Today In Mormon History

130 years ago today - Thursday, May 14, 1891

[John Henry Smith]

... Presidents Woodruff, G. Q. Cannon and I talked over the political situation and it was thought best to go ahead and organize the Republican party. President Woodruff said he was a Republican and I said I was.

[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 - May 14, 1891

Concerning a young man who has been endowed and "sealed to his wife without having been ordained to any Priesthood," the First Presidency decides to have him ordained as an elder, but not to require him to be re-endowed or re-sealed.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

130 years ago today - May 14, 1891

John W. Taylor reported about the defense fund and said it brought in about $6,500.00 per month from the whole Church. [The defense fund was used to help with legal costs regarding polygamy prosecution]

[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

160 years ago today - May 14, 1861

President Young signed a letter G.Q. Cannon instructing him to ... destroy works containing false doctrine [in England.]

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

165 years ago today - May 14, 1856

Lucy Mack Smith dies, having spent the last three years of her life in Emma-s care.

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

175 years ago today - May 14, 1846

[Wilford Woodruff]

... Some of my friends at times are tryed with the Celestial Law [plural marriage]. ...

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

185 years ago today - May 14, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of Sarah Mackley given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... when he is gone to fill his mission thou shalt have faith to rebuke diseases in thy family ... and seal thee up to eternal life in the name of Jesus, even so, Amen

[Patriarchal Blessings]

185 years ago today - May 14, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of Joseph Cooper given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... And thou shalt have power over unclean spirits and shall do many great miracles, Mountains shall remove at thy word, prisons shall not hold thee, thou shalt translate thyself from planet to planet and preach to the spirits in prison and bring many of them to God. ...

[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:104, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]

135 years ago today - May 13, 1886

I asked him [David Whitmer] if the table, which the angel brought, and upon which the plates lay when he viewed them was a tangible one, and he said that he did not touch it, it had the semblance of a table. He then ex=plained that he saw the plates and with his natural eyes, but he had to be prepared for it--that he and the other witnesses were overshadowed by the power of God and a halo of brightness indescribable. I then asked him if he ever handled the plates and he said that he did not at any time. I refer=red to his going down after Joseph and Em=ma to bring the plates <<and>> them to his fathers, and he said the plates were not in the wagon nor did he see them or at all during the trans=lation. <<He said Joseph and [-] Oliver and Emma told him about the plates and discribed them to him and he believed them but did not [--] at the time testified of>> He said they were in the possession of the Angel during this time. The manuscript by re=quest, said to be the origi=nal manuscript in the handwriting of Oliver [Cowdery][,] Emma and Christian Whitmer was brought out and untied being wrapped in a sheet of brown wrapping pa=per (or between a brown and buff the paper was) and being laid upon the table I examined the sheets as many as I chose also the scrap of paper containing the characters which were submitted by Martin Harris to Prof Anthon and the certificate of the clerk of the <<U.S.>> District Court of the <<Northern>> District of New York showing that Joseph had deposite=d the title of the book with him claiming to be its author[.] ...

[1.

Nathan Tanner, Jr., Journal, 13 May 1886, [50-61], LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah. 2.

Nathan Tanner, Jr., to Nathan A. Tanner, 17 February 1909, typed copy, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah. , as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Nathan Tanner, Jr.]

145 years ago today - May 13, 1876

Br. Brigham spoke of the folly and indecency of the present fashions; said that some of the Daughters of Zion acted like damn fools and the whores of London or Paris would be ashamed to act like they did. Said it would serve them right for some one to take a knife and slit their dresses from their navel to their knees. Urged the Mothers in Israel to teach their daughters to wash, starch, iron, bake, cook, and to make their own adornments and to teach them industry and economy, and qualify them for future usefulness in their sphere...

[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 423, 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]

110 years ago today - May 12, 1911

[Thomas A. Clawson Diary]

"Today it was announced in the Deseret Evening News that Mathias F. Cowley could not exercise any of the functions of the authority of the Priesthood because of insubordination. This was the unanimous decision of the Council of the 12. That accounted for our not being able to hold our circle meeting yesterday as that was when the action was taken. I am sorry to see men place themselves in such a position as to make that course necessary to protect the Church."

[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - May 12, 1896

[Franklin D. Richards]

Met Pres[iden]ts Cannon & Smith & heard Franklin express the views of exprosecutor W. Dixon concerning the present unsettled state of public opinion about our Presidency and the "new manifesto" & church discipline.

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

145 years ago today - May 12, 1876 (Afternoon)

Concluding remarks were made by President Young. He said he did wish to have the Temple completed by next April so that our Annual Conference might be held therein. Continuing, he said opposition to God and His Kingdom is the natural result of the fall. ... If we had done as we had been told by Joseph, we would be a hundred times richer than we now are. He exhorted parents to bring up their children in the ways of the Lord. -- St. George, Utah

[Journal History of the Church, 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]

160 years ago today - May 12, 1861

[Wilford Woodruff]

We met at the Historians Office at 1/2 past 5 oclok & ordained 4 men to the High Priesthood & High Councillers of this Stake of Zion. .... When I had done Ordaining Howard Sp[enser?] President Young said yes & I ordain you to kill evry scoundrel that seeks your life & when you Come across such men use them up.

[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 - May 12, 1861

Bro. Brigham showed ... that our coming out here to this wilderness and the Lord sustaining us was more of a miracle than the children of Israel going out of Egypt crossing the Red Sea.

