The Genealogical Library celebrated the conversion of the last card from its card catalog to computer.
[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]
75 years ago today - Jul 15, 1947
Establishment of stakes within mission boundaries-- ... thirty-seven new stakes of the Church had been organized. Many of these were now in the mission fields of the Church ... "To Presidents of Missions and Stakes Whose Territorial Boundaries May Overlap or Are of Such Character That the Work of Missions May be Carried Forward Within the General Boundary Line of Stakes." The establishment of stakes in mission territory "shall not be deemed so rigid as to preclude mission work within such boundaries. It being understood, however, that the jurisdiction of stake and ward authorities over units which are set up and maintained in the stake is exclusive."
[1947-July 15-Original circular letter, L.D.S., in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[1947-July 15-Original circular letter, L.D.S., in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Jul 15, 1907
[George F. Richards]
At 6 P.M. attended Pres[ident]. [Francis M.] Lyman's [Prayer] Circle at the temple and was honorably released from same as a member. This course taken because a mission has been given me to preside over what was known as the John Taylor Circle and we meet on Wednesdays at 6 P.M. When I became a member of President Lyman's Circle, I was not a member of any other.
[George F. 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]
At 6 P.M. attended Pres[ident]. [Francis M.] Lyman's [Prayer] Circle at the temple and was honorably released from same as a member. This course taken because a mission has been given me to preside over what was known as the John Taylor Circle and we meet on Wednesdays at 6 P.M. When I became a member of President Lyman's Circle, I was not a member of any other.
[George F. 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]
125 years ago today - Tuesday, Jul 15, 1897
[John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
The statue to Brigham Young and the Pioneers was completed today. Many of the Delegates to the Trans-Mississippi Congress are in the City.
[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]
Salt Lake City
The statue to Brigham Young and the Pioneers was completed today. Many of the Delegates to the Trans-Mississippi Congress are in the City.
[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 - Jul 15, 1897 (Thursday)
The first announcement of rich gold strikes in Klondike, Alaska, caused great excitement in Salt Lake City and throughout the country.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - Jul 15, 1892
Mormon outlaw Robert LeRoy Parker is arrested on a horse-theft complaint. The arresting officer, Bob Calverly, reports: "I told him I had a warrant for him and he said: 'Well get to shooting,' and with that we pulled our guns. I put the barrel of my revolver almost to his stomach, but it missed three times, but owing to the fact that there was another man between us, he failed to hit me. The fourth time I snapped the gun it went off and the bullet hit him in the upper part of the forehead and felled him. I then had him and he made no further resistance." Parker, better known as "Butch Cassidy" is acquitted.
130 years ago today - Jul 15, 1892
[Francis M. Lyman]
[Provo] At 8 p.m. [I] attended the Democratic ratification meeting in the Opera House. W[illia]m H. King in the Chair. Bro[ther]s Moses Thatcher and B. H. Roberts were the speakers lauding Democratic virtues and enlarging upon Republican rascality.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Provo] At 8 p.m. [I] attended the Democratic ratification meeting in the Opera House. W[illia]m H. King in the Chair. Bro[ther]s Moses Thatcher and B. H. Roberts were the speakers lauding Democratic virtues and enlarging upon Republican rascality.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Jul 15, 1887 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
President Taylor is brighter this morning and more natural, though quite weak. I signed the recommends to the Temple and dictated to Bro. Nuttall answers to letters. I feel that our position here, in consequence of the excitement over President Taylor's illness and the talk there is about us, is insecure, and I felt prompted to request our host to secure suitable guards, for which we would pay. ... My object is to have the approaches to this place watched, so that we may have timely notice in case an attempt is made to descend upon us by the deputies. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
President Taylor is brighter this morning and more natural, though quite weak. I signed the recommends to the Temple and dictated to Bro. Nuttall answers to letters. I feel that our position here, in consequence of the excitement over President Taylor's illness and the talk there is about us, is insecure, and I felt prompted to request our host to secure suitable guards, for which we would pay. ... My object is to have the approaches to this place watched, so that we may have timely notice in case an attempt is made to descend upon us by the deputies. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
145 years ago today - Jul 15, 1877
[Wilford Woodruff]
Met at 10 oclok in the Tabernacle. ... D H Cannon read the vision [D&C 76] then W. Woodruff spoke 63 Minuts D H Cannon 3 Minuts Br Lunt 5 M Bishop Dame 8 M.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Met at 10 oclok in the Tabernacle. ... D H Cannon read the vision [D&C 76] then W. Woodruff spoke 63 Minuts D H Cannon 3 Minuts Br Lunt 5 M Bishop Dame 8 M.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jul 15, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
15 I spent this day writing in the office. I sent sister Eliza R Snow A poem the production of my pen directed to herself As a Poetess in Zion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 I spent this day writing in the office. I sent sister Eliza R Snow A poem the production of my pen directed to herself As a Poetess in Zion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jul 15, 1852
The NEW YORK HERALD publishes a letter from W. W. Phelps: "The constitution has no power over religion, neither has Utah's Congress.- The federal authorities have no control over morality-that belongs to the good old book, the word of the Lord." Utah's appointed representative in Congress, John M. Bernhisel, is incensed at Phelps's letter. He writes Brigham Young on Aug 14, that conditions for statehood were improving "until this inconsiderate and untimely letter made its appearance, reviving former prejudices and adding fresh fuel to the fire which had burned so furiously for several months. . . . so far as considering us a religious people, very many here and elsewhere, regard us among the most immoral and licentious beings on the face of the globe.- I therefore beg, entreat and implore Judge Phelps, as an elder brother, to write no more letters nor dialogues on this subject, upon which the nation is so sensitive."
180 years ago today - Jul 15, 1842 - Friday
[Joseph Smith Journal]
This A.M. early a report was in circulation that O. P. [Orson Pratt] was missing. A. letter of his writing was found directed to his wife stating to the effect that he was going away;
[[Pratt's wife, Sarah Bates Pratt, was allegedly involved with John C. Bennett in an illicit relationship, which apparently ended quietly upon Orson Pratt's return from a proselytizing mission to Britain in summer 1841. When JS publicly exposed Bennett for similar relationships with other women in the 1 July 1842 issue of the Times and Seasons, Bennett asserted that JS himself seduced women in Nauvoo and that he (Bennett) was present when JS asked Sarah to be one of his "spiritual wives." Sarah supported Bennett's claim; indeed, that Orson was aware of the allegations against JS on 14, while Bennett's claim was not published until 15 July, suggests that Orson first heard of it from Sarah rather than from Bennett. JS denied the charge. The "letter of his writing," to which the text may refer, was written the evening of 14 July and found on Munson Street, east of Heber C. Kimball's home; it illustrates the difficult position in which these charges and countercharges placed Orson. The unaddressed letter began: "I am a ruined man! my future prospects are blasted! the testimony upon both sides seems to be equal: the one in direct contradiction to the other—how to decide I know not neither does it matter for let it be either way my temporal happiness is gone in this world if the testimonies of my wife & others are true then I have been deceived for 12 years past—my hopes are blasted & gone as it were in a moment—my long toils & labours have been in vain. If on the other hand the other testimonies are true then my family are ruined forever."]]
Soon as this was known Joseph summoned the principal men of the city and workmen on the Temple to meet at the Temple Grove where he ordered them to proceed immediately throughout the city in search of him lest he should have laid voilent [violent] hands on himself [IE suicide]. After considerable search had been made but to no effect a meeting was called at the Grove where Joseph stated before the public a general outline of J[ohn] C. Bennetts conduct and especially with regard to Sis P [Sarah Bates Pratt] ... O. P. returned at night. He was seen about 2 miles this side Warsaw ; set on a log. He says he has concluded to do right.
[[In spite of this report, two days later Brigham Young wrote in a letter to Orson's brother Parley P. Pratt: "Br Orson Pratt is in trubble in consequence of his wife, his feelings are so rought up that he dos not know whether his wife is wrong, or whether Josephs testmony and others are wrong and due Ly and he decived for 12 years, or not; he is all but crazy about matters."]]
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
This A.M. early a report was in circulation that O. P. [Orson Pratt] was missing. A. letter of his writing was found directed to his wife stating to the effect that he was going away;
[[Pratt's wife, Sarah Bates Pratt, was allegedly involved with John C. Bennett in an illicit relationship, which apparently ended quietly upon Orson Pratt's return from a proselytizing mission to Britain in summer 1841. When JS publicly exposed Bennett for similar relationships with other women in the 1 July 1842 issue of the Times and Seasons, Bennett asserted that JS himself seduced women in Nauvoo and that he (Bennett) was present when JS asked Sarah to be one of his "spiritual wives." Sarah supported Bennett's claim; indeed, that Orson was aware of the allegations against JS on 14, while Bennett's claim was not published until 15 July, suggests that Orson first heard of it from Sarah rather than from Bennett. JS denied the charge. The "letter of his writing," to which the text may refer, was written the evening of 14 July and found on Munson Street, east of Heber C. Kimball's home; it illustrates the difficult position in which these charges and countercharges placed Orson. The unaddressed letter began: "I am a ruined man! my future prospects are blasted! the testimony upon both sides seems to be equal: the one in direct contradiction to the other—how to decide I know not neither does it matter for let it be either way my temporal happiness is gone in this world if the testimonies of my wife & others are true then I have been deceived for 12 years past—my hopes are blasted & gone as it were in a moment—my long toils & labours have been in vain. If on the other hand the other testimonies are true then my family are ruined forever."]]
Soon as this was known Joseph summoned the principal men of the city and workmen on the Temple to meet at the Temple Grove where he ordered them to proceed immediately throughout the city in search of him lest he should have laid voilent [violent] hands on himself [IE suicide]. After considerable search had been made but to no effect a meeting was called at the Grove where Joseph stated before the public a general outline of J[ohn] C. Bennetts conduct and especially with regard to Sis P [Sarah Bates Pratt] ... O. P. returned at night. He was seen about 2 miles this side Warsaw ; set on a log. He says he has concluded to do right.
[[In spite of this report, two days later Brigham Young wrote in a letter to Orson's brother Parley P. Pratt: "Br Orson Pratt is in trubble in consequence of his wife, his feelings are so rought up that he dos not know whether his wife is wrong, or whether Josephs testmony and others are wrong and due Ly and he decived for 12 years, or not; he is all but crazy about matters."]]
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
180 years ago today - Jul 15, 1842
The ST. LOUIS BULLETIN publishes Martha Brotherton's account of her invitation to enter into polygamy in Nauvoo. She tells how she was privately approached by Brigham Young and asked "were it lawful and right -- could [you] accept of me for your husband and companion?" Young stated that "Brother Joseph has had a revelation from God that it is lawful and right for a man to have two wives; for as it was in the days of Abraham, so it shall be in these last days -- if you will accept of me, I will take you straight to the celestial kingdom." Brotherton reports that when she hesitated, Young left the room and returned ten minutes later with Smith. "Well, Martha," she reports the prophet as saying, "just go ahead, and do as Brigham wants you to.- I know that this is lawful and right before God.- I have the keys of the kingdom, and whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven." Martha begs for time to consider the offer, then left for St. Louis, where she publishes her story.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - 1837: 15 July
[Patriarchal Blessing]
Benjamin Clopson Ellsworth. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
. . . the blessing which I confer on thee is after the same [?] of blessing which Melchisidick conferd on Abraham on the way from the battle of the ten Kings . . .
