175 years ago today - Oct 21, 1837

William Clayton Baptized into Mormon church three months after missionaries arrive in England.

[Source: Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

50 years ago today - Oct 20, 1962

CHURCH NEWS announces purchase of church's first shortwave radio station, WRUL, in Boston and New Youk City. Purchase price is $1,771,850. Church sells its shortwave station in 1974 in response to satellite, cable, and videotape technologies.

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

170 years ago today - Oct 20, 1842

Apostle Orson Hyde writes to Apostle Orson Pratt that during a voyage from Beirut to Jaffa Hyde saw clearly in the sky "a very bright glittering sword. . .with a beautiful hilt, as plain and complete as any cut you ever saw. And, what is still more remarkable, an arm, with a perfect hand, stretched itself out and took hold of the hilt of the sword. The appearance really made my hair rise, and the flesh, as it were, to crawl on my bones. The Arabs made a wonderful outcry at the sight: 'O, Allah, Allah, Allah!' was their exclamation all over the vessel." In the letter Hyde explains, ""I mention this, because you know there is a commandment to me which says: 'Unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the sign of the coming of the Son of Man.'"

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

150 years ago today - Oct 20, 1862 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] The President then arose and said, '"I will not ask any of the rest of the brethren to speak; I am going to preach a short sermon myself, and that is, go to and get out lumber to make yourselves bins, then thrash this wheat that you have raised in such abundance and take care of it, then when you have got these things done I will come and preach to you again.'" (This was the shortest sermon preached during the journey, but it was so significant that all who heard will doubtless remember it.) -- Willard, Utah [Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City]

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

135 years ago today - Oct 19, 1877

[John Nuttle Diary] . . . have had severall [sic] agreeable talks with Prest Taylor in regards to church Matters and find him very liberal in his Views also very correct as to his policy of conducting affairs -- Not moving in haste, but careful and sure -- and safe -- the brethren of the Twelve are also Kind --

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

90 years ago today - Oct 19, 1922

[James E. Talmage] Attended council meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve. Today a motion picture was taken of the Twelve in their council room in the Church Office Building, and later another such picture was made of the entire Council of the First Presidency and Twelve and Presiding Patriarch on the Temple grounds. Elder Orson F. Whitney was the only absent one.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

20 years ago today - Oct 19, 1992

During the second day of the rededication of the London England Temple, President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency announces that the Church will build a temple in Preston, England, the site of the first missionary activity in the country 155 years later.

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

5 years ago today - Oct 18, 2007

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) spoke on his faith, family, and public service at a Brigham Young University forum recently.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

75 years ago today - Oct 18, 1937

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Bro. Stephen L. Richards and Melvin J. Ballard called and wanted to know just what course we wanted them to take with regard to the new mission president at the Temple Block, as they had been appointed supervisors and we had not said a word to them. When Brother Joseph Peery was made President they met with him and installed him and introduced him to the workers, etc. They wanted to know what we expected of them in the case of Brother Cannon. I told them we would give them instructions later. I feel a little cheap that they had not been notified.

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

100 years ago today - Oct 18, 1912; Friday

Attended lengthy meeting of a council called by the First Presidency to consider important

propositions with a view to colonizing our Mexican refugees. It was decided that at present no attempt be made to colonize our people from Mexico collectively.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

155 years ago today - Oct 18, 1857

William A. Hickman kills non-Mormon Richard Yates for trying to transport munitions to U.S. army. Hickman later implicates Brigham Young, second counselor Daniel H. Wells, and Joseph A. Young in decision, and judge Hosea Stout in actual murder. In 1858 Mormon woman says that Yates "disappeared-'used up [killed] in the pocket of the Lord,' we call it-and Bill Hickman-one of the 'Destroyers'-passed through this very town, waved the overcoat of Yates, and riding his bay pony." Hickman later writes that he gave to President Young money he took from Yates's body. Despite arrest and pre-trial detention, all those indicted in 1871 for Yates murder are freed by U.S. Supreme Court in 1872 due to improper impaneling of juries. On the same day Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Brethren, our enemies never will inhabit these valleys if we do just as we are told from this time forth; and we will inhabit these valleys and will have power and victory over our enemies from this time henceforth and for ever. . . . I felt pretty well in Nauvoo, at the time brother Brigham was speaking of; though I did regret -perhaps I did wrong-but I did regret that peace was proclaimed so quick; for I tell you there were about one or two score of men I wanted to see under the sod; then I was willing to make peace: but I had to, as it was. We have made peace a great many times, and the United States have taken a course to make us do as they wished us; but let me tell you that day is past and gone, and we will now proclaim the course they will have to take; and they will have to make peace with us, and we never shall make peace with them again. Brother Brigham will designate the course they have got to take; and if they come here, they have got to give up their arms: they cannot come in here with a gun on their shoulders, or a pistol in their belts." Also on the same day Brigham Young preaches: "I would just as soon tell them as to tell you my mode of warfare. As the Lord God lives, we will waste our enemies by millions, if they send them here to destroy us, and not a man of us be hurt. That is the method I intend to pursue. Do you want to know what is going to be done with the enemies now on our borders? If they come here, I will tell you what will be done. As soon as they start to come hate our settlements, let sleep depart from their eyes and slumber from their eyelids until they sleep in death, for they have been warned and forewarned that we will not tamely submit to being destroyed. Men shall be secreted here and there and shall waste away our enemies, in the name of Israel's God. . . . I am going to observe the old maxim-'He that fights and runs away, Lives to fight another day.'"

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

175 years ago today - Oct 18, 1837

Kirtland high council and quorum presidents, "after lengthy discussion concerning existing Evils, agreed that it was time to commence the work of reform" and agree to meet in a week to "commence pruning the vine of God in Kirtland. and thus continue the work evening after evening. until it shall be wisdom to stay the hands."

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

130 years ago today - Oct 17, 1882

Annie Gallifant Connelly, despite her pregnancy, is first Mormon woman sentenced to penitentiary for refusing to answer questions from grand jury seeking to indict her polygamous husband. For similar refusal, better-known Belle Harris is in penitentiary with her infnat child from May 18 - Aug. 31, 1883.

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

155 years ago today - Oct 17, 1857

John Aiken sees "the tracks of a large herd of cattle going up the Santa Clara, toward the Mormon settlements."

