Below you will find Prince’s research excerpts titled, “Temples, 1897.” You can view other years here.
Search the content below for specific dates, names, and keywords using the keyboard shortcut Command + F on a Mac or Control + F on Windows.
TEMPLES, 1897.
1897: 1 Jan.: Manifestation at SL Temple dedication.
“A very interesting occurrence took place during one of the dedicatory services in the Salt Lake Temple, which ought to be placed on record. I therefore submit it to the readers of the Juvenile Instructor. It is an experience which happened to a sister of our ward, and I take pleasure in relating it substantially as she told it to me.
‘To begin with’, said Sister M—-, ‘it will be necessary to state that my grandfather had three wives, two of whom died before he did. His last two had been sealed to other men, and of course, were his only for time. His first wife, whose name I did not even know, died in 1825. Her name and genealogy were discovered in a very unexpected manner, a few months after my experience in the Temple. Grandfather joined the Church in early days, was at Nauvoo, and came to Utah in 1850. From the time I was a small girl I lived with grandfather. He was always very kind and seemed to think a great deal of me. In the course of time I got married; and grandfather died in 1866. This little scrap of family history is given so that you may better understand what follows.
At the time of the dedication of the Temple, I had a very young babe. The idea of trusting it to the care of others, while I might attend the services, was more than I could bring my mind to. My husband and others urged me repeatedly to go, planning for me all the while how baby could be taken care of. The members of our ward, including my husband and family, went to Salt Lake on the two days assigned them, but I could not make up my mind to go on either day. However, another unexpected opportunity was given our ward to attend the dedication. Then through earnest solicitation of my husband and children, I was prevailed upon to undertake the journey. This explanation is necessary to show that the matter of going was on my mind only a few hours previous to my actually being in the Temple.
While in that sacred place, we sat at a point between where the organ stood and the stand from which the brethren addressed the audience. Apostle Abraham H. Cannon offered the prayer. I remember his telling the congregation to follow him closely and repeat the words as he went along. I closed my eyes and listened intently to his words.
How long I had been thus listening I am unable to say; but just as one naturally falls to sleep, so I became unconscious of the things about me. Apparently I was not in the Temple, when lo! I found myself gazing at two persons standing in front of me–a man and a woman. The man I at once recognized as my grandfather, but the woman I did not know.
It seemed the most natural thing in the world that I should meet them. Not the least thought of fear came upon me; on the contrary, I was happy to meet them, and they appeared to share similar feelings. They were dressed in white and both looked most heavenly. As I say, I did not know the woman; but she had dark hair, and was very beautiful indeed.
Grandfather began talking to me, saying he wanted this lady sealed to him. His communication to me was not in our language, and I could hear no voice, although he made me clearly understand what he wanted, in a manner that I am unable to explain.
The woman then asked me in a very earnest way to be baptized for her and to do her temple work; and further said, she wanted to be sealed to grandfather.
Having seemingly finished their errand, they were apparently leaving, when grandfather turned partly around, and with a look which was meant to impress me, remarked: “Remember, now remember!” His voice this time seemed audible.
The scene then vanished. The words of the prayer now fell upon my ears and I listened as before. Three times after this, during the exercises, I felt what seemed to be a touch upon my arm and a voice say: “Remember, now remember!” Yet I saw no one.
The services over, we went slowly out of that sacred building. Just as I was on the last step of the stairway and the air from without fanned my face, I felt again that same touch on my arm. Unconsciously turning, I again heard that same voice, saying: “Remember, now remember?” This time I felt weak and trembled from head to foot. My husband who had hold of my arm, asked me if I was cold. Several sisters with whom we were talking as we came down the stairs also noticed my agitation, and asked me if I was chilly. I told them that I was not at all cold.
While going home, I related this manifestation to my husband and remarked to him that I did not know who the woman could be or where I could ever get her genealogy so that I could do her work. Sometime after this occurrence, however, I was talking with my mother, and I found that her description of grandfather’s first wife, so far as she knew it, agreed exactly with the appearance of the woman I had seen with him in the Temple.
But how to get her name puzzled me for she was not my mother’s mother. Shortly afterward mother and I ransacked her house in search of records, and finally we were rewarded by finding, down in the cellar, in a box of old newspapers, an almanac, on a blank leaf of which was a list of genealogies. Among them was the name of Harriet Fox–for one line of the record ran thus: “Ezekiel Kellogg married Harriet Fox in 1818; she died about 1825.” This list had been prepared, so mother said, about twenty years ago by my grandmother at the request of a relative in the east who had written for genealogies, and a copy of it had been kept.’
Sister M—-, assisted by a relative, has since performed the work that was so miraculously enjoined upon her in the House of the Lord by those visitors from another world.” (Joseph B. Keeler, JI 32(1):35-36, 1 Jan., 1897)
6 Jan.: Transgression before marriage.
“We had an informal meeting in the room of President Snow. I asked the question: If a young couple have gone to the temple to be married and having transgressed with each other before they are there married what shall be done with them? Ans. Let them meet before the council of the priesthood and there ask forgiveness. They need not be baptized again.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 6 Jan., 1897; LDS Archives)
28 Jan.: Arizona Temple proposed.
“Meeting of the Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Prests. Woodruff, Cannon, Smith, and Snow; Elders F. D. Richards, B. Young, F. M. Lyman, J. H. Smith, G. Teasdale, H. J. Grant, and J. W. Taylor.
