35 years ago today - Aug 16, 1985
Apostle (and former Utah Supreme Court Justice) Dallin Oaks instructs educators and administrators of LDS Church Educational System: "Balance is telling both sides. This is not the mission of official Church literature or avowedly anti-Mormon literature. Neither has any responsibility to present both sides."
70 years ago today - Aug 16, 1950
[George Albert Smith]
At Honolulu, "In the afternoon, by prearrangement, Joseph F. Smith, former patriarch to the Church, came to the Woolley home, and he and I stayed up in my room and had a long talk together concerning many things, particularly with reference to his problems [homosexuality]."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
At Honolulu, "In the afternoon, by prearrangement, Joseph F. Smith, former patriarch to the Church, came to the Woolley home, and he and I stayed up in my room and had a long talk together concerning many things, particularly with reference to his problems [homosexuality]."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
90 years ago today - Aug 16, 1930
[Heber J. Grant]
George Albert Smith called and told of his unsatisfactory physical condition. We told him to take a good long rest. He is getting very nervous. We don't want him to have another breakdown such as he had years ago, almost costing him his life.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
George Albert Smith called and told of his unsatisfactory physical condition. We told him to take a good long rest. He is getting very nervous. We don't want him to have another breakdown such as he had years ago, almost costing him his life.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Aug 16, 1900; Thursday
[George Q. Cannon] If a man, even in these days were to proclaim his unbelief in the doctrine of plural marriage, he would not be worthy of the Priesthood. ... B. H. Roberts, who had recently attended the Cassia [Idaho] Stake conference, had reported that some brethren in that region were being accused by their Teachers of living in adultery with their plural wives. He said that he told Brother Roberts that it should be made clear to such teachers that when the Manifesto was issued we did not pledge ourselves to abandon our plural wives, nor even cease to perform plural marriages outside of the Government; and when our people get the idea that we have bound ourselves to the whole world they manifest ignorance. A man may go to some countries and not violate their laws by taking a plural wife and living in plural marriage. Turkey, for instance; that is, if the man holding the keys authorizes him to do so he would have a right to do this. It was wrong for the idea to go abroad among our people that we had abandoned the doctrine of plural marriage as a tenet of our faith, simply because the practice of marrying plural wives is forbidden....
President Snow remarked that if he knew anything at all he knew there were thousands of dead branches which should be pruned for the benefit of the church. While no action was taken this was the general sentiment of the council. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
President Snow remarked that if he knew anything at all he knew there were thousands of dead branches which should be pruned for the benefit of the church. While no action was taken this was the general sentiment of the council. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 16, 1900
Some discussion was indulged in regarding non-tithe-payers, and it was suggested by Pres. Cannon that men holding the priesthood who do not pay tithing should be handled in their quorums, and if they did not repent and honor this law, they should be dropped from the quorum, as in his opinion a man who rejected this law was certainly not worthy to hold a standing in a quorum of the priesthood. Also, he thought quorums should adopt a rule requiring the attendance of their members, and an absence from three or four meetings without a proper excuse should be considered sufficient cause for dropping his name from the roll. It was conceded by all present that the suggestions were very good, and it would be well to take them as a text in visiting the various conferences. In regard to some members of the church who were reported up as not believing in the principle of tithing, Pres. Cannon remarked that a man who did not believe in the law was not worthy to hold the priesthood.
[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]
[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]
135 years ago today - Aug 16, 1885 (Sunday)
The notorious apostate Wm. Jarman made an unsuccessful attempt to break up a conference meeting of Saints in Sheffield, England. A mob numbering several thousands followed the Elders, hooting and yelling. The police, however, protected the brethren from assault.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Aug 16, 1845
Hosea Stout wrote, "It was decided that there would be a guard kept night and day around the temple, and that no stranger be allowed to come within the square of the temple lot, and also that there be four large lanterns made for the purpose and placed about 25 feet from each corner of the [Nauvoo] temple, to keep a light by night for the convenience of the guard."
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
185 years ago today - Aug 16, 1835
Erastus Snow: Ordained elder 16 August 1835.
[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]
[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]
190 years ago today - Aug 16, 1830
Joseph Sr. appears before Justice Nathan Pierce representing Hyrum, who is charged with an outstanding debt by Levi Daggett.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
80 years ago today - Aug 15, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
'Last night I slept only two or three hours. I was worried, my eyes were full of tears of gratitude for the fine picture [Movie: "Brigham Young"] that I witnessed Tuesday, and I had thanked Colonel Joy sincerely, and remarked, "The Lord bless you," and he said "God bless you, Mr. Grant." I had missed the statement that Brigham Young said he had lied. My attention was called to it yesterday, and I could not sleep all night. I do not think I slept more than three hours. I had made up my mind to catch the train this morning and go to Los Angeles and try to persuade the picture people to change that, but I found that Brother Clark had telephoned to Colonel Joy and he had promised to do his best to make the change. They thought I ought not to go alone and I had telephoned George D. Pyper and asked him to go with me, and I intended to go tomorrow, but after learning of the conversation by telephone and also sending telegrams, that it could not possibly be done, at this late date, we decided it would be a waste of time and would accomplish nothing for me to go to the Coast.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
'Last night I slept only two or three hours. I was worried, my eyes were full of tears of gratitude for the fine picture [Movie: "Brigham Young"] that I witnessed Tuesday, and I had thanked Colonel Joy sincerely, and remarked, "The Lord bless you," and he said "God bless you, Mr. Grant." I had missed the statement that Brigham Young said he had lied. My attention was called to it yesterday, and I could not sleep all night. I do not think I slept more than three hours. I had made up my mind to catch the train this morning and go to Los Angeles and try to persuade the picture people to change that, but I found that Brother Clark had telephoned to Colonel Joy and he had promised to do his best to make the change. They thought I ought not to go alone and I had telephoned George D. Pyper and asked him to go with me, and I intended to go tomorrow, but after learning of the conversation by telephone and also sending telegrams, that it could not possibly be done, at this late date, we decided it would be a waste of time and would accomplish nothing for me to go to the Coast.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Aug 15, 1895
Apostle Abraham H. Cannon writes in his Journal: "Some talk was had about Charles Stayner and his doctrines of reincarnation. The fear was expressed by some of the brethren that Bishop O.F. Whitney has become somewhat indoctrinated with these ideas."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - Aug 15, 1875
... The rules of the United Order were then read and J[ohn] Taylor spoke 15 Minuts. At the Close of the Meeting we repaired to the water & G[eorge] Q Cannon Baptized 20 Persons including Charles C Rich and Wm. Budge. Most of those who were Baptized were Officiating as Bishops. They were Confirmed under the Hands of John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and A M Musser. W Woodruff Confirmed 7.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Aug 15, 1860
[Brigham Young]
G.Q. Cannon was giving an account of the new organization under Joseph Smith, the son of the Prophet. B.Y. said ... that Joseph might be a prophet and do a good work, but he never would be leader of this people. David would be the leader of the Church.
[Historians Office Journal, 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]
G.Q. Cannon was giving an account of the new organization under Joseph Smith, the son of the Prophet. B.Y. said ... that Joseph might be a prophet and do a good work, but he never would be leader of this people. David would be the leader of the Church.
[Historians Office Journal, 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]
180 years ago today - 1840 15 Aug.
Joseph Smith preaches baptism for the dead at the funeral of Seymour Brunson who died 10 Aug. "General George Washington" is among the first for whom a vicarious baptism for the dead occurs in the Mississippi River, his proxy ("friend") Smith's brother Don Carlos. After 1841 baptisms for the dead would occur only in specially constructed temple fonts.
[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]
[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]
180 years ago today - Aug 15, 1840
The first baptisms for the dead take place. Jane Neyman promptly asks Harvey Olmstead to baptize her in the Mississippi for her dead son Cyrus. When Joseph hears the words that were used he pronounces the ceremony valid, Vienna Jacques having been a witness.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
105 years ago today - Aug 14, 1915
[James E. Talmage]
The First Presidency issues the following endorsement of Jesus the Christ in the Deseret Evening News:
We desire that the work, "Jesus the Christ," be read and studied by the Latter-day Saints, in their families, and in the organizations that are devoted wholly or in part to theological study. We commend it especially for use in our Church schools, as also for the advanced theological classes in Sunday schools and priesthood quorums, for the instruction of our missionaries, and for general reading. [Deseret Evening News, 14 August 1915]
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
The First Presidency issues the following endorsement of Jesus the Christ in the Deseret Evening News:
We desire that the work, "Jesus the Christ," be read and studied by the Latter-day Saints, in their families, and in the organizations that are devoted wholly or in part to theological study. We commend it especially for use in our Church schools, as also for the advanced theological classes in Sunday schools and priesthood quorums, for the instruction of our missionaries, and for general reading. [Deseret Evening News, 14 August 1915]
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
60 years ago today - Aug 14, 1960
Jerald Tanner is excommunicated from the LDS church at his own request. Tanner later states: "I believed very strongly that I belonged to the only true church and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. When I was about 18, I had to face reality." Jerald, with his wife Sandra, later are a major force in publicizing the Church's problematic history.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - Aug 14, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
Regarding to the holding of funerals on Sunday:
We approve of your having recommended to the Bishops that as far as possible funerals be held on week days. However, this cannot be established as a binding rule, and there is no order of the Church prohibiting the holding of funerals on Sunday. When, however, it is deemed advisable to hold funeral services on the Sabbath Day, the hours should be so arranged as not to interfere too seriously with the regularly established Sunday meetings.
