[David O McKay Diary]
This morning at 8 o'clock, met with the Temple Committee, consisting of the Presidency, President Joseph Fielding Smith, Elders Harold B. Lee, and Spencer W. Kimball. I asked Howard McKean to present the proposed plan of preparing the present Temple rooms in the Salt Lake Temple to experiment upon the new plan of presenting the ordinances by use of screen and visual aids. It was decided that we can use the Assembly Room in the Temple to set up a stage to make the experiment without making important changes in the present rooms.
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
75 years ago today - Jun 14, 1949
[David O. McKay Diary]
As I had no appointment this evening, decided to cut the lawn. Just as I was finishing this job, a tall young man, with lunch box in hand, came up to me. He held out his hand in some sort of a sign and said 'this is the sign of the Priesthood.' Sensing something wrong with him I immediately told him that I had an appointment and would not have time to talk to him. I think he is one of the 'Son's of Aaron' cult. I learned later that he had also called at Pres. Clark's home two or three times, and said that he had been in the Mental Hospital. This young man's name is Clark.
[David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
As I had no appointment this evening, decided to cut the lawn. Just as I was finishing this job, a tall young man, with lunch box in hand, came up to me. He held out his hand in some sort of a sign and said 'this is the sign of the Priesthood.' Sensing something wrong with him I immediately told him that I had an appointment and would not have time to talk to him. I think he is one of the 'Son's of Aaron' cult. I learned later that he had also called at Pres. Clark's home two or three times, and said that he had been in the Mental Hospital. This young man's name is Clark.
[David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
150 years ago today - Jun 14, 1874
Apostle Orson Pratt: "God said, in the year 1832, before we were driven out of Jackson County, in a revelation ... that before that generation should all pass away, a house of the Lord should be built in that county.... This was given forty-two years ago. The generation then living was not only to commence a house of God in Jackson County, Missouri, but was actually to complete the same,... if you believe in these revelations you just as much expect the fulfillment of the revelation as of any one that God has ever given in these latter times,... we Latter-day Saints expect to return to Jackson County and to build a Temple there before the generation that was living forty-two years ago has all passed away. Well, then, the time must be pretty near when we shall begin the work." (See 1832 September 22, D&C 84:1-5,31,32)
[Journal of Discourses, vol. 17, p. 111 http://journalofdiscourses.com/17/16, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
[Journal of Discourses, vol. 17, p. 111 http://journalofdiscourses.com/17/16, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
150 years ago today - Jun 14, 1874
[Brigham Young Sermon]
I will say that I have left my wish in writing concerning the burial of my body when I die. I do not wish anybody to shed a tear for me, not my family nor anyone else. I want my body put in a California cedar coffin to keep my dust in, then carry me carefully to my grave, on my own land without any pomp or parade. I do think that it is a sin for the Latter-day Saints to go to so much expense as some of them are in the burial of their dead.... If the spirits of the dead were in this room they could see the face of the Lord, if he would permit it, but the wicked cannot see as the saints do... You go to a battle field where the ground has been strewn with the dead one hundred years after the battle and you will find it occupied with evil spirits as Heber C. Kimball did when he went to England to preach. All these old settled countries are full of evil spirits. For one third part of the host of heaven in the great rebellion were cast down to the earth and have remained here until this
day and they seek to enter in to the tabernacles of men where ever they can obtain admission and they rule over them and incite them to evil deeds.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I will say that I have left my wish in writing concerning the burial of my body when I die. I do not wish anybody to shed a tear for me, not my family nor anyone else. I want my body put in a California cedar coffin to keep my dust in, then carry me carefully to my grave, on my own land without any pomp or parade. I do think that it is a sin for the Latter-day Saints to go to so much expense as some of them are in the burial of their dead.... If the spirits of the dead were in this room they could see the face of the Lord, if he would permit it, but the wicked cannot see as the saints do... You go to a battle field where the ground has been strewn with the dead one hundred years after the battle and you will find it occupied with evil spirits as Heber C. Kimball did when he went to England to preach. All these old settled countries are full of evil spirits. For one third part of the host of heaven in the great rebellion were cast down to the earth and have remained here until this
day and they seek to enter in to the tabernacles of men where ever they can obtain admission and they rule over them and incite them to evil deeds.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Jun 14, 1844. Friday.
[William Clayton Journal]
A.M. conversing with a number of gentleman in the Bar room concerning the proceedings of our enemies. He [Joseph Smith] prophesied in the name of the Lord that if they did mob us it would be a precedent to come down upon their own heads with fury and vengeance.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
A.M. conversing with a number of gentleman in the Bar room concerning the proceedings of our enemies. He [Joseph Smith] prophesied in the name of the Lord that if they did mob us it would be a precedent to come down upon their own heads with fury and vengeance.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
180 years ago today - Jun 14, 1844
Joseph Smith writes a letter to Illinois governor Thomas Ford explaining the EXPOSITOR incident: "[T]he proprietors were a set of unprincipled, lawless debauchers, counterfeiters, bogus-makers, gamblers, peace-disturbers, . . . the City Council decided that it was necessary for the 'peace, benefit, good order and regulations' of said city, 'and for the protection of prosperity,' and for 'the happiness and prosperity of the citizens of Nauvoo,' that said Expositor should be removed, and declaring said Expositor a nuisance ordered the Mayor [Joseph Smith] to cause them to be removed without delay; which order was committed to the Marshal by due process, and by him executed the same day, by removing the paper, press and fixtures into the streets and burning the same; all which was done without riot, noise, tumult or confusion, . . ."
190 years ago today - Jun 14, 1834
(Zion's Camp) Two men are chased by "four suspicious fellows on horseback." Others ride throughout Jackson County yelling, "The Mormons are coming, the Mormons are coming!" and also setting fire to some houses.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
160 years ago today - Jun 13, 1864
[Brigham Young Sermon]
Brethren and sisters, we enjoy music, singing, good society, the ordinances of the House of God, and everything that the earth produces; and all the blessings that God has given we can enjoy, and not sin. The world do not know how to do this. Were they to meet together to dance and have social party they would sin. I have heard many a minister say that there were no fiddles in heaven. At that time I did not understand as I do now, for I now know that there are no fiddles in hell. There may be many fiddlers there, but no fiddles; they are all burned that go there. In regard to your situation here, I can say there is no other people upon this earth that is favored as we are; there is no other people that enjoy the freedom that we do
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:313-314; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Brethren and sisters, we enjoy music, singing, good society, the ordinances of the House of God, and everything that the earth produces; and all the blessings that God has given we can enjoy, and not sin. The world do not know how to do this. Were they to meet together to dance and have social party they would sin. I have heard many a minister say that there were no fiddles in heaven. At that time I did not understand as I do now, for I now know that there are no fiddles in hell. There may be many fiddlers there, but no fiddles; they are all burned that go there. In regard to your situation here, I can say there is no other people upon this earth that is favored as we are; there is no other people that enjoy the freedom that we do
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:313-314; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
40 years ago today - Jun 13, 1984
First Spanish-speaking stake in U.S. (Huntington Park West Stake in Los Angeles).
110 years ago today - Jun 13, 1914
[George F. Richards journal on J. Golden Kimball misspeaking]
[In Rexburg, Idaho:] At the afternoon session Pres[ident]. [J. Golden] Kimball spoke and in course of his remarks stated that he had offended Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith by something he had said. That the law of the Lord is the same to high & low &c which made me feel very badly & after he had closed I spoke & said as much at which Pres[ident] Kimball asked in what particular & I told him & the people that it seemed from his talk that he had a difference to settle between himself & Pres[ident]. Smith and that it ought not to have been brought to this conference, that any defense he might make was but weakening the hands & influence of the President of the Church. Bro[ther] K[imball]. asked for the privilege of making a statement which was granted & he said he had no such intention &c. I spoke after about 15 minutes in praise of the integrity of the personnel of the Councils of the General Authorities and at the conclusion of the meeting I invited Pres[iden]ts. Kimball, Austin,
Blake, Miller & L[l]oyd to meet with me at the Stake Administration building where the others were asked if they had drawn the same conclusion as I & found that they had, though Pres[ident] K[imball]. could not admit the justification for it. I think perhaps had Bro[ther] K[imball]. been sitting by me I might have asked him to set himself right which would have no doubt been better.
[George F. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[In Rexburg, Idaho:] At the afternoon session Pres[ident]. [J. Golden] Kimball spoke and in course of his remarks stated that he had offended Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith by something he had said. That the law of the Lord is the same to high & low &c which made me feel very badly & after he had closed I spoke & said as much at which Pres[ident] Kimball asked in what particular & I told him & the people that it seemed from his talk that he had a difference to settle between himself & Pres[ident]. Smith and that it ought not to have been brought to this conference, that any defense he might make was but weakening the hands & influence of the President of the Church. Bro[ther] K[imball]. asked for the privilege of making a statement which was granted & he said he had no such intention &c. I spoke after about 15 minutes in praise of the integrity of the personnel of the Councils of the General Authorities and at the conclusion of the meeting I invited Pres[iden]ts. Kimball, Austin,
Blake, Miller & L[l]oyd to meet with me at the Stake Administration building where the others were asked if they had drawn the same conclusion as I & found that they had, though Pres[ident] K[imball]. could not admit the justification for it. I think perhaps had Bro[ther] K[imball]. been sitting by me I might have asked him to set himself right which would have no doubt been better.
[George F. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
135 years ago today - Jun 13, 1889
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal]
G Q Cannon & J F Smith & several of the Twelve had a Meeting with the City Council & others upon the water question. There Come near being a war among the Latter Day Saints about the water going to Law & going to shooting Each other. I Councilled a Meeting among them and they met yesterday and to day which has Calmed the Elements Considerable.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
G Q Cannon & J F Smith & several of the Twelve had a Meeting with the City Council & others upon the water question. There Come near being a war among the Latter Day Saints about the water going to Law & going to shooting Each other. I Councilled a Meeting among them and they met yesterday and to day which has Calmed the Elements Considerable.
[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 - Jun 13, 1844
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith received the report that a mob of about 300 was assembled at Carthage, Illinois, and was ready to attack Nauvoo.
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
180 years ago today - Jun 13, 1844
Joseph Smith refers to "my guardian angel" during a sermon.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
180 years ago today - Jun 13, 1844
In the evening Joseph relates a dream in the Seventies Hall in which his enemies, Foster and Higbee, are symbolized as two large snakes who are locked together so tightly that they cannot get any power over Joseph. The dream also refers to the plans of William and Wilson Law being overcome.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Between Jun 6, 1844 and 13-Jun 1844
Hyrum Smith reportedly offers reward for the destruction of the Warsaw Signal. Hyrum Smith reportedly threatens the life of Warsaw Signal editor, Thomas C. Sharp. Warsaw Signal prints report of destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor and announces resolve and area support to protect it's press to the death.
[Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
[Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
190 years ago today - Jun 13, 1834
[Heber C. Kimball diary [Zion's Camp]]
.... We tarried in the middle of this prairie which is about twenty eight miles across, on account of a rupture which took place in the camp. Here F. G.. Williams and Roger Orton, received a very serious chastisement from Brother Joseph, for not obeying orders previously given. The chastisement given to Roger Orton, was given more particularly for suffering me to go back after the horses, as I was one of Joseph's life guard, and it belonged to Roger to attend to the team ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
.... We tarried in the middle of this prairie which is about twenty eight miles across, on account of a rupture which took place in the camp. Here F. G.. Williams and Roger Orton, received a very serious chastisement from Brother Joseph, for not obeying orders previously given. The chastisement given to Roger Orton, was given more particularly for suffering me to go back after the horses, as I was one of Joseph's life guard, and it belonged to Roger to attend to the team ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
190 years ago today - Jun 13, 1834
Mormon missionaries hold conference in the center of polygamous sect of "Cochranism" converting many.
[The Evening and the Morning Star 2 [August 1834]: 181;Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[The Evening and the Morning Star 2 [August 1834]: 181;Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
35 years ago today - Jun 11, 1989-Sunday
[Leonard Arrington]
Statement on the Brigham Young Biography Based on a Review of My Diary, 1972-1985: In 1972, shortly after I became Church Historian, my staff and I, particularly James Allen and Davis Bitton, Assistant Church Historians, recommended to the First Presidency of the Church, among other things, the preparation of a good biography of President Brigham Young. This seemed to be particularly needed after we had discovered many boxes of Brigham Young material that were in the basement of the Church Administration Building, still unopened, uncatalogued, and previously unknown to LDS historians. The First Presidency counselled us to catalog the material and then return for further discussion. Because of other assignments and the large mass of Brigham Young-period manuscripts to be examined, we did not complete the cataloguing, even in a preliminary way, until 1977, the one hundredth anniversary of Brigham Young's death. We then studied the materials for two years, trying to decide whether we
should simply edit the papers, or at the rate of, say, one volume per year, write a multi-volume biography, and, if the latter, who should write it. We finally went to President [Spencer W.] Kimball the spring of 1979 and proposed a seven-volume biography, each volume to be written by a separate historian, and each to focus on one aspect of President Young's life-one each on Brigham Young as a colonizer, family man, businessman, Church president, governor, formulator of Indian policy, and contributor to Mormon doctrine and practice. President Kimball listened to us carefully, thought for a moment, then finally shook his head and said, "I would like to see a really good, one-volume biography of Brigham Young before I die." So that settled that; we put on the shelf our plans for an edition of his papers and/or volumes of his many roles. These plans are still on the shelf.
"Here are the names of three people that we suggest as possible biographers for the one volume," we volunteered. President Kimball replied, "I don't want to see the list. I want you to do it," pointing his finger toward me. ...
President Kimball recommended finding a national publisher, wanted the biography written in a manner that would make it imperative for libraries to place it on their shelves and specifically instructed me not to send it to Correlation"They don't know history the way you do." He advised me to consult with a variety of historians, both members and nonmembers. As for Mormon historians, he emphasized that I should consult not only with traditional historians but also with what he called "Dialogue-type historians" in order to get "liberal" as well as "conservative" points of view. He wanted the biography to be honest, objective, many-sided, and to make good use of the information in the previously unexamined manuscripts we had uncovered.
... I borrowed some money and at my own expense hired four persons part-time, to help go through the mass of formerly unexplored material. The research assistants and I still had full access to the resources in the Church Archives because President Kimball had approved the project. ... Alfred Knopf agreed to publish the book, which finally appeared in 1985 under the title Brigham Young: American Moses. The book received good national reviews, was adopted by the History Book Club, and was nominated by the National Book Critics Circle as biography of the year. ... I was especially glad when Sister [Camilla] Kimball told me that President Kimball was pleased by the book and by its national reception. He had to be especially pleased that the book was placed in several thousand regional and local libraries. The book sold well, both in hardback and paperback. I must emphasize that President Kimball always encouraged me in my work as Church Historian. He often put his arm around
me, told me not to be discouraged by occasional criticisms, and was unfailingly friendly, supportive, and helpful. ... I occasionally heard rumors that one or two of the Brethren were less than enthusiastic about some of the things the Historical Department historians were publishing, but President Kimball went out of his way to reassure me. "Our work," he said, "must have national as well as Church-wide credibility, especially among informed people. We had to write history 'the right way.'" I interpreted our move to BYU as a way to preserve our scholarly integrity. As several persons told us, the Church didn't want to be in the position of "approving" or "disapproving" what we wrote. Under university administration, we could continue our scholarly work in an atmosphere of academic freedom. We did so, and I feel sure that we did our research and writing in a responsible manner, both as to the scholarship and as to the probity.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Statement on the Brigham Young Biography Based on a Review of My Diary, 1972-1985: In 1972, shortly after I became Church Historian, my staff and I, particularly James Allen and Davis Bitton, Assistant Church Historians, recommended to the First Presidency of the Church, among other things, the preparation of a good biography of President Brigham Young. This seemed to be particularly needed after we had discovered many boxes of Brigham Young material that were in the basement of the Church Administration Building, still unopened, uncatalogued, and previously unknown to LDS historians. The First Presidency counselled us to catalog the material and then return for further discussion. Because of other assignments and the large mass of Brigham Young-period manuscripts to be examined, we did not complete the cataloguing, even in a preliminary way, until 1977, the one hundredth anniversary of Brigham Young's death. We then studied the materials for two years, trying to decide whether we
should simply edit the papers, or at the rate of, say, one volume per year, write a multi-volume biography, and, if the latter, who should write it. We finally went to President [Spencer W.] Kimball the spring of 1979 and proposed a seven-volume biography, each volume to be written by a separate historian, and each to focus on one aspect of President Young's life-one each on Brigham Young as a colonizer, family man, businessman, Church president, governor, formulator of Indian policy, and contributor to Mormon doctrine and practice. President Kimball listened to us carefully, thought for a moment, then finally shook his head and said, "I would like to see a really good, one-volume biography of Brigham Young before I die." So that settled that; we put on the shelf our plans for an edition of his papers and/or volumes of his many roles. These plans are still on the shelf.
"Here are the names of three people that we suggest as possible biographers for the one volume," we volunteered. President Kimball replied, "I don't want to see the list. I want you to do it," pointing his finger toward me. ...
President Kimball recommended finding a national publisher, wanted the biography written in a manner that would make it imperative for libraries to place it on their shelves and specifically instructed me not to send it to Correlation"They don't know history the way you do." He advised me to consult with a variety of historians, both members and nonmembers. As for Mormon historians, he emphasized that I should consult not only with traditional historians but also with what he called "Dialogue-type historians" in order to get "liberal" as well as "conservative" points of view. He wanted the biography to be honest, objective, many-sided, and to make good use of the information in the previously unexamined manuscripts we had uncovered.
... I borrowed some money and at my own expense hired four persons part-time, to help go through the mass of formerly unexplored material. The research assistants and I still had full access to the resources in the Church Archives because President Kimball had approved the project. ... Alfred Knopf agreed to publish the book, which finally appeared in 1985 under the title Brigham Young: American Moses. The book received good national reviews, was adopted by the History Book Club, and was nominated by the National Book Critics Circle as biography of the year. ... I was especially glad when Sister [Camilla] Kimball told me that President Kimball was pleased by the book and by its national reception. He had to be especially pleased that the book was placed in several thousand regional and local libraries. The book sold well, both in hardback and paperback. I must emphasize that President Kimball always encouraged me in my work as Church Historian. He often put his arm around
me, told me not to be discouraged by occasional criticisms, and was unfailingly friendly, supportive, and helpful. ... I occasionally heard rumors that one or two of the Brethren were less than enthusiastic about some of the things the Historical Department historians were publishing, but President Kimball went out of his way to reassure me. "Our work," he said, "must have national as well as Church-wide credibility, especially among informed people. We had to write history 'the right way.'" I interpreted our move to BYU as a way to preserve our scholarly integrity. As several persons told us, the Church didn't want to be in the position of "approving" or "disapproving" what we wrote. Under university administration, we could continue our scholarly work in an atmosphere of academic freedom. We did so, and I feel sure that we did our research and writing in a responsible manner, both as to the scholarship and as to the probity.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
110 years ago today - Jun 11, 1914; Thursday
.... Pres[iden]t. Lyman reported that since last Thursday he had learned from Pres[iden]t. William C. Parkinson of Hyrum [Utah] Stake that the Presidency and High Council of that Stake had excommunicated Bro[ther]. Israel Yeates for having entered into an unauthorized, illegal marriage. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
150 years ago today - Jun 11, 1874 (Thursday)
A party of soldiers from Camp Douglas, under command of Major Gordon, broke into the jail at Salt Lake City and rescued their comrade, Thomas Hackett, who had been confined there for assaulting Solomon P. McCurdy the previous day.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Jun 11, 1864
[Brigham Young]
.... Most of you, my brethren, are Elders, Seventies, or High Priests; perhaps there is not a Priest or Teacher present. The reason of this is that when we give the brethren their endowments, we are obliged to confer upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood; but I expect to see the day, when we shall be so situated that we can say to a company of brethren, You can go and receive the ordinances pertaining to the Aaronic order of Priesthood, and then you can go into the world and preach the Gospel, or do something that will prove whether you will honor that Priesthood before you receive more. Now we pass them through the ordinances of both Priesthoods in one day, but this is not as it should be and would [be], if we had a temple wherein to administer these ordinances. But this is all right at present; we should not be satisfied in any other way, and consequently we do according to the circumstances we are placed in.
[Brigham Young, June 11, 1864 , Journal of Discourses, 10:309 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
.... Most of you, my brethren, are Elders, Seventies, or High Priests; perhaps there is not a Priest or Teacher present. The reason of this is that when we give the brethren their endowments, we are obliged to confer upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood; but I expect to see the day, when we shall be so situated that we can say to a company of brethren, You can go and receive the ordinances pertaining to the Aaronic order of Priesthood, and then you can go into the world and preach the Gospel, or do something that will prove whether you will honor that Priesthood before you receive more. Now we pass them through the ordinances of both Priesthoods in one day, but this is not as it should be and would [be], if we had a temple wherein to administer these ordinances. But this is all right at present; we should not be satisfied in any other way, and consequently we do according to the circumstances we are placed in.