. . . .
The subject of building a Temple in Arizona for the benefit of the people in that region, was considered. It was represented that many of the Saints were unable to make a journey to the Temples in Utah, and it cost a great deal of money to those who could go. The proper order of marriage would be observed more strictly if a Temple could be built in that part. It was suggested that one could be built at a cost of about $50,000. Brother John Henry Smith, who strongly favored the project, thought that a house suitable for all practical purposes, could be erected at a cost of not more than $10,000.” (JH 28 Jan., 1897)
18 Feb.: Cancellation of sealing.
“Martha Alice Heelis was seduced by Charles Thomas. They were married by a Bishop. 6 months after marriage he died. 1 mo[n]th later a child was born it died at birth. Soon after this Thomas’ Parents persuaded the young wife to go with them to Manti Temple and be sealed to her dead husband and the child was sealed to the parents for eternity. About a year later she was sealed in the Logan Temple to her present husband for time and has two children by him. Says she was young and inexperienced when she consented to be sealed to Thomas and wishes to be sealed to her present husband for eternity and to have her child sealed to them. Presented to President Woodruff and council and requested[;] granted 18 Feb., 1897.” (Notes on Historical Department–Confidential Research Files 1950-1974. Bergera notes)
22 Feb.: Sealed to eternal life in Pat. Blessing.
“This with thy former blessings I seal upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ, and I seal thee up unto eternal life to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection a Savior among thy kindred, even so, Amen.” (Patriarchal Blessing given by John Smith to Oliver B. Huntington, 22 Feb., 1897; Oliver B. Huntington journal, 22 Feb., 1897)
4 Mar.: Can single women be accommodated w/o polygamy?
“Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Prests. Woodruff, Cannon, Smith and Snow; Elders F. D. Richards, B. Young, F. M. Lyman and G. Teasdale.
The subject of marriage and the condition of a large number of young women who were anxious to become honorable wives and mothers in Israel, and would be willing to enter into plural marriage, was considered. Also the conditions existing in consequence of the laws forbidding polygamy. The evils existing were conceded, but no definite remedy to meet them was considered to be available at present.” (JH 4 Mar., 1897)
6 Mar.: Only those who gather to Zion can have 2nd anointing.
“Salt Lake City, Mar. 6. 1897.
Bro. Mc.Allister:
Pres. Woodruff declines to give Seconds to any members of the Church excepting those who have gathered to Zion; he says he must draw the line some where, and this is where he draws it. He says too that all faithful saints who have died without having the privilege of gathering with the body of the Church will receive all the blessings they are entitled to hereafter.
Yours &c.,
Geo. P. Gibbs Secy.”
(Manti Temple, Historical Record, CR/348/21/V.2/p. 100. Bergera collection.)
12 Mar.: Wilford Woodruff’s phonographic testimony.
“Brother Joseph J. Daynes, Jun., son-in-law of Pres. Wilford Woodruff, brought to the office a phonograph, for the purpose of showing its workings, and to get Pres. Woodruff to talk into it. Pres. Woodruff agreed to talk into the machine, on condition that he should keep the cylinder himself, so that public use could not be made of it by way of advertising. This is what the president spoke into the phonograph, which was afterwards repeated back quite audibly and satisfactorily to all of the First Presidency:
I bear my testimony that the Prophet Joseph Smith said before a large assemblage in Illinois, that if he were the Emperor of the world and had control over the whole human family, he would sustain every man, woman and child in the enjoyment of their religion. Those are my sentiments today.
I bear my testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, ordained of God to lay the foundation of his church and kingdom in the last dispensation and fulness of times.
I bear my testimony that in the early spring of 1844, in Nauvoo, the Prophet Joseph Smith called the Apostles together and he delivered unto them the ordinances of the church and kingdom of God, and all the keys and powers that God had bestowed upon him, he sealed upon our heads, and he told us we must round up our shoulders and bear off this kingdom, or we would be damned. I am the only man now living in the flesh who heard that testimony from his mouth, and I know it was true by the power of God manifest to him. At that meeting he stood on his feet for about three hours and taught us the things of the kingdom. His face was as clear as amber, and he was covered with a power that I had never seen in any man in the flesh before. I bear my testimony that Joseph Smith was the author of the endowments as received by the Latter Day Saints. I received my own endowments under his hands, and I bear my testimony that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, John Taylor and other brethren received their endowments under the hands and direction of the Prophet; and also my wife Phoebe, Bathsheba Smith, Leonora Taylor, Mary Smith, and others whose names I cannot recall now.
The Prophet Joseph Smith laid down his life for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and he will be crowned as a martyr in the presence of God and the Lamb.
In all his testimonies to us the power of God was visably manifest to the Prophet Joseph.”
