175 years ago today - Oct 18, 1838

Apostle David W. Patten, known by his Danite title "Captain Fearnought," descends on Gallatin, Missouri with a large contingent of Mormons and, after plundering the small village, burns most of it to the ground. Then the marauders pillage the Daviess County countryside, depositing their spoils, which they term "consecrated property," in the bishop's storehouse at Diahman.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

5 years ago today - 10/17/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] ProtectMarriage.com TV ad featuring the Robb and Robin Wirthlin family airs. The Wirthlins are related to both Richard Wirthlin, the Q70 member involved with the SSM memo referred to earlier in this timeline, and to Joseph B. Wirthlin, recently deceased Apostle. Elder Wirthlin was Robb's grandfather; Richard Wirthlin is Robb's great-uncle (Elder Wirthlin's younger brother).

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

20 years ago today - Oct 17, 1993

First Presidency issues statement concerning procedures for disfellowshipment and excommunication. 1995-1996 CHURCH ALMANAC states that this was in response to "extensive publicity given to six recent Church disciplinary councils in Utah." Coordinated by instructions from the Strengthening the Members Committee and apostle Boyd K. Packer to their stake presidents, six scholars and feminists had been excommunicated or disfellowshipped in Sep.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

45 years ago today - Oct 17, 1968

Belle Smith Spafford, general president of Relief Society, is elected president of Natinal Council of Women in its eightieth anniversary year. She serves to 1970.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

65 years ago today - Oct 17, 1948

Mormon Tabernacle Choir‘s 1,000th weekly ―Music and the Spoken Word broadcast.

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

75 years ago today - Oct 17, 1938

Some unfortunate and untoward incidents following the giving of endowments to wives of Church members who have not been through the temple, and to the wives of non-members, have brought this matter again in review by the Council of the First Presidency and the Twelve. After fully considering the whole matter the following decision has been reached: Hereafter you will not give a recommend, under any circumstances, to a wife whose husband is not a member of the Church. You may use your own good judgment and wisdom in explaining to those who apply that our experience has shown that the results of giving endowments to women whose husbands are not members of the Church have led to regrettable and unfortunate conditions, which frequently have made most difficult the lives of the women receiving their endowments. You will give recommends to wives of members of the Church who have not had their endowments only if the husband is absolutely willing that the endowment should be given to his wife. You will therefore be expected personally to interview the husband in order to assure yourself that he has no objection whatever, and, in addition, he must express his willingness and consent in writing. ...

[Source: Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay to Stake and Mission Presidents, Oct. 17, 1938, in MFP, 6:60-61 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship. Note there is no equivalent requirement for Mormon husbands to get permission for their non-Mormon wives.]

120 years ago today - Oct 17, 1893

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 I Met with G[eorge] QC[annon]. J[oseph] F. S[mith] with several of the Twelve & McCallister, D. H. Cannon M W Merrill who preside over the Three Temples & L Snow of Salt Lake Temple & spent three hours in harmanizing the Different M[ode?]s of Ceremonies in giving Endowments. <I burned up> $10,000,000 Notes.

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

120 years ago today - Oct 17, 1893

Democratic SALT LAKE HERALD (of which Apostle Heber J. Grant is vice-president) reports meeting of "Afro-American Club, recently organized here for the purpose of promoting the social and political interests of the colored people of this city." The club's leader comments that "the [anti-Mormon] Liberal party has always treated Afro-Americans WITH DISTAIN.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

165 years ago today - Oct 17, 1848

FRONTIER GUARDIAN editorial "Dancing" observes: "Among the Saints, it is regarded not only as a civil recreation, but a religious exercise when conducted by the sanction and under the government of the Church."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

10 years ago today - Oct 16, 2003

Utah's Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, backed by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, announces his intention to investigate the Hildale police force and recommends decertification for all officers who have multiple wives.

[Source: Gartner, Hana, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Timeline: History of Polygamy, http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/bustupinbountiful/timeline.html]

25 years ago today - Oct 16, 1988

[Mark Hofmann] Richard P. Lindsay, managing director of public communications for the LDS church, tells Deseret News that the Church plans to publish "a complete list of errors, misquotes and exaggerations" in The Mormon Murders.

[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,]

85 years ago today - Oct 16, 1928

Dear Sisters:

The auxiliary executives have unanimously recommended that the Mutual Improvement Associations and the Primary Associations be given the duty of conducting or directing the leisure time and recreational activities of the Church, except where recreational and social activities of the quorums and auxiliary associations of the Church are used to foster fellowship within organizations.

We approve the above recommendation that the Primary Associations shall have charge of the conducting or directing of the leisure time and recreational activities of the children of the Church-boys 4 to 12, girls 4 to 14.

Sincerely your brethren, HEBER J. GRANT, ANTHONY W. IVINS, CHARLES W. Nibley, First Presidency. {1928-October 16-Children's Friend 27:425, November, 1928.}

[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

105 years ago today - Oct 16, 1908

[James Henry Martineau] Attended a reunion of Temple workers, at which the wid. of W. W. Phelps was present and spoke in tongues.