William Webb and eight men (including Honea) arrive at San Bernardino as advance party "of Captains Dukes and Turner's train." Daily Alta California publishes P's 14 October report from Angel's Camp.

[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]

40 years ago today - Oct 17, 1972

The Brazil North Central and the Brazil South Central Missions are organized.

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

170 years ago today - Oct 16, 1842

[Helen Mar Kimball] In a letter to husband Heber C. Kimball, Vilate Kimball writes about Heber's plural wife Sarah Noon,

"Our good friend S. [Sarah Noon] is as ever, and we are one. You said I must tell you all my feelings; but if I were to tell you that I sometimes felt tempted and tried and feel as though my burden was greater than I could bear, it would only be a source of sorrow to you, and the Lord knows that I do not wish to add one sorrow to your heart, for be assured my dear Heber, that I do not love you any less for what has transpired, neither do I believe that you do me; therefore I will keep my bad feelings to myself, as much as possible, and tell you the good. I can say with propriety that the most of my time I feel comfortable in my mind, and feel that I have much to be thankful for. I realize that the scenes we are called to pass through are calculated to wean us from the world, and prepare us for a better one...."

"I must leave room for Sister S. to write you a few lines."

Sarah Noon writes: "My very dear friend: Inasmuch as I have listened to your counsel hitherto I have been prospered, therefore I hope that I shall ever adhere to it strictly in future."

"Your kind letter was joyfully received. I never read it but I receive some comfort and feel strengthened, and thank you for it. You may depend upon my moving as soon as the house is ready. I feel anxious as I perceive my infirmities increasing daily. Your request with regard to Sister Kimball I will attend to. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to add to the happiness of my friends; I only wish that I had more ability to do so. I am very glad we are likely to see you soon, and pray that nothing may occur to disappoint us. When you request Vilate to meet you, perhaps you forget that I shall stand in jeopardy every hour, and would not her absent for worlds. My mind is fixed and I am rather particular, but still, for your comfort, I will submit."

"I am as ever"

[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]

Oct 16, 1882

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Recd a telegram from Apostle F. M. Lyman last evening telling me not to failing in Coming to Salt Lake today to attend a Council at 330 P.M. [He continues in giving an account of his ordination as an apostle by George Q. Cannon, in connection with the rest of the First Presidency, and in the presence of the Quorum of Twelve and First Council of Seventy. Part of the prayer of ordination given by George Q. Cannon to Heber J. Grant] We ordin [sic] thee to be a Prophet, a Seer, a Revelator, to have every key of authority connected with this holy Apostleship--it embodying all the power and all the authority that God ever vouchsafed to His children upon the earth ...

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

155 years ago today - Oct 16, 1857

[Brigham Young Sermon] In turning from this subject to little children, President Young said: When some people have little children born at 6 and 7 months from pregnancy and they live a few hours, then die, they bless them, name them etc. But I don't do it, for I think that such a spirit has not a fair chance, for I think that such a spirit will have a chance of occupying another tabernacle and develop itself. This is new doctrine, yet it looks consistent. What period of demarcation or age the spirit would take another body we were not informed. -- Salt Lake City [Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 5:109]

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

120 years ago today - Oct 16, 1892

[Lorenzo Brown diary, Oct. 16, 1892] Took Breakfast at the House & drove * through Leeds to Harrisburg to dinner then to St George before night. * For a few days looking around town then commenced work in the Temple. Wife has found a list of names to work for & I am assisting her. I find the ceremonies the same as ever & am informed that the ceremonies as revised & corrected [and] are used in Logan & Manti have not been altered one whit but [are] word for word & [are] the same [as] will be used in the Salt Lake [temple].

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

170 years ago today - Oct 15, 1842

In the 15 October Times and Season, Joseph wrote strongly against coveting other men's wives. As Editor, he republished an 1830 revelation in which it was revealed to him: Smith condemns coveting other men's wives . "And again: I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife." (Times and Seasons 3 [October 15,1842]: 944) However, according to LDS authors, by the fall of 1842 Joseph was married to Mary Elizabeth Rollins, wife of Adam Lightner (see John J. Stewart, Brigham Young and His Wives: And The True Story of Plural Marriage [Salt Lake City, Utah: Mercury Publishing Company, Inc., 1961], 89), and Zina Diantha Huntington, wife of Henry B. Jacobs (ibid., 92; see also Andrew Jenson, Ed., The Historical Record 6 [May 1887]: 233; and Times and Seasons 2 [April 1, 1841]: 374). Both women were living with their husbands at that time.

[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]

30 years ago today - Oct 15, 1982

First Presidency instruction to all stake and mission leaders that many letters from church members "indicate clearly that some local leaders have been delving into private, sensitive matters beyond the scope of what is appropriate.... Also, you should never inquire into personal, intimate matters involving marital relations between a man and his wife." Letter continues that even if a church member volunteers such intimate information, "you should not pursue the mater but should merely suggest that if the member has enough anxiety about the propriety of the conduct to ask about it, the best course would be to discontinue it." In response to widespread complaints from married couples being asked if they have oral sex, this returns First Presidency stance to what it was prior to presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, now incapacitated.

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

100 years ago today - Oct 15, 1912

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Reorganizes French Mission.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 14, 1882

Seymour B. Young is "ordained" president in First Council of Seventy. He is first general authority with post-graduate degree (from University Medical College of New Youk) and first M.D> to serve in Hierarchy. No other general authority had M.D> degree until appointements of Russell M. Nelson in 1984, Malcolm S. Jeppson in 1989, J. Ballard Washburn in 1990, James O. Mason in 1994, and Cecil O. Samuelson, Jr. in 1994.

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

60 years ago today - Tue Oct 14, 1952

[David O. McKay Office Journal] in Presidency meeting: We also considered a letter in which the question is asked regarding the attitude of the Church toward the new revised edition of the Bible. The decision was reached that we have taken no stand regarding the first revised edition, nor have we regarding the latest; they must stand on their merit, that we use the King James' translation.

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

50 years ago today - Oct 14, 1962

The first live telecast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (―The Spoken Word) debuts, reaching over 800 radio and television channels worldwide.

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

20 years ago today - Oct 13, 1992.

