A new survey suggests the beliefs of the Mormon Church may be the most likely to survive an encounter with extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI).
.........
Mormon Origins of ETI belief
Note how high Mormons score. Many Mormon respondents added comments to the effect that belief in ETI is already a part of Mormon doctrine. "My religion (LDS, Mormon) already believes in extra-terrestrials."
Apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, and others leave for the first mission to Europe (England). (2)
[Hyde, Orson] Left Kirtland 13 June 1837. (3)
Kirtland, Ohio. Due to sickness, Joseph Smith was unable to raise his head from his pillow to bid farewell to a group of missionaries. (4)
[Joseph Smith] Apostles Young, Kimball, Hyde, and others leave for the first mission to Europe (England). (5)
[Kimball, Heber Chase] Left Kirtland 13 June 1837. (3)
[Richards, Willard] Left Kirtland 13 June 1837. (3)
[U.S. Religious History] Mormon missionaries set off to proselytize in England. (6)
-- Jun 14, 1837
Kirtland, Ohio. After Joseph Smith had been extremely sick and weak for a few days, Dr. Levi Richards attended to him, and the Prophet regained his strength immediately. (4)
-- (Sun) Jun 16, 1837
The Painesville Telegraph, an advocate of the prosecution of Smith, made a brief mention of the Mormon leader's acquittal. (7)
-- (Sun) Jun 18, 1837
Oliver Cowdery began his duties as a new Justice of the Peace in Kirtland (7)
-- (Fri) Jun 30, 1837
Grandison Newell's letter commenting upon the outcome of his prosecution of Joseph Smith was published in the Painesville Telegraph. Newell argued that much incriminating evidence had been presented against Smith, but even he conceded that the hoped-for proof of his case rested only upon circumstantial evidence. (7)
-- During 1837 Jun.
[Joseph Smith] The Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate comments about the Eleusinian mysteries, which the American edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and other sources in 1837 describe as being revealed by God from the beginning of the world and passed on to worthy initiates through washings and anointings, a new name and garment, vows of non-disclosure, lesser and greater rituals, presentation through drama, an oath of chastity, designation as prophets, priests, and kings, emphasis on attaining godhood, and a heavenly ascent past various guards to whom departed spirits must give magical passwords. (5)
Footnotes:
1 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
6 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://bit.ly/Fwgbe
7 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- Jun 11, 1837
High council in Zion endorses commercial enterprises. All are free to engage in business. No preferential treatment. No partnering with non-Mormons or using non-Mormon suppliers. Give David Patten and Thomas B. Marsh town lots. Willard Richards arrives in Kirtland after 3-month mission to New York and Massachusetts. (2)
Wilford Woodruff writes: "I returned with several Elders to Elder Stodards to spend the night & there was a woman present who was possessed with the devil. She was oft times dumb & greatly afflicted by the evil spirits that dwelt in her. She believed in Jesus Christ of Nazareth and us as his servent & called upon us to cast the devil out of her. According to her request four of us lade hands upon her & commanded the devil in the name of JESUS CHRIST to depart out of her & it was immediately done & the woman arose with great joy & gave thanks & prase unto God for according to her faith she was made whole from that hour." (3)
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith gave special instructions to Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde and to Joseph Fielding concerning their mission to England. (4)
[Joseph Smith] Instructed and set apart as missionaries to England apostles Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde and priest Joseph Fielding, Kirtland; two days later, with Willard Richards, they departed Kirtland to fulfill their mission. (5)
-- (Tue) Jun 12, 1837
Joseph Smith was stricken with a serious illness and remained bed-ridden for several days. (6)
-- 12-Jun 14, 1837
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. is bedfast with an unspecified illness. (7)
-- Jun 12, 1837
Heber C. Kimball urges Willard to come to England. After consulting with Hyrum, Joseph, Sidney, and Brigham, Willard agrees and is set apart. (2)
[Joseph Smith] Onset of severe personal illness, Kirtland. (5)
-- (Tue) Jun 13, 1837
Apostles Young, Kimball, Hyde, and others left Kirtland for the first LDS mission to England. (6)
-- After Jun 13, 1837
Heber C. Kimball has visions of evil spirits in England. (1)
-- Jun 13, 1837
Heber C. Kimball and others left Ohio for England, the first missionary effort to extend beyond North America. (8)
Heber, Willard, and Orson leave Kirtland, take steamboat at Fairport. (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
6 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
7 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
8 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- Jun 3, 1837
Preliminary hearing held at the Methodist chapel in Painesville. Joseph charged with plotting the murder of Grandison Newell. Orson Hyde testifies in behalf of the prosecution >. Church court in the temple. Parrish testifies. (2)
-- Jun 4, 1837
Orson Hyde pleads for forgiveness and is set apart with Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Fielding for first mission to England. (2)
[Heber C. Kimball] Is called on fourth mission, to England. (3)
[Kimball, Heber Chase] Appointed to preach in England 4 June 1837. (4)
[Lucy Mack Smith] Perhaps on this date, at a meeting in the temple, Warren Parrish tries to drag Joseph Sr. from the stand, while John Boynton threatens to stab William Smith. Lucy says Joseph is in Cleveland; no trip to Cleveland is recorded in his history. (5)
-- Jun 5, 1837
At Joseph Smith's trial for conspiracy to commit murder of Grandison Newell, Apostles Orson Hyde and Luke S. Johnson acknowledge that "Smith seemed much excited and declared that Newell should be put out of the way, or where the crows could not find him; he said destroying Newell would be justifiable in the sight of God, that it was the will of God, &c." Hyde and Johnson insist that Smith is "tender-hearted" and the court acquits him because the prophet's statements do not constitute consipiracy. (6)
At Smith's trial for conspiracy to commit murder of Grandison Newell, Apostles Orson Hyde and Luke S. Johnson acknowledge that "Smith seemed much excited and declared that Newell should be put out of the way, or where the crows could not find him; he said destroying Newell would be justifiable in the sight of God, that it was the will of God, &c." Hyde and Johnson insist that Joseph Smith is "tender-hearted," and the court acquits him because the prophet's statements do not constitute conspiracy. (7)
[Joseph Smith] Discharged in Grandison Newell case, Chardon, Ohio. (8)
-- Jun 8, 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon resign their positions in the Kirtland Safety Society, sell their interests and walk away from the institution. (6)
[Joseph Smith] Completed his withdrawal from Kirtland Safety Society, apparently recognizing likelihood of failure, having made arrangements for resolution of outstanding debts. (8)
-- (Fri) Jun 9, 1837
After a few days' respite, Smith appeared before the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at Chardon, in the case of "Sate of Ohio vs Joseph Smith, Jr." for conspiracy to commit murder. Despite the offering of a considerable amount of incriminating testimony, Presiding Judge Van R. Humphrey did not feel sufficient evidence was presented to convict Smith on the charges. Joseph Smith was acquitted and returned to Kirtland a free man. (1)
-- Jun 9, 1837
... no testimony appeared [in the murder conspiracy trial], on which, any reliance could be placed, that went in the least degree to crimination ... and resulted in the entire acquittal of Joseph smith, Jr. of the charges alleged against him. This is said to be the thirteenth prosecution which has been instituted against Joseph Smith, Jr. for prejudice against him, he has never in a single instance been convicted, on a final trial <.
