Peggy Fletcher Stack's Salt Lake Tribune article reporting the First Presidency statement begins: "Mormon Church leaders say they have a scriptural mandate to keep secret files on outspoken members." Ross Peterson is quoted as saying that the statement "is `stretching the scriptural justification. Comparing Sunstone and Dialogue folks to people who were shooting Mormons in 1839 Missouri is unfair." He described his own "grill[ing]" by his area presidency who "continually drew photocopied items out of a file and asked him about things he had written decades ago. The file was sitting on the churchmen's desk, but Mr. Peterson was not allowed to see its contents." "Files are a strange carryover from a paranoia that resembles McCarthyism," says Peterson. The article also cites unnamed "LDS Church employees" who tell the Tribune that William O. Nelson "shares President Benson's John Birch Society politics" and that "the church has kept files on outspoken members for decades. In the late 1970s a church librarian, Tom Truitt, told researchers in the LDS historical department that he was `on a special assignment from the brethren' to read all LDS historical articles, underline `objectionable parts' and send them on to the `brethren.' His clipping system was influential in having the one-volume history of the LDS church, Story of the Latter-day Saints, removed from the shelves at Deseret Book stores and dropped from the reading list at LDS institutes." Linda Newell points out, "It's one thing to know who your enemies are. But it's quite another thing to label as an enemy church members who love the church, who work in the church, who pay their tithing, who go to the temple, and who only want to help the church."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
40 years ago today - Aug 14, 1977
In an article in the Salt Lake Tribune General Relief Society President Barbara Smith is quoted as saying that she holds herself partly to blame for the confusion in the minds of many people between the conservative caucus activities and those of the Relief Society. As she put it, "I didn't say, 'Don't use the Relief Society.- Later a Mormon scholar writes: "One wonders, however, whether the Relief Society's tolerance of the use of its informal machinery for right-wing purposes was as innocent as is implied. If instead of the anti-feminist Phyllis Schafly report, the caucuses had distributed the latest pro-abortion flyer, would the Relief Society have remained as passive?"
75 years ago today - Aug 14, 1942
[Heber J. Grant]
Spent the time from 10 to 12:30 at the Seventies Office talking with several members of the First Council. ...
Brother Kirkham said he had set apart a Bishop, and he learned that that was contrary to the rules, and apologized, and he said: 'I wish the Presidency and Apostles would give us the authority to attend to ordinations of that kind.' He said it was humiliating to go to a conference as a representative of the General Authorities and not permitted to bless any who needed to be blessed. Personally I live in hopes that that privilege will be granted to them in the future. We call them on missions to preside over the European Missions and over other great bodies who are High Priests and others, and I think it would be a good thing for them to have the privilege of setting apart those who need setting apart when they go out to conferences.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Spent the time from 10 to 12:30 at the Seventies Office talking with several members of the First Council. ...
Brother Kirkham said he had set apart a Bishop, and he learned that that was contrary to the rules, and apologized, and he said: 'I wish the Presidency and Apostles would give us the authority to attend to ordinations of that kind.' He said it was humiliating to go to a conference as a representative of the General Authorities and not permitted to bless any who needed to be blessed. Personally I live in hopes that that privilege will be granted to them in the future. We call them on missions to preside over the European Missions and over other great bodies who are High Priests and others, and I think it would be a good thing for them to have the privilege of setting apart those who need setting apart when they go out to conferences.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
110 years ago today - Aug 14, 1907; Wednesday
A letter was read from Pres[iden]t. J[oseph]. A. McRae, stating that a married woman, a convert, desired baptism, but had been told by him to wait in the hope of receiving her husband's consent; that the woman had waited so long that she now desired to know if baptism could be denied her longer, and Pres[iden]t. McRae wished to know the mind of the Presidency regarding it.
The mind of the Council was that she be advised to still wait in the hope of getting her husband's consent, this on motion of Brother Grant. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
The mind of the Council was that she be advised to still wait in the hope of getting her husband's consent, this on motion of Brother Grant. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Aug 14, 1897
Elder J[anne]. M. Sjodahl left Salt Lake City this evening on his way to Stockholm, Sweden, representing the Scandinavians of Utah, to present to King Oscar II and Queen Sofia the Book of Mormon enclosed in a Utah onyx casket, as a token of respect and good wishes from their former subjects who are now citizens of Utah and of the United States. Elder Sjodahl was formerly a Baptist Minister...
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
175 years ago today - Aug 14, 1842 - Sunday
William Law was elected major general of the Nauvoo Legion to replace John C. Bennett, who had become disaffected with the church.
[Source: Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
[Source: Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
175 years ago today - Aug 14, 1842
Eliza R. Snow, secret plural wife of Joseph Smith, moves in to the Smith home. Six months later Eliza abruptly moves out and finds other lodgings, possibly due to Emma learning of her relation with Joseph.
25 years ago today - Aug 13, 1992.
The First Presidency issues a statement in response to "extensive publicity recently given to false accusations of so-called secret Church committees and files." The statement cites Doctrine and Covenants 123:1-5, which enjoins "the propriety of all the saints gathering up . . . the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions" during the Missouri period and then continues: "In order to assist their members who have questions, these local leaders often request information from General Authorities. . . . The Strengthening Church Members committee was appointed by the First Presidency to help fulfill this need and to comply with the cited section of the Doctrine and Covenants. This committee serves as a resource to priesthood leaders throughout the world who may desire assistance on a wide variety of topics. It is a General Authority committee, currently comprised of Elder James E. Faust and Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. They work through established priesthood channels, and neither impose nor direct Church disciplinary action." The statement counsels members with "questions concerning Church doctrine, policies, or procedures" to "discuss those concerns confidentially with their local leaders."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
125 years ago today - Aug 13, 1892
[Francis M. Lyman]
[Afton conference, President Joseph F. Smith] counseled the Saints in the upper valleys to refrain entirely from round dances, He made a political talk advising division on party lines giving every man liberty to aline himself with his choice of parties.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Afton conference, President Joseph F. Smith] counseled the Saints in the upper valleys to refrain entirely from round dances, He made a political talk advising division on party lines giving every man liberty to aline himself with his choice of parties.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Aug 13, 1887
[Franklin D. Richards]
... One hundred Thousand dollars placed at disposal of the confidential committee in interest of statehood question.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
... One hundred Thousand dollars placed at disposal of the confidential committee in interest of statehood question.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
155 years ago today - Aug 13, 1862
Deseret News editorializes: "The number of votes cast at the annual election in this county, was unusually small-but little interest having been taken in that matter." Apathy of Mormon voters continues until the LDS church disbands its political party in 1891.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
165 years ago today - Aug 13, 1852 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
... the brethren proceeded to bless me, Bro. Hawkins being mouth. They blessed me with all the desires of my heart in righteousness and that I should be greatly blessed in regard to the translation of the Book of Mormon that I should have the spirit of prophecy and know the mind of the spirit at all times that I should have no doubt in regard to the things that I ought <to> write; ... I should be blessed from day to day while I should remain upon these lands for the Lord is well pleased with me and with the course I have taken—They also in the name of Jesus and by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood invested in them sealed upon <me> all the blessings and promises formerly placed upon me. We afterwards blessed [... various people.] I never enjoyed a more steady flow of the spirit and of prophecy and it seemed as though I could almost fly I felt so light and filled.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... the brethren proceeded to bless me, Bro. Hawkins being mouth. They blessed me with all the desires of my heart in righteousness and that I should be greatly blessed in regard to the translation of the Book of Mormon that I should have the spirit of prophecy and know the mind of the spirit at all times that I should have no doubt in regard to the things that I ought <to> write; ... I should be blessed from day to day while I should remain upon these lands for the Lord is well pleased with me and with the course I have taken—They also in the name of Jesus and by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood invested in them sealed upon <me> all the blessings and promises formerly placed upon me. We afterwards blessed [... various people.] I never enjoyed a more steady flow of the spirit and of prophecy and it seemed as though I could almost fly I felt so light and filled.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - Aug 13, 1842
Joseph Smith's wife, Emma Smith, eluded detection by the sheriff while taking a carriage to visit her husband, who was in hiding.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
130 years ago today - Aug 12, 1887
The Twelve permits the former Presidency to complete its arrangements for pro-Mormon coverage from "the leading papers in New York, & other cities" by paying various newspaper editors $75,000 cash in advance, plus added $70,000 after Utah gains statehood. Heber J. Grant records: "Prest. Cannon stated that the parties with whom they were negotiating could secure the press of the country, that is the leading papers in New York, & other Cities, to write articles in favor of our admission into the Union for the sum of $74,000 Cash and an additional $70,000 after we were admitted. He stated that these figures were only about one third the amount originally asked & that the papers considered their figures very light, indeed the reduction was brought about by the influence of the parties with whom the brethren were negotiating. These parties are not members of the Democratic party and in as much as John W. Young had obtained the influence of the Democratic administration in favor of Utah's admission into the Union and the brethren generally felt that if we got influential aid from the other side that success would be almost sure to crown our labors. The general feeling was that we go ahead and do all in our power to get into the union."
