Mormon History, Jul 26, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Jul 26, 1831
we [Colesville branch] landed in uper Misouria the 26th of the same Month [July]. We found our selves among strangers But the people seamed to Be frindley with us. And in a few Day[s] Joseph and Sidney and a number of Brotherin came and they looked out and Enterd a Considrible of Land, for the People to Settle on. (1)

-- late July 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy returns to Kirtland. (2)

-- 1831 August
Peter Whitmer Jr. leaves Independence for Ohio (exact date not specified). Peter Whitmer Jr. report, (1)

-- Aug 1831
Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith go to Kirtland [per Oliver Cowdery]. (3)

-- August 1831
[Partridge, Edward] Directed to move family to Missouri August 1831. Responsible for allocating inheritances to Saints in Jackson County, Missouri. Member of United Firm. (4)

[Phelps, William Wines] Directed to reside in Jackson County, Missouri, August 1831. Edited Evening and Morning Star. Member of Literary Firm. (4)

-- Aug 1, 1831
D&C 58 (Independence): obey civil law, do good without being commanded, some not ready to gather. Ziba Peterson stripped of "that which has been bestowed upon [him]." (1)

[Joseph Smith] Jackson County, Missouri. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 58, a revelation concerning the Saints in their new place of gathering. (5)

-- August 1 or 2, 1831
[Revelations] Jackson County, Missouri. Doctrine and Covenants 58. Cannot see God with natural eyes-yet. Blessings after tribulation. Zion fulfills prophecy. Edward Partridge and W. W. Phelps rebuked. No need to break civil laws. Edward, Sidney Gilbert, and W. W. Phelps to move to Zion. Do good without being commanded. Slothful servants damned. Purchase entire region. Otherwise, may have to shed blood. Gather only as counseled. Signs follow those who believe.
Book of Commandments 59 heading: A Revelation to the elders of the church, assembled on the land of Zion, given August, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 18 heading: Revelation given in Zion, August, 1831. (6)

-- Aug 2, 1831
Saints laid first log for a schoolhouse as a foundation of Zion, Kaw Township, Jackson Co., MO. Sidney Rigdon consecrated land of Zion by prayer. (7)

Zion dedicated by Sidney Rigdon. (8)

Sidney leads the brethren in pledging to receive the land in Missouri as an inheritance, to keep the laws of God, and see that those who follow also keep the laws of God. He then consecrates and dedicates the land. (1)

The land of Zion was consecrated and dedicated by prayer for the gathering of the Saints. (9)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
4 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
7 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
8 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
9 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Jul 17, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Jul 17, 1831
Revelation (west of Independence) for Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, and Ziba Peterson as they were about to commence a mission to Native Americans in Missouri, as recalled by W. W. Phelps in 1861: "For it is my will, that in time, ye should take unto you wives of the Lamanites and Nephites, that their posterity may become white, delightsome and Just, for even now their females are more virtuous than the gentiles." Since three of the four were already married, and the fourth-Ziba Peterson-would marry Rebecca Hooper within a monththis passage is sometimes used as an argument that plural marriage was envisioned as early as 1831.
Phelps recorded the revelation, apparently from memory,
Ezra Booth refers to this revelation in 1831. Ezra Booth Letters (8-9) (1)

[Joseph Smith] Plural marriage is allowed by a revelation which is never canonized or officially published. (2)

[Polygamy] Polygamy revealed
Plural marriage is allowed by a revelation which is never canonized or officially published ( Quinn, Origins, p 617 ) Missionaries were sent to Missouri. In the 1850s, the claim is that they were told to marry the Indians, thus inferring polygamy. There is some evidence of this from a non-Mormon contemporary source, as well as implied evidence from section 101 of the
1835 Doctrine and Covenants. However, there is no evidence that the instructions, if ever given, were acted upon. Note that, at the time, it was not unusual for frontiersmen to marry Indian women while they were staying in the Indian lands, and then abandon them when they returned to their homes. (3)

-- Jul 20, 1831
Site for city of Zion in Independence, MO, revealed to Joseph Smith (D&C 57). (4)

Site revealed to Joseph Smith for center of Zion in Independence, Missouri (D&C 57). (5)

D&C 57 (Independence): Promised land and city of Zion is in and around Independence; Sidney Gilbert to establish a store; W. W. Phelps to be the church printer, Oliver "to copy, and to correct, and select" the documents to print. (1)

Site for the city of Zion (the New Jerusalem) in Independence, Missouri, revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 57; A of F 10). (6)

[Joseph Smith] Jackson County, Missouri. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 57, a revelation concerning the building up of Zion in Independence, Missouri. (7)

[Joseph Smith] [Joseph Smith] Revelation, site for city in Zion. (8)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph receives revelation that the site of Zion is Independence, Missouri. (9)

[Joseph Smith] In Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, receives a revelation identifying Independence as the center place of Zion (see D&C 57:1-3). (10)

[Revelations] Independence, Jackson county, Missouri. Doctrine and Covenants 57. Missouri land of promise, city of Zion to be built. Build temple west of courthouse. Purchase lands up to the Indian Territory for inheritances. Church agent Sidney Gilbert provide goods for the Saints and get a license to trade with the Indians so gospel can be preached to them. Edward Partridge assign inheritances, W. W. Phelps serve as church printer, Oliver assisting. Sidney Gilbert, W. W. Phelps, and Oliver move to Zion.
Kirtland Revelation Book, 89-91, heading: Revelation given in independence July the 20 1831 shewing that to be the place of the city of Zion and the gathering -.
Not printed in the Book of Commandments.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 27 heading: Revelation given in Zion, July, 1831. (11)

-- Jul 25, 1831
About sixty members of the Colesville branch under Newel Knight arrive in Independence. (1)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
3 - http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm
4 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
5 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
6 - http://scriptures.lds.org/chchrono/contents
7 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
8 - http://josephsmithpapers.org/TimelineOfEvents.htm
9 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
10 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
11 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
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Clair Barrus

Mormon History, 28 June-Jul 25, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- 28 June-Jul 25, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] The Colesville Saints leave Thompson, Ohio, and arrive at Kaw Township, Missouri. (1)

-- Jun 30, 1831
Late June early July Joseph and party meet Campbellite Evangelist Walter Scott in Cincinnati. He is not interested. (2)

William E. McLellin leaves Paris, Illinois for Independence. (2)

-- Between Jun 1831 and Jul 1831
Edward Partridge moves from Kirtland to Independence, MO with Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, William W. Phelps, and others. (3)

-- Jul 1831
[Black History] Smith identifies Negroes as lineage of Canaan, "The first Sabbath after our arrival in Jackson county, Brother W. W. Phelps preached to a western audience over the boundary of the United States, wherein were present specimens of all the families of the earth; Shem, Ham and Japheth; several of the Lamanites or Indians--representative of Shem; quite a respectable number of negroes--descendants of Ham; and the balance was made up of citizens of the surrounding country..." (History of the Church, 1:190). (4)

-- July 1831
[Temple] Independence Temple; Location: Independence, Missouri; Announcement: July 1831; Notes: Site Dedicated 1 August 1831 when cornerstones laid by Joseph Smith. The plat for the City of Zion (Independence, Missouri) originally called for 24 temples at the center of the city. A temple has never been built at this location because the temple's site, as designated by Joseph Smith, Jr, is occupied by an LDS denomination known as the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). (5)

-- summer of 1831
[Phelps, William Wines] Traveled to Jackson County, Missouri, in summer of 1831. (6)

-- Jul 1, 1831
[Black History] Joseph Smith calls "Negroes" of lineage of Ham, (7)

-- Jul 3, 1831
Colesville church boards a steamer at Wellsville, Ohio. (2)

-- Jul 14, 1831
(Thursday) Joseph, Edward Partridge , Martin Harris, W. W. Phelps, and Joseph Coe reach Independence . (2)

[Joseph Smith] Independence, Missouri. Joseph Smith and his party arrived in Independence from Kirtland, Ohio, after being shown in vision where the temple at Independence and the city of Zion would be located. (8)

-- Jul 16, 1831
They say that a miracle was worked in their behalf, by clearing a passage through the ice at Buffalo-some of them affect a power even to raise the dead, and perchance, (such is the weakness of human nature), really believe that they can do it! The chiefs of those people appear to exempt themselves from labor, and herein is, probably, the grand object for which they have established this new religion. "Mormonism," Niles Weekly Register (Baltimore), July 16, 1831. (2)

