[George Q. Cannon]
We received the following telegrams from Bro. John W. Young [church representative in Washington, D.C.]:
"Telegram 13th received. Matters chrystalized to-day so that we must place, by Wednesday afternoon without fail, 15,000 to keep [bribe, Senator] Cullom silent and [Senator] Davis to vote with us in Committee and another Republican Senator advocate and vote openly. Amount contingent on faithful performance. Other ten needed to make sure of the majority of the committee to be successful. Telegraph money for Wednesday morning. Answer." ...
We made the follow reply:
"We think better await arrival friends [including Joseph F. Smith] who left here eleventh before you present any document to Senate or its Committee or doing anything about twenty-five thousand." [This is not the first time money was sent to influence legislators.]
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Feb 13, 1863
U.S. Senator Benjamin Wade of Ohio submits to the Senate a report from the Committee on Territories concerning Utah: "Polygamy of the most unlimited character, sanctioning the cohabitation of a man with the mother and her daughters indiscriminately, is not the only un-American thing among them. . . . Contrary to the usages of the whole country, the affairs of this Territory are managed through church instrumentalities, and no measure is permitted to succeed in the Territory which will, for one moment, conflict with the interests of the church; in other words, we have here the first exhibition within the limits of the United States of a church ruling the State-Another opinion-the subject of both public and private teaching-is that the government of the United States will not and ought not to stand. They make a difference between the Constitution and the government of the United States; to the Constitution they claim to be very loyal, but to the government they owe no particular allegiance."
170 years ago today - Feb 13, 1853
Jedediah M. Grant preaches, "Some wonder why we don't have revelation now in our day as well as in the days of Joseph. In his day the brethren would not build a log cabin till they went to Joseph to ask counsel how they should set it where they should put the door etc. But at the present day men have learned to do something themselves without troubling the president or the Lord about it." Lack of "thus sayeth the Lord" revelations since the death of Joseph Smith lead to over a thousand Mormons breaking away and following Joseph Morris who receives such revelations eight years later.
175 years ago today - Feb 13, 1848
Senior president of the of the Seventy Joseph Young and Apostle Wilford Woodruff chastise the First Quorum of Seventy for spending too much time "fiddleing and dancing."
180 years ago today - Feb 13, 1843
[Wilford Woodruff]
Spent the time in the printing Office. Get along well with the doctrins & covenants [2nd edition].
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Spent the time in the printing Office. Get along well with the doctrins & covenants [2nd edition].
[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 - Feb 13, 1843
At Orson Hyde's house Joseph Smith says that those who come to Nauvoo but don't buy their land through the church "must be cut off." At this time Joseph Smith is chief land agent for the Church, and had contracted debt associated with land purchases. William Law is now competing with Joseph Smith.
85 years ago today - Feb 12, 1938
[Heber J. Grant]
Brother Richard L. Evans called and we visited for an hour and a half or two hours. He is very anxious to have me write my memoirs and have them published in the ERA. I told him I thought it would be intensely interesting if I would write up my courting of three women and marrying them. I told him all about it. He said, 'That is going to be intensely interesting.'
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Brother Richard L. Evans called and we visited for an hour and a half or two hours. He is very anxious to have me write my memoirs and have them published in the ERA. I told him I thought it would be intensely interesting if I would write up my courting of three women and marrying them. I told him all about it. He said, 'That is going to be intensely interesting.'
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Feb 12, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
In view of Elder Smoot's early departure for Washington (namely, next Monday) he knelt at the altar and received a special blessing, in which the blessing and favor of the Lord was sought for his success in obtaining a seat in the senate of the United States Congress, Pres. Smith being mouth.
[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]
In view of Elder Smoot's early departure for Washington (namely, next Monday) he knelt at the altar and received a special blessing, in which the blessing and favor of the Lord was sought for his success in obtaining a seat in the senate of the United States Congress, Pres. Smith being mouth.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
130 years ago today - Feb 12, 1893
Edmund Ellsworth says "he heard Joseph Smith say in Nauvoo that the outsiders would not let the Saints stay there. Said they would remove to the Rocky Mountains... and they will finally cast us out from the United States... We shall pass down through Mexico and back up through Texas to build up the center Stake of Zion [at Independence, Missouri]. He marked the profile of the journey in the sand. Bro. Averett [Everett] in speaking of the matter afterward said the route of the journey was shaped like a horseshoe. He haveing seen Joseph mark it out before." The published diary of Jesse N. Smith deletes this reference to the Horse Shoe Prophecy.
[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 )]]
155 years ago today - Feb 12, 1868
Deseret News editorial "Marry and Be Happy" says that if men continue to refuse to marry, "we would be inclined to favor the revival of the Spartan custom of treating bachelors [by flogging]."
[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 )]]
170 years ago today - Feb 12, 1853 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
Bro. Napela and I baptised a woman for her health.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Bro. Napela and I baptised a woman for her health.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
180 years ago today - By Feb 12, 1843
Some followers of William Miller (who had predicted the end of the world in 1843) came to Joseph Smith's attention during a visit by several young men from New York. Joseph "preached them quite a sermon. Shewed them that the error is in the Bible or translation and that Miller is in want of information."
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
190 years ago today - Feb 12, 1833
Illinois outlaws polygamy [six years before the saints migrate to Nauvoo].
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
40 years ago today - Feb 11, 1983.
Paul Richards, BYU Public Communications director, informs Dean Huffaker, editor of Seventh East Press, that the paper cannot be "sold at the campus bookstore or on campus newsstands after Feb. 16. [Richards] declined to say whether the ban was ordered by church officials in Salt Lake City." An unofficial student newspaper at Brigham Young University that had drawn considerable criticism for its articles on Mormon history and doctrine, it had published an interview with Sterling McMurrin, Mormon philosopher, on 11 January in which he expressed disbelief about the First Vision and ancient origins for the Book of Mormon. The newspaper ceases publication on 12 April and is followed very briefly by the University Post, which also folds. The McMurrin interview is reprinted in Dialogue, Spring 1984.
[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]
70 years ago today - Feb 11, 1953
[J. Reuben Clark]
[In conversation with Ernest L. Wilkinson:] On the matter of Weber College, had talked with Harold B. Lee, and they felt that there would be certain political repercussions if the Church took it over at the present time. Pres. Clark said that Pres. McKay had reserved judgment and he thought Pres. McKay would let the matter take its own course.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[In conversation with Ernest L. Wilkinson:] On the matter of Weber College, had talked with Harold B. Lee, and they felt that there would be certain political repercussions if the Church took it over at the present time. Pres. Clark said that Pres. McKay had reserved judgment and he thought Pres. McKay would let the matter take its own course.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
70 years ago today - Feb 11, 1953
The First Presidency purchases $5,000 in bonds of the State of Israel.
[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 )]]
90 years ago today - Feb 11, 1933
A notice calling for the centennial commemoration of the giving to Joseph Smith of the revelation known as The Word of Wisdom. NOTICE On Monday, February 27, 1933, it will be 100 years since the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith. We call this to the attention of the stake and ward officers with the hope that they will commemorate this great event by a discussion of the subject matter of this revelation in all services on Sunday, February 26. HEBER J. GRANT, ANTHONY W. IVINS, First Presidency.
[1933-February 11-Deseret News, Church Section, p. 1, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[1933-February 11-Deseret News, Church Section, p. 1, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Feb 11, 1908
[First Presidency to David H. Cannon letter]
... you stated that there was a certain person working in the [St. George, Utah] temple whose sister was married to a man said to have had negro blood in him, and because of this suspicion you decided that her children (who are dead) could not be sealed to their mother and the man she was to be sealed to. But as the friends of the deceased woman did not feel altogether satisfied with your decision, and that injustice might not be done to the deed, you referred the question to us for our consideration. But in your letter of the 3rd inst., you refer to these children as possessing, without question, a taint of negro blood, and to the oldest as a negro. In the first place we felt to give the children the benefit of the doubt which your letter carried; and in the second place, even if the blood of the children were tainted, and the sealing ordinance performed in their behalf, they could not become heirs of the priesthood without ordination; and we took it for granted that the authority behind the veil is beyond question competent to judge in all questionable cases, and that ordination will not be bestowed on any not entitled to it. Having expressed our views in regard to this matter, we leave it now entirely with you to perform the sealing or otherwise as you may elect, in the understanding of course that, if you decide to withhold the sealing ordinance from the children, it must be done on your own responsibility. But, should you conclude to perform the sealing ordinance in their behalf, it will not be necessary to endow the oldest child, he, according to your last letter, having reached the age of twenty-one at his death.
[First Presidency, Letter to David H. Cannon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
... you stated that there was a certain person working in the [St. George, Utah] temple whose sister was married to a man said to have had negro blood in him, and because of this suspicion you decided that her children (who are dead) could not be sealed to their mother and the man she was to be sealed to. But as the friends of the deceased woman did not feel altogether satisfied with your decision, and that injustice might not be done to the deed, you referred the question to us for our consideration. But in your letter of the 3rd inst., you refer to these children as possessing, without question, a taint of negro blood, and to the oldest as a negro. In the first place we felt to give the children the benefit of the doubt which your letter carried; and in the second place, even if the blood of the children were tainted, and the sealing ordinance performed in their behalf, they could not become heirs of the priesthood without ordination; and we took it for granted that the authority behind the veil is beyond question competent to judge in all questionable cases, and that ordination will not be bestowed on any not entitled to it. Having expressed our views in regard to this matter, we leave it now entirely with you to perform the sealing or otherwise as you may elect, in the understanding of course that, if you decide to withhold the sealing ordinance from the children, it must be done on your own responsibility. But, should you conclude to perform the sealing ordinance in their behalf, it will not be necessary to endow the oldest child, he, according to your last letter, having reached the age of twenty-one at his death.
