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TEMPLES, 1887.
1887: 8 Jan.: Logan Temple lecture given by woman.
“Discipline and Culture” — given 2 Jan., 1887 by Ida Ione Cook. (Contributor 8(7):276-280, May, 1887)
29 Jan.: Petition for 2nd anointing of son.
“And now it has come to me to ask the Priviledge of 2d anointing for my son James Fransis. who is the Present Bishop at Tempe, and I think Bps Agent of that Stake. He is over 30 years of age and apears really one of the comeing young men of Zion. and as he expects to come for me the coming spring or early Summer, I should much like if you felt it like his priviledge, that he too have his 2d anoiting while Here.” (Benjamin F. Johnson to John Taylor, 29 Jan., 1887. Bergera notes)
6 Feb.: Temple work done within weeks of her death.
“Sunday, Feb. 6, 1887: Brother Benjamin Blanchard and I administered to her again which was the last time she was ever administered to. . . . I believe she was made clean and pure through suffering. . . and I have no doubt but she went to a blessed rest in heaven. In a few days or weeks I wrote to Sister Zina and had Ovanda baptized and endowed in the Logan Temple.” (Oliver B. Huntington journal, 27 Jan., 6 Feb., 1887)
16 Feb.: Raid of Endowment House.
“A STILL HUNT.
LIKEWISE A FRUITLESS ONE.
A SWARM OF DEPUTIES HEADED BY THEIR CHIEF, SEARCH THE ‘NEWS’ OFFICE AND OTHER PLACES.
THEY GO AS THEY CAME, EMPTY HANDED.
. . . .
As they passed around to the north side it was evident that the chief of object of the second visit was to go through the Endowment House. When they came near it the Marshal said, ‘That is the building we want to look into.’ The keys were sent for, and with a request that they clean their feet and that one of the deputies who had a cigar leave it outside, they were conducted through the house, all of the rooms of which were examined to the satisfaction of the Marshal.” (DN 35(5):76, 16 Feb., 1887)
23 Mar.: Display at funerals.
“The ante-mortem request of Henry Ward Beecher that there be no funeral ornamentation, no draping in black, and that none of the family should assume ‘the trappings and the suits of woe,’ has been literally fulfilled. Instead of the customary mourning flowers and crape, lilies of the valley, white roses and smilax, bound with white instead of black bands, appear at the doors and wherever required in the house. This is peculiar and striking, but because of that it need not be condemned; as Beecher himself said: ‘What is the sense of ostentatious grief over a person stepping from this life into a brighter and better one?’ Sure enough, when one thinks of it, where is the sense? The tyrant custome and a desire to comport with the feelings of the bereaved as much as possible, are perhaps all that keep what Mr. Beecher termed ‘the barbarous practice’ in vogue at all. The views of the late President Brigham Young and President George A. Smith were similar to those entertained by Mr. Beecher in relation to display at funerals.” (DN 36(10):151, 23 Mar., 1887)
1 Apr.: Presidents of all the feminine portion of the human race.
“We welcome Sisters Eliza and Zina, as our Elect Lady and her Counselor as the presidents of all the feminine portion of the human race. Although few recognize their right to this authority yet we know they have been set apart as leading priestesses of this dispensation. As such we honor them. We welcome them as the honored wives of our revered and martyred prophet Joseph Smith.” (Woman’s Exponent, Kanab, Utah; April 1, 1887; A Welcome by M. Elizabeth Little to Eliza R. Snow & Zina Huntington. Bergera collection.)
19 May: Funeral Etiquette.
“FUNERALS.
Simplicity and an Absence of all Show and Parade Advocated.
None, I presume, will attempt to deny the fact that we have wandered very far from that simplicity and plainness that should characterize the lives and conduct of Latter-day Saints, as can be seen in our dress as well as in our manner of living generally; and last but not least, in our funeral trappings and appointments.
I am fully aware of the grave responsibility I am assuming in entering upon the sacred domain of the dead and how quickly the relatives and friends of deceased persons will resent any ctiricisms in relation to their treatment of their loved ones after death. But it is the very absence of sacredness or consistency in many such instances that prompts me to write upon this subject; and seeing the growing tendency to not only perpetuate but increase what I conceive to be a wrong in this direction I make bold to venture a few thoughts upon the subject.
In regard to the clothing of our adult dead we have a pattern of habiliments in which to enshroud them which is both chaste and simple; this pattern we have no desire to curtail or elaborate or in any one particular, to change or alter; and far be it from me to forbid a loving mother the satisfaction of clothing her darling child–the last act that she can perform for it on earth–in a manner that shall fully satisfy her heart’s affection, unless indeed she should transcend the bounds of all property. For while the spirit that quickened the tabernacle has fled and gone to God who gave it, is not the body left entirely to our care and does it not belong to us to make a final disposition of it as pertaining to this earth? Most certainly. And this brings me to the point at issue.