[Source: An Uncommon Common Pioneer: The Journals of James Henry Martineau 1828-1918, edited by Donald G. Godfrey XXX Rebecca S. Martineau-McCarty]

45 years ago today - Oct 15, 1968

[David O. McKay diary, Oct. 15, 1968] It was reported that requests have been received for permission to issue temple recommends to women to go to the temple to receive their endowments who are not divorced but have been separated from their husbands for some years and have not heard from them during that period of separation, nor do they know where they are. President [N. Eldon] Tanner said it was his feeling that where the law of the state where the parties reside says that a man who has deserted his wife and has not been heard of for a designated number of years is considered dead, that the woman in such a case should be given a recommend to the temple to receive her endowments. I concurred that under conditions of this kind the woman should be granted permission to go to the Temple to receive her endowments if she is otherwise worthy.

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

170 years ago today - 1843 15 Oct.

Joseph Smith preaches, "The only fault I find with the Constitution is, it is not broad enough to cover the whole ground. Although it provides that all men shall enjoy religious freedom, yet it does not provide the manner by which that freedom can be preserved, nor for the punishment of Government officers who refuse to protect the people in their religious rights, or punish those mobs, states, or communities who interfere with the rights of the people on account of their religion."

[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]

170 years ago today - Oct 15, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] "I prophecy in the name of the Lord God [that] anguish and wrath and trembulity [trembling] and tribulation and the withdrawing of the spirit of God await this generation until they are visited with utter destruction. This generation is as corrupt as the generation of the Jews that crucified Christ and if he were here to day and should preach the same doctrine he did then, why they would crucify him. I defy all the world and I prophecy they will never overthrow me till I get ready...

"The secrets of masonry is to keep a secret. ...

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

175 years ago today - After Oct 15, 1838

Battle at Crooked River between Mormons and Samuel Bogart's men three Mormons killed (apostle David W. Patten, Gideon Carter, and Patterson [or Patrick] O'Banion), Yokum crippled, one of the State Militia killed and Samuel Tarwater severely disfigured, causing subsequent severe retaliation.

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

105 years ago today - Oct 14, 1908; Wednesday

I did speak of the conversation had with Dr H. J. R. at time of Crusade at which time he told me plural marriages must cea[s]e. I answered never in this world. I expected we would be driven to the wall and at last God would make bear his arm in behalf of his people but when the manifesto came I received it as the word of the Lord. So I had received every revelation and every instruction from the Authorities and had never found myself in rebellion and am always on hand to do what I can for the church and to go & come as my presidents direct.

[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]

110 years ago today - Oct 14, 1903; Wednesday

$150. appropriated in favor of the orthodox Jewish Synagogue. An appropriation was made some time ago in behalf of this building. Mr. Isadore Morris now called representing that the building had been erected but that it was mortgaged for $2500., and that it was without seats, also heating apparatus. He asked a little further assistance, and the above appropriation was made.

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

170 years ago today - Oct 14, 1843. Saturday.

[William Clayton Journal] A.M. at President Joseph's. He was conversing with some strangers one of whom I believe is Dr. Turner the Phrenologist and another a mesmerist. They had a pretty warm debate. Joseph said they could not prove that the mind of man was seated in one part of the brain more than another &c

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

175 years ago today - Oct 14, 1838

Under the direction of the state militia, Mormons organize as an official state militia and march to disband the forming mobs in Daviess County. Allegations of property destruction and theft are made against the Mormons. No lives are lost.

[Source: Wikipedia, 19th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)]

175 years ago today - 14-Oct 15, 1838

Joseph Smith made his "... religion by the sword" statement at Far West, MO. Rigdon said that any Mormon who refused fight the Missourians should be forced to do just that, in the front ranks of battle.

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

5 years ago today - 10/13/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] Sacramento Bee reports that LDS "Church members have donated about 40 percent of the $22.8 million raised to pass the initiative since July, according to Frank Schubert, campaign manager for ProtectMarriage.com, the primary backer of the "yes" campaign."

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

45 years ago today - Oct 13, 1968

The first branch in the Asian country of Singapore is organized, with John McSweeny as president.

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

140 years ago today - Oct 13, 1873

Salt Lake City School of Prophets discusses practice of Patriarch John Smith and others who ordain infant boys to priesthood. Second counselor Daniel H. Wells "said some had ordained children when thought they would die-this had been a comfort to some parents, though there was no law or revelation given for or against it, consequently he could not see any harm or wrong in having it done, neither could he think there was any particular virtue in it."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - Oct 13, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] A Phrenologist came in and examined Joseph's head an hour.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

175 years ago today - Oct 13, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] This was a serious day to me. I arose in the morning with a severe cold & commenced walking up the foot of the green mountains. I was soon attacked with a painful dissease resembling the Collery. I stoped into a house while going up the mountains for about two hours during which time I was Constantly vomiting & purging after which I went to bed in my waggon & Elder Holmes drove my horse for me. I called upon the elders to lay hands upon me. They did so & I was healed.