130 years ago today - Aug 12, 1887 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
.. in our Council to-day Bro. Moses Thatcher made a motion that Brother Woodruff be permitted to draw to the extent of $5000./ per annum; Bro. L. Snow, E. Snow, F. D. Richards, myself, Jos. F. Smith, and Brigham Young, $3000/ each, in Cash. This caused considerable discussion. Bro. Jos. F. Smith informed the brethren that he and I had been drawing at the rate of $3600/ per year, at the instance of President Taylor, and thought that as our whole time was occupied as it was, and with our large families, it was as little as we should have. The brethren talked very freely, some of them insisting on making it $3600/ per year for all whose names are above mentioned, and this vote would have carried if I had not protested against it. I told them that I thought $3000/ was enough, under the circumstances, and it would have a good effect to be known that we were not drawing large sums from the Church. For myself, if I had the means, it would be a source of great gratification to me to be able to sustain myself without drawing a cent, and to bestow my services gratuitiously upon the Church; but as I was not in this position, I was compelled, very reluctantly, to draw something for the support of my family. The feeling manifested by the brethren was very good, and it was gratifying to hear the kind expressions concerning the older members of the Twelve.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
.. in our Council to-day Bro. Moses Thatcher made a motion that Brother Woodruff be permitted to draw to the extent of $5000./ per annum; Bro. L. Snow, E. Snow, F. D. Richards, myself, Jos. F. Smith, and Brigham Young, $3000/ each, in Cash. This caused considerable discussion. Bro. Jos. F. Smith informed the brethren that he and I had been drawing at the rate of $3600/ per year, at the instance of President Taylor, and thought that as our whole time was occupied as it was, and with our large families, it was as little as we should have. The brethren talked very freely, some of them insisting on making it $3600/ per year for all whose names are above mentioned, and this vote would have carried if I had not protested against it. I told them that I thought $3000/ was enough, under the circumstances, and it would have a good effect to be known that we were not drawing large sums from the Church. For myself, if I had the means, it would be a source of great gratification to me to be able to sustain myself without drawing a cent, and to bestow my services gratuitiously upon the Church; but as I was not in this position, I was compelled, very reluctantly, to draw something for the support of my family. The feeling manifested by the brethren was very good, and it was gratifying to hear the kind expressions concerning the older members of the Twelve.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - Aug 12, 1887
It was moved by Moses Thatcher that in view of the demands that must necessarily be made upon the time of the brethren in the management of public matters, that each as here named be authorized to draw on the funds of the church as follows: President Wilford Woodruff $5,000.00 Lorenzo Snow $3,000.00 Erastus Snow $3,000.00 Franklin D. Richards $3,000.00 George Q. Cannon $3,000.00 Joseph F. Smith $3,000.00 Brigham Young $3,000.00 Daniel H. Wells $3,000.00 Moses Thatcher (as now) $2,000.00 Francis M. Lyman $2,000.00 John Henry Smith $2,000.00 George Teasdale $2,000.00 Heber J. Grant $2,000.00 John W. Taylor $2,000.00 John W. Young $2,000.00 This change to take effect September 1, 1887, and the amounts indicated to be paid in cash.
... Joseph F. Smith said he thought the sin of adultery was equal to the shedding of innocent blood and that all who commit these acts are guilty of an unpardonable sin. Daniel H. Wells gave his view of the unpardonable sin. Francis M. Lyman said he never heard of a crime that came near to the crime of [former First Presidency member] Albert Carrington'Reuben, Judah, and any and all cases of our day do not begin to come up to Albert Carringtons. It is without a parallel; it is enough to permit him to live. John W. Taylor stated that in a 'Book of Keys' that he copied for his father wherein Moses interceded with the Lord to bring Israel back into his presence, the Lord told him he could not do it then but the time would come when every soul would be brought into the presence of God and crowned with eternal life. Brother Taylor spoke feelingly upon the case and its enormity but that he felt he ought to consent to the baptism of Albert Carrington. ...
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
... Joseph F. Smith said he thought the sin of adultery was equal to the shedding of innocent blood and that all who commit these acts are guilty of an unpardonable sin. Daniel H. Wells gave his view of the unpardonable sin. Francis M. Lyman said he never heard of a crime that came near to the crime of [former First Presidency member] Albert Carrington'Reuben, Judah, and any and all cases of our day do not begin to come up to Albert Carringtons. It is without a parallel; it is enough to permit him to live. John W. Taylor stated that in a 'Book of Keys' that he copied for his father wherein Moses interceded with the Lord to bring Israel back into his presence, the Lord told him he could not do it then but the time would come when every soul would be brought into the presence of God and crowned with eternal life. Brother Taylor spoke feelingly upon the case and its enormity but that he felt he ought to consent to the baptism of Albert Carrington. ...
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Aug 12, 1887
The following Motion was made by Moses Thatcher and voted by the whole Council to Appropriate Annually in Cash the following sums to the following Persons: Wilford Woodruff as Presidet $5,000, L Snow $3,000 Erastus Snow $3,000 F. D. Richards $3,000, G. Q. Cannon $3,000, B. Young $3,000, Joseph F. Smith $3,000, D. H. Wells $3,000, M Thatcher $2,000, G Teasdale $2,000, F M Lyman $2,000 John Henry Smith $2,000 John W Taylor $2,000.
[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 - Aug 12, 1847. Thursday.
[William Clayton]
...The soldiers are getting dissatisfied at being kept here so long from their families and yesterday several of them left the camp secretly to go to Winter Quarters and this morning others are gone, but it is probable that President Young knows nothing of it yet although about a dozen are allready gone and others are preparing to follow them.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
...The soldiers are getting dissatisfied at being kept here so long from their families and yesterday several of them left the camp secretly to go to Winter Quarters and this morning others are gone, but it is probable that President Young knows nothing of it yet although about a dozen are allready gone and others are preparing to follow them.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
50 years ago today - Aug 11, 1967
At a meeting in the Tustin Ward Chapel of Santa Ana, California, Hugh Nibley states that the papyrus text for the Book of Abraham and the Book of Joseph were not destroyed in the Chicago fire but are still in existence. The first official announcement of the papyri's existence occurs over three months later.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
90 years ago today - Aug 11, 1927
Heber J. Grant says, "There was no other people in the world that has as kindly a feeling toward the Jews as do the Latter-day Saints, as we believe in the final destiny of the Jew." This repeats a similar statement to the general conference of Apr. 1921. Among the Jewish candidates elected by primarily Mormon voters during this period of national anti-Semitism are Simon Bamberger (Utah's governor, 1917-1921), Louis Marcus (Salt Lake City mayor, 1931-35), and Herbert M. Schiller (district judge, 1933-39).
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
125 years ago today - Aug 11, 1892
[Franklin D. Richards]
With Pres[iden]t WW, GQC, SB Young & Fjeltstead to consider condition of the brethren, Saints, in Idaho & heard letters from Joseph F. Smith, W[illia]m Budge & Thomas Ricks on the political situation. Pres[iden]t [Brigham] Young [Jr.] & Fjelsted were sent to Idaho to counsel the brethren in favor of Republicanism.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
With Pres[iden]t WW, GQC, SB Young & Fjeltstead to consider condition of the brethren, Saints, in Idaho & heard letters from Joseph F. Smith, W[illia]m Budge & Thomas Ricks on the political situation. Pres[iden]t [Brigham] Young [Jr.] & Fjelsted were sent to Idaho to counsel the brethren in favor of Republicanism.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Aug 11, 1877 (Priesthood Meeting)
[Brigham Young]
... suggested that in all organized Stakes priesthood meetings be held on the first Saturday in each month. -- SLC Tabernacle
[Source: Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
... suggested that in all organized Stakes priesthood meetings be held on the first Saturday in each month. -- SLC Tabernacle
[Source: Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Aug 11, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
I Called into the Presidents Office in the morning & Presidents Heber C. Kimball was teaching doctrin. He said that wom[e/a?]n told him that He had no right to controll a woman because He was not a woman. He said that He Contained the principle of both the men and the women for both male & female proceded from him. He said many thought that the seat of life or the soul or mind of man was in the heart others in the brain. But whareever the seed of life was located there was the seat of life & the foundation of the soul. Many other remarks were made.
He said any man that was a prophet of God He was born a Natural Prophet. It was through a linage of Prophets. There fathers & mothers were Prophets & Prophetesses by birth through the Seed of Abraham. This was the case With Joseph Brigham & himself. [Their?] Fathers were prophets.
He then Chastized Thomas Ellerback in a vary sharp manner for insulting him & trying to take a Course to bring a Collission between him & Daniel H. Wells.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Called into the Presidents Office in the morning & Presidents Heber C. Kimball was teaching doctrin. He said that wom[e/a?]n told him that He had no right to controll a woman because He was not a woman. He said that He Contained the principle of both the men and the women for both male & female proceded from him. He said many thought that the seat of life or the soul or mind of man was in the heart others in the brain. But whareever the seed of life was located there was the seat of life & the foundation of the soul. Many other remarks were made.
He said any man that was a prophet of God He was born a Natural Prophet. It was through a linage of Prophets. There fathers & mothers were Prophets & Prophetesses by birth through the Seed of Abraham. This was the case With Joseph Brigham & himself. [Their?] Fathers were prophets.