-- Jul 17, 1831
Joseph, Oliver, Martin, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, Ziba Peterson, and Joshua Lewis cross the border into Indian Territory, where W. W. Phelps preaches to the Indians and Joseph receives a revelation. (2)


Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
4 - http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62
5 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples
6 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
7 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166
8 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Jun 15, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Jun 15, 1831
Isaac Morley and Ezra Booth leave Kirtland for Independence. Ezra Booth Letter 5 (1)

Lucy's party arrives in Detroit at 11 p.m. and stay the night at a tavern because Almira's sister, Mrs. Cooper, has a nervous condition. (1)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 55. W. W. Phelps called to be baptized, ordained, preach and baptize, assist Oliver with printing. Go with Joseph, Sidney, and Joseph Coe to Missouri.
Book of Commandments 57 heading: A Revelation to William, given given in Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 68 heading: Revelation to William W. Phelps, given June, 1831.
Book of Commandments 57. (2)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 56. Newel Knight to lead stubborn Colesville branch to Missouri. Ezra Thayer not to subdivide property. Rich won't share and poor are lazy and greedy.
Manuscript (unidentified scribe) heading: Recd. june 15th 1831.
Selected collections 1:19. Original, Church Archives, MS 4583, box 1, fd. 20.
Book of Commandments 58 heading: A Revelation to the church, and certain elders, given in Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831.
1835 Doctrine & Covenants 69 heading: Revelation given June 1831. (2)

-- Jun 16, 1831
W. W. Phelps is baptized and presumably ordained an elder. (1)

-- about Jun 16, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 55, a revelation calling William W. Phelps to preach the gospel and to assist in making books of instruction for the children of the Church. (3)

-- Jun 19, 1831
(Sunday) Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, W. W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, Sidney and Elizabeth Gilbert, and Joseph Coe leave Kirtland for Jackson County (900 miles). (1)

Early summer Lucy proceeds to Pontiac, where she predicts within three years a Presbyterian minister will lose 1/3 of his congregation to the Mormons, which takes places when Jared Carter visits Pontiac in 1833. Remaining in Pontiac four weeks, Lucy converts David Dort and wife. Lucy, 544; D&C 52:7-8. (1)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. After receiving the commandment by heavenly vision to travel to western Missouri, Joseph Smith started on his first journey to Independence, Missouri, with Sidney Rigdon and others, arriving on July 14. (3)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph leaves Kirtland to travel to Missouri. Some of the Saints are asked to move to Missouri. (4)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, and A. S. Gilbert go to Missouri. About this time, Lucy and Almira Mack accompany Hyrum, Lyman Wight, John Corrill, and John Murdock north to Pontiac and Detroit, Michigan, on their way to Missouri. (5)

-- about Jun 20, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 56, a revelation concerning Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre. (3)

-- Jun 23, 1831
John Smith (not the prophet's uncle) baptizes Micah Baldwin Welton in Northampton, Portage county, Ohio. (1)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
5 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Jun 6, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Jun 6, 1831
[Murdock, John] Ordained high priest 6 June 1831. (1)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 53. Sidney Gilbert, Newel K. Whitney's business partner, wants to know about his calling and election. Become an elder, preach. Called as church agent in Kirtland.
The Manuscript History of the Church indicates that this revelation was received "shortly after" D&C 52 (June [6], 1831).
Book of Commandments 55 heading: A Revelation to Sidney (G. ,) given in Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 66 heading: Revelation to Sidney Gilbert, given June, 1831. (2)

-- June 6 or 7, 1831
[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 52. Elders to travel by different routes to Missouri for the next conference. They are to travel in pairs, preaching along the way, and take different routes (to reach as many people as possible). The Lord is cutting short his work.
"At a meeting of the tribe on the 3d. inst. the fact was made known to them that 28 elders must be selected and ordained, to start immediately, for Missouri. " "Mormonism on the Wing," Painesville Telegraph, June 14, 1831. Source.
Minutes of June [3-6], 1831 do not mention this revelation, nor do the eyewitness accounts of Levi Hancock or Ezra Booth.
John Whitmer's history begins the conference June 3 and June 4, and the revelation June 6. J. Whitmer, 41, 69, 81.
The Manuscript History of the Church (1839) dates the conference June 6 and the revelation June 7. MH-A, 118.
Book of Commandments 54 heading: A Revelation to the elders of the church assembled in Kirtland, Ohio, given June, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 66 heading: Revelation given June, 1831.
Two different sections are numbered LXVI in the 1835 D&C. The other one is the current LDS D&C 53.
Book of Commandments 54. (2)

-- Jun 7, 1831
The new bishop and several others are called to settle Jackson County, Missouri to build the city of Zion. A small group travels to Independence, Missouri. (3)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 52, a revelation organizing pairs of elders to proselyte en route to the next Church conference to be held in Missouri. (4)

-- about Jun 8, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 53, a revelation to Algernon Sidney Gilbert, telling him of his calling to be an agent of the Church and to travel with the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon. (4)

-- After Jun 10, 1831
Heber C. Kimball joins the Baptists. (5)

-- Jun 12, 1831
John Whitmer begins his history of the church. (6)

-- about Jun 12, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 54, a revelation directed to Newel Knight concerning difficulties in the branch at Thompson, Ohio. (4)

-- Jun 14, 1831
After all the good followers of Jo. Smith from York state had got fairly settled down in this vicinity, which Rigdon had declared to be their "eternal inheritance," Jo must needs invent another 'command from God.' At a meeting of the tribe on the 3d inst. the fact was made known to them that 28 elders must be selected and ordained, to start immediately, for Missouri. The ceremony of endowing them with miraculous gifts, or supernatural power, was then performed, and they were commanded to take up a line of march; preaching their gospel, (Jo's Bible) raising the dead, healing the sick, casting out devils, &c. The flock are to be left to shirk for themselves the best way they can. It is said they are about to commence an establishment some 500 miles up the Missouri where they contemplate building the New Jerusalem, and they have expressed doubts whether few if any of them will ever return to this "land of promise"; but in due time a command will be sent for the remainder
of their deluded and infatuated followers to move-we opine however, that very few will obey the summons. The chosen few are to be off during the present week, going by pairs in different routes, all on foot, except Jo., Rigdon, and Harris, the contrivers and commanders of the expedition.
"Mormonism on the Wing," PT, June 14, 1831.
Ezra Booth Letters (4-6) emphasizes the expectation of the party to witness and perform miracles on their way.
Ezra Booth Letters (4-6) also refers to the high hopes and expectations of the elders en route to Independence. (6)

Lucy Mack Smith, Almira Mack (daughter of Lucy's deceased brother Stephen), Hyrum Smith, John Murdock, John Corrill, and Lyman Wight board the steamer William Penn at Fairport, traveling to Detroit. (6)

-- Jun 15, 1831
D&C 55 to W. W. Phelps: called to be baptized, ordained, assist Oliver in printing, select and write school books, go to Missouri with Joseph, Sidney, and others. (6)

D&C 56 (Kirtland): Ezra Thayer refuses to leave on his mission with Thomas B. Marsh until he has made arrangements to sell his property or get his payments refunded. If he does not fulfill the mission, he will be repaid, but he will also be excommunicated. Thomas is reassigned to Selah J. Griffin, whose companion, Newel Knight will take charge of the Colesville families on their trek to Missouri. Rich must give to the poor. Poor must have broken hearts and contrite spirits. (6)


Footnotes:
1 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
2 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
6 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Jun 3, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Jun 3, 1831
[Whitmer, John] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831 by Lyman Wight. (1)

[Wight, Lyman] Ordained to High Priesthood 3 June 1831. (1)

-- Jun 3, 1831-6
Fourth general Conference of Church held, Kirtland township. Brethren first ordained to the High Priesthood. [See High Priest; Conferences: General Conference.] (2)

-- Jun 4, 1831
Nineteen men are ordained High Priests, including Joseph Smith, Jr., Lyman Wight, and Edward Partridge. Isaac Morley and John Corrill are ordained assistants to Bishop Partridge. (3)

-- Jun 5, 1831
Dr. Cephas Dodd, tells of Spalding Story Manuscript found in the Wilds of Mormon. Claims The Book of Mormon was copied from it. (4)

-- After Jun 5, 1831
Sidney Rigdon asks Levi Hancock to build a desk and an office for him. Levi Hancock gives money to Sidney Rigdon, as Sidney has none. (4)