[First Presidency, Letter to David H. Cannon, 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 - Feb 11, 1888
Frank J. Cannon takes the manuscript for his book "History of Joseph Smith the Prophet" to his father First Presidency Counselor George Q. Cannon. The elder Cannon approves it with a few alterations and gives permission "to get the manuscript into type." The book is later published under George Q. Cannon's name. Frank later becomes a U.S. Senator, an apostate and an anti-Mormon publisher.
150 years ago today - Feb 11, 1873
[Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth D. Kane given by William G. Perkins]
... You will have a mansion prepared for you that will be beautiful to behold. You will keep it neat and in good order. ... Holy Angels will visit and dine with you. They will acquaint you of your Dead. They will give you all the information you desire. They will bless you with a Holy Touch that will run through your whole system; they will anoint your eyes that they shall not grow dim by age.
You will go to the centre Stake [Jackson County] and go with your Husband into the House of the Lord, and there you will redeem your Dead. You will see that Temple finished and be at the dedication thereof. There you will see your Redeemer coming and His Holy Saints with Him. You will be caught up to meet Him and return with Him to His Temple. You will be with Him at that great feast even the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. You will sit down and partake of its bounties. There you will see Jesus in the power of His glory and it will fall upon you. Your body will become like a sea of glass your whole body will be like unto an eye.... And I seal you up unto Eternal Life that you may be with your Saviour through the thousand years reign upon the earth. I seal upon your head a crown of Celestial Glory. This I do in the name of the Lord Jesus, your Redeemer. Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
... You will have a mansion prepared for you that will be beautiful to behold. You will keep it neat and in good order. ... Holy Angels will visit and dine with you. They will acquaint you of your Dead. They will give you all the information you desire. They will bless you with a Holy Touch that will run through your whole system; they will anoint your eyes that they shall not grow dim by age.
You will go to the centre Stake [Jackson County] and go with your Husband into the House of the Lord, and there you will redeem your Dead. You will see that Temple finished and be at the dedication thereof. There you will see your Redeemer coming and His Holy Saints with Him. You will be caught up to meet Him and return with Him to His Temple. You will be with Him at that great feast even the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. You will sit down and partake of its bounties. There you will see Jesus in the power of His glory and it will fall upon you. Your body will become like a sea of glass your whole body will be like unto an eye.... And I seal you up unto Eternal Life that you may be with your Saviour through the thousand years reign upon the earth. I seal upon your head a crown of Celestial Glory. This I do in the name of the Lord Jesus, your Redeemer. Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
150 years ago today - Feb 11, 1873 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
The Agent of the Associated Press at Salt Lake city is the champion liar in his class. Every day we have a batch of inflammatory and lying dispatches from there, sent with a view to influence the action of Congress in our case.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
The Agent of the Associated Press at Salt Lake city is the champion liar in his class. Every day we have a batch of inflammatory and lying dispatches from there, sent with a view to influence the action of Congress in our case.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
180 years ago today - Feb 11, 1843 - Saturday
... When the Mayor [newly elected Joseph Smith] came in and said he had been doing a good deed. had been conversing with Elder [Sidney] Rigdon — & he & his family were willing to be saved, good feelings prevaild.— & we have shaken hands togethr [Rigdon and Smith had a falling out, primarily over Smith's proposal to Rigdon's daughter Nancy] ...
prophecid to James Sloan Recorder— that it would be better for him 10 years hence not to Say any thing more about fees.——
Mayor Made his Inaugural Address— & <in which he> urged the necessity of the city council acting upon the principle of liberality & of relievi[n]g the city f[r]om all unnecessary expences & burthens. Not to attempt to improve the city but enact such laws as will promote peace & good order. & the people will improve the city, capitalist will come in from all quarters & mills factories. & machinery of all kinds & buildings will arise on every hand this will become a great city. & prophecid that if the council would be liberal in their proceedings they would become rich. ...
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
prophecid to James Sloan Recorder— that it would be better for him 10 years hence not to Say any thing more about fees.——
Mayor Made his Inaugural Address— & <in which he> urged the necessity of the city council acting upon the principle of liberality & of relievi[n]g the city f[r]om all unnecessary expences & burthens. Not to attempt to improve the city but enact such laws as will promote peace & good order. & the people will improve the city, capitalist will come in from all quarters & mills factories. & machinery of all kinds & buildings will arise on every hand this will become a great city. & prophecid that if the council would be liberal in their proceedings they would become rich. ...
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
50 years ago today - Feb 10, 1973
Boy Scouts of America's director for Mormon relations reports that one of every twenty Scouts in the U.S. is LDS.
[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 )]]
145 years ago today - Feb 10, 1878
[Charles C. Rich]
It was a long time after the Prophet Joseph Smith had received the keys of the kingdom of God, and after Hyrum [Smith] and others had received many blessings, that the Lord gave Joseph a revelation, to show him and others how they could ask for and receive certain blessings. We read in the [R]evelations of St. John, that the Saints are to receive a white stone, "and in the stone a new name, which no man knoweth save him that receiveth it." Joseph tells us that this new name is a key-word, which can only be obtained through the endowments. This is one of the keys and blessings that will be bestowed upon the Saints in these last days, for which we shall be very thankful.
[Charles C. Rich discourse, Feb. 10, 1878 , Journal of Discourses, 19:250, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
It was a long time after the Prophet Joseph Smith had received the keys of the kingdom of God, and after Hyrum [Smith] and others had received many blessings, that the Lord gave Joseph a revelation, to show him and others how they could ask for and receive certain blessings. We read in the [R]evelations of St. John, that the Saints are to receive a white stone, "and in the stone a new name, which no man knoweth save him that receiveth it." Joseph tells us that this new name is a key-word, which can only be obtained through the endowments. This is one of the keys and blessings that will be bestowed upon the Saints in these last days, for which we shall be very thankful.
[Charles C. Rich discourse, Feb. 10, 1878 , Journal of Discourses, 19:250, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
165 years ago today - Feb 10, 1858
The DESERET NEWS publishes the ""History of Brigham Young," and quotes Joseph Smith as saying " . . . the time will come when bro. Brigham Young will preside over this church." However, the first handwritten version of the "History of Brigham Young" makes no reference to the prophecy.
180 years ago today - Feb 10, 1843 - Friday
[Oliver] Olney confessed before the Mayors court that he had been visited many times by the Ancient of days. sat with him on the 9. 10. & 11 days of June last.— & shall sit in council with ancient of Days on tuesday next— have had a mission from him to the 4 Quarters of the world. & have been have establishd the 12 stakes of Zion — I have visited them all but one in. the South. ... Olney was cut off from the chu[r]ch some time Since [disfellowshipped from the church on 17 March 1842 for "setting himself up as a prophet & revelator."]
[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)]
135 years ago today - Feb 9, 1888
[Franklin D. Richards]
The Apostates and sorehead Liberals are terrible wrathy at the fusion that was adapted in our ticket for the next municipal election.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Apostates and sorehead Liberals are terrible wrathy at the fusion that was adapted in our ticket for the next municipal election.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Feb 9, 1848
[Wilford Woodruff]
I finished reading the Book of Jasher & found it to be an interesting work.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I finished reading the Book of Jasher & found it to be an interesting work.
[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 - Feb 9, 1843 - Thursday
Joseph explai[ne]d the followi[n]g there are 3 adminitater [administrators] Angels. Spirits Devils— one class in heaven Angels the spir[i]ts of Ju[s]t men made perfect.— innumerable co[mpany] of angels & Spirits of Ju[s]t Men made perf[e]ct. An angel appears to you how will you prove him. ask him to shake hands if he has flesh & bones— he is an Angel. "spirit hath not fl[e]sh & bones" spirit of a Ju[s]t man made perf[e]ct. person in its tabernacle could hide its glory. if David Patten or the Devil came. how would you determi[n]e should you take hold of his hand you would not feel it. if it were a false administrtin [[TEXT: Possibly "administrtor".]] he would not do it. true spirit will not give his hand the Devil will. 3 Keys— [this teaching would become D&C 129]
a man came to me in Kirtland & told me he had seen an angel dressed so & so. I told him he had seen no angel there was no such dress in heaven he got mad & went out in the street & commanded fire to come down out of heaven & consume me I laughed at him & told him he was one of Baals prophets his God did not not hear him. Jump up & cut yourself— & he comma[nde]d fire f[r]om heaven to consume my house.
— when I was preaching in Philadelphia a quaker wanted a sign— I told him to be still. after sermon he wanted a sign. I told the congregati[o]n the man was an adulterer, "A wicked & adulterous geneatin [generation]." & the Lord to me in a revelation that any man who. wantd a sign was adulteros person.— "It is true said one for I caught him in the very act.— which he afterwards confessed when he was baptized
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
a man came to me in Kirtland & told me he had seen an angel dressed so & so. I told him he had seen no angel there was no such dress in heaven he got mad & went out in the street & commanded fire to come down out of heaven & consume me I laughed at him & told him he was one of Baals prophets his God did not not hear him. Jump up & cut yourself— & he comma[nde]d fire f[r]om heaven to consume my house.
