Joseph Smith prophecies "the entire overthrow of this nation in a few years."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Apr 13, 1894
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Richard W. Young had taken charge of general management of Salt Lake Herald financial and editorial
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Apr 13, 1834
Joseph is sick and unable to attend his Sunday meetings.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
Apr 12, 1984
Russell M. Nelson is ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, replacing LeGrand Richards, who had passed away.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
Apr 12, 1899; Wednesday
Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office. Among the callers of the day was Elder B. H. Roberts, who conversed with President Snow upon the prospect of his getting his seat in Congress. The President remarked during the conversation that it was not clear to him whether Brother Roberts would or would not secure his seat, but it was clear to him that the purpose of the Lord would be accomplished through his trying to get it.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Apr 12, 1894
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Pres[iden]t Geo[rge] Q. Cannon said that he felt that there had been three agencies in the past which had done us as a people more harm than it was possible to estimate and that these were the Tribune, the Hotels and the Transfer business in connection with the Livery business and he felt very strongly that the Grant Bros. Co. should not be allowed to fail (in a war with other company?) Felt an assurance that the financial storm that was now passing over the people would pass away and that there was good times coming to us in financial matters. He was very hopeful and thought that if we would have faith in the Lord that He would open our way financially.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Apr 12, 1874
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young showed very clearly that it was not a personal speculation; that himself with the rest would put in all he possessed for the accomplishment of the work he was engaged in, and it would all become common stock. The intention is to elevate the poor, and make them comfortable and happy as well as the rich. He wanted no poor in our midst, nor would there be any when the Order got fully established.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Apr 12, 1834
[Joseph Smith Diary] Saterday, 12th Went to the lake [Lake Erie] and spent the day in fishing and visiting the brethren in that place.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
40 years ago today - Apr 11, 1974
L. Tom Perry is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
85 years ago today - Apr 11, 1929
[Apostle Richard R. Lyman] Two weeks ago tonight[,] Th[ursday][,] M[ar]ch 28, 1929[,] I met with my prayer circle for the last time * and disbanded it. The [first] presidency & the Council of the Twelve decided March 28th that only official prayer circles be continued * that is[,] circles which have other business to do as for example [the] high council * & our weekly councils meeting. It is nearly 33 y[ea]rs since Francis M. Lyman invited me into the circle. President [Heber J.] Grant presided over it after the death of F[rancis] M. L[yman] until he became president of the church * since then I have been its president. While I feel relieved[,] I hated to say good bye to those fine brethren. I have been associated with them so long. We all said good bye & God bless you * but not without shedding some tears.
[Source: Richard R. Lyman diary, Apr. 11, 1929, Perry Special Collections; emphasis in original as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Richard R. Lyman diary, Apr. 11, 1929, Perry Special Collections; emphasis in original as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
110 years ago today - Apr 11, 1904; Monday
Some time ago Sister Zina Y. Card presented to the late President [Wilford] Woodruff the sacred relic, the arrow head of flint, in a buckskin case, which arrow head is referred to in the history of the Prophet Joseph Smith as having been taken from the remains of the white Indian Zelph, and which was the cause of his death. This arrow head was among the personal belongings of the late President Brigham Young, which were sold to members of his family, and Sister Zina purchased this relic, and presented it to President Woodruff. After President Woodruff's death it was among his personal property, and Sister Zina, who had intended it for the President of the church, had obtained it form President Woodruff, and now presented it to Pres[iden]t. [Joseph F.] Smith as President of the Church, to become one of the sacred relics of the Church. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
110 years ago today - Apr 11, 1904; Monday
[Angus M. Cannon diary] I met the Presidency in company of F[ranklin]. S. Richards, and talked over the course I should p[e]rsue, when questioned by men in Washington [D.C. at the Smoot Hearings]. I was advised to listen to the attorneys, that the Church might not be brought in trouble, through my obstancy. I obtained a blessing under the hands of the Presidency.
[Source: Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
[Source: Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
120 years ago today - Apr 11, 1894
Apostle John Henry Smith writes in his journal, "Brigham Young [Jr.], George Teasdale and myself met with Prest. W. Woodruff, Geo. Q. Cannon and Jos. F. Smith and reported our labors in Mexico. The Mexican mission is a permanent one. Our people are to become citizens. Lands are to be deeded to the people. I am to go to Mexico."
A major reason for the "Mexican mission" was to have a place to continue polygamy without violating U.S. law.
A major reason for the "Mexican mission" was to have a place to continue polygamy without violating U.S. law.
165 years ago today - Apr 11, 1849
... O. P. Rockwells blessing [was given with] /Pres[iden]t/ H. C K[imball] [as the] moutn [mouth. He] said bro. P., we la[y] o[u]r hands on thee in [the name of] J[esus] C[hrist] of N[azareth] & [with the] H[oly] P[riesthood] in us asking H[eavenly] F[ather] in [the] name of [his] Son, J[esus] C[hrist], to 239 look on thy shortc[omin]g[s]., forgive [thy] sins & improprieties, [and] give Council to [thy] comp[anio]ns. [that they] will & enjoy Holy Sp[irit]. [And may] darkness leave [yo]ur eyes [blank] walk in humility & walk in riteousness [blank] to do most good [and] be blessed. [T]hyp[eo]pl[e]'- we la[y] [our] hands on P/orter /[?]/ lived /[?]/ [and we] ded[icate] & conse[cra]te him to thee in [ou]r G. C. & seal [upon thee] life & health. [May you be] filled with wisaidom & Co'-& [be a] bless[in]g. to bro A,'-& stand by him at all times & [in all] circ[umstanc]es & understand all things. [May he] escape [the] hands of his enemies & [that] they have no power over him,'-but [may] thy serv[an]t. triumph over them. & perform his duties & ret[ur]n. in safety. [T]hou shalt go in peace & prosper[ity] & ret[ur]n. ag[ai]n. & if thy enemies lift their weapons /ag[ain]st. thee they/ shall not prevail. [T]hou shalt escape by the /power of the/ L[ord]. thy God. [G]o by faith & [the] Sp[irit] of God shall rest on thee & [thou shalt] accomplish thy desires. [T]hou shalt do ri[gh]t. & [be] insp[ire]d. by this bless[in]g. [And may this] seal[in]g. [bear] thee up to. Et[erna]l. life & all glory& honor will [we] give to the Fat[he]r. in the N[ame] of his Son, J[esus]. C[hrist]. even so. Amen. ...