Avraham Gileadi teaches his regular Tuesday night class on the book of Isaiah, a class on-going since at least the spring of 1991 that has been attracting ever larger groups. Before the next class on 20 October, class members are notified by the director of the Hebraist Foundation, which sponsors Gileadi's research, that the classes are "postponed indefinitely" at the request of Gileadi's stake president, who has also instructed him not to lecture or write on scriptural topics. Gileadi obediently cancels the class and agrees to comply with the instructions not to write more, after completing two books now in progress.

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

95 years ago today - Oct 13, 1917

DESERET NEWS reports that "Bishop Robert McQuarrie has resigned from the bishopric of the Ogden Second ward after rendering efficient service as bishop for a period of 40 years." During Mormonism's first century, presiding officers have option to honorably resign for personal reasons such as family stres, business problems, ill health , or simply weariness of the position. It is customary to tell their congretation about leaders request to be released.

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

115 years ago today - Oct 13, 1897

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] "The meeting in the Temple began at 3 p.m. Bro[ther]s. Cowley and A. O. Woodruff spoke. There was much talk on the sayings of Pres[iden]t Young in regard to Adam."

[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Oct 13, 1892

At 2. p.m. W[ilford]. W[oodruff]. G[eorge] Q C[annon]. & J[oseph]. F. S[mith]. F[ranklin].

D. R[ichards]. F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. H[eber]. J. G[rant]. & A[braham] H Cannon were together for Counsel & prayer when a telegram from a friend in the East was read affirming that Amnesty would soon be extended to us in Utah, & that Pres[iden]t. Benjamin Harrison requested our prayers in his own behalf & for his sick wife who is very low of consumption.

In response to which Pres[iden]t. Woodruff prayed as desired & all present said Amen.

This A.M. a telegram came from Gen[eral] Clarkson and [Isaac] Trumbo in Washington [D.C.] asking for Mrs. [Benjamin F.] Harrison the prayers of the First Presidency of the Church. Also that amnesty will be issued this week. This message visibly affected Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruff.

The idea of the prayers of the Presidency of this Church being asked by President Harrison for his wife was something so unusual and in thought of that the President felt the hand of the Lord was in it. At 2 P.M. we met in the regular weekly council of the Presidency and Twelve. President Woodruff presiding, Pr[esident]s [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith also Bro[ther]s [Franklin D.]

Richards, [Francis M.] Lyman, H[eber]. J. Grant, and Abr[aha]m H. Cannon. President Woodruff prayed and very fervently too for Mrs. Harrison. ... Our anxiety about Wyoming was manifest and it was moved that I be sent to Evanston and Alma and Rock Springs [Wyoming] to get the Saints to sustain the Republican party as they did last year and be consistent. I suggested that either bro[ther]

Richards or Grant go as democrats would listen to them and not to me. The question was still under discussion when I came out of the meeting ...

[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]

120 years ago today - Oct 13, 1892

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] At 2pm WW, GQC, & JFS, FDR, FML, HJG & AH Cannon were together for counsel & prayers when a telegram from a friend in the East was read affirming that Amnesty would soon be extended to us in Utah & that Pres[iden]t Benjamin Harrison requested our prayers in his on behalf & for his sick wife who is very low of consumption. In response to which Pres[iden]t Woodruff prayed as desired & all present said amen.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 13, 1882

Revelation to John Taylor at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on 13 October 1882

Revelation given throught [through] President John Taylor, at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, October 13, 1882.

Thus saith the Lord to the Twelve, and to the Priesthood and people of my Church:

Let my servant[s] George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant be appointed to fill the vacancies in the Twelve, that you may be fully organized and prepared for the labors devolving upon you, for you have a great work to perform; and then proceed to fill up the presiding q[u]orum of the Seventies, and assist in organizing that body of my Priesthood who are your co-laborers in the ministry. You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up the vacancy in the presiding quorum of the Seventies, if he will conform to my law: for it is not meet that men who will not abide my law shall preside over my Priesthood; and then proceed forthwith and call to your aid any assistance that you may require from among the Seventies to assist you in your labors in introducing and maintaining the Gospel among the Lamanites through-out the land.

And then let High Priests be selected, under the direction of the First Presidency, to preside over the various organizations that shall exist, among this people; that those who receive the Gospel may be taught in the doctrines of my Church, and in the orginances [ordinances] and laws thereof, and also in the things pertaining to my Zion and my Kingdom, saith the Lord, that they may be one with you in my Church and my Kingdom.

Let the Presidency of my Church be one in all things; and let the Twelve also be one in all things; and let them all be one with me as I am one with the Father.

And let the High Priests organize themselves, and purify themselves, and prepare themselves for this labor, and for all other labors that they may be called upon to fulfill.

And let the Presidents of Stakes also purify themselves, and the priesthood and people of the Stakes over which they preside, and organize the Priesthood in their various Stakes according to my law, in all the various departments thereof, in the High Councils, in the Elders' Quorums, and in the Bishops' and their Councils; and in the Quorums of Priests, Teachers and Deacons, that every quorum may be fully organized according to the order of my Church; and, then let them inquire into the standing and fellowship of all that hold my holy Priesthood in their several Stakes; and if they find those that are unworthy, let them remove them, except they repent, for my Priesthood whom I have called and whom I have Sustained and honored, shall honor me and obey my laws, and the laws of my holy Priesthood, or they shall not be considered worthy to hold my Priesthood, saith the Lord.

And let my Priesthood humble themselves before me, and seek not their own will but my will; For if my Priesthood whom I have chosen and called and endowed with the Spirit and gifts of their several callings and with the powers thereof, do not acknowledge me I will not acknowledge them, saith the Lord; for I will be honored and obeyed by my Priesthood.

And, then, I call upon my Priesthood, and upon all my people to repent of all their sins and short comings, of their covetousness and pride and selfwill, and of all their iniquities wherein they sin against me; and to seek with all humility to fulfill my law, as my Priesthood, my Saints and my people.

And I call upon the heads of families to put their houses in order according to the law of God, and attend to the various duties and responsibilities associated therewith, and to purify themselves before me, and to purge out iniquity from their households.

