[W. W. Phelps (while investigating the church)] ... [Martin Harris] is honest, and sincerely declares upon his soul's salvation that the book is true, and was interpreted by Joseph Smith, through a pair of silver spectacles, found with the plates. The places where they dug for the plates, in Manchester, are to be seen. When the plates were said to have been found, a copy of one or two lines of the characters, were taken by Mr. Harris to Utica, Albany and New York; at New York, they were shown to Dr. Mitchell, and he referred to professor Anthon who translated and declared them to be the ancient shorthand Egyptian. So much is true. The family of Smiths is poor, and generally ignorant in common learning. ...
[Source: W. W. Phelps to E. D. Howe, 15 January 1831, in Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates]
185 years ago today - Early 1831
John Whitmer said Satan "took a notion to blind the minds of some of the weaker ones, and made them think that an angel of the Lord appeared to them and showed them writings on the outside of the Bible, and on parchment, which flew through the air, and on the back of their hands, and many such foolish and vain thingsothers lost their strength, and some slid on the floor, and such like maneuvers, which proved greatly to the injury of the cause."
[Source: F. Mark McKiernan and Roger D. Launius, eds., An Early Latter Day Saint History: The Book of John Whitmer, Kept by Commandment (Independence: Herald House, 1980), 36, in Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
[Source: F. Mark McKiernan and Roger D. Launius, eds., An Early Latter Day Saint History: The Book of John Whitmer, Kept by Commandment (Independence: Herald House, 1980), 36, in Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
40 years ago today - Jan 14, 1976
Church president Spencer W. Kimball and other officials learn of the discovery of a 150-pound set of brass plates, bound by rings, that a man in England claims were brought from South America by his grandfather. The man, Bert Fuchs, also claims to have some parchments from ancient Hawaii (which had no written language), a sword with a jeweled handle, and an odd pair of spectacles. The artifacts are given to the Church. Fuchs and his family are baptized, later move to the United States, meet with President Kimball and are sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Paul Cheesman, a BYU religion professor interested in Book of Mormon artifacts, goes to England to collect the relics for investigation and brings them to Salt Lake City. The investigation of the relics is kept secret even from the Church Historian's Department and their existence is never announced publicly. After it is found that the supposed relics are fraudulent, modern creations, Fuchs is excommunicated.
55 years ago today - Jan 14, 1961
[Joseph Fielding Smith] Why did Adam come here? Not subject to death when he was placed upon the earth, there had to come a change in his body through the partaking of this element---whatever you want to call it, fruit---that brought blood into his body; and blood became the life of the body instead of spirit. And blood has in it the seeds of death, some mortal element. Mortality was created through the eating of the forbidden fruit, if you want to call it forbidden, but I think the Lord has made it clear that it was not forbidden. He merely said to Adam, if you want to stay here this is the situation. If so, don't eat it.
[Source: Address given at LDS Institute of Religion; Joseph Fielding Smith; Salt Lake City, Utah; January 14, 1961, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
[Source: Address given at LDS Institute of Religion; Joseph Fielding Smith; Salt Lake City, Utah; January 14, 1961, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
60 years ago today - Jan 14, 1956
[David O. McKay] At 4 p.m. went to the Salt Lake Temple where I went over the temple ceremony in the master book and also the various parts used by those taking part. Gord[o]n Hinckley who is getting a book ready for the Los Angeles Temple called my attention to minor discrepancies between the master book and the parts used by the various participants. Found that a few errors have been made in re-typing the parts.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Jan. 14, 1956, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Jan. 14, 1956, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
70 years ago today - Jan 14, 1946
European relief and call of Ezra Taft Benson as European Mission President...
In this position Elder Benson will attend to the spiritual affairs of the Saints in Europe as well as direct the work to make available food, clothing, and bedding for the members of the Church in these distressed areas. In excess of thirteen thousand packages have been shipped by the Church Welfare Program during the past several weeks. Plans are now being effected to send articles in carload quantities. Elder Benson takes to Europe his experience gained as secretary of the National Council of Farm Cooperatives.