. . . Thou must pass through great tribulation and affliction it [shall?] be thy Lot to suffer persecution--Thou shall be put under Bond as Paul was--it is the will of the Lord that thou shodest be brought before Magistrates for A Testimony--thou shall be brought before Kings and Potentates of the Earth--thy Life shall be put in Jeopardy insomuch as thou shall be in prison thou shalt Call upon the Lord as Paul and Timothy did and he will deliver thee. The doors of the prision shall be opened and thou shalt be set free--[?] and Riots shall assault thee . . . if thou dost put thy trust in God they shall not prevail against thee many of [?] Enemies shall pursue after thee. God will give thee power to call down fire from Heaven as Elijah did upon his Enimies thy Life shall be precious in the Sight of God. If thou wilt put thy trust in God no power shall prevail against thee. Thou shalt have power to stand on a planet and proclaim the gosple--thou shalt be as Michal the Archangle in many [??] convince thousands of the truth, and shall have power to slay thousands thou shalt ere long preside over a stake of Zion its inhabitants shall love thee thou shalt be instrumental in the salvation of souls, thou shalt be blest with posterity thy children shall stand from Generation to Generation thou shalt stand on a Great planet the one nearest to the Celestial world Called Colob and preach the gospel to its inhabitants--thou shalt preach the gospel to the inhabitants of the Earth--thou shalt stand on the earth in the flesh and [see?] Jesus Christ come in the clouds of Heaven Thou shalt witness the winding up scene of this Generation in the distruction of the wicked and see the salvation of the righteous and the geathering of the House of Israel I place a seal on thee that the Enemy may not have power over thee I seal this blessing on thy head I seal thee up to Eternal Life on conditions of keeping thee commandments and the words of Wisdom . . ."
[From photocopy of notes, referencing the RLDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Benjamin Clopson Ellsworth. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
. . . the blessing which I confer on thee is after the same [?] of blessing which Melchisidick conferd on Abraham on the way from the battle of the ten Kings . . .
. . . Thou must pass through great tribulation and affliction it [shall?] be thy Lot to suffer persecution--Thou shall be put under Bond as Paul was--it is the will of the Lord that thou shodest be brought before Magistrates for A Testimony--thou shall be brought before Kings and Potentates of the Earth--thy Life shall be put in Jeopardy insomuch as thou shall be in prison thou shalt Call upon the Lord as Paul and Timothy did and he will deliver thee. The doors of the prision shall be opened and thou shalt be set free--[?] and Riots shall assault thee . . . if thou dost put thy trust in God they shall not prevail against thee many of [?] Enemies shall pursue after thee. God will give thee power to call down fire from Heaven as Elijah did upon his Enimies thy Life shall be precious in the Sight of God. If thou wilt put thy trust in God no power shall prevail against thee. Thou shalt have power to stand on a planet and proclaim the gosple--thou shalt be as Michal the Archangle in many [??] convince thousands of the truth, and shall have power to slay thousands thou shalt ere long preside over a stake of Zion its inhabitants shall love thee thou shalt be instrumental in the salvation of souls, thou shalt be blest with posterity thy children shall stand from Generation to Generation thou shalt stand on a Great planet the one nearest to the Celestial world Called Colob and preach the gospel to its inhabitants--thou shalt preach the gospel to the inhabitants of the Earth--thou shalt stand on the earth in the flesh and [see?] Jesus Christ come in the clouds of Heaven Thou shalt witness the winding up scene of this Generation in the distruction of the wicked and see the salvation of the righteous and the geathering of the House of Israel I place a seal on thee that the Enemy may not have power over thee I seal this blessing on thy head I seal thee up to Eternal Life on conditions of keeping thee commandments and the words of Wisdom . . ."
[From photocopy of notes, referencing the RLDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Jul 15, 1837
The CLEVELAND GAZETTE warns: "LOOK OUT. We learn by the Painesville Telegraph of yesterday, that the 'Mormon Banking Company' is about making a new emission of their worthless trash, using old paper and signed by [Frederick G.] Williams and one [Warren] Par[r]ish, by the redemption of a few dollars of which they expect to get the old emission as well as the new, again into circulation." Williams and Parrish had recently taken over the Kirtland "Anti-Banking Society" from Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. In an attempt to salvage what remained of the ravaged institution, the new officers dispensed another $15,000 of notes to supplement the $70,000 Rigdon and Smith had issued. This action merely depreciated the value of the bills further.
190 years ago today - circa Summer 1832
[Earliest account of First Vision, obtaining plates, etc.]
History A History of the life of Joseph Smith Jr. an account of his marvilous experience and of all the mighty acts which he doeth in the name of Jesus Ch[r]ist ...
I was born in the town of Charon [Sharon] in the [[State]] of Vermont North America ... At about the age of twelve years my mind become seriously imprest with regard to the all importent concerns of for the wellfare of my immortal Soul which led me to searching the scriptures believeing as I was taught ... thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart ... I become convicted of my sins and by searching the scriptures I found that mand [[mankind]] did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatised from the true and liveing faith and there was no society or denomination that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the new testament and I felt to mourn for my own sins ... therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to whom I could go and to obtain mercy and the Lord heard my cry in the wilderness and while in [[the]] attitude of calling upon the Lord [[in the 16th year of my age]] a piller of fire light above the brightness of the sun at noon day come down from above and rested upon me and I was filled with the spirit of god and the [[Lord]] opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord and he spake unto me saying Joseph [[my son]] thy sins are forgiven thee. go thy [[way]] walk in my statutes and keep my commandments behold I am the Lord of glory I was crucifyed for the world that all those who believe on my name may have Eternal life [[behold]] the world lieth in sin and at this time and none doeth good no not one they have turned asside from the gospel and keep not [[my]] commandments they draw near to me with their lips while their hearts are far from me and mine anger is kindling against the inhabitants of the earth to visit them acording to thir ungodliness and to bring to pass that which [[hath]] been spoken by the mouth of the prophets and Ap[o]stles behold and lo I come quickly as it [is] written of me in the cloud [[clothed]] in the glory of my Father and my soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with great Joy and the Lord was with me but could find none that would believe the hevnly vision nevertheless I pondered these things in my heart about that time my mother and but after many days I fell into transgressions and sinned in many things which brought a wound upon my soul and there were many things which transpired that cannot be writen and my Fathers family have suffered many persicutions and afflictions and it came to pass when I was seventeen years of age I called again upon the Lord and he shewed unto me a heavenly vision for behold an angel of the Lord came and stood before me and it was by night and he called me by name and he said the Lord had forgiven me my sins and he revealed unto me that in the Town of Manchester Ontario County N.Y. there was plates of gold upon which there was engravings which was engraven by Maroni & his fathers the servants of the living God in ancient days and deposited by th[e] commandments of God and kept by the power thereof and that I should go and get them and he revealed unto me many things concerning the inhabitents of of the earth which since have been revealed in commandments & revelations and it was on the 22d day of Sept. AD 1â—Š82 1822 and thus he appeared unto me three times in one night and once on the next day and then I immediately went to the place and found where the plates was deposited as the angel of the Lord had commanded me and straightway made three attempts to get them and then being excedingly frightened I supposed it had been a dreem of Vision but when I considred I knew that it was not therefore I cried unto the Lord in the agony of my soul why can I not obtain them behold the angel appeared unto me again and said unto me you have not kept the commandments of the Lord which I gave unto you therefore you cannot now obtain them for the time is not yet fulfilled therefore thou wast left unto temptation that thou mightest be made accquainted of with the power of the advisary therefore repent and call on the Lord thou shalt be forgiven and in his own due time thou shalt obtain them for now I had been tempted of the advisary and saught the Plates to obtain riches and kept not the commandme[n]t that I should have an eye single to the Glory of God therefore I was chastened and saught diligently to obtain the plates and obtained them not untill I was twenty one years of age and in this year I was married to Emma Hale Daughtr of Isaach [Isaac] Hale who lived in Harmony Susquehan[n]a County Pensylvania on the 18th January AD, 1827, on the 22d day of Sept of this same year I obtained the plat[e]sâ€"and the in December following we mooved to Susquehana by the assistence of a man by the name of Martin Har[r]is who became convinced of th[e] vision and gave me fifty Dollars to bare my expences and because of his faith and this rightheous deed the Lord appeared unto him in a vision and shewed unto him his marvilous work which he was about to do and [[h[e]]] imediately came to Suquehannah and said the Lord had shown him that he must go to new York City [[with]] some of the characters so we proceeded to coppy some of them and he took his Journy to the Eastern Cittys and to the Learned [[saying]] read this I pray thee and the learned said I cannot but if he would bring the blates [plates] they would read it but the Lord had forbid it and he returned to me and gave them to [[me]] [[to]] translate and I said I said cannot for I am not learned but the Lord had prepared spectticke spectacles for to read the Book therefore I commenced translating the characters and thus the Propicy [prophecy] of Isiaah was fulfilled which is writen in the 29 chaptr concerning the book and it came to pass that after we had translated 116 pages that he desired to carry them to read to his friends that peradventur he might convince them of the truth therefore I inquired of the Lord and the Lord said unto me that he must not take them and I spake unto him (Martin) the word of the Lord and he said inquire again and I inquired again and also the third time and the Lord said unto me let him go with them only he shall covenant with me that he will not shew them to only but four persons and he covenented withe Lord that he would do according to the word of the Lord therefore he took them and took his journey unto his friends to Palmire [Palmyra] Wayne County & State of N York and he brake the covenent which he made before the Lord and the Lord suffered the writings to fall into the hands of wicked men and Martin was Chastened for his transgression and I also was chastened also for my transgression for asking the Lord the third time wherefore the Plates was taken from me by the power of God and I was not able to obtain them for a season and it came to pass afte[r] much humility and affliction of Soul I obtained them again when Lord appeared unto a young man by the name of Oliver Cowd[e]ry and shewed unto him the plates in a vision and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was about to do through me his unworthy Servant therefore he was desiorous to come and write for me and to translate now my wife had writen some for me to translate and also my Brothr Samuel H Smith but we had become reduced in property and my wives father was about to turn me out of doores I & I had not where to go and I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me [4 lines blank] [p. [6]]
["Letter Book A," JS Letterbook 1, ca. 27 Nov. 1832â€"ca. 4 Aug. 1835]
History A History of the life of Joseph Smith Jr. an account of his marvilous experience and of all the mighty acts which he doeth in the name of Jesus Ch[r]ist ...
