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TEMPLES, 1846
1846: Winter: Endowment of washing and anointing.
“This winter I passed once through the Temple and received my endowment of washing and anointing.” (John Murdock journal, winter of 1845-46; LDS Archives, Ouellette)
1 Jan.: Warsaw Signal report of Endowment.
“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.
This endowment consists in an abrogation of all existing marriages and every good Saint is at liberty to cast away his present wife, and take another 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 elect new partners for the expedition.
Warsaw Sig.” (Sangamo Journal 15(15):2, 1 Jan., 1846; Snider Collection)
1 Jan.: Dancing in temple.
“The floor was cleared of chairs & tables, and filled up with two sets of dancers, one on each side of the stove. After dancing a few figures, Pres. Young called the attention of the whole company, and then gave them a message, of this import, viz; that this temple was a Holy place, and that when we danced we danced unto the Lord, and that no person would be allowed to come on to this floor, and afterwards mingle with the wicked, He said the wicked had no right to dance, that dancing and music belonged to the Saints – and he strongly impressed upon the mind of those present the impropriety of mingling again with the wicked after having come in here, and taken upon them the covenants which they had.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 1 Jan., 1846)
2 Jan.: Propriety of dancing questioned.
“After closing his remarks he [Brigham Young] gave permission for all that wished to retire to do so. Many of the High Council, and High Priests were present, in all as many as forty, some of whom were perhaps at first a little doubtful as to the propriety of praising the Lord in this way, but probably their prejudices were dissipated, or removed, when they heard the remarks of Pres. Young.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 2 Jan., 1846)
2 Jan.: Heber C. Kimball’s dream.
“This morning Elder Heber C. Kimball related the following dream: Last evening, before retiring to bed he asked God to enlighten his mind with regard to the work of endowment; while sleeping he beheld a large field of corn that was fully ripe, he and a number of others were commanded to take baskets and pick off the corn with all possible speed, for there would soon be a storm that would hinder the gathering of the harvest. The hands engaged in gathering the harvest, were heedless and unconcerned and did not haste, as they were commanded; but he and the man he assisted had a much larger basket than the rest, and picked with all their might of the largest ears of the field, they once in a while would pick an ear that had a long tail on each end and but a few grains scattering over the center of the cob, which were very light.
The interpretation of the dream is, that the field represented the church, the good corn represented good saints, the light corn represented the light and indifferent saints, the laborers are those appointed to officiate in the Temple, the storm is trouble that is near upon us, and requires an immediate united exertion of all engaged in giving the endowments to the saints, or else we will not get through before we will be obliged to flee for our lives.” (HC 7:561)
2 Jan.: Further dancing in temple.
“Elder Kimball having invited Brothers William Pitt, William Clayton, J. F. Hutchinson and James Smithies [musicians], they performed several very beautiful pieces of music.
After a short time spent in dancing, Elder Orson Hyde delivered a short address and requested the company present to unite with him in prayer.” (HC 7:561-562)
2 Jan.: Priests to offer sacrifices in temple.
“When we see a temple built right, there will be a place for the priests to enter and put on their robes, and offer up sacrifices, first for themselves, and then for the people.” (Brigham Young, in Heber C. Kimball Journal, 2 Jan., 1846; quoted in Hartley, “Ordained and Acting Teachers in the Lesser Priesthood, 1851-1883,” BYU Studies 16(3):384, Spring, 1976)
4 Jan.: Joseph Fielding report on the Temple.
“January 4 Since the Death of Joseph and Hyram the Building of the Temple has gone on rapidly, and contrary to the expectation and Prophecy of Sidney Rigdon and others the Roof has been put on, the Spire put up and beautifully ornamented The Temple is indeed a noble Structure, and I suppose the Architects of our Day know not of What Order to call it Gothic, Dorick, Corinthian or What I call it Heavenly, 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, on Sunday the 21st 986 had received their Endowment.” (Joseph Fielding Journal, pp. 74-75; in BYU Studies 19(2):158-159, Winter, 1979)
5 Jan.: Further dancing in temple.
“9 p.m., the labors of the day being over, Brothers Hanson and E. Averett played on the violin and flute and enlivened the spirits of the saints present: some embraced the opportunity and danced to the lively strains of music.” (HC 7:564)
6 Jan.: Further dancing in temple.
“Several musicians were present in the evening, some of the brethren danced.” (HC 7:565)
7 Jan.: Endowment took 6 hours (w/washing& anointing).
“Continued work as usual on the Temple of the Lord until morning of the 7th of January when being called upon I went to receive my endowment. Went in about 10 in the morning with the second company, was the first of the company that was washed at the same time with Walter N. Wilcox done by Jacob Gates, and anointed by Harrison Burgess, also received a new name by him . . . Received through the v[eil] by Amasa Lyman: Got through about 4 in the afternoon . . .” (Journal Book of Samuel Whitney Richards from January 1st 1846. Book No. 2 [Journal No. l] page 1.)
7 Jan.: First sealings in marriage in Nauvoo temple.
“This afternoon, the new altar was used for the first time, and four individuals and their wives were sealed. The altar is about two and one half feet high and two and one half feet long and about one foot wide, rising from a platform about 8 or 9 inches high and extending out on all sides about a foot, forming a convenient place to kneel upon. The top of the altar and the platform for kneeling upon are covered with cushions of scarlet damask cloth; the sides of the upright part or body of the altar are covered with white linen.
The Twelve and the Bishops with their wives, were present at the dedication this afternoon.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 7 Jan., 1846) [These were the first sealings in marriage that were performed in the Nauvoo temple.]
ca. 7 Jan.: Room designated as “Holy of Holies.”
“Side-rooms, numbers one through four, opened directly into the Celestial Room. Although these four rooms were assigned to various Church authorities, they also doubled as special offices and ordinance rooms. Room one served as the office in which were kept the records of temple work. While William Clayton served as temple recorder, Brigham Young, because of the large volume of work, also appointed tow special clerks–John D. Lee and Franklin D. Richards. Elder Lee indicated that the clerks’ office was room one. This room also served as sealing room, in which couples were sealed in the Holy Order of Matrimony. It was also called the Holy of Holies. An altar was installed in the room on 7 January 1846 and was dedicated by Brigham Young the same day. Heber C. Kimball left a description of the altar, which was later included in the published History of the Church:
[Quotes above quotation from Kimball diary]
After the installation of the altar in room one, Brigham Young began sealing couples in the Holy Order of Matrimony. The highest ordinances of the temple were also performed in the same room. Apparently because it proved difficult to continue administering both marriages and these ordinances in the same room, Brigham Young later assigned rooms two and four for giving the most sacred ordinance, as he noted in his diary on 27 January. Both John D. Lee and Norton Jacob wrote of receiving their blessings of the fulness of the priesthood in rooms two and four respectively.” (Lisle G. Brown, “The Sacred Departments for Temple Work in Nauvoo: The Assembly Room and the Council Chamber,” BYU Studies 19(3):373, Spring, 1979)
7 Jan.: Governing of temple delegated to the 70.
“The Presidents of Seventies met in council, in relation to keeping in order the Temple, the Twelve delegated to them the government of the Temple, while the ordinances were being administered to their quorums.
This afternoon the new altar was used for the first time, and four individuals and their wives were sealed.” (Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 7 Jan., 1846; in IE 49(5):292, May, 1946)
8-20 Jan.: Assisted in giving endowments.
“…Continued work as usual on the Temple of the Lord until the morning of the 7th of January [1846] when being called upon I went to receive my endowment. When in about 10 in the morning with the second company, was the first of the company that was washed at the same time with Walter E. Wilcox. Done by Jacob Gates, and anointed by Harrison Burgess, also received a new name by him. B. L. Clapp, Elohim, & Orson Pratt, Peter. Received through the v[eil] by Amasa Lyman. Got through about 4 in the afternoon and left the house, while passing out Pres. Joseph Young informed me that he should depend on me to come and assist in giving the Endowments. On the morning of the 8th commenced my work as usual on the Temple, and continued until the morn[ing] of the 20th when I was sent for by Bro. Young to come and labor in the Endowments and immediately went for that purpose. First commenced writing for Pres Joseph [Young] and the next day commenced labor at the veil, and continued administering and officiating in all the departments of the first endowment with the exception of the serpent, which I esteemed as a great blessings and privilege, affording to me a knowledge of those things which had been concealed before.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
8 Jan.: #1 = Eloheim.
“I acted the part of Elohim which is No. 1 in the 1st and last department.” (John D. Lee diary, 8 Jan., 1846. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
8 Jan.: Blessing (2nd anointing?) of Heber C. Kimball.
“President Brigham Young as president of the whole church anointed Brother Heber C. Kimball first this being according to the order in which the ordinances of the Lords House are at all times first communicated to the children of men that he who holds the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to minister to men on earth as President Brigham Young now does should confer the ordinances upon some faithful man who should in turn minister to him according to the pattern of heavenly things.
This is the order observed by the Prophet Joseph he first baptized Oliver then Oliver baptized him.
Entry No. 1., Jan. 8th 1846. 6. o. clock eve. . . .
Pres. Brigham Young proceeded to anoint Br. Heber C. Kimball and Vilate his wife and pronounced the following blessing namely Bro. Heber Chase Kimble in the name of Jesus Christ we pour upon thy head this Holy oil and we anoint the[e] a King and a Priest unto the most high God in and over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and also Iseral: in this the Holy Temple of the Lord, at Nauvoo the City of Joseph State of Illinoise and I seal upon you power to bind i [sic] on earth and it shall be bound in heaven, and whomsoever thou shalt curse shalt be cursed, and whomsoever thou shalt bless; shall be blessed I anoint thy head that it may be sound and thy brains shall be guides to think and to regulate thy whole body – and ears to hear the crys of the poor and needs of thy brethren, who shall come to the counsil, and thy eyes – that thou mayest see and understand the things of God – and thou mayest behold Angels and thy mouth that thou mayest speak fourth the great things of God, and I seal upon you all the blessing of thy Progenetors even Abraham Isake and Jacob – and even as far back as the Priesthood; and I say that thou shall live to a good old age – even to three score and ten and longer if thou desire it – and thou shall have power to redeem thy progenitors and thou shall have power over thy posterity and shall save all of them and shall bring them into the Kingdom we also seal upon the[e] all the power and blessing of the Holy resurrection Even to the Eternal Godhead, and no blessing that thy heart can conceive will be withheld from you In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen.
He then anointed Sister Vilate Kimble a Queen & Priestess unto her Husband (H. C. Kimble) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints & in Iseral. & pronounced all the blessings upon her head in common with her husband.
/s/ John D. Lee” (“Book of Anointings,” Entry No. 1, 8 Jan., 1846)
8 Jan.: Non-Mormon account of endowment.
“We copy the following illustration of the adulterous doings of the Mormons from the Warsaw Signal:–
Great Commotion at 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 endownment, for which the Saints have been so long preparing is now being received.
This endownment consists in an abrogation of all existing marriages and every good saint is at liberty to cast away his present wife and take another 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 mismatched, the Lord concluded to prevent difficulty by giving all willing ones a chance to select new partners for the expedition.
Who wonders the old and virtuous settlers of Hancock county are indignant in having such a mass of living corruption among them as the Mormons; especially as they are in the majority and have the entire control of the government of the county. The above does not compromise a tithe of the wickedness that is practiced by the worse than Mahometan sect.–They laugh to scorn the law and the administration thereof. If the law cannot reach them, what action will be considered adequate and right to bring them to justice? Will not the Constitution offer a remedy? If the crime can thus be upheld and perpetrated, then have we fallen on evil days. The leaders of the Mormons are outlaws and should be punished as such.”
(Burlington Hawkeye 7(33):2, 8 Jan., 1846; Snider Collection)
8 Jan.: Asked God that we might later finish temple.
“On Saturday, January 8, 1846, met in council with the Twelve in the southeast corner room, No. 1, in the upper story of the Temple. Kneeling around the altar, we dedicated the building to the Most High, and asked His blessing upon our intended move to the west, and asked Him to enable us, at some day, to finish the lower part of the Temple, and dedicated it to Him, and prayed that He would preserve it as a monument to Joseph Smith.” (George A. Smith diary, 8 Jan., 1846; Contributor 4(5):163, Feb., 1883)
9 Jan.: #4 = Tempter.
“I acted the part of No. 2 in the 1st department also No. 4 in the Garden and middle department Propter and Tempter.” (John D. Lee diary, 9 Jan., 1846. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
10 Jan.: Received washing and anointing.
“On the 10th day of January, 1846, I received my washing and anointing with my companion in the temple of the Lord. On the 24th day of January, 1846, I was sealed to my companion, Lorena, in the temple of the Lord, in Nauvoo, by Elder Amasa Lyman.
At this time numbers were flocking in to receive their ordinances, as the time was short on account of persecutions and every exertion was used by the Twelve to confer the ordinances on as many as possible, so that at the last the business was managed so desterously that more endowments were given in twenty-four hours than had been done in one week. Nevertheless a large portion of the Saints did not get in to receive their anointing before the gate was shut down and the work stopped.” (“Journal of Ethan Barrows,” Journal of History 15:203-204, Apr., 1922)
11 Jan.: Brigham anointed.
“Br Heber C. Kimbal proceeded to anoint and consecrate Pres. Brigham Young a King & a Priest unto the most high God – over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints & over the whole House of Iseral – Elder Heber Chase Kimble then anointed Mary An Young, a Queen & Priestes unto her Husband (Brigham Young) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints & in the house of Iseral.
Brother Brigham Young, I pour this holy, consecrated oil, upon your head, and anoint thee a King and a Priest of the Most High God over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and unto all Israel: and I anoint thy head, that thy brain may be healthy and active and quick to think and to understand and to direct thy whole body and I anoint thy eyes that they may see and perceive, and that thou mayest not be deceived in what thou beholdest, and that thy sight may never fail thee: and I anoint thy ears that they may be quick to hear and communicate to thy understanding; and that thou mayest hear the secret deliberations of thy enemies, and thereby thou shalt be enabled to overreach their designs: and I anoint thy nose that thou may scent, and relish the fragarence of the good things of the earth: and I anoint thy mouth that thou mayest be enabled to speak the great things of God, and confound all the wisdom of man, and put to nought all who shall raise up to oppose thee, in all countries where thou goest for thou shalt build up the Kingdom of God among many people, and in the midst of mighty nations: so thy glory shall be established, and whosoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whomsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven; for there shall be given unto thee crowns, and kingdoms, and dominions; and thou shalt receive all thy heart shall desire; and thy soul shall be satisfied with a multitude of blessings which thou shalt receive; for princes shall bow at thy feet and deliver unto thee their treasures; and thou shalt teach them the principles of salvation. And I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, that thou shalt come forth in the morn of the first resurrection, and receive all these blessings, in their fulness. And thou shalt attain unto Eternal Godhead, and receive a fulness of joy, and glory, and power; and that thou mayest do all things whatsoever is wisdom that thou shouldest do, even if it be to create worlds and redeem them: so shall thy joy be full to the praise and glory of God: Amen.”
“Anointing Blessing of Mary Ann Young.
Sister Mary Ann Young, I pour upon thy head this holy, consecrated oil, and seal upon thee all the blessings of the everlasting priesthood, in conjunction with thy husband: and I anoint thee to be a Queen and Priestess unto thy husband, over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; and thou shalt be heir to all the blessings which are sealed upon him, inasmuch as thou dost obey his counsel; and thou shalt receive glory, honor, power and exaltation in his exaltation: and thou shalt be a strength in thy mind for thou shalt have visions, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and the time shall come that Angels shall visit thee, and minister unto thee, and teach thee; and in abscence of thy husband shall comfort thee, and make known his situation.