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

5 years ago today - October 12

[Same-Sex Marriage] Mormon Jyl Holiday makes comment on blog that in her congregation "they have us knocking doors to warn people about it. Calling like telemarketers, and EVERY talk is about Prop 8, every RS, priesthood class is based around the proposition, it is starting to deterr members from even going to church. I TOTALLY see why the general presidency is asking for us to fight here in CA, but some of the members feel that it is just too much of shoving down the throught for them to handle."

[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]

50 years ago today - Oct 12, 1963

Dedication of Polynesian Cultural Center near temple at Laie, Hawaii, which becomes mecca for tourists to Hawaiian Islands.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

115 years ago today - Oct 12, 1898; Wednesday

At 6 P.M. met with the General Board of the Y.M.M.I.A. at the Presidents office. There were present Apostle [Heber J.] Grant, Elder Badger, Morris, Wells, Done, [Thomas] Hull & Apostle [Abraham Owen] Woodruff. We got along very nicely, until Bro[ther Grant wanted his brother B[righam] F. Grant to be assistant manager of the "Improvement Era," and unintentionally said, if I can get him there, the Gen[era]'l Board will find him so useful that they will want him to be one of the General Board. B[righam] F. Grant was a wicked man about a year ago and because he has repented and is a brother to Heber J Grant we have to have him crowded on us, and hear of him on all occasions. My brother Solomon has repented for sixteen years and received no recognition at all.

[Source: J. Golden Kimball, Diary]

125 years ago today - Oct 12, 1888

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] We concluded in case the decision of the Idaho Courts was averse [sic] to our people registering that we would be willing for them to give written notice of withdrawal from membership in the several wards in which they lived and after the election to join again.

[It became illegal for Mormons to vote in Idaho]

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

130 years ago today - Oct 12, 1883

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At 9 A.M. met as per appointment in the Endowment House with the First Presidency, Twelve, Counselor Wells, Prests of Stakes & 4 others-we had met together fasting and for the purpose of organziing [sic] the School of the Prophets--Last evening or this morning all had taken a bath & put on clean cloth garments--excepting Bros Wells and Smoot, they knew nothing of this requirement. Prest Taylor requested them to bathe and change their garments. [On the following pages, Grant gives an account of John Taylor washing the feet of the 38 men assembled there, starting with Zebedee Coltrin, after which ordinance they all drink glasses of wine and eat bread.]

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

170 years ago today - Oct 12, 1843

Date given by [1st Presidency member] William Law (on May 23, 1844) when indicting Joseph Smith as the beginning of adulterous relations between him and his plural wife Maria Lawrence. (The reason for choosing this date is unclear according to current research.)

[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]

20 years ago today - Oct 11, 1993

Steve Benson goes public concerning a conversation he had earlier with Apostle Dallin Oaks concerning Apostle Boyd K. Packer contacting Paul Toscano's stake president, Kerry Heinz, concerning Toscano's disciplinary council. Oaks had publicly stated that "if Elder Packer is having any conversation with" President Heinz, "it is contrary to what I know about Elder Packer and how he operates." Benson states that Oaks had previously told him that Packer had contacted Heinz and that, "You can't stage manage a grizzly bear," adding that "it was a mistake for Packer to meet with Heinz and a mistake for Heinz to ask for the meeting."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

45 years ago today - Oct 11, 1968

... it was the committee's proposal that we buy a ship and outfit the ship and make it a temple ship and that we take this ship to the ports of the earth where our people are. He [Elder Garf] said that with a ship we could outfit a temple and take that temple to 30%. Included in the 30% would be people in the United States who are not accessible to the temple and those throughout the world. He said that this could be done for between a million and a half and two million dollars, that a ship could be purchased and remodeled and that we could get the crew and could sail the seas at about a half a million dollars a year. This would mean that there are 50,000 Melchizedek Priesthood members in the Church that we would reach by bringing the ship to them in these ports, and in addition, their wives and children. He said there are plenty of people in the Church who would be willing and who are able to serve as captain and crew members. In this manner he said that we could take a ship to the people of the earth for less money than it costs us to build a temple anywhere in the United States or elsewhere. He thought that they could get this thing underway within a year and could buy the ship and rig it up for our purposes. ...

[Source: Alvin R. Dyer, minutes of a meeting with the First Presidency, President McKay's apartment, recorded in Elder Dyer's diary, Oct. 11, 1968 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

130 years ago today - Oct 11, 1883

Once after returning from a mission, he [Zebedee Coltrin] met Bro. Joseph in Kirtland, who asked him if he did not wish to go with him to a conference at New Portage. The party consisted of Prests. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery and myself. Next morning at New Portage, he noticed that Joseph seemed to have a far off look in his eyes, or was looking at a distance, and presently he, Joseph, stepped between Brothers Cowdery, and Coltrin and taking them by the arm, said, "lets take a walk." They went to a place where there was some beautiful grass, and grapevines and swampbeech interlaced. President Joseph Smith then said, "Let us pray." They all three prayed in turn--Joseph, Oliver and Zebedee. Bro. Joseph then said, "now brethren we will see some visions." Joseph lay down on the ground on his back and stretched out his arms and the two brethren lay on them. The heavens gradually opened, and they saw a golden throne, on a circular foundation, something like a light house, and on the throne were two aged personages, having white hair, and clothed in white garments. They were the two most beautiful and perfect specimens of mankind he ever saw. Joseph said, They are our first parents, Adam and Eve. Adam was a large broad shouldered man, and Eve as a woman, was as large in proportion.