[Brigham Young, June 11, 1864 , Journal of Discourses, 10:309 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
180 years ago today - Jun 11, 1844
[Patriarchal Blessing of Flora Clarinda Gleason]
.... And if thou desire it with thine whole heart th[o]u shalt see the winding up scene of this generation; see Isra[e]l gathered from the four quarters of the earth, and see Zion established in peace throughout the land, of America. Thou shalt have all thy desires even riches, honor and power ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
.... And if thou desire it with thine whole heart th[o]u shalt see the winding up scene of this generation; see Isra[e]l gathered from the four quarters of the earth, and see Zion established in peace throughout the land, of America. Thou shalt have all thy desires even riches, honor and power ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Jun 11, 1844
Probable date that Joseph Smith III is ordained as his father's theocratic successor. Warned the same day of a conspiracy to murder them, William Law and associates flee Nauvoo with their families. Joseph Smith, on the day after the NAUVOO EXPOSITOR is destroyed, "Instructed Bro [W. W.] Phelps to write a proclamation to the citezens [sic] of Nauvoo to keep quiet &c."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
180 years ago today - Jun 11, 1844
Joseph issues a proclamation stating that he has destroyed the Nauvoo Expositor, which he considered a nuisance (and therefore had the legal right to destroy, just as he would any nuisance).News of the action against the press travels quickly.
A mass meeting of anti-Mormons assembles in Carthage. A resolution is adopted, stating, "We hold ourselves at all times in readiness to cooperate with our fellow citizens in this state, Missouri, and Iowa to exterminate—UTTERLY EXTERMINATE, the wicked and abominable Mormon leaders, the authors of our troubles. . . . A WAR OF EXTERMINATION SHOULD BE WAGED, to the entire destruction if necessary for our protection, of his adherents."
[Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (various issues), Su '69, 47; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
A mass meeting of anti-Mormons assembles in Carthage. A resolution is adopted, stating, "We hold ourselves at all times in readiness to cooperate with our fellow citizens in this state, Missouri, and Iowa to exterminate—UTTERLY EXTERMINATE, the wicked and abominable Mormon leaders, the authors of our troubles. . . . A WAR OF EXTERMINATION SHOULD BE WAGED, to the entire destruction if necessary for our protection, of his adherents."
[Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (various issues), Su '69, 47; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - Jun 11, 1839
The first house was put up by the Saints in Commerce, afterward named Nauvoo.
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
185 years ago today - Jun 11, 1839
Joseph commences dictating his personal history to his clerk, James Mulholland. This document will eventually become the basis of Joseph's History of the Church. Elder Theodore Turley raises the first house in Commerce that is built by the Saints themselves. Joseph records his impressions of the land about Commerce, stating that "the land was mostly covered with trees and bushes, and much of it so wet that it was with the utmost difficulty a footman could get through, and totally impossible for teams. Commerce was so unhealthful, very few could live there; but believing that it might become a healthful place by the blessing of heaven to the Saints, and no more eligible place presenting itself, I considered it wisdom to make an attempt to build up a city."
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
195 years ago today - Jun 11, 1829
The Book of Mormon's copyright was obtained from the "Office" of Richard R. Lansing of Utica, New York. Richard Ray Lansing ... The particulars of Smith's obtaining the copyright are vague. Perhaps Smith filed the copyright in person shortly after his return to Fayette from Palmyra where he had just concluded his negotiations with Egbert B. Grandin to print the Book of Mormon. Smith's History perhaps too closely associates his Palmyra negotiations with obtaining a copyright: "Mean time our translation drawing to a close, we went to Palmyra, Wayne County, N.Y: Secured the Copyright; and agreed with Mr Egbert Grandin to print five thousand Copies for the sum of three thousand dollars." The draft, however, reverses the order and separates the events: "Mean time our translation drawing to a close, we went to Palmyra, and agreed there <<with Mr>> Egbert Grandin to print and publish five thousand <<copies>> for three thousand Dollars, and about this time secured the copy right"
[Book of Mormon Copyright, 11 June 1829, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Book Of Mormon Copyright]
[Book of Mormon Copyright, 11 June 1829, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Book Of Mormon Copyright]
175 years ago today - Jun 10, 1849
.... Conversation [was held] on Crickets. Mills on City Creek'Hebers Mill, [and how] Crickets made [a] strike last year when [the] Wheat was heading. ...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
180 years ago today - 1844 10 Jun.
Hyrum tells Nauvoo City Council that the 1843 revelation pertains to ancient polygamy, not to modern times. By Joseph Smith's order as mayor the council destroys the Expositor as "a public nuisance."
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Jun 10, 1844
The city council meets again for over six hours to discuss the Nauvoo Expositor. Joseph reads from the Expositor and asks, "Is it not treasonable against all chartered rights and privileges, and against the peace and happiness of the city?" John Taylor says no city on earth would allow such a thing, that it is a threat to the security of the city. Councilor Stiles reads Blackstone and says that a nuisance is anything that disturbs the peace of the community. Hyrum Smith suggests smashing the press and scattering the type. Councilor Warrington, a nonmember, suggests fining the paper $3,000 for every case of libel, but Joseph answers that in order to take a man to court for libel, he would have to go to Carthage. The last time Joseph went to Carthage, he was almost killed. Therefore, the Saints have no legal recourse. (One historian states that there were 16 instances of violence between 1832 and 1867 to presses or editors who had expressed highly controversial views contraryto the
public consensus, including one murder of an antislavery editor. Therefore, destroying a press at this time was not unusual.) An ordinance concerning libelous publications is passed. The city council unanimously resolves that "the printing-office from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor is a public nuisance and also all of said Nauvoo Expositors which may be or exist in said establishment." These ordinances are passed about 6:30 P.M. Joseph then orders City Marshal John P. Greene to carry out the order. Greene summons troops under Jonathan Dunham, acting major-general of the Nauvoo Legion. By 8 P.M. they destroy the press, scatter the type throughout the streets, and burn all the copies of the second issue.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
public consensus, including one murder of an antislavery editor. Therefore, destroying a press at this time was not unusual.) An ordinance concerning libelous publications is passed. The city council unanimously resolves that "the printing-office from whence issues the Nauvoo Expositor is a public nuisance and also all of said Nauvoo Expositors which may be or exist in said establishment." These ordinances are passed about 6:30 P.M. Joseph then orders City Marshal John P. Greene to carry out the order. Greene summons troops under Jonathan Dunham, acting major-general of the Nauvoo Legion. By 8 P.M. they destroy the press, scatter the type throughout the streets, and burn all the copies of the second issue.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Jun 10, 1844
Willard Richards accuses William Law of seducing his daughter.
[Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
[Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
190 years ago today - Jun 10, 1834
[Hyrum Smith]
Joseph chooses Hyrum as the captain of his bodyguards in Zion's Camp.
[Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
Joseph chooses Hyrum as the captain of his bodyguards in Zion's Camp.
[Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
50 years ago today - Jun 9, 1974
Spencer W. Kimball administers the second anointing to his heart surgeon Russell M. Nelson and his wife Dantzel in the Holy of Holies of the Salt Lake temple. Nelson becomes a member of the Twelve in 1984. There is a dramatic increase of second anointings during Kimball's presidency.
[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 )]]
50 years ago today - Jun 9, 1974
Spencer W. Kimball administers second anointing to his heart surgeon Russell M. Nelson and wife Dantzel in Holy of Holies of Salt Lake temple. Nelson becomes member of Twelve in 1984. There is a dramatic increase of second anointings during Kimball's presidency.
75 years ago today - Jun 9, 1949
[J. Reuben Clark]
Asked Dr. Kimball about blood transfusions and the effect on white's of negro blood, if they would be considered to have "a drop of negro blood." Dr. Kimball said that the blood disintegrates within three weeks, and he would not have any left in that time; that even our own cells change rather rapidly, within 120 days.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Asked Dr. Kimball about blood transfusions and the effect on white's of negro blood, if they would be considered to have "a drop of negro blood." Dr. Kimball said that the blood disintegrates within three weeks, and he would not have any left in that time; that even our own cells change rather rapidly, within 120 days.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
125 years ago today - Jun 9, 1899; Friday
Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the Office. Sister Zina D. H. Young called, accompanied by Sisters Bathsheba W. Smith, Clara Cannon, Minnie J. Snow and Phoebe Y. Beatie. They propounded this question: Shall non-members of the Church be permitted to become members of our Relief Society? Sister Zina stated that she had answered the question in the negative, but in order to satisfy some of the sisters, she had invited the ladies present to hear what the First Presidency had to say about it. The rules of the Relief Society were then read, one of which gave any person the privilege of becoming a member of the organization. These sisters feared that if non-members of the Church should want to join the Society, they might do so, and in some Wards, where they are numerous, they might out-vote the Church members and take possession of the Society's ward property.
The Presidency took the view that membership in the Relief Society should be confined to members of the Church in good standing, and that the rules should be changed accordingly. It was understood that this would be done.
These sisters also asked the question--Is the Relief Society required to pay tithing? President Smith took the ground that it was not required to do so, as the Society's means was already Church means and subject to the authority of the First Presidency. President Snow took the same view. Apostle Brigham Young [Jr.] and Elder Angus M. Cannon were also present, and took part in this hearing.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
The Presidency took the view that membership in the Relief Society should be confined to members of the Church in good standing, and that the rules should be changed accordingly. It was understood that this would be done.
These sisters also asked the question--Is the Relief Society required to pay tithing? President Smith took the ground that it was not required to do so, as the Society's means was already Church means and subject to the authority of the First Presidency. President Snow took the same view. Apostle Brigham Young [Jr.] and Elder Angus M. Cannon were also present, and took part in this hearing.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
140 years ago today - Mon. June 9th 1884
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal]
He called on Sis. Eliza R. Snow Smith Young: ". . . and in the course of our conversation she said she heard the Prophet Joseph once remark, 'when the ten tribes were taken away, the earth was divided, so that they occupy a separate planet from this.' This was news to me."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
He called on Sis. Eliza R. Snow Smith Young: ". . . and in the course of our conversation she said she heard the Prophet Joseph once remark, 'when the ten tribes were taken away, the earth was divided, so that they occupy a separate planet from this.' This was news to me."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
175 years ago today - Jun 9, 1849
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal]
I recieved the following in the Boston Times: We have advices by Express from Salt Lake [of?] the 15th April. New and extraordinary discoveries of Gold have been made in the Mountains near the Salt Lake. The people in the valley were Anxious for A Territorial Government & were about to send Mr Bern-hisel to congress for that purpose. The saints were prospering at the salt Lake.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I recieved the following in the Boston Times: We have advices by Express from Salt Lake [of?] the 15th April. New and extraordinary discoveries of Gold have been made in the Mountains near the Salt Lake. The people in the valley were Anxious for A Territorial Government & were about to send Mr Bern-hisel to congress for that purpose. The saints were prospering at the salt Lake.
[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 - 9-Jun 24, 1844
[Letter from Vilate Kimball to Heber C. Kimball]
.... Nauvoo was a scene of confusion last night, some hundred of the Brethren turned out and burned the [Nauvoo Expositor] printing press, and all the ap[p]aratus pertaining to the office of the op[p]osite party; this was done by order of the City Councel [Council]. they had only published one Paper, which is concidered [considered] a public nucence [nuisance]. but I do not know whether it will be concidered [considered] so in the eyes of the Law or not. they have sworn revenge, and no doubt they will have it...
