Utah scores largest drop in voter turnout among 50 states

Excerpts from Utah's drop in voter turnout bucks national trend by  Lee Davidson, Deseret News

While America just hit a 40-year high in voter turnout, Utah slumped to the biggest drop in turnout among all the states compared to the last presidential election.

Just 53.8 percent of Utah's eligible voting-age population voted last month — down from an also-low 58.9 percent four years ago.

That drop of 5.1 percentage points was the worst among all states, according to data compiled by the United States Election Project at George Mason University.

Utah had the fourth-lowest rate among the states. The only states where it was lower were West Virginia and Hawaii, both at 50.6 percent, and Arkansas, 53.4 percent.

Jowers said that contributing to low turnout in Utah likely was "a lack of passion for Utah Republicans to vote for (GOP nominee John) McCain or against Obama. In 2004 and 2000, there was a real dislike among them for the Democratic nominees. This time, people did not hate Obama," he said.

Jowers said Utah likely would have done much better if Mitt Romney — a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former head of the 2002 Olympics — had been on the ballot.

Jowers noted that lousy turnouts are not new in Utah, which had the nation's worst voter turnout in the 2006 non-presidential elections. That comes despite all of the money spent on races here, and even pleas from churches from the pulpit for members to vote.

Reasons for that besides lack of competitiveness in races may include, he said, the fact that Utah has the youngest population in the nation — and young people tend to vote less.

Controversial Editing of Joseph Smith's Journals

This notice is a little late, but this Sunday evening, Van Hale will be talking about the Church Historian's Press - Joseph Smith Journals.

Controversial Editing of Joseph Smith's Journals

The first volume of the extensive Joseph Smith Papers Project has just been published by The Church Historian's Press. I will be talking about this volume, which includes Joseph Smith's Journals from 1832 to 1839. I will focus on some of the differences between the original Journals and their publication in the History of Joseph Smith. There has been criticism of the editorial choices regarding the use made in the production of this history of the Journals of Joseph Smith.

Time:

5:00 - 7:00 pm MST

Host:

Van Hale

Radio Station:

KTKK 630 AM, Salt Lake City

Live Internet Streaming Audio

can be accessed at:

www.k-talk.com

or mms://stream.netro.ca/ktkk

Parowan Prophet predicts disaster

Excerpts from a Los Angeles Times article "In Utah, the Parowan Prophet predicts disaster will prevent Obama from taking office"  By Peter H. King

"I think that you should hear what my opinion about the Obama election is: that he will not be the next president. I said on my home page in August that if he lost to expect to see the 'riots' that 2 Peter 2:13 tells us about. He didn't lose. But the story is not finished yet. I still think they may begin the riots before Christmas 2008, as I said."

These riots, according to his prophecy, will encourage the "old, hard-line Soviet guard" to seize the moment and rain down nukes on the United States, killing at least 100 million of us.

"Prepare now," Freeborn's letter concluded. "We are downwind from Las Vegas. I hope you can survive."

Freeborn, now 66, took "a plural wife," as he put it, and parted ways with the church. He forfeited his wealth, spreading word of his prophecies. He appears to live now mainly on sales of newsletters and survival information packets advertised on his website.

Asked for examples of successful prophecies, he offered O.J. Simpson's murder acquittal and Al Gore's winning of the popular vote in 2000. But his core insight has been a repeated dream of seeing nuclear flashes to the west while shopping at a Wal-Mart during Christmas season.

And this, he warned, appears to be the year.

Today in Church History 12/14

--about 14 Dec (Sat) 1833
D. P. Hurlbut departed Palmyra on or about this date. He was likely in Buffalo by mid-December and back in Geauga county a couple of days later. 16 Dec (Mon) Joseph Smith reportedly received a divine revelation in Kirtland, in which the Lord said that he had allowed afflictions to come upon the Saints in Missouri. This was perhaps the first mention among the Mormons of God knowing about the November expulsion from jackson county.

--14 Dec (Mon) 1835
"Sister Harriet Howe" (Eber D. Howe's wife) visited with Joseph Smith. She continued to be his loyal follower at least up until the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society in 1837 (of which she was a stock-holding member).

--December 14, 1841
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith began unpacking and sorting the dry goods for his Red Brick Store on the corner of Granger and Water Streets.

--December 14, 1842
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith’s delegation at Springfield, Illinois, made an affidavit that he was in Illinois on May 6, the day of the assassination attempt of ex-governor of Missouri, Lilburn W. Boggs.

--December 14, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith received a letter from Thomas Ford, governor of Illinois, in which he claimed no place to interfere in individual crimes committed against the Saints in this matter and that punishment belonged to the judicial power and not the executive.

--1845 14 Dec.
"The Seventies are ordained Apostles," Young tells the endowed in the Nauvoo temple, "they have power to ordain High Priests, and also to ordain and organize a High Council."

--1972, December 14
International Mission of the Church organized.

Today in Church History 12/13

--13 Dec (Fri) 1833
Durfey Chase certified the "integrity, truth and veracity" of Peter Ingersoll for D. P. Hurlbut at Palmyra. This was the lasted dated document obtained by Hurlbut before he departed for Ohio.

--13 Dec (Fri) 1833
Judge Smith of Palmyra certified the statement of David Stafford for D. P. Hurlbut.

--13 Dec (Fri) 1833
The Painesville Telegraph printed its "Painful Intelligence" article, telling more of the hostilities in Missouri, the whipping there of Mormon elders, etc. In an aside perhaps directed to Geauga county anti-Mormons, editor E. D. Howe said: "We fear that the party opposed to the Mormons will think themselves... enabled to cut off the offending sect." Despite his known anti-Mormon sentiments, Howe at this time became very cautious in publishing news and articles containing rhetoric directed against the LDS Church. Probably he was hoping to avoid inflaming what he saw as a potential replay of the Missouri hostilities there in his own Geauga county. Howe monitored the progress of the anti-Mormon's activities but he apparently was not a member of the self-styled "Committee" that met on occasion at the Corning house in Mentor.

