[Rochester Gem] Some months ago a noise was made among the credulous of the earth, respecting a wonderful production [about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon].... The author, who has the "copy-right secured according to law," says, `that he was commanded of the Lord in a dream,' to go and find, and that he went and found. At one time it was said that he was commanded of the Lord not to show the plates, on pain of instant death--but it seems he has shown them to the said witnesses, and yet is alive! At another time it is said that none could see them but he who was commanded;--that though they should lie in the middle of the street beneath the broad glare of a meridian sun, in the presence of hundreds, yet no eye but his could see them! ...
This story brings to our mind one of similar nature ... it was in the year 1815, that a family of Smiths moved into these parts ... They had a wonderful son, of about 18 years of age, who, on a certain day, as they said, while in the road, discovered a round stone of the size of a man's fist, the which when he first saw it, presented to him on the one side, all the dazzling splendor of the sun in full blaze--and on the other, the clearness of the moon. He fell down insensible at the sight, and while in the trance produced by the sudden and awful discovery, it was communicated to him that he was to become an oracle--and the keys of mystery were put into his hands, and he saw the unsealing of the book of fate. He told his tale for money. Numbers flocked to him to test his skill, and the first question among a certain class was, if there was any of [Captain Robert] Kidd's money hid in these parts in the earth. The oracle, after adjusting the stone in his hat, and looking in upon it sometime, pronounced that there was. The question of where, being decided upon, there forthwith emerged a set, armed with "pick-axe, hoe and spade," out into the mountains, to dislodge the treasure. ... [They] sallied out upon the hills east of the river, and commenced digging--the night was chosen for operation--already had two nights been spent in digging, and the third commenced upon, when Northrop with his pick-axe struck the chest! The effect was powerful, and contrary to an explicit rule laid down by himself he exclaimed, "d--n me, I've found it!"
The charm was broken!--the scream of demons,--the chattering of spirits--and hissing of serpents rent the air, and the treasure moved! The oracle was again consulted, who said that it had removed to the Deep Hollow. There, a similar accident happened--and again it was removed to a hill near the village of Penfield, where, it was pretended the undertakers obtained the treasure.
... He predicted that the enemy [War of 1812] would make an attack; and that blood must flow.--The story flew, and seemed to carry with it a desolating influence--some moved away into other parts, and others were trembling under a full belief of the prediction. At this time a justice of the peace of the place visited the oracle, and warned him to leave the country. He gravely told the magistrate that any one who opposed him would receive judgements upon his head, and that he who should take away the inspired stone from him, would suffer immediate death!...
[Source: "Imposition and Blasphemy!!--Money Diggers, &c.," Rochester (NY) Gem 2 (15 May 1830): 15., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Rochester (Ny) Gem]
30 years ago today - May 14, 1985
John C Bennett: Baptized by proxy into LDS church 23 Apr. 1985, and his priesthood was restored before proxy endowment 14 May 1985.
[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]
[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]
50 years ago today - May 14, 1965
Upon request of the First Presidency Elder [Delbert L.] Stapley called and presented samples of the new ceremonial garment which is to take the place of the string garment now being used in the Temples. This new garment will have buttons instead of strings, and [a] closed crotch. It will also have a collar on it. Elder Stapley showed samples of the new ceremonial garments for men and women, and they were approved by me. Letters will be sent to the Presidents of Temples notifying them of this change. This new garment pattern had been presented to the Brethren in the meeting of the council of the First Presidency and the Twelve on January 21, 1965, at which time it was unanimously approved by the Council.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, May 14, 1965, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay diary, May 14, 1965, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
70 years ago today - May 14, 1945
Death of Heber J. Grant, who is also last surviving member of the theocratic Council of Fifty. As his funeral procession passes Roman catholic Cathedral of the Madeleine, its bells toll and assembled priests bow in respect. Grant is succeeded by as president by George Albert Smith who is the first LDS president never to have practiced polygamy.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - May 14, 1895
[Heber J. Grant] This evening Gusta and I attended the meeting held in the interests of the Woman's suffrage cause in the Assembly Hall. Susan B. Anthony. Rev. Anna Shaw and others addressed the meeting. I was pleased with all that was said, but was amused beyond expression by Miss Shaw's address. It was brim full and running over with good things and delivered with force and ability She has a very amusing way of telling things and I do not think that I ever laughed so much in a half hour before in my life as I did when she was showing up some of the absurdities of those apposed to woman's suffrage.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - May 14, 1885
Apostles Brigham Young, Jr. and Moses Thatcher meet with on Carlos Pacheco of the Porfirio Diaz cabinet to obtain permission for polygamous Mormons to settle just across the border from United States. Although polygamy is illegal under Mexican law, Pacheco says Mexican authorities will not bother a polygamist unless his wife files complaint. Mormon colonies center in Colonia Juarez (named after Mexico's national hero) and include colonies named after President Diaz and cabinet member Pacheco.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
140 years ago today - May 14, 1875
"after urging," Elizabeth Ann Whitney spoke in tongues with fluid ease for some five minutes. Eliza R. Snow affirmed that it was the "pure tongue of Adam."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - May 14, 1865
... She wished us to pray that she might spedily die as she Could not live. Presidet Young dedicated her to God for her death & burial. In about 12 hours she died.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - May 14, 1860 (Morning)
A. Carrington read'-an extract relating to Joseph Smith, son of the Prophet being accepted as President of the '"True Church of Latter Day Saints'" a new organization [RLDS / Community of Christ]. The President [Brigham Young] observed it will do good, it will attract the Spirit of the nation to observe its doings, and thus be the means of diverting the attention of the Nation instead of watching us; he further remarked it would have been well if the Apostates that had left us had known of the existence of this new organization, they might have liked to have joined.
