Essentials In Church History - free ebook by Joseph Fielding Smith

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Essentials In Church History

Joseph Fielding Smith

63 chapters

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63 chapters

Preface

Preface

The need of a history of the Church in one volume that can be used for general reading, and at the same time meet the requirements of a text-book in the priesthood quorums, Church schools and auxiliary organizations, for a long time has been recognized. In the preparation of this volume, all these requirements have been given thoughtful consideration. As the title of the book, Essentials in Church History , implies, the vital and essential points of history and doctrine have been selected, and a

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Introductory: The Gospel in Ancient and Mediaeval Times

Introductory: The Gospel in Ancient and Mediaeval Times

From the time of the exodus from Egypt until the advent of Jesus Christ the Israelites were subject to the laws given to Moses. The belief is held by many that when the Savior supplanted these laws with the Gospel it was the first appearance among men of that great plan of salvation. The Gospel is much older than the law of Moses; it existed before the foundation of the world. Its principles are eternal, and were made known to the spirits of men in that antemortal day when Jesus Christ was chose

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Chapter 1

Chapter 1

In the days of Noah the Gospel was universally rejected, save by Noah and his immediate family—in all eight souls. Noah had labored diligently and long to bring mankind to repentance, but without avail, “for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (Moses 8:29). After the destruction of the wicked in the flood, the Gospel continued to be taught by Noah and the later patriarchs, but quite generally it was not received. Melchizedek, king of Salem, through his faithfulness, became a great hi

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Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The falling away from the faith commenced before the close of the ministry of the apostles. Paul, when at Miletus taking his final departure from the elders of Ephesus who had come to meet him, earnestly entreated them to take heed to feed the Church of God, for, said he, “I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock, and of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.” He also took occasion to war

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Chapter 3

Chapter 3

For those who were considered derelict in church duties or heretical in doctrine, edicts were declared, forbidding them to gather in private assemblies for devotion, in various parts of Europe. All reading of the scriptures; all discussion within one’s own doors concerning faith, the sacraments, the papal authority, or other religious matter, was forbidden “under penalty of death. The edicts were no dead letter. The fires were kept constantly supplied with human fuel by monks who knew the act of

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Opening of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

Opening of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

The work of the Protestant revolution having been accomplished, and the land of America having been prepared by the sowing of the seed of religious freedom, the time for the restoration of the Gospel had arrived. The promise made by the Savior that the Gospel of the kingdom should be preached in all the world for a witness, was about to be fulfilled, and the Church of Jesus Christ was again to be established in the earth. The “marvelous work and a wonder,” which Isaiah predicted should come fort

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Chapter 4

Chapter 4

John also saw the time when the Gospel should be declared by an angel flying in the midst of heaven “having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” This also was to be in the last day, when the people were departed from the teach

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Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Asael Smith was the second son and youngest child of (2) Samuel. He was born in Topsfield, March 7, 1744. His mother died, as already noted, shortly after his birth. His early life was spent in Topsfield. February 12, 1767, he took to wife, Mary Duty, of Windham, New Hampshire, and later moved to that place. From there he went to Dunbarton and then to Derryfield, now the city of Manchester. During the Revolution he followed the example of his illustrious father and served with the Colonial force

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Chapter 6

Chapter 6

“His leg soon began to swell, and he continued to suffer the greatest agony for the space of two weeks longer. During this period I carried him much of the time in my arms in order to mitigate his suffering as much as possible; in consequence of which I was taken very ill myself. The anxiety of mind that I experienced, together with physical over-exertion, was too much for my constitution, and my nature sank under it. “Hyrum who was rather remarkable for his tenderness and sympathy, now desired

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Chapter 7

Chapter 7

“In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself, What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to al

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Chapter 8

Chapter 8

“He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also sai

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Chapter 9

Chapter 9

So intense and bitter became the opposition in Manchester that the Prophet sought a place of refuge in another locality. Having received an invitation from his wife’s parents to come to their home in Harmony, Pennsylvania, he accepted the invitation and prepared to go. Being very poor he experienced some difficulty in procuring the necessary means to meet his obligations and make the journey. In this hour of distress, and in the midst of persecution, he found a friend in Martin Harris, of Palmyr

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Chapter 10

Chapter 10

“Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea. “And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that fait