--1835 13 Dec.
Joseph Smith writes that he "sealed" a matrimonial ceremony "in the name of God." This conventional use of the word "seal" would gain specialized meaning in Mormonism seven years later.

--1835 December 13
At home, Joseph orders his horse saddled and he and his scribe (Warren Parrish), ride to E. Jennings, "where I joined Eb[e]nezer Robinson and Angeline Works, in matrimony, according to previous arangements." Angeline, recovering from an illness, is able to sit up in her easy chair during the ceremony.

--1835 December 13
Diary-2, 66

--1835 December 13
Elder [Martin?] Harris also returned this morning from Palmyra N. York also Sister Harriet How[e] called to pay us a visit … Samuel Brannan came to my house, much afflicted with a swelling on his left arm, which was occasioned by a bruise on his elbow, we had been called to pray for him and anoint him with oil, but his faith was not sufficient to effect a cure, and my wife prepared a poultice of herbs and applyed to it and he tarryed with me over night

--1835 December 13
Harriet: sister of Eber D. Howe, editor of PT

--1835 December 13
Joseph and Warren then ride to Mr. McWithey's, about 3 miles from town, where Joseph is to "solemnize the matrimonial covenant" between Mr. E. Webb and Miss E. A. McWithy. A large crowd is present, Joseph speaks 40 minutes and "all seemed to be interested, except one or two individuals, who manifested, a Spirit of groveling contempt, which I was constrained to reprove and rebuke sharply." After closing, he "Sealed the matrim-[66]onial cerimony in the name of God, and pronounced the blessings of heaven. upon the heads of the young married couple we then closed by returning thanks." A "sumptuous feast" ensues. Joseph "can only say the that the interview was conducted with propriety and decorum, and our hearts were made to rejoice." Ebenezer Webb, Eliza A. McWithy

--1835 December 13
Joseph attends church services at the usual time, 10 a.m., in the school house on the flats. Jesse Hitchcock preaches "a verry feeling discourse" in the afternoon. Peter Whitmer and Frederick G. Williams speak of "many things [in] connection with the rise and progress of this church, which were interesting, and the Saints, listened with much attention, after these serv[ic]es closed, the sacrament of the Lords Supper was administered, under the superintendance of President D. Whitmer, who presided over the meeting during the day." Joseph then comments on [65] prayer meetings, and the meeting is closed "by invoking the blessings of heaven." Diary-2, 64-66.

--December 13, 1835
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith officiated in the marriages of Ebenezer Robinson to Angeline Works and Edwin Webb to Eliza Ann McWhithy.

--13-Dec 1836
Willard Richards (Brigham Young's cousin) baptized.

--1838 December 13
Brigham Young presides over high council meeting. Brethren share testimonies, express confidence in the faith. Four vacancies filled. HC 3:224-226.

--December 13, 1841
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith appointed Willard Richards as the recorder for the Nauvoo Temple and as his personal scribe.

--1845 13 Dec.
Young adds Peter, James, and John to the cast of the acted portion of the endowment ceremony.

--1846 13 Dec.
"When a man is found to be a thief," Young tells bishops, "he will be a thief no longer, cut his throat, & thro' him in the River."

--December 13, 2000
Decided: Elkhart vs. Brooks

The 7th Circuit Court ruled that a Fraternal Order of Eagles Ten Commandments monument at an Indian city hall was unconstitutional.

Today in Church History 12/12

--December 12, 1712
The colony of South Carolina passed a "Sunday Law" which required everyone to attend church each Sunday and to refrain from both skilled labor and traveling by horse or wagon beyond what was absolutely necessary. Violators received a fine and/or a two hours in the village stocks.

--about December 12, 1830
Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith received by revelation extracts from the prophecy of Enoch, which later became Moses 7 in the Pearl of Great Price.

--December 12, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Word was received that the Saints who had already fled from northwestern Jackson County, Missouri, were also about to be expelled from a southern area of that county soon to be known as Van Buren County, Missouri.

--12 Dec (Sat) 1835
William Smith (then nolonger a member of the Church) challenged his brother Joseph to a debate on whether or not "it was necessary for God to reveal Himself to mankind..." William was apparently denying the validity of his brother's claims to receiving divine manifestations.

--1835 December 12
Joseph attends a debate at the home of William Smith. " the question proposed to debate upon was, as follows.- was it necessary for God to reveal himself to man, in order for their happiness.- I was on the affirmative and the last One to speak on that Side of the question,â€" but while listning, with interest to the, ingenuity displayed, on both Sides of the qu[e]stion, I was called, away to visit, Sister Angeline Work[s], who was Suposed to be dangerously Sick …" Diary-2, 64.

--December 12, 1835
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith attended a debate at his brother William Smith’s, on the following question: “was it necessary for God to reveal Himself to mankind in order for their happiness?”

--December 12, 1840
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Newel K. Whitney.

--1843 12 Dec
to the chair who addressed the meeting in a vary feeling manner & interesting to our minds, he reasoned clearly that we should follow our file leaders & our savior in all his law & commandments without asking any questions why they were so[

--1845 12 Dec.
At 10:15 a.m., the general membership of the LDS church began receiving the anointing and endowment ordinances in the Nauvoo temple, and the apostles continued the initiations until midnight. Every, Sunday morning until he closed the Nauvoo temple in February 1846, Brigham Young conducted a prayer circle meeting to which all endowed persons were imvited. Continuing the previous terminology, he told these newly endowed people that they were also members of the "First Quorum" established by the martyred prophet. However, when the newly endowed numbered in the hundreds, it was no longer possible for every interested person to participate in the prayer circle. Within weeks thousands had been endowed, and the temple was too small to accommodate a meeting of everyone who had joined the "First Quorum." After the Mormons left Nauvoo, the term became a nostalgic memory, especially for those initiated during Joseph Smith's administration.