And I will bless and be with you, saith the Lord; and ye shall gather together in your holy places wherein ye assemble to call upon me, and ye shall ask for such things as are right, and I will hear your prayers, and my Spirit and power shall be with you and my blessing shall rest upon you, upon your families, your dwellings and your households, upon your flocks and herds and fields, your orchards and vineyards, and upon all that pertains to you; and you shall be my people and I will be your God; and your enemies shall not have dominion over you, for I will preserve you and confound them, saith the Lord, and they shall not have power and dominion over you; for my word shall go forth and my work shall be accomplished, and my Zion shall be established, and my rule and my power, and my dominion shall prevail among my people, and all nations shall yet acknowledge me. Even so, Amen

(Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy)

[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]

150 years ago today - Oct 13, 1862

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13, 14, 15, 16 I spent this time in Making Molasses.

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

180 years ago today - Oct 13, 1832

Manhattan Island, New York. On a trip with Newel K. Whitney, Joseph Smith wrote to his wife, Emma Smith, describing his fascination with Manhattan Island.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 12, 1882

Abram hatch tells convention of church's People's Party: "If we join either [national] party let us be careful that we go with the party that is on top and that will be sure to stay there."

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

80 years ago today - Oct 12, 1932

Jake Garn, later a Utah member of the U.S. Senate (1974â€"92), is born in Richfield, Utah.

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

175 years ago today - Oct 12, 1837

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon arrive in Terre Haut Indiana [per Joseph Smith].

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

35 years ago today - Oct 11, 1977

[We]could see the auxiliaries running the Church as it were. . . . We had no Priesthood board but they had large and talented and powerful Mutual boards and Sunday school boards and Relief Society boards and Primary boards. And they scattered throughout the Church teaching their message, and they were talented people and taught so well that the auxiliaries of the Church were far more effective and powerful in the members' idea and view than the were the Priesthood quorums. . . . So I would say, to characterize the Church prior to Correlation, that the auxiliaries ran it and everything took second place to them.

[Source: David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, by Greg Prince, chapter 4 footnote 15. A. Theodore Tuttle interview, October 11, 1977]

50 years ago today - Oct 11, 1962

N. Eldon Tanner is ordained an Apostle, replacing George Q. Morris, who had passed away.

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

120 years ago today - Oct 11, 1892

This morning attended very interesting council W[ilford] W[oodruff], G[eorge] Q C[annon], J[oseph] F S[mith], M[oses] T[hatcher], B H Roberts, F[rancis] M Lyman, Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo]

Snow concerning the movements of brethren in politics Pres[iden]t G[eorge] Q Cannon narrated experience in his absence with National Central Committeemen &c.

At 10 A.M. met with the Presidency in the office, when Bro[ther] Moses Thatcher and brother [B. H.] Roberts came to find out what they should do in politics. They are to continue but very mildly. Apostles [Lorenzo] Snow, [Franklin D.] Richards, [John Henry] Smith and [Heber J.]

Grant were also present. It was a very pleasant meeting and the brethren had a good spirit.

[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]

125 years ago today - Oct 11, 1887

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At 10:30 attended a meeting of our quorum. Each of the brethren present subscribed $600 for State movement, I was greatly disappointed that some of them did not give more.

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

180 years ago today - Oct 11, 1832

Mormon Missionary Orson Hyde, after visiting a group he calls "Cochranites" describes them in his journal as having a "Wonderful lustful spirit, because they believe in a 'plurality of wives' which they call spiritual wives, knowing them not after the flesh but after the spirit, but by the appearance they know one another after the flesh."

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

40 years ago today - Oct 10, 1972

First Presidency letter: "We are concerned that adequate attention be given to members of the Church who do not speak the language of the majority where they live." It authorizes wards and branches to have priesthood and auxiliary classes taught in foreign languages, or organization of branches/wards for sufficient numbers of Mormons who speak foreign languages. This fulfills Apostle Spencer W. Kimball's ernest proposal to temple meeting on Jul 1, 1970.

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

50 years ago today - Oct 10, 1962

The Church purchased a shortwave radio station, WRUL, with a transmitter in Boston and studios in New York City. It was subsequently used to transmit Church broadcasts to Europe and South America.

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

70 years ago today - Oct 10, 1942

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] In one of my conversations with him [Joseph F. Smith, Patriarch] he told me that President Smith's widow, Mary T. Smith, mother of Dr. Silas Smith, told him that he had a conversation with her and that President Joseph F. Smith had told her that the Patriarch belonged in his line. I was very happy to have that information. It is a great satisfaction to me to know President Joseph F. Smith felt that the patriarchal line should go to his family instead of John Smith's line.

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

120 years ago today - Oct 10, 1892

[L. John Nuttall] I attended a meeting of the 1st Presidency, Twelve, Pres[idents] of Seventies, Presidents of Stakes. & Bishops at 10 am, at the [Salt Lake] Temple which had been prepared in the upper large room. ... Pres[iden]t Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon moved that the brethren present make every possible exertion themselves and among the people to raise the necessary funds to complete this Temple. .... It was represented that there are five large windows needed which will cost $1500.00 each. Bro[ther]s. John R Winder, M[oses] Thatcher, Geo[rge]

Romney, H[eber] J Grant & J[ohn] R Murdock agreed to each furnish 1 window. Pres[iden]t Jos[eph] F Smith moved that we accept the offer of these brethren. Sec[onded] & Car[rie]d. .... On motion a few of the brethren were requested to take the names and amounts which each one present felt to give to the completion of the Temple. $50,000.00 was subscribed at this meeting....

[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]

125 years ago today - Oct 10, 1887

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Since the Th I have kept pencil mems. from which to write up my journal, as I have not had time to attend to it each day on account of the many meetings I have had to attend. I find that in making up my record for the Th that I missed recording the following remarks of the brethren viz. Moses Thatcher, said that in as much as some of his aged brethren felt that he was too sensative [sic], he was willing to accept correction from any of them He said he would willingly consecrate all he possessed if he could be relieved from the great responsibility he was under on account of his calling as an Apostle, but he continued I do say however, that I distrust the methods of Geo Q. Cannon and I also know that the people have the same distrust. I have proven my trust in the work of God both with my means and my acts. I had the confidence of Brigham Young during his life and also the confidence of John Taylor until late years.

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

170 years ago today - Oct 10, 1842

Missionary (and later president) Lorenzo Snow delivers two ornamentally bound copies of the BOOK OF MORMON to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert through Sir Henry Wheatly. Queen Victoria probably never read, and may never have handled this presentation copy, but it has since resided in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.