Says the fond mother, the loving wife, the devoted husband: ‘Nothing is too good, too costly, for our dear one; we must get the very best.’ And it is now that fashion and style, taking advantage of our sorrow and grief, creep in, making successful encroachments which at any other time would meet with a just resentment and rebuke. The most practical men at such times often lose their equilibrium entirely. I will give an example.
Several years ago I accompanied a friend of mine to the undertaker’s to arrange for the burial of an only daughter, a lovely young woman and the pride of her father’s heart. The undertaker, in showing him samples of coffins, remarked: ‘I know your feelings, sir, upon this subject,’ which were, as he had often expressed himself, that when he died he wanted only the plainest and most inexpensive coffin and a quiet funeral. To which he replied with tears rolling down his cheeks: ‘It is not myself that is dead now, but my darling daughter; I want the best you have.’ Who could say anything at such a time? I certainly did not feel like it, and the undertaker, above all others, would have been out of place had he suggested a careful expenditure when a costly casket was ordered with appropriate mountings and trimmings, winding up with an order for ten carriages for the funeral, when the family, all told, could only occupy four of them. Now this man worked for daily wages and was only in what we term moderate circumstances. This was not the end of it, either, for in less than three years their father died; I was present at his funeral and one of his sons remarked to me: ‘We have endeavored to have father’s casket as near like my sister’s as possible, for you know father selected her’s himself.’ Since then the mother has died and was buried in a casket much more elaborate and costly than either of the other two. This unquestionably is only a sample of many similar cases that may be quoted, but will answer the present purpose.
The parade that is made at many funerals, which are generally conducted in one of our public halls, involving a costly expenditure for mourning and the exposure of the faces of our dead to the public gaze, seem to me in the main, to be altogether unnecessary and out of place and partakes more of the character of a show than a sacred gathering. Our speakers, too, I have thought in some instances, influenced perhaps by the spirit of the surroundings, have been unconsciously betrayed into delivering unwise eulogies and altogether unnecessary and sometimes questionable adulations.
At the rate of progress we are making in this direction, how long will it be before men will be solicited to deliver funeral orations because of their known ability as elegant speakers and nothing more; and professional singers be employed to discourse classical requiems over our dead? all of which is in keeping with this spirit of pomp and show and which I view as a growing evil in our midst, and is creating another class distinction which cannot be too closely guarded against. The examples of two of our late revered Presidents–First–George A. Simth who by his own request was buried in a plain coffin made of our mountain wood, and afterwards Brigham Young, who enjoined it upon his family that they should wear only their already made-up clothing at his funeral, are certainly worthy of our imitation, and preach sermons louder than any words either spoken or written could possibly do. I heard President George A. Cannon remark some years ago when called upon to speak at a funeral, ‘To me, at such times, silence is the greatest eloquence.’ Carry this sentiment still farther and we will say, expensive funeral trappings and ostentatious display are certainly not in keeping with such occasions, but the very antipodes of consistency and good taste. Not that anything we can say or do can change the condition of our dead, for their record is made and cannot be altered by any acts or words of ours; but customs are gaining up of us in this regard which have their origin in Babylon, and they (as Hamlet says) would be ‘more honored in the breach than in the observance.’ The example the Jews set us in the burial of their dead is certainly worthy of consideration if not imitation. Were a Roghschild to be buried to-day, the same simplicity that characterizes the burial of a Jewish peasant, were he an orthodox Jew, both in regard to clothing and funeral appointments would be observed in his case; which certainly would not be for the want of money, but from the recognition of a philosophical fact that the grave knows no distinctions, as well as the custom of his tribe for ages.
Sunday, too, is a day above all others that is chosen for the burial of our dead. No pains or expense is spared in many instances to preserve their natural appearance for days in order that the funeral may take place on the Sabbath, while others who die at the end of the week seemingly must be buried on that day. These Sabbath funerals generally attract a multitude of curiosity seekers, many of whom may perhaps have no intimate acquaintance with the person dead nor any particular sympathy with the bereaved. Livery stables on this day are in consequence, often heavily taxed to supply the demand for carriages and buggies; street hacks are pressed into service, while the owners of private conveyances feel in duty bound to respond to a call that nobody wishes to refuse though it be on the Sabbath day.
Not only are Sabbath meetings neglected, but God’s holy Sacrament also by the friends as well as the acquaintances of the deceased who feel that even on that holy day everything must be neglected to show respect to the dead that are going to be buried. Here again Jewish example is worthy of consideration for they do not deviate from a practice made sacred by centuries of time, but avoid burying their dead on their Sabbath, which is our Saturday. The excuse which some offer is, that everybody is at liberty on that day and a great many have not time to attend funerals on the week day; to which I reply by asking if they will find time to die? It is this show and parade and more especially on the Sabbath day against which I wish to enter my most solemn protest as not being at all in harmony with the spirit of our holy religion.
