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TEMPLES, 1845
1845: 1 Jan.: Keys of temple work given to Twelve.
“This great and good man was led, before his death, to call the Twelve together, from time to time, and to instruct them in all things pertaining to the kingdom, ordinances, and government of God. He often observed that he was laying the foundation, but it would remain for the Twelve to complete the building. Said he, ‘I know not why; but for some reason I am constrained to hasten my preparations, and to confer upon the Twelve all the ordinances, keys, covenants, endowments, and sealing ordinances of the priesthood, and so set before them a pattern in all things pertaining to the sanctuary and the endowment therein.’
Having done this, he rejoiced exceedingly; for said he, the Lord is about to lay the burden on your shoulders and let me rest awhile; and if they kill me, continued he, the kingdom will roll on, as I have now finished the work which was laid upon me, by committing to you all things for the building up of the kingdom according to the heavenly vision, and the pattern shown me from heaven. With many conversations like this, he comforted the minds of the Twelve, and prepared them for what was soon to follow.
He proceeded to confer on elder Young, the President of the Twelve, the keys of the sealing power, as conferred in the last days by the spirit and power of Elijah, in order to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth should be smitten with a curse.
This last key of the priesthood is the most sacred of all, and pertains exclusively to the first presidency of the church, without whose sanction and approval or authority, no sealing blessing shall be administered pertaining to things of the resurrection and the life to come.” (Parley P. Pratt, “Proclamation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Greeting,” 1 Jan., 1845; in MS 5(10):151, Mar., 1845)
1 Jan.: Frauds who profess to seal people to eternal life
“These regulations will save the church from imposition, fraud, and false doctrine; endless calls for money to support the moving to and fro of elders, and from ten thousand snares, troubles, difficulties, jarrings, and confusions to which they are not exposed. ‘Great apostles of the Gentiles,’ (falsely so called,) ‘Great lions of Mormonism,’ ‘Big Guns,’ &c. &c., will no longer run from church to church, from city to city, from state to state, contrary to the council of Twelve; teaching false doctrine, professing powers which they do not hold, sealing people to eternal life, which they do not themselves possess, and swindling the saints out of money which ought to be given to the modest, unassuming and faithful labourers who are labouring among them, and who never say much about their necessities, except to God.” (Parley P. Pratt, “Proclamation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Greeting,” 1 Jan., 1845; in MS 5(10):152, Mar., 1845)
8 Jan.: Twelve to concentrate on finishing temple.
“met at the Seventies Hall. with the Twelve, High Council and City Officers to hold a caucus to nominate the officers for the next City Council. The Twelve spoke at length on the subject and unanimously declined serving in any capacity in the City Council, because they were anxious to attend to the affairs of the Church and not be brought under the persecting [persecuting?] hands of their enemies untill the Temple was finished and we had our endowment.” (Hosea Stout diary, 8 Jan., 1845)
8 Jan.: The order of redeeming relatives came from heaven
“We will tell you when the Temple is finished how to redeem your dead. I want to tell you now don’t be scared, don’t be frightened, at what I tell you. The Church does not understand the doctrine that Joseph taught–yet it is plain as the sun at noonday–the order of redeeming our relatives originated in the Kingdom of Heaven. If our progenitors had kept their records as the Jews anciently did they would be able to tell exactly where they came from–and see where they run down in one straight line. We have hundreds ready to be baptized for the dead.” (Brigham Young, 8 Jan., 1845; Minutes of a meeting of the Richards and Young Families held in Nauvoo, 8 Jan., 1845, UGHM 11:108, Jul., 1920)
8 Jan.: We must have a posterity to rule over.
“If our Grand Father Goddard is permitted to rule as King and Priest over his posterity, and the posterity are raised up as kings and priests to rule over their posterity, our Grand-Fathers Goddard would call together a numerous host. I will show you the order of the Kingdom as regards my own family; one of my sons is placed here, another there, another there, and so on. Yet I should be their ruler, savior, dictator, and governor. They would have an innumerable posterity but all would join in harmony with my counsel; I should console, comfort, and advise them all. You and your children will rise up and administer unto your children, and you will rule over your posterity, and they may get up in tens, hundreds, thousands, and millions. Yet all will finally join with Adam who will be the King of all; Seth comes next; Seth rules under his father and over all; so this process will never end. This is the order of the Kingdom fo Heaven, that men should rise up as Kings and Priests of God. We must have posterity to rule over. Uncle Haven, Phinehas, my brother Joseph, these come next and if my father were here, he would rule over all of us.” (Brigham Young, 8 Jan., 1845; Minutes of a meeting of the Richards and Young Families held in Nauvoo, 8 Jan., 1845, UGHM 11:111, Jul., 1920)
8 Jan.: How we will redeem the dead in the temples.
“When we go into the temple after awhile we will tell you who ought to do the work and how to do it. Suppose a man and woman want to redeem their friends; perhaps they have lived without the Gospel; the man would be baptized for his father and the woman for her mother; and if the husband has the power of the Priesthood they are jointly baptized he for the father she for the mother–he is then washed for the father, she for the mother–he holding the Priesthood redeems the father and mother of the woman. Again for his father and mother–she receives the anointing for the woman, and he for the man. Then they stand as proxy to be sealed up to all eternity and then they will go through the ordinances in the same way. Then they are sealed up in the same way for others–we shall have Father Smith with his grey locks. Joseph, Hyrum, Samuel, all will stand in their order, and we shall be priests and rulers to all eternity. Let my walk and my life speak for myself. The joy of the Lord is a great deal more than any one realizes unless he has partaken thereof. I have now given you text enough for weeks.” (Brigham Young, 8 Jan., 1845; Minutes of a meeting of the Richards and Young Families held in Nauvoo, 8 Jan., 1845, UGHM 11:112-113, Jul., 1920)
11 Jan.: Epistle of the Twelve.
“The Temple has progressed very rapidly since the death of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch. The diligence of those employed, and the willingness of the saints to contribute, have brought it to a state of forwardness, which has far exceeded our most sanguine expectations. You have already been informed that the capitols of the columns were all on; we have now to announce to you that by the time the spring opens we expect that every stone will be cut to complete the Temple, and it will not take long to lay them, when they are all prepared.
Great numbers of carpenters, masons, and other workmen are daily engaged in this arduous undertaking, so that not only is stone being prepared, but the sash, flooring, seats, and other things are progressing rapidly; and it is our design, if possible, so to rush the work forward that the building will be enclosed, and certain portions of it in that state of forwardness, so that we shall be prepared to commence giving the saiths their endowments next fall; that the elders of Israel may be prepared by the power and spirit of the great Jehovah, to fulfill with dignity and honor, the great work devolving upon them to perform.
We wish to inform you brethren that the work in which we are engaged is great and mighty, it is the work of God and we have to rush it forth against the combined powers of earth and hell, we feel it to be an arduous undertaking whilst you, many of you have been enjoying ease, prosperity, and peace at home, we have had to combat mobs and to wade through blood to fulfill the work devolving upon us, and you; we have been exerting our energies, expended our money; and employing our time, our labor, our influence, and means for the accomplishment of this purpose; and feeling confident dear brethren, that you would like to share with us the labor, as well as the glory, we make the following requests:
We wish all the young, middle aged, and able bodied men who have it in their hearts to stretch forth this work with power, to come to Nauvoo, prepared to stay during the summer; and to bring with them means to sustain themselves with, and to enable us to forward this work; to bring with them teams, cattle, sheep, gold, silver, brass, iron, oil, paints and tools; and let those who are within market distance of Nauvoo bring with them provisions to sustain themselves and others during their stay. And let all the churches send all the money, cloth, and clothing, together with the raw matereal for manufacturing purposes; such as cotton, cotton yarn, wool, steel, iron, brass &c., &c., as we are preparing to go into extensive manufacturing operations, and all these things can be applied to the furtherance of the Temple.
There was a font erected in the basement story of the Temple, for the baptism of the dead, the healing of the sick and other purposes; this font was made of wood, and was only intended for the present use; but it is now removed, and as soon as the stone cutters get through with the cutting of the stone for the walls of the Temple, they will immediately proceed to cut the stone for and erect a font of hewn stone. This font will be of an ovel form and twelve feet in length and eight wide, with stone steps and an iron railing; this font will stand upon twelve oxen, which will be cast of iron or brass, or perhaps hewn stone; if of brass, polished; if of iron, bronzed:–upon each side of the font there will be a suit of rooms fitted up for the washings. In the recesses, on each side of the arch, on the first story, there will be a suit of rooms or ante-chambers, lighted with the first row of circular windows. As soon as a suitable number of those rooms are completed we shall commence the endowment.
Brethren, inasmuch as you have long desired blessings, come up to the help of the Lord, and help to forward the work that we are engaged in; for we trust that these rooms will be finished by the first of December next, so that you may enter therein and receive wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and the power of the priesthood, which you have so long desired; that you may be prepared to go forth to the nations of the earth and build up the kingdom in all parts of the world; gather up Israel, redeem Zion; rebuild Jerusalem; and fill the whole earth with the knowledge of God.” (“An Epistle of the Twelve, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the World,” by Brigham Young, Pres’t., 14 Jan., 1845, T&S 6(1):779, 15 Jan., 1845) [Note that John Taylor Nauvoo Journal (BYU Studies 23(3)) places this on 11 Jan.]
12 Jan.: We are kings and priests.
“There are no people under the heavens that have possession of the power we have. God gave Joseph the keys of the kingdom and he gave them to us. We live in a day that princes, prophets, and kings have desired to see. I would not exchange the office of a High Priest for the Crown of any nation. The troubles that we go through are not to be noticed in comparison with the things that are awaiting us, we should consider ourselves as princes, kings, and priests unto the most High God that will possess rule and government in this world, and in the world to come thrones, principalities, powers, and dominions.” (John Taylor, in John Taylor Nauvoo Journal, 12 Jan., 1845, BYU Studies 23(3):24, Summer, 1983)
15 Jan.: To the Ladies and Gentlemen of St. Louis.
“Your attention is herewith invited to the building of the TEMPLE OF GOD, in the city of Nauvoo, Illinois. That noble edifice is now in a forward state of erection, and its walls, thus far, have been reared in ‘troublesome times,’ and ere the altar was completed, the life-blood of victims, the first-born of our race, was shed by the priests of Baal, who thought to do God a service.
Hitherto have we had to labor upon the building with one hand, and wield the sword with the other, to parry the thrusts of mobocrats, and keep marauders at bay. Our wealth was not great in the beginning, and we have had a defensive war to maintain ever since the foundation stone was laid. It is true that our first leaders are fallen in the contest, and while their blood cries from the floor of Carthage jail into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, and throws the crimson blush of guilt upon the plighted faith of the State, to perpetuate the memory of the disgraceful and murderous deed, we wish the top-stone of our Temple to be brought forth to celebrate the worship of Almighty God, and to perpetuate the memory of those noble martyrs, who voluntarily laid down their lives for their brethren.
Though these obstacles have been thrown in our way, our purpose is not changed, neither is our zeal abated. But after having fallen among thieves–been beaten and bruised–neglected by the Levite, and spurned at by the priest, we would ask if there are not good Samaritans in St. Louis that will pour in a little of the mammon of unrighteousness to aid us in completing our house of worship?
Should any be inclined to put forth a helping hand, the bear of this, Mr. _______ who is duly authorized, will take your name, and the amount you donate for the above purpose, in his memorandum, which will be transcribed upon a large book designed to be kept in the archives of the Temple, and to be accessible to all, that when curiosity or other cause may lead any one to examine that has donated, he will find his name there recorded, together with the sum that he has given.
Done in conformity with the wishes of the Temple Committee in the city of Nauvoo.
James Riley,
Presiding Elder of the Latter-Day Saints in St. Louis.” (T&S 6(1):782, 15 Jan., 1845)
21 Jan.: After the Elders receive their endowments.
“. . . But I must bring this part of my letter to close by telling you and the rest of the Boys to be faithful to your study and help rool on the world of God if you are not out preaching you can do as much in helping to build up that temple I want to se that beuilding up and the Elders receive their endowments then look out gentiles and if you all take as much interest in that as I hope you do you will do all you can to help put up that Temple. It would be superfluous for me to tell you its benefit as you have teachers who give you good instruction on that subject. . . .”
(J. J. Guinand [Greenwood, New York] to Alfred Guinand [Nauvoo], 21 Jan., 1845; P13 f56, RLDS Archives)
24 Jan.: Alpheus Cutler promised fullness of priesthood.
“Thou shalt be blessed with all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, even the holy priesthood in fullness to accomplish all the purposes of the Lord which are appointed unto thee.” (Patriarchal Blessing of Alpheus Cutler, by John Smith, 24 Jan., 1845. RLDS Archives, P8/F14)
24 Jan.: Promise of redemption of fathers back to Noah.
“Thy blessing shall prevail above thy progenitors through the powers of the priesthood which will bring all things to thine understanding in heaven and on earth, giving thee power to redeem thy fathers clear back to Noah, even to the beginning, so that there shall not be a link broken in the chain. And thou shall bring them up in the first resurrection and shall reign over them to all eternity, because thou are their saviour.” (Patriarchal Blessing of Alpheus Cutler, by John Smith, 24 Jan., 1845. RLDS Archives, P8/F14)
24 Jan.: Washed and anointed ourselves (again).
“N. K. Whitney, B. Young, and my self met at B. Young. Spent the after noon in washing and inointing [anointing] our bodies, and fore prair. The Lord was with us.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 24 Jan., 1845)
25 Jan.: The divining rod told us we would finish temple.
“In the Evning fore persons, females recieved thare Anointing [including?] Hellen Kimball. The same Evning I sat down in my hous in the presents of my wife and inquired of the Lord by the Rod as follows, If we should finish the Temple, it was verly yes, that my sins ware fore given and that I shouild over come, and get my Apointment of my inheritence while in the probation and that the Temple commity ware not Enimes to the Twelve Apostles.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 25 Jan., 1845)
26 Jan.: Ordinances only within temple.
“Jan 19th 25 [1845] also have moved on in like manner the organization the corums of the church are going on in order and great rappidity the 20th corum of 70ties is now organized the high priest corum is increasing rapidly and have covenanted to finish off the upper story of the temple this season coming for their own convienance for meeting and for the further of the work of receiving the Endowment as there are Ordinances which cannot be given only in an upper story which covenant was made on the 26th of Janr . . .” (William Huntington diary, Huntington Library)
26 Jan.: HPs to use temple instead of separate building.
“During the early part of January, 1845, the High Priest quorum entered into an investigation of the propriety of building a hall for their accommodation. On the 26th, President Young and some others of the quorum of the Twelve attended the meeting of the quorum, when the subject was again discussed. President Young made some remarks on the subject and concluded by advising them, instead of building a hall, to go to work and finish the upper room of the temple, and by this means they would soon have a room to attend to the ordinances and save much expense.” (William Clayton Journal, in JI 21(9):142, 1 May, 1886)
“[Brigham Young encouraging the High Priests not to go ahead and build a hall but]: . . . go and finish off the upper story of the Temple [then] you will have a place in which you can receive your washings and anointings and endowments. . . .There are certain branches of the endowment that must be done in an upper room.” (High Priests Quorum Mtg; Misc Minutes Collection; CHO, Ms/d/4358/folder 8/1845; 26 January 1845.)
26 Jan.: Meeting of Holy Order, induction of John Page.
“January the 26. I preach / ed in the musick Hall in / the Evning the Holly Preat / hood meet over Elder / Parley P Pratt Store Elder / Page Received his admittan / ce in the holy order.” (Heber C. Kimball journal, 26 Jan., 1845)
“Sunday 26 / I was sick in the morning went to the high Priest corum they agread to finish the upper part of temple next summer then I went to the temple store had a meeting in the high Quorum.” (Brigham Young “Journal,” 26 Jan., 1845)
27 Jan.: Wife cannot break sealing.
“P.M. talked with S.A. and brother Whitney who reminded me of some items of law which proves that M. cannot get away unless I break the covenant. I talked with M. again and told her these things and she seems more satisfied.” (William Clayton diary, 27 Jan., 1845)
Jan.: If the temple is not completed?
“I wish further to say to the Saints, that as there is a rumour abroad that if the temple in Nauvoo was not completed so that the Saints could assemble in it, and receive this endowment on the 16th of April, 1844; that God would reject the Saints as a people, and with this impression some have ceased to contribute towards its completion, and I now wish to say what I have heard from the mouth of our beloved Prophet, three or four times; the first time at a General Conference in 1843, he said there would not be another General Conference until the Temple was completed, and it has been so; all the Conferences held in Nauvoo since that time, have been special Conferences; and also if the Saints did not continue to labour on the Temple, and use every exertion to complete it that the Lord would reject them and their dead, for there were ordinances pertaining to the endowment and organization of the priesthood, and for the dead that could not be attended to elsewhere, any more than Moses could in his day organize the priesthood, and attend to all the ordinances of the same until he completed the tabernacle which was a pattern of heavenly things. Now, the question that remains, is, have the Saints ceased to labour on the Temple from that day to this, only when the mob was upon them, and the Prophet and the Patriarch were slain? I answer, No; and would some of those who withhold their pence be as faithful as those who have borne the burden in the heat of the day, we might now behold the top stone carried to its place with shoutings of ‘grace, grace unto it.’ But I will say for the benefit of the Saints who have contributed their mite, they have an interest in the house of God, and will in no wise lose their reward, and notwithstanding all the persecutions, we shall soon see the House of God completed, and his servants receive their promised blessing.” (Reuben Hedlock, “Address to the [British] Saints,” MS 5(8):127-128, Jan., 1845)
Feb.: New 70’s not to go out until after the endowment.
“[Following the 8 Aug., 1844 conference] The quorum of the twelve immediately entered upon their duties by organizing all the quorums of the Church according to the order of God, and carrying out all the views and principles of the prophet and patriarch, according to the pattern given them in laying the foundation of this great and mighty work. They have organized the Church in North America into districts and conferences similar to the organization which they formed with the Saints in Great Britain. They have organized twelve quorums of the Seventies, seven Presidents to each quorum, who will be prepared after the endowment to go forth unto all nations, bearing glad tidings unto the children of men.” (Wilford Woodruff, “To the Officers and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Islands,” MS 5(9):138, Feb., 1845)
2 Feb.: To prepare quorum for the endowment.
“met with Presidents Jesse P. Harmon Alvin Horr & Alfred Brown at my house we had a good time our minds were occupied on the best manner to pursue to unite our Quorum and prepare them for the endowment and agreed to meet here every Sabath evening and thus cultivate a spirit of perfect union among ourselves & thus be prepared to teach our quorum with one heart and mind.” (Hosea Stout diary, 2 Feb., 1845)
10 Feb.: Brigham on baptism for the dead.
“Pres. Brigham Young came in, took the stand, and without much ceremony took up the subject of revelation, and showed clearly, the impropriety of this people or church’s receiving a Perfect revelation as yet. I speak said he to a congregation of Pres. men, who should be quick of understanding and learn from a little what a great deal means. I [k]no[w] said he that full revelation is not always given at once. I recollect when I first came back from England, A revelation came to Br. Jos. informing him that it was the privelege of the Saints, to be Baptised for and redeem their deceased relatives, but the particulars connected with the ordinances, or ordinances to be performed in order to bring about this redemption, was not revealed, at the time the revelation was given. Br. Jos. and I talked about the mode of administering the ordinance; And soon after an other revelation was given, commanding him to appoint a clerk, and witness that it might be as it was written, that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses every word, or order should be established and written. Neither was it revealed to Br. Jos. at that time, who would be the proper persons to be baptised for and in behalf of the dead, nor where & when this servis should be attended too, but in addition to the first Revelation, a Baptismal Font was commanded to be erected, in which those ordinances should be attended to furthermore let me say to you, that when the Temple is done, there will be quite a different arrangement, about baptising for the dead, than there has been, women will not run into the Mississippi as they have done & be baptised for their husbands Fathers Brothers Uncles &c. The Lord never such a revelation, it would be contrary to his order, we never read of women being Saviours of men or having a dispensation of the Gospel committed to them, acording to the order established, all Saviours shall stand at the head of all those whom they redeemed and bring them in to their own kingdom and reign over them. Consequently all men must be redeemed by men that are found worthy and the women are to be redeemed women acting for and in their behalf, for example a man and his wife will go into the Font, the man will be baptised for all his male relatives & also the male relatives of his wife, and she will be baptised for all the Females, that is related to herself or husband, & bring them up unto their kingdom, and there reign over them, having the man at the Head, instead of the woman.” (General Record of the Seventies, Book B, 10 Feb., 1845)
11 Feb.: Endowments to commence next fall or winter.
“The stone is nearly hewn for the Temple; a stone font is about to be erected, the woodwork is progressing rapidly under a temporary roof in the basement story, and we hope to commence the endowments next fall or early in the winter. We will not send many elders to England until after the endowment.” (Brigham Young to Wilford Woodruff in England, 11 Feb., 1845, HC 7:373)
27 Feb.: Blessings awaiting completion of temple.
“Do you wish, dear brethren, to see the house of our God built up, adorned, and prepared according to the commandment and pattern given? Do you wish to enter into its sacred courts and receive your washings and anointings, and the keys of knowledge and power? Do you desire the eternal seal of the priesthood placed upon your head by which your progenitors for ages past and your posterity for endless generations to come shall be secured to you in a covenant that is everlasting? Do you desire to take part with the servants of God in teaching, civilizing, saving and exalting the Lamanites? And, in fine, do you desire to stand forth with the servants of God and in the majesty and strength and greatness of the everlasting priesthood rescue the earth from violence, oppression and wickedness and seal all things unto the end of all things that the saints alone may have dominion.
All of you are ready to answer yes, and respond with a hearty affirmative. But remember that there is but one way by which you can realize or partake of these things; it is by hearkening to our counsel in all things; and for this reason we send unto you Brother Amasa [M. Lyman], who will counsel you in all things according to the mind and will of God, acccording to the circumstances in which you are placed.” (Council of the Twelve to James Emmett and Company, 27 Feb., 1845, HC 7:377-378)
Feb.: Joseph’s conferral of endowment to the Twelve.
“The prophet called the quorum of the twelve together several months before his death, and informed them that the Lord had commanded him to hasten their endowments; that he did not expect to remain himself to see the temple completed, but wished to confer the keys of the kingdom of God upon other men, that they might build up the church and kingdom according to the pattern given. And the prophet stood before the twelve from day to day, clothed with the spirit and power of God, and instructed them in the oracles of God, in the pattern of heavenly things, in the keys of the kingdom, the power of the priesthood, and in the knowledge of the last dispensation in the fulness of times.
And as his last work and charge to the quorum of the twelve, that noble spirit rose up in all the majesty, strength, and dignity of his calling, as a prophet, seer, and revelator, out of the loins of ancient Joseph, and exhorted and commanded the brethren of the twelve to rise up, and go forth in the name of Israel’s God, and bear off the keys of the kingdom of God in righteousness and honour in all the world, walking in all holiness, godliness, faith, virtue, temperance, patience, and charity; doing honour to the cause of God in this last dispensation and fulness of times, and when their work was finished to follow his example by boldly meeting death, and sealing their testimony with their blood, for the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, if necessity required it, that they might be prepared for the reward which is beyond the veil. . . .
Soon after the quorum of the twelve received their endowment, according to the counsel of the prophet, they left Nauvoo, (except two) on a mission to the Eastern States. They had not been long gone ere the persecutors of the Saints were exceedingly mad against them, and sought to find accusation against the prophet, that they might put him to death.” (Wilford Woodruff address, “To the Officers and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Islands,” MS 5(9):136, 137; Feb., 1845)
Feb.: The 12 desire that the Saints receive endowments.
“Many of them [the 12] have been in your midst, their labours and their diligence you have witnessed; they have spared no pains or sacrifice in planting the work throughout this realm; and they still are willing to labour and spend their lives in the cause, desiring greatly that the Temple may be finished, that the Saints may receive their endowments, and save themselves and their friends; and that the elders of Israel may go forth clothed with the power of God, the fulness of the priesthood, the keys of the kingdom of God; that they may be instrumental in his hands of saving the honest in heart and meek of the earth of this generation; that they may be prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, to stand before the Son of Man.” (Wilford Woodruff address, “To the Officers and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Islands,” MS 5(9):139; Feb., 1845)
1 Mar.: Order of God’s government is patriarchal.
“The order of God’s government, both in time and in eternity, is patriarchal; that is, it is a fatherly government. Each father who is raised from the dead and made a partaker of the celestial glory in its fulness, will hold lawful jurisdiction over his own children, and over all the families which spring from them to all generations, for ever and ever.
We talk, in this ignorant age, of children becoming ‘of age,’ as it is called; and we consider when they are ‘of age’ they are free from the authority of their father. But no such rule is known in the celestial law and organization, either here or hereafter. By that law a son is subject to his father for ever and ever, worlds without end.” (Parley P. Pratt, “Celestial Family Organization,” The Prophet, 1 Mar., 1845; in UGHM 23:54, Apr., 1932)
4 Mar.: Sealing to dead spouse.
“On the 5th of March my wife was sealed to me, although dead (Caroline) Dorcas Adelia Moore, acting as proxy in her behalf for time and eternity done by Heber C. Kimball and also Dorcas Adelaide Moore was sealed to me as a wife for time and eternity at the same time.” (Joseph C. Kingsbury Journal)
27 Mar.: Received washing of my feet by Sarah.
“Went to the Temple. Held Council at Father Cutler, Twelve, Bisohps, Temple Commity. In the Evning recieved the washing of my feet by Sarah N.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 27 Mar., 1845)
Mar.: How Joseph gave the 12 the endowment.