Thou shall be a wise counsellor to many of thy sex, and they shall look unto thee for precept and [f]or example.
Thou shalt be noted and honored for thy generosity, and the freedom and good feelings with which thou shalt relieve the wants of the distressed; and the disgression with which thou shalt act in thy sphere in all things. And I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, thou shalt come forth in the morning of the first resurrection and inherit with him all the honors, glories, and power of Eternal Lives, and that thou shalt attain unto the eternal Godhead, so thy exaltation shall be perfect, and thy glory be full, in a fulness of power and exaltation.
And the glory, honor and power shall be ascribed unto the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Amen.
Heber Chase Kimball officiating.”
(“Book of Anointings,” No. 2. 11 Jan., 1846)
“I spent the day in the temple about 3. 0 my family came up into the temple also Bro. Kimball’s Bro. 0 Hyde’s Bro N.K.Whitney’s we had a good visit and they met in my room together with others & I received my last anointing under the hands of brother H. C. Kimball—” (Diary of Brigham Young, University of Utah; 11 January 1846. Bergera collection.)
11 Jan.: Meeting of congregation in Temple.
“Sunday, January 11th 1846 I met with the congregation of the Lord on the second floor of the Temple.” (Record of Norton Jacob, p. 25)
12 Jan.: Brigham giving endowments day and night.
“One hundred and forty-three persons received their endowments in the Temple.
I officiated at the Altar.
Such has been the anxiety manifested by the Saints to receive the ordinances, and such the anxiety on our part to administer to them; that I have given myself up entirely to the work of the Lord in the Temple night and day, not taking more than four hours sleep, upon an average, per day, and going home but once a week.
Elder Heber C. Kimball and the others of the Twelve apostles were in constant attendance, but in consequence of close application some of them had to leave the Temple to rest and recruit their health.” (MHBY 12 Jan., 1846)
“[Entry] No. 3. Jan. 12th 1846. at 12. o. clock. Assembled in Room No. 1. Pres Brigham Young, Heber C Kimble, P.P.Pratt, Amasa Lyman, John Taylor, Geo Miller, Isaac Morley, Orson Spencer, Ezra T Benson, Newell K Whitney–after the usual ceremony pre-requisite to the ordinance of anointing—Pres Brigham Young anointed Newell Kimble Whitney a King & a Priest unto the Most [High] God–in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints & in the House of Iseral & among thy Brethren in this the House of the Lord—–Elizabeth An Whitney was then anointed a Queen & Priestess unto her Husband N.K. Whitney, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints & to all Iseral—” “Book of Anointings” from the Nauvoo Temple p. 5; Historians Office Library; January 8 February 7, 1846; Book end title: “W. Richards” in gold leaf; C.H.D., CR/342/3/box 4. Second anointing blessing given to Newel K Whitney, and his wife, Elizabeth Ann Whitney; Received 12 January 1846. Bergera collection.)
“. . .the day I spent in the temple. In the evening Evan M. Greene; my clerk through sickness was compelled to retire from his labour. Bro John D. Lee appointed to take his place There being few records to be kept separately & apart containing the first sealings of the living & of proxy & of adoption & also that of the 2nd anointings which I found to be a great task for one man to perform therefore I employed Bro. Franklin Richard to assist in keeping those records above alluded too—” (Brigham Young “Diary”; University of Utah; 12 January 1846. Bergera collection.)
12 Jan.: John Spiers endowment.
“On the 12th of January 1846 I received the first degree of my endowment under the hand of the Presidency of the Seventies, was washed anointed with oil ordained to be a King and Priest unto God, in his own due time and introduced through the signs and orders of the Priesthood.” (Journal of John Spiers; LDS Archives, Ms/d/1725, 12 Jan., 1846)
13 Jan.: Prayers among anointed ones in Temple.
“This evening at 6 oclock I attended prayers among the anointed ones in the Temple.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 13 Jan., 1846, p. 26)
13 Jan.: Sealing, 2nd anointing of George A. Smith & wife
“I went to the house of the Lord with my wife, Bathsheba W., and we were sealed by President Brigham Young, in the presence of witnesses, which was duly recorded. We then received a second anointment under the hands of Elder Orson Hyde.” (George A. Smith diary, 13 Jan., 1846; in Instructor 83(11):517, 1 Nov., 1948)
13 Jan.: Promise of 2nd anointing to Abraham Smoot.
“Spent the afternoon of the 13th, in the Temple, and received a promise from Heber C. Kimball to receive my second ordinances during the week upon a condition of being prayerful and faithful which was complied with to the best of my ability.” (Journal of Abraham O. Smoot, p. 245; Mss 896; BYU Special Collections; January 13, 1846. Bergera collection.)
14 Jan.: John D. Lee’s family sealed to him.
“2 of my family came through the washings and anointings . . . we went into room No. 1 where we being clothed in Priestly apparel — kneeled over the alter — rather before the Holy Alter and over it the sacred the solemn [sic] covenant and sealing was entered into and ratified in the presence of 3 witnesses – From thus we were conducted to Room No. 2 where we received our anointings.” (John D. Lee diary, 14 Jan., 1846. Journal J-14, LDS Archives)
“I was among the first to receive my washing and anointings, and even received my second anointing [this date], which made me an equal in the order of the priesthood, with the right and authority to build up the kingdom in all the earth, and power to fill any vacancy that might occur. I have officiated in all the different branches, from the highest to the lowest. There were about forty men who attained to that order in the Priesthood, including the twelve Apostles and the first presidency, and to them was intrusted the keeping of the records.
In the Temple I took three more wives–Martha Berry, Polly Ann Workman and Delethea Morris, and had all my family sealed to me over the altar, in the Temple, and six of them received their second anointings, that is, the first six wives did, but the last three we had not time to attend to.” (Mormonism Unveiled (1880), p. 169, 171; January 14, 1846; John D. Lee.)
15 Jan.: Hosea Stout wears garments for first time.
“I Stopped at home & put on an under garment for the first time to wear it.” (Hosea Stout diary, 15 Jan., 1846)
15 Jan.: The Kirtland endowment of the Twelve.
“In the organization of the church in Kirtland, Ohio, and in the subsequent endowment of the Twelve, our beloved prophet took care to adopt such measures and plans as should secure the well-being and certainty of the kingdom of God being established. Hence, the Twelve were ordained prophets, seers, and revelators, that nothing should be wanting for the final perfecting of the great work.” (Editorial (Thomas Ward, editor), MS 7(2):28, 15 Jan., 1846)
15 Jan.: Keys of endowment needed to classify angels.
“Perhaps some may enquire, how the saints can distinguish between angels of authority, and such as have no authority, seeing there are so many different classes?
We answer, that no one can distinguish correctly, without the keys of the priesthood, obtained through the ordinances of endowment.” (Orson Pratt, “Mormon Philosophy,” MS 7(2):32, 15 Jan., 1846)
17 Jan.: John D. Lee’s 2nd anointing.
“From [room No. 1] thus we were conducted to Room No. 2 where we received our anointings yea, Holy anointings in the Temple of the Lord — under the hands of Elder Orson Hyde this certainly produced more joy comfort and pleasure & reconciliation of feeling — than could possibly have been imagined.” (John D. Lee diary, 17 Jan., 1846. LDS Archives)
17 Jan.: Abraham Smoot’s 2nd anointing.
“The 17th, was a day of great enjoyment for me, it gave birth to the greatest blessings and an higher exaltation in the Priesthood than ever had been anticipated by me. I received my Second ordinances in the Priesthood with my wife Margaret and Sister Sariah Gibbon, under the hands of George Miller, President of the High Priest Quorum, in room No. 4 attick story of the Temple of the Lord. I was called upon by the President to open the Meeting by prayer which I complied with, with feelins of much gratitude to my Heavenly Father and my brethren that surrounded us. The Services of this holy anointing commenced at the hour of 6 o’clock in the afternoon and closed at 7. We then resumed our seat in the celestial department of the Temple and heard a number of lectures from the brethren on the principles of Priesthood pertaining to exaltation. We also listened with pleasure to the verses of Solomon Hancock, composed on the removal of the Saints to California, with a number of others of the songs of Zion.” (Journal of Abraham O. Smoot, p. 246; University of Utah; January 17, 1846; Mss 896, Special Collections. Bergera collection.)
19 Jan.: Norton Jacob sealed to eternal life.
“Monday the 19th went with my wife to the Temple in the morning to attend to our sealing but there was a council to be held which put other business. I went into that council to represent M. Lerrine’s Co. the business of the council was to acertain how many were ready to start for the West. . . . In the evening I went into the holy of holies with Emily my wife where by Pres. Brigham Young we were according to the holy order of the Priesthood sealed together for time and all eternity and sealed up unto eternal life and against all sin except the sin against the Holy Gost–may God keep us faithful in his ordinences amen!” (Record of Norton Jacob, 19 Jan., 1846, pp. 26-27)
[NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH HE WAS SEALED TO ETERNAL LIFE, THIS WAS NOT HIS SECOND ANOINTING, WHICH DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL 6 FEB. SEE THAT ENTRY BELOW.]
20 Jan.: “Last anointings” = “anointing” of feet.
“On December 15, 1845 we received our endowments and on the 19th of January, 1846, in the Temple of the Lord at Nauvoo we received our second anointings and ordination and the next day, the 20th of January we attended to the last anointings, that of the feet.” (“Experiences in the Life of Rhoda Ann Fullmer,” p. 7, typewritten manuscript in Special Collections, BYU Library)
20 Jan.: Progress report.
“January, thus far, has been mild, which, in the midst of our preparations for an exodus next spring, has given an excellent time to finish the Temple. Nothing has appeared so much like a ‘finish’ of that holy edifice as the present. The attic story was finished in December, and if the Lord dontinues to favor us, the first story above the basement, will be completed ready for meeting, in the month of February. The Font, standing upon twelve stone oxen, is about ready, and the floor of the second story is laid, so that all speculation about the Temple of God at Nauvoo, must cease.
The blessings promised, are beginning to be realized, and the worthy saints, who have watched and labored night and day, go in and receive the ‘penny appointed,’ and know of a certainty that diligence, faithfulness, and charity are rewarded. O, Lord, the true hearted saints now know that the endowments and blessing upon the faithful, as far exceeds the earthly glory of Babylon, as the sun outshines a spark from the fire; and therefore, we beseech all who would be saved, ‘to quit their vanity’ for ‘they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.'” (20 Jan., in T&S 6(21):1096, 15 Jan., 1846)
20 Jan.: We will administer endowments night and day.
“One hundred and ninety-five persons received
ordinances in the Temple.
Public prejudice being so strong against us, and the
excitement becoming alarming we determined to continue the administration of the ordinances of endowment night and day.” (HC 7:570, 20 Jan., 1846)
22 Jan.: Prayer circle in temple.
“came to the Temple at dark and met with a company of Saints in the Temple for prayer we were dressed in our robes which was the first time I ever met to pray according to the order of the priesthood.” (Hosea Stout diary, 22 Jan., 1846)
22 Jan.: Willard Richards 2nd anointing.
“Willard Richards born Jan 24 1804 Hopkinton Middlesex Mass– & Jenntte Richards, (was born Aug 21–1817. Walkerford Chaidgley Lancashire England deceased) were sealed Husband & wife for time & all Eternity Amelia Elizabeth Peirson acting proxy for & in behalf of the (deceased) who died at Nauvoo; July 9th 1845 Done in presance of Heber Chase Kimble Orson Hyde & J.D. Lee Pres. B. Young officiating at the Alter done at 5 minutes to 9. evening— Jennette Richards was Sealed to Willard as his wife for time and all Eternity–& with him attended to all the ordinances pertaining to the House of the Lord–to & including the washing of feet in the days of Pres. Joseph Smith Jr the first Prophet of the Church of the Last days–
F. D. Richards”
[Note: This entry was in the handwriting of the recorder John D. Lee, though F. D. Richards was the clerk on the occasion of the performance of the ordinances.] (“A Book of Proxy”–the record of sealings of husbands and wives where one or both parties are dead kept in the Nauvoo Temple, p. 31; Church Archives; Marriage Entry NO. 65; January 22, 1846; Typed w/o sic. Bergera collection.)
22 Jan.: Phineas Richards 2nd anointing.
“January 22d 1846. Visited the Temple with Wealthy she was sealed to me by the Prophet B. Young and then we repaired to the High Priests room where we were Anointed King and Queen, Priest and Priestess to the Most high God for Time and through out all Eternity by P.P. Pratt as mouth…
February 1st I labored in the Temple the last 8 working days Annointing in the High Priests Room. learnt the ordnance of the washing & anointing of feet for burial.” (Phinehas Richards Journal; Church Archives; January 22d 1846. Bergera collection.)
22 Jan.: William Hyde 2nd anointing.
“On the 23rd of December, myself and wife Elizabeth received our washing and anointing in the Temple, and on the 19th of January, 1846, we were sealed, agreeable to the order of the Holy Priesthood, for time and for all Eternity. On the 22nd of January we received our second anointing, on which day my Father and Mother also received theirs.” (William Hyde Journal p. 16; Mor/M270.1/H996; BYU Special Collections; January 22, 1846. Bergera collection.)
23 Jan.: Erastus Snow receives “further endowments.”
“January 23d 1846 I received with Artimesia and Minerva the sealings & further endowments–
The Spirit, Power and wisdom of God reigned continiually in the Temple and all felt satisfied that during the two months we occupied it in the endowments of the Saints, we were amply paid for all our labour in building it.” (“Erastus Snow’s Journal–Continued from Book Second, Book 3rd,” manuscript p. 38; typescript p. 95; Huntington; also reprinted in IE 14(4):286, Feb., 1911)
23 Jan.: Dissension among wives prevents 2nd anointing.
“I still remained at the Temple and about one o’clock Hunter & I went to my house and saw how matters were there (and also to notify my wife to be ready to go to the Temple to recieve our anointing sealing & further endowment but [crossed out]) [three lines blank]
We then came back to the Temple & I remained there till three & met the guard and regulated it for the night and then went home again (to prepare as above but found matters no better [crossed out]) I came to the Temple again and remained there all night.” (Hosea Stout diary, 23 Jan., 1846)
23 Jan.: Sealing & 2nd anointing of Joseph Fielding.
“On the 3rd of Jany Mary-Ann received her Endowment in the Temple, Friday the 23 of Jany 1846 we were sealed in the Temple by Heber C Kimball and on the same Day we were also anointed by Parley P. Pratt.” (Joseph Fielding Journal, p. 80; in BYU Studies 19(2):160, Winter, 1979)
24 Jan.: Noah Packard 2nd anointing.
“During this time in the winter of 45 and 46 not withstanding my sickness I went into the Temple in Nauvoo and received my endowment by washing and anointing and was sealed to my wife Sophia for time and all eternity, and afterwards we annointed the second time a king and queen in the Kingdom of God which annointing in the reality is the third annointing with which I have been annointed in the name of the Lord; for I received my first washing and annointing in the House of the Lord in Kirtland, Ohio, and had neglected to mention it in its place.” (Noah Packard “Autobiography”, p. 9. Bergera collection.)
24 Jan.: We intend to finish the Temple.
“One hundred and fifty-one persons received ordinances in the Temple. I attended a general meeting of the official members of the church held in the second story of the Temple, for the purpose of arranging the business affairs of the church prior to our exit from this place. . . .