I was born in the town of Charon [Sharon] in the [[State]] of Vermont North America ... At about the age of twelve years my mind become seriously imprest with regard to the all importent concerns of for the wellfare of my immortal Soul which led me to searching the scriptures believeing as I was taught ... thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart ... I become convicted of my sins and by searching the scriptures I found that mand [[mankind]] did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatised from the true and liveing faith and there was no society or denomination that built upon the gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the new testament and I felt to mourn for my own sins ... therefore I cried unto the Lord for mercy for there was none else to whom I could go and to obtain mercy and the Lord heard my cry in the wilderness and while in [[the]] attitude of calling upon the Lord [[in the 16th year of my age]] a piller of fire light above the brightness of the sun at noon day come down from above and rested upon me and I was filled with the spirit of god and the [[Lord]] opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord and he spake unto me saying Joseph [[my son]] thy sins are forgiven thee. go thy [[way]] walk in my statutes and keep my commandments behold I am the Lord of glory I was crucifyed for the world that all those who believe on my name may have Eternal life [[behold]] the world lieth in sin and at this time and none doeth good no not one they have turned asside from the gospel and keep not [[my]] commandments they draw near to me with their lips while their hearts are far from me and mine anger is kindling against the inhabitants of the earth to visit them acording to thir ungodliness and to bring to pass that which [[hath]] been spoken by the mouth of the prophets and Ap[o]stles behold and lo I come quickly as it [is] written of me in the cloud [[clothed]] in the glory of my Father and my soul was filled with love and for many days I could rejoice with great Joy and the Lord was with me but could find none that would believe the hevnly vision nevertheless I pondered these things in my heart about that time my mother and but after many days I fell into transgressions and sinned in many things which brought a wound upon my soul and there were many things which transpired that cannot be writen and my Fathers family have suffered many persicutions and afflictions and it came to pass when I was seventeen years of age I called again upon the Lord and he shewed unto me a heavenly vision for behold an angel of the Lord came and stood before me and it was by night and he called me by name and he said the Lord had forgiven me my sins and he revealed unto me that in the Town of Manchester Ontario County N.Y. there was plates of gold upon which there was engravings which was engraven by Maroni & his fathers the servants of the living God in ancient days and deposited by th[e] commandments of God and kept by the power thereof and that I should go and get them and he revealed unto me many things concerning the inhabitents of of the earth which since have been revealed in commandments & revelations and it was on the 22d day of Sept. AD 1â—Š82 1822 and thus he appeared unto me three times in one night and once on the next day and then I immediately went to the place and found where the plates was deposited as the angel of the Lord had commanded me and straightway made three attempts to get them and then being excedingly frightened I supposed it had been a dreem of Vision but when I considred I knew that it was not therefore I cried unto the Lord in the agony of my soul why can I not obtain them behold the angel appeared unto me again and said unto me you have not kept the commandments of the Lord which I gave unto you therefore you cannot now obtain them for the time is not yet fulfilled therefore thou wast left unto temptation that thou mightest be made accquainted of with the power of the advisary therefore repent and call on the Lord thou shalt be forgiven and in his own due time thou shalt obtain them for now I had been tempted of the advisary and saught the Plates to obtain riches and kept not the commandme[n]t that I should have an eye single to the Glory of God therefore I was chastened and saught diligently to obtain the plates and obtained them not untill I was twenty one years of age and in this year I was married to Emma Hale Daughtr of Isaach [Isaac] Hale who lived in Harmony Susquehan[n]a County Pensylvania on the 18th January AD, 1827, on the 22d day of Sept of this same year I obtained the plat[e]sâ€"and the in December following we mooved to Susquehana by the assistence of a man by the name of Martin Har[r]is who became convinced of th[e] vision and gave me fifty Dollars to bare my expences and because of his faith and this rightheous deed the Lord appeared unto him in a vision and shewed unto him his marvilous work which he was about to do and [[h[e]]] imediately came to Suquehannah and said the Lord had shown him that he must go to new York City [[with]] some of the characters so we proceeded to coppy some of them and he took his Journy to the Eastern Cittys and to the Learned [[saying]] read this I pray thee and the learned said I cannot but if he would bring the blates [plates] they would read it but the Lord had forbid it and he returned to me and gave them to [[me]] [[to]] translate and I said I said cannot for I am not learned but the Lord had prepared spectticke spectacles for to read the Book therefore I commenced translating the characters and thus the Propicy [prophecy] of Isiaah was fulfilled which is writen in the 29 chaptr concerning the book and it came to pass that after we had translated 116 pages that he desired to carry them to read to his friends that peradventur he might convince them of the truth therefore I inquired of the Lord and the Lord said unto me that he must not take them and I spake unto him (Martin) the word of the Lord and he said inquire again and I inquired again and also the third time and the Lord said unto me let him go with them only he shall covenant with me that he will not shew them to only but four persons and he covenented withe Lord that he would do according to the word of the Lord therefore he took them and took his journey unto his friends to Palmire [Palmyra] Wayne County & State of N York and he brake the covenent which he made before the Lord and the Lord suffered the writings to fall into the hands of wicked men and Martin was Chastened for his transgression and I also was chastened also for my transgression for asking the Lord the third time wherefore the Plates was taken from me by the power of God and I was not able to obtain them for a season and it came to pass afte[r] much humility and affliction of Soul I obtained them again when Lord appeared unto a young man by the name of Oliver Cowd[e]ry and shewed unto him the plates in a vision and also the truth of the work and what the Lord was about to do through me his unworthy Servant therefore he was desiorous to come and write for me and to translate now my wife had writen some for me to translate and also my Brothr Samuel H Smith but we had become reduced in property and my wives father was about to turn me out of doores I & I had not where to go and I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me [4 lines blank] [p. [6]]
["Letter Book A," JS Letterbook 1, ca. 27 Nov. 1832â€"ca. 4 Aug. 1835]
35 years ago today - Jul 14, 1987
William Law, Counselor to Joseph Smith and publisher of the NAUVOO EXPOSITOR (the newspaper that exposed Joseph's polygamy and whose distruction led to Joseph's arrest and assassination at Carthage Jail) is rebaptized by proxy into the LDS church. His priesthood is restored by proxy on Oct 15.
50 years ago today - Jul 14, 1972
Jean Miles Westwood is elected as national chair of the Democratic Party, the first Mormon and first woman to head a major political party in the United States.
[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 )]]
75 years ago today - Jul 14, 1947
[David O. McKay]
[Part of interview with Mr. Bell of Time magazine:] c. Did the end of polygamy come as a result of divine revelation, or as a manifesto to President Woodruff.
I answered: President Woodruff stated that it came as a revelation; that he prayed, and then he issued the Manifesto.
d. I understand that the Welfare Program started in 1936, and that it came as a revelation to President Heber J. Grant.
I answered: It was not a revelation; it is just a program of the Church.
[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]
[Part of interview with Mr. Bell of Time magazine:] c. Did the end of polygamy come as a result of divine revelation, or as a manifesto to President Woodruff.
I answered: President Woodruff stated that it came as a revelation; that he prayed, and then he issued the Manifesto.
d. I understand that the Welfare Program started in 1936, and that it came as a revelation to President Heber J. Grant.
I answered: It was not a revelation; it is just a program of the Church.
[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]
135 years ago today - Jul 14, 1887
L. John Nuttall writes: " Pres[iden]t. Taylor spent a poor night. He does not seem much different this morning, only weaker. Dr. Anderson spoke last evening of administering hyperdermic injections of Digitalis, which he said would only give him temporary relief in the action of the heart. The Sisters Taylor and Pres[iden]t. Cannon did not favor this, as the President had so opposed anything of the kind being done for him while he was able to speak for himself. The doctor this morning after examining the President, said he might live a week or ten days or he might drop off today or at any time."
155 years ago today - Jul 14, 1867 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
Speaking of the reported gold mines out east, and the statements that he had sent men there, he said that he had sent no one, although he had consented for some to go who wanted to go; but he had the same to say now that he said when people were going west to dig gold; those who remained at home and helped to build up the Kingdom of God would grow rich faster than those who went to hunt for gold. The only thing that he could counsel men to do is to build up the Kingdom of God. He said to the bishops, presidents, and elders generally, that if it is their privilege to swear a little, lie a little, drink a little, chew tobacco, and drink tea and coffee, they have a privilege which he never enjoyed. No person has a license to sin. -- SLC Bowery
[Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 16:225, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Speaking of the reported gold mines out east, and the statements that he had sent men there, he said that he had sent no one, although he had consented for some to go who wanted to go; but he had the same to say now that he said when people were going west to dig gold; those who remained at home and helped to build up the Kingdom of God would grow rich faster than those who went to hunt for gold. The only thing that he could counsel men to do is to build up the Kingdom of God. He said to the bishops, presidents, and elders generally, that if it is their privilege to swear a little, lie a little, drink a little, chew tobacco, and drink tea and coffee, they have a privilege which he never enjoyed. No person has a license to sin. -- SLC Bowery
[Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 16:225, 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 - Jul 14, 1842
In a public speech, Joseph Smith calls Orson Pratt's wife, Sarah, -A whore from her mother's breast- (The Sangamo Journal. July 29, 1842). This entry is from an anti-mormon newspaper, and is the only source of this statement, however one must question whether all sources are lies simply because they are not in favor of mormonism. On the same day:
Sarah had accused Smith of proposing plural marriage to her while her husband, Orson, was away on a mission
Orson Pratt writes a -suicide' note: -I am a ruined man! My future prospects are blasted! The testimony upon both sides seems to be equal: The one in direct contradiction to the other . . .-
Regardless of whether he said the exact words -Whore- and -Mother's breast-, it is clear that Joseph pushed in a way that lead Orson to be very distraught over the situation of his wife claiming that Joseph had proposed to her, and refusing to accept that it was Bennett who had, instead.
[Joseph Smith, Orson and Sarah Pratt- A timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/joseph-smith-orson-and-sarah-pratt-a-timeline/]
Sarah had accused Smith of proposing plural marriage to her while her husband, Orson, was away on a mission
Orson Pratt writes a -suicide' note: -I am a ruined man! My future prospects are blasted! The testimony upon both sides seems to be equal: The one in direct contradiction to the other . . .-
Regardless of whether he said the exact words -Whore- and -Mother's breast-, it is clear that Joseph pushed in a way that lead Orson to be very distraught over the situation of his wife claiming that Joseph had proposed to her, and refusing to accept that it was Bennett who had, instead.
[Joseph Smith, Orson and Sarah Pratt- A timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/joseph-smith-orson-and-sarah-pratt-a-timeline/]
160 years ago today - Jul 13, 1862
Brigham Young preaches that "if the Book of Mormon were now to be rewritten, in many instances it would materially differ from the present translation."
[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 )]]
160 years ago today - Jul 13, 1862
[Brigham Young]
Said that when this world was first made it was in a close proximity to God. When man sinned it was hurled millions of miles away from its first position, and that was why it was called the fall. Spoke of the goodness of God in providing salvation for all the human race that had not sinned against the Holy Ghost. -- SLC Bowery
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 233-234, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Said that when this world was first made it was in a close proximity to God. When man sinned it was hurled millions of miles away from its first position, and that was why it was called the fall. Spoke of the goodness of God in providing salvation for all the human race that had not sinned against the Holy Ghost. -- SLC Bowery
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 233-234, 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 - Jul 13, 1852
Parley P. Pratt publishes a pamphlet in San Francisco: "Mormonism! Plurality of Wives! An especial chapter for the especial edification of certain inquisitive news editors, etc." It provided a curious defense of polygamy without admitting to its practice.
175 years ago today - Jul 13, 1847. Tuesday.
[William Clayton]
[Eleven days before the main company of pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley] ... Elder Kimball proposed that a company start from the camp with Elder [Orson] Pratt to proceed on to the Weber River Canyon and ascertain if we can pass through safely if not to try and find a pass over the mountains. He reported that President Young is a little better this morning, but last evening was insensible and raving. Col. [Albert] Rockwood is also very sick and quite deranged. A company of 22 wagons, mostly Ox teams started on soon after dinner in company with Elder Pratt ...
[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]
[Eleven days before the main company of pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley] ... Elder Kimball proposed that a company start from the camp with Elder [Orson] Pratt to proceed on to the Weber River Canyon and ascertain if we can pass through safely if not to try and find a pass over the mountains. He reported that President Young is a little better this morning, but last evening was insensible and raving. Col. [Albert] Rockwood is also very sick and quite deranged. A company of 22 wagons, mostly Ox teams started on soon after dinner in company with Elder Pratt ...
[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]
55 years ago today - Jul 12, 1967
(July) The 'Priesthood Bulletin' prohibits women from praying in sacrament meeting.
[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 )]]
135 years ago today - Jul 12, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
In the afternoon held a meeting with about twenty of the leading brethren [in Cedar City]. Gave them to understand that the State Constitution met the unqualified support of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, and urged upon them the necessity of seeing that every registered voter of the People's Party turned out at the coming election, and cast their vote in favor of the Constitution. Requested them not to mention the fact of my meeting with them, as it might be construed by our enemies against us, as they would say that this movement was a Church movement instead of a political one.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
In the afternoon held a meeting with about twenty of the leading brethren [in Cedar City]. Gave them to understand that the State Constitution met the unqualified support of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, and urged upon them the necessity of seeing that every registered voter of the People's Party turned out at the coming election, and cast their vote in favor of the Constitution. Requested them not to mention the fact of my meeting with them, as it might be construed by our enemies against us, as they would say that this movement was a Church movement instead of a political one.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
165 years ago today - Jul 12, 1857
Patriarch John Young preaches: "I wonder if some one won't go away and say that brother [Heber C.] Kimball and the authorities were misinformed. I can tell you they are not; for those men who stand at the head of affairs have the light of heaven with them all the time; they have the power of the Spirit and the visions of the heavens with them always, and they can read men and women from head to foot. After this, I don't want anybody to go away from the meeting and say, 'I guess they were mistaken.' Don't let us hear any more of it, brethren; never let such a thing be spoken, that a Prophet of God is mistaken. I ask this congregation, and I adjure you in the name of the Lord to speak, if ever you heard brother Brigham, brother Kimball, brother Jedediah, or brother Wells say anything that was not strictly true. I answer, you never did." Heber C. Kimball interrupts at this point: "If it were so, a man might be a Prophet one minute and a devil another."