“Before I went east on the 4th of April, we were in council with Brother Joseph almost every day for weeks. Says Brother Joseph, in one of those councils, “There is something going to happen; I don’t know what it is, but the Lord bids me to hasten, and give you your endowment before the temple is finished.” He conducted us through every ordinance of the holy priesthood, and when he had gone through with all the ordinances he rejoiced very much, and says, “now if they kill me you have got all the keys, and all the ordinances, and you can confer them upon others, and the hosts of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom as fast as you will be able to build it up; and now,” says he, “on your shoulders will rest the responsibility of leading this people, for the Lord is going to let me rest a while.” Now why did he say to the Twelve “on your shoulders will this responsibility rest,” why did he not mention Brother Hyrum? The spirit knew that Hyrum would be taken with him, and hence he did not mention his name; Elder Rigdon’s name was not mentioned, although he was here all the time, but he did not attend our councils.” (Orson Hyde, in MS 5:104, Mar., 1845)
“Has the Prophet Joseph found Elder Rigdon in his councils, when he organized the quorum of the Twelve a few months before his death, to prepare them for the endowment? And when they received their endowment, and actually received the keys of the Kingdom of God, and oracles of God, keys of revelation, and the pattern of heavenly things, and thus addressing the Twelve, exclaimed: ‘Upon your shoulders the kingdom rests, and you must round up your shoulders and bear it, for I have had to do it until now. But now the responsibility rests upon you. It mattereth not what becomes of me.’ I say, has this been the case with Elder Rigdon in any wise?” (Wilford Woodruff, in MS 5:109, Mar., 1845)
1 Apr.: Security fence for temple and TABERNACLE.
“The work of the Temple goes on as fast as possible, and, in fact, the anxiety is so great to labor upon this great house of the Lord, that the committee frequently have to set men at other work. A trench is being excavated about six feet wide and six feet deep, around a square of about six or eight acres, which will be filled with stone, and upon which will be placed an iron fence for the security of the Temple, and Tabernacle.” (T&S 6(6):856, 1 Apr., 1845)
6 Apr.: Discourse by Brigham Young.
“The Saints conviened at 10 Oclock at the Stand being fifteen years since the Organised of this Church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saints. And one thurd more people than even before, at anny confrance before since the Church began. Windy and dusty I call the meting to order, and made Prair. B. Young preached on the Baptism for the dead and Adjourned till 2 oclcok.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 6 Apr., 1845)
“When we enter into the temple of God to receive our washings and anointings, and our endowments, and baptisms for the saving of ourselves, and for the saving of our dead, we shall be required to engage in those holy exercises after a perfect system of order, male and female in their individual capacity, and conjointly as husband and wife, a man acting for and in behalf of his male relatives, and woman acting for and in behalf of her female relatives, and not as in our ignorance we have done, a man acting for a woman and a woman for a man. . . .
Now when baptisms for the dead were first commenced a man would be baptized for his female relatives, this was done in their ignorance not knowing that in this as in all the ordinances of the house of God a strict order must be observed. This is a work in which both man and woman should be engaged, but it must be performed after an order which will warrant its acceptance to God and the heavenly hosts, and by which alone these works for the salvation of our dead can be made legal before the judge of all the earth. You can readily understand that the woman could not be ordained for her male relations and thereby could not finish the work which she has begun in being baptized for them, but she can perform proxy duties for her female dead and finish the work which the Lord has given her to do, while the man holding the keys of the priesthood can finish the work relating to the male portion of their dead in being ordained for them to the possession of the Holy Priesthood, and the man and the woman conjointly in being sealed before the alter for the male and female dead that they may appear perfect before the Lord and be entitled to all the blessings of the sanctified in the celestial world, the same as though they had lived to perform these works for themselves in the flesh.” (Brigham Young, 6 Apr., 1845. Reported by G. O. Watt, LDS Archives, “Brigham Young Addresses, 1843-1855. Handwritten. Bergera notes)
“Last Sunday I proposed to the Saints, to speak to day on the subject of the baptism for the dead in connexion with other items, that the Saints may be satisfied–that all doubt and darkness may be removed with regard to certain principles of the doctrine of redemption.
But before I undertake to explain or give correct views upon this important subject, I would say to all those who are satisfied with all the knowledge they have, and want no more: to you I do not expect to be an apostle this day; but for those who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness, I pray, that they may be filled and satisfied with the intelligence of God, even his glory.
What I have stated in the winter past relative to the baptism for the dead, has been a matter of discussion among the elders, and among the brethren and sisters in general, but I will endeavor to show to this congregation of Saints the propriety of it; and that the people could not run at hap-hazard, and without order to attend to this ordinance and at the same time it be valid, and recognized in heaven.
We are building a house at present unto the Lord in the which we expect to attend to the fulfilment of this doctrine; you all believe that tis is a doctrine revealed by God to his servant Joseph. Admitting this to be the fact, that he has revealed through him a plan by which we may bring to life the dead, and bless them with a great and glorious exaltation in the presence of the Almighty with ourselves; still we want to know how to do these things right; to do them in a manner that shall be acceptable to the Almighty, if otherwise he will say unto us at the last day, ‘ye have not known me right, because of your slothfulness and your wickedness depart from me for I know you not.’ O ye Latter-day Saints! I don’t want one of you to be caught in that snare, but that you may do things right, and thus be enabled to make your calling and election sure. I might say the plan of salvation is perfect of itself–it is a system that can save, redeem, honor and glorify all who are willing to apply themselves to it according to the pattern–it is a plan of salvation to all men both male and female; it has been handed down, and known from the days of Adam, and those who will open their eyes to see, their ears to hear, and their hearts to understand, they will acknowledge at once that it is a perfect system; but those whose eyes, ears and hearts are shut up by incorrect tradition and prejudice, they acknowledge by their lives, by their practices, by their walk and conversation, and by their actions in general, that they do not understand it, yet they plead the atonement, and say we believe the atonement is sufficient for all–only believe and he will save you; yet at the same time the bible, reason, common sense and every other righteous principle positively testifies that there must be means made use of to put you in possession of the blessings of the atonement, as well as any other blessing.
I believe the plan of salvation is comeatable[?], and may be understood–and the inhabitants of the world who will come to God can be made acquainted with all the ordinances and blessings by which they may know how to save themselves and their friends, as we know how to build a house, or as the mechanic knows how to make any piece of mechanism; but mechanism is not to be compared with the perfection of the machine of salvation, or with the beauty of the plan of redemption: it is the most perfect system of any other creature under heaven.
The gospel is adapted to the capacity of all the human family, whether they be high or low, rich or poor, bond or free, black or white, young or old, it is adapted to their capacities, all can understand and be saved: no comparison of its purity can be made; you may investigate the laws of nations, and gather together all the laws of the kingdoms of this world, and make a selection of the best part of the purest principles of the laws of justice and equity, and they would not compare, nor would there be any resemblance to the purity of the laws of heaven. He who gives that law is perfect, and reduces it to the capacity of finite beings in order that they may understand it and then receive more; thus the infinite being gives line upon line, reveals principle after principle, as the mind of the finite being expands, and when he has learned all his life he will then begin to see, that he has not yet entered upon the threshold of the eternal things that are to be gained by the children of men. I have now about got through with my preliminaries, and shall occupy your attention with some items in relation to the doctrine of the baptism for the dead.
I do not say that you have not been taught and learned the principle; you have heard it taught from this stand from time to time, by many of the elders, and from the mouth of our beloved and martyred prophet Joseph; therefore my course will not be to prove the doctrine, but refer to those things against which your minds are revolting. Consequently I would say to this vast congregation of Saints, when we enter into the Temple of God to receive our washings, our anointings, our endowments and baptisms for the saving of ourselves, and for the saving of our dead; that you never will see a man go forth to be baptized for a woman, nor a woman for a man. If your minds should be in any dubiety with regard to this, call to mind a principle already advanced, that when an infinite being gives a law to his finite creatures, he has to descend to the capacity of those who receivehis law, when the doctrine of baptism for the dead was first given, this church was in its infancy, and was not capable of receiving all the knowledge of God in its highest degree; this you all believe. I would keep this one thing in your minds, and that is, that there is none, no not one of the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, that ever received the fullness of the celestial law at the first of the Lord’s commencing to reveal it unto them.
The doctrine of baptism for the dead you have been taught for some time, and the first account that I heard of it was while I was in England; it was there I got the glad tidings that the living could go forth and be baptised for those who had fallen asleep. This doctrine I believed before anything was said or done about it in this church; it made me glad when I heard it was revealed through his servant Joseph, and that I could go forth, and officiate for my fathers, for my mothers, and for my ancestors, to the latest generation who have not had the privilege of helping themselves; that they can yet arise to the state of glory and exaltation as we that live, have a privilege of rising to ourselves. The next year I came home and requested Brother Joseph to preach upon the subject, which he did, I also heard many of the elders preach upon the same subject.
There has been many things said, and notions imbibed concerning this doctrine. Allow me to advance an idea, and it is this; except we attend to this ordinance according to the law of heaven in all things it will not be valid or be of any benefit either to the living or the dead; when it was first revealed all the order of it was not made known, afterwards it was made known, that records, clerks, and one or two witnesses were necessary or else it will be of no value to the saints.
The Lord has led this people all the while in this way, by giving them here a little and there a little, thus he increases their wisdom, and he that receives a little and is thankful for that shall receive more and more, and more even to the fullness of the eternal Godhead: there is no stopping place, but the weak capacity of man cannot understand it unless the spirit of the eternal God is in their hearts, and then they can comprehend but a little of it. In this is the glory, power, and excellency of the gospel of the Son of God to poor weak finite man.–Look, O ye Latter-day Saints, at the nations of the earth, Christendom, look at them; but look at ourselves (although we have received a great deal) yet who is there here that has seen Jesus Christ, that have beheld angels, that have conversed with the spirits of just men made perfect, and the assembly of the church of Enoch, and with God the judge of all? who is there here that has been caught up to the third heavens and gazed upon the order and glory of the celestial world? dont you see brethren we have yet a great deal to learn, but is it not our privilege to be filled with all the fulness of Godliness? (cries of yes.) When you receive all that is for you, you will say O the blindness of Christendom! O the ignorance of the world!! even the Latter-day Saints tht have assembled themselves together at the April conference in the year eighteen hundred and forty-five, will say, what am I?
Joseph in his life time did not receive every thing connected with the doctrine of redemption, but he has left the key with those who understand how to obtain and teach to this great people all that is necessary for their salvation and exaltation in the celestial kingdom of our God. We have got to learn how to be faithful with the few things, you know the promise is, if we are faithful in a few things we shall be made rulers over many things. If we improve upon the small things, greater will be given unto us.
I have said that a man cannot be baptized for a woman, nor a woman for a man, and it be valid. I have not used any argument as yet; I want now to use an argument upon this subject, it is a very short one; and I will do it by asking this congregation, if God would call a person to commence a thing that would not have power and ability to carry it out? Would he do it? (no.) Well then, what has been our course on former occasions? Why, here goes our beloved sisters, and they are baptised in the river or in the fount for their uncles, for their fathers, for their grand-fathers and great grandfathers.
Well, now I will take you and confirm you for your uncles, for your fathers, for your grandfathers, and for your great grandfathers, and let you go; after a while here comes our beloved sisters, saying, I want to be ordained for my uncle, and for my father, and for my grand father, and great grand-father; I want my father ordained to the high priesthood, and my grandfather, I want to be patriarch, and you may ordain me a prophet for my uncle! What would you think about all that, sisters, come now you have been baptised and confirmed for your father, wont you be ordained for him? You could cast on a stocking and finish it.–You could take wool and card and spin it and make it into cloth, and then make it into garments. A person that commences a work and has not ability and power to finish it, only leaves the unfinished remains as a monument of folly. We will not commence a work we cannot finish; but let us hearken to the voice of the spirit and give heed to his teachings and we will make ourselves perfect in all things.
I would now call your attention to some of the sayings of the apostle Paul. I hope you will not stumble at them. Paul says, ‘nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord, for as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the women, but all things of God.’ The same Apostle also says, ‘The woman is the glory of the man.’ Now brethren, these are Paul’s sayings, not Joseph Smith’s spiritual wife system sayings.
And I would say, as no man can be perfect without the woman, so no woman can be perfect without a man to lead her, I tell you the truth as it is in the bosom of eternity; and I say so to every man upon the face of the earth: if he wishes to be saved he cannot be saved without a woman by his side. This is spiritual wifeism, that is, the doctrine of spiritual wives.
Lest these my sisters should think I give power into the hands of their husbands to abuse them, I would say there is no man has a right to govern his wife and family unless he does it after the order of the church of Christ, unless he does it upon this principle he need not expect to receive a celestial glory. He that does not govern as Jesus governs his church, breaks his bonds and solemn obligations to his family.
Now ye elders of Israel will you go and beat your wives? will you neglect and abuse them? You may ask, is that anything about being baptised for the dead, or the laws of the celestial kingdom?
With regard to the laws of the celestial kingdom, I say it always was, and is, and always will be, a system of beauty and order. When the angel visited Cornelius, and commanded him to send men to Joppa for Peter, who should tell him words whereby he and his house should be saved. Would it not have saved a good deal of grouble if the angel had told these words to Cornelius? It certainly would, but it was not the angel’s privilege, it remained for Peter to do, because it was Peter’s calling; it was Peter’s duty. In this case we see the principle of order. Again, in the case of the Savior, did he offer to baptise Paul? No, he had to go to Damascus, to a certain street, in order to find Ananias, who administered to him. Thus you see the angel honored Peter, the Savior honored Ananias by permitting them to attend to the calling they had received power to act in. So let fathers honor their families, husbands honor your wives, honor your children that they may learn to honor you; and if you come and are baptised for the father of your wife, and you want your mother baptised for, let your wife do it; give honor to her.–Ananias had the glory and honor of ordaining Paul and sending him to preach. Christ had done his work, and then gave honor and glory to his servants; when the elders have done their work, let them give their wives honor, and let them say to them, come be baptised for my mother, and for my sister, and save them, and I will preside over the whole of you.
Thus let every person stand in their own order, and do that which belongs to them to do, that there may be no confusion, but let order and beauty be the characteristics of this people. I used to think that the sectarian world would certainly get to heaven for they tried hard enough. And we boys would frequently wish ourselves in heaven with our backs broke that we could not get out again. The sectarian world is just like that, they are scrambling up in the greatest confusion, saying to each other, I hope you will get to heaven, and may your back be broke that you cannot get out again, and that is all they know about it.
The religion of heaven teaches us to give every man and every woman their due, that rightly belongs to them. And he that walks up to his privilege and duty, he has honor and glory, and shall never be removed out of his place.
I have shown to the brethren and sisters that Brother Joseph did not tell them all things at once, consequently you may expect to hear and see many things you never thought of before. One thing is that we have taken down the wooden fount that was built up by the instructions of Brother Joseph. This has been a great wonder to some, and says one of the stone-cutters the other day, ‘I wonder why Joseph did not tell us the fount should be built of stone.’ The man that made that speech is walking in darkness. He is a stranger to the spirit of this work, and knows nothing. In fact he does not know enough to cut a stone for the house of god. There is not a man under the face of the heavens that has one particle of the spirit about him, but knows that God talks to men according to their circumstances. God knew that old Abraham could not build a temple, therefore he said unto him, go to the mountain I shall tell thee of, and there offer up your sacrifice. He tells us to build an house here in this place, according to our means. And when we get a little more strength, he will say, go now and execute your means upon the next house we have got to build, and it is just to stretch our faith until it shall become exceeding great, that we can command the elements and they will obey. And when we get into Jackson county to walk in the courts of that house, we can say we built this temple: for as the Lord lives we will build up Jackson county in this generation, (cries of amen,) and we will be far better off with regard to temporal things, when we have done, than ever we were before. If we had the means to build a fount in that house, say one of marble, the Lord would just as like as not tell us to cover it with gold just to stretch our faith. Brother Joseph said to me with regard to the fount, ‘I will not go into the river to be baptised for my friends, we will build a wooden fount to serve the present necessity; brethren does that satisfy you? This fount has caused the Gentile world to wonder, but a sight of the next one will make a Gentile faint away. This brings to my memory a circumstance that transpired in the temple at Kirtland. A very pious lady came to see the temple, she walked up and down in the house, with her hands locked together, and after the escape of one or two of the sectarians most sanctified groans, she exclaimed, ‘The Lord does not like such extravagance.’ Poor thing, I wonder how she will walk upon the streets when they are paved with gold; she could not bear to see the temple of God adorned and beautified, and the reason was because she was full of the devil.
I would put you on your guard against those who wear a long face, and pretend to be so holy, and so much better than every body else–They cannot look pleasant because they are full of the devil. Those who have got the forgiveness of their sins have countenances that look bright, and they will shine with the intelligence of heaven. If you dont believe it, try yourselves and then look up into the glass.
We will have a fount that will not stink and keep us all the while cleansing it out; and we will have a pool wherein to baptise the sick, that they may recover. And when we get into the fount we will show you the priesthood and the power of it: therefore, let us be diligent in observing all the commandments of God. Put away all fears of mobs, let not these things trouble you, for I say to the people I believe myself we shall have a healthy season, and that we shall have a summer of peace–The devils will growl without, and if they could get in here they would growl, but if they do they must look out. And I dare venture to say, that there could not be found as healthy a looking congregation in all the United States as I see here this day.
Brethren and sisters, for the sake of your dead and for the sake of yourselves, be faithful and have no feelings in your hearts against one another, but learn to suffer wrong rather than do wrong, and by so doing we will outstrip all our enemies and conquer the evil one, for know ye not that here is Zion? know ye not that the millennium has commenced? We have had Zion upon the earth this fourteen years. Peace reigns among this people which is Zion. Union and true charity dwells with this people: this is the most orderly and peaceable people upon the face of the whole earth. Well, this is Zion, and it is increasing and spreading wider and wider, and this principle of Zion, which is peace, will stretch all over the earth; that is the millennium.
The saints will increase, and continue to increase, and virtue, love, holiness and all good principles, will continue to spread and spread, and will rule the nations of the earth, and who is there that can stop its progress? None, but it will roll until there is no room for the devil; then he will be bound and shut up. The principles of the kingdom of God will prevail, from city to city, from nation to nation, until the devil shall be bound and there is no place for him. They killed the prophet Joseph for fear he would spread this principle, but it will go and fill the whole earth; this is true and will come to pass as the Lord lives. Amen.” (Brigham Young, 6 Apr., 1845; in T&S 6(12):953-957, 1 Jul., 1845; reprinted in MS 6(8):119-123, 1 Oct., 1845)
“Elder George Watt come in and read the speack of B. Youn[g] that he delivered on the first day of our confrance. On the Baptism of the Dead.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 10 Apr., 1845)
6 Apr.: High Priesthood holds sealing power.
“By this means the great and eternal High Priesthood, after the Order of his Son, even the Apostleship, has been restored; or, returned to the earth.
This High Priesthood, or Apostleship, holds the keys of the kingdom of God, and power to bind on earth that which shall be bound in heaven; and to loose on earth that which shall be loosed in heaven. And, in fine, to do, and to administer in all things pertaining to the ordinances, organization, government and direction of the kingdom of God.” (Proclamation of the Twelve, 6 Apr., 1845, in Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 1:253)
6 Apr.: Temple to prepare for coming of the Lord.
“And we further testify that the Lord has appointed a holy city and temple to be built on this continent for the endowment and ordinances pertaining to the priesthood; and for the Gentiles, and the remnant of Israel to resort unto, in order to worship the Lord; and to taught in his ways and walk in his paths: in short, to finish their preparations for the coming of the Lord.” (Proclamation of the Twelve, 6 Apr., 1845, in Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 1:254)
6 Apr.: Blessings awaiting completion of temple.
“To this city, and to its several branches or stakes, shall the Gentiles seek, as to a standard of light and knowledge. Yea, the nations, and their kings and nobles, shall say, Come and let us go up to the Mount Zion, and to the temple of the Lord; where his holy priesthood stand to minister continually before the Lord; and where we may be instructed more fully, and receive the ordinances of remission, and of sanctification, and redemption; and thus be adopted into the family of Israel, and identified in the same covenants of promise.
The despised and degraded son of the forest, who has wandered in dejection and sorrow, and suffered reproach, shall then drop his disguise, and stand forth in manly dignity, and exclaim to the Gentiles who have envied and sold him: ‘I am Joseph: does my father yet live?’ Or, in other words: I am a descendant of that Joseph who was sold into Egypt. You have hated me, and sold me, and thought I was dead. But lo! I live, and am heir to the inheritance, titles, honors, priesthood, sceptre, crown, throne, and eternal life and dignity of my fathers, who live for evermore.
He shall then be ordained, washed, anointed with holy oil, and arrayed in fine linen, even in the glorious and beautiful garments and royal robes of the high priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God; and shall enter into the congregation of the Lord, even into the Holy of Holies, there to be crowned with authority and power which shall never end.” (Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles, 6 Apr., 1845, in Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, pp. 259-260)
7 Apr.: Move to finish Nauvoo House.
“He then called for a show of hands from all, both male and female, who, after they had done all they could to finish the Temple are willing to sacrifice their all, to finish the Nauvoo House, rather than not to have it done.–Every hand was raised in the congregation.” (Conference Minutes, Nauvoo, 7 Apr., 1845; in T&S 6(7):871, 15 Apr., 1845)
8 Apr.: Heber C. Kimball on the Temple.
“With regard to the Temple and Nauvoo House, these are our feelings, and we want this people to hear and understand, and universally, to pay their tithing. Let all go and labor, those who have no teams, and those who have, and do all that lies in their power to build up these houses; and in the remaining time they can cultivate the earth, and attend to their mechanic shops. And you that are mechanics and work in you[r] shops, there is one tenth of that belongs to the Temple, and you can do as much good in your shops, as you can by working at the Temple, so go ahead and stick to your shops and do all you can.
I have another thing to lay before this congregation; it is that every man and every woman stay in this county, and not go out of it, to work for the Gentiles at all; but let them harvest their own wheat, and plough their own ground, and dig their own potatoes, and we intend not to preach to them this summer;–therefore let not any man, from this time henceforth, come to us and ask, ‘shall I go to preaching? I want to go down country, shall I go?’ No; you must not go, unless it is on business necessary to be done for the church, or to save somebody’s life. We all go for that, but upon any other business, it is not necessary. This counsel is good for us to observe, that we stay in the city or somewhere else, in this country.
What is the object do you suppose of making the proclamation for all the saints to gather in, from all the United States, if we want to send them back again? We want them here, that they may help us to build the Temple, and the Nauvoo House; and want them to bring their firelocks, and learn to use them, and keep them well cleaned and loaded, and primed, so that they will go off the first shot, that every man may be in readiness, and prepared, that is, every man shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (holding up his cane as a sample;) that is the way. We want the brethren to stay in the City of Joseph, as much as possible, and those who cannot stay in the city, to remain in the county, where they can, to urge on the work of raising grain, &c., that the saints may have a plenty to eat, while we are attending to the ordinances of the House of God.
After the endowment we want the brethren to go to the nations of the earth, before that satan tears you asunder; for he will be heavy upon you when you get this. I would not advise any man, or any woman, to go to the east, after money or any thing else, until they get their endowment; then they may go, if they please, if they go by counsel; and you will never go astray, if you take this course. If you go astray it is because you go upon your own hook, not understanding what is in the future. . . .
What a pleasure it will be for our children to look upon these books, while we are in our graves, sleeping. They can see what an interest, and labor, and toiling, their fathers accomplished, when we were building the Temple, in order to get our endowments.
While we were building the Temple, in Kirtland, we were poor, and in worse circumstances than we are now, or ever will be; for at that time we were persecuted and were under the necessity of laying upon the floor with our firelocks by our sides to sustain ourselves, as there were mobs gathering all around us to destroy us, and prevent us from building the Temple. And when they were driven, every man that was in the church, arose, and we took our firelocks, to reinstate our brethren, and in the night we laid upon the floor; we laid upon Brother Joseph’s floor, and upon Sidney Rigdon’s floor, so as to be ready to keep our enemies at bay; and we laid on Sidney Rigdon’s floor many a night to save his life, and to save the lives of his family; and he is now exerting every effort to take away our lives; but he will see the day when he will be glad to come into the cellar kitchen and become a cook, and to balck the boots and shoes of the servants of God; and it will be the case with thousands of others. They will be glad to black our boots and to lick the dust that is under our feet, and this is nothing to what will come to pass. I might stand here all day, and tell you things of the future, and you would not believe the half of it.
Brother Cahoon and Br. Cutler can tell you how many hands worked upon that Temple at one time; I think there were not more than five or six. Father Cutler, and Elder Cahoon, can tell you that there was not left in Kirtland more than ten or fifteen men, when we left with the camp to go to Zion, to Jackson county. And my wife took one hundred pounds of wool and got it carded and spun it, and wove it, and made it into garments for the men that were laboring upon the House; not only did my wife assist in this thing, but a great many of our sisters; and they were not the tenth part as well off as you are, taking you as a people. But I do not say this in order to insinuate that our sisters, in the City of Joseph, are not willing to render their assistance to build the Temple. No, for we have a great sum subscribed, by the sisters, to get our window glass, and nails, yea, it is a mighty sum; and shall we send our daughters to Warsaw, and to Carthage, and to Madison, and to Burlington, and to the Devil knows where? Shall we do it? No. Now I ask of the brethren and sisters, universally, shall we withdraw our support from our enemies? Yes. I speak of this because it is better for you, and you will find it so, in eternity. They need not go out of the city, for I know there is labor enough for them. I could employ three or four myself, in my family, for the more we get the more we want to wait upon the rest. If you cannot get business try to make it for yourselves. I can make business plenty, for myself; I will leave it to the saints if I cannot.” (Heber C. Kimball, 8 Apr., 1845; in T&S 6(13):971-973, 15 Jul., 1845)
9/10 Apr.: Rigdon’s endowments.
“Wednesday afternoon [9 Apr.], 2 o’clock.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was called to order by Austin Cowles; the first presidency and the high quorum entered and took their seats. President Rigdon arose and read hymn on page 104, ‘arise, arise, with joy survey,’ which was sung by the conference.
After which, President Rigdon said, since the commencement of this conference, I have had one unceasing desire, deep and intense, that was, to have the matter forever put at rest, whether God would accept our work. The Spirit whispered to me this morning to set apart some brethren, and consecrate them to God, in a room in my own house, which I did; (which was the reason I was not with you this morning,) and after the washing and anointing and the Patriarchial seal, as the Lord had directed me, we kneeled, and in solemn prayer we asked God to accept the work we had done; during the time of prayer there appeared over our heads, in the room, a ray of light forming a hollow square, inside of which, stood a company of heavenly messengers, each with a banner in his hand, with their eyes looking downward upon us, their countenances expressive of the deep interest they felt in what was then passing on the earth; there also appeared heavenly messengers on horseback with crowns upon their heads, and plumes floating in the air, dressed in glorious attire, until like Elisha, we cried in our hearts, ‘the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof;’ even my little son of fourteen years of age saw the vision, and gazed with great astonishment, saying, that he thought his imagination was running away with him, after which he [we?] arose and lifted our hands to heaven in holy convocation to God, at which time, was shown an angel in heaven registering the acceptance of our work, and the decree of the Great God, that the kingdom is ours, and we shall prevail; my anxieties, therefore, in relation to our work in organizing the kingdom, and the acceptance of that organization, by our Heavenly Father, are now forever at rest.
Elder Wm E. McLellin, then arose and bore testimony to the manifestation to the power of God in the heavenly vision; he then gave the substance of a revelation given this morning relative to the opening ceremony of the consecration; after which he kneeled and dedicated the conference by prayer. He then arose, and said, brethren, I wish to say some things to you which will benefit you on the present occasion; he set forth in a clear manner, the principles which constitute the fulness of human happiness, giving much important instruction in relation to it.
