Governor [Frank] Steunenberg of Idaho called and paid his respects to President Snow and Cannon. He stated that there was a friendly feeling towards our people in his state and that the recent charge of the Church interfering in politics in that state were known by the people to have been unfounded.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Nov 21, 1895
Attended council at Temple as usual ... After closing prayer by J[oseph]. F. Smith, Some Secret operations were disclosed by Pres[iden]t. Smith-- concerning parties at work for Co[lonel]. [Isaac] Trumbo among members elect to the Legislature to get him elected as one Senator from Utah to Congress he being in the interest of Spreckles & the Southern Pacific Rail-Road. It is understood his Bail is open. J[ohn] W Taylor is to see Pres[iden]t Geo[rge] Parkinson of Oneida Stake & regulate his ideas.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
140 years ago today - Nov 21, 1885
A deputy U.S. marshal is the first anti-Mormon to be arrested for the complaint of "lewd and lascivious conduct" signed by Brigham Y. Hampton, a Salt Lake City policeman. Hampton pays a professional madam to operate a brothel so that Mormon policemen can obtain evidence against those prominent in the anti-polygamy crusade. Hampton conducts his brothel espionage with the knowledge of the Salt Lake Presidency. A Deseret News editorial on 14 Dec 1885 argues in support of the brothel espionage: "It was the only way by which their guilt could be proven beyond question. It was disgusting business, no doubt. But which was the most disgusting, the detestation of their bestiality, or the acts which were witnessed?" Federal judge Charles S. Zane infuriates Mormons by quashing all those indictments with the argument: "A private act is not defined by the common law as a crime. When both parties go together out of the sight of everyone under the Connecticut law it is not an offense." Hampton is
then tried and sentenced to one year in the penitentiary for conspiracy and for operating a brothel. The First Presidency later compensates him financially.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
then tried and sentenced to one year in the penitentiary for conspiracy and for operating a brothel. The First Presidency later compensates him financially.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
140 years ago today - Nov 21, 1885 (Saturday)
Lorenzo Snow plead not guilty [to cohabitation] in the First District Court, in Ogden, and was admitted to bail.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Nov 21, 1880
Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner wrote in a letter to Emmeline B. Wells
"He [Joseph Smith Jr.] was commanded to take me for a wife," and ""I could tell you why I stayed with Mr. Lightner. Things the leaders of the Church does not know anything about. I did just as Joseph told me to do, as he knew what troubles I would have to contend with.""
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
"He [Joseph Smith Jr.] was commanded to take me for a wife," and ""I could tell you why I stayed with Mr. Lightner. Things the leaders of the Church does not know anything about. I did just as Joseph told me to do, as he knew what troubles I would have to contend with.""
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
150 years ago today - Nov 21, 1875
Local bishop reports that first counselor "George A. Smith preached in Salina, Sevier County last year and said that THE SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST will be here on Earth in 1891" (emphasis in original)
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
185 years ago today - Nov 21, 1840. Saturday.
Elder Turley and some others camped in the wood. He spake much to them and [called] upon those who had had quarrels to forgive each and manifest it. Many acknowledged their faults and asked forgiveness. Some spake in tongues and Wm. Poole interpreted. It was a time of rejoicing.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
190 years ago today - Nov 21, 1835
Joseph Smith begins to study on his own the Hebrew lexicon and Hebrew books he received from New York City the previous day. He decides to pay for the services of a qualified Jewish teacher.
[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]
[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]
40 years ago today - Nov 20, 1985
Mark Hofmann's attorney announces that Hofmann passed the polygraph test and thus did not kill Sheets and Christensen.
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
50 years ago today - Nov 20, 1975-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
After the meeting of executives I met with Elder Robert D. Hales for a period of 30 or 40 minutes. Here are random memories of the conversation. He said he is attempting to bring a little imagination, courage, and spontaneity into the church magazines. He feels that Doyle Green's regime [1970-72] has been autocratic, that he had been peremptory in what he would permit and not permit, and the result is loss of spontaneity. We end up with bland, milk-toast articles that are not creative and stimulating. Having been criticized and beaten down repeatedly, they quit fighting and publish[ed] lots of pretty pictures. ... "Why did you put in so many pictures in the New Era?" "Because it is simpler to put pictures than some text that they will get after us for!" Anyway, he encourages us to submit once more some teenager stories from Church History and thinks they will be a little more permissive of historical truth than they may have been in the past. The same goes true of the Ensign. Says
they are planning a special women's issue of the Ensign for March. This will feature an article by Claudia Bushman, poetry by Carol Lynn Pearson, and other things. ... he thinks they have got to be less paranoid in what they will accept for publication. There was a poem of Carol Lynn Pearson which they had accepted, ran it through Correlation, and Correlation came back with objection to a line which talked of people with spears. They didn't like that line "because she really means women libbers.["] He said he told them to get out of the office-that was ridiculous. They also suggested she change a line which said she had learned that her Heavenly Father was as smart as ... And she will [have to] change it to "smarter than ..." He said it is slow to change an institution-to get it moved where it needs to be, must be [aggressive]. ... Said he sympathized with our problems. Certain things are history-our history-but need they be said? Like the BY [Brigham Young] letters to his sons.
Did we need to mention that one of Brigham Young's sons had trouble with drugs, with the bottle? It's history, but need it be mentioned? He said he had given up the goal of getting unanimous feeling among the brethren. Among the 15 [First Presidency and Twelve Apostles] there are some who feel strongly on this, some on that, and he now feels that one can't be pushed by one person alone to do or not to do something. Must consider what the majority are willing to support.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
After the meeting of executives I met with Elder Robert D. Hales for a period of 30 or 40 minutes. Here are random memories of the conversation. He said he is attempting to bring a little imagination, courage, and spontaneity into the church magazines. He feels that Doyle Green's regime [1970-72] has been autocratic, that he had been peremptory in what he would permit and not permit, and the result is loss of spontaneity. We end up with bland, milk-toast articles that are not creative and stimulating. Having been criticized and beaten down repeatedly, they quit fighting and publish[ed] lots of pretty pictures. ... "Why did you put in so many pictures in the New Era?" "Because it is simpler to put pictures than some text that they will get after us for!" Anyway, he encourages us to submit once more some teenager stories from Church History and thinks they will be a little more permissive of historical truth than they may have been in the past. The same goes true of the Ensign. Says
they are planning a special women's issue of the Ensign for March. This will feature an article by Claudia Bushman, poetry by Carol Lynn Pearson, and other things. ... he thinks they have got to be less paranoid in what they will accept for publication. There was a poem of Carol Lynn Pearson which they had accepted, ran it through Correlation, and Correlation came back with objection to a line which talked of people with spears. They didn't like that line "because she really means women libbers.["] He said he told them to get out of the office-that was ridiculous. They also suggested she change a line which said she had learned that her Heavenly Father was as smart as ... And she will [have to] change it to "smarter than ..." He said it is slow to change an institution-to get it moved where it needs to be, must be [aggressive]. ... Said he sympathized with our problems. Certain things are history-our history-but need they be said? Like the BY [Brigham Young] letters to his sons.
Did we need to mention that one of Brigham Young's sons had trouble with drugs, with the bottle? It's history, but need it be mentioned? He said he had given up the goal of getting unanimous feeling among the brethren. Among the 15 [First Presidency and Twelve Apostles] there are some who feel strongly on this, some on that, and he now feels that one can't be pushed by one person alone to do or not to do something. Must consider what the majority are willing to support.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
140 years ago today - Nov 20, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
"I was Just informed that Lorenzo Snow was arested at Brigham City." [He was returning from a mission among Indian tribes in the Northwest, when arrested for unlawful cohabitation. After a trial and unsuccessful appeals, he was taken to the Utah Territorial Penitentiary on March 12, 1886.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"I was Just informed that Lorenzo Snow was arested at Brigham City." [He was returning from a mission among Indian tribes in the Northwest, when arrested for unlawful cohabitation. After a trial and unsuccessful appeals, he was taken to the Utah Territorial Penitentiary on March 12, 1886.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Nov 20, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
We spent the day in translating [from Egyptian papyri] and made rapid progress.
At evening, President [Oliver] Cowdery returned from New York bringing with him a quantity of Hebrew books for the benefit of the school. He presented me with a Hebrew Bible, lexicon and grammar, also a Greek Lexicon and Webster's English Lexicon.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
We spent the day in translating [from Egyptian papyri] and made rapid progress.
At evening, President [Oliver] Cowdery returned from New York bringing with him a quantity of Hebrew books for the benefit of the school. He presented me with a Hebrew Bible, lexicon and grammar, also a Greek Lexicon and Webster's English Lexicon.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
195 years ago today - Nov 20, 1830
Letter to the Editor: "You have probably heard of the Gold Bible taken from the earth by Joseph, the money-digger. This he has translated from the Egyptian reformed language to English, by a pair of stone spectacles (provided by an angel) and a dark hat before his eyes. The books have been printed, and J.S. [Josiah Stowell?] and Mr. N--s [Joseph Knight(s), Sr.?] are engaged in peddling the same. The society are increasing. Eighteen have been baptized in a day. ... The leaders pretend to cast out devils and work miracles, heal the sick, &c. We have seen none of their miracles here, except N.N. [Newel Knight] I heard say in meeting, that he had the devil cast out." I just add, that I have been almost in contact with these peddlers in different parts of this county, having my information from them only through most credible second hand informers, who state that they said, they know the book, and the manner in which it is said to have been found, was true; or that they did not
believe it, but know it. They are said to be respectable men. The wife of one of them, though immersed formerly by an Elder in this county, has been immersed or baptized again into this new system. I only state facts, and leave the judicious and pious to their own reflections.
CLERICUS.
[Letter to editor, Brattleboro' (VT) Messenger, 20 November 1830., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Brattleboro' (Vt) Messenger]
believe it, but know it. They are said to be respectable men. The wife of one of them, though immersed formerly by an Elder in this county, has been immersed or baptized again into this new system. I only state facts, and leave the judicious and pious to their own reflections.
CLERICUS.
[Letter to editor, Brattleboro' (VT) Messenger, 20 November 1830., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Brattleboro' (Vt) Messenger]
60 years ago today - Nov 19, 1965
David O. McKay met privately with Ezra Taft Benson, who "gave a report on the serious inroads the Communists have made in this country…. I am convinced that our country is already on the road to Socialism, and that the Communists are making gains here." Benson then suggested that McKay's new counselor, Thorpe Isaacson, be sent to a two-day John Birch Society seminar in December to learn about "Communism and conditions in our country." McKay agreed. Isaacson later elected not to go to the seminar.
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
105 years ago today - Nov 19, 1920; Friday
[Apostle Anthony Ivins]
Should children who are not in the church be permitted to partake of the sacrement.[?]
[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) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
Should children who are not in the church be permitted to partake of the sacrement.[?]
[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) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
110 years ago today - Nov 19, 1915
Joe Hill was executed on 19 November 1915 after appeals for clemency from Helen Keller, President Woodrow Wilson, and the Swedish ambassador were ignored, although there were many who believed Joe Hill was innocent.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Capital Punishment, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Capital Punishment, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
135 years ago today - Nov 19, 1890
[President Wilford Woodruff]
I had an interview with Joseph L Lee a hunter and preacher of the Josephite [RLDS] Order. He wanted me to let him have our tabernacles to preach in & warn the people to go back to Jackson County & those who did not go would be Destroyed. I told him we did not believe in him or his mission.
A Colored woman Called upon me & wanted us to make a Donation to help them to build a Methodist Meeting House
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I had an interview with Joseph L Lee a hunter and preacher of the Josephite [RLDS] Order. He wanted me to let him have our tabernacles to preach in & warn the people to go back to Jackson County & those who did not go would be Destroyed. I told him we did not believe in him or his mission.
A Colored woman Called upon me & wanted us to make a Donation to help them to build a Methodist Meeting House
[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 - Nov. 19th 1870
Prest. Kimball made some energetic remarks on the first adoption of the principle of Co-operation in this valley. Gentile merchants took it for granted that the people would obey counsel and were glad to sell out but when Prest. Rich gave permission to some of the brethren to trade with the Gentiles on account of the circumstances surrounding them advantage was taken of it and Gentile trading was increased until now it was nearly as prevalent as ever. He called upon the brethren to repent of these things and take the gospel entire and not merely believe and practice a part of it. Prest. Rich said Co-operation was intended ultimately to do away with the importation of goods. Through the command of greater capital Gentiles were enabled to sell their goods a little cheaper than we can but if we had the faith in Prest. Young that we should have we would not think of attributing these little differences to dishonest workings.