-- (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987
4 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
5 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
7 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
8 - Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- During After May 1837
David Whitmer renounces Joseph Smith as a fallen prophet. (2)
-- During May 1837
John F Boynton: In open dissent against Joseph Smith Jr. . by May 1837 (3)
Joseph Smith Sr.: Charged with misconduct May 1837 for refusing to admit high council to Kirtland temple and "speaking reproachfully against his brethren," reconciled (3)
President Jackson ordered that the US Treasury accept only gold (not paper money) for public land [causing the Church's bank to fail]. (2)
[Lucy Mack Smith] The Panic of 1837 begins in New York; banks stop payments in Ohio by 17 May. (4)
[Marks, William] Took ownership of office of Messenger and Advocate May 1837. (5)
[Far West high council:] we will not fellowship any ordained member who will or does not observe the Word of Wisdom according to its litteral reading. (1)
-- Jun 1, 1837
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph sets Heber C. Kimball apart as president of the British Mission; seven of the Twelve leave from New York 1 July. Perhaps about this time, Joseph Jr. accuses Parrish of stealing $25,000. When Frederick G. Williams, as justice of the peace, refuses to give him a search warrant, Joseph drops him from the First Presidency. (4)
-- about Jun 1, 1837
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith set apart Elder Heber C. Kimball to preside over a mission to England, the first foreign mission of the Church outside continental North America. (6)
-- Jun 2, 1837
Conference designates Heber C. Kimball to lead mission to England. (1)
John F. Boynton calls Joseph Smith a fallen prophet. (2)
Lyman E. Johnson leaves Church. (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
4 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
5 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
6 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
[Joseph Smith] Defended himself in worship service against accusations of dissenters, Kirtland. (2)
-- (Mon) May 29, 1837
Apostles Orson Pratt and Lyman E. Johnson accused Joseph Smith. Jr., before the Kirtland Stake High Council, of lying, financial fraud, and extortion. In the same Council session First Counselor Sidney Rigdon and "Assistant President" Oliver Cowdery presided over a meeting to consider charges brought against Second Counselor F. G. Williams, David Whitmer, Parley P. Pratt, Lyman E. Johnson, and Warren Parrish. It was decided the Council was not the proper body to try President Williams. Shortly thereafter Williams joined Rigdon and Cowdery in presiding. The members of the High Council were divided in their assessment of these various opposing charges and the meeting broke up without taking disciplinary action against any member of the Church. This open conflict between two factions in the Church leadership marked the beginning of a public acknowledgment of the split between Smith loyalists and reformers which began months earlier. [LDS History of the Church, Vol. II, pp. 484,
485] (3)
At about this time, Joseph Smith came out of hiding and allowed himself to be arrested, probably at his attorney's office in Painesville. It is likely that he was placed under bond and allowed his freedom until his hearing on the 30th. (3)
-- May 29, 1837
Kirtland high council meets to try President Frederick G. Williams, President David Whitmer, Apostles Parley P. Pratt and Lyman E. Johnson, and Warren Parrish, a seventy. Cannot decide if the council has jurisdiction. Lyman and Orson accuse Joseph of misrepresentation and extortion. Dissidents meet in the temple, declare Joseph fallen; want to David to lead.