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Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The most important teaching in this revelation was the doctrine of the atonement and the explanation of the expression “eternal punishment.” “I am Alpha and Omega,” said the Lord, “yea, even I am He, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world. I have accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me —having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself, retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world,

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Chapter 12

Chapter 12

In the manner here described, there came into the world a power, destined to grow and expand until it shall fill the earth, for it is the “kingdom which shall never be destroyed . . . and it shall stand forever.” At the time of the organization, however, its influence and power appeared to be insignificant; yet it caused, even then, consternation and fear in the hearts of the wicked, and strenuous efforts were launched to bring it to destruction. Before the meeting closed Joseph and Oliver calle

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Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Shortly after this event, Joseph returned to Fayette. Newel Knight followed him and was baptized during the last week in May, by David Whitmer. On the 9th of June the first conference of the Church was held in Fayette. The Church at that time numbered twenty-seven souls. There were many others present at the meetings, some of whom were friendly and some who believed. At this conference the sacrament was administered and those recently baptized were confirmed. Others were sustained by the members

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Chapter 14

Chapter 14

In September the Lord added to this revelation stating that the time would come when he would “drink of the fruit of the vine” on the earth with the ancient prophets and apostles, from Michael, or Adam, the “ancient of days,” down to our own day, including all the faithful whom the Father has given him out of the world. In obedience to the above commandment, they prepared wine of their own making and partook of the sacrament, confirming the two sisters as members of the Church. The spirit of per

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The Ohio and Missouri Period

The Ohio and Missouri Period

In October 1830, Ezra Thayer and Northrop Sweet were called by revelation, as they had sought the will of the Lord, to preach the Gospel unto “a crooked and perverse generation.” “My vineyard,” declared the Lord, “has become corrupt every whit; and there is none which doth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts; all having corrupt minds. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this Church have I established and called forth out of the wilderness: and even

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Chapter 15

Chapter 15

By commandment of the Lord, a revision of the scriptures by inspiration had already commenced. Much conjecture frequently occurred among the Saints regarding scripture mentioned in the Bible that could not be found. They had learned in the reading of the Book of Mormon, “that many plain and precious things” had been taken away from the Bible as it went forth among the Gentiles. Many of these the Lord promised to restore. From time to time, as their labors would permit, the Prophet received by re

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Chapter 16

Chapter 16

The duty devolved on the Prophet to assign the labors to the several elders who were to remain in the Land. Some of them were called by revelation to make their permanent settlement in Missouri, while others were instructed to return to the eastern lands, after their mission in the west was finished. William W. Phelps, who joined the Church at the time the little band of missionaries were leaving Ohio for Missouri, had previously been instructed by the Lord (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 55) to engage with

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Chapter 17

Chapter 17

As Oliver Cowdery and William W. Phelps had been called to print and publish books and writings for the Church, it was necessary that a printing press be purchased. William W. Phelps was instructed, therefore, to call at Cincinnati on his return to Missouri, and purchase a press for this purpose. This press was to be taken to Independence, where they were to print a monthly paper to be called the Evening and Morning Star . This was the first publication in the Church. While residing at Hiram, Jo

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Chapter 18

Chapter 18

In the revelation of December 27, 1833 (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 88), the elders of the Church were also commanded to “teach one another the doctrines of the kingdom.” They were to be instructed “more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the Gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God,” that were expedient for them to understand. They were to tarry in Kirtland for this instruction, before they should “go forth, among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as th

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Chapter 19

Chapter 19

July 20, 1833, a council of all Missourians who were opposed to the Latter-day Saints was called to meet in the Independence Court house. Between four and five hundred men assembled and chose Richard Simpson, chairman, and Samuel D. Lucas and J. H. Flournoy, secretaries. They then proceeded to discuss means for the ejection of the members of the Church from Jackson County, “peaceably if we can,” they said, “forcibly if we must.” After deliberating for some time, they concluded that “the arm of t

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Chapter 20

Chapter 20

According to this instruction, a call went forth asking for volunteers to go to Zion. Five hundred men were wanted; yet, said the Lord: “If you cannot obtain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure ye may obtain one hundred;” for with less than one hundred they were not to go. The first of May (1834) a part of these volunteers left Kirtland, and on the fifth Joseph Smith and the remainder took up their journey. At West Portage, about fifty miles west of Kirtland, they met and were organi