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
155 years ago today - May 14, 1860 (Evening)
The President remarked one race of men have oppressed another, but finally the best blood will rule.
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - May 14, 1845
[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Announcement: "Fasting and Prayer" ...
- Story: Nauvoo Vigilance Committee -- Editorial -- Describes and encourages actions by vigilant citizens of Nauvoo.
... - Story: "Spiritual Wife System in the Right Quarter" - Millerism -- Editorial -- Describes several published allegations about the kissing practices of Millerism.
- Letter: William Smith's Letter to the Nauvoo Church" -- William Smith -- Denies the "Spiritual Wife System," and seeks to find favor with the Nauvoo Saints.
...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
- Story: Nauvoo Vigilance Committee -- Editorial -- Describes and encourages actions by vigilant citizens of Nauvoo.
... - Story: "Spiritual Wife System in the Right Quarter" - Millerism -- Editorial -- Describes several published allegations about the kissing practices of Millerism.
- Letter: William Smith's Letter to the Nauvoo Church" -- William Smith -- Denies the "Spiritual Wife System," and seeks to find favor with the Nauvoo Saints.
...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
170 years ago today - May 14, 1845
The Twelve appoint the next Thursday (third week of the month) "as a day of public FASTING AND PRAYER to Almighty God." In Aug, it was the second Thursday, and Thursday remained fast-day for Utah Mormons until the 1890's.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - May 14, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff] ... preached but amid much disturdance & as the meeting was about breaking up the congregation was besmeared with rotten eggs.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
20 years ago today - May 13, 1995
Gordon B. Hinckley presides at "ground-breaking" ceremony for temple to be constructed by remodeling nearly ninety-year-old Uintah Stake Tabernacle in Vernal, Utah. This is first time new temple is to be created from pre-existing building which had other uses.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - May 13, 1895 (Monday)
The Intermountain Woman Suffrage convention convened in Salt Lake City; Susan B. Anthony presided.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
50 years ago today - May 13, 1965
First Presidency approves the posthumous rebaptism and restoration of blessings for former apostle John W. Taylor who was excommunicated in 1911. His son Samuel Taylor had requested this two days previously.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Sunday, May 13, 1900
R[eed]. S[moot]. Expressed a desire to magnify the office of an apostle. The great evil existing in the world and to some extent among our people of restricting and limiting by unlawful means the number of children in our families; warned the saints against the practice.
R. S[moot]. Related a vision he had while on a mission to England, which was fulfilled and which he related to a railroad conductor to prove the existence of a God. ...
[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]
R. S[moot]. Related a vision he had while on a mission to England, which was fulfilled and which he related to a railroad conductor to prove the existence of a God. ...
[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 - May 13, 1885
A delegation, appointed by a mass meeting held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on May 2, met with U.S. President Grover Cleveland in the White House in Washington, D.C. They presented to the president a "Statement of Grievances and Protest" concerning injustices brought about because of the Edmunds law.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
170 years ago today - May 13, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Truman O. Angell] ... Thou shalt live to see the winding up scene of this generation according to the desire of thy heart; and all things accomplished which the Prophets hath spoken concerning the latter day Glory; and the Temple built which is to be done before all this generation pass away. Thou shalt be one of the laborers in that Temple to accomplish the curious workmanship for the woodwork of the same ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
170 years ago today - May 13, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball] B. Young dremp of seeing a vessel blown on to dry land. I dremp of saving some persons from being drowned.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
45 years ago today - May 12, 1970
After days of student protests at University of Utah against Ohio National Guard's killing of students at Kent State, bomb destroys office of Utah National Guard.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - May 12, 1885
[Heber J. Grant] Prest Taylor offered prayer Prest John Taylor spoke very warmly regarding the failure of the City officials to hunt up cases against men that were known to be guilty of sexual sins and who were very active in hunting up cases of polygamy against our brethren. I can't remember when I have ever seen him worked up more than he was while talking on this subject. He talked with much force against those of our City Officials who for fear of losing a little means allowed our enemies that were known to be guilty of crime, to go free.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - May 12, 1875
THE DESERET NEWS reports that Judge David B. Lowe has set aside a previous court order that Brigham Young pay $9,500 accumulated alimony to Ann Eliza Webb Young. The court reasoned that alimony could not be awarded unless a valid marriage existed. Since Young had alleged that the marriage was illegal and the allegation was not denied, it had to be considered true, and the order was set aside.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - May 12, 1870
Former Apostle Amasa M. Lyman is excommunicated for associating himself with the Godbeite movement. Three years previously he had been dropped from the Council of Twelve for teaching that a person could work out their own salvation independent of Christ's atonement.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
155 years ago today - May 12, 1860
B[isho]p Allen Taylor related an immoral affair to the President and requested counsel of him, he [Brigham Young] replied '"I would cut him off the Church.'" The President observed in many cases women are much to blame; but the man must always realize he is the Lord of the woman; and in the end is responsible for his actions and not the woman.
