TODAY IN CHURCH HISTORY: October

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TODAY IN CHURCH HISTORY: 01 October

1833 - Oliver Cowdery leaves Kirtland, Ohio, for New York to purchase a printing press to replace the Church's press that had been destroyed by mobs in Jackson County, Missouri.

1834 - The Prophet Joseph records that the first half of October was spent furthering the work on the Kirtland Temple, "notwithstanding it was commenced almost with nothing, as to means, yet the way opened as we proceeded" (History of the Church, 2:167).

1835 - The Prophet Joseph Smith, with Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps, studies the Egyptian alphabet. During the study, "the principles of astronomy as understood by Father Abraham and the ancients unfolded to our understanding" (History of the Church, 2:286).

1838 - The mob that had threatened the Saints in Daviess County had disbanded, bringing calm for a season there. However, they re-gathered outside of DeWitt and were threatening the Saints there.

1838 - The Kirtland Camp traveled twenty miles on this day, camping of the Brushy Fork of Shoal creek. They are now only a few miles from Far West, Missouri.

1842 - The Prophet Joseph records that he had a severe pain in his left side and was not able to be about much. Emma, who became ill a couple days earlier, continued sick. However, Joseph did meet with the Temple Committee to fully examine the financial records to insure the funds were being used properly.

1843 - The Prophet Joseph had a statement printed in the Times and Seasons requesting financial help for Elder George J. Adams who had been called on a mission to take the gospel Russia. (History of the Church, 6:41)

1845 - Brigham Young and the brethren met at Elder Taylor's home with General John J. Hardin, Stephen A. Douglas, W. B. Warren, and J. A. McDougal, known as the Quincy Committee, to discuss the removal of the Saints from Illinois. They requested the leadership of the Church to issue a statement of intent on when the Saints would leave so that they could report it to the people of the area and to the Governor of Illinois.

1861 - The first baptisms in the Netherlands take place near the village of Broek-Akkerwoude.

1913 - The Seagull Monument is dedicated by President Joseph F. Smith, commemorating the miracle of the gulls that ate the crickets threatening to destroy the crops of the Saints in the spring of 1848.

1976 - All of the Assistants to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and all members of the First Council of Seventy are released and then called to the First Quorum of the Seventy during general conference.

1977 - The Church publishes A Topical Guide to the Scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It would later be included as a scripture study aid in the LDS edition of the Bible.

1984 - The El Salvador San Salvador Mission is created.

1988 - President Ezra Taft Benson opens general conference with his challenge to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon.

2000 - The Boston Massachusetts Temple was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley. It became the 100th operating temple in the Church just 2 ½ years after President Hinckley announced plans to have 100 temples in operation before the end of 2000.

Edited October 13, 2009 by Gwen

[Hemidakota]

1836 - The Prophet Joseph's father, Joseph Smith, Sr., and uncle, John Smith, returned to Kirtland, Ohio, after their mission to the Eastern states. They had visited with nearly all the branches of the Church and visited with friends and relatives. The Prophet's cousin, George A. Smith, returned from his mission in parts of Ohio. Heber C. Kimball also returned from his mission. (History of the Church, 2:467)

1838 - The Kirtland Camp arrived in Far West, Missouri, on this date. When they were about five miles from the city, the Prophet Joseph, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and other brethren went out to meet them and bring them into the city. The 500 Saints in this camp had traveled 870 miles from Kirtland, Ohio, to join the Saints in Missouri. They camped on the public square where the temple was to be built in Far West amid joyful salutations and welcome.

1841 - During the morning, the Prophet Joseph Smith took part in the laying of the Nauvoo House cornerstone in which he placed an original manuscript of the Book of Mormon. In the afternoon, he presided and spoke at the October conference held in the Grove in Nauvoo. (History of the Church, 4:423-424)

1842 - The news that Governor Reynolds of Missouri had place a reward of $200 on the heads of the Prophet Joseph and Orrin Porter Rockwell for the shooting of former Governor Boggs. The Prophet recorded that he didn't think much would come of it and that his wife Emma was still very sick and he spent the day with her.

1844 - Governor Ford disbanded the troops that had been in the vicinity of Nauvoo over the previous few days as Thomas Sharp and Mr. Williams gave themselves up for trial in the murder of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum. They would later be acquitted.