We intend to finish the Temple and the Nauvoo House, as far as putting on the roof and putting in the windows are concerned.” (HC 7:573, 576, 24 Jan., 1846)
25 Jan.: Sealing of children to George A. Smith & wife.
“We went to the Temple and anointed our children, George Albert and Bathsheba to the birthright and they were sealed to us upon the altar by Presidents Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Bishop George Miller, and a great many others. We were sealed to father in the same manner.” (George A. Smith diary, 25 Jan., 1846; in Instructor 83(11):517, 1 Nov., 1948)
26 Jan.: Sealing of children to Joseph Fielding & wife.
“Monday 26 our 4 Children were washed, anointed and Sealed to Josh & Hannah Fielding And we (Joseph & Hannah) were sealed to Hyrum Smith for time and Eternity by Elders B Young & H. C Kimball.” (Joseph Fielding Journal, p. 81; in BYU Studies 19(2):160-161, Winter, 1979)
26 Jan.: Another anointing for Wm. Clayton?
“at 1 went to the Temple with Ruth, Margaret and Diantha. We waited till about 8 o clock before we could be waited on. We then dressed and went into room No 1 and were sealed to each other on the alter by Prest. B. Young. Afterwards in No 2 We received our anointing by H. C. Kimball and a number of others. And afterwards Heber blessed us. I then took Ruth and Diantha home but Margaret tarried till morning.” (William Clayton diary, 26 Jan., 1846)
26 Jan.: Women and “power in the Priesthood.”
“Thou hast a right to all the blessings which [are] sealed upon his head, for a woman can have but little power in the Priesthood without a man.” (Patriarchal blessing given by John Smith to Emily Jacob, wife of Norton Jacob, 26 Jan., 1846; C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949)
26 Jan.: Washings and anointings suspended until tomorrow.
“Nine a.m., I went to the Temple and commenced the ordinances in the different departments which were set apart for the purpose; the washing and anointing was suspended until tomorrow.” (HC 7:576, 26 Jan., 1846)
27 Jan.: Officiating in the “higher ordinances.”
“Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Amasa Lyman, and I officiated in the higher ordinances. Elders George A. Smith and Willard Richards were absent, being sick. . . .
I officiated at the altar until 10 p.m. and remained in the Temple all night.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:576-577)
“Tuesday morning the washing commenced in both departments the Sealings were attend[ed] to day of myself Heber C. Kimball and A. Lyman The 2nd anointings likewise carried on in Room no 2 & 4 O. Hyde P.P. Pratt O Pratt officiating in No 2 & 4 G A Smith & W. Richards are absent on account of sickness—” (Brigham Young “Diary”; Univ of Utah; January 27, 1846. Bergera collection.)
28/29 Jan.: Joseph Kingsbury 2nd anointing.
“I am daily under direction of the Trustees at the Temple Office and on Dec. 8, 1845 I received an Endowment in the upper room of the Temple in Nauvoo, the City of Joseph, also was sealed to Bishop Newel K. Whitney as his son on Jan. 17, 1846 and at the same time Dorcas Adelia Moore and Loenza A. Pond were sealed to him as daughters and the two daughters were sealed to me to be my wives for time and eternity by Pres. Brigham Young, and on 28th or 29th Jan. 1846 I received my Second Anointing with my two wives, under the hands of Pres. Orson Pratt in the North East Room in the upper part of the Temple in the City of Nauvoo.” (Joseph Cordon Kingsbury “Diary”; Univ of Utah; 28 or 29 January 1846. Bergera collection.)
[Antoine W. Ivins Journal 15:73-4 records: “Jos. C. Kingsbury with wife gets 1st and 2nd anointing.”]
30 Jan.: Wind vane placed on Temple.
“Nine a.m., the [wind] vane was put upon the tower of the Temple.” (HC 7:577, 30 Jan., 1846)
Jan.: Joseph Newel 2nd anointing.
“Sealed to Sally Coburn and Lydia Goldthwait as wives for time and eternity and we the same Day was anointed King and Priest, and Queen and Priestess by the hand of Heber C. Kimball, for which we feel to thank the Lord for his mercy towards us, by the power of the Priesthood with the Lord confered upon his church in these last days.” (Joseph Newel Diary; January 1846. Bergera collection.)
Jan: “The Full Endowment.”
Summarized from the Nauvoo Temple Record:
1. The Law of Adoption (Sealing) – i.e. Brigham Young was to Joseph Smith as a son; John D. Lee, wives, children, possessions, all sealed to Brigham Young for this life and the life to come. This was all done by free will and choice.
2. Holy Greeting (follow steps D&C 88:126-141)
3. Sacrament.
4. Washing of Feet (Anointing also?).
5. Ordination (Anointing also?) – Brigham Young laid hands on Heber C. Kimball and “Ordained him to The Godhead, and that he would act as the Savior to a (?) world or (?) worlds.” This was part of a long prayer. Promised wives, seed without number, be full partaker with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Godhead was a different blessing from Godhood. (Some received onlyi Godhood.)
Heber C. Kimball then did the same to Brigham Young, i.e., ordained him to The Godhead. They in turn did it by proxy for Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Other saints (W. W. Phelps) were blessed to act in Trinities (or Presidencies of worlds). [See Bergera notes]
ca. Jan.: Endowments at age 14.
“The beginning of this year [1846] found me employed in laboring in the third story of the Temple. assisting those who were engaged in the service of giving endowments, it being my duty with others to furnish wood & water for that purpose, about this time I received my washing & anointing in the House of the Lord, although very young at the time, not being 15 yrs old.” (George W. Bean autobiography, LC Collection)
1 Feb.: 14th Quorum of 70 to receive endowments.
“this evening met with my Quorum (14th) when they were notified be at the Templ wednesday morning at 7 oclk to receive their endowments” (Record of Norton Jacob, 1 Feb., 1846, p. 29)
2 Feb.: Mary Laub endowed 1 day after baptism.
“Now on the 1st first day of February she [Mary Jane] came fourth to the waters of baptism and was baptized by Pheneas Young in the Missisipia River and was confirmed into the church by William Miller. thus her blessings was that she should live to a good old age and should share the joys of the fullness of the Priesthood and see the kingdom of god established upon the face of the Earth and be usefull in the kingdom. . . .
Second day of February Mary Jain Laub my Wife Recieved her Washing and Anointing in the house of the Lord & her Endewment. this I am present this day in the house of the Lord in Nauvoo at this time while I might. . . . (George Laub Journal)
2 Feb.: Hosea Stout’s sealing.
“Went with my wife to the Temple to be Sealed but there was no sealing going on to day. . . .
I then met some of our captains and made the necessary arraingements as above, & then went up to the Temple & saw Br Kimball who told us that we might bring our wives to the Temple to night and have them Sealed which we did & came home at 9 1/2 o’clock.” (Hosea Stout diary, 2 Feb., 1846)
3 Feb.: Brigham reluctantly returns to give endowments.
“Notwithstanding that I had announced that we would not attend to the administration of the ordinances, the house of the Lord was thronged all day, the anxiety being so great to receive, as if the brethren would have us stay here and continue the endowments until our way would be hedged up, and our enemies would intercept us. But I informed the brethren that this was not wise, and that we should build more Temples, and have further opportunities to receive the blessings of the Lord, as soon as the Saints were prepared to receive them. In this Temple we have been abundantly rewarded, if we receive no more. I also informed the brethren that I was going to get my wagons started and be off. I walked some distance from the Temple supposing the crowd would disperse, but on returning I found the house filled to overflowing.
Looking upon the multitude and knowing their anxiety, as they were thirsting and hungering for the word, we continued at work diligently in the house of the Lord.
Two hundred and ninety-five persons received ordinances.” (MHBY 3 Feb., 1846)
3 Feb.: John Bernhisel adopted to Joseph Smith.
“Tyrone, Cumberland Co. Pennsylvania this day came to the sacred Alter in the upper room of the “House of the Lord” founded by Prest. Joseph Smith (Martyred) the Prophet Seer and Revelator to the church and there upon gave himself to Prest. Joseph Smith (martyred) to become his son by the law of adoption and to become a legal heir to all the blessings bestowed upon Joseph Smith pertaining to exaltations even to the eternal Godhead with a solemn covenant to observe all the rights & ordinances pertaining to the new & everlasting covenant as far as now is or shall hereafter be made known unto him done in the presence of Patriarch John Smith, Pres. Brigham Young Heber C. Kimbal, Amasa Lyman, O. Hyde & George A. Smith at 4 O. clock P.M.” (Journal History, February 3, 1846; Church Historians Office.
John Milton Bernhisel (June 23, 1799). Bergera collection.)
4 Feb.: Dancing in temple; endowments ceased for 2 days.
“At 5 oclock Wednesday 4th I repaired to the Templ where I found the Brethren & Sisters recreating themselves with music & dancing after their Labors as the Endowments were adjourned for two days.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 4 Feb., 1846, p. 30)
5 Feb.: Law of adoption/sealing of spouses explained.
“Law of Adaption tended
on the 5th of February 1846 I and my wife Mary Jane with many others was Adopted into John D Lee’s family. this I took upon myself the Name of Lee in this manner George Laub Lee & my wifes Name Mary Jane Laub Lee this order of Adaption will like the chain of the Prieshood in such a way that it cannot be seperated by covenanting before god Angels and the Present witnesses we covanant together for him to be as father unto those who are sealed to him to doo unto them as he would unto his own children and to councell them in rituousness and to teach them all the Principles of Salvation and to share unto them of all the Blessings to comfort these and all that are calculated to make them happy both im time and in Eternity. Now we also did covanant on our side to do all the good for his upbuilding and happyness Both in time & Eternity this was done in the hous of the Lord across the alter as was Prepared for this Purpos of ordinances
Sealing of Marriages
Now on the same date on the 5th of February 1846 My Wife Marry Jane was sealed to me as wife for time and Eternity to be my companion and comforter and to fill up the measure of our creation. and we was sealed up unto Eternal Life. to come fourth in the morning of the first resurection. only the sining aganst the holy Ghost which is the sheding of inocent blood or concenting to the same. Now when we was sealed to this order together with the promises given unto us by the Power and spirit of the Lord. Father Lee being filed with the spirit. Embraced us in his arms and bless us in the name of the Lord, that we should become mighty upon the Earth &c our names to be honerable in all generations” (George Laub Journal, 5 Feb., 1846; photocopy in Huntington Library; note how it differs from the following version, reprinted in BYU Studies)
“Now Amasia Lyman being autherised to adopt & Sea. So on the 5th day of Febry, 1846, I & My Wife with many others ware adopted to J. D. Lee family. This adoption is to Link the chain of the priesthood in Such a way that can not be broken only by braking Covenants, for they are made before God, Angels and the present Witness. We covanent together for him to be a father unto those who are Seald to him, to do unto them as he would to his own Children, & to counsil them in rituousness & to teach them all the principles of Salvation & to share unto them of all the blessings to comfert. These & all that are calculated to make them happy both in time & Eternity. This was done at the alter according to the patren of the ordinance.
Sealing of Mariag. Now on the Same date, on the 5th of Februry, 1846, My wife Mary Jane was Sealed to me a wife for time & Eternity, to be my companion & comfert & to fill up the measure of our creation, & we was sealed up unto Eternal Lives, to come fourth in the Morning of the first Resurection & nothing to prevent, only the Sin against the Holy Ghost, which is Sheading Inocent blood or the concenting there unto. Now when we was sealed in this order, J. D. Lee Embraced us in his arms & blessed us in the name of the Lord that we Should become mighty upon the Earth & our names to be honerable in all generations.” (George Laub Journal, reprinted in BYU Studies 18(2):165-166, Winter, 1978)
6 Feb.: Norton Jacob’s 2nd anointing.
“Friday [6 Feb.] the Endowments were continued in the evening I again repaired to the House of the Lord with my Father Udney my Wife Emily my Daughter Esie P. & Miss Matilda Stoel in the cours of the night my Father Daughter & Miss Matilda all received their washing & anointing & about 11 oclock I with my Wife Emily received my secnd anointing was ordaind a King & Priest unto God in room No 4.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 6 Feb., 1846, p. 30)
[NOTE THAT JACOB AND HIS WIFE WERE SEALED TO EACH OTHER AND TO ETERNAL LIVES ON 19 JAN., 1846, BUT THAT THIS DID NOT CONSTITUTE THE 2ND ANOINTING. SEE ENTRY FOR 19 JAN.]
6 Feb.: Joseph Holbrook’s endowment.
“February 6. I went in the temple at Nauvoo and received my washings and anointings, it being at the closing of giving endowments. There was a great crowd–near five hundred passed through their ordinances in the last twenty-four hours–but I felt greatly blessed for the opportunity of receiving the little I did, for it gave me keys of knowledge for me to improve upon until I could get more.” (“The Life of Joseph Holbrook, Written by His Own Hand,” in An Enduring Legacy, 1:188, 1978)
6 Feb.: “1st ordinances” of the endowment.
“Five hundred and twelve persons received the first ordinances of endowment in the Temple.” (HC 7:580, 6 Feb., 1846)
7 Feb.: Totals of 2nd anointings.
“There were 227 separate meetings between 8 January and 7 February 1846 where the second anointing was performed in the Nauvoo Temple for the living. Typically, there were from ten to 20 individuals present in various capacities in attendance at the 20 to 30 minute meeting. There were 173 different male members who received this highest anointing.” (Bergera notes)
7 Feb.: The Priesthood is secure on the earth.
“On the 31st of December I received my endowments, and on the 7th of February, 1846, the giving of endowments in the temple ceased. That day upwards of 600 went through. At evening, when Brother George A. Smith came home, he said:
‘Now, let the mob work; the Priesthood is secure on the earth. The temple has answered the end for which it was built. The mob thought when they killed the head the body would surely die; but they made twelve heads, and if they kill the Twelve they would make seventy more, and they never can kill the body.'”
(William Clayton Journal, in JI 21(6):82, 15 Mar., 1886)
“On the 7th of February 1846 the giving of Endowments ceased. I was living with George A. Smith and was his private clerk. At evening he came home and said, ‘upwards of 600 went through, now let the moble work rest, the Priesthood is secured on the earth and the temple has answered the end for which it was built.'” (Henry W. Bigler autobiography, LC Collection)
7 Feb.: Endowment referred to as ‘first anointment.’
“I went up to the Temple with Bathsheba. Upwards of six hundred received the ordinance of first anointment of the priesthood, this being the last day for administering them, for the present.” (George A. Smith diary, 7 Feb., 1846; in Instructor 83(11):517, 1 Nov., 1948)
ca. Feb.: Full members of the Quorum of the Anointed.
“Thousands of persons received the endowment in the Nauvoo temple, and they became full members of the Quorum of the Anointed. In this regard, Heber C. Kimball told some newly endowed persons in 1846 that ‘it is necessary for all who have been through the Temple to meet in quorum, in order to become familiar with the signs and tokens, because they are the Keys of the Priesthood, in this the SEVENTH DISPENSATION.’ The Holy Order, or the Quorum of the Anointed, organized by Joseph Smith in 1843 had at last achieved its ultimate purpose of including in its membership all the worthy Latter-day Saints who could receive the temple endowment. Those who had been privately introduced into the Holy Order during the lifetime of Joseph Smith would continue to feel a special attachment and status, but the sense of distinction and elitism that had characterized the Holy Order during the period 1842 to 1845 was now available to all endowed persons.” (D. Michael Quinn, “Latter-day Saint Prayer Circles,” BYU Studies 19(1):94, Fall, 1978; Quinn adds in a footnote: “Catherine Lewis, Narrative of Some of the Proceedings of the Mormons (Lynn, Mass.: Catherine Lewis, 1848), p. 11. She was relating her own observations of the teachings and practices of the Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo, where she received the endowment in the temple under the direction of Apostle Kimball, in whose home she lived. In Utah, the phrase ‘endowment company’ was substituted for the use of ‘quorum’ to designate persons participating in the endowment ceremony. Also, by the 1870s in Utah, LDS leaders had so long discontinued the earlier use of ‘Holy Order’ that they used the term to describe the economic United Order and to refer to polygamy.”)
ca. Feb.: Alleged “Oath of Vengeance.”