[Letter from Vilate Kimball to Heber C. Kimball]
.... Nauvoo was a scene of confusion last night, some hundred of the Brethren turned out and burned the [Nauvoo Expositor] printing press, and all the ap[p]aratus pertaining to the office of the op[p]osite party; this was done by order of the City Councel [Council]. they had only published one Paper, which is concidered [considered] a public nucence [nuisance]. but I do not know whether it will be concidered [considered] so in the eyes of the Law or not. they have sworn revenge, and no doubt they will have it...
[Letter from Vilate Kimball to Heber C. Kimball]
180 years ago today - Jun 9, 1844
[Heber C. Kimball letter to daughter Helen Mar Kimball (plural wife of Joseph Smith)]
"MY DEAR DAUGHTER—I told you of the blessings that we have received from our Father which is in heaven, so be obedient to the counsel you have given to you from your dear father and mother, who seek your welfare both for time and eternity. There is no one that feels as we do for you. Prove yourself approved of God and man, as a true, undeviating friend through evil report as well as good, through poverty as well as riches. ... You are blessed, but you know it not. You have done that which will be for your everlasting good for this world and that which is to come. I will admit there is not much pleasure in this world. ... Be true to the covenants that you have made, keep the company of those who are wise and keep close mouths. Solomon says, `A wise head keeps a close mouth.'...
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
"MY DEAR DAUGHTER—I told you of the blessings that we have received from our Father which is in heaven, so be obedient to the counsel you have given to you from your dear father and mother, who seek your welfare both for time and eternity. There is no one that feels as we do for you. Prove yourself approved of God and man, as a true, undeviating friend through evil report as well as good, through poverty as well as riches. ... You are blessed, but you know it not. You have done that which will be for your everlasting good for this world and that which is to come. I will admit there is not much pleasure in this world. ... Be true to the covenants that you have made, keep the company of those who are wise and keep close mouths. Solomon says, `A wise head keeps a close mouth.'...
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
195 years ago today - Circa 9-Jun 10, 1829
Joseph Jr., and possibly others, arrive in Manchester (NY) to negotiate and arrange for the printing of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith and Martin Harris visit Grandin's printing establishment. Grandin declines their first proposal. Smith then seeks a publisher in Rochester, visiting anti-Masonic editor Thurlow Weed who also declines the offer. According to Pomeroy Tucker, Smith's application to Weed occurred "immediately" after the visit to Grandin. A "few days" later, Smith again visits Weed, bringing Harris with him, but Weed again declines. Smith apparently also visited Quaker Elihu F. Marshall of Rochester, who may have given a positive response. Returning to Grandin's office, Harris tells Grandin that the book could be printed in Rochester should he refuse and then promises to mortgage his farm as collateral for the publication. Grandin agrees. Assisted by John H. Gilbert, Grandin estimates that the cost of printing 5,000 books will be about $3,000. Smith's 1839 history
places these events out of historical sequence after the testimonies of the three and eight witnesses, which occurred near the end of June 1829. Gilbert said the negotiations for printing occurred in the "forepart" of June 1829.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
places these events out of historical sequence after the testimonies of the three and eight witnesses, which occurred near the end of June 1829. Gilbert said the negotiations for printing occurred in the "forepart" of June 1829.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
80 years ago today - Jun 8, 1944
[First Presidency, letter to Marion G. Romney]
Your letter of June 5 is in hand, in which you set out the case of Sister Carrie [?] Millgate Marshall, which raises the question of conferring the Priesthood upon male members of the Church who have a trace of negro blood in their veins though they themselves show apparently no signs of it.
This matter has received in the past repeated consideration at the hands of the Brethren and always with an answer to the effect that a person with any negro blood in his veins may not receive the Priesthood. The question will continue to stand thus until another ruling is made.
[First Presidency, Letter to Marion G. Romney, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Your letter of June 5 is in hand, in which you set out the case of Sister Carrie [?] Millgate Marshall, which raises the question of conferring the Priesthood upon male members of the Church who have a trace of negro blood in their veins though they themselves show apparently no signs of it.
This matter has received in the past repeated consideration at the hands of the Brethren and always with an answer to the effect that a person with any negro blood in his veins may not receive the Priesthood. The question will continue to stand thus until another ruling is made.
[First Presidency, Letter to Marion G. Romney, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Jun 8, 1904; Wednesday
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
The following letter was received from President Thomas E. Bassett:
Rexburg, Idaho, June 8th, 1904.
President Joseph F. Smith and Counselors,
Dear Brethren: --
I have just returned from the Democratic State Convention held at Weiser, Idaho, last Monday, where I went in the hopes of doing what I could in rallying enough democratic support to kill the resolution aimed at our people, and although on the ground the day before the convention we found that a terrible strength had been developed by the [Fred T.] Dubois forces and our hopes of success vanished. I was very pleased indeed to note that among the democratic party we still had a few staunch and loyal supporters such as ex-governor [Frank] Steunenberg and his following, delegation from Pocatello and others, but such men were so sadly in the minority that all they said as bearing on the subject was
hooted down as from a lot of hungry wolves. Ex-governor Steunenberg had been thrown off his guard by a promise made him by Dubois that nothing of this nature should come up in this convention, and consequently did not concern himself about anything of the kind until Dubois's plans were all consummated.
One very regrettable feature is that every newspaper reporter in the convention was anti "Mormon"; and the reports as given breath the same nasty disposition toward us as was manifested at Weiser.
When we saw there was no hopes of defeating the resolution we tried to amend it by inserting the words, "to regulate marriages and divorces, and provide for the suppression of adultery, fornication and all kindred vices,["] but the amendment was cried down with the expression from some that it was the "Mormons" we are after.
We found an intense feeling existing in all factions of the party (with Governor Steunenberg and his friends as well as with the other factions) against such men as apostles and presidents of foreign missions coming into Southeastern Idaho, among our people and taking sides in politics, they add, "why don't they go into other countries of the state on their political tours as well as into `Mormon' counties if it is not for the fact that they can do more in these counties by reason of their ecclesiastical positions."
While I do not believe the effect is nearly as great as the anti-Mormons make it out to be, they make intense capital of it and cause extreme unpleasantness to those who would be our friends as well as those who are our bitterest enemies, and since my trip there I am ore than ever convinced that whatever steps are taken by prominent men in ecclesiastical positions in an ecclesiastical way should be extremely well guarded.
Dubois's plans are to get both national parties to endorse the resolutions in their national conventions, get the states at home to endorse the national platforms and disfranchise the "Mormon" people in Idaho before the election two years hence when he hopes to work his way back into the U.S. Senate, at least this is the view taken by leading politicians in Idaho. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
The following letter was received from President Thomas E. Bassett:
Rexburg, Idaho, June 8th, 1904.
President Joseph F. Smith and Counselors,
Dear Brethren: --
I have just returned from the Democratic State Convention held at Weiser, Idaho, last Monday, where I went in the hopes of doing what I could in rallying enough democratic support to kill the resolution aimed at our people, and although on the ground the day before the convention we found that a terrible strength had been developed by the [Fred T.] Dubois forces and our hopes of success vanished. I was very pleased indeed to note that among the democratic party we still had a few staunch and loyal supporters such as ex-governor [Frank] Steunenberg and his following, delegation from Pocatello and others, but such men were so sadly in the minority that all they said as bearing on the subject was
hooted down as from a lot of hungry wolves. Ex-governor Steunenberg had been thrown off his guard by a promise made him by Dubois that nothing of this nature should come up in this convention, and consequently did not concern himself about anything of the kind until Dubois's plans were all consummated.
One very regrettable feature is that every newspaper reporter in the convention was anti "Mormon"; and the reports as given breath the same nasty disposition toward us as was manifested at Weiser.
When we saw there was no hopes of defeating the resolution we tried to amend it by inserting the words, "to regulate marriages and divorces, and provide for the suppression of adultery, fornication and all kindred vices,["] but the amendment was cried down with the expression from some that it was the "Mormons" we are after.
We found an intense feeling existing in all factions of the party (with Governor Steunenberg and his friends as well as with the other factions) against such men as apostles and presidents of foreign missions coming into Southeastern Idaho, among our people and taking sides in politics, they add, "why don't they go into other countries of the state on their political tours as well as into `Mormon' counties if it is not for the fact that they can do more in these counties by reason of their ecclesiastical positions."
While I do not believe the effect is nearly as great as the anti-Mormons make it out to be, they make intense capital of it and cause extreme unpleasantness to those who would be our friends as well as those who are our bitterest enemies, and since my trip there I am ore than ever convinced that whatever steps are taken by prominent men in ecclesiastical positions in an ecclesiastical way should be extremely well guarded.
Dubois's plans are to get both national parties to endorse the resolutions in their national conventions, get the states at home to endorse the national platforms and disfranchise the "Mormon" people in Idaho before the election two years hence when he hopes to work his way back into the U.S. Senate, at least this is the view taken by leading politicians in Idaho. ...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Jun 8, 1889
Apostle Lorenzo Snow says that "his sister, the late Eliza R. Snow Smith, was a firm believer in the principle of reincarnation and that she claimed to have received it from Joseph the Prophet, her husband. He said he saw nothing unreasonable in it, and could believe it, if it came to him from the Lord or His oracle."
[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 - Jun 08, 1864
Mary Jane "May" Anderson, later the second general president of the Primary, is born in Liverpool, England.
180 years ago today - Jun 8, 1844
From 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. and from 3 P.M. to 6:30 P.M., Joseph discusses with the city council what to do about the Nauvoo Expositor. They first discuss the men behind the Expositor, stating that they were immoral, were diseased, had sued Joseph when he was in prison, and had hired a man to kill Joseph. In the afternoon Joseph suggests that the council pass an ordinance against libelous publications. He rails against R. D. Foster again, remembering his several immoralities and his threats against Joseph's life. Joseph says such papers "are calculated to destroy the peace of the city, and it is not safe that such things should exist, on account of the mob spirit which they tend to produce." After discussing the conspiracy of these men, the council adjourns until Monday morning.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
190 years ago today - Jun 8, 1834
Joseph Smith appoints his brother Hyrum as captain of twenty "life guards" for the prophet. George A. Smith is appointed Joseph's "armor bearer."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
190 years ago today - Jun 8, 1834 (Sunday)
Zion's Camp was strengthened by a company of volunteers led by Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wight. It then numbered two hundred and five men and twenty-five baggage wagons.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
45 years ago today - Jun 7, 1979-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
Two items worth putting in the diary. I learned this morning that Roger Porter, son of Blaine Porter, had been turned down as a possible faculty member at BYU. For several years the John Birchers have attempted to get Richard Vetterli as a professor of political science at BYU. This move has been effectively prevented by BYU administrators: Dallin Oaks, Martin Hickman, and the deans of the political science department. Recently, with a vacancy coming up, they wanted to employ Roger Porter. Roger had been a special assistant to [US President] Gerald Ford, has written some of his talks, graduated with an impeccable degree from Harvard, and Oxford University (as a Rhodes Scholar), and is one of the most respected young political scientists in the United States. The faculty voted to offer him the job. The head of the department took it to Martin Hickman, who enthusiastically supported it, as did Dallin Oaks. When his name was presented to the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder [Ezra Taft]
Benson stated that he wanted to interview him. The interview took place for an hour or so, after which Elder Benson reported to President Oaks that he could not approve Roger. "He is too immature and too liberal." This will not hurt Roger, of course; he has been offered better jobs at more prestigious universities; but it is a disturbing, discouraging action.