(JH 12 Mar., 1897)
“This morning at his office, Pres. Wilford Woodruff spoke again into the graphophone, or phonograph, the smae words which he uttered into the instrument on March 12th. They were repeated in order to obtain better results than were secured on that date. After reading his testimony as recorded on the 12th inst., he signed it with his own hand, that it might go on record.” (JH 19 Mar., 1897)
31 Mar.: Moroni and the promises of Elijah.
“We met in the Temple. Bro Snow spoke as above reported. [Snow’s comments had been juxtaposed between 2 entries for 30 Mar.] I followed him and talked on the wonderful consistency in the Lord’s plans. Though Joseph could not conceive the full plan at first yet the Angel Moroni had foreshadowed in his first conversation with Joseph the work for the dead in quoting the last words of Malachi. Bro. Jos. Smith Sen. had foreshadowed the glorious doctrine of progression when speaking to Bro. Snow. I referred to the number of cases of fornication among the young.
I [sprang?] the question: How long is a man entitled to a standing in the Church who will do nothing at all but rather fight against it? Bro. Snow answered as above. I asked the question concerning the resurrection of those who died after Christ if all were resurrected before them who died before? Bro. Lyman did not see much use in answering it even if it could be answered.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 31 Mar., 1897; LDS Archives)
1 Apr.: When Joseph was receiving the endowments.
“In the early days of the Church, particularly in the days when it was known that the prophet Joseph was receiving revelations concerning the endowments, Satan busied himself in sowing false ideas in the minds of many. Men then talked about certain personage appearing in different dispensations. This is now known as re-incarnation, and is a doctrine of a system imported here from Asia, called Theosophy. It is a false doctrine and is opposed to the revelations of the Lord.” (George Q. Cannon, JI 32(7):210, 1 Apr., 1897)
7 Apr.: Secret societies.
“A meeting was held at 10 A.M. in the Assembly Hall, of the First Presidency, Apostles, Presidents of Stakes and counselors, High Councillors, Presidents of Seventies, Bishops and counselors, also Patriarchs.
. . . .
The subject of secret societies was introduced, and in answer to questions, Pres. G. Q. Cannon drew a distinction between those orders which were simply to aid the temporal condition of members, and those which interfered with the rights of employers or employees, of which interfered with membership in the Church, or hindered men from performing Church duties, going on missions, etc. There were men who belonged to the Masonic Order, and he did not consider that such membership should interfere with their admission into the Temple or prayer circles. As a general proposition, it was not considered wise for our brethren to join secret societies.” (JH 7 Apr., 1897)
8 Apr.: Sealings outside the temples.
“Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Prests. G. Q. Cannon, J. F. Smith, L. Snow; Elders F. M. Lyman, J. H. Smith, G. Teasdale, H. J. Grant, J. W. Taylor, A. H. Lund.
The subject of sealings performed outside of the Temple was discussed, as to the necessity for their repetition when circumstances permitted in the Temple of the Lord. The matter was deferred until Pres. Woodruff could be present.” (JH 8 Apr., 1897)
17 Apr.: Numbers of 2nd anointings given.
“At 2 pm Pres Lorenzo Snow & Bro Salmon called and stayed for 1 1/2 hours & we conversed together. He gave me a list of Salt Lake Temple work since the commencement, May 22, 1893 to March 31, 1897 showing . . . * * * 2d anointing 1017 living, 17936 dead.” (Journal of Wilford Woodruff, April 17, 1897. Bergera collection.)
22 Apr.: Why Joseph didn’t wear his garments to Carthage.
“My niece Zina Card and sister Lucy B. Young came on their return from Goshen and the other settlements in this county south of here and stayed all night with us.
They were out by appointment from the Presidency of the Church in the interests of the young womans Journal.
We had an excellent time while they were here talking over old times, the sayings of Joseph and Hyrum of Brigham and others.
Among other things both new and old was repeated the fact that the Prophet Joseph pulled off his garments just before starting to Carthage to be slain and he advised Hyrum and John Taylor to do the same, which they did; and Brother Taylor told Brother Willard Richards what they had done and advised him to take off his also, but Brother Richards said that he would not take his off, and did not; and he was not harmed.
Joseph said before taking his garments off, that he was going to be killed . . . ‘was going as a lamb to the slaughter’ and he did not want his garments to be exposed to the sneers and jeers of his enemies.