President Rigdon then proceeded to ordain Hiram Falk and Curtis Hodges to the office of High Priests. After which several bottles of oil were presented and consecrated to the Lord.
The next day, April 10th, ever memorable on account of our great fire, was spent in ‘washings’ and ‘anointings,’ and ‘consecrations,’ &c., until noon. In the afternoon, at 2 o’clock, the ‘conference’ met again. At this time the fire was raging in fearful sublimity. We here copy the proceedings of that afternoon, together with the notice taken of the fire, that our readers may know to whom they are indebted, according to these men, that the fire was stayed:
‘The washing and anointing was continued until all the official members present were anointed. After having finished the anointing, President Rigdon read a hymn which was sung; after which all the quorums took their seats in proper order, to receive their Patriarchal seal. The Patriarch then proceeded to place his seal upon their heads, sealing upon them all the promises and prophesyings pronounced upon them, during their washing and anointing, commencing with the quorum of the twelve; next in order came the presidents of the stake at Pittsburg, and the high council. After these quorums had received their Patriarchal seal, the conference adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock. Benediction by president S. Rigdon.” (From the Messenger and Advocate [Pittsburgh], reprinted in Niles’ National Register, 17 May, 1845)
10 Apr.: Account of Joseph’s induction into Masonry.
“We cold [called] Lucious N Scoviel in to get the Masonic Hall fore Printing office, and to stop making Masons, only as times shall permit. he being the Master. which Lodge was Organised on the 15 day of March 1842 with forty members. Joseph was made a Mason on the same Eve Abraham Jonas was present and Acted as Master. first nite took the 1 and 2 degree the next night took the 3 degree.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 10 Apr., 1845)
10 Apr.: 14-foot stone wall around Temple proposed.
“The Warsaw Signal says that some of the ‘Holy Brotherhood’ have had a Revelation, that further work is to be suspended on the Temple at Nauvoo, until a massive stone wall, fourteen feet high, has been erected round it, enclosing six acres. The Temple was nearly finished, and the object of this new work is to enable the leaders to collect more money from the Saints.” (Sangamo Journal 14(29):2, 10 Apr., 1845; Snider Collection)
16 Apr.: Fortification of Nauvoo Temple.
“We learn by a gentleman direct from Nauvoo, that a new Revelation has been received in relation to the Temple. The work on that structure, is to be almost entirely suspended for the present, and the whole energy of the Saints is to be devoted to the building of a wall or rampart around the edifice. This wall is to enclose six acres, the Temple being in the centre. It is to be fourteen feet high, six feet thick, and composed of solid stone masonry. The work, on this new monument of folly, has been already commenced, and hundreds of hands are employed in carrying it forward.
The philosophy of the matter in our opinion is this to wit. The Temple being nearly finished it was concluded by the leaders that unless they had some new enterprise by which to gull the Saints out of their money, they would soon be without any pretext for swindling them, and therefore they have commenced this work and have told their dupes that the Lord will not appear in his glory until this rampart is finished; for it is the will of the Lord that it shall be completed before the Temple.
Will the poor deluded followers of these Mormon leaders suffer themselves longer to be imposed on by these shallow pretenses? If they will there is no hope of reclaiming them from their insane fanaticism.
The Temple has been but a gull traph, wherewith to cheat the honest out of the substance, for the benefit of their leaders. There has been at least one millino of dollars donated for that edifice, while fifty thousand would have advanced it as far toward completion as it now is. Of the tens of thousands that have been collected abroad, we do not believe that one dollar has been appropriated to the building. All that has been done has been done by the tithing labor of the poor dupes in and about Nauvoo. For four years the tenth part of the labor of fifteen hundred men, in this county, has been bestowed on the Temple–which is amply sufficient to have completed it.–warsaw signal.” (Missouri Whig 6(39):1, 16 Apr., 1845; Snider Collection)
17 Apr.: Plea to Lyman Wight.
“We are rushing the Temple ahead with a strong hand. Tithings come in for the Temple more liberally than they have ever done before, and with but few exceptions the saints are willing to give their all for the Temple if required. There is every prospecct of getting on the roof and finishing some rooms by next autumn when we shall commence administering the ordinances of endowment according to commandment. . . .
And now, dear brethren, if you will hearken to our counsel you will give up all idea of journeying west at present. If you go westward before you have received your endowments in the Temple you will not prosper.” (Council of the Twelve to Lyman Wight et al., 17 Apr., 1845, HC 7:400-401)
8 May: A bell for the temple.
“We have thought it would be very agreeable to the feelings of the English saints to furnish a bell for the Temple, if this is their pleasure you can forward it the first conveyance, and we will have it hung as the building is going up. We are but little acquainted with the weight of bells; we have thought of two thousand pounds weight, but we leave this to your judgment; we want one that can be heard night or day.” (Council of the Twelve to Wilford Woodruff, 8 May, 1845; HC 7:408)
9 May: Woodruff studies Masonry.
“I spent the day at Clithore at Sister Duckworth copying a work from an account of the 5 first degrees upon Masonery.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 9 May, 1845)
16 May: Inscription: “Holiness to the Lord.”
“I [Brigham Young] wrote a letter to the architect directing him to place a stone in the west end (front) of the Temple with the inscription ‘Holiness to the Lord’ thereon.” (HC 7:411)
17 May: Non-Mormon perspective.
“The Mormons have desisted from building the Temple at Nauvoo, for the present, and are erecting a wall or ramparts round the edifice, fourteen feet high, six feet wide, and embracing about six acres of ground. The Warsaw Signal of the 2d says–‘The philosophy of the matter, in our opinion, is this: the Temple being nearly finished, it was concluded by the leaders that unless they had some new enterprise by which to gull the Saints out of their money, they would soon be without a pretext for swindling them, and therefore, they have commenced this work, and have told their dupes that the Lord will not appear in his glory until this rampart is finished, for it is the will of the Lord that it shall be completed before the Temple.
The Signal asks: ‘Will the poor deluded followers of these Mormon leaders suffer themselves to be imposed upon by these shallow pretences? If they will, there is no hope of reclaiming them from their insane fanaticism. The Temple has been but a gull-trap, wherewith to cheat the honest out of their subsistence for the benefit of the leaders. There has been at least one million of dollars donated for the erection of that edifice, while fifty thousand would have advanced it as far towards completion as it now is. Of the tens of thousands that have been collected abroad, we do not believe one dollar has been appropriated to the building. All that has been done has been done by the tithing labor of the poor dupes in and about Nauvoo. For four years the tenth part of the labor of fifteen hundred men in this county has been bestowed on the Temple, which is amply sufficient to have completed it.” (Niles’ National Register, 17 May, 1845)
24 May: 2nd anointing must be in this life?
“The Saints will not receive their crowns of glory until after their resurrection. When the curse in part shall be removed from the world; when wickedness and abomination shall be known no more in the land, then will the Saints come forth clothed with immortality, and be crowned with power and glory as a reward for all their labors. No person will be crowned with power in the eternal world, (we are to be kings and priests to God to all eternity,) unless they have been ordained thereto in this life, previous to their death, or by some friend acting as proxy for them afterwards, and receiving it for them. What is it to be kings and priests? It is to have honor, authority and dominion, having kingdoms to preside over, and subjects to govern, and possessing the ability ever to increase their authority and glory, and extend their dominion.” (Orson Pratt, funeral address of 24 May, 1845, in Times & Seasons 6:920; reprinted in MS 6(6):90, 1 Sep., 1845)
24 May: Capstone of Temple.
“After a little more than four years of hard labor, in truly troublesome times, and not, too, without the loss of the best blood in the church, on the morning of the 24th ult. at a little past 6, a goodly number of Saints had the honor, and glory to witness the Capstone of the Temple laid in its place. The morning was cool, clear, and beautiful; the Saints felt glorious, the band upon the top of the walls, played charmingly, and when the stone was placed, there was a united Hosanna to God and the Lamb, amen and amen shouted three times, which not only gave joy on earth, but filled the heavens with gladness!
The ‘Twelve,’ and other authorities of the church, were present to witness and conduct this interesting scene. Like the event when God finished his work and rested, (so said President Young,) as it was the seventh day of the week, the Saints might do the same.
A new hymn was sung, and as the prophets have written for our instruction, so the ‘head stone’ was brought forward with shouting–grace, grace unto it;–and may the God of Israel, with his Almighty power, grant that the Saints may have peace to obtain their endowment therein. Amen.” (T&S 5(10):926, 1 Jun., 1845)
“Saturday the 24th of May 1845 the last cornerstone of the Temple was completed or laid at presisly 6 o clock in the morning the authorities of the church the twelve high council and others as also the band ware on the wall when Last corner stone was set the band played several tunes and all the congregation Shouted hosanna hosanna hosanna to God and the Lamb Amen Amen and Amen the congregation shouted three times . . .” (William Huntington diary, 24 May, 1845, Huntington Library)
“From their retreats, where they had secreted themselves to avoid being arrested, President Young and his fellow Apostles came forth on the morning of Saturday, the 24th of May, 1845, to lay the cap-stone on the south-east corner of the Temple. This was a joyous occasion, and the number assembled to witness the ceremony was very large. Enemies and apostates had freely predicted that the work on the Temple would be stopped, and the building never finished. But the Saints had not been discouraged, in the midst of poverty, sickness, attacks from mobs, suffering from the murder of their Prophet and Patriarch and the desertion of false brethren. They had persevered, putting their trust in God who had called them to perform this labor, and now they were gladdened by witnessing the interesting spectacle of the laying of the last stone necessary to complete the walls. It was truly a day of thanksgiving and praise, and the Saints felt in the spirit which they enjoyed that they had been abundantly rewarded for all their zeal and perseverance. The singers sung their sweetest notes, their voices thrilled the hearts of the assemblage, and the music of the band, which played on the occasion, never sounded more musical and charming than on that occasion; and when President Young placed the stone in its position, and said: ‘The last stone is now laid upon the Temple, and I pray the Almighty, in the name of Jesus to defend us in this place and sustain us until the Temple is finished and we have all got our endowments;’ and the whole congregation shouted ‘Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb, Amen, Amen and Amen,’ and repeated these words the second and third time, the Spirit of God descended upon the people, gladness filled every heart and tears of joy coursed down many cheeks. The cries of praise were uttered with earnestness and fervor; it was a relief to many to be thus able to give expression to the feelings with which their hearts were overcharged. Altogether the scene was a very impressive one, and we doubt not that angels looked upon it and rejoiced.
President Young concluded the ceremonies by saying, ‘So let it be, the Lord Almighty. This is the seventh day of the week or the Jewish Sabbath. It is the day on which the Almighty finished His work and rested from His labors. We have finished the walls of the Temple and may rest to-day from our labors.’ He then dismissed the workmen for the day, and requested them to spend the time in giving thanks to God. The congregation then dispersed, and he and his brethren of the Twelve Apostles retired to their places of retreat.” (“History of the Church,” JI 17(2):21, 15 Jan., 1882)
“Prest. Young in his little speech remarked that as the Lord had completed his work in six days and on the seventh day he rested from his labors, so with us. We have finished the Temple, and now we complete it. This is the Sabbath day, and now brethren I do not require any man to work on the Temple, or any where else, but you may do as you please. You can now go home and pray that God may bless the labors on the Temple that you may get your endowment and exaltation.” (Thomas Bullock Diary, 24 May, 1845; in John Taylor Nauvoo Journal, 12 Jan., 1845, BYU Studies 23(3):24, Summer, 1983)
“On the morning of the 24th, at a little past six, a goodly number of Saints had the honour, and glory to witness the Cap-stone of the Temple laid in its place. The morning was cool, clear, and beautiful; the Saints felt gloriously, the band, upon the top of the walls, played charmingly, and when the stone was placed, there was a united Hosanna to God, and the Lamb, Amen and Amen; shouted three times, which not only gave joy on earth, but filled the heavens with gladness! A new hymn, composed for the occasion, was then sung: The first verse of which is,
Have you heard the revelation,
Of this latter dispensation,
Which is unto every nation,
O prepare to meet thy God?
Chorus–
We are a band of brethren,
And we’ve rear’d the Lord a temple,
And the cap stone now is finish’d,
And we’ll sound the news abroad.
It was justly remarked that Saturday was the Jewish Sabbath, and that God finished his work on that day and rested, and so may the Saints. Another great coincidence is, that this was the ascension week of Jesus–and (setting aside the narrow calculations of the workd concerning ‘Holy Thursday,’) this was actually the end of the week,–and as the prophet said–the head stone was brought forward with shouting ‘Grace, grace unto it,’–and peace to the saints.” (Nauvoo Neighbor, 28 May, 1845; reprinted in MS 6(3):41, 15 Jul., 1845)
“A large number of the saints assembled to witness the
laying of the capstone on the south-east corner of the Temple.
At six o’clock and eight minutes a.m. Brother Wm. Player commenced spreading the mortar, perfect silence prevailing; the stone being lifted to its place. I stepped on the same and fitted it precisely to its position with the large beetle, at twenty-two past six a.m. the capstone was pronounced set. . .
I said: The last stone is now laid upon the Temple and I pray the Almighty in the name of Jesus to defend us in this place and sustain us until the Temple is finished and we have all got our endowments.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:417-418, 24 May, 1845)
May: Celestial family organization.
“Having now established the fact that the celestial order is designed not only to give eternal life, but also to establish an eternal order of family government, founded upon the most pure and holy principles of union and affection. We will take a review of the celestial family of man as it will exist in the restoration of all things spoken of by the holy prophets.
First: His most gracious and venerable majesty king Adam, with his royal consort queen Eve, will appear at the head of the whole great family of the redeemed, and will be crowned in their midst as a king and priest for ever after the order of the Son of God. They will then be arrayed in garments white as snow, and will take their seats on the throne, in the midst of the paradise of God on the earth, to reign for ever and ever. While thousands of thousands stand before him, and ten thousand times ten thousand minister unto him. And if you will receive it, this is the order of the Ancient of days–the kingdom prepared and organized to meet Jesus when he comes.
This venerable patriarch and sovereign will hold lawful jurisdiction over Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the prophets, apostles, and saints of all ages and dispensations, who will all reverence and obey him as their venerable father and lawful sovereign.
They will then be organized, each over his own department of the government according to their birthright and office, in their families, generations and nations. Each one will obey and be obeyed according to the connexion which he sustains as a member of the great celestial family.
Thus the gradation will descend in regular degrees from the throne of the Ancient of days with his innumerable subjects, down to the least and last saint of the last days, who may be counted worthy of a throne and sceptre, although his kingdom may, perhaps, only consist of a wife and single child.
Such is the order and organization of the celestial family, and such the nature of the thrones, principalities and powers, which are the rewards of diligence.
This kingdom, organized and established upon the earth in its beauty and order will be ready for the Son of man. He will then come in the clouds of heaven and receive it to himself.
Adan and all the other patriarchs, kings, and prophets, will still be subject unto Christ, because he was in the eternal world, the first-born of every creature, and the beginning of the creation of God. Hence in the patriarchal order, he rules by right of birth.” (Parley P. Pratt, “Celestial Family Organization,” reprinted from The Prophet; in MS 5(12):191, May, 1845)
May: The keys of Elijah.
“Well did the Lord promise by the mouth of the prophet Malachi, that he would send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and that he should turn, seal, or bind the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest the whole earth should be smitten with a curse.
And if you will receive it, Elijah the prophet has been sent in these last days to man on the earth, and has conferred the keys of the sealing power that others might go forth in his spirit, power, and priesthood, and seal both on earth and in heaven. But they have done unto some of them whatever they listed, and even so may others perhaps suffer under their cruel hand.
But the keys are on the earth, and shall not be taken from it till the sealing is accomplished.
Therefore, O ye Saints of the Most High! build the temple and sanctuary of our God, and gather together thereunto. For there, saith the Lord, will I reveal unto you the fulness of mine ordinances pertaining to the holy priesthood and preparation, by which the living and the dead may be redeemed, and associated in the exalted principles of eternal life and joy. Amen.” (Parley P. Pratt, “Celestial Family Organization,” reprinted from The Prophet; in MS 5(12):193-194; May, 1845)
1 Jun.: Heber C. Kimball on the Temple.
“Let us go to work and build this house. Roll out your rusty dollars, and your rusty coppers, and let us rush on this house as fast as possible. When you get it done you will have joy and gladness, and greater shouting, than we had when the cap stone was laid. We will make this city ring with hosannas to the Most High God. This is only a little way ahead, and shall we not put the best foot foremost? Yes; and when we sleep let us sleep with one leg out of bed, and one eye open. Let us beware of those fellows, that do not like us very well. At this time a few of them do not like to swell in our midst; they are afraid of the boys. Well, we will have no more whitling at present; let the boys go to school and attend to their own business. You can see how fast that house is going up. You will see an addition to it all the time, until the last shingle goes on. We will have our next Conference in it. I feel to rejoice; my heart is glad, and I feel to praise the Lord all the time. I do not go out of doors, and look at that house, but the prayer of my heart is, ‘O, Lord save this people, and help them to build thy house.'” (Heber C. Kimball, 1 Jun., 1845; in T&S 6(14):987, 1 Aug., 1845)
1 Jun.: Meetings in temple before snow flies.
“June 1st . . . Brother Brigham said this day he believed before snow flies the roof will be on and the saints will hold meetings in the house this winter.” (William Huntington diary, 1 Jun., 1845, Huntington Library)
4 Jun.: Sealed up to eternal life.
“This is thy blessing, and if thou will be faithful it shall not fail, and I seal you up to Eternal Life, Amen.” (Patriarchal Blessing given by John Smith to Hayward Thomas, 4 Jun., 1845; JH 31 Oct., 1847)
13 Jun.: Future kings & priests shouldn’t act as children
“In afternoon at a meeting of Coach and Carriage Making Association, at the Seventies Hall, to regulate some difficulties that existed, they having had some disagreement; two men of the names of Burr Frost and David De Vol having manifested a wrong spirit, and stirred up the others into commotion. I reprimanded them on their folly, and told them such things were not worthy of men’s notice; that men who were aiming at eternal glory and expected to be kings and priests unto the most High God, and to possess principalities and powers, thrones and dominions, ought not to condescend to such trifles; that it was worse than child’s play; and they of all others ought to possess more exalted feelings; and as they had the priesthood, ought to honor the priesthood; that there was order in the Kingdom of God.” (John Taylor Nauvoo Journal, 13 Jun., 1845, BYU Studies 23(3):51, Summer, 1983)
15 Jun.: Kings and Priests.
“I would have you to remember, dear brethren and sisters, that we are at the present time–what shall I say? what name shall we receive at this time? We read in the revelations of John, that ‘they sung in heaven, thou art worthy; thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and has made us unto our God, kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.’
We are kings and priests, then, to reign on the earth; but we are not qualified yet to bear rule upon the earth, until the principle of power has been imparted unto us. Certain exalted principles, by which we can receive all that God is pleased to bestow; by which we can receive every principle of power; (and knowledge is power;) and when we have received of this knowledge, we are then prepared to bear rule and to be kings and priests to the Most High God.” (Orson Hyde, 15 Jun., 1845; in T&S 6(15):1002, 15 Aug., 1845)
15 Jun.: Endowment to prepare Elders to go forth.
“In the last dispensation and fulness of times, in which God will gather together his people both in heaven and on earth unto himself in their proper time and place; and also that he has commanded his Saints in all the world to build unto his holy name a house, that the Saints may receive their blessings and endowments according to his holy will, that the elders of Israel may be prepared to go forth to bind up the law, and seal up the testimony, that their garments may be clear of the blood of this generation, be prepared for the hour of the judgments of our God, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Wilford Woodruff, MS 6(1):13, 15 Jun., 1845)
18 Jun.: Taylor’s dream of the Temple.
“Engaged with President Brigham young, H. C. Kimball, and G. A. Smith, in reading Church History. This night I had the following dream:
I dreamt that I stood by the Temple and looked up, and saw that it was finished. I admired the elegance and symmetry of the building, and felt animated in my spirits and rejoiced to see the building finished. I remarked to a person standing by, what a beautiful structure this is, how elegant the design, and how well it is executed. I then said it is only a very short time since we laid the topstone; and now it is finished. I knew that a great deal of the wood work was prepared, but did not anticipate that the building would be so soon completed. I felt at the same time filled with the spirit of God, and my heart rejoiced before the Lord.
While I stood gazing with pleasure at the Temple, I saw another tower rising like unto the one that is on the west end of the Temple, and immediately exclaimed to the person that I had before conversed with, why there is another tower; and said I pointing my finger, still further there is another, and yet anothers; we have not yet began to see the whole; the scenery gradually changed, and a temple very much larger in dimensions, than the one which we are building, stood before me; there were a number of towers, placed apparently at equal distances on the outside, each of which were supported by buildings as large as this temple, and yet were united with, and were a part of the great temple; they were of as large dimensions as that which is on this Temple, from the midst of these towers and in the centre of the building arose in majestic grandeur an immense large dome, that seemed to tower as high above the towers, as the towers were from the earth; it was not quite finished at the tope, and there were some workmen employed near the top of the dome, who in consequence of the extreme height of the building appeared very small. I was much delighted with the scenery that presented itself to my view, and soon after awoke retaining for some time afterwards the same pleasing sensation that I had enjoyed during my dream.” (John Taylor Nauvoo Journal, 18 Jun., 1845, BYU Studies 23(3):52-53, Summer, 1983)
21 Jun.: Wooden oxen to be replaced by stone ones.
“The twelve wooden oxen in the Nauvoo temple are to be taken down, and oxen carved out of stone to be substituted in their places. The temple is also to be surrounded by a strong wall, to be called the outer court. So says an exchange paper.” (Territorial Gazette [Iowa] 8(50):2, 21 Jun., 1845; Snider Collection)
25/27 Jun.: Prayers for curse on enemies.
“at three we met at the same plase for prair nine present. offerd up the Sings [signs]. and praid that the Lord would bless [General] Demmen and deliver him from his enimes, that our Enimes might be cursed.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 25 Jun., 1845)
“Clothed our selves and offerd up our praiers for the prosperity of the Saints and for destruction to our Enimes.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 26 Jun., 1845)
“Met in Council at W Richards one year ago Joseph and Hirum was killed in Carthage Jail. so we met in council to pray that God would curs those that had spilt thare Blood and all those that percicute the Saints. O Lord I thank Thy holy name that Thou dost hear Thy servents and bring trouble on them. Even now they are dum, and cannot do business and are all thrown in to confusion, in answer to the prairs of Thy servents, as we have felt to pleede with The[e] with uplifted hands in token of our regard to The[e]. I do thank The[e] O my Father, for Thou dost hear us in all things when we are agreeed, and this blessing Thou has granted to Thy servents this day is set a part by Thy servents to fast and pray Thou woulst bless us with peas [peace] and prosperity, and that this blessing may rest on all of They saints, Even so Amen.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 27 Jun., 1845)
27 Jun.: Progress report on Nauvoo Temple.
“Dear Brother Woodruff,–
We sit down to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, and it being one year this day since the massacre of our beloved brethren Joseph and Hyrum, we have concluded to spend the day in conversation, counsel and prayer, and also to write answers to your letters, well knowing that a little information from this place must be acceptable to you at all times, for we feel it as a source of comfort to us to hear of your prosperity. We have met from time to time to offer up our prayers and thanksgivings before the Lord for the salvation and peace of the saints, and that the Lord would enable us to finish the Temple and the Nauvoo House that the brethren might obtain their endowments, for this we have supplicated by night and by day, and hitherto we have been prospered in a manner beyond our most sanguine expectations. . . .
The cap-stone of the Temple was laid by the Twelve on Saturday morning the 24th of May, at six o’clock, in the presence of many Saints. It would have pleased you to have heard the hosannas on that occasion, and to have witnessed the short but interesting ceremony. The frame-work of the roof is on the building, and the next week the brethren expect to put on the shingles; the frame work around the foundation of the tower is all up, and the first timbers for the tower itself were raised this day. The new stone front is mostly cut, and the first stone was laid to-day at about four o’clock. We expect in about five or six weeks the attic story of the Temple and the font will be all finished and ready for dedication, and just as soon as they are ready we shall dedicate them. We have all the timbers for the temple on the ground, and above one hundred thousand shingles for the roof. The lead for the eaves and the tin for the dome of the tower are also bought. We have paid nearly 4000 dollars this Spring for lumber (pine, boards, etc.), and near 1000 dollars for lead and tin, and have as yet lacked nothing. There is the most perfect union prevailing among the Saints, and every man seems determined to do all he can to roll on the work of the Temple as fast as possible. Elder Hyde started east, about ten days ago, to purchase the cloth for the tabernacle; and elder Egan is gone to St. Louis to buy about 125 dollars of hemp to make cords for it.
The brethren are clearing the ground round the Temple, and we expect to have the Tabernacle reared, so as to be ready to meet in this fall.
We are building a stone wall round the Temple-block, eight feet high and about five feet thick at the base, the wall on the north side is nearly built, the most of the wood-work for the temple is finished, all the window-frames and sashes are made, and the glaziers are ready to set the glass, which we expect here in a few days, the frame and ornamental-work of the tower is all ready to be put up, and the whole is far on the way of completion.” (Brigham Young to Wilford Woodruff, 27 Jun., 1845; MS 6(6):91, 1 Sep., 1845)
1 Jul.: Concerning endowments and sealings.
“I wish to caution the churches, and their presiding elders and officers, and to give them a very strict charge on some particular points, viz.
Beware of all influences calculated to draw your minds away from the gathering to the West, the building of the Temple and city of our Lord, and the endowment promised therein; for herein are the keys of the fulness of the priesthood ordained, for the salvation, and exaltation of the living and the dead; and for the dispensation of power to Israel, and thus restoring their tribes and remnants.
Whatsoever spirit, prophet, seer, angel, devil, or man, undertakes to divert your minds for one moment from these important interests, the same is an enemy to the cause and kingdom of our God.
Again, beware of seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, as first introduced by John C. Bennet, under the name of the ‘Spiritual Wife’ doctrine; and still agitated by the Pittsburg Seer, and his followers under the same title.
It is but another name for whoredom, wicked and unlawful connexion, and every kind of confusion, corruption, and abomination.
Should any elder or member, come unto you professing to hold to any such doctrine or practice, either secretly or publicly, you may be sure he is not of God; and it becomes your duty to reject him, and report him to the presidency of the church, or to some tribunal of the church where he is responsible for his doctrine and conduct. If this is done and testimony adduced he will be immediately disfellowshipped, and expelled from the church.
For know assuredly that no one has been authorized to teach, practice, or introduce any such doctrine in any of the branches of the church. Nor is there any such doctrine known, held, or practised, as a principle of the Latter-day Saints.