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

30 years ago today - Oct 09, 1982

The First Presidency announces plans to build the first temple in a communist nation in Freiberg, Germany Democratic Republic (East Germany).

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

65 years ago today - Oct 9, 1947

[Black History] [Decision to begin allowing blacks to receive patriarchal blessings]

Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from Evan A. Borrowman, a stake missionary in the Los Angeles stake, asking questions regarding the Church's attitude toward the negro. Attention was also called to correspondence with O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, asking that missionaries be sent to the people of that land. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith called attention to the report of the Council of the Twelve under the date of April 23, 1940, reporting on an assignment given by this Council regarding permitting a person to receive the Priesthood who has any degree of negro blood, at which time it was the recommendation of the Twelve that the ruling of the past being that a person with the slightest degree of negro blood cannot receive the Priesthood.

President [J. Reuben] Clark called attention to the sentiment among many people in this country to the point that we should break down all racial lines, as a result of which sentiment negro people have acquired an assertiveness that they become impudent. President Clark again repeated what he had previously said on a number of occasions that in South America, and particularly Brazil, we are entering into a situation in doing missionary work among these people where it is very difficult if not impossible to tell who has negro blood and who has not. He said that if we are baptizing Brazilians we are almost certainly baptizing people of negro blood, and that if the Priesthood is conferred upon them, which no doubt is, we are facing a very serious problem. President Clark said that his heart bleeds for the negroes, that he had had them in his home and some of them were very fine people, that he felt we should give them every right and blessing to which they are entitled.

He said he was wondering whether we could not work out a plan whereby, while not conferring the Priesthood as such upon them, we could give them opportunity to participate in the work certainly of the Aaronic Priesthood grades.

In connection with this discussion Brother [Joseph] Anderson, at the request of the First Presidency, read to the Council ex[c]erpts from minutes of the Council meeting held May 28, 1879 and June 4, 1879, in which this matter of ordaining to the priesthood brethren with colored blood in their veins was discussed at considerable length and which minutes give among other things [a] copy of a blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith Sr. upon Elijah Abel, a negro.

The suggestion was made that a compilation be made for the Brethren of the Council of all material that can be brought together upon this subject. Elder Stephen L Richards moved that this material be prepared under the direction of the First Presidency in any way they may see fit. Motion seconded and unanimously approved.

It was decided to postpone answer to the letter from Brother Borrowman and also to correspondence from O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, until the material regarding the negro question has been assembled and the Brethren have had an opportunity to look it over and digest it.

President George F. Richards presented to the Council a question as to whether or not there would be any objection to a Brother Hope and his family (negroes), faithful members of the Church who live in Cincin[n]ati, receiving patriarchal blessing. On motion, duly seconded, it was the decision of the Council that negroes who are faithful members of the Church are entitled to patriarchal blessings.

(Adam S. Bennion Papers)

[Source: 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]

125 years ago today - Sunday, Oct 9, 1887

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... President W. Woodruff attended meeting for the first time in three years. The Saints were pleased to see him. He spoke a few words.

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

140 years ago today - Oct 9, 1872

Brigham Young and his counselors are each sustained as "Prophet, Seer and Revelator." This is first conference since 1859 which sustains anyone with that title. Quorum of Twelve Apostles are not presented in this manner at this conference, and from Apr 8, 1873 until his death Young is only church officer sustained by conferences as "Prophet, Seer and Revelator."

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

70 years ago today - Oct 8, 1942 - 6 October 1946

[Change in Presiding Church Patriarch Office] Joseph Fielding Smith^[9]

Great-grandson of Hyrum Smith; not a descendant of previous Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith; released by President George Albert Smith amid reports of homosexual activity. Restored to "priesthood status" in 1957.

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

95 years ago today - Oct 8, 1917

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At ten attended special Priesthood meeting in the Assembly Hall. President Smith referred to the fact that there were men still preaching that plural marriages could be solemnized. He branded this kind of teaching simply infamous, and said that the statement was absolutely false; that it puts the authorities of the Church in a false light before the world. He suggested to the bishops that they let Brother Cowley alone and not call on him to preach when he happens to visit their wards. He spoke nearly a half hour. ...



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

100 years ago today - Oct 8, 1912; Tuesday

The following is a report of a special meeting held at the President's Office this afternoon:

A meeting was held this afternoon in the President's Office, for the purpose of considering the situation of our Mexican Refugees, at which there were present the First Presidency, Pres[iden]t. Lyman, Bro[ther]s. Heber J. Grant, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr., James E. Talmage, also Bishops Charles W. Nibley and Orrin P. Miller and Pres[iden]t. Joseph E. Robinson of the California Mission. The Mexican brethren were Pres[iden]t. Junius Romney, Bishop Allen D. Thurber of Dublan, Bishop Joseph C. Bentley of Juarez and his counselor Thomas Romney.

Pres[iden]t. Romney and Bishops Bentley and Thurber made extended remarks, going over the situation from their points of view.

On the suggestion of President Smith a committee was appointed consisting of Elder A[nthony]. W. Ivins, Bishop Nibley and Pres[iden]t. Romney, who were asked to put into condensed form what we would like to publish as instructions to the committee in charge at El Paso [Texas] and our refugee brethren generally in the way of advice and counsel. This became the sense of the meeting and was voted on unanimously.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 8, 1882

Elder Erastus Snow testified that Joseph Smith was the sixth angel spoken of in the Revelations; It was so revealed in the Kirtland [Ohio] Temple.

Noon council of 12-nominated A[braham]. H. Cannon & T[heodore]. B. Lewis Pres[iden]ts 70s.

[Source: Minutes; Franklin D. Richards, Diary]

130 years ago today - Oct 8, 1882

Theodore B. Lewis is first Civil War soldier and former prisoner to be sustained as general authority, and he is also only Confederate Army veteran appointed. Despite being publicly sustained as new member of First Council of Seventy, Lewis's appointment is cancelled next day when First Presidency learns he is also a high priest.

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

130 years ago today - Sun. Oct. 8th 1882

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] In conf. mtg. he is called up to stand and was selected to fill one of the vacancies in the "Quorum of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies." "I was chosen in Bro. Joseph Young's place and Bro. Lewis for John Hancock, both deceased. I was never more surprised in my life, as I had received no intimations of this appointment."