I learned also this morning that John [L.] Hart of the Church News had written a review of The Mormon Experience. As with everything else in Church News, this had gone to [LDS] correlation. Yesterday afternoon it was returned to Church News with the admonition that it was not approved for publication. ... Too many things being turned down by correlation or by other powers that be.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Two items worth putting in the diary. I learned this morning that Roger Porter, son of Blaine Porter, had been turned down as a possible faculty member at BYU. For several years the John Birchers have attempted to get Richard Vetterli as a professor of political science at BYU. This move has been effectively prevented by BYU administrators: Dallin Oaks, Martin Hickman, and the deans of the political science department. Recently, with a vacancy coming up, they wanted to employ Roger Porter. Roger had been a special assistant to [US President] Gerald Ford, has written some of his talks, graduated with an impeccable degree from Harvard, and Oxford University (as a Rhodes Scholar), and is one of the most respected young political scientists in the United States. The faculty voted to offer him the job. The head of the department took it to Martin Hickman, who enthusiastically supported it, as did Dallin Oaks. When his name was presented to the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder [Ezra Taft]
Benson stated that he wanted to interview him. The interview took place for an hour or so, after which Elder Benson reported to President Oaks that he could not approve Roger. "He is too immature and too liberal." This will not hurt Roger, of course; he has been offered better jobs at more prestigious universities; but it is a disturbing, discouraging action.
I learned also this morning that John [L.] Hart of the Church News had written a review of The Mormon Experience. As with everything else in Church News, this had gone to [LDS] correlation. Yesterday afternoon it was returned to Church News with the admonition that it was not approved for publication. ... Too many things being turned down by correlation or by other powers that be.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
70 years ago today - Jun 7, 1954
First Presidency letter allows young men and women to be sealed to their parents "at any time prior to their reaching the age of 21. This supersedes the earlier rulings on the question which made a difference between the young men and the young women in respect to the age limits governing them in this matter."
180 years ago today - Jun 7, 1844
African AMerican George J. Adams ordained by Joseph and Hyrum Smith "to be an apostle and special witness...to the empire of Russia.
[LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan, http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
[LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan, http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
180 years ago today - Jun 7, 1844
William Law, Joseph Smith's second counselor, publishes the first and only edition of THE NAUVOO EXPOSITOR (intended to be a weekly paper), which exposes the practice of polygamy in Nauvoo The newspaper asserted that Smith had "introduced false and damnable doctrines into the church" such as "the plurality of wives," which "are taught secretly, and denied openly" and amount to "abominations and whoredoms." It also references the teaching by Joseph Smith that there is more than one God, and Joseph Smith's 1844 ordination as king on earth. Law writes in his journal this day that the EXPOSITOR is "rich with facts, such expositions, as make the guilty tremble and rage.- 1000 sheets were struck and five hundred mailed forthwith." Although Law and his associates see Joseph as a corrupt and fallen prophet the EXPOSITOR maintains that the editors "know of a surety, that the religion of the Latter Day Saints as originally taught by Joseph Smith, which is contained in the Old and New
Testament, Book of Covenants, and Book of Mormon, is true; and that the pure principles set forth in those books, are the immutable and eternal principles of Heaven, and speaks a language which, when spoken in truth and virtue, sinks deep into the heart of every honest man." In London Wilford Woodruff learns of a plot by anti-Mormons to copyright the Doctrine & Covenants for themselves and thereby deprive Mormons of the ability to print their own scriptures in England. Woodruff hastily obtains copyright in his own name on the same day.
Testament, Book of Covenants, and Book of Mormon, is true; and that the pure principles set forth in those books, are the immutable and eternal principles of Heaven, and speaks a language which, when spoken in truth and virtue, sinks deep into the heart of every honest man." In London Wilford Woodruff learns of a plot by anti-Mormons to copyright the Doctrine & Covenants for themselves and thereby deprive Mormons of the ability to print their own scriptures in England. Woodruff hastily obtains copyright in his own name on the same day.
45 years ago today - Jun 6, 1979
It is announced that Joseph Smith's Vision of the Celestial Kingdom and Joseph F. Smith's Vision of the Redemption of the Dead, previously part of the Pearl of Great Price, will become part of the Doctrine and Covenants, sections 137 and 138, in future editions.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
80 years ago today - Jun 6, 1944
[First Presidency Statement on the invasion of Normandy]
We have been asked for a comment upon the invasion.
We feel this is a day, not for comment, but for prayer for our loved ones who are in the service and for the triumph of righteousness. HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency.
[1944-June 6-Improvement Era 47:440, July, 1944 as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
We have been asked for a comment upon the invasion.
We feel this is a day, not for comment, but for prayer for our loved ones who are in the service and for the triumph of righteousness. HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency.
[1944-June 6-Improvement Era 47:440, July, 1944 as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
120 years ago today - Jun 6, 1904
This in answer to yours of the 28th ult., seeking instructions in regard to the procedure to be taken by the prayer circle of which you are a member:, in view of its present depleted condition in consequence of the late stake division. All prayer circles, excepting what are known as stake prayer circles, are under the direction of the First Presidency, and if, on account of the recent division of the Salt Lake Stake members of your circle have withdrawn from it or desire to withdraw from it, for the purpose of joining the circles of their respective stakes, it is their privilege so to do; and it is also the privilege of the other circles to fill the vacancies thus created in them by inviting good men to join them; but it will be in order for the press of these circles to first submit to us for our approval the names of all contemplated new members before speaking to them about the matter.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Jun 6, 1899; Tuesday
The case of a Brother Millert, school teacher, vs. Benjamin Cluff, Jun[ior]., President of the Brigham Young Academy, was reviewed ... Brother Cluff had gone out of his way to injure Brother Millert, and that he had done this contrary to the wishes of the Academy Board; and it was therefore recommended that Brother Cluff should make a written apology to Brother Millert. It was now made known that it was Millert's intention to sue Cluff for damages before the law, provided he could get a Church decision to warrant such a step. In fact,
Millert's attorney had called on President Snow in the hope of getting this decision, and it was now thought that if the recommendation of the Bishopric were adopted and the written apology placed in Millert's hands, it would be used by him to carry out his threatened purpose--that of prosecuting Brother Cluff. It was therefore decided to approve the decision of the High Council, which was to the effect that while Millert's charge against Cluff was not sustained, the latter acted unwisely in writing to the Superintendent of District schools of Salt Lake City, prejudicing him against the employment of Millert as a teacher. It should be added that Brother Cluff justified himself in this action by stating that he had said nothing about Brother Millert but the truth, which he stood ready to prove.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Millert's attorney had called on President Snow in the hope of getting this decision, and it was now thought that if the recommendation of the Bishopric were adopted and the written apology placed in Millert's hands, it would be used by him to carry out his threatened purpose--that of prosecuting Brother Cluff. It was therefore decided to approve the decision of the High Council, which was to the effect that while Millert's charge against Cluff was not sustained, the latter acted unwisely in writing to the Superintendent of District schools of Salt Lake City, prejudicing him against the employment of Millert as a teacher. It should be added that Brother Cluff justified himself in this action by stating that he had said nothing about Brother Millert but the truth, which he stood ready to prove.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
150 years ago today - Jun 06, 1874
Little Soldier and his tribe of Native Americans from the Ogden area are baptized; this is one of the earliest tribes to join the Church.
165 years ago today - Jun 6, 1859
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal]
Brother G[eorge].A. S[mith] proposed to write our History & keep our Journals in the deseret Alphabet. The Clerks Commenced writing it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother G[eorge].A. S[mith] proposed to write our History & keep our Journals in the deseret Alphabet. The Clerks Commenced writing it.
[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 - Jun 6, 1844
[Heber C. Kimball diary]
.... Last nite I clothed my self and offered up the Sines [signs] of the Holy Preasthood and called one the name of the Lord. He hurd me fore my heart was /mad[e]/ comfortable. I inquired by the rod. It was said my family was well, that my wife would come to me in the East, and that Congress would not do anny thing fore us. I do not care wheather they do or not. It is none of thares to give. My Father in heaven owns it all and he will give it to, so let them go to thare own place. ...
[Quinn notes: 'Kimball clothes himself in endowment robes, prays in the "true order," while holding a divining "rod," and asks yes-no questions. Movement of the rod means "yes" and no movement "no." This is the first verified use of a divining rod in Mormonism since an 1829 revelation commended Cowdery's use of his "rod of nature...behold it has told you things."']
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball; Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
.... Last nite I clothed my self and offered up the Sines [signs] of the Holy Preasthood and called one the name of the Lord. He hurd me fore my heart was /mad[e]/ comfortable. I inquired by the rod. It was said my family was well, that my wife would come to me in the East, and that Congress would not do anny thing fore us. I do not care wheather they do or not. It is none of thares to give. My Father in heaven owns it all and he will give it to, so let them go to thare own place. ...
[Quinn notes: 'Kimball clothes himself in endowment robes, prays in the "true order," while holding a divining "rod," and asks yes-no questions. Movement of the rod means "yes" and no movement "no." This is the first verified use of a divining rod in Mormonism since an 1829 revelation commended Cowdery's use of his "rod of nature...behold it has told you things."']
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball; Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
185 years ago today - Jun 6, 1839
First British converts arrive in Nauvoo. Cheap land is a prominent factor.
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
30 years ago today - Jun 4, 1994-Saturday
[Leonard Arrington]
.... Historical-critical understanding of the Bible. You have probably heard the least about this because, though popular among Bible students and scholars, it has not reached a wider audience. i... I regret that there is little of it in Mormon literature. The word critical, by the way, does not mean negative but, rather, free of presuppositions or, as in my case, self-conscious about one's presuppositions. It means understanding the Bible as a collection of writings by many authors over more than a thousand years; they contain different points of view, sometimes contradictory understandings and formulations of the nature of God and our relationship with Him and other human beings. The Bible may be the word of God but, as we have it, it is the words of Amos and Isaiah, Luke and Paul; and so on.