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Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Notwithstanding the Saints in Missouri were not permitted to return to their possessions, the spirit of opposition began to subside for a season, and the elders commenced going forth two by two, preaching the Gospel throughout the land, and many were added to the Church daily. The year 1834 came to a close with the Saints laboring diligently to build the house of the Lord in Kirtland, and in preparing for the School of the Elders which was to be held during the winter months. In January, 1835, t

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Chapter 22

Chapter 22

For these real and fancied “wrongs” this people must move again, for their presence was obnoxious. These foolish citizens, acting as they thought in their own best interests, rejected the everlasting Gospel against themselves, as well as the people who proclaimed it. Three days later (July 1, 1836), the Saints met in council and formulated their reply. They accepted the requisitions of the citizens of Clay County, notwithstanding the added loss of property that would be entailed. They also thank

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Chapter 23

Chapter 23

The charges against two of them, William W. Phelps and John Whitmer, were that they had sold their possessions in Jackson County, contrary to the revelations of the Lord, which was paramount to a denial of the faith; and for the misappropriation of funds borrowed for the use of the Church. The Lord, in a revelation, had rebuked these men for their transgression and warned them, but they did not heed the warning. David Whitmer was likewise charged with improper conduct and neglect of duty, and wi

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Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Two days after the interview with Adam Black, William P. Peniston, William Bowman and others, made affidavit before Judge Austin A. King, stating that the “Mormons,” to the number of about five hundred men, were armed and collected in Daviess County, for the purpose, they verily believed, of committing great violence to the citizens, and to take vengeance for some injuries, or imaginary injuries, done to some of their friends, and to intimidate and drive from the country all the old citizens, an

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Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The names of those killed are as follows: Thomas McBride, Levi N. Merrick, Elias Benner, Josiah Fuller, Benjamin Lewis, Alexander Campbell, Warren Smith, George S. Richards, William Napier, Austin Hammer, Simeon Cox, Hiram Abbott, John York, John Lee, John Byers, Sardius Smith and Charles Merrick. Some of these were mere children. Many others were severely wounded but managed to escape with their lives, among them a boy, Alma Smith, who had the flesh of his hip shot away. He had the presence of

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Chapter 26

Chapter 26

After the mock trial in Richmond, Joseph Smith and his five companions were imprisoned in Liberty, Clay County, for a period of six months. Here they suffered, during that time, many untold hardships. Much of the time they were bound in chains. Their food was often not fit to eat, and never wholesome or prepared with the thought of proper nourishment. Several times poison was administered to them in their food, which made them sick nigh unto death, and only the promised blessings of the Lord sav

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The Nauvoo Period

The Nauvoo Period

In January, 1839, the threats of the mob, and their violence, became so severe that the Saints at Far West were forced to flee from Missouri. In November, 1838, those members of the Church residing at Adam-ondi-Ahman had been driven from their homes, and General Clark, in his abusive harangue at Far West, told the people they must not think of remaining another season. Should they attempt to put in crops he would extend no mercy, and extermination at his hands would be their doom. The exodus was

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Chapter 27

Chapter 27

The Saints also were kindly received by Governor Thomas Carlin and United States Senator Richard M. Young, and many other prominent citizens of western Illinois. In a communication to the Quincy Argus , Elder John Taylor expressed the gratitude of the “Mormon” people, and said they felt under peculiar obligations to the citizens of Quincy; but he warned them against imposition on the part of any who may pretend to belong to the community of Latter-day Saints, but who were not —either those who n

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Chapter 28

Chapter 28

“The Priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the creation, before the world was formed. . . . He is Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel; he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood; he was called of God to this office, and was the father of all living in his day, and to him was given the dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and th

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Chapter 29

Chapter 29

At a conference of the Church held in Quincy in May, 1839, President Rigdon was formally appointed to carry the message of grievances to Washington, and Elder Lyman Wight was appointed to collect the necessary affidavits from those injured, to be presented at Washington. President Rigdon made no great effort to get away on this mission, and as time passed his ardor cooled and his desire to fill his appointment lessened. At the October Conference, held at Commerce, President Joseph Smith, who had