-- Jun 6, 1831
According to Joseph Knight Sr. , Copley was cut off for refusing to consecrate his property. The Colesville branch left Copley's property some time in June and moved about 90 miles southeast to Wellsville on the Ohio River. (5)

D&C 52: Missionary assignments made. Brethren to travel in pairs to Missouri, preaching as they go and taking different routes. Transfer blessing of Heman Basset (in transgression) to Symonds Ryder. Oliver to give to give Joseph, Sidney, and Edward recommends to take with them to Zion. (5)

D&C 53 (Kirtland): Algernon Sidney Gilbert to be the bishop's agent. (5)

D&C 54: Colesville church to move from Leman Copley's land in Kirtland to Missouri under Newel Knight. (5)

Early June Leman Copley evicts the Colesville church from his farm in Thompson. (5)

[Joseph Smith] Jared Carter writes, "Brother Joseph notwithstanding he is not naturaly talanted for a Speaker yet he was idled with the power of the holy Ghost." In 1853 Joseph Smith announced a revelation appointing Sidney Rigdon as his "spokesman." (6)

[Marsh, Thomas Baldwin] Ordained high priest by Lyman Wight 6 June 1831. Appointed to travel to Missouri with Ezra Thayer. Thayer slow preparing to leave; Marsh left with Selah J. Griffin. (1)


Footnotes:
1 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
2 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
4 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
5 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
6 - D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"


LDS History

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http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

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Clair Barrus

Mormon History, 1831 3-6 June

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- 1831 3-6 June
First high priests ordained. (1)

-- 3-Jun 6, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] At the fourth general conference of the church, held at Kirtland, about 200 attend. Among the mission assignments, Hyrum is commanded to go to Missouri by way of Detroit. Samuel Smith and Reynolds Cahoon are instructed to be companions. (2)

-- Jun 3, 1831
[Booth, Ezra] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831 by Lyman Wight. (3)

[Cahoon, Reynolds] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831 by Joseph Smith. (3)

[Corrill, John] Ordained high priest and set apart as assistant to Bishop Edward Partridge 3 June 1831. (3)

Conference (Kirtland): First ordinations to the High Priesthood, Lyman Wight has a vision of the Father and the Son, prophesies that the Second Coming will occur in this generation, some will be martyred. (4)

[Harris, Martin] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831. Member of Literary and United firms. (3)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ at a conference of elders where the first high priests were ordained. (5)

[Joseph Smith] The Melchizedek priesthood and the office of high priest are conferred on previously ordained elders. Lyman Wight, the first ordained high priest, ordains Joseph Smith to that office. (6)

[Partridge, Edward] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831. (3)

[Pratt, Parley Parker] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831. (3)

[Smith, Samuel Harrison] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831. (3)

[Thayer, Ezra] Ordained high priest 3 June 1831 by Lyman Wight. In Section 52 directed to accompany Thomas B. Marsh to Missouri; unable to prepare in time and did not go. (3)


Footnotes:
1 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
4 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, June 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- June 1831
[Knight, Newel] Ordained elder before June 1831. (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Simonds Ryder joins the church because of the Chinese prophecy. Luke S. Johnson, Robert Raftburn, and Sidney Rigdon go on missions throughout Ohio. (2)

[Murdock, John] Appointed by revelation to travel to Jackson County, Missouri, with Hyrum Smith June 1831. (1)

[Partridge, Edward] Appointed to travel to Missouri with Prophet June 1831. (1)

[Phelps, William Wines] Appointed by revelation to assist Oliver Cowdery in printing Church literature June 1831. (1)

[Phelps, William Wines] Moved to Kirtland, Ohio, June 1831. (1)

[Pratt, Orson] Appointed to travel to Missouri with brother, Parley P. Pratt, June 1831. (1)

[Pratt, Parley Parker] Called to travel with brother, Orson, to Missouri June 1831. (1)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 54. Brethren broke covenant, must repent. Newel Knight, go to Missouri and get a job. Don't worry. I'm coming soon.
Book of Commandments 56 heading: A Revelation to Newel (K. ,) and the church in Thompson, given in Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 67 heading: Revelation to Newel Knight, given June, 1831.
John Whitmer's history introduction: At this time the Church at Thompson Ohio was involved in difficulty, becaus of the rebellion of Leman Copley. Who would not do as he had previously agreed. Which thing confused the whole church and finally the Lord spake unto Joseph Smith Jr. the Prophit saying: J. Whitmer, 81.
Book of Commandments 56. (3)

[Thayer, Ezra] Ordained elder by June 1831. (1)

[Whitmer, David] Moved to Kirtland, Ohio, by June 1831. (1)

[Wight, Lyman] Appointed to travel to Missouri with John Corrill June 1831. (1)

-- ca. Jun 1, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Sr., Lucy, and their families move to a farm a little outside Kirtland (current site of the temple). (2)


Footnotes:
1 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, about May 30, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- about May 30, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 50, a revelation in response to Elder Parley P. Pratts descriptions of strange spiritual manifestations that were sweeping through the Church. (1)

-- 1831 June
After missionaries reach Missouri and settle in Independence, Smith leads a group of Mormons from Kirtland west to Independence, which, according to the story, God has revealed will be the gathering place for Mormons and the site of a "New Jerusalem." In August they lay the cornerstone for a temple; within a year, more than 800 more church members have moved to the area. Yet Smith decides to keep his headquarters in Kirtland. (2)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. and company start for Jackson County, Mo. (3)

-- Jun 1831
Joseph Smith announces "high priesthood." (4)

Joseph Smith visits missionaries in Missouri [per Oliver Cowdery]. (4)

William W. Phelps baptized. (4)

-- June 1831
[Booth, Ezra] Appointed to travel to Missouri with Isaac Morley June 1831. (5)

[Booth, Ezra] Ordained elder before June 1831. (5)

[Cahoon, Reynolds] Appointed to travel to Jackson County, Missouri, with Samuel H. Smith June 1831. (5)

[Corrill, John] Appointed to travel with Lyman Wight to Jackson County, Missouri, June 1831. (5)

[Corrill, John] Ordained elder before June 1831. (5)

[Hancock, Levi Ward] Appointed by revelation to travel to Jackson County, Missouri, June 1831 with Zebedee Coltrin; had much success, establishing large branch of Church in Winchester, Indiana. Eight children: Mosiah, Sariah, Elizabeth Amy, Francis Marion, John Reed, Levison, Levi W. and Joseph Smith. (5)

[Knight, Joseph, Sr] Left Ohio for Jackson County, Missouri, June 1831. Resided in Jackson, Clay, and Caldwell counties in Missouri. (5)


Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - http://www.pbs.org/mormons/timeline/
3 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
4 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
5 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, about May 9, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- about May 9, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Hiram, Ohio. Joseph and Emma Smith adopted the twin children of John Murdock, whose wife, Julia, died during childbirth. (1)

-- May 10, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Hiram, Ohio. Joseph Smith baptized Luke S. Johnson. (1)

-- May 13, 1831-14
Joseph tours Cuyahoga county (Orange, Warrensville, Bedford) with Reynolds Cahoon and Parley P. Pratt . (2)

-- May 14, 1831
Colesville church arrives in Painesville after crossing Lake Erie from Buffalo. (2)

-- May 17, 1831
or 24 About two hundred men, women and children, of the deluded followers of Jo Smith's Bible speculation have arrived on our coast during the last week, from the State of New York, & are about seating themselves down upon the "promised land" in this county. Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate, Jun. 25, 1831, citing PT of May 17 or 24. To be consistent with the arrival date of May 14, it would have to be the May 17 issue. (2)

-- May 20, 1831
D&C 51 (Thompson, Ohio): Instructions to Edward Partridge on organizing the Colesville Branch, which had settled on Leman Copley's farm in Thompson; consecration and stewardship. Not included in Book of Commandments. D&C 51:1-19 (2)

[Revelations] Thompson, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 51. Consecration and stewardship. Bishop Edward Partridge deeds what is needed to families. Excommunicants retain deeded property but bishop retains their surplus for the poor and for his own family's needs. Be one. Behave as though this were a permanent settlement until the Lord directs otherwise. This is a church-wide policy. Eternal life promised to participants.
Kirtland Revelations Book, 87-89 (copied before August 27, 1834), heading: Thompson [DEL: August :DEL] May 20, 1831.
Not in the printed the Book of Commandments.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 23 heading: Revelation given May, 1831.
"Not long after - the saints from the state of New York began to come on, and it seemed necessary to settle them, at the solicitation of Bishop Partridge, I inquired and received the following. " Joseph Smith draft history (1839) in Joseph Smith Papers 1:352.
Kirtland Revelations Book/1835 Doctrine and Covenants 23.
Bishop's instructions. (3)