[John Young: Blessings of Zion - Prophets of God to Be Relied On - Enemies of the Saints, JD 5:24 - 27]
[John Young: Blessings of Zion - Prophets of God to Be Relied On - Enemies of the Saints, JD 5:24 - 27]
165 years ago today - Jul 12, 1857
Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Women were never placed to lead. Did you ever see a ship rigged for sailing to England, or to any other port in the world, without a helm, and rudder, and a man who knew the points of the compass and how to receive instructions for guiding that ship. And then you will sometimes see a number of boats lashed with cables to a large ships and they are all led by that ship, and that is guided by the power and intelligence on board of it; Women are made to be led, and counselled, and directed. If they are not led, and do not make their cables fast to the power and authority they are connected with, they will be damned. Instead of cutting those little fibres that pertain to those cables which connect them with the ship, they ought to be adding other strands to to the cables, that they may stand when the sea becomes boisterous. . . .Women are to be led. If I should undertake to drive a woman, I should have to drive her before me; and then she becomes my leader the moment I do that. I should lead her; and she should be led by me, if I am a good man; and if I am not a good man, I have no just right in this Church to a wife or wives, or to the power to propagate my species. What, then, should. be done with me? Make a eunuch of me, and stop my propagation."
[Heber C. Kimball: The Latter - Day Kingdom - Men not to Be Governed By Their Wives - Love to God Manifested By Love to His Servants, JD 5:27 - 34]
[Heber C. Kimball: The Latter - Day Kingdom - Men not to Be Governed By Their Wives - Love to God Manifested By Love to His Servants, JD 5:27 - 34]
165 years ago today - Jul 12, 1857
[Brigham Young]
I wish to avoid hostilities with the United States, but before I'll see this people suffer as they have done heretofore I will draw my sword, in the name of the Great God, and say to my Brethren let our swords fall upon our enemies. -- 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]
I wish to avoid hostilities with the United States, but before I'll see this people suffer as they have done heretofore I will draw my sword, in the name of the Great God, and say to my Brethren let our swords fall upon our enemies. -- 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]
170 years ago today - Jul 12, 1852
[Hosea Stout]
Emegrants are still coming in to the city faster than ever. To day the first "Bloomer" made her appearance (in the [crossed out]) flaunting through the streets puzzling the causual observer to properly determine the sex. [See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomers_(clothing)#Bloomer_craze_of_1851]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Emegrants are still coming in to the city faster than ever. To day the first "Bloomer" made her appearance (in the [crossed out]) flaunting through the streets puzzling the causual observer to properly determine the sex. [See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomers_(clothing)#Bloomer_craze_of_1851]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
185 years ago today - Jul 12, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff]
... I baptized my uncle, Ozem Woodruff, his wife and son, John, in fulfillment of a dream which I had at ten years of age.
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
... I baptized my uncle, Ozem Woodruff, his wife and son, John, in fulfillment of a dream which I had at ten years of age.
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
75 years ago today - Jul 11, 1947
Marion Romney'said that President Clark thinks that inasmuch as President Smith has such a busy schedule between now and the 24th that it would be better to wait until after the 24th for the welfare budget meeting.
[David O. McKay, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[David O. McKay, 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 - Jul 11, 1887
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards]
Attended meeting of the Presidency & Bishopric & county central committee of Weber Stake and set forth the situation with the proper instructions in great plainness which were unanimously accepted with agreement to carry out the same with earnestness.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Attended meeting of the Presidency & Bishopric & county central committee of Weber Stake and set forth the situation with the proper instructions in great plainness which were unanimously accepted with agreement to carry out the same with earnestness.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 11, 1842
The U.S. Government obtains a judgment against Joseph Smith for $5,184.31 in the U.S. District Court for Illinois. The debt may have been for a steamship that Joseph bought but was behind in paying for.
65 years ago today - Wed Jul 10, 1957
[David O. McKay Office Journal]
8:45 a.m.--Case of Joseph Smith III Bishop Lowell Christensen of the Waikiki Ward, Honolulu Stake, called at the office. He asked if Joseph F. Smith III may be given responsibility and assignment in the ward. Sinc no official action to excommunicate or disfellowship had ever been taken, and in view of the steadfast faithfulness of his wife and children, and the punishment Brother Smith has suffered, and that he has confessed, asked to be forgiven, and has forsaken his sins, the duty to forgive him was recognized. I presented this matter at our meeting of the First Presidency this morning, and it was agreed that Bishop Christensen be so informed. Later, when Bishop Christensen returned to the office, I told him of our decision this morning--that Brother Smith is to be forgiven and that he may now be given responsibility in the ward.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
8:45 a.m.--Case of Joseph Smith III Bishop Lowell Christensen of the Waikiki Ward, Honolulu Stake, called at the office. He asked if Joseph F. Smith III may be given responsibility and assignment in the ward. Sinc no official action to excommunicate or disfellowship had ever been taken, and in view of the steadfast faithfulness of his wife and children, and the punishment Brother Smith has suffered, and that he has confessed, asked to be forgiven, and has forsaken his sins, the duty to forgive him was recognized. I presented this matter at our meeting of the First Presidency this morning, and it was agreed that Bishop Christensen be so informed. Later, when Bishop Christensen returned to the office, I told him of our decision this morning--that Brother Smith is to be forgiven and that he may now be given responsibility in the ward.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
80 years ago today - Jul 10, 1942
[George F. Richards]
I attended the Quarterly meeting of the Twelve from 8:30 A.M. to about 1:00 P.M.
On this occasion the Lord blessed me in a wonderful way.
I presented reasons why the Patriarchal line should be changed to follow Hyrum Smiths younger Son, Joseph Fielding Smith's line rather than to continue in the older brother Johns' line.
1-Because Pres. Grant desires it so.
2-Because Pres. Grant is right
3-Because the younger brother's line is more faithful, more worthy, more and better qualified, stronger in character, more populous, a patriarchal quality, &c
4-Justification Rev. 107:40 The Lord says this priesthood or order of the priesthood was confirmed to be handed down father to Son. He does not say the first born Son.
5-Precedents: Isaac was not the first born son of Abraham. Jacob was not the first born son of Isaac: Joseph was not the first born son of Jacob. Ephraim was not the first born of his father Joseph
6-Compare John & Joseph F. and their families. Is not there just cause for changing to the younger son? For similar causes the first born of earlier times were rejected and the younger son chosen.
7-We are not as a council, in harmony with the President, having recommended the Son of Hyrum G. Smith. For ten years the President has waited for us to reconsider, he having repeatedly told us that he could not get the inspiration to choose whom we have recommended.
8-There is in the Joseph Smith line a man who is clean living, faithful, worthy a handsome man of fine personality, cheerful & happy disposition, such as would draw people to him for blessing. And he has sons from whom may be chosen a worthy successor.
[George F. 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]
I attended the Quarterly meeting of the Twelve from 8:30 A.M. to about 1:00 P.M.
On this occasion the Lord blessed me in a wonderful way.
I presented reasons why the Patriarchal line should be changed to follow Hyrum Smiths younger Son, Joseph Fielding Smith's line rather than to continue in the older brother Johns' line.
1-Because Pres. Grant desires it so.
2-Because Pres. Grant is right
3-Because the younger brother's line is more faithful, more worthy, more and better qualified, stronger in character, more populous, a patriarchal quality, &c
4-Justification Rev. 107:40 The Lord says this priesthood or order of the priesthood was confirmed to be handed down father to Son. He does not say the first born Son.
5-Precedents: Isaac was not the first born son of Abraham. Jacob was not the first born son of Isaac: Joseph was not the first born son of Jacob. Ephraim was not the first born of his father Joseph
6-Compare John & Joseph F. and their families. Is not there just cause for changing to the younger son? For similar causes the first born of earlier times were rejected and the younger son chosen.
7-We are not as a council, in harmony with the President, having recommended the Son of Hyrum G. Smith. For ten years the President has waited for us to reconsider, he having repeatedly told us that he could not get the inspiration to choose whom we have recommended.
8-There is in the Joseph Smith line a man who is clean living, faithful, worthy a handsome man of fine personality, cheerful & happy disposition, such as would draw people to him for blessing. And he has sons from whom may be chosen a worthy successor.
[George F. 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]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 10, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
The clerk read a letter from Patriarch Oliver B. Huntington, who said that there was a lack of understanding and harmonious action among the patriarchs of the church in reference to their duties, the charging of a fee, &c., and asked for instructions. Considerable discussion followed. Apostle Jno. H. Smith ... As to whether they should charge a fee or depend upon voluntary donations is a matter to be determined by each patriarch. Their field of labor should be confined to the stakes where they reside, but if they officiate in other stakes, it should be by permission.
Apostle Clawson ... In speaking of the practice of charging a fee, said that so far as he knew it was very offensive to the people, and he believed it would be better for them to depend upon voluntary donations. He mentioned the temple as an example and said, of course, it is understood that the expense of running our temples is very heavy, but, nevertheless, the blessings of the house of the Lord are free to the saints, "without money and without price" [Isa. 55:1], and yet all who enter these sacred places have an opportunity to make donations. If a fee were charged at the temple, he believed it would be offensive to the people and productive of no good. He took the same view in relation to the patriarchs.
Pres. Lund said that the patriarchs would have to use care in regard to charging a fee as there was no doubt in his mind that this was a matter of offense to the people.
Pres. Smith called attention to the fact that there is more or less expense connected with the giving of blessings, such as paper, pens, ink, and clerk hire, which should be borne by those who are benefited. He did not like the idea, however, of charging a fee. He thought that in all cases when the patriarch is asked as to his bill, he should say, "If I were to make a charge, it would be so much a blessing, but, of course, I make no charge but leave it to your discretion as to whether you would like to make a free-will offering." Patriarchs should impress those who come to them that they have the spirit and power to bless, and the people would then feel that a patriarchal blessing is beyond price. And the impression should never go out that they are traveling around giving blessings simply for the fee. A patriarch should be the acme of fatherhood to the church in exercising the spirit of his calling and priesthood. ...
Patriarch Jno. Smith made some remarks and said that he usually charged two dollars for a blessing, in cases where the parties could afford to pay, but in many instances where a man and his family came, it did not average more than a dollar a piece, and in some cases he received nothing at all.
It became the sense of the council by vote that the church furnish a record for the patriarchs, the form to be determined by Pat. Jno. Smith and Apostle Clawson, and that where a fee is mentioned it shall be done in the manner suggested by Pres. Smith. Pres. Lund said that Brother Jno. Smith should inspect the records of the various patriarchs and see that they are properly kept and see if the patriarchs, or any of them, are in the habit of using presumptuous words in their blessings.
[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 Patriarch Oliver B. Huntington, who said that there was a lack of understanding and harmonious action among the patriarchs of the church in reference to their duties, the charging of a fee, &c., and asked for instructions. Considerable discussion followed. Apostle Jno. H. Smith ... As to whether they should charge a fee or depend upon voluntary donations is a matter to be determined by each patriarch. Their field of labor should be confined to the stakes where they reside, but if they officiate in other stakes, it should be by permission.
Apostle Clawson ... In speaking of the practice of charging a fee, said that so far as he knew it was very offensive to the people, and he believed it would be better for them to depend upon voluntary donations. He mentioned the temple as an example and said, of course, it is understood that the expense of running our temples is very heavy, but, nevertheless, the blessings of the house of the Lord are free to the saints, "without money and without price" [Isa. 55:1], and yet all who enter these sacred places have an opportunity to make donations. If a fee were charged at the temple, he believed it would be offensive to the people and productive of no good. He took the same view in relation to the patriarchs.
Pres. Lund said that the patriarchs would have to use care in regard to charging a fee as there was no doubt in his mind that this was a matter of offense to the people.
Pres. Smith called attention to the fact that there is more or less expense connected with the giving of blessings, such as paper, pens, ink, and clerk hire, which should be borne by those who are benefited. He did not like the idea, however, of charging a fee. He thought that in all cases when the patriarch is asked as to his bill, he should say, "If I were to make a charge, it would be so much a blessing, but, of course, I make no charge but leave it to your discretion as to whether you would like to make a free-will offering." Patriarchs should impress those who come to them that they have the spirit and power to bless, and the people would then feel that a patriarchal blessing is beyond price. And the impression should never go out that they are traveling around giving blessings simply for the fee. A patriarch should be the acme of fatherhood to the church in exercising the spirit of his calling and priesthood. ...