— when I was preaching in Philadelphia a quaker wanted a sign— I told him to be still. after sermon he wanted a sign. I told the congregati[o]n the man was an adulterer, "A wicked & adulterous geneatin [generation]." & the Lord to me in a revelation that any man who. wantd a sign was adulteros person.— "It is true said one for I caught him in the very act.— which he afterwards confessed when he was baptized
[Joseph Smith, "President Joseph Smith's Journal," 4 vols., Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843 (Willard Richards)]
55 years ago today - Feb 8, 1968
Lacking sufficient support from the Republican leadership, Ezra Taft Benson had negotiated to become the vice-presidential candidate in George C. Wallace's third-party challenge. Wallace formally announced his third party candidacy on 8 February.
[Willard S. Voit announcement, 17 Nov. 1967, in The John Birch Society Bulletin (Dec. 1967): 26-28; "Wallace In Race; Will 'Run To Win,'" New York Times, 9 Feb. 1968,1; "Benson Backs Wallace Stand," Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 1968, 3, based on an undated interview with Benson by a reporter with Reuters news service. 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.]
[Willard S. Voit announcement, 17 Nov. 1967, in The John Birch Society Bulletin (Dec. 1967): 26-28; "Wallace In Race; Will 'Run To Win,'" New York Times, 9 Feb. 1968,1; "Benson Backs Wallace Stand," Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 1968, 3, based on an undated interview with Benson by a reporter with Reuters news service. 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.]
60 years ago today - Feb 8, 1963
[Harold B. Lee to Douglas Stott]
Your letter expressed your concern over the statement of the First Presidency in a letter to Elder Samuel O. Bennion; and again, a statement by Elder John A. Widtsoe in his book 'Evidences and Reconciliations' to the effect that Brigham Young never did teach that God, the Eternal Father is Adam. If you will read carefully these letters you will find that what they do say is that in the sermon contained in Vol. 1, page 50, of the Journal of Discourses Brigham Young did not intend to teach the doctrine that Adam was our God. Whether or not at other times he did or did not, was not the subject of these particular writings to which you have made reference. ...
[Harold B. Lee, Letter to Douglas W. Stott, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Your letter expressed your concern over the statement of the First Presidency in a letter to Elder Samuel O. Bennion; and again, a statement by Elder John A. Widtsoe in his book 'Evidences and Reconciliations' to the effect that Brigham Young never did teach that God, the Eternal Father is Adam. If you will read carefully these letters you will find that what they do say is that in the sermon contained in Vol. 1, page 50, of the Journal of Discourses Brigham Young did not intend to teach the doctrine that Adam was our God. Whether or not at other times he did or did not, was not the subject of these particular writings to which you have made reference. ...
[Harold B. Lee, Letter to Douglas W. Stott, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Feb 8, 1908
[First Presidency to Joseph Shepherd]
As you know, the presidency of the Church from the beginning have advised against round dancing in the social gatherings of our people, and that restrictions have been placed upon it as the demands for that form of dancing have been made from time to time by our up; but so strong has been their desire to indulge in round dancing that in some places, as you say, the restrictions have been removed altogether, while in other places a check is still held upon it. We fully appreciate what you say that to undertake to regulate the dances with a view to restraining round dancings is a very difficult thing to do; and in view of the circumstances we know of no better way than to place the subject squarely before the young people of the several wards of your stake, and then leave the responsibility of their action with themselves. But in doing this we would like you to say to them, with our compliments, that the First Presidency have had naught but their very best interests at heart, and foreseeing the evil tendencies of round dancing they considered it a matter of duty to exclude it altogether from our dancing halls and afterwards to regulate it as best they could when it was found that rather than be permitted to have any such dances some would patronize public dancing halls run in the interest of money making in opposition to Church control.
[First Presidency, Letter to Joseph R. Shepherd, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
As you know, the presidency of the Church from the beginning have advised against round dancing in the social gatherings of our people, and that restrictions have been placed upon it as the demands for that form of dancing have been made from time to time by our up; but so strong has been their desire to indulge in round dancing that in some places, as you say, the restrictions have been removed altogether, while in other places a check is still held upon it. We fully appreciate what you say that to undertake to regulate the dances with a view to restraining round dancings is a very difficult thing to do; and in view of the circumstances we know of no better way than to place the subject squarely before the young people of the several wards of your stake, and then leave the responsibility of their action with themselves. But in doing this we would like you to say to them, with our compliments, that the First Presidency have had naught but their very best interests at heart, and foreseeing the evil tendencies of round dancing they considered it a matter of duty to exclude it altogether from our dancing halls and afterwards to regulate it as best they could when it was found that rather than be permitted to have any such dances some would patronize public dancing halls run in the interest of money making in opposition to Church control.
[First Presidency, Letter to Joseph R. Shepherd, 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 - Feb 8, 1893
[Wilford Woodruff]
I Borrowed Ten thousand dollars of Asahel H Woodruff as trustee in trust to pay a Church debt And I gave him a Note of $10,000 at 10 per cent interest for two /one/ years.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Borrowed Ten thousand dollars of Asahel H Woodruff as trustee in trust to pay a Church debt And I gave him a Note of $10,000 at 10 per cent interest for two /one/ years.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Feb 8, 1868 (Morning)
[Brigham Young]
When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 12:157-160; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 12:157-160; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Feb 8, 1857
[Patriarchal Blessing of William Adams by John Young]
... when danger approached you the Angel of life shall be with [you] to forewarn you of those things, and your feet shall stand in sure places, and everlasting light shall shine upon you. If you are faithful br. William you shall live till your hair is as white as pure wool, you shall assist in avenging the blood of the prophets of God, and assist in accomplishing the great work of the last days, be an honor and a blessing to your family, and to your father's house, and to your progenitors, be prepared to be a savior upon mount Zion, and to help to carry out the glorious work of the redemption of mankind.
[Patriarchal Blessing given in G. S. L. City, Sunday, Feb. 8, 1857. By John Young, upon the head of William Adams Hickman Son of Edwin T. and Elizabeth Hickman born April 16, 1815, in Warren County Kentucky]
... when danger approached you the Angel of life shall be with [you] to forewarn you of those things, and your feet shall stand in sure places, and everlasting light shall shine upon you. If you are faithful br. William you shall live till your hair is as white as pure wool, you shall assist in avenging the blood of the prophets of God, and assist in accomplishing the great work of the last days, be an honor and a blessing to your family, and to your father's house, and to your progenitors, be prepared to be a savior upon mount Zion, and to help to carry out the glorious work of the redemption of mankind.
[Patriarchal Blessing given in G. S. L. City, Sunday, Feb. 8, 1857. By John Young, upon the head of William Adams Hickman Son of Edwin T. and Elizabeth Hickman born April 16, 1815, in Warren County Kentucky]
170 years ago today - Feb 8, 1853 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
Bro. Napela received a letter from Bro. Uaua stating that his wife had been dead three hours when he returned to house and found her relatives wailing; he anointed her and laid hands on her and she recovered instantly.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Bro. Napela received a letter from Bro. Uaua stating that his wife had been dead three hours when he returned to house and found her relatives wailing; he anointed her and laid hands on her and she recovered instantly.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1843
Joseph Smith "talked with a brother and sister from Michigan, who thought that 'a prophet is always a prophet;' but I told them that a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such." Joseph Smith also writes: "One Gentleman said he understood it was very fruitful at Nauvoo. Two women from his neighborhood who had no children went to Nauvoo and since have families."
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1843
An unsigned document in the Joseph F. Smith's 1869-1870 Affidavit Books specifies this date for the sealing of Joseph Smith to Sylvia Session. Several additional documents support a sealing date after the excommunication of Sylvia's legal husband, Windsor Lyon, which occurred on November 19, 1842.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
30 years ago today - Feb 7, 1993
Cody Robert Judy holds Apostle Howard W. Hunter hostage for ten minutes in front of 17,000 students at BYU as president of Twelve starts to give Sunday evening sermon at Marriott Center. Judy claims to hold a bomb but is physically attacked and subdued by male students and BYU security personnel.
Salt Lake stake president Paul A. Hanks writes a letter to historian D. Michael Quinn requesting Quinn to explain his "personal feelings about the church" in an apostasy investigation. Quinn is charged with apostasy in connection with his recent writings suggesting that Joseph Smith taught that women receive the priesthood as part of the sacred temple ritual, and for an article "150 Years of Truth and Consequences About Mormon History" in which Quinn chronicled the punitive actions taken through history against those who write about controversial topics of Mormon history."
Salt Lake stake president Paul A. Hanks writes a letter to historian D. Michael Quinn requesting Quinn to explain his "personal feelings about the church" in an apostasy investigation. Quinn is charged with apostasy in connection with his recent writings suggesting that Joseph Smith taught that women receive the priesthood as part of the sacred temple ritual, and for an article "150 Years of Truth and Consequences About Mormon History" in which Quinn chronicled the punitive actions taken through history against those who write about controversial topics of Mormon history."