He then Chastized Thomas Ellerback in a vary sharp manner for insulting him & trying to take a Course to bring a Collission between him & Daniel H. Wells.
[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 - Aug 11, 1842
The Nauvoo Lodge is suspended. Bodley Lodge No. 1, had cited irregularities asked Grand Master Jonas to susped the dispensation of the Nauvoo Lodge
[Source: Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]
[Source: Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]
180 years ago today - Aug 11, 1837
Patriarchal Blessing of Chandler Rogers [by] Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt do many miracles in the name of the Lord Jesus ... If thou art faithful thou shalt receive the ministration of angels; thy life shall be lengthened but, thy years shall be many, no power shall take thy life if thou wilt put thy trust in God. ... I seal thee up against the Destroyer. Satan shall not have power over thee. ... This is thy blessing, it is given thee on condition of keeping the commandments and the Word of Wisdom I seal thee up to eternal life. Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Aug 11, 1837
Patriarchal Blessing of Amanda Rogers given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ...
At a blessing meeting held in the Lord's House in Kirtland ... God will reveal himself to thee, things now hid from thine eyes shall be unfolded to thee, so that thou shalt see them. Thou shalt see blessings that are not now conceived of in thy heart. Thou shalt behold the great judgments poured out upon the earth, thy heart will be troubled, thou shalt say let me lay down in the grave a little season rather than live to see the vials all poured out, rather than suffer the great afflictions, but thou must be patient, thou must come up to thy Redeemer through affliction; thou must wash thy robes in the blood of the Lamb. I bless thee with the blessing of a father to make thee equal to thy brethren. ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
At a blessing meeting held in the Lord's House in Kirtland ... God will reveal himself to thee, things now hid from thine eyes shall be unfolded to thee, so that thou shalt see them. Thou shalt see blessings that are not now conceived of in thy heart. Thou shalt behold the great judgments poured out upon the earth, thy heart will be troubled, thou shalt say let me lay down in the grave a little season rather than live to see the vials all poured out, rather than suffer the great afflictions, but thou must be patient, thou must come up to thy Redeemer through affliction; thou must wash thy robes in the blood of the Lamb. I bless thee with the blessing of a father to make thee equal to thy brethren. ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
10 years ago today - 10 years ago - Aug 10, 2007 - 6 October 2007
[First Presidency Change]
Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson, Death of James E. Faust
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson, Death of James E. Faust
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
135 years ago today - 135 years ago - Aug 10, 1882
[Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the Consert in the Tabernacle lighted with Electrict lights. I should think there were some 5,000 persons present.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended the Consert in the Tabernacle lighted with Electrict lights. I should think there were some 5,000 persons present.
[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 - 170 years ago - Aug 10, 1847
William Clayton writes in his journal of the progress the pioneers have made since their arrival 18 days ago: "in addition to the plowing done week before last they have plowed about 30 acres which is mostly planted, making a total of about 80 acres. . . . the brethren are now making adobies, hawling logs &c. Elder [Henry] Sherwood continues surveying the City. [Thomas] Tanner and [Burr] Frost are setting wagon tire and have set 52 today. The brethren who went to the Lake on Monday to boil down salt have returned this evening and report that they have found a bed of beautiful salt ready to load onto wagons. It lays between two Sand bars and is about 6 inches thick. They suppose they can easily load ten wagons without boiling. I have received from Elder Kimball a pair of buckskin pants, as a present I suppose, but as I have on similar occasions been branded with the idea of receiving a great many kindnesses without consideration, I will for this once state a little particular on the other side of the question. I acknowledge that I have had the privilege of riding in a wagon and sleeping in it, of having my victual cooked, and some meat and milk, and occasionally a little tea or coffee furnished. My flour I furnished myself."
175 years ago today - 175 years ago - Aug 10, 1842
[Wilford Woodruff]
During my sickness there was some important things transpired in the Church. We received the word of the Lord Concerning the Elders of the Church (through Joseph the Seer). ... The instructions were for the Elders to confine themselves to the free States & mostly to New England & the canidas [and] not to go to any of the indians or Slave States. ...
There was a Counsel of the Twelve held for four days with Elder Orson Pratt to labour with him to get him to recall his sayings against Joseph & The Twelve [That Joseph Smith had propositioned Orson's wife Sarah] but he persisted in his wicked course & would not recall any of his sayings which were made in public against Joseph & others sayings which were unjust & untrue. The Twelve then rejected him as a member of their quorum & he was cut off /from the Church/. Dr John Cook Bennet [Assistant President of the church] was the ruin of Orson Pratt. /He was Cut off from the Church Aug 20, 1842.
/President Joseph Smith has been much persecuted of late by being hunted & sought for by Sheriffs & officers from Missouri & Illinoise by the orders of Governors Reynolds & Carlin under pretence of taking him to Missouri to try him for being accessary to the shooting of ex Gov Bogg. ... Joseph has presented the Church of late with some glorious principles from the Lord Concerning Baptism for the dead & other interesting Subjects.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
During my sickness there was some important things transpired in the Church. We received the word of the Lord Concerning the Elders of the Church (through Joseph the Seer). ... The instructions were for the Elders to confine themselves to the free States & mostly to New England & the canidas [and] not to go to any of the indians or Slave States. ...
There was a Counsel of the Twelve held for four days with Elder Orson Pratt to labour with him to get him to recall his sayings against Joseph & The Twelve [That Joseph Smith had propositioned Orson's wife Sarah] but he persisted in his wicked course & would not recall any of his sayings which were made in public against Joseph & others sayings which were unjust & untrue. The Twelve then rejected him as a member of their quorum & he was cut off /from the Church/. Dr John Cook Bennet [Assistant President of the church] was the ruin of Orson Pratt. /He was Cut off from the Church Aug 20, 1842.
/President Joseph Smith has been much persecuted of late by being hunted & sought for by Sheriffs & officers from Missouri & Illinoise by the orders of Governors Reynolds & Carlin under pretence of taking him to Missouri to try him for being accessary to the shooting of ex Gov Bogg. ... Joseph has presented the Church of late with some glorious principles from the Lord Concerning Baptism for the dead & other interesting Subjects.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
10 years ago today - Aug 10, 2007 - 6 October 2007
[First Presidency Change]
Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson, Death of James E. Faust
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson, Death of James E. Faust
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
135 years ago today - Aug 10, 1882
[Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the Consert in the Tabernacle lighted with Electrict lights. I should think there were some 5,000 persons present.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended the Consert in the Tabernacle lighted with Electrict lights. I should think there were some 5,000 persons present.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 years ago today - Aug 9, 1992.
Elder Jacob de Jaeger, speaking in Salt Lake Whittier Ward priesthood meeting, identifies as one of six duties of the Latter-day Saints "to get along with everybody--and that includes those that read the Ensign and those that read Sunstone."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
115 years ago today - Aug 9, 1902; Saturday
[William Smart]
[Reed Smoot speaking:] Said Pres[ident]. [Wilford] Woodruff went against whole 12 [apostles] and his counsellors to sustain sugar factory although he was not considered a financial man. He said it was the Lord's will & time proved him to be right.
[Source: William H. Smart, Diary]
[Reed Smoot speaking:] Said Pres[ident]. [Wilford] Woodruff went against whole 12 [apostles] and his counsellors to sustain sugar factory although he was not considered a financial man. He said it was the Lord's will & time proved him to be right.
[Source: William H. Smart, Diary]
130 years ago today - Aug 9, 1887 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
Had considerable conversation with the brethren who came in, especially with Bro. H. B. Clawson whom we sent to California to see parties there. The news that he brings is quite favorable. Brother Joseph F. Smith and myself listened to it and had a full conversation with him. Afterwards we invited President Woodruff in and gave him some outlines on the matter, without communicating to him the names of the parties; told him that we were under obligation not to reveal them, and that, as they expressed a disinclination for twelve men to be made acquainted with it, it might be necessary for the Twelve to select a committee of three to act in this matter. I had a full conversation with the brethren upon this point. I told them that, so far as I was concerned, I did not wish to have anything to do with this matter, if the brethren would excuse me. They both thought that I ought to continue my labors in that direction. Bro. Clawson also told us that the parties with whom he had been doing business depended a great deal upon me, because they were acquainted with me. However, I felt that what I knew could easily be communicated to someone else and I could give them advice, if it were right to do so. I felt to lay this matter before the Lord. There is a great deal of responsibility connected with this business and I know very well that the greater portion of it will rest upon me. I, therefore, would, if it was the Lord's will, prefer being relieved from it and let someone else take hold.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Had considerable conversation with the brethren who came in, especially with Bro. H. B. Clawson whom we sent to California to see parties there. The news that he brings is quite favorable. Brother Joseph F. Smith and myself listened to it and had a full conversation with him. Afterwards we invited President Woodruff in and gave him some outlines on the matter, without communicating to him the names of the parties; told him that we were under obligation not to reveal them, and that, as they expressed a disinclination for twelve men to be made acquainted with it, it might be necessary for the Twelve to select a committee of three to act in this matter. I had a full conversation with the brethren upon this point. I told them that, so far as I was concerned, I did not wish to have anything to do with this matter, if the brethren would excuse me. They both thought that I ought to continue my labors in that direction. Bro. Clawson also told us that the parties with whom he had been doing business depended a great deal upon me, because they were acquainted with me. However, I felt that what I knew could easily be communicated to someone else and I could give them advice, if it were right to do so. I felt to lay this matter before the Lord. There is a great deal of responsibility connected with this business and I know very well that the greater portion of it will rest upon me. I, therefore, would, if it was the Lord's will, prefer being relieved from it and let someone else take hold.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
140 years ago today - Aug 9, 1877
Twenty days before his death Brigham Young says at a Bishop's meeting, it is his intention to have the old tabernacle taken down and a comfortable meeting house erected in its stead. On the 23d, at a similar meeting, he being present, appoints George Goddard, Thomas Taylor, Henry Grow, William Asper and Edward Brain to act as a committee to carry out his suggestions. The "old tabernacle" is replaced by the many-spired Assembly Hall on the south-west corner of Temple Square. This is Young's last public expression of a business nature.