These facts all came from President John Taylor’s lips after he was President of the Church. Elder John Morgan had told them to me as stated to him by Brother Taylor. Sister Lucy B. Young said that Brother John Taylor told her in answer to direct questions, the same all except with regard to Willard Richards.” (Oliver B. Huntington journal, 22 Apr., 1897)
1 May: Responsibility for doing genealogical research.
“The Latter-day Saints as a body of people are peculiarly interested in obtaining accurate and complete genealogies. It is a religious obligation upon them to perfect the record of their families past and present. Many Church members neglect this, both for the present generation and for their ancestors; but the neglect comes from an imperfect enjoyment of the full spirit of their religion in this regard. The importance to the Saints of genealogical records will increase as time goes on, but the opportunity to secure such is not likely to be better generally than it is now. In connection with this
subject of obtaining such records of ancestors as far as practicable, the oft-repeated suggestion to families to perfect the record of families as they are at present, for the benefit and information of future generations, ought to be impressed deeply upon the Saints.” (Deseret Evening News editorial, 1 May, 1897; in JH 1 May, 1897)
25 Jun.: Reminiscence of Nauvoo Temple.
“The dedication of the temple at Nauvoo is a circumstance deeply impressed upon my mind. With my mother I was present to witness the services of the dedication. President Brigham Young came to Aunt Mary Smith and invited her to take charge of the female department in the temple after it was dedicated, she and her husband having received their endowments in the lifetime and under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. But on account of her large family and the multitude of cares resting upon her, she was unable to undertake the responsibility, and it was proposed that my mother be called for this purpose in her stead, she also having had her endowments under the direction of the Prophet at the same time Aunt Mary received hers. This being agreeable she was called, but mother inquired, ‘What shall I do with my little girl?’ President Young glancing over at me as I sat in my little chair, replied, ‘Take her with you, yes, God bless her, take her with you.’ I had not felt much interest in the conversation until I heard the last remark, and it awakened in me a new idea. Since my father and Uncle Hyrum were gone I had thought no one would ever speak of, or to me so kindly again. But these tender words and blessing captured my heart, and my very soul went out to Brother Brigham, overflowing with childhood’s love, and thenceforth I saw in him the friend of the widowed, and the father of the fatherless, and the man above all others then living chosen to stand where he did, and I still feel he was one of the kindest and best men on earth. Agreeable to the arrangements then made I accompanied my mother to the temple and remained with her there day and night until it was closed and the leading men of the Church, and such as were able to accompany them, took up their journey to find a home in the far off and unknown west.
While with my mother in the temple I remember I was sealed to my parents in the new and everlasting covenant. Being only a child and without other children in the temple I was frequently noticed by the leading brethren, and on one occasion, Father Isaac Morley and Elder Ezra T. Benson, while in conversation with mother, predicted that I should live and grow to womanhood and that the day would come when I should work in the temple of our God. This prediction has been literally and, to my mind, marvelously fulfilled. For all my life, my health has been delicate and it is a surprise to me, and no doubt it is to others, that I am still alive. . . .
While in the temple I recall to mind a brother by the name of Hans Hansen who had been an old sailor, but who then occupied a small room in the temple and was engaged in making a beeswaxing tents and wagon covers for the great journey into the wilderness.” (M. J. Thompson, daughter of Robert B. Thompson and Mercy R. Fielding Thompson, JI 32(14):428-430, 15 Jul., 1897)
26 Jun./2 Jul.: Reminiscence of unfinished Nauvoo temple.
“I lived at Nauvoo from 1839 to 1866; with the exception of the time between September 12, 1846, and February 19, 1847.
I knew of the work being done on the temple at that place from the time it began until the building was burned in 1848. It was not finished. The basement was fitted for occupation, and the baptismal font was ready for use. The auditorium on the first floor was completed sufficiently to be seated and occupied for assembly purposes. The stairway on the south side was completed for use. The auditorium on second floor, the stairway on north side, nor any other portion of the building except those above-named were completed; though the small rooms above the second floor auditorium were used by President Young and the resident church authorities for various purposes.
As boy and man I visited the building both while it was being built and after the work on it stopped, was all over it from cellar to the dome, many times, with visitors from abroad, and with comrades, after the saints left the city and while David La Barron had charge, attended meetings in it both for worship and for political purposes, and know from actual personal observation that the temple at Nauvoo was not finished. I now, too, that it was a matter of common talk among members of the church that changes were made in the designs, after the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith; and that those portions that were completed so as to be occupied were not in accordance with the original plans.” (Joseph Smith III, Affidavit, Lamoni, Iowa, 26 Jun., 1897; in Heman C. Smith, The History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2:563-564)
“Inasmuch as the subject of the temple built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Nauvoo, Illinois, has been in controversy in the past and sometimes of late called up; and as some have claimed that the temple was finished according to the revelation or command of God, and endowments legally given tehrein, I wish to make a statement and leave my testimony in history, that perhaps it may correct an error, and free some minds which may be in doubt upon the matter.
When a boy I was privileged to wander all over the building, and sometimes when the man in charge did not feel like climbing up the many flights of stairs, which led into the cupola to show visitors the wonderful building and beautiful view to be had from the dome, he requested me to show them. I well remember that on one of those occasions I ventured out of the small door on the east side of the rounded top which was covered with bright tin. I walked all around it, and as I approached the door the gentleman whom I was guide to caught me and drew me in, and lectured me for my imprudence, declaring that he would not dare do it.
The offices in the corner to the left of main entrance on the ground floor were finished, but not furnished. The auditorium or main meeting room was temporarily finished; the seats and pulpit were only temporary.
The upper auditorium; the plastering was not done, the floor was only the rough boards, intended only for the lining, was laid, and from this floor upward the stairs, except in the tower, or circular main stairs, were also temporary; the upper floor which was to have been divided into numerous rooms was laid, and partitioned off with cotton factory cloth, and used for some purposes before the saints were driven away.
