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TEMPLES, 1901.
1901: 8-10 Jan.: Move to Jackson Co. sooner than many expect.
“[Quarterly Conference of the 12] Apostle Reed Smoot . . . referred to some of the fast meetings in Provo last Sunday, and said the spirit and power of testimony rested upon the people, and the gifts of the gospel were manifested. One brother spoke on tongues to the effect that the impressions given to Pres. Snow of late regarding the redemption of the Center Stake of Zion, and the building of the great temple were from the Lord, and such event would transpire much sooner than many supposed.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 8-10 Jan., 1901)
28 Mar.: Marriages outside the temples.
“[Meeting of the 1st Pres. and 12] J. H. Anderson and Frank Emery were appointed to marry people who did not go to the Temple to be sealed. These brethren are working in the Court-House and feel a little embarrassed to perform a ceremony that they feel should be done in the Temple; but the Presidency thought it would be better to have the people married by some of our own Elders.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 28 Mar., 1901)
6 Apr.: Manifestations within temples.
“The houses of the Lord have been erected, their doors are open to those who are worthy, and we ought to attend to this. Furthermore, associated with the Temples of the Lord are blessings that cannot be found in other places. The power of God is frequently manifested there to individuals. The visions of their minds are opened, and they see the things of God. Of course, these things are not for the public, nor to be heralded abroad; they are sacred, and given of the Lord for the comfort and consolation of His faithful servants and handmaidens.” (Marriner W. Merrill, 6 Apr., 1901; CR Apr., 1901, p. 24)
7 Apr.: Hundreds of temples.
“Where there are four temples now being occupied by the Latter-day Saints, marking them as a people unlike any other people in the world, there will be forty temples, fifty temples, hundreds of temples all over the land, that shall occupy the labors of the faithful through the Millennium.” (Francis M. Lyman, 7 Apr., 1901; CR Apr., 1901, p. 50)
“There never was a time, until within the last few years, when the Latter-day Saints had access to four temples in which to administer the ordinances of the Gospel for the living and for the dead; and those four are becoming too distant–at least, the people are becoming so numerous in distant parts of the country that even though we have four temples in which to administer the ordinances of the Gospel, there are thousands of our people who are practically deprived of the privilege of enjoying them, because they are so far removed from them. Under these circumstances, I foresee the necessity arising for other temples or places [!!] consecrated to the Lord for the performance of the ordinances of God’s house, so that the people may have the benefits of the house of the Lord without having to travel hundreds of miles for that purpose.” (Joseph F. Smith, 7 Apr., 1901; CR Apr., 1901, p. 69)
8 Apr.: Criteria for 2nd anointings.
” Meeting of Presidency, Apostles & Church Officers. Prest. Snow said that persons who are recommended for second anointings should be those who have made an exceptional record, that they are persons who will never apostatize. Prest. of Stakes assume a great responsibility when they recommend persons for second anointings. Now I wish to say a word in regard to going back to Jackson County. The time is nearer than many of us suppose. I want to impress upon the minds of all that they cannot go back to Jackson County unless they obey the law of tithing. Jos. Smith had a book in which all of the names of tithe payers was recorded which was called the Book of the Law of the Lord. This Church as a Church will never go back to Jackson Co. till the people learn to observe the law of the Lord. I fear that some of the bishops do not fully believe in the law of tithing Excellent remarks.
Bro. Jos. F. Smith said No man receives a fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood till he has received his second anointings. Men recommended for this sacred ordinance should be men of God whose faith and integrity are unquestioned.” (Anthony W. Ivins diary, 8 Apr., 1901)
“[Conference meeting for priesthood leadership] After the opening exercises Prest Lorenzo Snow spoke upon the Subject of the giving of Second Anointings. He said that this blessing brought a person to a greater knowledge of the things pertaining to God and his purposes in the earth, that the glorious things of the kingdom were made clear to the understading of man. Therefore it would be a very serious thing for a man to apostatize after he had received this great blessing. He warned the Presidents of Stakes that they should exercise great care when giving recomends to those of his stake to receive these great blessings and should know by their work their integrity and devotion to the cause of the Gospel, for the responsibility would rest upon them if any were recomended unworthily or that apostatized.