[Source: 1946-January 14-Improvement Era 49:67, February, 1946, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
In this position Elder Benson will attend to the spiritual affairs of the Saints in Europe as well as direct the work to make available food, clothing, and bedding for the members of the Church in these distressed areas. In excess of thirteen thousand packages have been shipped by the Church Welfare Program during the past several weeks. Plans are now being effected to send articles in carload quantities. Elder Benson takes to Europe his experience gained as secretary of the National Council of Farm Cooperatives.
[Source: 1946-January 14-Improvement Era 49:67, February, 1946, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - Jan 14, 1886
Had an important meeting at Bro[ther] Jos[eph] F. Smith, Pres[iden]t Cannon & Woodruff, E[rastus]. Snow, F[ranklin]. D. Richard Richards B[righam]. Y[oung]. [Jr.] M[oses]. T[hatcher]. F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. H[eber]. J. G[rant]. Jno. [John] W. Taylor talked business of saving church property from Gov[ernment] thieves.
[They decide "it was best to get rid of the Church property." Subsequently church property throughout Utah was put into newly formed corporations to avoid seizure by the federal government.]
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[They decide "it was best to get rid of the Church property." Subsequently church property throughout Utah was put into newly formed corporations to avoid seizure by the federal government.]
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., 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 - Jan 14, 1861
Brigham Young's office journal records: "Bp Edward E. Hunter asked the President if he did not think our dancing parties were Kept open too late. The President said he should say no more about it. He formerly had wished the Bps to close early and he had always left the dances early by way of example of himself but he did know that a Bp knew a word about it."
170 years ago today - Jan 14, 1846
John Taylor: Nauvoo Temple sealing to Elizabeth Kaighin (born 1811 in Isle of Man) 14 January 1846.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
170 years ago today - Jan 14, 1846
[Hosea Stout] ... Just as dinner was ready an express came from the Temple for me forthwith whereupon Scott and I went immediately with out waiting for dinner. I was there notified by President B. Young to send spies out in different parts of the country to watch and report the proceedings of the mob –
I committed the business of sending spies out in Iowa to Sanford Porter who lives in Iowahe was to send some three or dour in different directions to watch their movements and let us know when anythings is going on among them against us...
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I committed the business of sending spies out in Iowa to Sanford Porter who lives in Iowahe was to send some three or dour in different directions to watch their movements and let us know when anythings is going on among them against us...
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Jan 14, 1846
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Margaret Alley (1825-1852) (aged 20) first marriage 2 children
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
180 years ago today - Jan 14, 1836
Joseph Smith writes of performing a marriage ceremony after which "We then took some refreshment and our hearts were made glad with the fruit of the vine. This is according to pattern Set by our Saviour himself and we feel disposed to patronize all the institutions of heaven."
155 years ago today - Jan 13, 1861
In speaking of the Government President Young said the United States Goverment was in the fix that the man was that had to swim a river or meet a Lion. If He swam the river He would drown. If he met the Lion he would be devoured. So with the United States they are bound to be destroyed. Those things which [they] wished to bring Upon us shall Come upon them.
...President Young spoke of one Bally who Cursed Joseph Smith & the God that Called him to be a prophet & the man was taken Crazy on the Ground was taken home & died insane.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...President Young spoke of one Bally who Cursed Joseph Smith & the God that Called him to be a prophet & the man was taken Crazy on the Ground was taken home & died insane.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Jan 13, 1856
Brigham Young preaches: "The Lamanites on this Continent are Manassehites almost exclusively. There is but little of the seed of Ephraim among them. They are counted as the seed of Abraham and they must be saved or they would not have become so loathsome as they are. They are punished in the flesh to make attonement in the flesh for their sins & transgressions . . . The seed of Abraham has not been counted for many years NOR NEVER WILL BE AGAIN. If an Angel as to commence now to number them all when he had got the numbers together before they could be compiled there would be a great number more born during the time of there numeration so they could not be numbered & this is the reason why his seed Cannot be numbered. . . . We will administer in the Temple which we have now begun & that is one point gained & we will seal men to men by the highest keys of the Holy Priesthood. This is the highest ordinance. It is the last ordinance of the kingdom of God on the earth and aboe all the endowments that can be given you. It is a finall sealing an Eternal Principle and when once made cannot be broaken by the Devel."