Wilford Woodruff Journal 1:148 (4)
Sidney Rigdon presides over charges against Frederick G. Williams, David Whitmer, Parley P. Pratt, Lyman E. Johnson, and Warren Parrish; meeting dispersed in confusion as members refused to judge each other [per Church history]. (1)
Apostles Orson Pratt and Lyman E. Johnson accuse Joseph Smith of lying, financial fraud, and extortion. The Kirtland High council receives formal accusations against counselors Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, apostles Parley P. Pratt and Lyman E. Johnson, Smith's private secretary Warren Parrish and BOOK OF MORMON witness David Whitmer. The accused challenge the authority of the council to try them and charge bias. The council "then dispersed in confusion." This is the beginning of an apostasy which would overwhelm church headquarters and causes its abandonment by Joseph Smith seven months later. (5)
Apostles Orson Pratt and Lyman E. Johnson accuse Joseph Smith of lying, financial fraud, and extortion. The Kirtland High Council receives formal accusations against counselors Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, apostles Parley P. Pratt and Lyman E. Johnson, Smith's private secretary, Warren Parrish, and Book of Mormon witness David Whitmer. This is the beginning of an apostasy which would overwhelm church headquarters and causes its abandonment by Smith seven months later. (6)
[Lucy Mack Smith] Frederick G. Williams, David Whitmer, Parley P. Pratt, Lyman E. Johnson, and Warren Parrish are called to a church court, but it closes in confusion when Rigdon, Cowdery, and Williams leave. Johnson and Orson Pratt charge Joseph Jr. with misrepresentation and extortion. Dissidents meet in temple, declare that Joseph Jr. is a fallen prophet, and want to replace him with Whitmer. (7)
-- (Tue) May 30, 1837
Joseph Smith, accompanied by his lawyers and potential witnesses, appeared before Justice of the Peace (Talcott?) Flint at Painesville. The prosecution (apparently conducted by James H. Paine, Esq.) did not have its case ready and the hearing was rescheduled for June 3rd. Probably Grandison Newell and his counsel were attempting to find Marvel C. Davis to testify in the case. Mr. Davis never was located during this period -- probably he was in Kirtland. (3)
-- May 30, 1837
Joseph and entourage travel to Painesville for trial, but prosecution is not ready, so date is moved to the following Saturday. (4)
-- May 31, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff] Departs on mission to Maine with Jonathan Hale and Milton Holmes (8)
[Wilford Woodruff] Leaves Kirtland, Ohio, to serve a mission in the Fox Islands, off the coast of the state of Maine. (9)
Footnotes:
1 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
2 - Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
3 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
4 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
5 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
6 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
7 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
8 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
9 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Salt Lake City, Utah
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- mid May 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were unable to continue the operation of the Church's printing business due to overwhelming personal debts. They sold the printing office, press and bindery equipment to William Marks. This effectively ended the old "Literary Firm." (2)
-- May 20, 1837
[Whitmer, Peter, Jr] ; last child born 20 May 1837, after Whitmers death. (3)
-- May 22, 1837
In a trial before the Kirtland High Council concerning unfulfilled contracts the Council decides: "After a long investigation by the Councilors and parties, the Presidency. W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer, [it was decided] that both accuser and accused should be disfellowshiped, if they did not settle their difficulties." (4)
-- (Tue) May 23, 1837
Parley Pratt wrote an angry letter to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, accusing them of wrongful dealings with certain Church members, including himself. Pratt said that the LDS leaders took advantage over members like himself, "by undue religious influence," and insinuated that the "scheme of speculation" underlying the operations of the KSS was "of the devil." [Letter printed in Richard Livesey, "An Exposure of Mormonism," (1838), p. 9; original in the Lake County Historical Society Library]. (2)
-- May 23, 1837
Apostle Parley P. Pratt writes an angry letter to Joseph Smith saying that Smith has wronged him in turning his personal notes for debt over to a bank. Pratt says Smith was "taking advantage of your brother by undue religious influence" and "the whole scheme of speculation in which we have been engaged, is of the devil." He insists it had given rise to "lying, deceiving, and taking advantage of one's neighbor" and that Smith and Rigdon "have been the principle means in leading this people astray . . . by false prophesying and preaching." Pratt threatens to bring church charges against Smith, but six days later it is his brother, Apostle Orson Pratt, and Apostle Lyman Johnson who bring charges before a bishop's court condemning Joseph Smith for "lying and misrepresentation-also for extortion-and for speaking disrespectfully against his brethren behind their backs." (4)
-- May 25, 1837
Oliver Cowdery is elected a Justice of the Peace in Kirtland without opposition.
-- (5)
-- (Fri) May 26, 1837
The Painesville Telegraph published an open letter to Sidney Rigdon, written by Grandison Newell. In the letter Newell outlined his charges that Smith had conspired with two other Mormons to have him murdered. (2)
-- May 26, 1837
John Corrill named "an agent of the Church and Keeper of the Lord's Store House." (5)
The Painesville Telegraph publishes Grandison Newell's letter to the editor charging that Joseph Smith had sent two men to murder him. (5)
-- May 27, 1837
[Lucy Mack Smith] Parley P. Pratt, greatly disillusioned by economic problems, writes a harshly critical letter to Joseph Smith for which he later apologizes. (6)
-- 28May37
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Kirtland, Ohio 28th Sunday I repaired to the house of the Lord to worship the GOD of Israel with the congregation of the Saints in Kirtland. Behold it was a day of experience, of interest & of Knowledge. The same spirits of murmering, complaining, & of mutiny, that I spake of in Feb. 19th in this journal, hath not slept from that day to the present they have been brewing in the family circle in the secret chamber & in the streets untill many & some in high places had risen up against Joseph the servent whom God had raised up to lead Israel and they were striving to overthrow his influence & cast him down untill Joseph was grieved in spirit to stand insuch perils among fals brethren.
But notwithstanding this thick cloud of darkness standing over Kirtland Joseph being unmoved in the cause entered the congregation of the Saints arose in the stand & spake to the people in the name of the Lord in his own defince the Lord was with him by his power & spirit to the convinceing of the honest that he would stand & his enemies fall. (7)
-- May 28, 1837
At Sunday services in Kirtland, Wilford Woodruff finds "the same spirits of murmering, complaining, & of mutiny," that he witnessed on February 19.