“Evidence seems to exist that some sort of covenant was made in the Nauvoo Temple–perhaps a sequel to the endowment–‘to avenge the blood of the Prophets, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, on the United States and to overthrow her power, beginning first with Illinois and Missouri.’ [Footnote 68: “William Hall, Abominations of Mormonism, 49.”] Whether the faithful made such a vengeful oath is hard to prove since this is the claim of a bitter apostate, but it is probable that several renounced their American citizenship. ‘As our father and mother or the nation that has born us has rejected us and driven us out,’ declared Wilford Woodruff on the eve of his departure from Nauvoo, ‘I feel to resign my citizenship because I cannot enjoy it. I would advise all the Saints that they cast not another vote . . . but resign all offices.’ [Footnote 69: “Journal of Wilford Woodruff, 3 May 1846.”]” (Richard E. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852, pp. 60, 260)
8 Feb.: Nauvoo Temple closed.
“I met with the Council of the Twelve in the southeast corner room of the attic of the Temple. We knelt around the altar, and dedicated the building to the Most High. We asked his blessing upon our intended move to the west; also asked him to enable us some day to finish the Temple, and dedicate it to him, and we would leave it in his hands to do as he pleased; and to preserve the building as a monument to Joseph Smith. We asked the Lord to accept the labors of his servants in this land. We then left the Temple.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:580)
“Met in council with the Twelve in the southeast corner room, No. 1, in the upper story of the Temple. Kneeling around the altar we dedicated the building to the most High and asked His blessing on our intended move to the West, and asked Him to enable us some day to finish the lower part of the Temple, and dedicated it to him and asked him to preserve the building as a monument to Joseph Smith. We then left it.” (George A. Smith diary, 8 Feb., 1846; in Instructor 83(11):517-518, 1 Nov., 1948)
“at 9 oclock A.M. the Endowments were stoped in the House of the Lord & the vails were taken down–the People were then called out into the grove West of the Temple where wee [sic] were addressed by Presidnt Joseph Young who is president of all the seventies, there being thirty-two quorums.” (Life of Norton Jacob, 8 Feb., 1846, p. 30)
12 Feb.: Temple architecture is “Jo Smith’s Order”.
“We attended HAGER’S exhibition of Paintings on last Friday evening. This young artist bids fair to become eminent in his profession as a Landscape Painter. He exhibited upwards of a dozen descripture scenes, many of them being correct counterparts of nature. Among the most conspicious [sic] of these were the Falls of St. Anthony, Lake Pepin, Nauvoo, the Mormon Temple and several view[s] of Lake Scenery. Much interest was added to the exhibition by a brief historical description of the several places, as given by Mr. HAGER. By request of the audience, Maj. J. B. NEWHALL gave a very interesting description of the Temple at Nauvoo; he pointed out its beauties and the singularity of its architecture, saying that it was perfectly unique and totally unlike all the orders laid down in the books. He said that while in Nauvoo, during the lifetime of ‘Joseph,’ and while conversing on the subject, he asked what order of architecture he should call it. ‘Well said the “Prophet,” I know of nothing better than for you to call it “Jo Smith’s order.”‘” (Burlington Hawkeye 7(38):2, 12 Feb., 1846; Snider Collection)
15 Feb.: Dedication Hymn.
“Ho, ho, for the Temple’s completed,–
The Lord hath a place for his head,
And the priesthood, in power, now lightens
The way of the living and dead!
See, see, mid the world’s dreadful splendor
Christianity, folly and sword,
The Mormons, the diligent Mormons,
Have rear’d up this house to the Lord!
By the spirit and wisdom of Joseph,–
(Whose blood stains the honor of State,)
By tithing and sacrifice daily,
The poor learn the way to be great.
Mark, mark, for the Gentiles are fearful
Where the work of the Lord is begun;
Already this monument finish’d,
Is counted–one miracle done!”
(W. W. Phelps, “Dedication Hymn,” T&S 6(23):1135, 15 Feb., 1846)
22 Feb.: Panic during temple meeting.
“Sunday 22 a meeting was convened in the Temple on the first floor–the room was yet unfinished Br Benjamin Clapp began the meeting by prayer he had proceeded some little time when a slight crack was heard in the floor and being laid on truss girders they settled a little when suddenly the People began to scream vehemently, as though they expected house to fall on them instantly rushed in every direction & some began to break the sash & glass several windows were thus broken & men plunged out like mad cats upon the frozen ground & stones below–twas in vain to attempt to restore order & President [Brigham] Young directed the People to go out into the grove although it was cold.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 22 Feb., 1846, p. 31)
“Sunday, 22d–A meeting was convened in the Temple on the first floor. The room was yet unfinished. Brother Benjamin Clapp began the meeting by prayer. He had proceeded some little time when a slight crack was heard in the floor–and being laid on truss girders, they settled a little–when suddenly the people began to scream vehemently as though they expected house to fall on them, instantly rushed in every direction and some began to break the sash and glass. Several windows were thus broken, and men plunged out like mad cats upon the frozen ground and stones below. ‘Twas in vain to attempt to restore order and President Young directed the people to go out into the grove although it was cold. Brother O. Hyde addressed them some time on the subject of apostasy, more especially concerning the followers of James J. Strang. Brother Brigham spoke also and said he was surprised that people did not know any better than to get frightened because the floor of the Temple settled a little, and [forbad] appointing any more meetings there without an order from the Twelve.” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 22 Feb., 1846)
“A Crash in the Temple.–We learn from the Warsaw Signal that on Sunday before last, the ‘saints’ in great numbers assembled in the Hall of the Temple at Nauvoo, to hear Brigham Young’s farewell address prior to his departure.–the weight was so great, being in the 3d story, that the timbers gave way, followed by a crashing report like fire arms. The alarm was great and many jumped out of the windows and were severely hurt.–Damage to building between $500 to a $1000.” (Burlington Hawkeye 7(41):2, 5 Mar., 1846)
28 Feb.: Brigham’s last sermon in the Temple.
“A CRASH IN THE TEMPLE.–It is stated in the Warsaw Signal, that on Saturday last the Saints assembled in the hall of the Temple, which is in the third story, to hear the last sermon of Brigham Young, previous to his departure. So great was the weight that the timbers gave way with a loud crash, like the report of fire arms. The alarm and confusion was tremendous. Some of the Saints broke out the windows and leaped to the ground. One man had his shoulder fractured, and others were badly hurt in thus attempting to escape. The crowd, however, succeeded in escaping before any very serious injury was done to the building.” (Weekly [St. Louis] American 2(11):1, 13 Mar., 1846; Snider Collection)
“The Mormon Temple at Nauvoo, on Saturday the 28th of February was so crowded by people to hear the last sermon of ‘the Saint Brigham Young,’ previous to his departure for the western wilds, that the timbers gave way with a crash–and a tremendous rush ensued, in which numbers were hurt but none killed.” (Niles’ National Register, 21 Mar., 1846)
7 Mar.: Endowments to continue in the wilderness.
“You will hear from me after I get to Nauvoo. It is a hard winter in America, New York is choked up with snow, so that teams cannot get along. The endowments will continue in the wilderness, so I hear.” (Wilford Woodruff to the MS editor, 7 Mar., 1846; MS 8(7):124, 15 Apr., 1846)
9 Mar.: Plans for dedication of Nauvoo Temple.
“It is a matter of doubt about any of the Twelve’s returning to Nauvoo very soon. It is not the place for me any more till this nation is scourged by the hand of the Almighty, who rules in the heavens. This natin shall feel the heavy hand of judgment. They have shed the blood of Prophets and saints, and have been the means of the death of many. Do not think, Brother Joseph, I hate to leave my house and home. No, far from that. I am so free from bondage at this time that Nauvoo looks like a prison to me. It looks pleasant ahead, but dark to look back.
. . . .
If we do not come back, Brother Orson Hyde, yourself and others had better go into the Temple, when the lower part is done, if you are there, and pray and offer up your supplication to the Most High, and leave the house in the hands of the Lord.” (Brigham Young [Richardson’s Point, Camp of Israel, 55 miles from Nauvoo] to Joseph Young [Nauvoo], 9 Mar., 1846; JH 9 Mar., 1846)
15 Mar.: Angelic manifestations in temple.
“Sunday March 15 [1846] At meeting, held south side of the Temple (a very windy day) Preaching by Orson Hyde, and he also read a Revelation to the people which was given by the Spirit to him the day previous concerning the present condition of the Church and the falsity of Strangism, &c, &c. In the evening was with the Quorum in the Temple untill after 12 o’ clock at night. The Sacrament was administered, and great Blessings were enjoyed, Tongues, Prophecying [sic], and the angels attended us, Their glory filled the House in so much that many witnessed it throughout the city and testified thereof, that is the brightness of fire. (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
“March 15 (Wed) [?] [1846] Evening spent with the Quorum in the Temple, myself presiding at which time it was testified that there had not been so great faith manifested at any time before, and was testified of by many without that the temple was filled with exceeding bright light, the gift of Tongues & prophecy was much enjoyed.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
18 Mar.: Wm. Smith intends to give endowments.
“Brother C. Staley arrived from Nauvoo, bring letters . . . Wm. Smith stated that he would be giving Endowments in the Temple within two weeks.” (MHBY 18 Mar., 1846)
22 Mar.: Divine manifestations in prayer circles.
“According to the will of the Lord, divine manifestations may accompany or follow prayer, but there is little evidence that the order of prayer observed in prayer circles was intended to summon special manifestations. In fact, there is at least one occasion in which members of a prayer circle were admonished not to seek such signs. On 22 March 1846, Samuel W. Richards recorded in his journal that in the prayer circle of his seventies quorum it was proposed ‘that we pray for the Prophet Joseph to come into our midst and converse with us.’ The uncomfortable similarity between such an act and a spiritualistic seance was apparent, and ‘it was decided by the President, that we had no right to pray for that thing, and all was again right.’ [Samuel W. Richards Journal, 22 Mar., 1846; HDC] Obviously, a prayer circle may result in divine manifestation of a spectacular nature, but the available records concerning prayer circles indicate that rarely is such a manifestation sought.” (D. Michael Quinn, “Latter-day Saint Prayer Circles,” BYU Studies 19(1):104, Fall, 1978)
“22 March [1846] …went to my Quorum meeting in the Temple. The Whole Quorum being present consisting of 15 members, as follows, Zebedee Coltrain, Phineas Richards, Levi Richards, Graham Coltrain, John Coltrain, F. D. Richards, Abel Lamb, Benj. Brown, Wendall Mace, Thomas B. Richards, Charles Patten, Curtis E. Bolton, William Anderson, John Loveless, and my self. Dressing ourselves in the order of the Priesthood we called upon the Lord, his Spirit attended us, and the visions of heaven were opened to our view. I was, as it was, lost to myself, and beheld the earth reel to and fro, and was moved out of its place, men fell to the earth and their life departed from them, and at the close thereof, there appeared a great company as it were of saints coming from the West as I stood with my back to the north they were passing to the east, and the scripture was fulfilled with saith, ‘Come see the desolation which the Lord hath made in the Earth,’ and the company of Saints who had been hid as it were from the earth, walked in the light for the glory of the Lord was around them while darkness was upon the face of the Earth, and I beheld other things which were glorious while the power of God rested down upon me. Others also beheld Angels, and the glory of God. Having had a season of enjoyment, it was proposed by C.E.B. [Curtis E. Bolton] that we pray for the Prophet Joseph to come into our midst and converse with us, some consented so to do but the idea was first objected to as being unwise by Bro. Levi R. [Richards] who received a reprimand by way of [a] hint to leave the room from Bro. B. [Brown] not being agreed with the Quorum. The matter was taken up, and after some remarks form several of the brethren, it was decided by the President, that we had no right to pray for such a thing, and all was again right. The Sacrament was administered and our joy was increased [sic] by the gift of Tongues and Prophecy by which great blessings were spoken and made known to us.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
26 Mar.: Temple only reason for tarrying in Nauvoo.
“The main and only cause of our tarrying so long was to give the brethren those blessings in the temple, for which they have labored so diligently and faithfully to build, and as soon as it was prepared, we labored incessantly almost night and day to wait on them until a few days prior to our departure.” (Brigham Young to James Emmett, 26 Mar., 1846; in Richard E. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852, p. 17)
2 Apr.: Early adoption.
“Had the pleasure of perusing an interesting letter from S. M. K[imball], thro’ the politeness of her adopted mother Vilate.” (Eliza R. Snow diary, 2 Apr., 1846; IE 46(4):208, Apr., 1943)
8 Apr.: Eliza R. Snow adopted to Heber C. Kimball?
“Elder Kimball was passing my ‘study’ today when after the usual compliments, I told him I was number’d among his children. I wished to know if he would acknowledge me as one. He said he would, & I told him that I should claim a father’s blessing. He said he would give me one. I asked when? to which he replied ‘now.’ I told him I was ready; he said to me then, ‘A father’s blessing shall rest upon you from this time forth.’ From this time I call him father.” (Eliza R. Snow diary, 8 Apr., 1846; IE 46(4):209, Apr., 1943)
12 Apr.: Dreams and their interpretations.
“April 12 [1846]…in the afternoon attended the Quorum Meeting in the Temple, the Sacrament was administered, and several dreams were told, and the interpretations given in Tongues, where in some of the principles of the resurrection were explained and much good instruction given.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
15 Apr.: Mysteries to be revealed through endowments.
“In the first place we would remark that the position of a Saint of the last days, amongst professed religionists, or the world at large, is entirely different from that of any other individual. He becomes a marked character, not only in the estimation of men, but of beings of another order, and to whom this world is subject. He has done something, when he has gone forth, and been initiated into the kingdom of God, but in order to advance, and be made perfect in all things, he has much to learn of things that to mankind are hidden, and that are not lawful to be uttered in their midst. He must come into possession of principles, and knowledge, that shall be keys unto him to unlock and open the glorious principles of truth that have been long veiled and hidden from human ken because of transgression. But how is this to be effected? By the gathering of the Saints, by the erection of temples, in which these glorious mysteries may be unravelled, where alone the people of the Lord may be taught to know and to do his will. But the Saints cannot be gathered, neither can temples be erected, but by the combined efforts and energies of the people of God being brought into successful operation. A contemplaction therefore of the peculiar position of the Saints amongst mankind, and of the things to be accomplished by them, will at once be sufficient to convince any one of the necessity of union and being united, of taking a high and dignified stand amongst the nations of the earth.” (Editorial [Thomas Ward, editor], MS 7(8):127, 15 Apr., 1846)
20 Apr.: Thomas Sharp’s published account of endowment.
“There was also some news papers read giving an account of the saying of the world about us and also Thomas C. Sharp’s account of the endowment which was a most rediculous & willful perversion of the truth but he has evidently been taught some thing of the true order by some traiterous apostate.” (Hosea Stout diary, 20 Apr., 1846)
22 Apr.: Attempted sale of Nauvoo Temple.
“We mentioned a few days ago, that a liberal, wealthy gentleman from the south, was on his way to purchase the Mormon temple in Nauvoo, and a large number of lots in the town and farms in the vicinity, for the purpose of converting the temple into an asylum for destitute widows and females. We regret to learn, that thus far the negotiation has not been entirely successful. The agents of the Mormons and the gentleman alluded to, we understand, agreed as to prices for the Masonic Hall, Arsonal and other public buildings, and one nundred one acre lots; but the agents declined selling the temple, although they were willing to lease it. Without the temple, the purposes of the liberal gentleman cannot be consummated. We hope, still, that better counsels may prevail, and that this liberal hearted benefactor may be enabled to consummate his object. There is no object to which the temple could not diverted [sic] that would be more human, more necessary, or more christianizing in its effects, than the proposed by this gentleman. Possibly, the Mormon ladies might themselves profit by it as much as any others.” (Daily Missouri Republican 24(4880):2, 22 Apr., 1846; Snider Collection)
“It is said that a rich old Bachelor from the South, is negotiating for the purchase of the Mormon temple at Nauvoo, to be used as a retreat for poor widows and other females.–He designs to endow it by the purchase of a large number of lots and farms in the neighborhood. Hope he will succeed.” (Sangamo Journal 15(31):2, 23 Apr., 1846; Snider Collection)
26 Apr.: Catholic bachelor offers to buy Nauvoo Temple.
“Shadrach Roundy arrived in camp, three and a half days out from Nauvoo, bringing a mail of twenty-eight letters, among them one from Elder Orson Hyde, informing Pres. Young that a wealthy Catholic bachelor wished to purchase the Temple and thereby immortalize his name; he would probably give two hundred thousand dollars for it. If he bought the Temple he would also buy other property, but not otherwise. Bro. Hyde offered to lease it to him, but he would not lease. Bro. Hyde was afraid the Temple would fall into the hands of enemies as borrowed means were being called for, and numerous obligations were rolling in upon the trustees without means to liquidate them. Elder Hyde asked if it would not be better to sell the Temple at Nauvoo and also the Temple and church property at Kirtland, and with the proceeds assist the Saints to emigrate westward.