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - May 12, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball] ... Told my family that I had got to hide up with my Brethren to keepe way from rits, as thare is sevreal out for us. Went to Edwards Hunters in company with B. Young and W. Richards with the history of the Church and hid up in this upper room. Went to rest at 12 Oclock–thare was two of the Hodg family taken up fore roberry [robbery], killed one man and wounded one.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
175 years ago today - May 12, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff] It seemed as though some would worship me while they cried out here is a man of Zion the man of God that we have so long looked for. Who is worthy to receieve him into our house? I told them to worship God for I was ownly a servant of God.
I spent the night at William Hills. I Baptized 3 & confirmed 22 in all. Distance 8 mi.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I spent the night at William Hills. I Baptized 3 & confirmed 22 in all. Distance 8 mi.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - May 12, 1835
[Heber C. Kimball] ... my feet were so blistered I could not wear my boots, nor proceed without.
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
20 years ago today - May 11, 1995
Representatives of LDS church in Denver to withdraw their application for institutional "observer status" in Colorado Council of Churches, first step to membership in World Council of Churches. Announcement of application caused firestorm of complaints and letters demanding rejection due to Mormon theology of sexually cohabiting Heavenly Father who progresses by allowing mortals to become gods. The application is withdrawn to avoid bruising confirmation process.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - May 11, 1900
[George Teasdale] Now with regard to your full blessings[,] you will have to see Bro. [Anthony W.] Ivins [president of the Colonia Juarez Stake] and get your recommends to the blessings of the House of the Lord for your full blessings [2nd Anointing]. They will have to be endorsed by Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo] Snow, which I shall be pleased to get for you[,] and that will all be O.K. for you all to get your blessings. Anything I can do for you at any time I shall be happy to do.
[Source: George Teasdale to Joseph C. Bently, May 11, 1900 in Joseph T. Bentley, Life and Letters of Joseph C. Bentley: A Biography (Provo: By the Author, 1977), 108, quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Bishop's Interview Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/bishops-interview-timeline/]
[Source: George Teasdale to Joseph C. Bently, May 11, 1900 in Joseph T. Bentley, Life and Letters of Joseph C. Bentley: A Biography (Provo: By the Author, 1977), 108, quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Bishop's Interview Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/bishops-interview-timeline/]
130 years ago today - May 11, 1885
[Heber J. Grant] Today is the first day that I have devoted to soliciting for insurance since I became a member of the Quorum of Apostles.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - May 11, 1855 (Friday)
A treaty of peace was concluded with the Ute Indians.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - May 11, 1845
[Brigham Young] I say in the name of Israel's God there will never be a lack, there will be no cry for food - no cry for clothes - the Lord will provide for us even if it is to open the bowels of the earth and bring out the gold and silver
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
20 years ago today - May 10, 1995
Presiding Bishopric letter informs local LDS leaders to use toll-free telephone number to report cases of child abuse involving Mormons: "This will enable the caller to consult with social services, legal and other specialists who can assist in answering questions and in formulating steps that should be taken."
Feminist Janice Merrill Allred is excommunicated for her speaking and publishing about the LDS doctrine of Mother in Heaven.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Feminist Janice Merrill Allred is excommunicated for her speaking and publishing about the LDS doctrine of Mother in Heaven.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - May 10, 1930
[Heber J. Grant] Brother Charles H. Hyde, former president of the Netherland Mission, called, in regard to a woman who is visiting Utah. She is from Australia and her husband does not belong to the Church. We agreed to let her having (Sic) the privilege of viewing the interior of the temple without going through for her endowments.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - May 10, 1915; Monday
[James E. Talmage] The usual publication containing reports of the addressed [sic] delivered at the Annual Conference of the Church was issued from the press today, this issue comprising proceedings of the Eighty-fifth Annual Conference held last month. The publication has been delayed owing to a consultation regarding my own brief address. ... It will be observed that part of the paragraph relating to the significance of the title "The Son of Man" is omitted from the official publication... By way of explanation it should be said that this conception of the title "The Son of Man" has been incorporated in my forthcoming book "Jesus the Christ", and that it was submitted to and approved by President Joseph F. Smith. Further, the President of the Church heartily approves the doctrine as set forth in the conference address, and personally desired it publication in full. President Charles W. Penrose, however, is of the opinion that the wide spread publication of this doctrine would cause difficulty to the elders in the field, who he thinks would be confronted with the charge that we as a people worship a Man. Under the circumstances it was deemed advisable to omit a few sentences form the official report. ...
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
110 years ago today - May 10, 1905
Incorporation of Beneficial Life Insurance Company, church's first successful life insurance enterprise.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Thursday, May 10, 1900
The clerk read a letter from Platte D. Lyman in which he stated that he had received a letter from the president [Arnold H. Schulthess] of the German Mission, saying the elders were having trouble in Hamburg, being persecuted by the authorities, who had made an effort to get possession of church records. They, however, failed as the records had been removed to Berlin....
[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]
[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 - May 10th 1885
[Abraham H. Cannon Authority Abraham H. Cannon] went out to "the Penn" to visit "our imprisoned brethren." "They are all feeling quite well and as happy as possible under the circumstances. They have a few privileges not granted to other prisoners, such as having their own beds, receiving milk, etc."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
115 years ago today - 115 years - May 9, 1900; Wednesday
[Brigham Young Jr.] Went to Z.C.M.I tried to get pair of shoes on credit but they would not let me have them until I paid bill thirty or forty dol[lars] account of several mo[nths]. standing which I owed them. I was vexed because I have been in financial trouble lately, but will soon pay them. Had my hair cut[;] quite an event for me because of its slow growth.