Patriarch Jno. Smith made some remarks and said that he usually charged two dollars for a blessing, in cases where the parties could afford to pay, but in many instances where a man and his family came, it did not average more than a dollar a piece, and in some cases he received nothing at all.
It became the sense of the council by vote that the church furnish a record for the patriarchs, the form to be determined by Pat. Jno. Smith and Apostle Clawson, and that where a fee is mentioned it shall be done in the manner suggested by Pres. Smith. Pres. Lund said that Brother Jno. Smith should inspect the records of the various patriarchs and see that they are properly kept and see if the patriarchs, or any of them, are in the habit of using presumptuous words in their blessings.
[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]
155 years ago today - Jul 10, 1867
NOTICE!
To commodiously provide for convening large parties for recreation and for innocent relaxation and enjoyment, the Theatre in this city has been expressly prepared and decorated. This arrangement affords superior opportunities for social re-unions; and the brethren who formerly resided in Jackson County, Missouri, the members of Zion's Camp and of the Mormon Battalion and the Pioneers of 1847, with their many friends, can now have ample room in which to assemble in parties and enjoy themselves in contrasting the present with reminiscences of the past.
For the Battalion Party, on the 16th, and the Pioneer Party, on the 24th inst., the Bishops will please ascertain who in their several Wards would like to attend, and forward their names immediately.
TICKETS, $5.00 per couple, and $1.00 for each Additional lady.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, HEBER C. KIMBALL, DANIEL H. WELLS. {1867-July 10-DN 16:220 (July 10, 1867)}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
To commodiously provide for convening large parties for recreation and for innocent relaxation and enjoyment, the Theatre in this city has been expressly prepared and decorated. This arrangement affords superior opportunities for social re-unions; and the brethren who formerly resided in Jackson County, Missouri, the members of Zion's Camp and of the Mormon Battalion and the Pioneers of 1847, with their many friends, can now have ample room in which to assemble in parties and enjoy themselves in contrasting the present with reminiscences of the past.
For the Battalion Party, on the 16th, and the Pioneer Party, on the 24th inst., the Bishops will please ascertain who in their several Wards would like to attend, and forward their names immediately.
TICKETS, $5.00 per couple, and $1.00 for each Additional lady.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, HEBER C. KIMBALL, DANIEL H. WELLS. {1867-July 10-DN 16:220 (July 10, 1867)}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
175 years ago today - Jul 10, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
The subject was brought up again concerning the emigrant Company who perished in the Mountains last winter [Donner Party]. They were mostly from Independance & Clay County Missouri And were A mob company & threatned to drive out the mormons that were in Calafornia & started for Calafornia with that spirit in there hearts. But it seemed as though they were ripe for Judgment. The snows fell upon them 18 feet deep on a level & they died & eat up each other. About 40 persons parished & were mostly eat up by those who survived them. Mrs L. Murphy of Tenn whom I Baptized while on a mishion in that Country but since Apostitlzed & joined the mob was in the company died or was killed & eat up. Her bones sawed to peaces for her branes & marrow & left stre[we?]d upon the ground.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The subject was brought up again concerning the emigrant Company who perished in the Mountains last winter [Donner Party]. They were mostly from Independance & Clay County Missouri And were A mob company & threatned to drive out the mormons that were in Calafornia & started for Calafornia with that spirit in there hearts. But it seemed as though they were ripe for Judgment. The snows fell upon them 18 feet deep on a level & they died & eat up each other. About 40 persons parished & were mostly eat up by those who survived them. Mrs L. Murphy of Tenn whom I Baptized while on a mishion in that Country but since Apostitlzed & joined the mob was in the company died or was killed & eat up. Her bones sawed to peaces for her branes & marrow & left stre[we?]d upon the ground.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 years ago today - Jul 9, 2007
A forthcoming article on the Mountain Meadows Massacre in the official Church publication Ensign was recently posted on the LDS.org and LDS.org.uk Web sites. Many readers, commenting on these sites, have indicated how much they appreciate the forthright and direct tone of the article and the detailed information it provided.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
180 years ago today - Jul 9, 1842
Illinois Supreme Court Justice, Thomas Ford, a replacement candidate on the Democratic ticket for governor, gives a campaign speech at Mt. Carmel calling Joseph Smith an impostor and a scoundrel, and pledges himself to support the repeal or revision of the Nauvoo charters. In spite of this he carries Handcock County by 1,174 to 711.
185 years ago today - Jul 9, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff]
9th Sunday Walked to Uncle Ozem Woodruff & found him at home. I was truly rejoiced to once more take this dear friend by the hand. Oft hath this friend led me by the hand in my youth. Oft hath uncle Ozem taught me the gifts & graces of the Church of Christ. <I saw him in the celestial kingdom in a vision.> O God have mercy upon him & enable him to stand in the new and everlasting covenant.
I also visited Alson Thompson, & other friends. I preach at the lovly streat Schoolhouse to a full Congregation of relatives & friends that gave strict attention & treated me with kindness. The Spirit of God rested upon us. I spent the night at uncle Alson Thompson's. Distance of the day 4 miles.
Uncle Ozem Woodruff & his wife receieved the word into good and honest hearts. They believed the word & bid me God speed.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
9th Sunday Walked to Uncle Ozem Woodruff & found him at home. I was truly rejoiced to once more take this dear friend by the hand. Oft hath this friend led me by the hand in my youth. Oft hath uncle Ozem taught me the gifts & graces of the Church of Christ. <I saw him in the celestial kingdom in a vision.> O God have mercy upon him & enable him to stand in the new and everlasting covenant.
I also visited Alson Thompson, & other friends. I preach at the lovly streat Schoolhouse to a full Congregation of relatives & friends that gave strict attention & treated me with kindness. The Spirit of God rested upon us. I spent the night at uncle Alson Thompson's. Distance of the day 4 miles.
Uncle Ozem Woodruff & his wife receieved the word into good and honest hearts. They believed the word & bid me God speed.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 8, 1842
John C. Bennett publishes the first of his anti-Mormon articles in the Sangamon Journal, stating that he will expose the Prophet and the Saints. "I write you now from the Mormon Zion, where I am threatened with death by the Holy Joe, and his Danite band of murderers." Elsewhere in this Springfield paper it is stated: "The Mormons are so constituted that in these temperate times, the world will be divided between the Pope and the Catholics on one side and Joseph Smith and the Mormons on the other. The oyster is opening and will soon be equally divided. There are now approximately 30,000 of these war-like fanatics." Bennett's letters appear intermittently for the next three months, after which he publishes a book on the same subject. His most famous accusation is that the Saints have an elaborate "spiritual wife" system of plural marriage.
[Francis M. Gibbons, Joseph Smith: Martyr, Prophet of God 293; David E. and Della S. Miller, Nauvoo: The City of Joseph 131-32; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Francis M. Gibbons, Joseph Smith: Martyr, Prophet of God 293; David E. and Della S. Miller, Nauvoo: The City of Joseph 131-32; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
50 years ago today - Jul 7, 1972
The Quorum of the Twelve sustains Harold B. Lee as church president with N. Eldon Tanner and Marion G. Romney as counselors and ordains Lee. From 1918 until this day, all LDS church presidents are born in Utah. Lee is the first LDS president born in Idaho and the first to reach adulthood in the twentieth century. Romney is the first member of the First Presidency born outside of the U.S. since Charles W. Nibley's death in 1931.
[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 )]]
110 years ago today - Jul 7, 1912
Alma W. Richards is the first Mormon athlete to receive national recognition. He wins a gold medal (high jump) at the Olympics, and in 1954 is inducted into Helms National Hall of Fame and the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame. Other Mormon Olympic medalists are Lloyd Butler (1948, gold, eight-oar rowing crew), Jean Saubert (1964, two bronzes, skiing), H. Blaine Lindgren (1964, silver, track hurdles), 17-year-old Jackson S. Horsley (1968, bronze, swimming), L. Jay Silvester (1972, silver, discus), Kresimir Cosic of Yugoslavia (1972, bronze; 1976, silver; 1980,gold, basketball team), Bo Gustafsson of Sweden (1984, silver, 50K walk), Tauna Kay Vandeweghe-Mullackey (1984, silver, volleyball team), Cory Snyder (1984, silver, baseball team), Peter Vidmar (1984, two gold and one silver, gymnastics), Troy Dalbey (1988, two gold, swimming), Mike Evans and James Bergeson (1988, silver each, water polo team), Tory Tanner (1988, gold, basketball team), Kristine Quance (1996, gold, swimming) (likely more since Quinn compiled this list). Jean Saubert is inducted into the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame (1976), Peter Vidmar is inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (1995). Although not Olympic medalists, Alberta Williams Hood is inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (1967), and Pedro Velasco into the National Volleyball Hall of Fame (1970). In addition, the following Olympians receive their medals before joining the LDS church: Robert Detweiler (1952), Paula Meyers Pope (1952, 1956, 1960), Jack Yerman (1960), Kresimir Cosic (1968), and Mark Schultz (1984). The 1976 Olympics also gives a gold medal (decathlon) to RLDS Bruce Jenner. He is inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame (1980), and into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (1988). Three Mormons become medalists at the Olympics for Physically Disabled (Para-Olympiad) in 1976. Michael R. Johnson, double-amputee Vietnam veteran, wins four medals (two gold, one silver, and one bronze). Curtis Brinkman, double amputee since age sixteen, wins three medals (one gold, two bronze), and paraplegic Garry Treadwell wins two medals (silver and bronze). Michael P. Schlappi and John C. Brewster win gold medals at the Para-Olympiad (1988), and Schlappi wins a gold medal again (1992). Mandy Kunitz, Down-syndrome Mormon, wins her gold medal at the Special Olympics (1996). Other LDS athletes win medals at the World Games: Keith Russell (silver, diving, 1973), Wayne Young (gold, gymnastics, 1974), Richard George (bronze, javelin 1975), Becky Hamblin (bronze, tumbling).
[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 )]]
135 years ago today - Jul 7, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
During our meeting this morning when only Prest Cannon and the Apostles were present Prest Cannon spoke freely regarding the poor health of Prest Taylor and read a letter that had been written to Erastus Snow on the subject of suggesting to him that he turn his footsteps in the direction of home. Prest Cannon stated that the other Apostles had been written to. I spoke up and said that in consideration of the Presidents condition that Prest Joseph F. Smith should be home. Prest Cannon seemed, to me, to be very much annoyed at my remark. He spoke up and said he had written to Prest Smith as plain as he knew how to write ...
I sincerely hope so but for the life of me I can't see why the simple mention of Prest Smith's return should annoy Prest Cannon. ... For fear I was in error & had been mistaken in my opinion that Prest Cannon was annoyed, about half an hour after my remark I asked brother Moses Thatcher if he had noticed it and he answered yes that he had noticed it very plainly.
I wish I could feel that Prest Cannon is not jealous of Prest Smith and that he did not like to have him away, but would sooner have him at home but for the life of me I can't get away from such a feeling. For the past three years or nearly so Prest Smith has been buried on the Sandwich Islands and I have felt Prest Cannon like to have him there or some other place away from Prest Taylor so that he (Cannon) might stand a better chance of getting everything done to please him. It may be my own feelings and not the Spirits impressions but I do not feel it strongly that George Q. Cannon after the death of Prest Taylor will never see the day that he will be as big a man with the people of God or have as much influence with them as Joseph F. Smith. Tomorrow I shall write a letter to Prest Joseph F. Smith, telling him of the remarks of Prest Cannon ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
During our meeting this morning when only Prest Cannon and the Apostles were present Prest Cannon spoke freely regarding the poor health of Prest Taylor and read a letter that had been written to Erastus Snow on the subject of suggesting to him that he turn his footsteps in the direction of home. Prest Cannon stated that the other Apostles had been written to. I spoke up and said that in consideration of the Presidents condition that Prest Joseph F. Smith should be home. Prest Cannon seemed, to me, to be very much annoyed at my remark. He spoke up and said he had written to Prest Smith as plain as he knew how to write ...
