Having suggested that the new cabinet's pre-inaugural first meeting begin with prayer, Ezra Taft Benson was overjoyed when Eisenhower invited him on January 12, 1953, to offer the invocation. For Benson, "beseeching the Lord for spiritual strength was as necessary . . . as eating or sleeping."
[Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
75 years ago today - Jan 12, 1948
[J. Reuben Clark]
Albert Bowen: asked him if he could check up on the status of the New Polygamists appeal to the Supreme Court without it being known who was making the inquiry. He reported back that Calvin Rampton, one of the Assistant District Attorneys, argued it last month. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Albert Bowen: asked him if he could check up on the status of the New Polygamists appeal to the Supreme Court without it being known who was making the inquiry. He reported back that Calvin Rampton, one of the Assistant District Attorneys, argued it last month. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
95 years ago today - Jan 12, 1928
[Heber J. Grant]
After our bank meeting Franklin S. Richards and Arthur Winter read to us a long statement that has been prepared to send to the attorneys in the Hawaiian Islands. It seems that some of the natives have entered a protest against the Church having the right to deed its beach property, which it recently sold for something over a quarter of a million dollars, they claiming that the property really belonged to the natives. Inasmuch as the natives never paid for it I do not know whether they can win out, but they have won in the first court in which the case came up. We approved the statements that Brother Richards had prepared. ...
Dr. Joseph Amussen called and read to me a short statement that he had written regarding the Prophet Joseph. He also stated that he had prepared an article along scientific lines in defense of plural marriage, as advantage would be taken of it, claiming that we were still preaching and practising it.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
After our bank meeting Franklin S. Richards and Arthur Winter read to us a long statement that has been prepared to send to the attorneys in the Hawaiian Islands. It seems that some of the natives have entered a protest against the Church having the right to deed its beach property, which it recently sold for something over a quarter of a million dollars, they claiming that the property really belonged to the natives. Inasmuch as the natives never paid for it I do not know whether they can win out, but they have won in the first court in which the case came up. We approved the statements that Brother Richards had prepared. ...
Dr. Joseph Amussen called and read to me a short statement that he had written regarding the Prophet Joseph. He also stated that he had prepared an article along scientific lines in defense of plural marriage, as advantage would be taken of it, claiming that we were still preaching and practising it.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
130 years ago today - Jan 12, 1893
[Marriner W. Merrill]
Went to President's office to meeting with Twelve and First Presidency where matters relating to Apostle Thatcher's recent campaign speeches were discussed as not being with the Presidency in sentiment and feelings. After a 6-hour meeting I moved that we all forgive one another and hereafter work in harmony with the First Presidency; seconded and carried unanimously.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Went to President's office to meeting with Twelve and First Presidency where matters relating to Apostle Thatcher's recent campaign speeches were discussed as not being with the Presidency in sentiment and feelings. After a 6-hour meeting I moved that we all forgive one another and hereafter work in harmony with the First Presidency; seconded and carried unanimously.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Jan 12, 1893 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
The four artists whom we had assisted to go to Paris, and who, with Brother Dan Weggeland, had been selected to paint the scenery of the Garden and the World in the Temple, met with the Presidency and Apostles, on invitation, this morning, to hear our views concerning the proposition which they had made respecting their work in the [Salt Lake] Temple. They had submitted a proposition offering to do the work for $17500. We thought this figure exorbitant, and there was quite a plain talk given to the artists, President Jos. F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, F. M. Lyman and myself making remarks to them. President Woodruff came in during this discussion. On my motion, the brethren were allowed to withdraw their proposition and make another one. [[Approximately 680 words redacted.]] ...
Twelve of my sons have been circumcised by Dr. W. F. Anderson yesterday and today. The oldest is Brigham, who is 18 years of age; the youngest is Georgius, who is not quite a year old. I have 18 sons now who have been circumcised; there are 5 of the older boys who have not. I am very much in favor of circumcision not on religious grounds, but for sanitary reasons.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
The four artists whom we had assisted to go to Paris, and who, with Brother Dan Weggeland, had been selected to paint the scenery of the Garden and the World in the Temple, met with the Presidency and Apostles, on invitation, this morning, to hear our views concerning the proposition which they had made respecting their work in the [Salt Lake] Temple. They had submitted a proposition offering to do the work for $17500. We thought this figure exorbitant, and there was quite a plain talk given to the artists, President Jos. F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, F. M. Lyman and myself making remarks to them. President Woodruff came in during this discussion. On my motion, the brethren were allowed to withdraw their proposition and make another one. [[Approximately 680 words redacted.]] ...
Twelve of my sons have been circumcised by Dr. W. F. Anderson yesterday and today. The oldest is Brigham, who is 18 years of age; the youngest is Georgius, who is not quite a year old. I have 18 sons now who have been circumcised; there are 5 of the older boys who have not. I am very much in favor of circumcision not on religious grounds, but for sanitary reasons.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
140 years ago today - Jan 12, 1883 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
I obtained a printed copy of the new Edmunds bill, which is a most infamous and outrageous attack upon our liberties. He evidently means to destroy us politically and religiously. In speaking about it in the presence of Bro^s Caine, Peery, F. S. Richards, and W. D. Johnson I called it an unconstitutional law. This led to a discussion with Bro. Richards who challenged me to show wherein it was <un>constitutional, saying that if I was a lawyer I would not say so, that I would find lawyers would not fight this bill as they had the former because it did not conflict with the constitution &c. It made me angry to hear such talk, and I said I was thankful I was not a lawyer if by being one I would take such a view of this bill. It would just be as proper to cut a man's toe off and let him bleed to death and not call it murder, when the design was to kill him. We both grew warm.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I obtained a printed copy of the new Edmunds bill, which is a most infamous and outrageous attack upon our liberties. He evidently means to destroy us politically and religiously. In speaking about it in the presence of Bro^s Caine, Peery, F. S. Richards, and W. D. Johnson I called it an unconstitutional law. This led to a discussion with Bro. Richards who challenged me to show wherein it was <un>constitutional, saying that if I was a lawyer I would not say so, that I would find lawyers would not fight this bill as they had the former because it did not conflict with the constitution &c. It made me angry to hear such talk, and I said I was thankful I was not a lawyer if by being one I would take such a view of this bill. It would just be as proper to cut a man's toe off and let him bleed to death and not call it murder, when the design was to kill him. We both grew warm.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
185 years ago today - January 12th, 1838
[Luke Johnson]
I learned that Sheriff Kimball was about to arrest Joseph Smith, on a charge of illegal banking, and knowing that it would cost him an expensive lawsuit, and perhaps end in imprisonment, I went to the French farm, where he then resided, and arrested him on an execution for his person, in the absence of property to pay a judgment of $50, which I had in my possession at the time, which prevented Kimball from arresting him. Joseph settled the execution, and thanked me for my interference, and started that evening for Missouri: this was the last time I ever saw the Prophet.
[Autobiography and History of Luke Johnson, Millennial Star 26 (1864), http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I learned that Sheriff Kimball was about to arrest Joseph Smith, on a charge of illegal banking, and knowing that it would cost him an expensive lawsuit, and perhaps end in imprisonment, I went to the French farm, where he then resided, and arrested him on an execution for his person, in the absence of property to pay a judgment of $50, which I had in my possession at the time, which prevented Kimball from arresting him. Joseph settled the execution, and thanked me for my interference, and started that evening for Missouri: this was the last time I ever saw the Prophet.
[Autobiography and History of Luke Johnson, Millennial Star 26 (1864), http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Jan 12, 1838
Fleeing from creditors, civil authorities, and dissenters, Joseph Smith, deeply in debt, leaves Kirtland for Far West, Missouri. The day he leaves Kirtland he receives three revelations. They are read publicly to the congregation at Far West but no copy of them survives to this day.
185 years ago today - Jan 12, 1838
Joseph flees from Kirtland on his horse, "Old Charley," with Sidney Rigdon and rides 60 miles the first day. According to one story, a repentant apostate warns Joseph of a plot to assassinate him. The mob appears before Joseph can escape. He is quickly placed in a box nailed onto an ox cart. He is then driven out of town to safety, gets his horse, and rides off.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; Ivan J. Barrett, Joseph Smith and the Restoration 355]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; Ivan J. Barrett, Joseph Smith and the Restoration 355]
10 years ago today - 2013-01-11
Let Women Pray campaign launches
This campaign encouraged individuals to write letters to General Authorities asking them to schedule a woman to pray in General Conference.
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
This campaign encouraged individuals to write letters to General Authorities asking them to schedule a woman to pray in General Conference.
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
20 years ago today - Jan 11, 2003
The first-ever global leadership training meeting in the Church by satellite transmission was held for priesthood leaders and transmitted in 56 languages to more than 97 percent of the Church's priesthood leaders.
[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]
40 years ago today - Jan 11,1983
Second counselor Gordon B. Hinckley pays document dealer Mark Hofmann $15,000 for alleged Joseph Smith letter about his treasure digging activities. He has Hofmann agree not to mention the transaction to anyone else and then he sequesters document in First Presidency's vault. First Presidency does not acknowledge its existence until Los Angeles Times is about to release story about document, which Hofmann later admits he forged.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
50 years ago today - Jan 11, 1973
BYU student and returned LDS missionary Thomas Gregory admits to Congress that he was recruited by Watergate co-conspirator E. Howard Hunt to infiltrate and spy o the office of the Democratic candidate for U.S. presidency, George McGovern, from February to June 1972. At the time of this political espionage, Gregory is a student in BYU's intern/study program at Washington, D.C.
[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, Jan 11, 1903
[John Henry Smith]
I had two dreams. One was a brood of chickens and the old hen had been killed by a dog and torn to peices and a half grown chick was trying to mother the flock. The other was I was riding in a spring wagon and one of the horses fell dead and rolled over and broke the wagon tongue.