I was told that the cloth of those partitions was subsequently used for wagon covers, by the saints on their journey across the plains.
To my knowledge the temple never was finished, and those who have been led to believe it was, have been deceived. I make this statement freely for the benefit of the present and future generations.” (Alexander H. Smith, Audobon, Minnesota, 2 Jul., 1897; in Heman C. Smith, The History of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2:564-565)
19 Aug.: Temple ordinances for Joseph’s family.
“At 11 A.M. the First Presidency and Apostles met at the Temple. Pres. Jos. F. Smith drew attention to the fact that some of the Smith family who had died had not received the Temple ordinances, and asked in relation to William Smith and Emma Smith, brother and wife of the Prophet. Pres. Woodruff thought it was better to leave those persons in the hands of the Prophet himself.” (JH 19 Aug., 1897)
23 Aug.: Healing of Wilford Woodruff’s daughter.–ENTER IN TEMPLES ALSO, DUE TO REFERENCE TO CLOTHING OF ANGEL; ALSO PRAYER CIRCLES IN HEAVEN.
“[Monday] Pres. Wilford Woodruff and his counselors were at their office this morning, the President being feeble in body but quite relieved in spirit, the anxiety which he had felt for some time concerning his daughter Alice, whose life had been despaired of, being removed in consequence of her being on Sunday evening in a miraculous manner. The following statement was made by Sister Alice immediately after the occurrence:
About 7 o’clock this evening (August 22) while I was lying on my bed, my father and mother and members of the family were out on the porch, Bro. McEwan was sitting near the bed. Bro. Lewis Cannon, Edward Jenkins, Libbie Cutler, Joseph and Blanch Daynes called in to see me; they only stayed a few minutes, saying they were willing to help me all they could, but as all arrangements were made for my comfort, they said they would pray for me. As they left I felt very sad with the feeling that I would never seem them again, so I commenced to cry bitterly. William McEwan endeavored to comfort me with encouraging words. As he was talking I beheld a brilliant light, which frightened me. I held on to William, and called ‘Father, father!’ I then saw a most glorious personage standing near the foot of the bed, and his feet were off the floor. On my calling for father, Will went out, passing by this personage, almost touching his clothing, and father and the family came in. I motioned them all to go out but father, as I thought he might also see this personage as I did. I sat up in my bed, quite awake; he stretched out his arms over my head, and said in a distinct but under tone of voice, ‘The Lord has sent me to bless you; you shall be healed from this time forth. The Lord seals his blessings upon you.’ He then came to the side of the bed and said I must go to the Temple and there I should receive something (I have forgotten what it was I should receive) and further said the prayers of the circles in the heavens have been heard in your behalf, and the prayers of the circles here upon the earth, also the prayers of the Saints have been heard; that I should stay here and be blessed in my life, that I shouldhave joy and pleasure in my union, be blessed as a mother, having posterity. Said, ‘you are a daughter of Israel and shall stand as a representative in your father’s kingdom. The Lord will give you health and strength and bless you so that you may love him and keep his commandments, for a great work is before you and he expects a great deal from you.’ I was so overjoyed I could not speak; I tried to do so but could not. He said many other things for my comfort and consolation, and just before leaving he stretched his hands over my head again and referred to my Temple work and blessed me, saying: ‘The Lord will bless you with health and strength and make you well and strong, and He expects you to spend your strength in doing His will; I therefore bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.’ He then put his hands together in front of his face and dropped them down to his hips. I then saw him rise up to near the chandelier and pass out, going towards the hall and thence towards the dining hall. I was so over-joyed that I cried for joy. As soon as I could speak from crying and sobbing I related to father what I had seen, as I did not know whether it was proper to speak of it or not; but I felt so over-joyed at such a manifestation, and have felt so ever since, that I can scarcely contain myself. All my pains ceased immediately. I felt like I could get out of my bed well and strong, that I was completely restored to health. I partook of some food with a relish. This personage was the most beautiful man I ever saw. He had long hair and beard, was dressed in a white under-garment, then a kind of skirt and something like a robe over his right shoulder, which was drawn across his breast and fastened on the left side about the waist. He had a small white bag trimmed with gold attached to his girdle, and had a small gold-like book in his hand which seemed to be transparent. I did not see any leaves, but I thought I could see print or writing in the book. His head was bare and a circle of light around it. His feet were also bare. About half an hour before this manifestation Brothers John R. Winder and James Sharp, father, Andrew Smith and William administered to me. Bro. Winder annointed me and Bro. Sharp prayed. He seemed to be peculiarly wrought upon. He blessed me, promising that I should be restored to health and strength. Whilst they were doing this, I did not seem to fel their hands on my head, but I felt so well under their administration.
Besides the above, President Woodruff remarked that himself and family had devoted themselves to fasting and prayer the entire day on his daughter’s behalf.