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

40 years ago today - Oct 7, 1972

CHURCH NEWS announcement of twelve "fellowship lessons" for new converts.

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

115 years ago today - Oct 7, 1897

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [7 Oct. 1897] "The afternoon was spent in the Temple setting apart the new apostles. It was a glorious time. The charges of the First Presidency were clear and to the point." [p. 40]

[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

105 years ago today - Oct 7, 1907

[Anthony W. Ivins] As I wrote the exercises of the Conference Yesterdsy [October 6, 1907], I wrote the names of the Presidency as they were presented by Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith. He then presented the name of F[rancis]. M. Lyman as president of the Quorum of Apostles & then to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Geo[rge]. Teasdale presented my name. I was so overcome that I could not write. Immediately after Conference adjourned I went with the Presidency & quorum of Apostles to the President’s office and after instructing me in regard to my duties as a member of the quorum, the Presidency and Twelve laid their hands on me and Pres[ident]. Smith ordained me a member of the quorum. In the P.M. I attended the S[unday]. S[chool] Conference and this A.M. have been in attendance at Special Priesthood Meeting.

[Source: Anthony W. Ivins, Diary]

135 years ago today - Oct 7, 1877

John Taylor: Elected director of ZCMI 7 October 1877.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

150 years ago today - Oct 7, 1862 (Afternoon, Conference)

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young observed that with regard to the poor he would say if there was any man that would take his property, which consisted of mills, houses and lands, and give him one half of what it was worth he would donate every farthing of it towards the gathering of the poor. Some might say that he was perfectly safe in making such an offer, for there was nobody able to buy his property, but he knew and contended that the Lord was just as capable of raising up a man to do it, as he was to give him the property. Some of the Elders are anxious to go on missions, but it never enters their hears to think that they are called upon to gather the poor, and help to build up Zion....

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

170 years ago today - 7 October 1842, Friday

[William Clayton Writings] On the 7th of October, 1842, in the presence of Bishop Newel K. Whitney and his wife Elizabeth Ann, President Joseph Smith appointed me Temple Recorder, and also his private clerk, placing all records, books, papers, etc., in my care, and requiring me to take charge of and preserve them, his closing words being, ``When I have any revelations to write, you are the one to write them.''

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

170 years ago today - Oct. 7-20, 1842

[Joseph Smith] Joseph is again in hiding, coming to see Emma when possible, sneaking in and out after dark. Emma is very ill at this time, and at one point he fears she might die.

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

40 years ago today - Oct 6, 1972

[Harold B. Lee] Sustained as President of the Church in a solemn assembly.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah]

100 years ago today - Oct 6, 1912; Sunday

His [i.e., Charles W. Penrose's] remarks were in answer to those made by bro[ther]. B. H. Roberts yesterday, and they were a complete refutation of his statements and a vindication of the stand the Church occupies. I don't know that I ever heard a man receive such a call down as did bro[ther] Roberts and those brethren who have been carried away by the foolish [Theodore] Roosevelt sentiment that is weeping over the country, which if followed out would lead to a final disruption of the Constitution. ...

The speakers [in the afternoon session] were Elders Geo[rge] A Smith, Jos[eph]. F[ielding]. Smith Jr and James E. Talmage the latter delivering one of his characteristic sermons in which he also answers bro[ther] Roberts.

[Source: Thomas A. Clawson, Diary]

105 years ago today - Oct 6, 1907; Sunday

[During general conference] Pres[ident]. Joseph F. Smith presented the General Authorities of the Church. "It is proposed that Joseph F. Smith be sustained as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and President of the Church; all in favor, please signify it". Everybody, it seemed voted.

"Those opposed, signify it in the same manner." At this moment, a man sitting about 12 benches from the front, arose and said, "You cannot be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, while you are breaking the laws of the land".

Pres[ident]. Smith said, "Sit down".

He continued to say something which I could not understand, and Pres[ident]. Smith beign interrupted in the presentation of the authorities, said--

"Take care of that man."

Three brethren, Bro[ther]. Thomas Dobson, Bro[ther]. James Smith, and Bro[other]. Salmon walked down to the man, and quietly escorted him out. He cried out something several times as he was going out, but I could not understand him. The meeting passed on without further interruption.

[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]

130 years ago today - Oct 6, 1882

President Taylor again refuses to accept Twelve's nomination for two men as apostles, with result that another confrence passes without filling vacancies.

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

130 years ago today - Friday, Oct 6, 1882

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

[general conference]

7 p.m. Prests. John Taylor and George Q. Cannon were the speakers and they both held the doctrine of explicite obedience by the Latter-day saints in spiritual and temporal matters. I don't quite agree.

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

135 years ago today - Oct 6, 1877

For first time, conference sustains John Taylor as president of Quorum of Twelve Apostles, office not presented for vote since release of Orson Hyde. Conference also sustains Twelve as "Prophet, Seers and Revelators" for first time in 41 years. John Taylor is sustained as Trustee-in-Trust with rest of Twelve as "Counselors."

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

145 years ago today - Oct 6, 1867

First conference in "new" Salt Lake Tabernacle.

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

40 years ago today - Oct 5, 1972

[Harold B. Lee] Worldwide welfare services program announced.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah]

105 years ago today - Oct 05, 1907

Because of concerns that his first baptism (which took place in the family bathtub) might not have been performed appropriately, Spencer W. Kimball is baptized a second time, this time in the Union Canal in Thatcher, Arizona. (He is twelve years and six months old.)

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

115 years ago today - Oct 5, 1897; Tuesday

I had expected to be sustained as an assistant historian; but was disappointed, though Bro[ther]. Franklin D. Richards and Pres[iden]t. Joseph F. Smith had advocated it. It seemed to be Geo[rge]. Q. cannon who interposed.

[Source: Andrew Jenson, Diary]

125 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 5, 1887

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

... Bro. G. Q. Cannon said he felt that some of the brethren held ill feelings against him and desir[ed] that each should express himself so he might make any amends that was required.