1856 - The Edward Bunker company, the third handcart company, arrives in the Salt Lake Valley.

1995 - President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates the Brigham Young Historic Park, east of the Church Office Building block in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

1999 - The 106th Semiannual General Conference begins. It is the last general conference held in the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square. General Conference had been held in the Tabernacle since 1867. Also, General Conference was broadcast over the Internet for the first time. It is estimated that as many as 100,000 people worldwide in 12 languages listened in over the Internet.

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1806 - Oliver Cowdery, one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon and Assistant President of the Church, was born in Wells, Vermont.

1835 - The Prophet Joseph invited the Twelve to his house "and exhibited to them the ancient [Egyptian] records, and gave explanations" (History of the Church, 2:287).

1838 - The Kirtland Camp left Far West, Missouri for their final destination, Adam-ondi-Ahman. The Prophet Joseph, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Brigham Young, accompanied them the first couple miles and then returned to Far West. They camped on Ambrosial Creek.

1843 - Joseph and Emma Smith hosted a dinner party as an opening of their new home, the Mansion House, in Nauvoo. It was attended by one hundred couples and included speeches, music, and a good time enjoyed by all. (History of the Church, 6:42-43)

1847 - The first stake in Utah is organized in Salt Lake City.

1855 - Five people were killed when the ship Bark Julia Ann, carrying 28 Latter-day Saints from Australia emigrating to Utah, broke up on the shoals near the Scilly Islands.

1875 - United States President Ulysses S. Grant arrives in Salt Lake City, Utah, becoming the first U.S. President to visit Utah.

1918 - President Joseph F. Smith receives the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead, later known as Doctrine and Covenants 138.

1924 - General conference is broadcast over radio for the first time on a Church-owned radio station in Salt Lake City.

1930 - J. Reuben Clark is appointed U.S. ambassador to Mexico, becoming the first Church member to serve as an ambassador.

1956 - The headquarters of the Relief Society in Salt Lake City, Utah, is dedicated by President David O. McKay.

1974 - President Spencer W. Kimball delivers his talk entitled "Lengthening Our Stride" at a regional representatives' seminar that calls for the Church to fulfill its worldwide mission.

1975 - President Spencer W. Kimball announces the organization of the First Quorum of the Seventy and calls the first members of the quorum.

1981 - The Church announces the creation of a Church satellite network placing 500 satellite dishes at stake centers throughout the United States and Canada. The satellite network has since expanded internationally and connects members of the Church from throughout the world to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1982 - The subtitle "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" is added to the Book of Mormon.

2006 - Presiding Bishop H. David Burton announced plans for a massive, mixed-use redevelopment project dubbed the City Creek Center that will be built on the two blocks south and south east of the Salt Lake Temple. It will include retail, office, and residential areas and will be built by the real estate arm of the Church, Property Reserve, Inc..

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1829 - The Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery purchase a large Bible from E. B. Grandin's bookstore in Palmyra, New York. It would later be used for the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.

1830 - The Prophet Joseph Smith receives the revelation recorded as Doctrine and Covenants 32. The early Saints had a great interest in teaching the remnants of the Lamanites, whose predicted blessings they had learned about through the Book of Mormon. Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson manifested a great desire to travel to the west to teach Native Americans the gospel and asked the Prophet Joseph to inquire of the Lord if the time had come to send missionaries among them. (History of the Church, 1:118-120)

1833 - William W. Phelps and Orson Hyde present a letter to Missouri governor Daniel Dunklin to request the governor supply troops to help the Saints recover their lost property in Jackson County, Missouri. In response, Governor Dunklin recommends the Saints seek redress through the court system.

1845 - Mother Lucy Smith addressed the last general conference held in Nauvoo, and the only conference held in the Nauvoo Temple. She shared a little history about her family and life, and expressed a desire to go West with the Saints if she is able. "I feel the Lord will let Brother Brigham take the people away," she stated, but then expressed a desire to be buried with her family in Nauvoo. She also shared she had finished writing her history and desired it be printed.

1847 - The last group of Saints arrive in the Salt Lake Valley during the first year of immigration. Known as the "Big Company," they brought the population of the Saints' new city to over 2,000.