Prest. Jos. F. Smith then made a few remarks on the Subject of the Second Anointing. He said that it was the crowning blessing of and the highest gift to conferred by the Melchesidek Priesthood. Elders should do something to be worthy to receive this great blessing and their are many ways out of the ordinary rutine duties by which a man could earn the good will of God to the obtaining of this blessing. Every man should be determined to place every thing on the altar even to the laying down of life itself for the gospel sake in order to be truly worthy of this blessing.” (Thomas A. Clawson Journal, 1895-1904 Book, pp. 226, 228. U of U Special Collections)
“[Meeting of the 1st Pres., Quorum of 12, presidencies of stakes, bishops of wards, and other authorities; Lorenzo Snow speaking:] Only those who are fully entitled to their second annointings should receive this blessing. Presidents of stakes are under a high responsibility in this matter. The Elders of Israel will never be called to go back to Jackson County, unless they conform, in perfect obedience, to the law of tithing. Some bishops were derelict last year in teaching the people of their wards the law of tithing. The proper name of the tithing record is the Book of the Law of the Lord.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 8 Apr., 1901)
23 May: Instructions on anointing; baptizing for health.
“President David H. Cannon said he wished to talk to us this morning. When a person is anointed, the towel should not be taken to wipe off the oil from the face or the hands or any portion of the body. Oil should not be used to[o] profusely by the workers and should not be wiped off. There are probably some who do not understand this correctly. If they did they would not do it. It must not be done. Speaker wanted to say this to the people. When people come here to be baptized for their health who have not been endowed, they should be gotten out before the ceremonies commence.
No persons here should see or hear these ceremonies without they are going through, nor should they be allowed to remain in the room.” (St. George Temple Minute Book, K9368R, p. 143, 23 May, 1901)
30 May-21 Jun.: 2nd part of 2nd anointing.
“30 May 1901 [Thursday]: . . . This afternoon my wife and I took train for Salt Lake City to get our second anointings and attend 100th anniversary of Brigham Young’s birth.
31 May 1901 [Friday]: Went to Temple this morning presenting recommend which Pres. Snow gave me about 3 months ago. We had not come before for our second anointing as the baby was young, and because we desired to become settled in our new home.
I was called to speak during the services of the temple. Dwelt principally upon the necessity of keeping awake during temple services and keeping awake in our duties. I consider this a very great honor to be called to speak in the House of the Lord. Bp John R Winder annointed us and Elder Madsen instructed us. These are the greatest blessings that are bestowed upon man in the flesh. We were both melted in tears and I felt the patriarchal spirit of pure affection more than I have done before. The witnesses to the annointing were John R. Winder annointed. Adolph Madsen assisted John Nicholson Recorder.
21 June 1901 [Friday; at their home; he was the Wasatch Stake President in Heber Utah at this time]: This evening from about 9-30 to 12 O.C. my wife and I attended to the second part of the ordinance of second anointings. We besides the ordinance itself sang “We thank thee O God for a prophet,” conversed concerning our duties to each other and children, read from John XII: 1-8 verses, read the Rev. on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, Section 132. We dedicated [the] room for the purpose of this meeting. Closed by singing: “Oh my father thou that dwellest.” Anna was mouth in preliminary prayer, I gave the dedicatory prayer and the benediction. The spirit of the Lord was with us and we felt nearer together than usual: were much encouraged in pressing onward in an endeavor to succeed in life. We fasted during the day and broke our fast together a little after 12 O.C.” (William Henry Smart Journal, 1862-1937; Photocopy of holograph. Univ of Utah Special Collections, Marriott Library; CHO/Ms/d/85/Bx 2/fd 1. Bergera collection.)
1 Jun.: Ordinances for dead in time of Moses?
“We are asked: ‘Were any ordinances for the dead performed from the days of Moses to the time of the advent of the Savior?’ The Lord in these days has said:
For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead.
And again, verily, I say unto you, How shall your washings be acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you have built to my name?
