70 years ago today - Feb 18, 1942

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Wrote a long-winded letter to a woman who wanted me to sell tickets to a concert given by a negro woman.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Feb 18, 1842

[Brigham Young] --18-- Attended an adjourned meeting of the city council.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

160 years ago today - Feb 18, 1852

[General] Lorenzo Snow writes from Italy: "Nor can I express the delight which I experienced in gazing upon Mount Brigham, on whose rocky brow we had organized La Chiesa di Gesu Christo dei Santi degli Ultimi Gioni, in Italia." The peak which Snow had renamed Mount Brigham when dedicating the Italian Mission was known to the Italians as Monte Vandalino.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

100 years ago today - Feb 17, 1912

[Temple] Members of the Church who join secret societies after having been made acquainted with the attitude of the Church with respect to secret organizations bar themselves from the temple * [T]hey also render themselves ineligible to hold presiding positions in the priesthood, and should not be used as Teachers of the people, for the simple reason that an unwritten rule of the Church forbids its members from teaching to others that which they themselves do not practice. [Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose to Robert D. Young and counselors, Feb. 17, 1912]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

40 years ago today - Feb 17, 1972

[General] Actor Vincent Price, who played Joseph Smith in the film "Brigham Young" tells of his role 32 years earlier "I greatly enjoyed the part of Joseph Smith, I read a great deal about him and with the help of the late Heber [J.] Grant kept on finding more material on the subject after the film was released. I have always had the utmost admiration for the Mormon Church which I's sure stems from my fascination with Joseph Smith-what an extraordinary man!. . . [President Heber J. Grant] wrote me several interesting letters; He felt that the picture might have been about Joseph Smith instead of Brigham but of course realized that the great appeal to the public (and of course to the producers) was the difficult trek and the miracle of the gulls, etc."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

10 years ago today - Feb 17, 2002

[Word of Wisdom] Tracks Brewing Company opens in Tooele.

[Source: Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]

100 years ago today - Feb 16, 1912

[Temple] At a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve held January 25th last, it was unanimously decided to ask each of the temples to keep a card index of the names of families for whom work is being done; also that a duplicate of each card be sent to the Genealogical Society of Utah that they, as a central office, may keep on file all information of this character for the use of those interested who are constantly making inquiry, and to aid the society in their work as well. The proposed card index will also [serve] another good purpose, that of enabling the different temples to prevent in future the duplication of temple work, as each temple, by this means, will be kept posted as to the names of the families for which work is being done in other temples. [Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose to Lewis Anderson, Feb. 16, 1912]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

40 years ago today - Feb 16, 1972

[General] The First Presidency writes: "For your information we may say that some years ago the First Presidency and the brethren of the Twelve authorized certain modifications in the style of the temple garment. These modifications consisted of the following changes: (1) collar eliminated, (2) closed crotch, (3) buttons instead of strings, (4) legs to knee, and (5) short sleeves. . . . However, in order that there may be uniformity in temple work and that expedition in the administration of the ordinances of the House of the Lord may not be impeded, the brethren have recommended that people doing temple work wear the old style garment."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

115 years ago today - Feb 16, 1897; Tuesday

[General] The First Presidency, at their office today, received a report from Sec[retar]y. Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs that the record showed it had been decided to deed the land of the Mexican Colonization in severalty to the bona fide settlers; that the lands had been appraised by a committee appointed for the purpose who had reported to the Presidency. Brother John Henry Smith, President of the Company, was present and was instructed during his approaching trip to Mexico, to make the proper transfers.