[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 179, quote in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

160 years ago today - May 12, 1861

Pres[ident] Young attended the Tabernacle morning and afternoon. In the afternoon [Morning] he preached a discourse, the Spirit of revolution among the nations was preparing the way for the progress of the Gospel. -- SLC Tabernacle

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

170 years ago today - May 12, 1851

Pres. Brigham Young preached to the people on the nature and importance of the Iron County Mission, and the advantages of the brethren fulfilling it. He advised them to buy up the Lamanite children, as fast as they could, and educate them and teach them the Gospel, so that not many generations would pass [as] they would become a white and delightsome people. He remarked that the Lord could not have devised a better plan, than to have put the Saints where they were, in order to accomplish the redemption of the Lamanites. He knew that the Indians would dwindle away, but a remnant of the seed of Joseph should be saved. The President also advised the brethren to put up the logs and pickets of the forts so close that the Indians could not shoot arrows through the openings. He recommended the adoption of the Indian name Parowan for the city. -- Cedar City, Utah

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

110 years ago today - May 11, 1911

The Twelve vote as a compromise to deprive Matthias F. Cowley of his right to exercise his priesthood but not to disfellowship him. This resolves a two-day deadlock in which seven apostles want to give him no punishment, wheras quorum president Francis M. Lyman and two others want to disfellowship Cowley for performing plural marriage up to his 1905 resignation. Cowley regards this as a second punishment (double jeopardy) he has received for the same acts, which he insists he did by authorization of the First Presidency.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

135 years ago today - May 11th, 1886

[General Authority Abraham H. Cannon]

"There have been two windows left out of the west end of the Salt Lake Temple through an error of the architect which will most likely necessitate the taking down of the wall for 20 ft. Order was given yesterday to stop laying stone now until a decision was reached about this matter. It is a most egregious error."

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

175 years ago today - May 11, 1846

[Lucy Mac Statement]

Mrs. Lucy Smith's Testimony.

"Nauvoo, May 11, 1846.

"My Dear Son-For so I must call you; as the church has passed through much affection, and it pains my heart that it should suffer more. The Twelve (Brighamites) have abused my son William, and trampled upon my children, and have also treated me with contempt. Now mark it, these men are not right. God has not sent them to lead this kingdom. I am satisfied that Joseph appointed James J. Strang. It is verily so. Now, Brother Reuben, I exhort you for the love you have for the truth, to hear my voice, and warn the saints concerning these things, and your reward shall be doubled in the heavenly world. This from your mother, Lucy Smith,

"Mother in Israel."

"This is to certify that we, the undersigned. members of the Smith family, fully accord with the sentiments expressed above.

"W.J. Salisbury,

"Catherine Salisbury,

"Arthur Milliken,

"Lucy Milliken.'

[Lucy Mac Smith Statement]

210 years ago today - 1811 (after May 11)

After selling his property in Sharon, Vermont and moving to live with Smith's uncle Daniel in Royalton, Smith's maternal grandfather Solomon Mack self-publishes a booklet describing his heavenly visions and voices of the previous winter: Mack, Solomon (1811), A Narraitve [sic] of the Life of Solomon Mack, Windsor

[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]

70 years ago today - May 10, 1951

[J. Reuben Clark]

[BYU President] Ernest L. Wilkinson called about getting Pres. Herbert Hoover to give the Commencement Address. Pres. Clark said he did not think he could get him, and did not want to try, because would not want to be turned down. Pres. Clark also asked if he had sounded out the Brethren, th[at] there was some feeling that the Commencement Addresses ought to be given by our own people. He had asked J. C. Penney to give the Commencement Address but he could not; Nath[an] Mathesius had also turned them down. Pres. Clark said he did not think they ought to ask if it was a clear slate and he was the first choice, he might. He suggested that they wait until next year, and get one of the Brethren this year. He said that Mr. Hoover would find out and he would feel that he, Pres. Clark, had personally let him down, if he urged him to come, and he would not want him to feel that way.

[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]

100 years ago today - May 10, 1921

Apostle David O. McKay, visiting Samoa, falls "asleep, and beheld in vision something infinitely sublime. In the distance I beheld a beautiful white city. Though far ways, yet I seemed to realize that trees with luscious fruit, shrubbery with gorgeously-tinted leaves, and flowers in perfect bloom abound everywhere. The clear sky above seemed to reflect these beautiful shades of color. I then saw a great concourse of people approaching the city. Each one wore a white flowing robe, and a white headdress. Instantly my attention seemed centered upon their Leader, and though I could see only the profile of his features and his body, I recognized him at once as my Savior! The tint and radiance of his countenance were glorious to behold! There was a peace about him which seemed sublime - it was divine! The city, I understood, was his. It was the City Eternal; and the people following him were to abide there in peace and eternal happiness. But who were they? As if the Savior read my thought, he answered by pointing to a semicircle that then appeared above them, and on which were written in gold the words: 'These Are They Who Have Overcome The World - Who Have Truly Been Born Again!'"

110 years ago today - May 10, 1911

[Joseph Fielding Smith]

I was in council with the quorum of the Twelve Apostles all day in the Temple where we met with Brother Matthias F. Cowley to investigate matters pertaining to him and his alleged activity in

performing plural marriages. He was very frank and confessed his shortcomings in this regard answering all questions required of him and manifesting a spirit of sorrow and confessing his error in the performing of plural marriages contrary to the rule of the church. H asked for forgiveness and expressed a willingness and desire to be in harmony with the authorities of the Church. The session lasted all day, and after his departure from the meeting each of the brethren present expressed his candid views in the case. ... Seven of the brethren were in favor of showing leniency to Bro[ther]. Cowley, because of his frankness and request for forgiveness, and were of the opinion that no punishment, more than he had received should be measured out to him. President Lyman, Charles W. Penrose and Geo[rge] F. Richards were of the opinion that he should be punished by being disfellowshipped.

[Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

110 years ago today - May 10, 1911

Former apostle Matthias F. Cowley is tried by the Council of Twelve Apostles. He is charged with performing post-manifesto plural marriages of questionable sanction. Cowley states: "[Late] President [George Q.] Cannon told me to do these things or I would never have done it." Cowley also states that when he asked Church President Lorenzo Snow for permission, Snow "simply told me that he would not interfere with Brother Woodruff's and Cannon's work [of authorizing plural marriages]." Cowley also makes the statement: " I am not dishonest and not a liar and have always been true to the work and to the brethren. I have always been true and faithful myself. We have always been taught that when the brethren were in a tight place that it would not be amiss to lie to help them out. One of the Presidency of the Church made the statement some years ago when I was in the presidency of one of the stakes of Zion in Idaho that he would lie like hell to help his brethren." The next day the President of the Twelve, Francis M. Lyman, writes their decision: "This day by unanimous vote of the Council of the Twelve Apostles it was decided that Matthias F. Cowley, for insubordination to the government and discipline of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, be and he is hereby deprived of the right and authority to exercise any of the functions of the Priesthood."

115 years ago today - May 10, 1906

Apostle and U.S. Senator Reed Smoot writes to President Joseph F. Smith: "[Senator Beverage] said that he had just been reading your testimony in relation to the marriage of Abram H. Cannon; he did not understand how you, a member of the First Presidency of the Church, could go on a trip with A. H. Cannon and be introduced to a young lady as his wife and have them occupy the position of husband and wife toward each other, it being six years after the issuance of the Manifesto . . . and not complain of one of the Apostles so acting, and of no action being taken by the Church, unless the Church approved of new marriages or at least allowed them."

120 years ago today - May 10, 1901

President [Lorenzo] Snow today made a contract with John Hafen, the artist, for $100. per month to make a number of paintings which would become the property of the Church.

[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

135 years ago today - May 10, 1886

Court sentences Frank J. Cannon to three months' imprisonment and $150 fine for instructing his 16-year-old brother Hugh J. Cannon to physically attack Prosecuting Attorney Dickson following the arrest of their father, George Q. Cannon. Frank becomes the U.S. Senator from Utah 1896-98). Fined $35 dollars in 1886, Hugh grows up to become a general board member (1896-1931), mission president (1901-1904), and stake president (1904-1925).

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

180 years ago today - May 10, 1841

[Wilford Woodruff]

Elders Kimball O. Pratt & myself undertook to climb the riging of the Ship. Elders Kimball & O. Pratt went up to the round top of the main mast about 50 feet & returned. I clumb over the round top & went up to the main top gallant sail about 100 feet from the upper deck which was the top of the rope ladders. I could go no higher without climing a single bear rope so I returned to the deck. I found it required some presens of mind & caution to go up & down the riging of a ship as she was waving in the air. We had a calm night.

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

25 years ago today - 9 May thru 11 Jul period

[Same-Sex Marriage]

Jack Hoag, co-Chair of Hawaii's Future Today (LDS organized lobbying group), made several public statements stating that Hawaii's Future Today would be endorsing and backing political candidates.

Hawaiis Future Today places political ads in Hawaiis two daily newspapers at a cost of over $1,000. Representative Terrance Thom, supported in these ads, wins his reelection by 54 votes. The Senate Judiciary Chair who opposed this groups political position and was opposed by the ad lost his re-election bid.

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

50 years ago today - May 9, 1971

Mary Beth Rampton, wife of the Utah Governor Calvin Rampton, gives a talk on Mother's Day at the Federal Heights Ward in Salt Lake City: "To assist myself in [talking about motherhood], I have drawn two illustrative concepts from my study of prehistory. The first is the concept of the Mother Goddess. The Heavenly Father whom we today know and love and worship is a masculine God; but it is interesting to know that the oldest deity of whom archaeologists have found evidence is feminine Mother Goddess, whose little stone and clay figurines have been found in upper Paleolithic sites over most of the world. She was the goddess of the fruitfulness of the earth and its creatures, the source of the earth's abundant life, charged with nurture. . She became, as the centuries passed, Ninhursag, the mother-goddess of the Sumerians; the Minoan mother-goddess of ancient Crete; Demeter, the earth goddess among the older Greek gods."

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

90 years ago today - May 09, 1931

Barbara Woodhead (Winder), later the eleventh general president of the Relief Society, is born in Midvale, Utah.

120 years ago today - Thursday, May 9, 1901

[John Henry Smith]

Joseph F. Smith and Brigham Young's allowance was fixed at five thousand per annum. H. J. Grant's was raised some. I was blest and set apart for my mission under the hands of all present. President Lorenzo Snow being Mouth, he gave me a good blessing. He gave me a good many promises.

[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 - May 9, 1891

President Benjamin Harrison visits Salt Lake City and meets with Members of the First Presidency and others. Mormons make a concerted effort to demonstrate "progress" from their anti-federal-government, polygamous past.

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

180 years ago today - May 9, 1841. Sunday.

[William Clayton]

Joseph preached on his side on baptism for the dead ... Afterwards a number was baptized both for remission of sins and for the dead. I was baptized first for myself and then for my Grandfather Thomas and Grandmother Ellen Clayton, Grandmother Mary [Critchley] and Aunt Elizabeth Beurdwood.

[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]

185 years ago today - May 9, 1836

John Taylor and wife, Lenora, baptized near Toronto, Canada.

[Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://lds.net/forums/topic/10668-church-chronology-from-1800-2000-part-1/]

190 years ago today - May 9, 1831

Joseph and Emma adopt Murdock twins (Joseph Murdock and Julia)

[Proctor, Scott and Maurine Jensen, editors, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced]

190 years ago today - May 1831 (9 May)

[D&C 50]

Section 50 ... After the departure of the Lamanite Missionaries to Missouri and before the arrival of Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio (February 1831), extreme spiritual abnormalities were manifested among new converts in the Kirtland area. ...

Parley P. Pratt, an eyewitness to these events, recorded the following:.

As I went forth among the different branches, some very strange spiritual operations were manifested, which were disgusting, rather than edifying. Some persons would seem to swoon away, and make unseemly gestures, and be drawn or disfigured in their countenances. Others would fall into ecstacies, and be drawn into contortions, cramps, fits, etc. Others would seem to have visions and revelations, which were not edifving, and which were not congenial to the doctrine and spirit of the gospel. In short, a false and lying spirit seemed to be creeping into the Church.