Bros. L[orenzo] Snow, E[rastus] Snow, F[ranklin] D. Richards, B[righam] Young [Jr.], J[oseph] F. Smith and W[ilford] Woodruff said they had nothing. J[ohn] W. Taylor was a little mixed. M[oses] Thatcher, F[ransis] M. Lyman, H[eber] J. Grant and myself wanted some explanation from Bro. Cannon. He went to and tried to clear up all points and said he was willing to try to do anything the brethren wished. They all talked very free. We were together until 2 o'clock and not being quite clear adjourned to meet at 7 p.m. tomorrow evening....

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

125 years ago today - Oct 5, 1887

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Met with Quorum at 10 a.m. which necessitated our being at the rendevous before daylight. I find the brethren are not united, but I am quite sure that they will soon see their error & become one Meeting lasted from 10 a.m. ti[ll] 2 a.m. next morning. We were all worn out & yet entire peace did not perch upon our hearts.

[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

155 years ago today - Oct 5, 1857

[Deseret] Lot Smith leads the Nauvoo Legion on a guerrilla-style attack on the provision wagons of the U.S. Army. Fifty-two wagons belonging to outfitters Russell, Majors and Waddell are burned. The government never reimburses the outfitters and in 1860 they form the Pony Express to earn a government mail contract to keep them from falling into bankruptcy.

[Source: Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]

170 years ago today - Oct 5, 1842

Joseph Smith Diary, "Sister E[mma]. is worse, many fears are entertained that she will not recover. She was baptised twice in the river which evidently did her much good."

[Source: Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]

15 years ago today - Oct 4, 1997

It was announced in general conference by President Hinckley that the Church would construct temples in remote areas of the Church that have small LDS populations. The first were to be built in Anchorage, Alaska; in the LDS colonies of northern Mexico; and in Monticello, Utah.

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

70 years ago today - Oct 4, 1942

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] [Apparently the General Authorities administered and passed the sacrament to a congregation in the Tabernacle in the afternoon, after which they divided into groups for testimony bearing, and Grant began with his testimony of his calling to the Apostleship, in which he said in part:] I have never prayed to see the Savior, I know of men--Apostles--who have seen the Savior more than once. I have prayed to the Lord for the inspiration of His Spirit to guide me, and I have told him that I have seen so many men fall because of some great manifestation to them, they felt their importance, their greatness.

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

120 years ago today - Oct 4, 1892

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [At meeting of Apostles & First Presidency] Prest Woodruff said he would like to make a few remarks. Said it was the Kingdom of God or nothing with him. Did not care for any political party. I am for the Kingdom of God so also are my brethren of the Presidency and the Apostles. If we are united earth or hell cannot overthrow us, and we will prevail and the warfare against us shall not prevail. Believe I shall live to be with you at the dedication of the Temple. God bless you my brethren.



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

120 years ago today - Oct 4, 1892

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] We ate and drank the sac. of the Lord's supper with bread and Utah Wine. -- much promise errons(?) conversation about Union Politics 3r. JFS [Joseph Fielding Smith] spoke lengthily in review of our political views & efforts He highly appreciated my remarks on Union & blessed me cordially.

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

155 years ago today - Oct 4, 1857

Apostle Erastus Snow preaches, -Do you uphold your husband before God as your lord? -What! -my husband to be my lord?- I ask, Can you get into the celestial kingdom without him? Have any of you been there? You will remember that you never got into the celestial kingdom without the aid of your husband. If you did, it was because your husband was away, and some one had to act proxy for him. No woman will get into the celestial kingdom, except her husband receives her, if she is worthy to have a husband; and if not, somebody will receive her as a servant.-

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

175 years ago today - Oct 4, 1837

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4th I Spent the day in Bath and attended the Baptist convention...

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

20 years ago today - 3-Oct 4, 1992.

Although not identifying specific issues, several general conference talks seem targeted at specific audiences. Possibly in response to right-wing survivalists, Elder M. Russell Ballard warns, "We must be careful not to . . . be caught up in extreme preparations" for the end of the world. President Gordon B. Hinckley, perhaps responding to right-wing beliefs of a "silenced" prophet,116 explains the "unique and tremendous system of redundancy and backup which the Lord has structured into His kingdom so that without interruption it may go forward, meeting any emergency that might arise and handling every contingency. . . . We have moved without hesitation when there is well-established policy. Where there is not . . . we have talked with the President and received his approval before taking action. Let it never be said that there has been any disposition to assume authority or to do anything or say anything which might be at variance with the wishes of him who has been put in his place by the Lord." Elder Boyd K. Packer adds: "There are some among us now who have not been regularly ordained by the heads of the Church who tell of impending political and economic chaos, the end of the world . . . . They are misleading members to gather to colonies or cults. Those deceivers say that the Brethren do not know what is going on in the world or that the Brethren approve of their teaching but do not wish to speak of it over the pulpit. Neither is true." Remarks possibly directed against intellectuals are made by Elders Russell M. Nelson ("Paul's warnings describe apostasy and other dangers of our day. Some of those perils are . . . championed by persuasive people possessing more ability than morality, more knowledge than wisdom. . . . Individuals with malignity of purpose often wear the mask of honesty"), Joseph B. Wirthlin ("Some in the Church may believe sincerely that their testimony is a raging bonfire when it really is little more than the faint flickering of a candle. Their faithfulness has more to do with habit than holiness, and their pursuit of personal righteousness almost always takes a back seat to their pursuit of personal interests and pleasure"), and Neal A. Maxwell (". . . some who cast off on intellectual and behavioral bungee cords in search of new sensations, only to be jerked about by the old heresies and the old sins"). Elder Packer also includes in his remarks a warning to faculty members at BYU protesting strictures on academic freedom: "A Church university is not established to provide employment for a faculty, and the personal scholarly research [sic] is not a dominant reason for funding a university. . . . For those very few whose focus is secular and who feel restrained as students or as teachers in such an environment, there are at present in the United States and Canada alone over 3,500 colleges and universities where they may find the kind of freedom they value."

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

30 years ago today - Oct 3, 1982

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve and a member of the Scriptures Publication Committee announced that a subtitle was being added to the Book of Mormon: "Another Testament of Jesus Christ."