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
130 years ago today - 130 years - May 9, 1885
First Counselor George Q. Cannon is sentenced to six months in prison and fined $300 for polygamy. Before sentencing the judge reminds Cannon that he has discretion in sentencing and says, "I would love to know that you could conform to the law." Cannon replies "I cannot state what I will do in the future." He is given the maximum allowed sentence.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - 145 years ago - May 8, 1870
Brigham Young is sealed for eternity to Lydia Farnsworth Mayhew, who had nine children by her Mormon husband, Elijah Mayhew. Young is not sealed to her "for time" and she continues to life with her husband Elijah until her death in 1896.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - 150 years ago - May 8, 1865
[Wilford Woodruff] President Young said He wanted all the Saints to burn up every Copy they have of the History of Joseph Smith by his mother Lucy Smith for it is Not True. Much of its fals. I spent the night at Thomas Kingtons.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - May 8, 1845
Brigham Young requested the British Saints to "furnish a bell for the Temple," which should be large enough (he suggested about 2,000 lbs.), to be "heard night and day." There is no further information on the bell; when it was delivered to Nauvoo or when it was hung in the tower, but each session of the Endowment was announced with the ringing of the bell when the temple was used for ordinance work during the winter of 1845-1846.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
170 years ago today - May 8, 1845
Brigham Young instructs that church publications be copyrighted in his name as church president.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - May 8, 1895
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman] [Provo] At 7:30 P.M. Bro[ther] Brigham Young and I met with the High Council at the Provo tithing office when bro[ther] S. S. Jones application for baptism was heard and considered. He did not seem to come with a broken heart and a contrite spirit ans he should do. Bro[ther] Brigham plainly spoke of his of humility which we all endorsed. All talked on the case ... The case was continued till next regular meeting of the council when it will be taken up again and if there then appears the proper humility he may be allowed to be baptized.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - May 8, 1835
[Brigham Young] went to westfield in companey with P. Pratt and L. Johnson
and Brother Fisher whare I found the remainder of my Brotherin the twelve wee held our conference on the 9 and
on the 10 Brothers T Marsh and D. Patten preached to a large Congreation 11 Confrence in the fore noon at 3 O. C P. M. I Preached-------------- and the next morning took our leve of one another, their ware in the corse
of the meting twelve Baptized---
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
and Brother Fisher whare I found the remainder of my Brotherin the twelve wee held our conference on the 9 and
on the 10 Brothers T Marsh and D. Patten preached to a large Congreation 11 Confrence in the fore noon at 3 O. C P. M. I Preached-------------- and the next morning took our leve of one another, their ware in the corse
of the meting twelve Baptized---
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
30 years ago today - 30 years ago - May 7, 1985
Ron Lafferty is found guilty of murdering his sister-in-law and her baby and is sentenced to death. He awaits execution for the two murders, while his brother Dan, who was sentenced to life, serves his time with the main population at Utah State Prison. The murders were in response to a "revelation" that Ron received. Two members of Dan's jury later claimed Dan had manipulated them by "psycho-sexual seduction."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
90 years ago today - 90 years ago - May 07, 1925
John Scopes was arrested for teaching evolution in his Dayton, Tennessee, high school biology class.
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
130 years ago today - 130 years ago - May 7, 1885
The U.S. Court in Salt Lake is running in full blast aresting Every Man they Can find who has more than one wife. All leading Men who do not want to get arested has to hide [-].
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - 145 years ago - May 7, 1870 (Morning, Conference)
[Brigham Young Sermon] It is no matter with regard to the monogamy of father Adam and mother Eve, they were just enough to start the work of populating the earth. If man had lived as he ought to have lived, the earth would have been peopled quite soon enough, and to its utmost capacity, but there is enough upon it now; and if men will hearken to, obey the truth, and will cease their adulterous practices and whoredoms, cease their wickedness with the sex, and repent of their sins, we will fling up at once and will have but one wife; and if there are two or three women left with-out husbands, we will give them to the best man we can find. The reason the Lord requires His people to practice the principle of celestial marriage is to save those who are willing to be saved;
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
155 years ago today - 155 years ago - May 7, 1860
Pres[iden]t B[righam] Young was led to remark from a passing circumstance, that a little Necromancy existed amongst us, and alluded to the deaths of cattle and hogs which had taken place; this necromancy also existed in Nauvoo. All these things shew that Hell is boiling. The President also alluded to Landerson [Samderson] the Astrologer getting away an animal from a person that would leap from the belly to the mouth up and down, when got away it appeared something like a bladder and being exposed to the air soon melted away. -- Salt Lake City
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in 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 - 165 years ago - May 07, 1850
Louisa Barnes Pratt, wife of missionary Addison Pratt, is called and set apart to go to the islands of the sea with her husband to help proclaim the gospel. Louisa's calling represents an important step toward the calling of single sisters in the Church as full-time missionaries, which did not take place until 1898.