To determine the nature of the spiritual workings among new converts of the Church, Elder Pratt, among others, went to Joseph Smith and asked him to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter. "After we had joined in prayer in his translating room," said Pratt, Joseph Smith "dictated in our presence" section 50.

Section 50 gave instructions on the procedure of discerning "the spirits which have gone abroad in the earth."

[Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

85 years ago today - May 8, 1936

[David O. McKay]

Attended to current duties including writing a reply to a committee of the Church of Christ, Independence, Missouri, inviting our church to join in building a temple in Jackson County.

We courteously refused, unless all could unite in recognition of the proper authority.

[David O. McKay 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]

120 years ago today - May 8th, 1901

[Brigham Young Jr.]

Salt Lake City, Wed. May 8th, 1901.

Met at Temple. Pres. Snow said that every man who had wives ought to have a thousand dollars of income for each of them. On motion of H. J. Grant, Pres. Jos. F. S. was allowed that amount, and so was I, but when shall we get it. Pres. to be allowed from first of year. God is very good to me and now I can turn myself around and am well content.

[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - May 8, 1896

The following letter prepared by President Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon to carry into effect the action of the Council of the First Presidency and Apostles... We do not know upon what authority this form of administering baptism has been adopted but we think it improper. There have been times in the Church when the First Presidency have felt it necessary to call upon all the members of the Church to renew their covenants, and at such times it was suggested that the words 'for the renewal of your covenant' be used in the ceremony; but it does not follow that at other times, and in individual cases, that form should be used.

We think it improper, speaking generally, for the words 'for the remission of sins' or 'for the renewal of your covenant,' to be used in administering the ordinance of baptism. Where it may be necessary to baptize a person who is already a member of the Church, the form of ceremony which the Lord revealed to the Nephites, and which has also been revealed to us in our day, is sufficient. ...

In cases where people are baptized for their health, we see no impropriety in using the words 'for the restoration of your health' in the ceremony. ... If they have faith and believe, when they have some ailment, that the administration of baptism in that form will be beneficial to them, the privilege is granted to them. ... Signed by the First Presidency.

[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

140 years ago today - May 8, 1881

Patriarchal Blessing of George W. Johnson given by William McBride ... I say unto thee be then faithful to thy desires and the Lord will not leave thee comfortless He will give thee wives and children to suit thy circumstances ...

[Patriarchal Blessings]

160 years ago today - May 8, 1861

Brigham Young's office journal notes: "Pres[ident Daniel H.] Wells in a conversation he had with Pres. Joseph Young noticed that Jefferson Davis & Secretary Floyd, were traitors to the general government, as they had been acting treacherously to the Government for the last four years, and favoring the Southern Confederacy. Pres[ident] Joseph Young remarked that if such treacherous men should have their blood shed it might lighten the penalty of their crimes when they were brought to judgment."

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

160 years ago today - May 8, 1861

The President [Brigham Young] observed their [U.S] feelings are increasing in violence, and shortly it will be a scene of mobbing. Br[other] Geo. A. Smith mentioned that the firing of some of the Oil wells that had been recently discovered, was a remarkable fulfillment of a remark of Pres. B. Young's made by him a few evenings ago namely that these oil wells might form a volcano for the people to stand upon'- -- Salt Lake City

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

175 years ago today - May 8, 1846

[Nauvoo Temple]

During a Sabbath service, Orson Hyde explained why the Saints were compelled to finish the Temple, "It we move forward and finished this house we should be received and accepted as a church with our dead, but if not we should be rejected with our dead. These things have inspired and stimulated us to action in the finishing of it which through the blessing of god we have been enabled to accomplish and prepare it for dedication." Wilford Woodruff concluded the meeting, "The Saints had labored faithfully and finished the temple and were now received as a Church with our dead. This is glory enough for building the temple and thousands of the Saints have received their endowment in it. And the light will not go out."

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

175 years ago today - May 8, 1846

The mail came in to day from Nauvoo bringing news that Br O. P. Rockwell had been taken prisoner in Nauvoo and taken to Carthage but have not learned the particulars[.] I suspect that there has been some treachery used by some or he could not have been taken as it seems to me.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

40 years ago today - May 7, 1981

LDS spokesman Don LeFevre states (in response to charges that the First Presidency statement against basing the MX missile system in Utah ignores national defense needs): "I don't think you can read a lack of patriotism into the Church's MX statement. . . .There is no place in Mormon philosophy for the conscientious objector"

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

110 years ago today - May 7, 1911

[Thomas A. Clawson]

Went to the Temple Fast Meeting at 10 AM and we had a most splendid time. Pres[iden]t Jos[eph] F. Smith in speaking expressed his love for Pres[iden]t Brigham Young and his successors and also their children and that whatever action had been taken against any of their children by the Church [over the estate of Brigham Young] was done and brought on by their own actions and the Church had to be protected against them. He deplored very much what had to be done and it caused him as much grief and sorrow as if it were his own son.

[Thomas A. Clawson, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

125 years ago today - May 7, 1896

At a Relief Society meeting in Woodruff, Arizona, Hannah Savage "received the gift of tongues and the interpretation. . . . Medora Gardner testifyed that it was the tongue of Adam that had been given."

[Hannah Adeline [Hatch] Savage, Journal, May 1896; Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]

125 years ago today - May 7, 1896

First Presidency and apostles decide that baptisms for dead and all other baptism ordinances eliminate words "for remission of sins" or "renewal of covenants," and use only words in DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS.

160 years ago today - May 7, 1861

Brigham Young preaches and publishes: "Three High Priests form a Quorum... Let a Quorum of High Priests go into an upper room, and there appear before the Lord in the garments of the holy Priesthood, and offer up before the Father, in the name of Jesus, the signs of the holy Priesthood, and then ask God to give a revelation."

