The First Presidency announced that the Church would accept donations for the construction of the Nauvoo Temple. Members could use the "Other" line on the donation receipt and enter the amount and the "Nauvoo Temple."
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
110 years ago today - Apr 23, 1914; Thursday
Telegram sent to President Joseph F. Smith regarding volitility in Mexico affecting Mormon colonies:
"El Paso, Texas, April 23rd, 1914. Pres[iden]t. Joseph F. Smith. Local situation has changed to a marked degree within the last twelve hours. Mexicans who until this morning have been very friendly are now outspoken in their threats towards Americans. Under the present conditions our colonists are in grave danger, threats having been made that certain families would be exterminated. Having been robbed of a great many of their teams and wagons and the railroad not being in operation, their condition is very serious. An overland trip would be dangerous as the country is infested with filibusterers. Have asked Senator Smoot if it would be possible to have troops give protection tot he colonists in case of hostilities. What steps can be taken? Advise at once.
(Signed) A. L. Pierce, Presiding Elder."
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
"El Paso, Texas, April 23rd, 1914. Pres[iden]t. Joseph F. Smith. Local situation has changed to a marked degree within the last twelve hours. Mexicans who until this morning have been very friendly are now outspoken in their threats towards Americans. Under the present conditions our colonists are in grave danger, threats having been made that certain families would be exterminated. Having been robbed of a great many of their teams and wagons and the railroad not being in operation, their condition is very serious. An overland trip would be dangerous as the country is infested with filibusterers. Have asked Senator Smoot if it would be possible to have troops give protection tot he colonists in case of hostilities. What steps can be taken? Advise at once.
(Signed) A. L. Pierce, Presiding Elder."
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
115 years ago today - Apr 23, 1909; Friday
Dr. James E. Talmage had had some conversation with the Presidency about making an effort to regain possession of the dies from which our Deseret gold coins are struck, he having learned some time ago that they were not in possession of Alfales Young, a son of President Brigham Young. It appears that these dies were among the personal belongings of President Brigham Young which were sold at auction to his heirs, no one else having been allowed to bid on his personal property, and Alfales bought them with some other things at a very low figure.
Dr. Talmage now represented to the Presidency in the presence of Brothers Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant and George F. Richards that he had waited on Alfales Young with the following result: Alfales claims that he could legally hold these dies, he having come rightfully by them, but offered to let the museum have them for five hundred dollars. Bro[ther]. Talmage now produced the dies, which he had procured from Alfales Young on certain binding conditions. They consisted of seven sets which covered all the coins issued. It was decided to regain possession of them for the Museum by paying Alfales Young his price, namely, five hundred dollars, although it is understood by the Presidency that he could be compelled to part with them as they were not personal property of President Brigham Young, but really belonged to the Church.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Dr. Talmage now represented to the Presidency in the presence of Brothers Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant and George F. Richards that he had waited on Alfales Young with the following result: Alfales claims that he could legally hold these dies, he having come rightfully by them, but offered to let the museum have them for five hundred dollars. Bro[ther]. Talmage now produced the dies, which he had procured from Alfales Young on certain binding conditions. They consisted of seven sets which covered all the coins issued. It was decided to regain possession of them for the Museum by paying Alfales Young his price, namely, five hundred dollars, although it is understood by the Presidency that he could be compelled to part with them as they were not personal property of President Brigham Young, but really belonged to the Church.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
145 years ago today - Apr 23, 1879
[Joseph and Hiel Lewis]
[Joseph Smith's] so-called "money digging," of which so little is said in his histories, was in Susquehanna Co. Pa. Smith declared that vast treasures were hidden on this spot, and interested men of money sufficiently to procure funds to bear the expense of searching for it. Mr. Ira Stevens of East Grove Township [Illinois], lately deceased, was in his employ as head workman, and had charge of the excavation. The project was abandoned only when the prophet declared the enchantment was so great he could see no farther, and to dispel it, a snow white dog must be slain and its warm blood sprinkled in the hole. His adherents sought far and wide for a white dog, but none were to be found. Smith then thought a white sheep would do--one was brought, its fleece thoroughly cleaned, the sheep was slain and its blood administered as directed; but the enchantment was as great as ever, and the pursuit of wealth in those diggings had to be abandoned.