160 years ago today - Jan 13, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff] On the return of the brethren from meeting they informed me that President Brigham Young had preached one of the greatest sermons he had ever deliverd on earth.
[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 - Tuesday, Jan 13, 1846
Nauvoo Temple Attic
said that ["]the saying of the Prophets would never be verified unless the House of the Lord be reared in the Tops of the Mountains & the Proud Banner of Liberty wave over the Valley's that are within the Mountains & I know where the spot is & I know how to make the Flag. Jos[eph Smith] sent out the coulours (colors)-& said where ever the coulours settled there would be the spot. There is another thing that I wish to say to this council[,] let an influence go out = we intend that every worthy man will recieve his endowment if not here [Nauvoo] he will have it in the wilderness.["]
[Source: John D. Lee diary, "1844 Supplement", as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
said that ["]the saying of the Prophets would never be verified unless the House of the Lord be reared in the Tops of the Mountains & the Proud Banner of Liberty wave over the Valley's that are within the Mountains & I know where the spot is & I know how to make the Flag. Jos[eph Smith] sent out the coulours (colors)-& said where ever the coulours settled there would be the spot. There is another thing that I wish to say to this council[,] let an influence go out = we intend that every worthy man will recieve his endowment if not here [Nauvoo] he will have it in the wilderness.["]
[Source: John D. Lee diary, "1844 Supplement", as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
170 years ago today - Tuesday, Jan 13, 1846
Nauvoo Temple Attic
A council was held in the Temple. The Captains of Fifties and Tens made reports of the number in their respective companies, who were prepared to start West immediately, should the persecutions of our enemies compel us to do so: one hundred and forty horses and seventy wagons were reported ready for immediate service.
[Source: Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
A council was held in the Temple. The Captains of Fifties and Tens made reports of the number in their respective companies, who were prepared to start West immediately, should the persecutions of our enemies compel us to do so: one hundred and forty horses and seventy wagons were reported ready for immediate service.
[Source: Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
180 years ago today - Jan 13, 1836
Joseph meets in council with the Missouri and Kirtland stake presidencies. Various changes in assignments in priesthood are made at this time; vacancies are filled. New officers are then set apart. Sidney Rigdon is administered to and healed from an ailment. Sidney then speaks on the subject of endowment and the meeting is concluded. Joseph records, "This has been one of the best days that I ever spent." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:364-68.)
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - Jan 13, 1831
Missionaries arrive at Independence. Peter Whitmer works as a tailor and Ziba Peterson as a teacher to support the mission while Oliver, Parley, and Frederick cross into Indian territory to convert the Lamanites. (They are expelled in a few days by an Indian agent enforcing federal laws prohibiting unauthorized whites in the territory.)
[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]
50 years ago today - Jan 12, 1966
[David O. McKay] Consideration was given to a letter from H---- B---- de E----, also a letter from Bishop K----F-------- S----- and Counselors * , these letters having reference to the problems involved in this sister's marriage to a Negro. She became a member in 1961, received her endowments in 1963, and was divorced from her former husband in 1965. She has subsequently married a Negro non-member, and has been told by the Bishopric that no further Temple visits would be allowed her, and that because of her marriage to a Negro her Temple endowments are ineffective. It was decided to write the bishopric asking that they inform this sister that the fact of her marriage to a Negro does not cancel her endowments; that, however, under the circumstances she should not be recommended to the Temple for further ordinance work. The Bishopric also are to be told that any children born of this marriage cannot hold the Priesthood; however, there is no reason why she cannot be active in the Ward and Stake.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Jan. 12, 1966; hyphens added to conceal names, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Jan. 12, 1966; hyphens added to conceal names, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
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