, Utah:] Coming home we heard some interesting stories as also going down. Bro. Kirkham of his being called by his good old friend Emmeline B. Wells to her room where she lived at the Hotel Utah. 'Oscar, go get Heber to come to administer to me.' Pres. Grant was occupied and could not come but sent J. Golden Kimball back with Oscar to take care of the ordinance. As they entered the room she said: 'Well, is that the best you could do?' with some disgust. J. Golden walked up to the bed and some what showing in his voice that he was irate. 'Do you want a blessing from the Lord?' 'Yes. Of course I do!' she said. 'Well, shut up,' he said 'or I won't give it to you.'

[Source: Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]