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

70 years ago today - Feb 15, 1942

[General] In Hamburg, Germany, Branch President Arnold Zollner writes "Ex-communicated" on 17-year-old Helmuth Hubener's membership record. Hubener had been arrested 10 days previously for distributing anti-Nazi propaganda. Zollner had previously posted "JUDEN IST DER EINTRITT VERBOTEN!" (Jews not allowed to enter.) on the door of the branch meeting-house and would bring his radio to church whenever Hitler or Goebbels were scheduled to speak. Heubner is beheaded by the Nazis on Oct 27, 1942. On Nov 11, 1946, District President Otto Berndt,and the new mission president, Max Zimmer, write "excommunication done by mistake" on Hubener's membership record. Later, Zimmer's successor, Jean Wunderlich, notifies the Salt Lake leadership of the affair, and on 24 Jan 24, 1948, the First Presidency orderes a similar notation placed on the membership record.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

120 years ago today - Feb 15, 1892

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] This evening News contains copy of a Petition that was signed by the First Presidency & Twelve about the 20th of last December directed to the President (Harrison) asking for Amnesty for our polygamous brethren & this was endorsed by Gov. Thomas, Sec. Sells, two of the Commission and the Judges of District Courts & was kept confidential in the Department of Justice till now.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

30 years ago today - Feb 15, 1982.

[General] A story by Kenneth L. Woodward, religion editor of Newsweek, reports the Packer/Quinn conflict, pointing out that Quinn "violated the Mormon taboo that proscribes the faithful from publicly criticizing `the Lord's Anointed' by name." Elder Packer's address, originally scheduled to appear in the February issue of the Ensign, is withdrawn but is later published in Brigham Young University Studies.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]

170 years ago today - Feb 14, 1842

[Nauvoo Temple] William Clayton was appointed to assist Willard Richards as Temple Recorder, because of the work load was taxing Brother Richards's time.

[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]

120 years ago today - Feb 14, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 Sunday I spent the day at home reading.

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

105 years ago today - Feb 14, 1907; Thursday

[General] The regular ten o'clock meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held this morning as usual.

Present: Pres[iden]ts. [Joseph F.] Smith, [John R.] Winder and [Anthon H.] Lund, Elders Francis M. Lyman, George Teasdale, Rudger Clawson, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay and the Patriarch. ...

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

75 years ago today - Feb 13, 1937

[General] CHURCH SECTION photograph of LDS missionaries in Tahiti, with all males wearing white suit-and-pants, the custom in Tahiti. Issues of Jul 23 and Jul 30, 1938 have similar photographs of missionaries and their mission president in Tonga and Samoa.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 13, 1842. Sunday.

[William Clayton Journal] We had a Singing meeting at Brother Farrs. Brother and Sister Kimball was present.

[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

10 years ago today - 2002 13-Feb

[Hinckley] Met with Susanne Riess-Passer, vice chancellor of Austria, during her visit to Salt Lake City for Olympics

[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]

170 years ago today - Feb 12, 1842

[Brigham Young] --12-- Attended the city council.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

120 years ago today - Feb 12, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 I received 3 Letters to day. I had an interview with How & Morris. President Cannon is preparing to go to Washington. He & H B Clawson left for the East at 10 oclok.

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

165 years ago today - Feb 12, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday Feb 12th 1847. Around as usual today.regulated the guard as before

Today I learned and reported to Brigham that "Tom Brown was threatning the lives of the 12

Orson Pratt came back home today.I went on guard also after leaving the Twelve.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

40 years ago today - Feb 11, 1972

[General] Dr. Stephen L. Browser is inaugurated as the fourth president of the Church College of Hawaii, later known as BYUâ€"Hawaii.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

120 years ago today - Feb 11, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11 I met with L Snow & Merrill who were preparing to go to Mannassa to settle difficulties in that Branch. I met with the Twelve in meeting. I receivd 3 letters.

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

155 years ago today - Feb 11, 1857

[General] Heber C. Kimball preaches: "In the spirit world there is an increase of males and females, there are millions of them, if I am faithful all the time, and continue right along with brother Brigham, we will go to brother Joseph and say, 'Here we are brother Joseph; we are here ourselves are we not, with none of the property we possessed in our probationary state, not even the rings on our fingers?' He will say to us, 'Come along, my boys, we will give you a good suit of clothes. Where are your wives?' 'They are back yonder; they would not follow us.' 'Never mind,' says Joseph, 'here are thousands, have all you want.'"