If a man has a wife according to the law of God and the regulations of the church, she is his REAL wife, body, soul, spirit, heart, and hand, and not his ‘Spiritual Wife,’ she is bound to love, honour, and obey him as her lord, head, and ruler, and to devote all her energies to the mutual welfare of her husband, herself and family. In short, to use the language of Paul, she should, if possible, ‘bear children; guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.’ On the other hand, the husband of a woman is bound to be her REAL husband; to provide for his wife and children, and to be their head and father, and bring them up in the fear, and love, and truth of God, as did Abraham, Isaac and Jacob of old.
As to sealings, and covenants, to secure the union of parents, children, and companions in the world to come, or in the resurrection; it is a true doctrine, and as holy and pure as the throne of God, having emanated from his own bosom. Its laws are strict, and it admits of no confusion, unlawful connexion, or unvirtuous liberties. It is calculated to exalt society to the highest degree of happiness, union, purity, fidelity, virtue, confidence, and love, in this world and in that which is to come. It is, in short, a principle so high, so holy, and so pure that it can never be secured short of a compliance with the commandments of God, not only by a virtuous course of life, but by a strict observance of his commandments in regard to tithing, building the Temple, and the orders of endowment.
And there is not a more unlawful, and unjustifiable principle in existence, and one more calculated to injure and destroy the church than the principle of seeking to enjoy those blessings, in the wrong place and time, that is to say, without complying with the requisitions of heaven; to build the Temple, and gather together there for our endowment, and for our preparation for the most holy things.
In short, nothing pertaining to the fulness of the priesthood, and to covenants and preparations for eternal union and exaltation, can be secured short of a strict compliance with all the duties enjoined upon the Saints in regard to the Temple, &c.
How frequently a man and his wife, or a young couple about to be married, present themselves to me, with a request to be sealed to each other; that is, married for eternity. Do I ever grant their request? No; for the best of all reasons.–I have no authority so to do under present circumstances; and, were I to do it, it would only be deceiving them; as such a sealing would not stand, or be recognized in the resurrection; unless performed according to the strict law of God, and of the keys of the sealing powers, and in connexion with the ordinances of endowment which belongs to God’s Sanctuary, and no where else.
Did I ever pretend to administer such a seal or covenant, independent of those conditions?–No, never.
The little that I do on the earth, as an agent for Jesus Christ, shall be done according to his laws, and mind, and will; and shall stand, though heaven and earth shall pass away.
These holy and sacred ordinances have nothing to do with whoredoms, unlawful connections, confusion or crime; but the very reverse. They have laws, limits, and bounds of the strictest kind, and none but the pure in heart, the strictly virtuous, or those who repent and become such, are worthy to partake of them. And an awful curse–a dreadful weight of condemnation await those who pervert, or abuse them.
‘THE SPIRITUAL WIFE DOCTRINE,’ of J. C. Bennet, and numerous other apostates, is as foreign from the real principles of the church as the devil is from God, or as sectarianism is from christianity.
Beware then, all ye Saints, and ye watchmen of Zion: follow no such men; but follow the principles and examples set before you, by such men as elders Benson, Brown, and others of like spirit, which have been sent among you. And I believe I can with propriety say, follow me, and my precepts and example, for I have in all things taught you the true principles of Godliness and salvation, wherever I have associated with you.
In so diong you will be blessed, gathered, anointed, ordained, sealed, sanctified, and saved in the celestial kingdom of our God.” (Parley P. Pratt, “Fragment of an Address, by P. P. Pratt,” MS 6(2):22-23; 1 Jul., 1845)
6 Jul.: If we were prepared to receive greater.
“I will tell you what it is, I know before God, that if we were only prepared to receive greater blessings, we should have them roll upon our heads; until there was no room to contain them: blessings of every kind; blessings temporal, spiritual, and eternal, and as we have began to live for eternity, and as God is our eternal Father, and has taught us eternal principles, and as we are obtaining an eternal relationship with God, and with each other, we shall understand, by and by, when that house [The Temple] is completed, all things that are taking place.
What have we to fear? What fear have we of mobs, beasts, or anybody else? We fear nothing but God. We fear God and know no other fear. We are in the hand of God, and know the will of God, and are acting with reference to eternity, to make provisions for our dead and our posterity to come. Well, says some, ‘we do not all understand this.’ You will understand it, and what you do not know now, you will know hereafter, for there are those that understand it perfectly. There are those who know how to save themselves, and those that are dead. They know what step to take; what course to pursue, and what ordinances to administer in, and how to administer them; and all about it, and how to place you in a relationship to God and angels, and to one another, and you will know more about eternity and eternal life than you do now. These are some of the feelings that I have in relation to this subject; and when I speak on living forever, and being in eternity; I will tell you how I feel:–I feel surrounded with eternal principles; I feel like being united with an eternal covenant to God and my friends, which I will understand, by and by, and being in possession of eternal principles, the necessity of an eternal covenant, and to hold a relationship with those who have gone before, for without them we cannot be made perfect. What have we to fear? All things are ours; the Kingdom is ours; all things are ours;–and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s, and when he who is our life shall appear, we shall appear with him in glory.” (John Taylor Nauvoo Journal, 6 Jul., 1845, BYU Studies 23(3):74-75, Summer, 1983)
18 Jul.: First child since our endowment.
“This morning at half Past Seven oclok Just 30 minutes past 7 Mrs Phebe W. Woodruff was deliverd of a fine Son After a Short sickness. I told here it should be well with her & with her Child which was the case. This was the first Child we have had since our endowment & I thank the Lord that it is a Son for unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given. His name shall be Called JOSEPH for unto him the Priesthood belongs. He is the first fruits of the fulness of the Priesthood out of the loins of Ancient Joseph through the linage of Ephraim given unto us in answer to our Prayers for we Asked the Lord to give unto us a Son And he has granted unto us our request.
We have dedicated & Consecrated him unto the Lord even from his mother womb he is Holy unto the Lord. My Prayer to my Heavenly father is that his life may be preserved to stand among the Sons of Zion bear the Priesthood with honor And bless his Father and Mother in their old age And Honor them that his days may be long upon the land which the Lord God of Israel shall give unto him.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 18 Jul., 1845)
19 Jul.: Secrets and oaths binding societies at Nauvoo?
“William and Stephen Hodges were hung at Burlington on Tuesday last.
A large concourse of persons were assembled to witness the final exit of the murderers. The utmost decorum was manifested.
The wretched men refused to make any confession–at one time, William held out an imtimation he would confess, but in the mean time he had an interview with his sister and his brother Stephen, and when called upon for his confession, refused to make any, alleging that if he revealed the secret, the whole family would be murdered.
We say with the Hawk–eye, ‘there must be some horrid secrets, and oaths binding these secret societies at Nauvoo.'” (Lee County [Iowa] Democrat 5(1):2, 19 Jul., 1845; Snider Collection)
20 Jul.: Planned endowments for dead in Nauvoo temple.
“Yes, my friends, think it not strange, if before ten years roll round, Nauvoo is the largest and most wealthy city in America, diffusing wealth, comfort, peace and knowledge through all parts of the West, and more or less to the whole world.
Think it not strange if a million of industrious Saints are congregated in that and the neighbouring cities, all acting in union, with one heart and mind, while every market in the world is supplied more or less with the productions of their skill and industry.
Think it not strange if kings, princes, nobles and great men come there with their rich presents in the name of the Lord, and to his sanctuary to seek knowledge, and to receive endowment and salvation, for themselves and their dead.” (Parley P. Pratt [Boston] “To the Saints in the Eastern States,” 20 Jul., 1845; in MS 6(6):92, 1 Sep., 1845)
25 Jul.: Woodruff seals 8-day old son to eternal life.
“I seal thee in the covenant of thy father that in the morning of the first resurrection thou shalt take thy station in the celestial kingdom in the linage of thy Fathers in the family organization of the celestial world. I seal thee up unto Eternal life and no man shall take thy Crown. I seal all these blessings upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ & by virtue of the holy Priesthood And Apostleship and Keys of the kingdom of God. Even so Amen.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 25 Jul., 1845)
26 Jul.: The means of having my friends in 1st resurr.
“We have had our patriarchal blessings and mine says I will be the means (if faithful) of having all my living and dead friends in the first resurrection, so if you have to leave Father and Grandmother there is a way they can be saved in the first resurrection.” (Irene Hascall Pomeroy (Nauvoo) to her mother, Ursulia B. Hascall, 26 Jul., 1845; UHQ 25(1):66, Jan., 1957)
1 Aug.: Roof of the temple.
“The first room of the Temple, has been made of white pine shingles and plank. The second, (for a building which will cost about two millions, is worthy) most probably, will be constructed of zinc, lead, copper, or porcelain. An experiment of sheet lead, covering a portion of the shingles, has already been made.” (T&S 6(14):983, 1 Aug., 1845)
1 Aug.: General Conference to be held in Temple.
“Notice is hereby given to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, throughout the whole world, that there will be a General Conference of said church in the TEMPLE OF THE LORD, in the City of Joseph, commencing on the sixth day of October next, at ten o’clock in the forenoon.” (T&S 6(14):983, 1 Aug., 1845)
1 Aug.: “The Cap Stone.”
“And we’ll give the world a sample,
Of our faith and works most ample,
When we’ve finish’d off the temple,
As a dwelling for the Lord.
And we’ll feed the saints that’s needing,
And improve our hearts by weeding,
Till we make Nauvoo as Eden,
Where the saints can meet the Lord.”
(W. W. Phelps, “The Cap Stone,” T&S 6(14):991, 1 Aug., 1845)
1 Aug.: Adoption into the kingdom of God.
“Here, then, is the great secret of adoption into the kingdom of God:–here is the birth not of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And how aptly adapted for the consideration of fallen nature, laden with sin, and desirous to be relieved therefrom, and enter into the kingdom of God,–called upon to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, thus acknowledging him, as the Father acknowledges him, as the atoning Saviour of the world, following his footsteps in this holy ordinance and confessing the power of his name. But the remission of sins alone was not all that was promised on obedience, but that they should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost the Spirit of God. And here commences the new life of the servant of the Lord.
By baptism, in the name of Jesus Christ, obtaining remission of sins, and arising from the watery tomb to imbibe the spirit of God, and be thus quickened into new creatures under its life-giving and purifying influence. And allow us now to make a few reflections on the reception of the Spirit of God; what must be the result of being in possession of such an in-dwelling monitor? Must it not excite to purity, to virtue, and to holiness? Must it not bring intelligence and knowledge to the understandings of the happy recipients thereof? And is it not evident to all, that without it we never can become the children of God?
Even as by our natural birth we became the sons or daughters of our earthly parents, so, by being born of water and of the Spirit, we become the children of God.” (Thomas Ward, editor; MS 6(4):51-52, 1 Aug., 1845)
10 Aug.: Sealing power held by only one man.
“You refer to ‘Joseph’s teachings upstairs in the brick store’ that the Twelve have power to build up the Kingdom of God, etc., which the Twelve well recollect and they also recollect that Joseph said that the sealing power is always vested in one man, and that there never was, nor never would be but one man on the earth at a time to hold the keys of the sealing power in the church. That all sealings must be performed by the man holding the keys or by his dictation, and that man is the President of the Church.” [Were sealings done before Brigham became President of the Church?] (Brigham Young to William Smith, 10 Aug., 1845. Brigham Young Letterfile, LDS Archives)
12 Aug.: Murdock letter: progress of Temple.
“City of Joseph August 12th 1845
Respected Friends
I have taken possession of the mammoth sheet that Hannah brought, and as you requested to have it sent back, full of news, I have under taken the arduous task of writing so long a letter, but I do not know as I shall be able to fill it out. We received your very interesting epistle in due time but owing to indisposition and a habit of procrastination which I have contracted in regard to letter writing, I have neglected it until the present time[.] My health has been very poor this summer so that I have not been able to do any thing of any consequence still I am not confined to my bed or to the house so but what I can walk or ride out when I have an inclination[.] My family are all very comfortable at present except Eunice who is complaining with a sick head ache this morning[.] John is very much engaged in learning to paint portraits; his teacher is a Mr Vansickle who occupies one of my rooms; he takes a portrait from life and John copies it[.] he has taken several in this way among which are John Smith (Uncle to Joseph) his wife and son, Joseph Young who was to hamilton you know and he is now engaged in taking mine from life and it looks quite natural although he has had but one sitting[.] John is now preparing to take Eunice’s likeness[.] You see we are getting to be fashionable as the the [sic] ‘twelve’ and almost every one that can afford it are having their portraits taken[.] If John continues to improve as he has done so far in his profession, he can always make a comfortable living and if he should arise to eminence he would probably grow wealthy[.]
I have just returned from a visit to Laharpe[.] John and Nymphus went with me[.] We had been there two days when Betsey her two children and Mary Wilsey came out[.] we all had a good visit among our friends[.] Brother Harris and brother Hall are neighbors[.] they live about a mile and a half from the village[.] they are all well[.] Brothers Bacon Schovel and Glazier with their families are usualy well[.] Br Glazier received a letter from George Stebbins when I was there[.] they talk of moving to Nauvoo soon[.] You say in your epistle that although the Nauvoo House progresses but slowly it will be completed before the Temple[.] Now William you will have to recall that prophecy, for the cap stone is not only laid but almost the last shingle is nailed on, and not only this but the tower is rising majestically supported by attic story on the west end[.] The inside work is nearly finished and in a month or six weeks the saints will be receiveing their endowment in the house of the Lord[.] You will have time enough when this reaches you to pack up your valise an[d] take a trip over the lakes to Nauvoo to see the dedication of the temple and also the Queen City of the west[.] The Nauvoo House is going on rapidly[.] the basement story is laid up with stone, cut on the front side facing the river; the brick is all burned and it will soon be hauled to the house, there are laborers enough to lay it up[.] This building will probably be completed this winter[.] The city is enlarging daily and with the suburbs is supposed to contain twenty thousand inhabitants[.] the houses are scattering with large gardens between. Every nook and corner in the city is covered with flourishing crops of corn and potatoes wheat and oats and garden vegetables[.] The adjoining prairies are well fenced and cultivated and owned principally by Mormons[.] it will bring thousands of bushels of grain and other produce into the city[.] Harvest is nearly over in this vicinity[.] grain has turned out remarkably well[.] Caleb has raised over a thousand bushels[.] When Hannah arrived here she was tired and worn out with her journey[.] a fever then set in and carried her off a week after she got here[.] when she got in my house she said aunt Sally I have come to die with you and a week from that day she was a corpse[.] She gave her property to the temple[.] I asked her if she did not want to make some presents to her father and sisters[.] she said no she wanted it all turned into the temple and it was don[e] according to her request[.] She was buried among the saints and she will arise with them in the resurection[.]
Lambert and Celinda were down here at the April Conference[.] they were well[.] they talked of coming down this fall to spend the winter with me[.] Newton and his family were well when we heard from them[.]
Tanner Green died on fryday the 25th of July after a short illness of five days[.] He was burried the following Sunday. the same day his wife was confined with a son[.] Sister Green has been bereaved of a husband and two children since she came to Nauvoo, surely the cup of her affliction is almost full if not quite[.] Alphonso has taken a farm within the boundary of the city a quarter of a mile from his house[.] he has twenty five acres of corn besides wheat oats and potatoes[.] Betsey is not very well[.] her visit tired her out. Eli Chase’s wife is very sick of a fever but is not considered very dangerous[.] The rest of the family are well[.] The widow Wilsey’s health is quite poor this summer[.] John was taken down with a fever a few days ago but is better now. Jacob has been sick all winter but is recovered[.] The Widow Partridge Jonathan and Charles are well[.] Mary’s health is not very good, her baby is quite sick. indeed it is the sic[k]ly season now, and there are a great many complaining. August and September are the most unhealthy months in the year in this country[.] Brother Wilsey has been down to make us another visit, he continues single yet he calculates to move down in the fall, and as he expects Margaret will marry Charles Learned before long it will be highly necessary for him to be married himself, as Mary is not old enough to take the whole charge of his family although he says she is a smart little girl and does all of his cooking, while Margaret does the washing ironing and mending[.] Elizabeth was to have been married the day she died[.] She was buried in her wedding garments according to the request of Mr. Huggins, who lamented her death much. If you should come out into this country you would never be contented to go back and live on the barren hills of Hamilton again[.] The beautiful rolling prairies sprinkled with wild flowers charm the passing traveller as well as the sturdy occupant[.] When the plough turns over the soil it is fairly black with richness[.] The earth brings forth almost spontaneously, indeed a man can get rich in a short time if he attends to his business as he should do[.] The Suckers or old settlers of the State think it too much trouble to raise wheat[.] they sit down contentedly to their hog dodger and coffee which is an indispensable article on their table[.] The facts of the case are these, the old settlers of these western States seem to have lost that spirit of enterprise which their eastern brethren possess, and they are willing to sit down in ease and contentment within their log cabins while their inteligent enterprising and active Yankee neighbor flourishes like a green bay tree, surrounded with all the comforts, conveniences, and even luxuries, of enlightned society, I suppose you would like to know how I feel by this time in regard to Mormonism[.] well, I will tell you My faith is stronger than ever in the truths of the everlasting gospel[.] The violent death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith only proves to me that they were called of God, and chosen to do a great and mighty work in the last days[.] The spirit of persecution and mobocracy which spilt the inocent blood of those men is the same spirit that actuated men in the days of Noah to revile him because he was doing the will of God[.] It is the same spirit that induced Cain to kill his brother because of his righteousness. the same spirit that killed the prophets, that Crucified the Saviour, that stoned Stephen, that martyred all of the apostles and it [is] the same spirit that now rages in the hearts of the children of men to drive the saints of God from the face of the earth and to root up and pull down the work of the Lord. but let me tell you Brother William they will never succeed, for they that are with us are stronger than those that are against us[.] This work will continue to roll forth and spread till the knowledge of God covers the earth as the waters do the great deep[.] We have only thirty quorums of seventies organized and they are constantly organizing new quorums every sabbath[.] There has been but few elders sent out since the death of the prophet but when the seventies receive their endeument they will go forth with power to all the nations kindreds tongues and people of the earth[.] Then the honest in heart or the house of Israel will be gathered out from the Gentiles and flee to Zion where there will be deliverance for every one that will not take up the sword against his neighbor must come to Zion for we will then be the only people (that will have peace in their borders), upon the face of the whole earth[.] Now William and Betsey I want you to sit down and reflect seriously upon these things and examine your own hearts and the scriptures, with prayer[.] Search the scriptures, the old prophets, find out whether every prophecy has been fulfilled to the letter, or in men’s vain immaginations[.] Trust not in uninspired men’s say so[.] Do not twist and turn and spiritualise the scriptures because Clark or any other uninspired man says so, but read for yourself, think for yourself, and know for yourself[.] How much have you grown in grace and the knowledge of the truth since you joined the Methodists? How long is it since your God ceased to take any notice of you or your religion[?] How often does your God speak to you by revelation and let you know his will concerning you, or let you know what is to come in the future or open the past to your understanding[?] How much have you learned about God, his order, and government his plan of salvation whereby he means to save all who will be saved[?] Let me tell you this salvation in the kingdom of God is something different from what you think it is[.] It is something more to be prepared for it than to wear a long face and make a long prayer and a long confession in meeting[.] We Shall have something else to do if we are ever so happy as to get into the celestial kingdom of God besides sitting and looking at Jesus and singing ourselves away to everlasting bliss[.] Pretty amusement for rational inteligent creatures[.] I guess you will find if you ever get there that you have to work yes work. don’t be scared[.] you will increase in wisdom and knowledge which is power and you will find that the Eternal God is a man of business, and that he has not many hours of relaxation, but is constantly engaged in enlarging his dominions, governing his subjects, punishing the rebelious, giving laws to the Universe, and learning himself. Do you suppose that a God like this is satisfied with the pride, corruption, hypocricy, treachery, lying, vanity, and deceit, of the sectarian world? but I forbear I have been so engaged in preaching to you that I almost forgot to tell you that Joseph has worked forty days on the temple this summer besides carrying on twenty five acres on the prairaie. our crops are first rate[.] Nymphus has grown to be quite a large boy and is able to help considerable about the farm[.] Joseph and Eunice John and Nymphus Alphonso and Betsey all join me in sending their best love to you all[.]
From Your Sister
Sally Murdock
To Wm and Betsey Rhoades
Respected Uncle and Aunt, it is with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction that I attempt to improve a few lesure moments in communicating my thought and feelings to you in writeing. We received your EPISTLE of the 20th with greate joy and plasure, and I feel to express my thanks for the kinde and friendly advice given Me in your last, in conjunction with My Brothers. We are all in usual health and make it our home at present with Mother. Last fall We Built us a good Brick House 20 by 35 it took about 40,000 brick and We got it inclosed and finished off and moved into it in December. Their is a celler under the whole house. It contains one good room 20 by 20 with a fire place and oven also a celer room 19 by 14 also 2 upper rooms which are finished and a good Chamber over the whole about 6 feet in highth from the floor to the eaves. Br Chapmen has built him a brick house about 14 by 20 and is still at work on the Temple and doing well. Since the above was written it has been announced in the Neighbor that the last shingel has been laid upon the roof of the Tempel. The roof is now completed. The sash and window frames have been made ready and the Tempel of God may be considered Enclosed, While writing about the Tempel I will coppy off a few lines of My own composing on the same. I do not pretend to be skilled in the rules of versification or to be a Poet but such as I have write I unto you–let it be more or less—-
1st The Tempel of God is rapidly building
The last stone was laid some two months ago
And soon ‘t,will be finished amid the rejoising
Of thousands and thousands of hearts here below
2nd The Tempel is built by divine revelation
From God to his Prophet while with us below
When finished ‘t,will be the surprise of the Nation
Who’ve witnessed the hardships the Saints undergo
3rd The Saints are awating with grate expectation
For the happy time to shortly arrive
When they’ll be permited to enter the Tempel
And recive their Endowment from under the Twelve
4th Then they’ll go forth unto evry Nation
From Island to Island from Sea unto Sea
From People to People proclaming salvation
And geather them up to a land that is free
I am must [sic] now draw my subject to a close by biding you all farewell and desiring you to write to us as often as you can make it convieniant.
J. S. Murdock
[Cover]
William Rhoads
East Hamilton
Madison Co
NY
[Postmark]
NAUVOO Aug 24 ILL”
(Original letter currently [1991] in the possession of Rick Grunder. Photocopy in my possession.)
15 Aug.: Bell and clock for Nauvoo Temple.
“We wish also to state, that any contributions for a bell and clock for the [Nauvoo] temple, will be considered as contributions for the temple, inasmuch as they will be parts and parcels of the same, and that all future contributions for the temple will be applied for procuring the above, until a sufficiency be realized; and we trust that the fact of providing a mouth-piece and time-piece for the temple of the Lord, will be an additional stimulus to the British Saints in this glorious cause.” (MS 6(5):77, 15 Aug., 1845)
21 Aug.: To begin endowments within two months.
“The Temple is up, the shingles all on, the tower raised, and nearly ready to put the dome up.* The joiners are now at work finishing off the inside, and within two months we shall have some rooms prepared to commence the endowment. The joiners will be enabled to finish the inside work during the winter. . . .
*26th. The dome is up.” (Brigham Young to Wilford Woodruff [England], 21 Aug., 1845; MS 6(8):124, 1 Oct., 1845)
21 Aug.: Prayer circle for the sick.
“These brethren then withdrew & the remainder clothed, offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and prayer for the usual subjects especially for the sick. There are a great many sick in the north part of town, so many that it is grievous to see their sufferings.” (William Clayton diary, 21 Aug., 1845)
23 Aug.: Feast of melons in Attick story.
“Towards the close of Jan. 1845 I commenced work on the Temple as a Steady hand. . . .
On the 24th of May about 6 oclock PM the capstone was Laid on the S East corner. On the 16th of August I finished framing the Tower and on the 18 commenced the Nauvoo House. On the 23 they finished raising the Dome of the Tower & all hands partook of a feast of Melons in the Attick story.” (Record of Norton Jacob, p. 14)
25 Aug.: O. Pratt’s report to New York saints.
“The temple of God is beginning to attract the attention of the saints more generally. By the tithings and unwearied exertions of the faithful, its walls have been erected; the roof has been put on, and much of the inside work finished and ready to be placed in its proper position. The glass and nails have been obtained, and some of its rooms will immediately be completed and prepared for the administration of the ordinances of endowment.
If the saints in the east desire a name and place in the temple, and wish to be legally entitled to the blessings to be administered therein, let them comply with all readiness and willingness with the whole law of tithing; that is, let them ascertain the full value of all they possess, and give one tenth of the same; and let all your tithings and consecrations to the Lord be the best, and not the poorest of your substance, lest you and your consecrations be rejected with cursings instead of blessings.–Let those who have already complied with this law, remember that one tenth of their annual income is the Lord’s from this time henceforth and forever.” (Orson Pratt, 25 Aug., 1845; in T&S 6(15):997, 15 Aug., 1845)
25 Aug.: If couples wish each other in the world to come.
“If a husband and wife wish to enjoy each others society in the world to come, let all their covenants and promises be made at a proper time–in a proper place; and under the sanction and approbation of the One holding the legal authority and keys of these sacred things.” (Orson Pratt, “To the Saints in the Eastern and Middle States,” New York Messenger, 25 Aug., 1845; JH 25 Aug., 1845)
25 Aug.: Relation of children and parents in hereafter.
“Let children seek counsel from, and obey their parents (who are in the church,) in all things; for in the kingdom of God, parents and children hold the same relation to each other in regard to government and obedience, in time and all eternity.” (Orson Pratt, “To the Saints in the Eastern and Middle States,” New York Messenger, 25 Aug., 1845; JH 25 Aug., 1845)
27 Aug.: Endowments to begin within 2 months.
“It is with pleasure I take my pen to give you some intelligence in regard to affairs as they exist here, for they are truly encouraging, as the work of the Lord progresses rapidly and the Kingdom is established that will ere long fill the whole earth, and the house of the Lord being so far advanced that within two months we shall commence giving the Saints their endowments and thus prepare them to bear the Kingdom of the Lord to all nations and establish it in all kingdoms, that all the earth may rejoice therein.” (Brigham Young to Jedediah M. Grant, 27 Aug., 1845; JH 27 Aug., 1845)
27 Aug.: “Endowed with knowledge and wisdom,” not power.
“You will understand, that the Lord has again introduced his order of things, and set too his hand to establish a covenant with the inhabitants of the earth, and gather to himself a people that will serve him in righteousness. And as he established ancient Israel, so he will establish his people in the last days, and hath set them to build him a house where his glory may be made manifest, and where he can show his power; also where his servants may be endowed with knowledge and wisdom to teach his gospel among all nations of the earth.” (Letter of Brigham Young to Mr. C. Brown, Pensacola, Florida, 27 Aug., 1845. LDS Archives, “Brigham Young Papers, 1843-1853. Bergera notes)
4 Sep.: Non-Mormon perspective.
“A correspondent of the Rochester Democrat, writing from St. Louis, September 4, gives the following account of the Mormons at Nauvoo:– . . .