165 years ago today - 165 years ago - May 7, 1850
Brigham Young, pessimistic about converting the Indians, tells colonists in Utah Valley that the "older Indians would never enter into the New and Everlasting Covenant but that they would die and be damned
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - May 7, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Robert Campbell] ... thou shalt ... live till your satisfied with life, even to see the winding up scene of this generation stand on the earth with the Savior and reign with him a thousand years being clothed with all the power of the Priesthood. I seal these blessings upon thy head if thy faith does not fail and I seal you up to eternal life because thou art of the house and lineage of Joseph and of the blood of Ephraim even so Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
30 years ago today - May 7, 1985
Ron Lafferty is found guilty of murdering his sister-in-law and her baby and is sentenced to death. He awaits execution for the two murders, while his brother Dan, who was sentenced to life, serves his time with the main population at Utah State Prison. The murders were in response to a "revelation" that Ron received. Two members of Dan's jury later claimed Dan had manipulated them by "psycho-sexual seduction."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - May 7, 1835
[Brigham Young] tended a meting 2 miles west of Laonia - P. Pratt preachd
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
70 years ago today - May 7, 1945
Germany surrenders.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
100 years ago today - 100 years - May 6, 1915; Thursday
Attended committee meeting at 8:15 a.m. in the Temple. At 9:30 a.m. the Presidency and Twelve sat to hear another reading of the matter prepared for the book [Jesus the Christ]. Two chapters were read and passed. Then attended regular Council meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
120 years ago today - 120 years - May 6, 1895 (Monday)
The constitutional convention adopted the [Utah State] constitution as a whole. The delegates were banqueted in the evening.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - 160 years - May 6, 1855
[Wilford Woodruff] I attended the Prayer-Circle where I had some interesting teaching from President Young in social conversation which was not reported. The following is a key to some of the principles he advanced. ... .Adam & Eve had lived upon another Earth. Were immortal when they came here. Adam assisted in forming this Earth & agreed to fall when He came Here & He fell that man might be & the opposite principle to good the devel, the serpent, the Evil was plased upon the Earth that man might know the good from the Evil for without an Experience in these things man Could not know the one from the other.
As soon as the devil was on Earth He sowed the seeds of Death in evry thing. So as soon as they began to eat of the fruit of the Earth they received into their system the seeds of mortality & of Death. So their Children wer mortal & subject to death sorrow pain & wo. Then when they partook of life, Joy, ease, & Happiness they would know how to prize it.
Father Adam would never scease his labours to redeem his posterity & exhalt them to all the glory they were Capable of receiving. He did not doubt but that Father Adam knew in the beginning how many of his posterity would receive a Celestial glory & who they were & also a Terrestrial & a Telestial. Yet man had his agency to act chuse & refuse good or evil as seemed him good & he would be rewarded according to his works.
O. Pratt asks will Adam or any God continue to make worlds people them taste of Death to redeem them? Answer. I have no doubt but it is his privilege but whether He will do it is a question in my mind. How then can his seed increase to all Eternity? Through the increase of his posterity. Many other remarks were made by the President.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
As soon as the devil was on Earth He sowed the seeds of Death in evry thing. So as soon as they began to eat of the fruit of the Earth they received into their system the seeds of mortality & of Death. So their Children wer mortal & subject to death sorrow pain & wo. Then when they partook of life, Joy, ease, & Happiness they would know how to prize it.
Father Adam would never scease his labours to redeem his posterity & exhalt them to all the glory they were Capable of receiving. He did not doubt but that Father Adam knew in the beginning how many of his posterity would receive a Celestial glory & who they were & also a Terrestrial & a Telestial. Yet man had his agency to act chuse & refuse good or evil as seemed him good & he would be rewarded according to his works.
O. Pratt asks will Adam or any God continue to make worlds people them taste of Death to redeem them? Answer. I have no doubt but it is his privilege but whether He will do it is a question in my mind. How then can his seed increase to all Eternity? Through the increase of his posterity. Many other remarks were made by the President.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
30 years ago today - May 5,1985
[Utah] LDS Astronaut Don Lind administers sacrament in zero gravity Skylab 3.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
50 years ago today - May 5, 1965
A Birch Society student-spy complained to President McKay that BYU Professor Poll was "the most vocal leader of this opposition" to "Bro. Skousen and Elder Benson."
[Source: D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
110 years ago today - May 5, 1905
DESERET NEWS advertises LDS Bureau of Information's publication of THE GREAT TEMPLE also endorsed in this month's IMPROVEMENT ERA. Photos of Council Room of First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve show two of room's spittoons for chewing tobacco.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - May 5, 1870
Orson Pratt - "God promised in the year 1832 that we should, before the generation then living had passed away, return and build up the City of Zion in Jackson County."
[Source: Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, p. 362 quote at the Instutite for Religious Research]
[Source: Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, p. 362 quote at the Instutite for Religious Research]
Last Sabbath this front gallery, the gentleman's gallery, was very full. After meeting was dismissed I took a walk through it, and to see the floor that had been occupied by those professing to be gentlemen, and I do not know but brethren, you might have supposed that cattle had been there rolling and standing around, for here and there were great quids of tobacco, and places one or two feet square smeared with tobacco juice. I want to say to the doorkeepers that when you see gentlemen who cannot omit chewing and spitting while in this house, request them to leave; and if such persons refuse to leave, and continue their spitting, just take them and lead them out carefully and kindly.
[Brigham Young]
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 13:343-345 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van W]
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 13:343-345 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van W]
160 years ago today - May 5, 1855
Inauguration of first Thursday of each month as day of fasting and prayer, with "testimony meeting" during day.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
160 years ago today - May 5, 1855
May 5th I met with the Presidency & 12 in the House of the Lord built upon the Temple Block & we dedicated it before the Lord. Brother E. T. Benson opened by prayer & after the usual cerimonies H C Kimball proceded to dedicate the House by prayer. He named in his prayer evry room from top to bottom evry wall & material Adobies sand clay stone Lime from the foundation to the top. Prayed that the spirit of God might enter into it that it might be clean sweet & Holy & that no unclean thing might enter into it so that Holy men women God & Angels might visit it.