-- (5)
Footnotes:
1 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
4 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
5 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
6 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
7 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- Apr 28, 1837
The presidents of seventies meet and declare for publication that "we will have no fellowship whatever with any Elder belonging to the quorum of the Seventies who is guilty of polygamy or any offense of the kind." (2)
-- During spring of 1837
[Patten, David Wyman] Mission to East in spring of 1837. (3)
[Smith, George Albert] Attended solemn assembly in Kirtland Temple in spring of 1837. (3)
-- May 3, 1837
Parley P Pratt: Wrote letter 23 May 1837 accusing Joseph Smith Jr. of financial fraud and "false prophesying and preaching" (4)
-- May 9, 1837
Luke S Johnson: Charged Joseph Smith Jr. 29 May 1837 with disrespect toward subordinate authorities of the church (4)
Lyman E Johnson: Joined Orson Pratt in formally accusing Joseph Smith Jr. of lying, financial fraud and extortion 29 May 1837, on which day a high council met to excommunicate him, but dismissed without action due to procedural infractions (4)
Lyman Wight: Threatened by high council with excommunication 29 May 1837, dismissed on procedural infractions (4)
Orson Pratt: Joined Lyman E Johnson in accusing Joseph Smith Jr. of lying, financial fraud, and extortion 29 May 1837 (4)
Parley P Pratt: Tried by high council which adjourned due to procedural infractions 29 May 1837 (4)
Sidney Rigdon: Formally accused 29 May 1837 of disbelieving revelations (4)
-- (Wed) May 10, 1837
Major banks in New York City suspended the payment of specie for bank notes, initiating a period of "hard times" and "hard currency" in the USA. (5)
-- May 10, 1837
Thomas B. Marsh, having heard that Parley has returned to Toronto and intends to go to England, writes from Far West, urging him not to go but to attend a meeting of the Twelve on July 24. (6)
Footnotes:
1 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
4 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
5 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
6 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- 9Apr37
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Kirtland, Ohio Joseph arose & like the lion of the tribe of JUDAH he poured out his soul in the midst of the congregation of the Saints but who can find language to write his words & teachings as with an iron pen in a rock that they may stand for future generation to look upon A fountain of knowledge rolled from his mouth to the people which was the word of God Yea in the name of GOd he proclaimed that severe Judgment awaited those characters that professed to be his friends & friends to humanity & the Kirtland Safety Society But had turned tritors [traitors] & opposed the currency & its friends which has given power into the hands of the enemy & oppressed th poor saints such have become covenant Breakers for which they will feel the wrath of God as true as Joseph is a prophet uttered the feelings of his soul in pain while viewing the poverty & afflictions of Ephraim or the Saints in Kirtland at least that fals brethren should be whited walls & bring pe
rils upon the saints. Joseph is as a father to Ephraim & to all Israel in these last days, he mourns because of unbelief & the negligence manifest with many who have received the gospel in obeying the commands of God he fears lest but few be left to receive inheritance. There is not a greater man than Joseph standing n this generation. The gentiles look upon him & he is to them like bed of gold conceled from human view.
they know not his principle, his spirit, his wisdom, virtue, phylanthropy, nor his calling. His mind like Enochs swells wide as eternity Nothing short of a God can comprehend his soul (2)
-- Apr 9, 1837
Joseph Smith condemns traitors with wrath of God [per Wilford Woodruff]. (3)
-- (Thr) Apr 13, 1837
Grandison Newell filed a complaint with a Justice of the Peace (apparently with Judge Flint in Painesville) charging Joseph Smith with conspiracy to commit murder. The magistrate issued a writ for Smith's arrest. While such writs were theoretically returnable anywhere in Geauga county, they were usually to into the hands of the township constable for execution. In this case, the writ was effectively rendered returnable in Painesville. (1)
Joseph Smith heard of the writ issued for his arrest. Knowing that an armed constable would soon appear in Kirtland to apprehend him, he fled town, thus avoid arrest and buying himself time to prepare a case in his defense. The bad news came to Smith suddenly and he was unable to solemnize the marriage of Wilford Woodruff, then in progress in Smith's own house. [Dean C. Jessee, "The Kirtland Diary of Wilford Woodruff."] (1)
-- 13 or Apr 14, 1837
A posse of non-Mormon arrived in Kirtland, seeking Joseph Smith's arrest. This unfriendly group probably accompanied a Painesville constable who held the writ authorizing Smith's arrest. The posse found that Smith had left town and was unable to secure his arrest. (1)
-- Apr 13, 1837
[Joseph Smith] Charged with hiring men to kill Grandison Newell, Painesville, Ohio. (4)
[Wilford Woodruff] Marries Phebe W. Carter, ceremony performed by Frederick G. Williams (5)
-- Apr 15, 1837
[Patriarchal Blessings] Patriarchal Blessing of Wilford Woodruff given by Joseph Smith, Sr. stated "Thou shalt have access to the treasures hid in the sand to assist thy necessities. An angel of God shall show thee the treasures of the earth that thou mayest have riches to assist thee in gathering many orphan Children to Zion. 26 March 1836, Patriarchal Blessing of Stephen Post given by Joseph Smith, Sr. stated ". . . for thou shalt not finished thy ministry upon this ball [this earth], thou shalt preach to people of other planets, and thou shalt preach to spirits in prison . . . (6)
[Wilford Woodruff] Receives patriarchal blessing by Joseph Smith, Sr. (5)
-- mid Apr 1837
Oliver Cowdery was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in Kirtland township and Frederick G. Williams was re-elected to the same. Neither man was especially loyal to Joseph Smith at this time. (1)
-- Apr 20, 1837
Wilford Woodruff writes: "Spent this day in the house of the Lord in prayer and fasting with the congregation of the Saints. Much of the power, gifts, and graces of the gospel was poured out upon us. Speaking and interpeting of tongues was manifest in the Congregation. One brother sung a lengthy song in tongues & sister Hide interpeted the same. It was great & glorious. Much of it was respecting the fame of Joseph and his magnus works. (7)
-- Apr 24, 1837
David W. Patten charges Lyman Wight (h) with teaching the "erroneous" doctrine that the church is under a telestial law. Lyman is directed to recant. (8)
Footnotes:
1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
2 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
3 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
4 - Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