[Source: Salt Lake School of the Prophet, Minutes, 1883, pp. 69-70; CHO CR/390/1/Box 1, Oct 11, 1883. The following account took place on 7 May 1834 at New Portage, Ohio which is about 50 miles from Kirtland, Ohio. See where the Prophet went here in HC 2:64 & Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet, by G. Q. Cannon, p. 173. See also quotation #3. as quoted in "Concepts Quotations Dealing With the Origin, Identity Position of Adam Eve"]

130 years ago today - Oct 11, 1883

[Franklin D. Richards] Pres[iden]t [John] Taylor-he asked Zebedee Coltrin-the only one living in the Church who was a member of the first School of P[rophets]. in Kirtland [Ohio] in 1833-related visions of Father & the Son appearing to them-of seeing the Heavens opened & with Joseph [Smith] & Oliver [Cowdery] seeing Adam & Eve on a glorious throne also of Reynolds Cahoon transparency [sic?].

[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]

130 years ago today - Oct 11, 1883

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Zebedee Coltrin related a vision in the Temple in Kirtland After the school of the Prophets was organized. He said while sitting in Council a personage passed through the room dressed in usual Clothing. Joseph said that was the Savior. Soon another personage passed through the House Clothed in fire. His features & feet were visable but his body was wrapted in flames. Joseph said that was God the Father. He said He was with Joseph & another Man in the woods praying and Heavens was opened and they saw a Man sitting upon a Throne whose hair was white as wool & a woman sitting beside of him Both dressed in white. Joseph said it was Adam & Eve.

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

190 years ago today - Oct 11, 1823

[Oliver Cowdery] Sidney Rigdon was condemned for heresy and removed from his pastorate at the Pittsburgh First Baptist Church by representatives of his congregation and of its governing Redstone Baptist Association.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm]

50 years ago today - Oct 10, 1963

[Quorum of the Twelve] Thomas S. Monson ordained.

[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)]

105 years ago today - Saturday, Oct 10, 1908

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] The Resolution in favor of Woman Sufrage presented by Mrs. Craig was passed. I spoke in favor of it.

[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]

110 years ago today - Saturday, Oct 10, 1903

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] On Saturday I talked with Lydia in relation to the subject of plural marriage, and she expressed a willingness for me to take another wife provided that I should not take the step without her knowledge. I assured her that in case such a step were taken she should be fully advised.

[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]

130 years ago today - Oct 10, 1883

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] The prests of Stakes and Bros Henry Eyring & Geo Reynolds joined us and Prest Taylor instructed the brethren with reference to the organization of the School of the Prophets.

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

180 years ago today - (Thr) Oct 10, 1833

Construction on the Kirtland Temple was suspended and work began on the new Church office building just west of the Temple

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

5 years ago today - 10/9/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] The Mormon Times reports about the Oct. 8th broadcast, stating: Elders Ballard and Cook stressed that members need to remain civil and respectful in their conversations about the issue. "There are good people who disagree with the church's teaching on marriage," Elder Cook said. "There are (also) faithful, temple worthy members of the church who struggle with this great challenge, often in silence, fear and great pain."

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

115 years ago today - Sunday, Oct 9, 1898

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

President George Q. Cannon presented the Authoraties and the Apostles voted ... All were unanimous but in the case of John W. Taylor. Some few voted against him for remarks made on Friday about Kamas Ward and the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir.

Bro. John W. Taylor at the close of the meeting met with the choir and arranged his trouble with them.

[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]

115 years ago today - Oct 9, 1898

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary, eight years after the manifesto] Gusta, my cousin Anthony W. Ivins and I chatted until 1115 Speaking of plural marriage he said there were quite a number of them being performed in Mexico. Said he was on hand and willing to take another wife if his brethren felt that it was the wisest thing to do under all the circumstances. He had no desire for another wife, but at the same time had a strong desire to [not] to [sic] fail in doing any duty devolving upon him and he wanted me and my fellow apostles to know that he was on hand to perform any and every duty required of him.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 9, 1883

In several hours of meeting with stake presidents, First Presidency and apostles give instructions about "Masturbation...self-pollution of both sexes and excessive sexual indulgence in the married relation." This is the first-known Mormon reference to female masturbation.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

160 years ago today - Oct 9, 1853 (Afternoon, Conference)

[Brigham Young Sermon] ... Nine tenths of those who come into this Church are the pure blood of Israel, the greater portion being purely of the blood of Ephraim. ... Those who are Gentiles in our midst, have numbered themselves with Israel through the ordinances of the Gospel... You will never see a man called to preside in the Priesthood of God on the earth who is not purely of the blood of Abraham. You may set every man down to be a pure descendant of Abraham, who holds a position in this Kingdom, and holds the keys of, and officiates in, the ordinances of the Holy Priesthood. Either God has not called him, or he is a pure offspring of faithful Abraham. ...

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

165 years ago today - Oct 9, 1848

Arsonists burned Nauvoo Temple.