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
170 years ago today - Nov 19, 1855
The grand jury presented ... indictments against John F. Coffman & Joseph Holman for trading with the Indians.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
50 years ago today - Nov 18, 1975-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
Grace and I went to Cannon-Hinckley [study group] this evening and heard interesting talks by Jim and Gloria Brown ... We sat at the same table with Olive Kimball Mitchell and her husband [Ira] (she's a niece of President Kimball), Fern and Harvey Fletcher of BYU (she was formerly married to Carl Eyring), and Ray and Elva Olpin. Interesting conversation. Fern and Elva said they remembered Susa Young Gates. She was an outstanding woman, they admitted, but nobody liked her. She was too loud, too officious, too pushy, too imperious, too crude, too aggressive. Too much the woman libber type, they said. She was a vegetarian, they said. When invited to a banquet, she took along a little paper bag with raw carrots and other things to eat. She liked natural foods, like her daughter Leah Widtsoe. She liked to talk, talked too long, was very anxious to give her opinion and her advice. They remembered her speaking to the girls at BYU and telling the single girls to get married. The principal
object of life. ...
I asked Olive about the reaction of the Kimballs to the J. Golden book by Tom Cheney. Basically very favorable, she said. She knew Uncle Spencer Kimball liked it, enjoyed it. She likes biographies that tell about the whole man, warts and all. Thinks she will approve of my Edwin Woolley [biography]. Thinks Uncle Spencer will not object. He doesn't object when people tell J. Golden stories.
[Former University of Utah] President [A. Ray] Olpin said that he and wife, Homer Durham and wife [Eudora], etc. were at an affair at which President [Ernest] Wilkinson was also invited. As soon as the girls saw him coming they removed their rings and got prepared for his bone-crushing handshake and jerking them forward. Eudora tried to avoid shaking hands with him, but he grabbed her and just about cracked her hand. She then lifted her shoe with high heels and put it down squarely on his foot. That night he had his first heart attack. She wondered if her action had any influence.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Grace and I went to Cannon-Hinckley [study group] this evening and heard interesting talks by Jim and Gloria Brown ... We sat at the same table with Olive Kimball Mitchell and her husband [Ira] (she's a niece of President Kimball), Fern and Harvey Fletcher of BYU (she was formerly married to Carl Eyring), and Ray and Elva Olpin. Interesting conversation. Fern and Elva said they remembered Susa Young Gates. She was an outstanding woman, they admitted, but nobody liked her. She was too loud, too officious, too pushy, too imperious, too crude, too aggressive. Too much the woman libber type, they said. She was a vegetarian, they said. When invited to a banquet, she took along a little paper bag with raw carrots and other things to eat. She liked natural foods, like her daughter Leah Widtsoe. She liked to talk, talked too long, was very anxious to give her opinion and her advice. They remembered her speaking to the girls at BYU and telling the single girls to get married. The principal
object of life. ...
I asked Olive about the reaction of the Kimballs to the J. Golden book by Tom Cheney. Basically very favorable, she said. She knew Uncle Spencer Kimball liked it, enjoyed it. She likes biographies that tell about the whole man, warts and all. Thinks she will approve of my Edwin Woolley [biography]. Thinks Uncle Spencer will not object. He doesn't object when people tell J. Golden stories.
[Former University of Utah] President [A. Ray] Olpin said that he and wife, Homer Durham and wife [Eudora], etc. were at an affair at which President [Ernest] Wilkinson was also invited. As soon as the girls saw him coming they removed their rings and got prepared for his bone-crushing handshake and jerking them forward. Eudora tried to avoid shaking hands with him, but he grabbed her and just about cracked her hand. She then lifted her shoe with high heels and put it down squarely on his foot. That night he had his first heart attack. She wondered if her action had any influence.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
115 years ago today - Nov 18, 1910
[Joseph F. Smith & Anthon Lund]
This is in answer to President B[righam]. A. Hendricks' letter to you of the 4th ult. with respect to the right of Negroes to be baptized in behalf of their deceased ancestors. It is true, as intimated in yours of Oct[ober]. 25th to President Hendricks that no ordinances are being performed in the temple in behalf of deceased Negroes, neither can temple ordinances be performed in behalf of the Negro race involving the bestowal of the holy priesthood upon them. But inasmuch as Negroes living in the flesh can become members of the Church through baptism, we do not hesitate to say that Negroes may be baptized and confirmed in behalf of their kindred dead, which is all that can be done for tem until the Lord shall direct otherwise.
But in thus answering we do not wish President Hendricks or his successors in office to encourage the Negro saints of South Africa to emigrate to Zion in order that they may be in a position to do temple work in behalf of their dead. In fact, the same general instructions apply to our elders with respect to the Negro race as applies to them with respect to the whites, and that is not to preach the gathering or encourage any to emirate, but rather to leave this entirely with the saints themselves, so that they cannot truthfully blame the Church should any of them come here and become dissatisfied and want to return.
We note that President Hendricks says in his letter to you in effect that the labors of himself and elders are among the white class of people, and not the blacks. This is as it should be, and we trust that this understanding will be clearly had by all of our missionaries laboring in South Africa, and who may be called to labor there hereafter. In the Book of Moses (Pearl of Great Price) Chapter 7, verse 12, we learn that Enoch in his day called upon all the people to repent save the people of Canaan, and it is for us to do likewise. But at the same time where honest-hearted Negroes who perchance hear the gospel preached, become pricked in their hearts and ask for baptism, it would not by becoming in us to refuse to administer that ordinance in their behalf. And where such brethren and sisters desire to have their temple work done in behalf of their deceased kindred, let them furnish the Mission President with the names of their dead, together with the genealogy, as
fully as they may be able to give it, who may forward the same to us, and we will see that baptism is performed in their behalf, and we will instruct the temple recorder to inform the Mission President when the work shall have been done.
[Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund, Letter to Rudger Clawson, 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]
This is in answer to President B[righam]. A. Hendricks' letter to you of the 4th ult. with respect to the right of Negroes to be baptized in behalf of their deceased ancestors. It is true, as intimated in yours of Oct[ober]. 25th to President Hendricks that no ordinances are being performed in the temple in behalf of deceased Negroes, neither can temple ordinances be performed in behalf of the Negro race involving the bestowal of the holy priesthood upon them. But inasmuch as Negroes living in the flesh can become members of the Church through baptism, we do not hesitate to say that Negroes may be baptized and confirmed in behalf of their kindred dead, which is all that can be done for tem until the Lord shall direct otherwise.
But in thus answering we do not wish President Hendricks or his successors in office to encourage the Negro saints of South Africa to emigrate to Zion in order that they may be in a position to do temple work in behalf of their dead. In fact, the same general instructions apply to our elders with respect to the Negro race as applies to them with respect to the whites, and that is not to preach the gathering or encourage any to emirate, but rather to leave this entirely with the saints themselves, so that they cannot truthfully blame the Church should any of them come here and become dissatisfied and want to return.
We note that President Hendricks says in his letter to you in effect that the labors of himself and elders are among the white class of people, and not the blacks. This is as it should be, and we trust that this understanding will be clearly had by all of our missionaries laboring in South Africa, and who may be called to labor there hereafter. In the Book of Moses (Pearl of Great Price) Chapter 7, verse 12, we learn that Enoch in his day called upon all the people to repent save the people of Canaan, and it is for us to do likewise. But at the same time where honest-hearted Negroes who perchance hear the gospel preached, become pricked in their hearts and ask for baptism, it would not by becoming in us to refuse to administer that ordinance in their behalf. And where such brethren and sisters desire to have their temple work done in behalf of their deceased kindred, let them furnish the Mission President with the names of their dead, together with the genealogy, as
fully as they may be able to give it, who may forward the same to us, and we will see that baptism is performed in their behalf, and we will instruct the temple recorder to inform the Mission President when the work shall have been done.
[Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund, Letter to Rudger Clawson, 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 - Nov 18, 1890
A saloon has been opened in Deseret by one of the brethren--Hawley. He has built a nice brick structure, and had a dance there last night and another tonight for opening. Nearly all the Saints attended[,] a notice of the parties having been given in Sunday meeting, and the proprietor of the saloon having been called to dismiss the meeting.
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
165 years ago today - Nov 18, 1860
[Brigham Young]
Right where the Prophet Joseph laid the foundation of the Temple, in the center stake of Zion, was where God commenced the garden of Eden, and there he will end or consummate his work, and the law will go forth from Zion that will govern every nation under the heavens. In the day of the Lord Jesus every man that remains will be filled with the spirit of judgment, and with the knowledge and power of God. The Lord opened the gold mines of California to make this people as a light upon a hill, and we did not come here, as some supposed, to be hid up from the world for ever.
[Deseret News, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Right where the Prophet Joseph laid the foundation of the Temple, in the center stake of Zion, was where God commenced the garden of Eden, and there he will end or consummate his work, and the law will go forth from Zion that will govern every nation under the heavens. In the day of the Lord Jesus every man that remains will be filled with the spirit of judgment, and with the knowledge and power of God. The Lord opened the gold mines of California to make this people as a light upon a hill, and we did not come here, as some supposed, to be hid up from the world for ever.
[Deseret News, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
195 years ago today - Nov 18, 1830
Colesville, Nov: 18: 1830. Rev & Dear Sir ... I will relate a circumstance that has given me pain. A member of the church in Sandford, a young female, has renounced her connexion with the church, and joined a church <<another>> in Colesville founded by Joseph Smith. This man has been known, in these parts, for some time, as a kind of juggler, who has pretended, through a glass, to see money under ground &c, &c. The book, on which he founds his new religion, is called the "Book of Mormon." It contains not much, and is rather calculated to suit the marvelous, and unthinking. part of the world. No man in his right mind can think the Book or the doctrines it contains, worthy of the least notice, yet there are a number who profess to believe in it. Since the church was formed, which was some time in July, about twenty have gathered around their standard, and have [p. 2] subscribed themselves to be the followers [of] Christ; for they call themselves a church of Christ, and the
only church of Christ. All professing christians who do not adhere to their system, they consider as formalists; "having the form of Godliness, but denying the power." They have pretended to work miracles, such as casting out devils, and many other things, too blasphemous to mention.--It is believed, however, they have [atta]ined to about the zenith of their glory in this place. Their books remain unsold; <<; except>> [-] here and there an individual, none will buy them. It is thought the great speculation, which they probably anticipated, will prove a losing busi=ness. ... Yours in Bonds of christian Affection.
John Sherer
[John Sherer to Absalom Peters, 18 November 1830, American Home Missionary Society Archives, Amistad Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: John Sherer To Absalom Peters]
only church of Christ. All professing christians who do not adhere to their system, they consider as formalists; "having the form of Godliness, but denying the power." They have pretended to work miracles, such as casting out devils, and many other things, too blasphemous to mention.--It is believed, however, they have [atta]ined to about the zenith of their glory in this place. Their books remain unsold; <<; except>> [-] here and there an individual, none will buy them. It is thought the great speculation, which they probably anticipated, will prove a losing busi=ness. ... Yours in Bonds of christian Affection.
John Sherer
[John Sherer to Absalom Peters, 18 November 1830, American Home Missionary Society Archives, Amistad Research Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: John Sherer To Absalom Peters]
30 years ago today - Nov 17, 1995
Jim Hansen, US Representative from Utah, reads The Proclamation into the official records of Congress
[History of The Proclamation on the Family, https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRDUS68wfgWtZqdNv67AqfYGGfHrJiZi-B6dlDhDClQOatExFZDFt73srGQoul3U4_iXiTuYIqW57gs/pubhtml]
[History of The Proclamation on the Family, https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRDUS68wfgWtZqdNv67AqfYGGfHrJiZi-B6dlDhDClQOatExFZDFt73srGQoul3U4_iXiTuYIqW57gs/pubhtml]
80 years ago today - Nov 17, 1945
Because of age related issues, George Albert Smith replaced Elder's Widstoe and McKay with Ezra Taft Benson to head the European relief mission. Harold B. Lee remembered, "speculating as to who would be called. One of the first men I eliminated was Elder Benson, who had the largest family as well as the youngest."