5 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
6 - Marquardt, H. Michael, "Excerpts from a few Patriarchal Blessings given by Joseph Smith, Sr." http://www.xmission.com/~research/about/patb2.htm
7 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
8 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
Josiah Butterfield: "ordained" a president of the First Council of Seventy 6 Apr. 1837 (1)
Leonard Rich: Honorably released 6 Apr. 1837 due to high priest ordination (1)
Levi W Hancock: Released 6 Apr. 1837 under mistaken assumption he was a high priest (1)
Lyman R Sherman: Honorably released 6 Apr. 1837 due to high priest ordination (1)
Salmon Gee: "ordained" president of First Council of Seventy 6 Apr. 1837 (1)
Sylvester Smith: Honorably released from Seventy 6 Apr. 1837 due to high priest ordination (1)
Zebedee Coltrin: Honorably released 6 Apr. 1837 due to high priest ordination (1)
Appointment is made of the first general authority born outside of the U.S., John Gould. Born in Canada, he is ordained to the First council of Seventy. At this conference Joseph Smith honorably releases five members of the First Council of Seventy because they had previously been ordained high priests. Brigham Young would later preach that this was the only uninspired decision he ever witnessed Smith perform in the church. (2)
Appointment is made of the first General Authority born outside of the U.S., John Gould. Born in Canada, he is ordained to the First Council of Seventy. At this conference Joseph Smith honorably releases five members of the First Council of Seventy because they had previously been ordained high priests. Brigham Young would later preach that this was the only uninspired decision he ever witnessed Smith perform in the church. (3)
[Joseph Smith] Held solemn assembly in temple on anniversary of churchs organization, Kirtland. (4)
-- Apr 7, 1837
Far West high council adopts city plat, appoints five "wise men" to price and sell town lots, names construction committee for the House of the Lord with presidents of the stake to superintend and receive revelations for the building. Jacob Whitmer to serve as counselor until the return of President David Whitmer. (5)
Wilford Woodruff has an encounter with Satan in the Kirtland Temple: "when the shades of evening began to appear I repaired to the house of the LORD in company with Elders Milton Holmes, & Joseph B Nobles for the purpose of worshiping God. We entered one of the stands within the veils & fell upon our knees & Satan appeared also but not to worship God but to deprive us of the privilege. Satan strove against us with great power by tempting & otherwise[e]. He at one time drove me from my stand while I was striving with my brethren to enter into the visions of heaven." (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
4 - Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
5 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
[Snow, Lorenzo] Ordained elder before 3 April 1837 by Alva Beman. (2)
-- Apr 4, 1837
Lyman Wight: Convicted by high council 24 Apr. 1837 of teaching false doctrine, recanted (3)
-- Apr 4, 1837-6
[Wilford Woodruff] Ritually washed and anointed in Kirtland (4)
-- Apr 5, 1837-6
Presidents W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer meet with the high council, bishop's council, and apostles Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten. They demand a private meeting but Thomas B. Marsh threatens them with a common council. Investigation begins. David characterizes their conduct as "iniquitous & fradulent in the extreme." (5)
-- (Thr) Apr 6, 1837
The semi-annual Spring Conference began at Kirtland. An important Priesthood meeting was held in the Kirtland Temple, in which new presidents were ordained to preside over the LDS Seventies. Some former Seventies were released, as Joseph Smith had decided that High Priests at that time should not serve as Seventies. (6)
-- 6Apr37
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Office of High Priest - Jesus Christ a High Priest Each Church Officer Entitled to Revelation Only For His Jurisdiction Seventies Hold Melchizedek Priesthood - Not High Priests Bishop a High Priest - All Offices Necessary Prophet Rebukes Brethren out of Love Higher the Office the More Difficult the Duties All Offices Important Church in Need of Funds Work Must Go Forward - Relieve Debts of Presidency (7)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Sermons delivered on April 6, 1837 at the House of the Lord, Kirtland, Ohio that is looked upon annually with feeling of greater interest in Celebration of the 6th of April 1830 as upon that day the Church of Latter day Saints was first organized in this last dispensation & fulness of time Henceforth the solumn assembly of the Elders of Israel & all official members that can, will meet in the LORDS house annually to attend to the most Solumn ordinances of the house of GOD & receiving the visions & great things of heavens Therefore I shall be more particular in recording the tranactions of this day than others for it is sumthing similar to the Pentecost that St Paul speak of at Jerrusalem ; I repaired to the house of the Lord at 8 oclock A.M. & after spending an hour in the lower part of the house the presidency of the Church called the quorums of the Seventies into the upper part of the house that they might be by themselves for a while as there was
some business to be attended to in these quorums before they could procede to the business of the day below In the first place six of the Presidents of the Seventies were to leave the Seventies & take a station in the quorum of the traveling high priesthood and six other Presidents chosen in their stead I shall not here give the particulars of this change of Councillers suffice it to say that all of the councillors first chosen excepting Joseph Young were high priest befor the organization of the seventies & they had a right to officiate in the lower offices of the Church & there was some difiference in authority and office of the quorums of high priesthood & seventies. The six new Presidents chosen out of the seventies to take the place of thos that were to leave were John Gould. Josiah Butterfield. Salmon Gee.
Foster. John Gaylard ; After this matter was aranged theire was a glorious ordinance performed upon the heads of those who had been annointed (by the first presidency of the Church Joseph Smith jr Sidney Rigdon &c was this ordainance performed. it was as follows. while all of the anointed there lifted there hands towards heaven this first presidency of the Church confirmed & sealed upon our heads all the blessings of our ordination, anointing & patriarchal with a seal in the presence of God & the Lamb & holy angels that they should all be fulfilled upon our heads that not one jot or tittle should fail & the seal was confirmed upon our heads with a shout of all the anointed with uplifted hand to heaven HOSANNA. HOSANNA. HOSANNA. to GOD & the LAMB. Amen. & Amen. & Amen. Hosanna Hosanna. Hosanna. to God & the LAMB. Amen - Amen. & Amen.