I sincerely hope so but for the life of me I can't see why the simple mention of Prest Smith's return should annoy Prest Cannon. ... For fear I was in error & had been mistaken in my opinion that Prest Cannon was annoyed, about half an hour after my remark I asked brother Moses Thatcher if he had noticed it and he answered yes that he had noticed it very plainly.
I wish I could feel that Prest Cannon is not jealous of Prest Smith and that he did not like to have him away, but would sooner have him at home but for the life of me I can't get away from such a feeling. For the past three years or nearly so Prest Smith has been buried on the Sandwich Islands and I have felt Prest Cannon like to have him there or some other place away from Prest Taylor so that he (Cannon) might stand a better chance of getting everything done to please him. It may be my own feelings and not the Spirits impressions but I do not feel it strongly that George Q. Cannon after the death of Prest Taylor will never see the day that he will be as big a man with the people of God or have as much influence with them as Joseph F. Smith. Tomorrow I shall write a letter to Prest Joseph F. Smith, telling him of the remarks of Prest Cannon ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Jul 7, 1887 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
... I wished to speak to them as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not as citizens of the United States. The action which had been taken by the Convention was a very important one. The Constitution which they had framed met with the approval of President Taylor. The thing to be considered was, how to get the question properly before the people, so that when they are called upon to vote for this Constitution, they may poll their full strength. It will have to be explained to them and they will have to be assured and satisfied that in voting for this they do not offend their Maker [the proposed constitution prohibits polygamy]. It was <is> not necessary to enter into details concerning this question. It should be sufficient for every Latter-day Saint to know that this action is approved by the First Presidency and is not contrary to God's commands; ... It would devolve upon the brethren present to explain their action when they go to their respective homes, and they should be careful and discreet in their utterances. The questions should not be agitated in public. All the talking should be done privately – to the Presidents of Stakes, the Bishops, and other leading men. ... I told the brethren that if they would do their best in this matter, the Lord would bless them, and He would bring relief to His people. Men might plot and scheme against us; but their efforts and schemes would fail. God will give us light every step we take, and He will bring us salvation and deliverance.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... I wished to speak to them as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not as citizens of the United States. The action which had been taken by the Convention was a very important one. The Constitution which they had framed met with the approval of President Taylor. The thing to be considered was, how to get the question properly before the people, so that when they are called upon to vote for this Constitution, they may poll their full strength. It will have to be explained to them and they will have to be assured and satisfied that in voting for this they do not offend their Maker [the proposed constitution prohibits polygamy]. It was <is> not necessary to enter into details concerning this question. It should be sufficient for every Latter-day Saint to know that this action is approved by the First Presidency and is not contrary to God's commands; ... It would devolve upon the brethren present to explain their action when they go to their respective homes, and they should be careful and discreet in their utterances. The questions should not be agitated in public. All the talking should be done privately – to the Presidents of Stakes, the Bishops, and other leading men. ... I told the brethren that if they would do their best in this matter, the Lord would bless them, and He would bring relief to His people. Men might plot and scheme against us; but their efforts and schemes would fail. God will give us light every step we take, and He will bring us salvation and deliverance.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jul 7, 1887
First Counselor George Q. Cannon calls a meeting of a committee of apostles. "President Cannon stated that President Taylor's health was in such a precarious condition that he was utterly incapable of attending to business natters; and stated that it was necessary for us, as leading officials in the Church, to take such actions regarding financial and other matters as we considered for the best interest of the people, without consulting President Taylor. President Cannon referred to Brother John W. Taylor as to the condition of his father, Brother Taylor having recently paid him a visit, and he (Brother Taylor) endorsed the statement of President Cannon to the effect that President Taylor was utterly incapable of attending to business matters." Cannon asks for and receives $2000 from the Church to help the ailing OGDEN HERALD. Later, Moses Thatcher comments to Apostle Heber J. Grant that Cannon's transactions might need to be investigated later since, he claimed to have learned, they were not all "as straight as they might have been"
160 years ago today - Jul 7, 1862 (Monday)
Stephen S. Harding, Utah's fourth governor, arrived in G.S.L. City. He had been appointed to the governorship March 31st.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Jul 7, 1852
Endowment ordinances are recommenced in the Old Council House, the first permanent public building erected in Salt Lake City, which also houses the territorial legislature and the territorial public library. Three years later the Endowment House is constructed in the northwest corner of Temple Square and is dedicated to the sole use of administering endowments.
185 years ago today - Before Jul 7, 1837
About this time Joseph accuses Parrish of stealing $25,000 from the Kirtland Safety Society, thus bringing about its ruin. When he goes to Williams to get a search warrant, Williams refuses and Joseph threatens to drop Williams from the Presidency. Williams still refuses, and Joseph drops him from the Presidency. There seems to be little evidence that Parrish did steal any amount in specie (hard cash) from the Safety Society; however, there is evidence that he did print notes without authorization.
[Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '77, 499;Leonard J. Arrington, Great Basin Kingdom: An Economic History of the Latter-day Saints 427-28; Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '72, 432-36; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '77, 499;Leonard J. Arrington, Great Basin Kingdom: An Economic History of the Latter-day Saints 427-28; Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '72, 432-36; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
30 years ago today - Jul 06, 1992
Latter-day Saint career scouter Rees A. Falkner is named national director of the Boy Scouts of America.
55 years ago today - Jul 6, 1967
Jose Gabriel Alferez, a Benedictine monk for twenty-four years and a father-superior, is baptized as a Mormon in Costa Rica.
[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 )]]
120 years ago today - Sunday, Jul 6, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
Pres. Winder made brief concluding remarks and said in substance. Remarks have been made today in reference to the Manifesto. Said he wanted to explain how that instrument came to the church. One morning during the dark days of persecution, I met Pres. Woodruff and asked him how he was feeling. "Pretty well," he said, "only I did not get much rest during the past night. I was wrestling with the Lord all night." Handing me some sheets of paper, he said, "And this is the result of my wrestling." The sheets contained the Manifesto, which was later adopted by the Twelve and published with very little alteration. Brother [George] Reynolds was also there.
[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]
Pres. Winder made brief concluding remarks and said in substance. Remarks have been made today in reference to the Manifesto. Said he wanted to explain how that instrument came to the church. One morning during the dark days of persecution, I met Pres. Woodruff and asked him how he was feeling. "Pretty well," he said, "only I did not get much rest during the past night. I was wrestling with the Lord all night." Handing me some sheets of paper, he said, "And this is the result of my wrestling." The sheets contained the Manifesto, which was later adopted by the Twelve and published with very little alteration. Brother [George] Reynolds was also there.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jul 6, 1897; Tuesday
The committee appointed on July 2nd to consider and report as to the means of eliminating party politics from municipal and school election, with a view to selecting good officials regardless of political party, presented their report, which after being read and amended, was adopted ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Wednesday, Jul 6, 1887
[John Henry Smith]
A letter dated July 1st from Bro. Geo. Q. Cannon says President John Taylor is dangerously sick and requesting us to not get out of the range of easy communication. We answered we would not and told them to send the word "come" if we should go by team, and "come quickly" if Rail. The message to be sent to Jesse N. Smith. [Taylor and Cannon are in hiding, wanted for charges related to polygamy]
[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]
A letter dated July 1st from Bro. Geo. Q. Cannon says President John Taylor is dangerously sick and requesting us to not get out of the range of easy communication. We answered we would not and told them to send the word "come" if we should go by team, and "come quickly" if Rail. The message to be sent to Jesse N. Smith. [Taylor and Cannon are in hiding, wanted for charges related to polygamy]
[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]
160 years ago today - Jul 6, 1862
[Brigham Young]
Monogamy, or restrictions by law to one wife, is no part of the economy of Heaven among men. Such a system was commenced by the founders of the Roman empire. That empire was founded on the banks of the Tiber by wandering brigands. When these robbers founded the city of Rome, it was evident to them that their success in attaining a balance of power with their neighbours, depended upon introducing females into their body politic, so they stole them from the Sabines, who were near neighbours. The scarcity of women gave existence to laws restricting one wife to one man. Rome became the mistress of the world, and introduced this order of monogamy wherever her sway was acknowledged. Thus this monogamic order of marriage, so esteemed by modern Christians as a holy sacrament and divine institution, is nothing but a system established by a set of robbers. The Congress of the United States have lately passed a law to punish polygamy in the Territories of the United States and in other places over which they have exclusive jurisdiction. In doing this, they have undertaken to dictate the Almighty in his revelations to his people, and those who handle edged tools, unless they are skillful, are apt to cut their fingers; and those who hand out insult to the Great I Am, in the end, are apt to get more than they have spoken for. Why do we believe in and practise polygamy? Because the Lord introduced it to his servants in a revelation given to Joseph Smith, and the Lord's servants have always practiced it. '"And is that religion popular in heaven?'" It is the only popular religion there, for this is the religion of Abraham, and, unless we do the works of Abraham, we are not Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 9:318-323, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Monogamy, or restrictions by law to one wife, is no part of the economy of Heaven among men. Such a system was commenced by the founders of the Roman empire. That empire was founded on the banks of the Tiber by wandering brigands. When these robbers founded the city of Rome, it was evident to them that their success in attaining a balance of power with their neighbours, depended upon introducing females into their body politic, so they stole them from the Sabines, who were near neighbours. The scarcity of women gave existence to laws restricting one wife to one man. Rome became the mistress of the world, and introduced this order of monogamy wherever her sway was acknowledged. Thus this monogamic order of marriage, so esteemed by modern Christians as a holy sacrament and divine institution, is nothing but a system established by a set of robbers. The Congress of the United States have lately passed a law to punish polygamy in the Territories of the United States and in other places over which they have exclusive jurisdiction. In doing this, they have undertaken to dictate the Almighty in his revelations to his people, and those who handle edged tools, unless they are skillful, are apt to cut their fingers; and those who hand out insult to the Great I Am, in the end, are apt to get more than they have spoken for. Why do we believe in and practise polygamy? Because the Lord introduced it to his servants in a revelation given to Joseph Smith, and the Lord's servants have always practiced it. '"And is that religion popular in heaven?'" It is the only popular religion there, for this is the religion of Abraham, and, unless we do the works of Abraham, we are not Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 9:318-323, 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 - Jul 6, 1857
The NEW YORK HERALD observes that Mormons "do not confine themselves to sacred music. All the popular songs of the day-English glees, negro melodies, and even sentimental ballads-they bring into their service. Their hymns are for the most part sung to familiar 'profane' airs."
185 years ago today - Jul 6, 1837
[Mary Fielding Smith]
Our thursday meeting was again better than any former one. the hearts of the people were melted and the Spirit & power of God rested down upon us in a remarkable manner many spake in tongues & others prophesied & interpreted. it has been said by many who have lived in Kirtland a great while, that such a time of love & refreshing has never been known. some of the Sisters while engaged in conversing in tounges their countenences beaming with joy, clasped each others hands & kissd in the most affectina<te> manner. they were describing in this way the love and felicitys of the Celestial World. altho the House of the Lord was more than half filld during this time their were few dry faces the Brether<en> as well as the Sisters were all melted down and we wept and praised God together some of the prophicies deliverd in toungs and interpre<td> were so great that I cannot begin to describe them but I do assure you.
[Mary Fielding to Mercy Fielding Thompson, 8 July 1837, Mary Fielding Smith Collection, LDS archives]
Our thursday meeting was again better than any former one. the hearts of the people were melted and the Spirit & power of God rested down upon us in a remarkable manner many spake in tongues & others prophesied & interpreted. it has been said by many who have lived in Kirtland a great while, that such a time of love & refreshing has never been known. some of the Sisters while engaged in conversing in tounges their countenences beaming with joy, clasped each others hands & kissd in the most affectina<te> manner. they were describing in this way the love and felicitys of the Celestial World. altho the House of the Lord was more than half filld during this time their were few dry faces the Brether<en> as well as the Sisters were all melted down and we wept and praised God together some of the prophicies deliverd in toungs and interpre<td> were so great that I cannot begin to describe them but I do assure you.
