President David O. McKay broke ground for Church College of Hawaii.
[Source: Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
110 years ago today - Feb 12, 1905
Carl A. Badger, secretary to Apostle and U.S. Senator Reed Smoot writes in his diary that Theodore Roosevelt-"told Senator Smoot to have the temple ceremonies abolished, they were 'foolishness.' Being a mason," Badger adds, "He most likely knows something about them." Badger also writes, "from all I can learn, if anything is done with Cowley and Taylor, by the leaders of the Church, it will be because they are forced to do something." The government had learned that Apostles Matthias F. Cowley and John W. Taylor have performed and contracted plural marriages well after the manifesto. They are later dropped from the quorum amid government pressure. That same day Badger writes to his wife, Rose, concerning government accusations of post-manifesto polygamy "This is a contemptible attitude for us to be in, we have said that certain things do not exist, they are proved to exist; we say that if they are proved to exist that the guilty will be punished, and now they are going to wait to see if we mean what we say.... We are occupying a cowardly, hypocritical attitude in this matter, and cannot but reap a harvest of humiliation and shame. There is no use quibbling about whether we made a 'compact' or a 'covenant,' no one doubts but what the country, which had been fighting us on this issue for a quarter of a century, understood that polygamy had gone, and we allowed them to have such an impression,-encouraged them in it for our own ends, and we are now estopped to say that we made no agreement. Where is our honor on this matter It makes me angry."
115 years ago today - Feb 12, 1900 (Monday)
The sectarian ministers of Salt Lake City issued a statement supporting a proposed amendment to the constitution prohibiting polygamy.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Feb 12, 1870
Utah's women were given the right to vote by the Utah Territorial Legislature, following the lead of their sister-state Wyoming. Due to timing of election dates women in Utah were the first in the nation to exercise this new power when Sereph Young votes on Feb 14, 1870.
The Church gave to its women the first exclusively women's organization in all the world; and it was representatives of this organization in mass-meeting assembled to enter their vigorous protest against the pending federal legislation which was intended to affect them seriously in their lives. Note that the Relief Society President used to be a life-long office. Not all Mormon women were members of the Relief Society; you had to be admitted by a vote.
Easterners concerned with breaking up the Mormon political control wrongly thought by giving women the right to vote they would throw off the tyrannical shackles of patriarchal polygamy and join with local nonmembers in removing Church influence in politics. Instead, the Church had correctly assessed that giving the women the right to vote, while their husbands were disenfranchised, would keep the church in control of the territory (as opposed to ceding control to the non-members in Utah.)
Utah women had the right to vote, but not the right to hold office. Female suffrage was ended in Utah by the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887.
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
The Church gave to its women the first exclusively women's organization in all the world; and it was representatives of this organization in mass-meeting assembled to enter their vigorous protest against the pending federal legislation which was intended to affect them seriously in their lives. Note that the Relief Society President used to be a life-long office. Not all Mormon women were members of the Relief Society; you had to be admitted by a vote.
Easterners concerned with breaking up the Mormon political control wrongly thought by giving women the right to vote they would throw off the tyrannical shackles of patriarchal polygamy and join with local nonmembers in removing Church influence in politics. Instead, the Church had correctly assessed that giving the women the right to vote, while their husbands were disenfranchised, would keep the church in control of the territory (as opposed to ceding control to the non-members in Utah.)
Utah women had the right to vote, but not the right to hold office. Female suffrage was ended in Utah by the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887.
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
145 years ago today - Feb 12, 1870
I attended the school of the prophets. Brother John Holeman made a long speech upon the subject of Poligamy. He Contended that no person Could have a Celestial glory unless He had a plurality of wives. Speeches were made By L. E. Harrington O Pratt Erastus Snow, D Evans J. F. Smith Lorenzo Young. Presidet Young said there would be men saved in the Celestial Kingdom of God with one wife with Many wives & with No wife at all.
[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]
155 years ago today - Feb 12, 1860
[Orson Pratt] spoke of the great acheivments of Sir Isaac Newton upon this principle and many others had accomplished great things by the great Concentration of the mind which Could not be accomplished upon any other Principle. This principle should be applyled in all our spiritual devotions. Mathimatics was an excellent subject to disipline the mind upon.
[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]
175 years ago today - Feb 12, 1840. Wednesday.
[William Clayton] Went to see Brother Romney and prayed for him. Was troubled with temptation about the gift of tongues &c.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
185 years ago today - Feb 12, 1830
"... there has been a bible found by 3 men but a short distance from us which is som[e]thing remarkable we think. there was it is said an an angel appeared to these 3 men and told them that there was a bible concealed in such a place and if one of them would go to that place he would find it[.] he went and found as the angel said[.] it was a stone chest[.] what is most to be wondered at is this that the man that found it could not read at all in the english language but he read this bible and nobody else cannot[.] it has been concealed there for fourteen hundred years[.] it is written on a kind of gold leaf[.] it is the same that ours is only there is an addition to it[.] they are a printing it in Palmyra[.] it is expected that it <<will>> come out soon so that we can see it[.] it speaks of the Millenniam day and tells when it is a going to take plais [place] and it tells that the man that is to find this bible his name as [is] Joseph and his fathers name is Joseph. some people think that it is all a speculation and some think that som[e]thing is a going to take place different from what has been[.] for my part I do not know how it will be but it is som[e]thing singular to me. as it respects religion there has been considerable of an attention paid to it this winter between these lakes and there has been considerable many as we humbly hope have been renewed by the grace of God[.] there is a general solemnity apon the people generally in these parts and we hope that there will be a gre[a]ter outpouring of the spirit than ever[.] so now you see I have given you short account of what is a doing here. ... "
[Source: Lucius Fenn to Birdseye Bronson, 12 February 1830, William Robertson Coe Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lucius Fenn To Birdseye Bronson]
[Source: Lucius Fenn to Birdseye Bronson, 12 February 1830, William Robertson Coe Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lucius Fenn To Birdseye Bronson]
5 years ago today - Jan 11, 2010
Two gay and lesbian couples are at the center of a federal trial on the constitutionality of Proposition 8 in San Francisco. The trial, the nation-'s first to examine if a ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution, was a media madhouse.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
30 years ago today - Feb 11, 1985
In a vote taken by residents of Carriage Cove Apartments in Provo, Utah, 221 tenants said "yes" to MTV. Only 167 voted "no," 188 didn't vote, and 4 said they didn't care. Four bishops had banded together to stop MTV availability in various off-campus BYU-approved housing complexes. Before the vote Bishop Leo Wiedner (also Carriage Cove's part-owner and manager), confident that BYU students will vote MTV down, says, "I think I pretty well know how it's going to turn out." At nearby Raintree Apartments a non-secret poll is taken at the bishop's request by manager Hyde Taylor. 27% return the polling letter with 13% against MTV and 14% in favor. Taylor concludes this is insufficient to restore MTV. The story is picked up by the national media and Weidner and Raintree Apartment bishop Jack Christensen appear on "Take Two" TV program from Salt Lake City to defend their actions. Christianson is the author of MUSIC: APPLES OR ONIONS?, a book that defends the LDS church position that hard or "acid" rock music is harmful. Part of the research for this book involved listening to such rock groups as "Black Sabbath," and, he claims, such listening adversely affected him. "I was not as happy as I used to be," he recalls. "I was ornery and disagreeable." However, he adds, "Just because people don't have the same high standards I'm trying to uphold, I don't think less of them."
80 years ago today - Feb 11, 1935
[First Presidency Letter] Must all opening and closing prayers in meetings in which the sacrament is administered be offered by those holding the Priesthood?'
Any member of the Church properly called by the presiding authority in a meeting may appropriately offer either the invocation or the benediction. It is preferable, however, to have the Priesthood officiate in prayer at a regular sacrament meeting. The one who presides holding as he does the Priesthood, is entitled to inspiration as to how the meeting should be conducted, and when he, by virtue of his office, feels impressed to call a boy or girl either to open or close a Sunday School or other auxiliary association, he is not violating any rule of the Church.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, 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]
Any member of the Church properly called by the presiding authority in a meeting may appropriately offer either the invocation or the benediction. It is preferable, however, to have the Priesthood officiate in prayer at a regular sacrament meeting. The one who presides holding as he does the Priesthood, is entitled to inspiration as to how the meeting should be conducted, and when he, by virtue of his office, feels impressed to call a boy or girl either to open or close a Sunday School or other auxiliary association, he is not violating any rule of the Church.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
80 years ago today - Feb 11, 1935
'What attitude does the Church take toward common law marriages?'