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

70 years ago today - Oct 3, 1942

LDS President Heber J. Grant states in General Conference: "On Oct 3, 1942, LDS President Heber J. Grant, said in general conference: "I had always understood and known that my mother was sealed to the Prophet, and that Brigham Young had told my father that he would not marry my mother to him for eternity, because he had instructions from the Prophet that if anything happened to him before he was married to Rachel Ivins she must be sealed to him for eternity, that she belonged to him."

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

130 years ago today - Tuesday, Oct 3, 1882

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] President John Taylor gave us his views on the duties of the first Presidency and the duties of the Twelve and showed by statistics that it was the prerogative of the president of the church to select candidates for the apostleship, and the Council of the apostles to confirm. I beleive it is the twelve's right to confirm or reject.

I do not beleive in the doctrine that the president of the Church should select all candidates for civil office.

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

135 years ago today - Oct 3, 1877

[Franklin D. Richards] Counsellor D[aniel]. H. Wells gave us one of his "once again" speeches about Joseph F. Smith.

... O[rson]. Pratt spoke of his position & change of position in the Quorum & declared himself satisfied.

Council Elected Elder John Taylor Trustee in Trust with Twelve & 2 Counsellors & B[isho]p Edward Hunter his counsellors.

[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]

135 years ago today - Oct 3, 1877

In meeting of Twelve with Brigham Young's former counselors, Daniel H. Wells proposes that junior apostle Joseph F. Smith should become church president. Wells denies that Young ever intended for John Taylor to succeed him as church president. First time general authority proposes ending automatic succession of senior apostle. In 1880 Wells and Apostle Orson Pratt again urge this. In 1887 Apostle Heber J. Grant wants lower-ranked apostle Joseph F. Smith to become church president instead of Wilford Woodruff or four other senior apostles.

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

55 years ago today - Wed Oct 2, 1957

[David O. McKay Office Journal] Last evening, October 1, 1957, Elder Ezra Taft Benson called me by telephone at my home and asked whether or not he should accept a government appointment to go to Rome, Italy. The American Ambassador to Italy there would like to arrange a conference for him with the Pope. I told Brother Benson that I would talk with my counselors this morning and then let him know. Telephone conversation with Elder Ezra Taft Benson, Wednesday, October 2, 1957.

President McKay: Regarding the matter we were discussing yesterday, we are all united in the feeling that if you can in honor, without embarrassment, avoid that conference it would be well for you to do it. Brother Benson: All right. I think I can. President McKay: Was it the Ambassador? Brother Benson: The American Ambassador to Italy. President McKay: Yes, I see. Brother Benson: He is the one who has proposed it. But I think I can avoid it, President McKay, because I am going to be in Rome for a very short time. I have to make an important address for a World Agricultural Congress, and I think the shortness of my stay can probably be used as a reason for not doing so. President McKay: We have in mind particularly the effect upon our own people. Brother Benson: Yes. That is the thing the concerned me, too. President McKay: And the dignity that you would have to give to such a conference. Brother Benson: Yes, that is right. President McKay: And really they have everything to gain and nothing to lose, and we have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Brother Benson: I am in full harmony with that feeling. President McKay: Well that is good. We are glad of that. We all feel that it would be pretty embarrassing to you, and we are helping you out of what might prove to be a conference that will reflect upon our Church. Brother Benson: Well, I think it could be embarrassing both to me and to the Church.

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

70 years ago today - Oct 2, 1942

While attending general conference Eldred G. Smith is handed a note from President Heber J. Grant asking him to go immediately to the president's office. President Grant advised Eldred that he was calling Joseph F. Smith II to the office of Patriarch the next day instead of Eldred who, as eldest son of the previous Church Patriarch, Hyrum G. Smith, was the traditional candidate for this hereditary office. Joseph F. Smith II is ordained patriarch but is removed after only four years in office when it is found that he has been involved in homosexual relationships. Eldred G. Smith is ordained Patriarch of the church on Apr 10, 1947.

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

95 years ago today - Oct 2, 1917

The Church Administration Building at 47 E. South Temple was completed.

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

140 years ago today - Oct 2, 1872

Brigham Young is arrested on an unlawful cohabitation charge. This was the first major arrest in a campaign to bring plural marriage to an end by arresting Mormon leaders. The case against Young is subsequently dropped.

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

170 years ago today - 1842 2 Oct.

Missouri's governor Thomas Reynolds offers a $300 bounty for returning Joseph Smith to Missouri. Illinois's governor adds a $200 bounty.

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

185 years ago today - about fall 1827

[Joseph Smith] According to Tucker , Smith approaches Willard Chase, a carpenter, and asks him to make him a strong chest to hold the golden plates. In lieu of payment, Smith offers to give Chase a share in the profits generated by the plates.

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

170 years ago today - Oct 1, 1842

Amid accusations of diversion of temple materials to private use Joseph Smith, Trustee-in-trust, tells the Temple Committee: "Some reports had been circulated that the committee was not making a righteous disposition of property consecrated for the building of the Temple, and there appeared to be some dissatisfaction amongst the laborers. After carefully examining the accounts and inquiring into the manner of the proceedings of the committee, I expressed myself perfectly satisfied with them and their works. The books were balanced between the trustee and the committee, and the wages all agreed upon. I said-I was amenable to the state as trustee-in-trust, and that the Temple committee were accountable to me, and to no other authority; and they must not take notice of any complaints from any source, but let the complaints be made to me, if any were needed, and I would make things right."

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

5 years ago today - 10/1/2007

[Same-Sex Marriage] ProtectMarriage.com sends letter to CA Attorney General's Initiative Coordinator asking the office prepare a title and summary for a proposed initiative and directing all correspondence to Andrew J Pugno. Initiative called, "California Marriage Protection Act" Signed by Dennis Hollingsworth, Gail J. Knight, Martin F. Gutierrez, Hak-Shing William Tam, Mark A. Jansson Signatures to get the proposition on the ballot are due April 28, 2008

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

25 years ago today - Oct 01, 1987

[U.S. Religious History] Pat Robertson announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for president.

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

40 years ago today - Sep 30, 1972

During first visit of current LDS president to Jerusalem, Harold B. Lee conducts sacrament meeting in Garden Tomb, and by "inspiration of the moment" organizes branch with David B. Galbraith as president. He "shocked" new branch presidency by denying their request to have branch's worship services on Jewish Sabbath. Months later, Lee relents and authorizes LDS branch in Jerusalem to worship on Saturday.

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