TODAY IN CHURCH HISTORY: December

[Hemidakota]

1805 - Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Lord, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and translator of the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, is born in Sharon, Vermont. (Joseph Smith-History 1:3)

1838 - The Prophet Joseph Smith spent his thirty-third birthday in Liberty Jail, Liberty, Missouri, as his people were fleeing Missouri for the safety of Illinois and Iowa.

1839 - The Prophet Joseph Smith spent his thirty-fourth birthday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1843 - The Prophet records that on his thirty-eighth birthday, the last birthday of his life, he spent the day "at home, counseling the brethren who called on me, and attending to my domestic duties, making preparations for a Christmas dinner party. Prayer meeting in the Assembly Room" (History of the Church, 6:133).

1845 - Federal officers from Springfield, Illinois, arrived at the Nauvoo Temple to arrest Brigham Young and some of the Twelve Apostles. William Miller put on Brigham Young's cap and went out of the Temple and approached Brigham's carriage. He was then arrested by the officers. Brother Miller told them there was a mistake, but they would not listen to him. The troops with the officers celebrated the arrest of "Brigham Young" as they neared Carthage and put up at Hamilton's Tavern. They soon realized they had the wrong man and let him go. Meanwhile, Brigham Young and others continued officiating in the Temple. In the evening when their work was completed for the day, the Twelve left the Temple in disguised to avoid further threats.

1905 - President Joseph F. Smith dedicates the Joseph Smith Memorial Cottage and Monument in Sharon, Vermont, on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

1991 - Congo grants the Church formal recognition.

1995 - The Church announces a new logo for the name of the Church, focusing the design more prominently on the name of Jesus Christ.

2005 - A fireside broadcast, culminating a year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, is held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with President Gordon B. Hinckley broadcasting from Sharon, Vermont.

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1833 - On Christmas Eve, four elderly families still living in Jackson County, Missouri, who had not left their homes previously because of their old age, where attacked by a mob, driven from their homes, and had their homes destroyed. The youngest man was sixty-five. (History of the Church, 1:469)

1838 - The Prophet Joseph and his brethren are in Liberty Jail in Liberty, Missouri.

1841 - The Prophet Joseph met in council with President Brigham Young and Bishop Newel K. Whitney about "establishing an agency in England for the cheap and expeditious conveyance of the Saints to Nauvoo, and for our convenience in merchandise" (History of the Church, 4:484).

1842 - The Prophet Joseph teaches that the "prayer of a wicked man may do a righteous man good, when it does the one who prays no good." He also said, "If the fervent, affectionate prayer of the righteous man availeth much, a wicked man may avail a little when praying for a righteous man" (History of the Church, 5:208).

1845 - Brother William Miller, who had been arrested the day before by mistake when the marshal thought he was Brigham Young, returned home to Nauvoo after spending the night in Carthage.

1846 - A log meeting built in Miller's Hollow, later Kanesville, Iowa, is dedicated by Elder Orson Pratt. It is forty by sixty feet and holds about one thousand people.

1905 - Children of the Church gather on Christmas Eve at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

1920 - The First Presidency announces the release of a new edition of the Book of Mormon with footnotes and new chapter introductions. Also, the text is set in two columns on each page instead of just one.

1961 - The CBS Radio program Faith in Action highlights the Church's activities in Brazil.

1998 - China radio airs a Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast during prime time.

1999 - President Gordon B. Hinckley appears on CNN's Larry King Live, which is broadcast from the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Also appearing on the program are Reverend Robert Schuller, who was in Bethlehem, and South African Archbishop Desmond Tuto, who was at the National Cathedral in Washington, D. C.

[Hemidakota]

1832 - The Prophet Joseph Smith receives the revelation known as Doctrine and Covenants 87 at a time when the brethren were reflecting and reasoning upon slavery in the United States and throughout the world. This revelation contains the prophecy of the war between the states beginning in South Carolina, and the great calamities that shall fall upon the earth. (History of the Church, 1:301-302)

1835 - The Prophet Joseph spends Christmas with his family, "the only time I have had this privilege so satisfactorily for a long period."

1838 - The Prophet spent this Christmas in Liberty Jail. His brother, Don Carlos, and his cousin George A. Smith, returned to their homes and families in Missouri after finishing their mission to Kentucky and Tennessee. They were chased by a mob as they neared their homes and they nearly froze to death from the cold.