President Woodruff said this morning that the communication of this personage to his daughter had given him a new idea, that is, the fact that there are prayer circles in heaven. He said he had never thought of it before; but when he came to think about, it was perfectly plain and consistent. He also said that he felt that the Lord had not only blessed and instantly healed his daughter, but that he himself had been greatly honored by this visitation.” (JH 23 Aug., 1897)
29 Aug.: Brigham’s selection of SL Temple site.
“Pres. Wilford Woodruff attended services in the Tabernacle to-day and was able to address the large congregatin with remarkable vigor and clearness. His remarks were of great value as matters of history and doctrine, and were reported in full as follows for the Deseret News:
. . . .
I want to refer to the contrast between the celebration of the entrance of the Pioneers into this valley, and the entrance of the Pioneers itself. This celebration brought strongly to my mind what God has wrought in these valleys of the mountains. My thoughts turn to the day when we entered this valley, when I drove President Young in my carriage, he lying upon a bed of sickness. We camped here on the east of the Knutsford. We spent one night there. President Young slept in his bed in my wagon one night after entering this barren deseret, and he was quite a sick man. He said to me in the morning, ‘Brother Woodruff, I want to take a walk.’ ‘All right,’ said I. A number of the Twelve Apostles were there and they got together. He commenced to walk from our encampment across this barren desert, this sage plain without any guide to mark anything appertaining to the future of the children of men in this land. President Young was quite feeble. He wore his little green cloak upon his shoulders and he walked slowly along.
As we advanced from below on to the rising ground we came to a certain spot where he stopped very suddenly. He took his cane, which had a spike in the end of it, and stuck it down into the ground, and said, ‘Here shall stand the Temple of our God.’ It went through me like lightning. I did not insult him, the Prophet of God, by asking him who told him so. What was there here to encourage the Prophet of God to make a remark of that kind? What had he to trust to to build a Temple here that would cost four millions of dollars? Instead of having around him a hundred thousand working men with millions of money in hand, he had one hundred and forty men. We were sore and tired and weary, without any money in our pockets, and still the Prophet of God sticks his cane into the ground and says, ‘Here shall stand the Temple of our God.’ I asked him to stop there till I could break a piece of sage brush or something that I could drive down into the place. I did nothing else until I put a stake in that spot that he marked with his cane, and then we went on about our business. But when I listened to his words that first night that we spent in this barren desert, and then he told us here was going to stand the Temple of our God, I knew that man spoke by the Spirit of Almighty God. I knew it from the Spirit that was resting upon me. I was satisfied it would all be fulfilled.
What has been the result? Before you, he lived here. He laid the foundation of that Temple, and there stood the stake in the middle of that Temple when it was laid out, without any regard to his prophecies or sayings. These things rested with great weight upon my mind as I looked upon the mighty throngs celebrating the event of the Pioneers into the valleys of the mountains. There stands that Temple today, with its spires, on top of one of which a statue of Moroni stands, blowing the Gospel trump pointing to the throne of God in heaven, in fulfillment of the prophecies of Patriarchs and Prophets thousands of years ago. Those are eternal truths that ought to rest with some weight upon the minds of the Latter-day Saints.
Half an hour after the event I have described, I heard President Young say to Samuel Brannan, who was urging him to leave this desert land and go to California, ‘No, I am giong to stop right here; I am going to build a city here; I am going to build a Temple here; and I am going to build a country here.’ Where is the fulfillment of this? It is before the eyes of all the world today. This prophecy has been fulfilled to the very letter.”
(JH 29 Aug., 1897)
9 Sep.: Policy on previously endowed reentering Temple.
“Meeting of the Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11:30 A.M. Present: Prests. W. Woodruff, G. Q. Cannon, L. Snow; Elders F. D. Richards, J. H. Smith and G. Teasdale. Pres. J. F. Smith and Elder A. H. Lund at Parsons Ranch; B. Young at Fruitland, F. M. Lyman in the South; H. J. Grant sick. . . .
Pres. Snow stated that applications were being made by Saints coming from a distance to view the interior of the Temple. It was decided that persons who had received their endowments might be permitted to see the Temple when it was not being used for the endowments.” (JH 9 Sep., 1897)
9 Sep.: Unendowed not to witness marriages in Temple.
“Meeting of the Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11:30 A.M. Present: Prests. W. Woodruff, G. Q. Cannon, L. Snow; Elders F. D. Richards, J. H. Smith and G. Teasdale. Pres. J. F. Smith and Elder A. H. Lund at Parsons Ranch; B. Young at Fruitland, F. M. Lyman in the South; H. J. Grant sick. . . .
It was also decided that persons who have not received their endowments, whether children or adults, should not be permitted to witness a marriage in the Temple.” (JH 9 Sep., 1897)
21 Sep.: Genealogical missionaries?
“Prests. G. Q. Cannon and J. F. Smith at the office to-day were called upon by Bro. C. W. Penrose on behalf of the Genealogical Society, representing that the Society were desirous of obtaining genealogical information from all parts of the world for the benefit of Temple work, and thought that missionaries abroad could act as agents, particularly in large cities and that they could perhaps obtain a little help in their missions by obtaining genealogies. Pres. Cannon approved of the plan, but doubted whether many brethren on missions would prove competent to perform that kind of work, and great care was necessary to have it done thoroughly and accurately.” (JH 21 Sep., 1897)
24 Sep.: Must be endowed to witness sealings.
“It having come to the knowledge of the First Presidency that children and adults who had not received their endowments had been permitted to witness the marriage ceremony of their friends in one of the temples, the propriety of this was considered by the Council of the First Presidency and Apostles; and I was instructed to request the presidents of temples to strictly forbid any person who had not received his or her endowments from witnessing the sealing ordinance.