-- May 26, 1831
In June they are all to meet, and hold a kind of [jubilee] in this new 'land of promise,' where they are to work diverse miracles-among others that of raising the dead. It is said there are soon to be miraculous births among them, and the number it is expected, will [be] materially increased after the general meeting. According to Dale Broadhurst, there was a rumor that "one of Joseph Smith's sisters was secretly impregnated by Sidney Rigdon." (2)

Strange as it may appear, it is an unquestionable fact, that this singular sect have, within three or four weeks, made many proselytes in this county. The number of believers in the faith, in three or four of the Northern Townships, is said to exceed one hundred-among whom are many intelligent and respectable individuals. The prospects of obtaining still greater numbers in this county, is daily increasing. (2)

We understand that a new arrival of Mormonites has taken place-some two hundred men, women and children having lately landed in Geauga county, their holy land, from New York. They have commenced a new settlement, in the township of Thompson, near the line of Ashtabula county, thus extending the holy land farther east than the limits originally fixed.They have full faith in the Mormon doctrine, having as they say, worked a miracle in clearing a passage through the ice at Buffalo, by which they sailed several days sooner than other vessels. Western Courier (Ravenna, Ohio), May 26, 1831. (2)

-- May 27, 1831
1831 Several families, numbering about fifty souls, took up their line of march from this town last week for the "promised land," among whom is Martin Harris, one of the original believers in the "Book of Mormon." Mr. Harris was among the early settlers of this town, and has ever borne the character of an honorable and upright man, and an obliging and benevolent neighbor. He had secured to himself by honest industry a respectable fortune-and he has left a large circle of acquaintances and friends to pity his delusion. "Mormon Emigration," Wayne Sentinel, May 27, 1831. (2)

Early June Newspapers report earthquake in Peking. Symonds Ryder is baptized. (2)

last week: The Sentinel publishes on Fridays, the Telegraph on Tuesdays. If the Palmyra/Manchester company left on the Erie Canal on Saturday, May 21, they might have reached Painesville in time to be counted in a May 24 Telegraph estimate. (2)


Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, May 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- May 1831
John Wakefield and Parley P. Pratt instructed to go forth among the churches and strengthen them with exhortation. (1)

[Knight, Newel] Located in Thompson, Ohio, May 1831. (2)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Revelation of May 1831. Joseph Smith Sr. and his family to move into "the house" when it is vacated, and Ezra Thayer will board with them until a house is built for him. Frederick G. Williams' family remain until he returns from mission. Ezra to be ordained, serve mission with others in the West. Save money to buy more land in the West.
Kirtland Revelations Book, 91-92. (3)

[Thayer, Ezra] In (unpublished) revelation, given May 1831 in Kirtland, Ohio, instructed to board with Joseph Smith, Sr. Revelation continued, Let my servant Ezra humble himself and at the [June 1831] conference meeting he shall be ordained unto power from on high and he shall go from thence (if he be obedient unto my commandments) and proclaim my gospel unto the western regions with my servants that must go forth even unto the borders of the Lamanites. (2)

-- After May 1831
Edward Partridge instructed to repent and he shall be forgiven. (1)

-- about May 1, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Thompson, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 51, a revelation concerning the responsibilities of Bishop Edward Partridge. (4)

-- ca. May 1, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy leaves Waterloo with a group of about eighty Saints, bound for Kirtland. Icebound at Buffalo, they see the passage miraculously open before them. They arrive at Fairport/Kirtland about 14 May. (5)

-- May 3, 1831
or 4 Lucy Mack Smith leads a group of about fifty persons, with another group of about thirty headed by Thomas B. Marsh , from Fayette through the Cayuga, Seneca, and Erie Canals to Buffalo, then to Fairport, Ohio (arriving on May 11-12), and finally on to Kirtland. (6)

-- May 9, 1831
D&C 50 (Kirtland): Satan uses false spirits to deceive; abominations in the church; cut off hypocrites; preach by spirit of truth; ask God to discern spirits; Edward Partridge not to put obstacles in the way of missionaries; grow in grace. (6)

Joseph and Emma adopt the Murdock twins, Joseph and Julia. (6)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and Emma adopt Murdock twins (Joseph Murdock and Julia) (7)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 50 Sources. False spirits deceive the world. Hypocrites in the church will be detected and cut off. Received spirits they did not understand. Receive the Spirit, which is light and truth. You were ordained to go forth and preach the gospel. Joseph Wakefield and Parley P. Pratt to strengthen the churches. Edward Partridge has interfered and needs to repent. Fear not, the Lord is with you. (3)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 50. False spirits deceive the world. Hypocrites in the church will be detected and cut off. Received spirits they did not understand. Receive the Spirit, which is light and truth. You were ordained to go forth and preach the gospel. Joseph Wakefield and Parley P. Pratt to strengthen the churches. Edward Partridge has interfered and needs to repent. Fear not, the Lord is with you.
Evening and Morning Star 1, no. 3 (August 1832) heading: Commandment, Given May 9, 1831.
Book of Commandments 53 heading: A Revelation to the elders of the church assembled at Kirtland, Ohio, given May, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 17 heading: A Revelation given May, 1831.
For a comparison of the Book B manuscript, Book of Commandments, and 1835 D&C, see D&C 50 Sources. (3)


Footnotes:
1 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
2 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
6 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
7 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Apr 30, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Apr 30, 1831
The first time Joseph and family came to Kirtland they lived with Isaac Morley, Lucy's father. Later "Father Morley" built a small house for them on his farm. The twins were born here. Lucy [Morley] and her elder sister kept house for Emma Smith while she was ill. Lucy Diantha Morley Allen reminiscence, "Joseph Smith, the Prophet," Young Woman's Journal 17: 537. (1)

Son and daughter of Joseph and Emma Smith born and died at Kirtland, OH. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smiths wife, Emma Smith gave birth to twins, a son and daughter, who lived only three hours. They were later identified in family records as Thadeus and Louisa. (3)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph and Emma have twins. The twins die the same day. They adopt twins born to John Murdock after his wife dies. (4)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and Emmas twins, Thaddeus and Louisa, are born and die. (5)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Julia Murdock passes away in childbirth with twins. (5)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Emma gives birth to twins (Thaddeus and Louisa) in Kirtland. They die within three hours. She adopts John and Julia Murdock's twins, born the same dayJoseph and Juliawhen the mother dies in childbirth. (6)

[Murdock, John] Wife, Julia, died 30 April 1831. (7)

-- 1831 May
Sidney Rigdon baptizes his brother, Carvel. MS 16:835. (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy Mack Smith and group arrive in Kirtland. (5)

-- 1831, May
Fayette, Colesville, and Manchester branches of Church in New York arrived in Kirtland-Thompson areas, OH. (8)

-- May 1831
[Booth, Ezra] Converted to Church through miraculous healing of Elsa Johnsons arm about May 1831. (7)

John Corrill instructed to labor in the vineyard. (2)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
5 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
6 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
7 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
8 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Apr./May 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Apr./May 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] A Mormon girl prophecies earthquakes in China. (1)

-- Spring 1831
[Joseph Smith] Joseph miraculously heals two women. (2)

-- 1/Apr 7, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] Martin Harris sells his 151-acre farm to Thomas Lakey for $3,000 to cover the Book of Mormon debt. By the end of the month, he settles some property upon his wife, from whom he separates, and leads several other families to Kirtland. Hyrum Smith leads the Colesville branch to Kirtland, departing from New York before the end of April. (1)

-- Apr 4, 1831
Edward Partridge is called to be the first bishop in the church. Sidney Rigdon anoints him an elder and sets him apart as a bishop. (3)

-- 1831 Spring
Parley P. Pratt, Leman Copley, and Sidney Rigdon visited Shakers near Cleveland, Ohio. (4)

-- Apr 7, 1831
Martin Harris sells 151 acres to Thomas Lakey for $3000 to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon. (5)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith translated Matthew 9:111 in his work on the New Testament. (6)

-- Apr 9, 1831
Conference (Kirtland): John Whitmer appointed Church Historian. (5)