For, for this cause I commanded Moses that he should build a tabernacle, that they should bear it with them in the wilderness, and to build a house in the land of promise, that those ordinances might be revealed which had been hid from before the world was;
Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name. (Doc. & Cov. 124:36-39)
As a temple ws built at Jerusalem and many temples on this continent between the days of Moses and Christ, we cannot but believe from the above revelation that all ordinances, including those for the dead, were performed from time to time, through perhaps not continuously, during the period mentioned by our enquiring friend. jWe have italicised those portions of the above quotation which most directly relate to the question.” (JI 36(11):334, 1 Jun., 1901)
16 Jun.: Marriage outside the temples.
“I arose early and got ready to go to Morgan. On the train were several brethren going to different parts of the country to attend conferences and gatherings. Golden J. Kimball was going to Brigham City. He asked me what I thought of the Governors marriage with an outsider after he had been in the Temple. He said that he thought it wrong even if the Governor had spoken to Pres. Snow about it. Should the President have given consent it was simply because he had been asked, but it would still be against counsel. He also felt that it was strange to see Pres. Snow’s son, who believes nothing, marry the widow of Lewis Cannon, who was married in the Temple, and to have the ceremony performed by his father Pres. Snow outside of the Temple! He thought these examples would be imitated and I fear this will be the case. As I look upon it, I believe the President did not want to push these people farther away and hence may have consented when asked, but this does not indicate any slackening of rules in regard to the covenants entered into in the Temple. Dr. Snow has never claimed faith, and if his father had refused to marry him, he would have turned against him.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 16 Jun., 1901)
20 Jun.: Followup to 2nd anointings.
“[31 May] Bp John R. Winder annointed us and Elder Madsen instructed us. These are the greatest blessings that are bestowed upon man in the flesh.
[20 Jun.] This evening from about 9-30 to 12 O.C. my wife and I attended to the second part of the ordinance of second annointings. We besides the ordinance itself sang ‘We thank thee O God for a prophet,’ conversed concerning our duties to each other and children, read from John XII:1-8 verses, read the Rev. on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, Section 132. We dedicated room for the purpose of this meeting. Closed by singing: ‘Oh my father thou that dwellest.’ Anna was mouth in preliminary prayer, I gave the dedicatory prayer and the benediction.” (William H. Smart diary, 31 May and 20 Jun., 1901)
Jun.: Don’t mutilate the garment.
“Many of our young girls who live far away come here to spend two or three years in educational institutions. I would encourage them to go into the Temple. They do not need to wait until they are married. you young girls who are mature and are desirous of these blessings should not be deprived of them. Temptations may come upon you, and by going into these holy places and participating in the ordinances there, you will be better prepared to withstand the adversary. Sisters, partake of the protection and comfort you will find in these places. I feel the responsibility that is upon me to raise my voice in speaking against the practice of mutilating the holy garment of the Lord. Many who come from that holy place, for the evening reception will cut the sleeves out and make the neck low. I say it is wrong, and girls who do so will be accountable for the suffering which will come upon them.” (Minnie J. Snow, MIA June Conference, 1901; YWJ 12(8):366-367, Aug., 1901)
5 Jul.: Cowdery’s rod used to designate SL Temple.
“In the revelation to Oliver Cowdery in May 1829, Bro. [B. H.] Roberts said that the gift which the Lord says he has in his hand meant a stick which was like Aaron’s Rod. It is said Bro. Phineas Young [brother-in-law of Oliver Cowdery and brother of Brigham Young] got it from him [Cowdery] and gave it to President Young who had it with him when he arrived in this [Salt Lake] valley and that it was with that stick that he pointed out where the Temple should be built.” (Anthon H. Lund Journal, 5 Jul., 1901, HDC; quoted in D. Michael Quinn, “Latter-day Saint Prayer Circles,” BYU Studies 19(1):82, Fall, 1978)
“The forenoon was spent with Bro. B. H. Roberts, O. F. Whitney, and A. Jensen in revising or rather comparing the manuscript with the sources when it is taken. In the revelation to Oliver Cowdery in May 1829, Bro. Roberts said that the gift which the Lord says he has in his hand meant stick which was like Aaron’s Rod. It is said Bro. Phineas Young got it from him and gave it to President Young who had it with him when arrived in this valley and that it was with that stick that he pointed out where the Temple should be built. Bro. D. F. Collett said that Bro. Franklin D. Richards had him copy an old manuscript written by Jos. Knight, Sen. concerning the manner in which Joseph first obtained the plates. Some of what he writes corresponds with what Emma Smith relates about the life of Joseph and some of it seems fabulous.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 5 Jul., 1901)
9/10 Jul.: Chastity and temple recommends.
“[9 Jul.] 11 a.m. Quarterly Conference of the Twelve. . . .
Apostle Reed Smoot moved that it shall become the duty of the Twelve to instruct the presidents of stakes and through them, the bishops of wards, to interrogate young people who go to the Temple to get married, and ascertain, if possible, whether in any case they have committed themselves, and in such event to deny them the privilege of going into House of the Lord. Carried. . . .