--1845 12 Dec.
The apostles begin initiating new people into the endowment ceremonies. For those already endowed, there is a repetition of the ordinances within the Nauvoo temple.

--1887 Dec 12
Rudger Clawson pardoned

Rudger Clawson pardoned by US President Grover Cleveland, cutting 4 months and 20 days off his 3 1/2 year sentence. (Smith, p. 488.)

Today in Church History 12/11

--1830 December 11
-15 D&C 36 (Fayette): Edward is called to preach the gospel.

--1830 December 11
Joseph baptizes Edward Partridge in the Seneca River. Whitney's Edward Partridge, 4.

--December 11, 1830
Seneca River, Seneca County, New York. Joseph Smith baptized Edward Partridge, who later became the first bishop of the Church.

--11 Dec (Wed) 1833
Judge Smith in Palmyra certified the signed statement provided to D. P. Hurlbut by Willard Chase (probably written that same day)..

--11-Dec 1841
Joseph Smith marries Prescindia Huntington Buell (31).

--11 Dec 1841
to 27 Jun 1844 Marriage - Joseph to Prescendia Lathrop Huntington, age 31, already married. Elder Dimick B. Huntington officiating PLACE: Smith's Store, Nauvoo, IL SOURCE: FamilySearch.com record for Joseph Smith Jr.

--December 11, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith sent an affidavit to Thomas Ford, governor of Illinois, reporting conditions surrounding the recent kidnapping of Daniel Avery.

--1845 11 Dec.
Beginning at 1 p.m., members of the Anointed Quorum continue to re-perform the first anointing and the endowment ceremony for previously endowed persons, including Lucy Mack Smith. That evening the Anointed Quorum "formed a circle, offered up the signs, and then offered up prayers for the sick; for our families and that the Lord would frustrate the plans of our enemies. Elder John E. Page being mouth." The only addition to the previous list of participants was Joseph C. Kingsbury (HC, WC-S). This was the last meeting of the Anointed Quorum as Joseph Smith originally established itâ€"a hand-picked group of men and women who comprised 1 percent of faithful adults at church headquarters.

--1890 Dec 11
Plural marriages continue 1890 Dec 11: Anson Bowen Call, married 2nd wife, Harriet Cazier. 1898 Mar 11: married 3rd wife, Dora Pratt. 1903 Jan 12: married 4th wife, Julia Sarah Abegg. He was Bishop of Colonial Dublan for 30 years and Patriarch for 10. His son, Eran, is currently a new GA as of Oct 1997). 262 post-Manifesto plural marriages have been recorded, including among the top leadership of the church.

--1994 11 December
2,000th stake of the Church organized, at Mexico City.

Spalding Theory revisited

Reassessing authorship of the Book of Mormon using delta and nearest shrunken centroid classification

http://llc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/fqn040

Matthew L. Jockers

Department of English, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Daniela M. Witten

Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Craig S. Criddle

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Correspondence: Matthew L. Jockers, Department of English, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA E-mail: mjockers{at}stanford.edu

----------ABSTRACT--------
Mormon prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) claimed that more than two-dozen ancient individuals (Nephi, Mormon, Alma, etc.) living from around 2200 BC to 421 AD authored the Book of Mormon (1830), and that he translated their inscriptions into English. Later researchers who analyzed selections from the Book of Mormon concluded that differences between selections supported Smith's claim of multiple authorship and ancient origins. We offer a new approach that employs two classification techniques: 'delta' commonly used to determine probable authorship and 'nearest shrunken centroid' (NSC), a more generally applicable classifier. We use both methods to determine, on a chapter-by-chapter basis, the probability that each of seven potential authors wrote or contributed to the Book of Mormon. Five of the seven have known or alleged connections to the Book of Mormon, two do not, and were added as controls based on their thematic, linguistic, and historical similarity to the Book of Mormon. Our results indicate that likely nineteenth century contributors were Solomon Spalding, a writer of historical fantasies; Sidney Rigdon, an eloquent but perhaps unstable preacher; and Oliver Cowdery, a schoolteacher with editing experience. Our findings support the hypothesis that Rigdon was the main architect of the Book of Mormon and are consistent with historical evidence suggesting that he fabricated the book by adding theology to the unpublished writings of Spalding (then deceased).

Huntsman 2012?

Excerpts from "Huntsman: the 'Next Big Thing' in politics?" by Lisa Riley Roche of the Deseret News

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s national profile continues to rise, with the Washington Post on Tuesday labeling him the "Next Big Thing" in politics — and a potential presidential candidate in 2012.

In his blog, "The Fix," the Post's Chris Cillizza says Huntsman "certainly has the look and feel of a future presidential candidate" but warns that his Mormon faith would be a major obstacle.

The former White House correspondent for Roll Call magazine in Washington says Huntsman's appeal includes pushing for bipartisanship in "ruby-red" Republican Utah as well as his progressive views on environmental issues.

Huntsman is described as openly critical of national Republican leadership, including the campaign of the party's presidential nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain. Huntsman was an early and loyal backer of McCain, despite the popularity in Utah of McCain's primary opponent, Mitt Romney.

Romney's likely bid in 2012 is cited as a problem for a Huntsman candidacy, as is being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cillizza says the opposition that surfaced against Romney's Mormon faith in the 2008 GOP primary proves there are voters who believe "Mormonism to be a cult and simply will not support any candidate who adheres to its tenets."

And Huntsman has acknowledged being contacted by members of President-elect Barack Obama's transition team about his interest in joining the new administration. Late last month, Huntsman traveled to Washington to present the Western Governors' Association's proposed national energy policy to the transition team.

Today in Church History 12/10

--1810 Dec. 10
Rebecca Marie Cowdery born to William & Keziah Cowdery in Williamson, Ontario, NY.

--about Monday, December 10, 1827
Harmony, Joseph and Emma move into the old Jesse Hale house.