1903 - George Albert Smith is ordained an Apostle. He becomes the first son to serve concurrently with his father, Elder John Henry Smith, in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

1928 - Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles born in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1961 - The Chilean Mission is organized.

1989 - An addition to the Chicago Illinois Temple is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

1992 - The African nation of Tanzania grants the Church legal recognition.

2000 - The new 21,000 seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley during general conference.

2005 - A 7.6 earthquake struck Pakistan and India. Ten days later 80 tons of Church supplies arrived in Pakistan and $100,000 is donated to the Relief Fund in India. In November, the Church sent blankets and tents for the victims facing winter without adequate shelter. Overall, the Church sent over 400 tons of relief supples to the region.

[Hemidakota]

1838 - The Prophet Joseph arrives in DeWitt, Missouri and finds the situation as bad as he had been told. The town is surrounded by an armed mob. He immediately seeks the help of the Governor to settle the situation. In Far West, general conference is held where John Taylor is sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (History of the Church, 3:153)

1842 - The Prophet Joseph records that Emma is doing better and writes that he hopes the Lord will quickly restore her "that the heart of His servant may be comforted again."

1844 - The first general conference without the Prophet Joseph was held in Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of the Twelve Apostles. Brigham Young declared, "Every spirit that confesses that Joseph Smith is a Prophet, that he lived and died a Prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true, is of God, and every spirit that does not is of anti-Christ. It is the test of our fellowship to believe and confess that Joseph lived and died a Prophet of God" (History of the Church, 7:287).

1849 - The Deseret Dramatic Association is organized in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1867 - The first general conference is held in the newly completed Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1890 - During general conference, members of the Church would vote to accept President Wilford Woodruff's "Manifesto," ending Church-sanctioned plural marriage.

1952 - The Presiding Bishopric issues a letter introducing the Senior Aaronic Priesthood program, which placed men over twenty-one years of age who did not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood in a separate Aaronic Priesthood Quorum.

1975 - Brigham Young University begins its observation of its centennial during Homecoming week.

1988 - Elder Richard G. Scott is ordained an Apostle.

2007 - Elder Henry B. Eyring is sustained as Second Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley in the First Presidency. Also, Elder Quentin L. Cook is sustained as an Apostle.

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1833 - The Prophet Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Freeman Nickerson, leave Kirtland, Ohio, for a one-month proselyting mission to Ontario Province in “upper Canada.” (History of the Church, 1:416-417)

1835 - The Prophet Joseph spends the day in reading and meditation until evening when he attended a council of the Twelve Apostles and counseled them to prepare to receive an endowment and take their families to Missouri next year. (History of the Church, 2:287)

1838 - On the way to choose a site for a new city for the Saints in Caldwell County, the Prophet Joseph learns of the difficulties in DeWitt, Missouri, and immediately prepared to travel there to “save the lives of my brethren who were thus exposed to their wrath” (History of the Church, 3:153).

1839 - The first stake in Illinois is organized in Nauvoo, Illinois. It was later discontinued in 1846 when the Saints move to the west. The stake would be reorganized on February 18, 1979, as the 1,000th stake in the Church. Also, the first stake in Iowa is organized on the west side of the Mississippi River across from Nauvoo. It was discontinued in 1842.

1842 - Joseph records that his wife Emma is still very ill and he fears she will not recover. He learns that there is an effort to get him to Missouri to face trial in the attempted murder of Governor Boggs. He expresses his desire for the Lord to protect and prolong his days in peace “until my head is white with old age.”

1845 - Five thousand Saints “had the inexpressible joy and great gratification” to attend general conference held in the unfinished Nauvoo Temple. It was the only general conference held there. Brigham Young records, “From mites and tithing millions had risen up to the glory of God, as a Temple, where the children of the last kingdom could come together and praise the Lord” (History of the Church, 7:456).

1851 - The first convert baptism of a native of India, a woman named Anna, is performed by Elder Maurice White.

1856 - Upon learning the desperate situation of the Martin and Willie handcart companies, Brigham Young organizes a rescue effort to save their lives and bring them to Salt Lake City, Utah.