[Gary James Bergera, "Ezra Taft Benson's 1946 Mission to Europe" Journal of Mormon History 34:2 (Spring 2008)]
[Gary James Bergera, "Ezra Taft Benson's 1946 Mission to Europe" Journal of Mormon History 34:2 (Spring 2008)]
100 years ago today - Nov 17, 1925
"Professor [Andrew] Neff, a graduate of the California University, desired to have free access to the original documents in the Historian's office as he was writing a history of Utah." The First Presidency rules that "under proper supervision, we had no objections." Although Neff is LDS, this is the first occasion in which an "outside" scholar and historian has "free access" to manuscripts of the LDS archives. Such access remains infrequent and exceptional until the appointment of Apostle Howard W. Hunter as church historian in 1970.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Nov 17, 1900; Saturday
Apostle John W. Taylor was present [at stake conference] and spoke powerfully upon the present condition and aspect of the work of the Lord. Said the three Nephite apostles would soon begin their labors among the nations and would break down the barriers that now prevent the carrying of the gospel to various nations. He said they would also visit the saints and many would not be able to recognize them because of the unfaithfulness of the people themselves. Said there were many in the congregation before him would would go upon missions to the various nations in the near future. He exhorted all to put themselves in order and for parents to have the patriarch to bless their children.
[James D. Cummings, Diary]
[James D. Cummings, Diary]
145 years ago today - Nov 17, 1880
Editor Deseret News:
For some time I have heard rumors of a document going the rounds, particularly in the Southern part of the Territory, purporting to be a "Vision by Joseph F. Smith." A copy of this document was to-day handed to me by a friend. Having read it, I deem it my duty to announce through the NEWS, that so far as this pretended vision has been connected with my name it is a fraud. I never had such a vision and am wholly ignorant of its author, and my name has been used in connection with it entirely without my knowledge. By inserting the above in the NEWS you will correct any false impressions which may have arisen in the minds of the people concerning this matter, and oblige your brother in the Gospel.
JOS. F. SMITH.
[Deseret Evening News, 17 November 1880 [Letter to the editor by Joseph F. Smith]]
For some time I have heard rumors of a document going the rounds, particularly in the Southern part of the Territory, purporting to be a "Vision by Joseph F. Smith." A copy of this document was to-day handed to me by a friend. Having read it, I deem it my duty to announce through the NEWS, that so far as this pretended vision has been connected with my name it is a fraud. I never had such a vision and am wholly ignorant of its author, and my name has been used in connection with it entirely without my knowledge. By inserting the above in the NEWS you will correct any false impressions which may have arisen in the minds of the people concerning this matter, and oblige your brother in the Gospel.
JOS. F. SMITH.
[Deseret Evening News, 17 November 1880 [Letter to the editor by Joseph F. Smith]]
180 years ago today - Nov 17, 1845, Monday
[William Clayton]
Monday 17th ... My heart is grieved to see the difference of spirit, feeling and courses of Bishops Whitney & Miller. They appear to be at antipodes with each other in nearly all their operations. They have placed me as a mark for both to shoot at, and it has placed me in a very unpleasant situation. Miller seems angry with me because I appear to give preference to Whitney & which I consider I ought to do inasmuch as he is the Senior Bishop and is far more careful in his management than brother Miller is. The latter is perfectly wasteful and wild in his business transactions and I if he had the management of the Temple business alone, he would soon wind it up and scatter it to ruin. ...
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
Monday 17th ... My heart is grieved to see the difference of spirit, feeling and courses of Bishops Whitney & Miller. They appear to be at antipodes with each other in nearly all their operations. They have placed me as a mark for both to shoot at, and it has placed me in a very unpleasant situation. Miller seems angry with me because I appear to give preference to Whitney & which I consider I ought to do inasmuch as he is the Senior Bishop and is far more careful in his management than brother Miller is. The latter is perfectly wasteful and wild in his business transactions and I if he had the management of the Temple business alone, he would soon wind it up and scatter it to ruin. ...
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
190 years ago today - Nov 17, 1835
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... I in company with Seth Utley & Br Loy & his family were called out in the night to view the signs in the heavens Which was three clouds having the appearance of fire & blood one in the North one in the East one in the West each about the size of an acre of ground. They arose from the Earth into the air. Frequently changed their places.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... I in company with Seth Utley & Br Loy & his family were called out in the night to view the signs in the heavens Which was three clouds having the appearance of fire & blood one in the North one in the East one in the West each about the size of an acre of ground. They arose from the Earth into the air. Frequently changed their places.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Nov 17, 1835
Joseph exhibits the alphabet of the ancient records to Mr. Holmes, and goes with him and Frederick G. Williams to see the mummies.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
200 years ago today - Nov 17, 1825
Near South Bainbridge, New York. Joseph Smith continued his employment on Josiah Stowell's farm, although the mine excavation in Harmony, Pennsylvania, had ended.
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
50 years ago today - Nov 16, 1975
The Paris, France Stake was created. This was the first Stake created in France.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
115 years ago today - Nov 16, 1910; Wednesday
[Apostle Rudger Clawson]
"... [it is] the obligation resting upon the elders to carry the gospel to the white race and perform ordinances for the ancestors of the white race. If a negro has faith in the Gospel, repents of his sins and applies ... for baptism, he cannot be denied this precious blessing. ... [The] progeny of a white man who mingles his seed with that of a negro, are to be regarded as negroes."
[Rudger Clawson, letter to Brigham A. Hendricks, October 25, 1910, LDS Archives, in Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
"... [it is] the obligation resting upon the elders to carry the gospel to the white race and perform ordinances for the ancestors of the white race. If a negro has faith in the Gospel, repents of his sins and applies ... for baptism, he cannot be denied this precious blessing. ... [The] progeny of a white man who mingles his seed with that of a negro, are to be regarded as negroes."
[Rudger Clawson, letter to Brigham A. Hendricks, October 25, 1910, LDS Archives, in Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
140 years ago today - Nov 16, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... sat up untill midnight reading Revelations, visions & Dreams & talking of the signs of the times.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... sat up untill midnight reading Revelations, visions & Dreams & talking of the signs of the times.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Nov 16, 1845
[Hosea Stout]
.... met the police and there was informed that Br Edmund Durfee had been shot dead by the mob on Bear Creek
The mob had set some straw on fire which would communicate with his barn & he on discovering the fire ran in company with some other brethren to put it out and was fired upon by the mob who concealed in the darkness one ball went through his breast and he died in a few moments. He had been driven into the City by the mob during their house burning in September last & had gone down there in company with some other brethren to take care of his grain and thus fell a martyr to his religion
I went to see. He was in a heart rending condition all steeped in his gore and his numerous family all weeping around him. The scene is one not to be forgotten. He was one of the oldes[t] in the church having been in the church almost from its rise and had passed through all the persecutions & vicissitudes of the Church & was a faithful Brother.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
.... met the police and there was informed that Br Edmund Durfee had been shot dead by the mob on Bear Creek
The mob had set some straw on fire which would communicate with his barn & he on discovering the fire ran in company with some other brethren to put it out and was fired upon by the mob who concealed in the darkness one ball went through his breast and he died in a few moments. He had been driven into the City by the mob during their house burning in September last & had gone down there in company with some other brethren to take care of his grain and thus fell a martyr to his religion
I went to see. He was in a heart rending condition all steeped in his gore and his numerous family all weeping around him. The scene is one not to be forgotten. He was one of the oldes[t] in the church having been in the church almost from its rise and had passed through all the persecutions & vicissitudes of the Church & was a faithful Brother.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
75 years ago today - Nov 15, 1950
[George Albert Smith]
Arthur [Haycock] brought up Dr. Thomas C. Romney and I talked to him about the book he intends to write about President Snow at the request of Le Roy Snow. I cautioned Brother Romney that there were some things I did not think fitting to have in the book. Brother Romney understands the situation.
[George Albert Smith 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]
Arthur [Haycock] brought up Dr. Thomas C. Romney and I talked to him about the book he intends to write about President Snow at the request of Le Roy Snow. I cautioned Brother Romney that there were some things I did not think fitting to have in the book. Brother Romney understands the situation.
[George Albert Smith 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]
145 years ago today - Nov 15, 1880
[Patriarchal Blessing of James E. Talmage]
Brother James, by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head, and seal the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant upon thee, with all the gifts and privileges promised unto the sons of Zion ... it is thy privilege and the will of the Lord that you should become a mighty man in Israel, and travel much for the gospel's sake, and assist in gathering the honest in heart from among the nations of the earth; ... for the spirit of the Lord shall direct thy course, strengthen thy memory and give thee power over thy enemies and peace shall be in thy circle... thy guardian angel will whisper in thy ear and warn thee of danger, and give thee power over the adversary, and prolong thy days and years upon the earth. ... Thou shalt also be prospered in the labor of thy hands, therefore, look forward to the future with pleasure, for thy last days shall be thy best days. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Brother James, by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head, and seal the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant upon thee, with all the gifts and privileges promised unto the sons of Zion ... it is thy privilege and the will of the Lord that you should become a mighty man in Israel, and travel much for the gospel's sake, and assist in gathering the honest in heart from among the nations of the earth; ... for the spirit of the Lord shall direct thy course, strengthen thy memory and give thee power over thy enemies and peace shall be in thy circle... thy guardian angel will whisper in thy ear and warn thee of danger, and give thee power over the adversary, and prolong thy days and years upon the earth. ... Thou shalt also be prospered in the labor of thy hands, therefore, look forward to the future with pleasure, for thy last days shall be thy best days. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Nov 15, 1845
The Times and Seasons publishes Eliza R. Snow's poem, "My Father in Heaven." Now the most famous LDS hymn written by a woman, it proposes a Heavenly Mother equal in status to a male consort. General's 1843 revelation on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage declared that when a couple's marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit: "then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them," implying the same.
[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]
[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]
190 years ago today - Nov 15, 1835
.. . . thus saith the the Lord unto my Servant Joseph concerning my servant Warren [Parish], behold his sins are forgiven him ... behold it shall come to pass in his day that he shall <see> great things shew forth themselves unto my people, he shall see much of my ancient records, and shall know of hiden things, and shall be endowed with a knowledge of hiden languages, and if he desires and Shall seek it at my hand, he shall be privileged with writing much of my word, as a scribe unto me for the benefit of my people, therefore this shall be his calling until I shall order it otherwise in my wisdom and it shall be said of him in a time to come, behold Warren the Lords Scribe, for the Lords Seer whom he hath appointed in Israel
[Joseph Smith Diary, quoted in Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
[Joseph Smith Diary, quoted in Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
195 years ago today - Nov 5, 1830
John Murdock reported that upon being baptized, "the spirit of the Lord sensibly attended the ministration, and I came out of the water rejoicing and singing praises to God [possibly singing in tongues] and the Lamb."
[John Murdock, "Autobiography," in Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
[John Murdock, "Autobiography," in Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
75 years ago today - Nov 15, 1950
[George Albert Smith]
Arthur [Haycock] brought up Dr. Thomas C. Romney and I talked to him about the book he intends to write about President Snow at the request of Le Roy Snow. I cautioned Brother Romney that there were some things I did not think fitting to have in the book. Brother Romney understands the situation.
[George Albert Smith 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]
Arthur [Haycock] brought up Dr. Thomas C. Romney and I talked to him about the book he intends to write about President Snow at the request of Le Roy Snow. I cautioned Brother Romney that there were some things I did not think fitting to have in the book. Brother Romney understands the situation.
[George Albert Smith 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]
145 years ago today - Nov 15, 1880
[Patriarchal Blessing of James E. Talmage]
Brother James, by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head, and seal the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant upon thee, with all the gifts and privileges promised unto the sons of Zion ... it is thy privilege and the will of the Lord that you should become a mighty man in Israel, and travel much for the gospel's sake, and assist in gathering the honest in heart from among the nations of the earth; ... for the spirit of the Lord shall direct thy course, strengthen thy memory and give thee power over thy enemies and peace shall be in thy circle... thy guardian angel will whisper in thy ear and warn thee of danger, and give thee power over the adversary, and prolong thy days and years upon the earth. ... Thou shalt also be prospered in the labor of thy hands, therefore, look forward to the future with pleasure, for thy last days shall be thy best days. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Brother James, by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head, and seal the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant upon thee, with all the gifts and privileges promised unto the sons of Zion ... it is thy privilege and the will of the Lord that you should become a mighty man in Israel, and travel much for the gospel's sake, and assist in gathering the honest in heart from among the nations of the earth; ... for the spirit of the Lord shall direct thy course, strengthen thy memory and give thee power over thy enemies and peace shall be in thy circle... thy guardian angel will whisper in thy ear and warn thee of danger, and give thee power over the adversary, and prolong thy days and years upon the earth. ... Thou shalt also be prospered in the labor of thy hands, therefore, look forward to the future with pleasure, for thy last days shall be thy best days. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Nov 15, 1845
The Times and Seasons publishes Eliza R. Snow's poem, "My Father in Heaven." Now the most famous LDS hymn written by a woman, it proposes a Heavenly Mother equal in status to a male consort. General's 1843 revelation on the new and everlasting covenant of marriage declared that when a couple's marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit: "then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them," implying the same.