1843 - The Prophet Joseph and his family were awaken about 1:00 am to the sounds of carolers-an English sister, Lettice Rushton, who was blind, accompanied by three of her sons, with their wives, and her two daughters, with their husbands, and several of her neighbors---outside their home in Nauvoo, which the Prophet records "caused a thrill of pleasure to run through my soul." At 2:00 p.m., about fifty couples came to the Prophet's home to dine. The evening was spent "in music, dancing, &c., in a most cheerful and friendly manner. During the festivities, after nearly ten months in a Missouri jail, Orrin Porter Rockwell arrives at the home of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Nauvoo. At first the Prophet thought it was a Missouri ruffian causing problems and ordered the captain of the police to remove him. A fight ensued and when the Prophet attempted to help, he recognized who it was, which brought him great joy and satisfaction. Also, brother Daniel Avery was freed by his kidnappers who had taken him to Missouri earlier in the year. (History of the Church, 6:134)

1844 - Brigham Young, and other leaders of the Church in Nauvoo, attended a Christmas dinner and party at the Coolidge home. In his remarks, Brigham Young stated that the Lord would never allow them to overcome their enemies as long as they had feelings of revenge. He expressed his good feelings and love for the Saints.

1845 - Temple work continued in the Nauvoo Temple. The Twelve met and discussed moving to the west and united in prayer. The U.S. marshal was again in town looking for Brigham Young and other leaders of the Church. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and others, again stayed in the Temple all night.

1914 - The First Presidency asks members of the Church to donate money to relieve the suffering of people in Europe as a result of World War I being fought there.

1925 - Elder Melvin J. Ballard, in Argentina doing missionary work, dedicates South America for the preaching of the gospel prophesying "the South American Mission will become a power in the Church."

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1978 - Hemidakota was baptized in Hong Kong, China

[Hemidakota]

1831 - A council of Elders met to discuss the cases of several members of the Church. Two were cut off due to repeated transgression and promising to reform but doing so, and one was cut off at his request. In the evening a Bishop's court was called to investigate the case of Elder Ezekiel Rider and Brother Story who were saying hard things against Bishop Whitney. The Prophet Joseph "rebuked them sharply, and told them that the Church must feel the wrath of God except they repent of their sins and cast away their murmurings and complainings one of another." The brethren confessed their wrongs and all forgave one another. (History of the Church, 1:470).

1835 - The Prophet Joseph Smith receives Doctrine and Covenants 108 containing instructions to Lyman Sherman including, "strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings" ( Doctrine and Covenants 108:7). Joseph also commenced again studying the Hebrew language with Brothers Parrish and Williams. (History of the Church, 2:345)

1841 - The Prophet held a public meeting of Saints at his home. Hyrum Smith and Brigham Young spoke on faith and gifts of the Spirit. Then Joseph taught "the gift of tongues by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Church, is for the benefit of the servants of God to preach to unbelievers, as on the day of Pentecost" (History of the Church, 4:485).

1842 - The Prophet Joseph was arrested for the second time on the Boggs attempted assassination charge in an attempt to satisfy the legal advice given by the Governor and Supreme Court of Illinois to obtain a writ of habeus corpus to go before the court in Springfield, Illinois. Also, the Prophets wife, Emma, delivered a son which did not survive its birth. (History of the Church, 5:209)

1844 - The Seventies Hall in Nauvoo, Illinois, is dedicated during a five day conference from the 26th to 30th. The dedication was under the direction of Senior President of the First Quorum of Seventy, President Joseph Young. The dedication prayer was offered by Brigham Young, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

1845 - Brigham Young announced that there would not be any ordinances done in the Nauvoo Temple for a few days to give everyone a rest. Up until this point, only High Priests and their wives had received the ordinances. Brigham Young stated that when they commenced again to give the ordinances, every Melchizedek priesthood holder would be able to receive them.

1973 - President Harold B. Lee dies in Salt Lake City, Utah, at age seventy-four after serving more than thirty-two years as a general authority and one and a half years as President of the Church. During his time as President, he became the first President of the Church to visit Israel when he organized the Jerusalem Branch, the first stakes of the Church in Chile, Korea, and the Philippines were organized, and the International Mission of the Church was also organized.

1992 - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir embarks on a historic tour of Israel, with concerts to be held in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa.