1857 - During the Utah War, a small company of men led by Lot Smith, begins the Saints’ effort to slow the march of the U. S. Army to Utah by burning two supply wagon trains. It was hopped that by slowing Johnston’s Army down, peace could be agreed to before there was any fighting.

1947 - President J. Reuben Clark of the First Presidency delivers “To Them of the Last Wagon,” an important address relating to the importance of every member of the Church as symbolized by the ‘Last Wagon.”

1986 - The First Presidency releases a statement indicating that the Church is opposed to the legalization of gambling and government-sponsored lotteries.

[Hemidakota]

1831 - The Prophet Joseph Smith received Doctrine and Covenants 65. He designates this revelation as a prayer. The Lord confirms that “the keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth” and will roll forward “until it has filled the whole earth,”so “that the kingdom of heaven may come.” (History of the Church, 1:218)

1835 - The Prophet Joseph Smith traveled with John Corrill to Perry, Ohio, to hold a meeting. Along the way “we discovered two deer playing in the field, which diverted our minds by giving an impetus to our thoughts upon the subject of the creation of God.” When they arrived in Perry they were disappointed to learn a meeting would not be held due to a “mis-arrangement.” They did, however, enjoy the evening with Brother Corrill’s relatives, “which allayed much prejudice.” (History of the Church, 2:287)

1838 - The Kirtland Camp arrived at their final destination with much excitement and pitched their tents in the public square of Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri. Elsewhere, the Saints in DeWitt were being fired upon by the mob outside the settlement and were forced to take up arms in self-defense. General Lucas of the Missouri Militia wrote a letter to Governor Boggs informing him of the situation, calling the Saints “base and degraded beings.” He offers his troops to help remedy the situation.

1840 - A committee, consisting of the Prophet Joseph Smith, John C. Bennett, and Robert B. Thompson, was formed to draft a bill to the state legislature for the incorporation of the City of Nauvoo.

1845 - The leading brethren of the Church met in General Council at the Seventies’ Hall in Nauvoo, Illinois. Among the business discussed, it was resolved to cease the publication of both the Nauvoo Neighbor and Times and Seasons to save paper and to issue circulars when needed. Also, a proposal was presented on what provisions each family would need to travel to the west in the spring.

1855 - The ship Julia Ann, with twenty-eight members of the Church from Australia on board, wrecks on a coral reef near the Scilly Islands. Five Latter-day Saints die, but all others are rescued and eventually complete their journey to San Francisco, California.

1856 - The first stake in Nevada is organized at Carson Valley.

1879 - The first edition of the Contributor, the official publication of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, is issued. The Contributor continues until 1896.

1953 - General conference is televised live from Salt Lake City, Utah, to locations outside the Intermountain West for the first time.

1986 - The Church announces the discontinuation of stake seventies quorums, reassigning seventies to elders quorums or ordaining them high priests.

1997 - President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Church would construct small temples in remote areas of small LDS populations. The first to be constructed would be in Monticello, Utah, Anchorage, Alaska, and the LDS Colonies of Northern Mexico.

1999 - The First Presidency issues a letter reaffirming the Monday nights are to be reserved for family home evening.

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1835 - The Prophet Joseph records that he “recommenced translating the ancient records” that were later known as the Book of Abraham. (History of the Church, 2:289)

1842 - The Prophets wife, Emma, continues to recover from her illness and he records, “I am cheerful and well.”

1844 - The Prophets uncle, John Smith, is sustained as the Nauvoo Stake president replacing William Marks who refused to accept the leadership of the Twelve Apostles. Also, George Miller is sustained as Second Bishop of the Church.

1925 - Spencer Adams becomes the first Latter-day Saint to play in the baseball World Series.

1989 - President Hinckley dedicates four restoration projects in Nauvoo, Illinois, as part of the sesquicentennial celebration of the settling of the city in 1839.

2005 - The First Presidency broke ground for a state-of-the-art Church History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, on a site used as a parking lot just east of the Conference Center.

[Hemidakota]

1838 - The Saints living in DeWitt, Missouri, continued under siege by the mob. The Prophet Joseph was with them hoping to find a way for the Saints to stay in peace. He records that they were starving as the mob would not let them leave to gather food. They were being shot at and conditions were unbearable. He records, "Some of the brethren perished from starvation; and for once in my life, I had the pain of beholding some of my fellow creatures fall victims to the spirit of persecution" (History of the Church, 3:158).