Letter to the editor from A. W. B. of South Bainbridge, New York reports Joseph's treasure seeking and trials. In the first trial, the court, "considering his youth, (he being then a minor,) and thinking he might reform his conduct, he was designedly allowed to escape." Then, in the summer of 1830 [July 1] Joseph was again arraigned on a misdemeanor. Oliver testified "that said Smith found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two transparent stones, resembling glass, set in silver bows. That by looking through these, he was able to read in English, the reformed Egyptian characters, which were engraved on the plates." Josiah Stowell testified that he and Joseph almost succeeded in treasure seeking, but "did not get quite to it!" Addison Austin testified that he asked Joseph "to tell him honestly whether he could see this money or not. Smith hesitated some time, but finally replied, 'to be candid, between you and me, I cannot, any more than you or any body
else; but any way to get a living.'" "Mormonites," Evangelical Magazine & Gospel Advocate (a Unversalist magazine published in Utica, New York).A. B. W. is mostly likely A[braham]. W. Benton. (5)

[Whitmer, John] Called by revelation as Church historian 8 March 1831; ordained contrary to his wishes 9 April 1831 in Kirtland. (7)

-- Apr 19, 1831
The Painesville Telegraph publishes a letter from Martin Harris that includes the earliest published version of the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ. Joseph and Oliver are each "called of God and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church." (5)

-- Apr 30, 1831
Joseph and Emma's twins, Thadeus and Louisa, are born in the cabin but survive only 3 hours. (5)

Revelation: Joseph Smith Sr. and Ezra Thayer, and use of Frederick G. Williams' farm. (5)


Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
4 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
5 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
6 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
7 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Mar 19, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Mar 19, 1831
There appears to be a great discrepancy, in the stories told by the famous three witnesses to the Gold Bible Whitmar's description of the Book of Mormon, differs entirely from that given by Harris Whitmar relates that he was led by Smith into an open field, on his father's farm near Waterloo, when they found the book lying on the ground; Smith took it up and requested him to examine it, which he did for the space of half an hour or more, when he returned it to Smith, who placed it in his former position This witness describes the book as being something like 8 inches square the leaves were plates of metal of a whitish yellow color, and of the thickness of tin plate; the back was secured with three small rings of the same metal that the leaves were divided equi-distant, between the back & edge, by cutting the plates in two parts, and united again with solder, so that the front might be opened, as it were by a hinge, while the back part remained stationary and
immovable, and in this manner remained to him and the other witnesses a sealed book Harris declares that the leaves or pages of the book are not cut, and a part of them sealed, but that it opens like any other other book, from the edge to the back, the rings operating in the place of common binding. Palmyra Reflector, Mar. 19, 1831, qtd. in Early documents 2:249, 250. Other accounts of David Whitmer's experience, directly and indirectly reported, include a vision or angelic visitor. (1)

-- about Mar 19, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 49, a revelation concerning the teachings of Ann Lee and the Shakers. (2)

-- Mar 20, 1831-26
Parley arrives in Kirtland. (1)

-- March 20-26, 1831
[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 49. Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley are called on a mission to the Shakers. Jesus now rigns in heaven, will return soon, but no one knows when. Unknown holy men. Christ will not return as a woman. Marriage is ordained of God (one wife) for procreation. Be equal in all. Lamanites to blossom as the rose and Zion flourish upon the hills. (3)

-- Mar 22, 1831
Ten unidentified Palmyra residents sign a letter asserting that Joseph and his father had "belonged to a gang of money-diggers Jo pretending he could see the gold and silver by the aid of what they called a 'peep stone.'" Mormons in the Palmyra area are "few and generally of the dregs of community. The whole gang of these deluded mortals, except a few hypocrites, are profound believers in witchcraft, ghosts, goblins, &c." The signers found it "hardly possible that so clumsy an imposition can spread to any considerable extent." PT, March 22. The letter is dated Mar. 12, 1831. (1)

-- Mar 26, 1831
D&C 49 (Kirtland): Sidney, Parley, Leman Copley mission to Shakers; marriage ordained of God (one wife); abstinence from meat not required; temporal inequality a sin; Jesus will not come as a woman; disasters precede his coming; first Indians will blossom as a rose, Zion upon the mountains. The brethren "proclaimed according to the revelation given to them, but the shakers hearkened not to their words." (1)

Early spring Joseph and Emma move into cabin built by Isaac Morley on his land several miles north of Kirtland. (1)

[U.S. Religious History] Richard Allen, the first black ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, died. (4)

-- Mar 30, 1831
Warner Doty, about 29, becomes the first Mormon to die in Kirtland. Refused medical aid at Joseph's urging. Believed he would live for a thousand years. PT, Apr. 5, 1831. (1)

-- 1831 Apr
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy Mack Smith and group of eighty Saints depart N.Y. for Ohio. (5)

-- 1831 April
Joseph revising the King James Bible. (1)

-- 1831 Spring
Revelation that Zion is located in Independence, Missouri was presented. Many of Smith's followers still living in New York move to Kirtland. (6)

-- Apr 1831
Marinda M. (Johnson) Hyde baptized. (7)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
4 - http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/religion/blrel_amrel_chron.htm
5 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
6 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
7 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Mar 8, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Mar 8, 1831
D&C 47: (Kirtland) John Whitmer to "keep a regular history" and assist Joseph "translating all things." (1)

Joseph begins revision of the New Testament. Date appears at the top of the first page of A Translation of the New Testament translated by the power of God, in the Community of Christ Archives. (1)

John Whitmer is revealed to be historian of the Church. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 46, a revelation concerning the gifts of the Spirit, and Doctrine & Covenants 47, a revelation calling John Whitmer to be the Church historian and recorder. (3)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 46. Admit public to meetings. Gifts of the spirit. Given to benefit all, not as signs. Seek the best gifts. Some have all.
"Revelations: Commandment, Given March 8, 1831," Evening and Morning Star 1, no. 3 (Aug. 1832): {1}.
Book of Commandments 49 heading: A Revelation to the church, given in Kirtland, Ohio, March, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 16 heading: Revelation given March, 1831.
Evening and Morning Star/Book of Commandments 49. (4)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 47. John Whitmer is called to be Joseph Smith's scribe and to keep a history of the church.
Kirtland Revelations Book, 12-13, heading: Hiram Portage Co [sic] Ohio March 7th 183[DEL: 2 :DEL] 1.
Book of Commandments 50 heading: A Revelation to Joseph and John, given in Kirtland, Ohio, March 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 63 heading: Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. and John Whitmer, given March, 1831.
Kirtland Revelations Book.
Hiram Portage Co [sic] Ohio March 7th 183[DEL: 2 :DEL] 1. (4)

-- Mar 8, 1831-31
D&C 48 (Kirtland): Stay in Kirtland for now, share land to share with new arrivals, save to buy land for new city. (1)

-- March 8-13, 1831
[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 48. Stay in Kirtland for now, share land with immigrants, give them credit, save to buy land for new city.
Book of Commandments 51 heading: A Revelation to the bishop, and the church in Kirtland, given in Kirtland, Ohio, March, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 64 heading: Revelation given March, 1831.
Introduction in the "History of Joseph," Times and Seasons 5, no. 2 (Jan. 15, 1844): 401: Upon inquiry how the brethren should act in regard to purchasing lands to settle upon: and where they should finally make a permanent location; I received the following revelation, given at Kirtland, March 1831.
Book of Commandments 51/Doctrine and Covenants 48. (4)

-- about Mar 8, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith began his translation work on the Gospel of Matthew. (3)

-- Mar 12, 1831
Martin Harris arrives in Painesville from Palmyra and testifies in a hotel bar. "Every idea that he advanced, he knew to be absolutely true, as he said, by the spirit and power of God." Concludes "declaring, that all who believed the new bible would see Christ within fifteen years, and all who did not would absolutely be destroyed and dam'd." PT, Mar. 15, 1831. (1)

-- Mar 15, 1831
The Mormon Bible is anti-masonic, and it is a singular truth that every one of its followers, so far as we are able to ascertain, are anti-masons. Now, probably we are to know what is meant by "Church and State." "Antimasonic Religion," Geauga Gazette, Mar. 15, 1831. (1)