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1832 - The Prophet Joseph Smith receives the first part of the revelation known as the "Olive Leaf" and is found in Doctrine and Covenants 88. It commands the Saints to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio, offers insights into the light of Christ, and discusses the laws governing the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms.

1833 - The mob in Jackson county allowed the Saints to remove the Church press, which had published The Evening and Morning Star, from Independence and take it to Liberty, Missouri. They then commenced to publish a weekly paper entitled The Missouri Enquirer.

1841 - In a meeting with the Twelve Apostles, Joseph Smith discussed seer stones and showed his seer stone to the brethren. (Remembering Joseph, 232).

1842 - The Prophet Joseph started for Springfield, Illinois, to face the supreme court in the Boggs affair. The Prophet and his party traveled through heavy snow and arrived in Plymouth where he stayed with his brothers Samuel and William and their families.

1845 - United States Deputy Marshal Roberts searched the Temple in Nauvoo for the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was very impressed with the building and the view of the city from the Temple tower. He was very respectful to those in the Temple and left after about half an hour after finding no one. The Twelve and others met for prayers in the Temple in the evening. A discussion about the marshal and emigration to the west were prominent topics.

1847 - In the Kanesville Iowa Log Tabernacle, Brigham Young is unanimously sustained as the second President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards were sustained as his counselors.

1955 - The Presiding Bishopric announces that students the Brigham Young University will be organized into campus wards and stakes, setting a pattern for other colleges and universities with large Latter-day Saint student bodies.

[Hemidakota]

1832 - The Prophet Joseph Smith receives additional portions of the revelation recorded as Doctrine and Covenants 88 and known as the "Olive Leaf," which he called "the Lord's message of peace to us." (History of the Church, 1:302-312)

1835 - The Council of Seventy met to render an account of their missions. The Prophet Joseph writes that "his heart was made glad while listening to the relation of those that had been laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, with such marvelous success" (History of the Church, 2:346).

1841 - The Prophet Joseph Smith records that he "baptized Sidney Rigdon in the font, for and in behalf of his parents; also baptized Reynolds Cahoon and others" (History of the Church, 4:486).

1842 - The Prophet Joseph and his company continued on their journey to Springfield, Illinois. They traveled to Rushville and stayed at Mr. Stevenson's Tavern. In the evening, he and his brother Hyrum were measured for height, both standing six feet tall.

1998 - A major revision of the Church Handbook of Instructions was completed. For the first time, all the priesthood and auxiliary leader guides were included in a two-volume handbook. This work replaced thirty earlier handbooks and publications.

2006 - Deseret Book announces they have acquired Covenant Communications and Seagull Book. Both companies will continue to operate independently under the new ownership agreement.

[Hemidakota]

1833 - Wilford Woodruff begins recording early Latter-day Saint history in his journal. His journals would record the daily events of his life and the Church for sixty-five years.

1835 - The Prophet Joseph, with his wife, parents, and scribe, attended a "blessing meeting." The meeting was opened with song and prayer and then about fifteen persons received patriarchal blessings from the Patriarch, Joseph Smith Sr.. A meal was served afterwards. In the evening, the Prophet attended a meeting at the school house where he preached three hours to a large congregation. (History of the Church, 2:347)

1842 - The Prophet Joseph and his company traveled thirty-two miles in extremely cold weather towards Springfield, Illinois, staying the night at a Captain Dutche's. (History of the Church, 5:210-211)

1843 - The City Council of Nauvoo and the Mayor, Joseph Smith, met and swore in forty men to act as city policemen to help protect the Saints in Nauvoo. Jonathan Dunham was the police captain. The mayor then gave an address to the new sworn officers concerning their duty and the threat from Missouri and trouble makers coming into the city. (History of the Church, 6:149-153)

1845 - After a few days for rest and cleaning of the Temple, the giving of the ordinances began again in the evening. One Thousand Saints have now received their endowments.

1934 - The Church announced a new schedule for Aaronic Priesthood advancement.