160 years ago today - Aug 9, 1857
Apostle John Taylor: "This [Horace] Greeley is one of their popular characters in the East, and one that supports the stealing of niggers and the underground railroad."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Aug 9, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
[Former president of the Twelve] Thomas B Marsh is Coming. Is a poor old man. He asked if Brigham or Heber would not adopt him as their Son.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Former president of the Twelve] Thomas B Marsh is Coming. Is a poor old man. He asked if Brigham or Heber would not adopt him as their Son.
[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 - Aug 9, 1847. Monday.
[William Clayton]
The Twelve had decided on a name for this place and a caption for all letters and documents issued from this place, which is as follows: Salt Lake City, Great Basin, North America.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
The Twelve had decided on a name for this place and a caption for all letters and documents issued from this place, which is as follows: Salt Lake City, Great Basin, North America.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
170 years ago today - Aug 9, 1847 (Monday)
Catharine C. Steele, wife of John Steele, of the Battalion, gave birth to a female child who was named Young Elizabeth Steele. She was the first white child born in the Valley.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
25 years ago today - Aug 8, 1992
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the First Presidency's spokesman has acknowledged the existence of the special "Strengthening the Members Committee" that keeps secret files on church members regarded as disloyal. Due to the publicity about this matter, including in the New York Times, the Presidency issues a statement on 13 Aug. defending the organization of this apostle-directed committee as consistent with God's commandment to Joseph Smith to gather documentation about non-Mormons who mob and persecute the LDS church. The Presidency lists Apostles James E. Faust and Russell M. Nelson as leading the Strengthening the Members Committee. Faust becomes a counselor in the First Presidency in 1995.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
75 years ago today - Aug 8, 1942
The Deseret News Church Section emphasizes the use of handkerchiefs to heal people at great distances, with a photograph of "the silk handkerchief blessed and sent by President Lorenzo Snow to Elder [Jacob Charles] Jensen" to heal him in 1899.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
105 years ago today - Aug 8, 1912
[James E. Talmage]
Attended council meeting of the First Presidency and the Twelve in the Temple. A very regrettable condition has come to light in connection with the publication of temple pictures. The city is flooded with cheap, gaudy post-cards containing pictures of the temple interior. A matter of possible violation of copyright is held for investigation pending the return of President Joseph F. Smith. In the meantime I have been instructed to serve notice on the 'Souvenir Novelty Company', to suppress the cards and all announcements of same.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Attended council meeting of the First Presidency and the Twelve in the Temple. A very regrettable condition has come to light in connection with the publication of temple pictures. The city is flooded with cheap, gaudy post-cards containing pictures of the temple interior. A matter of possible violation of copyright is held for investigation pending the return of President Joseph F. Smith. In the meantime I have been instructed to serve notice on the 'Souvenir Novelty Company', to suppress the cards and all announcements of same.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
145 years ago today - Aug 8, 1872 (Thursday)
The Utah Southern Railway commenced to run trains to the Point of the Mountain, south of Draper.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Aug 8, 1852
[Brigham Young]
There is only one gospel sermon, recollect, brethren and sisters, and the time that is required to preach it is from the day of the fall, or from the day when Adam and his wife Eve came here upon this planet, and from that time until Jesus Christ has subdued the last enemy, which is death, and put all things under his feet, and wound up all things pertaining to this earth. Then the gospel will have been preached, and brought up and presented, and the effects thereof, to the Father.
[Source: J.D. 3:90]
There is only one gospel sermon, recollect, brethren and sisters, and the time that is required to preach it is from the day of the fall, or from the day when Adam and his wife Eve came here upon this planet, and from that time until Jesus Christ has subdued the last enemy, which is death, and put all things under his feet, and wound up all things pertaining to this earth. Then the gospel will have been preached, and brought up and presented, and the effects thereof, to the Father.
[Source: J.D. 3:90]
170 years ago today - Aug 8, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
8th Sunday morning At 6 oclock the Bishops repaired with the Twelve + to the streams of water for the purpose of Baptizing & Confirming the whole Camp who had not been [baptized] since we came into the valley. We felt it our privilege to be baptized & to Baptize the Camp of Israel for the remission of our sins & to renew our covenants before the Lord. Brothers Lewis, Godard, Everett Shumway Snow & H C Kimball baptized & the Twelve Confirmed them [who had been rebaptized earlier]. There were 224 Baptized & Confirmed this morning 99 of which I Confirmed with my own hands making 288 in all that have been baptized in the camp during the last 3 days.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
8th Sunday morning At 6 oclock the Bishops repaired with the Twelve + to the streams of water for the purpose of Baptizing & Confirming the whole Camp who had not been [baptized] since we came into the valley. We felt it our privilege to be baptized & to Baptize the Camp of Israel for the remission of our sins & to renew our covenants before the Lord. Brothers Lewis, Godard, Everett Shumway Snow & H C Kimball baptized & the Twelve Confirmed them [who had been rebaptized earlier]. There were 224 Baptized & Confirmed this morning 99 of which I Confirmed with my own hands making 288 in all that have been baptized in the camp during the last 3 days.
[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 - Aug 8, 1842
The earliest reference to the special undergarment worn by the Holy Order of the endowment reads for this date: "they have oil poured on them, and then a mark or hole cut in the breast of their shirts...to keep the Destroying Angel from them and their families." From the eighteenth century to the 1840s, "shirt" referred to an undergarment which was often worn with a separate, tight-fitting underpant reaching to the knees.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - Aug 8, 1842
A deputy sheriff of Adams County and two assistants arrest Joseph in Nauvoo. They have a warrant from Gov. Carlin that is based upon a requisition from Gov. Reynolds of Missouri, which, in turn, was based upon an affidavit of ex-Governor Boggs. Boggs accused Joseph of ordering Orrin P. Rockwell to shoot Boggs. A Nauvoo court, under Hyrum Smith, issues a writ of habeas corpus allowing the prisoners to be released temporarily. This begins approximately four months of arrest attempts against Joseph, in which he spends much of his time hiding out. It is reported that anywhere from $200 to $1300 is offered as a reward for Joseph's arrest.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
175 years ago today - Aug 8, 1842
[Brigham Young]
Assisted by Elders H. [Heber] C. Kimball and Geo. [George] A. Smith, I spent several days laboring with Elder Orson Pratt, whose mind became so darkened by the influence and statements of his wife, that he came out in rebellion against Joseph, refusing to believe his testimony or obey his counsel. [Sarah Pratt maintained that Joseph Smith had proposed to her while Orson was on a mission in England.] He said he would believe his wife in preference to the Prophet. Joseph told him if he did believe his wife and follow her suggestions, he would go to hell.
We reported to the Prophet that we had labored with Brother Orson [Pratt] diligently in a spirit of meekness, forbearance and long-suffering. He requested us to ordain Brother Amasa Lyman in Brother Orson's stead. After receiving these instructions, we met Brother Orson near my house, and continued to labor with him. He said to us, There is Brother Amasa Lyman in your house, Brother Young; he has been long in the ministry, go in and ordain him in my stead.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
Assisted by Elders H. [Heber] C. Kimball and Geo. [George] A. Smith, I spent several days laboring with Elder Orson Pratt, whose mind became so darkened by the influence and statements of his wife, that he came out in rebellion against Joseph, refusing to believe his testimony or obey his counsel. [Sarah Pratt maintained that Joseph Smith had proposed to her while Orson was on a mission in England.] He said he would believe his wife in preference to the Prophet. Joseph told him if he did believe his wife and follow her suggestions, he would go to hell.