[10 Jul.] [Marriner W. Merrill] Said he had come across several cases in the temple where young people had committed themselves.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 9/10 Jul., 1901; in JMH 14:103-104, 109; 1988)
“[9 Jul.] It was also agreed that we impress upon the Presidents of stakes and Bishops that before giving a recommend to young people to be married in the Temple they ask them whether they have kept themselves pure or not.
[10 Jul.] [Marriner W. Merrill] I have in cases of doubt called the couple into my room and asked them pointedly whether they are pure or not. If the Apostles are laying these principles before the people, it will have more weight with the people than if any one else should do so.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 9/10 Jul., 1901; in JMH 14:103, 109; 1988)
9 Jul.: “[Meeting of the 12] It was also agreed that we impress upon the Presidents of stakes and Bishops that before giving a recommend to young people to be married in the temple they ask them whether they have kept themselves pure or not.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 9 Jul., 1901)
10 Jul.: “[Meeting of the 12] Reed Smoot: During the last three months I have been busy attending conferences. I am nearly through with the organization of the Summit Stake. I have found things which I had hardly found among Saints. Some have drifted far away from truth. The Word of Wisdom had not been taught in that Stake. From the President down it was violated. One ward could not be organized because men were not willing to promise that they would obey it. A missionary is expected home and then I think we will complete the Ward. In Utah Stake I find that immorality shows itself by streaks. Kamas Ward as a number of unmarried people. The young people seem to want 8 or 10 years courtship. 5 years ago there was a wave of immorality passing over Utah Stake. Lehi as an example. I think our young people should be watched. Our amusements are left to them. They do not open their gatherings with prayer. . . .
A. O. Woodruff: . . . I was sorry to learn that there was a wave of immorality sweeping over several places. I suppose the close proximity to resorts is the cause. I am not clear upon the laxity in regard to keeping covenants sacred that have been made in the Temple for instance: Governor Wells married an outside woman. Is he in a position to partake of the Sacrament? Has he not forfeited his wives already sealed to him? I feel he has. People say If men are in high standing then such things are condoned, but if poor people they are dealt with. This course kills faith. We have promised to only have those given us by the Lord. This looks peculiar to me. I know the Gospel is true and when I can not understand what is going on I do not allow it to affect my faith. . . .
2 P.M. . . .
A. H. Lund: Spoke upon the school question. Marrying out of the Temple, after having been endowed; touched upon the amusements of the people. . . .
M. W. Merrill: . . . I feel the House of the Lord should be kept in a good condition and that order should be kept strictly. I have in cases of doubt called the couple into my room and asked them pointedly whether they are pure or not. If the Apostles are laying these principles before the people it will have more weight with the people than if any one else should do so.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 10 Jul., 1901)
“[Quarterly conference of the Twelve] Apostle Reed Smoot moved that it shall become the duty of the Twelve to instruct the presidents of stakes and through them, the bishops of wards to interrogate young people who go to the Temple to get married, and ascertain, if possible, whether in any case they have committed themselves, and in such event to deny them the privilege of going into House of the Lord. Carried. [See Stan Larson article for further minutes from this conference.]” (Rudger Clawson diary, 9 Jul., 1901)
10 Jul.: Marriage following temple sealing.
“10 a.m. Continuation of the Quarterly confernce of the Twelve. . . .
[Abraham O. Woodruff:] Was not quite clear in his mind as to the status of those who (like Gov. Wells) have been sealed in the Temple and afterwards were married by the law of the land. He looked upon them, however, as covenant breakers. The work of God first and foremost with him. . . .
2 p.m. Continuation of conference. . . .
[Anthon H. Lund:] Spoke of the evil of marriage outside of the Temple, in cases where the parties had been previously sealed over the altar. In referring to certain conditions that exist among us said that at times it seems that a wave of immorality sweeps over Zion. In a certain ward in Sanpete Stake, sometime ago, the bishop informed him that out of 12 marriages during a period of six months, 7 were forced.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 10 Jul., 1901; in JMH 14:107, 1988)
“[A. O. Woodruff:] I am not clear uopn the laxity in regard to keeping covenants sacred that have been made in the Temple. For instance: Governor Wells married an outside woman. Is he in a position to partake of the Sacrament? Has he not forfeited his wives already sealed to him? I feel he has. People say, If men are in high standing, then such things are pardoned, but if poor people they are dealt with. This course kills faith. We have promised to only have those given us by the Lord. This looks peculiar to me. I know the Gospel is true and when I can not understand what is going on, I do not allow it to affect my faith. I want to live so that when I meet my father I can do so without being ashamed.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 10 Jul., 1901; in JMH 14:107, 1988)