Says one, Are there no exceptions to be made? To which I answer, yes. The force of circumstances at times, (for instance, in the case of contagious disease) compels us to deviate from the best established rules, and I would be loth to see inaugurated a system of things that would at all partake of the spirit that prevailed in Medo-Persian times, for it is certainly ‘lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.’ And I am willing to concede every reasonable exception, but nothing more.
Again there are men and women also who belong not only to their family, but to a ward, perchance a stake, or to all Zion, who possess the esteem and affection of those whom they have faithfully served in places of public trust and responsibility in either a civil or ecclesiastical capacity or both, and these desire to do them reverence when dead. In such cases I am in favor of ample opportunity being given for this purpose, but this class generally desire that their funerals be conducted in a quiet and modest manner and often leaven written instructions to this effect.
It appears to me that the sacred precinct of home is a more fittin gplace to conduct the last rites and ceremonies of the private citizen or the local members of the Church or the Priesthood, but more especially the child who perhaps received its life in that very home. It is in vain, upon these occasions, that we bid the fountains of grief be dried, for the tears will flow and the sorrow will remain until relieved by time and circumstance. These are too sacred to be touched or in the least degree criticized, and I have many times seen the longing desire which in a few instances has found vent in words like these–‘Leave me alone for a few moments with my dead,’ which means, let me take the last lok, imprint the last kiss and shed my tears unseen–all of which are nothing more than the outflowings of nature’s purest and holiest feelings. Let me ask, then, how little in keeping are the costliest trappings and the showy displays that we too often indulge in upon these occasions?
I might advert also to the expense involved, which many are but poorly prepared to meet, or if they were, how much wiser it would be to use the means for the benefit of the living; but to me a financial position on this question, though highly proper, would be the poorest part of the argument.
Some may contend that I have overdrawn the picture, to which I reply that after close observation, I think not. If it should be, however, wait a while; at the rate of progress we are making in this direction it will not be long before the picture will but meagerly represent the facts. All I aim at is, that we should in this one thing as well as in all the rest of our conduct in life, practice that simplicity which the Gospel inculcates and which alone is pleasing to angels and to God.
CONSISTENCY.
Salt Lake City, May 19th, 1887.”
(DN 36(19):295, 25 May, 1887)
8 Jun.: Wilford Woodruff’s account of writing down temple ordinances.
“LDS Temple Ordinances
Letter dated 8 June 1887, written by Wilford Woodruff to Samuel Roskelley, Recorder of the Logan Temple, Logan, Utah.
St. George, Utah,
8th June 1887,
Samuel Roskelley,
Dear Brother;
Your letter of the 1st reached me last night, I arrived here last night to have an interview with S. Snow, as he will be here to attend Conference.
I have read your letter carefully. Now concerning endowments in all its phases: my own views are these–that we ought to follow out, as far as we can, the pattern laid down by our leaders. I consider that if there ever was any man who thoroughly understood the principle of the Endowments it was Brigham Young. He had been with Joseph Smith from the beginning of the Endowments to the end; and he understood it if any man did. And before his death he required me to write in a book every Ordinance in the Church and Kingdom of God, from the first to the last; beginning with Baptism to the last Ordinance performed through every department of the Endowments. I was several weeks doing this writing, and President Young corrected it all until he got through. Then he said to me, “Now, there you have a pattern of all the Ordinances and Endowments for every Temple, we shall build, until the coming of the Son of Man.” Now if I ever have anything to do, or to say, in any Temple on the earth, concerning Endowments, I would say: follow the pattern that President Young has set us; and not deviate from it one iota. And if we do that, we may have a hundred Temples at work, and all the work and ceremonies will be alike in every Temple. While on the other hand, if every man who is called to preside over a Temple has his own way, and introduces his own form and ceremonies, our Temple work would be as diverse as the sectarian world and God would not approbate it.
[page 2]Brother Roskelley, I have given Endowments in Salt Lake City for twenty years, and I received my Endowments under the hands of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I directed the fixing up of the Temple in St. George for giving Endowments under the direction of President Young; and since the rules are written for our guidance in all future time, I feel very strenuous that in our giving Endowments we should all work alike, and not deviate from the written word.
You say, “we are told her so and so concerning sealings and adoptions”. Who is it that has told you these things and given these instructions? I don’t think kit can be President Taylor, for neither he nor I have ever received such teachings from either Joseph Smith or Brigham Young. He told me to have single women of my father’s and mother’s households sealed to me. I asked him “how many?” He said if there was not over nine hundred and ninety-nine to take them. I had some three hundred sealed to me by his instructions. I don’t know whether I shall have to build them each a palace in the Celestial Kingdom of God or not. If I do, I shall have time to do it. I did as I was told. So in relation to Adoptions, most, if not all, of the Presidency and Twelve, have had men adopted to them, and all these Sealings and Adoptions are for the Salvation of the living and the dead. I have never asked any man to be adopted into my family that I can recollect of; but I have had a number of families of friends adopted into my family, as have other men, without any regard as to whether it will, in the future, cost me one dollar or a million. What we have done in this mater has been for the salvation of man. It may possibly be a correct doctrine that a man’s kingdom will consist of only the fruit of his own loins. Yet Jusus [Jesus] Christ died to save the whole world, and if we, as Apostles and Elders, do nothing for the human family only for the fruit of our own loins, we shall not do much towards magnifying the Holy Priesthood God has given us for saving the souls of man–either the living or the dead.
