160 years ago today - Jan 2, 1859

[Wilford Woodruff]
The saints met in the Tabernacle this morning at 11 oclock for preaching it being the first time the saints have met for a publick meeting since the 30 day of May 1858, Being 7 month, the longest time the Church ever remained without public meetings since its first organization. ... Their was a petition runing through the Center of the tabernacle separating Male from female. The females occupied the north side & the Males the South side.

[This is the beginning of of having congregations sit with women on north side, men on the south, and children on front benches. This seating arrangement lasts for decades.]

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