Hosanna, Hosanna. Hosanna. to GOD & the LAMB. Amen. Amen. & Amen. This was repeated as it is written & if ever a shout entered the cabinet of heaven that did & was repeated by angels on high & caused the power of God to rest upon us. ( O ye Priest of Baal. O, ye gentile religionest O. ye inhabitants of Babylon possessing the Mark of the beast What knowledge have ye of the ordinances or blessings or virtues of the house & Church of God) Great and marvelous are the blessings and power of the ordinances of the Lord & his gospel made manifest on these occasions After being in the upper room about two hours we again Joined the congregation of the Saints in the lower Court & the house came to order for the business of the day. the veils were closed & each apartment commenced the duties of the day the washing of the feet of the anointed was the first business that was performed. The twelve assisted our presidency in washing the feet Elder Heber Kimble one of the twelve apostl
es attended to the washing of my feet & prophesied upon my head & pronounced me clean from the Blood of this generation this as it was with JESUS when he washed his deciples feet. great were the blessings that rested upon us in this ordinance. After the washing of feet, the veils were rolled, which brought the congregation into one assembly, the stand of the Priesthood were still coverd with the veils the Presidency stood in the lower stand & president Joseph Smith jr arose and addressed the congregation for the term of three hours clothed with the power, spirit & image of GOD he unbosomd his mind & feelings in the house of his friends He presented many things of vast importance to the minds of the Elders of Israel. O that they might be written upon our hearts as with an iron pen to remain forever that we might. practice them in our lives That fountain of light, priciple & virtue that came, forth out of the heart & mouth of the Prophet JOSEPH whose soul like Enochs swell
d wide as eternity I say such evidence presented in such forcile manner ought to drive into oblivion every particle of unbelief & dubiety from the mind of the hearers, for such language sentiment principle & spirit cannot flow from darkness. Joseph Smith jr is a prophet of God rised up for the deliverance of Israel as tru as my heart now burns within me while I am penning thes lines which is as true as truth itself. President Hiram Smith followed Joseph with many useful remards he also was clothed with much of the spirit of God.
Joseph desired us to give heed to his words & teaching this once & be wise that Zion & her stakes might spedily be redeemed he instructed us to be sure & ask those that enter the Kingdom to send up their wise men to Kirtland with there money to counsel with the presidency & purchase an inheritance before they move their families or bring the poor to the places of gathering for to suffer.
Also that we must keep in view the institution of the Kirtland Safety Society & if the Elders of Israel would be faithful & do what was in their power this once Kirtland should spedily be redeemed & become a strong hod not to be thrown down. Joseph presented us in some degree the plot of the City of Kirtland (which is the strong hold of the daughter of Zion) as it was given him by vision, it was great marvelous & glorious. the City extended to the east, west, north, & south, steam boats will come puffing into the city our goods will be conveyed upon railroads from Kirtland to many places & probably to Zion. houses of worship would be reared unto the most high beautiful streets was to be made for the Saints to walk in Kings of the earth would come to behold the glory thereof & many glorious things not now to be named would be bestowed upon the Saints, but all these thing are better imagined than spoken by the Children of Jacob (7)
-- Apr 6, 1837
On short notice a solemn assembly is called "for the purpose of washing, anointing, washing of feet, receiving instruction and the further organization of the ministry." (5)
Daniel S Miles: "ordained" a president of the First Council of Seventy 6 Apr. 1837 (3)
Hazen Aldrich: Honorably released 6 Apr. 1837 due to high priest ordination (3)
James Foster: "ordained" a president of the First Council of Seventy 6 Apr. 1837 (3)
John C Gaylord: Seventies president 6 Apr. 1837 (3)
Footnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
4 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
5 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
6 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
7 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- mid Mar 1837
At about this time Solomon W. Denton was excommunicated from the LDS Church. (2)
-- (Fri) Mar 17, 1837
Former President Andrew Jackson returned home to Tennessee, and said that he left office "with barely $90 in my pocket." This marked the beginning of the Panic of 1837, an ensuing national depression, and the resultant need for the US Government to borrow money to meet its financial obligations. Practically every bank in the US stopped redeeming bank notes before the end of March. (2)
-- Mar 23, 1837
Wilford Woodruff describes worship service at the Kirtland Temple: "[T]he congregation took their seats, for the services of the day, in the following order: The house being divided into four parts by veils, the females occupied two parts & the males the others. Some of the presidency presided in each appartment. The time was taken up during the day in each appartment in singing, exortation, & prayer. Some had a tongue, others an interpetation, & all was in order. The power of GOD rested upon the people. The gifts were poured out upon us. Some had the administering of angels & the image of GOD sat upon the countenances of the Saints. At 4 oclock PM the Veils were all rolled up together which brought the whole Congregation in full view of each other and while the presence of the LORD filled the house the congregation of the Saints fell upon their knees & all as one man, vocally poured forth rejoicing, supplication & Prayer, before the God of Israel which Closed the services of
the day, after contributing for the support of the poor." (3)
-- (Fri) Mar 24, 1837
A hearing was held to consider Roundy's complaint against Smith and Rigdon for engaging in illegal banking activities. Smith and Rigdon were apparently bound over for a jury trial at the fall session of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas. [Dale W. Adams; BYU Studies Vol. 23, No. 4, pg.472.] (2)
-- Mar 24, 1837
At a preliminary hearing on charges the Monroe, Michigan bank charter had been obtained illegally, a court date is set for the fall session < >. (4)
-- Mar 25, 1837
[Pratt, Parley Parker] Wife, Thankful, died 25 March 1837. Four children: Nathan, Olivia, Susan, and Moroni. (1)
-- Mar 27, 1837
[Lucy Mack Smith] Mary Bailey Smith, the second child and second daughter of Samuel and Mary Bailey Smith, is born. (5)
-- During 1837, March
[John Taylor] Goes to Kirtland to meet the Prophet Joseph. (6)
-- During Mar 1837
Brigham Young buys a tavern in Auburn, NY [per Brigham Young]. (7)
-- During March 1837
[Taylor, John] Visited Kirtland March 1837. (1)
-- 3-Apr 5, 1837
[Lucy Mack Smith] W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer are accused of buying Missouri land with church funds, then selling them to church members at a profit; witnesses include David W. Patten and Thomas B. Marsh. (5)
-- Apr 3, 1837
High council lays out nine charges against Presidents W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer. (4)
Footnotes:
1 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
5 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
6 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, Salt Lake City, Utah
7 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
But now, in an agreement between author the prophet's son and author Edward Kimball, church-owned Deseret Book and Benchmark Books, the complete "working draft" has been published in book format.