27 Aug.: Temple recommends and secret orders.
“A letter had been received from President Hakes, asking how strict he and his Bishops should be with young men who join secret orders and apply for temple recommends. A letter was prepared by Brother Gibbs in answer to this question, which had been submitted to President Smith, and which was not submitted to President Snow, who also approved of it and directed that a copy be sent to each of the stakes.” (JH 27 Aug., 1901)
29 Aug.: Secret orders and temple recommends.
“The following question has recently been asked us by one of our Stake Presidencies:
How strict shall we be with young men who wish to go to the temple who have united themselves with secret orders?
That our views might be known and acted upon by Presidents of Stakes generally, we send you herewith a copy of the same, as follows:
‘The counsel of the First Presidency in all such cases has been against our brethren joining secret organizations, and where any of them have already done so their counsel to them is to withdraw themselves from such organizations as soon as circumstances permit and wisdom dictate.
‘It is true that many of our people have been led to join some of these societies on the ground that their aims and objects are purely charitable and social in their character, and besides, inducements are held out of procuring life insurance at greatly reduced rates. But however worthy their aims and objects may be, this fact remains: They are outside the pale of the church and kingdom of God, and brethren in allying themselves with them divide their allegiance with organizations that are man-made, and which have not been devised of the Lord for the building up of Zion; and in doing this they render themselves liable to have their feelings alienated, in whole or in part, from the church which requires their all. We may say on this point, that it is the testimony of brethren who have joined organizations of this character and severed their connections with them, that their tendency is to draw away from the church; and it may be said and expected, without question, if the the lines were sharply drawn between Mormon and non-Mormon, that all such organizations would be found in the ranks of our enemies, on the principle set forth in the saying of our Savior, “Those who are not for us are against us.”‘
While we cannot consent to aught calculated to bring division and consequent weakness to the church, at the same time we have no desire whatever to deal harshly with brethren who have been led to become members of lodges or secret societies; but to all such who have faith enough to receive our advice, we would say, shape your affairs so you can withdraw from them, and never be found again associating yourselves with any organization which has not been instituted of the Lord for the building up of His Zion in the earth, and to all brethren who manifest a desire to receive this advice we would give temple recommends, also permit them to join prayer circles if found otherwise worthy.
In addition to the above we feel to direct your attention to the importance of the young men under your jurisdiction receiving proper instruction on this subject before they join secret societies; and we would suggest, instead of making this a subject for public discourse, that it be talked of at priesthood and quorum meetings.” (Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith, First Presidency Circular Letter, 29 Aug., 1901. In Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 3:340-341)
“Prest. Angus M. Cannon and Counselors,
Dear Brethren:–
The following question has recently been asked us by one of our Stake Presidencies:
How strict shall we be with young men who wish to go to the temple who have united themselves with secret orders?
That our views might be known and acted upon by Presidents od Stakes generally, we send you herewith a copy of the same, as follows:
The counsel of the First Presidency in all such cases has been against our brethren joining secret organizations, and where any of them have already done so their counsel to them is to withdraw themselves from such organizations as soon as circumstances permit and wisdom dictate.
It is true that many of our people have been led to join some of these societies on the ground that their aims and objects are purely charitable and social in their character, and besides, inducements are held out of procuring life insurance at greatly reduced rates. But however worthy their aims and objects may be, this fact remains: They are outside the pale of the church and kingdom of God, and brethren in allying themselves with them divide their allegiance with organizations that are man-made, and which have not been devised of the Lord for the building up of Zion; and in doing this they render themselves liable to have their feelings alienated, in whole or in part, from the church which requires their all. We may say on this point, that it is the testimony of brethren who have joined organizations of this character and severed their connections with them, that their tendency is to draw away from the church; and it may be said and expected, without question, if the lines were sharply drawn between Mormon and non-Mormon, that all such organizations would be found in the ranks of our enemies, on the principle set forth in the saying of our Savior, ‘Those who are not for us are against us.’