--1830 December 10
Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge meet Joseph in Waterloo, New York, a short distance from David Whitmer's home in Fayette township. Lucy says Edward was baptized the day after he and Sidney arrived in Waterloo. Lucy, 505.

--about December 10, 1830
Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith welcomed Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge from Mentor and Painesville, Ohio respectively.

--10 Dec (Tue) 1833|Joseph Smith wrote to the Church leaders in Missouri, confessing he did not understand why God had allowed such a disaster to befall the Mormons of Jackson county.

--1833 December 10
Joseph writes brethren in Missouri to use the courts, write the governor and the president, but do not sell their lands. PWJS 328-332.

--December 10, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith wrote a consoling letter to the Saints in Missouri who had been exiled from their homes in Jackson County.

--December 10, 1835
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith labored with the brethren to put out a fire in the Kirtland board kiln.

--10 Dec (Sun) 1837|Joseph Smith arrived at Kirtland from Missouri. During his absence a number of prominent Mormons, including Warren Parrish, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Johnson and Joseph Coe, had united together to reform the Church at Kirtland and restore its original name: "Church of Christ."

--1837 December 10
Joseph returns to Kirtland. Thomas B. Marsh

HC 2:528.

--10-Dec 1837
Joseph Smith returns to Kirtland; writes that Warren Parrish, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Hohnson, Joseph Coe and other were united to overthrow him and intended to restore the Church's original name, "Church of Christ."

--1838 December 10
Committee of Edward Partridge, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Theodore Turley, Brigham Young, Isaac Morley, George W. Harris, John Murdock, and John M. Burk draft a petition to the state legislature detailing the Mormon side of the conflict. HC 3:217-224.

--1843 10 Dec.
Sunday prayer meeting in the upper room of Joseph Smith's store; "Joseph not present," and "Brigham Young presided," apparently for the first time (HC, JS-F, MAQ).

--1843 10 Dec.
Young presides over the regular prayer circle meeting of the Anointed Quorum for the first time.

--1845 10 Dec.
At 3 p.m. Anointed Quorum members began re-performing for each other in the Nauvoo temple the first washing and anointing they had previously received in various non-temple buildings. At 7:40 p.m., they began "to commence and go through with the ordinances" of the endowment ceremony. The re-performance of these ordinances continued until 3 a.m. for these previously endowed members of the Anointed Quorum (WC-S). HC emphasizes females as the officiators, specifically Mary Ann Young, Vilate Kimball, and Elizabeth Ann Whitney, and itemizes the joint participation of females and males: Brigham and Mary Ann Young, Heber and Vilate Kimball, Orson and Nancy Marinda Hyde, Parley and Mary Ann Pratt, John and Leonora Taylor, George and Bathsheba Smith, Willard Richards (whose only endowed wife had died), Amasa and Maria Louisa Lyman, John and Mary Page, John and Clarissa Smith, Lucy Mack Smith, Newel and Elizabeth Ann Whitney, George and Catharine Miller, William and Sally Phelps,

John M. Bernhisel, Alpheus and Lois Cutler, Levi Richards, Reynolds and Thirza Cahoon, William Clayton (whose endowed wives were inexplicably not present), Lucien and Phebe Woodworth, Orson and Catharine Spencer, and widows Agnes M. Smith, Mercy R. Thompson, and Mary Fielding Smith.

--1845 10 December-7 February 1846
Saints completed more than 5,000 endowments in the Nauvoo Temple.

--Dec 10,1862
Deseret News reports that Church Historian's Office is displaying sample of tobacco crops grown in Provo during past summer.

--10-Dec 1914
Joseph Smith III dies, Kirkland, OH.

Today in Church History 12/09

--about December 9, 1831
Northern Ohio. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon preached in various towns as they traveled through northern Ohio.

--9 Dec (Mon) 1833|Judge Baldwin in Palmyra certified the signed statement provided to D. P. Hurlbut by Peter Ingersoll and William Stafford.

--9 Dec (Mon) 1833|Judge Baldwin in Palmyra certified the signed statement provided to D. P. Hurlbut on Nov. 3, 1833 by Barton Stafford Probably Hurlbut was out of the area between about Nov. 5 and Dec. 1, and thus had to wait to process this certification.

--9 Dec (Mon) 1833|William Stafford signed a statement in Manchester for D. P. Hurlbut.

--1834 9 Dec.
"Joseph Smith, Senior, a Patriarch, and President of the high Priesthood" gives his first patriarchal blessings as an ordained patriarch to his adult children.

--December 9, 1835
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith rejoiced in gratitude for the brethren who had donated money to help him (the total was $64.50).

--December 9, 1842
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith spent the day chopping wood.

--1843 9 Dec.
"Prayer Meeting over the store," where William W. Phelps, Levi Richards, Cornelius P. Lott, and Joseph Fielding received anointing and endowment (JS-F, MAQ, MHBY, WW).

--December 9, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to William Clayton.

--1845 9 Dec.
Temple prayer circle of Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, John Taylor, Amasa M. Lyman, George A. Smith, Alpheus Cutler, Lucien Woodworth, George Miller, William W. Phelps, John M. Bernhisel, Orson Spencer, Reynolds Cahoon, and Isaac Morley: "We offered up the signs, John Tailor being mouth" (HCK).

--1849 9 December
First Sunday School organized in Rocky Mountains by Richard Ballantyne.

--1849, December 9
Sunday School organized by Richard Ballantyne.

--Dec 9,1869
ZCMI Drug Stores advertises that is has just opened on Main Street with "Liquors, Draught and by the case."

--9-Dec 1882
Lucy Smith (sister) dies.

--Dec 9,1933
Church News article "Mormonism in The New Germany, " enthusiastically emphasizes parallels "between the LDS Church and some of the ideas and policies of the National Socialists." First, Nazis have introduced "Fast Sunday." Second, "it is a very well known fact that Hitler observes a form of living which Mormons term the Word of Wisdom. Finally, due to the importance given to the racial question by Nazis and the almost necessity of proving that one's grandmother was not a Jewess, there no longer is resistance against genealogical research by German Mormons who now have received letters of encouragement complimenting them for their patriotism."