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Horace Raymond Pond, 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]
Regarding to the holding of funerals on Sunday:
We approve of your having recommended to the Bishops that as far as possible funerals be held on week days. However, this cannot be established as a binding rule, and there is no order of the Church prohibiting the holding of funerals on Sunday. When, however, it is deemed advisable to hold funeral services on the Sabbath Day, the hours should be so arranged as not to interfere too seriously with the regularly established Sunday meetings.
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Horace Raymond Pond, 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]
85 years ago today - Aug 14, 1935
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay]
... Should persons guilty of adultery be dealt with for their membership, or for their fellowship in the Church?
Every case should be considered on its merits. If the sin was committed in secret, and the person has confessed, the case should not be made public, but the authority to whom the confession is made should grant the forgiveness asked and the person be permitted to retain his or her membership in the Church. If, however, the case is a flagrant one and known publicly, then such necessary restitution should be made as seems fitting to the presiding authorities. (See: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 42:90-93.)
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Reuben M. Wiberg, 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]
... Should persons guilty of adultery be dealt with for their membership, or for their fellowship in the Church?
Every case should be considered on its merits. If the sin was committed in secret, and the person has confessed, the case should not be made public, but the authority to whom the confession is made should grant the forgiveness asked and the person be permitted to retain his or her membership in the Church. If, however, the case is a flagrant one and known publicly, then such necessary restitution should be made as seems fitting to the presiding authorities. (See: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 42:90-93.)
[Heber J. Grant and David O. McKay, Letter to Reuben M. Wiberg, 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]
90 years ago today - Aug 14, 1930
Attended council meeting of the Twelve beginning at 9 A.M. and meeting of the First Presidency and the twelve at 10, both in the Temple. These are the first council meetings of the kind held since July 9, the intervening period being regarded as vacation time for the brethren, most of whom have been away.
[James E. Talmage 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]
[James E. Talmage 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]
125 years ago today - Aug 14, 1895
Joseph Smith III, son of Joseph Smith Jr and president of the RLDS church writes, "Father had no wife but my mother, Emma Hale, to the knowledge of either my mother or myself, and I was twelve years old nearly when he was killed."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Aug 14, 1895
Brother Reed Smoot came up from Provo [Utah] to see the First Presidency in relation to the indebtedness of the Brigham Young Academy [later BYU] which his father had endorsed. The indebtedness amounts altogether to upwards of $70,000, $15,000 of which is arranged for by the Church. The estate is so tied up by this endorsement that unless something is done for their relief they will be financially ruined. This is a case that has appealed very strongly to my sympathies, as Brother Smoot endorsed these notes in consequence of counsel that he says he received from President [Brigham] Young to stand by that Academy and to do all in his power to sustain it, and he has told his family and others that if it cost him every dollar he had in the world he would do it.
[George Q. Cannon 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]
[George Q. Cannon 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]
190 years ago today - Aug 14, 1830
Justice Nathan Pierce issues an order to collect an unpaid judgment against Hyrum Smith.: "THESE are therefore to command you to levy on the goods and chattels of the said defendant (except such as are by law exempted from execution) the amount of the said judgment, and bring the money before me, on the 13th- day of Sep 1830 at my office in the town of Manchester. . . . And if no goods or chattels can be found, or not sufficient to satisfy this execution, then you are hereby commanded to take the body of the said defendant and convey him to the common Jail of the county aforesaid." The constable, Nathan Harrington, collects less than half the debt from Hyrum and when he returns later to collect the remainder he finds that Hyrum has moved away.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Aug 13, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
[Upon seeing a special preview for general authorities of the movies on Brigham Young:] It brought tears to my eyes a time or two. Of course there are many things in it that I wish we could change, but I think they have done a splendid job, and I do not want to criticise (sic) at all what they have done. They have to make a picture that will sell.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Upon seeing a special preview for general authorities of the movies on Brigham Young:] It brought tears to my eyes a time or two. Of course there are many things in it that I wish we could change, but I think they have done a splendid job, and I do not want to criticise (sic) at all what they have done. They have to make a picture that will sell.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Aug 13, 1900; Monday
... President Snow then declared that no such sealings could be performed in Mexico any quicker than in the United States, with his consent, for such marriages had been forbidden.
Brother Rudger Clawson had a talk with Presidents Snow and Cannon on the subject of non-tithe-paying. He had learned that the Davis [Utah] Stake contained a great number of non-tithe payers among whom were some High Priests and Seventies; some of these, he had learned, did not believe in the law of tithing at all and the question had arisen what should be done with them. President Cannon suggested that the proper thing to do was for the quorums to which these men belonged take up the subject of non-tithe-paying and make it a matter of fellowship, that is, that non-tithe-payers belonging to quorums of the Priesthood who declare their unbelief in this law or who refused to pay tithing, should have fellowship withdrawn from them. This would leave them in a suspended state and would relieve the Bishopric and High Council from dealing directly with them, and giving any of them a chance to rail against any unfavorable action that might be taken against them in the regular church courts. Of course, they should be first labored with.
The sum of $10. was appropriated by President Snow as a donation to the Orphans' home. For some time the Church had been donating $5. a month regularly to that institution.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Brother Rudger Clawson had a talk with Presidents Snow and Cannon on the subject of non-tithe-paying. He had learned that the Davis [Utah] Stake contained a great number of non-tithe payers among whom were some High Priests and Seventies; some of these, he had learned, did not believe in the law of tithing at all and the question had arisen what should be done with them. President Cannon suggested that the proper thing to do was for the quorums to which these men belonged take up the subject of non-tithe-paying and make it a matter of fellowship, that is, that non-tithe-payers belonging to quorums of the Priesthood who declare their unbelief in this law or who refused to pay tithing, should have fellowship withdrawn from them. This would leave them in a suspended state and would relieve the Bishopric and High Council from dealing directly with them, and giving any of them a chance to rail against any unfavorable action that might be taken against them in the regular church courts. Of course, they should be first labored with.
The sum of $10. was appropriated by President Snow as a donation to the Orphans' home. For some time the Church had been donating $5. a month regularly to that institution.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
170 years ago today - Aug 13, 1850
[Wilford Woodruff]
The whole Appearance of Chimney Rock would indicate that the Ancient Nephites or some one els had built the mound & erected a great tower upon the top of it. And the whole formation of the Bluffs in this region of Country Appears more like the ruins of Ancient Cities than of Nature.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The whole Appearance of Chimney Rock would indicate that the Ancient Nephites or some one els had built the mound & erected a great tower upon the top of it. And the whole formation of the Bluffs in this region of Country Appears more like the ruins of Ancient Cities than of Nature.
[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 - Aug 13, 1845
[Nauvoo Neighbor]
- Announcement: "The Last Shingle" - The [Nauvoo] Temple Roof is Completed
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
- Announcement: "The Last Shingle" - The [Nauvoo] Temple Roof is Completed
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
175 years ago today - Aug 13, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Ann Erskine given by William Smith ... thou art sealed up unto eternal life, with power over diseases sickness pain the flesh the Devil and all evil Spirits crowned with the blessings of an eternal Salvation at God[']s right hand to dwell for evermore freed from pain & sorrow which blessing I seal upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
120 years ago today - Aug 12, 1900
... Bro[ther]. Cluff here to get supplies for his S[outh]. A[merican]. Expedition [to search for archaelogical evidence of the Book of Mormon] which is at Nogales waiting under the guard for him to arrange to get them through the Custom House. At 3 P.M. meeting ... The idea had been conveyed that this was a Church expedition. Read letter of instruction from Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow ... that it was the unanimous opinion of the Pres[idency]. & Apostles that the expedition disband, but if reasons exist which we do not know that a part of the expedition proceed. Cluff must assume the entire responsibility. ... Bro[ther]. Cluff spoke. Said he greatly desired to go forward. If he returned now the expedition would be a failure & his reputation was worth more to him than his life. He would rather fail on the Isthmus or on the banks of the Magdelena River than turn back now. He did not desire to go forward, however, unless he could do so with the blessings of the Lord. Bro[ther]. [Joseph F.] Smith'asked Bro[ther]. Cluff'Do you feel, in view of the contents of the telegram, that you desire to go forward? Pres[ident]. Smith, I do not feel like turning back. Bro[ther]. Kenkie said he was set apart to remain in the South & preach the Gospel. Pres[ident]. Smith made remarks. Bore strong testimony that the work of the Lord would spread till the L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints]. would control in this land, (&) U.S. ... Pres[ident]. Smith said that he would not be placed in a position to be held responsible for the act of any individual. You must chose for yourself.