We first made for the temple, which is located about three fourths of a mile from the river upon an elevation of about 150 feet above the river. From a distance it has a magnificent appearance, but upon a close examination the work is anything but good. It is built of grey cut limestone, three stories high, including the basement, with common, plain columns, relieved by a sort of Grecian capital, sprinkled with Mormonism. The roof and gable ends are handsomely finished, with a good, suitable cornice. At the west end there is a beautiful tower, well proportioned, and built in a very substantial manner. The basement is to be divided into several rooms–the largest in the centre, containing an oval stone baptistery, supported by twelve cut stone bullocks, or oxen, with their heads all fronting out, towards the congretation–the asses with their faces fronting the bullocks. . . .
In the proper place I omitted saying that the temple is to be surrounded by an immense stone wall, 15 or 20 feet high, which is now partly built, enclosing several acres of land. Many of the curious think the wall means fight, when finished.” (Niles’ National Register, 4 Oct., 1845)
12 Sep.: What are property & lives compared to temple?
“Be calm and patient till all things are ready. What is a little property or a few lives, compared with the properties and lives of a great people, and the house and ordinances on which the salvation of that people depend?” (Brigham Young to Solomon Hancock, 12 Sep., 1845, HC 7:440-441)
14 Sep.: Prayer to aid completion of temple.
“A great many sick were prayed for and we also prayed that the Lord would preserve us from the mob till the Elders can get their endowment.” (William Clayton diary, 14 Sep., 1845)
14 Sep.: Elders to receive endowments prior to missions.
“The temple is progressing fast; the tower is up and covered, and looks magnificent; the inside work is going on rapidly. Elder Kimball said to-day some of the faithful elders would soon receive their endowment, and go to England and other places as the Lord shall direct. The Saints rejoice more and more as the endowments draw nigh.” (Margaret S. Smoot [Nauvoo] to Wilford Woodruff [England], 14 Sep., 1845; MS 6(10):154, 1 Nov., 1845)
15 Sep.: Adoption through baptism, for living and dead.
“We have often heard it remarked, since we entered into the kingdom of God and were called to proclaim the principles of truth, and expecially the great law of adoption unto mankind, that in consequence of our strenuously pleading with individuals to be baptized in water by those having authority, for the remission of sins, that we necessarily made light of the blood of Christ, and denied its efficacy thereby. But not so, we plead with men that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin, but in order that individually we may avail ourselves of its efficacy, we call for an acknowledgement of the authority of the Saviour in submitting to be baptized in his name for the remission of sins.
Instead of limiting the efficacy of the blood of Christ, how have we learned to extend it? We are no longer supposing his mercy to extend to a few individuals in a generation now and then, but to the entire overthrow of the works of the Evil One; not to the salvation of those only living in the flesh to whom it is now proclaimed, but to the vast myriads of the dead, and those who have past into the eternal world in ages long ago, yea, to all save those who have sinned against the Holy Ghost.
It may justly be asked how is this to be applied? We reply that the full accomplishment thereof is connected with the mysteries of the kingdom of God, and can only be attended to in connexion with the sacred ordinances of the temple of the Lord. But we may reason on general principles to establish the truth of so great and glorious a doctrine.
We find the Saviour particularly declaring, that ‘except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’ Myriads have passed into eternity who never heard this important truth, and yet it is no less true.
The heralds of the gospel dispensation, on the day of Pentecost, commanded the people to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, every one of them for the remission of sins, and they should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Millions upon millions have passed into the eternal world who never heard of the commandment, yet was it no less the truth. God in his infinite wisdom hath devised a plan of salvation, finished and complete in all its parts, and the peculiar circumstances in which individuals are placed, will be no plea for the violation of its laws; but he in whom is all wisdom hath provided for every casualty that may occur. Hence we read in the 2nd epistle pf Peter that the Saviour, after his resurrection, went and preached to the spirits that were in prison, who had been disobedient in the days of Noah; and he further adds, that the gospel was preached to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, yet live according to God in the Spirit.
Again, the apostle Paul in his 2nd epistle to the Corinthians says, ‘else what shall they do who are baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for the dead.’ Thus truly implying that if there were no resurrection of the dead, baptism for them would be in vain; but on the contrary, as there will be a resurrection of the dead, then was baptism an aid in behalf of those who have passed into eternity and will not be in vain.
Little, indeed, had we comprehended of the work of salvation while conversant with the teachings of men. Our great mistake seemed to have been in not perceiving the necessity of having a legitimate delegated authority to proclaim the plan of salvation, and to minister in the ordinances of the kingdom of God. We, like others, cherished the blind and confused notion, that in the kingdom of God there was no order, that its laws might be interprested according to the caprice of any one, and be administered by any that possessed sufficient assurance to do so; but we have learned that ‘Order is heaven’s first law;’ that it is in being in possession of the authority of the holy priesthood that we have any right to proclaim the principles of eternal truth, and by the delegated power of God alone that we can administer in the ordinances of his house; and here is the grand secret of the application of the ordinances to those that are dead, and who have lived ignorant of the same. Some may be ready to say that nothing can be done by proxy in connexion with salvation, and that every one is solely dependent upon what they do for themselves; but such a doctrine would nullify the whole work of salvation, since our iniquities are laid upon the Saviour, and with his stripes we are healed.
But when we admit the great doctrine of the priesthood, we see how the laws of God are applicable to all, and how they can be rendered efficacious to every one. And from this important and sublime doctrine the saints may learn obedience to another great principle of eternal truth, namely, the doctrine of the gathering, in order that we may understand the mysteries of the kingdom, and understand the will of God more perfectly. And we should bear in mind that much of our glory hereafter will depend upon our diligence in this respect, in miminstering for our dead, and in being instrumental in bringing them forth in the resurrection of the just.
In contemplating the subject of salvation, our ideas have been directed to the narrow scenes and circumstances by which we have been surrounded, but now we understand that the great work of the last days is being carried on in the world of spirits as well as amongst the living in the flesh; and when individuals holding the authority of the priesthood are called from time into eternity, it is not to remain there in listless idleness, but to minister in their calling unto those to whom they are sent. While, then, the ties which bind us to our homes, our relatives, our native land may be allowed to have their proper influence, we must not forget the paramount claims of the gathering upon us, and upon which so much depends our future glory. The Saints will do well to weigh this important subject in their minds, and seek to make all things subservient to facilitate the same. We are aware that when the subject is broached to the ignorant, the question immediately arises, What! cannot God save in one country as well as another? This we do not question. He could have saved the Hebrew family in Egypt as well as in the land of Canaan, if such had been his purpose; but no one will deny that if the Israelites had refused to leave that land, they must have perished in the overthrow of the enemies of God. But such an objection can only be made in utter ignorance of the purposes of God, and of the establishment on earth of that kingdom which should never come to an end. We have been foolishly dreaming of a heaven of glory, we knew not where, forgetting that the earth has been cursed by the introduction of sin, and that one portion of the work of Christ, was to remove its baneful effects, and restore it to more than its original purity and splendour, and render it a fit dwelling place for the redeemed sons and daughters of Adam. Not so with those, of whom we read, in the fifth chapter of the Revelations of John. They had learned to sing a new song, the burden of which was, ‘Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thouwast slain, and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood, out of every kindred and tongue, and people, and nation, and hast made us unto our God, kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth,’ and they were looking anxiously forward to a realization of their divine breathings.” (Thomas Ward, editor; MS 6(7):97-99, 15 Sep., 1845)
2 Oct.: Temple a FORT, with cannon & other arms.
“We saw several gentlemen who were at Nauvoo on Saturday. They were treated respectfully, but were not allowed to go near the Temple. They learned that it was well fortified with cannon and other arms, and instead of a Temple it was actually a Fort. It is supposed that it was well stocked with provisions recently obtained from the surrounding settlements and that if matters came to the worst they would be able to sustain something of a seige, although the whole of the wall surrounding the Temple is not yet complete.” (Burlington [Iowa] Hawkeye 7(19):2, 2 Oct., 1845; Snider collection)
4 Oct.: Progress of Temple construction.
“The Temple at Nauvoo under all the difficulties which beset the Mormons, seems to progress with a most astonishing rapidity. The building is one of rare curiosity and the various forms and devices, which is carved upon it can be deciphered by none save those who are initiated into their faith.
It is placed in one of the most eminent parts of the city, where it commands a view for twelve and fifteen miles round. The building occupies 128 feet by 88; from the floor to the roof 65 feet, and from the ground to the top of the spire 165 feet. It has thirty pilasters–six at each end and nine at the sides, upon the cap-stone of each is carved a human face with rays around it and two hands holding in each a trumpet. The baptismal fountain, which is to be in the basement story, is to be supported by twelve oxen, carved out of stone as large as life.–The lower floor of the Temple will hold 4000 people. There is at present upwards of 200 persons daily at work upon it. The outer wall of this edifice is built of fine white lime stone, and the inside of the building will contain the same forms and devices as those placed upon the outside. It is contemplated to have the whole of the Temple completed in a year, provided they will not be compelled to leave the city before that time. The whole of it is to be enclosed in a yard covering an acre of ground. The cost for building it cannot fall short of half a million of dollars. . . .
We are at a loss, however, to conceive why they still go on in finishing the Temple if they intend leaving in the spring. If they remove from Nauvoo, of what use will the Temple be to those who may become the owners of it? Will another set of religious fanatics be permitted to take possession of it? We trust not–we hope not.” (Lee County [Iowa] Democrat 5(11):2, 4 Oct., 1845; Snider Collection)
5 Oct.: First meeting in the Temple.
“On Sunday the 5th day of October, through the indefatigable exertions, unceasing industry, and heaven blessed labors, in the midst of trials, tribulations, poverty, and worldly obstacles, solemnized, in some instances by death, about five thousand saints had the inexpressible joy and great gratification to meet for the first time in the House of the Lord in the city of Joseph. From mites and tithing, millions had risen up to the glory of God, as a Temple where the children of the last kingdom, could come together and praise the Lord.
It certainly afforded a holy satisfaction to think that since the 6th of April, 1841, when the first stone was laid, amidst the most straitened circumstances, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had witnessed their ‘bread cast upon waters,’ or more properly, their obedience to the commandments of the Lord, appear in the tangible form of a Temple, entirely enclosed, windows in, with temporary floors, pulpits, and seats to accommodate so many persons preparatory to a General Conference; no General Conference having been held for three years past, according to the declaration of our martyred prophet:
There shall be no more baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in the font of the Lord’s House; and the church shall not hold another general conference, until they can meet in said house. FOR THUS SAITH THE LORD!
President Young opened the services of the day in a dedicatory prayer, presenting the Temple, thus far completed, as a monument of the saints’ liberality, fidelity, and faith,–concluding, ‘Lord, we dedicate this house, and ourselves unto thee.’ The day was occupied most agreeably in hearing instructions and teachings, and offering up the gratitude of honest hearts, for so great a privilege, as worshipping God, within instead of without an edifice, whose beauty and workmanship will compare with any house of worship in America, and whose motto is ‘Holiness to the Lord.'” (T&S 6(16):1017-1018, 1 Nov., 1845; reprinted in MS 6(12):195-196, 1 Dec., 1845)
“It being the Sabbath meeting was held in the Temple it being now all enclosed the meeting was opend by prayer by President Brigham Young, when after he & some others had made a few remarks Elder Taylor spoke at considerable length on the prospects before us that Peace being now restored we had nothing to do but finish & dedicate the Temple & prepare to remove in a body next Spring stating that he would feel to rejoice when he had got beyond the bounds of the Christians for he wold not then have to carry his six shoorter in his pocket all the time as he had since the Bloodsuckers tried to suck his blood in Carthage Jail.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 5 Oct., 1845, p. 18)
“Our informant, Lieut. Novle of the U. S. Dragoons, thinks the Mormons will adhere to their pledge and remove in the Spirng. He attended the meeting in the Temple on Sunday last. By count it was stated that there were four thousand people within the walls at the time. During the service some of the Twelve set forth their grievances–told the people it was necessary for them to moved and put the question to them to see if they were all willing to go. They responded in the affirmative, in a deafening voice. They were that the Temple and the Nauvoo House were to be rented, but that all their other property could be sold.” (Burlington [Iowa] Hawkeye 7(20):2, 9 Oct., 1845)
6 Oct.: General Conference in Temple.
“Minutes of the first General Conference, which was ever held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the House of the Lord in the City of Joseph, commencing on Monday October 6th 1845, ten o’clock forenoon.” (T&S 6(16):1008, 1 Nov., 1845)
6 Oct.: Lyman Wight sought to delay temple.
“If the counsel of Brother Wight had been followed, this Temple would not have been built, nor the Baptismal Font erected. He has sought to draw away a part of the force, which we ought to have had to build this Temple. His teachings have been contrary to the counsel of the church, and his conduct calculated to destroy it.” (A. W. Babbit, General Conference, 6 Oct., 1845; in T&S 6(16):1009, 1 Nov., 1845)
6 Oct.: Prayer list/Why abandon temple?
“The house was called to order by Elder Taylor; the choir sung the ‘Prodigal Son.’ Elder Taylor read a list of the sick, and offered up prayer; after which the choir sung another hymn;
Whereupon, Elder P. P. Pratt addressed the conference on the subject of our present situation and prospects. He referred to the great amount of expense and labor we have been at to purchase lands, build houses, the Temple &c.; we might ask, why is it that we have been at all this outlay and expense, and then are called to leave it? He would answer that the people of God always were required to make sacrifices, and if we have a sacrifice to make, he is in favor of its being something worthy of the people of God. We do not want to leave a desolate place, to be a reproach to us but someting that will be a monument of our industry and virtue. Our houses, our famrs, this Temple and all we leave will be a monument to those who may visit the place of our industry, diligence and virtue. There is no sacrifice required at the hands of the people of God but shall be rewarded to them an hundred fold, in time or eternity.” (Conference Minutes, 6 Oct., 1845; in T&S 6(16):1010, 1 Nov., 1845)
7 Oct.: Anxiety to finish temple.
“In the mean time the utmost diligence of all the brethren at this place and abroad will be requisite for our removal, and to complete the unfinished part of the Lord’s house, preparatory to dedication by the next general conference. The font and other parts of the Temple will be in readiness in a few days to commence wht administration of holy ordinances of endowment, for which the faithful have long diligently labored and fervently prayed, desiring above all things to see the beauty of the Lord and enquire in his holy Temple. We therefore invite the saints abroad generally so to arrange their affairs as to come with their families in sufficient time to receive their endowments, and aid in giving the last finish to the house of the Lord, previous to the great imigration of the Church in the spring. . . .
Wake up, wake up dear brethren, we exhort you, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and from Canada to Florida, to the present glorious emergency in which the God of heaven has placed you, to prove your faith by your works, preparatory to a rich endowment in the Temple of the Lord, and the obtaining of promises and deliverances, and glories for yourselves and your children and your dead. And we are well persuaded you will do these things though we thus stir up your pure minds to remembrance. In doing so the blessings of many, ready to perish like silent dew upon the grass, and the approbation of generations to come, and the hallowed joys of eternal life will rest upon you.” (Council of the Twelve to the Saints scattered abroad, 7 Oct., 1845, in Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 1:286-287)
8 Oct.: Only contributors should expect an endowment.
“Elder Kimball remarked, we shall now expect a settlement from all those who have the wherewith, or you need not expect an endowment in this house. President Joseph Smith said he would stand at the door with the books; you will not see him, but you will see his successors, who will carry out his designs.” (HC 7:475)
ca. 8 Oct.: Endowments imminent.
“Beloved Brethren,–You will perceive from the foregoing interesting extracts from the minutes of the General Conference, just held in the Temple in this place, not only the unparalleled unioin of the great body of the Saints convened, but also that a crisis of extraordinary and thrilling interest has arrived. . . .
It is our design to remove all the Saints as early next spring as the first appearance of thrifty vegetation. In the mean time, the utmost diligence of all the brethren at this place and abroad will be requisite for our removal, and to complete the unfinished part of the Lord’s house, preparatory to dedication by the next general conference. The font and other parts of the temple will be in readiness in a few days to commence the administration of holy ordinances of endowment, for which the faithful have long diligently laboured and fervently prayed, desiring above all things to see the beauty of the Lord, and inquire in his holy temple. We therefore, invite the Saints abroad generally, so to arrange their affairs as to come with their families in sufficient time to receive their endowments, and aid in giving the last finish to the house of the Lord, previous to the great emigration of the church in the spring.
A little additional help in the heat of the day, from those abroad, to those here, who have been often driven and robbed, will sweeten the interchanges of fellowship, and so far fulfil the law of Christ as to bear one another’s burthens. The sacrifice of property that will probably accrue from a virtually coerced sale, in a given short time, together with the exhaustion of available means, that has arisen from an extensive improvement in farms, and the erection of costly public and private edifices, together with persecutions and abundant labours of elders in preaching the gospel to the nations, and also in self-defence from traitors and foes, hypocrites and knaves, are things that will suggest themselves to all the thoughtful, humane, and philanthropic. And we are confident in our Lord Jesus Christ that the balm and cordial adequate to the present crisis of affairs will come from the Saints abroad to the utmost of their ability. And you cannot furnish it better, than to come up unitedly to the counsel of our epistle, promptly, diligently and to the letter. Therefore, dispose of your properties and inheritances, and interests for available means; such as money, wagons, oxen, cows, mules, and a few good horses adapted to hourneying and scanty feed. Also for durable fabric suitable for apparel and tents; and some other necessary articles of merchandise. Wake up, wake up dear brethren, we exhort you, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and from Canada to Florida, to the present glorious emergency in which the God of heaven has placed you, to prove your faith by your works, preparatory to a rich endowment in the Temple of the Lord, and the obtaining of promises and deliverances, and glories for yourselves and your children, and your dead.” (Brigham Young address “To the Brethren of the Church,” MS 6(12):197-198, 1 Dec., 1845)
9 Oct.: Determination to finish temple looks ominous.
“The Mormons are still going on with all their might in finishing the Temple and the Nauvoo House. This, with the fact that they will not sell either, looks rather ominous.” (Burlington [Iowa] Hawkeye 7(20):2, 9 Oct., 1845; Snider collection)
9 Oct.: Preserve our lives until we receive our endowments.
“There seems to be no disposition abroad but to massacre the whole body of this people, and nothing but the power of God can save us from the cruel ravages of the bloodthirsty mob.
We concluded to plead with our heavenly Father to preserve his people, and the lives of his servants that the saints may finish the Temple and receive their endowments.” (HC 7:481, 9 Oct., 1845)
“in the morning met for prayer / * * * in the evening the usual company met for prayers the [next page] following things were prayed for the prosperity of the Elders / in the United States, & the brethren in the South Pacific / Islands & the brethren in the West among the Red men of / the Forrest, that our enemies may be frustrated in all their / designs, that confusion and disorder, and treachery / might enter into their ranks, that the sick of this people / might be healed, union prevail, and that all of his / servants be saved from their enemies & that they should / not have power serve their vexatious writs, that the / Temple & Font may be finished and dedicated & consecrated / to the most high God, that his servants & handmaids may obtain their ordinances & sealing powers of the Priesthood, / and the way opened for his saints to go to the West &c” (Heber C. Kimball “Journal,” T. Bullock’s handwriting; 9 Oct., 1845)
10 Oct.: Prayer to aid completion of temple.
“We concluded to plead with our heavenly father to preserve his people and the lives of his servants that the saints may finish the Temple and receive their endowment.” (William Clayton diary, 10 Oct., 1845)
15 Oct.: Temple to prepare for coming of the Lord.
“It is set forward that the Lord has appointed a temple and holy city to be built on the continent of America, for the endowment and ordinances pertaining to the priesthood and for the Gentiles and remnants of Israel to resort unto, in order to worship the Lord, to be taught in his ways and walk in his paths, and finish their preparations for the coming of the Lord. A command is also given to the Jews among all nations, to prepare to return to Jerusalem in Palestine, and to re-build that city and temple unto the Lord. Thus, America and Jerusalem are set forth as two places of gathering for the nations, that they may escape the judgments about to overtake the world, as the prophets have testified, that in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance.” (Wilford Woodruff to the British Saints, MS 6(9):136, 15 Oct., 1845)
18 Oct.: Lower temple girders decayed.
“Returned to work at the Temple replacing the lower girders, they having lain 4 years in the weather exposed were so decayed as not to be safe.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 18 Oct., 1845, p. 20)
27 Oct.: Woodruff intimates endowment had started.
“I should judge from my feelings And intimations of the spirit of God that the endowment had comenced & that the Lord had commenced pouring out some special blessings upon the Saints in Nauvoo but time will determin whether this is the case.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 27 Oct., 1845)
31 Oct.: Proposed sale of Temple to Catholics.
“In the afternoon the council met at Elder John Taylor’s .
The council wrote the following to Bishop John B. Purcell of Cincinnatti:
City of Nauvoo, Oct. 31, 1845.
To Rev. Bishop Purcell, and all other authorities of the Catholic Church, greeting:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hereby take opportunity to inform you by letter and by our confidential messenger, Almon W. Babbitt, esp., that it is our fixed purpose to remove hence early next spring.
The land of oppression and the lacerations of the tongue of calumny have compelled us to the determination to dispose of numerous lots, tenements, etc., in this city, together with our public buildings, for instances, our temple, the Nauvoo House, the Academy, Seventies Hall, Concert Hall and other buildings; also our farms and other possessions in Hancock county, even all our effects and temporal interests. The individual members of our community have also determined en masse to do the same with their effects and have empowered agents to sell. The bearer, Mr. Babbitt, is enpowered to represent as our authorized agent all our said property and interests in this city and county. Through the suggestion of Judge Ralston, of Quincy, and other friends to your faith we are disposed to invite the authorities of your church, either personally or by authorized agents, to visit our city that we may negociate with them, at as early a period as possible, the sale of our property. We shall forbear any extensive sales to other communities until we learn your answer to this our Epistle. The bearer may be relied upon as our confidential and highly esteemed brother who will furnish you any information preparatory to the proposed negotiation and sale.
With sentiments of high consideration I have the honor to subscribe myself in behalf of the Council of the Church,
Your friend and obedient servant,
Willard Richards, clerk.”
(JH 31 Oct., 1845)
Oct.: Non-Mormon description of Temple.
“A letter dated Upper Mississippi, October, 1845, written by a highly intelligent lady of this city, now travelling in the west, gives the following interesting account:
‘We slept one night at a tavern, which was kept be a family who had suceded from the society of Mormons at Nauvoo. They had embraced the Mormon doctrines in the first stage, which they expounded to us, and which certainly, as they spoke of them, were a code of moral religion, and all that was pure and good. But when Joe Smith introduced his impure doctrines, they contended that by his sins his power of revelation was taken away from him, and refusing to conform to his vices, they were subjected to persecutions which drove them away from Nauvoo.
Some days after this, being at Montrose, we crossed the river and went over to Nauvoo, to visit the Temple of the Mormons, or, as they style themselves, the Latter Day Saints. We had to wait so long for a skiff, and then walk nearly two miles to the Temple, that the preaching was over before we got there, which I regretted very much; but I would not have missed the visit on any account, as it is a curiosity well worth seeing. I understand they feel themselves, to have been commissioned to build a temple somewhat similar to the Solomon’s Temple, at Jerusalem, and the style and architecture of which were revealed to their prophet, Joe Smith. It will be a magnificent structure, when completed. It is 126 feet in length, by 96 in width. The congregation are to assemble on the ground floor, while the gallery is to consist of different chambers, for the different bodies to meet in, which are all to be separated by veils, which can be drawn or withdrawn at a moment’s notice. In the basement is a large baptismal font, of an oval form forty feet in circumference, supported by twelve immense oxen, all in stone; the heads and shoulders of which are to project from under the basin, and that to rest, apparently, upon their backs. There is a flight of steps at each end, so that they mount one end. The bishop stands in the basin, dips them, and they then pass down the other flight into some of the dressing rooms, which run the length of each side of the building.
It is as yet all incomplete; the wooden font had been taken down, which had been only temporary, and the stone one was up, but the oxen had not been placed around it. The Mormons believe not only in being saved themselves by baptism, but also of saving their friends, even the dead, by being baptised for them, so that many of them have been baptised innumerable times. I do not know where they got the text on which they found this belief. They have had a revelation to remove over the mountains, and according to the description given, they make the country pointed out to be California, and thither they are going to remove in the spring, abandoning all their property &c.
The temple was so crowded, even the porch, that it was with great difficulty we forced our way in. Brigham Youngs, now the head of the body, was haranguing with great violence, in consequence of the seceding of Mr. Smith, brother of their prophet, from the society. They have one thing they preach, the purest doctrine perhaps ever put together; and another thing they practice, that is the chosen or elect; and more vile a thing could not possibly exist. You may judge of the zeal of the people from the fact that this temple has cost but a mere trifle; the labor has all been done by themselves, the wood and stone all cut by them, and the expenditure merely for the iron, glass and paint. I never, in any country, saw a more beautiful view than that from the top of the hill as you descend to Montrose.