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Chapter 30

Chapter 30

“For there is not a place,” said the Lord, “found on earth where he may come and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the Priesthood,” which fulness can only be obtained in the house of the Lord. This declaration from the Lord would indicate that the purpose for which the Kirtland Temple was erected was now fulfilled, and its mission completed; and this was indeed the case. The Kirtland Temple served temporarily only. It was built because a

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Chapter 31

Chapter 31

On the 6th day of May, 1842, ex-Governor Lilburn W. Boggs was shot while sitting alone in a room of his residence in Independence. He was badly wounded and for several days his life was in the balance, but he soon recovered. July 20, 1842, Boggs went before Samuel Weston, justice of the peace in Independence, and made affidavit that Orrin Porter Rockwell, a resident of Illinois, had done the shooting. He applied to Governor Carlin in his affidavit, for the surrender of Rockwell “according to law

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Chapter 32

Chapter 32

When Governor Thomas Ford delivered his inaugural address in December, 1842, he recommended modification of the Nauvoo charter, on the grounds that many objections had been raised because of exceptional powers, which had been granted. Yet these powers had proved beneficial to the Saints, and where righteous government was administered, as it was in Nauvoo, such a charter proved to be a blessing. In the hands of despots such privileges might have been abused. When the charter was granted, the pro

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Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Stephen Markham went before a justice of the peace and obtained a warrant for Reynolds and Wilson for threatening his life. He later obtained other warrants from the circuit court of Lee County against them for threatening the life of Joseph Smith, and for false imprisonment, claiming ten thousand dollars damages, on the ground that the writ issued by Governor Ford was a void writ in law. As they could not obtain bondsmen outside of Missouri, they were taken into custody by Sheriff Campbell of L

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Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Near the close of the year 1843, they openly resorted to mob violence. Daniel Avery and his son Philander, were kidnapped and delivered to the Missourians. On false accusations they were imprisoned and brutally treated for some time. The son finally made his escape and the father was later released on habeas corpus proceedings. From the time of the organization of the Church the Saints had suffered most cruelly at the hands of enemies. Governors and lesser state dignitaries, had aided in the per

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Chapter 35

Chapter 35

The Prophet did everything in his power to allay excitement and kept the governor posted with numerous affidavits and documents regarding the state of affairs. Judge Jesse B. Thomas, of the circuit court, advised the Prophet to go before some justice of the peace in the county and have an examination on the writ issued by Morrison, which action would take away all excuse of the mob, and then he could take steps to have them bound to keep the peace. For his pains, Judge Thomas was threatened by t

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Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Thursday, August 8, 1844, the special meeting called by William Marks in behalf of Sidney Rigdon was held at 10 o’clock. Sidney Rigdon, from a position in a wagon in front of the stand in the grove, addressed the vast assembly for about one hour and a half. He presented himself to them as a “guardian” for the Church, that it might be built up unto Joseph Smith. The longer he talked, the more the people were convinced that he was without the inspiration of the Lord, and they left the meeting feel

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The Settlement in the Rocky Mountains

The Settlement in the Rocky Mountains

Wednesday, February 4, 1846, the first of the Saints left Nauvoo and crossed the Mississippi River on the journey to the West. 1 On the 6th of February Bishop George Miller and a company with six wagons crossed the river, and a few days later the work of ferrying the Saints to the Iowa side was kept up day and night. Elder Parley P. Pratt left Nauvoo on the 14th of February, and the following day President Brigham Young, Willard Richards and George A. Smith with a large company of Saints crossed

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Chapter 37

Chapter 37

March 1, 1846, camp was broken and the journey was resumed. The weather was extremely cold and stormy, and a great number of the people were without proper clothing and necessary shelter. Many of the wagons were without covers, and others had covers which would not shed the rain. Several members of the camps died from exposure and lack of proper care. The roads were almost impassable because of the constant storms. 3 At this time there were some four hundred wagons on the road, heavily laden and

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Chapter 38

Chapter 38

When this call came a great part of the young men of the ages required were scattered over the plains. Many had gone to St. Louis and other points for employment to obtain means to help them carry their families to the west. All of the Saints were poor, and some in dire want. Those who were able to travel were under the necessity of helping along the weak, the aged and infirm, who could not be left behind. Among the teamsters were found mere children, who had been forced into such service becaus