. . . .
Pres. Young received a letter from Elders George A. Smith and Amasa M. Lyman, announcing that thirteen wagons were encamped at Point Pleasant, unable to come up at present. They felt willing that the Temple should be sold to assist the poor, if the council thought it best.” (JH 26 Apr., 1846)
27 Apr.: Sell Nauvoo and Kirtland Temples.
“Pres. Brigham Young met in council with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Taylor, Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt and sixteen others . . .
The council decided that the trustees might sell the Temples at Nauvoo and Kirtland and all other property of the Church and help the poor saints to move westward. The council considered that the Temple would be of no benefit to the saints, if they could not possess their private dwellings, and when the time should come that they shoud return and redeem their inheritances they would then redeem the Temple also; that a sale would secure it from unjust claims, mobs, fire and so forth, more effectually than for the Church to retain it in their hands.
Bishop [Newel K.] Whitney had some doubts as to the propriety of selling the Temple.
Pres. Young related a dream he had the previous night which is as follows:
I saw myself employed in the service of an aged man, a Lord, superintending the affairs of his dominion. Assisted by the council, I directed some important steps to be taken which I considered necessary, notwithstanding the Lord had not instructed me to do so. By and by he came to me smiling, his hair was as white as the purest wool. I tol him what I had done and asked him if I had done right. Pausing a moment, he turned to me with a smile on his countenance and said, ‘You have done well. I intend to buy a large store filled with all kinds of commodities, all of which shall be under your control, as you understand the affairs of my government and will do my people good.’
Whether Bishop Whitney’s doubt were removed or not, after hearing the dream, he voted to sell the Temple. The council wrote Elder Hyde their decision.” (JH 27 Apr., 1846)
27 Apr.: Daily prayers offered in temple for pioneers.
“Up until the 24th day of December my time was employed in gathering my property and moving it to Nauvoo and in guarding the brethren from the fury of the mob. On this day I received my endowments in the Temple.
From this time on my occupation was preparing to move west. When the pioneers left I was chosen one of the quorum that met in the Temple in room No. 1, to offer up our prayers for the benefit of the pioneers, which we did every evening until April 27, 1846, during which time the glory, power and mercy of God was made manifest in a most powerful manner. On many occasions our prayers and requests were answered in full as soon as we asked. On April 27, 1846, I left the city of Nauvoo.” (John Loveless autobiographical sketch; in Our Pioneer Heritage, 12:224, 1969)
28 Apr.: Decision to sell Nauvoo Temple.
“More than farms and way stations, the Locust Creek plan had called for an immediate infusion of funds to supply the express mountain company. Yet where could they get monies in such an isolated wilderness? One solution lay in selling properties back in Nauvoo, but since sales were not going well, other measures were required. Consequently it was decided at Garden Grove to instruct the trustees to enter into confidential negotiations to sell the recently completed Nauvoo Temple, then scheduled for dedication in just two weeks time. At the same time they agreed to try to sell the Kirtland Temple in Ohio and all other church properties in that area. Apostle Orson Pratt, who participated in these deliberations, explained their rationale: ‘Inasmuch as we were driven from our inheritances and homes and from the Temple,’ all future property sales ‘were but forced sales done for the purpose of keeping a poor people from perishing and that we would be justified by our Heavenly Father in so doing.’ [Footnote 68: “Journal of Orson Pratt, 28 April 1846. This business of temple sales is an unexplored area in LDS history. It appears that Young may have first broached the topic even before the exodus from Nauvoo but was rebuffed. Now in much more stringent conditions, his colleagues were less opposed but not warmly supportive of the idea. Wrote George A. Smith in a letter to Young, ‘We have felt much anxiety on that subject until we all agreed in council not to sell it last winter. But if you in your wisdom should think it best to sell the same to help the poor in the present emergency we frankly concur, notwithstanding we feel opposed to a Methodist congregation ever listening to a mob Priest in that holy Place, but are willing to sacrifice our feelings at all times for the good of the saints.’ George A. Smith to Brigham Young and Council, 26 April 1846, Brigham Young Papers.”]
These decisions were kept confidential for several months so as not to shock the religious sensitivities of many followers. But faced with a worsening economic situation, and endeavoring once and for all to sever all ties with Nauvoo in order to risk everything in a western wilderness, Young convinced his colleagues that they really had no other choice. Besides, it was far better to sell these structures to the ‘Gentiles’ (a term frequently used to describe the non-Mormons) than to have them fall into the hands of the Strangites or other factions who were simultaneously maneuvering for possession of the Nauvoo Temple. [Footnote 69: “Strang’s arguments were based on his reading of the deeds to both temples, which stated such properties belonged to Joseph Smith and to his ‘successors in the First Presidency.’ Since Strang had already established his own First Presidency and Brigham Young was months away from that development, this may have proved one of the legal barriers to the sales. Voree Herald, September 1846, vol. 1, no. 9, p. 2. ‘All we ask of the Brighamites, is that they will not burn the temple down and lay it to the mob.'”] On 29 April the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles unanimously sustained Young’s decision to sell the Nauvoo Temple for $200,000. [Footnote 70: “Journal of Orson Pratt, 29 April 1846. The initial asking price for the Nauvoo Temple was set at $200,000, compared to a construction cost of $600,000 to $750,000. (Robert Bruce Flanders, “Nauvoo–Kingdom of the Mississippi.”) Word was sent back to the trustees and Orson Hyde to make every effort to consummate the transactions. Young was definitely counting on a sale of the Nauvoo Temple as several potential buyers were reportedly interested, including Mr. W. Brunson who desired to use the temple as a literary institution (James Whitehead to Brigham Young, 18 August 1846, Brigham Young Papers), and later, a more serious applicant, M. Paulding of New Orleans (Joseph L. Heywood to Brigham Young, 2 October 1846, Brigham Young Papers). Apparently Young was expecting a quick sale, since he left specific instructions for the trustees to bring $25,000 of the total proceeds to the Mt. Pisgah settlement. (See the Council of the Twelve to Orson Hyde and Wilford Woodruff, 30 April 1846, Brigham Young Papers; and William Clayton’s Journal, 25.) Without such funds, outfitting an express mountain company was almost impossible.” (Richard E. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852, pp. 40, 250)
29 Apr.: Temple to be made into asylum for poor.
“We learn that a wealthy gentleman from the South–a bachelor far advanced in life–who was at St. Louis a short time since, enroute from Nauvoo, designs purchasing the temple and converting it into an asylum for widows and destitute females. This is a most praise worthy, as well as magnificent project, and we hope he may succeed in his negotiation.” (Iowa Capital Reporter 5(12):2, 29 Apr., 1846; Snider Collection)
“Nauvoo Temple.–The St. Louis Republican of last Wednesday says, we mentioned a few days ago, that a liberal, wealthy gentleman from the south, was on his way to purchase the Mormon temple at Nauvoo, for the purpose of converting the temple into an asylum for destitute widows and females. We regret to learn, that thus far the negotiation has not been entirely successful. The agents of the Mormons and the gentleman alluded to, we understand, agreed as to prices for the Masonic Hall, Arsenal and other public buildings, and one hundred one acre lots; but the agents declined selling the temple, although they were willing to lease it. Without the temple, the purpose of the liberal gentleman cannot be consummated. We hope, still, that better counsels may prevail, and that this liberal hearted benefactor may be enabled to consummate his object. There is no object to which the temple could be diverted that would be more humane, more necessary, or more christianing in its effects, than that proposed by this gentleman. Possibly, the Mormon ladies might themselves profit by it as much as any others.” (Peoria Democratic Press 7(12):2, 29 Apr., 1846; Snider Collection)
29 Apr.: Various activities in the temple, including dancing.
“April 29 [1846] In the afternoon met in the attick story of the Temple with the members who formed the prayer circle in [Room] No. 1 and a part of [Room] No. 2 with our wives and had a feast of cakes, pies, wine & where we enjoyed ourselves with prayer, preaching, administration for healing, blessing children, and music and dancing untill near midnight, the other hands completed painting the lower room.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
30 Apr.: Private dedication of Nauvoo Temple.
“The Temple at Nauvoo was dedicated this evening. Elders Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, John, Joseph and Phineas H. Young, J. M. Bernhisel, J. L. Heywood, and several others were present. Elder Joseph Young offered up the dedicatory prayer, dedicating the Temple, and all that pertained thereto to the Lord, as an offering to Him as an evidence of the willingness of His people, to fulfill His commandments, and build His Holy house, even at the risk of their lives, and the sacrifice of their labor and earthly goods. He prayed for the Twelve and all the authorities of the Church, and for the workment that had wrought upon the Temple in the midst of persecution, want and suffering, and for the deliverance of the poor; that the Lord would direct the brethren of the Camp of Israel, open the way before them and lead them to a place of His own appointment for the gathering of all the Saints that God would avenge the blood of His servants, the prophets and of the saints who had been slain for the testimony of the truth and mete out to our enemies the same measure which they have meted out to us.” (MHBY 30 Apr., 1846)
“At the edge of the evening I repaired to the Temple And dressed in our Priestly robes in company with Elder Orson Hyde And about 20 others of the Elders of Israel. We dedicated the Temple of the Lord built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, unto His Most Holy name. We had An interesting time. Notwithstand the man fals Prophesies of Sidney Rigdon And others that the roof should not go on nor the House be finished And the threats of the mob that we should not dedicate it yet we have done both and we had An interesting time.
At the Close of the dedication we raised our voices in the united Shout of Hosanna to God And the Lamb which entered the Heavens to the joy And consolation of our hearts. We prayed for the Camp of Israel, for good weather, that we might not be disturbed by any mob untill the dedication was over. I returned home thankful for the privilege of Assisting in the dedication of the Temple of the Lord.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 30 Apr., 1846)
1 May: Public dedication of Nauvoo Temple.
“The Temple at Nauvoo was publicly dedicated by Elder Orson Hyde; Elders W. Woodruff, A. W. Babbitt, and Joseph A. Stratton were present and took part in the services. Fee for admission one dollar, to pay the hands employed on the Temple.” (MHBY 1 May, 1846)
“We met for A public dedication of the Temple this Morning. Enterance was $1 each to pay the Hands that had worked on the Temple. I Paid $7 for 7 tickets. My company consisted this morning of myself, wife, Father, Mother, one Cousin And Mary Jackson. At the hour Apointed I opened the Meeting by Prayer. Was followed in remarks by Br Hyde who also offered up the dedication Prayer After which Elder Almon Babit was called upon to Address the meeting which He did do to the edefycation of the Saints.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 1 May, 1846)
1 May: He brings credentials to prove he is endowed.
“We have rejoiced much also in the arrival from Nauvoo of elder David C. Kimball, one of the presidents of the quorum of seventies, who has also brought credentials to prove his having received his endowment in the Temple of the Lord. We feel assured that the Saints will rejoice in his teachings, and minister to his wants with that liberality which they have always manifested.” (Editorial [Thomas Ward, editor], MS 7(9):143, 1 May, 1846)
3 May: Why did we bother to complete the temple?
“As respects the finishing of this House I will ask why have we laboured to Complete it when we were not expecting to stay. There is two sides to every thing but Mormonism. As to that there is but one side on earth. The other is in Heaven. If we moved forward & finished this House we should be recieved & accepted as A Church with our dead but if not we should be rejected with our dead. These things have inspired And stimulated us to Action in the finishing of it which through the blessing of God we have been enabled to accomplish And prepared it for dedication. In doing this we have ownly been saved as it were by the skin of our teeth. The enemy Prophesyed we should not get the roof on but we have finished it And on Thursday night we met in this temple prayed in our white robes & dedicated it unto God And truly An interesting season we enjoyed. I am willing to live And Die for the Cause.
You may wish to know what we have been doing in this house. I will tell you. We have been anointing And ordaining Kings and Priest unto God. I have been Anointed A king & Priest unto God. If any one wishes to kill me for it let them do it.
We have laboured hard to ordain kings & Priest unto God to reign here on the earth but not now, but I will tell you when it will be. When the LORD JESUS CHRIST comes to reign and recieve his Crown And sit upon his Throne. The Twelve Apostles will sit upon there Thrones & Judge the Twelve tribes of Israel. Then is the time we expect to recieve our crown And inherit this earth. We look forward for A new Heaven & earth but it will be the old Concern made gloriously and renewed. Those who have been ordained unto this office will be born at the resurrection in the royal linage.
If this religion Gospel & Priesthood has not power to bind on earth and in heaven, it is good for nothing. When A man has recieved this gospel Anointing And endowments let him go to the dust but He will arise And take his place on his throne. Then will the Nations serve And obey us. They are now Persecuting us And there Persecutions Are bringing gray hairs upon the Saints but the Heads of the persecutors will be coverd with blackness.
Men may have been ordained from before the foundation of the world to have performed certain works.
There are different stations in the next world And men will be delt with according to the deeds done in the body. A man ought to be good Here as he grows older. A man that does his duty And obtaines the Priesthood and honors it will have his reward His exhaltation thrones & dominions according to his faithfulness. We like our Master have desended below all things. So shall we arise above all things. I have seen this by vision. We shall be connected with the kingdom of Jesus Christ to the vary place And station will A man arise in the resurrection to which He Has been sealed & anointed on earth. . . .