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

190 years ago today - May 7, 1831

D&C 49 (Kirtland): Sidney, Parley, Leman Copley mission to Shakers; marriage ordained of God (one wife); abstinence from meat not required; temporal inequality a sin; Jesus will not come as a woman; disasters precede his coming; first Indians will blossom as a rose, Zion upon the mountains. [The text of the revelation seems to assume a trinitarian godhead: "Thus saith the Lord [Jesus Christ]; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world ..."]

[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

105 years ago today - May 6, 1916

[First Presidency letter]

"The rumor referred to in yours of the 3rd inst., that the Church sanctions the taking off of the sleeves and collar of the temple garment and replacing them with thin, gauzy material, in order to meet the re- cent style of dress worn by ladies, is not true, and anyone resorting to such proceeding mutilates the garment, and is guilty of wrongdoing."

[Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose to Stephen L. Chipman, May 6, 1916, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

135 years ago today - May 6th, 1886

[Abraham H. Cannon]

[From the Penitentiary serving time for polygamy] "Last night proved to be a very unpleasant one for several of the brethren, the bed bugs being as ravenous as to prevent their sleeping more than a very little but it seems as though all efforts to over come the bugs are futile. They get in between the planks of which the sides of the building are formed and there remain until night induces them to commence their depradations. I, for one, have thus far escaped annoyance by them."

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

145 years ago today - May 6, 1876

General Aaronic Priesthood minutes note that it has "been the custom to ordain boys to the office of deacon and allow them to retain this office till they get their endowments when they [are] ordained Elders."

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

175 years ago today - May 6, 1846

[Nauvoo Temple]

The Quincy Whig reported on [self-proclaimed successor to Joseph Smith] Strang's resolutions, which claimed that the Trustees had "no right to convey title to any property of the Church and caution[ed] all against buying of them." Strang's assertions made the Trustees' work much more difficult, especially when Strang published information from the Hancock County Book of Mortgages and Deeds, attempting to show that Joseph Smith's successor was the President of the Church, who was the Trustee-in-Trust, and only he had the right to convey title to Church property. Apparently when Strang raised the question of who held legitimate title to the temple, it clouded the issue and often prevented the temple's sale.

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

40 years ago today - May 5, 1981

First Presidency statement against deployment of MX missile-system in Utah-Nevada desert, including criticism of developing weapons of war. LDS U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch and Jake Garn immediately reverse their positions from ardent proponents of MX missile-system and of its deployment in Utah to "leading the fight to keep MX out of Utah." The NEW YORK TIMES editorializes, "The Mormon Church's opposition to the MX missile, [is] an oddly selective summons to national morality in the service of an obviously parochial interest." The First Presidency's statement cited the large influx of non-Mormons into Utah for MX construction as a reason to oppose the deployment.

130 years ago today - May 05, 1891

The [Whitmerite Mormon] Rev., W. P. Brown, now of Richmond, Mo., but formerly of Independence, was in the latter town yesterday, he has of late attracted much attention because of his belief that the second coming of Christ is soon to occur, he has openly announced his belief to this effect and is making his arrangements accordingly. He expects to be present at the arrival of Christ, and to be a participant in the attendant ceremonies.

... The event is, in his opinion, to occur in Jerusalem. He expresses his surprise that people generally do not realize this. ...

Rev, Mr. Brown is quite wealthy. He owns considerable property at Independence and at different points in Kansas. He is endeavoring to dispose of his entire interest and turn it into cash. He was at Independence for this purpose. He expects to be able to sell out in time to sail for Jerusalem within two months.

[ Revd. W. P. Brown, The Sedalia Weekly Bazoo., (Sedalia, Mo.) May 05, 1891, Page 6, Image 6) Rev. W.P. Brown, Second Coming of Jesus Christ, The Austin Weekly Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), June 18, 1891, Image 7.) http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86088296/1891-06-18/ed-1/seq-7/#date1=1890&index=3&rows=20&words=Brown+P+Rev+W&searchType=basic&sequence=0&state=&date2=1891&proxtext=Rev.+W.+P.+Brown+&y=11&x=13&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1, quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]

185 years ago today - May 5, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of David Elliot given by Joseph Smith, Sr.

... Thou shalt be able to quench the violence of fire. Floods shall not drown thee, winds and waves shall obey thy voice and the elements shall be subject unto thee throug[h] faith, and thou shalt bring thy thousands as seals of thy ministry. ... Thou shalt be able to set thy house in order & stand at the head of thy family like Nephi of old. ...

Thou shalt tarry till the Redeemer comes and see the end of this generation. Thou shalt be numbered with the hundred & forty four thousand on Mount Zion. ... And also I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of Jesus. Amen

[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:60, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]

185 years ago today - May 5, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of Mary Elliot given by Joseph Smith, Sr.

... Thy mind will be cast down and thou wilt remember thy blessing and call upon thy God, and he will send an holy angel to tell the[e] of the affairs of thy husband: thou shalt be comforted and feel a joy spring up, and thy soul shall be filled, for thou shalt desire the salvation of souls. and shalt be willing he should tarry. Thou shalt hear the voice of God and be told of his situation. This is thy blessing, treasure it up and God shall give thee many more. If thou shalt desire life, thou shalt live, but if thou shalt desire to lay it down, thou mayest depart in peace, and rest till the Lord shall bring thee with him in the clouds and thy body rise in the first resurrection, and meet him and even be with him. This is thy blessing: and I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of Jesus...

[ Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:60-61, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]

35 years ago today - May 4, 1986.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, speaking at the LDSSA Fireside in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, repeats his injunction for members of the church to avoid criticizing leaders--"it does not matter that the criticism is true"--then continues: "The counsel against faultfinding and evilspeaking applies with special force to criticisms of Church leaders, but this is not for the benefit of the leaders. It is to safeguard the spiritual well-being of members who are prone to murmur and find fault."