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 10, 1842

[Joseph Smith] Joseph is sick and stays in bed.

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

180 years ago today - Feb 10, 1832

[General] Alexander Campbell writes his denunciation of The Book of Mormon, citing numerous discrepancies and contradictions.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

175 years ago today - (Fri) Feb 10, 1837

[General] A meeting of the Bank of Monroe Board of Directors was held in Monroe, MI. Joseph and Hyrum Smith attended, along with Oliver Cowdery. Following the Mormon buy-out of Monroe Mayor Harleston's controlling interest in the bank, Oliver Cowdery was made its Vice President. Bailey J. Hathaway, (a nephew of Mrs. Lemuel Durfee and Mrs. Joseph Comstock of Palmyra) was chosen to be the reorganized institution's non-Mormon cashier.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

10 years ago today - 2002 9-Feb

[Hinckley] Met with Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations, during his visit to Salt Lake City for Olympics

[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]

130 years ago today - Feb 9, 1882

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Request permission to raise potatoes on Temple ground

wrote to President Woodruff asking the privilege to use a small piece of the Temple ground to raise a few potatoes and c, also wrote to Samuel K. Gifford.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

140 years ago today - 1872. February 9

[General] (Amy Brown Lyman) : Born Amy Cassandra Brown in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Amy's father, John Brown, who had helped lead a group of Mississippi Mormons to Utah, was mayor and bishop of Pleasant Grove.

[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Feb 8, 1842

[General] Joseph Smith marries Sylvia Sessions Lyon. She has been legally married to Windsor P. Lyon since 1838 and Windsor is in full fellowship with the Church when the polyandrous marriage takes place. Exactly two years later a child, fathered by Joseph Smith, is born to Sylvia.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

120 years ago today - Feb 8, 1892

[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "I was surprised to see the warmth of feeling for John R. Winder when his Democratic principles were assailed, and he did not hesitate to oppose the expressions of Joseph F. Smith in favor of Republicanism. I very much fear that the politics which are being introduced among us will lead to a spirit of disregard and disrespect for the Priesthood. Such a feeling is already beginning to make its appearance in some places.

[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]

10 years ago today - Feb 8, 2002

[General] During his brief visit to Salt Lake City to formally open the Winter Oympics, U.S. President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, visited with the First Presidency.

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

10 years ago today - Feb 7, 2002

[General] NBC‘s ―Today show broadcasts from Salt Lake City and features the Church. The show includes a live broadcast by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and an interview with Elder L. Tom Perry.

[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

170 years ago today - Feb 7, 1842

[Joseph Smith] Son dies at birth (no name given).

[Source: Highlights in the Prophet's Life, Ensign, June 1994]

140 years ago today - Feb 07, 1872

[General] Amy Brown (Lyman), later a pioneer in the field of social services and the eighth general Relief Society president, is born in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

120 years ago today - Feb 6, 1892

[General] LDS magazine THE YOUNG WOMEN'S JOURNAL publishes article by Oliver B. Huntington: "As far back as 1837, I know that [Joseph Smith] said the moon was inhabited by men and women the same as this earth, and that they lived to a greater age than we do - that they live generally to near the age of a 1000 years. He described the men as averaging near six feet in height, and dressing quite uniformly in something near the Quaker style. In my Patriarchal blessing, given by the father of Joseph the Prophet, in Kirtland, 1837, I was told that I should preach the gospel before I was 21 years of age; that I should preach the gospel to the inhabitants upon the islands of the sea, and - to the inhabitants of the moon, even the planet you can now behold with your eyes. The first two promises have been fulfilled, and the latter may be verified."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Feb 6, 1842

[Emma Smith] Birth of unnamed stillborn son.

[Source: Emma Smith, Woman of Faith, http://emmasmithmormon.com]

100 years ago today - Feb 6, 1912; Tuesday

[General] I saw Elder H[eber]. J. Grant and gave notice of my intention to withdraw from the Board of Directors of the Utah Implement-Vehicle Co[mpany] of which he is president also to dispose of my stock in the company.