1843 - During the funeral sermon for James Adams on the last day of general conference, the Prophet Joseph stated, "Reading the experiences of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose. Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject" (History of the Church, 6:50).

1845 - Even though the Saints had agreed to leave Nauvoo, Illinois, in the spring, the mobs continued to threaten the Saints. Brigham Young records, "there seems to be no disposition abroad but to massacre the whole body of this people, and nothing but the power of God can save us from the cruel ravages of the bloodthirsty mob" (History of the Church, 7:481).

1846 - The last group of Saints (known as the "poor camp") who had been thrown out of Nauvoo, Illinois, during the "Battle of Nauvoo" and who are camped on the West side of the Mississippi River in terrible conditions, avoid starvation through the "miracle of the quail." Hundreds of quail land in the camp and are easily caught, providing meat for the starving Saints.

1848 - The abandoned Nauvoo Temple is burned to the ground in a spectacular fire that could be seen for miles. Years later on his death bed, Joseph Agnew admits he was the arsonist who set the fire.

1875 - The Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, is dedicated by Elder John Taylor. While it had been used for several years, it was not dedicated until this date.

1898 - Lorenzo Snow is sustained as the fifth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

1982 - The First Presidency announces the plans for a temple in Freiberg, German Democratic Republic. It was the only Temple built in a Communist nation.

1994 - The Orlando Florida Temple is dedicated by President Howard W. Hunter.

1998 - A monument to the pioneers who first settled the St. George, Utah, area on the campus of Dixie State College, is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

[Palerider]

In Galatin Missouri the place where the Saints were denied their right to vote and a big war started from this......there is now a Big new Stake Center sitting there.....:)

[Hemidakota]

1833 - Frederick G. Williams wrote a letter to the Saints in Missouri updating them on events in Kirtland including the decision by the High Council to build a printing house "to be occupied for the School of the Prophets this winter, and the upper story for the printing press." It was also decided to discontinue work on the temple during the winter "for want of materials." (History of the Church, 1:418)

1838 - The mob threat against the Saints living in DeWitt, Missouri, continues. The Saints discuss leaving the area hoping the mob would accept their exodus from the city without any additional violence.

1842 - Missionary Lorenzo Snow presents two copies of the Book of Mormon to British Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Sir Henry Wheatly accepts the books in behalf of the Queen.

1880 - Elder John Taylor is sustained as the third President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

1901 - President Lorenzo Snow dies in Salt Lake City, Utah, at age eighty-seven. He had served more than fifty-two years as a General Authority.

1919 - Belgium's King Albert and Queen Elizabeth attend a recital on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, to hear the Tabernacle organ.

1931 - A new program for Primary in the mission field was announced. It included home Primary, neighborhood Primary, and regular Primary where the Church was more established. Primary was for girls 4-14 and boys 4-12 and included music, play and activities, and lessons coming from the Children's Friend magazine.

1975 - The emperor and empress of Japan are greeted in Salt Lake City, Utah, by President N. Eldon Tanner of the First Presidency on their historic visit to the United States. It was the first time a Japanese monarch had visited the United States.

1979 - The first branch of the Church is organized in Papua New Guinea.

2006 - Presiding Bishop H. David Burton accepted an award on behalf of the Church for their Humanitarian efforts. The Coalition for Utah's Future honored the Church with a Common Good Award. The Church's Humanitarian Fund has delivered over 100-thousand tons of food, blankets, medical supplies and other materials to thousands around the world.

[Hemidakota]

1831 - A conference of Elders was held at the Johnson home in Hiram, Ohio, where the Prophet Joseph taught "the ancient manner of conducting meetings, of which knowledge most of them were ignorant. A committee of six was appointed to instruct the several branches of the Church" (History of the Church, 1:219).

1835 - Joseph Smith, Sr, father of the Prophet, had been sick for several days and was near death. During morning prayer, Joseph heard the voice of the Lord telling him his father would live. During the evening, David Whitmer and Joseph laid their hands on him and blessed him to recover. Father Smith arose, dressed himself, and praised the Lord, healed of his illness. Joseph rejoices in having his father to advise him, "esteeming it one of the greatest earthly blessings to be blessed with the society of parents, whose mature years and experience render them capable of administering the most wholesome advice" (History of the Church, 2:289).