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, August 13, 1900, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, August 13, 1900, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
10 years ago today - 8/12/2010
After reading arguments regarding the stay, Judge Walker says: "None of the factors the court weighs in considering a motion to stay favors granting a stay. Accordingly, proponents motion for a stay is DENIED." Again, rather than having same-sex marriages begin immediately, Walker leaves one week for the appellate court to review the question of a stay. If the appellate court does not lengthen the stay, Walker directs that same-sex marriages could begin at 5:01 p.m. on August 18, 2010.
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
120 years ago today - Aug 12, 1900; Sunday
In our Council meeting this PM the leading men Bro[ther] Cluff Bro[ther] Fairbanks & Bro[ther] Woolff [sic] expressed the desire that with a selected few the Expedition [to South America to look for evidence of the Book of Mormon] might continue and it seemed that the spirit of the Lord impressed it upon the mind of Pres[ident Joseph F.] Smith that this would be permitted.... the telegram from Pres[ident] Snow received at Nogales last night suggesting the disbanding of the expedition but with suggestions that Pres[ident] Smith was to acct [sic] under the direction of the Spirit of God in deciding whether any of the camp should be allowed to go on ...
[Seymour B. Young, Diary]
[Seymour B. Young, Diary]
120 years ago today - Aug 12, 1900; Sunday
Pres[ident Joseph F]. Smith made remarks. Bore strong testimony that the work of the Lord would spread till the L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints]. would control in this land [Mexico], (&) U.S. ...
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, entry dated August 13, 1900]
[Anthony W. Ivins, Diary, entry dated August 13, 1900]
125 years ago today - Aug 12, 1895
[Franklin D. Richards]
The political elements thicken Eastern people seem trying to create public sentiment against women voting on adoption of the Constitution & for Utah officers. Judge Smith's opinion at 1pm I. Judge WH Smith decided that the women of Utah are authorized to Register & vote at Nov election for constitution, &c. Aug-Sept
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The political elements thicken Eastern people seem trying to create public sentiment against women voting on adoption of the Constitution & for Utah officers. Judge Smith's opinion at 1pm I. Judge WH Smith decided that the women of Utah are authorized to Register & vote at Nov election for constitution, &c. Aug-Sept
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Aug 12, 1860 (Sunday)
The Indians made an attack upon the mail station at Egan Canyon, (Tooele Co.) and the following day on Shell Creek Station. A company of soldiers came to the rescue and killed 17 Indians.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Aug 12, 1860
[Brigham Young]
If I have faith enough to cause the devils to eat up the devils, like the Kilkenny cats, I shall certainly exercise it. Joseph Smith said that they would eat each other up, as did those cats. They will do so here, and throughout the world. The nations will consume each other, and the Lord will suffer them to bring it about. It does not require much talent or tact to get up opposition in these days. you see it rife in communities, in meetings, in neighbourhoods, and in cities. That is the knife that will cut down this Government. The axe is laid at the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit will be hewn down. Out of this Church will grow the kingdom which Daniel saw. This is the very people that Daniel saw would continue to grow and spread and prosper...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 8:141-144, 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]
If I have faith enough to cause the devils to eat up the devils, like the Kilkenny cats, I shall certainly exercise it. Joseph Smith said that they would eat each other up, as did those cats. They will do so here, and throughout the world. The nations will consume each other, and the Lord will suffer them to bring it about. It does not require much talent or tact to get up opposition in these days. you see it rife in communities, in meetings, in neighbourhoods, and in cities. That is the knife that will cut down this Government. The axe is laid at the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit will be hewn down. Out of this Church will grow the kingdom which Daniel saw. This is the very people that Daniel saw would continue to grow and spread and prosper...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 8:141-144, 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 - Aug 12, 1855
[Minutes of the Twelve Apostles]
Twelve met in the Presidents Office upper room. ...
[BY] I do not /[k]no[w]/ but /some/ Spirits may be confused & get into wrong tabernacles when they come here. I believe those stereotyped, will advance & go ahead in time'... T[homas] B[ullock] read Joseph's dream of 3 Feb 1844.
B Y[:] I think Jos[eph] had another dream & Hy[rum]- was with him on a Steam boat. Willard was there & wrote both the dreams.
J M G[:] Jos[eph] said I dont intend to do any thing but preside over the Conference. and live on the Mound Farm and make the 12 do all the business of the Ch[urch. H]e said a dozen times, Iam willing to die for my friends. [A]nd [he] told me to tell the Gov[erno]r. just what God puts into your heart. [W]hen I ret[urne]d. at 4 next morn[ing]. I told him not to go for they will try to kill you. [W]hen he was go[ing] he said, I do not [k]no[w] that I will see you ag[ai]n. [O]ver 40 of us were going and see him on the 26[th] but he sent word for us not to go. I rem[em]ber his looks. [H]e made use of the expressn several times, I am go[ing], as a lamb to the slaughter. Jos[ep]h sent J[ohn] S Fullmer to Nauvoo in the morning at 4. I rem[em]ber crying when praying and could not tell what for.
B Y[: T]here was a great darkness over the p[eo]pl[e] at the time. [It was] enquire[d] of J M G fuller particulars & J M B.
J M B[:] I was in Jail on 26 when they took him by force to the Court house. I said emphatically, dont go, but in a short time he was escorted by the Military to the Court House. I dont think Jos[eph] ever had any idea that he sho[ul]d. return alive to Nauvoo. Dr. R. & myself rode in the car. Jos[eph] rode Jo Duncan & said I am going as a Lamb to the Slaughrer but I have a conscience void of offence to the God and man.
J M G[: S]ince then I have not seen a minute but to bel[ieve] that it could not be averted. [L]ike Jesus it had to be done.
B Y[:] I told the p[eo]pl[e] all things have been done accord[ing]. to the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things and ask him about it.
J M G[: W]hen the Dr returned he was perfectly cool. and before he left Carthage. Prayed President Young sung 'Come ye that love the Lord' Pres[iden]t. ... -
B Y[: T]hey /(U S Congress)/ will try to repeal the fugitive slave law, next session. J M G[: T]hat will break up the union.
H C K[:] When that /(Mesmerism)/ goes, something worse will come. ...
[Minutes, 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]
Twelve met in the Presidents Office upper room. ...
[BY] I do not /[k]no[w]/ but /some/ Spirits may be confused & get into wrong tabernacles when they come here. I believe those stereotyped, will advance & go ahead in time'... T[homas] B[ullock] read Joseph's dream of 3 Feb 1844.
B Y[:] I think Jos[eph] had another dream & Hy[rum]- was with him on a Steam boat. Willard was there & wrote both the dreams.
J M G[:] Jos[eph] said I dont intend to do any thing but preside over the Conference. and live on the Mound Farm and make the 12 do all the business of the Ch[urch. H]e said a dozen times, Iam willing to die for my friends. [A]nd [he] told me to tell the Gov[erno]r. just what God puts into your heart. [W]hen I ret[urne]d. at 4 next morn[ing]. I told him not to go for they will try to kill you. [W]hen he was go[ing] he said, I do not [k]no[w] that I will see you ag[ai]n. [O]ver 40 of us were going and see him on the 26[th] but he sent word for us not to go. I rem[em]ber his looks. [H]e made use of the expressn several times, I am go[ing], as a lamb to the slaughter. Jos[ep]h sent J[ohn] S Fullmer to Nauvoo in the morning at 4. I rem[em]ber crying when praying and could not tell what for.
B Y[: T]here was a great darkness over the p[eo]pl[e] at the time. [It was] enquire[d] of J M G fuller particulars & J M B.
J M B[:] I was in Jail on 26 when they took him by force to the Court house. I said emphatically, dont go, but in a short time he was escorted by the Military to the Court House. I dont think Jos[eph] ever had any idea that he sho[ul]d. return alive to Nauvoo. Dr. R. & myself rode in the car. Jos[eph] rode Jo Duncan & said I am going as a Lamb to the Slaughrer but I have a conscience void of offence to the God and man.
J M G[: S]ince then I have not seen a minute but to bel[ieve] that it could not be averted. [L]ike Jesus it had to be done.
B Y[:] I told the p[eo]pl[e] all things have been done accord[ing]. to the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things and ask him about it.
J M G[: W]hen the Dr returned he was perfectly cool. and before he left Carthage. Prayed President Young sung 'Come ye that love the Lord' Pres[iden]t. ... -
B Y[: T]hey /(U S Congress)/ will try to repeal the fugitive slave law, next session. J M G[: T]hat will break up the union.
H C K[:] When that /(Mesmerism)/ goes, something worse will come. ...
[Minutes, 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]
175 years ago today - Aug 12, 1845
Mrs. Sally (Stacey) Murdock, a Mormon widow who wrote from Nauvoo that, "There has been but few elders sent out since the death of the prophet but when the seventies receive their endeument they will go forth with power to all the nations kindreds tongues and people of the earth . . ." "Endued" is a term used in masonic ceremonies, (I.E. "Since he comes endued with all these necessary qualifications, let him enter this Worshipful Lodge in the name of the Lord, and take heed on what he enters," William Morgan, Illustrations of Masonry" pp. 46-47, 65 [1827])
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
180 years ago today - Aug 12, 1840
Father John Smith Informed us in his letter of some remarkable Signs that lately appeared among the Saints viz on the 14th of June 1840. On Sunday five <[-]> men members of the Church saw two men ride across the Missisippi River from Montrose to Nauvoo. One man was on a white horse & the other on a bay or red horse. The waters parted under their feet & fire flew when their tails moved & they observed the clothing of the men. A few month previous to this a man was seen walking across the river by several believers & others. The Unbeleivers said Probably a mormon was going across to steal sumthing. This is the effect that Signs have on those that Seek them.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Aug. 11, Wed. [1920]
[James E. Talmage]
... We climbed the hill [Cumorah] and traversed it back and fore and examined it with interest and care. It is the largest of the many glacial drumlins of the locality, and is the most prominent of all the elevations in the neighborhood. Aside from the fact that the plates of the Book of Mormon were taken from the hill, I was greatly interested in looking from its summit over the surrounding region and in contemplating the tremendous battle-scenes of the past, whereby first the Jaredites and later the Nephites were exterminated as nations. I believe the Book of Mormon account without reservation or modification. I believe, also, and express it as my personal conviction, that many ancient records, possibly those from which Mormon made his abridgment, are still concealed in that hill. I believe also that they will be brought forth in the Lord's due time, and that until that time no man will succeed in finding them. [...]
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
... We climbed the hill [Cumorah] and traversed it back and fore and examined it with interest and care. It is the largest of the many glacial drumlins of the locality, and is the most prominent of all the elevations in the neighborhood. Aside from the fact that the plates of the Book of Mormon were taken from the hill, I was greatly interested in looking from its summit over the surrounding region and in contemplating the tremendous battle-scenes of the past, whereby first the Jaredites and later the Nephites were exterminated as nations. I believe the Book of Mormon account without reservation or modification. I believe, also, and express it as my personal conviction, that many ancient records, possibly those from which Mormon made his abridgment, are still concealed in that hill. I believe also that they will be brought forth in the Lord's due time, and that until that time no man will succeed in finding them. [...]
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
110 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 11, 1910
[Counselor John Henry Smith]
... We talked over reports of some new [plural] Marriages. It was decided if evidence can be got [we] will sever such parties from the church.
[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]
... We talked over reports of some new [plural] Marriages. It was decided if evidence can be got [we] will sever such parties from the church.
[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]
130 years ago today - Aug 11, 1890
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
[Notes that the First Presidenct are going to Albuquerque "where all the First Presidency are going to consult the Southern stake presidents on political matters in Arizona."] ... at 4:30 he & Bro[ther] Lyman blessed and set me apart to preside in foreign lands. Every blessing pronounced upon my head by prophets and apostles should be realized my ive me utterance . . .
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Notes that the First Presidenct are going to Albuquerque "where all the First Presidency are going to consult the Southern stake presidents on political matters in Arizona."] ... at 4:30 he & Bro[ther] Lyman blessed and set me apart to preside in foreign lands. Every blessing pronounced upon my head by prophets and apostles should be realized my ive me utterance . . .
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Aug 11, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Thore Thorsten given by William Smith ... for truly it might be said of thee the blessings of Prophets are upon thy head, and in all thy days and wherever thy lot shall be cast it shall be observed that thou art a child of a peculiar Spirit, and all this because thou hast descended from those fathers, unto whom the promises were made belonging to their stock, for among the number of thy forefathers there shall be them who administered before the alter [altar] who had the Holy Priesthood, stood in the house of David and held the key of knowledge they understood the mysteries of kingdoms, the power of Priesthood authority, held the oracles and wore the sacred robe, to them it was given to understand the principles and power by which kingdoms and empires were built up, kings and thrones were glorified, creation of worlds, by Vissions [Visions] and Revelations to hold power over all the languages of the earth over every nation, kindred tongue and people ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
175 years ago today - Aug 11, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Martha J. McKee given by William Smith on August 11, 1845
City of Joseph 11 Augt 1845. Wm Smith Patriarch[']s blessing ... Dear sister. In the name of Jesus christ I lay my hands upon your head to seal upon you a father[']s blessing by the consent and request of thy father which will seal thee up unto eternal life beyond the power of Satan and all his temptations...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
City of Joseph 11 Augt 1845. Wm Smith Patriarch[']s blessing ... Dear sister. In the name of Jesus christ I lay my hands upon your head to seal upon you a father[']s blessing by the consent and request of thy father which will seal thee up unto eternal life beyond the power of Satan and all his temptations...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
175 years ago today - Aug 11, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Joseph H. Lane given by William Smith ... for thou art one of that number even of God[']s chosen ones of whom it is said according to the election of grace that all Israel shall be saved as it is written I have reserved unto myself Seven thousand men who have never bowed the knee to the image of Baal then with this number thou art numbered of this seed and stock counted in the lineage of Joseph of whose blood thou art ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
35 years ago today - Aug 10, 1985.
Speaking at the regional priesthood leadership conference in Winder Stake on 10 August 1985, Elder Packer says: "We are in a time when `magazines' are available which defame and belittle the brethren. Authors are `scratching out' articles which seek these goals--and some young people are following. . . . These people argue, 'i[f] it's true, then say it.' . . . There are those who are crying sin and falsehood about the brethren and the prophets--especially regarding the Manifesto and polygamy. They are `offending little ones.'" Michael Quinn interprets the statement as referring to him.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
60 years ago today - Aug 10, 1960
A reporter from the Chicago Daily News asked Eisenhower on August 10, 1960: "Do you regret having kept Ezra Taft Benson on as Secretary of Agriculture in view of the unresolved farm problem that is giving Mr. Nixon such a hard time in his campaign?" "Ezra Benson has, to my mind," replied Eisenhower, who had also deliberately limited his own involvement, "been very honest and forthright and courageous in trying to get enacted into legislation plans and programs that I think are correct. And, therefore, for me to regret that he has been working would be almost a be trayal of my own views in this matter. I think we must find ways to give greater freedom to the farmer and make his whole business more responsive to market, rather than just to political considerations."
[Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
[Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
115 years ago today - Aug 10, 1905 (Thursday)
Elders Heber C. Miller and Joseph H. Walton, jun., who were laboring as missionaries in Tennessee, were brutally assaulted while engaged in tracting and seeking entertainment.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - August 10, 1845. Sunday.
[William Clayton]
...a letter was read from Pittsburgh from Amos Fielding dated ... that Sidney Rigdon has had a revelation requiring his followers to sell their property and give him the avails of it to purchase land in the East to build up the kingdom. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
...a letter was read from Pittsburgh from Amos Fielding dated ... that Sidney Rigdon has had a revelation requiring his followers to sell their property and give him the avails of it to purchase land in the East to build up the kingdom. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Aug 10, 1845
[Brigham Young to William Smith]
... with regard to "Cowdery's commentations" on your "Rebellious heart," the council knows not what you refer to unless it be the blessings in the "history of Joseph," (Times & Seasons July 1st 1845). If that be the thing, we think you labor under a mistake. Th[e] blessing is inserted in Joseph's private Journal which he called [ ] pocket book. & is Joseph's own language, & the blessing is good and great to yourself and posterity.
... To your question. "when the Brethren call on me to be sealed to their wives, - their dead friends &c also to get patriarchal blessings for their dead— what shall I say to them?" Of what use for sealing when every thing of the kind must be done over again in the Temple to make it valid? And it is not according to the order of the church to confer Patriarchal Blessings on the dead by proxy, until baptism &c has been attended to for them by proxy, which must be done in the Lord's House, therefore, any thing of the kind done at this time would be of no effect .
You refer to "Joseph's teachings up stairs in the brick Store that the Twelve have power to build up the kingdom of God &c." which the Twelve well recollect.= and they also recollect that Joseph said that the sealing power is always vested in one man, and that there never was, nor never would be but one man on the earth at a time to hold the sealing power keys of the sealing power in the church, that all sealings must be performed by the man holding the keys, or by his dictation, and that man is the president of the church. Hyrum held the patriarchal office legitimately, So do you. Hyrum was counseller [counselor], So are you. but the sealing power was not in Hyrum legitimately neither did he act on the sealing principle only as he was dictated by Joseph in every case. This was proven, for Hyrum did in one case undertake to seal without counsel, & Joseph told him if he did not stop it he would go to hell and all those he sealed with him.
with regard to the "brothers not daring to come to you for blessings for fear of offending the Twelve or Uncle John," we know not what it is made out of.= The Twelve have never thrown a [unclear word] in your way, but done every thing they could for you and will continue to do s. ...
[Brigham Young to William Smith, August 10, 1845, Brigham Young Collection, LDS Church Archives]
... with regard to "Cowdery's commentations" on your "Rebellious heart," the council knows not what you refer to unless it be the blessings in the "history of Joseph," (Times & Seasons July 1st 1845). If that be the thing, we think you labor under a mistake. Th[e] blessing is inserted in Joseph's private Journal which he called [ ] pocket book. & is Joseph's own language, & the blessing is good and great to yourself and posterity.
... To your question. "when the Brethren call on me to be sealed to their wives, - their dead friends &c also to get patriarchal blessings for their dead— what shall I say to them?" Of what use for sealing when every thing of the kind must be done over again in the Temple to make it valid? And it is not according to the order of the church to confer Patriarchal Blessings on the dead by proxy, until baptism &c has been attended to for them by proxy, which must be done in the Lord's House, therefore, any thing of the kind done at this time would be of no effect .
You refer to "Joseph's teachings up stairs in the brick Store that the Twelve have power to build up the kingdom of God &c." which the Twelve well recollect.= and they also recollect that Joseph said that the sealing power is always vested in one man, and that there never was, nor never would be but one man on the earth at a time to hold the sealing power keys of the sealing power in the church, that all sealings must be performed by the man holding the keys, or by his dictation, and that man is the president of the church. Hyrum held the patriarchal office legitimately, So do you. Hyrum was counseller [counselor], So are you. but the sealing power was not in Hyrum legitimately neither did he act on the sealing principle only as he was dictated by Joseph in every case. This was proven, for Hyrum did in one case undertake to seal without counsel, & Joseph told him if he did not stop it he would go to hell and all those he sealed with him.
with regard to the "brothers not daring to come to you for blessings for fear of offending the Twelve or Uncle John," we know not what it is made out of.= The Twelve have never thrown a [unclear word] in your way, but done every thing they could for you and will continue to do s. ...
[Brigham Young to William Smith, August 10, 1845, Brigham Young Collection, LDS Church Archives]
180 years ago today - Aug 10, 1840
Seymour Brunson: Died 10 August 1840 in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. At funeral Joseph Smith first publicly announced doctrine of baptism for dead.
[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]
[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]
185 years ago today - Aug 10, 1835
Minutes of "The High Council of Kirtland" note that they assembled "to hear complaint of President Joseph Smith, Jun., against Elder Reynolds Cahoon, in that the latter had failed to do his duty in correcting his children, and instructing them in the way of truth and righteousness; which was proved and decision given accordingly. Elder Cahoon confessed the correctness of the decision and promised to make public acknowledgment before the Church."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 9, 1900
[Rudger Clawson]
...A letter from Pres. J. F. Smith was read. Said that they (namely, Elders S. B. Young, presidency of the Juarez Stake, and himself) had met in council with [BYU President] B[enjamin] Cluff, Jr., pres. of the B. Y. College Scientific Expedition to South America and that Elder Cluff could not give up his cherished project to continue the expedition, although they had so advised it, and in consequence he would select 7 or 8 of his best men to continue the journey, the remainder to be released to take a mission to the S.W. States or return home. Some considerable discussion was indulged in regarding the unwillingness, apparently, of Elder Cluff to take the advice of Pres. J. F. Smith. ... Finally, it was moved and carried by unanimous vote that Pres. J. F. Smith be telegraphed to release and return the members of the expedition to their homes....
Apostle Reed Smoot called attention to the fact that the presidency and high council of the Utah Stake had made a distribution of the 10% tithing set apart as compensation to the bishops, and bishops' clerks, and stake tithing clerks, and that out of the distribution a small margin was reserved to meet some of the stake expenses, such as janitor hire and electric lighting for the stake tabernacle, and sundry other church items. The distribution, he said, was entirely satisfactory to the bishops and all others concerned. Bishop W. B. Preston, the presiding bishop, he remarked, objected to this arrangement, taking the position that the entire 10% should go to the bishops. While no formal vote was taken, it seemed to be the mind of the Presidency and brethren, that the presidency of a stake and high council had ample authority to make the distribution of the said 10%, and that if their action was accepted by the general authorities of the stake, it should stand.
[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]
...A letter from Pres. J. F. Smith was read. Said that they (namely, Elders S. B. Young, presidency of the Juarez Stake, and himself) had met in council with [BYU President] B[enjamin] Cluff, Jr., pres. of the B. Y. College Scientific Expedition to South America and that Elder Cluff could not give up his cherished project to continue the expedition, although they had so advised it, and in consequence he would select 7 or 8 of his best men to continue the journey, the remainder to be released to take a mission to the S.W. States or return home. Some considerable discussion was indulged in regarding the unwillingness, apparently, of Elder Cluff to take the advice of Pres. J. F. Smith. ... Finally, it was moved and carried by unanimous vote that Pres. J. F. Smith be telegraphed to release and return the members of the expedition to their homes....
Apostle Reed Smoot called attention to the fact that the presidency and high council of the Utah Stake had made a distribution of the 10% tithing set apart as compensation to the bishops, and bishops' clerks, and stake tithing clerks, and that out of the distribution a small margin was reserved to meet some of the stake expenses, such as janitor hire and electric lighting for the stake tabernacle, and sundry other church items. The distribution, he said, was entirely satisfactory to the bishops and all others concerned. Bishop W. B. Preston, the presiding bishop, he remarked, objected to this arrangement, taking the position that the entire 10% should go to the bishops. While no formal vote was taken, it seemed to be the mind of the Presidency and brethren, that the presidency of a stake and high council had ample authority to make the distribution of the said 10%, and that if their action was accepted by the general authorities of the stake, it should stand.
[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]
120 years ago today - Aug 9, 1900; Thursday
A letter from President Joseph F. Smith was read. It was dated Juarez [Mexico] 2nd, and conveyed the information that it had been decided to allow Brother [BYU President] Benjamin Cluff to select six or seven of his best men to accompany him, and the others were to be
honorably released from the expedition with the privilege of going into the mission field or returning home. President Smith, in closing his letter says: "Bro[ther]. Cluff could not give up his cherished scheme of exploring the south, although I told him we thought it would be well for him to do so."
...Elder Cluff's marital relations were now freely discussed. It seemed that some time ago, but long since the issuance of the Manifesto, he, although already a married man, won the affections of one of his students,10 and diplomatically endeavored in a quiet way to convey the idea that he had married her, and this he did in hopes of having the marriage ceremony performed secretly in the future. At least this is the supposition. This matter was brought to the attention of President Snow in the presence of Brother Cluff, when it was held by Professor Cluff that there was nothing wrong whatever in the relations between himself and the young lady, but he expressed the desire that the marriage ceremony could be performed...
President Snow then said that from what he had heard, he felt that he should feel perfectly safe in sending word to President Smith that it was the mind of the Twelve--and it was certainly his mind--that the expedition return.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
honorably released from the expedition with the privilege of going into the mission field or returning home. President Smith, in closing his letter says: "Bro[ther]. Cluff could not give up his cherished scheme of exploring the south, although I told him we thought it would be well for him to do so."
...Elder Cluff's marital relations were now freely discussed. It seemed that some time ago, but long since the issuance of the Manifesto, he, although already a married man, won the affections of one of his students,10 and diplomatically endeavored in a quiet way to convey the idea that he had married her, and this he did in hopes of having the marriage ceremony performed secretly in the future. At least this is the supposition. This matter was brought to the attention of President Snow in the presence of Brother Cluff, when it was held by Professor Cluff that there was nothing wrong whatever in the relations between himself and the young lady, but he expressed the desire that the marriage ceremony could be performed...
President Snow then said that from what he had heard, he felt that he should feel perfectly safe in sending word to President Smith that it was the mind of the Twelve--and it was certainly his mind--that the expedition return.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
170 years ago today - Aug 9, 1850
The United States Attorney in Illinois files a complaint to recover a debt Joseph Smith owed from the 1840 purchase of the steamship NAUVOO. The judge upholds the Illinois law that no church can legally hold more than ten acres of property, but he also rules that all the property which exceeded the allotted ten acres that Joseph held either personally or as trustee-in-trust after 1842 must be sold to pay the creditors. This includes all the other property Joseph had conveyed to Emma or the children after that time.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Aug 8, 1940
[Heber J. Grant]
I approved a long letter prepared by President Clark to a sister who wants to live according to the law of Moses ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I approved a long letter prepared by President Clark to a sister who wants to live according to the law of Moses ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Aug 8, 1900
The first of two plural marriages in Mexico that second counselor Joseph F. Smith secretly authorizes without the knowledge of President Lorenzo Snow, who prohibits polygamous ordinances. Counselor Smith instructs senior Seventy's president Seymour B. Young to perform the polygamous marriages.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Aug 8, 1895
First Presidency met with us at 11 a. m. After Circle prayers we partook of the sacrament of bread and wine. ... It was decided by the First Presidency and Twelve that it was not a good thing for women to register and vote at the coming fall election; they thought it would endanger Statehood.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Aug 8, 1895
Much talk over letter from Mr. Blackwell of Boston of Aug 6 to sister Zina D Young writing strongly against the women of voting on the Constitution as they have not the suffrage until the Constitution gives it to them
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Aug 8 [1845]
[Brigham Young Journal]
... In the evening went to Wm [William] Smith [age 34] and sealed [him] to Miss Rice [age 14] --
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
... In the evening went to Wm [William] Smith [age 34] and sealed [him] to Miss Rice [age 14] --
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
75 years ago today - Aug 7, 1945
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
The papers reported the dropping of an 'atom' bomb on Hiroshima, Japan which was more powerful than 200,000 tons of TNT. It practically destroyed the entire city. The terror of such warfare is appalling and the lengths that human beings can go to in bitter and deadly conflict is horrorfying. What can happen to the world if this report is true?
[Joseph Fielding Smith 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]
The papers reported the dropping of an 'atom' bomb on Hiroshima, Japan which was more powerful than 200,000 tons of TNT. It practically destroyed the entire city. The terror of such warfare is appalling and the lengths that human beings can go to in bitter and deadly conflict is horrorfying. What can happen to the world if this report is true?
[Joseph Fielding Smith 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]
80 years ago today - Aug 7, 1940
[President Heber J. Grant]
I did not go to sleep last night until after midnight. I was thinking of the political situation, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's running for a third term. I am unalterably opposed, and I doubt whether I am justified in keeping quiet. I feel that it is an outrage that any man should aspire to a third term in view of the history of all our Presidents up to the present time and the feeling of the people generally. I realize that it would create a good deal of ill will on the part of the people, but I think the way he secured the nomination was an outrage. As a gambler would say, 'the deck was packed to a fare-thee-well.' I just couldn't sleep.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I did not go to sleep last night until after midnight. I was thinking of the political situation, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's running for a third term. I am unalterably opposed, and I doubt whether I am justified in keeping quiet. I feel that it is an outrage that any man should aspire to a third term in view of the history of all our Presidents up to the present time and the feeling of the people generally. I realize that it would create a good deal of ill will on the part of the people, but I think the way he secured the nomination was an outrage. As a gambler would say, 'the deck was packed to a fare-thee-well.' I just couldn't sleep.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
85 years ago today - Aug 7, 1935
[Joseph Anderson]
President Grant, to whom your letter of August 6 is addressed, is in the East at the present time.
I suggest that it would be better for you to confide in the Bishop of your Ward, who understands the nature of your husband better than does President Grant. We will say this, however, that it is a good thing for a man to realize that woman is mistress of her own body.
[Joseph Anderson, Letter to Mrs. W. E. Cozzens, 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]
President Grant, to whom your letter of August 6 is addressed, is in the East at the present time.
I suggest that it would be better for you to confide in the Bishop of your Ward, who understands the nature of your husband better than does President Grant. We will say this, however, that it is a good thing for a man to realize that woman is mistress of her own body.
[Joseph Anderson, Letter to Mrs. W. E. Cozzens, 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]
105 years ago today - Aug 7, 1915; Saturday
[James E. Talmage]
Practically every spare moment of my time since my return from San Francisco has been given up to the revision of copy and reading of proofs for the book "Jesus the Christ" the printing of which is now well advanced.
[James E. Talmage, Diary]
Practically every spare moment of my time since my return from San Francisco has been given up to the revision of copy and reading of proofs for the book "Jesus the Christ" the printing of which is now well advanced.
[James E. Talmage, Diary]
130 years ago today - Aug 7, 1890
[Heber J. Grant]
At 2 attended a meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles in the Gardo House. All of the Presidency, ten of the Apostles and Counselor Wells were present. Thirteen clothed and we had a prayer circle. It was one of the largest circles that I have ever attended of the Presidency and Apostles. After our prayer circle we adjourned to the lower room of the Gardo and held a long meeting. It lasted until about seven PM ... The subjects that were talked about were Arizona Politics, the loaning of money to the Hedrickites on the Temple site. The Cannon House, The Street Car Stock sold Armstrong. Pres[iden]t Cannon's connection with the Bullion Beck and Champion Mining Co. It was decided that the Presidency of the Arizona Stakes should meet some of the brethren in California and that a decision should then be arrived at on Arizona politics. It was the opinion of those present that we should not vote solidly for either of the National Political Parties. Decided to loan $15,000 on the Temple Site ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At 2 attended a meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles in the Gardo House. All of the Presidency, ten of the Apostles and Counselor Wells were present. Thirteen clothed and we had a prayer circle. It was one of the largest circles that I have ever attended of the Presidency and Apostles. After our prayer circle we adjourned to the lower room of the Gardo and held a long meeting. It lasted until about seven PM ... The subjects that were talked about were Arizona Politics, the loaning of money to the Hedrickites on the Temple site. The Cannon House, The Street Car Stock sold Armstrong. Pres[iden]t Cannon's connection with the Bullion Beck and Champion Mining Co. It was decided that the Presidency of the Arizona Stakes should meet some of the brethren in California and that a decision should then be arrived at on Arizona politics. It was the opinion of those present that we should not vote solidly for either of the National Political Parties. Decided to loan $15,000 on the Temple Site ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Aug 7, 1845
This morning I dreamed I saw brother Joseph Smith and as I was going about my business he says brother Brigham don't be in a hurry, this was repeated the second and third time, when it came in a degree of sharpness. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[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]
[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]
125 years ago today - Aug 6, 1895
[Heber J. Grant]
At 2 pm attended the regular quarterly meeting of the apostles in the Temple Pres[iden]t Snow felt ... that the first quorum of the apostles, in our day, although selected by men directed by revelation to call them had never come to a perfect union as we have done. The twelve selected by our Lord and Savior were not all united. [Compare to with these] our union is glorious.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At 2 pm attended the regular quarterly meeting of the apostles in the Temple Pres[iden]t Snow felt ... that the first quorum of the apostles, in our day, although selected by men directed by revelation to call them had never come to a perfect union as we have done. The twelve selected by our Lord and Savior were not all united. [Compare to with these] our union is glorious.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Aug 6, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman]
[Council] Pres[ident] Snow made nice opening speech. He censured bro[ther]s Thatcher and Merrill for not being with us. ... Bro[ther] Brigham reported that ... bro[ther] Merrill does not attend meetings in that ward and does not partake of the sacrament there. ... I spent the evening with B[isho]p B. Preston. Talked over Frank J. Cannon's transgressions. He only knows of one woman he ruined. A man was sent to come home from a mission for fear his wife would be ruined by Frank, and some talk about another girl.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Council] Pres[ident] Snow made nice opening speech. He censured bro[ther]s Thatcher and Merrill for not being with us. ... Bro[ther] Brigham reported that ... bro[ther] Merrill does not attend meetings in that ward and does not partake of the sacrament there. ... I spent the evening with B[isho]p B. Preston. Talked over Frank J. Cannon's transgressions. He only knows of one woman he ruined. A man was sent to come home from a mission for fear his wife would be ruined by Frank, and some talk about another girl.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Aug 6, 1890
[Heber J. Grant]
[At a meeting of the Apostles where they each give the other blessings] Brother Moses made me very many precious promises. I was so filled that I could not make much of an effort to remember what he said. I recall that he promised me among other things that I should have long life and that the veil between me and eternity should be so thin that I could look beyond. I was promised that I should see father, the Prophet Joseph, the Savior, and some of the ancient prophets. Said the Lord was well pleased with the integrity of my heart. I was admonished that there was no power only through humility. I was promised that my influence should increase among the people. The blessing which brother Moses gave me was a very great comfort as I had wondered whether the labors that I had been performing had been acceptable in the sight of the Lord. ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[At a meeting of the Apostles where they each give the other blessings] Brother Moses made me very many precious promises. I was so filled that I could not make much of an effort to remember what he said. I recall that he promised me among other things that I should have long life and that the veil between me and eternity should be so thin that I could look beyond. I was promised that I should see father, the Prophet Joseph, the Savior, and some of the ancient prophets. Said the Lord was well pleased with the integrity of my heart. I was admonished that there was no power only through humility. I was promised that my influence should increase among the people. The blessing which brother Moses gave me was a very great comfort as I had wondered whether the labors that I had been performing had been acceptable in the sight of the Lord. ...
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Aug 6, 1890
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow promised great blessing to this Quorum, should, if we sought it, live to see the Savior in the flesh. And these brethren have power to lengthen out their lives. God approves of it said Pres[iden]t. L[orenzo]. Snow.
[Brigham Young Jr. 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]
Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow promised great blessing to this Quorum, should, if we sought it, live to see the Savior in the flesh. And these brethren have power to lengthen out their lives. God approves of it said Pres[iden]t. L[orenzo]. Snow.
[Brigham Young Jr. 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 - Saturday August 6, 1870
[Payson School of the Prophets]
... All nations are planning to destroy life while we are trying to perpetuate life, and to protect it.
Elder Wimmer ... Bore testimony to the mild and fatherly character of President Young; said he was very far from being the tyrant he is represented to be by his enemies.
[A Record of Sayings and Doings in the School of the Prophets, organized by President Brigham Young September 19, 1868, In Payson City, Utah County, U.T., typescript by Michael Nielsen]
... All nations are planning to destroy life while we are trying to perpetuate life, and to protect it.
Elder Wimmer ... Bore testimony to the mild and fatherly character of President Young; said he was very far from being the tyrant he is represented to be by his enemies.
[A Record of Sayings and Doings in the School of the Prophets, organized by President Brigham Young September 19, 1868, In Payson City, Utah County, U.T., typescript by Michael Nielsen]
155 years ago today - Aug 6, 1865
Patriarchal Blessing of Susan E. Martineau given by Charles W. Hyde ... thou shalt live until thou art 83 years old, and till the coming of the Messiah, and shall converse with him. ... and you shall be a prophetess on Mt. Zion, and shall be a Savior with thy companion ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
155 years ago today - Aug 6, 1865
Patriarchal Blessing of Nephi Martineau given by Charles W. Hyde ... Thou shalt have power to raise the dead, and to do any miracle to forward this kingdom; ... thou shalt come upon Mt. Zion with the hundred and forty-four thousand in their robes of righteousness with many of the Holy Prophets face to face. You shall sit in Council with Joseph and Hyrum, and with your Redeemer. ... Shall help to rear a temple in Jackson county, and you shall help to pave the streets around the temple in Jackson county with gold, and you shall hear the prophet Joseph talking unto you about the New Jerusalem. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
155 years ago today - Aug 6, 1865
Patriarchal Blessing of Julia Henrietta Martineau given by Charles W. Hyde ... Thou shalt be a natural prophetess on Mount Zion and the fulness of the priesthood in due time ... and the Savior will literally lay his hands upon this child when it grows up to womanhood ... and shall stand on the earth at the coming of the Messiah ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
155 years ago today - Aug 6, 1865
Patriarchal Blessing of Jesse Nathaniel Martineau given by Charles W. Hyde ... and ordain you an Elder in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that you may thwart every plan of the Destroyer, that you may live to the coming of the Messiah, for this is the mind and the will of the Father... Inasmuch as you will hearken to every council of thy parents, thou shalt have the heavens opened to your view... with wives and a great kingdom on the earth, and you shall have great treasures of the earth, and with every desire of thy heart upon Mount Zion, and thou shalt converse with your savior face to face ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
155 years ago today - Aug 6, 1865
Patriarchal Blessing of James Henry Martineau given by Charles W. Hyde ... thou shalt be very useful in this kingdom in doing much business in writing and recording the council of heaven and the angels of God shall rejoice over thee... and shall converse with your Savior face to face, and many of the holy prophets since the world began. Thou art of Ephraim, and a lawful heir to the fulness of the priesthood and with wives and a great kingdom on the earth, and shall sit in council with the Ancient of Days, and with all the holy prophets since the world began ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
155 years ago today - Aug 6, 1865
Patriarchal Blessing of Charles Martineau given by Charles W. Hyde ... Thou shalt be like Nephi of old, and the hidden treasures of the earth shall be unfolded to your mind, for no good thing shall be with[h]eld from thee. Thou art of Joseph and a lawful heir to the fulness of the priesthood, and with wives and a kingdom on the Earth forever, and your table shall be spread with the bounties of the earth. For I ordain you an Elder, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that you may comprehend many things of the Father, and sit in council with the Ancient of Days, and receive the fulness of the priesthood by the hand of the Savior, and be crowned with eternal lives. Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
190 years ago today - Aug 6, 1830
A "Joseph Smith" (Joseph Smith Sr.?) signs a petition in the "rabidly anti-Masonic newspaper" 'The Seneca Farmer and Waterloo Advertiser'
[Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]
[Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]
25 years ago today - Aug 5, 1995
The Church News lists 117 appointments to the new position (non-hierarchy) of "Area Authorities," including native-born professors at universities in Brazil, Canada, England, Japan, and Korea.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
45 years ago today - Aug 5, 1975-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
This morning after our executives meeting, Florence Jacobsen asked me to come to her office and she said that she and her husband would like to give $10,000 to the Mormon History Trust Fund with the understanding that we will prepare or direct the preparation of histories or biographies of Jedediah and Rachel Ivins Grant, the parents of Heber J. Grant; and also the three wives of Heber J. Grant. I told her that we would accept the money and work on these projects, all of which would need to be done as a part of our general preparation of doing a general biography or history of Heber J. Grant as president of the Church. Sister Jacobsen said she wished this matter of her donation to the Mormon History Trust Fund kept quiet; that is, she does not want this information to be told publicly. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
This morning after our executives meeting, Florence Jacobsen asked me to come to her office and she said that she and her husband would like to give $10,000 to the Mormon History Trust Fund with the understanding that we will prepare or direct the preparation of histories or biographies of Jedediah and Rachel Ivins Grant, the parents of Heber J. Grant; and also the three wives of Heber J. Grant. I told her that we would accept the money and work on these projects, all of which would need to be done as a part of our general preparation of doing a general biography or history of Heber J. Grant as president of the Church. Sister Jacobsen said she wished this matter of her donation to the Mormon History Trust Fund kept quiet; that is, she does not want this information to be told publicly. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
130 years ago today - Aug 5, 1890
The object of these councils of 12 apostles being the mutually interchange sentiments promote perfect union and derive strength from our Heavenly Father & more fully [?] our callings & Apostleships. ... Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. B[righam]. Y[oung]. [Jr.] and Moses Thatcher spoke acknowledging their faults and asking brethren forgiveness if they had offended.
[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]
[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 - Aug 5, 1880 (Thursday)
Under the administration of the Elders, Eliza Robinson, of the Birmingham branch, England, was instantly healed of ulcers, after fifteen years suffering.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Aug 5, 1875
The trial of John Lee ends in a hung jury, with the nine Mormon jurors voting to acquit and the three non-Mormon jurors voting to convict. The trial, however, severely tarnishes the reputation of the LDS Church in the eyes of most Americans.
[Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html]
[Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html]
145 years ago today - Aug 5, 1875
Apostle Joseph Angell Young dies. He had never been a member of the First Presidency and was never added to the Quorum of the Twelve.
[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)]
[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)]
165 years ago today - Aug 5, 1855 (Evening)
President Young though[t] none would inherit this earth when it became celestial and translated into the presence of God but those who would be crowned as Gods and able to endure the fulness of the presence of God except they might be permitted to take with them some servants for whom they would be held responsible. All others would have to inherit another kingdom, even that kingdom agreeing with the law which they had kept. He thought they would eventually have the privilege of proving themselves worthy of advancing to a celestial kingdom, but it would be a slow progress. -- SLC Tabernacle
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:333-334, 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]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:333-334, 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 - Aug 5, 1850 (Monday)
Pres. Brigham Young pointed out the site for a Temple on the hill where the Manti Temple, Sanpete Co., Utah, now stands.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
10 years ago today - Aug 4, 2010
In his 136-page ruling, Federal District Court Judge Vaughn Walker decided that Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same sex marriage passed in 2008, is unconstitutional.
[Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
110 years ago today - Aug 4, 1910; Thursday
A letter was read from President William A. Seegmiller, dated June 30th, from Tahiti, presenting a very embarrassing condition which our elders are confronted with in this: that the young Tahitians, after reaching ages ranging from 12 years upwards, continue the practice of their forefathers by living together as husband and wife; that after doing this for some years, after getting tired of a life of smoking, card-playing, &c., some of them will perhaps get married with a view of turning over a new leaf, and the custom is that they ask forgiveness, for the reason that they are already members of the Church, having been baptized when they were eight years of age, and they are then received by vote into fellowship; and by this time they generally have raised a family, and getting well along in life. This is a general condition among all faiths in religions in Tahiti, and this condition prevails despite the labors and teachings of the elders, and the government permits it, and in fact many of the high French officials are themselves living with native women outside the marriage relation; and the absence of a marriage law makes it very hard for our elders, as we do not receive people as members of the Church living together in this done with [sic] our young native people who have been baptized when eight years of age, and who get in this condition a few years afterwards. Shall wholesale excommunication be made, or shall the wheat and tares be allowed to remain.
As President Smith had already given advice on the same question, it was concluded to lay this over until his return home. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
As President Smith had already given advice on the same question, it was concluded to lay this over until his return home. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
175 years ago today - Aug 4, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of John Needham given by William Smith ... the Lamanites shall hear thy voice for in other tongues the Gospel shall be preached to them the gift of tongues and interpretation shall be given thee, by Revelation thou shalt speak and thy tongue shall be unloosed none shall deceive thee for thou shalt have the discerning of Spirits also great wisdom even the true knowledge of God power to organize kingdoms and build up a church of God ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
175 years ago today - Aug 4, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Ira Rice given by William Smith ... thou art of a peculiar spirit when thy soul is moved it cometh forth from the deep thicket like the fierce lion that maketh the forest to tremble and as a terror upon thine enemies in thy fierce anger thou canst not be turned back for so the Lord maketh thee an avenger of the blood of Prophets ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
185 years ago today - (Tue) Aug 4, 1835
The Church temporarily withdrew fellowship from Orson Hyde and William E. McLellin, following their criticism of Sidney Rigdon's grammar school.
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
145 years ago today - Aug 3, 1875
[Wilford Woodruff]
I spent the Evening with Bulah. Mrs Woodruff anointed her and I Blessed her <and the Lord revealed to me the [iniquity?]> of <the hearts of both man and woman.>
[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 Evening with Bulah. Mrs Woodruff anointed her and I Blessed her <and the Lord revealed to me the [iniquity?]> of <the hearts of both man and woman.>
[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 - Aug 3, 1845
[Brigham Young]
Well, it is no matter what day we observe or rest upon, if we rest the seventh part of the time. I don't remember that I have lived a Sabbath but I broke it; if we kindle a fire, we break it; if we prepare our victuals, we break it, if we eat, we break it. The fact is, in order to keep the Sabbath we must lie in bed all day and scarcely breathe. I take everything in life as it comes. I live for my friends and will seek to do everything in my power to heal them when they are sick, that is good to nourish and sustain their sinking nature. And if I could not heal them and they must die. ...
[Sermons and Writings of the Restoration. 4 Vols. Ogden Kraut, ed. Pioneer Press, 1994. 1:67-79; Manuscript. f 219, 81, 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]
Well, it is no matter what day we observe or rest upon, if we rest the seventh part of the time. I don't remember that I have lived a Sabbath but I broke it; if we kindle a fire, we break it; if we prepare our victuals, we break it, if we eat, we break it. The fact is, in order to keep the Sabbath we must lie in bed all day and scarcely breathe. I take everything in life as it comes. I live for my friends and will seek to do everything in my power to heal them when they are sick, that is good to nourish and sustain their sinking nature. And if I could not heal them and they must die. ...
[Sermons and Writings of the Restoration. 4 Vols. Ogden Kraut, ed. Pioneer Press, 1994. 1:67-79; Manuscript. f 219, 81, 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]
35 years ago today - Aug 2, 1985
A new LDS hymnbook, the first revision in 37 years, came off the presses.
[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]
[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]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Aug 2, 1900
[Apostle Rudger Clawson]
The clerk read a letter from Emma Jensen of Logan, in which she charged the son [William Smith] of a prominent official [Isaac Smith] of the church in the Cache Stake of being the father of an illegitimate child by her daughter. Apostle A. H. Lund, with Apostle Cowley to assist, was appointed to investigate the matter.
[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]
The clerk read a letter from Emma Jensen of Logan, in which she charged the son [William Smith] of a prominent official [Isaac Smith] of the church in the Cache Stake of being the father of an illegitimate child by her daughter. Apostle A. H. Lund, with Apostle Cowley to assist, was appointed to investigate the matter.
[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]
165 years ago today - Aug 2, 1855
The good people of Davis [county] had brought out their nominees for the Legislature.
Bishop John Stoker for the Council and Anson Call & Jesse Hobson for the House of Representative[.] My business to Davis was to have one of the nominees to withdraw and John D. Parker [of the Council of Fifty, the political governing body] put on the track in his place accordingly I called the Bishops and other leading men together and laid the matter before them[.] The plan was adopted & A Call withdran & Parker put in his place all to the most perfect satisfaction of all partiesstaid with my Brother all night
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Bishop John Stoker for the Council and Anson Call & Jesse Hobson for the House of Representative[.] My business to Davis was to have one of the nominees to withdraw and John D. Parker [of the Council of Fifty, the political governing body] put on the track in his place accordingly I called the Bishops and other leading men together and laid the matter before them[.] The plan was adopted & A Call withdran & Parker put in his place all to the most perfect satisfaction of all partiesstaid with my Brother all night
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
40 years ago today - Aug 01, 1980
Jeffrey R. Holland begins his term as the ninth president of BYU (1980–89).
140 years ago today - Aug 1, 1880
... my aunt became acquainted with David Whitmer, who lived there; and wishing to be edified by the account of a reliable eye-witness concerning the appearance and peculiarities of the wonderful plates, she took early opportunity to converse with him on the subject, when, to her amazement, the veracious Whitmer assured her that he never had seen them. "Suppose," said he, "that you had a friend whose character was such that you knew it impossible that he could lie; then if he described a city to you which you had never seen, could you not, by the eye of faith, see the city just as he described it?" She answered that, however that might be, the certificate attached to the Mormon Bible had given rise to the belief that the three witnesses had actually seen and handled the book of plates. Thereupon he went on to relate the bottom facts, which formed the basis of his faith, to this effect: That he went into the woods after some maple sap, and having filled two large pails, he set out to return home. The pails of sap were so heavy that he was obliged to stop and rest at short intervals, and the sharp roots and stubs hurt his bare feet so badly that he had great difficulty in getting along at all. So sitting alone in the woods, he fell to thinking of Smith and of the plates he claimed to have found, and finally, to ease his doubts, he knelt and prayed that if Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and the plates a genuine revelation from God, that the sap might be made lighter as a token thereof. The prayer being ended, he arose, and lifted the sap, which now had apparently no weight whatever, and he went the remaining distance--I think a half mile--without setting it down once, getting over the ground easier than if empty-handed. Whether Cowdery and Harris had such convincing proof, I do not know. ...
[E. S. Gilbert to Ellen E. Dickinson, 1 August 1880, in Ellen E. Dickinson, New Light on Mormonism (New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1885), 261-62., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: E. S. Gilbert To Ellen E. Dickinson]
[E. S. Gilbert to Ellen E. Dickinson, 1 August 1880, in Ellen E. Dickinson, New Light on Mormonism (New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1885), 261-62., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: E. S. Gilbert To Ellen E. Dickinson]
145 years ago today - Aug 1, 1875
George W. Hill baptizes more than 300 Shoshone Indians in Box Elder County, Utah, and performs priesthood administrations which heal many of them. First Presidency establishes Washakie Farm for Indian converts in Box Elder County. Two years later one of Brigham Young's sons writes of these Native American converts: "They practiced polygamy [before LDS baptism] & of course continue it."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
160 years ago today - Aug 1, 1860
Brigham Young's office journal records: "In the evening Pres. Young discoursed upon the folly of daring each other to rash acts."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Aug 1, 1855
In conversing upon various principles President Young thought none would inherit this Earth when it became celestial & translated into the presence of God but those who would be Crowned as Gods & able to endure the fulness of the Presence of God ex[cept?] they might be permitted to take with them some servants for whom they would be held responsible. All others would have to inherit another kingdom even that kingdom agreeing with the law which they had kept. Yet He thought they would eventually have the privilege of proveing themselves worthy & advanceing to a Celestial kingdom but it would be a slow progress.
On Saturday evening Aug 4th The Universal Scientific society met in the Music Hall And herd an Address deliverd by Professor Orson Pratt. He there made known the Law governing the Planetary rotation which was the first time that Law was ever made known to the inhabitants of the Earth in this age of the world & we have no account of its ever being revealed to man before. It is the Law which Asstronomers have diligently sought to find out for many centauries.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
On Saturday evening Aug 4th The Universal Scientific society met in the Music Hall And herd an Address deliverd by Professor Orson Pratt. He there made known the Law governing the Planetary rotation which was the first time that Law was ever made known to the inhabitants of the Earth in this age of the world & we have no account of its ever being revealed to man before. It is the Law which Asstronomers have diligently sought to find out for many centauries.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
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