[Source: Blessing to Orrin Porter Rockwell as recorded in the as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Blessing to Orrin Porter Rockwell as recorded in the as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
170 years ago today - Apr 11, 1844
Smith becomes Mormonism's theocratic king. The kingdom's clerk William Clayton wrote that during the 11 April 1844 meeting "was prest. Joseph chosen as our Prophet, Priest and King by Hosannas."
William Marks, who was present at the coronation, later stated that the Council of Fifty performed an ordinance "in which Joseph suffered himself to be ordained a king, to reign over the house of Israel forever."
A later revelation to the Council of Fifty affirmed that God called Smith "to be a Prophet, Seer and Revelator to my Church and Kingdom; and to be a King and Ruler over Israel."
In detailed minutes of this same ceremony years later, the Council of Fifty's standing chairman, John Taylor, was "anointed & set apart as a King, Priest and Ruler over Israel on the Earth."
In a veiled reference to Smith's kingship, Apostles Lyman Wight and Heber C. Kimball wrote in 1844 that "you are already President Pro tem of the world." Smith is anointed and ordained "King, Priest and Ruler over Israel on Earth" . PLACE: Council of Fifty Meeting in Masonic Hall, Nauvoo, IL
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, p.124 as referenced in "Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline," http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
William Marks, who was present at the coronation, later stated that the Council of Fifty performed an ordinance "in which Joseph suffered himself to be ordained a king, to reign over the house of Israel forever."
A later revelation to the Council of Fifty affirmed that God called Smith "to be a Prophet, Seer and Revelator to my Church and Kingdom; and to be a King and Ruler over Israel."
In detailed minutes of this same ceremony years later, the Council of Fifty's standing chairman, John Taylor, was "anointed & set apart as a King, Priest and Ruler over Israel on the Earth."
In a veiled reference to Smith's kingship, Apostles Lyman Wight and Heber C. Kimball wrote in 1844 that "you are already President Pro tem of the world." Smith is anointed and ordained "King, Priest and Ruler over Israel on Earth" . PLACE: Council of Fifty Meeting in Masonic Hall, Nauvoo, IL
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, p.124 as referenced in "Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline," http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
175 years ago today - Apr 11, 1839
Gallatin, Missouri. During the night, Joseph Smith saw in a vision a means of escape from his own unjust imprisonment and that Brother Stephen Markham, a witness for the defense, must flee for his life.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
175 years ago today - Apr 11, 1839
[Joseph Smith] In Gallatin, indicted by grand jury for treason and other charges but granted change of venue.
[Source: Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839, http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Smith-Papers-Journals-1832-1839/dp/1570088497]
[Source: Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839, http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Smith-Papers-Journals-1832-1839/dp/1570088497]
10 years ago today - Apr 10, 2004
Despite a directive from Mormon leaders to stop the practice...
A New York Jewish organization was so outraged that it asked U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton to intervene, prompting a meeting in early March between the former first lady and Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, an LDS church member, The Associated Press has learned.
However, Ernest Michel, chairman of the New York-based World Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, said he asked Clinton to intervene to force the LDS Church to abide by a 1995 agreement to stop the posthumous baptisms.
[Source: "Sen. Clinton joins effort to end Mormon baptism of Holocaust victims," Mark Thiessen, The Associated Press as quoted in A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
A New York Jewish organization was so outraged that it asked U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton to intervene, prompting a meeting in early March between the former first lady and Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, an LDS church member, The Associated Press has learned.
However, Ernest Michel, chairman of the New York-based World Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, said he asked Clinton to intervene to force the LDS Church to abide by a 1995 agreement to stop the posthumous baptisms.
[Source: "Sen. Clinton joins effort to end Mormon baptism of Holocaust victims," Mark Thiessen, The Associated Press as quoted in A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
115 years ago today - Apr 10, 1899
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Salt Lake City. I attended Priesthood Meeting at 10 a. m. which adjourned at 12 noon, and I am aimlessly around this town doing but little business.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Apr 10, 1844
[Nauvoo Neighbor] Editorial -- Speaks of Joseph Smith's platform concerning a National Bank
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
180 years ago today - Apr 10, 1834
[Joseph Smith] The Missouri Saints send a petition to the president of the United States with 114 signatures asking redress for the Jackson County expulsion. Between January 9 and May 15, 1834, the Saints send literally dozens of petitions and letters to various U. S. government officials (in accordance with D&C 101:79-90).
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Apr 10, 1834 (Thursday)
The United Order at Kirtland was dissolved.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
110 years ago today - Apr 9, 1904; Saturday
[Joseph F. Smith] I have only just received word from Elder [John W.] Taylor whose letter was written in Canada Mar[ch]. 16th but did not reach me until the 7th inst. His letter will speak for itself and I will forward it to you by this mail together with a letter received from Elder [Matthias F.] Cowley something over a week ago. You will see that they both refuse to voluntarily go before the Committee. Elder Cowley Says if he is subpoenaed he will go but will not put himself in the way. I regret that these brethren have decided to do as they have. ... And you will pardon me if I say that after the scandalous treatment I have received from the public press on account of my testimony given before the Committee, I cannot blame these gentlemen for the conclusion they have reached half so much as I might have done under other circumstances and fairer treatment.
Of course you know how I have been horribly caricatured and made hideous in cartoons, and slandered and lied about most outrageously, and all for what? Well, I will not take time to answer here.
...In relation to what Mrs. Stanley intends to say to the committee, if put upon the witness stand, I can only say that if Lillian H. Cannon told her that She "was married to Abra[ha]m H. Canon by President Jos[eph]. F. Smith, at Sea &c." She simply lied! I dislike to say that any lady would lie. And I am loath to believe that Mrs. Cannon every told anybody any such thing, for I cannot conceive what object she could have in making such a statement if she made it at all. I have been told by one of her most intimate friends that she herself denies every having told such a story.
To you, I will say that my wife accompanied me on that trip. I cannot recall a moment when I was in the presence of Mrs. Cannon that my wife was not with us. ....
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, letter to Reed Smoot, excerpt in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
Of course you know how I have been horribly caricatured and made hideous in cartoons, and slandered and lied about most outrageously, and all for what? Well, I will not take time to answer here.
...In relation to what Mrs. Stanley intends to say to the committee, if put upon the witness stand, I can only say that if Lillian H. Cannon told her that She "was married to Abra[ha]m H. Canon by President Jos[eph]. F. Smith, at Sea &c." She simply lied! I dislike to say that any lady would lie. And I am loath to believe that Mrs. Cannon every told anybody any such thing, for I cannot conceive what object she could have in making such a statement if she made it at all. I have been told by one of her most intimate friends that she herself denies every having told such a story.