1838 - After several days of mob violence and siege, the Saints living in DeWitt, Missouri, surrendered and gathered a few of their remaining items and left in seventy wagons for Far West, Missouri. Many homes had been burned, oxen and cows were killed, and their rights denied by the government that was suppose to protect them. This was a foreshadow of what was to come during this difficult time for the Saints in Missouri..

1936 - Lowell L. Bennion, an instructor at the institute of religion at the University of Utah, establishes the first chapter of Lambda Delta Sigma, a fraternity/sorority group for young Latter-day Saints.

1986 - In the first Young Women activity held throughout the Church, an estimated three hundred thousand young women at thousands of sites around the world release helium-filled balloons containing personal messages.

[Hemidakota]

1833 - While traveling on a mission to upper Canada, the Prophet Joseph, and his companion Sidney Rigdon, arrive at the home of Freeman Nickerson in Perrysburg, New York. While staying there Joseph receives the revelation know as Doctrine and Covenants 100. (History of the Church, 1:419-421)

1838 - The Prophet Joseph, traveling with the Saints from DeWitt, Missouri, to Far West, Missouri, records that they were continually harassed, threatened, and shot at while traveling. Several brethren died from the fatigue and starvation and were buried along the wayside. The group of seventy wagons arrived to the safety of Far West on this date. (History of the Church, 3:160)

1839 - John Young, Sr., father of Brigham Young, died in Quincy, Illinois, having been driven from Missouri with the Saints the previous winter. The Prophet Joseph wrote that he "died a martyr to the religion of Jesus, for his death was caused by his suffering in the cruel persecution" (History of the Church, 4:15). Brigham Young was on his way to England to serve a mission when his father died.

1892 - Articles of incorporation for the 'National Women's Relief Societies" are filed. In 1945, the name would be changed to the "Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

1963 - The Polynesian Cultural Center is dedicated by President Hugh B .Brown of the First Presidency. It is located near the Laie Hawaii Temple and Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

1998 - During the New York City Columbus Day Parade, 150 members of the Church carried flags from countries throughout the world.

2006 - United States President George W. Bush signed a bill designating the National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area. The National Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area runs along U.S.. 89 in Utah from Fairview in Sanpete County south through Kane, Garfield, Piute, Sevier, and Wayne Counties to the Arizona border, and contains examples of the rich cultural and architectural history shaped by the Mormon pioneers.

[ElderBigDawg]

These are awesome tidbits of history that I often don't know about. It's really fun to read these every day!

[Hemidakota]

1832 - On a trip with Newel K. Whitney to New York City, The Prophet Joseph wrote to his wife, Emma, describing his fascination with Manhattan Island. (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 277-283)

1837 - Jerusha Barden Smith, wife of Hyrum Smith, died in Ohio. Hyrum was in Far West, Missouri. She left five small children, saying to them, "Tell your father when he comes that the Lord has taken your mother home and left you for him to take care of" (History of the Church, 2:519).

1838 - Word arrived in Far West, Missouri, that a mob of 800 men were marching towards Adam-Ondi-Ahman to force the Saints from that settlement.

1842 - About 90,000 feet of boards and 24,000 cubic feet of timber arrived at Nauvoo, Illinois, floated down river from the Church's mills in Wisconsin. It would be used for the construction of the Nauvoo Temple and the Nauvoo House.

1843 - The Prophet Joseph records that Nauvoo had the "First severe frost" of the season. He spent the day making arrangements for provisions to be taken to the workmen in the pinery, presided in municipal court, tried a span of grey horses in a carriage, and "gratified" the curiosity of a Dr. Turner, a phrenologist, "by allowing him to examine my head" (History of the Church, 6:56).

1901 - President Lorenzo Snow's funeral is held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1968 - The first branch of the Church in Singapore is organized.

1981 - The United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Utah junior high and high school students may leave school during the day for religious instruction.

1993 - The Brigham Young University Museum of Art is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency.

1996 - The Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

1999 - At a preview in Washington, D.C., of the PBS documentary "American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith," President Gordon B. Hinckley told an audience comprised of diplomats from 22 countries, that Joseph Smith's "lengthened shadow extends through all the history of this Church and all across the world."