Brother Roskelley, we must not get our minds too puckered up in these principles[.] We are ordained and appointed Saviors upon Mount Zion, and we must not be afraid to administer the Ordinances of Life and Salvation to our fellow man–living or dead, for fear it will cost us a dollar.
I have adopted this rule in Sealings and Adoptions: to take such as the Lord has given me, and leave the result in His hands.
I think there is a Book in Logan Temple containing all the Ordinances as directed by President Young. I should recommend following that strictly, that our work in both Temples may be alike.
Now concerning what Joseph Smith the Prophet said about children: In the first place he said children would rise from the grave, as they were laid down, and their parents would receive as they laid them away. This, I believe. He conveyed an idea in the first place, that they would not grow, but after more mature reflection, he conveyed the idea that they eventually would grow to the full stature of man. It was a good deal upon the same principle that it was when he got the first revelation on baptism for the dead. He did not at first get the whole of it, but he went into the Mississippi River with myself and a number of others, and we baptized for the dead, without regard to the males acting for males only, and females acting for females only, also without any Recorder. But the Lord revealed more to him, and gave him to understand that there should be a Recorder who should strictly record all the baptisms and Ordinances and that man should act for man, and woman for woman. So with regard to his views on the Resurrection–they enlarged before he got through, and he said children would grow to full stature. That I believe.
Now anything I have said in this letter in giving my views in relation to what you have asked, need not be treated as a private matter, as you suggest. You may make whatever use of them you please.
There has got to be a welding link of some kind before we get through with this work that will adopt man to man, and weld all dispensations from Father Adam down to the last Saint. But in all this matter, I do not go around electioneering to get men adopted to me. I don’t want any of this work done for me, only what the Lord wants. Paul talked a good deal about Adoptions, but we did not understand much about it, until the Lord revealed it to Joseph Smith, and we may not, perhaps, understand it now as fully as we should. Still the Sealings and Adoptions are true principles, or our Prophets have been badly deceived.
I remain your Brother in the Gospel of Christ
(signed) Wilford Woodruff.
(Typed copy of the original from Family Record Book, Samuel Roskelley Temple Book, Special Collections and Archives, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.)” (MHA Special Edition, May 15-16, 1992, St. George, UT, LDS Temple Ordinances, pp. 1-3, 8 Jun 1887)
“Your letter of the 1st reached me last night. . . . Now, concerning endowment, in all its phases. My own views are these–that we ought to follow out, as far as we can, the pattern laid down by our leaders. I consider that if there ever was any man who thoroughly understood the principle of the Endowments, it was Brigham Young. He has been with Joseph Smith from the beginning of the Endowments to the end, and he understood it if any man did. And before his death he required me me to write in a book, every ordinance in the Church and Kingdom of God, from the first to the last, beginning with baptism, to the last ordinance performed, through every department of the endowments. I was several weeks doing this writing, and President Young corrected it all, until he got through. Then he said to me, ‘Now, there you have a pattern of all the ordinances or endowments for every temple we shall build, until the coming of the Son of Man.’
Now, if I ever have anything to do or say, in any temple on the earth, concerning the Endowment, I would say: Follow the pattern that President Young has set us, and not deviate from it one iota. And if we do that, we may have a hundred temples at work, and all the work and ceremonies will be alike in every temple. While on the other hand, if every man who is called to preside over a temple has his own way, and introduces his own form of ceremonies, our Temple work would be as diverse as the sectarian world, and God would not approbate it.
Brother Roskelley, I have given endowments in Salt Lake City for twenty years, and I received my endowments under the hand of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I directed the fixing up of the Temple at St. George for giving endowments, under the direction of President Young; since the rules are written for our guidance in all future time, I feel very strenuous that in our giving endowments we should all work alike, and not deviate from the written word.” (Wilford Woodruff to Brother Roskelley, 8 Jun., 1887; quoted in Ogden Kraut, “A Brief Compilation of Notes on the Priesthood Garment,” April, 1971, pp. 7-8)
“In 1887, shortly before the death of President John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, then the President of the Quorum of Twelve and next in seniority in the Priesthood calling, received a communication from Elder Samuel Roskelly, who was at the time in charge of the temple at Logan. From the inquiry of Elder Roskelly it seems some doubts had arisen as to the propriety of certain temple ordinances, and changes were suggested. “You say,” said President Woodruff, in his reply “`We are told here,’ so and so concerning Sealings and Adoptions. Who is it has told you these things and given these instructions? I don’t think it can be President Taylor, for neither he, nor I, have ever received such teachings from either Joseph Smith or Brigham Young. But I have been taught right the reverse by President Young.” Then on the unchangeableness of these ordinances, President Woodruff, in this letter to Elder Roskelly, dated St. George, Utah, June 8, 1887, said:
‘Your letter of the 1st reached me last night. * * * Now, concerning endowments, in all its phases. My own views are these–that we ought to follow out, as far as we can, the pattern laid down by our leaders. I consider that if there ever was any man who thoroughly understood the principle of the Endowments it was Brigham Young. He has been with Joseph Smith from the beginning of the Endowments to the end, and he understood it if any man did. And before his death he required me to write in a Book every ordinance of the Church and Kingdom of God from the first to the last, beginning with baptism, to the last ordinance performed, through every department of the endowments. I was several weeks doing this writting, [sic] and President Young corrected it all, until he got through. Then he said to me, `Now, there you have a pattern of all the ordinances or endowments for every temple we shall build, until the coming of the Son of Man.’