In a country in which the common law marriage is recognized as legal, and the children resulting from such a marriage are recorded as legitimate offspring, the Church will recognize such marriage under the conditions attaching to recognition by the law of the land. However, in a country such as Holland, for instance, where conditions are as presented by President Lyon of the Netherlands Mission, where the children of such unions are registered in the records as 'bastard children and the mother as a prostitute, the father being recorded as unknown,' a couple so living are certainly not living in honorable wedlock, and therefore cannot be recognized by the Church as married people.
With reference to the case of the German sister called by President Kooyman to do local missionary work, who, it has since developed, has been living with a man to whom he is not legally married, obviously the proper course would be for this couple to marry. It appears this cannot be done because the man with whom she is living cannot get a legal divorce from his former wife. In this alternative the woman must of course be immediately released as a missionary.
We are keenly aware of the difficulties that such a situation presents in countries where not only the State but the established church and society wink at such irregularities. Where such relation are of very long standing, particularly if the relation existed at the time the people joined the Church, the Church should urge the legalizing of this union and should refrain from putting its stamp of approval upon such unions by placing in positions persons so living. every effort should be made so to treat such cases that the Church is understood as not sanctioning illicit sexual relations. The Church must always stand for sexual purity.
However, it is our view that persons should not be taken into the Church who are living in such relations, and that every effort should be made to learn before baptism whether such relation exit After persons became members of the Church, illicit sexual relations should no more be tolerated among Church members in Europe than in America, and they must be dealt with there as they are dealt with here. ...
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, 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 a country in which the common law marriage is recognized as legal, and the children resulting from such a marriage are recorded as legitimate offspring, the Church will recognize such marriage under the conditions attaching to recognition by the law of the land. However, in a country such as Holland, for instance, where conditions are as presented by President Lyon of the Netherlands Mission, where the children of such unions are registered in the records as 'bastard children and the mother as a prostitute, the father being recorded as unknown,' a couple so living are certainly not living in honorable wedlock, and therefore cannot be recognized by the Church as married people.
With reference to the case of the German sister called by President Kooyman to do local missionary work, who, it has since developed, has been living with a man to whom he is not legally married, obviously the proper course would be for this couple to marry. It appears this cannot be done because the man with whom she is living cannot get a legal divorce from his former wife. In this alternative the woman must of course be immediately released as a missionary.
We are keenly aware of the difficulties that such a situation presents in countries where not only the State but the established church and society wink at such irregularities. Where such relation are of very long standing, particularly if the relation existed at the time the people joined the Church, the Church should urge the legalizing of this union and should refrain from putting its stamp of approval upon such unions by placing in positions persons so living. every effort should be made so to treat such cases that the Church is understood as not sanctioning illicit sexual relations. The Church must always stand for sexual purity.
However, it is our view that persons should not be taken into the Church who are living in such relations, and that every effort should be made to learn before baptism whether such relation exit After persons became members of the Church, illicit sexual relations should no more be tolerated among Church members in Europe than in America, and they must be dealt with there as they are dealt with here. ...
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Joseph F. Merrill, 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 - Feb 11, 1915; Thursday
Bro[ther]. Talmage reported that he attended temple fast meeting on Sunday, and was engaged the greater part of the remainder of the day working on his forthcoming book, Jesus the Christ. ...
The question of acting on the report of the Dee Hospital [later McKay-Dee Hospital] committee was now considered. Bro[ther]. Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. moved that the recommendation of the committee be accepted, which meant the Church would have to meet its indebtedness, amounting to $7,115 and hereafter the hospital would be under the control of those suggested by the Church, and that the Church was to be responsible for half of any deficit or shortage which might occur in its running expenses. In connection with this motion, President Smith suggested that the committee continue their labors until a legal transfer shall be consummated and the property come to the Trustee-in-Trust. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
The question of acting on the report of the Dee Hospital [later McKay-Dee Hospital] committee was now considered. Bro[ther]. Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. moved that the recommendation of the committee be accepted, which meant the Church would have to meet its indebtedness, amounting to $7,115 and hereafter the hospital would be under the control of those suggested by the Church, and that the Church was to be responsible for half of any deficit or shortage which might occur in its running expenses. In connection with this motion, President Smith suggested that the committee continue their labors until a legal transfer shall be consummated and the property come to the Trustee-in-Trust. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Feb 11, 1895
The First Presidency of the Church declares Mormon Tabernacle Choir members to be acting missionaries and suggests they consider their choir responsibilities as their primary public duty.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Newsroom, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=036eb2987ff92110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRDvgnextchannel=9ae411154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Newsroom, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=036eb2987ff92110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRDvgnextchannel=9ae411154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD]
150 years ago today - Feb 11, 1865
[Wilford Woodruff] On my way to the office I Called into the office of Brother Sharp and stood by the side of Sister Marinda Hyde the wife of Orson Hyde while she had 15 teeth pulled all that she had in her mouth.
[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]
160 years ago today - Feb 11, 1855
[Wilford Woodruff] Sunday 11th I spent the day at the Tabernacle & evening at Prayer Circle. <I wrote a lengthy letter during the night to Emma upon the principle of obeying counsel.>
[Angled brackets indicate shorthand, used as code in Woodruff's journal . This was probably his wife Emma]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Angled brackets indicate shorthand, used as code in Woodruff's journal . This was probably his wife Emma]
[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 - February 11, 1845. Tuesday.
[William Clayton] At the Office all day copying records of the Kingdom [Council of Fifty].
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Feb 10, 1900; Saturday
Mr. Cole remarked that they thought they had been moved upon by the proper spirit to come to Utah to see what, if anything, can be done about building the Temple at Jackson county, M[iss]o[uri]. The "Hedrickite" church, he stated, believed that they were the guardians of the Temple lot in Independence, and as such they felt that they could say that the Lord had instructed them to come and invite a delegation from Utah to meet with a delegation from their church and a delegation from the Reorganites, at Independence for the purpose of trying to come to some understanding as to what ought to be done. ... A delegation from the "Hedrickite" church had waited on the Reorganite leaders and they had promised to send a delegation to such a conference. Joseph and Alexander Smith and Edmund L. Kelley had consented to this. There was no basis of agreement talked about, everything was to be left to the twelve men representing the three organizations. It was understood between the "Hedrickites" and the Reorganites that whatever might be done by this proposed delegation should not be binding, but that each delegation should report to a conference of the several churches
and let the conferences act on their several reports. ... Mr. Frisby stated that the great difference between their organization and the Reorganized church on doctrine was authority, organization, in fact almost everything, with the exception of marriage, on that point they agreed. However, while the Reorganites held that the revelation on plural marriage was not given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, the Hedrickites believed that it was given through him, but it came at a time that was most unfavorable, and while the Prophet was the author of that document, they held that he was not inspired at the time that he received it, and they did not accept it as a revelation from God. Mr. Cole remarked that when talking with an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Independence, on the subject of plural marriage, the elder suggested that the Lord might have given this principle as a chastisement, and he, Mr. Cole, thought the expression a very happy one, and felt that this explanation was in accordance with his own views.
President Snow[:] ... "the Reorganites had an organization consisting of a presidency, apostles and presiding bishopric, and so have we, and it would be entirely out of the question to combine these organizations represented by two bodies known as First Presidencies, twenty-four apostles, etc." Mr. Frisby replying to this said that provided the proposed delegations met together, the Lord might enable them to work together for the carrying out of this purpose, that is, the building of the Temple; and if the Temple could be built, his idea was that the Savior would come to the Temple and he would set all things in order, and set everything right, even now, he remarked, the indications are that great things are present even at our doors.
President Cannon said he could see no objection to our acceding to this proposition since the action, whatever it may be, would not be binding on any organization, but President Snow felt that he would like to see an effort on the part of the Reorganites to make right a very serious wrong. "They tried their best," said President Cannon, "to have me cast out of Congress." Mr. Frisby suggested that notwithstanding all their bitterness and opposition in the past, he thought we should continue to try to convert them for he had hopes that the Reorganite people would yet acknowledge the weakness of their cause... President Snow said that he most certainly would be in favor of such a movement if the prospects were favorable for a union. ...
President Snow said the members of the Reorganized church do not believe in Temple work, but Mr. Frisby thought that they might be led to believe, and he could say for his own people that they believed that the Temple would be built there in Independence, and believed that money could not induce them to part with the land although they had received offers even at one time as high as $100,000. The Temple lot was at present held by Elder Hill, as trustee-in-trust, appointed by the Court of Missouri at the request of the members of the "Hedrickite" church. Mr. Cole remarked that he and Elder Frisby had not come out here on the spur of the moment, they had had this step in mind for more than a year and it had been thoroughly discussed by them.