[Hemidakota]

1833 - While on a mission to Upper Canada, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon arrived at Lodi, where they had a appointment to preach in the evening. They also made arrangements to preach the next morning at the Presbyterian meeting house.

1838 - The Prophet Joseph preached to the Saints in Far West, Missouri, on the scripture "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for this brethren." He then called for the brethren who would stand by him to gather in the Far West town square the next morning to march to Adam-Ondi-Ahman to protect the Saints living there from the approaching mob. (History of the Church, 3:162)

1845 - Major Warren and his troops of the Illinois Militia, came into Nauvoo, Illinois, on this date. The Church leadership prayed that they would not do any harm to the citizens of the city. They stayed but a short time and left.

1871 - The people of Utah donate $12,000 to help the victims of the great Chicago Fire.

1935 - John Horne Blackmore is elected to the Canadian Parliament, making him the first Latter-day Saint to serve in that capacity.

[Elphaba]

1833 - While on a mission to Upper Canada, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon arrived at Lodi, where they had a appointment to preach in the evening. They also made arrangements to preach the next morning at the Presbyterian meeting house.

1838 - The Prophet Joseph preached to the Saints in Far West, Missouri, on the scripture "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for this brethren." He then called for the brethren who would stand by him to gather in the Far West town square the next morning to march to Adam-Ondi-Ahman to protect the Saints living there from the approaching mob. (History of the Church, 3:162)

1845 - Major Warren and his troops of the Illinois Militia, came into Nauvoo, Illinois, on this date. The Church leadership prayed that they would not do any harm to the citizens of the city. They stayed but a short time and left.

1871 - The people of Utah donate $12,000 to help the victims of the great Chicago Fire.

1935 - John Horne Blackmore is elected to the Canadian Parliament, making him the first Latter-day Saint to serve in that capacity.

Hemi,

I just wanted to tell you how much I love that you put these on the site every day. I enjoy them immensely.

Elphaba

[Palerider]

I have enjoyed them especially since I went back there just a few weeks ago.....:)

[Hemidakota]

1833 - Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, on a mission to Canada, arrived at the Presbyterian meeting house in Lodi to hold a meeting. The keeper of the house refused to open the doors and so the meeting was not held. Joseph and Sidney then continued on their journey. (History of the Church, 1:421)

1838 - About 100 brethren assembled on the public square of Far West, Missouri, to form a company under the command of Colonel George M. Hinckle. Then they began their march towards Adam-Ondi-Ahman to protect it and repel the attacks of the mob in that area. The Prophet Joseph Smith traveled with them. (History of the Church, 3:163)

1843 - The Prophet Joseph spoke at the stand east of the Temple in Nauvoo on a cool Sunday morning. He covered several topics including, "I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on earth," all creeds have some truth, the Bible has some incorrect translation, and that "the first principles of the Gospel, as I believe, are, faith, repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, with the promise of the Holy Ghost." (History of the Church, 6:56-57)

1925 - Brigham Young University begins a three-day celebration of its fiftieth anniversary.

1963 - The first branch of the Church is organized in the Yukon Territory, Canada, at the town of Whitehorse.

1992 - The legal registration of the Church in Angola is published in Diario Da Republica, the official newspaper.

1999 - The Church announces the sale of the department store chain ZCMI (Zion's Cooperative, Mercantile Institution) to May Department Stores Company.

2005 - BYU-Hawaii began a week long Jubilee celebration of the founding of the University. The celebration included many events such as a Gladys Knight concert, a re-enactment of the 1921 flag-raising ceremony that led to then-Elder David O. McKay's vision of a future university in the Laie community, and a devotional with President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency. Also, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve, dedicates a monument to honor the Prophet Joseph Smith in Topsfield, Massachusetts, on the site of the Smith family homestead.

[Hemidakota]

Thanks. :)

[Hemidakota]

1834 - The Prophet Joseph Smith, along with Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, Frederick G. Williams, Oliver Cowdery, and Roger Orton, leaves Kirtland, Ohio, to visit the Saints living in Pontiac, Michigan. They would arrive at their destination four days later. (History of the Church, 2:168)

1838 - Conditions for the Saints continued to worsen in Daviess County, Missouri. The recently arrived Saints of the Kirtland Camp were quickly caught up in the persecution at Adam-ondi-Ahman. Latter-day Saint families from outlying areas began to flee to Adam-Ondi-Ahman for protection after their homes had been destroyed and animals scattered.