‘Now, if I ever have anything to do or say, in any Temple on the earth concerning the Endowment, I would say: Follow the pattern laid down by our leaders. Follow the pattern that President Young has set us, and not deviate from it one iota. And if we do that, we may have a hundred Temples at work, and all the work and ceremonies will be alike in every temple. While on the other hand, if every man who is called to preside over a temple has his own way, and introduces his own form of ceremonies, our Temple work would be as diverse as the sectarian world, and God would not approbate it.
‘Brother Roskelly, I have given endowments in Salt Lake City for twenty years, and I received my endowment under the hand of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I directed the fixing up of the Temple at St. George for giving Endowments, under the direction of President Young; since the rules are written for our guidance in All future time, I feel very strenuous that in our giving Endowments we should all work alike, and not deviate from the written word.'” (Compilation by Alan H. Gerber; LDS Archives, Film/298/#101/v. 39 pp. 77-78, ca. 8 Jun., 1887)
4 Aug.: Apostles don’t need temple recommends.
“We desire to be distinctly understood that it is the inherent right of the Twelve Apostles, and their counselors, or any one of them, to be admitted into any of the Temples of the Lord without question or the need of a recommend.” (Wilford Woodruff to J. D. T. McAllister, 4 Aug., 1887. Bergera notes)
6 Aug.: Woodruff begins to sign recommends.
“I signed 30 recommends.” [John Taylor’s funeral was one week earlier, 29 Jul.] (Wilford Woodruff diary, 6 Aug., 1887)
5 Sep.: Kinship and work for the dead.
“We send the enclosed letter to you for Brother James H. Martineau, and send it unsealed that you may read its contents and obtain there from our views concerning the principle alluded to by him.
We must be more strict in enforcing the rule which is here mentioned in regard to heirship in our Temples, and people must not be permitted to follow their whims in being baptized for any and every body whom they may choose to officiate for; and persons should be questioned upon this subject of being baptized for those not of their own kin. We are satisfied that no man has a right to outside of his own kindred to attend to ordinances for the dead, without consultation and permission from the Presiding authority of the Church. But as this, perhaps, would lead to great delay and large correspondence, you as President of the Temple are authorized to exercise a wise discretion in permitting persons to be baptized for friends, when they satisfy you that they have no representative in the Church.” (Wilford Woodruff to Marriner W. Merrill, President of Logan Temple, 5 Sep., 1887. Wilford Woodruff letter book, p. 152. Bergera notes)
9 Sep.: Endowment, sealing for second time?
“Your communication of the 6th inst., asking questions respecting ordinances, has been received and considered.
You ask: Is it proper, under any circumstances, for persons to receive endowments for the second time?
No, it is not proper, under any circumstances, to administer endowments twice to the same person.
You also asked: can a woman who has been anointed to her husband and afterwards leaves him to be sealed to another man, be anointed the second time–that is, to her second husband?
There is no necessity to answer this question until a case arises which may require an answer. We cannot anticipate all cases of this kind, and prefer to give no decision upon a question of this character until there is a necessity for it and all the circumstances connected with it are known.” (Wilford Woodruff to Marriner W. Merrill, 9 Sep., 1887. Bergera notes)
14 Sep.: Second 2nd anointing for Hannah Grover.
“I decided to Give Hannah Grover her 2 Anointing to D H Wells. She had been Anointed once to Thomas Grover but through bad treatment she was liberated from Thomas Grover got Divorce and [was] sealed to D H Wells. This is the first time I Ever gave Concent for a woman to twice have second Anointing.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 14 Sep., 1887)
19 Sep.: 2nd anointing for the dead.
“Sept. 19th, 1887
Elder J. H. Martineau
Logan, Utah
Dear Brother,
Your letter of the 14th inst., in which you suggest the propriety of Sister Adeline B. Benson, wife of Brother E. T. Benson, deceased, acting for the wife of Brother Joel H. Johnson, who is deceased, in receiving second anointings, has been received and considered.