--1996 9 December
Church website initiated at lds.org.

Today in Church History 12/08

--about December 8, 1830
Fayette, New York. While working on his inspired translation of the Bible, Joseph Smith received by revelation the later portion of chapter 6 in the book of Moses.

--8-Dec 1831
Ezra Booth writes of a revelation directing Elders to marry with the natives.

--December 8, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. At a city council meeting, Joseph Smith suggested petitioning Congress to have Nauvoo placed under the protection of the United States government.

--1845 8 Dec.
Temple prayer circle of Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, George A. Smith, John Taylor, Cornelius P. Lott, Lucien Woodworth, William W. Phelps, Orson Spencer, William Clayton, Joseph C. Kingsbury, Reynolds Cahoon, Levi Richards, and George Miller: "All the Brethren clothed," and "Geo. Miller was mouth" (HCK, WC-S).

--1867 8 December
Relief Society reestablished with Eliza R. Snow as president.

--1867, December 8
Relief Society reorganized under the direction of President Brigham Young.

The Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon

Christopher Marc Nemelka  has published a copy of the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon.  Included in this publication are:

• A description of how he received a copy of the gold plates of Mormon
• The sealed portion of the Book of Mormon, beginning with Moroni sharing the record of the brother of Jared, including a vision showing the Mothers of the the spirits of the children of God living with God and a chance for the brother of Jared to meet his heavenly Mother.
• The Book of Lehi (Lost 116 paage manuscript) which was lost to chastise the LDS church "in it's extreme wickedness" and to prove that Nemelka had obtained the Urim and Thummim.  He plans to bring his publication and the gold plates to the church leaders to give them a chance to accept them.
• The words of Jesus uttered during the 1st Vision
• A re-translation of Isaiah 11 and a discussion of a visitation Nemelka had from the resurrected Joseph Smith
• A correct translation of the Sermon on the Mount

The contents are online here.

Today in Church History 12/07

--1830 December 7
-11 D&C 35 (Fayette): Sidney, like John, prepared the way for the return of Jesus and Elijah. Baptized unto repentance. Now Holy Ghost. Signs follow believers. Lord will "let fall the sword in their behalf." Joseph has the keys of the mysteries. If he fails, he will be replaced. Sidney to be Joseph's scribe. Lord comes soon.

--1830 December 7
Mr. Oliver Cowdery has his commission directly from the God of heaven, and that he has his credentials, written and signed by the hand of Jesus Christ, with whom he has personally conversed, and as such, said Cowdry claims that he and his associates are the only persons on earth who are qualified to administer in his name. By this authority, they proclaim to the world, that all who do not believe their testimony, and be baptized by them must be forever miserable. "The Book of Mormon," PT, Dec. 7, 1830.

--1830 December 7
Sidney begins writing on manuscript page 15. JS revelations, 96n96.

--1837 7 Dec.
Bishop Edward Partridge and counselors officially define tithing as 2 percent of the net worth of each Mormon after deducting debts. An 1838 revelation would define tithing as a donation of all surplus property at conversion and a tenth of annual income thereafter. By 1843 the initial donation would be reduced to one-tenth of net worth.

--1837 December 7
Bishop Edward Partridge and his counselors submit to the high council a plan to raise funds for the church based on an annual contribution of 2% of a man's net worth. Minutes of December 7, 1837

--December 7, 1837
Far West, Missouri. Joseph Smith presided over a two-day conference of the Church in Far West.

--December 7, 1839
Washington, D.C. Joseph Smith consulted with the Illinois delegation about how to get the Church’s petition for redress brought before Congress.

--December 7, 1841
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Esquires Browning and Bushnell.

--1845 7 Dec.
The first Sunday prayer circle in the temple in which women participated, and the first time in months that Brigham Young allowed women to join in a prayer circle. Anointed Quorum (including women) met for the first time in the Nauvoo temple to pray, including: Brigham Young, Mary Ann Angel Young, Heber C. Kimball, Vilate Murray Kimball, Orson Hyde, Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Mary Ann Frost Pratt, John Taylor, Leonora Cannon Taylor, George A. Smith, Bathsheba W. Biglet Smith, Willard Richards, John Smith, Clarissa Lyman Smith, Alpheus Cutler, Louis Lathrop Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, Thirza Stiles Cahoon, Newel K. Whitney, Elizabeth Ann Smith Whitney, Cornelius P. Lott, Permelia Darrow Lott, Isaac Morley, Lucy Gunn Morley, Orson Spencer, Catharine Curtis Spencer, William Clayton, Agnes Coolbrith Smith, George Miller, Catharine Fry Miller, Joseph Young, Mercy R. Fielding Thompson, Levi Richards, Mary Fielding Smith, Joseph Fielding, William W. Phelps, Sally

Waterman Phelps, Joseph C. Kingsbury, Lucien Woodworth, Phebe Watrous Woodworth, and John M. Bernhisel. Heber C. Kimball listed the following as those who had not received the second anointing: Lucien Woodworth, Phebe Woodworth, Mercy R. Fielding Thompson (Smith), William Clayton, John M. Bernhisel, Marinda Nancy Hyde, Agnes C. Smith, and Joseph C. Kingsbury (whose journal claimed that all members of the Anointed Quorum received it during Joseph Smith's life). Orson and Catharine Spencer, Joseph Fielding, Levi Richards (who were present) must therefore have received it at some previous but unrecorded date. The list also suggests that Orson Hyde (who received his second anointing during Smith's lifetime) did so with another woman (possibly deceased) rather than his first and legal wife Marinda, who was Joseph Smith's plural wife (HCK, DMQ). HC mentions only "the Twelve and others," without any reference to the female participants.

--Dec 7,1893
First Presidency and Twelve decide that garments worn under clothing should be white. This is first departure of Utah temple garment from contemporary "Union Suit" which comes in various colors and upon which Utah "street garment" is based.