Nor is the usual credit to various ancient figures historically accurate. Moses did not write the first five books of the Bible, David did not write most of the Psalms, Solomon did not write the Song of Solomon, Paul did not write the letters to Timothy or Titus, and scholars doubt that Peter had anything to do with the books of Peter. Although the vast majority acknowledge the Bible, much of it is simply ignored. Most put aside Joshua, with its horrifying narratives of extermination, and Judges with its accounts of patriarchy and sexual assault, and Song of Solomon, which doesn't mention God and its erotic references and Ecclesiastes with its apparent hedonism. For many, the Bible is little more than an anthology of quotations to be drawn upon as argument or occasion requires. It is a series of proof texts. From the point of view of the historically-critical method the Bible can be viewed as a historically conditioned anthology-not a complete and infallible guide to
the details of human conduct. A series of signposts pointing the way to a goal that its writers, like us, had not yet reached but were moving toward. Their experience of the divine may have been superior to ours, but they were nevertheless human experiences.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
.... Historical-critical understanding of the Bible. You have probably heard the least about this because, though popular among Bible students and scholars, it has not reached a wider audience. i... I regret that there is little of it in Mormon literature. The word critical, by the way, does not mean negative but, rather, free of presuppositions or, as in my case, self-conscious about one's presuppositions. It means understanding the Bible as a collection of writings by many authors over more than a thousand years; they contain different points of view, sometimes contradictory understandings and formulations of the nature of God and our relationship with Him and other human beings. The Bible may be the word of God but, as we have it, it is the words of Amos and Isaiah, Luke and Paul; and so on.
Nor is the usual credit to various ancient figures historically accurate. Moses did not write the first five books of the Bible, David did not write most of the Psalms, Solomon did not write the Song of Solomon, Paul did not write the letters to Timothy or Titus, and scholars doubt that Peter had anything to do with the books of Peter. Although the vast majority acknowledge the Bible, much of it is simply ignored. Most put aside Joshua, with its horrifying narratives of extermination, and Judges with its accounts of patriarchy and sexual assault, and Song of Solomon, which doesn't mention God and its erotic references and Ecclesiastes with its apparent hedonism. For many, the Bible is little more than an anthology of quotations to be drawn upon as argument or occasion requires. It is a series of proof texts. From the point of view of the historically-critical method the Bible can be viewed as a historically conditioned anthology-not a complete and infallible guide to
the details of human conduct. A series of signposts pointing the way to a goal that its writers, like us, had not yet reached but were moving toward. Their experience of the divine may have been superior to ours, but they were nevertheless human experiences.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
60 years ago today - Jun 4, 1964
David O. McKay: "It would be well for faculty members to hold no discussions whatsoever on the John Birch Society, and to drop the matter entirely."
[David O. McKay to Earl C. Crockett as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[David O. McKay to Earl C. Crockett as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
80 years ago today - Jun 04, 1944
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith begins a new radio program, The Restoration of All Things, on Sunday evenings. Later, the talks are published in a book under the same title.
100 years ago today - Jun 4, 1924
[President Heber J. Grant Diary]
Brother Joseph J. Daynes Fr. Called and showed me letters signed by Miss Clark and John A. Burt, claiming that Harrison Sperry had never performed a plural marriage ceremony uniting them. I would not believer John Burt under oath, but I certainly hope that their statements are true and that Harrison Sperry a man who I have admired and loved and who is now over 90 years of age, and a patriarch in the Grant stake of Zion, was not guilty of performing this marriage.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother Joseph J. Daynes Fr. Called and showed me letters signed by Miss Clark and John A. Burt, claiming that Harrison Sperry had never performed a plural marriage ceremony uniting them. I would not believer John Burt under oath, but I certainly hope that their statements are true and that Harrison Sperry a man who I have admired and loved and who is now over 90 years of age, and a patriarch in the Grant stake of Zion, was not guilty of performing this marriage.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Apr 6, 1889
The first annual general Relief Society conference was held in Salt Lake City.
[Matthew J. Grow, Kate Holbrook, Carol Cornwall Madsen, Jill Mulvay Derr, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, Chronology. https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/events]
[Matthew J. Grow, Kate Holbrook, Carol Cornwall Madsen, Jill Mulvay Derr, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, Chronology. https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/events]
145 years ago today - Jun 4, 1879
John Taylor and apostles decline to allow Elijah Abel to receive the temple endowment because he is Negroid, even though Abel received the Melchizedek priesthood with Joseph Smith's authorization. This African-American regularly attends his Seventy's quorum meetings and serves a proselytizing mission just before his death.
[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 - Jun 4, 1879
Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: President [John] Taylor drew attention to the subject of negroes receiving the priesthood, which matter was canvassed at the last meeting of the Council and by his directions the following statements were read:
. . .
A blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith, Sen., upon Elijah Abel, who was born in Frederick County, Maryland, July 25, 1808.
Brother Abel, in the name of Jesus, I lay my hands upon they [thy] head to bless thee, and thou shalt be blessed even forever. I seal upon thee a father's blessing, because thou art an orphan, for thy father hath never done his duty toward thee, but the Lord hath had his eye upon thee, and brought thee through straits, and thou hast come to be reckoned with the saints of the Most High. Thou hast been ordained an Elder and annointed to secure thee against the power of the destroyer. Thou shalt see His power in laying waste the nations, and the wicked slaying the wicked, while blood shall run down the streets like water, and thy heart shall weep over their calamities. Angels shall visit thee, and thou shalt receive comfort. They shall call thee blessed, and deliver thee from thine enemies. They shall break thy bands and keep thee from affliction. They [Thy] name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Thou shalt travel in the East, and visit foreign countries, speak in
all the various tongues, and thou shalt be able to teach different languages. Thou shall see all kingdoms, and confound the wisdom of this generation. Thy life shall be preserved to a good old age. Thou must seek first the kingdom of heaven and all blessings shall be added thereto. Thou shalt be made equal to thy brethren, and thy soul be white in eternity and thy robes glittering: thou shalt receive these blessings because of the covenants of thy fathers. Thou shalt save thy thousands, do much good, and receive all the power that thou needest to accomplish thy mission. These and all the blessings which thou canst desire in righteousness, I seal upon thee, in the name of Jesus. Amen. W.A. Cowdery, Assistant Recorder. (From page 88, Joseph Smith's Patriarchal Blessing Record)
Brother Joseph F. Smith said he thought Brother [Zebedee] Coltrin's memory was incorrect as to Brother Abel being dropped from the quorum of Seventies, to which he belonged, as Brother Abel has in his possession, (which also he had shown Brother J.F.S. [Joseph F. Smith]) his certificate as a Seventy, given to him in 1841, and signed by Elder Joseph Young, Sen., and A.P. Rockwood, and still later one given in this city. Brother Abel's account of the persons who washed and annointed him in the Kirtland Temple also disagreed with the statement of Brother Coltrin, whilst he stated that Brother Coltrin ordained him a Seventy. Brother Abel also states that the Prophet Joseph [Smith] told him he was entitled to the priesthood, (Brother Abel is understood to be an octeroon [octoroon]).
President [John] Taylor said it seemed that in his case it was probably like many other things done in the early days of the Church, such as baptism for the dead; at first, persons were baptized without records being taken and as the Lord gave further light and revelation things were done with greater order; but what had been done through lack of knowledge, that was not altogether correct in detail, was allowed to remain. He thought that probably it was so in Brother Abel's case; that he, having been ordained before the word of the Lord was fully understood, it was allowed to remain.
The matter [was] then dropped, with the understanding that Brother Joseph Young, Sen. be spoken to on the subject.
[Adam S. Bennion Papers, typed copy, in possession of LDS church; Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
. . .
A blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith, Sen., upon Elijah Abel, who was born in Frederick County, Maryland, July 25, 1808.
Brother Abel, in the name of Jesus, I lay my hands upon they [thy] head to bless thee, and thou shalt be blessed even forever. I seal upon thee a father's blessing, because thou art an orphan, for thy father hath never done his duty toward thee, but the Lord hath had his eye upon thee, and brought thee through straits, and thou hast come to be reckoned with the saints of the Most High. Thou hast been ordained an Elder and annointed to secure thee against the power of the destroyer. Thou shalt see His power in laying waste the nations, and the wicked slaying the wicked, while blood shall run down the streets like water, and thy heart shall weep over their calamities. Angels shall visit thee, and thou shalt receive comfort. They shall call thee blessed, and deliver thee from thine enemies. They shall break thy bands and keep thee from affliction. They [Thy] name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Thou shalt travel in the East, and visit foreign countries, speak in
all the various tongues, and thou shalt be able to teach different languages. Thou shall see all kingdoms, and confound the wisdom of this generation. Thy life shall be preserved to a good old age. Thou must seek first the kingdom of heaven and all blessings shall be added thereto. Thou shalt be made equal to thy brethren, and thy soul be white in eternity and thy robes glittering: thou shalt receive these blessings because of the covenants of thy fathers. Thou shalt save thy thousands, do much good, and receive all the power that thou needest to accomplish thy mission. These and all the blessings which thou canst desire in righteousness, I seal upon thee, in the name of Jesus. Amen. W.A. Cowdery, Assistant Recorder. (From page 88, Joseph Smith's Patriarchal Blessing Record)
Brother Joseph F. Smith said he thought Brother [Zebedee] Coltrin's memory was incorrect as to Brother Abel being dropped from the quorum of Seventies, to which he belonged, as Brother Abel has in his possession, (which also he had shown Brother J.F.S. [Joseph F. Smith]) his certificate as a Seventy, given to him in 1841, and signed by Elder Joseph Young, Sen., and A.P. Rockwood, and still later one given in this city. Brother Abel's account of the persons who washed and annointed him in the Kirtland Temple also disagreed with the statement of Brother Coltrin, whilst he stated that Brother Coltrin ordained him a Seventy. Brother Abel also states that the Prophet Joseph [Smith] told him he was entitled to the priesthood, (Brother Abel is understood to be an octeroon [octoroon]).
President [John] Taylor said it seemed that in his case it was probably like many other things done in the early days of the Church, such as baptism for the dead; at first, persons were baptized without records being taken and as the Lord gave further light and revelation things were done with greater order; but what had been done through lack of knowledge, that was not altogether correct in detail, was allowed to remain. He thought that probably it was so in Brother Abel's case; that he, having been ordained before the word of the Lord was fully understood, it was allowed to remain.
The matter [was] then dropped, with the understanding that Brother Joseph Young, Sen. be spoken to on the subject.
[Adam S. Bennion Papers, typed copy, in possession of LDS church; Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
160 years ago today - Jun 4, 1864
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal]
.... At the Close of the sealings all the above Named persons repaired to the Font & we there dedicated the Baptismal Font unto god for Baptisms for the remission of sins for the Healing of the sick & for Baptism for the dead. President Brigham Young was mouth & he named in his Prayer every thing from the foundation to the Top, and He said that He felt that the Lord Accepted the Dedication.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... At the Close of the sealings all the above Named persons repaired to the Font & we there dedicated the Baptismal Font unto god for Baptisms for the remission of sins for the Healing of the sick & for Baptism for the dead. President Brigham Young was mouth & he named in his Prayer every thing from the foundation to the Top, and He said that He felt that the Lord Accepted the Dedication.