[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]

170 years ago today - Oct 09, 1843

Joseph Smith speaks at the funeral services of James Adams and remarks, "Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject" (History of the Church, 6:50).

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

175 years ago today - Oct 9, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Mr. Caldwell, who took the Saints' plea for help to the governor, returns with the governor's reply that because the quarrel is between the mob and the Mormons, they might "fight it out" on their own. Captain Samuel Bogart, a former mobber, is placed in control of the militia forces. Several of the Saints start to fight back against the mob.

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

5 years ago today - October 8

[Same-Sex Marriage] The Associated Press reported that "Mormons Recruit Out-of-State for Gay Marriage Ban. Mormons living outside California have been asked to volunteer for a telephone campaign to help pass a ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage in the state."

[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]

60 years ago today - 1953. October 8

(Richard L. Evans) : Called to the Quorum of the Twelve by President David O. McKay. His committee responsibilities included Church magazines, Temple Square activities, world fair exhibits and other Church information centers, the Tabernacle Choir and the Choir broadcast, general conference broadcasts, the Hill Cumorah pageant, Church historical sites, management of Church communications, public relations, publications, translation and distribution, and temple ceremonies.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 8, 1883

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Yesterday morning I made it a subject of prayer as to who I should endeavor to secure for a second wife I felt that the time had come when I should again make an attempt to practice plural marriage.



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

170 years ago today - Oct 8, 1843

Amasa M Lyman: "anointed" second counselor 1 Oct. 1843 to replace Sidney Rigdon but general conference 8 Oct. 1843 refused to drop Sidney Rigdon

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

170 years ago today - October 8th 1843

Spirits can only be revealed in flaming fire or glory. Angels have advanced further, their light and glory being tabernacled; and hence they appear in bodily shape. The spirits of just men are made ministering servants to those who are sealed unto life eternal, and it is through them that the sealing power comes down.

Patriarch Adams is now one of the spirits of the just men made perfect; and if revealed now, must be revealed in fire; and the glory could not be endured. Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, and they thought it was His spirit, and they were afraid to approach His spirit. Angels have advanced higher in knowledge and power than spirits. [History of the Church, 6:51, Joseph Smith, Sunday, October 8th 1843; TPJS, p. 325.]

[Source: Paper, "Concepts Quotations Dealing With the Origin, Identity Position of Adam Eve"]

170 years ago today - Oct 8, 1843

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle at Mansion House; anointing and endowment ceremony for Harriet Denton (Adams), Elizabeth Ann Smith (Whitney), Clarissa Lyman (Smith), and Lucy Mack (Smith); second anointing for Hyrum and Mary Smith . Emma Smith probably performed the ordinances for the women.

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

5 years ago today - 10/7/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] "Ryan" who lives in Utah posts comment to blog and states he was in a propaganda video shot by the Mormon church with LDS leader Elder Bednar. He also says, "I live in Utah (though I'm from California) and the church has asked my stake to have 250 member ready to man a call center on the subject." There is no record that the Church paid for any phone banking from Utahns, but Lawrence Research (headed by Gary Lawrence) paid Voter Link of Highland, UT $20,495.38 for phone banking. The Melaleuca company in Rexburg, ID was also involved in phone banking, allowing Idahoans to use its facilities to call California voters.

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

65 years ago today - Oct 7, 1948

[Thomas S. Monson] Married Frances Johnson in the Salt Lake Temple.

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

70 years ago today - Oct 7, 1943

At 10:00 A.M. the Twelve met the [First] Presidency in their office in the Church offices building and Pres[ident] [Heber J.] Grant ordained Spencer Kimball and Ezra T. Benson apostles and set them apart members of the quorum of the Twelve. We then repaired to the Temple excepting Pres[ident] Grant & Pres[ident] [J. Reuben] Clark, the latter being out of the State. By request of Pres[ident] [David O.] McKay, I instructed the brethren on the tokens &c.

[Source: George F. Richards diary, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

115 years ago today - Oct 7, 1898

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] F D Richards ... In his opinion wars are necessary for the establishing of Gods work in the land (referred to American Revolution, Civil War opened South to missionary work, Franco-Prussion had Germany) ... [Lorenzo Snow:] When we were in great trouble over plural marriages Pres[iden]t Woodruffs' counselors desired him to go and ask the mind and will of the Lord and he had done so and the result was that the Manifesto was given to Pres[iden]t Woodruff. But for the Lord giving to us His mind and will Pres[iden]t Snow said he was sure the saints would have felt like going on practicing plural marriages and suffering the consequences. The Lord many times reveals things that we cannot explain and at the time do not understand.

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

150 years ago today - Oct 7, 1863 (Afternoon, Conference)

[Brigham Young Sermon] ...Joseph Smith that now is living in the state of Illinois, the son of Joseph the Prophet, will never lead the Latter-day Saints; he may lead apostates, and will lead them to hell. ... Long before his death Joseph [Smith Jr.] said to me, '"I shall have a son born to me and his name shall be called David; and on him in some future time will rest the responsibility that now rests upon me.'" ... If Joseph Smith was a prophet we will take his words for what they are worth. If he was not a prophet then are we deceived and our professions and testimonies related to the Kingdom of God are void. There is now considerable whispering among us concerning the Josephites [RLDS or Community of Christ] as they are called. What are they? They are apostates. .... [if there were a revelation] that revelation will dictate that son of Joseph to come directly to your humble servant, Brigham Young. And I will be as ready to receive him as any man that lives on this earth....