President Young said He would name it the House of God & when the Temple is built He would call it the Temple of our God.
After we closed several missionaries received their endowments.
[Note: This was a two-story adobe Endowment House in Salt Lake which remained in use until 1889, when it was torn down.]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Young said He would name it the House of God & when the Temple is built He would call it the Temple of our God.
After we closed several missionaries received their endowments.
[Note: This was a two-story adobe Endowment House in Salt Lake which remained in use until 1889, when it was torn down.]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - May 5, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff] I preached at Crowcutt & walked to the Bower & Baptizd 5. One was a preacher. I also confirmed them & spent the night with Edmund Waters. <The devil was come.>
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - May 4, 1915; Tuesday
At a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve in the Temple, I read three chapters of the book [Jesus The Christ]. At each of the meetings thus far held for this purpose all members of the First Presidency and all the Twelve who were not absent from the City on appointed duties, were present. We have now read nine of the forty-three chapters.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
135 years ago today - May 4, 1880
[Franklin D. Richards] At 10 went to council at the Endowment House Several important points were discussed relating to salaries & wages for Church Employees'-tendencies to overdraw lack of checks & ballances & several accounts were determined upon mode of settlement. 395 On my motion the vote of yesterday fixing the raise of allowance of apostles to commence at April 1880 and fixed commence with this year, and everybody pay their own debts except not the case of elders W[ilford]. Woodruff and C[harles]. C. Rich who had their endebtedness allowed on account of building their houses.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
140 years ago today - May 04, 1875
Hyrum W. Mikesell baptizes Shoshone Chief Pocatello in Salt Lake City, Utah. The chief is ordained an elder and prophesies that many of his people will soon join the Church. By the end of the year, nearly all his people join, as had hundreds of other Native Americans from other western tribes.
150 years ago today - May 4, 1865
RLDS President Joseph Smith III presents a revelation to the RLDS Quorum of Twelve: "It is expedient in me that you ordain priests unto me, of every race who receive the teachings of my law." The LDS church follows suit 113 years later.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - May 4, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing of Edward Partridge given by Joseph Smith, Sr.] ... Thou art one of the horns of Joseph that are to push the people together from the ends of the earth. ... thou shalt also live to see the heavens opened, for thou hast desired this thing, and shalt see the Son of man in the flesh. ... Thou shall live to see the redemption of Zion and rejoice upon the goodly land; thou shalt inherit it and thy seed after thee to the latest generations while the earth remains. ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - May 4, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing of Seymour Brunson given by Joseph Smith, Sr.] ... thou shalt yet proclaim the gospel to those who have not heard * even those who do not understand thy language, neither dost thou understand their's.
[Source: Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Source: Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
180 years ago today - May 4, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing of Isaac Morley given by Joseph Smith, Sr.] ... Thou shalt live to see the heavens open and see thy God in the flesh. ... And if thou wilt desire it, thou shalt have thy desire,- thou shalt live to see the Son of Man come in the clouds of heaven, and the winding up scene of this generation. ... and this thou shalt have, if thou art faithful, even the society of thy family; and they shall grow up upon the Land of Zion to possess it from generation to generation forever, and they shall never be blotted out; even so. Amen.
[Source: Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Source: Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
180 years ago today - May 4, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing of Calvin Beebe given by Joseph Smith, Sr.] ... Thou hast asked thy God to let thee tarry till the Son of Man comes: and if thou art faithful, and keep all the commandments of the Lord thou shalt have thy desire.
... thine eyes shall see the redemption of Zion, and thou shalt possess it, and thy children after thee, and they shall rise up and claim their inheritance in it. ... no fiery furnace can harm thee, neither prisons nor tortures annoy thee. ... And it is thy privilege to be caught up in a chariot of fire, and not sleep in the dust. * And because of the afflictions that thou hast received with thy friends, in being driven from your homes, the Lord will have mercy upon thee, and grant unto thee the desires of thy heart. The day of thy rejoicing will soon come; for the days of thine afflictions and mornings are soon to close. Thou mayest rejoice from henceforth; for thy name is written in the Lamb's book of life, and shall never be blotted out, except for transgression. Thy wife shall also be blessed with thee, and have a part with thee in all these blessings, according to her station; even so. Amen.
Given in Kirtland, May 4, 1835, and recorded in this book Dec. 21, 1835. Oliver Cowdery, Clerk & Recorder.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:26 as quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
... thine eyes shall see the redemption of Zion, and thou shalt possess it, and thy children after thee, and they shall rise up and claim their inheritance in it. ... no fiery furnace can harm thee, neither prisons nor tortures annoy thee. ... And it is thy privilege to be caught up in a chariot of fire, and not sleep in the dust. * And because of the afflictions that thou hast received with thy friends, in being driven from your homes, the Lord will have mercy upon thee, and grant unto thee the desires of thy heart. The day of thy rejoicing will soon come; for the days of thine afflictions and mornings are soon to close. Thou mayest rejoice from henceforth; for thy name is written in the Lamb's book of life, and shall never be blotted out, except for transgression. Thy wife shall also be blessed with thee, and have a part with thee in all these blessings, according to her station; even so. Amen.