President Joseph F. Smith inquired if the President of the Hedrickite church was recognized by the members as the mouthpiece of the Lord, and received the reply that he was not so considered. The members get together and pray to the Lord in a united way, and the influence of the Spirit bears testimony to them what might be true or what they should do. Six of the elders got together on the particular occasion when the matter of a committee was discussed, and all had agreed that this step was the proper thing to do. President Snow told them that he was of the opinion that the time was fast approaching in his opinion, when the Lord would require the building of the Temple at Jackson county, but it would certainly require means to accomplish it. The Latter-day Saints had to some extent been neglectful of the law of tithing and it was through obedience to this law and that of consecration that the land was to be sanctified, and it would be done in no other way. ... Referring to the main question President Snow said that he could not at the present time answer whether the Lord would require of the Saints to see if a reconciliation could be effected between the Church and the Reorganites or not, for his mind was not clear regarding it; but he was not unmindful of the fact that to send four men as a committee to represent us would not in any way commit the Church to anything which might be said or done. He feared, however, that we might just as well undertake to unite with twenty-four of the Utah sectarian ministers as to try to form a reconciliation with the Reorganized church. "But," said he, "as you brethren come in the name of the Lord, I am willing to consider the proposition and see if there be any reasonable chance to act upon it."...
President Smith said, two wings are now here, but when the third wing comes in, it will be found that a different state of things will exist, as they will be full of the spirit of contention and argument. Joseph Smith of the Reorganized church had remarked to him upon one occasion, that his brothers when visiting thsi city found so much here in favor of plural marriage that there was no wonder that David [brother of Joseph Smith III] lost his mind, but so far as he himself was concerned, he preferred to take the other view, and this spirit which he possesses said President Smith, would be met with in the committee; nevertheless he was perfectly willing that the delegation should meet although he had no faith in the outcome of their joint labors. ...
After further discussion of a minor importance, President Snow informed the visiting gentlemen that he did not feel to act in regard to the matter without laying it before the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And as it would take about ten days to bring the brethren together this question was postponed until a quorum could be reached, which he thought could not be before the 20th. With this understanding these parties withdrew in company of Bishop Preston, who was instructed by the Presidency to afford them every accommodation at the expense of the Church.
Telegrams were sent requesting Elders Heber J. Grant and Rudger Clawson, who were in Arizona, to return to Salt Lake City by the 18th. They were at the time at Thatcher, Arizona.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
and let the conferences act on their several reports. ... Mr. Frisby stated that the great difference between their organization and the Reorganized church on doctrine was authority, organization, in fact almost everything, with the exception of marriage, on that point they agreed. However, while the Reorganites held that the revelation on plural marriage was not given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, the Hedrickites believed that it was given through him, but it came at a time that was most unfavorable, and while the Prophet was the author of that document, they held that he was not inspired at the time that he received it, and they did not accept it as a revelation from God. Mr. Cole remarked that when talking with an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Independence, on the subject of plural marriage, the elder suggested that the Lord might have given this principle as a chastisement, and he, Mr. Cole, thought the expression a very happy one, and felt that this explanation was in accordance with his own views.
President Snow[:] ... "the Reorganites had an organization consisting of a presidency, apostles and presiding bishopric, and so have we, and it would be entirely out of the question to combine these organizations represented by two bodies known as First Presidencies, twenty-four apostles, etc." Mr. Frisby replying to this said that provided the proposed delegations met together, the Lord might enable them to work together for the carrying out of this purpose, that is, the building of the Temple; and if the Temple could be built, his idea was that the Savior would come to the Temple and he would set all things in order, and set everything right, even now, he remarked, the indications are that great things are present even at our doors.
President Cannon said he could see no objection to our acceding to this proposition since the action, whatever it may be, would not be binding on any organization, but President Snow felt that he would like to see an effort on the part of the Reorganites to make right a very serious wrong. "They tried their best," said President Cannon, "to have me cast out of Congress." Mr. Frisby suggested that notwithstanding all their bitterness and opposition in the past, he thought we should continue to try to convert them for he had hopes that the Reorganite people would yet acknowledge the weakness of their cause... President Snow said that he most certainly would be in favor of such a movement if the prospects were favorable for a union. ...
President Snow said the members of the Reorganized church do not believe in Temple work, but Mr. Frisby thought that they might be led to believe, and he could say for his own people that they believed that the Temple would be built there in Independence, and believed that money could not induce them to part with the land although they had received offers even at one time as high as $100,000. The Temple lot was at present held by Elder Hill, as trustee-in-trust, appointed by the Court of Missouri at the request of the members of the "Hedrickite" church. Mr. Cole remarked that he and Elder Frisby had not come out here on the spur of the moment, they had had this step in mind for more than a year and it had been thoroughly discussed by them.
President Joseph F. Smith inquired if the President of the Hedrickite church was recognized by the members as the mouthpiece of the Lord, and received the reply that he was not so considered. The members get together and pray to the Lord in a united way, and the influence of the Spirit bears testimony to them what might be true or what they should do. Six of the elders got together on the particular occasion when the matter of a committee was discussed, and all had agreed that this step was the proper thing to do. President Snow told them that he was of the opinion that the time was fast approaching in his opinion, when the Lord would require the building of the Temple at Jackson county, but it would certainly require means to accomplish it. The Latter-day Saints had to some extent been neglectful of the law of tithing and it was through obedience to this law and that of consecration that the land was to be sanctified, and it would be done in no other way. ... Referring to the main question President Snow said that he could not at the present time answer whether the Lord would require of the Saints to see if a reconciliation could be effected between the Church and the Reorganites or not, for his mind was not clear regarding it; but he was not unmindful of the fact that to send four men as a committee to represent us would not in any way commit the Church to anything which might be said or done. He feared, however, that we might just as well undertake to unite with twenty-four of the Utah sectarian ministers as to try to form a reconciliation with the Reorganized church. "But," said he, "as you brethren come in the name of the Lord, I am willing to consider the proposition and see if there be any reasonable chance to act upon it."...
President Smith said, two wings are now here, but when the third wing comes in, it will be found that a different state of things will exist, as they will be full of the spirit of contention and argument. Joseph Smith of the Reorganized church had remarked to him upon one occasion, that his brothers when visiting thsi city found so much here in favor of plural marriage that there was no wonder that David [brother of Joseph Smith III] lost his mind, but so far as he himself was concerned, he preferred to take the other view, and this spirit which he possesses said President Smith, would be met with in the committee; nevertheless he was perfectly willing that the delegation should meet although he had no faith in the outcome of their joint labors. ...
After further discussion of a minor importance, President Snow informed the visiting gentlemen that he did not feel to act in regard to the matter without laying it before the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And as it would take about ten days to bring the brethren together this question was postponed until a quorum could be reached, which he thought could not be before the 20th. With this understanding these parties withdrew in company of Bishop Preston, who was instructed by the Presidency to afford them every accommodation at the expense of the Church.
Telegrams were sent requesting Elders Heber J. Grant and Rudger Clawson, who were in Arizona, to return to Salt Lake City by the 18th. They were at the time at Thatcher, Arizona.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Feb 10, 1890
[President Wilford Woodruff] Feb 10, 1890 This is the Election day for Salt Lake City. Our Enemies Called liberals were resolved to Steal the Election and they did. They struck off hundreds of Names from the list of the peoples Party and brought into the City By Rail road hundreds of men who voted illegally so they got the majority in the Election. But the day past without any Blood shed.
[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]
125 years ago today - Feb 10, 1890
Anti-Mormon Liberal party wins municipal election and takes control of Salt Lake City's government on Feb. 18. Apostle John Henry Smith writes: "The Liberals carried the election by fraud, having 795 more votes than the people [People's Party]." Heber J. Grant writes in his journal, " It makes me sick at heart to think of Salt Lake being in the hands of the Liberals."
125 years ago today - Feb 10, 1890
... when talk of the policy to observe should the liberals carry the election. Shall we contest or concede it? Later Elders Lorenzo Snow, John W. Young, Abra[ha]m H. Cannon, Heber J. Grant & Franklin S. Richards came in. The decision was that if the majority was small say 600, the fraud should be denounced vigorously, but if the majority was very large, not fight the result beyond making a showing of the frauds perpetrated. The official count showed that all the Liberal ticket was elected. ...
[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, 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: First Presidency Office Journal, 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]
125 years ago today - Monday, Feb 10, 1890
[Apostle John Henry Smith] There is considerable excitement but the election is proceeding very nicely, but hundreds are voting illegally. The Liberals carried the election by fraud, having 795 more votes polled than the people [People's Party].
[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]
145 years ago today - Feb 10, 1870
The Utah territorial legislature, composed of an LDS majority, passes an act allowing women to vote in Utah; it is only the second territory to pass women suffrage laws.