To you, I will say that my wife accompanied me on that trip. I cannot recall a moment when I was in the presence of Mrs. Cannon that my wife was not with us. ....
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, letter to Reed Smoot, excerpt in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
120 years ago today - Apr 9, 1894
Of "O My Father," President Wilford Woodruff tells general conference: "That hymn is a revelation, though it was given unto us by a woman-Sister Eliza R. Snow." Death of Thomas C Sharp, principal conspirator in murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. He has had a successful career as mayor, judge, school principal and newspaper editor.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Mon., April 9th, 1894
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Some of us belonged to a Masonic Lodge in Nauvoo, but no good come of it. We found fellow members were plotting against the Church leaders, and seeking their death. We should not join the Masons, Odd Fellows or other such organizations,
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
170 years ago today - Apr 9, 1844
[Brigham Young Sermon] There is no need of breaking the law of the land [IE polygamy] if you keep the law of the Lord. I want a wife that can take care of my children when I am away, who can pray, lay on hands, anoint with oil, and baffle the enemy; and this is a spiritual wife.
[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
170 years ago today - Apr 9, 1844
[Joseph Smith Diary] Pres[iden]t Young requested all who were in favor of electing Joseph to the Presidency to raise both hands which they [did] say 1,100 Elders and commenced clapping their hand[s] and gave many loud cheers. The opposite was called for and only one hand raised
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - Apr 9, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] B Young remarked ... When J. C. Bennet went forth to try to destroy the Saints A little company of us went before God and asked him to take away his power, and it fell like lightning from Heaven. We asked for Duncan not to be Govor-nor. He was not but he is now dead and damned. We asked for Reynolds to be taken away. He soon shot himself & went to Hell. Carlin is dead and so our enemies have fallen on evry hand. Whare is the officers of Government in washington? Seven were hurled into eternity in an instant by the bursting of a big gun. The bitter branches are beginning to be cut off. Take care O man how you oppose this work for their is a God in Israel. ...
A contribution was taken up for Joseph Smith to meet a debt. $100 dollars was donated another hundred loaned. Conference was Adjurned untill 2 oclok Saturday to hear a discourse from Elder Taylor on politicks. About three hundred Elders volunteered to go out preaching this season. Their names were taken to be published in the Times & Season.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
A contribution was taken up for Joseph Smith to meet a debt. $100 dollars was donated another hundred loaned. Conference was Adjurned untill 2 oclok Saturday to hear a discourse from Elder Taylor on politicks. About three hundred Elders volunteered to go out preaching this season. Their names were taken to be published in the Times & Season.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Apr 9, 1839
Gallatin, Missouri. Joseph Smith's trial commenced before a drunken grand jury and judge.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
45 years ago today - Apr 8, 1969
President Tanner thought we should advise all the stake presidencies and bishops to instruct their people when recommended to the temple to be sure their garments come below the knees.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Apr. 8, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Apr. 8, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
60 years ago today - Apr 08, 1954
George Q. Morris is ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at eighty years of age (making him the oldest man ordained an Apostle in this dispensation), replacing Matthew Cowley, who had passed away.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
60 years ago today - Apr 8, 1954
World-class scientist (and father of future apostle) Henry Eyring writes to Apostle Richard L. Evans, "I never worry what the Brethren believe about my specialty today because it is part of the genius of the Lord's Church that both they and I will understand the entire situation better tomorrow." A general authority stated that Eyring "kept his knowledge of the revealed truths of religion and his organic evolutionary views in separate compartments."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
75 years ago today - Apr 08, 1939
The mission home of the Argentina Mission in Buenos Aires is overrun by police, who mistake it for a pro-Nazi meeting place.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
115 years ago today - Apr 8, 1899
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I feel annoyed at the position of Brother [Angus M.] Cannon regarding his nephews [sic] speech and unless I change my present opinion I shall not sustain Brother Cannon as one of the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake unless I am instructed so to do by the Presidency of the Church.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Apr 8, 1894
Wilford Woodruff tells General Conference of a revelation he had: "When I have the vision of the night opened continually before my eyes, and can see the mighty judgments that are about to be poured out upon this world, . . . We have fourteen million people on this earth, and over them all there hangs a cloud of darkness almost entirely upon their shoulders. Can you tell me where the people are who will be shielded and protected from these great calamities and judgments which are even now at our doors? I'll tell you. The priesthood of God who honor their priesthood, and who are worthy of their blessings are the only ones who shall have this safety and protection. . . .God has held the angels of destruction for many years, lest they should reap down the wheat with the tares. But I want to tell you now, that those angels have left the portals of heaven, and they stand over this people and this nation now, and are hovering over the earth waiting to pour out the judgments. And from this very day they shall be poured out."
Afterwards, as Wilford Woodruff writes in his diary, "I drank some Hot Lemonade with a little brandy in it. Went to bed and soon to sleep."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Afterwards, as Wilford Woodruff writes in his diary, "I drank some Hot Lemonade with a little brandy in it. Went to bed and soon to sleep."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Apr 8, 1844
Joseph Smith preaches: "From hence forth the elders shall build churches where ever the people receive the gospel. [If there are] sufficient [numbers] then build stakes to this place," which is the first authorization for organizing stakes anywhere in the world.
Joseph also preaches: "You know there has been great discussion in relation to Zion-where it is, and where the gathering of the dispensation is, and which I am now going to tell you. The prophets have spoken and written upon it; but I will make a proclamation that will cover a broader ground. The whole of America is Zion itself from north to south, and is described by the Prophets, who declare that it is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be, and that it should be in the center of the lull." This is a change from the teaching that Zion was located in Jackson county, Missouri.
Hyrum Smith addresses conference "on Spiritual wife system. The first one we heard reporting such stories we will report him in the Time[s] and Seasons to come and give up his licence. He was decided against it in every form and spoke at length." Hyrum at this time was secretly living in polygamy.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Joseph also preaches: "You know there has been great discussion in relation to Zion-where it is, and where the gathering of the dispensation is, and which I am now going to tell you. The prophets have spoken and written upon it; but I will make a proclamation that will cover a broader ground. The whole of America is Zion itself from north to south, and is described by the Prophets, who declare that it is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be, and that it should be in the center of the lull." This is a change from the teaching that Zion was located in Jackson county, Missouri.