[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]
[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]
190 years ago today - Nov 15, 1835
.. . . thus saith the the Lord unto my Servant Joseph concerning my servant Warren [Parish], behold his sins are forgiven him ... behold it shall come to pass in his day that he shall <see> great things shew forth themselves unto my people, he shall see much of my ancient records, and shall know of hiden things, and shall be endowed with a knowledge of hiden languages, and if he desires and Shall seek it at my hand, he shall be privileged with writing much of my word, as a scribe unto me for the benefit of my people, therefore this shall be his calling until I shall order it otherwise in my wisdom and it shall be said of him in a time to come, behold Warren the Lords Scribe, for the Lords Seer whom he hath appointed in Israel
[Joseph Smith Diary, quoted in Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
[Joseph Smith Diary, quoted in Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
195 years ago today - Nov 5, 1830
John Murdock reported that upon being baptized, "the spirit of the Lord sensibly attended the ministration, and I came out of the water rejoicing and singing praises to God [possibly singing in tongues] and the Lamb."
[John Murdock, "Autobiography," in Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
[John Murdock, "Autobiography," in Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
130 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 14, 1895
"[George Q. Cannon] felt that some investigation should be had of the conduct of [Apostle Moses] Thatcher & [Seventy B. H.] Roberts before they receive any ecclesiastical appointments in the Church. Pres. Snow said he could not fellowship them until they made things right, nor could any of the Quorum do so. It was decided to leave any investigation of their affairs until after Statehood, as trouble might otherwise ensue because of the exercise of church discipline."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
190 years ago today - Nov 14, 1835
Joseph told his story to Erastus Holmes:"…I received the first visitation of Angels which was when I was about 14 years old…"("The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith", p.113, Also in "An American Prophet's Record", p. 59)
This account has been changed in the "History of the Church", Vol.2, p.312.. It now reads "my first vision" instead of "visitation of angels."
[A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
This account has been changed in the "History of the Church", Vol.2, p.312.. It now reads "my first vision" instead of "visitation of angels."
[A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
195 years ago today - Nov 14, 1830
Sidney S Rigdon: Baptized 14 November 1830, in Mentor, Ohio.
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
30 years ago today - Nov 13, 1995
[Hinckley]
Met with president of the United States at White House to discuss importance of families
[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
Met with president of the United States at White House to discuss importance of families
[LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
35 years ago today - Nov 13, 1990
In 1991 Utah membership of the John Birch Society mushroomed as a result of U.S. president George Bush's proclaiming U.S. participation in a "New World Order." As part of the United Nations successful Gulf War, President Bush adopted a phrase used by ultra-conservatives for decades to identify the "collectivist" goal of the international conspiracy. By May 1991, Utah had 1,000 members of the Birch Society, an increase of nearly 50 percent from two years earlier.
[John F. McManus, "'A New World Order' Means World Government," The John Birch Society Bulletin (Nov. 1990): 3-14; "Birch Society Lauds 'Fertile Soil' In Utah," Deseret News, 13 May 1991, B-2; "Utah's Birchers Organizing To Fight Bush 'Conspiracy,'" Salt Lake Tribune, 27 May 1991, B-l; "John Birch Society Skeptical of Communist Party Demise," Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Sept. 1991, B-l; '"John Bircher' Recruits Join Fight Against New World Order," Salt Lake Tribune, 21 June 1992, B-l. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[John F. McManus, "'A New World Order' Means World Government," The John Birch Society Bulletin (Nov. 1990): 3-14; "Birch Society Lauds 'Fertile Soil' In Utah," Deseret News, 13 May 1991, B-2; "Utah's Birchers Organizing To Fight Bush 'Conspiracy,'" Salt Lake Tribune, 27 May 1991, B-l; "John Birch Society Skeptical of Communist Party Demise," Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Sept. 1991, B-l; '"John Bircher' Recruits Join Fight Against New World Order," Salt Lake Tribune, 21 June 1992, B-l. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
60 years ago today - Nov 13, 1965
Ernest L. Wilkinson, President of BYU says in a talk that BYU did not intend to admit any homosexuals to campus. He continued, "if any of you have this tendency and have not completely abandoned it, may I suggest that you leave the university immediately after this assembly…we do not want others on this campus to be contaminated by your presence."
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]
70 years ago today - Nov 12, 1955
Flora Benson, wife of Ezra Taft Benson, was named national "Home Maker of the Year."
[Church News, November 12, 1955; Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
[Church News, November 12, 1955; Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
140 years ago today - Nov 12, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
The funeral of my wife Phebe was attended to day at the 14 ward school House. I saw the procession as it Past the office. I saw the hearse that Carried my wife Phebe Whitemore Carter Woodruff to the grave. I was not permitted to attend her funeral without being arrested for my religin, & Imprisioned for Cohabitation with my wives as many others are.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The funeral of my wife Phebe was attended to day at the 14 ward school House. I saw the procession as it Past the office. I saw the hearse that Carried my wife Phebe Whitemore Carter Woodruff to the grave. I was not permitted to attend her funeral without being arrested for my religin, & Imprisioned for Cohabitation with my wives as many others are.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Nov 12, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball]
Last evening I dreamed of seeing a large quentity of honey Bees, they were following me being loaded heavily with honey; they were very peacibly with me. ... Clo[t]hed our selvs and praid as follows that our enimes be flustrated, to sell our posessions, and so forth. Brock up at dark. ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
Last evening I dreamed of seeing a large quentity of honey Bees, they were following me being loaded heavily with honey; they were very peacibly with me. ... Clo[t]hed our selvs and praid as follows that our enimes be flustrated, to sell our posessions, and so forth. Brock up at dark. ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
190 years ago today - Nov 12, 1835
Joseph tells the Twelve that he thought that he had placed the church on a permanent foundation by organizing the stake of Zion. But he is still alive, so there must be something more for him to do, and that is the ordinance of washing of feet, which he then administers.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
120 years ago today - Nov 11, 1905
The following editorials are taken from the Deseret Evening News of this date: 'One Mighty and Strong.' The following has been issued by the Presidency of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in explanation of verses 7 and 8 of Section 85 of the Doctrine and Covenants, and is to be received as authoritative: ... Perhaps no other passage in the revelations of the Lord in this dispensation has given rise to so much speculation as this one. also, it has been sued by vain and foolish men to bolster up their vagaries of speculation and in some cases their pretensions to great power and high positions they were to attain in the Church. In a word, some have made claims that they were the particular individual mentioned in the revelation, the 'one mighty and strong, holding the sceptre of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth to set in order the house of God, and to
arrange by lot the inheritances of the Saints.' ...
Indeed their insufferable ignorance and egotism have been at the bottom of all their pretensions, and the cause of all the trouble into which they have fallen. ...
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
arrange by lot the inheritances of the Saints.' ...
Indeed their insufferable ignorance and egotism have been at the bottom of all their pretensions, and the cause of all the trouble into which they have fallen. ...
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Nov 11, 1885
Salt Lake City police fine LDS Deputy Sheriff Andrew J. Burt $25 for the assault and battery on U.S. Deputy marshal Henry F. Collin. Three days later the district court sentences him to five days' imprisonment for the crime.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
160 years ago today - Nov 11, 1865
New Masonic activity in Utah created a furor and presented a conflict between two unyielding Masonic groups over a basic principle. When fourteen Masons, led by James M. Ellis, met in Salt Lake City on 11 November 1865 they petitioned the Grand Lodge of Nevada for a dispensation (temporary authorization). Grand Master DeBell responded 25 January 1866, with the stipulation that "No Mormon be accepted for the Degrees," later adding, "or to be admitted as a visitor." These rigid provisions were due in part to the history of animosity against Mormons in other states, but were based largely on the experience of Nevadans with Mormons, especially at Genoa, formerly Mormon Station.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Freemasonry in Utah, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Freemasonry in Utah, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
190 years ago today - 1835 Nov 11
Joseph Smith & Robert Matthews (Joshua the Jewish Minister) part ways, each discerning a devil in the other
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
40 years ago today - Nov 10, 1985
Non-Mormon journalists noted: "In the past Benson's heavy-handed political maneuvering has antagonized numerous members of the [LDS] church, leading to fears of a major schism if he became president."
When he ascended to that office in November 1985, church officials insisted that Benson's political activism was "in the past."
[Dew, Ezra Taft Benson, 486-87, 469-70 ; Bob Gottlieb and Peter Wiley, "Mormons to the Right," San Jose Mercury News, 1 Dec. 1985, 9; also "Possibility of Benson Heading Mormons Worries Some With Different Views," Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 1976, Pt. 1,32; "Mormon Church Faces A Fresh Challenge . . . But Now, A Change of Leaders May Bring A Split In Its Ranks," U.S. News & World Report 95 (21 Nov. 1983): 61; "Conservative Seeking Leadership Worries Some Mormons," Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 1983, A-3; Gottlieb and Wiley, America's Saints, 247, 257; "Mormon Church Council Meets To Pick New Leader," Dallas Morning News, 11 Nov. 1985, A-4; "New Chief of Mormons: Ezra Taft Benson," New York Times, 19 Nov. 1985, A-16; also Robert Lindsey, "The Mormons: Growth, Prosperity and Controversy," New York Times Magazine, 12 Jan. 1986, 46. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon
Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
When he ascended to that office in November 1985, church officials insisted that Benson's political activism was "in the past."
[Dew, Ezra Taft Benson, 486-87, 469-70 ; Bob Gottlieb and Peter Wiley, "Mormons to the Right," San Jose Mercury News, 1 Dec. 1985, 9; also "Possibility of Benson Heading Mormons Worries Some With Different Views," Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 1976, Pt. 1,32; "Mormon Church Faces A Fresh Challenge . . . But Now, A Change of Leaders May Bring A Split In Its Ranks," U.S. News & World Report 95 (21 Nov. 1983): 61; "Conservative Seeking Leadership Worries Some Mormons," Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 1983, A-3; Gottlieb and Wiley, America's Saints, 247, 257; "Mormon Church Council Meets To Pick New Leader," Dallas Morning News, 11 Nov. 1985, A-4; "New Chief of Mormons: Ezra Taft Benson," New York Times, 19 Nov. 1985, A-16; also Robert Lindsey, "The Mormons: Growth, Prosperity and Controversy," New York Times Magazine, 12 Jan. 1986, 46. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon
Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
40 years ago today - Nov 10, 1985
The Quorum of the Twelve sustains Ezra Taft Benson as the church president with Gordon B. Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson as counselors, and ordains President Benson. Benson is the first LDS church president with a graduate degree (M.S. from Iowa State University). Also, the First Presidency and apostles vote for Howard W. Hunter as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve due to the incapacity of Marion G. Romney. Although 'non compos mentis,' Romney is now next in apostolic seniority to the church president and eligible for automatic succession in the event of Benson's death. This situation continues until Romney's death in 1988, during which time the church president has a heart attack.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
50 years ago today - Nov 10, 1975-Monday
[Leonard Arrington]
Elder J. Golden Kimball and B. H. Roberts were intimate associates. Each was probably the best friend of the other. When Elder Roberts died [in 1933] the family and ecclesiastical officials didn't want J. Golden to speak at the funeral for fear he might tell some incriminating story about Brother Roberts, but since he was such a close friend, they couldn't very well overlook him, so they asked him to dedicate the grave. When they got to Centerville where he was to be buried, the cemetery wasn't in very good shape. When they called on him to dedicate the grave, he walked first in one direction looking hard and then in another direction and finally said, "This is a hell of a place to bury a damn good man." It was so obviously true that the next day the mayor and city council of Centerville met and appropriated all the money left in the treasury to fix up the cemetery. ...
There was tension in the Roberts home and this tension helps to explain why his children left the Church. Some of them joined other churches. One of the things they didn't like was him taking the Shipp woman [Margaret Curtis Shipp], his third wife, back with him when he was president of the Eastern States Mission.
Simon Bamberger, governor of Utah, elected in 1916, was of course German Jewish and spoke with a rather heavy accent and was very friendly toward Mormons. In fact he referred to himself as the "president of the Hebrew stake of Zion."