165 years ago today - Feb 10, 1850 (Morning)
[Brigham Young] We have sad news from Fort Utah - the brethren continued their labors to try and route them - Brother Isaac Higbee, son Joseph was killed and three more wounded - they expect to continue their operations this morning [of forcibly removing the Indians from Utah valley] - those who have traded guns and powder say they had rather the Indians eat their cattle than the saints from this valley - I have sent word to confiscate all their property - and then put them in the front of the battle and kill them - if men had taken a direct course there - they would not have been any trouble ... I am just capacitated to do what has to be done, right the Lord has stretched forth his hand and brought us here - and so soon as the wicked men are away from us - how the saints sinned down into sluggishness - there are a few here of all kinds - then why need I grumble we shall still be chastised - are we chastised by the Indians for our wickedness - ... Be ye also ready, to fight preach or pray as it is necessary - if those Indians cant be come at - they must either quit the ground or we must - we have to maintain that ground, or vacate this - we were told three years ago - if we don't kill those lake Utes, they will kill us every man told us the same - they all bore testimony the Lake Utes lives by plunder and robbing - if we yield in this instance, we have to yield this land. Walker advises us to use them up - I am going to keep up a standing army to lick them up - this is the place to begin - Joseph prophesied many of the Lamanites will have to be slain, many of them by us ...
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-7, 15-17 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-7, 15-17 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - Feb 10, 1840
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] As this is a day that many are celebrating the mariage of the Queen [Victoria] I thought it no more than just & right that I should honor the King of heaven by advocating his cause & preaching the gospel of his Son Jesus Christ. So I walked out into the Market place ... & we began to Sing praises unto God & call upon his name & a congregation flocked around us. ... We testified of the Second comeing of Christ & warned the people to repent & be Baptized for the remission of their Sins, & when we had finished our testimony we dismissed the people & walked of with many following us. ...
[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]
5 years ago today - Feb 9, 2010
Trial watchers learn 9th District Court of Appeals Judge Vaughn Walker, assigned to the case randomly, is himself gay.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
70 years ago today - Feb 9, 1945
[First Presidency Letter] Referring to your letter of December 21, this will advise you that there has been no change in the ruling of the Church regarding the bestowal of the Priesthood upon persons having colored blood. As to the ultimate fate of the colored people, the Prophet Joseph Smith is quoted as having said on one occasion:
'That the seed of Cain could not receive the Priesthood, nor act in any of the offices of the
Priesthood until the seed of Abel should come forward and take precedence over Cain's
offspring.'
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Graham H. Doxey, 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]
'That the seed of Cain could not receive the Priesthood, nor act in any of the offices of the
Priesthood until the seed of Abel should come forward and take precedence over Cain's
offspring.'
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Graham H. Doxey, 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 - Feb 9, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman] Bro[ther] P. A. Droubay called upon me and I gave him verbal answer to his letter asking if any one could now take a plural wife. I told no: It could not be done. any one could note take a plural wife. I told no, It could not be done.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Feb 9, 1885 (Monday)
A number of Saints going into exile because of their family relations [plural marriages], left Snowflake, Ariz., for Mexico. On their arrival at Luna Valley, New Mexico, on the 15th, they were organized into a traveling company, with E.A. Noble as captain. The company had increased to about seventy souls.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - Feb 9, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff] We received a message this morning saying that Brother Teasdale was indicted By the Grand Jury on Poligamy and Cohabitation. So we like scores of others must make for the City of refuge. There is hardly a leading Man in Utah that Can Walk the Streets of Salt Lake in safety. Marshals are after him because He had obeyed the Patriarchal Law of Marriage.
[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]
145 years ago today - Feb 9, 1870
Formation of anti-Mormon "Liberal Party" which opposes LDS church's "People's Party" at every Utah election for more than twenty years. Presiding Bishopric counselor Jesse C. Little helps lead group of Mormons who disrupt first meeting.
105 years ago today - 105 years ago - Feb 8, 1910
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] [At meeting in Temple of General Authorities and Stake Presidencies] A question was asked if it was proper for a man who had two wives to marry another in case his legal wife were to die. Prest Smith said it would not be right. He then spoke strongly that there must not be any more plural marriages performed. Urged all to aid in keeping our pledges with the Nation that there should be no more plural marriages. Was very strong.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Feb 8, 1900; Thursday
In the afternoon George P. Frisby and George D. Cole of "The Church of Christ," commonly known as "Hedrickites," called on the Presidency. They were accompanied by Elder Charles W. Penrose. these gentlemen stated that they had come from Independence, Missouri, for the purpose of ascertaining if it is not possible for a delegation of our Church, a delegation of the "Reorganite" church and a a delegation of their own organization could not meet together for the purpose of trying to harmonize their views on doctrine with a view to our coming together and uniting into one body. This, in brief, was stated as their object in coming here, but their conversation with the Presidency lasted fully an hour, during which time these men manifested a very good spirit. They freely admitted that they were but custodians of the Temple ground in Independence, and they said the Spirit seemed to manifest to them as a body that they ought to take some steps towards placing this ground so it can be used for the purpose indicated in the revelations. President [Lorenzo] Snow appointed a meeting for tomorrow in the office for two thirty, at which President [George Q.] Cannon and whoever of the Apostles in reach may be present.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - 125 years ago - Saturday, Feb 8, 1890
[John Henry Smith] Salt Lake City
There are many strange faces in this City and much excitement over election matters. President W. Woodruff requested the Apostles present in the City to be at the Tabernacle tomorrow.
[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]
There are many strange faces in this City and much excitement over election matters. President W. Woodruff requested the Apostles present in the City to be at the Tabernacle tomorrow.
[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 - 125 years ago - Feb 8, 1890 (Saturday)
The third and last parade of the People's Party in Salt Lake City, took place.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
125 years ago today - 125 years ago - Feb 8, 1890
Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon telegraphed: 'Should not Saturday's Deseret News & Salt Lake Herald publish John T. Caine's return as an example to all voters? Maud & Tobias telegraph they go to Salt Lake City next week. Ask earliest day I can meet them. They say Hyde & Richard Taylor are determined to make trouble & my presence would help matter greatly. What shall I answer them?' Answer: 'Leave you return here to your judgment. If you decide to do so it will be entirely agreeable to Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruff. James Jack.' Pres[iden]ts Woodruff & [Joseph F.] Smith witnessed the parade of the People's Party.
[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, 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: First Presidency Office Journal, 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]
130 years ago today - 130 years ago - Feb 8, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff] We held a priesthood Meeting in the Evening to prepare the way for installing Isaiah Cox as Bishop and we had a stormy time in the midst of a great variety of spirits a great deal of division & but little union. I told the people to poor out all they had against the Bishop & nearly all the Hous spoke & when they got through I Called a vote and all voted for the Bishop but 2.
[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]
165 years ago today - 165 years ago - Feb 8, 1850 (Friday)
On this and the following day a battle was fought between the "minute men" and about seventy Indian warriors under Big Elk, close to Utah Fort (now Provo), in which several were killed and wounded on both sides. The Indians subsequently retreated to the mountains.
[Brigham Young had ordered the Indians be removed from Utah Valley by force]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Brigham Young had ordered the Indians be removed from Utah Valley by force]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - 180 years ago - Feb 08, 1835
Joseph Smith tells Brigham and Joseph Young of a vision in which he saw those who had passed away in Zion's Camp: "If I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I ask no more."
[Source: History of the Church, 2:180–81]
[Source: History of the Church, 2:180–81]
100 years ago today - Feb 8, 1915
The request of the party referred to ... cannot be granted, that is, his name cannot be stricken from the Church records as a means of severing his connection with the Church. No Church member can be severed from the Church without trial and ex-communication. Special Teachers therefore might consistently be appointed to labor with the party ... and if he persists in his desire to be severed from the Church a formal charge of apostasy might be made against him by and by ...
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Heber Q. Hale, 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: First Presidency, Letter to Heber Q. Hale, 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]
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1835
Brigham and Joseph Young sing for Joseph. "The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and I told them I wanted to see those brethren together, who went up to Zion in the camp, the previous summer, for I had a blessing for them."
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
70 years ago today - Feb 8, 1945
Urgent call for Spanish-speaking missionaries-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
(An urgent call for Spanish-speaking missionaries.) {1945-February 8-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
(An urgent call for Spanish-speaking missionaries.) {1945-February 8-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
30 years ago today - Feb 7, 1985
First Presidency letter to all presiding officers "on the subject of rape," includes following: "Persons who consciously invite sexual advances also have a share of responsibility for the behavior that follows. But persons who are truly forced into sexual relations are victims and are not guilty of any sexual sin-.The extent of resistance required to establish that the victim has not willingly consented is left to the judgment of the victim, who is best acquainted with the total circumstances and their effect on his or her will."
35 years ago today - Feb 7,1980
Dallin H. Oaks, president of BYU, is chair of board for television's Public Broadcasting Service. He continues as PBS Chair after his appointment to Twelve in Apr 1984.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
110 years ago today - Feb 7, 1905
Bro[ther]s. Lorenzo Stohl and John Stringham, connected with the Heber J. Grant Company office, called and met the Presidency about establishing a life insurance company. After due consideration, President [Joseph F.] Smith gave his consent to become president of the company, should it be organized.