[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]
I had two dreams. One was a brood of chickens and the old hen had been killed by a dog and torn to peices and a half grown chick was trying to mother the flock. The other was I was riding in a spring wagon and one of the horses fell dead and rolled over and broke the wagon tongue.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
130 years ago today - Jan 11, 1893 • Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
There was a meeting of Cannon, Grant & Co. at 8:30 this morning. We attended to a good deal of business, and declared a 2% dividend. I was very much gratified by the expression of feeling on the part of the brethren in my favor. After allowing Brother H. J. Grant $2000 for services, also an allowance for the secretary and treasurer and executive committee, it was suggested that I should have something allowed me. The proposition was made by President Jos. F. Smith. I declined to receive anything, and the matter went over for awhile; but afterwards President Smith renewed the proposition, and moved that I receive $500. This was seconded and carried unanimously, over my protest. I told the brethren I appreciated it very highly, because of the good feeling that had prompted it. It came to me utterly unexpected; but I was in a position to use it to advantage. I accepted it as a birthday gift, I said, for this was my birthday; at which all present joined in congratulating me and wishing me all manner of good things.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
There was a meeting of Cannon, Grant & Co. at 8:30 this morning. We attended to a good deal of business, and declared a 2% dividend. I was very much gratified by the expression of feeling on the part of the brethren in my favor. After allowing Brother H. J. Grant $2000 for services, also an allowance for the secretary and treasurer and executive committee, it was suggested that I should have something allowed me. The proposition was made by President Jos. F. Smith. I declined to receive anything, and the matter went over for awhile; but afterwards President Smith renewed the proposition, and moved that I receive $500. This was seconded and carried unanimously, over my protest. I told the brethren I appreciated it very highly, because of the good feeling that had prompted it. It came to me utterly unexpected; but I was in a position to use it to advantage. I accepted it as a birthday gift, I said, for this was my birthday; at which all present joined in congratulating me and wishing me all manner of good things.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - Jan 11, 1893
[Franklin D. Richards]
At 10 met with the same Apostles as yesterday'-10 of us all & hope that we may soon have Brothers Brigham Young [Jr.] & Geo[rge] Teasdale with us, as the Amnesty seems to release them from Exile.
Pres[ident] [Lorenzo] Snow spoke against bro[ther] Moses [Thatcher]'s course on having given offence to Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F Smith. Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. was inclined to not eat with us but did finally.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
At 10 met with the same Apostles as yesterday'-10 of us all & hope that we may soon have Brothers Brigham Young [Jr.] & Geo[rge] Teasdale with us, as the Amnesty seems to release them from Exile.
Pres[ident] [Lorenzo] Snow spoke against bro[ther] Moses [Thatcher]'s course on having given offence to Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F Smith. Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. was inclined to not eat with us but did finally.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
160 years ago today - Jan 11, 1863
President Young Preached in the Afternoon. He read the Vision [D&C 76] ... He said all Children who died in childhood would go to the Celestial kingdom and their Mothers if they do not keep the Celestial law [plural marriage?] will not go whare there children are & will never see them again. But the Children will be given to others. He said many interesting things....
I attended Meeting at the 14 ward school House. O Pratt Preached A vary singlar discourse. He spoke of building the New Jerrusalem in Missouri. Said we must not build log Houses as the City would be translated & they would be Everlasting Habitations & would remain forever.
He spoke of the Starry Heavens. He did not think the sun or any star which mortal Eye Could see were Celestial Bodies but as soon as a world became Celestial it Could not be seen by man no more than a spirit Could be seen or a Resurrected body by mortal Man.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended Meeting at the 14 ward school House. O Pratt Preached A vary singlar discourse. He spoke of building the New Jerrusalem in Missouri. Said we must not build log Houses as the City would be translated & they would be Everlasting Habitations & would remain forever.
He spoke of the Starry Heavens. He did not think the sun or any star which mortal Eye Could see were Celestial Bodies but as soon as a world became Celestial it Could not be seen by man no more than a spirit Could be seen or a Resurrected body by mortal Man.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jan 11, 1848
... Talking, of the law made by the High Council, authorizing Bishop and Police to take away the liquor from individuals & let them have their pay. so that none but the Bishops sell liquor. ...
J. Y. [John Young:] Bro Braley I want you to make a statement of things as they are for we have taken this method to have the Brethren, tell instead of challenging them, & trying to prove'
Married a woman in Nauvoo, Rachael Taylor, (after having buried my first wife who was sealed to somebody else as I thought, & after I was adopted, she said she would leave me, but got me another girl to live, Polly Brally, with me, this, P B, other girl took her to the temple, & wanted Brigham to seal us. but he said hurried & would attend to it in the wilderness when we came to the Bluffs she said she meant to be married to a young woman, and the Sprit rested on me & said I should go & get my cattle, & hitch to my waggon & drove to the river & see a wife to be mine in time and all eternity. drove up side of waggon, saw a woman, Sarah Frazier, took my attention more than any other woman in my life, told Brigham I wantd that woman to live with me. he said take care of her. do what you will but take good care of her, she lived with me. & the other woman all the time saying she would leave me, told her not to leave me for she would be exposed, she said never would live with me at all, left me, then brought her back, got over here talked with Brigham, he told me to let her go where she has a mind to, he told me the other woman, might be sealed to me when opportunity presented, read the Peacemaker, & drew the idea that covenants sacred, told Brigham, that the ppl did not like us to live single & be together. Brigham then told me to get married & I was by an Elder who pronounced some kind of a Gentile ceremony
Had an Intercourse with this woman, Sarah Frazier, before married
Polly Brailey, said she would not live with me, and swore to it & this because I welcomed a destitute girl to my waggon
Did Brigham not tell you to go to Mo & take care of Polly as she was big with a child & had no clothes for herself & baby. J C B I never understood Brigham so.
Supposed I was doing right when intercourse with the woman before married
B. L. C. I feel pretty strict about these matters I do not see where Braley has erred so far, only has one woman. Polly was only covenanted to him, so in this one, & if sin with this one, sin with the other hid, if you go to the strictness of the Law. You have a winters work before you. if a man is allowed to have a wife by a Gentile ceremony. why Braley not have that privilege, may be some things in it as I don't see'has only but one at a time.
... B.Y. [Brigham Young:] I conciled Bro Braily, when his wife in Mo & family very poor & gave Braley such a severe lecture thought he would never speak to me, told him to go & get that wife from Mo. & never have anything to do with his present woman, don't believe Bro. Braly capable of taking care of a woman, & he need not bring the present wife to me to get sealed for I wont do it, & unless he takes care of the wife bearing child & make her happy he cannot have another
... B Y. ... Go & try my woman & see if you can make a covenant with her, no man can make a covenant with a woman, if her husband uses her as he ought to.
...J. C. Braley. I will never have intercourse with a woman who is not given to me if I should want 90 years.
Welcome Chapman, moved & Joseph G Hovey That Jos. C Braily be cut off form his standing in the church. carried unanimously. ... B.Y. Brother Lewis, I want you to understand that all business, in the Priesthood done by cutting off, with uplifted hand, you know that sign don't you for the first act of adultery you may forgive a man, but if a man beds with woman & does 10 times, ten times, he guilty
B.Y. Braley not under our control now, well he has one woman the law of the land allows him that Believe you are deserving of the chastisement & receive it kindly be humble affl., if you want to be baptized don't be in a hurry but after you have received chastisment enough & feel so get baptized, a committee go & see Polly Braley & see if she needs help, then Braly see to her.
[Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
J. Y. [John Young:] Bro Braley I want you to make a statement of things as they are for we have taken this method to have the Brethren, tell instead of challenging them, & trying to prove'
Married a woman in Nauvoo, Rachael Taylor, (after having buried my first wife who was sealed to somebody else as I thought, & after I was adopted, she said she would leave me, but got me another girl to live, Polly Brally, with me, this, P B, other girl took her to the temple, & wanted Brigham to seal us. but he said hurried & would attend to it in the wilderness when we came to the Bluffs she said she meant to be married to a young woman, and the Sprit rested on me & said I should go & get my cattle, & hitch to my waggon & drove to the river & see a wife to be mine in time and all eternity. drove up side of waggon, saw a woman, Sarah Frazier, took my attention more than any other woman in my life, told Brigham I wantd that woman to live with me. he said take care of her. do what you will but take good care of her, she lived with me. & the other woman all the time saying she would leave me, told her not to leave me for she would be exposed, she said never would live with me at all, left me, then brought her back, got over here talked with Brigham, he told me to let her go where she has a mind to, he told me the other woman, might be sealed to me when opportunity presented, read the Peacemaker, & drew the idea that covenants sacred, told Brigham, that the ppl did not like us to live single & be together. Brigham then told me to get married & I was by an Elder who pronounced some kind of a Gentile ceremony
Had an Intercourse with this woman, Sarah Frazier, before married
Polly Brailey, said she would not live with me, and swore to it & this because I welcomed a destitute girl to my waggon
Did Brigham not tell you to go to Mo & take care of Polly as she was big with a child & had no clothes for herself & baby. J C B I never understood Brigham so.
Supposed I was doing right when intercourse with the woman before married
B. L. C. I feel pretty strict about these matters I do not see where Braley has erred so far, only has one woman. Polly was only covenanted to him, so in this one, & if sin with this one, sin with the other hid, if you go to the strictness of the Law. You have a winters work before you. if a man is allowed to have a wife by a Gentile ceremony. why Braley not have that privilege, may be some things in it as I don't see'has only but one at a time.
... B.Y. [Brigham Young:] I conciled Bro Braily, when his wife in Mo & family very poor & gave Braley such a severe lecture thought he would never speak to me, told him to go & get that wife from Mo. & never have anything to do with his present woman, don't believe Bro. Braly capable of taking care of a woman, & he need not bring the present wife to me to get sealed for I wont do it, & unless he takes care of the wife bearing child & make her happy he cannot have another
... B Y. ... Go & try my woman & see if you can make a covenant with her, no man can make a covenant with a woman, if her husband uses her as he ought to.
...J. C. Braley. I will never have intercourse with a woman who is not given to me if I should want 90 years.
Welcome Chapman, moved & Joseph G Hovey That Jos. C Braily be cut off form his standing in the church. carried unanimously. ... B.Y. Brother Lewis, I want you to understand that all business, in the Priesthood done by cutting off, with uplifted hand, you know that sign don't you for the first act of adultery you may forgive a man, but if a man beds with woman & does 10 times, ten times, he guilty
B.Y. Braley not under our control now, well he has one woman the law of the land allows him that Believe you are deserving of the chastisement & receive it kindly be humble affl., if you want to be baptized don't be in a hurry but after you have received chastisment enough & feel so get baptized, a committee go & see Polly Braley & see if she needs help, then Braly see to her.
[Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
180 years ago today - Jan 11, 1843
The Quorum of the Twelve wrote a proclamation to the Saints, to observe the 17th inst. as a day of humiliation, fasting, prayer and thanksgiving for the great blessings which our Heavenly Father has conferred on us in the deliverance of our beloved president, Joseph Smith who has been honorably discharged from his arrest under the Missouri writ by the U. S. District Court of Illinois; Judge Pope presiding.
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
185 years ago today - Jan 11, 1838
At a meeting in the home of Joseph Sr. and Lucy, Joseph Jr. gives instructions to the brethren, then assures them that his life is safe for five more years (1843).
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
60 years ago today - Jan 10, 1963
Some Mormon members of the Birch Society criticized the First Presidency for its January 1963 statement. For example, one pro-Birch Mormon informed President McKay that she loved him as a prophet, but that the church president had inadvertently "given much aid and comfort to the enemy." She concluded that "this statement by the First Presidency regarding the John Birch Society and Reed Benson . . . might have an ill effect on the Missionary work." Such letters stunned even the normally hard- crusted first counselor Henry D. Moyle, who wrote: "When we pursue any course which results in numerous letters written to the Presidency critical of our work, it should be some evidence we should change our course." Only five days after the statement's publication, the first counselor apparently now had second thoughts about the First Presidency's anti-Birch statement.
[Nancy Smith Lowe to David O. McKay, 10 Jan. 1963, MS 5971 #1, LDS archives. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Nancy Smith Lowe to David O. McKay, 10 Jan. 1963, MS 5971 #1, LDS archives. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
120 years ago today - Saturday, Jan 10, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
The legislature is about to convene, and it is expected that Elder Reed Smoot will be elected United States Senator. A strong effort is being made to defeat him, President [Theodore] Roosevelt having sent word to the Utah legislature through Senator [Thomas] Kearns that he hoped an apostle would not be sent to Congress. If this be true, and the papers so report the matter, it is an unwarrantable interference on the part of the president and deserves to be treated with cold indifference (as doubtless it will be).
[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 legislature is about to convene, and it is expected that Elder Reed Smoot will be elected United States Senator. A strong effort is being made to defeat him, President [Theodore] Roosevelt having sent word to the Utah legislature through Senator [Thomas] Kearns that he hoped an apostle would not be sent to Congress. If this be true, and the papers so report the matter, it is an unwarrantable interference on the part of the president and deserves to be treated with cold indifference (as doubtless it will be).
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
135 years ago today - Jan 10, 1888 (Tuesday)
Delegate John T. Caine presented the constitution of the proposed State of Utah, with a memorial asking for admission into the Union, in the U.S. Congress. The measure met with much opposition in the House, and was bitterly opposed by Geo. F. Edmonds in the Senate.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Jan 10, 1883
[Wilford Woodruff, code in angled brackets]
I attended the Council in the Afternoon and a vote was taken to raise the wages of Erastus Snow to $2,500 a year and that he send up his back account and it should be allowed him. <Erastus Snow answered [--] in an [excited?] [-] caused a wound that time cannot heal. It made me ache. I could not [-] he slandered [--] his eyes [-] for it.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended the Council in the Afternoon and a vote was taken to raise the wages of Erastus Snow to $2,500 a year and that he send up his back account and it should be allowed him. <Erastus Snow answered [--] in an [excited?] [-] caused a wound that time cannot heal. It made me ache. I could not [-] he slandered [--] his eyes [-] for it.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Jan 10, 1883
[Franklin D. Richards]
Labors of Auditing committee were discussed which led to altercation between Br[other] E[rastus]. Snow & Pres[iden]t [Wilford] Woodruff about accounts & doing generally at St George [Utah] & in the Temple'-decided that Br[other] E[rastus]. Snow report his own arrears in a/cs [accounts] till end of last year & that from Jan[uary] 1-1883 he have $2,500. per year.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Labors of Auditing committee were discussed which led to altercation between Br[other] E[rastus]. Snow & Pres[iden]t [Wilford] Woodruff about accounts & doing generally at St George [Utah] & in the Temple'-decided that Br[other] E[rastus]. Snow report his own arrears in a/cs [accounts] till end of last year & that from Jan[uary] 1-1883 he have $2,500. per year.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
145 years ago today - Jan 10, 1878
William Smith: Attempted to blackmail Joseph Smith III for office 10 Jan. 1878, who invited William Smith to join RLDS "leaving the question of apostleship, and the patriarchate, to be settled subsequently
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
155 years ago today - Jan 10, 1868
Deseret News editorial: "In this Territory we jealously close the door against adultery, seduction and whoredom. Public opinion here pronounces the penalty of death as the fitting punishment for such crimes."
[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 )]]
70 years ago today - Jan 9, 1953
[J. Reuben Clark]
Asked Bp. Wirthlin about morticians putting temple clothes on excommunicants. He said that they could not control that, except they might tell him over the phone that it was against the rules of the Church to put the temple clothes on anybody except members.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Asked Bp. Wirthlin about morticians putting temple clothes on excommunicants. He said that they could not control that, except they might tell him over the phone that it was against the rules of the Church to put the temple clothes on anybody except members.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
80 years ago today - Jan 9, 1943
The Church Section of the Church News lists non-U.S. rulers who have received a Book of Mormon since Queen Victoria (1842), King Frederick VII of Denmark (1851), King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani of Hawaii (1877), Queen Emma of Holland (1890), King Oscar II of Sweden (1897), Emperor Mutsuhito of Japan (1900), Empress Haruko of Japan (1909), Crown Prince Yoshihito (later Emperor) of Japan (1909), Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii, King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium (1919), President Thomas G. Masaryk of Czechoslovakia (1930), President Jose F. Uriburu of Argentina (1931), President Eduard Benes of Czechoslovakia (1937), and Presdient Getulio Vargas of Brazil (1940).
[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 - Jan 9, 1888
[During a meeting of the First Presidency and twenty-five members of the territorial legislature:] ... Some of the representatives desire to see the church prohibit polygamy.
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Jan 9, 1883
[Wilford Woodruff]
I received ... a revelation from a fals Prophet at Jackson County Mo.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I received ... a revelation from a fals Prophet at Jackson County Mo.
[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 - Jan 9, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
Jim Cherekee arived to day from the [U.S.] army and reports that as soon as he arived in Camp they took him and put him in Irons kept him over night, then told him to sell what he had and leave before sun down and not return again for He was Brigham Youngs spy.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Jim Cherekee arived to day from the [U.S.] army and reports that as soon as he arived in Camp they took him and put him in Irons kept him over night, then told him to sell what he had and leave before sun down and not return again for He was Brigham Youngs spy.
[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 - Jan 9, 1843
... Joseph spoke of his friends particularly his father's family in general and particularly of his brother Alvin, that he was a very handsome man. Surpassed by none but Adam and Seth and of great strength. While 2 Irishmen were fighting and one was about to gouge the others eyes, Alvin took him by his collar and breeches and threw him over the ring which had been formed to witness the fight.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
155 years ago today - Jan 8, 1868
Brigham Young (aged 66) marriage to Mary Van Cott (1844-1884) (aged 23) divorced from James Thornton Cobb (son of wife no. 4) 1 child
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
175 years ago today - Jan 8, 1848
If I [i.e., Heber C. Kimball] want a wife & Bro[ther] Pulsipher or I has a daughter, you cannot go & make overtures to her. must first ask the one who holds the keys if I have a right to get wife & if he can get a wife, then he has no right still to go to the daughter, but to her father, & if he permits then he can ask ... this is calculated to console the feelings of women, they have lost confidence in their husbands, & men have lost confidence in the 12 because of wickedness of man. telling you how to save yourselves by not touching that that ain't your own ['] any man that comes to my house & wants my wife or my daughter[,] let him come and ask me or, I will kick his d''d [damned] ass out of the doors & then knock his teeth down his throat & God justify me in it, knew a man in Nauvoo [Illinois] whose wife was solicitd from him to forsak[e] him & they were both High Priests. its degrading to a man to think of it. Men lost confidence in the 12. ... supposing Jos[eph]. Young & his Councillors ['I] have perfect confidence in Bro[ther] Joseph & council & could trust all my wifes & family in his care. well if I go away & he try to get one of my wifes from me while I live on the earth & in the flesh in the Resurrection it will be clearer on my mind that ever. Great many men & women on this side & on the other side of the river living in adultery & many go to hell unless atonement made. no woman can covenant with a man & on that covenant live with them as man & wife this always true, & I heard it from Joseph himself & my senses teach me so. I would rather that the Bre[thren] would take knifes sharp or blunt, & skin me from head to foot than be separated from the woman who has raised a large family by me, how will it look in eternity [to] see the wife one place & the children & the husband in other places. it will be a disgrace through all eternity. ... H[eber]. C. K[imball]. one thing felt. I should be plaguily ill off to take any woman that had a husband, expect she would find out when not so well attended so that she would leave me, & if a woman leaves a good husband she will betray you.
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
180 years ago today - Jan 8, 1843 - Sunday
[Uriah Brown describes his idea for a liquid fire weapon to destroy ships. Then Colt's remote explosive device for destroying ships is discussed.] "Joseph said he had thought that the Lord had designd the apparatus for some more magnificnt purpose than for the defence of nations."
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
60 years ago today - Jan 7, 1963
Three days after the First Presidency announcement [denouncing the idea of an alliance between the church and the John Birch Society] Elder Benson spoke at a rally endorsed by the Birch Society in Boston. Newspapers reported this as a defiant embarrassment to the LDS church.
["Ezra Taft Benson Addresses Rally," Deseret News, 7 Jan. 1963, A-3; Drew Pearson, "Benson Embarrasses His Church," Washington Post, 22 Jan. 1963, B-23; "Church Embarrassed Over Ezra Taft Benson Stand," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 22 Jan. 1963, 4. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
["Ezra Taft Benson Addresses Rally," Deseret News, 7 Jan. 1963, A-3; Drew Pearson, "Benson Embarrasses His Church," Washington Post, 22 Jan. 1963, B-23; "Church Embarrassed Over Ezra Taft Benson Stand," Ogden Standard-Examiner, 22 Jan. 1963, 4. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
115 years ago today - Jan 7, 1908
[David O. McKay]
Bro[ther]. [Heber J.] Grant referred to Bro[ther]. [Reed] Smoot's running again for the Senate. He thought it would be a mistake.