[Hemidakota]

1839 - The Prophet Joseph left Philadelphia, with Orson Pratt, and traveled to a branch of the Church in Monmouth county, New Jersey, to spend several days with the Saints there. (History of the Church, 4:49)

1842 - The Prophet Joseph, and those traveling with him, arrived in Springfield, Illinois and the home of Judge Adams'. He meets with several people in preparation for his court appearance. In the evening at Judge Adams', where they lodged, the Prophet Joseph taught that "Christ and the resurrected Saints will reign over the earth during the thousand years." He explained that while they may not dwell on the earth, they would visit it anytime they wanted or when it was necessary to govern it. He also stated that wicked, or those not baptized, would live during the thousand years but those who choose not to worship the Savior would "eventually be destroyed from the earth" (History of the Church, 5:212).

1845 - Ending the work of the ordinances early-8:30 p.m.-it was decided to have a little relaxation to finish the day. A brother Hansen produced his violin and dancing commenced. Brigham Young records that "The spirit of dancing increased until the whole floor was covered with dancers, and while we danced before the Lord, we shook the dust off our feet as a testimony against this nation" (History of the Church, 7:557). After an hour of dancing, the group enjoyed a few songs that were sung. Sister Whitney sang in tongues, the interpretation was given by her husband, Bishop Whitney. Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball also spoke in tongues. The evening was closed with prayer.

1854 - Colonel Edward Steptoe, who had been sent by U.S. President Franklin Pierce to replace Brigham Young as governor of the territory of Utah, and other prominent non-Mormons in Utah, draw up and sign a petition asking President Pierce to retain Brigham Young as governor because of how well the territory was being run. Colonel Steptoe refused to be governor after arriving in Utah and seeing the truth about how things were being run.

1973 - Spencer W. Kimball is ordained and set apart as the twelfth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. N. Eldon Tanner and Marion G. Romney were called as his counselors. [To my friend ]

1979 - The first branch of the Church is organized on La Reunion, an island in the Indian Ocean.

[Hemidakota]

1833 - Wilford Woodruff is baptized in an icy stream near Richland, New York.

1836 - The ice was cut in the river and Dr. Willard Richards was baptized in Kirtland, Ohio, by Brigham Young.

1838 - The Prophet Joseph closes the year in Liberty Jail. He writes, "Thus, in a land of liberty, in the town of Liberty, Clay county, Missouri, my fellow prisoners and I in chains, and dungeons, saw the close of 1838" (History of the Church, 3:244).

1842 - The Prophet Joseph Smith, in Springfield, Illinois, formally petitioned the Governor to issue a new writ, which was approved. He was then arrested and appeared in court before Judge Pope to request a writ of habeas corpus. Presenting his case was his attorney, Mr. Butterfield, who stated that the Prophet was not in Missouri when the crime was supposedly to have taken place and that the position of the Governor of Missouri was flawed. The writ of habeas corpus was granted and the Prophet was freed on a $2,000 bail. His trial was set for January 2. The Prophet visited with Governor Ford and others during the remainder of the day. (History of the Church, 5:212-213)

1843 - The Prophet Joseph attended a prayer meeting and then retired to bed. He was awaken at midnight by about fifty musicians and singers outside his window singing W. W. Phelps New Year's Hymn. (History of the Church, 6:153)

1887 - Because of the antipolygamy persecutions, the Church is forced to stop work on the Salt Lake Temple.

1900 - At the end of the nineteenth century, the Church has 283,765 members, 43 stakes, 20 missions, 967 wards and branches, and 4 operating temples.

1940 - The First Presidency releases a statement on the military, indicating that the Church will not knowingly call young men on missions to have them avoid the draft established in the United States.

1948 - A report of total value of the relief supplies sent to the Saints in Europe after World War II amounts to $1,736, 000.

1952 - The Church announces that the Primary will sponsor Cub Scout groups.

1970 - The Millennial Star, the oldest continuous Church publication, ends publication. It had been published in England since 1840. The British Saints will now begin to receive the Ensign magazine.

1999 - Jerold Ottley retires as the director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He is replaced by Craig Jessop.

2000 - At the end of the twentieth century, the Church has 11,068,861 members, 3,202 stakes and districts, 334 missions, 25,915 wards and branches, and 102 operating temples.

[Palerider]

1836 - The ice was cut in the river and Dr. Willard Richards was baptized in Kirtland, Ohio, by Brigham Young.

only thing I can say to this is.....WOW!!!!!!

[Hemidakota]

I remembered when I was baptized in China, I was dunked three times in cold water. The missionaries present complained there was no hot water in the font. :) It was well worth it though.