Your brother, Geo. F. Gibbs, secy.” (Geo. F. Gibbs to David H. Cannon, President St. George Temple, 24 Sep., 1897. From Notes on Historical Department–Confidential Research Files 1950-1974. Bergera notes)
3 Oct.: 1st apron used in Nauvoo endowment.
“On account of a change in time of trains that came into effect that day I was left and spent the day with Joshuay Whitney and his sister Mary Groo in the 9th Ward between 4th East and 5th South Streets. He gave me a piece of the horse we helped eat on the western deserts in 1857. Showed me an apron and moccasins of sheep skin made to the order and by the direction of Joseph Smith in Nauvoo for first endowments given there in the upper room of his brick store. The leaves on the apron were painted.” (Oliver B. Huntington Journal, 3 Oct., 1897)
4 Oct.: “The wickedness of the Endowment!”
“We have influences to contend with here that are inimical to the Church of Christ. A lady stopped me on the street the other day, athat is she looked like a lady and I think she was. She said, ‘O, I can’t stand your endowments.’ ‘Why, what do you know about our endowments?’ I said. ‘O, the wickedness! I see you have been industrious, but O how wicked! O, that endowment house, what a terror it has been to me! I am not very old, but I have heard of it all my life!’ She was a lady from the East.” (Brigham Young, Jr., 4 Oct., 1897; CR Oct., 1897, p. 21)
5 Oct.: Temple work for the Founding Fathers.
“I will say to this congregation that the very men whom God raised up to lay the foundation of the American government–those noble men, from Washington down–have been to men in these Temples and required the ordinances of the House of God at their hands in their behalf. They have told them the position they occupied in the spirit world, and those men have gone forth and fulfilled these requests, and those noble men have received the ordinances of the House of God.” (Wilford Woodruff, 5 Oct., 1897; CR Oct., 1897, p. 47)
6 Oct.: EVERY one who is administered for will rejoice.
“This is our work. To this God has called us. This is what we are here for. This is why we have been sent from the courts on high–our first birthplace–down on the earth. We are the children of God, and the Lord has called us to dwell on the earth in the later days, that we might work for Him and bring about this glorious purpose–the redemption of the earth and the inhabitants thereof. We are to preach the Gospel; we are to gather Israel; we are to go into the housese that have been prepared, to minister in behalf of our dead, that they may be redeemed. And we need not think that anything we do there will fail, or be done for naught. It will all count. I have heard people say, ‘How do we know that the persons we are baptized for in the House of the Lord will ever have any benefit from our administrations? We do not know whether they will receive the Gospel. We do not know whether they will repent. Are we not working in the dark?’ Not at all. The Lord has promised that the time shall come when ‘every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ, to the glory of God the Father.’ So, then, our works performed vicariously in the House of God–our work for our dead–at some time will count. It will not be thrown away, if our friends who have gone before us into the spirit world do not immediately obey the Gospel. The time will come when they will be glad to receive it, and then the ordinances performed for them will stand to their good. As the Prophet Joseph declared, when he wrote on this subject, that which is recorded on the earth is recorded in the heavens, and though the books on the earth might be burned we shall find that a record is kept on high, and that in the heavenly archives the names of those who have been baptized for, and those who are baptized for them, will be written and will stand to the credit of those for whom these services have been performed. So that our work for our dead will abide and will stand, and the time will come when every one who is administered for will rejoice and be thankful that some good friend or relative has been in the House of the Lord on earth and ministered in his or her behalf.” (Charles W. Penrose, 6 Oct., 1897; CR Oct., 1897, p. 62)
4-6 Oct.: Burial in temple clothing.
“I attended all of the conference meetings as well as priesthood and M.I.A. meetings at all of which much good instruction was given.
Prest. Smith said when members of the church die, who have had their endowments, they should be properly clothed before burial.
The robe should be upon the right shoulder and the veil over the face.” (Anthony W. Ivins Journal, 4-6 Oct., 1897)
7 Oct.: Manner of burying the dead.
“Attended Priesthood meeting in the Assembly Hall. Matters in regard to burying the dead with the robe on the left side and women with the veil up were attended to. . . .
The afternoon was spent in the Temple setting apart the new apostles. It was a glorious time. The charges of the First Presidency were clear and to the point.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 7 Oct., 1897; LDS Archives)
“A meeting was held this morning at 10 o’clock, in the Assembly Hall, at which were present the First Presidency, Apostles, First Council of Seventies, Presidents of Stakes and counselors, Patriarchs, Bishops and their counselors. Much practical instruction was imparted for the benefit of the Priesthood and the general interests of the Church in all its departments. . . .