We reported to the Prophet that we had labored with Brother Orson [Pratt] diligently in a spirit of meekness, forbearance and long-suffering. He requested us to ordain Brother Amasa Lyman in Brother Orson's stead. After receiving these instructions, we met Brother Orson near my house, and continued to labor with him. He said to us, There is Brother Amasa Lyman in your house, Brother Young; he has been long in the ministry, go in and ordain him in my stead.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
170 years ago today - Aug 7, 1847
The Warsaw Signal reported that the sale of the [Nauvoo] Temple to the Catholic Church had collapsed because of a defective deed, perhaps referring to Strang's assertions or to Galland's liens.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
170 years ago today - Aug 7, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
This morning Henry Phelps son of W. W. Phelps attempted to wrest their horse out of the stray pen & I gave him a severe caining & broke a good fancy hickry cain given me by Br Stewart, all to pieces[.] He ran through the lot and cried so lout that he excited the whole neighbourhood which caused much to be said for & against us a police. Henry was a young about grown & needed all he got for his imprudence for he was a rebllious person and had threatened us on former occasions if we did not do as he wanted. I reported the affair to Presidents Cutler & Harris who approved of it & thought it would do him good.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
This morning Henry Phelps son of W. W. Phelps attempted to wrest their horse out of the stray pen & I gave him a severe caining & broke a good fancy hickry cain given me by Br Stewart, all to pieces[.] He ran through the lot and cried so lout that he excited the whole neighbourhood which caused much to be said for & against us a police. Henry was a young about grown & needed all he got for his imprudence for he was a rebllious person and had threatened us on former occasions if we did not do as he wanted. I reported the affair to Presidents Cutler & Harris who approved of it & thought it would do him good.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Aug 7, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
In the afternoon the Twelve went onto the Temple Block & picked out there inheritances. President Young took a block east of the temple & runing S.E. to settle his friends around him. Br H. C. Kimball took A Block North of the Temple. Will settle his friends on the north. O. Pratt south of the Temple Joining the temple Block & runs south. W. Woodruff took A Block Cornering on the Temple lot at the S. west Corner Joining O Pratts Block & will settle his friends on the south. A Lyman took A Block 40 rods Below & west of W. Woodruff Block & runs S West of the Temple to settle his friends. G. A. Smith took A Block Joining the Temple on the west & runs due west. It was supposed Br Richards would take his inheritance on the east near Br Young. None others of the Twelve were present in the Camp. Br Benson had gone back to meet the camp & 3 of the quorum was in winter quarters.
During the evening in company with the Twelve I went to one of the pure streams of Cold water that runs through the City & H C Kimball baptized 55 members of the Camp for the remission of their sins who were Confirmed under the Hands of President[ts?] Young O Pratt, W Woodruff, A Lyman, & G. A. Smith. B Young was mouth in confirming the greatest number of them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the afternoon the Twelve went onto the Temple Block & picked out there inheritances. President Young took a block east of the temple & runing S.E. to settle his friends around him. Br H. C. Kimball took A Block North of the Temple. Will settle his friends on the north. O. Pratt south of the Temple Joining the temple Block & runs south. W. Woodruff took A Block Cornering on the Temple lot at the S. west Corner Joining O Pratts Block & will settle his friends on the south. A Lyman took A Block 40 rods Below & west of W. Woodruff Block & runs S West of the Temple to settle his friends. G. A. Smith took A Block Joining the Temple on the west & runs due west. It was supposed Br Richards would take his inheritance on the east near Br Young. None others of the Twelve were present in the Camp. Br Benson had gone back to meet the camp & 3 of the quorum was in winter quarters.
During the evening in company with the Twelve I went to one of the pure streams of Cold water that runs through the City & H C Kimball baptized 55 members of the Camp for the remission of their sins who were Confirmed under the Hands of President[ts?] Young O Pratt, W Woodruff, A Lyman, & G. A. Smith. B Young was mouth in confirming the greatest number of them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Aug 6, 1992.
[Lavina Fielding Anderson presented] a version of this paper [see footnote] at a Sunstone Symposium session. Eugene England, in the audience- response period, identifies as "the chief danger the group that is compiling the files . . . the Committee to Strengthen Members, an ad hoc Church group without General Authority standing but apparently great influence, headed by one William Nelson. . . . I accuse that committee of undermining our Church."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
Aug 6, 1982
First Presidency letter: "The Church organization formerly identified as The Development Office will henceforth be known as LDS Foundation . . . to encourage and facilitate voluntary philanthropic contributions to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its related organizations and activities, with primary fund-raising emphasis relating to Church institutions of higher education."
BYU's public television station KBYU cancels last in a three-part series on homosexuality in Utah because "it did not meet the standard of accuracy set by the station." The third part of the student production contained interviews with homosexual students at BYU with lighting techniques used which darkened the faces of the students being interviewed. The DAILY UNIVERSE quotes KBYU's news director Louise Degn as saying, "Nothing was wrong with the story journalistically, and I told [KBYU's General Manager] Joe White I felt he was wrong in his decision to cancel the story."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
BYU's public television station KBYU cancels last in a three-part series on homosexuality in Utah because "it did not meet the standard of accuracy set by the station." The third part of the student production contained interviews with homosexual students at BYU with lighting techniques used which darkened the faces of the students being interviewed. The DAILY UNIVERSE quotes KBYU's news director Louise Degn as saying, "Nothing was wrong with the story journalistically, and I told [KBYU's General Manager] Joe White I felt he was wrong in his decision to cancel the story."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Aug 6, 1967
First counselor Hugh B. Brown receives "a call from the Salt Lake City police adivising me that four car loads of negroes armed with machine guns and bombs [are] reported coming to Salt Lake City for the purpose of inciting a riot and particularly to destroy property on the temple block." He orders all entrances to the Salt Lake Temple Square to remain padlocked, and that armed guards turn away all visitors this morning. For the first time the Choir performs its regular Sunday broadcast in an otherwise empty Tabernacle.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
Wed Aug 6, 1952
[David O. McKay Office Journal]
At meeting with Presiding Bishopric: I told the Presiding Bishopric that negroes should not be invited to speak in sacrament meetings and at Firesides.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
At meeting with Presiding Bishopric: I told the Presiding Bishopric that negroes should not be invited to speak in sacrament meetings and at Firesides.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
Aug 6, 1887
Wilford Woodruff reprimands assistant church historian Andrew Jenson for publishing a list of the known plural wives of Joseph Smith. "We do not think it is a wise step to give these names to the world at the present time in the manner in which you have done in this 'Historical Record.' Advantage may be taken of their publication and in some instances, to the injury, perhaps, of families or relatives of those whose names are mentioned."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Aug 6, 1862
DESERET NEWS publishes a sermon by Brigham Young: "Monogamy, or restrictions by law to one wife, is no part of the economy of heaven among men. Such a system was commenced by the founders of the Roman empire....Rome became the mistress of the world, and introduced this order of monogamy wherever her sway was acknowledged. Thus this monogamic order of marriage, so esteemed by modern Christians as a holy sacrament and divine institution, is nothing but a system established by a set of robbers.... -Why do we believe in and practice polygamy? Because the Lord introduced it to his servants in a revelation given to Joseph Smith, and the Lord's servants have always practised it. 'And is that religion popular in heaven?' It is the only popular religion there,..."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Aug 6, 1862
Deseret News affirms Mormons are not abolitionists,
It is frequently asked, What is the reason of your being driven from place to place?....Were not your people abolitionists? They were not. Did they not spread an influence that slavery was not right?They said, as they say now, that slaves are, in many instances, abused, and that masters will be punished for abusing their slaves.
[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
It is frequently asked, What is the reason of your being driven from place to place?....Were not your people abolitionists? They were not. Did they not spread an influence that slavery was not right?They said, as they say now, that slaves are, in many instances, abused, and that masters will be punished for abusing their slaves.
[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
Aug 6, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
... In two days we got timber sufficient for two buildings each of us one. But I had laboured so hard during the two days I Could hardly stand upon my feet. I went to my waggon & flung myself upon my bed to rest.
I had not been on the bed but a short time before Br Kimball called upon me & informed me that the Twelve were going soon to the water to be Baptized for the remission of their sins to set an example to the Church As they would be called upon on Sunday morning to be baptized by the Twelve [all?] those that wished. We considerd this A duty & privlege as we come into a glorious valley to locate & build a temple & build up Zion we felt like renewing our Convenant before the Lord and each other.
We soon repaired to the water & President Brigham Young went down into the water & Baptized all his Brethren the Twelve that were with him by burying them in the water. He also confirmed us in the Church & sealed upon us our apostleship & all the keys, powers & Blessings belonging to that office.
Br Heber C. Kimball Baptized & Confirmed President Bringham Young.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... In two days we got timber sufficient for two buildings each of us one. But I had laboured so hard during the two days I Could hardly stand upon my feet. I went to my waggon & flung myself upon my bed to rest.
I had not been on the bed but a short time before Br Kimball called upon me & informed me that the Twelve were going soon to the water to be Baptized for the remission of their sins to set an example to the Church As they would be called upon on Sunday morning to be baptized by the Twelve [all?] those that wished. We considerd this A duty & privlege as we come into a glorious valley to locate & build a temple & build up Zion we felt like renewing our Convenant before the Lord and each other.
We soon repaired to the water & President Brigham Young went down into the water & Baptized all his Brethren the Twelve that were with him by burying them in the water. He also confirmed us in the Church & sealed upon us our apostleship & all the keys, powers & Blessings belonging to that office.
Br Heber C. Kimball Baptized & Confirmed President Bringham Young.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Aug 6, 1842
While attending a Masonic ceremony Joseph Smith prophesies that Mormons would settle in the Rocky Mountains. NILES NATIONAL REGISTER reportes that the Mormons have "six thousand votes under their immediate control, sufficient to give them the balance of power between the parties in the state. It is alleged they have found out how to make profitable use of this power...."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
25 years ago today - Aug 5, 1992.