[Mary Fielding to Mercy Fielding Thompson, 8 July 1837, Mary Fielding Smith Collection, LDS archives]
190 years ago today - Jul 6, 1832
Joseph writes that "after receiving a severe chastisement [Sidney] resigned his commission and became a private member in the church." is disfellowshipped or resigns his commission, depending on the source. According to Hyrum, on July 28 "Brother Sidney was ordaind to the high priesthood for the second time."
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
15 years ago today - Jul 5, 2007
A new Brigham Young University study using sophisticated eye-tracking technology showed that, to most adolescents, alcohol advertisers' "responsible drinking" messages might as well be written in invisible ink.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
90 years ago today - Jul 5, 1932
First Counselor in the First Presidency Anthony W. Ivins writes to a woman in Mexico who has been excommunicated for polygamy: "I am speaking thus plainly in order that you may know the truth. You have my sympathy. Nothing that I could do justly would I refuse to do. I realize the unfortunate condition in which this has placed you and your family. It is heart-breaking and heart-rending. The difference between these people (those who performed plural marriages after 1904) and myself and others is that we acted with authority from the Church. No person who ever received these ordinances at the hands of men who were authorized has ever been molested." Ivins performed dozens of post-manifesto plural marriages in Mexico between 1897 and 1904.
135 years ago today - Jul 5, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
This evening I had a long talk with Brother John Nicholson on the Provision of the new Constitution prohibiting polygamy. Brother Nicholson felt very much hurt indeed over the action of the Convention, and thought that a very grave mistake had been made.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
This evening I had a long talk with Brother John Nicholson on the Provision of the new Constitution prohibiting polygamy. Brother Nicholson felt very much hurt indeed over the action of the Convention, and thought that a very grave mistake had been made.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Jul 5, 1887
L. John Nuttall, President John Taylor's secretary, records: " Pres. Taylor arose early this morning, and dressed and sat with his clothes on most of the day. He said he was some better and felt quite hopeful. He, however, don't eat anything Sister Pricilla Jennings sent a letter accompanied by two bottles of homemade wine to the President. He tasted the wine and seemed to enjoy it."
145 years ago today - Jul 5, 1877
[Wilford Woodruff]
I had five single women sealed to My son Brigham Young Woodruff who was drowned in bear River on the 16 June 1877. I also had1 sealed to my Brother Philo Woodruff all of the Hartfamily.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I had five single women sealed to My son Brigham Young Woodruff who was drowned in bear River on the 16 June 1877. I also had1 sealed to my Brother Philo Woodruff all of the Hartfamily.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jul 5, 1857
Brigham Young refers in a sermon to "rumors" that the U.S. is sending 1,500 to 2,000 troops into the Utah Territory, and warns them, possibly sarcastically, that if people enter the territory and don't "behave themselves", they will be subject to a "Vigilance Committee", and the Danites will "bite their heels"
[Young 1857a, p. 5; Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
[Young 1857a, p. 5; Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
170 years ago today - Jul 5, 1852
[Brigham Young]
I am for the Constitution, but I am not for the little, nasty, pusillanimous snotty (and were it not that there are ladies here I would say shitten shirt-tailed puppies) that will violate it, and trample the rights of loyal republicans under their feet. I expect this will find its way into the '"New York Tribune,'" and all the papers of the U.S. proclaiming against the '"vulgar- -- Salt Lake City
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I am for the Constitution, but I am not for the little, nasty, pusillanimous snotty (and were it not that there are ladies here I would say shitten shirt-tailed puppies) that will violate it, and trample the rights of loyal republicans under their feet. I expect this will find its way into the '"New York Tribune,'" and all the papers of the U.S. proclaiming against the '"vulgar- -- Salt Lake City
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
190 years ago today - Jul 5, 1832
Second counselor Sidney Rigdon tries to seize control of the church and is disfellowshipped until Jul 28 when he is re-ordained a high priest. This is the first instance of apostasy by a general authority. He claims "that he had a revelation from the Lord & said that the kingdo<m> was taken from <the> Church and left with him." Joseph wrote that when he learned of the rebellious spirit in Zion he became "frantick" and "the advisary" took "the advantage" so that "he spake unadvisedly with his lips." Lucy recalls Sidney declared "the keys of the kingdom are re<wrent> from this <you> and you never will have them again untill you build me a new house."
[Joseph to W. W. Phelps, July 31, 1832; Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Joseph to W. W. Phelps, July 31, 1832; Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
80 years ago today - Jul 4, 1942
[George F. Richards]
Hyrum Smith had two sons when he died, viz.: John & Joseph. Both were too young to act. After William Smith was rejected, John Smith, Hyrum's Son was made the patriarch to the church. Joseph was still too young, had he been thought of for that position, but the facts are that the Joseph F. Smith line is much the stronger line, and in that line can be found a man who is eminently qualified through ability, disposition, and worthiness and who has a son already qualified to succeed him. Now after ten years since the death of Hyrum G. Smith, Pres. Grant says he cannot get the inspiration to name the man whom the Twelve recommended to the President. He evidently expects the Twelve to reconsider.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Hyrum Smith had two sons when he died, viz.: John & Joseph. Both were too young to act. After William Smith was rejected, John Smith, Hyrum's Son was made the patriarch to the church. Joseph was still too young, had he been thought of for that position, but the facts are that the Joseph F. Smith line is much the stronger line, and in that line can be found a man who is eminently qualified through ability, disposition, and worthiness and who has a son already qualified to succeed him. Now after ten years since the death of Hyrum G. Smith, Pres. Grant says he cannot get the inspiration to name the man whom the Twelve recommended to the President. He evidently expects the Twelve to reconsider.
[George F. Richards, Diary, 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 - Jul 4, 1887 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
Monday, July 4/87. A grand celebration of the day was had by our people and everything passed off harmoniously. I have been reminded, in this celebration, of Aaron's rod swallowing the rods of the magicians. We have joined in as a minority in celebrating this day for prudential and political reasons and we have actually swallowed up the other party, so that there is nothing left of them, and it really becomes a "Mormon" celebration.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Monday, July 4/87. A grand celebration of the day was had by our people and everything passed off harmoniously. I have been reminded, in this celebration, of Aaron's rod swallowing the rods of the magicians. We have joined in as a minority in celebrating this day for prudential and political reasons and we have actually swallowed up the other party, so that there is nothing left of them, and it really becomes a "Mormon" celebration.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jul 4, 1887 (Monday)
The Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, took fire from the alighting of a toy balloon, from the fire works, on the roof, but the flames were promptly put out by the fire brigade before doing much damage.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Jul 4, 1857
[Brigham Young]
George Q. Cannon, -- The public works are progressing rapidly, there are between 3 (300) and 400 hands employed working upon the Temple and 30 heavy teams rolling in the stone for that building: Many fine buildings are contemplated, Some are in course of creation. Hands in gangs are improving our Streets and Side walks, The trees about the city are increasing in size, and taking our circumstances into consideration, we can in almost every thing (rottenness excepted) defy the whole world to produce an equal for this people. The Territory this season, has taken an emetic, and the way Lawyers, Loafers, Special pleaders, Apostates, Officials, and filth have been cast out, is a caution to all sinners, that here they would be in the wrong place.
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
George Q. Cannon, -- The public works are progressing rapidly, there are between 3 (300) and 400 hands employed working upon the Temple and 30 heavy teams rolling in the stone for that building: Many fine buildings are contemplated, Some are in course of creation. Hands in gangs are improving our Streets and Side walks, The trees about the city are increasing in size, and taking our circumstances into consideration, we can in almost every thing (rottenness excepted) defy the whole world to produce an equal for this people. The Territory this season, has taken an emetic, and the way Lawyers, Loafers, Special pleaders, Apostates, Officials, and filth have been cast out, is a caution to all sinners, that here they would be in the wrong place.
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 4, 1842
Joseph Smith asks his Independence Day audience composed of members and non-members if there is any truth to the charge that he practices a "plurality of wives to which no one responds. He then answered himself: "No, not one! There is the answer.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
135 years ago today - Jul 3, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
For several hours last night I could not sleep. I got to thinking of the news that I had heard that Prest Taylor was in a dangerous condition and of the many changes that would take place in case of his death. I have gelt for a long while that Prest. Cannon was expecting to succeed Prest. Taylor. Prest. Cannon thinks I am the most ambitious young man in Utah, and I think there is no limit to his ambition.
I have but little confidence in Prest Cannon's management of affairs financially. I got up out of bed & prayed with all my heart and soul to God that he would help me to overcome every feeling of ambition that was calculated to lead me from Him or the path of duty. I want every institution of Zion to be solid and in a condition that no one can find fault with it, and with the help of my Heavenly Father I shall have nothing to do with placing any institutions with which I am connected in any condition but that worthy of the most perfect confidence of the people. I wish I had perfect confidence in Prest Cannon but I have not and I can't change my opinion unless I see something to inspire me with confidence.
I feel to honor and respect him in his position and I sustain him with my faith & prayers. My confidence in Prest Joseph F. Smith is perfect. I know of nothing that is necessary to increase it. After the death of Prest. Taylor I expect Prest Smith to have much more power and influence with the leading officials of the church as well as the people that Prest Cannon. Perhaps I am prejudiced against brother Cannon & in favor of brother Smith but time will tell whether my opinions are correct.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
For several hours last night I could not sleep. I got to thinking of the news that I had heard that Prest Taylor was in a dangerous condition and of the many changes that would take place in case of his death. I have gelt for a long while that Prest. Cannon was expecting to succeed Prest. Taylor. Prest. Cannon thinks I am the most ambitious young man in Utah, and I think there is no limit to his ambition.
I have but little confidence in Prest Cannon's management of affairs financially. I got up out of bed & prayed with all my heart and soul to God that he would help me to overcome every feeling of ambition that was calculated to lead me from Him or the path of duty. I want every institution of Zion to be solid and in a condition that no one can find fault with it, and with the help of my Heavenly Father I shall have nothing to do with placing any institutions with which I am connected in any condition but that worthy of the most perfect confidence of the people. I wish I had perfect confidence in Prest Cannon but I have not and I can't change my opinion unless I see something to inspire me with confidence.
I feel to honor and respect him in his position and I sustain him with my faith & prayers. My confidence in Prest Joseph F. Smith is perfect. I know of nothing that is necessary to increase it. After the death of Prest. Taylor I expect Prest Smith to have much more power and influence with the leading officials of the church as well as the people that Prest Cannon. Perhaps I am prejudiced against brother Cannon & in favor of brother Smith but time will tell whether my opinions are correct.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
160 years ago today - Jul 3, 1862 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
Attended House of Representatives. While there my attention was attracted to some remarks made by John S. Phelps of Missouri. I did not hear the beginning of his remarks; but in those which I did hear he accused the citizens of Utah of manifesting their anger at the passage of the recent polygamy bill by cutting the telegraph wires &c. He said they incited Indians to commit depredations and attacked Emigrant trains themselves and charged it to the Indians. I felt very angry at his remarks, which I knew to be base, malignant and utterly without foundation and I would have been pleased to have had the privilege of replying to him on the floor.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Attended House of Representatives. While there my attention was attracted to some remarks made by John S. Phelps of Missouri. I did not hear the beginning of his remarks; but in those which I did hear he accused the citizens of Utah of manifesting their anger at the passage of the recent polygamy bill by cutting the telegraph wires &c. He said they incited Indians to commit depredations and attacked Emigrant trains themselves and charged it to the Indians. I felt very angry at his remarks, which I knew to be base, malignant and utterly without foundation and I would have been pleased to have had the privilege of replying to him on the floor.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
180 years ago today - Jul 3, 1842
Joseph Smith delivered one of his interesting and sublime discourses. The congregation, which listened with almost breathless attention, was very large, numbering probably 8 or 10,000. The subject matter was drawn from the prophecies of Daniel which foretold that the God of heaven would set up a kingdom in the last days, &c. It was so satisfactorily done, that it was a pity that the world of great men, sectarians and all, could not have been present, to take a few lessons of common sense from Jo's mouth, (as Bennett of the [New York] Herald would say) that they might come to understanding and save themselves, as well as talk about saving the heathen.