Lengthen Your Stride focused on the twelve years that Spencer W. Kimball served as president of the LDS Church.
In the preface, the publisher declared:
The publisher and the biographer do not agree on the interpretations or weight of importance given to a number of events, or the choices of characterization of some of the people. The author and the publisher have had open and energetic discussions on these issues, and there has been some give and take in the editorial process. The resulting book reflects a compromise between the two points of view.
Edward explains that in his biographical writing "I have tried to always deal with sensitive issues cautiously but candidly," wanting the reader to "receive a fair telling of the full story, rather than a sanitized version from which the humanness has been leached."
Edward Kimball will speak about the book Wednesday, January 20, at 6:00 PM, and will answer questions and sign books. Benchmark Books is located at 3269 South Main Street, Salt Lake (801) 486-3111.
-- (Mon) Feb 20, 1837
At about this time, a special "meeting" was held to consider accusations made against Solomon W. Denton. It is likely that this was a late February session of the High Priests' Quorum, presided over by Don Carlos Smith. If so, Denton may have shown his "contempt of the quorum" by not appearing at what must have been essentially a Church court trial examining his loyalty to the LDS leadership. (2)
At about this time, the Feb. 2 writ (issued on Roundy's charging Smith and Rigdon with illegal banking) was probably served upon Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in Kirtland. The two probably posted bond (perhaps before a Kirtland Justice of the Peace) and agreed to appear at a pre-trial hearing scheduled for March 24. The venue of this hearing is unknown, but perhaps it was Painesville. (2)
-- Feb 22, 1837
Willard Richards receives a blessing from Church Patriarch Joseph Smith Sr.: "Death shall have no power over thee, for thou shalt tarry and behold thy Redeemer coming in the clouds, and shall see him in the flesh; shall have power to bring thy kindred into the kingdom, who shall acknowledge thee as a man of God." (3)
-- 26Feb37
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Kirtland, Ohio 26 Sunday President Joseph Smith Jr again addressed the Congretation of the Saints in the power and spirit of God. (4)
-- During 1837 February
Shortly after the Monroe bank opens, Samuel D. Rounds charges Joseph and Sidney violated Ohio's 1816 banking laws which prohibited banking except by authorized corporations < >. (5)
[Joseph Smith] Traveled to Monroe, Michigan, in connection with recent purchase of Bank of Monroe. (1)
-- During Feb 1837
Firm of Oliver Cowdery and Co. Dissolved and the entire establishment is transferred to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. (6)
Hyrum Smith says the Curch has heavy debts. (6)
-- During February 1837
[Wight, Lyman] Moved to Caldwell County, Missouri, February 1837. (7)
-- early Mar 1837
At about this time, Joseph Smith reportedly spoke with Solomon W. Denton, advising him to curb his adverse testimony, if called upon as a witness in an upcoming prosecution of Smith. Denton does not appear to have been cooperative when confronted with this counsel from the First Presidency. (2)
-- Mar 4, 1837
Martin Van Buren becomes U.S. President. (6)
-- Before Mar 6, 1837
Alvah Beaman a member. (6)
Footnotes:
1 - Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
4 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
5 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
6 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
7 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
-- (Wed) Feb 8, 1837
The US Senate completed the 1836 presidential election process by choosing Richard M. Johnson as Martin Van Buren's vice president. Van Buren took office amid fears of a rapidly worsening national economy. (2)
-- (Fri) Feb 10, 1837
A meeting of the Bank of Monroe Board of Directors was held in Monroe, MI. Joseph and Hyrum Smith attended, along with Oliver Cowdery. Following the Mormon buy-out of Monroe Mayor Harleston's controlling interest in the bank, Oliver Cowdery was made its Vice President. Bailey J. Hathaway, (a nephew of Mrs. Lemuel Durfee and Mrs. Joseph Comstock of Palmyra) was chosen to be the reorganized institution's non-Mormon cashier. (2)
The Mormons, in association with some non-Mormon allies in Geauga county) attempted for a second time to secure a bank charter for the KSS. A bill was introduced in the Legislature with an amendment granting the KSS a charter and authorizing its capital stock up to $300,000. This bill was defeated. [Dale W. Adams; BYU Studies Vol. 23, No. 4, pg.472.] (2)
-- Feb 10, 1837
Orson Hyde again applies for bank charter. (3)
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith signed Kirtland Safety Society Bank notes. (4)
-- (Mon) Feb 13, 1837
At about this Joseph Smith obtained a loan from the reorganized Bank of Monroe and then began his return to Kirtland, leaving Oliver Cowdery behind in Monroe. Joseph and Hyrum Smith probably stopped over in Cleveland, attempting to redeem notes of the Bank of Monroe for specie. Joseph probably also attempted to negotiate a loan from the Bank of Lake Erie at Cleveland while on this trip to the west. (2)
-- (Fri) Feb 17, 1837
At about this time Joseph and Hyrum Smith returned to Kirtland from their trip to the west. Brigham Young and William Smith met their stagecoach, (probably near Mentor) and informed Joseph of a possible plot against his life. William took Joseph's place in the coach, and all arrived in Kirtland without incident. Once back in the town, Joseph and Hyrum met Solomon W. Denton in the Kirtland Bank and confronted him with accusations saying that he had borrowed a pair of pistols with the intention of ambushing and killing Joseph Smith upon his return to Kirtland. Denton denied the accusations. (2)
-- (Sun) Feb 19, 1837
Joseph Smith preached in the Kirtland Temple and informed the audience that the First Presidency had purchased the charter of the Bank of Monroe. In other words, they had purchased the controlling interest in a chartered bank. (2)
-- 19Feb37
