TODAY IN CHURCH HISTORY: 19 August

[Hemidakota]

1832 - Joseph Smith received Doctrine and Covenants 99 at Hiram, Ohio. Section 99 is a revelation calling John Murdock to proclaim the gospel in the eastern countries.

1836 - While in Salem, Massachusetts, the Prophet Joseph wrote a letter to his wife, Emma, letting her know of his concern for her well-being in his absence. (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 389-390)

1844 - Elder Willard Richards visited Emma Smith and requested the new translation of the Bible. She stated she was not willing to give it up at that time to anyone and it remained in her hands.

1977 - The first annual Church Education System Religious Educators Symposium, later known as the CES Conference, is held at Brigham Young University-Provo. It is a multi-day conference for seminary and institute faculty highlighting the upcoming years course of study.

1988 - The first missionaries, Elder Benjamin and Sister Ruth Hudson, arrive in Guyana.

1989 - The Portland Oregon Temple is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency.

1999 - The First Presidency announces that the new 21,000 seat assembly building located across the street north of Temple Square will be called the Conference Center.

2006 - About 200 people, many who were among the first generation of missionaries and members of the Church in Chile, gathered together in South Jordan, Utah, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of missionary work in Chile. Among those attending were the first missionaries, Elders Verle M. Allred and Joseph C. Bentley, and Billie F. Fotheringham, the first Branch President in Chile.