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

165 years ago today - Oct 7, 1848

Brigham Young instructs his special counselor, Presiding Patriarch John Smith, to select men to go to California on "Gold Mission" for church. Among "Forty-Niners" who travel to California are about fifty gold-digging Mormon missionaries.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

5 years ago today - October 6

[Same-Sex Marriage] Mormon blogs about "zealousness" about Prop 8 within Mormon congregations and says "many bishops and other Mormons have circulated the document 'Six Consequences if Proposition 8 fails'" and expresses distress about the honesty of the claims.

[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]

50 years ago today - Oct 6, 1963

First Counselor Hugh B. Brown reads statement in favor of full civil rights for all people. BYU's president comments, "This was obviously in response to request that had come to the First Presidency from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP]."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

65 years ago today - Oct 6, 1948

[President George Albert Smith Journal] "My nerves are giving me some discomfort as a result of exhaustion."

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

75 years ago today - Oct 6, 1938

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I then called Richard L. Evans to come to my office, and told him of his selection to be one of the Seven Presidents of the Seventies. I could see that he was very much disappointed. I had a confidential talk with him and learned that it had undoubtedly been suggested to him. He did not say. He said he told his brother the one and only place of authority in all the Church that he hoped he would never be called to fill is one for the Seven Presidents of the Seventies.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 6, 1883

King David Kalakaua speaks at LDS conference in Laie, Oahu, Hawaii. He is first reighning monarch to speak at Mormon meeting. King Kalakaua's premier (1882-87) is Walter Murray Gibson, former Mormon.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

140 years ago today - Oct 6, 1873

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] President Young spoke upon the Babylonian fashion in our Midst upon the Cooperative principles & the Tithing & the Temple. He said those who did not pay their tithing & sustain the cooperative Store would Apostitize. Write it down & watch the result.

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

150 years ago today - Oct 6, 1863

[Brigham Young, Oct. 6, 1863 , Journal of Discourses, 10:251 ] There are some of the sealing ordinances that cannot be administered in the house [Endowment House] that we are now using; we can only administer in it some of the first ordinances of the Priesthood pertaining to the endowment. There are more advanced ordinances that cannot be administered there; we would, therefore, like a Temple, but I am willing to wait a few years for it. I want to see the Temple built in a manner that it will endure through the Millennium. This is not the only Temple we shall build; There will be hundreds of them built and dedicated to the Lord. This Temple [in Salt Lake City] will be known as the first Temple built in the mountains by the Latter-day Saints. And when the Millennium is over, and all the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, down to the last of their posterity, who come within the reach of the clemency of the Gospel, have been redeemed in hundreds of Temples through the administration of their children as proxies for them, I want that Temple still to stand as a proud monument of the faith, perseverance and industry of the Saints of God in the mountains, in the nineteenth century.

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

150 years ago today - Oct 6, 1863

Brigham Young prophesies to general conference: "Will the present struggle [of the U.S. Civil War] free the slaves? No..... and men will be called to judgment for the way they have treated the negro." U.S. president Abraham Lincoln has already signed on Jun 20, 1862 law which prohibits slavery in all federal territories, and this emancipates the few dozen slaves in Utah. On Jan 1, 1863 Lincoln has also issued his proclamation which emancipated all slaves in Confederacy but does not free slaves in Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Missouri. The 13th Amendment legally ends slavery in the United States in 1865.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - 6 October 1843, Friday

[William Clayton Writings] ... At this conference charges were again preferred against the temple committee, and a public investigation was entered into; ...

He stated that the Temple Apostles were not about to go East to raise means for the temple and also for the Nauvoo House. He suggested that they give bonds to the amount of two thousand dollars each; and that this rule be enforced upon all the Elders from this time forward. ...

During this conference, also, Elder Sidney Rigdon was tried for his fellowship, charged with a long course of conduct which rendered him unworthy of a place in the Church. President Joseph told the Saints that he had carried Elder Rigdon long enough and that he should do so no more. But notwithstanding this, the Patriarch Hyrum pleaded for mercy in Sidney's behalf; and the conference voted to sustain Elder Rigdon in his position as counsellor to the First Presidency.

[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]

100 years ago today - Oct 5, 1913

Heber J. Grant preaches: "I seldom hear a hymn written by Sister Eliza R. Snow sung in any of our meetings, or sing one myself, that I do not thank God for the gift of tongues to that noble woman. She gave to me a blessing when I was a child, predicting incidents in my life, promising me that I should grow to manhood and become one of the leaders in the Church of Christ, Sister Zina D. Young giving the interpretation."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

170 years ago today - Oct 5, 1843

Concerning "the doctrine of plurality of wives," JosephSmith's manuscript diary reads: "Joseph forbids it and the practice thereof. No man shall have but one wife." HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, 6:46 makes an addition which reverses this absolute denial.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

120 years ago today - Oct 5, 1893

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Pres[iden]t GQ Cannon HB Clawson and Nephi Clayton were in from California. Representatives in Congress passed the Bill to return to the Church the personal property which they plundered us of $450,000 dollars more or less.