[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]

150 years ago today - Feb 5, 1862

[General] Brigham Young writes to the Mormon representative in Washington D. C. "-there was not a particle of authority given Congress by the Constitution to organize Territorial government-Such being the real fact on that point, what good reason can Congress urge against our admission to the family of States, our Constitution being strictly republican in form, and we having long ago proved our capability to sustain self government. Aside from the justness of our being relieved from our illegal colonial position, which we have borne so long and patiently, it most certainly is to their pecuniary interest to admit us, a view of so slight moment at present. You can inform the President that he need not appoint a Governor, Judges, etc., for Utah, or if he appoints them, that he can pay them their salaries there, and advise them to remain at home, for we have no use for them here." Young's letter doesn't mention the main obstacle to Utah statehood: polygamy.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

120 years ago today - Feb 5, 1892

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Goes to Washington, D.C., to try to defeat the Democratic Party-sponsored "Home Rule" bill and promote statehood.

[Source: White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics, p.xviii, A John Henry Smith Chronology, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

175 years ago today - Feb 05, 1837

[U.S. Religious History] American evangelist Dwight L. Moody was born.

[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

170 years ago today - Feb 4, 1842

[General] Joseph Smith records: "closed a contract with Ebenezer Robinson for the printing office-also the paper fixtures, bookbindery, and stereotype foundry, by proxy, namely, Willard Richards, cost between 7,000 and 8,000 dollars." Robinson, who was ordered to sell his printing business to the Church by a revelation, records that he got $6,600 of which he consecrated $4,561.91 to the building of the Nauvoo Temple. Brigham Young called the price paid Robinson "exorbitant." "The reason I paid such a price, was [because] the Prophet directed the Twelve to pay him whatever he asked." The difference between "7,000 and 8,000 dollars" that was paid and $6,600 that Robinson received was, evidently, commission given to the sales agent.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

80 years ago today - Feb 4, 1932-1934

[Change in Presiding Church Patriarch Office] Nicholas G. Smith

(de facto Acting Presiding Patriarch) Son of Apostle John Henry Smith; grandson of Apostle George A. Smith; great-grandson of former Presiding Patriarch "Uncle" John Smith; was never officially called, set apart, or sustained as the Acting Presiding Patriarch, but carried out the functions of the office

[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Presiding Patriarchs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presiding_Patriarch#Chronology_of_the_Presiding_Patriarchs_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints]

130 years ago today - Saturday Feb 4, 1882

[John Nuttle Diary] Prest Taylor arranged to visit the Temple at 11 a m - whilst some of the brethren attended the Conference Meeting - received a letter from Bro John Albiston of Richmond At 11 A. M. Prest Taylor & the brethren visited the Temple and proposed such changes and improvements and gave other directions as to the finishing as appeared Necessary - It was ordered that the Windows of the Font room be cut down even with the floor to give more light Conference convened at. 10 A. M. present. Pres Smith. L. Snow. E Snow F. D. Richards. Lyman. & faith - choir Sang - prayer by J. H. Smith.. Elder E. Snow F. M. Lyman spoke the Statistical report was read also the Relief Society report - Elder Edward Dalton spoke. choir Sang & Geo F. Gibbs dismissed [illegible] p.m. -

[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

50 years ago today - Feb 3, 1962

[General] CHURCH NEWS Headlines, "MIA Bans The Twist," popular dance among teenagers and young adults. This prohibition is widely ignored by youth and even by adult leaders in some wards and stakes, especially in Britain and Europe.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

15 years ago today - Feb 3, 1997

[Same-Sex Marriage] Debbie Hartmann testifies before the Senate committee in support of the constitutional amendment and repeats Hawaii's Future Today (LDS organized lobbying group)s qualified support for the Reciprocal Beneficiaries bill (HB 118). The Reciprocal Beneficiaries bill and the constitutional amendment are both passed by the legislature on the same day. Its final wording is, The legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples. This amendment must be ratified by a majority vote of the citizens in the next general election in November of 1997.