We understand that plausible excuses are given for joining these organizations which amount to certain financial disadvantages which it is expected our brethren will obtain either for themselves during their lifetime or for their families, at their death. Like excuses might reasonably be given by brethren who have run after the things of the world in the hope of accumulating wealth and who, by doing so, have as a general thing made shipwreck of their faith. While we cannot consent to aught calculated to bring division and consequent weakness to the church, at the same time we have no desire whatever to deal harshly with brethren who have been led to become members of lodges or secret societies; but to all such who have faith enough to receive our advice, we would say, shape your affairs so you can withdraw from them, and never be found again associating yourselves with any organization which has not been instituted of the Lord for the building up of His Zion in the earth, and to all brethren who manifest a desire to receive this advice we would give temple recommends, also permit them to join prayer circles if found otherwise worthy.
In addition to the above we feel to direct your attention to the importance of the young men under your jurisdiction receiving proper instruction on this subject before they join secret societies; and we would suggest, instead of making this a subject for public discourse, that it be talked of at priesthood and quorum meetings.
Your Brethren,
Lorenzo Snow
Jos. F. Smith”
(29 Aug., 1901, First Presidency Circular Letters, LDS Archives, CR 1/1)
[NOTE THAT THIS CONCERN MAY HAVE BEEN A FACTOR IN THE REDEFINITION OF PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS, TO DRAW THE YOUNG MEN BACK INTO THE CHURCH FOLD.]
17 Sep.: “Disputed” sealings to be settled in hereafter.
“Elder David H. Cannon
St. George
Dear Brother:
I am in receipt of a letter from sister Susie Miller, of Parowon, who is to be married in the St. George Temple the latter part of this month. Her letter sets forth in substance that she was previously married, that her husband, by whom she had children, died about 4 years ago without taking her and the children to the temple for the purpose of having the sealing ordinance performed in behalf of him and her, and having her children sealed to them, and that when reminded by her that these ordinances had not bee[n] attended to he treated the matter indifferently and died without sensing the mistake he had made. That she now desires to be sealed to her intended husband, and have her children adopted to to [sic] him, and ask my consent that this be done.
This will authorize you to seal Sister Miller to her intended husband and adopt the children by her former husband to the man she is about to marry. But in giving you this authorization I desire you to frankly state to these parties that I consent to this being done wholly on the ground that Sister Miller requested it, leaving the justness of this course (that is, adopting the children of her former husband to her intended husband) to be settled in the hereafter where everything which may be done here not strictly in harmony with justice and righteousness will be corrected.” (Lorenzo Snow to David H. Cannon, 17 Sep., 1901. Bergera notes)
3 Oct.: Endowment House for Arizona proposed.
“President Snow presided at the meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple today. . . .
The subject of an endowment house for Arizona was briefly considered, the sentiment being generally in favor of it, that the people of the south might be able to get the blessings of the house of the Lord without incurring the expense of coming to the Salt Lake or one of the other Temples.” (JH 3 Oct., 1901)
4 Oct.: The temple in Jackson County.
“Sometimes the Latter-day Saints get a false idea about prophecy. Some of the brethren have said that the temple in Jackson County, Missouri, must be built in a very short time, because the Lord has said that it shall be built in this generation; but we should not forget that the Almighty can prolong the years of this generation, if necessary. Did not Jesus say to the Twelve in Palestine, ‘There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom?’ And some of the generation of Jesus, according to the flesh, are upon the earth today. Therefore, if the Latter-day Saints are not prepared, and the Lord does not feel disposed to raise up another people to redeem Zion and to build the great temple in Jackson County, He may prolong that generation just as long as He sees fit. I do not know that He will, but I mention it that you may not entertain a mistaken idea.” (Matthias F. Cowley, 4 Oct., 1901; CR Oct., 1901, pp. 18-19)
7 Oct.: Admittance to temple after age 21 w/o endowments.
“Priesthood Meeting [General Conference]. . . . Bro. Jno. R. Winder said” A young man after he is 21 yrs old cannot be admitted to the temple to witness any ceremony unless they have had their endowments. This applies to women who are 18 yrs. old or over. No person who has married out of the church can be admitted to the temple under any circumstances. No one can be admitted to the temple without a recommend. The advanced ordinances of the church [cannot be given] without the endorsement of the Prest. of the Church.
Prest. [Joseph F.] Smith said persons who are not [living] cleanly should not be admitted to the temples.” (Anthony W. Ivins diary, 7 Oct., 1901)
7 Oct.: Recommends to be issued to visitors?
“[General Conference] Prest. [Joseph F.] Smith answered questions as follows. . . .