[Source: Journal History, 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: Journal History, 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]
125 years ago today - Feb 7, 1890
Black Mormon Jane Manning James requests proxy polygamous sealing,
Dear Brother - - Please excuse me taking the Liberty of Writing to you - but be a Brotherby answering my questions - There by satisfying my mind - - First, as Brother James [her husband Isaac] has Left me 21 years - And a Coloured Brother, Brother Lewis wished me to be sealed to Him, He has been dead 35 or 36 years - can i be sealed to him - parley P Pratt or dained Him an Elder. When or how[?] can i ever be sealed to Him.
Although not named, this refers to Elder Walker Lewis, during his visit to Utah in 1851-2. She also incorrectly stated that Parley P. Pratt ordained him an elder, when it was William Smith. Perhaps Pratt baptized Lewis a Mormon and she confused the two events.
Dear Brother - - Please excuse me taking the Liberty of Writing to you - but be a Brotherby answering my questions - There by satisfying my mind - - First, as Brother James [her husband Isaac] has Left me 21 years - And a Coloured Brother, Brother Lewis wished me to be sealed to Him, He has been dead 35 or 36 years - can i be sealed to him - parley P Pratt or dained Him an Elder. When or how[?] can i ever be sealed to Him.
Although not named, this refers to Elder Walker Lewis, during his visit to Utah in 1851-2. She also incorrectly stated that Parley P. Pratt ordained him an elder, when it was William Smith. Perhaps Pratt baptized Lewis a Mormon and she confused the two events.
155 years ago today - Feb 7, 1860
This afternoon a grand party came off at the Social Hall [grand reopening]. commencing at 4 p. m[.] Prest B. Young and councillors & the Twelve Gov Cumming and Col Stambaugh & Staff were present[.] I and my wife attended[.] Tickets $10supper at Eleven p. m. Dancing till 5 a. m. fine time this and is the Grand Ball of the "Season"
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
155 years ago today - Feb 7, 1860
[Wilford Woodruff] 7 I attended the trial of several young men at the policee station for breaking up a party last [ ]. Drew Pistols threatened life and broke the peace in many ways. While hearing the testimony it was shown that while one of the party broke into the room and was in the act of striking Joseph [F.] Smith (the son of Hyram) when Samuel Smith (son of Samuel B Smith) struck the man and knocked him against the wall. This was the ownly blow given on Either side. They threatened to kill Samuel Smith. The trial was conducted at Jeter Clintons office [in] the police Station.
At the Close of the testimony Justice Clinton Called upon me to speak. I addressed them some 15 minutes in giving them a morral lesson to the young Men who were present and had Committed wrongs upon there Neighbors and at the Close The Justice Approved of the Course of Samuel Smith in not going out to fight with the rowdies when they threatened him. Be fined the boys who had raised the row five dollars Each.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At the Close of the testimony Justice Clinton Called upon me to speak. I addressed them some 15 minutes in giving them a morral lesson to the young Men who were present and had Committed wrongs upon there Neighbors and at the Close The Justice Approved of the Course of Samuel Smith in not going out to fight with the rowdies when they threatened him. Be fined the boys who had raised the row five dollars Each.
[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 - Feb 7, 1840. Friday.
Brother [John] Taylor gave me [William Clayton] his blessing. He blessed me with wisdom and utterance so that I should be a wonder to myself and others. By the spirit. Ministering angels. He blessed Brother [Joseph] Fielding and then Brother F. blessed Brother Taylor. Brother T[aylor] afterwards give an address in tongues and interpreted.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
175 years ago today - Feb 7, 1840
In England British Mission President Joseph Fielding and John Taylor take turns blessing each other. John Taylor "afterwards gave an address in tongues and interpreted."
60 years ago today - Feb 6, 1955
The Bensons invited Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower to join them at the Virginia ranch of J. Willard Marriott, a successful hotelier and Washington DC Stake president. The Bensons treated their guests to a Mormon-oriented evening of singing, poem recitations, and humorous skits.
[Source: Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
[Source: Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
65 years ago today - Feb 6, 1950
[David O. McKay] 4:30 p.m. President Casper H. Parker of Hillsdale Stake called at the office. We discussed the old problem of removal of the Liquor Store at 17th East and 17th South. It seems that W. W. Seegmiller, a member of the Liquor Commission, is opposing the removal of this store, even though Governor J. Bracken Lee has given his promise that it should be moved.
While Pre. Parker was in my office, I telephoned to Governor Lee. He said there is no change in his attitude toward the removal of that store: that he has been trying to work it out, but that his trouble has been with two of the commissioners who do not want it moved, and that W. W. Seegmiller is one of them. The Governor then asked, 'What's the matter with Seegmiller? I said that I would call him into the office again, and ask him. The Governor, answered, 'I wish you would, because I told Seegmiller frankly that the only man who could release me from my promise is President McKay.' I answered that I am obligated to Pres. Parker and the people in that district; that we had promised them this store would be removed.
[Source: David O. McKay 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]
While Pre. Parker was in my office, I telephoned to Governor Lee. He said there is no change in his attitude toward the removal of that store: that he has been trying to work it out, but that his trouble has been with two of the commissioners who do not want it moved, and that W. W. Seegmiller is one of them. The Governor then asked, 'What's the matter with Seegmiller? I said that I would call him into the office again, and ask him. The Governor, answered, 'I wish you would, because I told Seegmiller frankly that the only man who could release me from my promise is President McKay.' I answered that I am obligated to Pres. Parker and the people in that district; that we had promised them this store would be removed.
[Source: David O. McKay 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]
80 years ago today - Feb 6, 1935
[Heber J. Grant] In your letter of February 4 you ask 'When Elder David O. McKay was chosen to fill the vacancy in the Presidency did he, or did he not lose his right to seniority in the Council of the Twelve?'
The answer is no. When a member of the Council of the Twelve is called into the quorum of the First Presidency he retains his place of seniority in the Council of the Twelve.
[Source: Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Jesse W. Richins, 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]
The answer is no. When a member of the Council of the Twelve is called into the quorum of the First Presidency he retains his place of seniority in the Council of the Twelve.
[Source: Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Jesse W. Richins, 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 - Feb 6, 1900
Joseph F. Smith writes to Anthony W. Ivins concerning a post-manifesto plural marriage: "the less I know about some things the better for me at least and perhaps for others concerned.... my motto is and always has been to protect to the uttermost in my power the rights and the secrets, if secrets there may be, of my friends and the friends of the kingdom of God." He adds that he believes in "all the revelations" of the Prophet Joseph Smith, a phrase that becomes a code for polygamy after the Manifesto.
160 years ago today - Feb 6, 1855 (Tuesday)
A grand festival, lasting two days, was commenced in G.S.L. City, in honor of the Mormon Battalion.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Feb 6, 1845, Thursday
[William Clayton] Thursday 6th. ... Evening clothed [in temple robes] to offer prayers for Wm. H. & Vilate R. who are both very sick.
[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]
[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]
175 years ago today - c. (Thr) Feb 6, 1840
Smith reportedly had a second interview with Martin Van Buren, who supposedly told the Mormons: "Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you;" and "If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of Missouri."
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
180 years ago today - Feb 6, 1835
Phelps says Ham married "a black wife",
[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
45 years ago today - Feb 5, 1970
BYU basketball game is disrupted by protest against LDS church's policy of denying priesthood ordination to African-Americans. While 150 Colorado State University student demonstrators scuffle with campus police and twenty Fort Collins policemen during half-time, someone throws Molotov cocktail on playing floor. When game resumes spectators throw raw eggs at BYU's players.
60 years ago today - Feb 5, 1955
First headline reference in CHURCH NEWS since 1931 to living LDS president as the "Prophet." Apparently due to Counselor J. Reuben Clark's criticism of adulation implied by using this title for the living president, "the Prophet" is associated with founder Joseph Smith in Church News headlines until after Clark's Death in 1961.
135 years ago today - Feb 5, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff] I wrote a letter to Presidet John Taylor and the Twelve Apostles. I gave them an Account of the Revelation the Lord gave unto me in the shepherds tent in the wilderness and I sent them a Copy of the same.
[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]
160 years ago today - Feb 5, 1855
[Chief Walker] News has arrived that Walker the Great Utah Chief died on the 29 Jan at the Meadow Creek some six miles beyond Fillmore, and that the Utahs had killed 2 piede squaws & 2 piede children and some 12 or 15 of Walkers Horses and intended to kill 2 Pauvans & 3 mormons. This is done on the death of a great chief as a sacrifice I understand.