[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]
Bro[ther]. [Heber J.] Grant referred to Bro[ther]. [Reed] Smoot's running again for the Senate. He thought it would be a mistake.
[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]
115 years ago today - Jan 7, 1908
[David O. McKay]
[At the apostles' quarterly meeting:] Bro[ther]. [Heber J.] Grant referred to Bro[ther]. [Reed] Smoot's running again for the Senate. He thought it would be a mistake.
[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]
[At the apostles' quarterly meeting:] Bro[ther]. [Heber J.] Grant referred to Bro[ther]. [Reed] Smoot's running again for the Senate. He thought it would be a mistake.
[David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Jan 7, 1903
Brother [John Henry Smith] Smith spoke of the administration of the sacrament. He had noted that on the two last occasions Present Joseph F. Smith had not taken wine, but water. He thought we should express ourselves on this subject and then that one of the brethren speak with the Presidency and learn their wishes regarding this matter. Brother Smith said he wanted to follow the lead of his chief and follow a strictly temperate basis. He mentioned President [Lorenzo] Snow's views of the Word of Wisdom, and the use of meat. We should teach the Saints to take a consistent and temperate course. [Note: George Teasdale, Matthias F. Cowley, and Abraham Owen Woodruff favored the use of wine, Marriner Wood Merrill did not address the issue, Reed Smoot wanted to leave the question to the First Presidency, and Hyrum M. Smith said he preferred water.]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Friday, Jan 7, 1898
[John Henry Smith]
After some explanations of yesterday['s] sayings [Quorum of Twelve claiming financial mismanagment and favoritism on the part of First Counselor George Q. Cannon, and calling for the First Presidency to share financial matters with the Twelve], Prest. Franklin D. Richards moved we forgive each other for Harsh words spoken and that we partake of the sacrament. President Joseph F. Smith seconded the motion and said it now being about to be determined by vote of the joint Councils of the presidency and Twelve that they shall act together upon all questions of great moment to the Church, he felt to ad his hearty endorsement of this action.
The vote was unanimous. We partook of the Sacrament together. After the Presidency withdrew, President Lorenzo Snow said, brethren the Lord approves of our action and in the future the Quorums will understand each other better.
[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]
After some explanations of yesterday['s] sayings [Quorum of Twelve claiming financial mismanagment and favoritism on the part of First Counselor George Q. Cannon, and calling for the First Presidency to share financial matters with the Twelve], Prest. Franklin D. Richards moved we forgive each other for Harsh words spoken and that we partake of the sacrament. President Joseph F. Smith seconded the motion and said it now being about to be determined by vote of the joint Councils of the presidency and Twelve that they shall act together upon all questions of great moment to the Church, he felt to ad his hearty endorsement of this action.
The vote was unanimous. We partook of the Sacrament together. After the Presidency withdrew, President Lorenzo Snow said, brethren the Lord approves of our action and in the future the Quorums will understand each other better.
[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 - Jan 7, 1898
[George Q. Cannon]
President Taylor mentioned the purchase of the Temple Block in Jackson county, that was designated an set apart by the Prophet Joseph as a site for a temple of God, as something that I was authorized to do with that fund [stock of the indebted Bullion, Beck & Champion Mining Company].
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
President Taylor mentioned the purchase of the Temple Block in Jackson county, that was designated an set apart by the Prophet Joseph as a site for a temple of God, as something that I was authorized to do with that fund [stock of the indebted Bullion, Beck & Champion Mining Company].
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Jan 7, 1898
There was considerable talk in relation to the dedicated stock of the Bullion, Beck & Champion Mining Company, and it was plainly stated that it was my duty to turn over that dedicated stock into the hands of President [Wilford] Woodruff as trustee in trust. Had this dedicated stock, transferred to me by President [John] Taylor, remained intact, I should never have thought of holding it in my hands any longer than to get it out of debt; but when everyone withdrew their stock and my dedicated stock only was left, I did not feel that I was guilty of the least impropriety in retaining control of it myself. I have made a provision in my will concerning it. I have kept up to the present time a strict account of it, and hope to be able to make a full accounting at the proper time to my brethren of all that I have done with this. I have not felt, however, up to the present that it was either advisable or necessary that I should transfer it out of my own hands. ... I then proceeded to read the document which President Taylor, John Beck and myself had signed, by which this stock was given to President Taylor. ... President John Taylor, in the document signed by him twenty-three days before his demise confers 'upon the said George Q. Cannon all the rights, powers and authority held, had or enjoyed by him, the said John Taylor, individually or otherwise, by virtue of the written instrument aforesaid in and to said shares.' President Taylor mentioned the purchase of the Temple Block in Jackson county, that was designated an set apart by the Prophet Joseph as a site for a temple of God, as something that I was authorized to do with that fund. ... These extracts show conclusively that I have not exceeded any of the powers entrusted to me, in my management of my own dedicated stock. I have not used in any form one dollar of anybody else's dedicate stock or its proceeds. ... I have been thus particular in alluding to these different matters, because they were mentioned almost in the form of charges against me. They appear on the official minutes of our meeting. I have not, in any remarks that I have made, explained them sufficiently to clear them up. It is with the view that the truth in history may be vindicated and my action be clearly explained that I write these explanations.
[George Q. Cannon, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[George Q. Cannon, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Jan 7, 1898
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Met Presidency in temple at 12 noon. Considerable talk was had & Pres[ident] Cannon read a document purporting to have been written under Pres[ident] Jno Taylor's dictation which gave C. complete control over all the B. & B. "Bennion and Bullock] dedicated stock which he afterwards gave up to claimants, and now claims that he is responsible to God alone for the management of his dedicated B. & B. stock. This was all news to the Council or Bro[ther] C. had carried the idea that his stock was still dedicated as we understood it. I was shocked then to hear Bro[ther] C. make the statement the I am the sole custodian of the dedicated stock. I understood Pres[ident] Taylor that this st[sic] by his successor in office to which it would be duly transferred at proper time. All was forgiven by us all and we partook of the sacrament I think worthily before God.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Met Presidency in temple at 12 noon. Considerable talk was had & Pres[ident] Cannon read a document purporting to have been written under Pres[ident] Jno Taylor's dictation which gave C. complete control over all the B. & B. "Bennion and Bullock] dedicated stock which he afterwards gave up to claimants, and now claims that he is responsible to God alone for the management of his dedicated B. & B. stock. This was all news to the Council or Bro[ther] C. had carried the idea that his stock was still dedicated as we understood it. I was shocked then to hear Bro[ther] C. make the statement the I am the sole custodian of the dedicated stock. I understood Pres[ident] Taylor that this st[sic] by his successor in office to which it would be duly transferred at proper time. All was forgiven by us all and we partook of the sacrament I think worthily before God.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Jan 7, 1898
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Met Presidency in Temple at 12 noon. Considerable talk was had & Pres[ident]. [George Q.] Cannon read a document purporting to have been written under Pres[ident] Jno [John] Taylor's dictation which gave C[annon]. complete controle over all the B[ullion]& B[eck] dedicated stock which he afterwards gave up to claimants, and now claims that he is responsible to God alone for the management of his dedicated B[ullion]. & B[eck]. stock. This was all news to the Council, or Bro[ther]. C[annon]. had caused the idea that his stock was still dedicated as we understood it. I was shocked to hear Bro[ther]. C[annon]. make the statement th[at] I am the sole custodian of the dedicated stock. I understood Pres[ident]. Taylor that this stock would be held independ[e]ntly by his successor in office to which it would be duly transfered at proper time. All was forgiven by us all and we partook of the sacrament I think worthily before God.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Met Presidency in Temple at 12 noon. Considerable talk was had & Pres[ident]. [George Q.] Cannon read a document purporting to have been written under Pres[ident] Jno [John] Taylor's dictation which gave C[annon]. complete controle over all the B[ullion]& B[eck] dedicated stock which he afterwards gave up to claimants, and now claims that he is responsible to God alone for the management of his dedicated B[ullion]. & B[eck]. stock. This was all news to the Council, or Bro[ther]. C[annon]. had caused the idea that his stock was still dedicated as we understood it. I was shocked to hear Bro[ther]. C[annon]. make the statement th[at] I am the sole custodian of the dedicated stock. I understood Pres[ident]. Taylor that this stock would be held independ[e]ntly by his successor in office to which it would be duly transfered at proper time. All was forgiven by us all and we partook of the sacrament I think worthily before God.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
135 years ago today - Jan 7, 1888
[Heber J. Grant]
Meeting at 2 pm in President's Office Wilford Woodruff, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Jos F. Smith, John W. Taylor, myself and 12 or 15 members of the next Legislature present. Quite an amount of talk indulged in of needed legislation. The officers for the House and Council talked over W. W. Riter for Speaker and Elias A Smith for President seemed to be the choice.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Meeting at 2 pm in President's Office Wilford Woodruff, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Jos F. Smith, John W. Taylor, myself and 12 or 15 members of the next Legislature present. Quite an amount of talk indulged in of needed legislation. The officers for the House and Council talked over W. W. Riter for Speaker and Elias A Smith for President seemed to be the choice.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
180 years ago today - Jan 7, 1843
While riding from Springfield to Nauvoo after the end of Joseph Smith's extradition trial William Law sings a song he has written for the occasion: "And are you sure the news is true?/And are you sure he's free?/Then let us join with one accord,/And have a Jubilee/We'll have a Jubilee, My Friend/We'll have a Jubilee/With heart and voice we'll all rejoice/In that our Prophet's free." The song has 14 verses.
180 years ago today - Jan. 7-10, 1843
Joseph travels back to Nauvoo after his trial. The axle on the carriage breaks and they all agree that Gov. Boggs should pay the damage.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - 1838: 7 January
Patriarchal Blessing of Perrigrine Sessions. (Given by Isaac Morley.)
If you wilt notice the Word of Wisdom thy days shall be prolonged upon the earth and if it is the desire of thy heart thou shalt become a hunter among the mountains of the West and thy steps betrodden upon the banks of the Pacific to seek and to hunt out the long dispersed people ...
thou shalt live to see the curse taken from the earth, when she shall yield in her strength, when the ploughman shall overtake the reaper and the storehouse of the Lord filled to its fullness ...
[Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
If you wilt notice the Word of Wisdom thy days shall be prolonged upon the earth and if it is the desire of thy heart thou shalt become a hunter among the mountains of the West and thy steps betrodden upon the banks of the Pacific to seek and to hunt out the long dispersed people ...
thou shalt live to see the curse taken from the earth, when she shall yield in her strength, when the ploughman shall overtake the reaper and the storehouse of the Lord filled to its fullness ...
[Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
60 years ago today - Jan 6, 1963
[Hugh B. Brown] [After reviewing media reaction] we [Brown and McKay] agreed that we had done the right thing in letting the members of the Church and the world know that the Church does not in any way endorse or subscribe to the John Birch Society. You [McKay] mentioned that we might have erred in that we did not call the Bensons in before making the announcement. I called your attention to the fact that we had called Brother Benson in and discussed Reed's activities during the campaign in disregarding our former statement regarding the use of our chapels and meeting places for political purposes. At that same meeting we discussed the John Birch Society, and Brother Benson denied having any association with them.
[Hugh B. Brown summary of meeting with David O. McKay, McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[Hugh B. Brown summary of meeting with David O. McKay, McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
90 years ago today - Jan 6, 1933
[George Albert Smith]
"I was appointed to Alpine Stake Conference but my nerves are trembling so I have been excused."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
"I was appointed to Alpine Stake Conference but my nerves are trembling so I have been excused."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
125 years ago today - January 6? 1898
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Meeting in Temple at 10:30. Pres[ident] Snow was asked to present the views of the Council to the Presidency. They came at 11:30 Pres[ident] S. spoke very gently and to the point. Bro[ther] F. D. Richards followed in same strain. I followed and charged Bro[ther] Cannon of taking on himself too much presidential authority and keeping a man who did not live as a L.D.S. but drank and played billiards as the chief head of the church official organ; and that if he the presidency had submitted the question of appointing Frank J. Cannon as the church agent to borrow money in the east to the Twelve he would not have been sustained; and that, many people believe that Pres[ident] Cannon is the responsible person for all of our present financial difficulties. Pres[ident] Cannon resented what I said tried to pin me down to day and date. Much occurred many things were said that were better unsaid, but I was the scapegoat and President Woodruff notified me to be at the office at 10:30 tomorrow morning. Afterwards I talked with the Twelve and every man stood by me and it was the voice of the Quorum that I stand firm in what I had already said.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Meeting in Temple at 10:30. Pres[ident] Snow was asked to present the views of the Council to the Presidency. They came at 11:30 Pres[ident] S. spoke very gently and to the point. Bro[ther] F. D. Richards followed in same strain. I followed and charged Bro[ther] Cannon of taking on himself too much presidential authority and keeping a man who did not live as a L.D.S. but drank and played billiards as the chief head of the church official organ; and that if he the presidency had submitted the question of appointing Frank J. Cannon as the church agent to borrow money in the east to the Twelve he would not have been sustained; and that, many people believe that Pres[ident] Cannon is the responsible person for all of our present financial difficulties. Pres[ident] Cannon resented what I said tried to pin me down to day and date. Much occurred many things were said that were better unsaid, but I was the scapegoat and President Woodruff notified me to be at the office at 10:30 tomorrow morning. Afterwards I talked with the Twelve and every man stood by me and it was the voice of the Quorum that I stand firm in what I had already said.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Jan 6, 1878 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
In afternoon Bro. Jos. F. Smith addressed the [Stake] conference. His subject was the priesthood. He advanced ideas which were new to me, that is, for an Elder in Israel to preach. He conveyed the idea that it was by virtue of the High Priesthood that an apostle acted and not by virtue of the apostleship; that the office of an apostle was an appendage and that a man acted in that as he did as a Bishop (if not a literal descendant of Aaron) by virtue of being a High Priest. He also advanced curious, & as I think, unsound ideas about the offices of deacon and Elder and their relationship to the Aaronic and Melchisedec priesthoods. He conveyed the idea also that a revelation or doctrine, to be binding, should be submitted to the various quorums of the priesthood, an idea not <so> incorrect of itself as the manner and spirit in which it was put forth. He dwelt in his positive and emphatic style upon the idea that no one man had the right to enforce his doctrines upon the Church without the sanction and concurrence of the priesthood and people. If he did not have President Brigham Young in his mind, he was unfortunate in his selection of words and in his manner of presenting his thoughts; for I could not help thinking that he had him in his mind. My brother Angus also gathered obtained the same impression. Pres. Taylor followed and in a very mild, inoffensive manner corrected and explained some of his ideas. At the Council afterwards Bro. Erastus Snow expressed his regret to Bro. Jos. F. that he had not heard his discourse, that he had been kept from meeting &c. To which Bro. Jos. F. said something in reply to the effect that he had preached nothing new. Up to this point I had not intended to say anything; but to leave the matter with the older Members of the quorum to notice or not as they saw fit. I could, however, not let this pass, and I remarked that his doctrine was new on many points to me. Bro. W. Woodruff also said that it was new to him. This opened the subject. It was discussed with tolerable freedom, the most of the brethren differing from him – Bro's. Woodruff, Hyde, Pratt, Richards, Young and myself. ... It is the purpose apparently of Bro's. O. Pratt and Jos. F. Smith to get from the quorum some expression of opinion upon points of doctrine which Pres. Young while he lived expressed himself plainly upon and considered he had settled. There may be others of the apostles who feel the same way. I know that all <of them> do not subscribe to the doctrine taught by our late President respecting the authority of the Seventies and that they (to use a military phrase) ranked the High Priests. Bro. O. Pratt has differed with Pres. Young upon other points, he claiming that he had the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph to sustain him in the views he entertained as opposed to those of Pres. B. Young. For myself I think the discussion of these things inopportune. If persisted in among us, such discussion may be fraught with evil. I earnestly beseech the Lord to guide us aright in these matters and to save us from division. I know it is our privilege to obtain and enjoy revelation, and for one I desire to be filled with it.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
In afternoon Bro. Jos. F. Smith addressed the [Stake] conference. His subject was the priesthood. He advanced ideas which were new to me, that is, for an Elder in Israel to preach. He conveyed the idea that it was by virtue of the High Priesthood that an apostle acted and not by virtue of the apostleship; that the office of an apostle was an appendage and that a man acted in that as he did as a Bishop (if not a literal descendant of Aaron) by virtue of being a High Priest. He also advanced curious, & as I think, unsound ideas about the offices of deacon and Elder and their relationship to the Aaronic and Melchisedec priesthoods. He conveyed the idea also that a revelation or doctrine, to be binding, should be submitted to the various quorums of the priesthood, an idea not <so> incorrect of itself as the manner and spirit in which it was put forth. He dwelt in his positive and emphatic style upon the idea that no one man had the right to enforce his doctrines upon the Church without the sanction and concurrence of the priesthood and people. If he did not have President Brigham Young in his mind, he was unfortunate in his selection of words and in his manner of presenting his thoughts; for I could not help thinking that he had him in his mind. My brother Angus also gathered obtained the same impression. Pres. Taylor followed and in a very mild, inoffensive manner corrected and explained some of his ideas. At the Council afterwards Bro. Erastus Snow expressed his regret to Bro. Jos. F. that he had not heard his discourse, that he had been kept from meeting &c. To which Bro. Jos. F. said something in reply to the effect that he had preached nothing new. Up to this point I had not intended to say anything; but to leave the matter with the older Members of the quorum to notice or not as they saw fit. I could, however, not let this pass, and I remarked that his doctrine was new on many points to me. Bro. W. Woodruff also said that it was new to him. This opened the subject. It was discussed with tolerable freedom, the most of the brethren differing from him – Bro's. Woodruff, Hyde, Pratt, Richards, Young and myself. ... It is the purpose apparently of Bro's. O. Pratt and Jos. F. Smith to get from the quorum some expression of opinion upon points of doctrine which Pres. Young while he lived expressed himself plainly upon and considered he had settled. There may be others of the apostles who feel the same way. I know that all <of them> do not subscribe to the doctrine taught by our late President respecting the authority of the Seventies and that they (to use a military phrase) ranked the High Priests. Bro. O. Pratt has differed with Pres. Young upon other points, he claiming that he had the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph to sustain him in the views he entertained as opposed to those of Pres. B. Young. For myself I think the discussion of these things inopportune. If persisted in among us, such discussion may be fraught with evil. I earnestly beseech the Lord to guide us aright in these matters and to save us from division. I know it is our privilege to obtain and enjoy revelation, and for one I desire to be filled with it.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Jan 6, 1858
Brigham Young submits a report to the Indian Commissioner laying the blame for the massacre on mistreatment of Indians by non-Mormons. Claims as the "natural consequence" of poisoning at Corn Creek, the Fancher party fell "victims to the Indians' wrath."
[Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/]
[Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/]
195 years ago today - Jan 6, 1828
Green Flake is born into slavery on the Jordan Flake plantation in North Carolina. Green was the African-American slave who drove the wagon carrying Brigham Young across the plains. Green was owned by Mormon James M. Flake who lent him along with a wagon and two mules to the Church for the 1847 trek west. Upon the death of James M. Flake in 1850 his widow moved to California, a free state, but first donated her "Negro slave Green Flake" to the Church as tithing. Green worked two years for Brigham Young and for Heber C. Kimball, and was then granted his freedom. After his wife's death he moved to Idaho. He returned to Salt Lake in 1897 to attend the 50th anniversary "jubilee" celebration of the arrival of the pioneers, where he was given a certificate honoring him as a surviving member of the original pioneer company. He is one of three slaves listed on the plaque on the Brigham Young monument in downtown Salt Lake City under the category of "Colored Servants."