I see no objection to Sister Benson acting in this capacity for Sister Johnson inasmuch as she is the latter’s friend and Sister Johnson has none other kin who are in a position to receive this ordinance for her.
With kind regards. Your Brother,
Wilford Woodruff”
(Letter from Pres. Wilford Woodruff. 19 September 1887. Bergera collection.)
3 Oct.: Sealings outside of the temple.
“The four of us went through the temple together, October 3, 1887; to do work for one of his deceased relatives, and the remaining three of us to get our endowments. Anne and I were married for time and eternity by President McCallister [McAllister]. When I told the latter about Larua’s and my plans he notified us that we could not be married in the temple as the ceremony had to be more secret. He asked me to get my watch and set it exactly with his. Having done this, he instructed us to walk to a certain residence a block west, a block north, and on the west side of the street. We were given very strict directions to walk to that place at exactly 7 p.m. and a man would be waiting for us on the sidewalk.
At precisely the appointed time we reached the place designated. A man met us and inquired about our names. Having told him who we were he led us up a walk and into a side door of a medium-sized house. In the first room we entered we were presented to another man. The latter ushered us into another room where there was an altar, but he remained outside.
From somewhere there came a voice from an unseen person which asked us to kneel down at the altar. We obeyed and then the voice conducted exactly the same kind of marriage ceremony that Anne and I had gone through during the day. When this was finished we stood up and the voice complimented us and wished us happiness. Lastly, it instructed us to leave the altar room and led us outside the house. The first man we met led us from there to the sidewalk and bid us farewell.” (Diary of John H. Davies, pp. 57-59. Bergera notes)
10 Oct.: Woodruff’s reminiscence of original endowment.
“I, Wilford Woodruff, being the last man living in the flesh who was present upon that occasion feel it a duty I owe to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to the House of Israel, and to the whole world to bear this my last testimony to all nations, that in the winter of 1843-44, Joseph Smith, the Prophet of God, called the Twelve Apostles together in the City of Nauvoo, and spent many days with us in giving us our endowments, and teaching us those glorious principles which God had revealed to him. And upon one occasion he stood upon his feet in our midst for nearly three hours declaring unto us the great and last dispensation which God had set His hand to perform upon the earth in these last days. The room was filled as if with consuming fire; the Prophet was clothed upon with much of the power of God, and his face shone and was transparently clear, and he closed that speech, never-to-be-forgotten in time or in eternity, with the following language:
‘Brethren, I have had great sorrow of heart for fear that I might be taken from the earth with the keys of the Kingdom of God upon me, without sealing them upon the heads of other men. God has sealed upon my head all the keys of the Kingdom of God necessary for organizing and building up of the Church, Zion, and Kingdom of God upon the earth, and to prepare the Saints for the coming of the Son of Man. Now, brethren, I thank God I have lived to see the day that I have been enabled to give you your endowments, and I have now sealed upon your heads all the powers of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods and Apostleship, with all the keys and powers thereof, which God has sealed upon me; and I now roll off all the labor, burden and care of this Church and Kingdom of God upon your shoulders, and I now command you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to round up your shoulders, and bear off this Church and Kingdom of God before heaven and earth, and before God, angels and men; and if you don’t do it you will be damned.'”
(Epistle of the First Presidency, 10 Oct., 1887. In Clark, Messages 3:134)
12 Oct.: Joseph conferred the keys upon the 12.
“After the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph there were pretenders who asserted that they had the right to take his place at the head of the Church. Some were deceived by their pretensions, not being familiar with the order of the Priesthood.
For some time before his death, the Prophet Joseph was inspired of the Lord to anticipate his own departure from earthly scenes. This was shown in various ways; but especially in the great anxiety which he displayed to bestow upon the Twelve Apostles all the keys and authority of the Holy Priesthood which he had received. He declared in private and in public that they were equipped and fully qualified, and that he had rolled the kingdom of God on to the shoulders of the Twelve Apostles.
I, Wilford Woodruff, being the last man living in the flesh who was present upon that occasion feel it a duty I owe to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to the House of Israel, and to the whole world to bear this my last testimony to all nations, that in the winter of 1843-4, Joseph Smith, the Prophet of God, called the Twelve Apostles together in the City of Nauvoo, and spent many days with us in giving us our endowments, and teaching us those glorious principles which God had revealed to him. And upon one occasion he stood upon his feet in our midst for nearly three hours declaring unto us the great and last dispensation which God had set His hand to perform upon the earth in these last days. The room was filled as if with consuming fire; the Prophet was clothed upon with much of the power of God, and his face shone and was transparently clear, and he closed that speech, never-to-be-forgotten in time or in eternity, with the following language:
Brethren, I have had great sorrow of heart for fear that I might be taken from the earth with the keys of the Kingdom of God upon me, without sealing them upon the heads of other men. God has sealed upon my head all the keys of the Kingdom of God necessary for organizing and building up of the Church, Zion, and Kingdom of God upon the earth, and to prepare the Saints for the coming of the Son of Man. Now, brethren, I thank God I have lived to see the day that I have been enabled to give you your endowments, and I have now sealed upon your heads all the powers of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods and Apostleship, with all the keys and powers thereof, which God has sealed upon me; and I now roll off all the labor, burden and care of this Church and Kingdom of God upon your shoulders, and bear off this Church and Kingdom of God before heaven and earth, and before God, angels and men; and if you don’t do it you will be damned.