[Walker had been baptized a member of the church]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Walker had been baptized a member of the church]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Feb 5, 1840
[Description of Joseph Smith] Washington, 6th February, 1840.
My Dear Mary:--I went last evening to hear "Joe Smith," the celebrated Mormon, expound his doctrine. ... He is not an educated man; but he is a plain, sensible, strong minded man. Everything he says, is said in a manner to leave an impression that he is sincere. There is no levity, no fanaticism, no want of dignity in his deportment. He is apparently from forty to forty-five years of age, rather above the middle stature, and what you ladies would call a very good looking man. In his garb there are no peculiarities; his dress being that of a plain, unpretending citizen. He is by profession a farmer, but is evidently well read.
... We teach nothing but what the Bible teaches. We believe nothing, but what is to be found in this book. ... He then entered into some details, the result of which tended to show his total unbelief of what is termed original sin. He believes that it is washed away by the blood of Christ, and that it no longer exists. As a necessary consequence, he believes that we are all born pure and undefiled. That all children dying at an early age (say eight years) not knowing good from evil, were incapable of sinning; and that all such assuredly go to heaven. ...
I believe that the soul is eternal; and had no beginning; it can have no end. ... the idea seemed to be that the soul of man, the spirit, had existed from eternity in the bosom of Divinity; and so far as he was intelligible to me, must ultimately return from whence it came. He said very little of rewards and punishments; ...
Towards the close of his address, he remarked that he had been represented as pretending to be a Savior, a worker of miracles, etc. All this was false. He made no such pretensions. He was but a man, he said; a plain, untutored man; seeking what he should do to be saved. He performed no miracles. He did not pretend to possess any such power. He closed by referring to the Mormon Bible, which he said, contained nothing inconsistent or conflicting with the Christian Bible, and he again repeated that all who would follow the precepts of the Bible, whether Mormon or not, would assuredly be saved.
Throughout his whole address, he displayed strongly a spirit of charity and forbearance. The Mormon Bible, he said, was communicated to him, direct from heaven. If there was such a thing on earth, as the author of it, then he (Smith) was the author; but the idea that he wished to impress was, that he had penned it as dictated by God. ...
[Source: M. L. Davis, Christian Advocate and Journal (6 March 1840) as quoted in Times and Seasons 1 (March 1840): 79 and The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
My Dear Mary:--I went last evening to hear "Joe Smith," the celebrated Mormon, expound his doctrine. ... He is not an educated man; but he is a plain, sensible, strong minded man. Everything he says, is said in a manner to leave an impression that he is sincere. There is no levity, no fanaticism, no want of dignity in his deportment. He is apparently from forty to forty-five years of age, rather above the middle stature, and what you ladies would call a very good looking man. In his garb there are no peculiarities; his dress being that of a plain, unpretending citizen. He is by profession a farmer, but is evidently well read.
... We teach nothing but what the Bible teaches. We believe nothing, but what is to be found in this book. ... He then entered into some details, the result of which tended to show his total unbelief of what is termed original sin. He believes that it is washed away by the blood of Christ, and that it no longer exists. As a necessary consequence, he believes that we are all born pure and undefiled. That all children dying at an early age (say eight years) not knowing good from evil, were incapable of sinning; and that all such assuredly go to heaven. ...
I believe that the soul is eternal; and had no beginning; it can have no end. ... the idea seemed to be that the soul of man, the spirit, had existed from eternity in the bosom of Divinity; and so far as he was intelligible to me, must ultimately return from whence it came. He said very little of rewards and punishments; ...
Towards the close of his address, he remarked that he had been represented as pretending to be a Savior, a worker of miracles, etc. All this was false. He made no such pretensions. He was but a man, he said; a plain, untutored man; seeking what he should do to be saved. He performed no miracles. He did not pretend to possess any such power. He closed by referring to the Mormon Bible, which he said, contained nothing inconsistent or conflicting with the Christian Bible, and he again repeated that all who would follow the precepts of the Bible, whether Mormon or not, would assuredly be saved.
Throughout his whole address, he displayed strongly a spirit of charity and forbearance. The Mormon Bible, he said, was communicated to him, direct from heaven. If there was such a thing on earth, as the author of it, then he (Smith) was the author; but the idea that he wished to impress was, that he had penned it as dictated by God. ...
[Source: M. L. Davis, Christian Advocate and Journal (6 March 1840) as quoted in Times and Seasons 1 (March 1840): 79 and The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
175 years ago today - Feb 5, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff] Read two papers. Found much talk about the Queen Victoria wedding. It had taken more than 200 persons 9 months to make her Bridal Dress, & all the weavers 6 weeks to make her veil.
[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]
55 years ago today - Thu Feb 4, 1960
[David O. McKay] The First Presidency had an interview with Governor George D. Clyde at his request. The Governor reported this visit with other governors with President Eisenhower and others on Civil Defense projects, having particular reference to air-raid shelters from atomic and hydrogen bombs and fall-out from such bombs. Governor Clyde's report was not a very encouraging one as to the improbability of an attack. The entire hour was occupied entirely with discussing the necessity of securing bomb shelters, not only in government, but in our own Church buildings and in private dwellings. Steps will be taken not only by the government, but by other organizations and by the Church to have bomb shelters in new buildings that are being erected.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
130 years ago today - 1885. February 4
[George Q. Cannon] "The Council of Fifty met in the old City Hall, and Moses opposed the proposition to anoint John Taylor as Prophet, Priest and King."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Feb 4, 1885
[Minutes of the Quorum of Twelve] Prests. John Taylor & Geo. Q. Cannon having been secluded since Sundayevening word had been given to [other leaders] to meet in Council this evening ... Soon after 8. p.m. Prests Taylor & Cannon met the seven of the 12 first named at End[owment] house... President Taylor stated the object of the council. directed Br Nuttall to read a Revelation which he said he received more than a year ago requiring him to be anointed & set apart as a King Priest and Ruler over Israel on the Earth'over Zion & the Kingdom under Christ our King of Kings. He also read some extracts from minutes of the Council of the Kingdom after which the President called for any remarks when several spoke their mind and F. M. L. motioned that we proceed to obey the requirement of the Revelation. when we clothed in our Priestly attire. E Snow offered prayer, when after the usual ceremony F. M. Lyman prayed in the circle. L. Snow consecrated a bottle of oil. Counselor Cannon anointed President John Taylor and we all laid hand on the Prest. & Geo. Q. sealed the anointing according to a written form which had been prepared. We continued together until shortly after eleven when we separated ... Prst Jno Taylor was anointed K[ing]. P[riest]. R[uler]. of C[hurch]. Z[ion]. & K[ingdom]. ...
[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]
[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]
135 years ago today - Feb 4, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff] 4 I spent the day in writing in my Journal the Revelation given me in the Mountains. The Thermometer showed the Cold 6 degrees below zero, the Coldest morning of the Season.
[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]
150 years ago today - Feb 4, 1865
Orson Pratt publishes an installment of his autobiography in the MILLENNIAL STAR: "Towards the last of autumn [1836] I commenced the study of Algebra without a teacher, occupying leisure hrs in the evening. I soon went through Day's Algebra. . . . From 1836 to 1844, I occupied much of my leisure time in study, and made myself thoroughly acquainted with algebra, geometry, trigonometry, conic sections, differential and integral calculus, astronomy, and most of the physical sciences. These studies I pursued without the assistance of a teacher." In May of 1866, in London, Pratt published his 151-page treatise, PRATT'S CUBIC AND BIQUADRATIC EQUATIONS: "New and easy method of solution of the cubic and biquadratic equations, embracing several new formulas, greatly simplifying this department of mathematical science."
160 years ago today - Feb 4, 1855
Apostle Wilford Woodruff describes "some of the strongest preaching ever delivered to the Saints." First rebaptisms of Utah Reformation occur in wards (like Payson) as early as Apr 14, 1855.
160 years ago today - Feb 4, 1855
[Wilford Woodruff] President [Heber C.] Kimball ... said that He would withdraw fellowship from any sister that would run after any of the gentiles & He would withdraw fellowship from any mother that would give her consent for their daughters to go & associate with the gentile or from the father if He gave his consent and if He caught any man commiting Adultery with one of his daughters He would kill them both & so ought any righteous man. But let not any person that has commit Adultery ever kill another person for commiting the same act
[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 - Feb 4, 1845. Tuesday.