1875 - President Brigham Young deeds the land to establish Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah. BYA later becomes Brigham Young University.

1960 - The first stake in Pennsylvania is organized at Philadelphia.

1966 - The first meeting house in Taiwan is dedicated by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley in Taipei.

1977 - The first stake in Finland is organized at Helsinki.

1999 - The Columbia South Carolina Temple is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley. Also, the Temple Square Chorale performs its first concert under the direction of Mack Wilberg.

[Hemidakota]

1834 - While traveling by steamer on Lake Erie towards Michigan, the Prophet Joseph and his company had a short discussion with a man who called himself Ellmer. In the presence of the Prophet Joseph, he said he was "personally acquainted with Joe Smith, had heard him preach his lies, and now, since he was dead, he was glad!" Oliver Cowdery confronted Ellmer and records that he hoped others on the steamer "felt an increased anxiety to learn something further" and sold a copy of the Book of Mormon to one individual. (History of the Church, 2:168-169)

1835 - The Prophet Joseph records, "Called my family together and arranged my domestic concerns, and dismissed my boarders" (History of the Church, 2:290).

1838 - A considerable snowstorm hit Northern Missouri as the mobs were burning and destroying the farms of the Saints in Daviess County making it difficult for the Saints to flee to Adam-ondi-Ahman for safety. The Prophet Joseph records, "My feelings were such as I cannot describe when I saw them flock into the village, almost entirely destitute of clothes, and only escaping with their lives" (History of the Church, 3:163).

1888 - The first converts in Belgium, the Esselman family, are baptized.

1901 - Joseph F. Smith is ordained and set apart as the sixth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His counselors were John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund.

1965 - The New York World's Fair closes. The Mormon Pavilion had been visited by millions of people during the fair.

1968 - Belle S. Spafford, general president of the Relief Society, is named president of the National Council of Women.

1989 - The first LDS meetinghouse in Hungary is dedicated by President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency.

1999 - Jerold Ottley, conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for twenty-five years, conducts his last broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word.

[KeithLBrown]

Thank you for this insightful post. Today is my 50th birthday and it is interesting to know that things happened on this day in Church history.

[Hemidakota]

Congrats Keith on your birthday. However, I do miss your blogs. LOL

[Hemidakota]

1833 - The Prophet Joseph Smith, and those traveling with him on this mission, arrive at the home of the Freeman A. Nickerson family in Mount Pleasant, Upper Canada. (History of the Church, 1:421)

1838 - Saints continued to flee to Adam-ondi-Ahman for safety, including Agnes Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith's brother, Don Carlos. Her home had been plundered and burned and she had to travel three miles carrying two babies to reach safety. Her husband was on a mission in Tennesse. General Parks of the Missouri Militia was in Adam-ondi-Ahman and ordered a Latter-day Saint group to "put the mob down." The mob, learning of the approaching force, fled the area. They began to remove belongings from their own homes and then burned them down, blaming it on the Mormons, declaring to the authorities that "the Mormons were burning and destroying all before them."

1846 - The sick detachment of the Mormon Battalion, under the leadership of Captain James Brown, leaves Santa Fe, New Mexico, for Pueblo, Colorado, where they will spend the winter in anticipation of the Saints move west the following year.

1861 - Brigham Young sends his first telegram over the overland telegraph lines to J. H. Wade, the president of the telegraph company.

1881 - Ngataki, the first Maori convert in New Zealand, is baptized by Elder William John McDonald.

1992 - The London England Temple is rededicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

2006 - With petitions signed by more than the 20,000 people required, the government of Slovakia granted official recognition to the Church. A group of former and current missionaries serving in the Czech Prague Mission canvassed the country gathering signatures in what became known as the Slovakian miracle. Elder David Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve, who has Slovakian ancestry, met with Dr.. Jan Juran, director of Church Affairs in the Slovak Ministry of Culture, where the recognition was announced.