Pres. Jos. F. Smith touched on the improper clothing of deceased persons for burial. Cautioned the BIshops against recommending unworthy persons for Temple privileges; exposing the dead in Temple clothing to the gaze of the public should not be permitted, either in public or private. The sacredness of Temple ordinances and clothing should be observed.” (JH 7 Oct., 1897)
14 Oct.: Adults to be endowed before witnessing sealings.
“Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Prests. W. Woodruff, G. Q. Cannon, J. F. Smith and L. Snow; Elders F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman, J. H. Smith, G. Teasdale, A. H. Lund, M. F. Cowley, A. O. Woodruff. (Elder B. Young in Bannock Stake; Elder H. J. Grant sick; Elder J. W. Taylor in Colorado.)
. . . .
It was decided by the Council that the ruling made by Pres. Woodruff forbidding adults who had not received their endowments to be sealed to their parents, and also from witnessing marriages in the Temples, be sustained by the Council.” (JH 14 Oct., 1897)
28 Oct.: Exclusion of unqualified from Temples.
“Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple. The First Presidency were detained at their office on special business until 12:30. There were present also, at the Temple. Pres. L. Snow; Elders F. D. Richards and B. Young (Elders Teasdale and Lund were filling an appointment in the North; Elder John Henry Smith in Montana; Elder Grant still unwell, although he called at the Temple and waited some time, but was not strong enough to remain; J. W. Taylor in Colorado; F. M. Lyman and M. F. Cowley on their way to the Southern States; Owen Woodruff on his way to Uintah Conference).
The subject of exclusion from the Temple of persons not qualified to receive their endowments was further considered, with the result that the following rule was adopted by the Council:
That no one of either [sex] be admitted to the Temple to be sealed to their parents when they exceed the age of 18 in the case of girls, and 21 in that of boys, without having received their endowments; but that parents shall have the privilege of having their children receive their endowments younger than those ages and also sealed to them, provided they come properly recommended.”
(JH 28 Oct., 1897)
4 Nov.: Must adult children be endowed before sealing?
“The question was considered today in the Council of First Presidency and Apostles, whether adults who have not received their endowments should be permitted to enter the temple to be sealed to their parents? The question was decided in the negative.
In connection with the above, the question has since been asked, What is the adult age?
The ruling on this question was, Eighteen for girls, and twenty-one for boys.” (Notes on Historical Department–Confidential Research Files 1950-1974. Bergera notes)
18 Nov.: Recommend for baptisms for dead?
“Met with the quorum in the Temple. The question of allowing persons to come and be baptized for the dead without having a recommend for endowments or rather having a recomend for baptisms alone. I thought it should be allowed. So did most of the brethren but there was no action taken.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 18 Nov., 1897; LDS Archives)
“Eleven A.M., meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple. Present Prests. W. Woodruff, G. Q. Cannon, J. F. Smith and L. Snow; Elders F. D. Richards, B. Young, J. H. Smith, G. Teasdale, H. J. Grant and A. H. Woodruff.
After some conversation in regard to the admission of persons to the Temple, it was decided to leave the matter to the discretion of the Temple Presidents, under the rules recently adopted.” (JH 18 Nov., 1897)
9 Dec.: Proposed Mexican Temple.
“Meeting at the Temple at 11:45 A.M. Present: Prests. W. Woodruff, G. Q. Cannon, J. F. Smith and L. Snow; Elders J. H. Smith, G. Teasdale and H. J. Grant.
The subject of building a Temple at Juarez, Mexico, was suggested by the reading of a letter from Bro. James H. Martineau. He stated that it cost about $750 in Mexican money for a couple to come from that place to Salt Lake City, to be married or do other Temple work. Pres. L. Snow favored the building of an Endowment House in Mexico, and perhaps another in Canada and one also in Arizona. If the people in those parts had faith and means enough to build them without calling upon the Church for funds.
Pres. G. Q. Cannon favored increasing facilities for the solemnization of marriages, and he thought Temple might be built at some time in those places, costing very much less than our present Temples. The subject was postponed for the present.” (JH 9 Dec., 1897)
16 Dec.: Sealing of unendowed couples?
“Meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Prests. W. Woodruff, G. Q. Cannon, J. F. Smith and L. Snow; Elders F. D. Richards, B. Young, J. H. Smith, G. Teasdale, H. J. Grant and A. H. Lund.
The subject of sealings in marriage performed by or under the authority of the President of the Church when the parties through distance from a Temple had not received their endowments was thoroughly discussed, with the result that Pres. Woodruff decided that the authority of the Priesthood exercised in the form established and used in Temples, was that which legitimizes and was more than the place where the ceremony was performed; that it was greater than altar or Temple, and therefore, when parties were sealed for time and eternity by that authority, their children would be born in the covenant, even though the parents had not been able to enter a Temple; but in all cases where it was possible the parties should receive their endowments and be sealed over the altar in a Temple. The decision was unanimously sustained by the Council.” (JH 16 Dec., 1897)