[William Clayton] Met at the 70s Hall with the Council of the Kingdom [Quorum of Fifty]. ... This is the first time we met since the massacre of President Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Council was reorganized and President B. Young appointed standing chairman as successor to President Joseph Smith by unanimous vote. [Voting proceeds to retain some members, and drop those not loyal to Brigham Young]. President Joseph and Hyrum two of the members were martyred for the truth and John P. Green is dead, so that there is only 40 members left in the Council. It was voted to fill up the Council at some future time.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
190 years ago today - Feb 4, 1825
Jabez B. Hyde, in Eden, N.Y., writes to Ethan Smith: "I have been in the sentiment of your book, [VIEW OF THE HEBREWS, 1823 edition] that the natives of our country are the outcasts of Israel. It cannot well be doubted by any one, who has become acquainted with the religious ceremonies of the Indians, but that they have a manifest shadow of the Mosaic rituals."
55 years ago today - Wed Feb 3, 1960
[David O. McKay] "I referred to a letter which I had just received from the First Presidency asking me to obtain all tithing information concerning faculty members from the First Presidency. I reminded him that in April of last year he consented that I obtain this information direct from the Presiding Bishopric. I asked if there had been complaints that I had been obtaining the information from local Bishops. He told me that they had received a letter of criticism to the effect that all secretaries in my office and other places knew the amounts paid by faculty members. I assure him there was no truth of any kind to that statement, that no one had the information except me. He said he had himself assumed that fact but that he was glad to have this assurance. He suggested I take this up with the First Presidency when I met with them."
7. Richard Durham. I told President McKay that I understood Richard Durham, a seminary teacher who was taking courses on our campus this summer, had written him a letter complaining about the orthodoxy of teachers at the BYU. As I started to explain to President McKay that, in my opinion, Brother Durham was an extremist in this respect and that his criticisms were much overstated, President McKay replied that I need not fear about his reaction to the letter, that anyone who wrote a letter as partisan as the letter of Brother Durham did not make any impression on him at all, that things couldn't be as bad at the BYU as Brother Durham said they were."
[Source: Part of a memo by Ernest L. Wilkinson concerning a meeting held with McKay on this date, McKay, David O., Office Journal]
7. Richard Durham. I told President McKay that I understood Richard Durham, a seminary teacher who was taking courses on our campus this summer, had written him a letter complaining about the orthodoxy of teachers at the BYU. As I started to explain to President McKay that, in my opinion, Brother Durham was an extremist in this respect and that his criticisms were much overstated, President McKay replied that I need not fear about his reaction to the letter, that anyone who wrote a letter as partisan as the letter of Brother Durham did not make any impression on him at all, that things couldn't be as bad at the BYU as Brother Durham said they were."
[Source: Part of a memo by Ernest L. Wilkinson concerning a meeting held with McKay on this date, McKay, David O., Office Journal]
65 years ago today - Feb 3, 1950
[George Albert Smith] Golden R. Buchanan, coordinator on Indian Affairs and assistant to Brother Kimball on the Indian work, was there discussing with Brother Kimball Indian matters. We sat in the Hotel room for some time discussing various problems with reference to their work. Unfortunately, there seems to be some stake presidents and mission presidents, and even one or two of the Brethren of the presiding council of the Church, who seem not fully to appreciate the real importance of this Indian work, and who feel somewhat, as expressed by Brother Kimball, that it is like a ship passing in the night. I have made a note of this point and plan to discuss it further with the brethren and perhaps take it up at General Conference.
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
90 years ago today - Feb 3, 1925
President Heber J. Grant dedicated a remodeled home at 31 N. State St. in Salt Lake City as the Church's missionary home, offering the first organized training for missionaries in gospel topics, Church procedures, personal health and proper manners.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
120 years ago today - Feb 3, 1895
Emmeline B. Wells cancels her appointment to speak at Bethel Church in Atlanta because it is "a colored people's church [and] the Southern people consider it unwise."
120 years ago today - Feb 3, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman] [Castle Dale] Pres[ident] Larson's first wife just died. He gave me account of his wives sudden death. I answered his questions about his family affairs. Counseled him to take home his next wife Annie and not to marry her by the law to give her advantage over his other two wives. If he were pressed by the law till he was arrested then could relieve himself by marrying at any moment. He accepted my advice in proper spirit.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Feb 3, 1890
US SC sustains Idaho Test Oath
United States Supreme Court Sustains the Idaho Voting "Test Oath", denying Idaho Mormons the right to vote or hold office it they admitted to merely believing in plural marriage.
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
United States Supreme Court Sustains the Idaho Voting "Test Oath", denying Idaho Mormons the right to vote or hold office it they admitted to merely believing in plural marriage.
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
125 years ago today - Feb 3, 1890 (Monday)
The new baptismal font, located in the basement of the southwest portion of the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, was dedicated.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - Feb 3, 1885
Idaho Test Oath
Idaho's Test Oath Law "practically disfranchised all Mormons simply because of membership in the Church" and was "sustained by the supreme court of the territory four years later." ( USSC Feb 3, 1890 ). Approximately 2,000 eligible Idaho voters were denied the opportunity of voting and holding office. (Larson, pp. 112-113.)
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
Idaho's Test Oath Law "practically disfranchised all Mormons simply because of membership in the Church" and was "sustained by the supreme court of the territory four years later." ( USSC Feb 3, 1890 ). Approximately 2,000 eligible Idaho voters were denied the opportunity of voting and holding office. (Larson, pp. 112-113.)
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
140 years ago today - Feb 3, 1875
On a ferry across the Mersey river in Liverpool, England Apostles Joseph Fielding Smith, John Henry Smith and secretary L. John Nuttall "got a joke on one another." They find seats in a cabin that they did not realize was marked for ladies only. As the cabin fills with women and no men they gradually realize their error John Henry Smith "sneaked out & J[oseph] F[ielding] S[mith] and L. J[ohn] N[uttall] followed all feeling as if we had been in some mischief."
160 years ago today - Feb 3, 1855
In Salt Lake City the Universal Scientific Society adopts a constitution and elects Wilford Woodruff president. The USS eventually included eighty men and one woman. Beginning with the Apr 14, 1855, meeting, lectures included: George D. Watt and Woodruff on the Deseret alphabet; John Hyde on natural philosophy; George A. Smith on chopping wood and Saracen history; William W. Phelps on the ten tribes of Israel; John Lyon on poetry; Thomas Hawkins on conserving natural resources; David Candland on public opinion, determining personal character through various methods including phrenology, and the Crimean War; Jonathan Grimshaw on music; Darwin Richardson and William France on genetics; Gilbert Clements on disciplining the mind; Orson Pratt on the planets; Almon W. Babbitt on American government; Woodruff on home manufacture and horticulture; and William Paul and Brigham Young on architecture. After a year the USS disbanded.
180 years ago today - early Feb 1835
The Northern Times, a Democratic newspaper at Kirtland, began regular publication, with F. G. Williams as publisher and Oliver Cowdery as its editor. Its stated goal was to help projected presidential candidate Martin Van Buren (then Vice President under Andrew Jackson) win the 1836 election.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
110 years ago today - Feb 2, 1905; Thursday
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Charles Woolfenden] After President Francis M. Lyman returned from attending the Beaver [Utah] Conference he reported to us an interview he had with you in which you confessed to him in detail your unfortunate experiences necessitating your return home from England, including an illicit intercourse with a lewd woman.
This interview, we learn, took place after the conference, and after you had been sustained as a member of the High Council, and as President of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations of the Stake.
In considering your unfortunate case we have unanimously concluded that your name should not have been presented to the conference for the sustaining vote of the saints for these positions, and that therefore you should now resign them.
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Charles Woolfenden, LDS Archives]
This interview, we learn, took place after the conference, and after you had been sustained as a member of the High Council, and as President of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations of the Stake.
In considering your unfortunate case we have unanimously concluded that your name should not have been presented to the conference for the sustaining vote of the saints for these positions, and that therefore you should now resign them.
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Charles Woolfenden, LDS Archives]
115 years ago today - Feb 2, 1900; Friday
[James E. Talmage] Had interview with the First Presidency on a matter which has been under informal consideration for some time, viz: that of preparing a revised edition of the "Pearl of Great Price," one of the standard works of the Church. I was appointed today to prepare the same, the text to be divided into paragraphs or verses, with references. I undertake this as I have attempted other labors in connection with church work, in a missionary spirit without hope or expectation of reward. Indeed I doubt that I will be known as the reviser even if the work be completed, and a revised edition published.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
115 years ago today - Feb 2, 1900; Friday
[First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve minutes] Sisters Priscilla Jennings and Emily S. Richards called at the President's Office and had a talk with President [Lorenzo] Snow desiring to learn his mind and will in relation to them continuing their work in connection with the Utah State Council of Women organization. They explained that when this organization was first organized, members of the National society objected to Mormons being connected with it, but had since become friendly and quite cordial in their feelings towards the Mormon members, and they had invited the State society to send delegates to the convention to be held shortly in Washington, and Sister Richards had been appointed with Mrs. Gilmer to attend that convention as delegates. President Snow advised these sisters that it was his opinion that it would be politic for us to take advantage of every opportunity that would likely bring honor to Utah, and he encouraged Sister Richards in the desire to attend the National Woman's Suffrage Convention at Washington, D.C.