Is it proper to recommend persons to the temple as visitors. As a practice no. No one should be recommended merely as a visitor but parties may attend friends who go to attend to ordinance work.” (Anthony W. Ivins diary, 7 Oct., 1901)
13 Oct.: White only at Lorenzo Snow funeral.
“The west end of the Tabernacle was transformed into a scene of rare grace and beauty. There were no black symbols of mourning, white draperies and flowers were used. The gallery pillars were encased in fluted white, and about them twined rich English ivy mingled with autumn leaves. A white catafalque supporting the casket of the same pure color was adorned with festoons and wreaths of smilax, while blossoms and leaves in rich designs gave an artistic effect of the most impressive kind.” (Account of Lorenzo Snow funeral, Sunday, 13 Oct., 1901; YWJ 12(11):520, Nov., 1901)
17 Oct.: Women married to “outsiders.”
“There was a question came up and Prest. Smith called me away from the Executive session of the Z.C.M.I. It was in regard to the ruling that women married to an outsider should not labor in the Temples. I gave as my opinion that this ruling must refer only to given endowments. Where they allready have received their endowments and have lived with such husbands I thought there could arise no danger of divulging the sacred ordinances, as the husband must know that they have received their endowments. Bro. Smith ruled that this woman be allowed to go to the House of the Lord.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 17 Oct., 1901)
23 Oct.: Can a woman be sealed to more than one man?
“At 11 oclock met with the Presidency. A sister applied to have her marriage with her dead husband cancelled. It was concluded not to cancel, but allow her sealing to the husband she has now. I suggested that she wait a year longer and she may better know her own feelings. This the brethren thought wise. The President said these things must be guarded but he considered a woman should have her choice.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 23 Oct., 1901)
18 Nov.: 2nd anointings: Better to err on side of mercy.
“At 10.30 oclock I went to the Office and met with the Presidency. In the afternoon Bro Parry from Uintah asked that his old father might be allowed to get his 2cond Anointings. He had been lead astray by his second woman when he was old ahd childish and had joined the Josephites. Pres. Smith hearing that all his sons were good men and had received their blessings and still had been sealed to their erring father felt he would grant their request as he felt it was better to err on the side of mercy.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 18 Nov., 1901)
30 Nov.: Sealing power in marriages.
“ETERNAL MARRIAGE.
We have received several inquiries in regard to the doctrine of the Church concerning eternal marriage. It is a subject of very great importance to the Latter-day Saints, and cannot be fully entered into in a brief newspaper article. We will, however, touch upon it so as to answer the questions that have been propounded.
In the revelation on this subject, contained in Doctrine and Covenants, Section 132, which was given through the Prophet Joseph Smith on July 12th, 1843, it is stated that everything in this world which is ordained of men and not authorized of God, will have an end when men are dead. Contracts, covenants, agreements, ordinances, forms, and ceremonies instituted by human authority without divine sanction, last only for time. The Lord says: ‘Whatsoever things remain are by me, and whatsoever things are not by me, shall be shaken and destroyed.’
Bringing this principle into the marriage relation, it follows that the ceremony performed in the union of a man and woman, whether by secular or ecclesiastical authority, which is not actually ordained of God, by His word and His law, is only of force and effect until death parts the pair. It will not extend beyond this life, either in the spirit sphere or in the resurrection from the dead. The marriage covenant in the world is usually so understood. The contract is until death shall them part.
Supposing a man and a woman, of themselves, enter into a covenant that they will be man and wife for all eternity as well as for time; their agreement without the sanction and authority of God would not be of any avail in the world to come. An eternal union of a man and woman is not valid and cannot be consummated and recognized, unless it is entered into and sealed by divine authority and so recorded on earth and in heaven. This is established as a stern reality by direct revelation from the Most High.
The keys of the sealing power, by which men and women who have obeyed the everlasting Gospel may be united in marriage while in this life for all eternity, were revealed and given to the Prophet Joseph Smith and have been inherited by his successors in office in the Presidency of the Melchisedic Priesthood. The sealing ordinance to be valid, must be administered by the one man at a time who holds these keys, or by a person to whom he has specially delegated this authority. That which is thus sealed on earth, according to the form and pattern revealed, is sealed in heaven. The eternal marriage ceremony is performed in this world, not in the world to come. It pertains to this mortal sphere, but its force and effect will extend through all time and throughout all eternity.