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Kirtland, Ohio Feb. 19th I repaired to the house of the Lord & stood in the midst of the congregation of the Saints whare I beheld President JOSEPH SMITH Jr arise in the stand & for several hours addressed the Saints in the power of God. Joseph had been absent from Kirtland on business for the Church, though not half as long as Moses was in the mount, & many were stird up in their hearts & some were against him as the Israelites were against Moses but when he arose in the power of God in their midst, as Moses did anciently, they were put to silence for the complainers saw that he stood in the power of a Prophet, O how weak is man. (5)
-- By Feb 19, 1837
Joseph Smith returns to Kirtland [per Wilford Woodruff]. (6)
-- Feb 19, 1837
Joseph Smith returns to Kirtland after business. While he was gone opposition to him builds based mostly on the Kirtland Bank fiasco. He takes the pulpit and preaches: "I am still the President, Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ. God, and not man, has appointed and placed me in this position, and no man or set of men have power to remove me, or appoint another in my stead; and those who undertake this, if they do not speedily repent, will burn their fingers and go to hell." (7)
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith addressed the Saints in the Kirtland Temple by the power of God. (4)
Footnotes:
1 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://bit.ly/Fwgbe
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
6 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology," http://bit.ly/14Qt5F
7 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
LDS History Timeline
About this site: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
Mormon History Chronology
[Knight, Vinson] Charter member of and owned stock in Kirtland Safety Society January 1837. Participated in dedication of Kirtland Temple. (1)
[Smith, William B] Charter member of Kirtland Safety Society January 1837. (1)
[Snow, Erastus] Charter member of and owned stock in Kirtland Safety Society January 1837. (1)
[Whitney, Newel Kimball] Charter member of Kirtland Safety Society January 1837. (1)
[Young, Brigham] Charter member of and owned stock in Kirtland Safety Society January 1837. (1)
-- (Wed) Feb 1, 1837
KSS bank notes were being exchanged at 12 1/2 cents on the dollar. If about $10,000 of the notes issued in January were still in circulation at this time, their combined face value was about $1,250. [Dale W. Adams; BYU Studies Vol. 23, No. 4, pg.472; and Marvin S. Hill, C. Keith Rooker, Larry T. Wimmer, BYU Studies, Vol. 17, No. 4, p.445-449. (2)
The publication of the 2nd edition of the Book of Mormon was completed. Printing of the book had been carried out during the winter of 1836-1837. (2)
-- Feb 1, 1837
O. Cowdery and Company is dissolved and the assets transferred to Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon. Warren A. Cowdery becomes their agent and editor of the Messenger and Advocate. (3)
The publishing firm of Oliver Cowdery & Co. was dissolved and its printing office was turned over to Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon. Oliver's Brother Warren remained as manager of the printing office, the book-bindery and the editor of the Messenger and Advocate. (4)
-- (Thr) Feb 2, 1837
A writ was issued for the arrest of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. upon complaint of Samuel D. Rounds, a front man for Grandison Newell. The complaint accused Smith and Rigdon of engaging in illegal banking and of issuing unauthorized bank notes. [Dale W. Adams; BYU Studies Vol. 23, No. 4, pg.472.] (2)
Following the publication of the 2nd edition of the Book of Mormon, Oliver Cowdery retired as editor of the LDS Messenger and Advocate and sold his share in the Church's printing business to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. As cash was very scarce in Kirtland at this time, Cowdery probably accepted a signed promissory note or nearly worthless KSS bills in this transaction. His brother, Warren Cowdery replaced him as editor of the LDS newspaper. (2)
-- (Fri) Feb 3, 1837
At about this time Joseph and Hyrum Smith (most likely in company with Oliver Cowdery) left Kirtland for Monroe, MI. In leaving town at this time, Smith no doubt managed to avoid being served with the arrest writ issued on Feb. 2, 1837, thus buying himself some time before having to appear in court to face illegal banking charges. It is possible that he thought by his purchasing a controlling interest in the chartered Bank of Monroe he could avoid conviction on the illegal banking charges -- or, at least continue the Mormons' banking operations under the auspices of the Monroe firm. (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
4 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm
LDS History Timeline
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Mormon History Chronology
This Sunday, adult Mormons will begin using an updated "Gospel Principles" manual, which has been revised, removing references to the book Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie.
Fifty years ago today in Mormon Church history, on Jan. 7, 1960 top church leaders met to discuss the findings of a yearlong investigation into the content and production of Mormon Doctrine.
President of the church David O McKay and his counselors met with Mormon apostles Mark E. Peterson and Marion G. Romney who led the investigation. President McKay's office journal noted:
They submitted their report upon their examination of the book "Mormon Doctrine" by Elder Bruce McConkie. These brethren reported that the manuscript of the book "Mormon Doctrine" had not been read by the reading committee, that President [of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and father-in-law of Bruce R. McConkie] Joseph Fielding Smith did not know anything about it until it was published."
The committee had taken issue with much of the content of the book and carefully classified problems into four major categories: Statements that offended other religions and "evolutionists"; over-use of terms such as "apostate" in a "discourteous" manner; controversial doctrines; and "miscellaneous interpretations." Each category was divided into sub-categories backed up with exhibits.
Three years earlier the First Presidency had stopped the publication Elder McConkie's book "Sound Doctrine" but were unaware he was working on another book. Elder McConkie was a member of the Council of the Seventy at this time, the 3rd highest quorum of the church.
On the 27th, President McKay met with Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith regarding his son-in law. .....