90 years ago today - Feb 7, 1933
[Heber J. Grant]
John W. Silver called about doing temple work for his father, Joseph Silver. I told him of his father's dishonesty and of his misrepresenting things in connection with plural marriage and that we did not feel justified in allowing temple work to be done for him. Were we to do so it would be an acknowledgment that he and others who had violated the rules of the Church had done nothing very serious. I told him I was afraid we would have to leave his case in the hands of the Lord.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
John W. Silver called about doing temple work for his father, Joseph Silver. I told him of his father's dishonesty and of his misrepresenting things in connection with plural marriage and that we did not feel justified in allowing temple work to be done for him. Were we to do so it would be an acknowledgment that he and others who had violated the rules of the Church had done nothing very serious. I told him I was afraid we would have to leave his case in the hands of the Lord.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
130 years ago today - Feb 7, 1893
[President Wilford Woodruff]
I Appointed Joseph F Smith Lorenzo Snow & Abram H Cannon A Committee to see to the finishing the [Salt Lake] Temple to Employ Architects to furnishing patterns & specifications for the workmen to work to to its finishing inasmuch as J. D. Carloss Young is sick and not able to furnish Patterns to finish the work. They went to the Temple to Meet with the Architeck.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Appointed Joseph F Smith Lorenzo Snow & Abram H Cannon A Committee to see to the finishing the [Salt Lake] Temple to Employ Architects to furnishing patterns & specifications for the workmen to work to to its finishing inasmuch as J. D. Carloss Young is sick and not able to furnish Patterns to finish the work. They went to the Temple to Meet with the Architeck.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Feb 7, 1878
[Wilford Woodruff]
7 My Eyes are better this morning. I spent the day in the Temple. Gave Endowments to 214. Ordaind 88 Elders. Wrote 1 Letter to H. S. Eldridge for a Barrel of Temple Oil & wrote 1 to E. Snow about piping Engine Boiler &c 1 Letter to Bishop Samuel Roskelley total 3. Sealed 81 Couple Adopted 6. Sealed Children to parents 12. WW adopted 2 & sealed 6 Children. I met in the Evening with Samuel & Josiah Hardy and their wives.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
7 My Eyes are better this morning. I spent the day in the Temple. Gave Endowments to 214. Ordaind 88 Elders. Wrote 1 Letter to H. S. Eldridge for a Barrel of Temple Oil & wrote 1 to E. Snow about piping Engine Boiler &c 1 Letter to Bishop Samuel Roskelley total 3. Sealed 81 Couple Adopted 6. Sealed Children to parents 12. WW adopted 2 & sealed 6 Children. I met in the Evening with Samuel & Josiah Hardy and their wives.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Feb 7, 1878
At a meeting for the renegade "Conservative" ticket of the People's Party, the first speaker is Dr. J.M. Benedict (who is a member of the People's Central Committee for Salt Lake County). He complains that the regular People's convention is "influenced by previous manipulation." Benedict adds: "He was opposed to that unity produced by the bulk of the people doing as two or three men directed."
[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)]]
165 years ago today - Feb 7, 1858
[Brigham Young]
We believe that we have been better taught, and that we are quite an enlightened people. Christian Europe and America deem themselves the most enlightened people upon the earth; and an equal self-confidence among those islanders is all that is wanting to make them believe that they know more than the Europeans and Americans. I have an idea that the Anglo-Saxon race possess more confidence in themselves and more worldly wisdom than any other nation upon the earth; yet take the people on the Sandwich and Society Islands, and the natives of these mountains and of the North and South America, or of any country where there are natives in their idolatry'"those whom we call ignorant, dark, benighted, lost, possessed of little or no knowledge, and let a person understanding the Priesthood visit them, and I will venture to say that we would find more and better traits of the Priesthood of God among them than can be found among the Christians.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
We believe that we have been better taught, and that we are quite an enlightened people. Christian Europe and America deem themselves the most enlightened people upon the earth; and an equal self-confidence among those islanders is all that is wanting to make them believe that they know more than the Europeans and Americans. I have an idea that the Anglo-Saxon race possess more confidence in themselves and more worldly wisdom than any other nation upon the earth; yet take the people on the Sandwich and Society Islands, and the natives of these mountains and of the North and South America, or of any country where there are natives in their idolatry'"those whom we call ignorant, dark, benighted, lost, possessed of little or no knowledge, and let a person understanding the Priesthood visit them, and I will venture to say that we would find more and better traits of the Priesthood of God among them than can be found among the Christians.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Feb 7, 1853
Orson Spencer writes from Berlin that "upon obtaining an interview, or an investigation before the President of the King's Police, he and Elder Houtz were required to leave the Kingdom of Prussia the next morning at 8 o'clock under penalty of Banishment. Upon asking permission to remain 1 or 2 days as visitors and close a little business it was denied them; not one moment was granted past the hour of eight o'clock; . . ."
175 years ago today - Feb 7, 1848
[Wilford Woodruff]
I was much edifyed in reading it. I spent the evening in reading the book of Jasher & was edifyed with that.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I was much edifyed in reading it. I spent the evening in reading the book of Jasher & was edifyed with that.
[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 - Feb 7, 1848
William A. Hickman's affidavit in first issue of church's FRONTIER GUARDIAN: "I do hereby solemnly declare that Mr. [Orson] Hyde never induced me to commit violence on the person of any man, either white or red." Apostle Hyde is editor.
180 years ago today - Feb 7, 1843
In the afternoon sent a warrant to Hiram Kimball's for the book of [patriarchal] blessings given by Father Smith [Joseph Smith Sr.] which was stolen from Far West. The affidavit /warrant/ was issued on affidavit of Johnathan Holmes and the book obtained.
[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]
30 years ago today - Feb 6, 1993
The Church News, "Barriers Crumble: Interfaith Activities Build Bridges of Friendship."
[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 )]]
30 years ago today - Feb 6, 1993
At a meeting of the B. H. Roberts Society, David P. Wright, assistant professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Brandeis University and former professor at Brigham Young University until his dismissal, gives a talk "Do What is Right, Let the Consequence Follow: Telling the Truth about Our Scriptures." He describes his researches and concludes "A critical study of the Book of Mormon, as I have indicated, shows that Joseph Smith was its author, . . ." He concludes, "The spirit will generate in us commitment to our community, a sense of the relevance of our developing religious tradition, and a perception of the divine in our own and our spiritual ancestors' history But reasoned critical study must be allowed to guide us in our search for historical understanding and matters related thereto." Wright is excommunicated the next year for publishing such results of his research.
65 years ago today - Feb 6, 1958
French-Mission President Milton Christensen writes in his journal of his selection of missionary William Tucker as his second counselor. "The Lord truly blessed me in the selection of This Elder, who is very strong in the Gospel and who is loved by all the missionaries. I feel that together we will be able to accomplish a great deal in the French Mission." Unknown to President Christensen, William Tucker is the leader of what becomes the French Mission Apostasy resulting in the excommunication of nine missionaries including Tucker.
95 years ago today - Feb 6, 1928
The First Presidency approves the $50,000 purchase of the Hill Cumorah and farms in Palmyra, N.Y.
[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 )]]
100 years ago today - Feb 6, 1923
[Heber J. Grant]
Met. Joseph E. Richards, who is working in prohibition matters. He says the Ku Klux Klan are organizing in Salt Lake County. I regretted to hear this.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Met. Joseph E. Richards, who is working in prohibition matters. He says the Ku Klux Klan are organizing in Salt Lake County. I regretted to hear this.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Feb 6, 1888
[James E. Talmage]
At the nominating convention of the People's Party, Talmage is nominated and elected as a city councilman from Provo's Third Ward.
In his journal Talmage writes that he "accepted [the position] only on the counsel of the [church] authorities, for I truly dislike political office".
In his biography John R. Talmage writes the following:
The reason for the urging of Church officials [for Talmage to take the position] was that the issue of preserving or repealing the ordinance prohibiting the sale of liquor within city limits was under hot debate and the People's Party wanted an able public speaker and dedicated champion for their cause. James was elected and he zealously fought for an anti-saloon ordinance in Provo, but it was a losing battle from the outset.
[MSS 229, Journal; Talmage Story, ch. 8; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
At the nominating convention of the People's Party, Talmage is nominated and elected as a city councilman from Provo's Third Ward.
In his journal Talmage writes that he "accepted [the position] only on the counsel of the [church] authorities, for I truly dislike political office".
In his biography John R. Talmage writes the following:
The reason for the urging of Church officials [for Talmage to take the position] was that the issue of preserving or repealing the ordinance prohibiting the sale of liquor within city limits was under hot debate and the People's Party wanted an able public speaker and dedicated champion for their cause. James was elected and he zealously fought for an anti-saloon ordinance in Provo, but it was a losing battle from the outset.
[MSS 229, Journal; Talmage Story, ch. 8; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
140 years ago today - Feb 6, 1883
[John Nuttall]
... Can we receive Second Anointings for our dead fathers and mothers and others who we are proxy for? If your fathers and mothers were members of the Church in their lives and died as faithful members, Yes you can obtain Second Anointings for them, but if they and others who you are proxy for were NOT members of the Church in their lives, and for whom you have had certain ordinances performed in their behalf, it will be well to let that suffice for the present, as further opportunities may be granted hereafter.
[L. John Nuttall to J. Crosley, Feb. 6, 1883, emphasis in original, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
... Can we receive Second Anointings for our dead fathers and mothers and others who we are proxy for? If your fathers and mothers were members of the Church in their lives and died as faithful members, Yes you can obtain Second Anointings for them, but if they and others who you are proxy for were NOT members of the Church in their lives, and for whom you have had certain ordinances performed in their behalf, it will be well to let that suffice for the present, as further opportunities may be granted hereafter.
[L. John Nuttall to J. Crosley, Feb. 6, 1883, emphasis in original, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
165 years ago today - Feb 6, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
I Called upon president Young and found a company in his office reading the scraps sent from the states against Mormonism. There appears to be a fixed determination by the General Government to annihilate the saints of God from off the Earth & to destroy the last vestage of righteousness from among men.