The 13th Annual Sunstone Symposium convenes in Salt Lake City with about 1,500 attendees. According to Salt Lake Tribune religion editor Peggy Fletcher Stack, who does not disclose her sources, "Several departments in the LDS Church Office Building threatened employees with dire consequences if they attended. But the Public Affairs Department sent six `observers,' as they have for years." At least one BYU faculty member, Michael Allen, is "advise[d] against" participating. Sunstone editor Elbert Peck acknowledges that some BYU faculty "chose not to participate" while others "made a point of participating" and describes the impact of the 1991 First Presidency/Council of the Twelve statement as being "to make presenters much more thoughtful and careful than they have been in the past."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
75 years ago today - Aug 5, 1942
The First Presidency's financial secretary refers to Germain-born Horst Scharffs as President Heber J. Grant's bodyguard. Apparently this is the first time since 1887 that the hierarchy has bodyguards.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Wednesday, Aug 5, 1857
Fancher party leaves Great Salt Lake City
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
160 years ago today - Aug 5, 1857
Governor Brigham Young placed Utah Territory under martial law and forbade U.S. troops to enter Salt Lake Valley.
[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]
[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]
170 years ago today - Aug 5, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
As we were under the necessity of returning soon [from Salt Lake valley to Winter Quarters] & wanted some place to unload our goods that we had with us & those that were coming up we thought it best to go into the mountain & draw out logs & build us some Cabins as the doby [adobe] houses might not be ready./... I some dreaded the job, for it was a [hard?] one And I do not exercise the prudence that I ought when I taken hold of hard labour but do more than is good for me. I however commenced choping down trees & done much more work during the day than any other man on the ground.
We choped drew out more logs than to build one house [107] feet square & drew home to the fort 25 of them. I blisterd Up my hands & was vary weary at night.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
As we were under the necessity of returning soon [from Salt Lake valley to Winter Quarters] & wanted some place to unload our goods that we had with us & those that were coming up we thought it best to go into the mountain & draw out logs & build us some Cabins as the doby [adobe] houses might not be ready./... I some dreaded the job, for it was a [hard?] one And I do not exercise the prudence that I ought when I taken hold of hard labour but do more than is good for me. I however commenced choping down trees & done much more work during the day than any other man on the ground.
We choped drew out more logs than to build one house [107] feet square & drew home to the fort 25 of them. I blisterd Up my hands & was vary weary at night.
[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 - Aug 5, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
Louisa, now my only child, who had been sick for a long time died today which seemed to complete the dark curtain which has been drawn over me since I left Nauvoo. My family then consisted of 8 members & now but two. Five of whom has died & now I am left childless but I shall not dwell on this painful subject.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Louisa, now my only child, who had been sick for a long time died today which seemed to complete the dark curtain which has been drawn over me since I left Nauvoo. My family then consisted of 8 members & now but two. Five of whom has died & now I am left childless but I shall not dwell on this painful subject.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Aug 5, 1837
At a meeting of Church presidents in Missouri, high council, bishopric, and elders it is resolved to build "a house unto the name of the Lord ... moderately ... as we have means;" also, in a departure from the Kirtland model, it is resolved "that the building Committee of the house of the Lord have no store connected with the building the house But that every firm or individual that embarks in that business--have, own and claim such property as their own private individual property and stewardship."
[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]
180 years ago today - Aug 5, 1837
Elder Goodson in England, in direct violation of Joseph's orders, reads D&C 76 publicly, "which turned the current feeling generally, and nearly closed the door in all that region."
[Source: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:505; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:505; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Aug 4, 1897; Wednesday
[George Teasdale speaking:] Expressed his love for his religion, the principles of liberty and the constitution of his country. Felt that every man who had taken an oath to sustain the constitution of his country and subsequently voted in favor of the Edmunds-Tucker law, was a covenant breaker. Plural marriage was one of the principles approved by Almighty God, and the Church of Christ cannot be fully established on the earth without this principle. Referred to many of our young girls who were marrying outsiders, and said that he believed that God would yet open the way so that our young women who were willing and anxious to become virtuous wives and honored mothers would have the privilege of doing so, and there would be no necessity of marrying non-Mormons. Stated that he was in perfect harmony with his brethren, and with each and all of the principles of the gospel. ...
MARRINER W. MERRILL told of his recent visit to the Bannock and Oneida [Idaho] Stakes, also of a short mission to Montana. There have been established a branch or two of our people at different points in Montana. At Anaconda there is a branch, and there are some forty or fifty of our people located there. At Anaconda he found quite a number of Mormon girls married to non-Mormons, and in some cases they were supporting their husbands. These marriages were nearly all the result of the suspension of plural marriage, and several of the sisters informed him that they would never have contracted these marriages had they seen any opportunity of becoming the wife of a Latter-Day-Saint. They would have gladly become a plural wife in preference to the marriage which they had contracted. ...
[Lorenzo Snow:] He said the Patriarch Joseph Smith, the father of the Prophet, had stated in his patriarchal blessing, that he should have power, when not able to visit the sick, to send his handkerchief to them, and that the afflicted by touching it should be made whole. To the unbelieving, such a statement as this would be very ridiculous. But on one occasion, a sister residing at Kaysville [Utah], whose husband was very sick, and who had read Pres[iden]t. Snow's patriarchal blessing, sent from Kaysville to Brigham City [Utah] in the dead of winter, requesting him to send a handkerchief to her husband, which he did, after having first blessed it, and the brother was healed immediately upon receipt of the handkerchief.
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Diary]
MARRINER W. MERRILL told of his recent visit to the Bannock and Oneida [Idaho] Stakes, also of a short mission to Montana. There have been established a branch or two of our people at different points in Montana. At Anaconda there is a branch, and there are some forty or fifty of our people located there. At Anaconda he found quite a number of Mormon girls married to non-Mormons, and in some cases they were supporting their husbands. These marriages were nearly all the result of the suspension of plural marriage, and several of the sisters informed him that they would never have contracted these marriages had they seen any opportunity of becoming the wife of a Latter-Day-Saint. They would have gladly become a plural wife in preference to the marriage which they had contracted. ...
[Lorenzo Snow:] He said the Patriarch Joseph Smith, the father of the Prophet, had stated in his patriarchal blessing, that he should have power, when not able to visit the sick, to send his handkerchief to them, and that the afflicted by touching it should be made whole. To the unbelieving, such a statement as this would be very ridiculous. But on one occasion, a sister residing at Kaysville [Utah], whose husband was very sick, and who had read Pres[iden]t. Snow's patriarchal blessing, sent from Kaysville to Brigham City [Utah] in the dead of winter, requesting him to send a handkerchief to her husband, which he did, after having first blessed it, and the brother was healed immediately upon receipt of the handkerchief.
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Diary]
130 years ago today - Aug 4, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
The labors of John W. Young at Washington and in New York were fully discussed; and in addition to the money already forwarded to him, it was voted to send him another five thousand dollars. All of the brethren present expressed their lack of perfect confidence in the manipulations of Brother Young.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
The labors of John W. Young at Washington and in New York were fully discussed; and in addition to the money already forwarded to him, it was voted to send him another five thousand dollars. All of the brethren present expressed their lack of perfect confidence in the manipulations of Brother Young.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
130 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 4, 1887
On motion of G. Q. Cannon the brethren in Charge of the Temples were instructed to give free access to the Temples to any and all of the Apostles.
[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]
130 years ago today - Aug 4, 1887
President [Wilford] Woodruff called up for consideration the subject of the State Constitution. ... George Q. Cannon read some telegrams that had passed between the First Presidency and parties in Washington [D.C.]. A general but orderly conversation ensued as several members had been absent in exile and were therefore not so fully informed of the details of this most important yet most strictly confidential enterprise. Brother George Q. Cannon read a statement of John W. Young showing the expenditure of $23,000.00 dated July 27, 1887, for means used where it would do most good. ...
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Aug 4, 1877
Brigham Young obtains a cancellation of his debts in Ogden, Utah, dating back to 1849.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Tuesday, Aug 4, 1857
Fancher party arrives in Great Salt Lake City
Brigham Young appoints Jacob Hamblin president of the Southern Indian Mission in a letter.
"Another emigrant train with a large drove of cattle arrived in G.S.L. City."
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
Brigham Young appoints Jacob Hamblin president of the Southern Indian Mission in a letter.
"Another emigrant train with a large drove of cattle arrived in G.S.L. City."
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
170 years ago today - Aug 4, 1847
H. C. Kimball to bro Tubbs [charged with adultry] & those concerned. [I]ts my advice'I am for Sal[vatio]n. & never had any o[the]r. intentions since I came into the Ch[urch]'[A]ny man or woman who varies from right are destined for damn[ation]. If I violated my Cov[e]n[ant]. I wo[ul]d. come bef[ore]. my bre[thre]n & tell [them] all ab[ou]t. [it], if there was a chance of Sal[vatio]n. I sho[ul]d. want it'& if it was to take my head of[f] my shoulders its better for me to die than to go to hell'I sa[y] this to bro Tubbs & those concerned'for it will turn to rust & corrupt[io]n.'I sa[y] bro Tubbs now save yourself'tell it to the Council & they['l]l save you'unless you have sinned unto death.