Hyrum Smith addresses conference "on Spiritual wife system. The first one we heard reporting such stories we will report him in the Time[s] and Seasons to come and give up his licence. He was decided against it in every form and spoke at length." Hyrum at this time was secretly living in polygamy.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
30 years ago today - Apr 7, 1984
Appointment of first general authorities to have stated time-limit on their service. Initially these temporary general authorities served in First Quorum of Seventy. Also Dallin H. Oaks is first general authority and apostle who has served as state supreme court justice. DIALOGUE: A JOURNAL OF MORMON THOUGHT (an independent scholarly publication with which Oaks had once officially affiliated) publishes survey showing that 88 percent of its subscribers attend LDS services weekly and that two-thirds regard BOOK OF MORMON as "an actual historical record of ancient inhabitants."
40 years ago today - Apr 7, 1974
Speaking of modifications to latter-day scripture, Elder Packer reports in General Conference: "Now, I add with emphasis that such changes ... have been basically minor refinements in grammar, expression, punctuation, clarification. Nothing fundamental has been altered. Why are they not spoken of over the pulpit? Simply because by comparison they are so insignificant and unimportant as literally to be not worth talking about. After all, they have absolutely nothing to do with whether the books are true."
[Source: Ensign May 1974]
[Source: Ensign May 1974]
70 years ago today - Apr 7, 1944
Counselor J. Reuben Clark preaches that "in that inspired document, the Constitution, the Lord prescribed the way, the procedure by which the inspired framework of that Constitution could be changed. Whenever the Constitution is amended in that way, it will be an amendment that the Lord will approve."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
90 years ago today - Apr 7, 1924
Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith: Many of the Patriarchs have felt that they are not given the attention they are entitled to, in being placed before the people. Said he thought it a good policy for the presiding officers in the wards and stakes to point these brethren out and give them a place of honor in the midst of the people, and that occasionally a prayer be offered in the ward and stake for these men, that their work may be advertised before the people. Stated that during the year 1332 people have received their patriarchal blessings from him, while in the ninety stakes, 4931 blessings were given by over 200 patriarchs. Stated that he would prefer that more of the people go to the local patriarchs. The speaker said he was converted to the fact that there is but one patriarchal blessing to each person. ...
President Grant said that he was inclined to think that in future we would have to make a rule that no man can be a patriarch after he gets eighty years of age, because it is that kind of men who have been inveigled into the idea that they can perform plural marriages.
[Source: Special Priesthood Meeting, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
President Grant said that he was inclined to think that in future we would have to make a rule that no man can be a patriarch after he gets eighty years of age, because it is that kind of men who have been inveigled into the idea that they can perform plural marriages.
[Source: Special Priesthood Meeting, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
100 years ago today - Apr 7, 1914; Tuesday
Jos[eph] F. Smith--Solidly laid down the rule that there was were no plural marriages possibl[e] in the Church--Want men cut off the Church who are teachings [sic] that these marriages can be done. --Betray the Church--the Presidency & Apostles. ...
Ev[enin]g. an entertainment at Bishop's B[ui]ld[in]g given by the First P[residen]cy to men who had suffered by going to the "Pen[itentiary]" for plural marriage.
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Diary]
Ev[enin]g. an entertainment at Bishop's B[ui]ld[in]g given by the First P[residen]cy to men who had suffered by going to the "Pen[itentiary]" for plural marriage.
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Diary]
120 years ago today - Apr 7, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] ... Joseph F. Smith took balance of time on various subjects, viz., card playing, round dancing, secret societies, etc., deprecating them all and counseling the Saints not to indulge in them.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Apr 7, 1889 - 2 September 1898
[1st Presidency Changes] Wilford Woodruff George Q. Cannon Joseph F. Smith First Presidency reorganized after death of John Taylor
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
130 years ago today - Apr 7, 1884; Monday
[Anthony Ivins Journal] Today attended meeting of the presiding priesthood. The subject treated upon was plurality of wives and the instruction given very pointed. The presiding priesthood were instructed to obey the order or the[y] could not be permitted to preside over their brethren.
[Source: 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)]
[Source: 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)]
170 years ago today - Apr 7, 1844
... having stopped in the middle of his sermon yesterday due to lack of lung power, completes his sermon this morning. During intermission 35 people are baptized. Hyrum Smith speaks, encouraging the rapid building of the temple, and says, "It is better not to have so much faith, than to have so much as to believe all the lies." Joseph Smith delivers the King Follett funeral sermon before 20,000 people. It is one of his greatest sermons. He goes back to the beginning, stating that "God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!" He says the Saints must understand how God came to be God. He once dwelt on an earth, the same as the Savior, because the Bible says that the Son has done only what he has seen the Father do. (John 5:19.) "You have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another."
He begins the discussion by interpreting the Hebrew for "In the beginning created God," in a manner only extant in the opening paragraphs of the ZOHAR, the classic text of the Jewish Kabbalah. Joseph Smith undoubtedly has learned this from the Jewish Convert Alexander Neibauer who published a Kabbalist treatise in the LDS periodical a year before, and with whom Joseph Smith's diary notes he is studying in 1844. Later in public-media interviews President Gordon B. Hinckley is evasive and dissembles on whether or not Mormons believe that God was once a man.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
He begins the discussion by interpreting the Hebrew for "In the beginning created God," in a manner only extant in the opening paragraphs of the ZOHAR, the classic text of the Jewish Kabbalah. Joseph Smith undoubtedly has learned this from the Jewish Convert Alexander Neibauer who published a Kabbalist treatise in the LDS periodical a year before, and with whom Joseph Smith's diary notes he is studying in 1844. Later in public-media interviews President Gordon B. Hinckley is evasive and dissembles on whether or not Mormons believe that God was once a man.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Apr 7, 1834
[Joseph Smith Diary] ... meet in the counsel room and bowed down befor[e] the Lord and prayed that he would furnish the means to deliver the [United] Firm from debt and /be/ set at liberty. Also that I may prevail against that wicked [Philastus] Hurlbut and that he be put to shame.
Accordingly on the 9th after an impartial trial the court decided that the said Hurlbut was bound over under 200 dollars bond to keep the peace for six month[s] and pay the [court] cost[s] which amounted to near three hundred dollars. All of which was in answer to our prayer for which I thank my Heavenly Father. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Accordingly on the 9th after an impartial trial the court decided that the said Hurlbut was bound over under 200 dollars bond to keep the peace for six month[s] and pay the [court] cost[s] which amounted to near three hundred dollars. All of which was in answer to our prayer for which I thank my Heavenly Father. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
55 years ago today - Apr 6, 1959
President David O. McKay issued his famous "Every member a missionary" slogan.