J. Golden Kimball was once visiting Ogden Stake along with two Smiths. The Smiths had managed to put everybody to sleep, and he was anxious to wake them up, so he started his sermon with some questions: "Anybody here that never tasted coffee?" Two old patriarchs in the back stood up. "Anybody here never tasted tobacco?"-same two patriarchs stood up. "Anybody here never had a good slug of whiskey?" Same two patriarchs stood up. "Well, brothers and sisters, I guess my sermon must be directed to all of you except these two older brethren in the rear, and my principle remarks to them is, "you sure have missed a lot!" With everybody now awake and feeling a sense of guilt, he gave them a beautiful sermon on the Word of Wisdom.
As a student at the University of Deseret B. H. Roberts walked all the way from Centerville to Salt Lake City every day. He wore homemade clothes-and not very good ones at that. Some of the students taunted him for the old farm clothes he wore. This continued for some days until he had stood it all he could. Finally someone started making remarks to him about it and he tore into him with all of his energy. He just about killed the poor fellow. They had to take him to the hospital and have a lot of repair work done on him. Query: Could that have been the occasion which caused him to be disfellowshipped from the 13th ward?
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Elder J. Golden Kimball and B. H. Roberts were intimate associates. Each was probably the best friend of the other. When Elder Roberts died [in 1933] the family and ecclesiastical officials didn't want J. Golden to speak at the funeral for fear he might tell some incriminating story about Brother Roberts, but since he was such a close friend, they couldn't very well overlook him, so they asked him to dedicate the grave. When they got to Centerville where he was to be buried, the cemetery wasn't in very good shape. When they called on him to dedicate the grave, he walked first in one direction looking hard and then in another direction and finally said, "This is a hell of a place to bury a damn good man." It was so obviously true that the next day the mayor and city council of Centerville met and appropriated all the money left in the treasury to fix up the cemetery. ...
There was tension in the Roberts home and this tension helps to explain why his children left the Church. Some of them joined other churches. One of the things they didn't like was him taking the Shipp woman [Margaret Curtis Shipp], his third wife, back with him when he was president of the Eastern States Mission.
Simon Bamberger, governor of Utah, elected in 1916, was of course German Jewish and spoke with a rather heavy accent and was very friendly toward Mormons. In fact he referred to himself as the "president of the Hebrew stake of Zion."
J. Golden Kimball was once visiting Ogden Stake along with two Smiths. The Smiths had managed to put everybody to sleep, and he was anxious to wake them up, so he started his sermon with some questions: "Anybody here that never tasted coffee?" Two old patriarchs in the back stood up. "Anybody here never tasted tobacco?"-same two patriarchs stood up. "Anybody here never had a good slug of whiskey?" Same two patriarchs stood up. "Well, brothers and sisters, I guess my sermon must be directed to all of you except these two older brethren in the rear, and my principle remarks to them is, "you sure have missed a lot!" With everybody now awake and feeling a sense of guilt, he gave them a beautiful sermon on the Word of Wisdom.
As a student at the University of Deseret B. H. Roberts walked all the way from Centerville to Salt Lake City every day. He wore homemade clothes-and not very good ones at that. Some of the students taunted him for the old farm clothes he wore. This continued for some days until he had stood it all he could. Finally someone started making remarks to him about it and he tore into him with all of his energy. He just about killed the poor fellow. They had to take him to the hospital and have a lot of repair work done on him. Query: Could that have been the occasion which caused him to be disfellowshipped from the 13th ward?
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
65 years ago today - Nov 10,1960
Brigham Young University's president tells Executive Committee of BYU's trustees "about a colored boy on campus having been a candidate for the vice presidency of a class and receiving a very large vote." The three apostles present want to exclude all African Americans from BYU. "If a granddaughter of mine should ever go the BYU and become engaged to a colored boy," Apostle Harold B. Lee fumes, "I would hold you responsible!"
[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]
[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]
80 years ago today - Nov 10, 1945
The last listing of causes in a weekly list of named excommunicants in the Church News. Up to now the most common reasons are apostasy and "violating the law of chastity."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
115 years ago today - Nov 10, 1910
[Rudger Clawson]
No work is being done in the Temples at present neither has any been done in the past for the negro saints. Priesthood cannot be given to a negro and this rule apears to hold good regarding other ordinances of the Temple.
... [it is] the obligation resting upon the elders to carry the gospel to the white race and perform ordinances for the ancestors of the white race. If a negro has faith in the Gospel, repents of his sins and applies ... for baptism, he cannot be denied this precious blessing. ... [The] progeny of a white man who mingles his seed with that of a negro, are to be regarded as negroes.
[Rudger Clawson, Letter to Brigham A. Hendricks, October 25, 1910, 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]
No work is being done in the Temples at present neither has any been done in the past for the negro saints. Priesthood cannot be given to a negro and this rule apears to hold good regarding other ordinances of the Temple.
... [it is] the obligation resting upon the elders to carry the gospel to the white race and perform ordinances for the ancestors of the white race. If a negro has faith in the Gospel, repents of his sins and applies ... for baptism, he cannot be denied this precious blessing. ... [The] progeny of a white man who mingles his seed with that of a negro, are to be regarded as negroes.
[Rudger Clawson, Letter to Brigham A. Hendricks, October 25, 1910, 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]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 10, 1910
Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from President B.A. Hendricks of the South African Mission, dated October 4, addressed to President Rudger Clawson, stating in substance that a serious race question was confronting himself and associates, missionaries, on account of the doctrine having been taught to some of the negro saints that they could perform certain ordinances in the House of the Lord, and he desired an answer to this question: "Is it possible for a promiscuously bred white and negro to be baptized for the dead?" adding that a great many blacks had become members of the Church in South Africa, and were good, honest people. President Hendricks also stated that by asking this question he did not wish it to be inferred that he and his fellow missionaries were directing their work among the white race.
President [Joseph F.] Smith remarked that he saw no reason why a negro should not be permitted to have access to the baptismal font in the temple to be baptized for the dead, inasmuch as negroes are entitled to become members of the Church by baptism.
[George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, quoted at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
President [Joseph F.] Smith remarked that he saw no reason why a negro should not be permitted to have access to the baptismal font in the temple to be baptized for the dead, inasmuch as negroes are entitled to become members of the Church by baptism.
[George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, quoted at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
120 years ago today - Friday, Nov 10, 1905
At 10 a.m. at the office of the First Presidency ... It was decided to publish a Document on the question of the one mighty and strong spoken of in the D.&C.
[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]
[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]
125 years ago today - Nov. 10th, 1900
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Pres. W. Woodruff's Monument was dedicated today. Cost $1500.00 so I am informed.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Pres. W. Woodruff's Monument was dedicated today. Cost $1500.00 so I am informed.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Nov 10, 1895
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman]
After school closed [Sunday] I sat down with bro[ther] Alma and Joshua Greenwood and James Melville in the same school room to talk over the political wounds we have given and received. I frankly conceded that most of what bro[ther] Alma had stated about me in print was correct. Some was not true ... Bro[ther] Joshua was not feeling so ugly as Alma and James. They held that my censure of them at conference in Meadow some years ago was much of it unnecessary and harsh. I frankly admitted that may have been, but if they would write down all there was of that kind I would gladly go before the stake conference at any time and state that I was sorry I use those words that were necessarily harsh and retract every one of them. They concluded it would not be necessary and would let the whole matter drop... We closed up in good spirits much better then we commenced with. We forgave and loved each other. Bro[ther] Alma was severely set against B[isho]p Callister for his partisanship and a
campaign song he composed and sung frequently in which bro[ther] Greenwood was sarcastically mentioned. ... I also spoke freely of the political battle and said if there was one soul who has been influenced by me in the Stake to be a Republican, I wanted them to free that influence. I never hinted nor did I believe I had used church influence. A unanimous vote approved as good sound and safe doctrine all I said. ... My visit in Fillmore I believe is a very fortunate one [made peace with wife Susan].
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
After school closed [Sunday] I sat down with bro[ther] Alma and Joshua Greenwood and James Melville in the same school room to talk over the political wounds we have given and received. I frankly conceded that most of what bro[ther] Alma had stated about me in print was correct. Some was not true ... Bro[ther] Joshua was not feeling so ugly as Alma and James. They held that my censure of them at conference in Meadow some years ago was much of it unnecessary and harsh. I frankly admitted that may have been, but if they would write down all there was of that kind I would gladly go before the stake conference at any time and state that I was sorry I use those words that were necessarily harsh and retract every one of them. They concluded it would not be necessary and would let the whole matter drop... We closed up in good spirits much better then we commenced with. We forgave and loved each other. Bro[ther] Alma was severely set against B[isho]p Callister for his partisanship and a
campaign song he composed and sung frequently in which bro[ther] Greenwood was sarcastically mentioned. ... I also spoke freely of the political battle and said if there was one soul who has been influenced by me in the Stake to be a Republican, I wanted them to free that influence. I never hinted nor did I believe I had used church influence. A unanimous vote approved as good sound and safe doctrine all I said. ... My visit in Fillmore I believe is a very fortunate one [made peace with wife Susan].
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Nov 10, 1890
"The Prophet went to the home of President Taylor, and said to him, 'Brother John, I WANT LEONORA,' 'If GOD wants Leonora He can have her..'. 'I don't want your wife, I just wanted to know just where you stood'"
[Prophet Wilford Woodruff, John Mills Whitaker Journal, in Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Prophet Wilford Woodruff, John Mills Whitaker Journal, in Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
140 years ago today - Nov 10, 1885
{Phebe Whitemore Carter Woodruff [first wife of Wilford Woodruff] was born March 8th, 1807 In Scarboro Maine Died in Salt Lake City Utah Nov. 10, 1885 Aged 78 years 8 months & 2 days. Blessed are the Dead who die in the Lord.}
Sleep on my Dear Phebe, But Ere long from this
The Conqured Tomb shall yield its Captive Prey,
Then with thy Husband, Children, friends, &
Prophets & Apostles
Thou shalt Reign in Bliss,
As wife, Queen, Mother, and Saint to an Eternal Day.
Wilford Woodruff
... Thus My wife Phebe Ends Her Earthly Mission. She has gone to meet her Fathers, Mothers, Children Prophets, Apostles, Saints & Friends in the spirit world.
This was a serous day. Word Came to me this morning of the Death of my wife Phebe. ...
The Lord has born me up in this Affliction in a wonderful Manner. I pray God to still sustain me. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Sleep on my Dear Phebe, But Ere long from this
The Conqured Tomb shall yield its Captive Prey,
Then with thy Husband, Children, friends, &
Prophets & Apostles
Thou shalt Reign in Bliss,
As wife, Queen, Mother, and Saint to an Eternal Day.
Wilford Woodruff
... Thus My wife Phebe Ends Her Earthly Mission. She has gone to meet her Fathers, Mothers, Children Prophets, Apostles, Saints & Friends in the spirit world.
This was a serous day. Word Came to me this morning of the Death of my wife Phebe. ...
The Lord has born me up in this Affliction in a wonderful Manner. I pray God to still sustain me. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Nov 10, 1880
Ordered that John Henry Smith be credited the amount per quarter to draw against as the rest of the Twelve have'-also ordered that Pres[iden]t. [John] Taylor be credited ten thousand dollars in consideration of his interest in the machinery of and sugar making company of 1852. Bro[ther] [Wilford] Woodruff moved that $10,000 to offset a claim of President J[ohn]. Taylor against the church be appropriated to him. I had previously stated plainly my objections to this claim so now I held my peace. The brethren voted the amount. [Brigham Young had refused this request since 1853.]
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
140 years ago today - Tuesday, Nov 10, 1885
Salt Lake City
The following notice in the Evening News
Excommunication
Charges having been preferred against Albert Carrington, a full and patient hearing was had before the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where the following decision was unanimously adopted.
That [apostle] Albert Carrington be excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints for the crimes of Lewd and Lascivious conduct and adultry. W. Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor and Councilor John W. Young.
[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]
The following notice in the Evening News
Excommunication
Charges having been preferred against Albert Carrington, a full and patient hearing was had before the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where the following decision was unanimously adopted.
That [apostle] Albert Carrington be excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints for the crimes of Lewd and Lascivious conduct and adultry. W. Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor and Councilor John W. Young.
[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]
190 years ago today - Nov 10, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
I resumed the conversation and desired him [Robert Matthews, aka "Joshua the Jewish minister"] to enlighten my mind more on his views respecting the resur[r]ection. He says that he posses[es] the spirit of his fathers. That he is a litteral de[s]cendant of Mat[t]hias the Apostle that was chosen in the place of Judas that fell and that his spirit is resur[r]ected in him. That this is the way or schem[e] of eternal life, this transmigration of soul or spirit from Father to Son.
I told him that his doctrine was of the Devil that he was in reality in possession of [a] wicked and depraved spirit although he professed to be the spirit of truth itself. /And he said/ also that he possesses the soul of Christ.