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Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Elder Heber C. Kimball, under instructions from President Brigham Young, moved out of Winter Quarters, April 5, 1847, with six wagons, which he had equipped as a part of the pioneer company. They traveled about six miles and camped, awaiting the arrival of the rest of the company. On the 6th of April, the general conference was held in Winter Quarters, and the following day President Young, with about twenty-five wagons, traveled some ten miles and camped. From this point the company which had a

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Chapter 40

Chapter 40

On the 26th, they also ascended the mountain above the hot springs to get a better view of the surrounding country, and by aid of their glasses were able to discern the Utah Outlet at the point of the mountain, where it enters the Salt Lake Valley on the south. A number of streams were also seen flowing from the mountains into the valley. As they stood upon the mountain President Young remarked that it would be a good place to lift up an ensign, referring to Isaiah’s prophecy; so they named it “

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Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Following the advice of President Young, the Saints residing at Winter Quarters moved across the Missouri River to the Bluffs on the Iowa side. This country was called the “Pottawattamie country,” because it was inhabited by a tribe of Indians by that name. These Indians had been removed by the government, a few months before, to another part, leaving the Saints in sole occupancy of the land. There were no settlements within many miles of the Latter-day Saints. President Young deemed it wise tha

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Chapter 42

Chapter 42

In September 1850, President Millard Fillmore appointed the federal officers for the territory of Utah. Brigham Young was appointed governor, a position he had held in the “Provisional State of Deseret.” Broughton D. Harris, of Vermont, was appointed secretary; Joseph Buffington, of Pennsylvania, chief justice; Perry C. Brocchus, of Alabama, and Zerubbabel Snow of Ohio—the latter a member of the Church— associate justices; Seth M. Blair, attorney; and Joseph L. Heywood, United States marshal. Th

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Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Curtis E. Bolton, deputy clerk of the supreme court of Utah, made denial in his official capacity, of the Drummond charges. He stated that the records and papers of the court were all intact. This denial was speedily forwarded to the attorney general of the United States, but was ignored in the face of the various statements of the lying officials. At the time these falsehoods were sent to Washington, Governor Brigham Young was serving his second term. At the close of his first term as governor,

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Chapter 44

Chapter 44

“I fear, and I regret to say it, that with certain parties here there is a greater anxiety to connect Brigham Young and other Church dignitaries with every criminal offense than diligent endeavor to punish the actual perpetrators of crime.” About the time the news arrived in Salt Lake City of the coming of an army, there was passing through the city under command of Captain Fancher, a company of emigrants from Arkansas and Missouri. This company consisted of about thirty families, numbering one

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Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Chief Justice Delano R. Eckels and the new secretary of the territory, John Hartnett, arrived in Utah with the army. Jacob Forney, the superintendent of Indian affairs, arrived with the peace commissioners, and Judge Charles E. Sinclair and Attorney Alexander Wilson came near the end of July. The third judge, John Cradlebaugh, did not arrive until November. None of these officers were members of the Church. After he had taken the oath of office, Chief Justice Eckels took up his residence at Camp

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Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Under his direction an anti-“Mormon” paper edited by Captain Charles H. Hempstead was published at Camp Douglas and later in the city. It was called the Union Vedette , the mission of which was to fight “Mormonism.” Connor also attempted to establish military rule instead of civil authority, thus depriving the citizens of their rights. To Patrick E. Connor is given credit for starting the mining industry in Utah. His motives, however, were not entirely commendable. If he is to be judged by his o

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Chapter 47

Chapter 47

The appointment of these bigoted and narrow-souled officials was largely due to the influence of Vice-President Schuyler Colfax and Rev. John P. Newman. The former had visited Utah on two occasions; first in 1865, when he was speaker of the house of representatives, and again in 1869, when he was holding the office of vice-president in the administration of U. S. Grant. He was associated with an organized “ring” of anti-“Mormon” agitators and politicians, who were bent on the destruction of “Mor

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Chapter 48

Chapter 48

The reason they were able to obtain such excellent results is that they had a perfect organization, and were loyal and obedient to the authority over them. This naturally resulted in complete co-operation and unity of purpose, with a minimum of individual selfishness. They had not come to the Rocky Mountains for the sake of worldly aggrandizement, but for the establishment of permanent homes, and the exercise of their religious freedom in peace according to the dictates of their conscience. Betw