And the same spirit that filled the room at that time burns in my bosom while I record this testimony, and the Prophet of God appointed no one else but the Twelve Apostles to stand at the head of the Church and direct its affairs.” (“An Epistle to the Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” by Wilford Woodruff, “in behalf of the Council of the Twelve Apostles;” DN 36(39):616, 12 Oct., 1887)
16 Oct.: Bestowal of endowment on 12 by Joseph.
[Extract from Epistle of Wilford Woodruff]
“For sometime before his death the Prophet Joseph was inspired of the Lord to anticipate his own departure from earthly Scenes. This was shown in various ways: But especially in the great anxiety he displayed to bestow upon the Twelve Apostles, all the Keys and authority of the Holy Priesthood which he had received. He declared in private and in public that they were equiped and fully quallified and that he had rolled the Kingdom of God on the Shoulders of the Twelve Apostles. (Br Woodroof’s personal testimony): I, Willford Woodroof, being the last man living in the flesh who was present on that occasion, feel it a duty I owe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints to the House of Israel, and to the whole world to bear this my last testimony to all nations, that in the winter of 1843-4 Joseph Smith, the Prophet of God, called the Twelve Apostles to gether in the city of Nauvoo, and spent many days with us in giving us our Endowments, and teaching us those glorious principles which God had revealed to him. And upon one occasion he stood upon his feet in our midst for nearly three hours declaring unto us the great and glorious Dispensation which God had set his hand to perform upon the earth in these last days. The room was filled as with consuming fire. The Prophet was clothed upon with much of the power of God. And his face shone and was transparently clear, and he closed that speech never to be forgotten in time or in Eternity with the following language. Brethren I have had great sorrow of heart for fear that I might be taken from the earth with the Keys of the Kingdom of God upon me, without Sealing them upon the heads of other men. God has Sealed upon my head all the Keys of the Kingdom of God necessary for the organizing and building up the church, Zion, and the Kingdom of God upon the earth and to prepare the Saints for the coming of the Son of Man.
Now, Brethren, I thank God that I have lived to see the day tht I have been enabled to give you your Endowments, and I have now Sealed upon your heads all the Powers of the Aronic and Melcheisedek Priesthood and Apostleship, with all the Keys and powers thereof which God has Sealed uopn me: And I now roll off all the labor, burden, and care, of this church and Kingdom of God upon your shoulders. And I now command you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to round up your shoulders and bear off this church and Kingdom of God before Heaven and earth, and before God, Angels, and Men; And if you dont do it, you will be damned. And the same spirit that filled the room at that time burns in my bosom while I record this testimony: And the Prophet of God appointed no one else but the Twelve Apostles to stand at the head of the church and direct its affairs.” (Recorded in Charles L. Walker diary, 16 Oct., 1887)
26 Oct.: Baptism and adoption of martyrs.
“As to the martyrs of whom you speak, we see no impropriety in your having the ordinance of baptism attended to for them, especially if you know who they are; but before having them sealed to you, you should ceretainly have some knowledge of them and of your right to have them, as others may claim that they have a better right than you hereafter.” (Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Logan, 26 Oct., 1887. Bergera notes)
1 Nov.: Opposition to increase when temples built.
“When the temple at Kirtland was completed and the Saints received the endowment which was then given by the Lord, Satan raged terribly. Those who belonged to the Church who were living in hypocrisy became the means, under the evil one, of bringing great persecution upon Joseph and the faithful Saints. Men of this character apostatized and fought that work which they had been ordained to help establish.
So it has been from that day to the present. It was a frequent remark of Brother Heber C. Kimball in Nauvoo, in speaking to the brethren respecting the endowments which were shortly to be given, that after they received them they would have seven times the evil power to contend with that they had previous to receiving those glorious ordinances. But he consoled them with the statement that they would have far greater power to resist than they ever had before.
The teachings of President Young to the leading elders have led those who have paid attention to them to expect that the building of temples and the progress of the work of God would bring forth increased hostility on the part of Satan and those who are under his influence.
The history of the past fifteen years has fully established the correctness of these teachings of the Prophet of God. From the time that the St. George, Logan and Manti Temples have been commenced and pushed towards completion the evil one has raged with great violence, and deep-laid and well-concocted schemes have been arranged, more far-reaching and widespread in their influence than ever known before, to destroy the work of God.
We should not, however, be surprised at this; for the predictions of the leaders of Israel would fail if this were not to be the case.
The glad tidings come to us now that the Manti temple will soon be finished and ready for dedication.