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
175 years ago today - Aug 4, 1842
Woodruff recorded in his journal that Smith told Mormon missionaries "to 'confine' their activities 'to the free states' and not go into any of the 'Slave States'." Bringhurst feels this was due to southern antipathy to Mormonism as "a northern-based movement" with "distinctive doctrines and teachings" peculiar to a Yankee world-view that the southerners could not embrace.
[Source: Bringhurst, Saints & Slaves (pp. 60 and 77 n. 48), in LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
[Source: Bringhurst, Saints & Slaves (pp. 60 and 77 n. 48), in LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
180 years ago today - Aug 4, 1837
[Heber C. Kimball]
We adminersted the sackrement and the[n] we lade on hands upon 26. The Lord was with us. B. Hide had a vission of an angel he was in the poster [position] of recording those blessing that we was conferming upon them, so we felt to Rejoice to think the Lord Excepted of those thing that we was dowing. The power of God was with us.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
We adminersted the sackrement and the[n] we lade on hands upon 26. The Lord was with us. B. Hide had a vission of an angel he was in the poster [position] of recording those blessing that we was conferming upon them, so we felt to Rejoice to think the Lord Excepted of those thing that we was dowing. The power of God was with us.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
Aug 3, 1887
[Wilford Woodruff]
W Woodruff Expressed his views upon the preset Position of Affairs and the authority of the Twelve Apostles that they presided in all the world when there was No first Presidency and when there was a first Presidency the Apostls presided in all the world whare the first Presidency were not. A Vote was taken to reinstate George G Cannon & Joseph F Smith into their former place into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ...
We Met again. D H Wells Expressed his views Concerning the Authority of the Twelve [to proceed to appoint a new First Presidency]. He differd from all the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle in the Matter. <There was some pointless things talked of concerning> G.Q.C.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
W Woodruff Expressed his views upon the preset Position of Affairs and the authority of the Twelve Apostles that they presided in all the world when there was No first Presidency and when there was a first Presidency the Apostls presided in all the world whare the first Presidency were not. A Vote was taken to reinstate George G Cannon & Joseph F Smith into their former place into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ...
We Met again. D H Wells Expressed his views Concerning the Authority of the Twelve [to proceed to appoint a new First Presidency]. He differd from all the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle in the Matter. <There was some pointless things talked of concerning> G.Q.C.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Aug 3, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
... Prest Cannon stated that he was greatly surprised to think that members of our quorum had had feelings against him for nearly four years and had not said a word to him. He got quite warm while talking of the desire of brother Thatcher to have the authority of the twelve fully talked over before any action was taken on restoring bros. Cannon and Smith to the quorum. He stated that Prest John Taylor had chided him for his position regarding the Twelve more than for any other thing; said Prest. Taylor had said time and time again that an apostle had no right to going into an organized stake and changing any of the affairs of the stake. Prest Cannon stated that it had been a great trial to have to labor almost alone on account of the sickness of Prest Taylor and that he had desired very much to have brother Joseph F at home. Stated that hardly a day had passed for some weeks but what he had put on his Temple clothes and supplicated God for his aid in discharging the duties devolving upon him, said he knew God had been with him and that for four months he had virtually been the President of the Church. Prest Cannon made the remarks about God being with him and his virtually being the President of the Church for the past four months with considerable force, but they felt dead on me & I had no testimony of a man as to his own ability, and I was glad to have Prest Cannon explain some few minutes later that in speaking as he did he did not claim that the authority or prerogatives of the President were his during the past four months. I felt that Prest Cannon had been rebuked by the Spirit for claiming to have acted as the President of the Church and was glad to see that he was willing to explain.
... Daniel H. Wells gave it as his opinion that the Twelve Apostles had no right what ever to exercise the duties of the First Presidency, and that to do so was entirely out of place. He gave it to us as the mind and will of the Lord to us that we do not exercise these duties. Stated that it was the voice of God to us and that he cleared his skirts of this matter and that someday we would know that what he said was true. Brother Lorenzo Snow asked brother Wells the question whether in case of the death of the President of the Church the twelve apostles ever presided, say for ten minutes while they were organizing the Presidency again, answer, No. Bro Wells said the mantle of Joseph fell on Brigham and not on the twelve and that the counselors of the President should act until such time as they in connection with the Twelve Apostles decided upon a President for the Church....
Moses Thatcher said to brother Wells that while he would not care to question his standing that if he (Thatcher) were to assume any such a position as that taken by brother Wells that it would be the duty of our quorum to handle him for his fellowship. Prest. Woodruff suggested that we change the subject.
[Source: Typed sheets removed from bound letterbook journal but preserved with loose sheets that duplicated letterbook journal, in The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
... Prest Cannon stated that he was greatly surprised to think that members of our quorum had had feelings against him for nearly four years and had not said a word to him. He got quite warm while talking of the desire of brother Thatcher to have the authority of the twelve fully talked over before any action was taken on restoring bros. Cannon and Smith to the quorum. He stated that Prest John Taylor had chided him for his position regarding the Twelve more than for any other thing; said Prest. Taylor had said time and time again that an apostle had no right to going into an organized stake and changing any of the affairs of the stake. Prest Cannon stated that it had been a great trial to have to labor almost alone on account of the sickness of Prest Taylor and that he had desired very much to have brother Joseph F at home. Stated that hardly a day had passed for some weeks but what he had put on his Temple clothes and supplicated God for his aid in discharging the duties devolving upon him, said he knew God had been with him and that for four months he had virtually been the President of the Church. Prest Cannon made the remarks about God being with him and his virtually being the President of the Church for the past four months with considerable force, but they felt dead on me & I had no testimony of a man as to his own ability, and I was glad to have Prest Cannon explain some few minutes later that in speaking as he did he did not claim that the authority or prerogatives of the President were his during the past four months. I felt that Prest Cannon had been rebuked by the Spirit for claiming to have acted as the President of the Church and was glad to see that he was willing to explain.
... Daniel H. Wells gave it as his opinion that the Twelve Apostles had no right what ever to exercise the duties of the First Presidency, and that to do so was entirely out of place. He gave it to us as the mind and will of the Lord to us that we do not exercise these duties. Stated that it was the voice of God to us and that he cleared his skirts of this matter and that someday we would know that what he said was true. Brother Lorenzo Snow asked brother Wells the question whether in case of the death of the President of the Church the twelve apostles ever presided, say for ten minutes while they were organizing the Presidency again, answer, No. Bro Wells said the mantle of Joseph fell on Brigham and not on the twelve and that the counselors of the President should act until such time as they in connection with the Twelve Apostles decided upon a President for the Church....
Moses Thatcher said to brother Wells that while he would not care to question his standing that if he (Thatcher) were to assume any such a position as that taken by brother Wells that it would be the duty of our quorum to handle him for his fellowship. Prest. Woodruff suggested that we change the subject.
[Source: Typed sheets removed from bound letterbook journal but preserved with loose sheets that duplicated letterbook journal, in The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Aug 3, 1887
... Lorenzo Snow asked Brother Wells if the Twelve had not the power to lead the Church during the interval between the death of the president and the election of a successor, to which he answered, 'No! not for twenty-four hours, or for ten minutes!' John Henry Smith asked President Brigham Young once in St. George [Utah] as to the positions of Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt. In case of President Young's death who should preside. He answered, 'The Twelve, and their President was the President of the Church, unless he had forfeited his right to do so.' That Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt had forfeited their right to preside, therefore it went to John Taylor. On being asked, Brother Wells said it was the counsel of heaven that this body should now proceed to appoint a First Presidency as the only legitimate thing we can do legally. Brother Wells maintained his position [u]nflinchingly in opposition to the united views of all present.
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Wednesday, Aug 3, 1887
[John Henry Smith]
I met my much loved kinsman Joseph F. Smith this morning for the first time in nearly five years. With what excessive Joy I took him in my arms and huged him. ... Several brethren [apostles] spoke upon the rights of the Twelve and that they should not be belittled before the people of the Church and some felt this had been done for some time past. Some of the remarks reflected upon President G. Q. Cannon and he felt some what nettled. F. M. Lyman moved that G. Q. Cannon be restored to his place in the Quorum of the Twelve [due to the death of church president John Taylor]. It was seconded, but Bro. Cannon objected to its being put as there was feelings against him. Moses Thatcher moved that Joseph F. Smith be restored to his place in the Quorum of the Twelve. He said he desired to be so restored to his place and labor with his brethren.
It was deemed best to adjust whatever was wrong in the case of Bro. Cannon and proceed with him first. After a few mutual explinations they were both restored and hands shaken. ...
[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]
I met my much loved kinsman Joseph F. Smith this morning for the first time in nearly five years. With what excessive Joy I took him in my arms and huged him. ... Several brethren [apostles] spoke upon the rights of the Twelve and that they should not be belittled before the people of the Church and some felt this had been done for some time past. Some of the remarks reflected upon President G. Q. Cannon and he felt some what nettled. F. M. Lyman moved that G. Q. Cannon be restored to his place in the Quorum of the Twelve [due to the death of church president John Taylor]. It was seconded, but Bro. Cannon objected to its being put as there was feelings against him. Moses Thatcher moved that Joseph F. Smith be restored to his place in the Quorum of the Twelve. He said he desired to be so restored to his place and labor with his brethren.