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

50 years ago today - May 4, 1971

BYU President Ernest Wilkinson lamented to Ezra Taft Benson that David O. McKay's earlier instructions had blocked any attempts to establish a chapter of the John Birch Society at BYU: "I would personally like to have one at BYU, and I am seeing what I can do, but my lieutenants insist I would be violating the letter that President McKay sent us [during the Midgley/John Birch episode] sometime ago if I did."

[Ernest L. Wilkinson to Ezra Taft Benson as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]

115 years ago today - May 4, 1906

"Susa Young Gates prophesied to me today that I would yet be one of the Counselors in the First Presidency."

[Orson F. Whitney, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

120 years ago today - May 4, 1901 (Saturday)

The Kimball Organ Company completed the reconstruction of the Tabernacle organ in Salt Lake City, making that instrument one of the best pipe organs in the world.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

125 years ago today - May 4, 1896

[Heber J. Grant]

"I have enjoyed my visit to Cache Valley very much, and my only regret is that all of the members of the High Council of the Cache Stake did not endorse the declaration of church discipline. I was, however, especially pleased to have the document voted for by Bro George Barber."

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

125 years ago today - May 4, 1896

[Brigham Young Jr.]

"Had a long talk with Bro[ther] Willis on the true meaning of the Manifesto prohibiting plural marriages especially in relation to men living with their old wives. No plural marriages are solemnized but men are loath to give up or rather forsake their wives. I can take no oath that looks toward annulling the covenants I have made with my wives."

[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]

130 years ago today - May 4, 1891

[Heber J. Grant]

"... (GQ) Cannon said that he was willing that we should sell one half of the Herald to the gentile Democrats and allow them a majority of the Directors. I think the chances are that it will finally be approved to sell a majority of the stock."

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

135 years ago today - May 4, 1886

Apostle John Henry Smith writes that Presiding Bishopric counselor John Q. Cannon is "getting quite reckless" with the church's tithing funds. Cannon is excommunicated four months later, but for adultery not embezzlement. His father, first counselor George Q. Cannon, tells the apostles on 3 Aug. 1887 that "he admitted trying to cover up John Q. Cannon's stealings fromt he Church and that he & his son Abraham had made good John Q's defalcations to the amount of nearly Ten thousand dollars."

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

145 years ago today - May 04, 1876

Eliza Jane Churchill Webb Letter to Mary Bond regarding [possible first plural wife of Joseph Smith] Fanny Alger

"I do not know that the 'sealing' commenced in Kirtland but I am perfectly satisfied that something similar commenced, and my judgment is principally formed from what Fanny Alger told me herself concerning her reasons for leaving 'Sister Emma'."

[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]

165 years ago today - May 4, 1856

President B. Young preached in the tabernacle to the few who were gathered. said he should urge it upon the people for every family of the saints to lay up 7 years of provisions as soon as possible. -- SLC Tabernacle

[Sermons and Writings of the Restoration. 4 Vols. Ogden Kraut, ed. Pioneer Press, 1994, 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 - May 4, 1856

[Brigham Young]

"... if you give an Indian plenty of beef, and keep him from freezing he will live to be 150 years old; there is nothing to kill unless they freeze to death. ..."

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

55 years ago today - May 3, 1966

With Ezra Taft Benson's permission, three weeks after the April 1966 general conference a national committee announced that it was preparing a campaign to elect him U.S. president in 1968. As part of its ten-year plan, this "1976 Committee" nominated Strom Thurmond, conservative U.S. senator from South Carolina, as Benson's vice-presidential running mate.

A former state coordinator wrote that Birch president Robert Welch "was the guiding light behind" this 1976 Committee [to elect Benson president].

National leaders of the Birch Society comprised 59 percent of this committee, including its chair and two vice-chairs. Most other committee members were probably lower-ranking Birchers.

Benson's 1976 Committee was a classic demonstration of Welch's philosophy of creating "fronts"--organizations that merely had the appearance of independence from the Birch Society which formed and directed them.

In effect, the Birch Society was nominating Benson for the White House.

["Presidential Draft for Elder Benson?" in Deseret News, 3 May 1966, A-l; "Group Seeks Benson for Race in '68," Salt Lake Tribune, 3 May 1966, 6; "Benson Hints Door Open In '68 Race," Salt Lake Tribune, 4 May 1966, A-14; Dew, Ezra Taft Benson, 383. Also Epstein and Forster, The Radical Right, 53-55,142; Bethke, "BF (Before Falwell), EB (Ezra Benson)," see additional footnotes in Michael Quinn article. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]

55 years ago today - May 3, 1966

[Deseret News] Benson told a reporter that he was in "shock" over the committee's proposal. "It's the first I've heard of it," he said. The same newspaper report indicated that "about half of the committee's 30 organizers are members of the Birch Society."

["Presidential Draft for Elder Benson," Deseret News as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]

75 years ago today - May 3, 1946

[George Albert Smith]

In bed regretting that I am not able to keep my work up at the office.

[George Albert Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

125 years ago today - May 3, 1896

Second Counselor in the First Presidency Joseph F. Smith presents the "Political Manifesto" before the Cache Stake Conference, in Logan, Utah. He asks for a show of hands: " I don't want anybody to fail to vote because of fear, or because of any other reason. If they have made up their mind one way or the other, let them manifest, and let us see who are for the authorities of the church and who are not for them." About two-thirds of those present voted. From twenty to twenty-five hands were raised against it. Those voting against it included Moses Thatcher, jr., (son of the Apostle) and wife and others stood up and voted "No."

Heber J. Grant noted that "Prest. [Orson] Smith, in his remarks, stated that it had been claimed that the people of Cache Valley did not sustain this declaration, and it had been intimated that the damned thing was being crowed down the throats of the people, and that he had characterized this statement as a vile slander on the character of the Cache Valley Saints. ..."