Truly, we live in a blessed time, when we can behold such structures as these reared under the direction of the Almighty, in which the Saints can enter and receive, through the administrations of the Holy Priesthood, those ordinances which will prepare them for an eternal residence in the mansions of the blest and also enable them to act as saviors for their dead ancestry!” (George Q. Cannon, JI 22(21):333, 1 Nov., 1887)
5 Nov.: Woodruff’s account of Joseph’s endowment.
“Also we give the following extract from President Wilford Woodruff’s testimoney on this subject, as published in the Saints Herald of Nov. 5, 1887. Elder Woodruff was also one of the twelve. He states that Joseph charged them as folows:
‘Brethren, I have had great sorrow of heart for fear that I might be taken from the earth with the keys of the Kingdom of God upon me, without sealing them upon the heads of other men. God has sealed upon my head all the keys of the Kingdom of God necessary for organizing and building up of the church, Zion, and Kingdom of God upon the earth, and to prepare the Saints for the coming of the Son of Man. Now, brethren, I thank God I have lived to see the day that I have been enabled to give you your endowments, and I have now sealed upon your heads all the powers of the Aaronic and Melchisidick Priesthoods and Apostleship, with all the keys and powers thereof, which god has sealed upon me; and I now roll off all the labor, burden and care of this church and Kingdom of God upon your shoulders, and I now command you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to round up your shoulders, and bear off this church and Kingdom of God before heaven and earth, and before God, angels and men, and if you don’t do it you will be damned.'” (Ebeneezer Robinson, The Return 2(4):253, April, 1890)
16 Nov.: Little known of Law of Adoption.
“Even among the members of the Twelve Apostles there seems to be little known about the Law of Adoption at this particular time that I can find out about. President George Q. Cannon said he did not understand the matter.” (John M. Whitaker Papers, BYU Mss. 293, Journal 4, p.11, 16 Nov., 1887)
16 Nov.: Why baptize towards the west?
“Then the brethren discussed the subject of the proper method of baptizing in the Temple–why we baptize towards the West and the candidate raises towards the East–that is in likeness of the time when Christ chall come, all who are resurrected, will be raised with their faces toward the East, as in likeness of the resurrection.” (John M. Whitaker Papers, BYU Mss. 293, Journal 4, p.11, 16 Nov., 1887)
7 Dec.: Temples as seats of learning.
“The following quotation from the prayer offered at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, which was given by revelation and repeated at the dedicatory services, indicates one of the most important uses to which Temples, erected by the Latter-day Saints, are designed to be put:
And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house, may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as Thou hast said.
In one sense, according to the views of the Latter-day Saints, the pursuit of intelligence is the worship of God. The Temples which they build are designed for the highest and purest forms and ordinances of religious worship, hence it is embraced within the purposes had in view in their erection that the highest and purest forms of intelligence shall be communicated to the worshipers within them.
It is eminently consistent with the objects for which the Saints build temples that the sacred structures should contain libraries, class and lecture rooms, and every other facility and convenience necessary to constitute them seats of learning; and that classes should be formed in them for the purpose of being instructed in all branches of science and useful knowledge, which in any way tend to make men better, wiser, or more intelligent.
In the carrying on of certin kinds of legitimate temple work, instructors will be employed to teach the truths of every science and of the arts, to classes comprised of members who are worthy to receive instruction in such a place. To the highest learning of the age these instructors will add the inspiration of the Almighty, in imparting knowledge to their classes, and the result to be accomplished in time, should be a greater degree of intelligence among the temple workers and students of the Latter-day Saints than can be found elsewhere in the whole world.
As most solid and enduring growths in nature are the results of slow and gradual processes, so time will be consumed in bringing these seats of learning up to the standard to which it is the design they shall attain. But a very promising commencement has been made, as our readers will observe, who have perused the lectures which have been delivered in the Logan Temple and reproduced in these columns. The talent which has so far been employed in the educational work of that sacred institution has been of a sufficiently advanced order to be able to impart much valuable instruction to those who have attended the lectures delivered there, and as the progress of the classes shall require greater learning and intelligence on the part of instructors, teachers having the requisite qualifications will be found among the Saints.
No feature of the religion of the Latter-day Saints is more strikingly distinctive than that of temple building and temple work. In their estimation an unspeakable sacredness and importance attaches to this portion of their faith. In their devotion to it they have imparted generously of their substance for the erection of costly edifices in which to conduct those portions of their exercises for which ordinary houses of worship are inappropriate.
The lecture by Elders James A. Leishman on the ‘Establishment and Abolishment of the Primitive Church,’ recently delivered in the Logan Temple, and published in a late issue of the NEWS, is a sample of the instruction imparted therein. It was a comprehensive address, replete with valuable historical facts, and showing considerable research. Other lectures of equal merit and upon a variety of topics have been delivered in the same place, and the indications are that the interest in and value of these Temple lectures will steadily increase.” (Editorial, “Temples as Seats of Learning,” DN 36(47):745, 7 Dec., 1887)