Given in Kirtland, May 4, 1835, and recorded in this book Dec. 21, 1835. Oliver Cowdery, Clerk & Recorder.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:26 as quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
190 years ago today - May 4, 1825
Sidney Rigdon writes the preface for Alexander Campbells pamphlet giving details of Campbell's debate with Reverend W. L. McCalla, former attorney and Presbyterian minister of Auga, Kentucky. Campbell argued against infant baptism and that baptism was for the forgiveness of personal sin rather than for the absolution of "original sin."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
30 years ago today - May 3, 1985
Church Public Communications director Jerry Cahill is informed by Gordon B. Hinckley that the First Presidency's vault does contain letter written by Joseph Smith which talks about "money digging." Cahill had, five days previously had publicly denied any such letter was in the Church's archives or in the First Presidency's vault. The letter, which is later discovered to be a forgery by Mark Hofmann, was secretly sold to the church for $10,000 and locked away in the First Presidency's vault.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
40 years ago today - May 3, 1975
Citing accelerated growth of the Church worldwide, the First Presidency announced the creation of an area supervisory program and the assignment of six Assistants to the Twelve to oversee Church activities while residing outside the United States and Canada. The number of these foreign areas was increased to eight later in the year.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
135 years ago today - May 3, 1880
2 P.M. Council at E[ndowment]. H[ouse]. Moved to defer action on the Revelation till next October. Some heavy indebtednesses were canceled to D[aniel]. H. Wells, Brigham Young [Jr.], O[rson]. Pratt, and it was discussed & concluded that from & after April 1st those of the Twelve who have been receiving $1,500.00 a year have $2,000, a year. The question of over running salaries was brought up. Several of the brethren had overdrawn their allowance and among them myself [Franklin D. Richards]. Brother [Daniel H.] Wells moved and it was seconded and carried unanimously that my account be squared up to date and my allowance be raised from $1,500 to $2,00 per year. I objected to the forgiving of my debt, but not to the other, and made a motion that the allowance of each of the Twelve who are now drawing $1,500 be allowed $2,000 per year, which was carried, and their overdrawing be remitted. I also moved that John Smith be allowed $1,200.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
150 years ago today - May 3, 1865
The RLDS Quorum of Twelve discusses whether or not Blacks should be ordained to the priesthood. They reach an impasse and send the question to RLDS President Joseph Smith III. Joseph III receives a revelation allowing blacks to be baptized. The LDS church follows suit 122 years later.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - 1835: 3 May
[Patriarchal Blessing of Lorenzo Barnes given by Joseph Smith, Sen.] "... thou shalt stand when wickedness is swept of[f] from the Earth even with thy brethren the hundred & forty & four thousand sealed out of out of [sic] the Twelve Tribes of Israel.?
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - May 3, 1835
[Brigham Young, first mission of the Twelve] in the evening we met at the house of President Joseph Smith Jr at two oclock in the morning of the 4 wee the 12 started on our mishon to the east acompened by two other Brotherin
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
120 years ago today - May 2, 1895
First Presidency and apostles consider request for excommunication by George C. Williams who "feels to condemn the Church for allowing Isaac Haight, who is said to have been one of the leaders in the Mountain Meadows Massacre to remain [actually, be rebaptized] in the Church after his participation in that terrible crime. In that massacre Williams is said to have lost fourteen relatives." Apostle George Teasdale records: "Today Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon very humbly apologized to bro[ther] George Goddard in bro[ther] Reynolds office for the joke he perpetrated upon him last evening in the 14th ward Assembly hall."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - May 2, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman] Today Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon very humbly apologized to bro[ther] George Goddard in bro[ther] Reynolds office for the joke he perpetrated upon him last evening in the 14th ward Assembly hall.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - May 2, 1885
Young single adults to go through temple
Temple Recommends Young person not going to be married to receive endowments. about the age of 21.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Temple Recommends Young person not going to be married to receive endowments. about the age of 21.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - May 2, 1835 (Saturday)
After conference was opened and the Twelve took their seats, he stated that it would be the duty of the Twelve to appoint the oldest one of their number to preside in their councils, beginning at the oldest and so on until the youngest has presided and then beginning at the oldest again. &c. ...
The President [Joseph Smith] then stated that the Twelve will have no right to go into Zion or any of its stakes and there undertake to regulate the affairs thereof where there is a standing High Council. But it is their duty to go abroad and regulate all matters relative to the different branches of the Church. ... No standing High Council has authority to go into the churches abroad and regulate the matters thereof, for this belongs to the Twelve. No High Council will ever be established only in Zion or one of its stakes.
... If the first Seventy are all occupied and there is a call for more laborers, it will be the duty of the seven presidents of the first Seventy to call and ordain other Seventy and send them forth to labor in the vineyard until, if need be, they set a part apart seven times seventy, even until there shall be one hundred & forty and four thousand. ... The Twelve and the Seventy have particularly to depend upon their ministry for their support and that of their families, and they have a right by virtue of their offices to call upon the Church to assist them.
President J. Smith Junr. arose with the list in his hand and made some vary appropriate remarks relative to the deliverance of Zion and so much of the authority being present, he moved that we never give up the struggle for Zion even until death, or until Zion is redeemed. The vote was unanimous and with apparent deep feeling.
[Source: Source: Oliver Cowdery Record in the Kirtland Council Minute Book, LDS -Kirtland Council Minute Book, 112-13, 115]
The President [Joseph Smith] then stated that the Twelve will have no right to go into Zion or any of its stakes and there undertake to regulate the affairs thereof where there is a standing High Council. But it is their duty to go abroad and regulate all matters relative to the different branches of the Church. ... No standing High Council has authority to go into the churches abroad and regulate the matters thereof, for this belongs to the Twelve. No High Council will ever be established only in Zion or one of its stakes.