[Alexander Campbell: The Book of Mormon is a composite of:] every error and almost every truth discussed for the last ten years. He [Joseph] decides all the great controversies: infant baptism, ordination, the trinity, regeneration, repentance, justification, the fall of man, the atonement, transubstantiation, fasting, penance, church government, religious experience, the call of the ministry, the general resurrection, eternal punishment, who may baptize, and even the question of free masonry, republican government, and the rights of men. All these topics are repeatedly alluded to. "Internal Evidences," PT, Mar. 15, 1831. (1)

-- about Mar 16, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 48, a revelation for the Saints gathering in Kirtland about purchasing land. (3)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Mar 1, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Mar 1, 1831
Some months since, a young lawyer living in the western part of the state of New York, who probably had nothing else to do, and being acquainted with stenography, or the short hand, wrote the wonderful Mormon bible in stenographick characters. After having safely lodged his sacred deposite in the bowels of the earth, he marvellously appeared in disguise, in the form of an angel, to a man named Smith, and revealed to him where he would find the sacred treasure. Smith accordingly went, found the Mormon manuscript, and in his researches to find some one to interpret it, he fell in with his angel lawyer, who readily unravelled the mystery. Smith being an unlettered, ignorant man, sold his possessions in order to acquire the means for publishing his work. "Mormonism," Cleveland Advertiser, Mar. 1, 1831, reprint of article from as yet unlocated issue of the Ashtabula Republican. (1)

We have received a pamphlet of 12 pages, containing a review of the "Book of Mormon" from the able pen of Alexander Campbell, of Va. It unequivocally and triumphantly sets the question of the divine authenticity of the "Book" forever at rest, to every rational mind. We shall endeavor to lay it before our readers in two or three subsequent numbers. PT, Mar. 1, 1831. (1)

[Pratt, Parley Parker] Returned to Kirtland, Ohio, before 1 March 1831. (2)

-- Mar 3, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his brother Hyrum Smith, living in Colesville, New York, asking that he come to Kirtland and bring Joseph Smith Sr. from Fayette. (3)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph tells Hyrum in Colesville to bring the Saints to Kirtland. Hyrum, Joseph Sr., and others move to Ohio, leaving Newel Knight to organize the Colesville Saints and Lucy to lead the Fayette Saints. (4)

-- Mar 3, 1831-4
Joseph to Hyrum: Devil tries to overthrow churches in Ohio. Oliver's letter from Independence. Met with Delaware chief. Joseph urges Hyrum to come quickly. Joseph performs exorcism. Samuel and Orson Pratt arrived a few days ago. Joseph Sr. is threatened with suit. Avoid Buffalo (enemy ambush). Joseph to Hyrum, Mar. 34, 1831 (1)

-- Mar 4, 1831
Parley reaches Cincinnati after a one-week steamboat voyage from St. Louis. (1)

-- Mar 5, 1831
After walking 250 miles on muddy roads, Parley reaches the Coltrin home in Strongsville, Ohio, 40 miles from Kirtland. The Coltrins were among those baptized by the Lamanite missionaries en route to Missouri. Sick, he remains two weeks before leaving for Kirtland. Parley P. Pratt, 67. Arrival date is based on 9 days from February 25, estimating 250 miles in mud would take approximately same amount of time-9 days-as his 300-mile walk from Independence to St. Louis. (1)

-- Mar 6, 1831-7
D&C 45 (Kirtland): City of Enoch, signs of second coming, millennium, gather to Zion. Commandment to translate the New Testament. (1)

-- March 6 or 7, 1831
[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 45. The Son reminds the Father of his blood and suffering. Believers become his sons, perform miracles. Reasons with followers. City of Enoch. Jews to gather to Jerusalem. Fulness of gospel revealed at beginning of the times of the Gentiles. Scourge and desolation at end of times of the Gentiles. Signs of second coming. Resurrection followed by destruction , conversion of the Jews, who weep for persecuting their king. Satan bound , Jesus' return. Wicked will be cast into the fire, righteous receive earthly reward. Joseph to translate the New Testament. Wars begin soon in America. Gather out of the east. Collect funds to purchase inheritance. New Jerusalem a land of peace, safety.
Manuscripts in the Church Archives, one in the hand of Edward Partridge and another in the hand of William E. McLellin, date the revelation March 6, 1831. (5)

-- Mar 7, 1831
some hundreds of the rabble and a few intelligent citizens of the western part of New York and the eastern part of Ohio, have, with the wildest enthusiasm, embraced a feigned revelation purporting to be literally new. this new religion called Mormonism, "Something New.-Golden Bible." Evangelical Enquirer (Dayton, Ohio) 10, no. 1 (Mar. 7, 1831): 217-220.
For a long time in the vicinity of Palmyra, there has existed an impression, especially among certain loose classes of society, that treasures of great amount were concealed near the surface of the earth, probably by the Indians, whom they were taught to consider the descendants of the ten lost Israelitish tribes, by the celebrated Jew who a few years since promised to gather Abraham's sons on Grand Island, thus to be made a Paradise. The ignorance and superstition of these fanatics soon conjured up a ghost, who they said was often seen and to whom was committed the care of the precious deposit. One Joseph Smith, a perfect ignoramus, is to be a great prophet of the Lord, the fabled ghost the angel of his presence, a few of the accomplices the apostles or witnesses of the imposition, and, to fill up the measure of their wickedness and the absurdity of their proceedings, the hidden golden treasure, is to be a gold bible and a new revelation. (1)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 45, a lengthy revelation concerning the salvation of mankind and the calamities of the last days. He also completed his translation work on the book of Genesis through chapter 24. (3)

-- Mar 8, 1831
D&C 46 (Kirtland): Admit all to public meetings, all members to sacrament meetings, transgressors not to partake of sacrament, honest seekers to sacrament and confirmation meetings; gifts of the Spirit. (1)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
5 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Feb 22, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Feb 22, 1831
The Painesville Telegraph reprints article from the February 14, 1831 Palmyra Reflector, recounting Joseph's obtaining the Book of Mormon plates and asserting "no divine interposition had been dreamed of at the period." (1)

-- Feb 23, 1831
D&C 42:78-93 (Kirtland): Methods for dealing with transgressors; murderers, thieves, and liars to civil authorities; adulterers to be tried before the church, bishop should be present, two witnesses required; other offenders rebuked in secret if offense was private. The BC, Book B refers only to males, females added in 1835. (1)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 42:74-93. Deliver murderers to the law of the land. Two or more elders, and the bishop if possible, are to try adulterers. The testimony of two members of the church will convict after the presiding authorities submit the case to the church. Follow the same pattern in all other cases. Deliver robbers, thieves, and liars to the law, but workers of iniquity to the law of God. Reconcile with members privately , elders court if needed. Public reprimands for public offenses.
Evening and Morning Star 1, no. 5 (Oct. 1832): {2} heading: "Revelations: Items of Law for the Government of the Church of Christ, Given February 23, 1831".
Book of Commandments 47 heading: A Revelation to seven elders of the church, assembled in Kirtland, Ohio, given February 1831.
The Kirtland Revelations Book, 117-118 also contains a copy of this revelation. (2)

-- Feb 24, 1831
Parley reaches St. Louis (300 miles from Independence) in 9 days. (1)

-- about Feb 25, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 44, a revelation about the duties of elders. (3)

-- "Latter part of February" 1831,
[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 44. Call the elders together and the Lord will pour out his Spirit. They will convert many so the church will have "power to organize yourselves according to the laws of man. " Then the church's enemies will be thwarted. Care for the poor and needy.
Book of Commandments 46 heading: A Revelation to Joseph, and Sidney, given in Kirtland, Ohio, February, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 62 heading: Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, given February, 1831.
"The latter part of February I received the following revelation which caused the church to appoint a conference to be held on the 6th of June ensuing. It was given at Kirtland February, 1831, To [DEL: me :DEL] <Joseph Smith jr. > and Sidney Rigdon. " MH-A, 103. (2)

-- Feb 27, 1831
Orson Pratt arrives in Kirtland with Samuel Smith. Joseph to Hyrum, Mar. 3-4, 1831 (1)

[Smith, Samuel Harrison] Sent with Orson Pratt to preach in Kirtland, Ohio; arrived 27 February 1831. (4)

-- Feb 28, 1831
It is well known that Joe Smith never pretended to have any communion with angels, until a long period after the pretended finding of his book. Palmyra Reflector, Feb. 28, 1831. (1)

-- 1831 Mar
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and Emma move to Isaac Morley farm. (5)

-- Mar 1831
Joseph Smith has revelation; includes "...a man should have one wife." (6)

-- March 1831
[Pratt, Parley Parker] Called with others to preach to Shakers March 1831. (4)