A beautiful prairie extends in front of you, intersected by the Mississippi, on the other side of the river lies Nauvoo in quite [quiet?] repose, while high up upon the hill looms this vast edifice, with its cupola glistening in the sun. The whole was to have been encircled by a high wall, enclosing three or four acres, but of course it will have to be disposed of, and it is supposed, will be purchased by the Catholics, as there are a vast many upon the river. We heard Young give the directions about their removal; to form themselves into companies, which had been done–so many teams to each company–so many to each wagon–and so much flour to each person, &c. So that they are really serious in the purpose of removal.” (From the New York Post, reprinted in Niles’ National Register, 22 Nov., 1845)
1 Nov.: Temple to be completed before exodus.
“It is our design to remove all the Saints as early next spring as the first appearance of thrifty vegitation. In the mean time the utmost diligence of all the brethren at this place and abroad will be requisite for our removal, and to complete the unfinished part of the Lord’s house, preparatory to dedication by the next general conference. The font and other parts of the Temple will be in readiness in a few days to commence the administration of holy ordinances of endowment, for which the faithful have long diligently labored and fervently prayed, desiring above all things to see the beauty of the Lord and enquire in his holy Temple. We therefore invite the saints abroad generally so to arrange their affairs as to come with their families in sufficient time to receive their endowments, and aid in giving the last finish to the house of the Lord, previous to the great imigration of the Church in the spring. . . . Wake up, wake up dear brethren, we exhort you, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and from Canada to Florida, to the present glorious emergency in which the God of heaven has placed you, to prove your faith by your works, preparatory to a rich endowment in the Temple of the Lord, and the obtaining of promises and deliverances, and glories for yourselves and your children and your dead.” (Circular of the Twelve, by Brigham Young, T&S 6(16):1018-1019, 1 Nov., 1845)
2 Nov.: Exhorted to finish temple.
“he was folowed by Br H Kimble stiring the People up to finish the Temple he said he had rather go into the Wilderness with a pack on his back & his wife with a bundle of clothes under her arm & have the Temple finished than to go with his waggon loaded down with gold!! & the Temple not finished.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 2 Nov, 1845, p. 22)
3 Nov.: Truss timbers replaced.
“Br Wm Weeks the architect of the Temple requested me this morning to go ahead & put in the Truss timbers for the lower floor of the Temple–continued to work at the Temple through the week.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 3 Nov., 1845, p. 23)
5 Nov.: How many aisles in the Temple?
“The Morning plesent, the Twelve met at the Temple with the Bishops, and the Archateck, to se how to seet the pous [posts?] and concerning how menny Allies [aisles]. The conclusion was to have two Allies.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 5 Nov., 1845)
15 Nov.: Emma claimed part title to Temple?
“Emma Smith, the widow of the deceased prophet, claims at least a wife’s portion of her late husband’s worldly gear, including, it is said, besides the Temple itself at Nauvoo, large and valuable tracts of land in Illinois, for Joseph was suspected of having a hawk’s eye towards the mammon of unrighteousness.” (Niles’ National Register, 15 Nov., 1845)
18 Nov.: Preparation of Attick story.
“The Brethren rapidly pushing forward the finishing of the rooms in the Attick Story preparatory to the Endowment.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 18 Nov., 1845, p. 24)
20 Nov.: Carpeting, etc.
“A friend, who was at the holy city the first of the week, informs us that all is peaceable and quite there–that the saints are making preparations to remove–but at the same time are finishing the Temple, putting in the carpets, &c., and intend to hang a bell and when all is completed will endeavor to rent it to some respectable society.” (Burlington [Iowa] Hawkeye 7(26):2, 20 Nov., 1845; Snider collection)
22 Nov.: Plastering of attic finished.
“The plasterers finished the attic story of the Temple.” (HC 7:531)
22 Nov.: “Will they go?”
“The Warsaw Signal, quotes, in proof of the popular opinion, an article from the Lee County Democrat, under the caption of ‘WILL THEY GO?’ which treats the pretension of leaving Illinois, as a ruse on the part of the Mormons. They are still, it says, at work on the temple, and making no disposition to leave, except in words.” (Niles’ National Register, 22 Nov., 1845)
22 Nov.: Temple sold to the Catholics.
“The latest intelligence from this extraordinary scene of contention, is a report that the Mormons have sold Nauvoo and their temple to the Catholics; that the terms are agreed upon, and that the latter design to have a vast establishment there.” (Niles’ National Register, 22 Nov., 1845)
26 Nov.: Painting of attic finished.
“The painters finished painting the attic of the Temple.” (HC 7:532)
27 Nov.: Attempt to sell Temple to Catholics.
“A. W. Babbitt, a mormon dignatary, at late dates was in Cincinnati, endeavoring to sell the Temple at Nauvoo to the Catholics.” (Sangamo Journal 15(10):2, 27 Nov., 1845; Snider Collection)
28 Nov.: Plans to rent temple.
“The editor of the Burlington Hawkeye is informed by a friend just returned from a visit to the ‘holy city’, that all is peaceable and quiet there–that the saints are making preparations to remove–but at the same time are finishing the temple, putting in the carpets, &c., and intend to hang a bell, and when all is completed, will endeavor to rent it to some respectable society.” (Weekly North-Western Gazette [Ill.] 12(4):2, 28 Nov., 1845; Snider Collection)
29 Nov.: Carpet laid on attic floor.
“I [Brigham] met with the Twelve, Bishops Whitney and Miller and a few others in the Temple and laid the carpet on the main floor of the attic story, and also on several of the small rooms ready for the First Quorum [of the Seventy] to meet in.” (HC 7:533)
“The Twelve and quite a number of other met in the Temple and carpeted the long room, the small rooms and an attic which had been finished.” (George A. Smith diary, 29 Nov., 1845; in Instructor 83(11):516, 1 Nov., 1948)
“At 10 in the Morning I met the Brethren at the Temple in the Attick Story to lay down the Carpits in the sefrels [sealing?] rooms, as it was set apart for that perpus. Those present ware B. Young, G. A. Smith, and my self. Spent the day in the Temple. Elders John Tailor, O. Hide, P. Pratt, was present some of the time, others W. Phelps, George Miller, N. K. Whitney, J. Grant, J. Young, Charls Rich and others. Vilate my wife, Sister Ann Whitney, Sariah Ann hur Daughter, Sister Barsha [Bathsheba] Smith the wife of G. A. Smith come to helpe us put up our rooms. We had carpit lent by diffrent ones for the present. Towards nite G. A. Smith went after our clothing at W. Richards. After dark the following persons went in to the Room of B. Young, which is the south East Cornor [of the temple], and Bowed our selves before the Lord and gave Him thanks for his goodness to us in sparing our lives to finish this hous thus far, and menny other things, B. Young being mouth. Present H. C. Kimball, O. Hide, P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, O. Spencer, L. Woodworth, G. Miller, W. Phelps, L. Richards, A. P. Rockwood. We did not Clothe ourselves, as others wished to be with us the first time in the Lords Hous when we should Offer up the Sign of the Holy Preasthood.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 29 Nov., 1845)
30 Nov.: Repeated signs; attic story dedicated.
“At about 12 o clock we clothed and sung ‘Come all ye sons of Zion &c’. We then offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and repeated them to get them more perfect. I was requested to keep minutes. President offered up prayers and dedicated the Attic story, the male room and ourselves to God, and prayed that God would sustain and deliver them from the hands of our enemies, his servants untill they have accomplished his will in this house. Br Taylor then sang ‘A poor wayfaring man of grief &c’ after which we again offered up the signs and Br Kimball prayed that the Lord would hear & answer the prayers of his servant Brigham, break off the yoke of our enemies and inasmuch as they lay traps for the feet of his servants, that they may fall into them themselves and be destroyed.” (William Clayton diary, 30 Nov., 1845)
“Eight of the Twelve, to-wit: Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Willard Richards, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman, John Smith and myself, the two bishops, Whitney and Miller, Joseph Young and a number of high priests belonging to the priests quorum, numbering in all 22, met together in the attic story of the Temple and proceeded to dedicate the upper rooms. The dedication prayers were offered by Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Young, and reported by William Clayton.” (George A. Smith diary, 30 Nov., 1845; in Instructor 83(11):516-517, 1 Nov., 1948)
“Went to the Temple at 10 in the Morning. Stopt at J. Kingsbury all well. When I got in the Hous of the Lord most of the Brethren Present. No ones admitted only those that had recieved the Preasthood [fulness of Priesthood, or Holy Order?], those present are as follows, President B. Young, H. C. Kimball, O. Hide, P. P. Pratt, T. Tailor, G. A. Smith, W. Richards, A. Limon, others, Bishops Whitney and Miller, A. Cutler, R. Cahoon, W. Phelps, Wm. Claton, John Smith, C[ornelius P.]. Lott, O. Spencer, I. Morly, L. Woodworth, J. Young. Evry thing seams to go on in peas. At about 12 Oclock we clothed our selves for prair and council. Levi Richards come in at About Half past one in the after noon. We offered up the Signs of the Holy Presthood. Joseph Kingsbury, B. Young being Mouth offered up the dedacation of the Hall and small rooms. Set a chort time then H. C. Kimball was mouth, then praid once more [and] Joseph Young was mouth. We then clothed our selvs. The Twelve war called to gether By the President in his room. P. P. Pratt had maters to lay before the Twelve. Doctor Richards and A. Limon quite sick. They ware praid for and ware beter. We onclothed [unclothed] our selves. About 4 Oclock most of the Brethren left.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 30 Nov., 1845)
“On Sunday the 30th. of November 1845 I met with the
brethren of ^<the> Quorum, not only of the Twelve but others who had received an endowment during the life-time of Joseph Smith, in the upper room of the Temple for the purpose of dedicating it preparatory to receiving or giving the endowments. The large Room for giving the endowments in is 100 one hundred ^<ninety> feet long and eighty ^<28> feet wide–it was well fitted up and carpeted all over. The brethren had sent in their carpets from all part [sic] the day before. There were also twelve rooms six on each side for that were well fitted up carpeted and furnished for the purposes of the priesthood those rooms were all of a size & were fourteen feet by fourteen feet five inches. The Room on the south East corner was the one occupied by President Brigham Young-the next room next west Br. Heber C. Kimball & President Young ^<together H. C. Kimball & Willard Richards. Willard Richards is Historian which necessarily throws him into that position> the first one being intended partly for an office The third room from the East corner was occupied by Orson Hyde & Parley P. Pratt the fourth by ^<John E. Page> John Taylor &/ George A. Smith & Amasa Lyman-The fifth room by Joseph Young the President of the whole seventies & his council. The sixth room is for a preparation rooms to wash & annoint preparatory to the annointing. All of these rooms were on the south
side of the building.
[p. 2] The first room on the north east corner was appropriated to Bishop Whitney & ^<Miller> his coun their Council being intended for the bishopric. the second for the President of the Stake, & the High Priesthood & their Quorum. A number of those were present at the dedication who had heretofore received their endowment. The fifth room was appropriated for the president of the Elders & his Council. the sixth for a preparation Room.
The order of the rooms so far as the two east corners is concerned is according to the order of the priesthood in buildings & Temples. It is the order that the first ^<or south East> corner stone ^<viz the south east> that be laid in a Temple should be laid by the president of the ^<whole> Church if present or (see revelation)—
The following persons were present
Brigham Young– Isaac Morley–
Heber C. Kimball– Alpheus Cutler–
Orson Hyde– Reynolds Cahoon–
Parley P. Pratt– W W Phelps–
Willard Richards– Wm Clayton–
John Taylor– Cornelius ^<P> Lot–
George A. Smith– Orson Spencer–
Amasa Lyman– Joseph Young–
Newel K. Whitney– Lucian Woodworth–
George Miller– Levi Richards–
John Smith– Joseph Kingsbury–“
(Nauvoo Temple [Historical Documents]; “Nov. 30, 1845 Meeting of the Twelve and others. Dedication of Upper Room of Temple. Some Journalizing [by Apostle John Taylor].”; Church Archives; CR/342/1/fd4; 30 November 1845. [Notation: ^<. . .> represents inserted text.])
30 Nov.: Assignments of rooms in Temple attic.
“The side rooms were occupied as follows:
The first, in the southeast corner as a private office.
The second by Heber C. Kimball, W. Richards and myself. The third and fourth by others of the Twelve; Fifth by Joseph Young and Presidency of the Seventies; Sixth, for washing and anointing the elders.
On the north side: first, bishops and lesser priesthood. Second, president of the stake and high council; third and fourth, high priests’ quorum; fifth elders quorum; sixth, washing and anointing room occupied by the sisters.” (HC 7:535)
1 Dec.: Current status of the Temple.
“Peace and union reign at Nauvoo, and as to business, every saint that means to keep the commandments of the Lord, and prepare for the revelation of Jesus Christ, is earnestly employed in fitting out for the intended removal next spring: or, as a willing and obedient people many are engaged upon the Temple–determined to finish that glorious structure of Latter-day Saints’ faith and works, as a monument, that they were industrious, noble minded, and sincere.
It is now the first of December, and the suit of rooms in the attic story for the accommodation of the Priesthood, in the ordinances of washings, anointings, and prayer, are nearly ready for use; so that the faithful saints begin to rejoice in the Holy one of Israel. The tithings of good men; the widow’s mite; the blood of the martyrs, and the tears of the fatherless, have not been unavailing, but, like the prayers of the saints which are bottled up in Heaven for the gratification of holy beings, they sparkle before the Lord, as monuments of virtue, union, perseverence and religion unknown to the world. We have great reason to rejoice, for the Lord is with us.” (T&S 6(18):1050, 1 Dec., 1845)
1 Dec.: We will give endowments even in the wilderness.
“Let none of the Saints be discouraged in the least, about their endowments in the Temple, for the Saints in the west are still labouring with all diligence for the completion of that great building. The Saints mean to show their willingness before God, to obey the great commandment concerning the building of that house, though they should be driven from it the day after it is finished, or even before.
From what the Lord has indicated in the Book of Covenants, I should not be at all surprised if the Saints should be hindered by their enemies from completing it. In the commandment which the Lord gave, to build him a house in Nauvoo, he says:
Verily, verily, I say unto you that, when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their mights, and with all they have, to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them, and hinder them from performing that work; behold, it behoveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings; and the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments I will visit on the heads of those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God. Therefore, for this cause, have I accepted the offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in Jackson county, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God; and I will answer, judgment, wrath, and indignation, wailing, and anguish, and gnashing of teeth upon their heads, unto the third and gourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord your God.
And this I make an example unto you, for your consolation, concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith the Lord your God; for I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith the Lord.
And again, verily, I say unto you, I command you again to build a house to my name, even in this place, that you may prove yourselves unto me, that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honour, immortality, and eternal life.’–See Book of Covenants, 301-2 p. 15, 16, and 17 paragraphs.
The Saints will see by this revelation, that there is a very clear indication that we should be hindered by our enemies, or by oppression.
If the Lord had not forseen that this would be the case, why did he give to us these very curious sayings, as ‘an example’ unto us in building this house?
Therefore, brethren, be of good cheer, for if we have done all that we could, and are still willing to do all that we can, to fulfil this great commandment, and our enemies hinder us, ‘It behoveth the Lord to require that work no more at our hands,’ and ‘he will accept of our offerings,’ the same as if we had completed it. But if we had forsaken the work, like Rigdon and other apostates, when we might have continued thereon, then we should surely expect to be rejected with our dead; for the curse would then have been upon our own heads, instead of our enemies. But now any failure will be answered upon mobs and apostates, who have endeavoured to weaken our hands; while the faithful will be accepted, receive their endowments; and will save themselves with their dead. They shall not fail to receive the ordinances of endowments, though in the mountains or wilderness.
Some of the rooms in the Temple I understand, are already completed, and hundreds will probably receive their endowments therein this fall and winter.
But if the saints are to be driven from Nauvoo, and from the Temple, as soon as it is finished, or even before; some weak minded Saint may inquire, why the Lord should command us to build him a house, and then suffer us to be immediately driven from it? The seventeenth paragraph above quoted from the Book of Covenants, will fully answer this question.” (Orson Pratt, “To the Saints in the Eastern and Midland States,” [undated in MS]; MS 6(12):192-193, 1 Dec., 1845)
2 Dec.: Preparations for endowment.
“I [Brigham Young] spent the day in the Temple making preparations for the endowments.” (HC 7:538)
“Spent the day in the Temple making preparations for the endowments.” (George A. Smith diary, 2 Dec., 1845; in Instructor 83(11):517, 1 Nov., 1948)
3 Dec.: Rumored sale of Temple to Catholics.
“NEW MORMON MOVE.
We are informed that ALMON BABBIT, Esp., authorized agent for the Mormons, is now in this city, his business being to see BISHOP PURCELL, of the Catholic Church about effecting a sale of the lands and buildings at Nauvoo, including the great temple, to the Catholic Church.–The business properly belongs to the Bishop of Chicago, but we are informed that that functionary had not the funds to make the purchase, without consulting our distinguished townsman, Bishop Purcell.
. . .
We copy the foregoing from the Cincinatti Commercial. We had heard a rumor some weeks ago, that Babbit had been employed to negotiate with the Catholics. The fact of such negotiations being on foot may account for the Saints not being anxious to dispose of their Nauvoo Property to private individuals. While in other parts of the County they have eagerly sold their property; in Nauvoo and La Harpe, such has been their indifference that the citizens, in the north of the county, have been almost disposed to question the sincerity of their proposition to remove. It appearing, however, that negotiations being on foot with the Catholics, they have held on with a view of ascertaining the result. As the result will soon be made public we may expect to know before many weeks the character of the neighbors whom we shall have in exchange for the Saints.” (Warsaw Signal 2(37):2, 3 Dec., 1845; Snider Collection)
4 Dec.: New veil prepared by Brigham.
“About 2 in the after noon went to the Temple, found President B. Young, G. A. Smith, A. Limon, G. Miller, John T., Truman Angel, Br. Wicks [Weeks]. Soon after P. Pratt, O. Hide ingaged in putting up canvas and other things to prepare our room. W. W. Phelps brought in some seders [cedar] trees to adorn our garden [room in the temple]. About sun set Bishop N K [Whitney] come in with the Vail. the old one and new one. the holes ware cut by B young and others assisted. Present this Evening B. Young, H. C. Kimball, O. Hide, P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, John Tailor, A. Limon.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 4 Dec., 1845)
“Went up into the Temple. The brethren are very busy preparing the room for work.” (William Clayton diary, 4 Dec., 1845)
“I was engaged with several of the Twelve fitting up the Temple preparatory to administering the ordinances of endowment.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:538)
5 Dec.: Preparation of endowment room.
“Eight a.m., Brother Heber C. Kimball and I called on Dr. Richards who was sick, we proceeded to the Temple and were engaged in fitting up the upper rooms.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:538)
“It is sunset the canvas is all put up and the Alters mostly done. Thare is three of them. The big Hall is converted in to six sepret rooms for the convienience of the Holy Preasthood, two Large ones and fore small and a Hall pasing through betwen the small ones, pasing from the west done [down] through the Center, and dores in to each room. Josep Fielding has just come in fore the first time, he is one of the Holy Order. Its now dark and the Brethren are coming in for prair and council, the reasson [for] not being here [is that they were] Notefid [late]–Living at a distance. Elders B. Young is work on the alters. On Sunday Morning at 9 Oclock [5 Dec. was Friday] all of the Holy Order will assemble fore prair and council. Our wives will come and pertack [partake] with us. The Sacrament will be administer and spend the day in those thing that the Spirrit shall teach. This was the advise of President B. Young–this gave great joy to our wimmen. To morrow will finish our rooms for buisness. Present of the Twelve, B. Young, H. C. Kimball, O. Hide, P. P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, J. Tailer, High Preas John Smith, I. Morly, W. Phelps, O. Spencer, Joseph Kingsbury, Joseph Fielding, L. Woodworth, R. Cahoon, George Miller. Clohed [clothed ourselves] and praid, O. Spencer being mouth. Then [un]Clothed and went home about 7. When we left the room we asked the Lord to bless Isreal and hold us in safty till we could give some of His faithfull Elders thare Endowment, and to liberate Cheriff [Sheriff] Backenstos [being tried for the murder of Frank Worrell, one of the anti-Mormon vigilantes, and], Theradore Turly from thare bonds.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 5 Dec., 1845)
6 Dec.: Trees set in order in Garden Room.
“From thence went direct to the Temple got in about 9. I got in half past 10. I went and got some Money for Lorenso Young. I got it of[f] Wm. Claton. John Tailor got in about the same time I did. O. Hide, P. P. Pratt come in at Elevn Oclock. Sister Electa Crane, and Sister Brewor, Br. John D. Lee, B. Young went to work on the Alters. Peas dwels here in the Hous of the Lord. We all feel to Rejoice before the Lord that he in His kind providence has permited His servents to finish the Attick. Elder W. W. Phelps come in 20 Minits past Eleven with some seders. Br. We[e]ks and Br. [Truman] Angel ware ingaged with us preparing the rooms. A Very Slanderus peas [piece] read by Elder Hide from the Quincy Whig, said to be done by one [Oliver] Olney. Joseph Young spent some time with us. George Miller, N. K. Whitney come in little past 12. W. Phelps, George Miller, and my self began to fix the Trees. At 1 Oclock the rooms ware cleard of all but those of the Holly Order, so that set things in order fore the Sabath George Grant come in at 1 with chare [chair] and other things for B. Young. We all left fore dinner. I took dinner at J. Kingsburyes. Returned back to the Temple, put up the Looking glasses, and Maps and potrats. As William W. Majors [an English artist] brought som up from his chop [shop] to Adorn our room. The trees set in order in the garden. Sister Elzebeth Ann Whitney come in and sode [sewed] on the fringe, going over the Top of the canvas running threw the room crost from North to South. G. A. Smith and Amasa Lyman come in three in the after [noon], Sister Clarisa and Emily Cutler mad[e] a Coten [cotton] Veil going before the Linnen Veil. Jullia Durphy assisted in making the Veil Linnen, Joseph L. Heywood come in to our upper room as the sun was setting. L. Wodworth put up the clock on the west end of the East room.
. . . .
Of the Twelve Present, President B. Young, H. C. Kimball, G. A. Smith, A. Limon, J. Tailor, High Preas A. Cutler, R. Cahoon, I. Morly, John Smith, W. W. Phelps. N. K. Whitney, G. Miller, Wm. Claton, L. Woodworth, Joseph Kingsbury, O. Spencer. We clothed, and praid all to gether. Twelve and High Preas. W. W. Phelps being Mouth, the Lord was with us.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 6 Dec., 1845)
7 Dec.: Holy Order cord that bound the people together.
“In the Temple all day. All the first quorum with one or two exceptions were present both male and female. About 1 o clock we clothed. The meeting was opened by prayer by Joseph Fielding. After which Brs Taylor, Hyde, Phelps Pratt and John Smith each expressed their feelings in regard to our present privilege of meeting in the Temple in spite of the combined opposition of men and devils. . . . [Brigham Young] stated ‘that a few of the quorum had met twice a week ever since Joseph and Hyrum were killed and during the last excitement, every day and in the hotest part of it twice a day to offer up the signs and pray to our heavenly father to deliver his people and this is the cord which has bound this people together. If this quorum and those who shall be admitted into it will be as dilligent in prayer as a few has been I promise you in the name of Israels God that we shall accomplish the will of God and go out in due time from the gentiles with power and plenty and no power shall stay us.’ After the exhortation we offered up the signs and had prayers for the usual subject.” (William Clayton diary, 7 Dec., 1845)
7 Dec.: Order of the veil.
“The following Persons are members of the Holy Order of the Holy Preasthood having Recieved it in the Life time of Joseph and Hirum, the Prophets. Elder B. Young went and gave the Brethren and Sisters present a view of the Seprate rooms, and the object of them, then pute up the Veil and choe [showed] the Order of it. [Note that this was done to people who had already received the endowment.] The Brethren and Sisters clothed half past one, commenced our meeting at two Oclock. . . . It was 3 Oclock when we partoock of sacrement. Great Solemnity rested on the Breth and sisters, great union in our meeting. Seven present have not had thare Last [or second] Anointing. L. Woodworth and wife, Sister Tomson, Wm. Claton, Joseph Kingsbury, John Benhisel, Sister Marinda Hide, Agness Smith, the wife of Don Smith. John Smith our Patriarch spoke a chort time them Elder B. Young Said this qurum should meet heare evry Sabath and take of the Sacrament. The Br. and Sisters ware completly clothed. Elder B. Young gave us good council. We offerd up the Signs Little after fore, got through at five.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 7 Dec., 1845)
8/9 Dec.: Washing in a bath-tub.
“John D. Lee and others have been fitting up stoves in the two west rooms. as they will be devoted to washing and Anointing and to heet water. we have two Large troves [troughs], made fore Baptising the sick in, one was made by B Young, and one by my self, for our families. so we devote them to the good of all the saints. Three men can wash in either of them at the same time. . . . [8 Dec.]
Elder Cahoon come in at Eleven. We are at this time wating fore the two west Rooms for washing. It is now One Oclock. . . .
Elder B. Young and H. C. Kimball washed our selvs in pur water, for time and also G. A. Smith, Am. Limon, and [were] the first washed in the Temple of the Lord. And also finished a Leter to the Catholocks giving our propsels, to sell. We had a good time before the Lord. We shall come to Morrow with our wives, that is all the Holy Order to go through with our washings and Anointing again in the Temple of our God. [9 Dec.]” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 8/9 Dec., 1845)
8 Dec.: Final preparations for endowment.
“I have been actively engaged in the Temple since the painters finished, fitting up the apartments and preparing the rooms for administering endowments.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:538)
8 Dec.: Raisins used as fruit in the Garden Room.
“Elder Phelps Brought in some grape Vines, and hung cluster of Rasens [raisins] to them as the chois [choice] fruit [in the garden room].” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 8 Dec., 1845)
8 Dec.: Chastened for thinking shirt marks were masonic.
“I went to J. Kingsbury and got dinner, returned at 3. Esra Chase went in to the room with me. Phinas A. Young, Pr. B. Young chasened him [Phineas] for marking his churts [shirts]–after the order of the Preasthood–fore it was Forgary [forgery] and wicked in the sight of God. He, Phineus, said he thought it was the marks of a Master Mason.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 8 Dec., 1845)
9 Dec.: Repeat of washings and anointings.
“We shall come tomorrow with our wives that is all the Holy order to go through with our washings and Anointing again in the Temple of our God.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 9 Dec., 1845)
10 Dec.: Women washed women.
“At 3 o clock Sister Mary Ann Young and Vilate Kimball, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, commenced washing and anointing each other being the first in this holy Temple of the Lord. This was done in the preparation room in the North West corner of the Attic story.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 10 Dec., 1845)
10 Dec.: Endowment given.
“At 3:45 p.m., we completed the arrangements of the east room, preparatory to giving endowments.
The following persons were present on this occasion, viz.:–
Myself and wife, Mary Ann;
Heber C. Kimball and wife, Vilate;
Orson Hyde and Nancy Marinda;
Parley P. Pratt and Mary Ann;
John Taylor and Leonora;
George A. Smith and Bathsheba W.;
Willard Richards;
Amasa Lyman and Mariah Louisa;
John E. Page and Mary;
John Smith and Clarissa;
Mother Lucy Smith;
Newel K. Whitney and Elizabeth Ann;
George Miller and Mary Catharine;
William W. Phelps and Sally;
John M. Bernhisel;
Alpheus Cutler and Lois;
Levi Richards;
Reynolds Cahoon and Thirza;
William Clayton;
Lucien Woodworth and Phebe;
Orson Spencer and Catharine C.;
Agnes M. Smith;
Mercy R. Thompson;
Mary Smith.
The main room of the attic story is eighty-eight feet two inches long and twenty-eight feet eight inches wide. It is arched over, and the arch is divided into six spaces by cross beams to support the roof. There are six small rooms on each side about fourteen feet square. The last one on the east end on each side is a little smaller.
The first room on the south side beginning on the east is occupied by myself, the second by Elder Kimball, the third by Elders Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt; the fourth by John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman and John E. Page; the fifth by Joseph Young and Presidents of Seventies; the sixth, a preparation room.
On the north side, the first east room is for Bishop Whitney and the lesser priesthood, the second is for the high council, the third and fourth for President George Miller and the high priests’ quorum, the fifth the elders’ room, and the sixth the female preparation room.