[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]
[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]
80 years ago today - Apr 6, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I did not sleep very well last night. I had not been able to make up my mind what subject to talk upon in opening the General Conference this morning. Before getting out of bed, however, I decided to refer to the growth of the Church and the faith of the people generally, and to pay no attention whatever to the vicious, lying, slanders that are being passed around and placed under people's doors, advocating a continuation of adultery which they call Celestial marriage. Some of these circulars contain vicious lies about immorality in the Utah Hotel and the Temple Square Hotel, etc., etc.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
110 years ago today - Apr 6, 1904
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] President Joseph F. Smith reaffirms ban against new plural marriages.
[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]
[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]
125 years ago today - Sat. April 6th 1889
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] (Gen. Conf.) "John W, Taylor then spoke on the subject of faith, and told the people when they did not have sufficient faith to have their sick healed, they should secure the services of a physician and not let their sick die through neglect and ignorance."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
130 years ago today - Apr 6, 1884
James E. Talmage writes in his journal of his experiments with hashish: "Continued my experiment by taking 20 grains Cannabis Indica and the effect was felt in a not very agreeable way." Talmage lectures to the Brigham Young Academy faculty in Sep on "The Effects of the Narcotic Hashish on the Human System," but the Faculty Minute Book do not record whether he mentioned the source of his information.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Sunday, April 6th, 1884
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Last day of Gen. Conf. "At a Priesthood meeting held in the evening (after the Hall was cleared of all those who were not worthy of being present by arranging the brethren according to wards and stakes" the strongest language in regard to Plural Marriage was used that I ever heard, and among other things it was stated that all men in positions who would not observe and fulfill that law should be removed from their places. The Spirit of the Lord rested powerfully upon the First Presidency each of whom addressed the meeting. All present felt the force of the remarks made."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
170 years ago today - Apr 6, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] President Joseph Smith said He should not occupy time in speaking of any difficulties that might have occured in our midst. Said He was not a fallen prophet, & never in any nearer relationship to God than at the present time, & would show before the conferen[ce] closed that God was with him.
...The appearance of this congregation this day shows the fulfillment of the revelations of Jesus Christ given in those days.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...The appearance of this congregation this day shows the fulfillment of the revelations of Jesus Christ given in those days.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - 1844 6 Apr.
[Joseph Smith] First counselor Rigdon tells general conference: "There are men standing in your midst that you can't do anything with them but cut their throat & bury them."
[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]
[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]
175 years ago today - Apr 6, 1839
Having been in Liberty jail since Dec. 1, 1838, Joseph and the other prisoners leave the prison for Gallatin jail in Daviess County, a two-day walk.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
5 years ago today - 4/5/2009
[Same-Sex Marriage] Elder Dallin H. Oaks mentions Proposition 8 issues in Sunday afternoons General Conference session, noting that Latter-day Saints are renowned for their ability to unite in service toward a common goal, comparing the work of early pioneers, modern "Helping Hand" service and recent political campaigns to defend marriage which, for some, involved "great sacrifice and continuing personal pain."
Members' work at Church teaches them how to benefit the larger community, so LDS volunteers are in great demand in many areas. "No outside copying of our organization and no application of blind obedience could duplicate the record of this Church or the performance of its members."
He notes that those who fail to perform selfless service are perhaps caught in Satan's traps or focused on "things of the world" not the Lord's standards.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
Members' work at Church teaches them how to benefit the larger community, so LDS volunteers are in great demand in many areas. "No outside copying of our organization and no application of blind obedience could duplicate the record of this Church or the performance of its members."
He notes that those who fail to perform selfless service are perhaps caught in Satan's traps or focused on "things of the world" not the Lord's standards.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
40 years ago today - Apr 5, 1974
Announcement of appointment of David M. Kennedy as First Presidency's "special representative." Kennedy served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1969-70), as U.S. Ambassador-at-large (1970-72), and as U.S. ambassador to NATO (1972-73). As church's first officially designated foreign ambassador, Kennedy's primary mission is to obtain formal recognition of the LDS church and admission of full-time missionaries wherever they are excluded, especially in Communist Europe and the Near East. He is released on Mar. 31, 1990. Rather than appoint new "special representative," First Presidency delegates those responsibilities to area presidencies and mission presidents.
120 years ago today - Apr 5, 1894
At meeting of First Presidency and apostles, Wilford Woodruff announces revelation which ends practice of adopting (sealing) men to LDS leaders. He instructs Mormons to seal each generation of ancestors to preceding generation. This results in program of genealogical research. His published sermon is only available text of the revelation. Old form of adoption ordinance continues sporadically in LDS temples with high of fifteen adoptions ceremonies in 1910. The revelation is never canonized. On a different matter George Q. Cannon says, "I believe in concubinage, or some plan whereby men and women can live together under sacred ordinances and vows until they can be married," to which President Woodruff responds, "If men enter into some practice of this character to raise a righteous posterity, they will be justified in it." Woodruff adds, "The day is near when there will be no difficulty in the way of good men securing noble wives."
120 years ago today - Apr 5, 1894
[Regarding Wilford Woodruff's revelation on adoptions and sealings:] Brother [George Q.] Cannon has been baptized for Thomas L. Kane and for several congressmen which was approved. ...
Elder Mar[r]iner W[ood]. Merrill said President [John] Taylor condemned adoptions as done in Nauvoo [Illinois] and directed that no adoptions be permitted except by special permission of the First Presidency and this course he had been governed by [as president of the Logan temple] ...
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Elder Mar[r]iner W[ood]. Merrill said President [John] Taylor condemned adoptions as done in Nauvoo [Illinois] and directed that no adoptions be permitted except by special permission of the First Presidency and this course he had been governed by [as president of the Logan temple] ...
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Apr 5, 1894
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] The Presidency and members of the Quorum of 12 met at 10 a.m. Prest. W. Woodruff announced the Doctrine of adoption to be that the members of famalies should connect their line just as far as possible and then join the whole to the Prophet. Wives in the church can have ordinances performed for their dead husband who were not in the church and be sealed to such husband.
We had a most happy day, all present endorsing this Doctrine. We partook of the sacrament. It was a most joyous day.
[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]
We had a most happy day, all present endorsing this Doctrine. We partook of the sacrament. It was a most joyous day.