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Recent Development

Recent Development

At the death of President Brigham Young, there was rejoicing among the enemies of the Church, who thought it was due to his strong personality and force of character that “Mormonism” endured. They did not, and could not, comprehend that the Church had been restored for the last time, and was destined to endure forever with the stamp of divine approval upon it, for the Power by which it was upheld was higher and greater than the personality of any man. The Lord Jesus Christ was its founder, and h

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Chapter 49

Chapter 49

President John Taylor, convinced that this decision was an assault on the exercise of religion guaranteed by the Constitution, stated in an interview and in answer to questions from O. J. Hollister, United States internal revenue collector in Utah, the following: “When the Constitution of the United States was framed and adopted, those high contracting parties did positively agree that they would not interfere with religious affairs. Now, if our marital relations are not religious, what is? This

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Chapter 50

Chapter 50

At the general semi-annual conference held in October, 1880, reports were made of the distribution of the cattle, sheep and other substance, which was voted on at the April conference. A time of great rejoicing was had and on the last day (10th) the First Presidency was again re-organized with John Taylor as President of the Church, and George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as his first and second counselor, respectively. Elders Francis M. Lyman and John Henry Smith were called to the apostleship

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Chapter 51

Chapter 51

In Idaho the anti-“Mormon” feeling was intense. One officer—who afterwards was honored with the position of United States senator from Idaho—declared that he had selected “a jury that would convict Jesus Christ.” Nor was this blasphemous expression the only one uttered in that campaign. Men were hounded and treated in an inhuman manner, and the boast was that “Mormons” would be convicted with or without evidence before the courts. The Idaho territorial legislature passed a law in 1885, containin

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Chapter 52

Chapter 52

However it was not understood that those who had entered into that relation should be barred from political rights. President Grover Cleveland, in September, 1894, by proclamation, restored all political and civil rights to those who had been disfranchised by the anti-polygamy legislation. Similar action had previously been taken by President Benjamin Harrison. John Henry Smith, president of the constitutional convention, was a polygamist, and Brigham H. Roberts also served in that body without

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Chapter 53

Chapter 53

An important step in the missionary work of the Church was the opening of the “Bureau of Information and Church Literature,” August 4, 1902, on the temple block. A small building for the entertainment of strangers and as a storehouse for literature was erected in 1902, and the work was placed under the direction of Benjamin Goddard, Thomas Hull, Arnold H. Schulthess and Josiah Burrows. About seventy-five members of the Church were called to act as guides and entertain visitors. Literature was fr

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Chapter 54

Chapter 54

After a brief illness, President Anthon H. Lund, first counselor in the presidency, passed away at his home in Salt Lake City, March 2, 1921. He served in the presidency during the entire ministry of President Joseph F. Smith, having been chosen second counselor in October, 1901. After the death of John R. Winder, the first counselor, he was advanced to that position in April, 1910. President Lund was a man without guile, faithful and true to the Gospel and to the brethren, and beloved by all th

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Appendix: The Auxiliary Organizations of the Church

Appendix: The Auxiliary Organizations of the Church

As an organization, auxiliary to the Priesthood, the ultimate aim of the Sunday schools is to teach the principles of the Gospel and to stimulate the pupils to render willing obedience thereto. More specifically, the Sunday school aims so to equip its members that they will be able not only to work out their own salvation through the application of, and obedience to, the principles of the Gospel which they have been taught, but also to prepare themselves for service in the Priesthood, in the mis

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Appendix: General Authorities of the Church

Appendix: General Authorities of the Church

Born April 3, 1814, at Mantua, Ohio; ordained an apostle Feb. 12, 1849, by Heber C. Kimball; sustained Sept. 13, 1898, as President of the Church, at the age of 84; died Oct. 10, 1901, at Salt Lake City, Utah. Born Nov. 13, 1838, at Far West, Missouri; ordained an apostle July 1, 1866, by Brigham Young, and set apart as one of the twelve apostles Oct. 8, 1867; sustained Oct. 17, 1901, as President of the Church, at the age of 63; died Nov. 19, 1918, at Salt Lake City, Utah. Born Nov. 22, 1856, a

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