--1907 7 December
Charles W. Nibley became presiding bishop and began implementing several financial changes, including a shift to an all-cash policy in collecting tithing.

--1941 7 December
Attack on Pearl Harbor brought United States into World War II.

Today in Church History 12/06

--1832 December 6
D&C 86 (Kirtland): Parable of the apostasy. The Lord is sending out the word now and blades begin sprout. Angels want to harvest but the Lord restrains them until the harvest is fully ready. The priesthood came down through history in the Prophet's ancestors, hidden from the world. Joseph is to restore all and be a savior to the world.

--1832 December 6
[Joseph:] translating and received a revelation explaining the Parable the wheat and the tears &c- PWJS, 23; Matthew 13:18-43; D&C 86

--1832 December 6
The Mormons still profess to talk with angels, visit the third heaven, and converse with Christ face to face.-Their form of baptism is changed to "I, John the Messenger, baptize thee" &c. The gift of imparting the Holy Ghost is yet professed.

Ohio Atlas and Lorain County Gazette, Dec. 6, 1832.

They pretend to have discovered where the Ark of the Covenant, Aaron's rod, the pot of Manna, &c., &c., now remain hid. At no distant period, they expect Christ will re-appear to live and reign on the earth a thousand years.

--1832 December 6
The Mormons still profess to talk with angels, visit the third heaven, and converse with Christ face to face.-Their form of baptism is changed to "I, John the Messenger, baptize thee" &c. The gift of imparting the Holy Ghost is yet professed.

Ohio Atlas and Lorain County Gazette, Dec. 6, 1832.

We believe their society numbers something more than 100 souls in this County, many of whom intend removing to Mount Zion in the Spring.

--December 6, 1832
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 86, a revelation explaining the parable of the wheat and tares.

--6 Dec (Fri) 1833|The Wayne Sentinel printed its "The Mormonites" article, saying that "Josiah Jones, Esq. of Kirtland, Ohio" had recently written a letter to "Doct. P. Hurlbert," then in Palmyra "as a missionary in behalf of the people of Kirtland for the purpose of investigating the origin of the Mormon sect." The Sentinel went on to paraphrase some of the Missouri news from the clipping Jones had sent Hurlbut. But, by that time, the editor already had other similar articles in hand from which he could quote the same news.

--1833 December 6
[Wayne Sentinel: D. P. Hurlbut is in Palmyra] as a missionary in behalf of the people of Kirtland investigating the origin of the Mormon sect. … The original manuscript of the Book [of Mormon] was written some thirty years since, by a respectable clergyman, now deceased, whose name we are not permitted to give. It was designed to be published as a romance, but the work has been superadded by come modern hand-believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hurlbert [Hurlbut] from the widow of the author of the original manuscript. Qtd. in Early documents 2:13-14, and Sidney Rigdon, 135.

--1833 December 6
W. W. Phelps, Isaac Morley, John Whitmer, Edward Partridge, John Corrill, and A. S. Gilbert write Governor Daniel Dunklin for assistance: state militia or United States Rangers to restore Mormons to their homes in Jackson County; authorization for Mormon men to organize themselves into companies of Jackson Guards armed by the state; and a court of enquiry. TS 6, no. 10 (Jun. 1, 1845): 915.

--December 6, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith and others prayed that the newly arrived printing press would be a means to bring “about the restoration of the house of Israel.”

--1834 6 Dec.
Joseph Smith, Sr., and son Hyrum are the first Freemasons to become general authorities, although they had not been active since the 1826 murder of anti-Masonic crusader William Morgan. Before his own death Joseph Smith would marry the anti-Masonic martyr's widow Lucinda. First Presidency ordains Hyrum Smith as an additional assistant president (counselor) and Joseph Sr. as assistant president and Presiding Patriarch. Joseph Jr. had ordained Brigham Young's father John Young as patriarch to his family a few weeks earlier.

--1834 December 6
In Kirtland, the Smith men, Oliver, Sidney, and Reynolds Cahoon meet. Hyrum is ordained to the presidency of the High Priesthood. Minutes of December 6, 1834

--1834 December 6
In Missouri, W. W. Phelps, John Whitmer, John Corrill, Isaac Morley, Edward Partridge, and A. S. Gilbert write Governor Daniel Dunklin for military assistance to restore them to their lands, to authorize their own military units, and to convene a court of inquiry. TS 6, no. 10 (June 1, 1845): 915.

--1837 December 6
Far West high council and bishop's council vote to pay themselves and recorders for services and reimburse Bishop Partridge expenses he incurred defending the church during the Jackson county episode. Minutes of December 6, 1837

--1845 6 Dec.
Another joint prayer circle of aposdes and high priests in the temple, with Aposdes Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, John Taylor, and High Priests Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, Isaac Morley, John Smith, William W. Phelps, Newel K. Whitney, George Miller, William Clayton, Lucien Woodworth, Joseph C. Kingsbury, Orson Spencer, again with a high priest (Phelps) "being Mouth" (HCK).

Today in Church History 12/05

--1831 December 5
-16 Joseph and Sidney start on a preaching tour to Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places " by which means we did much towards allaying the excited feelings which were growing out of the scandalous letters then being published in the 'Ohio Star,' at Ravenna by the before-mentioned Apostate, Ezra Booth." They return about "the 8th or 10th of January." MH-A, 179
MS 14, no. 8 (Apr. 15, 1852): 115. December 8
Ezra Booth letters #8 and #9 are published: Book of Mormon claims Indians part of House of Israel and New Jerusalem to be built among them. Oliver to preach to them. Text of D&C 28. Joseph's exclusive prerogatives to give written commandments, name successor. Oliver's aspirations, may declare oral revelations, assigned to put down Hiram Page. Kirtland prophetess popular with some, including Sydney; put down by Joseph. Lamanite missionaries visit Sidney, who gets vision confirming Mormonism. He claims many visions, most ignore them. Oliver's reputation tarnished by proposin!
g marriage to two women at the same time. Indians at Sandusky not interested. Went to Missouri but lacked commitment to get and use required documentation. Instead plan is to use storehouse license to visit Indians, also to marry Indian women. Ezra Booth Letters (8-9)

--5 Dec (Thr) 1833|David Srafford provided a signed statement for D. P. Hurlbut at Manchester.