A man in the Priesthood has persons sealed to him in his kingdom And is subject to him in the dominions of God. Worlds and dominions are continually being formed which adds to the glory of God.” (Orson Hyde, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 3 May, 1846)
“The Saints had laboured faithfully & finished the Temple & were now recieved as A church with our dead. This is glory enough for building the Temple And thousands of the Saints have recieved there endowment in it. And the light will not go out. Many other remarks were made by Elder Woodruff when the meeting & dedication of the Temple Closed.” (Wilford Woodruff remarks, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 3 May, 1846)
6 May: Temple sold to Methodists?
“We are also informed that ‘Temple’ has been disposed to a Methodist association for $150,000. Who gets the money?” (Quincy Whig 9(3):2, 6 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
8 May: Rumored sale of Nauvoo Temple.
“We published a paragraph a few days since from a St. Louis paper, to the effect, that a gentleman contemplated purchasing the Nauvoo Temple, for a benevolent purpose. The Eagle says, the gentlemen passed up the river to this place. He was to stop on his return, when he would have an opportunity to purchase at a very low price. A sale requires the assent of the Twelve,–which worthies were with the camp, and whence a messenger was immediately sent to arrange the preliminaries for a trade. The structure is said to have cost between seven and eight hundred thousand dollars! Every stone in it was laid through knavery and oppression. It is a monument of delusion and falsehood. It might be as well to close it up, and let it crumble down without an inhabitant, a warning to the ignorant to avoid the snares of such treachery as that which ground down its confiding operatives.” (Weekly North Western Gazette [Ill.] 12(27):2, 8 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
9 May: Rumored sale of Nauvoo Temple.
“The same paper [Hancock Eagle] states, in reference to a late remark in the Missouri Republican, ‘that a liberal, wealthy gentleman from the South was on his way to purchase the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo’ that the gentleman in question had gone up to Galena, but would stop at Nauvoo on his return, for the purpose of making or attempting to make said purchase–that messenger has been dispatched to the camp, in order to arrange the preliminaries with the Twelve–that the Trustees would be able to negotiate in a few days–that if sold at all, the Temple would be disposed of at a great sacrifice–and that the chief inducement which the Mormons have in thus parting with it, is to raise an immdiate fund for the relief of their poor.” (Alton Telegraph & Democratic Review 11(19):2, 9 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
“We noticed the fact in our last paper that a wealthy gentleman from the south was about to purchase the Nauvoo Temple &c. which information we derived from the St. Louis Republican. The Nauvoo Eagle of the first inst. quoting the article says:
As a pendant to the above, we are enabled to state that the gentleman referred to, passed up the river, a few days ago, on his way to Galena. He will stop here on his return, and from what we can hear will have an opportunity of purchasing the Temple at a very low price.
The organization of the Mormon Church requires the assent of the ‘Twelve’ as well as that of the congregation before a measure of the kind can be acted on. A messenger has been dispatched to the Camp to arrange these preliminaries, and in a fe days the trustees will be ready to negotiate.
If sold at all, it will be disposed of at what may be regarded as a great sacrifice, and the chief inducement which the Mormons have in thus parting with it; is to raise an immediate fund for the removal of their poor.”
(Peoria Democratic Press 7(14):2, 13 Dec., 1846; Snider Collection)
“We learn from the Hancock Eagle of the 9th that the great Mormon council at Nauvoo, and the ‘Twelve’, have both decided to sell the temple, and it is accordingly now offered for sale. Its cost to the Mormons, as appears by their books, exceeds a million of dollars, but it could probably have been built by contract for $500,000. They now ask for it but $200,000. Their object in selling it is to raise money to enable them to emigrate.” (Semi-Weekly Galena Jeffersonian 1(59):2, 18 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
9 May: Dancing lessons in the temple.
“May 9 [1846] Went to the Temple where I spent the evening with a party (consisting mostly of the members of our Quorum with their wives) learning the rudiments of dancing taught by I. K. Nichols.”
(Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
10 May: Sunday service in Nauvoo Temple.
“I went to the Temple at an early hour. Found the House filled. Elder Phelps opened by Prayer. I Addressed the Saints from the words of Solomon ‘There is a time to all things And for evry purpose under heavens there is a season.’
I was followed by A. Fielding B. Clapp And others. I had a good day. Perhaps the last time I shall preach in that House.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 10 May, 1846)
10 May: 3000 people meet at Nauvoo Temple.
“About three thousand saints met in the Temple at Nauvoo. Elder Wilford Woodruff preached and Elder Noah Packard bore testimony.” (JH 10 May, 1846)
12-16 May: Dancing in the temple.
“May 12 [1846] Spent the evening at the Temple dancing school with my wife.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
“May 14 [1846] Went to the temple in the evening to the dancing school.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
“May 16 [1846] Saturday evening attended the dancing school with my wife.” (Samuel W. Richards Journal, The Nels B. Lundwall Collection, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1989)
13 May: Authorization to sell temple.
“By a unanimous vote of the members of the Church, at a meeting held in the Temple on Sunday, the 3d inst., and a subsequent approval by the Council of Twelve, and the Priests, Elders and members, at the encampment, authority has been given to the Trustees to sell the Temple itself. Their original purpose was to lease it for a term of years, for some religious or literary purpose. Now they propose to sell it, and thus cut off the last and only motive which could exist to induce them to stay at Nauvoo, or return to it at any future time. The Temple is a stupendous building, of which we will give hereafter, a more particular description. It appears by the books of the Church, that they have spent in its erection, in money and the labor of the members, upwards of a million of dollars, but it is probable that such a building, by contract, could be built for about $400,000. They offer to sell it for $200,000, though it is supposed that it might be purchased for less. So far as room and convenience are requisite, it would answer well for a college or an asylum.” (Daily Missouri Republican 24(3898):2, 13 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
“THE TEMPLE IN THE MARKET.–The deliberations of the great Mormon Council, which was held on Sunday last, on the occasion of the dedication, resulted in the passage of a resolution to sell the Temple, for the purpose of obtaining funds to effect a removal of the poor from the State.” (St. Louis American 2(134):3, 13 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
16 May: Proposed sale of Nauvoo Temple.
“We learn from the last Hancock Eagle, that the Mormons have resolved, in Grand Council, to sell the Temple at Nauvoo, ‘for the purpose of obtaining funds to effect a removal of their poor from the State.’ This council consisted of probably not less than 5,000 persons; ‘and the opinion, as to the policy of selling out all the church property and hurrying off the poor, was unanimous.’ The Twelve have likewise unanimously agreed to the sale of this magnificent structure, which is now ‘considered as finished’–the greatest exertions having been made by the Mormons to complete it before their removal, under the belief, according to the above mentioned journal, tht ‘the non-fullfilment of this high duty, would subject both themselves, and ‘their dead’, to rejection by the Court of Heaven, in futuro.’ Its cost, as ascertained from the official documents, ‘exceeds one million of dollars; but a similar edifice might be built by contract for half the sum. The asking price for it is now $200,000.’–It is hoped that some wealthy individual or corporation will purchase it; as it is well adapted for a college, or other public institution, and it is said to be ‘an extraordinary speciment of human skill and industry,'” (Alton Telegraph & Democratic Review 11(20):2, 16 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
21 May: The Temple offered for sale.
“To the Hancock Eagle of the 8th inst., we are indebted for the following:
THE TEMPLE IN THE MARKET.–The deliberations of the great Mormon Council, which was held on Sunday last, (on the occassion of the Dedication) resulted in the passage of the resolution to sell the Temple for the purpose of obtaining funds to effect a removal of the poor from the State.
Of the immense concourse assembled within the walls of this huge and magnificent edifice, there was but one descending voice upon the taking of the question, and we are informed that this one was not entitled to a vote. The number present was not probably less than 5000; and the opinion as to the policy of selling out all the church property and hurrying off the poor, was unanimous.
Since the date of these proceedings, the express which was despatched to the great caravan nine or ten days ago, has returned with information that the ‘Twelve’ had assembled in conference with their hosts, and together had unanimously passed a resolution instructing the trustees to sell the temple as soon as possible, and appropriate the proceeds to a removal of the poor who have labored upon it, and others who are unable to provide themselves with the necessities of life.
All the constituted authorities of the Mormon Church have passed upon the important measure, and this grand specimen of saintly architecture is this for sale.
If any wealthy individual can be found who has a thirst for immortality, he can slake it by purchasing this, great edifice for some literary, religious or charitable institution. It can be had for less than one-fourth of the amount that would be required to erect a similar structure; and if bought on speculation, could probably be sold at a great advance in a few years.
Its cost to the Mormons (as appears by reference to their books) exceeds one million of dollars, but a similar edifice might be built by contract for half the sum. The asking price for it now is $200,000.
For two or three months past a strong force has been at work on the interior day and night, and the greatest exertions have been made by the Mormons to complete it within a given time that it might be dedicated for their removal.
This strange sect have regarded the completion of the Temple as a religious obligation imposed upon them by the Almighty; and as far as we can understand the matter, their doctrines inculcate the superstition that that the non fulfillment of this high duty will subject both themselves and ‘their dead’ to the rejection of the court of Heaven in future. Hence the great efforts which have been made to complete their ‘offering.’
The templs is now considered as finished. We were surprized upon inspecting it a few days ago, to perceive how much has been accomplished in a month. The appearance of the basement hall, in the midst of which stands the baptismal font, has been entirely changed by a laborious use of the towel [trowel?], and the ‘animals’ now show a great advantage in contact with the tiled floor. The grand hall designed for the congregation is worthy of attention of all architects who in originality and taste [sic]. It has been thronged by visitors from abroad since its completion, and excites the surprise and admiration of every beholder.
As long as it stands, the Temple will continue to be a great attraction of the upper Mississippi; and it is supposed that the purchaser might realize at least one half the annual interest on the money invested, by a small charge levied upon strangers for admission.
It is certainly an extraordinary specimen of human skill and industry; and so well appointed in its arragements, that it can be made available for other purposes than those for which it was intended. As a college edifice it would stand unrivaled either in America or Europe.” (The Missouri Whig 7(44):3, 21 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
21 May: Temple must be established in the Mountains.
“. . . the Lord’s House must be established in the tops of the mountains, where the people may gather, the Saints receive their endowments and the Lord hide Israel while his indignation shall pass by.” (JH 21 May, 1846)
22 May: Prayer that Nauvoo Temple be preserved by Lord.
“I Left Nauvoo for the last time perhaps in this life. I looked upon the Temple & City of Nauvoo as I retired from it & felt to ask the Lord to preserve it As A monument of the sacrifice of his Saints.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 22 May, 1846)
23 May: Nauvoo Temple still unsold.
“It does not appear that the Temple had been disposed of at the last account; for it is offered for sale ‘on very low terms’ in the paper [Hancock Eagle] of the 15th inst. The Trustees to whom those wishing to purchase are to apply, are Messers. Almon W. BAbbitt, Joseph L. Heywood, and John S. Fullmer.” (Alton Telegraph & Democratic Review 11(21):3, 23 May, 1846; Snider Collection)
24 May: B. Young on sealing.
“the Predent made another sp. showing the way to get along with business where many hands, namely by the
principle of Sealing, binding the children to the father, laying before them as an example his own family, containing about 200 persons.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 24 May, 1846)
30 May: Prayer circle on prairie.
“To day 8 of the Twelve with 10 others namly Elder O. & D. Spencer, Bishop Whitney, Rockwood, W. K.ball, Wm. Huntington, E. Benson, Ch. Rich went out on the prairie in cariages, and put up two tents forming a tabernakle, in the which the[y] clothed themselfes in priestly attire and offered up prayers.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 30 May, 1846)
30 May: Current condition of Nauvoo Temple.
“I have been at Nauvoo, on business, since you left; the place has altered bery much, civilization is making rapid strides, and the people are very much improved since we left; they have built a ten-pin alley opposite the temple, in Mulholland-street; groggeries are plentiful, at night you can hear drunkards yelling and whooping through the streets, a thing formerly unknown. The brethren are trying to sell as fast as they can with some success, though at very low prices. The Saints are moving rapidly away. On my journey back from Nauvoo I passed I should think eight hundred teams, four hundred on the road and four hundred on this side of the river, ready to start, together with cattle and sheep in abundance. In the midst of their difficulties the Saints are rejoicing, and endeavouring to do all they can for the forwarding of the work. The basement story of the temple is finished, together with the ground floor, and looks elegant. My feelings were very peculiar while standing in the font, which is of stone, and passing through the rooms, when I thought how the Saints had laboured and strove to complete this building, and then be forced to leave it, together with their comfortable homes, in the hands of their enemies.” (John Taylor [Camp of Israel, Mount Pisgah, Middle Fork of Grand River] to Joseph Cain [Liverpool], 30 May, 1846; MS 8(2):31, 1 Aug., 1846)
31 May: Deference paid to one who received his endowment.
“He would not detain them by any further remarks, but would avail himself of the pleasure of introducing to that conference elder David C. Kimball, from Nauvoo, a president of the seventies, and one who had had the privilege of receiving an endowment in the temple of the Lord, and he would call upon elder Kimball to open the meeting.” (Manchester General Conference minutes, 31 May, 1846; MS 7(12):187, 15 Jun., 1846)
13 Jun.: Renewed negotiations for sale of Temple.
“The negotiations for the purchase of the Temple have been resumed, with a favorable prospect of a successful termination at an early day.” (Alton Telegraph & Democratic Review 11(24):2, 13 Jun., 1846; Snider Collection)
13 Jun.: Failure to sell Temple.
“The sale of the Temple and the balance of the Church estates would enable the Trustees to send off every man, woman and child, and this would have been effected long ago but for the constant agitation which has been kept up in other portions of the county. Every shift has been resorted to with a view to dissuade persons from purchasing in Nauvoo, and we are assured that the Temple itself would have been sold several weeks ago, but for the threats which have been made that it should be destroyed.” (Hancock Eagle 13 Jun., 1846; quoted in St. Louis Morning Missouri Republican 24(3916):2, 16 Jun., 1846; Snider Collection)
15 Jun.: Deference paid to those who received endowment.
“We cannot omit to allude to the acquisition of strength that we have of late received from America, first in the arrival of our beloved brother David C. Kimball, and since in that of brothers G. D. Watt and Joseph Cain. Elder Kimball, it will be seen by the present number of the STAR, is appointed to preside over the Manchester conference. Elder Watt is sent to preside over Scotland, while elder Cain is sent on express business of the church to Herefordshire. Our brethren have been privileged above the Saints here by receiving an endowment in the Temple of the Lord, and consequently have received additional power and blessings. Let no man deceive himself, nor be alarmed, for most assuredly as our knowledge and blessings increas, so will the hostility of our great adversary, and our warfare will not be ended until we have overcome all things.” (Thomas Ward, editor, MS 7(12):200-201, 15 Jun., 1846)
15 Jun.: Prayer circle, baptism for Lorenzo Snow.
“I assisted in choping and putting up brother Pratts House logs and about that time was taken sick with the fever (25th of May.) I never had such a severe fit of sickness before since my recollection. My friends and family had given up most all hopes of my recovery. Father Huntington, the President of the Place, called on his Congregation to pray for me. He also with Gen. Rich and some others clothed themselves in the garments of the Priesthood and prayed for my recovery. I believe it was thro’ the continued applications of my family and friends to the throne of Heaven that my life was spared.” (Lorenzo Snow Journal, in BYU Studies 24(3):268, Summer, 1984; Maureen Beecher adds this footnote: “After the prayer circle on 15 June, Eliza reports, ‘He soon became calm–had a short paroxysm in the eve. I sat by him all night–he rested quietly’ although Lorenzo had been ‘raving’ and ‘in a distressed condition’ that morning. The baptism for return to health, a common practice in the early Church, was performed 17 June.” [p. 269])
22 Jun.: Armed guards guarding the Temple.
“NAUVOO AND THE TEMPLE.–Our latest accounts from Nauvoo are to Saturday evening. At that time all was quiet, and the intended invaders had disbanded and dispersed; but it would seem that all fears of the citizens had not be delayed, for a gentleman who visited the Temple on Saturday informs us that it was full of armed men, who had been quartered there for its protection; he says he counted three hundred under arms, and fears were still expressed that the Anties would attempt to destroy it; at night, he says, large fires are built upon the hill in order that the light might inform them of an approaching foe.” (St. Louis Daily New Era 7(73):3, 22 Jun., 1846; Snider Collection)
23 Jun.: New attempt to sell Temple.
“The Trustees of the Mormon estates have received a letter from a gentleman of great wealth, who wishes to negotiate for the purchase of this edifice. He writes that if the New Citizens will guarantee its safety against mob violence, he is disposed to make a heavy investment which will embrace most of the Mormon property remaining unsold–the Temple included. As this will invoke an outlay of nearly half a million of dollars for the benefit of Nauvoo, and enable the remaining Mormons to leave immediately, it is to be hoped that the New Citizens will act without delay. A certificate of facts would be all that could be required by the gentleman, in question, to satisfy his mind as to the safety of property in this city.–(Hancock Eagle).” (St. Louis Daily New Ear 7(74):3, 23 Jun., 1846)
25-28 Jun.: Unsuccessful prayer circle for sick child.