140 years ago today - May 3, 1881

May 3 We drove to Franklin. ... W Woodruff spoke 25. ... Also thought that in 1881 there would be an Emigration to Zion from the spirit world of about 10,000 souls, as the Poland Bill of 1862 was not in force in the spirit world these spirits would Come to Zion and take up their abode in the Tabernacles of the Mothers in Zion and in spite of the Poland Bill or the Devil they would be born and some of them would be born in Franklin in Idaho notwithstanding the opposition of Gov M.C. /(How many born in 1881?) ...

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

175 years ago today - May 3, 1846

[Nauvoo Temple]

... Elder Orson Hyde Arose And Addressed the Assembly from the following words:

... You may wish to know what we have been doing in this house. I will tell you. We have been anointing And ordaining Kings And Priest unto God. I have been Anointed A king & Priest unto God. If any one wishes to kill me for it let them do it.

We have laboured hard to ordain kings & Priest unto God to reign here on the earth but not now, but I will tell you when it will be. When the LORD JESUS CHRIST comes to reign and recieve his Crown And sit upon his Throne. The Twelve Apostles will sit upon there Thrones & Judge the Twelve tribes of Israel. Then is the time we expect to recieve our crown And inherit this earth. We look forward for A new Heaven & earth but it will be the old Concern made gloriously and renewed. Those who have been ordained unto this office will be born at the resurrection in the royal linage. ...

They are now Persecuting us And there Persecutions Are bringing gray hairs upon the Saints but the Heads of the persecutors will be coverd with blackness...

Evry Saint has A guardian Angel with him so death cannot kill him. The Angels accompanied the Ancients. So they do us. The Angels of the waters & there was 4 on the cornors of the earth. When the guardian Angel is called away we are left to grapple with death.

... I feel to resign my citizenship because I Cannot enjoy it. I would Advise all the Saints that they Cast not another vote in this state but resign alloffices that they hold And all our friends to do thesame. ...

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

175 years ago today - May 3, 1846

[Nauvoo Temple]

The third day of dedicatory services, when the "dedication of the Temple closed." The Hancock Eagle reporting that 5,000 persons attended on the third day, which was reserved for the Latter-Day Saints. During these services the Saints approved a resolution to sell the Temple and use the funds to help the poor in their move West.

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

75 years ago today - May 2, 1946

To Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of Wards ...

Inquiries received at the office of the First Presidency disclose the fact that there is a divergence of opinion and varied practices among ward officers with respect to the kind of music, if any, that should be rendered during the administration of the sacrament.

Recently, this question came before the First Presidency and the Twelve who unanimously approved the recommendation that the ideal condition is to have absolute quiet during the passing of the sacrament, and that we look with disfavor upon vocal solos, duets, group singing, or instrumental music during the administration of this sacred ordinance.

There is no objection to having appropriate music during the preparation of the emblems, but after the prayer is offered, perfect silence should prevail until the bread and the water have been partaken of by the full congregation.

It was further suggested, and unitedly agreed upon, that the sacrament should be first given to the presiding authority in the meeting. This may be the bishop, perhaps one of the stake presidency, or one of the visiting General Authorities. It is the duty of the priest officiating to determine who is the presiding authority present; thus, whenever the sacrament is administered, members of the Aaronic Priesthood officiating will have a lesson in Church government. ...

Sincerely yours, GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency.

[1946-May 2-Original circular letter, L.D.S., in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

120 years ago today - May 2, 1901; Thursday

Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow remarked that he wishes he were a millionaire and if so he would be pleased to hire me to make suggestions for him. I felt somewhat humiliated at his remark at the same time I took it in good part ...

[Heber J. Grant, Diary]

120 years ago today - May 2, 1901; Thursday

President Lorenzo Snow instructed the quorum of Apostles to preach tithing until all non-tithe payers were converted. ...

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

125 years ago today - May 2, 1896

[Heber J. Grant]

[In Logan] I explained that the recent newspaper reports to the effect that I had made an attack upon Apostle Moses Thatcher were not correct as I did not have Bro Thatcher or any one else in my mind while speaking, but that I was simply talking on principle, and urging the saints to be charitable and sustain the authorities who preside over them.

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

140 years ago today - May 2, 1881

[Wilford Woodruff]

We then drove down to my House and on Examining it Presidet Taylor moved that $500 be appropriated for me to Paint the House Build a Barn and all the three Presidency voted to that effect.

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

155 years ago today - May 2, 1866 (Wednesday)

Mr. Thurston's three year old daughter was stolen by Indians, near Mendon, Cache Co. She was never recovered.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

185 years ago today - 1836: 2 May

[Patriarchal Blessing]

William Harris. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.) ... The riches of the earth shall flow unto thee in time, and thou shalt receive the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they shall reach thy posterity also; and thy father's house shall follow on, and be gathered with thee unto the mountain of Israel. ... Angels shall be thy guard upon thy right hand and thy left; even the twelve legions shall watch over thee: thou mayest see them, if thou wilt believe; and if any arm is raised against thee, it shall fall, and all weapons wielded to thy hurt shall perish. If any dig pits for thee, they shall fall therein; if they seek to confound thee with subtle questions, they shall be confounded;

[Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

185 years ago today - May 2, 1836

Patriarchal Blessing of Lyman Leonard given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... riches shall flow unto thee. The great men of the earth shall bring thee treasures untill thou shalt say tis enough. ... Thou shalt speak and prison walls shall fall; rivers be turned out of their course and all things subject unto thee....

Thou shalt have power to translate thyself away from thine enemies. so that they cannot find thee. and nothing shall be too great for thee. ... Thou must keep the word of wisdom and all the commandments and pray much and nothing shall be impossible unto thee. Winds, waves, and sea shall obey thee, and thou shalt baptize some in the briny deep. ...

[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:38, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]

55 years ago today - Apr 30, 1966

Lowell L. Bennion hosts several African-American Mormons at his home in Salt Lake City, including LDS converts Ruffin Bridgeforth Jr. and his Hispanic wife Helen Marie Romero Bridgeforth. She speaks "of the difficulty they have getting their boys to go to church after they get to be deacon age and can't pass the sacrament and do the other things L.D.S. [white] boys do."