--1833 5 Dec.
Joseph Smith writes that the church is establishing a Democratic newspaper because "the influential men of that party have offered a liberal patronage to us."

--1833 December 5
Joseph writes Edward Partridge to go to court over expulsion but do not sell any land. HC 1:448.

--December 5, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Bishop Edward Partridge in Liberty, Missouri, concerning the persecution of the Saints there.

--1834 5 Dec.
Joseph Smith ordains Cowdery, as "assistant" president "to assist in presiding over the whole church" ahead of Joseph Smith's first and second counselors. "Associate President" more accurately describes Cowdery's joint control over the church.

--1834 5 December
Oliver Cowdery named assistant president of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio.

--1834 December 5
Joseph, Sidney, Frederick G. Williams, and Oliver Cowdery meet to discuss "the welfare of the Church." Joseph ordains Oliver Assistant President:. Presidents of the High Priesthood
Minutes of December 5, My brother, in the name of Jesus Christ who {died} was crucified for the sins of the world, I lay my hands upon thee, and ordain thee an assistant President of the high and holy priesthood in the Church of the Latter Day Saints Diary-1 in Papers 2:36.

--December 5, 1834
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Assistant President of the Church, a position that no longer exists.

--5 Dec (Mon) 1836|The 35th General Assembly of Ohio opened on 5 December 1836. Hyde met with key legislators but could not obtain their support in introducing a bill to obtain a charter for the KSS. [Dale W. Adams; BYU Studies Vol. 23, No. 4, pg. 472.]

--1838 December 5
Governor Boggs presents report on Mormon difficulties to the Missouri House of Representatives. HC 3:217.

--December 5, 1839
Washington, D.C. Joseph Smith sent a letter to his brother Hyrum Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois, reporting his visit with United States president Martin Van Buren.

--December 5, 1841
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith began to proof a new edition of the Book of Mormon prior to its being stereotyped.

--1844 5 Dec.
Young signs a letter as "Prest of the Church of L.D.S."

--1844 December 5
Young signs a letter as "Prest of the Church of L.D.S."

--1847 5 Dec.
After five hours of debate, the Quorum of Twelve votes unanimously to form a new First Presidency composed of apostles Young, Kimball, and Richards. The three are not ordained or set apart.

--Dec 5, 1891
Stake President relates "incident of the Prophet Joseph telling Dimick B Huntington.....that Noah built the Ark in the land where South Carolina is now.

Thinking about Joseph Smith Papers, Revelations and Translations Series

The recent article in the Ensign about the the Manuscript Revelation Books of the Joseph Smith papers has me reflecting on an early encounter with church history.

Occasionally I'd browse the shelves of the 4th floor of the BYU Harold B. Lee Library when I had enough of homework and needed a break. One day I pulled out what looked like a book, but was instead an solid piece of painted wood inscribed with "The Joseph Smith Collection." This led me to the special collections department where I was told I needed to apply for permission to view this collection. I was intrigued.

I found a professor to sponsor me, was interviewed, filled out a form, waited for this to be reviewed, and was granted access.

What I found was worth the trouble. It was microfilm copies of some of the original materials of church history. Various records, letters, revision notes for the Pearl of Great Price, Wilford Woodruff's diaries, historical records, etc. Of particular interest was a revelations section that included some of the original handwritten texts, which will be published in this series.

Browsing through the revelations was quite an experience for me. It seemed I was just a couple of steps from the voice of God as I viewed handwritten revelations that were dictated from Joseph Smith.

This summer I had lunch with a friend and we talked about the Joseph Smith collection. He had a similar experience discovering this collection. We both found a section called "Revelations not in the D&C." Neither of us were aware there were additional revelations. We laughed when we discovered that we each independently smuggled tape recorders in and whispered these revelations onto tape, later transcribing them. I wonder how many others have done this?

What I recall today were more sensational items like altered revelations, a revelation telling the brethern to marry Lamanite women in order to make their posterity's skin white, a polygamous marriage ceremony revealed by the Lord with power "obtained by the Holy Melchisedeck Gehdro and others of the Holy Fathers." I asked several language professors and grad students who or what "Gehdro" might be to no avail, however I today I think most assume it was "Jethro."

Attempts to publish original materials by church historians have had only partial success. In 1984 Dean Jessee published The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, but it was riddled with Hoffman forgeries. In 1989 & 1992 he published volumes 1 & 2 of the "Personal Writings of Joseph Smith," but the promised volume 3 was never published due to discomfort among some church leaders. Anti-Mormons & fundamentalist Mormons published some of the revelatory content (for example see fundamentalist Mormon Fred Collier's Unpublished Revelations of the Prophets and Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a 2nd volume).

Jan Shipps, non-Mormon historian says this step by the church marks the transition towards a religious tradition with a more mature approach by the church publishing materials previously kept under wraps. Church historian Elder Marlin K. Jensen calls this project the most important church history project of our generation.

For me it is interesting to see my own experience come full circle, from a dark microfilm room to an anticipated 30+ volumes published by the church. My early experience solidified my love of church history, and opened the door to a remarkable journey. I see that all twelve thousand copies of the church's book sold out in less than 24 hours. The church historian's press will have more copies available in January if you haven't obtained a copy yet.

Today in Church History 12/04

--1831 December 4
Kirtland. D&C 72 (Kirtland): Newel K. Whitney is called as Kirtland's bishop: keep the Lord's storehouse; record all transactions for bishop in Zion; provide for literary stewards. Those going to Zion must take certificate of worthiness.

--December 4, 1831
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 72, a revelation for Church members in Kirtland who desired to know their duty.