["The Histories of Mormonism," Amboy (IL) Journal, 23 April 1879., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Amboy (Il) Journal]
[Joseph Smith's] so-called "money digging," of which so little is said in his histories, was in Susquehanna Co. Pa. Smith declared that vast treasures were hidden on this spot, and interested men of money sufficiently to procure funds to bear the expense of searching for it. Mr. Ira Stevens of East Grove Township [Illinois], lately deceased, was in his employ as head workman, and had charge of the excavation. The project was abandoned only when the prophet declared the enchantment was so great he could see no farther, and to dispel it, a snow white dog must be slain and its warm blood sprinkled in the hole. His adherents sought far and wide for a white dog, but none were to be found. Smith then thought a white sheep would do--one was brought, its fleece thoroughly cleaned, the sheep was slain and its blood administered as directed; but the enchantment was as great as ever, and the pursuit of wealth in those diggings had to be abandoned.
["The Histories of Mormonism," Amboy (IL) Journal, 23 April 1879., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Amboy (Il) Journal]
190 years ago today - Apr 23, 1834
A revelation ends the Kirtland United Order and distributes its real estate assets among Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. Williams, Martin Harris, Newel K. Whitney, and John Johnson. Although the revelation says, "it is my will that you shall pay all your debts," Smith requires Whitney to absorb the $1,121.31 Whitney had loaned to him personally as well as $2.484.22 of other men's debts to Whitney. Ten days later the name of the church is officially changed from "The Church of Jesus Christ" to "The Church of the Latter Day Saints" possibly to avoid law suits.
[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 - Apr 23, 1834
The United Order would be "everlasting", and "immutable and unchangeable" to benefit the church until Jesus comes. D&C 104:1 -- Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled. Members of the LDS Church claim that the adjectives "everlasting ... immutable and unchageable" may refer to the divine source of the United Order rather than a prophecy that it will always be practiced. They also argue that the United Order is part of the eternal gospel and that its practice is simply in abeyance pending other events.
[Wikipedia, Prophesies of Joseph Smith, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecies_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
[Wikipedia, Prophesies of Joseph Smith, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecies_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
190 years ago today - Apr 23, 1834
The United Order would be "everlasting", and "immutable and unchangeable" to benefit the church until Jesus comes. D&C 104:1
[D&C 104]
[D&C 104]
190 years ago today - Apr 23, 1834
Joseph Smith is referred to as "Enoch" in a revelation. [D&C 104]
[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]
60 years ago today - Apr 22, 1964
Opening of New York World's Fair which LDS church's first major exhibit hall at world's fair, the "Mormon Pavilion." Continues through 1965 season.
[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]
125 years ago today - Apr 22, 1899
[Patriarchal Blessing of Apostle John Henry Smith Diary]
.... thou shalt see the Riches of the Earth uncovered for thy good ...
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
.... thou shalt see the Riches of the Earth uncovered for thy good ...
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - Monday, Apr 22, 1889
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary]
I was subpoenaed to go before the grand jury. Upon going to the jury room I was wanted in the Joseph F. Smith case. I gave my testimony in the case as follows:
Jos. F. Smith is my cousin. He had three wives to my knowledge. I did not know whether they had babies or not. I told them he had not taken any wives inside of three years.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
I was subpoenaed to go before the grand jury. Upon going to the jury room I was wanted in the Joseph F. Smith case. I gave my testimony in the case as follows:
Jos. F. Smith is my cousin. He had three wives to my knowledge. I did not know whether they had babies or not. I told them he had not taken any wives inside of three years.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
140 years ago today - Apr 22, 1884
[Franklin D. Richards]
At Pres[iden]ts office read a letter from President W[illiam]. W. Cluff [politician / Stake President] feeling unable safely to carry out the counsel of the Lord through Presidency in regard to plural marriage, he offers his resignation to the President if he thinks it best to accept it in time to fill the vacancy at their next Quarterly conference. This seems a sad step'-must it be taken.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
At Pres[iden]ts office read a letter from President W[illiam]. W. Cluff [politician / Stake President] feeling unable safely to carry out the counsel of the Lord through Presidency in regard to plural marriage, he offers his resignation to the President if he thinks it best to accept it in time to fill the vacancy at their next Quarterly conference. This seems a sad step'-must it be taken.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
160 years ago today - Apr 22, 1864
[Brigham Young Sermon]
.... don't after you get through preaching go to the theatre, to the dram shop, or hug a sister because she wants hugging; don't do it, for you will tarnish your soul through all eternity; if you do it, the memory of it will always haunt you; ...
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
.... don't after you get through preaching go to the theatre, to the dram shop, or hug a sister because she wants hugging; don't do it, for you will tarnish your soul through all eternity; if you do it, the memory of it will always haunt you; ...