Four-twenty-five p.m., Elder Heber C. Kimball and I commenced administering the ordinances of endowment.
Five o’clock, Isaac Morley and his wife Lucy, Joseph Fielding, Joseph C. Kingsbury and Cornelius P. Lott came in.
Nine-thirty p.m., we assembled for prayers, Amasa Lyman was mouth.
We continued officiating in the Temple during the night until three-thirty a.m. of the 11th.
The following were administered to:
Willard Ricahrds;
Heber C. Kimball and his wife, Vilate;
George A. Smith and Bathsheba W.;
Orson Hyde and Nancy Marinda;
John Smith and Clarissa;
Newel K. Whitney and Elizabeth Ann;
Brigham Young and Mary Ann;
William W. Phelps and Sally;
Parley P. Pratt and Mary Ann;
Amasa Lyman and Mariah Louisa;
George Miller and Mary Catharine;
John Taylor and Leonora;
Lucien Woodworth and Phebe;
John E. Page and Mary;
Joseph C. Kingsbury;
Mary Smith, widow of Hyrum;
Agnes Smith, widow of Don Carlos.”
(HC 7:541-543)
10 Dec.: Commencement of washing and anointing.
“On Wednesday, the 10th day of December 1845, the Twelve commenced the washing and anointing in the Temple of the Lord!!” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 10 Dec., 1845)
10 Dec.: 1 hour 50 minutes for endowment.
“At 20 minutes to 8 o clock president Young announced that all things were now ready to commence and go through with the ordinances. He said that after we get properly organized and ready to go on without confusion, no person will be permitted to talk, nor walk about in the main rooms, neither would any person be expected to be in the Celestial room only those who were necessary to carry on the work. At the same hour he took the chair and appointed P. P. Pratt and John Taylor to assist him (W. W. Phelps acted as serpent), in taking those through who were now prepared. Those who were first taken through all the ceremonies were Heber C. Kimball & Vilate Kimball, George A. Smith and Barsheba W. Smith, Orson Hyde and Nancy Marinda Hyde, John Smith and Clarissa Smith, Newel K. Whitney and Elizabeth Ann Whitney. These went through all the ordinances untill they were passed through the vail at which time it was half past nine o clock. Prest. young then called all present into the Celestial room where we kneeled down and Amasa Lyman offered up prayers.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 10 Dec., 1845)
10 Dec.: Peter, James, John, Adam, Eve not yet included.
“H. C. Kimball presides as Eloheem, Orson Hyde as Jehovah and George A. Smith as Michael and N. K. Whitney as the serpent.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 10 Dec., 1845)
10 Dec.: Further inquiries by Catholics.
“Two Catholic priests passed through this place, on Monday last on their way to Nauvoo.–Their object was to ascertain the nature and amount of property which the Mormons wish to dispose of to their church and on what terms it can be bought.” (Warsaw Signal 2(38):2, 10 Dec., 1845; Snider Collection)
11 Dec.: Further endowments described.
“I officiated in the Temple with the brethren of the Twelve. We administered the ordinances of endowment to:
Isaac Morley and his wife, Lucy;
Orson Spencer and Catharine C.;
Joseph Young;
Alpheus Cutler and Lois;
Reynolds Cahoon and Thirza;
William Clayton and Ruth;
Cornelius P. Lott and Permelia;
Mother Lucy Smith and Mercy R. Thompson. . . .
Brother Amasa Lyman and I tarried in the Temple all night.” (HC 7:543-544)
11 Dec.: Room descriptions.
“I spent the forenoon writing the history of these proceedings in Br Kimballs Journal also gave a description of the upper room.” (William Clayton diary, 11 Dec., 1845)
“The main room is divided into apartments for the ceremonies of the endowment. Beginning from the door at the West end is an ally about 5 feet wide extending to about 3 feet beyond the first Beam of the arch on each side of the Alley is a small room partitioned of where they saints receive the first part of the ceremony or where the man is created and a help mate given to him. From these rooms too the third partition in the Arch is planted the garden, which is nicely decorated and set off with shrubs and trees in pots & Boxes to represent the Garden of Eden. In this apartment is also an alter. Here the man and woman are placed & commandments given to them in addition to what is given in the creation. Here also after the man & woman has eaten the forbidden fruit is given to them a charge at the Alter and the first and second tokens of the Aaronic Priesthood, They are then thrust out into a room which is dark being the one on the North side between the fourth & fifth division of the arch which represents the telestial kingdom or the world. Opposite to this is another apartment of the same size representing the terrestrial kingdom and between these two is an alley about 4 feet wide. In the telestial kingdom, after them man has proved himself faithful he receives the first signs & tokens of the Melchizedek priesthood and an additional charge. Here also he vouches for the conduct of his companion. They are then left to prove themselves faithful, after which they are admitted into the terrestrial kingdom, where at the alter they receive an additional charge and the second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood and also the key word on the five points of fellowship.
There are words given with every token and the new name is given in the preparation room when they receive their washing and annointing.
After received all the tokens and words and signs they are led to the vail where they give each to Eloheem through the vail and are then admitted into the Celestial Room.
The Celestial room occupies the remainder of the main room being the space between two divisions of the Arch. This is adorned with a number of splendid mirrors, paintings and portraits. (Heber C. Kimball diary, 11 Dec., 1845)
“11 December 1845–
William Clayton–
Nauvoo Temple Recorder–
I will now give a description of the way the attic story is finished.
The main room is eighty-eight feet two inches long and twenty-eight feet eight inches wide. It is arched over and the ceiling is divided into six spaces by crop beams to support the roof. There are six small rooms on each side of the main room about fourteen feet square each. The last one on the west and on the end side is a little smaller.
The first room on the south side beginning with the east end is President Brigham’s room; the second, Elder Heber C. Kimball; the third, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt; the fourth, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman and George A. Smith; the fifth, Joseph Young and the Presidents of the Seventies; the sixth, is a preparation room for the male members.
On the north side, the first from the east end, is for Bishop Whitney and the lesser priesthood; the second is for the High Council; the third and fourth President George Miller and the High Priest quorum; the fifth, the Elders quorum and the sixth, the female preparation room.
The Main Room
The main room is divided into apartments for the Ceremonies of the Endowment. Beginning from the door at the west end is an alley about five feet wide extending to about three feet beyond the first beam of the arch. On each side of the alley is a small room partitioned off–where the saints receive the first part of the ceremony or where the man is created and a help mate given to him. From these rooms to the third partition in the arch, is planted the garden which is nicely decorated and set off with shrubs and trees in pots and boxes to represent the Garden of Eden. In this apartment is also an alter. Here the man and woman are placed and commandments given to them in addition to what is given in the creation. Here also, after the man and woman have eaten of the forbidden fruit, is given to them – a charge at the alter, and the first and second tokens of the Aaronic priesthood. They are then thrust out into a room which is dark – being the one on the north side between the fourth and fifth division of the arch which represents the Telestial Kingdom or the world. Opposite to this is another apartment of the same size representing the Terrestrial Kingdom and between the two, is an alley about four feet wide. In the Telestial Kingdom, after the man has proved himself faithful, he receives the first signs and tokens of the Melchizedek priesthood and an addi[ti]onal charge. Here also, he vouches for the conduct of his companion. They are then left to prove themselves faithful after which they are admitted into the Terrestrial Kingdom, where at the alter they receive an addi[ti]onal charge and the second token of the Melchizedek priesthood and also the key word on the five points of fellowship. There are words given with every token and their new name is given in the preparation room when they receive their washing and anointing. After they have received all their tokens and words, or signs, they are led to the veil, where they give each to Eloheim through the veil and are then admitted into the Celestial room.
The Celestial room occupies the remainder of the main room – being the space between the two divisions of the arch. This is adorned with a number of splendid mirrors, paintings and portraits. On the east wall are the following portraits: in the center President Brigham Young and next to the left, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde. To the right, Willard Richards, John Taylor and George A. Smith.
On the east side of the first division of the arch, in the center is the portrait of L. S. Scovil; next to the right is George A. Smith; next John Smith, the patriarch. To the left is Barsheba [sic] Smith and mother Lucy Smith.
On the west side of the second division – in the center – stands a brass clock over which is a splendid portrait of the late Hyrum Smith and next to the right, C. C. Rich, George Miller and Clarissa Smith. To the left is Sister Rich, next Mary Catherine Miller and last Leonora A. Taylor.
There are also a number of maps, a large map of the world hangs on the north side wall and three maps of the United States; besides, a number of mirrors and paintings.
In the center and body of the Celestial room are two splendid tables and four splendid sofas. Also a small table opposite the large window on the east end of the room on which stands the Celestial and Terrestrial globes.
All the rooms are nicely carpeted and have a very splendid and comfortable appearance. There are a number of handsome chairs in it.”
11 Dec.: Wm. Clayton anointed a priest and king.
“At 12 Prest. Young said I could go and fetch my wife if I had a mind to. I immediately went down and returned with her at 1 o clock. I then went into the preparation room and was washed by Br H. C. Kimball & George A. Smith, and then anointed a priest and a king unto the most High God by Prest. Young and Amasa Lyman and pronounced clean from the blood of this generation.” (William Clayton diary, 11 Dec., 1845)
11 Dec.: Still no Peter, James, John.
“President Young officiated as Eloheim P. P. Pratt as Jehovah and George A. Smith as Michael.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 11 Dec., 1845)
12 Dec.: John D. Lee prepares temple for ordinances.
“About 4 A.M. I entered the Temple and in connection with several others cleaned up the rooms in the different departments and prepared for the endowment at half past 9 morning [sic] — the 12 having come in they comenced opperations. I will mention here that I had for several days to be door keeper as well as chief cook and bottle washer. I do not mean in giving endowments but to see that all things were in rediness and kept straight in the preparation time. Pres. B. Young as soon as circumstances would advise organized and placed help in the differents and I was set a part for a clerk to keep the records of the Saints. I was truly thankful that I was thus favored as I had much writing in the rear to do – through the day and part of the night some 53 persons were washed and anointed under the hands of Pres. Joseph Young Harriman, Pres. B. L. Clapp G. M. Grant Samuel Bent Isaac Moorley C. C. Rich and Phineas Young.” (John D. Lee diary, 12 Dec., 1845. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
“About twenty-five persons are required in the different departments to attend to the washing, anointing, blessing, ordaining, and sealing.” (ca. Dec., 1845. In Mormonism Unveiled . . ., pp. 169-170)
12 Dec.: Erastus Snow receives endowment.
“On the 6th of October [1845] it was presented to the church in general conference assembled; in the first main story of the temple, which building being enclosed was prepared with a temporary floor & seats for the occasion–And it was voted unanimously with acclamation to remove west of the Rocky Mountains, all our influence & means whould be devoted to removeing this entire people who should wish to go.
From this time increased exertions were made throughout the church to finish the Temple that we might enjoy the benefits & attend to the ordinances thereof during the ensueing winter–About the first of December, the rooms in the attic story were completed and prepared for the washings, anointings, sealings, and endowments; and dedicated into the Lord for that purpose.
On the 12th December Myself and wife Artimesia received the first ordinces of endowments and were called to labour & administer in the temple from that time forth and I departed not from the Temple day or night but continued in the labours and duties thereof with the Twelve and others selected for the purpose; about six weeks–Mrs. Snow continued in the female department about a month.” (“Erastus Snow’s Journal–Continued from Book Second, Book 3rd,” manuscript pp. 37-38; typescript pp. 94-95; Huntington Library)
12 Dec.: Still no Peter, James, John.
“Prest. Young acting as Eloheem P. P. Pratt as Jehovah Orson Hyde as Michael Wm. W. Phelps as the serpent.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 12 Dec., 1845)
12 Dec.: Trouble with washings and anointings.
“Perfect peace and harmony prevail during the whole time, except in one case which happened this afternoon, wherein Phebe Woodworth interfered with business which did not belong to her, and in the presence of those who are higher in authority than her, and undertook to dictate and control those who were legally and righteously appointed to superintend and administer the ordinance of washing and anointing to the females.” [Because of modesty? Apparently, females and males were entirely naked during washing and anointing.] (Heber C. Kimball diary, 12 Dec., 1845)
12 Dec.: Joseph Fielding re-endowed.
“. . . the upper room is finished and about the beginning of December it was dedicated, and the 12 began to give to the Saints their Endowment, on the 5[th of December] I entered it for the first [time] and I truly felt as though I had gotten out of the World and on Friday, the 12th I and my Wife received our Endowment having formerly received it in the Days of Joseph and Hyram but it is now given in a more perfect Manner because of better Convenience, the 12 are very strict in attending to the true and proper form.” (Joseph Fielding Journal, from BYU Studies 19(2):133-166 {Winter, 1979})
12 Dec.: Norton Jacob’s endowment.
“the upper rooms being finished & completely furnished, was dedicated & on Wednesday the 10th day of Dec., 1845 the Twelve commenced the washing & anointing in the Temple of the Lord!! on Friday the 12th Br Wm Weeks came to me & said he wanted me to go home & prepare myself & Wife & come to the Temple at 12 oclock AM. ready to receive our endowments. We most joyfuly complyed with the request & about 5 oclock P.M. Wee were washed & anointed in the House of the Lord it was the most interesting scene of all my life & one that afforded the most Peace & Joy that wee had ever experienced Since wee were Married which has been over 15 years. Brethren Wm Weeks Truman O. Angel Charles C Rich, George W. Harris James Alredd & Wm Felshaw were the first that received their endowment in this House of the Lord which took place on this day, the time before having been occupied in the washing & anointing. those that had before received their endowments under the hands of Joseph the [sic] Smith the Prophet which he confered upon them one year ago last winter After those six went in with their wives Amos Fielding, Noah Packerd, Samuel Rolf, Aron Johnson Wm Snow Wilard Snow, Erastus Snow Player [?] & myself with our wives were called in & all passed through the endowment at the same time.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 12 Dec., 1845, p. 24)
12 Dec.: Endowments given all night.
“In company with my brethren of the Twelve I officiated in the Temple until midnight.
Orson Pratt and his wife, Sarah Marinda, the First Presidency of the Seventy and their wives and others numbering in all twenty-eight males and twenty-seven females received the ordinances of endowment.
Several tarried in the Temple all night.” (HC 7:544)
13 Dec.: Peter, James and John added.
“At 20 minutes after 12 commenced receiving the above through the ceremonies the officers officiating were as follows. President B. Young as Eloheem John Taylor as Jehovah H C Kimball as Michael W. W. Phelps as the Serpent P. P. Pratt as Peter Amasa Lyman as James Orson Pratt as John.
Last evening an arrangement was made establishing better order in conducting the endowment. Under this order it is the province of Eloheem Jehovah and Michael to create the world, plant the Garden and create the man and give his help meet. Eloheem gives the charge to Adam in the Garden and thrusts them into the telestial kingdom or the world. Then Peter assisted by James and John conducts them through the Telestial and Terrestrial kingdom administering the charges and tokens in each and conducts them to the vail where they are received by the Eloheem and after talking with him by words and tokens are admitted into the Celestial Kingdom.
At 5 minutes before 2 o clock P. M. President Young commenced receiving the following into the upper department being those who were washed & anointed at 15 minutes after 11 o clock viz. Daniel Spencer & Mary Spencer. Phineas H. Young Samuel Bent & Lettice Bent.” [Note that this endowment session took only 1 hour 35 minutes.] (Heber C. Kimball diary, 13 Dec., 1845)
13 Dec.: Parts identified by number.
“At half after 3 o clock P. M. commenced receiving the foregoing through the ceremonies, the following persons officiating viz In the upper department P. P. Pratt as No 1 [Eloheim] Orson Hyde as No 2 [Jehovah] John Taylor as No 3 [Michael] — In the middle department. John Taylor as No 1 [Peter] Charles C Rich as No 2 [James] Orson Pratt as No 3 [John] Wm W. Phelps as No 4 [Serpent].” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 13 Dec., 1845)
13 Dec.: All listed women received thru veil by husbands. (Heber C. Kimball diary, 13 Dec., 1845)
13 Dec.: Length of time for washings/anointings.
“At 14 minutes before 5 o clock P. M. the brethren commenced washing the following, viz. John Lytle born August 18, 1803 John Mills born January 14, 1816 Isaac Chase born December 12 1791 Hans C. Hanson born November 23, 1806 Peter C. Hanson born June 11, 1818 Andrew Lytle born December 25, 1812 Elisha Averett born December 12, 1810
These were washed by Levi W. Hancock and Benjamin L. Clapp and anointed by Isaac Morley and Albert P. Rockwood They finished the washing and anointing to the foregoing at 20 minutes before 6 o clock P. M. [i.e. 54 minutes]
About 5 o clock the sisters commenced washing and anointing the following, in the following order.
Christiana Lytle born February 16 – 1806 washed by Agness Smith And. [anointed] by Barsheba W. Smith
Elizabeth Mills born November 14 – 1816 Washed by Leonora Taylor and anointed by Sarah D. Rich
Phebe Chase born December 7th 1794 washed by Mary C. Miller and anointed by Barsheba W. Smith
Hannah Lytle born June 4th 1801, Washed by Mercy R. Thompson and anointed by Leonora Taylor.
They finished these ordinances to the above at half after 5 oclock P. M. [i.e. 30 minutes] (Heber C. Kimball diary, 13 Dec., 1845)
13 Dec.: Ringing of bell.
“Rule 3rd. At the ringing of the bell [signalling the beginning of an endowment session], all walking about, and loud talking must cease.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 13 Dec., 1845)
13 Dec.: Franklin D. Richard’s endowment.
“We with Brothers S. Bent, P. H. Young William Miller, George D. Grant, and a few others, Danial Spencer, William L. Cutler, Philo Dibble, and wives, received our washing and annointing in the ‘House of the Lord’, in the attic story. I pray thee my Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ thy son, to impart unto me from henceforth that portion of thy good spirit which shall enable me to keep inviolate all those sacred obligations which I am placed under by virtue of the endowment this day conferred upon me, for I feel myself blessed beyond measure in being called upon so soon to enter in, while many of my brethren, who perhaps are more worthy than I am, are delayed. Help me my Father, I pray thee, to be as forward to do good to my fellowmen, especially those who are of the household of faith, as thou has been to bestow upon me these precious blessings of thy ‘Holy House’, and may they have the savory effect upon my vessel to sanctify it, and make it a vessel of honor, firm for my master’s use, yea, Oh God, may I be faithful unto the attaining to the fulness of these two Priesthoods, and have the power thereof unto the renewing of my body, and may my companion also be sanctified by the same means, and each of us understand and perform our duties to each other well, that the bond of union may become perfect and never be broken. May we both keep closed mouths, faithful spirits, and observe all things pertaining to the oath of the Priesthood and be found faithful therein, and never fall, but rise in intelligence until we become fit for the presence of our Father in Heaven, all which blessings we ask in the name of Jesus Christ.” (Franklin D. Richards diary, 13 Dec., 1845. LDS Archives)
13 Dec.: Drafting of rules for the preservation of order.
“We continued officiating in the Temple; twenty-five males and twenty females were administered unto.
I drafted rules for the preservation of order in the House of the Lord.” (HC 7:544-545)
13 Dec.: David Candland’s endowment.
“Went to Dustin Amy’s for some tin ware & there saw D. Candland about the endowment as he had been through.” (Hosea Stout diary, 13 Dec., 1845)
14 Dec.: Standardization of temple clothing.
“He [Brigham Young] then observed that he should henceforth have all the cloth, which was intended for robes, garments and aprons, brought and either cut or made in this Temple under the superintendance of those who know how to do it right. There are now scarcly two Aprons alike nor two garments cut or marked right, and it is necessary to observe perfect order in this thing and it never can be done unless we take this course.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 14 Dec., 1845)
14 Dec.: Presentation of rules.
“The Twelve and others with our wives met in the attic story of the Temple.
After prayer and singing, Elders Isaac Morley and Charles C. Rich administered, and we partook of the sacrament.
I introduced the subject of establishing rules for the preservation of order in the House of the Lord which were agreed to and ordered to be printed.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:545)
14 Dec.: Proper order of laying corner stones.
“I referred to the manner in which the corner stones of this Temple were laid as published in the Times and Seasons, and said that the perfect order would have been for the presidency of the stake to lay the first or southeast corner; the high council the second or southwest corner; the bishops the northeast corner; but the high priests laid the southwest corner, though they had no right to do it.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:545)
14 Dec.: Objections to individuals receiving endowment.
“I spoke of the brethren making objections to persons being permitted to receive the ordinances, and added, that when objections were made I should feel bound to determine whether the person making the objections was a responsible person, and if he is not, I should do as I pleased about listening to the objections; but if he was a responsible person I should listen to them.
To constitute a man responsible he must have the power and ability not only to save himself but to save others; but there are those who are not capable of saving themselves and will have to be saved by others.
When a man objects to another receiving the ordinances he becomes responsible to answer to God for that man’s salvation; and who can tell but if he received the ordinances he would be saved, but if we refuse to give him the means he cannot be saved and we are responsible for it.
There is no law to prevent any man from obtaining all the blessings of the priesthood if he will walk according to the commandments, pay his tithes and seek after salvation, but he may deprive himself of them.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:546)
14 Dec.: Instructions to those already endowed.
“Two p.m., many of those who had received their ordinances the past week met and received instructions from Elders Parley P. Pratt and William W. Phelps.” (HC 7:546)
14 Dec.: Money raised for temple clothing.
“On Sunday, the 14th, attended a general conference of the Seventies in the Concert Hall. Brother A. P. Rockwood presided, and there was about $30 raised to purchase clothing for the purpose of carrying the Seventies through the endowments. I still continued to work in the Temple, rejoicing in being counted worthy to associate with the Lord’s holy anointed ones.” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 14 Dec., 1845)
15 Dec.: Elders to get endowment before missions.
“Elder [Wilford] Woodruff remarked that we had been expecting elders who had received their endowment to arrive in this country, but they now might not come, but probably go to the seed of Jacob in the West; but I trust there is sufficient wisdom and talent here to carry on the work. It is for you to rise up as men of God, that your course may be onward and increasing. Remember that the kingdom is rising in the West, that their eyes will be upon you, and their ears to listen to the report of your welfare. We have to lead the people there, and we have a great work to do. I remember the words of our beloved prophet; on one occasion he said, ‘I have one of the most important proclamations to make to you that God [h]as yet given: as soon as the elders get their endowments, they may go both through North and South America, and build up stakes of Zion, as far as doors are open.’ We now leave the temple and city, as a stake and a monument of the industry and sacrifice of the Saints, at least until the indignation and judgments of God are past over. Any nation acting as America has done, in withholding justice, in refusing to defend her citizens from violence and death, will be punished, and is ripe for the judgments of God; and rest assured, brethren, that the church in the wilderness will look unto this portion of the church to assist and uphold them.” (Manchester Special General Conference minutes, 14 Dec., 1845; MS 7(1):4, 1 Jan., 1846)
15 Dec.: Hosea Stout receives endowment.
“This morning at 8 o’clock I went with my wife to the Temple to recieve our endowment and was there untill near noon before we commenced recieving it & was engaged untill evening in recieving it.” (Hosea Stout diary, 15 Dec., 1845)
16 Dec.: John D. Lee prompter at the veil.
“About 4 o’clock in the morning I entered the Poarch in the lower court where I met the Porter who admitted me in through the door which led to the foot or nearly so of a great flight of Stairs which be ascending led me to the door of the outer court which I found tyled within by an officer I having the proper implements of that degree gained admittance through the outer and inner courts which opened and led to the sacred departments. The titles of these departments are not lawful for me to give at present. Having entered I found myself alone with the Tyler that kept the inner courts set about and soon got fires up in the different rooms and setting things in order — for the day — at about 9 o’clock in the morning the washing and anointing commenced, in both departments some more than 50 persons received their washings and anointings — through the day and night — under the hands of the above persons referred to. I have been closely engaged all the day both in writing and assisting as prompter at the veil etc. Operations of the day closed about 1 o’clock in the morning. Pres. B. Young, A. P. Rockwood and myself tarried over night in the Temple.” (John D. Lee diary, 16 Dec., 1845. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
16 Dec.: Further instructions in temple.
“I have been busy in the Temple dictating the order of business, appointing brethren to officiate in the various departments, and giving much instruction at different intervals; Elder Kimball assisted me.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:547)
17 Dec.: Attempt to sell Temple to Catholics.
“The Galena Gazette of the 12th speaking of the report in circulation, that certain Catholics were negotiating for the purchase of the Nauvoo Temple says, ‘It is contradicted by bishop Quarters, of this diocese. He says, Moreover, that he has never authorized any person to apply to bishop Purcell, in relation to any affairs in his diocese, being fully capable of managing them himself.” (Peoria Democratic Press 6(45):2, 17 Dec., 1845; Snider Collection)
17 Dec.: Preparation of water for washing.
“Went to the Temple at 7 [a.m.] again and assisted in preparing watter for the washing.” (Hosea Stout diary, 17 Dec., 1845)
17 Dec.: Singing and dancing in temple.
[J. D. Lee acts as prompter and Tempter in the garden; seventies take through a very late company; fiddler comes in and plays while they all sing and dance in the East room.] (John D. Lee diary, 17 Dec., 1845. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
17 Dec.: Progress report on temple to British Saints.
“We have received a communication from our beloved President Brigham Young, dated Nauvoo, City of Joseph, Dec. 17th, 1845, by which we find that the Saints at least consider that all things are prospering with them. They have commenced the endowments in the attic story of the Lord’s House, and are employed therein night and day; they had, at the date of the letter, given the endowment to some four hundred persons.
The mob, it is said, and now much vexed at our removal, and at the prospect of the Roman Catholics succeeding us. The Saints had been visited by two reverend gentlemen sent by the bishop of Chicago, who examined minutely the city and public buildings, and who declared our Temple to exceed anything they had seen outside of Italy. . . .