[The Wasp (9 July 1842), in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
[The Wasp (9 July 1842), in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
185 years ago today - Jul 3, 1837
Ground is broken for the Far West Temple. The corner stones are not laid for a year. Nothing further is done until Apr 26, 1839, when the twelve apostles, in fulfillment of a revelation, hold a secret meeting on the temple site and symbolically re-commenced the building of the temple by rolling a large stone up to one of the corners. The temple is never built because the Mormons are driven from Missouri in 1839.
10 years ago today - 2012-07-02
Feminist Mormon Housewives Podcast launches
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
50 years ago today - Jul 2, 1972
President Joseph Fielding Smith d. Salt Lake City, age 95.
[Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
[Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
60 years ago today - Jul 2, 1962
Counselor Hugh B. Brown rededicates portions of the Alberta (Canada) temple. Extensive remodeling of the temple interiors (sometimes involving the structural replacement of everything except the exterior walls and root) is necessary to accommodate the filmed endowment ceremony and to allow a larger number of temple patrons. The rededication ceremonies occur for the Arizona temple (15 Apr. 1975), St. George temple (11 Nov. 1975), Hawaii temple (13 June 1978), Logan temple (13 Mar. 1979), Manti temple (14 June 1985), Alberta temple (again 22 June 1991), London temple (18 Oct. 1992), Swiss temple (23 Oct. 1992). There temples, sometimes for the first time in nearly 100 years, are open to the general public for tours prior to the rededication ceremonies occurring from 1975 onward.
[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 )]]
105 years ago today - Jul 02, 1917
Leonard J. Arrington, later a prominent LDS historian whose works include books on Idaho history, Brigham Young, and Church economics, is born near Twin Falls, Idaho.
135 years ago today - Jul 2, 1887 • Saturday
President Taylor's condition has been such for some days that I had [have] had to sign all the recommends to the Temples and also the letters, signing his name per George Q. Cannon. To-day he signed the document which the attorneys had drawn up, authorizing me to take charge of the fund created by the shares of stock we had placed in his hands in the B. B. & C. Co. [Bullion-Beck Company], ... I also spoke to him about inserting the name of Josephine Elizabeth [blank] I suggested having her name placed among his wives. To this he assented and told me to instruct Bro. Nuttall to have it done.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
180 years ago today - Jul 2, 1842
The church newspaper The Wasp publishes a phrenology chart of Joseph Smith's head and personality. The first trait is "Amativeness-11, L[arge]. Extreme susceptibility; passionately fond of the company of the other sex." The official History of the Church still publishes this chart, along with the caution that such a high score indicates "extreme liability to perversion" in the trait.
[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]
185 years ago today - Jul 2, 1837
Last entry is made in the records of the Kirtland Safety Society. After this date the society did not operate.
[Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '77, 391-472, in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Brigham Young University Studies (various issues), Su '77, 391-472, in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
45 years ago today - Jul 1, 1977
In response to continued growth in membership worldwide, the geographic subdivisions of the Church, previously known as areas, were renamed zones, and the 11 zones were subdivided into areas. Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy were assigned as zone advisers and area supervisors.
[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]
60 years ago today - Jul 1, 1962
Following the release of Lowell L. Bennion as the director of the LDS institute of religion at the University of Utah, George S. Tanner writes in his diary: "The way it looks to me is that the Brethren have suddenly become worried that there is a little too much liberalism among some of our better trained men and they are trying to stamp it out." Tanner was the institute director for twenty-eight years in Idaho and has taught continuously in the program since 1923.
[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 )]]
65 years ago today - Jul 1, 1957
[J. Reuben Clark]
[Excerpts from Clark's conversation with Ezra Taft Benson:] ... He said that they had had trouble in having Communists in the service and that the first Communist cell in our Government was established in the Department of Agriculture, including Alger Hiss and some others. He noted and mentioned one (I do not recall his name) who was one of his upper men and who was a Communist and who for security purposes he was not willing to reappoint to a position which he held when the Agricultural representatives were under the State Department. ...
He spoke a little bit about the President.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[Excerpts from Clark's conversation with Ezra Taft Benson:] ... He said that they had had trouble in having Communists in the service and that the first Communist cell in our Government was established in the Department of Agriculture, including Alger Hiss and some others. He noted and mentioned one (I do not recall his name) who was one of his upper men and who was a Communist and who for security purposes he was not willing to reappoint to a position which he held when the Agricultural representatives were under the State Department. ...
He spoke a little bit about the President.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
80 years ago today - Jul 1, 1942
[J. Reuben Clark]
President Eugene Hilton of the Oakland ... stated that one of the brethren in their area, a British convert, was urging that they hold a prayer circle in the Oakland Stake. President Hilton stated that they had no place appropriate for holding a prayer circle.
President Clark suggested that here also if he cared to write a letter to the First Presidency regarding this question he would receive an answer. President Clark pointed out that while we were not forbidding the holding of prayer circles in Stakes where they had an appropriate place to hold them, we were not encouraging the holding of prayer circles indiscriminately.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
President Eugene Hilton of the Oakland ... stated that one of the brethren in their area, a British convert, was urging that they hold a prayer circle in the Oakland Stake. President Hilton stated that they had no place appropriate for holding a prayer circle.
President Clark suggested that here also if he cared to write a letter to the First Presidency regarding this question he would receive an answer. President Clark pointed out that while we were not forbidding the holding of prayer circles in Stakes where they had an appropriate place to hold them, we were not encouraging the holding of prayer circles indiscriminately.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
135 years ago today - Jul 1, 1887
First Presidency secretary L. John Nuttall records: "Deputy Marshals were at Farmington this afternoon. . . . A very remarkable instance of Prest. Taylor's will and nerve was manifest this evening. On his learning that we had been informed of these Deputies, whilst he could not stand up alone, he asked respecting them and on being further informed, he said, "Stand them off, boys, stand them off; we have our rights and will maintain them, go for them from the beginning."
160 years ago today - Jul 1, 1862 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
... Then called upon Garrett Davis, Senator from Kentucky. We introduced ourselves. His first words were that he was opposed to ever making a State with the institution of polygamy. We replied that he was candid; but we had called upon him as a public man, a Senator, to speak to him in relation to the admission of our State. "Well," he said, "as a public man he answered that he would rather see the solid earth rent in twain than he would ever vote for our admission as a State." ... I replied that I thought there would scarcely be an necessity for such a catastrophe as that to happen to secure his vote. ... We feel to leave him in the hands of God, and I feel to say in the name of the Lord Jesus that from this very morning his influence and power will begin to wane, and he will eventually, and that before long, be stripped of both and go down until he will be despised by all who know him. Amen.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... Then called upon Garrett Davis, Senator from Kentucky. We introduced ourselves. His first words were that he was opposed to ever making a State with the institution of polygamy. We replied that he was candid; but we had called upon him as a public man, a Senator, to speak to him in relation to the admission of our State. "Well," he said, "as a public man he answered that he would rather see the solid earth rent in twain than he would ever vote for our admission as a State." ... I replied that I thought there would scarcely be an necessity for such a catastrophe as that to happen to secure his vote. ... We feel to leave him in the hands of God, and I feel to say in the name of the Lord Jesus that from this very morning his influence and power will begin to wane, and he will eventually, and that before long, be stripped of both and go down until he will be despised by all who know him. Amen.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Jul 1, 1862
President Abraham Lincoln signs the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act into law. This is the first congressional legislation aimed at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the first action of what proved to be an extended anti-polygamy crusade.
165 years ago today - Jul 01, 1857
Martha Maria Hughes (Cannon), later a women's rights activist, medical school graduate, and the first woman in the United States to be elected to a state senate (Utah), is born in Llandudno, Wales.
165 years ago today - Jul 1, 1857
Without explalnation, the postmaster at Independence, Missouri refused to release the mail to the Y. X. Company for delivery to Utah. They discovered that their mail contract had been cancelled and that a secret operation was planned to send 2500 federal troops to Utah.
[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
180 years ago today - Jul 1, 1842
This poem by Eliza R. Snow (secretary of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo) describes the new Relief Society, and is the first published comment by a woman about the Society.
What is it?
It is an Institution form'd to bless
The poor, the widow, and the fatherless-
To clothe the naked and the hungry feed,
And in the holy paths of virtue, lead.
To seek out sorrow, grief and mute despair,
And light the lamp of hope eternal there-
To try the strength of consolation's art
By breathing comfort to the mourning heart.
To chase the clouds that shade the aspect, where
Distress presides; and wake up pleasures there-
With open heart extend the friendly hand
To hail the stranger, from a distant land.
To stamp a vetoing impress on each move
That Virtue's present dictates disapprove-
To put the tattler's coinage, scandal, down,
And make corruption feel its with-ring frown.
To give instruction, where instruction's voice
Will guide the feet and make the heart rejoice-
To turn the wayward from their recklessness,
And lead them in the ways of happiness.
It is an Order, fitted and design'd
To meet the wants of body, and of mind-
To seek the wretched, in their long abode-
Supply their wants, and raise their hearts to God.
E. R. SNOW
[1.4 Eliza R. Snow, “The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo,†July 1, 1842, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women’s History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
What is it?
It is an Institution form'd to bless
The poor, the widow, and the fatherless-
To clothe the naked and the hungry feed,
And in the holy paths of virtue, lead.
To seek out sorrow, grief and mute despair,
And light the lamp of hope eternal there-
To try the strength of consolation's art
By breathing comfort to the mourning heart.
To chase the clouds that shade the aspect, where
Distress presides; and wake up pleasures there-
With open heart extend the friendly hand
To hail the stranger, from a distant land.
To stamp a vetoing impress on each move
That Virtue's present dictates disapprove-
To put the tattler's coinage, scandal, down,
And make corruption feel its with-ring frown.
To give instruction, where instruction's voice
Will guide the feet and make the heart rejoice-
To turn the wayward from their recklessness,
And lead them in the ways of happiness.
It is an Order, fitted and design'd
To meet the wants of body, and of mind-
To seek the wretched, in their long abode-
Supply their wants, and raise their hearts to God.
E. R. SNOW
[1.4 Eliza R. Snow, “The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo,†July 1, 1842, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women’s History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
180 years ago today - Summer, 1842
James Palmer remembered the summer 1842 healing of his wife at the temple: "[She was] taken to the Baptismal font in the basement of the temple and there to be baptized for her health and that with the laying on of hands and prayer of faith she was that hour restored to health."
[Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
[Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
185 years ago today - 1837 Summer
He [David Whitmer] arrived in Kirtland during the summer of 1837 . . . David . . . was not altogether satisfied with all things and in one instance while conversing with Joseph, David, while this spirit was upon him, insulted Joseph and he slaped David in the face and kicked him out of the yard and it had a good effect and brought David to his senses.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
185 years ago today - Jul 1, 1837
Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, Heber C. Kimball and four others leave New York on the ship THE GARRICK bound for Liverpool to open the first mission outside of North America. During the voyage Kimball dreams "that the Prophet Joseph came to me while I was standing upon the forecastle of the ship, and said, 'Brother Heber, here is a rod (putting it into my hands) with which you are to guide the ship; while you hold this rod, you shall prosper and there shall be no obstacles thrown before you, but what you shall have power to over come, and the hand of God shall be with you;' after this I discovered every kind of obstruction would be placed before the trip to stop its progress, but the bow being sharp, the obstacles were compelled to move out one side like a bulrush, and when the she would come to a mountain, it would plow its course right through, as though it was in water. This rod which Joseph gave me was about three and a half feet in length. His appearance was just as natural as I ever beheld him in the flesh he blessed me and disappeared."
220 years ago today - Jul 1, 1802
"Joseph Smith" signs the following statement before the town clerk of Randolph, Vermont: "I Do not agree in Religious opinion With a Majority of the Inhabitants of this Town." This is a request to be exempted from the regular Congregational tax. Although Joseph Smith Sr. (Father of LDS founder) may have been in Randolph, Vermont on this date he is not the only "Joseph Smith" in the town. The ENSIGN, however, publishes a copy of this document claiming that it is signed by the prophet's father.
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