It was deemed best to adjust whatever was wrong in the case of Bro. Cannon and proceed with him first. After a few mutual explinations they were both restored and hands shaken. ...
[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]
Aug 3, 1872
Brigham Young dissolves the School of the Prophets in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah because of breaches in the meeting's secrecy that end up in the anti-Mormon Salt Lake Tribune.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
Aug 3, 1852
Beginning of construction of a wall surrounding the ten acres which became Temple Square, with gates to allow entrance onto the building site. It is completed over two years later.
Aug 2, 1967
C. Wade Bell wins the gold medal (800 meter run) at the Pan American Games, also Michael M. Young (gold, wrestling) and Keith Russell (silver, diving). Other LDS medalists are H. Blaine Lindgren (gold, track, 1963), Henry Marsh (2 gold, steeplechase, 1979), Danny Vranes (gold, basketball, 1979), Demetrio Cabanillas of Mexico (bronze, steeplechase, 1979), Mark Fuller (silver, Greco-Roman wrestling, 1983), Greg Robbins (silver, wrestling, 1987), Denise Parker (gold, archery, 1987, 1991, 1995), Janet Blomstedt (gold, heptathalon, 1995).
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
Aug 2, 1892
First polygamous marriage performed in the LDS Canadian settlement by its president Charles O. Card, who performs this marriage by instruction of the First Presidency. To the end of 1905 only fifteen more post-Manifesto plural marriages occur in Canada (by Card and his successor as polygamy officiator), compared with hundreds performed in Mexico and the United States.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
Aug 2, 1857
Brigham Young publicly discusses the possible secession of the Mormon theocracy from the United States and the establishment of an independent kingdom. Heber C. Kimball issues a curse upon President Buchanan and predicts his untimely death (JD 5:129).
[Source: Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
[Source: Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
Aug 2, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the prayer Circle. Many remarks were made upon the subject of sending the US troops to this Territory. President Young said that our enemies will perish in their own Corruptions. ...
The US are fools to Come upon this people ... If the United States send out troops to fight us this season we shall whip them out. Then they will send out reinforcements. Then we shall have the Lamanites with us & the more the United states send out the wors off they will be for they will perish with Famine.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended the prayer Circle. Many remarks were made upon the subject of sending the US troops to this Territory. President Young said that our enemies will perish in their own Corruptions. ...
The US are fools to Come upon this people ... If the United States send out troops to fight us this season we shall whip them out. Then they will send out reinforcements. Then we shall have the Lamanites with us & the more the United states send out the wors off they will be for they will perish with Famine.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Aug 2, 1847 (Monday)
The survey of a city was commenced in G.S.L. Valley.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Aug 2, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
On forming our temple block of 40 acres it was so large we held a council to see if it was not wisdom to reduce it one half the size. Several expressed their opinion upon the subject. G. A. Smith believed if we done it we should be sorry afterwards. Would rather enlarge than diminish it. Br Kimball th[ought if?] we let it be as it was & set it out to shrubery we should not be sorry. Br A said G A Smith had spoke his mind & all our minds seemed to run in about the same channel. The President Said we Could eisier diminish than enlarge it afterward & finally decided to let it remain as it was.
We also walked upon a peace of table land above east of the camp & took a view of the city ground which presented a grand Prospect to our view. In the evening I went to the warm sulpher springs & bathed with Dr Richards G. A. Smith & others.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
On forming our temple block of 40 acres it was so large we held a council to see if it was not wisdom to reduce it one half the size. Several expressed their opinion upon the subject. G. A. Smith believed if we done it we should be sorry afterwards. Would rather enlarge than diminish it. Br Kimball th[ought if?] we let it be as it was & set it out to shrubery we should not be sorry. Br A said G A Smith had spoke his mind & all our minds seemed to run in about the same channel. The President Said we Could eisier diminish than enlarge it afterward & finally decided to let it remain as it was.
We also walked upon a peace of table land above east of the camp & took a view of the city ground which presented a grand Prospect to our view. In the evening I went to the warm sulpher springs & bathed with Dr Richards G. A. Smith & others.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Aug 2, 1842
Illinois governor Thomas Carlin, signs an order for Joseph Smith's arrest and delivery to Missouri officials to answer charges in the case of the attempted assassination of Missouri Governor Boggs.
100 years ago today - Aug 1, 1917
In his first message to the state legislature, newly elected Governor Bamberger identified enactment of prohibition legislation as the first duty of the legislature. Contending prohibition bills were introduced during the session. One, modeled on an Oklahoma law, called for a prohibition commissioner to enforce the law, banned all beverages containing in excess of one-half of one percent alcohol by volume, and allowed, under certain circumstances, for the search and seizure of alcoholic beverages without a search warrant. The other bill provided for enforcement by the governor and attorney general through the existing law enforcement system, raised the allowable alcohol content to two percent, and did not provide exceptions to the need for a search warrant. An uneasy compromise was passed with only one dissenting vote. The compromise legislation retained the one-half of one percent limit, but did not include the prohibition commissioner or the exceptions for search warrants. The law, signed by Governor Bamberger, went into effect on 1 August 1917. The law recognized that some products containing alcohol were legitimate; they included patented medicines, flavoring extracts, pure grain alcohol for scientific and industrial purposes, and sacramental wines.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Prohibition, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Prohibition, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
115 years ago today - Aug 1, 1902
First Presidency Letter: "Brethren recommended to the temple for second anointings should be men of experience whose integrity to the work of the Lord is beyond question, and who are known for their continued faithfulness, as it would be very unfortunate thing indeed for a man to receive the higher blessings and aftewards apostatize. The question of age would naturally be a consideration in recommending for the higher ordinances, but it is not to be understood for a moment that you should wait until brethren become old before recommending them to receive these blessings. The chief qualifications are worthiness, fitness and unshaken integrity, and these should be combined in man thus recommended whether they occupy presiding positions or not: but as a matter of course the brethren occupying presiding positions, such as those of the stake presidency, high counsilor president of the high priest's quorum, patriarch and bishop are suppose to be in possession of these qualifications."
130 years ago today - Aug 1, 1887 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
Brother [Joseph F.] Smith left this morning at four o'clock. Bro. Wilcken called for him and took him to his home to see his children, whom he had not seen [since Sept. 1884]. It being election day, it was thought that it might be safe for him to visit his home, as the deputy marshals would be so engaged with election matters that they would not have leisure to spy around. ... In the evening Bro. Smith returned.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Brother [Joseph F.] Smith left this morning at four o'clock. Bro. Wilcken called for him and took him to his home to see his children, whom he had not seen [since Sept. 1884]. It being election day, it was thought that it might be safe for him to visit his home, as the deputy marshals would be so engaged with election matters that they would not have leisure to spy around. ... In the evening Bro. Smith returned.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
155 years ago today - Aug 1, 1862
Brigham Young writes to a local bishop: "my advice is for bro james T.S. Allred to marry the Indian girl in question. It is written that 'not many generations shall pass away before they become a white and delightsome people.'" Dozens of men marry Native Americans as plural wives in pioneer Utah and Arizona.
160 years ago today - Aug 1, 1857 (Saturday)
The Utah militia was ordered to be kept in readiness for an expedition to the mountains, to prevent the entering of the approaching army, if necessary.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Aug 1, 1842
Apostle Parley P. Pratt publishes a rebuttal to John C. Bennett's claims that Joseph is secretly teaching polygamy: "But for the information of those who may be assailed by those foolish tales about the two wives [Bennett had written "that God had given a revelation that men might have two wives"], we would say that no such principle ever existed among the Latter-day Saints, and never will." Pratt's autobiography later states that Joseph Smith disclosed to him the revelation on celestial marriage in Jan 1840.
180 years ago today - Aug 1, 1837
[Brigham Young]
I transacted my business and returned to Albany, where I took steamboat for New York, and found cousin A.[lbert] P. Rockwood on board. ... I ordained Brother Rockwood an elder, predicting on his head that his family should all be gathered into the kingdom, and that there should be a branch of the Church raised up in his native town, Holliston, Massachusetts, where he then resided and kept store, and set him apart to preside over said branch when it should be raised up.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
I transacted my business and returned to Albany, where I took steamboat for New York, and found cousin A.[lbert] P. Rockwood on board. ... I ordained Brother Rockwood an elder, predicting on his head that his family should all be gathered into the kingdom, and that there should be a branch of the Church raised up in his native town, Holliston, Massachusetts, where he then resided and kept store, and set him apart to preside over said branch when it should be raised up.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
185 years ago today - Aug 1, 1832
First Presidency counselor Jesse Gause and Zebedee Coltrin leave Kirtland on a mission. Jesse never returns. Frederick G. William is later appointed to the First Presidency. Records, including a revelation, are quietly modified to reflect this change.
[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]
25 years ago today - Jul 31, 1992
Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley is a speaker with RLDS president Wallace B. Smith at the RLDS Auditorium in Independence, Missouri, where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir also performs a concert "to the sell-out audience of 5200."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
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