“[25 Jun.] Little Hosea was all this time on the decline and the laying on of hands seemed to do but little or no good but to day we concluded to call in all the men & women who had had their endowment and have the ordinance performed according to the Holy order & with the signs of the Priesthood Accordingly we did so in my tent Br Spencer taking the lead which seemed to do some good for the child was better afterwards & we felt incouraged that he thus seemed to appear to be under the influence of the ordinances of the Priesthood and we now had hope again that he would yet be delivered from from [sic] the power of the destroyer. But our hopes were destined to be of short duration for in the evening there came one of the hardest rains that had been this summer.
The water came in torrents & the wind blew hard. In a few minutes our tent was down & the water ran through the waggon covers and thus every thing we had was wet almost before we knew it.
The beds were also wet and Hosea was soon discovered by his mother to be lying in water so fast did it come in on the bed. He was immediately taken worse and thus our last hopes for him vanished. . . .
[27 Jun.] My child seemed strangely affected to night after laying hands on him we found him to [be] troubled with evil spirits who I knew now were determined on his destruction He would show all signs of wrath to wards me & his mother and appearantly try to talk. His looks were demoniac accopanied by the most frightful gestures I ever saw in a child. His strength was greater than in the days of his health.
At times I felt almost to cowl at his fierce ghastly & horrid look and even felt to withdraw from the painful scene for truly the powers of darkness now prevailed here. We were shut up in the waggon with nothing to behold or contemplate but this devoted child thus writhing under the power of the destroyer It was now late in the night & he getting worse when we came to the conclusion to lay hands on him again that the powers of darkness might be rebuked if he could not be raised up. Thus alone my wife & me over our only and dearest son struggled in sorrow and affliction with this last determination that we would not yield with the portion of the Priesthood which we had to the evil spirits After laying hands on him and rebuking the evil spirits he took a Different course He ceased to manifest a desire to talk & his ghastly and frightful gestures and with a set and determined eye gazed at me as if concious of what had been done
We thus beheld him a long time until finally he became easy and went to sleep Late at night we went to sleep also leaving a burning candle in the waggon.
[28 Jun.] I awoke very early this morning and immediately discovered my child to be dying. He seemed perfectly easy and now had given up to the struggle of death and lay breathing out his life sweetly. The evil spirits had entirely left him and he now had his natural, easy, pleasant, calm and usual appearance but death was in his countenance and his little spirit now in the enjoyment of its own body only seemed loth to give it up as almost efvery one seemed involuntary to observe who was present. He gradually and slowly declined untill forty minutes after seven when its spirit took its leave of its body without any appearant pain but seemed to go to sleep.
Thus died my only son and one too on whom I had placed my own name and was truly the dearest object of my heart.” (Hosea Stout diary, 25-28 Jun., 1846)
30 Jun.: Daily prayers in the temple.
“During this month an average attendance of about twelve Elders met every evening in the Temple at Nauvoo and prayed; meetings were also held on the Sabbath.” (MHBY, 30 Jun., 1846; IE 49(5):294, May, 1946)
6 Jul.: Further attempt to sell Nauvoo Temple.
“We have still a prospect of making a sale of the Temple, and also of ‘all the Mormon interest in Hancock county’ and that for cash down, but at what prices, we do not as yet know. Bros. Babbitt and Heywood have started to St. Louis this morning to receive any propositions that might be made for deliberation. Our means are running so low that unless we can sell the Temple we shall not be able to meet all demands and help the poor away. I hope that God will favor the project, for I do assure you that Nauvoo is becoming anything but desirable. Brothers Markham and Snow will be off for camp shortly. In case we sell the Temple, we will visit you and bring you some funds; but Mr. Paulding, the principal, desiring to buy, is in New Orleans; it will therefore require at the least, some five or six weeks to close matters and receive the pay.” (John Fullmer to Brigham Young, 6 Jul., 1846; JH 6 Jul., 1846)
13 Jul.: Orson Hyde advertises for adoptees.
Apostle Orson Hyde “desired all who felt willing to do so to give him a pledge to come into his kingdom when the ordinance could be attended to.” (Hosea Stout diary, 13 Jul., 1846–CHECK SOURCE)
15 Jul.: Report to British on Nauvoo Temple.
“Many have suppposed that our location in the city of Nauvoo was to be a permanent one, so was the situation in Missouri–both were promised as an everlasting possession, yet the Saints were driven from their homes to Nauvoo for a season, there to raise up a temple for the Lord, in which he could reveal unto us the power of the priesthood, and qualify his servants for the work assigned them by God through Joseph Smith; and during our stay at Nauvoo we have reared a temple, obtained the blessings for which we built, and God be praised. . . .
So then with us, the promises of God are in some measure the same; he gave us the land about Nauvoo for a home, and commanded us to build a house to his name, and an obedience to this should give unto us the privilege of being baptized for our dead, without naming the time and place, but the doing of the thing he had commanded should warrant us our dead. We zealously laboured with all our might, mind, and strength to build this house, and one too that should be worthy of our name, that if we had to leave it behind, we should never be ashamed of it. We obtained from the hands of the twelve that knowledge and power to qualify us for our duties; they laboured night and day to have the temple so far finished as to do this, never omitting in the midst of the greatest troubles (whem mobs raged without, hunting for them or lurking like the humgry wolf, with lips already smeared with blood from recent prey) to offer up their prayers for the prosperity of the church, and by their united efforts it has been kept together till the endowment was received. The place became too small for us to dwell in–the church required to be sifted–the celestial laws to be put in force, and the foundation of Zion laid according to that pattern. . . .
I have received in the city of Nauvoo that instruction which I know will eventually save me, and redeem my dear relatives, whether in the temple at Nauvoo or some other place where God shall appoint, no matter where. The house of the Lord is so far accomplished, we can claim our privilege and rejoice in the same.” (David C. Kimball, MS 8(1):8-10, 15 Jul., 1846)
15 Jul.: Purpose of Nauvoo Temple has already been served
“We repeat that after having endured such things, and accomplished so much, it is no small matter to sacrifice these things and go forth into the wilderness to find a new home, if possible, away from the opporessions of the wicked. Many, we are aware, have thought it strange that these things should be so, especially when the temple, that mighty work of labour, was just completed, and with which such glorious hopes were associated, that it should so soon be abandoned. But, beloved Saints, let it be universally understood, that the purpose for which the temple was erected has been accomplished–the church has therein received privileges and powers she otherwise could not have had, and now there is no power of earth and hell combined that can stay the onward progress of the kingdom of God. Even here then, under circumstances unparalleled, and though called upon to make sacrifice of the labour of years, can the Saints take consolation, and fully see the purposes of God have been accomplished, and the designs of the enemy have been completely frustrated.” (Editorial [Thomas Ward, editor], MS 8(1):12, 15 Jul., 1846)
15 Jul.: Mormon Battalion to wear temple garments.
“At nine a.m. the council assembled in Elder [John] Taylor’s tent. Pres. Young proposed to cross the Missouri river and visit his family, accompanied by Elders Kimball and Richards; the others of the Twelve to get the soldiers together and instruct them how to behave, etc., on their expedition; they should wear their temple garments, and prove the best soldiers in the U. S. service.
Pres. Young suggested that the soldiers might tarry and go to work, where they would be disbanded, and he said the next temple would be built in the Rocky Mountains and he should like the Twelve and the old brethren to live in the mountains, where the Temple will be erected, and where the brethren will have to repair to get their endowments.
Pres. Young said he could prophecy that the time would come when some one of the Twelve or a High Priest would come up and ask, ‘Can we not build a Temple at Vancouver island, or in California?’ It is now wisdom to unite all our forces to build one house in the mountains.” (JH 15 Jul., 1846)
17 Jul.: Temple covenant to bring poor to Zion.
“Pres. Young told the brethren they might have their choice, those that volunteered to go over the mountains would have a hard time, and those that remained here would have to send back their teams and bring on the poor, to fulfil the covenant we made in the Temple ‘that we never would cease our exertions till all were gathered.'” (JH 17 Jul., 1846)
24 Jul.: Sealings only through the President.
“Met in Council with the Twelve in a tent on a High prairie ridge eleven of the quorum of the Twelve were present We put on our robes and offered up our prayers to God Conversed upon principles decided in council that no man has a right to attend to the ordinance of sealing except the President of the Church or those who are directed by him so to do and that the ordinance should be confined to Zion or her stakes This was the last council we were expecting to hold altogether before o. Hyde, P. P. Pratt & J Taylor took thare departure for England.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 24 Jul., 1846)
Jul.: Description of Nauvoo Temple.
“Yet in the center of this scene of ruins, stands the Temple of Nauvoo, which is unquestionably one of the finest buildings in this country. It is built of limestone, quarried within the limits of the city, in the bed of a dry stream; and the architect, named Weeks, and every individual who labored upon the building, were ‘Mormons.’ It is one hundred and twenty-eight feet in length, eighty feet wide, and from the ground to the extreme summit it measures two hundred and ninety-two feet. It is principally after the Roman style of architecture, somewhat intermixed with Grecian and Egyptian. It has a portico with three Roman archways. It is surrounded with pilasters; at the base of each is carved a new moon, inverted, while the capital of each is formed of an uncouth head, supported by two hands holding a trumpet. Directly under the tower is this inscription, in golden letters: ‘The House of the Lord. Built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Commenced April 6th, 1841. Holiness to the Lord.’ In the basement room, which is paved with brick, and converges to the center, is a baptismal font, supported by twelve oxen, large as life, the whole executed in solid stone. Two stairways lead into it, from opposite directions, while on either side are two rooms for the recording clerks, and, all around, no less than twelve preparation rooms besides. On the first floor are three pulpits, and a place for the choir; and on either side eight Roman windows. Over the prophet’s pulpit, or throne, is the inscription: ‘The Lord has beheld our sacrifice: come after us.‘ Between the first and second floors are two long rooms, appropriated to the patriarchs, which are lighted with eight circular windows each. The room of the second floor, in every particular, is precisely like that of the first. Around the hall of a spacious attic are twelve small rooms, with circular windows and a massive lock on each door. At the two front corners of the edifice are two winding stairways, which meet at the base of the tower and lead to the summit,–while the roof of the main building is arranged for a place of promenade; and the walls of the noble edifice vary from four to six feet in thickness.” (Charles Lanman, July, 1846, in A Summer in the Wilderness [1847]; reprinted in IE 18(3):192, Jan., 1915)
1 Aug.: Priesthood ordinances, including adoption.
“In order that we may more fully understand the meaning of the law of adoption, by which we can call God our father and claim the inheritance, we will suppose that in one town resided a man that was poor, yet blessed with a family of six boys; he is the main stay of the same. In the town adjacent resides a rich man, and he has no family; popular rumour had given him a good name, which had also been awarded him by this poor man and his six boys, but one evening a stranger calls at the poor man’s house and solicits lodgings for the night. The poor man, with feelings alove to good deeds, consents–the frugal meal is spread–after partaking of which they encircle the fire, the whole family listening with eager ears to the many enquiries of the stranger about the rich man; and after many insinuations of his austerity and rapacity, he denounces him as totally bad: the recapitulation of such things gains the feelings of the family, and they join also in their denunciation. There is a change of heart a second time–first as good, now as bad. In the morning the stranger departs, and some time after the father of the family falls sick and is brought near unto death; the righ man hearing of this, loads his mule with wine and oil, and goes forth to administer to the sick man’s wants, and given unto him money also. This timely aid raises him to health and strength, and he is soon again among his family. Now then he exclaims, my heart is changed, I believe this rich man to be a good man, and so replies the six boys do we–here is a change of heart. In the course of a few days the rich man waits upon them, and desires three of the boys to leave their father’s house and go with him, and become his sons by adoption; he has made no choice of which three it shall be, but leaves the matter to them. Thus consulted they all believe him to be a good man, but three reply they will stand by the old man, the other three volunteer to leave their father’s house and go with the rich man–he calls in the lawyer, and by the law of the country they are his adopted sons. After a time the rich man dies, then the other brothers come to claim a share of the patrimony upon the ground of their good feelings towards him, but they could not claim one jot or tittle. Now you that are believers only in the change of heart, ask why they could not claim a share? I answer the reason is very obvious, because they had not been adopted into the family, and could not show the seal of their adoption, nor could they call with a clear conscience to the Abba, Father. Then a change of heart alone will not do, unless we receive that seal which leaves no room for doubt. Hence, then, it has been wisely ordered that when a person, an alien or stranger to the family, wishes to become a son or a daughter of God, he must abide and conform to the laws established for that adoption, which secures to them the patrimony of those who are willing to leave fathers and mothers, and houses and land for Christ’s sake, and we can alone come in by the laws of adoption. How then shall we say a change of heart will alone suffice? Hence then Christ came to set at variance the domestic circle–the father against son–the mother against daughter–and a man’s foes they of his own household. Had he been content to remain with his change of heart, all would be well, and he would by the world be esteemed as good; but as soon as he leaves his old father and becomes a member of the rich man’s household, his former companions become his enemies, and the adoption will not comprise every individual, for it is the intention of God to take one of a family, and two of a city, that his purposes might be fulfilled. Hence then when the ordinance of baptism has been administered, to seal that adoption we are called upon to receive the laying on of hands for the purpose of receiving the holy spirit–the seal of our inheritance, and the power which gives us a claim to share the same; and God our father cannot withhold these blessings from us, because we have complied with the requisition; but yet after this there are other duties for us to attend to, in order that we may grow into a man before the Lord. We have many duties enjoined upon us, and as we are a mixed family from every tribe, nation, kindred, tongue and people; hence as far as little things will arise, and in order that we might amalgamate our feelings, the ordinance of the Lord’s supper was instituted, though not for this alone, yet it forms one of the means by which we not only remember our Saviour and his sufferings, but also realize the blessings promised us in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, section 19.