[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]

60 years ago today - Feb 3, 1952

[General] Elder Joseph F. Merrill dies.

[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]

130 years ago today - Feb 2, 1882

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Permission to baptize children in Temple font.

Sent information to Priesthood Meeting, we had liberty to Baptise our children who are eight years old in the temple font.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - 1842. February 2

[General] (Moses Thatcher) : Born in Sangamon County, Illinois. His family migrated to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Two years later, touched with the gold fever, they moved to Sacramento, California, where his father operated an "eating house."

[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

80 years ago today - Feb 2, 1932

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] My lumbago is no better. While lying in bed I wrote a long letter to J. Reuben Clark, Jr. The typewritten copy of my letter will be on file.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Feb 1, 1842

[General] The Federal Bankruptcy Act, passed the preceding Aug, goes into effect. Six and one-half weeks later, on Apr 18, Joseph Smith and his brothers Hyrum and Samuel declare themselves insolvent before the county commissioner's court and file petitions to be certified bankrupt by the United States District Court for Illinois.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

50 years ago today - Feb 01, 1962

[General] The Southwest British Mission is organized.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

120 years ago today - Feb 1, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Feb 1 I spent the day at home reading.

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

140 years ago today - 1872. January 31

[General] (John A. Widtsoe) : Born John Andreas Widtsoe in Froen, Norway. In 1879 his widowed mother took a pair of his shoes to a Mormon cobbler, who stuffed the toes with Mormon pamphlets when he returned them. Anna Widtsoe read the pamphlets, then attended a Mormon meeting. Two years later the family was baptized, and in 1883 emigrated to Logan, Utah.

[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

175 years ago today - 31Jan37

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Kirtland, Ohio 31st Met in the house of the Lord at 10 oclock AM & herd an address from Presidents J. Smith jr & S Rigdon on the temporal business of the Church & Petitioned for a charter to the Assembly of the State for the Kirtland Safety Society & the presidency of the Church bought the Monroe charter & we all lent a hand in esstablishing it that it might be beneficial to us in forwarding the building of the temporal Kingdom

[Source: The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]

170 years ago today - Jan 31, 1842

[Brigham Young] --31-- In council with the Prophet and the Twelve, in the evening, concerning Brother Snider and the printing office.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

100 years ago today - Jan 30, 1912

[General] Apostle George Albert Smith writes concerning the last-minute decision to not print the King Follett discourse in the first edition of the HISTORY OF THE CHURCH: "I have thought that the report of that sermon might not be authentic and I have feared that it contained some thing that might be contrary to the truth. . . . Some of the brethren felt as I did and thought that greater publicity should not be given to that particular sermon." B. H. Roberts, editor, had done considerable work on the discourse, preparing extensive footnotes in which he revealed a great reverence for it. Later editions include the sermon.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Jan 30, 1842

[Brigham Young] --30-- I attended meetings at Joseph's house. He preached in the morning and in the evening, concerning the different spirits, their operations, designs, and etc.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

175 years ago today - (Tue) Jan 30, 1837

[General] A meeting was held in the Temple to discuss new attempts to obtain a bank charter for the [Kirtland Saftey Society]. [Dale W. Adams; BYU Studies Vol. 23, No. 4, pg. 477.] It was about this time that the LDS First Presidency decided to purchase a controlling interest in the faltering Bank of Monroe.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

150 years ago today - Jan 29, 1862

[General] Brigham Young's office journal records: "Bro[ther] HS. Eldredge, came in, the conversation turned on the love of property. Pres[ident] Young said he did not think there ever was a prophet on the Earth, (Jesus excepted) that cared less for the things of the world than he did. He remarked the Lord is desirious to exalt this people as we are his children, but riches would injure us at present therefore the Lord withholds riches from us till we are prepared to receive them. He knew that the more of the Spirit of the Lord a man had the better prepared he was to do business. Pres[ident] Young said he had been in Whiskey Street - and he had felt the spirit there, and he really thought the street must be burned down before there would be a good spirit there."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

175 years ago today - 29Jan37

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Kirtland, Ohio 29th Sunday I met at Elder J. P. Greens at 9 AM in company with 7 others to act as bearers to convey the corps of Sister Mary Boyington to the house of the Lord whare a funeral sermon was deliverd by Elder P.P. Pratt the latter part of the day was spent in communion & addresses from Presidents O.

Cowdery & J Smith Jr JOSEPH blessed us in the name of the Lord & said if we would be faithful we should rise above our imbarresments & be delivered from the hands of our enemies

[Source: The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]

170 years ago today - Jan 29, 1842

[Brigham Young] --29-- Spent the day in council with the Prophet Joseph and Elders Kimball and Richards; we received excellent teachings.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

170 years ago today - Jan 28, 1842

Elias Higbee: Reproved by Joseph Smith for lack of diligence in raising children and building Nauvoo Temple 28 January 1842.

[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]

120 years ago today - Jan 28, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28 I wrote to Mr Sullivan about their Child Louiesa. I am better this morning. G Q Cannon Called upon me.

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

40 years ago today - Jan 28, 1972

[General] BYU names R. LaVell Edwards as its new head football coach. His twenty-nine-year distinguished career includes a national championship in 1984.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

10 years ago today - Jan 27, 2002

[U.S. Religious History] A 20-year-old woman became the first Palestinian female suicide bomber when she blew herself up on a Jerusalem street, killing one person and injuring 100 others.

[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

170 years ago today - Jan 27, 1842

Nauvoo, Illinois. On a fairly routine day, Joseph Smith attended to business, put carpet on the floor of his office, and spent the evening in council.

[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]

120 years ago today - Jan 27, 1892

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] On the 30th I wrote a letter of 11 pages to Pres[iden]t Geo[rge] Q. Cannon in answer to one of the most sympathetic letters I have ever had in my life. Lucy's sickness, taken in connection with [bank matters] Pres[iden]t Cannon fully appreciates my feelings. I could not refrain from crying while reading his letter and I stopped several times while answering to cry.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Jan 26, 1832

Joseph Smith is confirmed president of the High Priesthood by a church-wide sustaining vote.

[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]

70 years ago today - Jan 26, 1942

[General] First Counselor J. Reuben Clark tells reporter for Look Magazine: "Our divorces are piling up." Church Historian's Office in 1968 compiles divorce statistics since 1910 for temple marriages, "church civil" marriages, and "other civil" marriages. Although temple marriages have lowest divorce rate of the three categories, in 1910 there was one "temple divorce" for every 66 temple marriages performed that year., 1:41 in 1915, 1:34 in 1920, 1:27 in 1925, 1:30 in 1930, 1:23 in 1935, 1:27 in 1939, 1:17 in 1945, 1:31 in 1950, 1:30 in 1955, 1:19 in 1960 and 1965. Last rate for temple divorce is almost ten times higher than Utah's civil divorce rate century earlier.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Jan 26, 1842

[Brigham Young] --26-- Accompanied by Elders Geo. [George] A. Smith and James Ivins, I went to Keokuk and visited Dr. Galland, and officially notified him that his power of attorney as agent for the Church was revoked, and asked him to return his papers, which he did.

We returned to Nauvoo on the 27th.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

30 years ago today - Jan 25, 1982

First Presidency formally releases Leonard J. Arrington as Church Historian. Position has been in administrative limbo since 1980, when he and his staff are released form LDS Historical Department and transferred administratively to BYU. Day after this letter Presidency sets apart G. Homer Durham as church historian. There is no mention in either General Conference or in the CHURCH NEWS about Arrington's release.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

100 years ago today - Jan 25, 1912; Thursday

[General] Elder Seymour B. Young reports that he presented to President

[Joseph F.] Smith that the First Council desired Presidents of Quorums to alternate with members of the First Council in being mouth in ordaining Elders, Seventies. President Smith in answer to this question called attention to the case of Moses, whose father-in-law advised him to call in some of the Elders of Israel to assist him in his duties.

[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy]

180 years ago today - Jan 25, 1832

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 75: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Amherst, Ohio, January 25, 1832. HC 1: 242-245. The occasion was that of a conference previously appointed. At this conference Joseph Smith was sustained and ordained President of the High Priesthood. Certain elders, who had encountered difficulty in bringing men to an understanding of their message, desired to learn more in detail as to their immediate duties. This revelation followed.

1-5, Faithful elders who preach the gospel will gain eternal life; 6-12, Pray to receive the Comforter, which teaches all things; 13-22, Elders shall sit in judgment on those who reject their message; 23-36, Families of missionaries are to receive help from the Church.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]

150 years ago today - Jan 24, 1862

[General] Brigham Young's office journal records: "The first Presidency and their families attended a Ball at the Social Hall, only a few invitations were issued to others; after the recess The President made a few remarks about dancing[;] he wished some attention to be paid to doing well, he said he liked all things done well; mentioned that some of the brethren rested too much on the ladies, which would sometimes give them pain. The President went on to describe the general rules of dancing, mentioned that many of the brethren who had attended dancing schools, were yet unacquainted with their positions on the floor."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

180 years ago today - Jan 24, 1832

[Joseph Smith] Bishop Edward Partridge presents his accounting for church revenues and expenditures for the previous year, and the conference votes that a financial statement should be presented to each general conference in Missouri. The practice is suspended when church headquarters moves to Illinois in 1839.

[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]

100 years ago today - Jan 24, 1912; Wednesday

[General] Attended special meeting of the Council of the Twelve, lasting from 2 to 6:30 p.m.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

175 years ago today - Jan 23, 1837

[General] Sidney Rigdon announces that the Kirtland Safety Society has suspended redeeming its notes for specie. Joseph Smith urges Mormons to circulate the bank's notes instead of presenting them for redemption. In Oct Rigdon and Smith are tried and convicted, and sentenced to pay $1,000 plus court costs for violating the 1816 Ohio statute against unauthorized banking

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

25 years ago today - Jan 23, 1987

[General] Mark Hofmann imprisoned, responsible for two deaths and several forgeries of historic documents.

[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]

120 years ago today - Jan 23, 1892

[General] Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner (Smith), the first polyandrous plural wife of Joseph Smith writes: "I could explain some things in regard to my living with Mr. L[ightner] after becoming the Wife of Another, which would throw light, on what now seems mysterious-and you would be perfectly satisfied with me. I write this; because I have heard that it had been commented on to my injury." Mary Elizabeth continued to live with her legal husband, Adam Lightner, after being secretly married to Joseph Smith.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

More History?

Want more LDS history? Check out Mormon-Church-History, a comprehensive chronology of church history. It is a tour through church history, covering a little bit each day through the the history of the church. About a dozen chronological entries are posted daily, gradually covering the entire history of the Mormon church over the next several years. More info can be found here: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html

170 years ago today - Jan 22, 1842

[General] The QUINCY WHIG discusses Joseph Smith's recent announcement that the Mormons will vote as a bloc: "This clannish principle of voting in a mass, at the dictation of one man, and this man who has acquired an influence over the minds of his people through the peculiar religious creed which he promulgates, is so repugnant to the principles of our Republican form of Government, that its consequences-will be disagreeable to think of bitter hatred and unrelenting hostility will spring up, where before peace and good will had an abiding place

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

25 years ago today - Jan 22, 1987

Yengich forces Mark Hofmann to confront his family with his guilt.

[Source: 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,]

180 years ago today - Jan 22, 1832

[General] Oliver Cowdery (25) marries Elizabeth Ann Whitmer (David Whitmer's sister).