The people are still labouring on the Temple, and the finish of the interior is progressing rapidly. The fount and oxen of hewn stone are nearly accomplished, and will soon be fit for use.” (MS 7(3):48, 1 Feb., 1846)
18 Dec.: John D. Lee consents to adopting others.
“I this evening while at home had application by Pres. H. B. Owens and Lady to be adopted into my family and take upon them my Name which I consented to do.” (John D. Lee diary, 18 Dec., 1845. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
18 Dec.: Anxiety for continuance of ordinances.
“In consequence of the great pressure of business during the past week, it had been decided to devote Saturday to the purpose of washing robes and garments used, but there being a general desire in the minds of all those officiating in the ordinances that the work should not cease, it was determined that the clothes should be washed during the night.” (HC 7:547)
19 Dec.: George Laub endowment.
“Now in this time I atached myself to John D. Lee’s family to become his adopted son in the order of god and obediance of the gospel & in this time the Endewment commmenced in the house of the Lord, the temple in Nauvoo John D. Lee was one amongst the first that was chosen to receive the Endewment &c. on the 19th nineteenth of December in one week after I was also chosen to enter into the house of the Lord, and recieved my washing and anointing my Endewment and keys of knowledge whereby to approach our heaven father signs and, tokens and ordinations worthy of Rememberence. now I say unto you who knows who is anointed a king in Israel & a priest unto God wherefore I say unto you beware that you tuch [touch?] not of the Lords anointed Least you touch the applie of the Lords eye and thou be cut asunder or do not speak Evil of them Least thou say aught against his children also how to detect fals spirits as deceavers who profess to be apostles and are non[e]
And the new name that non[e] can read save him who recieve it
Now in this time I atached myself to John D. Lees Family to become his adapted son according to the order of the law law [sic] of God through the obediance of the gospel. and this time the endewment commenced, and J. D. Lee was one among the first that was chosen to receave his Endewment. and on the 19th of December I was chosen to enter into the house of the Lord (or the temple) in Nauvoo to receave my Endewment my washing and my anointing. keys whereby to approach our heavenly Father signs & tokens of the aronick && the Melchesedeck Priesthood. and ordinations worthy of notice.
Who knows who is ordained a king in Isreal and a priest unto God Therefore be aware least you trample or tuch the Lords anointed and then you touch the apple of mine eye. thus saith the lord &c thus some profess to be apostles and when the[y] are tried the[y] are found lyers. also to detect fals spirits. also the new name that no one can read save him that recieves the same.
Now while the Endewment was continued on till the twenty fifth of December our enemys were rageing against us . . .
After this I was permited to enter into the temple frequently pasing and repasing from one apartment to the other and the old and young men and maidens went fourth in their Dances this was pleasing to the Lord . . .” (George Laub Journal, photocopy in Huntington Library–differs from following extract reprinted in BYU Studies)
“Now in this time I agreed to goe in to John D. Lee’s family as to the Law of Adoption through his persuation according to the celestial law. Now the Endewments commenced in the house of the Lord in the temple of Nauvoo, in which John D. Lee was one of the first to Receave his Endewments & on the 19th Nineteenth I receaved mine. This the 19th of December as being chosen to recieve my washing & anointing in the house of the Lord in the Temple of Nauvoo, also Keys whereby to approach our heavenly Father, Signs & Tokens. Now I say, he that knows his fellow who is anointed to be a king in Israel and a priest unto God, be ware to touch not the Lord’s anointed Least you touch the apple of his Eye, least thou be cut asunder. Neither Speak Evil of Such, etc., Least thou say aught agains[t] his children. Also how to Detect fals Spirits or deceavers who profess to be apostles and are none. And the New name that noe man can read Save him that Recieveth the Same or Recieve it, etc.” (George Laub Journal, reprinted in BYU Studies 18(2):164-165, Winter, 1978)
19 Dec.: Dancing in temple.
“This morning Pres. Young . . . drew the reigns rather closer than they were before — after the busy cares of the day we entered into the east part of the Temple where we again too a little recreation to liven up our spirits while dancing before the Lord the Twelve participated in the mirth.” (John D. Lee diary, 19 Dec., 1845. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
20 Dec.: Aaron Johnson listed as “the Messenger” in the endowment. [Meaning?] (Heber C. Kimball diary, 20 Dec., 1845)
20 Dec.: #2 = Jehovah.
“I will here observe that I was selected a prompter at the veil. I also acted no. 2 in the first department (that is Jehovah).” (John D. Lee diary, 20 Dec., 1845. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
20 Dec.: Pressure to continue ordinances.
“We considered it prudent to devote today to cleaning and washing, and suspend operations in the Temple; but on account of the anxiety of the saints to receive their ordinances, the brethren and sisters volunteered to wash clothes every night. Ninety-five persons received their ordinances.” (HC 7:548)
21 Dec.: No females endowed at first.
“Females were not received when we first received the Holy order – Men apotatized [sic], being led by their wives – if any such cases occur again – no more women will be admitted.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Priesthood and Temple.
“We cannot rest day nor night until we put you in possession of the Priesthood.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Pattern for figleaf.
“Elder Kimball showed the right fashion for a leaf.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Joseph & Hyrum not wearing garments.
“[Heber C. Kimball] spoke of Elder Richards being protected at Carthage Jail – having on the robe, while Joseph & Hyrum, and Eld Taylor were shot to pieces. . . . Elder John Taylor confirmed the saying that Joseph and Hyrum & himself were without their robes in the jail at Carthage Whil Doct Richards had his on, but corrected the idea that some had, that they had taken them off through fear. W. W. Phelps said Joseph told him one day about that time, that he had laid aside his garment on account of the hot weather.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Protective powers of garments.
“Elder Kimball showed the right fashion for a leaf,—Spoke of Elder Richards being protected at Carthage jail—having on the robe, while Joseph & Hyrum and Eld Taylor were shot to pieces — said the Twelve would have to leave shortly for a charge of treason would be brought against them for swearing us to avenge the blood of the anointed ones, and some one would reveal it, and we shall have to put some day between sundown and dark —
George Miller said that when near the camp of Gen Hardin, he was shot at and the sentinel who was near him was killed, but he escaped unhurt, having on his garments — he spoke of the design and purpose for which all the symbols in the garden were given &c. Paul said he bore in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ [Gal 6:17] — which was as plainly as he dare allude to these things in writing. But the marks Paul alluded to were just such as we now have on our garments — He spoke of the signs, tokens & penalties, and of the work in general, said it was the work of God, by which he designs to reinstate man into his presence &c.
Elder John Taylor confirmed the saying that Joseph and Hyrum & himself were without their robes in the jail at Carthage while Doct Richards had his on, but corrected the idea that some had that they had taken them off through fears.
W.W. Phelps said Joseph told him one day about that time, that he had laid aside his garment on account of the hot weather. Elder Kimball said word came to him & to all the Twelve about that time to lay aside their garments and take them to pieces, or cut them to pieces, or cut them up so that they could not be found.
* * *
When we pray to the Lord we ought to come together clad in proper garments, and when we do so, and unite our hearts and hands together, and act as one mind, the Lord will hear us and will answer our prayers. Our garments should be properly marked and we should understand these marks and we should wear these garments continually, by night & by day, in prison or free and if the devils in hell cut us up, let them cut the garments to pieces also — if we have the garments upon us at all times we can at any time offer up the signs. * * * Said that whenever they (G.A. Smith and W. Woodruff) could get an opportunity they retired to the wilderness or to an upper room — they do so and offered up the signs, and were always answered. * * * It would be a good thing for us to put on our garments, every day and pray to God, and in our private circles, when we can do so with safety-* * * You have now learned how to pray. You have been taught how to approach God and be recognized. This is the principle by which the Church has been kept together. * * * Those who have learned to approach God and receive these blessings, are they better than you? The difference is, they have been permitted to have these things revealed to them.” (Journal of Heber C. Kimball; Church Historical Department; Sunday, December 21, 1845.)
21 Dec.: Oath of vengeance.
“[Heber C. Kimball] said the Twelve would have to leave shortly, for a charge of treason would be brought against them for swearing us to avenge the blood of the anointed ones, and some one would reveal it, and we shall have to part some day between sundown and dark.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Paul and the Temple garment.
“Paul said he bore in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ – which was as plainly as he dare allude to these things in writing. But the marks Paul alluded to were just such as we now have on our garments. – He spoke of the signs, tokens & penalties, and of the work in general, said it was the work of God, by which he designs to reinstate man into his presence. &c.” (George Miller, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Endowment a picture or map.
“The scenery through which you have passed is actually laying before you a picture or map by which you are to travel through life, and obtain an entrance into the celestial kingdom hereafter.” (Amasa Lyman, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Promise of 2nd anointing.
“If you are found worthy and maintain your integrity, and do not run away and think you have got all your endowment you will be found worthy after a while, which will make you honorable with God. You have not yet been ordained to any thing, but will be by and by. You have received these things, because of your compliance with all the requisitions of the law, and if faithful you will receive more.” (Amasa Lyman, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
“You have been anointed to be kings and priests, but you have not been ordained to it yet, and you have got to get it by being faithful – You can’t sin so cheap now as you could before you came to this order.” (Heber C. Kimball, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Fabric for garments.
“One other thing. You all want to get garments, and you need not wait to get fine linen or bleached cotton for your garments. – Shirting or sheeting will do for garments. The women can cut theirs from the cuts on their husbands. – We dont want you to come here and take up the time to cut your garments. Go to a good faithful sister, & secrete yourselves, and make your garments. We have been crowded too much and we have got to stop it. and if you have cloth, and come here to get your cloth cut, we shall keep it here to make use of till we get through. We dont want one person that has come into the order the week past, to come into this room during the coming week except those who are to work. If you want any thing let it come in writing.” (Heber C. Kimball, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Garments to be worn day and night.
“Our garments should be properly marked and we should understand those marks and we shoud wear those garments continually, by night & by day, in prison or free.” (George A. Smith, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
21 Dec.: Further instructions to those already endowed.
“According to appointment on Sunday last, a meeting was held in the Temple today of some of those who had received their ordinances.
Seventy-five persons were present.
Elder Heber C. Kimball presiding.”
(HC 7:548)
“on Sunday the 14 attended a general conference of the Seventies in the concert Hall when B A. P. Rockwood Presided & there was about $30 raised to purchase clothing for the purpose of carrying the Seventies through the Endowments. I still continued to work at the Temple rejoicing in being counted worthy to associated with the Lord’s Holy anointed ones. this week my Father visited me after being absent from the city some time he appeared to be much perplexed about his business and seemed inclined to tarry at his home at Pilot Grove through the winter but I perswaded him to come & live with my family and endeavor to obtain a knowledge of the things pertaining to the fullness of the Priesthood & Kingdom of God in the Last days. he tarried till Sunday the 21st when upon my recomdation he was ordained into the Elders Quorum, about the middle of this week the weather set in verry cold; I foun[d] Widow Stoel & family were suffering intensely living in a cold open house without firewood. I called upon her as I went to my work in the morning and told her to take her children and go to my house afterwards with the assistance of Father I removed her beds and she tarried with us. on Tuesday 23 my Father removed his clothing & and took up his abode with us; we all lived together now verry hapily enjoying the comfort of the holy Gost. on the 21st I with my wife first had the exqusit pleasure of meeting with the holy order of the Lord’s anointed in his holy house whose Motto is ‘Holiness to the Lord.'” (Record of Norton Jacob, p. 25)
“went to a meeting in the Temple at two o’clock which was the first time which we ever met in a meeting of the Holy order.” (Hosea Stout diary, 21 Dec., 1845)
“a meeting was held in the Temple today of those who had received the ordinances. Seventy-five persons were present. The sacrament was administered by Father John Smith and Bishop George Miller. Elder George A. Smith and Heber C. Kimball preached, and others made a few remarks confirming what had been said. Elder John Taylor was mouth in prayer. Meeting dismissed at 2 p.m.” (HC 7:557)
21 Dec.: Women still allowed in special prayer circles.
“An odd result of the expansion of the Anointed Quorum to include all Latter-day Saints was the altered status of women in prayer circle meetings after 1845. The Anointed Quorum organized by Joseph Smith had included both men and women but stopped its separate meetings in December 1845. Heber C. Kimball indicated on 21 December 1845 that women could continue to participate with men in separate prayer circle meetings when he stated to newly endowed persons: ‘The Sisters ought not to gather together in schools to pray unless their husbands or some man be with them.’ [Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Dec., 1845] Nevertheless, the available records of the special and ecclesiastical prayer circles from the 1850s to the 1950s describe only one instance in which women met with their husbands in prayer circle meetings. A meeting of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in January 1896 shows that it was the policy after 1846 to exclude women from men’s prayer circle meetings:
The subject of permission to the sisters to meet in prayer circles was discussed, as the question had been asked whether it would be right or whether they could be permitted to meet with their husbands in a prayer circle, seeing that sisters had been admitted to prayer circles in the Nauvoo Temple. It was shown, however, that on such occasions it was for the purpose of teaching the order of prayer as it is now the custom in the Temples. It was decided that if the sisters desired to meet for prayer they could do so as members and officers of Relief Societies in their regular places of meeting, but that it would not be advisable for them to meet at circles or to participate in prayer-circle meetings. [Journal History, 30 Jan., 1896]”
(D. Michael Quinn, “Latter-day Saint Prayer Circles,” BYU Studies 19(1):94-95, Fall, 1978)
21 Dec.: Norton Jacob’s 1st meeting with Holy Order.
“On the 21st, I, with my wife, first had the exquisite pleasure of meeting with the holy order of the Lord’s anointed in his holy House, whose motto is ‘Holiness to the Lord.'” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 21 Dec., 1845)
22 Dec.: Officiators and stations named.
“The day previous some excellent instructions was offered in the Temple relative to order among the saints and in the House of the Lord more especially showing the wisdom & policy of the mind of the spirit in selecting or appointing Persons to officiate in the different departments in the House of the Lord. That the innocent & just might not be exposed to the ignorance of inquisitive bablers who know not how to keep from commiting themselves–responsible & confidential men ought to & must be selected to officiate in giving the Endowment to the Saints–accordingly at 8 o. clock A M the roll was called, and those persons who had been appointed to attend & officiate in the different departments, received their several stations Namely O. Spencer, C No. 1 L N Scovil I No. 2 C C Rich M No. 3 Wm. W. Phelps F No. 4 F. D. Richards prompters in the garden–Middle department Erastus Snow P No. 1 J. P. Dykes No. 2–John–W. A. Sanger Jas. No. 3–F. D. R[ichards]. P. No. 4 I the upper department O. Spencer Screen at the V–J. D. Lee Prompter A. V. [at veil?] No. 2 H. G. Sherwood Marshall–Daniel _____[unreadable] wardrobe–A. Lytle John Scott & Elijah Averett attend to fire & water in the Female department–Hesea Stout & J. D. H___ter [unreadable] in thge male department to wash Wm. Crosby Peter Haws & J P Harmon–to Anoint A. O. Smoot A. Wm. Snow Elisha Averett Lewis Robbins Door Keepers John L. Butler Fireman L N Foster J D. Lee and David Candland Clerks. This arrangement however was is [sic] not permanent it being the order of the day only on acount of the mamber of candidate being chiefly High Priest–which of course left Pres Jos. Young & council out until a company of the Seventies should be taken in.” (General Record of the Seventies, Book B. 22 Dec., 1845)
22 Dec.: Harrison Burgess to assist with further endowments.
“Mon the 22 I was called upon by Pres Joseph Young to go to the Temple and assist in the work of Endowment with a request that I would help him clear through until the work was done; which I did.” (Harrison Burgess Journal; CHO; Ms/d/893; Monday, 22 Dec., 1845.)
23 Dec.: Nelson Bates receives endowment.
“The nature and ordinances of this endowment, is calculated to remain a secret within the society. On the 23d of Dec., [1845] myself and wife received our in connexion with many others.” (Nelson Bates Journal, RLDS Archives)
23 Dec.: Bleached cotton for temple clothing.
“I worked in the Temple untill evening and met the police and then came home and Br James Pace came with me & brought some bleached cotton and let me have 24 yards to make me & my wife robes and other garments.” (Hosea Stout diary, 23 Dec., 1845)
24 Dec.: Warsaw Signal account of Endowment.
“GREAT COMMOTION IN NAUVOO.
Just as our paper was going to press we received intelligence from Nauvoo, that the Lord has accepted the Temple, and that the long promised endowment, for which the Saints have been so long preparing, is now being received.
The endowment consists in an abrogation of all existing marriages and every good saint is at liberty to cast away his present wife, and take any other who may suit him better. The consequence is, all Nauvoo is in commotion and the Saints are running about perfectly wild with excitement.
The reason why the Lord concluded to endow his saints in this singular manner, was because, some husbands were willing to go to Oregon, and their wives objected and vice versa; so they being mis-matched, the Lord concluded to prevent difficulty by giving all willing ones a chance to select new partners for the expedition.” (Warsaw Signal 2(40):2, 24 Dec., 1845; Snider Collection)
24 Dec.: I cannot receive endowment until husband returns
“The Temple still progresses. Hundreds have received their endowment washings anointings &c. I expect I cannot have mine until husband returns.” (Irene Hascall Pomeroy [Nauvoo] to her mother, Ursulia B. Hascall, 24 Dec., 1845; UHQ 25:140, 1957)
24 Dec.: Temple robes made in the temple.
“Went to the Temple before 7 o’clock to work as before. At Eleven my wife came to the Temple to cut out our robes and other garments.” (Hosea Stout diary, 24 Dec., 1845)
25 Dec.: Washings and anointings temporarily suspended.
“Thursday, 25—Six p.m., the high council met for prayer in room No. 4; the high priests met in room No. 8.
One hundred seven persons received their ordinances. The
business of the day closed at twenty minutes past ten o’clock, and notice was given that no more washings and anointings would be attended to at present. Brother Kimball and I, with some few others, remained in the Temple all night.” (HC 7:552, 25 Dec., 1845)
26 Dec.: 2nd anointing = fullness of priesthood.
“We have been ordained to the Melchisedeck Priesthood, which is the highest order of Priesthood, and it has many branches or offices. And those who have come in here and have received their washing & anointing will be ordained Kings & Priests, and will then have received the fullness of the Priesthood, all that can be given on earth, for Brother Joseph said he had given us all that could be given to man on the earth.” (Brigham Young, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 26 Dec., 1845)
26 Dec.: No more garments to be made in temple.
“I shall not have any more cutting & sewing of garments going on in the Temple. I shall have houses selected, where garments can be cut and made.” (Brigham Young, quoted in Heber C. Kimball diary, 26 Dec., 1845)
26 Dec.: Arrangement of endowment given to Bishop.
“The arrangement of the endowment was placed under the direction of or superintendance of Bishop G. Miller — who gave me the keys of the different departments together with such instructions as was necessary to admit the officers in to search the temple for those for whom they have writs.” (John D. Lee diary, 26 Dec., 1845. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
26 Dec.: Pay no respect to quorums.
“Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt and I were present in the Temple this morning and a few of those who had been officiating; I called them together in the east room about 11:30 a.m., and told them there would be no business done today and that they were all dismissed except the two Brothers Hanson, and three brethren for officers.
I said we shall have no more anointing at present, and if the brethren do not get anything more than they have already received, they have got all they have worked for in building this house; and if there is any more to be received it is because the Lord is merciful and gracious.
The high council and high priests will meet together once a day as usual for prayer.
Two hundred sixty-eight high priests were reported to have received their endowments.
I further remarked, that when we began again we should pay no respect to quorums. Every man that comes in, is washed and anointed by good men and it makes no difference. Every man that gets his endowments, whether he is a high priest or seventy may go into any part of the world and build up the kingdom if he has the keys. We have been ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood which is the highest order of the priesthood, and it has many branches or appendages.
I said, my feelings were to rest a few days and let the Temple rest, and when we commenced work again I would make a selection of hands who will remain and officiate daily. No persons will be allowed to come in unless they are invited, and I shall feel insulted if they remain here. I felt it impressed upon me to rest a few days and make these regulations, and as our oil is done we cannot do much anyway.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:552-553)
27 Dec.: Woman promised fullness of priesthood.
“Thou art a daughter of Abraham through the lines of Joseph & the Priesthood in its fullness shall be confered upon thee in due time. . . .
Thou shalt have faith to heal the sick when there is no elder present.” (Patriarchal Blessing of Mehitable Duty, by John Smith, 27 Dec., 1845. RLDS Archives, P8/F15)
27 Dec.: Non-Mormon visits attic story.
“Ten-fifteen a.m., the United States Deputy Marshal Roberts, went to the Temple in company with Almon W. Babbitt and searched for the Twelve and others. He was freely admitted to every part of the Temple, to which he desired access; he went into the tower, on to the roof, into the attic story and while viewing the city from the tower he expressed his astonishment at its magnificence and extent and said considering the unfavorable circumstances with which the people had been surrounded it seemed almost impossible that so much should have been accomplished. He passed through the various departments into the east room where he very intently examined the portraits, and made inquiries as to whose they were.
On entering the attic hall he was requested to take off his boots and uncover his head, to which he complied; after remaining about half an hour he departed.” (HC 7:553-554)
28 Dec.: Meeting in temple: signs, tokens, names.
“At 10 in the morning I entered the Temple of the Lord arrayed myself in Priestly attire — and took my station near the head of the company — by the speaker — in order to take minutes — of the discourse. Elder P. P. Pratt addressed the Throne of Grace. Pres. Brigham Young then arose draped in linen clean and white in the midst of about 300 that were arrayed in white robes — which is as emblem of the righteousness of the saints — He spoke in reference to the order of the Priesthood — the signs and tokens connected there with — he observed that there were 4 penal signs and 4 penal tokens and each one of them aludes to certain names — the first aludes to your New or 1st Name the 2nd to the 2nd and so on and should I or any of you want to inquire of the Lords — for anything ancient that transpired on Plannets that rolled into existence long after this world or theater of action was organized — I would use my New Name because it is more ancient than myself and refers to ancient times — and should I want to enquire for things that are mkodern I would use my own name and to inquire for things that are future I would use the name which refers to things in future — using the signs that are connected with the 3 names — The spirit of Elijah’s God was in our midst and surely we had a time of rejoicing — while we partook of the Bread and Wine and that of our own make pure and good — such a scene my eye never before beheld.” (John D. Lee diary, 28 Dec., 1845)
“At 10:00 a.m. in the House of the Lord, such of the saints as were provided with priestly robes convened for worship, all being arraigned in priestly attire. . . . The throne of grace was then addressed by Elder Parley P. Pratt.
President B. Young then said that, inasmuch as this congregation that are present are those that have received their endowments, and only a small part of them, therefore I will give some general instructions:
While the bread and wine are being prepared, the ordinances that you have received in the Garden, together with the performances of those things that have been presented, are to represent the Creation of the world; the name that was given to Adam was more ancient than he was. The name ‘Adam’ was given him because he was the first man, but his new name pertained to the Holy Priesthood and, as I before stated, is more ancient than he was. There are Four penal signs and four penal tokens, and should I want to address the throne to inquire after ancient things which transpired on planets before this planet came into existence, I should use my new name, which is ancient and refers to ancient things. If I wish to inquire for present things I should use my own name, which refers to present things; and should I wish to inquire for the future I should use the Third name, which refers to the Third Token–the Melchizedek, or is the Third token that is given, and refers to the Son. The second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood is to be given only in one place and nowhere else. These signs and tokens that pertain to the Priesthood should never be given anywhere, only in such places as belong to the Priesthood and that too by none but such as belong to the order of the Priesthood. But there are not six persons that have gone through these ordinances that can offer them correctly; and some have the presumption to approach this veil, which is the most sacred ordinance that is performed in this House, and have marked the garments wrong, and levity has been used here which is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Therefore I have shut down the gate and come to the conclusion that when we commence again we will make a selection of such persons as are worthy, and will give them their endowments first, and when they get their endowments, then the remainder may get theirs. I don’t know but I shall displeasure some of you but I don’t care if I do. Here are about 900 persons that are dressed today, and unless I lay an embargo on the Brethren, we will not first find garments enough to take the company through tomorrow without changing them from one to another. The Seventies have had about 18 garments and this morning there were not more than 5 or 6 to be found. Some have taken the garments and carried them off. I call such a condition stealing and it must be stopped.” (Entries from Book “B” of Minutes, Nauvoo Period, Seventies Record, Nauvoo, Sunday, December 29, 1845–Pages 135-136)
30 Dec.: Components of temple costume.
“At 10 m. before 11. John M. Bernhisel brought in a suit of garments for the use of the persons receiving their endowments. Robe. Garment. Apron. Cap. Moccasins & Socks.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 30 Dec., 1845)
“At 10 m. before 11. John M. Bernhisel brought in a suit of garments for the use of the persons receiving their endowments Robe, Garment, Apron, Cap, Moccasins, & Sash.” (Journal of Heber C. Kimball; Church Historical Department; December 30, 1845.)
30 Dec.: Recreation in the temple.
“The labors of the day having been brought to a close at so early an hour, viz.: eight-thirty, it was thought proper to have a little season of recreation, accordingly Brother Hanson was invited to produce his violin, which he did, and played several lively airs accompanied by Elisha Averett on his flute, among others some very good lively dancing tunes. This was too much for the gravity of Brother Joseph Young who indulged in dancing a hornpipe, and was soon joined by several others, and before the dance was over several French fours were indulged in. The first was opened by myself with Sister Whitney and Elder Heber C. Kimball and partner. The spirit of dancing increased until the whole floor was covered with dancers, and while we danced before the Lord, we shook the dust from off our feet as a testimony against this nation.
After the dancing had continued about an hour, several excellent songs were sung, in which several of the brethren and sisters joined. The ‘Upper California’ was sung by Erastus Snow, after which I called upon Sister Whitney who stood up and invoking the gift of tongues, sang a beautiful song of Zion in tongues. The interpretation was given by her husband, Bishop Whitney, and me, it related to our efforts to build this house to the privilege we now have of meeting in it, our departure shortly to the country of the Lamanites, their rejoicing when they hear the gospel and of the ingathering of Israel.
I spoke in a foreign tongue; likewise, Brother Kimball.
After a little conversation of a general nature I closed the exercises of the evening by prayer.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:557-558)
31 Dec.: Warsaw Signal update on Endowment.
“THE ENDOWMENT.–Last week, we stated that the Saints were receiving their endowment, which consisted in a total abrogation of the marriage contract. Later information confirms, to the fullest extent, this statement. The doctrine is that to those who have received their endowment, all old things are done away and every thing has become new. This is taken literally and applied to marriage and all other contracts.” (Warsaw Signal 2(41):2, 31 Dec., 1845; Snider Collection)
Adoptions in the Nauvoo Temple.
“The history of adoption following Joseph Smith’s death is less a mystery. In late 1845 it was decided that the temple then under construction in Nauvoo was sufficiently complete to permit the administration of its ordinances to as many of the faithful as time would permit. Although adoptions were performed there for nearly a month, the forced departure of the Church leaders from Nauvoo prevented the general membership from being adopted or having their own children sealed to them.
It would appear that while some prominent older men in the Church were allowed to have persons adopted to them, adoption was mainly restricted to those holding the apostleship. Seventy-four percent of those adopted, excluding natural children and relatives, were linked to Apostles Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Taylor, or Brigham Young. The majority were young couples in their twenties and thirties although there was also a significant number of persons in their forties. Some of the adopted would become well-known Saints, but only one or two ever occupied positions of the first rank in the Church. The rest were apparently ordinary members of the Church.” (Gordon Irving, “The Law of Adoption,” BYU Studies 14(3):295-296, Spring, 1974; Cites NAUVOO SEALINGS AND ADOPTIONS, 1846-1857, BOOK A, MICROFILM OF HOLOGRAPH, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS)