-- Jul 23, 1981
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley was called as a counselor in the First Presidency, the first time since the administration of President David O. McKay that a president had more than two counselors. (1)
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley is called as third counselor in the First Presidency due to the physical weakness of Presidents Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner, and Marion G. Romney. Hinckley is referred to in the press as the "acting president of the church" because Kimball, Tanner, and Romney are largely out of the public eye. (2)
Neal A. Maxwell is ordained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to fill the vacancy left by Hinckley's call to the First Presidency. (2)
[Quorum of the Twelve] Gordon B. Hinckley called as a Counselor in the First Presidency. Neal A. Maxwell ordained. (3)
[Spencer W. Kimball] Calls President Gordon B. Hinckley to serve as an additional counselor in the First Presidency. (4)
-- Aug 6, 1981
The first satellite station in the Mountain West, located in City Creek Canyon about 3 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, is put into service by Bonneville Satellite Corporation after a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by President Kimball. (5)
-- Sep 12, 1981
A smaller, less-expensive ward meetinghouse, called the Sage Plan, was announced by the First Presidency. (1)
-- Sep 26, 1981
The first copies of a new version of the Triple Combination (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price), with extensive scripture helps, were made available to the public. (1)
The Church publishes a new version of the Triple Combination (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price). In this, there are extensive cross-references and an index, to aid in studying the scriptures. (6)
-- During September 1981
New edition of triple combination (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) is published with similar helps and references as 1979 Bible edition featuring footnotes and references. Sections 137 and 138 of the Doctrine & Covenants are added to this edition. (5)
-- Oct 3, 1981
A network of 500 satellite dishes for stake centers outside Utah was announced. (1)
Network of 500 satellite dishes announced for stake centers outside of Utah. The receivers are installed in about a year and half. (5)
-- Oct 06, 1981
[U.S. Religious History] Egyptian president Anwar Sadat was assassinated by Islamic extremists. (7)
Footnotes:
1 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
2 - Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)
3 - Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
4 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City, Utah
5 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
6 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php
7 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://am-rel-hist.gu.ma
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