O Hyde received a letter from Lucky Bill at Carson valley stating that there was a Company fitting out at Carson valley and at placerville to Come into our settlements for the purpose of robing and plundering. O Hyde wrote him a letter stating that He advised our friends if we had any [ ] not to ingage in a Contest against our people for God would smite them with Blindness and our Enemies would be given into our hands.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Called upon president Young and found a company in his office reading the scraps sent from the states against Mormonism. There appears to be a fixed determination by the General Government to annihilate the saints of God from off the Earth & to destroy the last vestage of righteousness from among men.
O Hyde received a letter from Lucky Bill at Carson valley stating that there was a Company fitting out at Carson valley and at placerville to Come into our settlements for the purpose of robing and plundering. O Hyde wrote him a letter stating that He advised our friends if we had any [ ] not to ingage in a Contest against our people for God would smite them with Blindness and our Enemies would be given into our hands.
[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 - Feb 6, 1853
Brigham Young exhorts the Saints to "observe the Mormon Creed. Let everyone mind their own business." This "Mormon Creed" was first published by Joseph Smith in the Jun 11, 1842 edition of THE WASP: "Mormon Creed - To mind their own business and let everyone else DO LIKEWISE." When the Logan temple was dedicated in 1884 it contained an ornate, backpainted, glass fixture with the words: "Mormon Creed/Mind/Your Own Business/Saints/Will/Observe This/All Others Ought To." This piece has been displayed in the Museum of Church History and Art.
180 years ago today - Feb 6, 1843
City elections are held and Joseph is elected mayor by a unanimous vote.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Feb 5, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
Elder Jno. H. Smith said that Brother Brigham Young, whom he had recently visited, besides being extremely sick, was distressed and worried about his financial condition. Besides the usual expenses of his family, he was extending assistance to a sick son in Mesa, Arizona. After some discussion it became the sense of the council that Brother Brigham be not allowed to suffer from financial embarrassment, and that, therefore, his wants be relieved.
[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]
Elder Jno. H. Smith said that Brother Brigham Young, whom he had recently visited, besides being extremely sick, was distressed and worried about his financial condition. Besides the usual expenses of his family, he was extending assistance to a sick son in Mesa, Arizona. After some discussion it became the sense of the council that Brother Brigham be not allowed to suffer from financial embarrassment, and that, therefore, his wants be relieved.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Feb 05, 1898
[James E. Talmage]
According to previous appointment I went by morning train to Logan. During the afternoon I delivered a lecture in the Temple, under the auspices of the Temple Association; subject "Scientific methods and Motives."
[MSS 229, Journal; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
According to previous appointment I went by morning train to Logan. During the afternoon I delivered a lecture in the Temple, under the auspices of the Temple Association; subject "Scientific methods and Motives."
[MSS 229, Journal; Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
140 years ago today - Feb 5, 1883 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
Reached Washington early in the morning. ... I received a dispatch from Prest. Taylor stating that my letter had not been received concerning the libel case and therefore my dispatch could not be understood and telling me to use my judgment. I sent him another dispatch to which he replied in the evening in cipher – "Your letter received. Will guarantee five thousand on total expenses."
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Reached Washington early in the morning. ... I received a dispatch from Prest. Taylor stating that my letter had not been received concerning the libel case and therefore my dispatch could not be understood and telling me to use my judgment. I sent him another dispatch to which he replied in the evening in cipher – "Your letter received. Will guarantee five thousand on total expenses."
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
145 years ago today - Feb 5, 1878
[Zebedee Coltrin]
"[I] First saw the Prophet Joseph at a prayer meeting at the house of father Morley. He was then a beardless young man. During the meeting the powers of darkeness were made manifest in a remarkable degree, causing some to make horrid noises, and others to throw themselves violently around, One man by the name of Lemon Copley, standing at the back side of the house was taken by a supernatural power, and thrown into the window. Then Joseph said to Lyman `Go and cast the devil out of Lemon'. He did so, and the devil entered into a brother by the name of Harvey Green and threw him upon the floor in convulsions. Then Joseph laid hands upon him and rebuked the spirit from him and from the house, upon which the spirit left him, and went outside among a crowd of men standing near the door and made a swath among them several feet wide, throwing them violently to the ground. . . . "
At Kirtland we were called to the school of the prophets, and at one time when Joseph was in the translating room, myself and others were talking about the gift of tongues, when the spirit of tongues fell upon me and I spoke under its influence. joseph came into the room and said, `God bless you Brother Zebedee, that is the spirit of God.' He told me to continue, and the gift of tongues and prophecy rested upon the greater part of the brethren present and we continued speaking in tongues and prophesying through that day and the greater part of the following night. ....
"In the Kirtland Temple I have seen the power of God as it was in the day of Pentecost and cloven tongues as of fire have rested on the brethren and they have spoked with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance. I say the Lord high and lifted up, and frequently through the solemn assemblies. The angeles of God rested upon the Temple and we heard their voices singing heavenly music. At another time while consecrating a bottle of oil, we saw visibly the finger of God enter the mouth of the bottle.
[Thomas Matley (Wark Clerk) notes of address of Zebedee Coltrin address, High Priests meeting in Spanish Fork, UT]
"[I] First saw the Prophet Joseph at a prayer meeting at the house of father Morley. He was then a beardless young man. During the meeting the powers of darkeness were made manifest in a remarkable degree, causing some to make horrid noises, and others to throw themselves violently around, One man by the name of Lemon Copley, standing at the back side of the house was taken by a supernatural power, and thrown into the window. Then Joseph said to Lyman `Go and cast the devil out of Lemon'. He did so, and the devil entered into a brother by the name of Harvey Green and threw him upon the floor in convulsions. Then Joseph laid hands upon him and rebuked the spirit from him and from the house, upon which the spirit left him, and went outside among a crowd of men standing near the door and made a swath among them several feet wide, throwing them violently to the ground. . . . "
At Kirtland we were called to the school of the prophets, and at one time when Joseph was in the translating room, myself and others were talking about the gift of tongues, when the spirit of tongues fell upon me and I spoke under its influence. joseph came into the room and said, `God bless you Brother Zebedee, that is the spirit of God.' He told me to continue, and the gift of tongues and prophecy rested upon the greater part of the brethren present and we continued speaking in tongues and prophesying through that day and the greater part of the following night. ....
"In the Kirtland Temple I have seen the power of God as it was in the day of Pentecost and cloven tongues as of fire have rested on the brethren and they have spoked with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance. I say the Lord high and lifted up, and frequently through the solemn assemblies. The angeles of God rested upon the Temple and we heard their voices singing heavenly music. At another time while consecrating a bottle of oil, we saw visibly the finger of God enter the mouth of the bottle.
[Thomas Matley (Wark Clerk) notes of address of Zebedee Coltrin address, High Priests meeting in Spanish Fork, UT]
145 years ago today - Feb 5, 1878
[Wilford Woodruff]
James G Bleak gave an interesting lecture on the life of Joseph Smith. I followed him. There were Baptized in the Temple to day 1,132 the most Ever Baptized in the Temple in one day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
James G Bleak gave an interesting lecture on the life of Joseph Smith. I followed him. There were Baptized in the Temple to day 1,132 the most Ever Baptized in the Temple in one day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Feb 5, 1838
A Far West meeting of the "whole Church in Zion" votes to remove David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and W. W. Phelps from their positions as "Presidents of the Church" in Missouri. David Whitmer was accused of persisting "in the use of tea, coffee, and tobacco." All three men allegedly encouraged the sale of Jackson County lands, a transgression which Joseph Smith had earlier declared "a denial of our faith, as that is the place where the Zion of God shall stand, according to our faith and belief in the revelations of God."
Joseph Smith's secretary accuses him of "a system of hereditary tyranny." Several church leaders sign a statement that Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon "lie by revelation, swindle by revelation, cheat and defraud by revelation, runaway by revelation
Joseph Smith's secretary accuses him of "a system of hereditary tyranny." Several church leaders sign a statement that Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon "lie by revelation, swindle by revelation, cheat and defraud by revelation, runaway by revelation
50 years ago today - Feb 4, 1973
The Marriott Activities Center at BYU was dedicated. Seating 22,000, it was the largest such arena on any university campus in the United States.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
120 years ago today - Feb 4, 1903; Wednesday
Elder [B. H.] Roberts called attention to the following circumstances as modifying the doctrines of President Brigham Young's sermon delivered in Logan [Utah] on __________, and asked that it be spread upon the minutes so that it will tend to modify some of the statements of Pres[ident]. Young in the discourse alluded to.
... some questions arose concerning Priesthood, in which reference was made by President Rulon S. Wells to a discourse on Priesthood by the late President Brigham Young delivered in Logan, where he discussed the relative positions of High Priests and Seventies,--whereupon Pres[ident]. Joseph F. Smith related the following incident concerning that discourse.
" ... Henry W. Naisbett was the junior editor of the "Star" and "Journal of Discourses" Bro[ther]. Naisbett, seeing the discourse of President Young in the News, took it for granted that it must be published in the "Journal of Discourses" and consequently had it all set up and it was to go to press that evening in the last form. President Joseph F. Smith, however, objected to some of the doctrines of the discourse and told Bro[ther]. Naisbett that it must not be published. To this Bro[ther]. Naisbett demurred, when President Smith humorously remarked, "he did not know but what Bro[ther]. Naisbett would have him churched for refusing to publish a discourse of President Young's." Bro[ther]. Naisbett also urged that the periodical must come out in the morning and they had not other matter that they could use to take the place of the discourse, to which Pres[ident]. Smith replied--"It made no difference. That discourse could not be published." This ended the matter as between President Smith and Bro[ther]. Naisbett, but about twelve o'clock that same night Pres[ident]. Smith received a cablegram from Pres[ident]. Young asking him not to publish the discourse in question. "Whereupon", remarked President Smith, "there was a very happy man at #42 Islington that night."
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy, February 11, 1903]
... some questions arose concerning Priesthood, in which reference was made by President Rulon S. Wells to a discourse on Priesthood by the late President Brigham Young delivered in Logan, where he discussed the relative positions of High Priests and Seventies,--whereupon Pres[ident]. Joseph F. Smith related the following incident concerning that discourse.
" ... Henry W. Naisbett was the junior editor of the "Star" and "Journal of Discourses" Bro[ther]. Naisbett, seeing the discourse of President Young in the News, took it for granted that it must be published in the "Journal of Discourses" and consequently had it all set up and it was to go to press that evening in the last form. President Joseph F. Smith, however, objected to some of the doctrines of the discourse and told Bro[ther]. Naisbett that it must not be published. To this Bro[ther]. Naisbett demurred, when President Smith humorously remarked, "he did not know but what Bro[ther]. Naisbett would have him churched for refusing to publish a discourse of President Young's." Bro[ther]. Naisbett also urged that the periodical must come out in the morning and they had not other matter that they could use to take the place of the discourse, to which Pres[ident]. Smith replied--"It made no difference. That discourse could not be published." This ended the matter as between President Smith and Bro[ther]. Naisbett, but about twelve o'clock that same night Pres[ident]. Smith received a cablegram from Pres[ident]. Young asking him not to publish the discourse in question. "Whereupon", remarked President Smith, "there was a very happy man at #42 Islington that night."
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy, February 11, 1903]
135 years ago today - Saturday, Feb 4, 1888
[John Henry Smith]
In the evening we had the high Council together and agreed to accept the resignation of Bp. Edward Hunter on account of bad health. We then tried to find another man for a bishop but we failed to find one who suited.
[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]
In the evening we had the high Council together and agreed to accept the resignation of Bp. Edward Hunter on account of bad health. We then tried to find another man for a bishop but we failed to find one who suited.
[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]
140 years ago today - Sunday, Feb 4, 1883
[John Henry Smith]
I feel better this morning than I have done for several days. ...
6:30 p.m. we met with the saints. I spoke 50 minutes. I did the talking and the Lord left me, I was dry and wearisome.
[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 feel better this morning than I have done for several days. ...
6:30 p.m. we met with the saints. I spoke 50 minutes. I did the talking and the Lord left me, I was dry and wearisome.
[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]
145 years ago today - Feb 4, 1878
First ad in the Deseret News for "JACKSON'S BEST SWEET NAVY Chewing Tobacco," which appears directly under a large advertisement for "St. Louis Excelsior Lager Beer! Which we offer at LOWER RATES than any other first class beer in the market." Ads for chewing tobacco appear in the Deseret News (sometimes on the front page) through 2 Feb. 1880.
[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 )]]
155 years ago today - Feb 4, 1868
Deseret News editorializes that "it is a pity" an LDS father did not succeed in killing his daughter's seducer when the father "drew a revolver and shot him down in the court room."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Feb 4, 1863
[Wilford Woodruff]
In Company with G. A. Smith Jacob Hamblin & Wm. B Maxwell with the 3 Moquitch Indians I visited Presidet Brigham Young who seemed pleased with the interview. President Young gave them Each an Apple which they Eat with a good relish. The Moquitch Indians live in New Mexico about 125 Miles South East of the Colorado & 335 miles from St George. ... They are vary intelligent and light Colored. There are some with blue Eyes & Hazel Eyes and vary light hair but they have never mixed blood with any white men or other Indian tribes. ...
After leaving President Youngs I took them to the printing Office & showed the process of printing & Bookbinding & the telegraph Office. They were much pleased with what they saw. I took them home & gave them some dinner & Apples and Apricotts & plum pitts. Brother Hamblin took them to the stores & to the Theater in the Evening. They were much pleased with the scenery. They have Theaters at home & give good representations.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In Company with G. A. Smith Jacob Hamblin & Wm. B Maxwell with the 3 Moquitch Indians I visited Presidet Brigham Young who seemed pleased with the interview. President Young gave them Each an Apple which they Eat with a good relish. The Moquitch Indians live in New Mexico about 125 Miles South East of the Colorado & 335 miles from St George. ... They are vary intelligent and light Colored. There are some with blue Eyes & Hazel Eyes and vary light hair but they have never mixed blood with any white men or other Indian tribes. ...
After leaving President Youngs I took them to the printing Office & showed the process of printing & Bookbinding & the telegraph Office. They were much pleased with what they saw. I took them home & gave them some dinner & Apples and Apricotts & plum pitts. Brother Hamblin took them to the stores & to the Theater in the Evening. They were much pleased with the scenery. They have Theaters at home & give good representations.
[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 - Feb 4, 1858
Brigham Young writes to missionaries in Hawaii, "You are all, without regard as to when you were sent, counselled to start for home as speedily as you can wind up your affairs and obtain passage money, not even leaving one Elder who has been sent there . . . Try to inform br Alvares Hanks and the Elders in Australia . . . that they are all recalled". He warns of the mounting threat of Johnston's Army, who, according to Young, intended to kill "every man, woman, and child" who would not renounce the religion.
170 years ago today - Feb 4, 1853
The temple site for the Salt Lake Temple is dedicated.
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
185 years ago today - Feb 4, 1838
Oliver Cowdery writes to his brothers Warren and Lyman: "The radical principles taught by Messrs. Smith and Rigdon here [are] subversion of the liberties of the whole church.- I told them if I had property, while I live and was sane, I would not be dictated, influenced, or controlled by any man or set of men, by no tribunal of ecclesiastical pretenses whatsoever.- My soul is sick of such scrambling for power and self-aggrandisement.- I came to this country to enjoy peace. If I cannot I shall go where I can."
15 years ago today - Feb 3, 2008
President Thomas S. Monson, a counselor to Presidents Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter and Gordon B. Hinckley, was ordained and set apart as the 16th president of the Church. Set apart as his counselors were President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
[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]
70 years ago today - Feb 3, 1953
Amateur historian Lamar Peterson was interviewing Levi Young when he mentions a "strange account of first vision", but says it must remain confidential.
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
90 years ago today - Feb 3, 1933
[Heber J. Grant]
This morning had a chat with David O. McKay and Richard R. Lyman about Emily Smith Stewart and Vilate S. Raille's troubles. I feel that Brothers George Albert Smith and Richard R. Lyman are all wrong in their attempt to belittle May Anderson, that it is a very great mistake. The matter had been decided by Brother McKay and Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon; and if the father and husband and relatives would tell these girls to behave themselves and quit talking it would be a great blessing. I fear serious consequences if they do not do it.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
This morning had a chat with David O. McKay and Richard R. Lyman about Emily Smith Stewart and Vilate S. Raille's troubles. I feel that Brothers George Albert Smith and Richard R. Lyman are all wrong in their attempt to belittle May Anderson, that it is a very great mistake. The matter had been decided by Brother McKay and Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon; and if the father and husband and relatives would tell these girls to behave themselves and quit talking it would be a great blessing. I fear serious consequences if they do not do it.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Feb 3, 1888
Apostle John Henry Smith and one of his two wives "attended a party at which a number of underground people [polygamists in hiding] met and had a nice party." Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon, plural wife of stake president Angus Cannon, writes to her husband from Europe, that the trials of polygamy would be unendurable without "a thorough knowledge from God, that the principle for which we are battling and striving to maintain in purity upon the earth is ordained by Him, and that we are chosen instruments in His hands to engage in so great a calling." She adds that "even with this assurance grounded in one's heart, we do not escape trials and temptations, grievious at times in their nature."
155 years ago today - Feb 3, 1868
[Wilford Woodruff]
I attended the School of the Prophets and herd many interesting remarks made upon the subjets of Asstrology and it was decided that Asstrology was in oposition to the work of God. Hence Saints Should not be ingaged in 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 School of the Prophets and herd many interesting remarks made upon the subjets of Asstrology and it was decided that Asstrology was in oposition to the work of God. Hence Saints Should not be ingaged in it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Feb 3, 1868
President Young declared [to the School of the Prophets] that there were witches in the midst of the people by whose influence, suffering and distress were wrought upon many. -- Salt Lake City
[Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Feb 3, 1863
[Wilford Woodruff]
The subject of the late fight with the bear River Indians was spoken of the History of which is as follows as far as we Can learn:
A Party of the Bannocks & Snakes have Joined to gether North of Bear River & have been killing gold diggers & Emigrants the past summer. The fore part of Winter Col Cornor sent a part of his Command to the Indians to get a white Boy that was among them. They got the Boy & killed 3 indians then returned to Camp Douglass near this City. Then the Indians Commenced killing more men. Col Cornor sent some 60 infantry & 13 Baggage waggons on the 22d Jan and on Sunday the 24 Jan some 300 Cavalry followed. They found the Indians Encamped near Bear river. They had to Ford the river in order to get to them. The Indians were Encamped in a Deep ravene. The Cavalry made a Charge upon them but were driven back by the Indians. They then left their Horses and made a Charge on foot & were again repulsed. The third time they made a Charge & rushed right into their midst & used there revolvers & shot as long as they Could find any thing to shoot at and the result of the Battle is reported to be 225 Indians killed 400 Horses taken and the Indian Encampment taken. The loss in Col Cornors Command is 17 dead, 40 wounded, & 70 badly frozen, 2 officers wounded.
It is reported that Lieut Darwin Chase (once a Mormon Elder) [was] Mortally wounded. ...
Col Cornor is bringing his dead & wounded into his Encampment to bury & doctor. It is Said that Bear Hunter the Chief of the band was killed & his scalp now in Camp Douglass.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The subject of the late fight with the bear River Indians was spoken of the History of which is as follows as far as we Can learn:
A Party of the Bannocks & Snakes have Joined to gether North of Bear River & have been killing gold diggers & Emigrants the past summer. The fore part of Winter Col Cornor sent a part of his Command to the Indians to get a white Boy that was among them. They got the Boy & killed 3 indians then returned to Camp Douglass near this City. Then the Indians Commenced killing more men. Col Cornor sent some 60 infantry & 13 Baggage waggons on the 22d Jan and on Sunday the 24 Jan some 300 Cavalry followed. They found the Indians Encamped near Bear river. They had to Ford the river in order to get to them. The Indians were Encamped in a Deep ravene. The Cavalry made a Charge upon them but were driven back by the Indians. They then left their Horses and made a Charge on foot & were again repulsed. The third time they made a Charge & rushed right into their midst & used there revolvers & shot as long as they Could find any thing to shoot at and the result of the Battle is reported to be 225 Indians killed 400 Horses taken and the Indian Encampment taken. The loss in Col Cornors Command is 17 dead, 40 wounded, & 70 badly frozen, 2 officers wounded.
It is reported that Lieut Darwin Chase (once a Mormon Elder) [was] Mortally wounded. ...
Col Cornor is bringing his dead & wounded into his Encampment to bury & doctor. It is Said that Bear Hunter the Chief of the band was killed & his scalp now in Camp Douglass.
[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 - Feb 3, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
President Buchanan recommends a strong force against the saints and that 4 new regiments of men be raised against us. ... The United States are determined to anhilate the mormons. The war is now between God and the Devil and between Saints & Sinners. ... What trials and sacrafizes the Saints may be Called to pass through I do not know but I pray the Lord to give us grace equal to our day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Buchanan recommends a strong force against the saints and that 4 new regiments of men be raised against us. ... The United States are determined to anhilate the mormons. The war is now between God and the Devil and between Saints & Sinners. ... What trials and sacrafizes the Saints may be Called to pass through I do not know but I pray the Lord to give us grace equal to our day.
[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 - Feb 3, 1848
[Wilford Woodruff]
3d I attended A feast prepared by the defenders of Nauvoo or those who were in the Battle of Nauvoo. ...
It was ascerted that there was not more than 100 saints at any one time in the fight while the mob that was fighting against the Saints numbered from 800 to 1,000. And their was but three of the Saints killed and one or two slightly wounded while there was several waggon loads of the mob killed & many wounded & the enemy driven from the field. But the Lord was with the Saints & saved their lives.
The Saints wore a read badge on the left arm to distinguish them from their enemies in the battle. They wore the same to day at the feast. At the opening of the performences President Kimball deliverd an Address upon the subject of the Battle of Nauvoo & was followed by Col Johnson, After which their was feasting singing music & some dancing. A figure was got up called the Battle of Nauvoo which was danced & the Saints felt to praise the Lord for their deliverance.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
3d I attended A feast prepared by the defenders of Nauvoo or those who were in the Battle of Nauvoo. ...
It was ascerted that there was not more than 100 saints at any one time in the fight while the mob that was fighting against the Saints numbered from 800 to 1,000. And their was but three of the Saints killed and one or two slightly wounded while there was several waggon loads of the mob killed & many wounded & the enemy driven from the field. But the Lord was with the Saints & saved their lives.
The Saints wore a read badge on the left arm to distinguish them from their enemies in the battle. They wore the same to day at the feast. At the opening of the performences President Kimball deliverd an Address upon the subject of the Battle of Nauvoo & was followed by Col Johnson, After which their was feasting singing music & some dancing. A figure was got up called the Battle of Nauvoo which was danced & the Saints felt to praise the Lord for their deliverance.
[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 - Feb 3, 1843
[Joseph Smith]
Friday, February 3d At home attending to Lesson in German. ... Read proof of Doctrin[e]s and Covenants [2nd edition, published in 1844].
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Friday, February 3d At home attending to Lesson in German. ... Read proof of Doctrin[e]s and Covenants [2nd edition, published in 1844].
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
60 years ago today - Feb 2, 1963
The Church News recommends the official biography of Hyrum Smith, which describes his family artifacts as including "Emblematic parchments" and a steel dagger with "Masonic symbols on blade." Photographs of these artifacts published in 1982 demonstrate that the parchments are "lamens" or parchments of ceremonial magic: one to summon a good spirit, another to ward off evil spirits and witches, and a third against thieves. Instead of "Masonic symbols," the Smith family's dagger is inscribed with the astrological sign of Mars, the magic sigil or seal for the Intelligence of Mars, and the zodiac sign for Scorpio. In astrology Mars is the governing planet for Joseph Smith Sr., whose non-Mormon neighbors claim he dug for treasure by drawing magic circles and using books of ceremonial magic.
[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 )]]
90 years ago today - Feb 2, 1933
[Heber J. Grant]
Had a talk with David O. McKay and Richard R. Lyman regarding Emily Smith Stewart and Vilate Schofield Raille's complaints against Sister May Anderson.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Had a talk with David O. McKay and Richard R. Lyman regarding Emily Smith Stewart and Vilate Schofield Raille's complaints against Sister May Anderson.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
90 years ago today - Feb 2, 1933
[George Albert Smith]
"Met with Council in temple. Was much distressed at the attitude of President Grant with reference to Vilate Raile and my daughter Emily. I feel that the mistake that has been made should be corrected and the girls vindicated. My nerves are all frayed out with anxiety."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
"Met with Council in temple. Was much distressed at the attitude of President Grant with reference to Vilate Raile and my daughter Emily. I feel that the mistake that has been made should be corrected and the girls vindicated. My nerves are all frayed out with anxiety."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
135 years ago today - Feb 2, 1888 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
Council met at 10 o'clock this morning and the following dispatch, which was received this morning from Washington, was read:
These questions will be asked by Senate Committee Friday morning. How shall we answer? Will delay do, or shall we evade or equivocate? First: Do you think it is the honest intention of your people or of the majority of the people to abolish and suppress polygamy? Second: When you say your people acted in good faith in adopting Constitution, do you mean that it is their intention to abolish and suppress polygamy, or that it is merely their intention to prosecute those who violate the provision of the Constitution on that subject? Must be answered by Thursday sure.
... Bro. Penrose drew up a dispatch ... it was voted for unanimously:
"You know the situation. Answer as guided by Spirit at the time. Be firm and courageous. If by suppression of polygamy is meant the outrages now committed, answer should be No. If full enforcement of the law against future polygamy is meant, the answer is Yes. Intentions can only be deduced from actions and guarantees. Make interrogators define their questions, then your replies can be made suitable. You have our faith and support. You represent monogamous and voting citizens and can speak as we cannot. Go as far as may be necessary consistently and you will not be censured. Preserve political as distinct from Church attitude. Penrose says desired head will come sure."...
... Bro. M. Thatcher reported to the Council a proposition of Sister Lucy D. Young to sell the Bee Hive House and property to the Church. The price last named was $30,000./. This question was referred to the Committee ...
Discussion followed about an amendment to the U. S. Constitution prohibiting polygamy. I opposed this and gave my reasons therefor, and Bro. Jos. F. Smith made a motion that it be the sense of the Council that we do not favor such an amendment to the Constitution. Another motion was made that an Enabling Act be prepared to present whenever necessary.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Council met at 10 o'clock this morning and the following dispatch, which was received this morning from Washington, was read:
These questions will be asked by Senate Committee Friday morning. How shall we answer? Will delay do, or shall we evade or equivocate? First: Do you think it is the honest intention of your people or of the majority of the people to abolish and suppress polygamy? Second: When you say your people acted in good faith in adopting Constitution, do you mean that it is their intention to abolish and suppress polygamy, or that it is merely their intention to prosecute those who violate the provision of the Constitution on that subject? Must be answered by Thursday sure.
... Bro. Penrose drew up a dispatch ... it was voted for unanimously:
"You know the situation. Answer as guided by Spirit at the time. Be firm and courageous. If by suppression of polygamy is meant the outrages now committed, answer should be No. If full enforcement of the law against future polygamy is meant, the answer is Yes. Intentions can only be deduced from actions and guarantees. Make interrogators define their questions, then your replies can be made suitable. You have our faith and support. You represent monogamous and voting citizens and can speak as we cannot. Go as far as may be necessary consistently and you will not be censured. Preserve political as distinct from Church attitude. Penrose says desired head will come sure."...
... Bro. M. Thatcher reported to the Council a proposition of Sister Lucy D. Young to sell the Bee Hive House and property to the Church. The price last named was $30,000./. This question was referred to the Committee ...
Discussion followed about an amendment to the U. S. Constitution prohibiting polygamy. I opposed this and gave my reasons therefor, and Bro. Jos. F. Smith made a motion that it be the sense of the Council that we do not favor such an amendment to the Constitution. Another motion was made that an Enabling Act be prepared to present whenever necessary.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - Feb 2, 1848
[Hiram Page to William Mclellin]
... when Joseph was first visited by the angel and had the promise of the plates, it was told him no one should have them to get gain and in concequence of not being satisfied with wisdom from on high by the mouth of the angel he was deprived of the privilege of obtaining those plates for 2 years. here we find Joseph erred by his over anxious desire for filthy lucre, again we find in conciquence of the same caus[e] he lost the 116 pages of the first of his translating ... This was an error in him altho[ugh] it was a permit by revelation as also that of going to Canada. ... Joseph he[a]rd that there was a chance to sell a copyright in canada for any useful book that was used in the States[.] Joseph thought this would be a good opertunity to get a handsom[e] Sum of money which was to be (after the expencis were taken out) for the exclusive benefit of the Smith famaly and was to be at the disposal of Joseph accordingly Oliver Cowdery[,] Joseph Knights, Hiram Page and Joseah Stoel [Josiah Stowell] were chosen (as I understood by revilation) to do the buisaness; we were living some 30 to 100 miles apart[.] the necesary preporation was made (by them) in a Sly manor So as to keep martin Har[r]is from drawing a Share of the money, it was told me we were to go by revilation but when we assembled at father Smiths; there was no revilation for us to go but we were all anctious to get a revilation to go; and when it came we were to go to kingston where we were to Sell if they would not harden their hearts; but when we got their; there was no purcheser neither were they authorized at kingston to buy rights for the provence; but little york was the place where Such buisaness had to be done; we were to get 8,000 dollars[.] we were treated with the best of respects by all we met with in kingston--by the above we may See learn how a revilation may be rece[i]ved and the one person rece[i]ving it not be benefited. ... pleas[e] read this to all the bretharin & in peticular to brother Martin Haris he can testafy to the truth of some things here in mentioned which perhaps you may be ignorant of, ...
Hiram Page
[Hiram Page to William E. McLellin, 2 February 1848, typescript, Accretion Papers, Community of Christ Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Hiram Page To William E. Mclellin]
... when Joseph was first visited by the angel and had the promise of the plates, it was told him no one should have them to get gain and in concequence of not being satisfied with wisdom from on high by the mouth of the angel he was deprived of the privilege of obtaining those plates for 2 years. here we find Joseph erred by his over anxious desire for filthy lucre, again we find in conciquence of the same caus[e] he lost the 116 pages of the first of his translating ... This was an error in him altho[ugh] it was a permit by revelation as also that of going to Canada. ... Joseph he[a]rd that there was a chance to sell a copyright in canada for any useful book that was used in the States[.] Joseph thought this would be a good opertunity to get a handsom[e] Sum of money which was to be (after the expencis were taken out) for the exclusive benefit of the Smith famaly and was to be at the disposal of Joseph accordingly Oliver Cowdery[,] Joseph Knights, Hiram Page and Joseah Stoel [Josiah Stowell] were chosen (as I understood by revilation) to do the buisaness; we were living some 30 to 100 miles apart[.] the necesary preporation was made (by them) in a Sly manor So as to keep martin Har[r]is from drawing a Share of the money, it was told me we were to go by revilation but when we assembled at father Smiths; there was no revilation for us to go but we were all anctious to get a revilation to go; and when it came we were to go to kingston where we were to Sell if they would not harden their hearts; but when we got their; there was no purcheser neither were they authorized at kingston to buy rights for the provence; but little york was the place where Such buisaness had to be done; we were to get 8,000 dollars[.] we were treated with the best of respects by all we met with in kingston--by the above we may See learn how a revilation may be rece[i]ved and the one person rece[i]ving it not be benefited. ... pleas[e] read this to all the bretharin & in peticular to brother Martin Haris he can testafy to the truth of some things here in mentioned which perhaps you may be ignorant of, ...
Hiram Page
[Hiram Page to William E. McLellin, 2 February 1848, typescript, Accretion Papers, Community of Christ Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Hiram Page To William E. Mclellin]
175 years ago today - Feb 2, 1848
The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed. This ends the Mexican War and transfers the Great Basin to the United States. The Mormons find themselves again under U.S. jurisdiction after less than a year away from it.
185 years ago today - Feb 2, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff]
Left Capt Hopkins & as we walked by the Schoolhouse No 5th the children came out and hooted & mocked at us as they did Elisha when they said go up thou bald head. As with the Parent so with the child.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Left Capt Hopkins & as we walked by the Schoolhouse No 5th the children came out and hooted & mocked at us as they did Elisha when they said go up thou bald head. As with the Parent so with the child.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - 1833 ca. February 2 - May 6
[Joseph Smith bible translation]
Manuscript: OT 2 (Dictated MS), 86-111
Text: About Psalm 17 to about Isaiah.
Scribe: Frederick G. Williams
Notes: "The Songs of Solomon are not Inspired writings". Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio [Joseph records, "I completed the translation and review of the New Testament, on the 2nd of February, 1833 and sealed it up, no more to be opened till it arrived in Zion."
[Marquardt, H. Michael, The Four Gospels According to Joseph Smith, Xulon Press (2007), Chronology: Joseph Smith's Bible Revision, 1830-1835]
Manuscript: OT 2 (Dictated MS), 86-111
Text: About Psalm 17 to about Isaiah.
Scribe: Frederick G. Williams
Notes: "The Songs of Solomon are not Inspired writings". Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio [Joseph records, "I completed the translation and review of the New Testament, on the 2nd of February, 1833 and sealed it up, no more to be opened till it arrived in Zion."
[Marquardt, H. Michael, The Four Gospels According to Joseph Smith, Xulon Press (2007), Chronology: Joseph Smith's Bible Revision, 1830-1835]
135 years ago today - Feb 1, 1888
Brother [Charles W.] Penrose reminded the Council that it was time to suggest names for Probate Judges for the President to appoint ... John Henry Smith moved that President [Wilford] Woodruff appoint a committee of three to seek for proper persons form various counties to submit to the President for nomination. [Note: The committee was composed of Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, and John Henry Smith.]
[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]
145 years ago today - Feb 1, 1878
Under threat of excommunication by John Taylor, apostles George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young Jr., and Albert Carrington (as Brigham Young's legal executors) agree to transfer 2/3 of his estate to Taylor as the Trustee-in-Trust.
[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 )]]
165 years ago today - Feb 1, 1858
President Young told a dream which he had last saturday night. He said I saw two United States officers and I told them the History of this Church and our doctrins and I told them that the United States must not send any more armies here. If they did I should let loose the dogs of war upon them and I told them they must remove the army now upon our borders or we should destroy them.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Feb 1, 1843
In a poetic exchange with W. W. Phelps ("The Answer. To W. W. Phelps, esq. A Vision") Joseph Smith paraphrased D&C 76 in verse form, and it was printed in the Times and Seasons [IV:6], pp. 82-85. In stanza 20, Joseph Smith, speaking of all the worlds created by Christ, adds:
Whose inhabitants, too, from the first to the last,
Are sav'd by the very same Saviour of ours ...
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
Whose inhabitants, too, from the first to the last,
Are sav'd by the very same Saviour of ours ...
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
180 years ago today - Feb 1, 1843
In the Times and Seasons, John Taylor announces that he expects to print "further extracts from the Book of Abraham" by Joseph Smith. (This never happens.)
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - Feb 1, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff]
We saw a sign in the heavens. It had the appearence of a full Moon about ten feet under the Sun.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We saw a sign in the heavens. It had the appearence of a full Moon about ten feet under the Sun.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Feb 1, 1833
Temperance society eliminates distillery in Kirtland and nearby Mentor.
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
125 years ago today - Jan 31, 1898 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
Directly after President Taylor's death a change was made in the financial affairs of the Church. The receiving of the cash tithing was taken out of the hands of the Trustee-in-Trust and given to the Presiding Bishops. I was averse to it at the time; thought it was wrong; but my influence was such that anything I said had no particular weight. Since that time I have expressed myself on this subject a number of times in the Council, to the effect that it was wrong for the Aaronic Priesthood to be managing affairs in that way, as under this arrangement the Trustee-in-Trust could not draw $5 without sending to the Presiding Bishop's Office. The stream was running, I said, the wrong way; it ought to run from the President of the Church down, not from the Presiding Bishop up. This continued until last month, when a circular was brought to the office for us to sign, instructing the Bishops to send their funds to the Presiding Bishop's Office. I expressed myself to the effect that I could not sign that. I thought it was wrong. Then the change was made from the Presiding Bishop's office to the Trustee-in-Trust, in which the Bishops acquiesced; and to-day it was to complete this arrangement that this conversation was had. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Directly after President Taylor's death a change was made in the financial affairs of the Church. The receiving of the cash tithing was taken out of the hands of the Trustee-in-Trust and given to the Presiding Bishops. I was averse to it at the time; thought it was wrong; but my influence was such that anything I said had no particular weight. Since that time I have expressed myself on this subject a number of times in the Council, to the effect that it was wrong for the Aaronic Priesthood to be managing affairs in that way, as under this arrangement the Trustee-in-Trust could not draw $5 without sending to the Presiding Bishop's Office. The stream was running, I said, the wrong way; it ought to run from the President of the Church down, not from the Presiding Bishop up. This continued until last month, when a circular was brought to the office for us to sign, instructing the Bishops to send their funds to the Presiding Bishop's Office. I expressed myself to the effect that I could not sign that. I thought it was wrong. Then the change was made from the Presiding Bishop's office to the Trustee-in-Trust, in which the Bishops acquiesced; and to-day it was to complete this arrangement that this conversation was had. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
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