[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 - Jun 4, 1859
U.S. army officer writes: "Saw two kills today from the scene of the Mountain Meadows Massacre [-] One of them was shot through[,] the ball entering the back part of the head and coming out near the right temple. The other had two gashes on the top as if from a sharp knife. They were of young persons."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
180 years ago today - Jun 4, 1844
Joseph Smith has himself appointed legal guardian for orphan girls Maria and Sarah Lawrence. Joseph has been secretly married to both of them for over a year. On this day he also decides to prosecute "Laws and Fosters for perjury, slander, &c.- in behalf of Maria Lawrence" William Law, former Second Counselor to Joseph, had accused Joseph of living with Maria Lawrence "in an open state of adultery"
180 years ago today - Jun 4, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal]
.... During this days travel we Called upon Br Samuel Graham. He was 87 years of age & was Baptized By Elder Zebedee Coltrin in the fall of AD 1832. As he was tortering for the grave we lade hands upon him & ordained him unto the office of an high Priest. Elder Z. Colttin was spokesman, After which Elders W. Woodruff & G. A. Smith lade hands upon him & sealed upon him the following blessing:
Blessing
... We seal the up unto eternal life. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... During this days travel we Called upon Br Samuel Graham. He was 87 years of age & was Baptized By Elder Zebedee Coltrin in the fall of AD 1832. As he was tortering for the grave we lade hands upon him & ordained him unto the office of an high Priest. Elder Z. Colttin was spokesman, After which Elders W. Woodruff & G. A. Smith lade hands upon him & sealed upon him the following blessing:
Blessing
... We seal the up unto eternal life. ...
[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 - Jun 4, 1834
Joseph Smith, traveling through Illinois, writes to Emma that he and others had been "wandering over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionally the history of the Book of Mormon, roving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking up their skulls & their bones, as proof of its divine authenticity."
190 years ago today - Jun 4, 1834
(Zion's Camp) The group encamps on the banks of the Mississippi River and begins to cross it, which takes two days. During this time, Sylvester Smith complains bitterly about Joseph and his bulldog, finally stating, "If that dog bites me, I'll kill him." Joseph answers, "If you kill that dog, I'll whip you." Some brethren report that Sylvester and Joseph were about to start fighting until the brethren broke them up, and Brigham Young later reports that Joseph finally turned to the men and asked them if they were not ashamed of such an evil spirit, and said, "I am."
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
195 years ago today - 4-Jun 17, 1829
Joseph Smith (probably Sr.) and Rockwell (probably Orin, father of Orrin Porter Rockwell) incur a debt of $2.50 for two barrels of cider , perhaps purchased for a gathering at the Smith residence during Joseph Jr.'s visit in the early part of the month.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
55 years ago today - Jun 3, 1969
NEW YORK TIMES report that LDS church has preferred charges against LaMar E. Kay for embezzling $604,199.65 while employee of church's Auditing Department. This legal and publicized action is departure from previous church policy not to disclose embezzlements. Kay receives twenty-year sentence.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
55 years ago today - Jun 3, 1969
The New York Times report that the LDS church has preferred charges against LaMar E. Kay for embezzling $604,199.65 while an employee of the church's Auditing Department. This legal and publicized action is a departure from the previous church policy not to disclose embezzlements. Kay receives a twenty-year sentence.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
105 years ago today - Jun 3, 1919
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary]
"Bro Theodore Tobiason testified that in a Fast Meeting in the Temple a few weeks ago the Lord manifested to him that Prest Heber J. Grant was the one whom he had chosen as His prophet for while he Prest Grant was speaking he appeared to disolve (Sic) from view and Prest Jos. F. Smith stood in his place showing that the mantle of the prophet had fallen upon Heber."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Bro Theodore Tobiason testified that in a Fast Meeting in the Temple a few weeks ago the Lord manifested to him that Prest Heber J. Grant was the one whom he had chosen as His prophet for while he Prest Grant was speaking he appeared to disolve (Sic) from view and Prest Jos. F. Smith stood in his place showing that the mantle of the prophet had fallen upon Heber."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jun 3, 1849
Brigham Young calls several men to the Pacific islands, he tells them that "when the First Presidency ordered a thing, they need not ask any questions but just do as they were told."
190 years ago today - Jun 3, 1834
[Heber C. Kimball diary]
"On Tuesday, the 3d, several of us went with Joseph Smith, Jun., to the top of a mound on the bank of the Illinois River ... On the top of the mound there was the appearance of three altars, which had been built of stone, one above another, according to the ancient order; and the ground was strewn over with human bones. This caused in us very peculiar feelings, to see the bones of our fellow-creatures scattered in this manner, who had been slain in ages past. We felt prompted to dig down into the mound, and sending for a shovel and hoe, we proceeded to move away the earth. At about one foot in depth we discovered the skeleton of a man, almost entire; and between two of his ribs we found an Indian arrow, which had evidently been the cause of his death. ... It was made known to Joseph that he had been an officer who fell in battle in the last destruction among the Lamanites, and his name was Zelph. This caused us to rejoice much to think that God was so mindful of us to show these
things to his servant. Brother Joseph has inquired of the Lord and it was made known in a vision. ...
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
"On Tuesday, the 3d, several of us went with Joseph Smith, Jun., to the top of a mound on the bank of the Illinois River ... On the top of the mound there was the appearance of three altars, which had been built of stone, one above another, according to the ancient order; and the ground was strewn over with human bones. This caused in us very peculiar feelings, to see the bones of our fellow-creatures scattered in this manner, who had been slain in ages past. We felt prompted to dig down into the mound, and sending for a shovel and hoe, we proceeded to move away the earth. At about one foot in depth we discovered the skeleton of a man, almost entire; and between two of his ribs we found an Indian arrow, which had evidently been the cause of his death. ... It was made known to Joseph that he had been an officer who fell in battle in the last destruction among the Lamanites, and his name was Zelph. This caused us to rejoice much to think that God was so mindful of us to show these
things to his servant. Brother Joseph has inquired of the Lord and it was made known in a vision. ...
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
195 years ago today - 1829 early June
[Hyrum Smith]
Is baptized by Joseph in Seneca Lake, New York.
[Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
Is baptized by Joseph in Seneca Lake, New York.
[Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
45 years ago today - Jun 2, 1979
The Church News article "Computers Aid Church" refers to the use of computers by the Missionary Department. Due to the massive increase of missionaries, computers have assigned Mormons to their full-time missions since the church-wide computerization in 1970. The First Presidency has neither oversight nor review of the mission calls. A special committee (LDS bureaucrats and one or two general authorities) reviews computer print-outs of proposed missionary calls and occasionally changes some mission assignments. A signature machine signs the church president's name to the letter informing LDS missionaries of their assignments. The Management Systems Corporation is dissolved in 1979, and its functions are absorbed by the Information Systems Department.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
45 years ago today - Jun 2, 1979
CHURCH NEWS article "Computers Aid Church" refers to use of computers by Missionary Department. Due to massive increase of missionaries, computers have assigned Mormons to their full-time missions since church-wide computerization in 1970. First Presidency has neither oversight nor review of mission calls. Special committee (LDS bureaucrats and one or two general authorities) reviews computer print-outs of proposed missionary calls and occasionally changes some mission assignments. Signature machine signs church president's name to letter informing LDS missionaries of their assignments. Management Systems Corporation is dissolved in 1979, its functions absorbed by Information Systems Department.
130 years ago today - Jun 2, 1894
CARD to the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
DEAR BRETHREN: Certain parties who appear to be anxious for notoriety, and who desire to take advantage of the prominence and achieve the dignity which discussion with the Elders of this Church would give them, have sent to representative Elders of the Church challenges to hold discussion upon the doctrines and the validity of the authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. People of this kind in California and elsewhere have of late been very persistent in demanding an acceptance of their challenge-the question, for debate as they put it, being:
First-Was Brigham Young the lawful and legitimate successor of Joseph Smith (the Seer), to the prophetic office and presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Second-And is Utah the appointed place for the gathering of the Saints in the last days as spoken by the Prophets of God, including Joseph Smith, the Seer?
... We leave this for the Lord to prove and sustain, and we think it folly to submit the claims of our Church or the Priesthood to the arbitrament of man. ...
Your Brethren, WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[1894-June 2-Deseret News Weekly 48:747 (June 2, 1894); also Nordstjarnan 18:200-201 (July 1, 1894) as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
DEAR BRETHREN: Certain parties who appear to be anxious for notoriety, and who desire to take advantage of the prominence and achieve the dignity which discussion with the Elders of this Church would give them, have sent to representative Elders of the Church challenges to hold discussion upon the doctrines and the validity of the authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. People of this kind in California and elsewhere have of late been very persistent in demanding an acceptance of their challenge-the question, for debate as they put it, being:
First-Was Brigham Young the lawful and legitimate successor of Joseph Smith (the Seer), to the prophetic office and presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Second-And is Utah the appointed place for the gathering of the Saints in the last days as spoken by the Prophets of God, including Joseph Smith, the Seer?
... We leave this for the Lord to prove and sustain, and we think it folly to submit the claims of our Church or the Priesthood to the arbitrament of man. ...
Your Brethren, WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[1894-June 2-Deseret News Weekly 48:747 (June 2, 1894); also Nordstjarnan 18:200-201 (July 1, 1894) as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
150 years ago today - Jun 2, 1874 (Tuesday)
One hundred Goshute Indians were baptized by the Indian interpreter Wm. Lee in Deep Creek, Tooele Co., Utah. Hundreds of Indians were subsequently baptized at other places, and there was a general religious movement among the Lamanites.
[This was perhaps the largest group baptism of American Indians]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[This was perhaps the largest group baptism of American Indians]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Jun 02, 1864
Heber J. Grant is baptized in City Creek in Salt Lake City, the second of four future Presidents of the Church to be baptized in the same location. (He is seven years and six months old.)
185 years ago today - Jun 2, 1839
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal]
The spirit of the mob or of a lawless bandity was manifest this morning. One was walking in front of our houses with his drawn sword while others were riding on horsback with flags strung upon poles crying out the mormons are despised, &c & also threatning the lives of others.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The spirit of the mob or of a lawless bandity was manifest this morning. One was walking in front of our houses with his drawn sword while others were riding on horsback with flags strung upon poles crying out the mormons are despised, &c & also threatning the lives of others.
[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 - Jun 2, 1834
[George A. Smith journal]
Monday, 2 June 1834: Some of us visited a mound on a bluff about 300 feet high and dug up some bones, which excited deep interest among the brethren. The President and many others visited the mound on the following morning.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, Zion's Camp Chronology (1834), http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/c/1834_zc.phtml]
Monday, 2 June 1834: Some of us visited a mound on a bluff about 300 feet high and dug up some bones, which excited deep interest among the brethren. The President and many others visited the mound on the following morning.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, Zion's Camp Chronology (1834), http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/c/1834_zc.phtml]
195 years ago today - Ca. early June 1829
Title Page of Book of Mormon, Likely Printed in Palmyra, NY -- filed with Copyright for Book of Mormon, 11 June 1829; Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress, Washington DC.
200 years ago today - Jun 2, 1824
Josiah Priest, copyrights THE WONDERS OF NATURE AND PROVIDENCE. It is printed soon afterwards in Rochester, New York, only some twenty miles distant from Palmyra, near Joseph Smith's residence. In the book Mr. Priest argues at length that the Indians may be descendants of the Israelites.
55 years ago today - Jun 1, 1969
Cigarette ads are henceforth banned on broadcasts of the LDS church's radio and television stations in Utah, Washington state, MIssouri, California, and New York.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
75 years ago today - Jun 1, 1949
KSL Television, a CBS affiliate, goes on the air as the first commercial TV stationin Utah.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
105 years ago today - Jun 1, 1919
General conference is held after being postponed for two months because of the influenza pandemic that swept the world in 1918 and 1919.
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
175 years ago today - Jun 1, 1849
Orson Hyde writes Brigham Young, "Brother Hickman... is sometimes a little rash and may shoot an innocent Indian, mistaking him for an Omaha horse thief."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
180 years ago today - Jun 1, 1844
"Drank a glass of beer at Moissers," reads an entry in Joseph Smith's manuscript diary in reference to Frederick G. Moesser's "grog shop," which Joseph had condemned in a sermon on Aug 12, 1843. When the manuscript history is published as HISTORY OF THE CHURCH this sentence is omitted without indication.
190 years ago today - Jun 1, 1834
As Zion's Camp passed "incognito" through Jacksonville, Illinois, Joseph Smith (going by Squire Cook) recalled "We had preaching," and many of the inhabitants of the town came to hear them that Sunday. The townspeople were told the preachers consisted of a Baptist, Cambellite, Reformed Methodist and a Restorationer.
George A. Smith recalled:
SUNDAY, June 1. At half-past 10 this morning our trumpet, a common brass, French Horn, sounded in the Camp for preaching. There were some two or three hundred of the people from Jacksonville [Illinois] and the surrounding country gathered under the trees within our camp, and a chest was brought out for the accommodation of the speakers, when Squire Cook (Joseph Smith) took the stand professing to be a liberal free-thinker. . . .
The free-thinker was followed by Elder John S. Carter, who delivered a very eloquent discourse on "Practical Piety." Elder Joseph Young spoke on the principle of free salvation, followed by [his brother] Elder Brigham Young, who set forth baptism as necessary for salvation. Elder Lyman E. Johnson also spoke.
After a few minutes recess, at 2 o'clock p.m., the trumpet again sounded, and a large congregation from Jacksonville and the surrounding country again assembled in the grove, many of whom expressed a desire to hear "That Methodist man" again. So President Smith called Brother Joseph Young into his tent and requested him to preach an animated sermon on free grace, and told him he should have the Spirit.
He then sent for Elder Amasa Lyman and said to him, "I understand, Mr. Lyman[,] you are a Restorationer.
"Yes," said he, "I believe in that doctrine."
"Well," said Joseph, "I wish you would make a few remarks to the people on that subject after Mr. Young has done."
Elder Orson Pratt was also sent for and went into the Prophet's tent, who said to him, "Brother Orson, when these brethren get through speaking to the people, I want you to make a few remarks, reasoning on the importance of a union of all the different sects and denominations."
These brethren did as they were requested. . . .
After the services of the day were closed many strangers made remarks on the preaching they had heard. They thought Joseph Young was a Methodist, and were anxious he should stay in that country and preach. . . .
[Times and Seasons 6:20 (January 1, 1846), p. 1076; George A. Smith, "My Journal" in The Instructor 81 (1946), pp. 182-83, "abridged from holograph in LDS Church Archives. Grammar has been standardized."; Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
George A. Smith recalled:
SUNDAY, June 1. At half-past 10 this morning our trumpet, a common brass, French Horn, sounded in the Camp for preaching. There were some two or three hundred of the people from Jacksonville [Illinois] and the surrounding country gathered under the trees within our camp, and a chest was brought out for the accommodation of the speakers, when Squire Cook (Joseph Smith) took the stand professing to be a liberal free-thinker. . . .
The free-thinker was followed by Elder John S. Carter, who delivered a very eloquent discourse on "Practical Piety." Elder Joseph Young spoke on the principle of free salvation, followed by [his brother] Elder Brigham Young, who set forth baptism as necessary for salvation. Elder Lyman E. Johnson also spoke.
After a few minutes recess, at 2 o'clock p.m., the trumpet again sounded, and a large congregation from Jacksonville and the surrounding country again assembled in the grove, many of whom expressed a desire to hear "That Methodist man" again. So President Smith called Brother Joseph Young into his tent and requested him to preach an animated sermon on free grace, and told him he should have the Spirit.
He then sent for Elder Amasa Lyman and said to him, "I understand, Mr. Lyman[,] you are a Restorationer.
"Yes," said he, "I believe in that doctrine."
"Well," said Joseph, "I wish you would make a few remarks to the people on that subject after Mr. Young has done."
Elder Orson Pratt was also sent for and went into the Prophet's tent, who said to him, "Brother Orson, when these brethren get through speaking to the people, I want you to make a few remarks, reasoning on the importance of a union of all the different sects and denominations."
These brethren did as they were requested. . . .
After the services of the day were closed many strangers made remarks on the preaching they had heard. They thought Joseph Young was a Methodist, and were anxious he should stay in that country and preach. . . .
[Times and Seasons 6:20 (January 1, 1846), p. 1076; George A. Smith, "My Journal" in The Instructor 81 (1946), pp. 182-83, "abridged from holograph in LDS Church Archives. Grammar has been standardized."; Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
190 years ago today - Jun 1, 1834
As Zion's Camp passed "incognito" through Jacksonville, Illinois, Joseph Smith (going by Squire Cook) recalled "We had preaching," and many of the inhabitants of the town came to hear them that Sunday. The townspeople were told the preachers consisted of a Baptist, Cambellite, Reformed Methodist and a Restorationer. [Times and Seasons 6:20 (January 1, 1846), p. 1076]
George A. Smith recalled:
SUNDAY, June 1. At half-past 10 this morning our trumpet, a common brass, French Horn, sounded in the Camp for preaching. There were some two or three hundred of the people from Jacksonville [Illinois] and the surrounding country gathered under the trees within our camp, and a chest was brought out for the accommodation of the speakers, when Squire Cook (Joseph Smith) took the stand professing to be a liberal free-thinker. . . .
The free-thinker was followed by Elder John S. Carter, who delivered a very eloquent discourse on "Practical Piety." Elder Joseph Young spoke on the principle of free salvation, followed by [his brother] Elder Brigham Young, who set forth baptism as necessary for salvation. Elder Lyman E. Johnson also spoke.
After a few minutes recess, at 2 o'clock p.m., the trumpet again sounded, and a large congregation from Jacksonville and the surrounding country again assembled in the grove, many of whom expressed a desire to hear "That Methodist man" again. So President Smith called Brother Joseph Young into his tent and requested him to preach an animated sermon on free grace, and told him he should have the Spirit.
He then sent for Elder Amasa Lyman and said to him, "I understand, Mr. Lyman[,] you are a Restorationer.
"Yes," said he, "I believe in that doctrine."
"Well," said Joseph, "I wish you would make a few remarks to the people on that subject after Mr. Young has done."
Elder Orson Pratt was also sent for and went into the Prophet's tent, who said to him, "Brother Orson, when these brethren get through speaking to the people, I want you to make a few remarks, reasoning on the importance of a union of all the different sects and denominations."
These brethren did as they were requested. . . .
After the services of the day were closed many strangers made remarks on the preaching they had heard. They thought Joseph Young was a Methodist, and were anxious he should stay in that country and preach. . . . [George A. Smith, "My Journal" in The Instructor 81 (1946), pp. 182-83, "abridged from holograph in LDS Church Archives. Grammar has been standardized."]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
George A. Smith recalled:
SUNDAY, June 1. At half-past 10 this morning our trumpet, a common brass, French Horn, sounded in the Camp for preaching. There were some two or three hundred of the people from Jacksonville [Illinois] and the surrounding country gathered under the trees within our camp, and a chest was brought out for the accommodation of the speakers, when Squire Cook (Joseph Smith) took the stand professing to be a liberal free-thinker. . . .
The free-thinker was followed by Elder John S. Carter, who delivered a very eloquent discourse on "Practical Piety." Elder Joseph Young spoke on the principle of free salvation, followed by [his brother] Elder Brigham Young, who set forth baptism as necessary for salvation. Elder Lyman E. Johnson also spoke.
After a few minutes recess, at 2 o'clock p.m., the trumpet again sounded, and a large congregation from Jacksonville and the surrounding country again assembled in the grove, many of whom expressed a desire to hear "That Methodist man" again. So President Smith called Brother Joseph Young into his tent and requested him to preach an animated sermon on free grace, and told him he should have the Spirit.
He then sent for Elder Amasa Lyman and said to him, "I understand, Mr. Lyman[,] you are a Restorationer.
"Yes," said he, "I believe in that doctrine."
"Well," said Joseph, "I wish you would make a few remarks to the people on that subject after Mr. Young has done."
Elder Orson Pratt was also sent for and went into the Prophet's tent, who said to him, "Brother Orson, when these brethren get through speaking to the people, I want you to make a few remarks, reasoning on the importance of a union of all the different sects and denominations."
These brethren did as they were requested. . . .
After the services of the day were closed many strangers made remarks on the preaching they had heard. They thought Joseph Young was a Methodist, and were anxious he should stay in that country and preach. . . . [George A. Smith, "My Journal" in The Instructor 81 (1946), pp. 182-83, "abridged from holograph in LDS Church Archives. Grammar has been standardized."]
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
195 years ago today - June 1-14, 1829
Doctrine and Covenants 18. Oliver and David have the same calling as the apostle Paul. Twelve disciples. Show them this revelation.
Part of the revelation is based on Oliver's June 14, 1829 letter to Hyrum copied into Letterbook-1, 5-6, and part on his Articles of the Church of Christ.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
Part of the revelation is based on Oliver's June 14, 1829 letter to Hyrum copied into Letterbook-1, 5-6, and part on his Articles of the Church of Christ.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
195 years ago today - June 1-14, 1829
Doctrine and Covenants 15. John Whitmer called to the ministry.
D&C 16. Peter Whitmer called the work.
D&C 15 and 16 are identical except the names.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
D&C 16. Peter Whitmer called the work.
D&C 15 and 16 are identical except the names.
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
90 years ago today - May 31, 1934
The Boy Scouts of America awards Elder George Albert Smith the Silver Buffalo, the highest honor awarded by the BSA. Elder Smith is the first Latter-day Saint leader to be so honored.
125 years ago today - May 31, 1899; Wednesday
Sister Margaret Caine was blessed to-day by President Snow, prior to her departure for England to attend the International Council of Women. She will represent the Utah Silk industry and speak upon that subject at the Council.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
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