Today In Mormon History

30 years ago today - Nov 3, 1996

The Kinshasa Zaire Stake, the first stake in the African Democratic Republic of Congo, is organized.

[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]

195 years ago today - Nov 3, 1831

Early versions of D&C 133 (BCR 119 and another manuscript in the handwriting of Sidney Rigdon) read "the moon shall be blown out & the Stars shall be hurrelled [hurled] from their sockets." The text was changed "the moon shall with hold its light; & the Stars shall be hurrelled [hurled] from their plac[es]" (published in the May 1833 issue of the Evening and the Morning Star)

[Michael Marquardt, "Joseph Smith's Revelations", D&C 133]

195 years ago today - Nov 3, 1831

D&C 133 (Hiram): "The Appendix" to the Book of Commandments: Missionaries to all nations, 144,000, cataclysms; angel flying through the midst of heaven, day of vengeance, resurrection.

Ezra Booth letter #4 published: High expectations for June , 1831 conference. Joseph promised some would see the Savior. Joseph ordains Lyman Wight and others to the High Priesthood, then Lyman declares he has seen the Lord and Joseph delegates him to ordain the others. The "man of sin" is made manifest and Joseph casts him out.

[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

20 years ago today - Nov 2, 2006

President Hinckley, at 96 years and 133 days, became the longest-lived Church president, a distinction previously held by President David O. McKay.

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

30 years ago today - Nov 2, 1996

The First Presidency announced the establishment of Latter-day Saint Charities, a charitable, nonprofit corporation designed to help the Church deliver humanitarian aid to the poor and needy of the world.

170 years ago today - Nov 2, 1856 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young]

... spoke of people murmuring against the First Presidency, because of the immigration being caught in the snow'-Explained the cause of the late starting from the States this year, etc. I will inform the congregation that some of the first hand cart company that came in, one man is down with the small pox and is exposed. (Read the names of some that had been exposed to the disease.) He would like them not to mingle with the rest of the people until all danger of spreading the disease is over. Original Report. -- SLC Tabernacle

[General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (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]

185 years ago today - Nov 1, 1841

A small shack that has deteriorated into a graffiti-covered brothel is declared a nuisance by the city council and torn down. The owner becomes angered and demands payment for the damages. Joseph argues vigorously against making any such payments.

[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

185 years ago today - November 1, 1841

Kilbourn the Anti-Mormon [Anti-Momonism folder]

[Bill Shepard, 'Chronology, Documented']

195 years ago today - Nov 1, 1831 (Tuesday)

Some of the brethren having criticised the language used in some of the revelations, given through Joseph the Prophet, the Lord gave the wisest among the Elders permission to write a revelation like the least of those the Prophet had received, on certain conditions. (See Doc. and Cov., Sec. 67.)

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

90 years ago today - Oct 31,1936

First Presidency publishes unsigned editorial in Deseret News, which argues against re-election of Democratic president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Editorial, written by J. Reuben Clark, accuses F.D.R. of unconstitutional and Communist activities. In response one thousand Mormons angrily cancel their subscriptions to the News. Three days later, 69.3 percent of Utah's voters help re-elect Roosevelt. Utah's electorate re-elects F.D.R. again (1940,1944), despite First Presidency's opposition.