Some persons may now be found who assert that this ordinances is non-essential; and the scripture, from an ignorance of its true meaning, is perverted to sustain the dogma that Christ shed his blood for the remission of the sins of the whole world, consequently they say there is no need of anything else. ‘We are made fre from sin by the blood of Christ, which cleanseth from all sins;’ but to this I am opposed, as not being strictly true, because he did not die for our own individual sins, not knowing whether we would commit any, and therefore could not die for sins never committed. I am willing to allow he died for the sins of the world–that is the original sin of man–to remove which it required the shedding of blood; hence then by so doing, circumcision, nor uncircumcision, availeth anything, but a new creature, and children had no longer any need of circumcision, for of such is now the kingdom of heaven. Christ removed the original sin and took the curse away, and now makes man responsible for his own sins, and has provided a way for him to obtain a remission of those, namely by baptism; and by this means he is made a new creature, because he is born again–first of the water then of the holy spirit, which, as I before stated, seals his adoption in the due and faithful observance of the sacrament. We may have a foretaste of those things which shall be hereafter revealed to the faithful, but only in proportion as we appreciate the minor or lesser ordinances can we fully comprehend the higher and more exalted ones. Experience is the schoolmaster, and he gives us practical lessons, and I am confident that if all who desire to stand in the general assembly of the church of the first born, must observe these first ordinances as much as the child needs the knowledge of A before he should be taught the last letter of the alphabet; and there are in the economy of God fundamental principles for us to learn, and the despising of these will not entitle us to the blessings of greater ones; and it is owing to ourselves whether we arrive at the fulness of the heirships we have believed and obtain the power to become the sons of God–which is the fulness, as we are called to be elders, but we are not yet in the possession of the fulness of the priesthood. We are called, but are we chosen–we are in possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost, but we have not the fulness of the power of the Holy Ghost itself. Christ promised to send ‘another comforter’ and he should lead them into all truth, and Christ and his father would make their abode with them. Then it depends whether we become fully sons, or elders indeed, by the usefulness we put ourselves to, and how we magnify this little power we have now; it is great in proportion to the rest of the world; but what is it in proportion to that to be received? It has never entered into our hearts to conceive one tithe of the power and blessings laid up in store for those who are faithful. But I very much question whether the Holy Ghost will come and abide in an impure tabernacle, made impure either through slothfulness, uncleanliness, or abominations of any kind; for if we sully or tarnish our priesthood which is an earnest of better things to come, we cannot come into a fulness, we cannot become kings and priests to God and the Lamb. Are we arbitrary, unmerciful towards repenting fellow-man? Are we governed by our passions, by whatever name they are called? Is lust active in our bosom? Are we grasping after things we have no right to, which the law of God and man forbids? Are we handling edge tools? Mind your fingers. Let us learn then that God’s eye is upon our ways, and though we move smoothly on for a while, our sins will find us out, and if we have been unfaithful over little things who will entrust us with larger ones? How can we expect to rule or sway a sceptre, or judge the world unless we first learn to govern ourselves and bring our passions and desires in subjection to the will of heaven? Paul said they were not all Israel that were called Israel. We may truly say they are not all Latter-day Saints that are called so. The day of trial is at hand, and if there ever was need of our searching ourselves and looking at the foundation of our hope it is now. The Saints in the West have had their share, and it is now near upon us. Many may fall, and if they have made the arm of man their trust it will fail. We shall be tried as gold seven times purified. We shall feel the rod for all sons received; God will chasten. We have had no troubles compared with our brethren in the West, and we ought not to let them bear the whole. We shall have a ship in Liverpool shortly, and, I ask, how glad would the Saints in California be to see a vessel coming into port laden with goods and honest men and women, as comforts for them in every form, to make up in part what they left behind; how destitute they will be, few know. If then, there ever was a time to help, now is the time; how sweet the reflection to know we have been there from the first, and assisted to lay the foundation for another temple and see it reared, as well as to learn that that law is established which shall proceed from Zion and call forth the admiration of thousands, and put a desire in their hearts to come, and say to their neighbours, come ye also and let us to up to Zion. I say, how sweet to tread her courts, to learn her laws, to consider her municipalities when our hands have helped to do it, when we have toiled with the rest to effect this–much sweeter will the rose smell when we reflect it is our own nursing that has raised it. Let us then bestir ourselves, and carefully save our money, so that at the first opportunity we may go and see Zion established according to the pattern laid down. Let us not be idle in the Joint Stock company, but pay up our shares, and inasmuch as our hearts are to do good by this means, so God will order it to bring about what we wish in righteousness before him, for He holds the hearts of all men in his hands, and He will not see his purposes thwarted and brought to nought. Let then the sound go forth. Gather together my Saints that make a covenant by sacrifice, and when we gather, clear the way before us and never look back, for it is to such God has promised the blessings. Let us not be in haste–bear patiently and make your wants known to God through Christ our Great High Priest, and he is easily touched with our infirmities, because he has passed through affliction and drank the bitter cup; so that in whatever way you are found in bondage, or wish you may have to relieve your relative, God has promised your every wish in righteousness before him should be granted. Hence the variety of ordinances for us to attend to, and their absolute necessity–all have their place and time for proper development, and will be made manifest in proportion to our needs requiring them. Let no one repine, but be faithful and attend to the things now revealed to us for fulfilling on this side [of?] Zion, and seek not by any means to entangle ourselves with abominations of any kind. If we desire to be chosen, remember we are probationers now on trial, to see whether we will suit our Master. We are clay in the hands of the potter; if we lay well on the wheel, and do not dictate or find fault with the shape or vessel we are made into, we shall do; but if we do not, we shall be thrown off the wheel, and put into the mill and re-ground. Let us hold faithful, though wicked men and apostates howl–persecution may be our portion, yet woe unto those who persecute, whether saint or sinner, better had they never seen the light, than, having seen it, run wilfully into darkness, aye, much better had they never been born. Our foundation will be tested, and unless we are built upon the rock it will tumble about our heads, and we be buried again in the midst of Babylon. A day of separation is at hand, let us cleave then to the ordinances of the house of the Lord–those which we do know let us ponder them, and when we understand them as the ground work upon which the superstructure is to be raised, and having laid a good foundation, we can then go to work, and by faith, hope, charity, long suffering, patience, temperance, godliness, virtue, chastity, and brotherly love, raise up an holy temple fit for the abode of the Holy Ghost to dwell in; and know assuredly, as the bell founder when he casts a bell, he does not immediately hoist the same to the steeple, but taps it on every side to see if it is sound, and to regulate its tone. So God taps us on every side, to prove us before we are fit for the exaltation to which we shall arrive if we are faithful. We know sweets by the opposite sour–liberty by confinement, and so our course will be a mediocrity; if wealthy, we may forget God, if poor, blaspheme; hence the cup we have to drink is prepared by an excellent cook, and the sweets and sours are so sweetly blended as, I hope, to make it palatable to all who are called to drink. Let us not wish it removed, but drink it and rejoice we are counted worthy to live, suffer, or die for the privilege of living in the last and greatest of all dispensations, a blessing which holy men of old have coveted and desired much. Let us then say we will go up to Zion the city of our God, where we can learn more of the ordinances of the Lord’s house, and pray Him to give us hearts to keep them sacred, and apply them for what they were intended–our perfection.” (David C. Kimball, MS 8(2):22-25, 1 Aug., 1846; NOTE THAT KIMBALL HAD RECEIVED HIS ENDOWMENT IN THE NAUVOO TEMPLE)
2 Aug.: BY talks about sealing ordinance.
“Pres. Young and Elder Willard Richards visited Elder Wilford Woodruff and family. Pres. Young made some remarks in relation to the sealing ordinance.” (JH 2 Aug., 1846)
9 Aug.: No sealings until another temple is built.
“With reference to sealing there will be no such thing done untill we build another Temple. I have understood that some of the 12 has held fourth an Idea that such things would be attended to in the wilderness. But I Say Let no man hint such things from this time fourth for we will not attend to Sealings till another Temple is built.” (Brigham Young, in John D. Lee diary, 9 Aug., 1846; quoted in Irving, “The Law of Adoption,” p. 297)
9 Aug.: Brigham expects to build temple in Rocky Mounts.
“[Brigham] Said He had not expected to see the rocky mountains this year but when the Lord commanded him to go direct He intended to go if He left all And went alone. But He thought the Lord would let him take the people with him. And when He found the place for the temple He would work Hard untill it was built.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 9 Aug., 1846)
“Pres. Brigham Young remarked, that he had not expected to see the Rocky Mountains this year; but whenever the Lord commanded him to go, he intended to start, if he left all and went alone, but he thought the Lord would let him take the people with him, and when he found the place for the Temple, he would work hard until it was built.” (JH 9 Aug., 1846)
26 Aug.: We could have sold the Temple long ago, if . . .
“During the past week, says the Hancock Eagle, a good many strangers have arrived; and there has been some inquiry regarding the purchase of property. Many transactions would be closed immediately, if the Regulators ceased their hostile attitude toward the city. Either by design, or a singular coincidence, whenever things become settled among us, and sales are going on briskly, the mob are sure to commence their depredations. The Temple would have been sold long ago, together with all the other Mormon property, if we could have had peace.” (St. Louis American 2(22):3, 26 Aug., 1846; Snider Collection)
30 Aug.: Deacons entitled to full endowment in temple.
“The meeting was opened as usual by singing and prayer, the sacrament of the Lord’s supper was then attended to, after which elder [Thomas] Ward rose to make a few remarks on the ordinations that had taken place in the morning. He remarked that as the several members of the body were necessary to complete the body, so were the various offices in the church of Christ. He knew that erroneous views were extant respecting the different grades of the office in the church of Christ, but he wished to establish in their minds the great principle that all the officers were equally honourable, and that if an individual did his tudy as a deacon faithfully, it was not necessary for him to pass through the various grades of offices to entitle him to receive an endowment in the temple of the Lord–as a faithful deacon he would be entitled to all the privileges as well as if he were faithful in the office of high priest.” (Clitheroe Conference minutes, 30 Aug., 1846; MS 8(4):53, 15 Sep., 1846)
6 Sep.: 3 negotiations for sale of Temple.
“There are now three separate negotiations going on in relation to the Temple, in one of which the bargain was struck before the present difficulties, and they fear that this state of things will prevent a sale.” (Maj. J. R. Parker, Illinois Volunteers, to Col. J. W. Singleton, 6 Sep., 1846; in Quincy Whig 9(22):2, 16 Sep., 1846; Snider Collection)
8 Sep.: Temple struck by lightning.
“A gentleman arrived from Nauvoo last evening, who says the Mormon leaders are quarreling amongst themselves, and that many of the Mormons are leaving. Night before last their Temple was struck by lightning and somewhat injured, which they look upon as an unfavorable omen.” (Letter of 8 Sep., 1846; in St. Louis Morning Missouri Republican 25(3993):2, 14 Sep., 1846; Snider Collection)
13 Sep.: Knowledge in hereafter to be little by little.
“The Lord will not do a miracle to give us learning when we can get it ourselves. Some have an idea that is no matter about getting knowledge here thinking that by & by that they will enter heaven & that God will fill there minds with all the knowledge of the eternal worlds. But they will be mistaken in this for they will have to learn it little by little as here.” (Orson Pratt, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 13 Sep., 1846)
24 Sep.: Description of deserted Nauvoo Temple.
“NAUVOO. THE DAY AFTER IT WAS ‘EVACUATED.’
BY CHE-MO KO MON.
DEAR HAWK–My powers of description are totally inadequate to give your readers any just conception of the ‘scenes’ that now present themselves on every hand in this vicinity. On wither shore of the Mississippi may be sen a long line of tents, wagons, cattle, &c., with numberless wretched specimens of humanity. Since the armistice or ‘treaty’ the Mormons are crowsing in almost breathless haste. This morning, Saturday, 19th, at the solicitation of Capt. Vrooman, of the Fort Madison Guards, I crossed the river from Montrose, to take a peep at this City of Desolution. We proceeded to the Mansion House, where we met with a small detachment of soldiers, and a number of strangers. From thence we went to the Temple. On entering the vestibule of this renowned edifice, a singular spectacle presented itself. The seats of the high Priests of the ‘Twelve’ and of the ‘seventy’ were occupied by a grim visaged soldiery. Some lay sleeping on their ‘arms’, and others lay rolled up in their blankets. On every hand lay scattered about in beautiful confusion, muskets, swords, cannon balls and terrible missiles of death. Verily, thought I, how are the holy places desecrated! I thought of old Oliver Cromwell, when he drove the horses of his army through the ‘cloisters’ of the Worchester Cathedral, and appropriated the Baptismal font as a manger.
I am penning this scrawl to you in the upper seat of the Sanctuary. Over my head there is an inscription in large gold letters ‘The Lord is our Sacrifice[‘] on my right lie three soldiers asleep, resting on their arms–my feet are resting on a pile of chain shot–and a keg of powder, just discovered, lies at my elbow.” (Burlington Hawkeye 8(18):2, 24 Sep., 1846; Snider Collection)
24 Oct.: The deserted Temple.
“The Temple, the greatest and chief ornament of Nauvoo, was then, on Sundays crowded to suffocation. Every where, though there were but few evidences of thrift or general prosperity, there were signs of enjoyment and contentment.
Now, how changed the scene. The streets are deserted–the houses empty–the hum and bustle of the city has passed away–the faces and voices lately seen and heard are gone. All is changed, and a gloomy depression, as appalling as the low whispers of the death-chamber, is palpable to every sense. The place which, less than a year ago, was occupied by thousands, is now almost a desert.” (Niles’ National Register, 24 Oct., 1846)
21 Nov.: He requested me to seal him to eternal life.
“We here insert a document which Capt. James Brown prepared in 1859, at the request of the Church Historian George A. Smith. It gives some important information concerning the detachment of the Mormon Battalion which arrived in Great Salt Lake Valley:
Ogden City, November 10, 1859.
Hon. Geo. A. Smith,
Dear Brother:
. . . .
We arrived at Bent’s Fort on the 7th of November [1846], left on the 9th for Pueblo . . . arrived in Pueblo on the 15th, where we made Winter Quarters. . . .
We made ourselves comfortable quarters for the winter, built a log tabernacle 20 by 30 feet, where we sang, prayed and preached and sometimes danced during the winter. Joseph W. Richards, musician of Company A, died the 21st of November, 1846, of quick consumption, in Pueblo. I became acquainted with him after we left Santa Fe, and I have often wondered why the Lord took so fine and promising a young man away in his youth. Notwithstanding he was worn out with affliction, his countenance beamed with intelligence and hope of eternal life. The morning he died I went in to see him; he asked me to pray for him. After prayer I returned to my quarters. In a few minutes he sent for me; I went, and he requested me to seal him up to eternal life, said he was going to leave us all. Wanted to be buried in his priestly robe and garments. He was calm as a summer’s morning. Expired in a few minutes without a groan. He was laid in the grave in perfect order according to his request.”
(JH 29 Jul., 1847)
28 Nov.: Buried in garments.
“Br Benbow is also quit sick. Sister Benbow was laid out in her garments according to her endowments.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 28 Nov., 1846)
20 Dec.: Still sumthing to do.
“I was followed by Elder G. A. Smith And O Pratt. Br Smith spoke of there treatment towards me in not building me a house as I had been sick. Said when there would be another temple built they would be pulling the buttons off my coat to get into the temple to recieve their blessings &c And taught much good doctrin. Asked if they had yet got there inheritances sealed to them on the earth and in heaven. If not they had yet still sumthing to do.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 20 Dec., 1846)
21 Dec.: Sealing outside temple.
“About 6 eve. Pres. B. Young by permission, not according to law, as the sealing ordinances were stopped when the Endowment stopped in the Temple for that ordinances belongs to the alter and Temple alone, solemnized the right of matrimony between Emoline and myself. [He] charged the family to lock these things up in our breast and there let them remain.” (John D. Lee diary, 21 Dec., 1846)