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]

90 years ago today - Apr 30, 1931

[Heber J. Grant]

A letter from Brother Brigham H. Roberts claiming that the Seven Presidents of Seventies are apostles and have the right to ordain high priests, etc. was read and discussed at great length.

There did not seem to be anybody that agreed with the position Brother Roberts takes. It is a great anomaly that they are sustained as superior to the Presiding Bishopric, outranking them, and yet they cannot ordain a Bishop who presides over the lesser priesthood.

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

120 years ago today - Tuesday, Apr 30, 1901

The Directors of the Lehi Sugar Co. met at 10 a.m. and appointed Lorenzo Snow a Director and President of the Company to fill the Vacancy made by the death of Geo. Q. Cannon. His salary is to be $600.00 ...

[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]

125 years ago today - Apr 30, 1896

President Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon was today elected a Director of the Union Pacific R[ail]. R[oad].

... Letters having been received by the Presidency in reference to some persons who had suicided during temporary insanity, and were not members of the Church, their descendants desiring to know if Temple work might be performed in their behalf, President Woodruff expressed his mind to the effect that no restrictions should be placed on the friends of those unfortunate people, and that if he erred at all, he would rather it should be on the side of mercy. When reminded that such restrictions had been imposed in the past, President Woodruff said he was aware of this, but did not feel that the liberty of the friends of the deceased should be curtailed. Pres[iden]t. Joseph F. Smith concurred in this decision, and the Presidents of the Temples were authorized and requested to permit work to be done in behalf of the class of people here referred to. ...

[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

125 years ago today - Apr 30, 1896

[Franklin D. Richards]

Deliberations turned on presentation of Declarations to the people & the mode of dealing with such as do not most readily accept it. It should first be presented to the presiding authorities of a stake or ward & then accepted by them then presented it to their people. See that it is fairly presented and without too much explanation so as to avoid entanglement & without extreme action & words these who are slow to accept it.

[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

125 years ago today - Apr 30, 1896

[Brigham Young Jr.]

Several brethren talked on interpreting the 'Declaration of Church Discipline' read at and approved by the General Conference. Bro[ther] John [W.] Taylor made remarks which called me to my feet. he resented my reproof but afterwards felt milder. I said that document was issued in self defense not as an aggressive message. we were attack[ed] first, & were obliged to defend ourselves.

[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

175 years ago today - Apr 30, 1846

... After some conversation and singing[,] a prayer circle was formed immediately in front of the Melchizedek stand. O[rson] Hyde was President, and Joseph Young, mouth, after which those present were seated in the stands to represent the order of the Priesthood; myself being seated in the Teachers Stand, and a Dedicatory prayer was offered by O[rson] Hyde to which all responded "amen." After the prayer ended all shouted with a loud voice, "Hosannah, Hosannah, Hosannah to God and the Lamb, Amen, Amen, Amen!" which was repeated three times * After the services of the evening were over, by proposition of Bro. Hyde, we all went into the attick storey of the Temple and enjoyed a feast of rasins, cakes, and wine * and there decided that the temple hands should meet [the] next day at 2 oclock to enjoy themselves with cakes and wine. When about 12 we dispersed having enjoyed the blessings [and] privilege of dedicating the second Temple, built upon the Land of Zion in the last days, unto the Lord, and it was accepted by him.

[Samuel W. Richards journal, Apr. 30, 1846, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

175 years ago today - Apr 30, 1846

The Temple at Nauvoo was dedicated this evening. ... Elder Joseph Young [Orson Hyde] offered up the dedicatory prayer... He prayed for the Twelve [Apostles] and all the authorities of the Church, and for the workmen that had wrought upon the Temple in the midst of persecution, want and suffering, for the deliverance of the poor; that the Lord would direct the brethren of the camp of Israel, open the way before them and lead them to a place of His own appointment for the gathering of all the Saints, that God would avenge the blood of His servants, the prophets and of the Saints who had been slain for the testimony of the truth and mete out to our enemies the same measure which they had meted out to us.

[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, Apr. 30, 1846, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

180 years ago today - Apr 30, 1841

[Wilford Woodruff]

30 A fine breeze from NE. Sail 10 not an hour. Fears were entertained that the Ship was on fire as smoke arose from the holes but it was found to Come from the Cook shop. I was requested to carry the dishes to the cook So I got my hands full of dishes of various kinds & just as I steped to the door of the Cook house the Ship gave a dredful surge & rocked so that she lay upon her side with her stud sails in the water. This unexpected surge plunged me head foremost about 10 feet the whole bredth of the cook shop against the side of the cook room with the cook [on] top of me.

As this was my first introduction to the cook since I had been at sea I begged his pardon for Such an adrupt enterance, & withdrew leaving the cook with three smashed fingers (caused by trying to save me in the fall) to pick up my dishes at leasure which were scattered from one end to the other of his shop. I hope it will be a long time before I shall pay the cook a similar visit.

We Sail exceding fine & have now for 3 days. The passengers are over their sea sickness & feel Cheerful.

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

190 years ago today - Apr 30, 1831

The first time Joseph and family came to Kirtland they lived with Isaac Morley, Lucy's father. Later "Father Morley" built a small house for them on his farm. The twins were born here [on April 30]. Lucy [Morley] and her elder sister kept house for Emma Smith while she was ill. Joseph and Emma's twins, Thadeus and Louisa, are born in the cabin but survive only 3 hours. Julia Clapp Murdock dies in Warrensville after delivering twins. With three other children under seven years old, John felt he could not look after two more newborns. Emma would be able to nurse the twins, so John gave them to Joseph and Emma to raise. They named the twins Joseph and Julia. [Joseph Murdock dies eleven months later.]

[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

190 years ago today - Apr 30, 1831

William W. Phelps is imprisoned at Lyons (NY) for thirty days for an unpaid debt, which Phelps interprets as persecution for his belief in the Book of Mormon.

[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]