[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

105 years ago today - Oct 31, 1921

The position we take in regard to the Bible you I have no doubt feebly understand; that is that the bible is (or contains) the word of God so far as it is translated correctly. That does not positively make the book as a whole an inspired presentation of the Word of God. There are matters in it that are historical and some of se may be of the character set forth by the 'higher criticisms'. That Moses is the accredited author of the Pentateuch is sustained by the Book of Mormon, and is the view held by our Church [which is questioned by some higher criticism scholarship]. It is evident that the five books passed through other hands than Moses, after his day and time. The closing chapter of Deuteronomy proves that, and there are some other things also in other parts of the Pentateuch which indicate that they have been revised at a later date than the days of Moses, but taking them as a whole Moses is considered by the Church as the author of those five books. It is generally understood that Jonah was a real individual. However it is barely possible that the story is one of those parables common in the writing of the time in which Jonah lived. It does not matter whether that is actually the case or not, the purpose and intent of the book are excellent and have several very grand lessons. These constitute the value of the work. It is of little significance as to whether Jonah was a real individual or one chosen by the writer of the book to write what is set forth therein. It is held by the Church that Job was a real character. It is barely possible that the book was one of the kind prevailing in olden times, setting forth certain principles in the form of a parable, as it was with the parables of Jesus Christ when in the flesh. That is not of very great importance so long as the doctrines contained in the work are correct. It is understood by the church that the Book of Isaiah is one book [questioned by higher criticism]; that is, that the writer of the first part and the latter part is one individual prophet, not two. The answer yes or no positively to such questions is unwise and should not be undertaken by one representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ... 'Higher criticism' has lost ground as time goes on. The conclusions it conveys are matters of opinion, and diligent inquiry and the conclusions of the best opinions do not sustain notions entertained by the advocates of that 'criticism.' It is certainly not sustained by the authorities of the Church.

[Charles W. Penrose, for the First Presidency, Letter to Joseph W. McMurrin, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

105 years ago today - Oct 31, 1921

[Charles W. Penrose for the First Presidency]

In the absence of President Grant I am replying to your letter dated October 26th, with the support of Prest. Ivins, who is united with me in the views I herein express. The position we take in regard to the Bible you I have no doubt feebly understand; that is that the bible is (or contains) the word of God so far as it is translated correctly. That does not positively make the book as a whole an inspired presentation of the Word of God. There are matters in it that are historical and some of se may be of the character set forth by the 'higher criticisms'. That Moses is the accredited author of the Pentateuch is sustained by the Book of Mormon, and is the view held by our Church. It is evident that the five books passed through other hands than Moses, after his day and time. The closing chapter of Deuteronomy proves that, and there are some other things also in other parts of the Pentateuch which indicate that they have been revised at a later date than the days of Moses, but taking them as a whole Moses is considered by the Church as the author of those five books. It is generally understood that Jonah was a real individual. However it is barely possible that the story is one of those parables common in the writing of the time in which Jonah lived. It does not matter whether that is actually the case or not, the purpose and intent of the book are excellent and have several very grand lessons. These constitute the value of the work. It is of little significance as to whether Jonah was a real individual or one chosen by the writer of the book to write what is set forth therein. It is held by the Church that Job was a real character. It is barely possible that the book was one of the kind prevailing in olden times, setting forth certain principles in the form of a parable, as it was with the parables of Jesus Christ when in the flesh. That is not of very great importance so long as the doctrines contained in the work are correct. It is understood by the church that the Book of Isaiah is one book; that is, that the writer of the first part and the latter part is one individual prophet, not two. The answer yes or no positively to such questions is unwise and should not be undertaken by one representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ... 'Higher criticism' has lost ground as time goes on. The conclusions it conveys are matters of opinion, and diligent inquiry and the conclusions of the best opinions do not sustain notions entertained by the advocates of that 'criticism.' It is certainly not sustained by the authorities of the Church.

115 years ago today - Oct 30, 1911

[Joseph F. Smith & Anthon H. Lund]

The custom has developed in some of the temples of selling consecrated oil, books and records, and of renting temple clothing, the object being to accommodate persons who come to do work in the House of the Lord. Trafficking in these commodities is hardly in keeping with the sacredness of the temple, and we would, therefore, like you to discontinue this practice after December 31, 1911. In the meantime, arrange with the Bishops to sell consecrated oil and records and to rent temple clothing, all profits (if any) over and above expenses to be turned in as temple donations once a month. In view of the sacredness of temple work the Latter-day Saints should be encouraged to prepare temple garments, the workmanship of their own hands, and every effort should be made to discourage the practice of renting such clothing.

[Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund to Temple Presidents, Oct. 30, 1911, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

170 years ago today - Oct 30, 1856

[Brigham Young Letter]

Orson Pratt, -- Listen! There is a groat reformation needed in England Scotland, and Wales. The Saints are dead, and do not drink at the living fountain the fire of the Almighty is not in them, and we make the same observation in regard to the elders who are sent to preach.

[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

195 years ago today - Oct 30, 1831

Orson Hyde, a clerk in the Gilbert and Whitney store and a former Campbellite preacher under Sidney Rigdon, is baptized in Kirtland.

[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

90 years ago today - Oct 29, 1936

Letter read from President W. Francis Bailey of the Hawaiian Mission, stating that Brother William Pakale, a priest, and Brother John L. Pea, who have recently been discovered to be one-eighth negro, have heretofore officiated in performing some baptisms and other ordinances. President Bailey asks for a ruling as to what should be done in such cases.

After some discussion of the matter, Elder Stephen L. Richards moved that the matter be referred to Elder George Albert Smith, who will attend the approaching Oahu Stake Conference, with instructions that in the event he should find that a considerable number of people are involved, we assuming the authority was given to those brethren to officiate in these ordinances, that ratification of their acts be authorized. In the event he should discover that there are only one or two affected, and that the matter can be readily taken care of, it may be advisable to have re-baptism performed.

Motion seconded by Brother [Melvin J.] Ballard and unanimously approved.

[Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, inAdam S. Bennion Papers, posted at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]

150 years ago today - Oct 29, 1876

The Presidency and Twelve met for Prayer. We then spent an hour in president Youngs office Conversing with him upon various subjets among which was the Priesthood and the decision was as follows:

The first Presidency Preside over the whole Church in all the world. The Twelve Apostles hold the same keys and authority to preside over the whole Church in all the world in the Absens of the first Presidency. The seventies are special Messengers to preach the Gospel & build up the kingdom of God in all the world under the direction of the Twelve & to preside in the Abscens of the first Presidency & Twelve. A Patriarch may also be ordained to be A Patriarch to the whole Church. A Presiding Bishop may also be ordained to preside over the lesser Priesthood & Bishopprick in all the world. But all other Presidencies are Local and belong to the several Stakes of Zion. A Presiding High Priest Presides over the High Priests of that stake of Zion in which He resides. An Elder Presides over 96 Elders, A Priest over 48 Priests A Teacher over 24 Teachers, A Deacon over 12 Deacons and all are local officers.

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

195 years ago today - Oct 29, 1831

D&C 66 to William E. McLellin: blessed for receiving the gospel, take a mission east with Samuel H. Smith, lay hands on the sick; has been tempted with adultery; descendant of Joseph "through the loins of Ephraim his Son."

[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

40 years ago today - Oct 28, 1986

Jerald Tanner publishes Tracking the White Salamander: The Story of Mark Hofmann, Murder and Forged Mormon Documents.

[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

65 years ago today - Oct 28, 1961

Mark E. Petersen (unsigned editorial writer for the Deseret News) ... criticized the ultra-conservative Birch Society without actually naming it.

Some groups and persons have attacked certain Americans . . . by casting doubt on their loyalty . . . they have set themselves up as judges of who is loyal and who is "un- American." They [i.e., Robert Welch] have accused certain men [i.e., Dwight D. Eisenhower] of being `unconscious agents of communism' . . . they have attributed national blunders not to errors in judgment but to evil motives. . . . by blaming our problems on certain scapegoats, they can keep us from manfully recognizing the real problems-- internal as well as external . . ."

["What Americanism Must Mean," Deseret News, 28 Oct. 1961, A-10. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]

130 years ago today - Oct 28, 1896; Wednesday

Gov[ernor]. [William J.] McConnell of Idaho called on the Presidency with a form of ballot for use at the approaching election, which had evidently been prepared for the purpose of misleading voters. It contained the names of both Democrats and Republicans, so arranged as to deceive the unwary. After examining the ticket, a letter was written to the Presidents of Stakes in those parts of Idaho where the bogus ballot had been circulated, asking them to inform the people through their Bishops of this piece of political trickery, in order that they might not be duped.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]