... I told him that my God told me that his God is the Devil and I could not keep him any longer and he must depart. So I for once cast out the Devil in bodily shape and I believe [him to be] a murderer ...
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
I resumed the conversation and desired him [Robert Matthews, aka "Joshua the Jewish minister"] to enlighten my mind more on his views respecting the resur[r]ection. He says that he posses[es] the spirit of his fathers. That he is a litteral de[s]cendant of Mat[t]hias the Apostle that was chosen in the place of Judas that fell and that his spirit is resur[r]ected in him. That this is the way or schem[e] of eternal life, this transmigration of soul or spirit from Father to Son.
I told him that his doctrine was of the Devil that he was in reality in possession of [a] wicked and depraved spirit although he professed to be the spirit of truth itself. /And he said/ also that he possesses the soul of Christ.
... I told him that my God told me that his God is the Devil and I could not keep him any longer and he must depart. So I for once cast out the Devil in bodily shape and I believe [him to be] a murderer ...
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
195 years ago today - 1830 Nov 10
Samuel Smith is able to visit Joseph Sr. in prison but cannot effect his release; however, he helps him get a job at a cooper-s shop in the jail yard.
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
65 years ago today - Nov 9, 1960
[First Presidency letter to Disney legal executive]
Our grateful appreciation to you and Mr. Disney and your associates for your most gracious consent for us to continue to use the 350 feet of film footage from "The Rites of Spring" [from the Movie Fantasia] for the purpose which we have previously defined, and for the continued full term period of copyright. This is a most generous accommodation, and we assure you that it will be used respectfully and constructively, and that the privilege will not be abused or exceeded.
[LDS First Presidency to Gunther R. Lessing, Disney Productions Legal Department, Nov. 9, 1960 , typed excerpt in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Our grateful appreciation to you and Mr. Disney and your associates for your most gracious consent for us to continue to use the 350 feet of film footage from "The Rites of Spring" [from the Movie Fantasia] for the purpose which we have previously defined, and for the continued full term period of copyright. This is a most generous accommodation, and we assure you that it will be used respectfully and constructively, and that the privilege will not be abused or exceeded.
[LDS First Presidency to Gunther R. Lessing, Disney Productions Legal Department, Nov. 9, 1960 , typed excerpt in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
70 years ago today - Nov 9, 1955
The First Presidency informs Seventy's president Bruce R. McConkie that they have misgivings about his intended publication of a multi-volumed 'Sound Doctrine' as a censored and condensed version of the Journal of Discourses. Three weeks later the Presidency is stunned to find advertisements for McConkie's publication in the Deseret News (30 Nov. 1955) and in the December issue of the Improvement Era. He writes the Presidency on 1 Dec. that the ads appeared without his knowledge and "are not intended in any way to embarrass or pressure you Brethren." He then explains that he would "not permit any improper or questionable statements to appear" in his projected ten-volume version of the original twenty-six-volume collection. The First Presidency reads page-proofs of the first volume and responds on 9 Feb. "Omissions would probably be sought out and magnified" by the church's critics, the letter says. "Under this situation we feel constrained to request that you give up the idea of an
abridged edition of the Journal of Discourses." Nineteen years later the originally contracted publisher releases 'Journal of Discourses Digest,' under the editorship of the oldest son of McConkie, then a member of the Twelve.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
abridged edition of the Journal of Discourses." Nineteen years later the originally contracted publisher releases 'Journal of Discourses Digest,' under the editorship of the oldest son of McConkie, then a member of the Twelve.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
100 years ago today - Nov 9, 1925
Apostle Richard R. Lyman upon his own authority enters a plural marriage by mutual covenant. He is almost fifty-five years old, and she is fifty-three. This is the first plural marriage of a general authority since 1905.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Nov 9, 1900; Friday
Sisters Emeline B. Wells and Elizabeth C. McCune called and received a blessing previous to their departure as delegates to a national council of Women to be held in the East.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
140 years ago today - Nov 9, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
My wife Phebe is vary low. Bulah thought she was dying. Wrote to Nellie.
At 6 oclock I Called to see my wife Phebe who was vary low. I laid my hands upon her head & Blessed her And anointed her for her burial and at 2 oclok she died. Thus we part after living together 48 years & 6 months in the Marriage Covenant.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
My wife Phebe is vary low. Bulah thought she was dying. Wrote to Nellie.
At 6 oclock I Called to see my wife Phebe who was vary low. I laid my hands upon her head & Blessed her And anointed her for her burial and at 2 oclok she died. Thus we part after living together 48 years & 6 months in the Marriage Covenant.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Nov 9, 1835
On 9 November 1835, a man visiting Kirtland, Ohio, introduced himself to Joseph Smith as Joshua the Jewish minister. This was an alias of Robert Matthews (1788-1841), a religious eccentric from New York who claimed to be God the Father reincarnated in the body of Matthias the ancient apostle. The two men spoke about religion, and Smith related the story of his first vision, perhaps as a counter to Matthews's claim.
" . . . I commenced giving him a relation of the circum=stances connected with the coming forth of the book of Mormon, as follows--being wrought up in my mind, respecting the subject of religion and looking at [w.o. upon] the different systems taught the children of men, I knew not who was right or who was wrong and I considered [I considered w.o. considering] it of the first importance that I should be right, in matters that involve eternal consequ[e]nces; being thus perplexed in mind I retired to the silent grove and bow[e]d down before the Lord, under a realising sense that he had said (if the bible be true) ask and you shall receive knock and it shall be opened seek and you shall find and again [Matt. 7:7], if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men libar=ally and upbradeth not [Jas. 1:5]; information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination to obtain it, I called upon the Lord for the first time, in the place above
stated or in other words I made a fruitless attempt to p[r]ay, my toung seemed to be swolen in my mouth, so that I could not utter, I heard a noise behind me like some person walking towards me, I strove again to pray, but could not, the noise of walking seem=ed to draw nearer, I sprung up on my feet, and and looked around, but saw no person or thing that was calculated to produce the noise of wal=king, I kneeled again my mouth was opened and my toung liberated, and I called on the Lord in mighty prayer, a pillar of fire appeared above my head, it presently rested down upon me [w.o. my] head, and filled me with Joy unspeakable, a personage appeared in the midst of this pillar of flame which was spread all around, and yet nothing consumed, another personage soon appeard like unto the first, he said unto me thy sins are forgiven thee, he testifyed unto me that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; <and I saw many angels in this vision> I was about 14 years old when I received this first
communication; When I was about 17 years old I saw another vision of angels in the night season after I had retired to bed I had not been a sleep, when but was me=ditating upon my past life and experience, I was verry concious that I had not kept the commandments, and I repented hartily for all my sins and transgression, and humbled myself before Him <whose eyes are over all things>, all at once the room was iluminated above the brightness of the sun an angel appeared before me, his hands and feet were naked pure and white, and he stood between the floors of the room, clothed with in purity inexpressible, he said unto me I am a messenger sent from God, be faithful and keep his commandments in all things, he told me of a sacred record which was written on plates of gold, I saw in the vision the place where they were deposited, he said the Indians were the literal descendants of Abraham he explained many things of the prophesies to [p. 24] me, one I will mention which is this in
Malachi 4 chapt[er]. behold the day of the Lord cometh &c. also that the Urim and Thumim, was hid up with the record, and that God would give me power to translate it, with the assistance of this instrument he then gradually vanished out of my sight, or the vision closed, while meditating on what I had seen, the angel appeard to me again and related the same things and much more, also the third time bearing the same tidings, and dep=arted; during the time I was in this vision I did not realize any thing else around me except what was shown me in this communication: after the vision had all passed, I found that it was nearly day-light, the family soon arose, I got up also:--on that day while in the field at work with my Father he asked me if I was sick I relyed, I had but little strenght [strength], he told me to go to the house, I started and went part way and was finally deprived deprived of my stren=gth and fell, but how long I remained I do not know; the Angel came to me again
and comm=anded me to go and tell my Father, what I had seen and heard, I did so, he wept and told me that it was a vision from God to attend to it I went and found the place, where the plates were, according to the direction of the Angel, also saw them, and the angel as before; the powers of darkness strove hard against me. I called on God, the Angel told me that the reason why I could not obtain the plates at this time was because I was under transgression, but to come again in one year from that time, I did so, but did not obtain them [rest of line blank] [p. 25] also the third and the fourth year, at which time I obtained them, and translated them into the english language, by the gift and power of God and have been preaching it ever since.
[Joseph Smith, Diary, 9 November 1835, 23-26, Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith Recital To Robert Matthews]
" . . . I commenced giving him a relation of the circum=stances connected with the coming forth of the book of Mormon, as follows--being wrought up in my mind, respecting the subject of religion and looking at [w.o. upon] the different systems taught the children of men, I knew not who was right or who was wrong and I considered [I considered w.o. considering] it of the first importance that I should be right, in matters that involve eternal consequ[e]nces; being thus perplexed in mind I retired to the silent grove and bow[e]d down before the Lord, under a realising sense that he had said (if the bible be true) ask and you shall receive knock and it shall be opened seek and you shall find and again [Matt. 7:7], if any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth to all men libar=ally and upbradeth not [Jas. 1:5]; information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination to obtain it, I called upon the Lord for the first time, in the place above
stated or in other words I made a fruitless attempt to p[r]ay, my toung seemed to be swolen in my mouth, so that I could not utter, I heard a noise behind me like some person walking towards me, I strove again to pray, but could not, the noise of walking seem=ed to draw nearer, I sprung up on my feet, and and looked around, but saw no person or thing that was calculated to produce the noise of wal=king, I kneeled again my mouth was opened and my toung liberated, and I called on the Lord in mighty prayer, a pillar of fire appeared above my head, it presently rested down upon me [w.o. my] head, and filled me with Joy unspeakable, a personage appeared in the midst of this pillar of flame which was spread all around, and yet nothing consumed, another personage soon appeard like unto the first, he said unto me thy sins are forgiven thee, he testifyed unto me that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; <and I saw many angels in this vision> I was about 14 years old when I received this first
communication; When I was about 17 years old I saw another vision of angels in the night season after I had retired to bed I had not been a sleep, when but was me=ditating upon my past life and experience, I was verry concious that I had not kept the commandments, and I repented hartily for all my sins and transgression, and humbled myself before Him <whose eyes are over all things>, all at once the room was iluminated above the brightness of the sun an angel appeared before me, his hands and feet were naked pure and white, and he stood between the floors of the room, clothed with in purity inexpressible, he said unto me I am a messenger sent from God, be faithful and keep his commandments in all things, he told me of a sacred record which was written on plates of gold, I saw in the vision the place where they were deposited, he said the Indians were the literal descendants of Abraham he explained many things of the prophesies to [p. 24] me, one I will mention which is this in
Malachi 4 chapt[er]. behold the day of the Lord cometh &c. also that the Urim and Thumim, was hid up with the record, and that God would give me power to translate it, with the assistance of this instrument he then gradually vanished out of my sight, or the vision closed, while meditating on what I had seen, the angel appeard to me again and related the same things and much more, also the third time bearing the same tidings, and dep=arted; during the time I was in this vision I did not realize any thing else around me except what was shown me in this communication: after the vision had all passed, I found that it was nearly day-light, the family soon arose, I got up also:--on that day while in the field at work with my Father he asked me if I was sick I relyed, I had but little strenght [strength], he told me to go to the house, I started and went part way and was finally deprived deprived of my stren=gth and fell, but how long I remained I do not know; the Angel came to me again
and comm=anded me to go and tell my Father, what I had seen and heard, I did so, he wept and told me that it was a vision from God to attend to it I went and found the place, where the plates were, according to the direction of the Angel, also saw them, and the angel as before; the powers of darkness strove hard against me. I called on God, the Angel told me that the reason why I could not obtain the plates at this time was because I was under transgression, but to come again in one year from that time, I did so, but did not obtain them [rest of line blank] [p. 25] also the third and the fourth year, at which time I obtained them, and translated them into the english language, by the gift and power of God and have been preaching it ever since.
[Joseph Smith, Diary, 9 November 1835, 23-26, Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith Recital To Robert Matthews]
110 years ago today - Nov 8, 1915; Monday
.... When President Lorenzo Snow, who succeeded President Woodruff as President of the Church, discovered that many of those who had gone from Utah to Mexico to enter into polygamous relations were couples who never intended to remain there, who returned to Utah without establishing homes in that country, which was squarely against the attitude of the Church in construing the scope of President Woodruff's manifesto, he withdrew all authority from Mexico to solemnize plural marriages there as it had been withdrawn in Utah. ...