-- March 1831 - July 1832
Translation of Matthew 1:1 - Revelation 22:21 (7)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
5 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
6 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
7 - http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/resscri1.htm


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Feb 9, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Feb 9, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] Law of the Church given (D&C 42). (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. introduces the law of consecration (D&C 42). (2)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 42:1-73 Sources. Short missions. The New Jerusalem. Only those ordained by recognized authorities may preach -from the Bible and Book of Mormon. Do not teach without the spirit. Speak and prophecy as the Comforter directs. Cast out the unrepentant. Consecrate property to the Lord. The bishop returns what the family needs. Keep the rest in the Lord's storehouse for the poor and needy. Do not return consecrated property excommunicants. Bless the sick. Do not mention Bible translation until complete. The kingdom is the keys of the church. Do not go in debt to the world unless commanded [dropped in 1835].
Book of Commandments, Book A no heading (Orson Hyde scribe): Points of Law.
Book of Commandments, Book B heading (Algernon Sidney Gilbert scribe): Laws of the Church of Christ received in the presence of twelve Elders February 9th 1831.
Book of Commandments 44 heading: A Revelation given to twelve elders assembled in Kirtland, Ohio; and also the law for the government of the church, given in the presence of the same, February, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 13 heading: Revelation given February, 1831.
For annotations and cross-references, see D&C 42.
Page numbers: Book of Commandments (Books A, B, C) are not paginated. Here, braces enclose page number of a revelation; for example, {2} is the beginning of the second page of a revelation. Bracketed numbers such as [1] are verse numbers in the Book of Commandments 44 or 1835 Doctrine and Covenants 13 respectively.
Purple: not in the column to the right or left. (3)

-- Feb 9, 1831-23
D&C 44 (Kirtland): Missionaries to return to Kirtland in June; Joseph and Sidney to visit the poor and minister to their needs. (4)

-- February 9 and 23, 1831
[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 42. Go in pairs to preach the gospel. Authorized ordinations. Preach and prophesy by the Spirit. Catalog of sins. Consecrate property to the church ; bishop deeds back what is needed and retains surplus to assist the poor, purchase land, and build up the New Jerusalem. Consecrated property not to be returned to excommunicants. Elders bless the sick. Treatment of adulterers and murderers, turn criminals and liars over to civil authorities. Reconcile with members privately , elders court if needed. Public reprimands for public offenses.
"On the 9th of February, 1831, at Kirtland, in the presence of twelve elders, and according to the promise heretofore made the Lord gave the following revelation, embracing the law of the church. " Manuscript History of the Church, A-1, 95. [Follows 1835 D&C 13. ].
This section, known as "The Law" or "The Laws of the Church," consists of two revelations. Verses 1-72 were received February 9, 1831; verses 78-93, February 23, 1831. Verses 73-77 were added when the two revelations were combined in 1835 Doctrine and Covenants 13.
For a comparison of five versions showing the development of these revelations, see Doctrine and Covenants 42:1-73 and Doctrine and Covenants 42:74-93. (3)

-- February 9-23, 1831
[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 43. Joseph is the Lord's only authorized spokesman. If he falls, only he can name his successor. Uphold him and furnish what he needs. Day of the Lord is near. Last opportunity for the world to repent. Satan will be bound, then loosed for a season before the end. Righteous to be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
John Whitmer's version is consistent with the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants except for a few words noted in the annotation column. His version may have been written before or after 1835, but certainly after the Book of Commandments (1833).
Received in the latter part of February. MH A-1, 103.
Book of Commandments 45 heading: A Revelation to the elders of the church, assembled in Kirtland, Ohio, February, 1831.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 14 heading: A revelation given February, 1831. (3)

-- Feb 14, 1831
Lamanite missionaries Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt , Ziba Peterson, Peter Whitmer Jr., and Frederick G. Williams decide to send Parley back to Kirtland to report results. (4)

[A "Painesville correspondent informs us" that the missionaries in Kirtland] proclaimed that there had been no religion in the world for 1500 years,-that no one had been authorized to preach and teach for that period,-that Joseph Smith had now received a commission from God for that purpose, and that all such as did not submit to his authority would speedily be destroyed. The world (except the New Jerusalem) would come to an end in two or three years. The state of New York would (probably) be sunk: Smith (they affirmed) had seen God frequently and personallyCowdery and his friends had frequent interviews with angels. From 1 to 200 (whites) had already been in the water, and showed great zeal in this new religion many were converted before they saw the book. Smith was continually receiving new revelations, and it would probably take him 1000 years to complete themcommissions and papers were exhibited, said to be signed by Christ himself!!! Cowdery authorized three
persons to preach, &c., and descended the Ohio River. The converts are forming "common stock" families, as most pleasing in the sight of God. They pretend to give the "Holy Spirit" and under its operations they fall upon the floor -see visions, &c. Indians followed Cowdery daily, and finally saw him enter the promised land, where he placed a pole in the ground, with a light on its top, to designate the site of the New Jerusalem. "Book of Mormon," Palmyra Reflector, Feb. 14, 1831. (4)

-- about Feb 14, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. In response to a visit by a woman who pretended to receive commandments, laws, and other curious matters, Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 43, a revelation about the Lords pattern of revelation. (5)

-- Feb 15, 1831
Lengthy letter from M. S. C. [Matthew S. Clapp] in the Painesville Telegraph reports early Lamanite missionary efforts in the fall of 1830. They arrived "about the last of October, 1830" from Manchester and Palmyra, New York, "Mormonism," PT, Feb. 15, 1831.
bringing a pretended revelation, entitled the "Book of Mormon." They came to the brethern of the reformation in Mentor, saluted them as brethern, and professed to rejoice at finding a people walking according to the scriptures of truth, and acknowledging no other guide. brethern of the reformation: Campbellites, recently officially separated from the Regular Baptists, were formally known as Reformed Baptists.
Sidney lets them stay with him, reads the book, and "partly condemned it," but two days later, declares it is true. Only after the missionaries see they have prospects for converts do they announce "that their book contained a new covenant, to come under which the disciple must be re-immersed."
Immediately they made a party-seventeen persons were immersed by them in one night. At this Mr. Rigdon seemed much displeased, and when they came next day to his house, he withstood them to the face-showed them that what they had done was entirely without precedent in the holy scripturesfor they had immersed those persons that they might work miracles as well as come under the said covenantshowed them that the apostles baptized for the remission of sinsbut miraculous gifts were conferred by the imposition of hands.
However, about two days after, Mr. R. was persuaded to tempt God by asking this sign, which he knew to be contrary to his revealed will; he received a sign, and was convinced that Mormonism was true and divine. The Monday following he was baptised. two days: the same two days mentioned above?
On the morning of the preceding day he had an appointment to preach in the Methodist chapel at Kirtland. He arose to address the congregation apparently much affected and deeply impressed. He seemed exceedingly humble, confessed the sins of his former life, his great pride, ambition, vainglory, &c. &c. After he was baptized, he professed to be exceedingly joyful, and said he would not be where he was three days ago for the universe.
"[A]bout three weeks" after Sidney was baptized, he went to New York to meet Joseph Smith, while Oliver Cowdery and his companions proceeded on to "the western Indians."
[Re: last December: "At other times they are taken with a fit of jabbering that which they neither understand themselves nor anybody else, and this they call speaking foreign languages by divine inspiration." (4)

The same issue of the paper includes a challenge from Thomas Campbell (father of Alexander) to debate the Book of Mormon with Sidney Rigdon. (Sidney burns the letter.)
Rigdon was formerly a disciple of Campbell's and who it is said was sent out to make proselytes, but is probable he thought he should find it more advantageous to operate on his own capital, and therefore wrote, as it is believed the Book of Mormon "Mormonism-or Grand Pugilistic Debate," Cleveland Advertiser, Feb. 15, 1831. (4)

-- Feb 16, 1831
Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith have vision of Father and Son while translating the Old and New Testaments (with Rigdon transcribing). Levi Hancock says he was with Rigdon during the translation of the Bible. (6)

-- Feb 21, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] Martin Harris's note to Grandin to pay for printing the Book of Mormon falls due. (2)


Footnotes:
1 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
4 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Feb 4, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Feb 4, 1831
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. advises Isaac Morley to abandon his "common stock" farm, calls Partridge to be the first bishop. (1)

[Partridge, Edward] Called as first bishop of Church 4 February 1831. (2)