85 years ago today - Jan 5, 1938
Charles E. Bidamon notarizes statement that he has sold [for $50] to collector Wilford C. Wood, Joseph Smith's "silver piece" inscribed "Confirmo O Deus Potentissimus" and that his step-mother frequently said this medallion belonged to Smith. Comparison of this artifact with illustrations for Francis Barrett's 1801 The Magus verifies that this is the Jupiter talisman inscribed according to instructions in Barrett's book.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
125 years ago today - Jan 5, 1898
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Meeting at 10.30 a.m. Our conversation in relation to first presidency was resumed. We are all thoroughly convinced that Presidents Woodruff & Smith are all right but Pres[ident] C. is wrong in many things in financial business. I proposed that, we trust the people with the labor of helping the church out of its indebtedness we must keep in touch with the people. ... Met at 3 p.m. It was agreed that Pres[ident] Snow lay our feelings before the presidency and one or two others of the Quorum should be in perfect harmony & knowledge of financial affairs.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Meeting at 10.30 a.m. Our conversation in relation to first presidency was resumed. We are all thoroughly convinced that Presidents Woodruff & Smith are all right but Pres[ident] C. is wrong in many things in financial business. I proposed that, we trust the people with the labor of helping the church out of its indebtedness we must keep in touch with the people. ... Met at 3 p.m. It was agreed that Pres[ident] Snow lay our feelings before the presidency and one or two others of the Quorum should be in perfect harmony & knowledge of financial affairs.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Jan 5, 1893
[President Wilford Woodruff (written in code)]
<I had a vision last night.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
<I had a vision last night.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Jan 5, 1893 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
The morning papers contained the amnesty which had been granted to the violators of the anti-polygamy laws by President Harrison. It has been a long time coming, and now that it has come it brings comparatively little benefit to our people, though it would not be wise for us to belittle it. ... Its value in my opinion consists in the moral effect it will have on the country, and it also shows the drift of public sentiment. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
The morning papers contained the amnesty which had been granted to the violators of the anti-polygamy laws by President Harrison. It has been a long time coming, and now that it has come it brings comparatively little benefit to our people, though it would not be wise for us to belittle it. ... Its value in my opinion consists in the moral effect it will have on the country, and it also shows the drift of public sentiment. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
145 years ago today - Jan 5, 1878
[Franklin D. Richards]
... in conference with heirs of Pres[iden]ts estate in Gardo house ... about settlement of [Brigham Young] Estate with the Church. Geo[rge]. Q. was making good headway presenting plan of operations'-most of procedure a good feeling prevailed till Albert Carrington chipped in & awakened sneers, sarcasm, &.c. Erastus invited them the heirs to appoint a committee of 3 or 5 & call on the Auditing Committee who would aid them in examining the books & items of a/c [account] important all departed feeling better except for the unwise talk of A[lbert]. C[arrington].
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
... in conference with heirs of Pres[iden]ts estate in Gardo house ... about settlement of [Brigham Young] Estate with the Church. Geo[rge]. Q. was making good headway presenting plan of operations'-most of procedure a good feeling prevailed till Albert Carrington chipped in & awakened sneers, sarcasm, &.c. Erastus invited them the heirs to appoint a committee of 3 or 5 & call on the Auditing Committee who would aid them in examining the books & items of a/c [account] important all departed feeling better except for the unwise talk of A[lbert]. C[arrington].
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
180 years ago today - Jan 5, 1843 - Thursday
[Joseph Smith]
... I will not tell you how ma[n]y inhabita[n]ts will come to Nauvoo but. I will tell you what I said when I came to Commerce, I told them I could build up a city— & the old inhabitants said— we'll be damnd if you can So I prophecid that I could build up a city. & the inhabtns [inhabitants] prop[h]esied I could not. we have now about 12000 inhabtnts. I will prophecy we will bu[i]ld a great city.
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
... I will not tell you how ma[n]y inhabita[n]ts will come to Nauvoo but. I will tell you what I said when I came to Commerce, I told them I could build up a city— & the old inhabitants said— we'll be damnd if you can So I prophecid that I could build up a city. & the inhabtns [inhabitants] prop[h]esied I could not. we have now about 12000 inhabtnts. I will prophecy we will bu[i]ld a great city.
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
180 years ago today - Jan 5, 1843
Judge Nathaniel Pope rules that the extradition request from Missouri Governor Liburn Boggs to have Joseph Smith extradited to Missouri shall be quashed and that Smith "shall be free from any attempt to secure him. He should be troubled no more in relation to the matter touching this prosecution." Smith was charged with being an accessory to the attempted murder of Boggs.
185 years ago today - Jan 5, 1838
At a conference in Far West, the Saints reject David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and W. W. Phelps as the local presidency; then the high council excommunicates Phelps and John Whitmer.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
190 years ago today - Jan 5, 1833
Frederick G. Williams appointed to the first presidency to replace Jesse Gause. D&C 81 retroactively modified to replace Jesse's name with Frederick's name.
[Exploring Mormonism: The Law of Consecration Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-law-of-consecration-timeline/]
[Exploring Mormonism: The Law of Consecration Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-law-of-consecration-timeline/]
45 years ago today - Jan 4, 1978
First Presidency announces finding of socialogical survey of returned LDS missionaries: 97 percent attend at least one sacrament meeting per month, 95 percent are married or sealed in temple, 89 percent hold current church position, 85 percent have current temple recommend.
[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 )]]
60 years ago today - Jan 4, 1963
In January 1963 the First Presidency ... announced: "We deplore the presumption of some politicians, especially officers, co-ordinators and members of the John Birch Society, who undertake to align the Church or its leadership with their political views." This was a not-too- subtle reference to Benson's son Reed, the Utah Birch coordinator.
["Reprint of Statement From the First Presidency," The Messenger: Distributed By the Presiding Bishopric of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 1963,1. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
["Reprint of Statement From the First Presidency," The Messenger: Distributed By the Presiding Bishopric of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 1963,1. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
65 years ago today - Sat Jan 4, 1958
[David O. McKay]
[During meeting with Ernest L. Wilkinson] After the above discussion, we took up the question of Dr. Wilkinson's seeking an appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. An important phase of such an appointment would be the favorable consideration by Senator Watkins, who, President Wilkinson thinks, is not in favor of such an appointment. Brother Wilkinson also mentioned the request that had been made for him to seek the nomination for Senator in opposition to Senator Watkins. I said, "Well, I shall tell you this much, and only this much: That if they do nominate you for Senatorship, we shall give you a leave of absence from your present position while you run, and let you have your freedom to do as you wish, and you will not lose your position as Presdident of the Brigham Young University."
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[During meeting with Ernest L. Wilkinson] After the above discussion, we took up the question of Dr. Wilkinson's seeking an appointment to the Supreme Court of the United States. An important phase of such an appointment would be the favorable consideration by Senator Watkins, who, President Wilkinson thinks, is not in favor of such an appointment. Brother Wilkinson also mentioned the request that had been made for him to seek the nomination for Senator in opposition to Senator Watkins. I said, "Well, I shall tell you this much, and only this much: That if they do nominate you for Senatorship, we shall give you a leave of absence from your present position while you run, and let you have your freedom to do as you wish, and you will not lose your position as Presdident of the Brigham Young University."
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
125 years ago today - Jan 4, 1898; Tuesday
President Lorenzo Snow[:] ... There are two things required of us as apostles, a perfect union among ourselves, and a perfect union with the First Presidency. ... He referred to the advanced age of Pres[iden]t. Wilford Woodruff, and the fact that his first counselor Bro[ther]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon was doing some things that we could not approve of. This makes no difference as it is our duty to sustain him. The loss of $100,000 more or less is as nothing in comparision with our failing to sustain the First Presidency. Disunion in our midst would be [a] sweet morsel for our enemies. ... The Lord does not always select religious men to do His work, but he selects men of strong will and determination. ...
... Did not feel that it was right for men like Frank J. Cannon to be selected to represent the church. Felt it was an outrage that Frank was used as he was and also that the Church's official paper should be edited by John Q. Cannon. ...
John Henry Smith ... I feel that there is one man in the presidency and he is not the man at the lead [i.e., George Q. Cannon] who is at present dominating the affairs of the church. If left to himself the question is would President Woodruff have consented to have borrowed a million and a half for the Ogden Power Plant. Would he of his own accord have borrowed the money with which to build Saltair, and would he have spent several hundred thousand dollars in a mine in Nevada. We all know that he would not have done these things. I fear that the great burdens which are now on Pres[iden]t. Cannon are such that he has become desperate and he is plunging, so to speak. ...
Brigham Young [Jr.] ... Felt outraged in his feelings to have a drunkard [i.e., Frank J. Cannon] representing the Church as its agent in the east. I believe that it is the duty of the twelve apostles to ask the Presidency to correct these mistakes. Pres[iden]t. Woodruff in his feeble condition and advanced age is depending entirely on Pres[iden]t. Cannon to direct in all of these matters. ... Never in my life have I felt to pray more earnestly for the Presidency of the Church than I do today. ...
[Heber J. Grant:] ... I well remember the time we had at the death of Pres[iden]t. [John] Taylor and the part I took in the troubles with Pres[iden]t. Cannon, and with all my heart I hope and pray that I may not be guilty of accusing my brother again as I did at that time ... and that there will be no danger of my geting into the dark as there was when we had so much trouble after the death of Pres[iden]t. Taylor.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
... Did not feel that it was right for men like Frank J. Cannon to be selected to represent the church. Felt it was an outrage that Frank was used as he was and also that the Church's official paper should be edited by John Q. Cannon. ...
John Henry Smith ... I feel that there is one man in the presidency and he is not the man at the lead [i.e., George Q. Cannon] who is at present dominating the affairs of the church. If left to himself the question is would President Woodruff have consented to have borrowed a million and a half for the Ogden Power Plant. Would he of his own accord have borrowed the money with which to build Saltair, and would he have spent several hundred thousand dollars in a mine in Nevada. We all know that he would not have done these things. I fear that the great burdens which are now on Pres[iden]t. Cannon are such that he has become desperate and he is plunging, so to speak. ...
Brigham Young [Jr.] ... Felt outraged in his feelings to have a drunkard [i.e., Frank J. Cannon] representing the Church as its agent in the east. I believe that it is the duty of the twelve apostles to ask the Presidency to correct these mistakes. Pres[iden]t. Woodruff in his feeble condition and advanced age is depending entirely on Pres[iden]t. Cannon to direct in all of these matters. ... Never in my life have I felt to pray more earnestly for the Presidency of the Church than I do today. ...