[George F. Gibbs, letter to Bernard Greensfelder, excerpt in Quinn Papers, copy in Kenney Papers, original in LDS Archives]
[George F. Gibbs, letter to Bernard Greensfelder, excerpt in Quinn Papers, copy in Kenney Papers, original in LDS Archives]
125 years ago today - Nov 8, 1900; Thursday
The Presidency were at the office as usual. The question was raised by President [George Q.] Cannon whether he in the publication of the History of the Church about to be published should divide the history into chapters and verses also the revelations as now published in the Doctrine and Covenants or follow the method of the publication of the History of Joseph Smith as published in the Millennial Star which is not so divided. It was decided that the divisions both in the history as to Chapters and Verses and in the revelations into verses should be made in the publication, which would make it more interesting.
At 11 o'clock the Presidency and Apostles met in the Temple in council meeting. ...
Elder Reed Smoot reported the financial condition of Brother Isaac Riddle who a short time ago donated property for the purpose of assisting in the redemption of Zion ... he desires to donate in any way that President [Lorenzo] Snow might suggest for the redemption of Zion and the building of the Temple there. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
At 11 o'clock the Presidency and Apostles met in the Temple in council meeting. ...
Elder Reed Smoot reported the financial condition of Brother Isaac Riddle who a short time ago donated property for the purpose of assisting in the redemption of Zion ... he desires to donate in any way that President [Lorenzo] Snow might suggest for the redemption of Zion and the building of the Temple there. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
165 years ago today - Nov 8, 1860
B. Y. observed [U.S.] Pres. Buchanan will be despised by God, Man and the devil; he might be kind to his women and children, but he is an ignorant man and would misuse his old friends for his present ones. [U.S. President] Franklin Pierce, is a far more talented man than Buchanan ever was, but he ought to have been born a woman. Fillmore has more sound sense than all of the others put together. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
190 years ago today - Nov 8, 1835
Joseph chastizes Emma for leaving the Sunday meeting before partaking of the sacrament. She weeps.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
85 years ago today - Nov 7, 1940
Hill [Airforce Base] became operational and served throughout the war as a major repair and supply depot for the Army Air Forces. At its largest, Hill Field employed 15,000 civilians, 6,000 military, and several thousand POWs, making it the largest employer in the state.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: World War II, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: World War II, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
115 years ago today - Monday, Nov 7, 1910
[John Henry Smith]
I called upon my son George Albert [Smith] who is at Grays Sanatarium. He is considerably improved.
[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]
I called upon my son George Albert [Smith] who is at Grays Sanatarium. He is considerably improved.
[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]
140 years ago today - Nov 7, 1885
[Heber J. Grant]
In the evening at 7 P.M. attended a meeting of our quorum in Prest John Taylor's office, same persons present as last evening Carrington excepted. Our meeting this evening was for the purpose of investigating the conduct and actions of Counselor John W. Young, some of his financial moves failing that he had neglected the duties of his calling in his efforts to make money Never in my life have I heard my brethren speak with more of the power of God than they did tonight. Especially powerful were the remarks of Bro Brigham Young [Jr]. If ever man spake by the power of God brother Brigham did tonight. Brigham called upon his brother to step into line or it was inevitable that he must lose his standing with his brethren and finally in the Church. Told him he had set up his own judgement & followed his own counsels in opposition to that of his own father and of his brethren, that there was not a spark of humility in his nature & warned him that tonight was his last chance and the
turning place in his life.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the evening at 7 P.M. attended a meeting of our quorum in Prest John Taylor's office, same persons present as last evening Carrington excepted. Our meeting this evening was for the purpose of investigating the conduct and actions of Counselor John W. Young, some of his financial moves failing that he had neglected the duties of his calling in his efforts to make money Never in my life have I heard my brethren speak with more of the power of God than they did tonight. Especially powerful were the remarks of Bro Brigham Young [Jr]. If ever man spake by the power of God brother Brigham did tonight. Brigham called upon his brother to step into line or it was inevitable that he must lose his standing with his brethren and finally in the Church. Told him he had set up his own judgement & followed his own counsels in opposition to that of his own father and of his brethren, that there was not a spark of humility in his nature & warned him that tonight was his last chance and the
turning place in his life.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Nov 7, 1885
Quorum of the Twelve excommunicates Apostle Albert Carrington "for the crimes of lewd and lascivious conduct and adultery" with several women dating back to 1871. This is the first time since 1842 that a general authority is excommunicated for sexual misconduct, and its publication on 10 Nov. stuns the community.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
165 years ago today - Nov 7, 1860
Presidet Young ... had 3 teeth extracted one a sound one through a mistake.
I spent the evening in his office. He said I hope that Abel Lincoln was Elected Presidet of the United States yesterday & that the South meet in Convention & nominate Breckenride to day to be the presidet of the South but I am afraid they will not have pluck enough to do it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I spent the evening in his office. He said I hope that Abel Lincoln was Elected Presidet of the United States yesterday & that the South meet in Convention & nominate Breckenride to day to be the presidet of the South but I am afraid they will not have pluck enough to do it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
195 years ago today - Circa Nov 7, 1830
Lucy Smith pays a debt in produce owed to Dr. Alexander McIntyre. The Smith Manchester home is invaded by creditors. William Smith returns home from business in time to chase the creditors away. Samuel Smith returns from a mission to Livonia (NY).
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
80 years ago today - Nov 6, 1945
The temple endowment ceremony is presented for the first time in a non-English language (Spanish).
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
85 years ago today - Nov 6, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
This afternoon I borrowed my son-in-law Wallace Bennett's new Lincoln-Zephyr car and had a ride. I took with me Mrs. Anbrose McKay, widow of the former manager of the Tribune and who changed the Tribune from a vile, lying newspaper to a straightforward, fine newspaper. At the time President Smith died there was a very fine editorial in the Tribune telling what a wonderful man President Smith was. I met Mr. McKay that morning and told him I accepted that editorial as a complete cancellation of all the lies the paper had previously published, and would call the matter even. I laughed and so did he.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
This afternoon I borrowed my son-in-law Wallace Bennett's new Lincoln-Zephyr car and had a ride. I took with me Mrs. Anbrose McKay, widow of the former manager of the Tribune and who changed the Tribune from a vile, lying newspaper to a straightforward, fine newspaper. At the time President Smith died there was a very fine editorial in the Tribune telling what a wonderful man President Smith was. I met Mr. McKay that morning and told him I accepted that editorial as a complete cancellation of all the lies the paper had previously published, and would call the matter even. I laughed and so did he.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
85 years ago today - Nov 06, 1940
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia.
115 years ago today - Nov 6, 1910
[Thomas A. Clawson]
"There was a splendid spirit present at all meetings especially at the Temple where many testimonies were born concerning Oliver Cowdry and his labors in the Church. Prest Jos. F. Smith said that one of our Church historians has been almost persuaded that Oliver had been deceiving the people in his statement concerning the Coming of John the Baptist and ordaining Joseph and him to the Aaronic Priesthood. The President said that these words which are reported to have been said by Oliver were put into his mouth by his enemenies (Sic) and his coming humbly back and applying for admission to the Church branded as false such statements."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"There was a splendid spirit present at all meetings especially at the Temple where many testimonies were born concerning Oliver Cowdry and his labors in the Church. Prest Jos. F. Smith said that one of our Church historians has been almost persuaded that Oliver had been deceiving the people in his statement concerning the Coming of John the Baptist and ordaining Joseph and him to the Aaronic Priesthood. The President said that these words which are reported to have been said by Oliver were put into his mouth by his enemenies (Sic) and his coming humbly back and applying for admission to the Church branded as false such statements."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Nov 6, 1905
[Thomas A. Clawson]
"The Political Situation is quite critical the people generally being in the dark as to how they should they should (Sic) cast their vote. I have tried to show the necessity of maintaining the Republican supreamacy (Sic) here that we as a people may stand well before the Nation and brother Reed Smoot may have more backing in his fight...."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"The Political Situation is quite critical the people generally being in the dark as to how they should they should (Sic) cast their vote. I have tried to show the necessity of maintaining the Republican supreamacy (Sic) here that we as a people may stand well before the Nation and brother Reed Smoot may have more backing in his fight...."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Nov 6, 1895
[Franklin D. Richards]
Had a pleasant visit with Pres[iden]t L[orenzo] Snow in his room at the Temple reviewing sone of the rough items attendant upon the closing campaign. The sayings Bro[ther] Jos[ep]h F. Smith at the Priesthood meeting'The lapsus lingu [i.e., loose tongue] of Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon at Brigham City [Utah] &c with their effects upon the people.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
Had a pleasant visit with Pres[iden]t L[orenzo] Snow in his room at the Temple reviewing sone of the rough items attendant upon the closing campaign. The sayings Bro[ther] Jos[ep]h F. Smith at the Priesthood meeting'The lapsus lingu [i.e., loose tongue] of Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon at Brigham City [Utah] &c with their effects upon the people.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
140 years ago today - Nov 6, 1885
The Bishops were instructed not to recommend any person to any Temple unless they answered all questions in a satisfactory manner. If applicants perjured themselves then they were amenable to God for their acts. The subject of the celestial law of marriage was dwelt upon. It was shown that the faithful must live it, otherwise they could not attain to a fulness of glory. The Lord has said that "it is not meet that men who have not observed this law should preside over His Priesthood."
[Minutes, Special Bishops' Meeting, Nov. 6, 1885, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Minutes, Special Bishops' Meeting, Nov. 6, 1885, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
140 years ago today - Nov 6, 1885
The subject of the celestial law of marriage [plural marriage] was dwelt upon. It was shown that the faithful must live it, otherwise they could not attain to a fulness of glory. The Lord has said that "it is not meet that men who have not observed this law should preside over His Priesthood."
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
140 years ago today - Nov 6, 1885
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
[[At a meeting of the Twelve, which Young calls "one of the solemn days of my life," charges of Lasiv. Cohab., fornication and adultery are heard against Albert Carrington. Carrington confessed, and tried to argue that because he did not "mix the seeds" he was only foolish but not criminal. This had been going on for about 12 years commencing when Carrington was President of the British mission. "The Twelve sat as a high Council president Woodruff presiding, Each expressed their opinion & all agreed. President delivered judgement, accused guilty of all charge[s]" and Carrington cut off from the church.]]
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[[At a meeting of the Twelve, which Young calls "one of the solemn days of my life," charges of Lasiv. Cohab., fornication and adultery are heard against Albert Carrington. Carrington confessed, and tried to argue that because he did not "mix the seeds" he was only foolish but not criminal. This had been going on for about 12 years commencing when Carrington was President of the British mission. "The Twelve sat as a high Council president Woodruff presiding, Each expressed their opinion & all agreed. President delivered judgement, accused guilty of all charge[s]" and Carrington cut off from the church.]]
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Nov 6, 1870
[Wilford Woodruff]
After Meeting or during intermission we organized A Branch of the School of the Prophets.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
After Meeting or during intermission we organized A Branch of the School of the Prophets.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Nov 6, 1835
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith met a man from the eastern United States who was disappointed that Joseph Smith the Prophet -"was nothing but a normal man.-",
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
195 years ago today - Circa Nov 6, 1830
On the day following Joseph Sr.'s arrest, Lucy Smith seeks assistance from Palmyra merchant Abner Lackey, who procures testimony that will be used to help Joseph Sr. gain access to the jail's courtyard.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
195 years ago today - Circa Nov 5, 1830
This is the probable time of Joseph Sr.'s arrest and imprisonment. Lucy Smith says that Joseph Sr. was arrested on Thursday, the day following Hyrum's departure , and jailed in Canandaigua for thirty days .
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
195 years ago today - Circa Nov 5, 1830
This is the probable time of Joseph Sr.'s arrest and imprisonment. Lucy Smith says that Joseph Sr. was arrested on Thursday, the day following Hyrum's departure , and jailed in Canandaigua for thirty days .
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
40 years ago today - Nov 5, 1985
President Spencer W. Kimball died in Salt Lake City at age 90.