Presidents Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office.
Elder James E. Talmage called at the President's office and had a talk with the Presidency regarding the edition of the Pearl of Great Price which he is to publish with foot note references. President Cannon suggested that it would be perfectly proper to make references to chapters and verses, but nothing should be done in the way of foot notes in this edition in the way of explaining the meaning of any passages as this might lead to difficulty.
Benjamin Cluff, Jr., who is organizing an expedition to go to Central and South America for the purpose of exploring Book of Mormon lands, called at the office in relation to the expedition. President Snow, who approved of the plan, authorized Brother Cluff to use his name to assist him to obtain contributions in the shape of financial help. Brother Cluff proposed that six young men be called on a mission to accompany the expedition with the understanding that they go for the purpose of learning the languages of the people and studying their myths, as he was of the opinion that the Maya people had traditions regarding the extraordinary physical disruptions of the earth at the time of the crucifixion of the Savior, as noted in the Book of Mormon. He had been impressed with this idea from the writings of [Augustus] LePlongeon, the author and explorer, and felt that a study of these people by a number of capable young men would confirm the writings of the Book of Mormon in various ways. Moreover, LePlongeon states that the Maya people were acquainted with the Egyptian language and the writings engraved on their temples go to show it. The Presidency consented to call young men for this purpose...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Presidents Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office.
Elder James E. Talmage called at the President's office and had a talk with the Presidency regarding the edition of the Pearl of Great Price which he is to publish with foot note references. President Cannon suggested that it would be perfectly proper to make references to chapters and verses, but nothing should be done in the way of foot notes in this edition in the way of explaining the meaning of any passages as this might lead to difficulty.
Benjamin Cluff, Jr., who is organizing an expedition to go to Central and South America for the purpose of exploring Book of Mormon lands, called at the office in relation to the expedition. President Snow, who approved of the plan, authorized Brother Cluff to use his name to assist him to obtain contributions in the shape of financial help. Brother Cluff proposed that six young men be called on a mission to accompany the expedition with the understanding that they go for the purpose of learning the languages of the people and studying their myths, as he was of the opinion that the Maya people had traditions regarding the extraordinary physical disruptions of the earth at the time of the crucifixion of the Savior, as noted in the Book of Mormon. He had been impressed with this idea from the writings of [Augustus] LePlongeon, the author and explorer, and felt that a study of these people by a number of capable young men would confirm the writings of the Book of Mormon in various ways. Moreover, LePlongeon states that the Maya people were acquainted with the Egyptian language and the writings engraved on their temples go to show it. The Presidency consented to call young men for this purpose...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Feb. 2nd, 1890
[Abraham H. Cannon] A.H. says that Jared and the barges left Asia and landed "on the western coast of North America."
[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]
175 years ago today - Feb 2, 1840
Brigham Young writes in his journal: "Passing from Brooklyn to New York, I jumped on to the ferry-boat with my left arm extended, meaning to catch hold of the stanchion, but I fell on a large iron ring on the deck, which put my shoulder out of joint. I asked brother Hedlock to roll me over on my back, which he did. I directed brothers Kimball and Hedlock to lay hold of my body, and brother Pratt to take hold of my hand and pull, putting his foot against my side, while I guided the bone with my right hand back to its place. The brethren would my handkerchief round my shoulder and helped me up. When I came to a fire I fainted."
55 years ago today - Mon Feb 1, 1960
[David O. McKay] One letter I dictated was to a woman in answer to her question about the wearing of the garments while sun bathing. I said to her: "The wearing of the garment is a personal responsibility, and conditions that justify temporary removal should be determined by each person."
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
110 years ago today - Feb 1, 1905
Former U. S. Senator from Utah and son of a former First Counselor to four Church presidents, Frank J. Cannon publishes the second of two articles in which he declares that he no longer believes in the divinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Six weeks later he is excommunicated.
130 years ago today - Feb 1, 1885
Speaking of the recently passed Edmunds Anti-polygamy act President John Taylor preaches: "Yet by their action they are interfering with my rights, my liberty and my religion, and with those sacred principles that bind me to my God, to my family, to my wives and my children; and shall I be recreant to all these noble principles that ought to guide and govern men? No, Never! No, NEVER! NO, NEVER! I can endure more than I have done, and all that God will enable me to endure, I can die for the truth; but I cannot as an honorable man disobey my God at their behest, forsake my wives and my children, and trample these holy and eternal obligations under foot, that God has given me to keep, and which reach into the eternities that are to come. I won't do it, so help me, God." Taylor then "vigorously struck the book on the desk" to which the congregation responded with a loud "Amen."
Taylor (along with First Counselor George Q. Cannon and First Presidency Secretary L. John Nuttall) then goes into hiding to escape arrest and remains in the "Mormon underground" until his death two and one-half years later.
Taylor (along with First Counselor George Q. Cannon and First Presidency Secretary L. John Nuttall) then goes into hiding to escape arrest and remains in the "Mormon underground" until his death two and one-half years later.
135 years ago today - Feb 1, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff] According to his Record, He had 336 dead single women sealed to him.
[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]
140 years ago today - Feb 1, 1875
Emily D. Partridge Young, Brigham Young's plural wife of thirty years, confides to her diary: "I feel rather dispirited and a good cry might do me good. I feel quite ashamed to be known as a wife of the richest man in the territory, and yet we are so poor. I do not know why he is so loth to provide for me. My children are his children. He provides sumptuously for some of his family. He manifests a desire to cast me off, and I cannot ask him for anything." She is with him at his death two years later and writes: "I believe Pr. Young has done his whole duty towards Joseph Smith's family. They have sometimes felt that their lot was hard, but no blame or censure rests upon him. And I feel grateful to him and bless his name forever."
150 years ago today - Feb 1, 1865
Abraham Lincoln signed the document abolishing slavery in the United States. After ratification by 27 states. The measure became the 13th Amendment to the Constitution on Dec. 18, 1865.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
155 years ago today - Feb 1, 1860
DESERET NEWS reports that Orrin Porter Rockwell shoots Martin Oats to death after Oats accuses him of stealing cattle. Rockwell reports incident to Lehi authorities who dismiss him without further action.
180 years ago today - Feb 1, 1835
Oliver Cowdery writes in a history of the Church in the MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE, "You will recollect that I mentioned the time of a religious excitement, in Palmyra and vicinity to have been in the 15th year of our brother J. Smith Jr's, age that was an error in the type - it should have been in the 17th. - You will please remember this correction, as it will be necessary for the full understanding of what will follow in time. This would bring the date down to the year 1823. . . . [Joseph] was urged forward and strengthened in the determination to know for himself of the certainty and reality of pure and holy religion. And it is only necessary for me to say, that while this excitement continued, he continued to call upon the Lord in secret for a full manifestation of divine approbation, and for, to him, the all important information, if a Supreme being did exist, to have an assurance that he was accepted of him. . . . On the evening of the 21st of Sep, 1823, previous to retiring to rest, our brother's mind was unusually wrought up on the subject which had so long agitated his mind - his heart was drawn out in fervent prayer, . . . and in a moment a personage stood before him. . . . The stature of this personage was a little above the common size of men in this age; his garment was perfectly white, and had the appearance of being without seam. . . . he heard him declare himself to be a messenger sent by commandment of the Lord, to deliver a special message, and to witness to him that his sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard . . . He then proceeded and gave a general account of the promises made to the fathers, and also gave a history of the aborigines of this country, and said they were literal descendants of Abraham. He represented them as once being an enlightened and intelligent people, possessing a correct knowledge of the gospel, and the plan of restoration and redemption. He said this history was written and deposited not far from that place, and that it was our brother's privilege, if obedient to the commandments of the Lord, to obtain, and translate the same by the means of the Urim and Thummim, which were deposited for that purpose with the record."
110 years ago today - January 31-Feb 2, 1905; Tuesday-Thursday
[Rudger Clawson] I returned to Salt Lake Tuesday, Jan[uary]. 31, and found that the Salt Lake Tribune had published a special dispatch from Logan [Utah] wherein it was charged that Elder [J.] Golden Kimball and myself had defended and advocated the principle of polygamy at the Cache conference. [Because of sensitivities during the Smoot hearings, they publish the notes of the conference in the Deseret News to demonstrate they had not talked about polygamy.]
[Source: Rudger Clawson, Diary]
[Source: Rudger Clawson, Diary]
120 years ago today - Jan 31, 1895
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman] The application of C. R. Savage to ignore his plural wife and to marry another in the Temple was denied after much talk. If he marries a legal wife and casts out his present wife it must be upon his own responsibility.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)