[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 - Apr 22, 1844
[Joseph Smith]
This morning a man who had put up at my house told me he wanted to see me alone. I went into my room with him and he told me he was a prophet of God that he come from Vermont and he prophesied that this government was about to be overthrown and the Kingdom which Daniel spoke of was about to be established some where in the west and he thought in Illinois.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
This morning a man who had put up at my house told me he wanted to see me alone. I went into my room with him and he told me he was a prophet of God that he come from Vermont and he prophesied that this government was about to be overthrown and the Kingdom which Daniel spoke of was about to be established some where in the west and he thought in Illinois.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1844, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
185 years ago today - 1839 22 Apr.
Joseph Smith returns to his family (now in Illinois) and reportedly indicates his intention for his son Joseph III to be his successor as church president.
[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]
15 years ago today - 4/21/2009
Orson Scott Card officially named as replacement for Matthew Holland on the board of the National Organization for Marriage. Holland stepped down from the board to become president of Utah Valley University. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints deserves credit, [Princeton professor and NOM leader, Robert] George said, for being "a leading force in the nation in defense of the institution of marriage and the family" despite efforts at intimidation. The LDS Church is not helping to fund the National Organization for Marriage, George said, but is represented on the board by author and Mormon Times columnist Orson Scott Card.
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
120 years ago today - Apr 21, 1904; Thursday
[Smoot Hearings]
I ... was not happy on account of F[ranklin]. S. Richards refusing to act as my Council [sic].
I only understood he purposed to do so conditioned I refused to state what my family relations consisted of [IE Plural marriage].
...I ate a dish of oysters with Richards and at his expense drank a cocktail with Van Cott. They with Senator [Reed] Smoot expressed themselves satisfied with my testimony which I did not as I felt like a donkey that had its ears cutt [sic] off.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
I ... was not happy on account of F[ranklin]. S. Richards refusing to act as my Council [sic].
I only understood he purposed to do so conditioned I refused to state what my family relations consisted of [IE Plural marriage].
...I ate a dish of oysters with Richards and at his expense drank a cocktail with Van Cott. They with Senator [Reed] Smoot expressed themselves satisfied with my testimony which I did not as I felt like a donkey that had its ears cutt [sic] off.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
185 years ago today - Apr 21, 1839
Lucy receives spiritual assurance that Joseph and Hyrum will reach Quincy the next day and prophesies as much to Edward Partridge. That night she sees them in a vision, sleeping on the prairie without blankets or food.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
190 years ago today - Apr 21, 1834
At a conference in Norton, Ohio: "Bro. Joseph Smith Jun. then delivered a short prophecy, that if Zion was not delivered [in Jackson County, Missouri] the time was near when all of this Church, wherever they might be found, would be persecuted and distroyed [sic] in like manner."
At this conference, "President Smith then laid hands on certain children, and blessed them in the name of the Lord," which may have been the first time small children were blessed. Giving names and blessings to infants would become standard practice two decades later.
Joseph also preached, "It is very difficult for us to communicate to the Churches all that God has revealed to us, in consequence of tradition; for we are differently situated from any other people that ever existed upon this Earth. Consequently those former revelations cannot be suited to our condition, because they were given to other people who were before us. This statement of 'theocratic situation ethics' is further expounded in Smith's letter to Nancy Rigdon eight years later: "That which is wrong under one circumstance may be, and often is, right in another."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
At this conference, "President Smith then laid hands on certain children, and blessed them in the name of the Lord," which may have been the first time small children were blessed. Giving names and blessings to infants would become standard practice two decades later.
Joseph also preached, "It is very difficult for us to communicate to the Churches all that God has revealed to us, in consequence of tradition; for we are differently situated from any other people that ever existed upon this Earth. Consequently those former revelations cannot be suited to our condition, because they were given to other people who were before us. This statement of 'theocratic situation ethics' is further expounded in Smith's letter to Nancy Rigdon eight years later: "That which is wrong under one circumstance may be, and often is, right in another."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
190 years ago today - Apr 21, 1834
Conference of elders in Norton, Medina County, Ohio. Joseph: history of obtaining and translating the Book of Mormon, the revelation of the Aaronic Priesthood, the organization of the church, the revelation of the High Priesthood, "and the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the Church &c."
First mention of Aaronic, High Priesthood sequence?
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
First mention of Aaronic, High Priesthood sequence?
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
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