[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 - Apr 5, 1874
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young call for the reading of the circular giving instructions on caring for fruit, on making wine, after which he alluded to the provisions of the United Order for the benefit and blessing of those who prove themselves faithful thereto. He said, some may think we will be fooled in entering this holy order. I will tell you who will be fooled, the man or woman who is tardy in entering into this combination. The Latter-day Saints are a hundred times, if not a thousand times, more ready to enter into any order which God may reveal, than they were in the days of Joseph Smith the Prophet. I will say to him, who drinks wine to excess '- Stop it! What shall we do with those who are not obedient to the requirements of the United Order? Take their names off the book, disfellowship them? No. ...
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - 1844 5 Apr.
Hyrum Smith dedicates Nauvoo's Masonic temple, which Joseph calls "the most substantial and best finished Masonic Temple in the Western States."
[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]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Apr 5, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th + * I attended the dedication of the Nauvoo Masonic Hall which was truly grand and interesting the first dedication of the kind I ever attended. The procession was grand being Composed of about 500 members.
In the fore part of the day President Joseph Smith was to have preached the fun[er]al sermon of King Follet but in consequence of Ill health
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the fore part of the day President Joseph Smith was to have preached the fun[er]al sermon of King Follet but in consequence of Ill health
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Apr 5, 1839 (Friday)
A company of about fifty men in Daviess County, Mo., swore that they would never eat or drink until they had murdered Joseph the Prophet.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
15 years ago today - Apr 4, 1999
Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church, announced in the last session of General Conference, that, because of the generosity of a donor, the Church would rebuild the Nauvoo Temple as a monument to the Mormon pioneers. He anticipated it would not be a busy temple, except in the summer when LDS tourists visited Nauvoo. He stated that architects were working on the project, but that it would take some time to complete. A spokesman for Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. suggested that the reconstruction would "likely cost twenty times" the original construction cost of $800,000. Construction was expected to begin sometime within the next two years.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
30 years ago today - Apr 4, 1984
R. Craig Smith, Mormon CIA agent, is arrested for espionage. Acquitted in 1986 his biographical exoneration is published next year in Utah by manager of Dale Carnegie Training Programs. Four years earlier the government convicted first CIA agent, non-LDS, to be arrested for espionage.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
40 years ago today - Apr 4, 1974
Spencer W. Kimball delivered his maxim "Lengthen your stride" at regional representatives seminar.
[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]
[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]
125 years ago today - Apr 4, 1889
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [At meeting of apostles] Prest Woodruff said that there were some lands in Canada that John W. Taylor had made arrangements to purchase that he thought that the Church should have as these lands were needed for a settlement of the saints, they adjoined our present location in Canada. A vote was taken to make the purchase in case that Bro. Taylor was willing to give up his claim on them.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Apr 4, 1894
[Franklin D. Richards] Bro[ther]. Jno. [John] [W.] Taylor being deeply indebted, having bought 600,000 acres in Alberta, Canada, & having most of still on his hands & thinking of getting in a Colony of Polish German to locate on it may jeopardize the welfare and even the existence of Cardston [Canada]. ...
[Source: 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]
[Source: 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]
120 years ago today - Apr 4, 1894
[Francis M. Lyman] [Council] also recommended that when bro[ther] Taylor is off from home on his affairs that he should write so his quorum and the Presidency should know where [he] is always. ... Pres[ident] Snow spoke some to Bro[ther] Taylor censuring his course. Bro[ther] Taylor made elaborate explanations and promised the church all the profits, a million of dollars after his debts were paid and that in six months. Bro[ther] Richards made some remarks and so did I upon John W. Taylors schemes. Bro[ther] Taylor replied to bro[ther] Richards rather curtly.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Apr 4, 1844
Orson Hyde leaves Nauvoo for Washington in order to assist Orson Pratt and John E. Page in interesting President Tyler in Joseph's offer to raise 100,000 volunteers to control national boundaries.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
1844 April 4
4 Apriel the first 4 day 1844. I Heber C. Kimball recieved the washing of my feet, and was annointed by my wife Vilate fore my burial, that is my feet, head, Stomach. Even as Mary did Jesus, that she mite have a claim on Him in the Reserrection. In the City of Nauvoo.
In 1845 I recieved the washing of my feet by [what follows is in Vilate's hand:]
I Vilate Kimball do hereby certify that on the first day of April 1844 I attended to washing and anointed the head, /Stomach/ and feet of my dear companion Heber C. Kimball, that I may have claim upon him in the morning of the first Reserrection.
Vilate Kimball.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
In 1845 I recieved the washing of my feet by [what follows is in Vilate's hand:]
I Vilate Kimball do hereby certify that on the first day of April 1844 I attended to washing and anointed the head, /Stomach/ and feet of my dear companion Heber C. Kimball, that I may have claim upon him in the morning of the first Reserrection.
Vilate Kimball.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
175 years ago today - Apr 4, 1839
Heber C. Kimball visits Joseph in Liberty jail. Joseph tells him to get the Saints away from Missouri as fast as possible. Joseph writes Emma from the jail describing his life "within the walls, grates, and screeking iron doors, of a lonesome, dark, dirty prison." He also advises Emma to be more gentle with the children: "don't be fractious to them, but listen to their wants."
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
10 years ago today - Apr 3, 2004
The Sixth Quorum of the Seventy was created in a division of the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy
[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]
[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]
80 years ago today - Apr 3, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Alonzo B. Irvine called and said that he represented the leading mining and business interests in the state, and that they were very anxious indeed to have Brother J. Reuben Clark Jr. accept the nomination of Senator from Utah for the Republican party. I told him I thought that if Brother Clark were to resign as one of the Presidency they would not care to have him nominated, and certain it would be counted as Church influence if one of the Presidency were to be running for the senate. I told him of a number of instances in the life of his father-in-law, the late George Q. Cannon, that interested him deeply. Referred to the failure of the Utah Loan & Trust Co. at Ogden, of which his brother-in-law, Abraham Cannon, was the president, of the necessity of raising large sums of money to pay the depositors in the institution. Told him Brother George Q. Cannon donated $10,000. to help pay Abram's donation (?) of $45,000. Told him of the $10,000. Jesse Knight gave, $5000.00 Reed Smot (sic), and $5000.00 by A.W. McCune, of my working for A.W. McCune to go to the senate because of this donation.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Apr 3, 1894
First Presidency and Apostles meet and Heber J. Grant records. "Pres[iden]t [Georeg Q.] Cannon made some remarks on our condition as we now were situated on account of men not being able to take more wives and he wished that his girls could have the privilege of marrying some good men even if they were not the first wife rather than to have to marry some of the young men they might have to, Pres[iden]t Woodruff remarked that the day was not far away when there would be a change and greater liberty would be given in the matter of marriage."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
160 years ago today - Apr 3, 1854
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I commenced to day to make molasses from parsnips. It done well.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Apr 3, 1844
[Nauvoo Neighbor] Letter to the Editor: Joseph Smith for President -- A. Young -- A letter to the editor describing the positive attributes that Joseph Smith would bring to the office of the Preisidency.