... If the first Seventy are all occupied and there is a call for more laborers, it will be the duty of the seven presidents of the first Seventy to call and ordain other Seventy and send them forth to labor in the vineyard until, if need be, they set a part apart seven times seventy, even until there shall be one hundred & forty and four thousand. ... The Twelve and the Seventy have particularly to depend upon their ministry for their support and that of their families, and they have a right by virtue of their offices to call upon the Church to assist them.
President J. Smith Junr. arose with the list in his hand and made some vary appropriate remarks relative to the deliverance of Zion and so much of the authority being present, he moved that we never give up the struggle for Zion even until death, or until Zion is redeemed. The vote was unanimous and with apparent deep feeling.
[Source: Source: Oliver Cowdery Record in the Kirtland Council Minute Book, LDS -Kirtland Council Minute Book, 112-13, 115]
30 years ago today - May 1, 1985
The DESERET NEWS publishes the content of a revelation found in Ron Lafferty's pocket the day he was arrested: "Thus sayeth the Lord unto my servants the prophets. It is my will and commandment that ye remove the following individuals in order that my work might go forward, for they have truly become obstacles in my path and I will not allow my work to be stopped. First thy brother's wife Brenda and her baby, then Chloe Low, and then Richard Stowe. And it is my will that they be removed in rapid succession and that an example be made of them in order that others might see the fate of those who fight against the true saints of God" Ron Lafferty, with his brother Dan, murdered Brenda Lafferty and her baby but were arrested before they could fulfil the remaining parts of the revelation.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - May 1, 1935
[Heber J. Grant] Abraham Lincoln has been referred to by some as the ugliest man that ever lived. The story goes that on one occasion he met my father-in-law, Daniel H. Well, and said to him, 'Wells, prepare to die. I have sworn that if I ever met a man uglier man than myself, I would shoot him.' Daniel H. Wells is reported to have said, 'Shoot, Abe,'if I am uglier than you, I want to die.'
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Letter to Robert K. Cutler, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Letter to Robert K. Cutler, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
110 years ago today - May 1, 1905 (Monday)
Elders Frederick Jacob Sorensen and Oluf Jensen were brutally treated by a mob in Tennessee.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - May 1, 1900 (Tuesday)
An explosion in Mine No. 4 at Winter Quarters, near Scofield, Utah, killed about two hundred miners, including many members of the Church.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - May 1, 1885
First Counselor in the First Presidency George Q. Cannon editorializes in "The Juvenile Instructor," and warns against the "Vain and delusive hope" that the "people of god" would renounce plural marriage. "To comply with the request of our enemies," he adamantly argues, "would be to give up all hope of ever entering into the glory of God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, the Son." Cannon denounces the "costly bargain" which the Saints were asked to make: "So intimately interwoven is this precious doctrine with the exaltation of men and women in the great hereafter that it cannot be given up without giving up at the same time all hope of immortal glory."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - May 1, 1865 (Missionary Meeting)
[Brigham Young] "Don't touch the women. I told one woman in England that kick keep out of bed. It is the greatest temptation of man that of women. It is the greatest temptation to women to enjoy the embraces of women. Joseph said to Oliver, let that woman alone. When Joseph commenced to receive revelation he got the [-] or marrow of the doctrine now called celestial marriage, and Joseph told Oliver to let it alone. And he felt he could do it, but is was his [Oliver's] ruin'-[paragraph blacked out] Leave women and liquor alone. If women came after you, let them alone."
[Source: General Church Minutes quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: General Church Minutes quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
150 years ago today - May 1, 1865
<[Brigham Young] said that> P[arley] P Prat[t's] <blood was spilt for [-] adultery.>
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 1, 1845
The TIMES AND SEASONS denies that Latter-day Saints engage in polygamy. It also asks, concerning the concept of sending missionaries to Africa: "Have the common propensities of the heathen to do evil been lessened by the labors of the clergy, in as great a proportion as drunkedness and debauchery had increased by civilized intercourse under the board of foreign mission?"
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - May 1, 1845. Thursday.
[William Clayton] ...President Young told me that he had learned that the Rigdonites are intending to have me taken up and prosecuted for polygamy...
[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]
[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]
185 years ago today - May 1, 1830
Smith fails to make the final payment of $86 to Isaac Hale for his land in Harmony.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
80 years ago today - Apr 30, 1935
[Heber J. Grant] ... you say 'It has always seemed hypocrisy to me for our church and leaders to preach the Word of Wisdom and then at the same time use our Church money invested in business which sells these very articles which it prohibits.' You refer particularly to the Z.C.M.I. and the Hotel Utah.
I think I am perfectly safe in saying that 90% of all the guests of the Utah Hotel are non- members of the Church. If the hotel did not serve the things that are served in other hotels it never could exist; people would naturally go where they could get the things they are accustomed to having. ...
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Letter to O. N. Anderson, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
I think I am perfectly safe in saying that 90% of all the guests of the Utah Hotel are non- members of the Church. If the hotel did not serve the things that are served in other hotels it never could exist; people would naturally go where they could get the things they are accustomed to having. ...
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Letter to O. N. Anderson, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
115 years ago today - Apr 30, 1900
"A number of young ladies with a guitar" serenade L. John Nuttall who is awakened from his sleep and goes to the window to listen. They sing "O My Father" and other songs. Nuttall had served as personal secretary to Presidents Brigham Young, John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
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