--1832 December 4
[Joseph:] this day I been unwell done but litle been at home all day regulated some things this Evening feel better in my mind then I have for a few days back Oh Lord deliver [DEL: out :DEL] thy servent out of temtations and fill his heart with wisdom and understanding PWJS, 22.

--December 4, 1835
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith spent the evening talking with a visitor, Mr. John Hollister, who acknowledged the next morning that “he knew but little” about religion.

--1842 4 Dec.
An anti-Mormon bounty-hunter in Keokuk, Iowa, reports to Missouri's governor Thomas Reynolds: "All of our efforts to seize the renegade Joseph Smith, have proved fruitless….He keeps constantly around him as body guard some 12 to 14 enthusiastic fanaticks which makes a secret approach impossible."

--1845 4 Dec.
The first Thursday evening prayer circle in the temple with Apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, George A. Smith, John Taylor joining in the circle with High Priests John Smith, Isaac Morley, William W. Phelps, Orson Spencer, Joseph C. Kingsbury, Joseph Fielding, Lucien Woodworth, Reynolds Cahoon, and George Miller. Orson Spencer, rather than an apostle, "being mouth" (HCK).

--Dec 4,1959
Budget Committee reports that church spent $8 million more than its revenues that year. As result, church permanently stops releasing annual reports of expenditures.

--1961 4 December
Missionary Language Institute opened at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, with Ernest J. Wilkins serving as director (see Missionary Training Centers).

Proposition 8, the Musical

Proposition 8, the Musical, starring Neil Patrick Harris and Jack Black.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8

Vandalism continues in response to prop8

Excerpts from Prop. 8 passage spawns protests, violence and vandalism, a Christian Examiner staff report

The Anti-Defamation League, responding to the escalating incidents, issued a statement Nov. 10 condemning "criminal activity."

"Although we strongly opposed Proposition 8, its passage does not justify the defacement and destruction of property," the statement read. "We urge Californians to channel their frustration and disappointment in productive and responsible ways to work towards full equality for all Americans.

The following are some of the examples of the violence, vandalism and personal attacks that have been reported against Proposition 8 supporters.

• A Bash Back chapter in Olympia, Wash., bragged that they targeted a Mormon church where they glued their door locks and sprawled anarchist messages in spray paint "over their boring veneer."

"The Mormon church (just like most churches) is a cesspool of filth," the group wrote in a statement flaunting its attack. "It is a breeding ground for oppression of all sorts and needs to be confronted, attacked, subverted and destroyed."

The message went on to warn, "Dissolve completely or be destroyed."

• Mormon temples in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, as well as the Knights of Columbus headquarters in New Haven, Conn., were sent suspicious looking white powder, reminiscent of the 2001 anthrax attacks and scares.

• At least eight Mormon buildings in Salt Lake have been vandalized with spray-painted epithets criticizing the church's support of Proposition 8.

• A group of young Christians with the Justice House of Prayer— meeting on a sidewalk for their weekly prayer session in San Francisco's Castro district—had to be escorted out of the area by police, some in riot gear, as an angry mob turned on them shouting, "Shame on You," blowing whistles and screaming profanities.

• Marjorie Christoffersen, daughter of the owners of the Los Angeles restaurant El Coyote, left town after hundreds of protesters targeted her parent's eatery because she made a personal $100 contribution to the Yes on 8 fund. Police in riot gear were called to restore order. Gay rights activists also began a campaign to post negative restaurant reviews online. The restaurant employs several gays and lesbians who said they were taken aback by the protests.

• A Palm Springs news crew captured an unruly protest group ripping an oversized cross from a woman's hands and then stomping on it. A reporter trying to interview the woman, Phyllis Burgess, about the incident had to move the woman to safety as the crowd encircled them while shouting.

• Numerous blog sites reported that gay African-American men were the subject of racial slurs while trying to join the crowd in an anti-Proposition 8 protest. The men were targeted because exit polls showed a large amount of African-Americans supported Proposition 8. In one case a black man was warned to stay out of West Hollywood "if they knew what was best for them."

• The artistic director of a Sacramento theater was forced to resign his post after donors, ticket holders and others protested outside the theater because the man, Scott Eckern, a 25-year employee of the venue donated $1,000 in his personal money to the Yes on 8 campaign. In a separate case reported at press time, the director for the Los Angeles Film Festival resigned under pressure from gay activists for donating $1,500 to Yes on 8. Richard Raddon, who tried unsuccessfully to resign several days earlier but was blocked by his supportive festival board, resubmitted his resignation when the berating calls and e-mails failed to cease.

• Vandals converted a Yes on 8 sign into a swastika at a church in Riverside.

• A Carlsbad man was arrested Nov. 3 for punching two elderly neighbors in the face after they confronted him about trespassing on their property to place a No on 8 sign in front of their Yes on 8 sign.

• On election morning, a Carlsbad jogger was also attacked and bitten by a dog when he tried to stop two men from stealing a Yes on 8 sign. Several weeks ago police in that same city arrested at least two people for stealing Yes on 8 signs.

• In Fresno, a prominent pastor, who had campaigned publicly for Proposition 8, received credible death threats that also targeted the mayor, another traditional marriage supporter. The threats were deemed credible enough for the police department to assign officers to protect the men. The church was also targeted for vandalism.

• In Modesto, a Protect Marriage volunteer received 16 stitches under his eye after a man tried to steal his Yes on 8 signs outside a local church where he was waiting to distribute them after Mass.

• A week before the election, a San Jose couple, who posted a Yes on 8 sign in their front lawn, discovered that someone spray-painted "No on 8" on their car, their garage and the garage of their neighbor.

• Also in San Jose, vandals painted the back window of an SUV with the words "Bigot Live Here," with an arrow pointing to a house boasting a Yes on 8 sign.

• In other areas of the state, cars were keyed, signs defaced and a block was thrown through the window of an elderly couple who displayed a Yes on 8 sign in their yard.