- Story: "Dedication" of Masonic Temple -- Editorial -- Speaks of the planned dedication of the Masonic Temple in Nauvoo. Contains pieces called "The Entered Apprentice's Song," and "For the Anniversary of St. John."
- Poetry: "On the Death of Her Little Daughter" -- E.R. Snow [plural wife of Joseph Smith]-- Written To Miss Sylvia Lyon [plural wife of Joseph Smith] ...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
- Story: "Dedication" of Masonic Temple -- Editorial -- Speaks of the planned dedication of the Masonic Temple in Nauvoo. Contains pieces called "The Entered Apprentice's Song," and "For the Anniversary of St. John."
- Poetry: "On the Death of Her Little Daughter" -- E.R. Snow [plural wife of Joseph Smith]-- Written To Miss Sylvia Lyon [plural wife of Joseph Smith] ...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
175 years ago today - Apr 3, 1839
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] My life from my childhood hath ever been attended with a continued succession of the greatest dangers & misfortunes almost that are incident to human life. I was this morning also delivered by the mercy of God out of great dangers while riding upon the running part of a waggon without the box the bolt droped out of the reach or cupling pole & I was sitting upon the bolster over the foremost wheels & the waggon parted & I was immediately closed or shut up between the bolster & tongue. The horses being frightend they ran with me & dragged me upon the ground for several minutes. I was soon enabled to run the horses into a fence & stoped them untill I could extricate myself from the difficulty.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
200 years ago today - Apr 3, 1814
[Lorenzo Snow] Born 3 April 1814 in Mantua, Portage County, Ohio, Snow was the fourth of seven children. As the eldest son, he assumed much responsibility for the family farm. The Snows were hard-working settlers, well-to-do by local standards. Though the family was active in the local Baptist congregation, their home was often a forum for other religious teachings. Lorenzo loved to read; he was educated in local schools until he left for Oberlin College, a Presbyterian school, where he distinguished himself in his studies.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Lorenzo Snow, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Lorenzo Snow, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
40 years ago today - Apr 2, 1974
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives "Oscar" to two Mormons: Keith Merrill (director, documentary "The Great American Cowboy") and James Payne (set design, "The Sting"). They are first Mormon winners in 33 years, but LDS nominees are Leigh Harline (music scores, 1943, 1944, 1963), Arnold Friberg (art work, "The Ten Commandments," 1956), Russ Tamblyn (supporting actor, "Peyton Place," 1957), Tamblyn also receives Golden Globe award in 1956 as "most promising newcomer," as does LDS Ruth Buzzi in 1973 for her supporting role in television's "Laugh in." Within days, Council on International Non-theatrical Events (CINE) gives its "Golden Eagle" award to Brigham Young University for "Cipher In the Snow," which receives international distribution among schools and various religious denominations. In 1989 LDS church and Bonneville International also receive two Golden Eagle awards for their "Homefront" public-service advertisements. Individual Mormons who win Golden Eagle include Curt Bestor (1988) and Martin L. Andersen (1994).
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
45 years ago today - Apr 2, 1969
[Apostle Mark E. Peterson] We are very concerned that our people going to the temple for the first time have a better introduction to the temple. There are too many people who are given temple recommends with no explanation whatever. They come to the temple not knowing what to expect. Some are disappointed, many are thrilled, but we feel that people ought to have some kind of an introduction to the temple before they go to the temple and they are more likely to understand what they receive and with better understanding they are more likely to be loyal to the covenants that they make.
[Source: Mark E. Petersen, address to the Regional Representatives Seminar, Apr. 2, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Mark E. Petersen, address to the Regional Representatives Seminar, Apr. 2, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
55 years ago today - Apr 2, 1959
First temple meeting apostle Spencer W. Kimball attends since his return from touring missions in South America. He emphasizes to First Presidency and Twelve the special problem in Latin America's "Catholic countries [where] divorce could not be obtained" and "some set up new households without legal sanction. . . .When such people wished to join the [LDS] Church the missionaries would not baptize them, since technically they lived in adultery." Kimball-s authorized biography notes that he successfully persuaded First Presidency to adopt policy that "such couples could be baptized if they showed that they had done what they could to legalize their relationship, had been faithful to one another, and had met responsibility to their previous [and only legal] family, and had conformed to the expectations of custom." From 1959 onward it is LDS church policy to baptize, ordain, and give temple ordinances to any Latin American man complying with above requirements, even though he is living with a woman in legally unmarried relationship defined as adulterous by "the law of the land" where they live.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
90 years ago today - Apr 2, 1924
[Apostle James E. Talmage] In the special work assigned to me I have many painful experiences. In spite of all that has been said and done, there is a clique still busily engaged in propagating the falsity that plural marriage is yet countenanced by the Church.
[In particular, this was related to the excommunication of John W. Wooley and his accusations towards apostle Matthias Cowley (who denied the allegations)]
[Source: James E. Talmage 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]
[In particular, this was related to the excommunication of John W. Wooley and his accusations towards apostle Matthias Cowley (who denied the allegations)]
[Source: James E. Talmage 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]
115 years ago today - Sunday, Apr 2, 1899
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] I attended fast meeting in the Temple and heard speaking in tongues by [?] Y. Dougall. Interpreted by Zina D. H. Young.
[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]
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
120 years ago today - Apr 2, 1894
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Monday ". . . The Presidency urged upon Pres. Snow and several of the Twelve who were there the necessity of investigating [apostle] John W. Taylor's affairs, and seeing that he attends more faithfully to his ecclesiastical duties, and less to his personal affairs. He returned this morning from Canada, where he has been laboring for nearly six months almost entirely in his own interests."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
130 years ago today - Apr 2, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Miles P Romney Arived this Morning from St John [Arizona] As a Messenger. The Jews Gentiles & Mexican have Commenced Making our Brethren [ ] Jumping our land and quite a Number of our Brethren have been arested.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Apr 2, 1844
Joseph Smith teaches that "that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there [in the Celestial Kingdom], only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy. (See D&C 130.)