The divine authority conveying the sealing power includes also the loosing power. Should either of the parties transgress, so as to forfeit the blessings appertaining to the covenant, that loosing power may be exercised with full force and effect. The sealing is based upon sacred covenants entered into by the parties, which involves chastity and rectitude of general conduct, and also obligations between the pair which, if violated or unfulfilled, may lead to the dissolution of that eternal covenant that was predicated upon faithful adherence thereto. The determination of this question rests with the man who holds the keys of this sacred authority.
When Adam and Eve were united as one flesh in the Garden of Eden, there was no death on the earth. They had not sinned and were therefore capable of living forever. If they had not broken the law of that immortal state, death would have had no dominion over them. They were made one as immortals. But they broke the law, and death ensued as the wages of sin. Christ, the Redeemer, fully atoned for that transgression. Therefore that which was lost by the fall will be restored by the redemption. Adam and Eve come up in the resurrection to enjoy paradise again, as man and wife to all intents and purposes, but with experiences obtained in mortality which will be of eternal value. They will be glorified and immortalized, and will return to the immediate presence of the Father to fulfill His law, carry out His purposes, and live in harmony with Him through eternal ages.
The covenant of eternal marriage, revealed in the last days, is after the order of heaven into which the first pair on earth entered when there was no sin or death. It is not of human origin. It was revealed from Deity. Those who are made partakers of it and are found worthy will receive all its benefits and blessings, in association with the immortal throng of every age and dispensation who enter into the celestial glory. It is a condition far above that of the angels, who are ministering spirits unto the heirs of salvation. Multitudes will be redeemed from death and sorrow, from pain and punishment, and enter into lesser degrees of glory, ‘according to their works;’ but none can obtain the highest degree unless they are in the order that is called celestial.
The importance of forming a union which may be perpetuated throughout all eternity, cannot fail to impress membemrs of the Church who are alive to the spirit and principles of their holy religion. The necessity of entering into it from the highest and purest of intentions and determinations, ought to be fully understood. The mere ceremony without its spirit, and without obedience to its requirements and obligations, is only a form of godliness without the power thereof. Men and women who are sealed together indeed, and who remain faithful to their covenants, will be numbered among the ‘royal generation’ who will be kings and priests unto the Most High God, and obtain the crown of endless lives and perpetual increase. All things will be theirs. All light, all life, all riches, all power and dominion in the presence of God and Christ and the holy ones forever.
There will be uncountable multitudes who will be redeemed in the due time of the Lord through the atonement of the Savior, and who will enjoy all the power and glory for which they are prepared and adapted, but who will remain separate and single in their saved condition, and occupy spheres in the terrestrial or telestial kingdoms as justice tempered with mercy shall determine. But their earthly contracts and agreements perished at the grave, and in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage.
The salvation which is attainable by people who, while in the flesh had no opportunity of receiving the Gospel, and whose posterity having obeyed it themselves may be baptized for the dead, can also obtain the blessings of eternal covenants by similar vicarious work, in the Temples of the Lord erected and arranged for those special purposes. This is a branch of the subject which we cannot enter into now, and in a newspaper article. But it is associated with the glorious doctrine of eternal marriage, and is full of joy and pleasure to the living who understand it, and of hope and anticipation to the departed who have been enlightened concerning it.
We do not expect those of our readers who are not Latter-day Saints to believe in or agree with that which is here briefly explained. But the Saints, everywhere, will unite with us in thankfulness to the Eternal Father for the revelation of principles that relate to our present progress and our eternal exaltation. To Him be honor and praise, obedience and worship, worlds without end. Amen.” (Deseret News editorial, 30 Nov., 1901, in JH 30 Nov., 1901)
5 Dec.: Is it right to pray for the dead?
“I went to the H. O. Bro. Reynolds came over and asked me a few questions for the Juvenile. Is it right to pray for the dead? I thought we should leave them in the hand of the Lord. On the other side they know and can pray for those who need intercession. We have enough to do with the living.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 5 Dec., 1901)
11 Dec.: Joseph holds all keys to the Celestial kingdom.
“[Gathering in the celestial room of the SL Temple in honor of John R. Winder; Joseph F. Smith:] . . . spoke of the mission of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and said that he held the keys to the Celestial Kingdom, and not a single soul of this dispensation could enter there without his permission or sanction.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 11 Dec., 1901)