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

50 years ago today - Oct 4, 1963

Thomas S. Monson is sustained to Quorum of the Twelve at age thirty-six, youngest man ordained apostle since Joseph Fielding Smith at age thirty-three in 1910. Monson is first World War II veteran to servea s apostle and also first general authority with a Master of Business Administration. As of 1996 Other general authorities with MBA or other graduate degree in business are Robert D. Hales (appointed in 1975), Gene R. Cook (1975), John H. Groberg (1976), Ronald E. Poelman (1978), Henry B. Eyring (1985), Glen L. Pace (1985), Helio R. Camargo (1985), Monte J. Brough (1988), Albert Choules, Jr. (1988), Joseph C. Muren (1991), Stephen D. Nadauld (1991), Dallas N. Archibald (1992), John E. Fowler (1992), V. Dallas Merrel (1992), H. David Burton (1992), Richard C. Edgley (1992), Neil L. Andersen (1993), Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1994).

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

50 years ago today - Oct 4, 1963

Nathan Eldon Tanner: Second counselor to David O. McKay in First Presidency 4 October 1963-18 January 1970.

[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]

60 years ago today - Oct 04, 1953

General conference is televised live from Salt Lake City to locations outside the Intermountain West for the first time.

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

80 years ago today - Oct 4, 1933

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] We decided on ... John H. Taylor to fill the vacancy in the First Council of the Seventy. Brothers John H. Taylor and Oscar A. Kirkham each received four or five votes from the brethren... Personally, I made no suggestions to anybody in favor of John H. Taylor, and I am very glad indeed that the brethren felt to call him to this position. ... I am very happy indeed that my son-in-law has been considered worthy to become one of the General Authorities of the Church.

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

95 years ago today - Oct 4, 1918

President Joseph F. Smith [announces that he has received] D&C 138 by revelation, concerning the afterlife and the ministry of Jesus Christ in that world during his three days death.

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

120 years ago today - Oct 4, 1893

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Moses Thatcher ... related that he had had something in the nature of a vision wherein he had seen a personage who was thin and very repulsive and another which was very beautiful and he was impressed with the feeling that death to him at this time in his life was not desireable but that it was very desirable for him to live and he had been impressed with faith by this impression ...

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

130 years ago today - Oct 4, 1883

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] In the afternoon attended a Council meeting in Prest Taylor's office--A revelation given to Prst Taylor last April was read. It was voted that the Trustee in Trust loan to Prests Taylor & Cannon $25,000[.]00 for such time and with such securities, as he may think proper.

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

170 years ago today - Oct 3, 1843

Joseph Smith opened the Mansion House to the public with a memorable dinner party for "more than one hundred couple [sic]." Notices of the occasion prepared for publication in the Nauvoo Neighbor reports that "General Joseph Smith, the proprietor of said house, provided a luxurious feast for a pleasure party; and all having partaken of the luxuries of a well spread board, the cloth was removed, and a committee appointed to draft resolutions suitable to the occasion."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

130 years ago today - Oct 3, 1883

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] In the morning called at Prst Taylor's office--met some of our quourm [sic]. Prests Taylor & Cannon and a number of other brethren, among them Zebedee Coltrin He is the only living member of the brethren that were admitted to the School of the Prophets on the day of its organization. He related some of the interesting manifestations they had had in some of their meetings, among others he related the appearance of our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. ...



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

180 years ago today - about (Wed) Oct 3, 1833

Oliver Cowdery left Kirtland with $800 to purchase a new printing press and type for the Church. His destination was probably Canandaigua, New York.

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

170 years ago today - Oct 3, 1843

[Brigham Young] ... dined at Brother J. B. Nicholson's, and in the evening partook of an oyster supper at Mr. Jeffrey's, who undertook to get us drunk, but only succeeded in intoxicating himself. We consecrated several bottles of oil.

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

130 years ago today - Oct 3, 1883

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] In the morning called at Prst Taylor's office--met some of our quourm [sic]. Prests Taylor & Cannon and a number of other brethren, among them Zebedee Coltrin He is the only living member of the brethren that were admitted to the School of the Prophets on the day of its organization. He related some of the interesting manifestations they had had in some of their meetings, among others he related the appearance of our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. ...



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

170 years ago today - Oct 3, 1843

A gala dinner party is held at the grand opening of the Nauvoo Mansion. One hundred couples attend. The guests unanimously approve a series of resolutions made at the party, including tributes to "General Joseph Smith, whether we view him as a Prophet at the head of the Church, a General at the head of the Legion, a Mayor at the head of the City Council, or as a landlord at the head of his table, if he has equals, he has no superiors." Toasts are also made to the 15,000 citizens of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Legion, the Nauvoo Charter, and Gov. Thomas Ford. (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 6:42-43.)