[Partridge, Edward] Returned to Ohio by 4 February 1831. (2)

[Revelations] Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 41. Lord blesses and curses. Church to gather and agree on the word of the Lord. Pray to receive laws to govern church. Lord comes quickly. Whoever keeps the law is the Lord's disciple; others to be cast out. Don't cast pearls before swine. Build a house for Joseph. Sidney can live wherever he likes , as he keeps the commandments. Edward Partridge, "in whom there is no guile" , is called to be bishop.
First revelation given in Kirtland.
Kirtland Revelations Book, 93-94, heading: A Commandment given Febury 4th 1831 to choose A Bishop &c.
Book of Commandments 43 heading: A Revelation to the church in Kirtland, Ohio, and also the calling of Edward to the office of bishop, given February, 1831.
1835 D&C 61 heading: Revelation given February, 1831.
John Whitmer's history is consistent with the 1835 D&C text except for one minor difference as noted.
Manuscript History of the Church heading: The Lord gave unto the church the following revelation at Kirtland, Ohio, February 4, 1831. (3)

-- Feb 6, 1831-23
D&C 43 (Kirtland): Only Joseph to receive revelations as long as he lives and remains faithful, only he can appoint a successor if he falls. (4)

-- Feb 7, 1831
Alexander Campbell's "Delusions," the first substantive critique of the Book of Mormon, is published in the Millennial Harbinger. (4)

-- Feb 9, 1831
Revelation on Church government and Law of Consecration received (D&C 42). (5)

Joseph Smith received "the law of the Church," including the law of consecration (D&C 42). (6)

D&C 42:1-73 (Kirtland): Law of the Lord: ordination by recognized authorities only, missionaries, penalties for sins, consecration, plain clothing; idleness, elders bless the sick, the New Jerusalem, live together in love. (4)

Joseph Smith revelation: Elders to go forth two by two, except Smith and Rigdon to go for a little time. Also, Edward Partridge to stand in office as appointed unless he transgresses and another will be appointed. Also, cleave to wife and none else. And, surpluses to go to Church. (7)

Section 42 is received, laying out the law of the church, including naming specific sins and the punishments thereof. (8)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 42, a revelation containing the law of the Lord to his Church, including the law of consecration and stewardship of property. (9)

[Joseph Smith] The revelation on the economic "Law of Consecration" is recorded. (10)


Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
4 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
6 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
7 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
9 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
10 - D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Mormon History, Feb 1, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Feb 1, 1831
It appears quite certain that the prophet himself never made any serious pretensions to religion until his late pretended revelation. "Gold Bible, No. 3," Palmyra Reflector, Feb. 1, 1831. (1)

Joseph and Emma arrive in Kirtland, stay at the home of Newel K. Whitney for several weeks. (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and Emma arrive at Kirtland, Ohio. Stay with Whitneys. (2)

-- about Feb 1, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith and his wife, Emma Smith, arrived in Kirtland from New York and were kindly received into the house of Brother Newel K. Whitney. (3)

-- Feb 4, 1831
[Financial] By revelation to Joseph Smith (Doctrine and Covenants 41:9), Edward Partridge is appointed "bishop unto the church," the first Latter-day Saint to hold that office. Bishops, most importantly the Presiding Bishop, eventually become key figures in the stewardship of the church's financial and material assets. (Newel K. Whitney, who had already been serving as a bishop in the church, is appointed to succeed Partridge in 1844, and becomes the first bishop to be designated Presiding Bishop in 1847.) (4)

Edward Partridge called and ordained first Bishop of Church. (5)

Edward Partridge became first bishop. (6)

D&C 41 (Kirtland): Edward Partridge called as bishop. Ordained by Sidney Rigdon. (1)

Joseph Smith's revelation: A house should be built for Smith to live and translate; Sidney Rigdon should live as seems good to him; Edward Partridge to be ordained a bishop. (7)

Thomas Campbell sends letter to Sidney Rigdon, responding to his Book of Mormon challange. (7)

additional revelation is given, naming Edward Partridge the first bishop (D&C 42). (8)

[Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 41, a revelation calling Edward Partridge to be the first bishop of the Church. (3)

[Joseph Smith] Edward Partridge is ordained to the office of bishop without high priest ordination. Although he is traditionally regarded as presiding bishop over the entire church, LDS president John Taylor and church historian Orson Pratt explained that Partridge was the "General Bishop" over Missouri, while Newel K. Whitney (ordained in December 1831) was General Bishop over Ohio. (9)


Footnotes:
1 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
6 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
7 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
9 - D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"


LDS History

A lighter version of this blog:
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Current Issues:
http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/

Clair Barrus

Transition from the New York era to the Kirtland era

I've noticed several important things going on recently -- that all seem to be converging into a new era for the church
  • After the translation of the Book of Mormon and organization of the church, the Lamanite mission was set up -- the thought at the time being that the Lamanite decedents would convert in mass to the church (mission of the church as understood by Joseph Smith)
  • In conjunction with the Lamanite mission, the missionaries were to search for location of Zion, where a holy city would be built
  • The  conversion of primitivist Sydney Rigdon and much of his communal congregation in Kirtland occurs while the Lamanite missionaries are en route to their mission.  This, of course, alters the previous course of the church in significant ways
  • The eastern boundary of Zion is declared to be at Kirtland. Rather than settling only in the newly identified Zion in Missouri, New York church members are directed to settle at either the eastern edge of Zion at Kirtland, or the center of Zion in Missouri
  • An infusion of power, or "endowment" of spiritual power is promised to occur in Kirtland.  This "endowment" will 1st take the form of the "high" priesthood, then as an empowerment at the dedication of the Kirtland temple.  In Nauvoo this concept will evolve further into the endowment current in temples today.
I'm sure there is a lot more light to shed on this point in history -- but this is what I see going on at this important transition point from the New York era to the Kirtland era.

Mormon History, Jan 24, 1831

/Mormon History Chronology/
-- Jan 24, 1831
[Joseph Smith] Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith and others saw in vision the growth of the Church. (1)

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and Emma with Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, and Joseph (not Newel) Knight Sr. leave for Ohio, arriving 1 February. (2)

-- Jan 27, 1831
On 24 January, Rigdon leaves Fayette by stage, while "The prophet Spouse, and while 'holy family' (as they style themselves) will follow Rigdon, so soon as their deluded or hypocritical followers shall be able to dispose of what little real property they possess in this region: one farm (Whitmar's [sic]) was sold a few days ago for $2,300. Plain Truth to PT, Feb. 1, 1831. (3)

-- Jan 29, 1831
Oliver to Joseph: 25 miles from Shawnees on south side of Kansas River at its mouth; has not heard from Joseph since he and other missionaries left in fall 1830; deep snow; met with chief and 18-20 council members; chief said "they were very glad for what I their Brother had told them and they had recived it in their hearts &c-But how the matter will go with this tribe to me is uncirtain." Joseph to Hyrum, Mar. 3, 1831 (3)

-- 1831 January -May
Members from New York branches moved to Ohio. (4)

-- Jan 30, 1831
Sidney tells his Kirtland congregation that Joseph will arrive soon, challenges the world to refute the Book of Mormon. (But when Thomas Campbell offers to debate, Sidney is so offended by Campbell's letter that he tosses it into the fire.) (3)

-- 1831 February
Joseph and Emma Smith reach Kirtland; other church members will join them in the spring. For the next six years, Smith will be based there and will announce some 65 revelations, most pertaining to church structure and organization. (5)

-- 1831, early February
[Joseph Smith] After traveling more than 250 miles from New York, arrives in Kirtland, Ohio. (6)

-- Feb 1831
Joseph Smith has revelation; includes "...love one wife and no one else." (7)

-- Feb 1, 1831
Joseph Smith arrived at Newel K. Whitney Store in Kirtland, OH, and commenced ministry there. (8)

Joseph Smith arrived at the Newel K. Whitney Store in Kirtland, Ohio. (4)

"Feb. 1, 1831.-Mr. Rigdon just returned from the state of New York. Two days after, I accompanied several friends to Mr. R.'s residence, and found him in conversation with a Methodist elder. M.S.C., letter to the editor, PT, Feb. 15, 1831. (3)

"Mr. Smith arrived at Kirtland the next day (3)


Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
4 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
5 - http://www.pbs.org/mormons/timeline/
6 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
7 - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dgv482t8_0d5hdn5cv
8 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History


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Clair Barrus