[Heber J. Grant:] ... I well remember the time we had at the death of Pres[iden]t. [John] Taylor and the part I took in the troubles with Pres[iden]t. Cannon, and with all my heart I hope and pray that I may not be guilty of accusing my brother again as I did at that time ... and that there will be no danger of my geting into the dark as there was when we had so much trouble after the death of Pres[iden]t. Taylor.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jan 4, 1898
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Then Pres[ident] Snow spoke on condition of first presidency followed by Bro[ther] Teasdale (who was in favor of our minding our own business) Jno H. S., B.Y. & F. D. R. we all had complaints to make I wanted a T in T appointed to release Pres[ident] W. and for the First Presidency to correct all mistakes especially Pres[ident] Cannon so that he would not be humiliated when the first Quorum was dissolved, Jno Q. C. & Frank C. would be relieved as soon as the Twelve managed matters. Bro[ther] Richards did not agree with me I related a dream about relief coming to Pres[ident] W. [met again in the afternoon and continued the discussion.]
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Then Pres[ident] Snow spoke on condition of first presidency followed by Bro[ther] Teasdale (who was in favor of our minding our own business) Jno H. S., B.Y. & F. D. R. we all had complaints to make I wanted a T in T appointed to release Pres[ident] W. and for the First Presidency to correct all mistakes especially Pres[ident] Cannon so that he would not be humiliated when the first Quorum was dissolved, Jno Q. C. & Frank C. would be relieved as soon as the Twelve managed matters. Bro[ther] Richards did not agree with me I related a dream about relief coming to Pres[ident] W. [met again in the afternoon and continued the discussion.]
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Jan 4, 1893
The President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, issued a proclamation of amnesty to all polygamists who had entered into that relationship before Nov. 1, 1890. The Utah Commission soon ruled that voting restrictions in the territory should be removed.
[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]
145 years ago today - Jan 4, 1878
[Franklin D. Richards]
Considered the claims of the church against the estate of Pres[iden]t. B[righam]. Young & decided there was due the church $886,346.37 besides what had been previously presented viz $88,000.00 V.CRR Bonds & 49,500.00 coupons'-also the Deseret Telegraph Stock. which amount theyagreed to take in property that would not materially injure the Estate. but would help the Church. Bro[thers] Snow & F[ranklin] D Richards were appointed a committee to draft deeds for Real Estate to the Church & attend to obtaining the Same. ... (other) In the evening went with Pres[iden]t Taylor & presented the action of the council for the Consideration of the executors'-
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Considered the claims of the church against the estate of Pres[iden]t. B[righam]. Young & decided there was due the church $886,346.37 besides what had been previously presented viz $88,000.00 V.CRR Bonds & 49,500.00 coupons'-also the Deseret Telegraph Stock. which amount theyagreed to take in property that would not materially injure the Estate. but would help the Church. Bro[thers] Snow & F[ranklin] D Richards were appointed a committee to draft deeds for Real Estate to the Church & attend to obtaining the Same. ... (other) In the evening went with Pres[iden]t Taylor & presented the action of the council for the Consideration of the executors'-
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
150 years ago today - Jan 4, 1873 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
In conversation with President Young in the presence of his son John W. Young and Bro. W. C. Staines he said that I ought to be careful about my movements in Washington – that I would be watched and everything I did scrutinized and I ought to keep a journal of my movements that I could prove where I was at any time. If any thing should occur to Gen. Grant he (the President) would be accused of having prompted its commission, and I would probably be charged with having had it done. He said that next to himself I was the most <hated> of any of the authorities. They did There was no feeling of dislike against either Bro's. Geo. A. Smith and D. H. Wells or any other of the brethren like there was against me. They would seek my life with the greatest anxiety after seeking his, and I ought to be careful of myself. In all the publications of our enemies there my name was generally held up to the public next to his own.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon, from back of book, written upside down]
In conversation with President Young in the presence of his son John W. Young and Bro. W. C. Staines he said that I ought to be careful about my movements in Washington – that I would be watched and everything I did scrutinized and I ought to keep a journal of my movements that I could prove where I was at any time. If any thing should occur to Gen. Grant he (the President) would be accused of having prompted its commission, and I would probably be charged with having had it done. He said that next to himself I was the most <hated> of any of the authorities. They did There was no feeling of dislike against either Bro's. Geo. A. Smith and D. H. Wells or any other of the brethren like there was against me. They would seek my life with the greatest anxiety after seeking his, and I ought to be careful of myself. In all the publications of our enemies there my name was generally held up to the public next to his own.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon, from back of book, written upside down]
160 years ago today - Jan 4, 1863
[Wilford Woodruff]
I went to the printing office & stoped untill 10 oclok to get the Telegraphic dispatches. We got President Abraham Lincoln Message delivered on the first day of Jan 1863 Setting free all slaves in all the Cotton States who were in arms against the Northern States.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I went to the printing office & stoped untill 10 oclok to get the Telegraphic dispatches. We got President Abraham Lincoln Message delivered on the first day of Jan 1863 Setting free all slaves in all the Cotton States who were in arms against the Northern States.
[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 - Jan 4, 1853. Tuesday.
[William Clayton]
[After a long voyage to England] "we went to the Bath House where we took a glorious scrubbing for about an hour. This with a change of clothing refreshed us very much. In the evening we went to the Office in Wilton Street, and spent a season with Brother S[amuel] W. Richards, taking some bread and cheese and Port Wine; after which we returned to Brother Cowley's and were soon comfortable in a warm bed."
[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]
[After a long voyage to England] "we went to the Bath House where we took a glorious scrubbing for about an hour. This with a change of clothing refreshed us very much. In the evening we went to the Office in Wilton Street, and spent a season with Brother S[amuel] W. Richards, taking some bread and cheese and Port Wine; after which we returned to Brother Cowley's and were soon comfortable in a warm bed."
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Jan 4, 1848
[Hosea Stout]
Tuesd Jany 4th 1848. Today was a busy day for the police & Bishops.
Whiskey was at this time sold by a large number of brethren contrary to law which ordained that it should only be sold by the Bishops
The consequence was drunkenness was very prevalent and at some places they became very noisey. A complaint was made to the council by Bp. Whitney of the same whereupon the Council decided (Sund last) that the police & Bishops do their duty. Which was tantemount to saying put the law in force[.] ... Alonzo Jones closed his doors against the Bishops who broke open his door & took his barrel of whiskey.also one Ferris refused to deliver up his which was taken. We then went to the redoubtable John Pack who also kept a barrel & the Bishops made known their Business telling him at the same time that they would pay him for it ...
They at last called on me to "lay hand on it which I did & the Spirit came". for the barrel was nearly full.
... We took 5 barrels today. The 3 latter was forfeited as they would not yield neither in that case would the Bishops pay. We were busy untill ten oclock P. M.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Tuesd Jany 4th 1848. Today was a busy day for the police & Bishops.
Whiskey was at this time sold by a large number of brethren contrary to law which ordained that it should only be sold by the Bishops
The consequence was drunkenness was very prevalent and at some places they became very noisey. A complaint was made to the council by Bp. Whitney of the same whereupon the Council decided (Sund last) that the police & Bishops do their duty. Which was tantemount to saying put the law in force[.] ... Alonzo Jones closed his doors against the Bishops who broke open his door & took his barrel of whiskey.also one Ferris refused to deliver up his which was taken. We then went to the redoubtable John Pack who also kept a barrel & the Bishops made known their Business telling him at the same time that they would pay him for it ...
They at last called on me to "lay hand on it which I did & the Spirit came". for the barrel was nearly full.
... We took 5 barrels today. The 3 latter was forfeited as they would not yield neither in that case would the Bishops pay. We were busy untill ten oclock P. M.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Jan 4, 1843
Joseph stands trial in Springfield, accused of being an accessory to the shooting of ex-Governor Boggs. Judge Pope comes in the courtroom accompanied by several ladies. (Some say that this was the judge's joke about the rumors of polygamy.) Mr. Butterfield, Joseph's attorney, jokingly announces, "It is a momentous occasion in my life to appear before the Pope, in defense of a prophet of God, in the presence of all these angels." The case boils down to whether or not Joseph can be taken from Illinois to Missouri to be tried for a crime that, if committed, was committed in Illinois. The judge rules that it is illegal, and Joseph is freed.
[Donna Hill, Joseph Smith: The First Mormon 321-22; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Donna Hill, Joseph Smith: The First Mormon 321-22; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
190 years ago today - Jan 4, 1833
(Joseph Smith Prophesied) "by the authority of Jesus Christ that not many years shall pass away before the wicked of this generation will be swept from off the face of the land and the Lost Ten Tribes will be gathered to Missouri, and that The people of the Lord… have already commenced to gather together to Zion, which is in the state of Missouri; therefore I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded me to declare unto this generation…. The hour of His judgment is Come. He exhorts all to Flee to Zion, before the overflowing scourge overtake you, for there are now those living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all these things, which I have spoken, fulfilled."
[Joseph Smith, Jr., Jan. 4, 1833, History of the Church, vol. 1, chapter 22, p. 315-31, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
[Joseph Smith, Jr., Jan. 4, 1833, History of the Church, vol. 1, chapter 22, p. 315-31, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
35 years ago today - Jan 3, 1988
(in January) single full-time missionaries arrive in Poland, first Communist Democratic Republic also grants entry to LDS missionaries as well as permitting its own citizens to serve foreign missions. Similar to Yugoslavia's nearly twenty years of unofficial practice, Czechoslovakia's Communist government also allows LDS missionaries in 1988, even though the church has no legal recognition there until 21 Feb. 1990 (after Czechoslovakia's democratization).
[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 )]]
70 years ago today - Jan 3, 1953
Church News feature story: "Incubator for Freedom: Staff of 'BYUniverse' Makes Determined Stand For Hands-Off Policy in Production of Newspaper." That editorial independence lasts sixteen more years at BYU, then falls victim to the conservative reaction against student protests nationally. On 12-19-1968 the Universe published an article in favor of recruiting African-American athletes. BYU president Ernest Wilkinson wrote about this in his diary saying "This argues all the more in favor of our making the student newspaper an agency of our Communications Department rather than a student publication." By 4-18-1969 the Universe ceased to be an independent paper but "nothing would be announced about this new policy"
[http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QyJPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Nk4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4190%2C482022 the Church News and the Wilkinson Diary, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QyJPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Nk4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4190%2C482022 the Church News and the Wilkinson Diary, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
75 years ago today - Jan 3, 1948
Organization of LDS Film Council "to appraise motion pictures and decide upon their suitability for enterainment and educational purposes."
[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 - Jan 3, 1948
[Frank Evans]
Colonel Elmer Thomas phoned me re Mrs. Russel L. Tracey, tenant in Eagle Gate Apartments, and her conversation with President Smith in which he (Col. Thomas) said that Mrs. Tracy stated that President Smith promised her preference over all other applicants on the ground of her kinship to him (Pres. Smith)!!! I told him that could not be true, ...
[Frank Evans, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Colonel Elmer Thomas phoned me re Mrs. Russel L. Tracey, tenant in Eagle Gate Apartments, and her conversation with President Smith in which he (Col. Thomas) said that Mrs. Tracy stated that President Smith promised her preference over all other applicants on the ground of her kinship to him (Pres. Smith)!!! I told him that could not be true, ...
[Frank Evans, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Jan 3, 1893
Funeral at Farmington, Utah for Joseph L. Robinson who dies leaving two hundred twenty descendants.
165 years ago today - Jan 3, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
The subject arose about the burning up of our City [Salt Lake -- if federal troops entered]. President Young said that I think we shall use this room yet for a few Years to come yet I mean to be ready.
Brother Rich said their is snakes on the desert that have Hornes. It was said that their is also snakes that have Joints and when struck will fly to peaces then come to gether again. ...
The subject of the Death of P[arley] P. Pratt Came up. Erastus Snow said there is some m[e/a?]n in this City that thirst for my Blood. He felt this strongly in spirit. ... Brother Pratt made Brother Pollard promise that he would protect him untill his return before he would leave for the meeting. At this vary time Mr MCClain [husband of Pratt's new wife] had taken lodgings Joining Parley's Room and was attending his meetings with loaded weapons seeking an opportunity to kill him. G[eorge] A. Smith advised P. P. Pratt not to go to Arkansaw but to go diret to Salt Lake & take care of himself. He told Parly if he went to try to protet Eleanor [married to both Pratt and MCClain] & her Children He would loose his life. But He did not take Care of himself or take G. A. Smith Council But went to Arkansas & was murdered by Mr MCLain.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The subject arose about the burning up of our City [Salt Lake -- if federal troops entered]. President Young said that I think we shall use this room yet for a few Years to come yet I mean to be ready.
Brother Rich said their is snakes on the desert that have Hornes. It was said that their is also snakes that have Joints and when struck will fly to peaces then come to gether again. ...
The subject of the Death of P[arley] P. Pratt Came up. Erastus Snow said there is some m[e/a?]n in this City that thirst for my Blood. He felt this strongly in spirit. ... Brother Pratt made Brother Pollard promise that he would protect him untill his return before he would leave for the meeting. At this vary time Mr MCClain [husband of Pratt's new wife] had taken lodgings Joining Parley's Room and was attending his meetings with loaded weapons seeking an opportunity to kill him. G[eorge] A. Smith advised P. P. Pratt not to go to Arkansaw but to go diret to Salt Lake & take care of himself. He told Parly if he went to try to protet Eleanor [married to both Pratt and MCClain] & her Children He would loose his life. But He did not take Care of himself or take G. A. Smith Council But went to Arkansas & was murdered by Mr MCLain.
[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 - Jan 3, 1843
... Joseph prophecied in the name of the Lord that no very formidable opposition would be raised at the trial on the morrow.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
190 years ago today - Jan 3, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 88:127-141 received. Greetings in the "house of God."
This revelation was edited and appended to the December 27, 1832 revelation (D&C 88:1-126) in 1835 Doctrine and Covenants 7.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
This revelation was edited and appended to the December 27, 1832 revelation (D&C 88:1-126) in 1835 Doctrine and Covenants 7.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
30 years ago today - Jan 2, 1993.
William O. Nelson, director of the Evaluation Division, Correlation Department, identifies as significant "doctrinal developments by the First Presidency under Priesthood Correlation" after 1990 the "statement of the First Presidency on symposia--public versus private discussion of sacred matters" and the 1992 First Presidency statement affirming "the King James Version of the Bible as the official text in English."
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
30 years ago today - Jan 2, 1993
At sacrament meeting in Tiberias, by Sea of Galilee, in Israel, Apostle James E. Faust tells Tabernacle Choir: "My testimony is like that of the brother of Jared who saw the finger of God and believed no more, for he knew. It has been given to me to know, for I have become acquainted with the Savior."
90 years ago today - Jan 2, 1933
[George Albert Smith]
- with wife's (?) illness, My nerves are nearly gone but am holding on the best I know how
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
- with wife's (?) illness, My nerves are nearly gone but am holding on the best I know how
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
120 years ago today - Jan 2, 1903; Friday
Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith came to the President's office bringing word that he had just kept an appointment with Senator [Thomas] Kearns, who had told him in a most positive manner that Reed Smoot wold be turned down by the administration; or in other words not be permitted to take his seat in the U.S. Senate even if elected by the Utah Legislature, for the reason that to permit an Apostle to sit in the Senate would have a bad effect, and perhaps prevent [Theodore] Roosevelt's re-election. Senator Kearns is vigorously opposing the election of Reed Smoot, fearing that he himself may fail of re-election.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
180 years ago today - Jan 2, 1843
Contrary to then-current views of the inherent inferiority of African-Americans, Smith affirmed that social environment, not nature, determined their status: "Change their situations with the whites, and they [African-Americans] would be like them." However, he opposed racial intermarriage and integration, and instead favored emancipation and black nationalism: "Had I anything to do with the negro, I would confine them by strict law to their own species, and put them on a national equalization."
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Jan 2, 1843 (Monday)
Joseph Smith prophesied that he should not go to Missouri dead or alive.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
25 years ago today - Jan 01, 1998
The Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society classes begin study of the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, the first manual in the series Teachings of the Presidents of the Church.
55 years ago today - Jan 01, 1968
Swedish convert Hilda Anderson Erickson, the last of the pioneers who made the trek west before the coming of the railroad to Utah in 1869, passes away at the age of 108.
125 years ago today - Jan 1, 1898; Saturday
[Anthony Ivins]
Colonel [Emilio] Kosterlitzky came via Colonia Juarez and remained a day here. He had not found Black Jack and party but had arrested a young man who had been working at our saw mill in the mountain. ... Kosterlitzky arrested the [a man] and brought him to Juarez. Before leaving the colony he came to me and told me I could do what I pleased with the man's team, which was at Colonia Dublan, that he would take care of the man. I said--Why Colonel you do not mean to kill that boy do you. He has done nothing wrong. Well, he answered, I do not intend to be bothered long with him I can tell you that. I strongly protested against any violence being done to the man except after a fair trial had been given him, telling the Colonel that I did not believe the man had ever seen Black Jack and his gang. The Colonel listened and when I had finished said--Well, hell, Mr. Ivins, if you dont want him killed I wont kill him. ... the Col. addressing him said--Mr. Ivins say[s] he will vouch for your char- acter, and be responsible for your conduct and I am going to turn you over to him. If I ever hear that you have broken your parole I will come back and get you if I have to follow you to hell. Do you understand. The man, pale and trembling said yes. ... Several months later letters were received from her written from British Columbia, in which she expressed her gratitude that I had saved her boys life.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
Colonel [Emilio] Kosterlitzky came via Colonia Juarez and remained a day here. He had not found Black Jack and party but had arrested a young man who had been working at our saw mill in the mountain. ... Kosterlitzky arrested the [a man] and brought him to Juarez. Before leaving the colony he came to me and told me I could do what I pleased with the man's team, which was at Colonia Dublan, that he would take care of the man. I said--Why Colonel you do not mean to kill that boy do you. He has done nothing wrong. Well, he answered, I do not intend to be bothered long with him I can tell you that. I strongly protested against any violence being done to the man except after a fair trial had been given him, telling the Colonel that I did not believe the man had ever seen Black Jack and his gang. The Colonel listened and when I had finished said--Well, hell, Mr. Ivins, if you dont want him killed I wont kill him. ... the Col. addressing him said--Mr. Ivins say[s] he will vouch for your char- acter, and be responsible for your conduct and I am going to turn you over to him. If I ever hear that you have broken your parole I will come back and get you if I have to follow you to hell. Do you understand. The man, pale and trembling said yes. ... Several months later letters were received from her written from British Columbia, in which she expressed her gratitude that I had saved her boys life.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
135 years ago today - Sunday, Jan 1, 1888
[John Henry Smith]
St. Johns [stake conference] ...
In the evening I met with the Presidency, high Council and Bishops and after talking over the Waltzing business it was voted to restrain it.
[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]
St. Johns [stake conference] ...
In the evening I met with the Presidency, high Council and Bishops and after talking over the Waltzing business it was voted to restrain it.
[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]
135 years ago today - Jan 1, 1888 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
I baptized my daughter Grace to-day in my bath room.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I baptized my daughter Grace to-day in my bath room.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
150 years ago today - Jan 1, 1873
Apostle Joseph F. Smith strikes his neighbor's head "three times with my cane" for insulting him and letting his livestock trespass on Smith's property. He voluntarily pleads guilty to assault and battery to Mormon justice of the peace. On Christmas night Smith had dreamed of using his cane repeatedly on opponent's head, "intending to kill him, but was partially prevented from striking him with full force by my wives."
[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 )]]
180 years ago today - Jan 1, 1843
Joseph Smith tells dinner guests of his confrontation with a Baptist minister in Kirtland: "I whipped him till he begged. He threatened to prosecute me. I sent [apostle] Luke Johnson the constable after him and he run him out of the County into Mentor."
Earlier in the day Smith had told visiting dignitaries, "the most prominent difference in sentiment between the Latter-day Saints and sectarians was, that the latter were all circumscribed by some peculiar creed, which deprived its members the privilege of believing anything not contained therein, whereas the Latter-day Saints have no creed, but are ready to believe all true principles that exist, as they are made manifest from time to time."
Earlier in the day Smith had told visiting dignitaries, "the most prominent difference in sentiment between the Latter-day Saints and sectarians was, that the latter were all circumscribed by some peculiar creed, which deprived its members the privilege of believing anything not contained therein, whereas the Latter-day Saints have no creed, but are ready to believe all true principles that exist, as they are made manifest from time to time."
185 years ago today - Jan 1, 1838
John Smith, an assistant counselor in the First Presidency, reports the excommunication of dozens of dissenters at Kirtland during the last week of Dec, including Book of Mormon witness Martin Harris.
[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]
70 years ago today - Dec 31, 1952
A letter from the First Presidency announced that the Primary Association had been assigned the duty of establishing the Cub Scout program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys of the Church.
[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]
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