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

25 years ago today - Oct 2, 1988

Michaelene P Grassli, general Primary President, is first woman to speak in general conference in 133 years.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

130 years ago today - Oct 2, 1883

Bishop Orson R. Whitney begins participating in regular spiritualistic seances about this date. In 1889 Twele learns of this activity, reverses its decision to call Witney as new apostle, yet allows Whitney to remain bishop. Among those who attend these seances are Arthur and Charles Stayner and Maud May Babcock. Bishop Whitney continues to participate until 1900.

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

175 years ago today - Oct 2, 1838

[Joseph Smith] The "Kirtland Camp" arrives in Far West, after traveling 3 months through difficult conditions.

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

5 years ago today - 10/1/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] LDS Church registers the domain preservingmarriage.org

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

25 years ago today - 1988 Oct.1

The Church completes 100 million endowments for the dead (August) Ezra Taft Benson urges members to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon

[Source: Madsen, Truman G., The Presidents of the Church]

100 years ago today - Oct 01, 1913

President Joseph F. Smith dedicates Mahonri Young's Seagull Monument, commemorating the miracle of the gulls that ate crickets threatening to destroy the crops of the Saints in the spring of 1848.

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

115 years ago today - Oct 1, 1898.

[Apostle Anthony W. Ivins Diary] The Church has been paying me $500.00 per year in produce for my services as president of the Stake. It was decided on motion of Pres. Jos. F. Smith that 25 per cent of this amount be paid in cash or mds.

When I went to Mexico I loaned the Church $10000.00 at 10 per cent interest. .... Snow made preliminary remarks ... fifteen or twenty years perhaps sooner, we are going to Jackson County. If Latter-day Saints had paid their tithes in the past we would have on hand today a million dollars and if this had been for ten years back we would have ten or twelve millions. The Lord has told me plainly and most distinctly that the law of tithing should be taught while we were at St. George and He has made it just as plain that his is what I should say to you today.

... Heber J. Grant had always paid his tithing with pleasure. Two dollars is spent in breaking the Word of Wisdom for every dollar paid in tithing.

/ Pres. Snow ... He [the Lord] has forgiven us heretofore but He will not forgive us longer. The man who fails to pay his tithing hereafter I could not recommend to the House of the Lord. ... The Lord will send Cyclones, Whirlwinds and devouring fire and the way will be prepared for the fulfilment of His purposes.

...Pres. Jos. F. Smith read from the Bible. God once cleansed the earth with water. He will cleanse it with fire. Just as sure as we live, just as sure as you hear the sound of my voice, unless we honor this law of tithing we shall never get back to Jackson County unless we go there as Ancient Israel wint into the Promised Land, by the shedding of blood. ...

Francis M. Lyman. ... The time approaches when Zion is to be redeemed and the Temple built under the law of consecration. When the time shall come that Pres. Snow, if it is his good forturne, and I see no reason why it should not be, shall say the time has come for the redemption of Zion, we will be surprized at the thousands who will be ready. ...

George Q. Cannon. There are men in this congregation who are descendents of the ancient Twelve Apostles, and I shall say it, of the Son of God himself, for he had seed, and in the time right they shall be known. ...

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

140 years ago today - Oct 1, 1873 (Wednesday)

Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Company commenced business in Salt Lake City. The sum of $6,000 was deposited the first day.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - Fall, 1843

"In the fall of 1843 I went to Nauvoo to buy calves, and called on a blindman who had one to sell. I bought his calf, and being curious to learn his history, went in and saw his wife, with two little twin infants in a cradle, and great destitution. He told me that he had a nice home in Massachusetts, which gave them a good support. But one of the Mormon elders preaching in that country called on him and told him if he would sell out and go to Nauvoo, the prophet would open his eyes and restore his sight. And he sold out, and had come to the city, and had spent all his means, and was now in great need. I asked why the prophet did not open his eyes. He replied that Joseph had informed him that he could not open his eyes until the temple was finished, and then when the temple was finished he would open them, and he should see better than before! And he believed, and was waiting patiently for the last stroke to bemade on the temple." [I. R. Tull, Esq., of Pontoosue]

[Source: Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]

170 years ago today - Oct 1, 1843

Sunday evening prayer circle at the upper room of the Mansion House; anointing and endowment ceremony for Jane Silverthorne (Law), Rosannah Robinson (Marks), Elizabeth Davis (Brackenbury Durfee Smith), and Mary Fielding (Smith) . Emma Hale Smith washed and anointed these women . Joseph Smith "reanointed [William] Law" in the Anointed Quorum due to Law's confession of adultery committed since his 1842 endowment . Smith also anointed Law as his first counselor and Amasa M. Lyman as second counselor in anticipation of dropping the unendowed Sidney Rigdon as first counselor at the upcoming general conference. These priesthood ordinances were not otherwise announced or repeated. Meeting was adjourned to 4 Oct. .

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

5 years ago today - September 30

[Same-Sex Marriage] According to data filed with the secretary of state's office, ProtectMarriage.com, the main group backing Prop 8, had raised about $25.4 million. No on 8, Equality for All - the main group opposing the measure - had raised almost $15.8 million. Yes on 8 was flush with a cash balance of about $12.8 million, due by large measure to Mormon contributions, while No on 8 had approximately $1.8 million.

[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]