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
185 years ago today - Early-Mid April 1829
Joseph Smith receives a revelation (D&C 6) for Oliver Cowdery in which Cowdery's private thoughts are apparently revealed. Smith says that D&C 6 was received after "having continued [translating] for some time" . The revelation itself implies that the translation had already begun: "the words or the work which thou hast been writing are true".
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
185 years ago today - Circa Apr 1, 1829
Oliver Cowdery and Samuel Smith leave Manchester for Harmony (PA) . After their departure, the Smiths move from the frame house to the log cabin with Hyrum and his family. Apparently the SmithsÂ' two-year lease with Lemuel Durfee had expired and was not renewed.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
15 years ago today - Apr 01, 1999
Mayor Hal Daub of Omaha, Nebraska, deeds the Winter Quarters Cemetery to the Church.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
15 years ago today - Apr 01, 1999
Deseret Management Corporation finalizes the purchase of Bookcraft, Inc., bringing the book publisher and the electronic media group InfoBase under the Church's ownership.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
130 years ago today - Apr 1, 1884
John Taylor allows first commercial program in Salt Lake Tabernacle, operatic performance.
140 years ago today - Apr 1, 1874
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young briefly stated the object of meeting together, namely, to deposit in the place prepared, a box containing records, and some of our publications, in token of our faith, to be here preserved until the Savior comes; and then to be subject to His will and pleasure; together with the temple, for the use of the living and the dead. [The articles were placed in the box] President Brigham Young offered the following dedicatory prayer: Father in Heaven, In the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, we, Thy servants present ourselves before thee on this occasion; and as we have deposited this box, containing these records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which Thou hast cause to be organized according to Thy will and commandment in these our days, we desire that this box and all this it contains may remain here in safety, undisturbed, until it is Thy will that they shall be brought forth. We dedicate unto Thee this box and the materials of which it is composed. We dedicate its contents, the paper upon which the records are printed and written, the ink with which this has been done; the plate and the engraving thereon, together with all other material and labor used in getting this deposit ready to be placed in this wall. We dedicate unto Thee, this rock which has been prepared for the reception of this box; and we dedicate unto Thee these walls, as far as they are completed, together with the ground upon which they stand, which has already been dedicated to Thee, and the grounds round about. We also dedicate the material which is upon the ground, and that which is yet to be brought and used in the construction of this Temple which is being erected to the Most Holy Name, to be used according to Thy will and commandments, as a Holy Place, in which to attend to the ordinances of the Gospel, for the living and the dead. We dedicate ourselves, our wives, our children, our labors, our brethren and sisters, and all that we have, and are, unto Thee; and ask Thy acceptance of this dedication; praying Thee to bless us and all Israel, in our labors of Zion, in advancing the cause of truth on the earth. These blessings we ask for ourselves, our brethren and sisters, the Lamanites, and for all the honest in heart, in the name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. -- St. George, Utah
[Source: James G. Bleak. Â"Annals of the Southern Utah Mission,Â" Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; Brigham Young, The Man and His Work. Preston Nibley. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1960. 504-505 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: James G. Bleak. Â"Annals of the Southern Utah Mission,Â" Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; Brigham Young, The Man and His Work. Preston Nibley. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1960. 504-505 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Apriel the first 4 day 1844
Apriel the first 4 day 1844. I Heber C. Kimball recieved the washing of my feet, and was annointed by my wife Vilate fore my burial, that is my feet, head, Stomach. Even as Mary did Jesus, that she mite have a claim on Him in the Reserrection. In the City of Nauvoo.
[Source: Heber C. Kimball Diary ("Strange Events")]
[Source: Heber C. Kimball Diary ("Strange Events")]
25 years ago today - 1-Apr 3, 1989.
Three general authorities at spring general conference include counsel to the intellectual community. Elder Dallin H. Oaks warns church members against listening to "alternate voices," noting that some are "the lost leading the lost" while others "are of those whose avowed or secret object is to deceive and devour the flock." Among responses are sociologist Armand L. Mauss's call to "endure to the end. The calling of `alternate voice' is too important for us to allow ourselves either to be intimidated by the exercise of unrighteous dominion or to be silenced by our own fatigue."
Bishop Glenn L. Pace observes: Criticism "from within the Church . . . is more lethal than that coming from nonmembers and former members. The danger lies not in what may come from a member critic, but that we might become one." Elder Russell M. Nelson comments, "Certainly no faithful follower of God would promote any cause--even remotely related to religion--if rooted in controversy, because contention is not of the Lord. Surely a stalwart would not lend his or her good name to periodicals, programs, or forums that feature offenders who do sow `discord among brethren.'"
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
Bishop Glenn L. Pace observes: Criticism "from within the Church . . . is more lethal than that coming from nonmembers and former members. The danger lies not in what may come from a member critic, but that we might become one." Elder Russell M. Nelson comments, "Certainly no faithful follower of God would promote any cause--even remotely related to religion--if rooted in controversy, because contention is not of the Lord. Surely a stalwart would not lend his or her good name to periodicals, programs, or forums that feature offenders who do sow `discord among brethren.'"
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
25 years ago today - Apr 1, 1989-2
The Second Quorum of the Seventy was created and all General Authorities serving under a five-year call were sustained as members, along with another eight newly called General Authorities.
[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]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
30 years ago today - Spring 1984.
A survey of Dialogue subscribers shows that 94 percent are LDS, 88 percent attend church "every" or "most" Sundays (although no attendance figures are publicly available, the churchwide average is generally considered to be no more than 50 percent), two-thirds accept the Book of Mormon as "an actual historical record of ancient inhabitants," and less than half feel they should "go along with" a policy with which they disagree--10 percent accepting it "on faith" and another 37 percent expressing disagreement and then complying.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
180 years ago today - Apr 1, 1834
While preparing his trial against Doctor Hurlbut Joseph writes in his journal. "My soul delighteth in the Law of the Lord for he forgiveth my sins and will confound mine Enimies. The Lord shall destroy him who has lifted his heel against me, even that wicked man Docter P[hilastus] H[u]rlbut. He will deliver him to the fowls of heaven and his bones shall be cast to the blast of the wind for he lifted his arm against the Almi[gh]ty. Therefore the Lord shall destroy him." This prophecy is in the form of a "chiasmus".
65 years ago today - Mar 31, 1949
Introductory letter to this publication by President George Albert Smith, urging that the Scouting program be extended to every boy in the Church.
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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