[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]
[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]
65 years ago today - Nov 5, 1960
Concerning Gideon Dolo, a Fijian whose people had troubled LDS headquarters because of their negoid appearance, the Church News notes that he is "the first of his race to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. The first Fijian to receive his temple endowments. The first of his race to serve as a proselyting missionary for the Church."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
85 years ago today - Nov 5, 1940
[President Heber J. Grant]
I listened to the election returns. Off and on during the night I do not think I slept more than three hours. I am dumbfounded to think that the people of America have returned Roosevelt to the office of President. I thought of his running for a third term would snow him under. Politics does what I said it did many years ago. I said a bad dose of politics was like the measles if it set in on a man it turned his hide yellow and made him cross-eyed.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I listened to the election returns. Off and on during the night I do not think I slept more than three hours. I am dumbfounded to think that the people of America have returned Roosevelt to the office of President. I thought of his running for a third term would snow him under. Politics does what I said it did many years ago. I said a bad dose of politics was like the measles if it set in on a man it turned his hide yellow and made him cross-eyed.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Nov 5, 1895
Utah's first elected state governor is LDS Heber M. Wells who serves (1896-1905). Other Mormon governors of Utah are John C. Cutler (1905-1909), William Spry (1909-17), Charles R. Mabey (1921-25), Henry H. Blood (1933-41), Herbert B. Maw (1941-49), George D. Clyde (1957-65), Calvin L. Rampton (1965-77), Scott M. Mattheson (1977-85), Norman Bangerter (1985-93), Mike Leavitt (1993-2003), Olene S. Walker (2003-05), Jon Huntsman, Jr. (2005-09), and Gary Herbert (2009- ).
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
130 years ago today - Nov 5, 1895
Despite a move to put the matter to a separate vote, supporters of women's suffrage managed to get it written into the new Utah Constitution by a comfortable majority. The new document was adopted on 5 November 1895 with a provision that "the rights of citizens of the State of Utah to vote and hold office shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex. Both male and female citizens of this state shall enjoy equally all civil, political and religious rights and privileges."
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Sufferage, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Sufferage, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
130 years ago today - Nov 5, 1895
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]
I voted the full Republican ticket, both State and City.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I voted the full Republican ticket, both State and City.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Tuesday, Nov 5, 1895
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
I returned to Salt Lake City and went to the Polls and voted the Republican ticket straight for state, county, and city offices. I went home and went to bed. A daughter born to Josephine 20 minutes to 3 today.
[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]
I returned to Salt Lake City and went to the Polls and voted the Republican ticket straight for state, county, and city offices. I went home and went to bed. A daughter born to Josephine 20 minutes to 3 today.
[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]
130 years ago today - Nov 5, 1895
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards]
Went with my son Charles Seco(?) of Ter. and we polled our votes with Straight Democratic Tickets
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Went with my son Charles Seco(?) of Ter. and we polled our votes with Straight Democratic Tickets
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Nov 5, 1895
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman]
Election Day ... I deposited my straight Republican ticket. ... Before retiring I learned that the State ticket Republicans had won by about 30 votes. 167 voted for Statehood and 43 against it, total 200. That is a light vote for Tooele. Democrats are dejected.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Election Day ... I deposited my straight Republican ticket. ... Before retiring I learned that the State ticket Republicans had won by about 30 votes. 167 voted for Statehood and 43 against it, total 200. That is a light vote for Tooele. Democrats are dejected.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
195 years ago today - Circa Nov 5, 1830
This is the probable time of Joseph Sr.'s arrest and imprisonment. Lucy Smith says that Joseph Sr. was arrested on Thursday, the day following Hyrum's departure , and jailed in Canandaigua for thirty days .
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
35 years ago today - Nov 4, 1990.
Sunstone's June issue comes out about mid- October, containing a summary of news stories about the temple changes. Elbert Peck's stake president, Herbert Klopfer, informs him that Sunstone's coverage is inappropriate and confiscates Elbert's temple recommend. Daniel Rector, the publisher, has his temple recommend revoked at the same time.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
45 years ago today - Nov 4, 1980
Florida elects Paula Hawkins as the first LDS woman to become a U.S. Senator and the first female Senator who is not a daughter or wife of a politician. She is also the first prominent LDS woman to publicly acknowledge that she was sexually abused as a child.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
60 years ago today - Nov 4, 1965
[Council meeting] "Elder [Ezra Taft] Benson said ... that he was confident in his own mind from a study he had made of the Negro question that we are only seeing something being carried out today that was planned by the highest councils of the communist party twenty years ago, and that Martin Luther King is an agent, if not a power in the Communist party. He said that this whole thing is being directed and supported and promoted by agents of the Communist party, that the Negroes are being used in this whole question of Civil Rights, integration, etc., and that the NAACP are largely made up of men who are affiliated with from one to a dozen communist-front organizations, and he thought they would do anything in their power to embarrass the Church. Elder Benson thought we ought to be very careful what we do in the Negro field, whether it be in Nigeria, here, or any other place in the world, and he felt that so far as Brother Williams is concerned, his work in Nigeria [to establish
the church] should be terminated and he be brought home to report."
[Minutes of Council Meeting as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
the church] should be terminated and he be brought home to report."
[Minutes of Council Meeting as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
165 years ago today - Nov 4, 1860
Capt Gibson spoke two hours & gave a vary interesting account of his mission [and] the dealings of the Lord with him. ... He had an interview with the Jappaneese Embassay and was the ownly man in America who saw them that Could Communicate with them without interpeters ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Nov 4, 1860 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
I curse the mean skunk at Camp Floyd in the name of Jesus Christ and they shall be cursed - your sheep, colts, hogs trample upon wheat after wheat and god blessed the earth to bring it to you ...
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I curse the mean skunk at Camp Floyd in the name of Jesus Christ and they shall be cursed - your sheep, colts, hogs trample upon wheat after wheat and god blessed the earth to bring it to you ...
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Nov 4, 1845
[Wilford Woodruff]
I retired to rest & dreamed of being in A ship & a great storm arose And it seemed as though the ship would be swallowed up but it out lived the storm. I also Saw A large serpent which brought forth other serpents.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I retired to rest & dreamed of being in A ship & a great storm arose And it seemed as though the ship would be swallowed up but it out lived the storm. I also Saw A large serpent which brought forth other serpents.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
195 years ago today - Nov 4, 1830
.... -he asked Joseph [Smith, Jr.] whether he could not ascertain what his [Orson Pratt] mission was and Joseph answered that he would see. & asked Pratt and John Whitmer to go up stairs with him. and arriving there Joseph produced a small stone called a seer stone. and putting it into a hat soon commenced speaking [producing D&C 34].- Orson Pratt's recollection at David Whitmer home
[Palmyra Magic Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/palmyra-magic-timeline/]
[Palmyra Magic Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/palmyra-magic-timeline/]
50 years ago today - Nov 03, 1975
U.S. President Gerald Ford appoints Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft as his National Security Affairs (NSA) advisor, replacing Henry Kissinger, who had been both secretary of state and NSA advisor. Scowcroft is the first Latter-day Saint to serve in this top position. He serves again in this position under U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush (1989-93).
80 years ago today - Nov 03, 1945
President George Albert Smith meets with U.S. President Harry S. Truman in Washington, D.C., to obtain permission for the Church to send food and supplies to the Saints in war-torn Europe.
115 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 3, 1910
[John Henry Smith]
Politics is burning hot. Many dirty and unfair things are being said by both parties.
[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]
Politics is burning hot. Many dirty and unfair things are being said by both parties.
[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]
135 years ago today - Nov 3, 1890 (Monday)
A contract was signed for the erection of the first beet sugar plant in Utah, to cost $400,000.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Nov 3, 1880
Pres[iden]t. A. Hatch of Wasatch [Utah] Stake was criticised for his aversion to Polygamy& letting Dr Russell denounce J[oseph]. F. Smith.
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
[Franklin D. Richards 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]
175 years ago today - Nov 3, 1850
Fredericka Bremer wrote of a visit to Nauvoo, "We are now in sight of Nauvoo, formerly the capital of the Mormon district, and the magnificent ruin of their former temple is standing on its elevated site." .
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
190 years ago today - Nov 3, 1835
Eleven of the Twelve are chastened for not being sufficiently humble or equal in financial affairs and for criticizing William Smith.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
190 years ago today - Nov 3, 1835
Joseph receives a revelation for the Twelve, stating that they must humble themselves and be patient with his brother William. He then dedicates the School of the Elders, promising a "glorious endowment that God has in store for the faithful."
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
30 years ago today - Nov 2, 1995
The announcement that Presiding Bishop Merrill J. Bateman will be the new president of BYU, effective 1 Jan. He is also appointed a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Despite Bateman's Ph.D. in economics from MIT, the appointment of a general authority to BYU's helm has the appearance of guaranteeing that the LDS hierarchy will not need to deal with a vigorous advocate for academic freedom at the largest LDS campus. This is how the Chronicle of Higher Education views it. Within months Bateman is the center of national controversy over his speech to BYU students against moral relativism, the published version of which lifts numerous phrases (without quotation marks) from a recently published article by neo-conservative scholar Gertrude Himmelfarb. She is cited (with quotation marks) for only one sentence and phrase of many that Bateman's speech/article interweaves with slight changes in a manner familiar to anyone who has read plagarized papers by freshman students. Bateman
publicly apologizes to Himmelfarb and insists that the controversy is about "one" misplaced quotation mark, yet the public image remains that BYU's president participates in the "moral relativism" he condemns.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
publicly apologizes to Himmelfarb and insists that the controversy is about "one" misplaced quotation mark, yet the public image remains that BYU's president participates in the "moral relativism" he condemns.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
105 years ago today - Nov 2, 1920
[Heber J. Grant]
My wife and I went and voted. When I came to look over the ticket that I had checked I found that I had voted for nine more Republicans than I had Democrats. It is amusing for me to pose as a Democrat, and when I come to vote at our State elections and National elections divide my vote for a larger number of Republicans than Democrats. I always go over the ticket and try to pick out the best men without regard to which party they belong.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
My wife and I went and voted. When I came to look over the ticket that I had checked I found that I had voted for nine more Republicans than I had Democrats. It is amusing for me to pose as a Democrat, and when I come to vote at our State elections and National elections divide my vote for a larger number of Republicans than Democrats. I always go over the ticket and try to pick out the best men without regard to which party they belong.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Nov 2, 1890
[Abraham H. Cannon]
In relation to S[amuel] F. Ball who desires to go to Mexico and get a fourth wife, Father [George Q. Cannon] said it could not be done, as such things had ceased to occur even there. One young man who recently had this privilege, came back and allowed the knowledge of it to go out, and thus put the Church in danger. Father feels, as I do, that it is best to entirely cease the performance of such marriages for the present and thus make the brethren more appreciative of present blessings. ...
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
In relation to S[amuel] F. Ball who desires to go to Mexico and get a fourth wife, Father [George Q. Cannon] said it could not be done, as such things had ceased to occur even there. One young man who recently had this privilege, came back and allowed the knowledge of it to go out, and thus put the Church in danger. Father feels, as I do, that it is best to entirely cease the performance of such marriages for the present and thus make the brethren more appreciative of present blessings. ...
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
140 years ago today - Monday, Nov 2, 1885
[John Henry Smith]
Bro. F. D. Richards told Bro. M. Thatcher and I that a charge of adultery had been made against Bro. [apostle] Albert Cartington.
[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]
Bro. F. D. Richards told Bro. M. Thatcher and I that a charge of adultery had been made against Bro. [apostle] Albert Cartington.
[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]
190 years ago today - Nov 2, 1835
Plastering and the hard finishing on the outside of the [Kirtland] temple have begun. Joseph is busy setting up the School of the Elders. He goes with Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, and Frederick G. Williams to Willoughby College to hear a Dr. Piexotto lecture on physics. They learn that he will come to Kirtland to teach Hebrew.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
30 years ago today - Nov 1, 1995
Five BYU professors submit an officially-commissioned, four-year study of LDS applicants for freshmen admission (1971-88). Findings show that active Mormons who attend BYU "even for only one semester" have significantly higher rates of temple marriage, tithing payment, and belief in LDS doctrines than Mormons who attend other colleges. Although survey participants are age twenty-six to mid-forties, 20 percent "of the marriage respondents in both groups remianed childless." BYU's spokesperson says that the executive committee of the Board of Trustees decides to suppress this report because "we already get a lot of pressure about admission to BYU and release of this study would only make that worse." Since 1973 the enrollment limit of 27,000 means that "only a small and shrinking minority of Mormon youth," can attend BYU. No spokesperson at LDS headquarters or at BYU comments on the evidence of long-term birth-control by married couples who are actively LDS. Despite contrary
statements of BYU's spokesperson and sources at church headquarters, BYU president Bateman denies in February 1996 that the board has made any decision about circulating this study's findings.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
statements of BYU's spokesperson and sources at church headquarters, BYU president Bateman denies in February 1996 that the board has made any decision about circulating this study's findings.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
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