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

15 years ago today - Jan 21, 1997

[Same-Sex Marriage] Debbie Hartmann, chair of Hawaiis Future Today testifies before the House committee in support of a constitutional amendment permitting the legislature to limit marriage to one man and one woman. Her testimony includes the following remarks concerning HB 118 (which would establish domestic partnerships for non-heterosexually married partners): With respect to HB118, which would provide certain benefits to unmarried couples, as also noted in our testimony, while we do not support any type of legislation that would undermine the special relationship of marriage between one man and one woman, certain elements of the bill are acceptable. We support the type of humanitarian benefits the bill addresses and the fact that it applies to all people.

[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]

25 years ago today - Jan 21, 1987

[General] Death of J. Martell Bird, "managing director of Church security worldwide" for previous five years. An FBI agent (1942-69), Bird was also a regional Representative.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

150 years ago today - Jan 21, 1862

[Heber C. Kimball Revelations] January the 21, 1862

In the evning it was told me by the /Lord God/ that Congress of the United Stats would reject the Saints and would not admit us as a State government and forse [force] those officers on us by thare power. HCK.

[Source: "H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

150 years ago today - Jan 20, 1862

[Polygamy] 3rd bid for statehood

In just 2 days the 3rd State of Deseret constitution was written in a bid for statehood, in anticipation of the breaking up of the Union because of a possible civil war. (Ivins, p. 96. See also Quinn, Extensions, p 760 ) It should be noted that slavery was legal in Utah due to a law passed by the Utah legislature. Utah had this option as a result of the Compromise of 1850, which brought California into the Union as a free state while allowing Utah and New Mexico territories the option of deciding the issue by "popular sovereignty." A few Mormon pioneers from the South had brought African-American slaves with them when they migrated west. Some freed their slaves in Utah; others who went on to California had to emancipate them there. It should be noted that many of the Utah Mormons with slaves were called to the San Bernadino California area, which meant their slaves were automatically free.

[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]

170 years ago today - Jan 20, 1842

[African American History] John C. Bennett comes out in favor of abolition,

[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166]

5 years ago today - Jan 20, 2007

[Thomas S. Monson] Received the Worldwide Humanitarian Award at the Salt Lake Rotary International convention.

[Source: Deseret News, Timeline: Thomas S. Monson, http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695250351,00.html]

80 years ago today - Jan 19, 1932

[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] -talks w/ McKay /Ballard & Cannon (?) RE: Primary Problem "until my nerves were seen done."

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

175 years ago today - (Thr) Jan 19, 1837

[General] The Painesville Republican advised that the KSS bank notes were not being accepted by the Bank of Geauga in Painesville. For this reason local non-Mormon businessmen woud not accept the bills.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

5 years ago today - Jan 19, 2007

[General] SINGAPORE A five-story building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been completed and will accommodate approximately 2,500 members of the Church in Singapore.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

130 years ago today - Jan 18, 1882

[General] The First Presidency and the Twelve meet in the Endowment House. It is decided by President John Taylor that the sacrament can be administered to children under eight years of age.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

40 years ago today - Jan 18, 1972

[General] The Ogden Temple was dedicated by President Joseph Fielding Smith.

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

15 years ago today - Jan 18, 1997

[General] The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) airs Ancestors, a ten-part series on family history produced by KBYU-TV.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Today in Mormon History - Jan 17

Reynolds Cahoon and Thomas B. Marsh excommunicate several in the Orange area. ()
-- 180 years ago today - Jan 17, 1832, 1832

- Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

180 years ago today - Jan 17, 1832, 1832

[General] Reynolds Cahoon and Thomas B. Marsh excommunicate several in the Orange area.

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

Today in Mormon History - Jan 17

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 Porter Rockwell and guard arived in this City this morning delivered two live prisioners & one dead one to the poliece & while taking John Smith & Moroni Clawson to the Court House prision they Both tried to get away and were both shot dead and all three dead Bodies were brought to the Court House and Clawson & Smith lay in a waggon out doors till afternoon & were visited by Hundreds of People. Lot Huntington's Body laid in the suller.

We met in the Legislature at Eleven oclok. Set till 4 oclok. Had an intermission of two hours. Met again at 6 oclok & set till Midnight. ()
-- 150 years ago today - Jan 17, 1862

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