LDS Tithing Chronology
-- Thursday, Jul 20, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] A letter from Bp. Lunford [George Mumford], Beaver, was read. He wanted information respecting certain remarks on tithing, made by Bp. Preston at the Solemn Assembly, wherein he stated that if a man pays tithing on 10 loads of hay, [and if] afterwards the hay he retains rises in value, he owes tithing on the increased valuation.
After some discussion it was decided to answer his letter by saying that only one tenth would be required, and as to any increase in valuation and tithing thereon, it would be a matter for his own conscience to determine.
... The clerk read a letter from Elder Geo. Parkinson, pres. of the Oneida Stake, in which he explained that immediately following the Solemn Assembly, the presidency of the Oneida Stake and high council were called together and by a rising vote agreed to accept the counsel of Pres. Snow in regard to the principle of tithing. Later the presidency of the stake, high council, and presiding authorities of the
stake met and took the same action with uplifted hands. He looked, he said, for good results. ... A letter from Bp. [John O.] Freckleton, Eureka, was read. He said that a certain brother in his ward was willing to act as janitor, if he could have credit for same on the books as labor tithing.
It was moved and carried that it be not admitted as a precedent, but in all cases of this character the matter be referred to the president of the Church.
... Stake conferences: Pres. Snow, F. M. Lyman, and Geo. Teasdale to Utah Stake. Alluding to the matter of tithing Pres. Snow said, our financial salvation depends upon our success in getting the people to accept the counsel given in relation to tithing. Pres. Cannon said that was the reason he was anxious that Bp. Preston's remarks be properly explained that no intricate questions should arise. Pres. Snow also felt, he said, that all questions leading to complications should be avoided. (1)
-- Sunday, Aug 20, 1899
[Apostle John Henry Smith] 2 p.m. Prayer by Joseph E. Taylor. Lorenzo Snow, Wm. B. Preston, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson and J. Golden Kimball, L. S. Pond all spoke on the subject of the payment of tithes. (2)
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] 2 p.m. Meeting called to order by Pres. Pond. Pres. Snow said that the Lord had shown him that the people of His Church must wake up and obey the law of tithing, or calamities would come upon them. Read the revelation on tithing and made some remarks upon it. "I say to you in the name of the Lord," he said, "if you will pay your tithing in full, the Lord will forgive you for your disobedience in the past." (1)
-- Monday, Aug 21, 1899
[Apostle John Henry Smith] I, Franklin D. Richards & Joseph E. Taylor spoke on the subject of the law of tithing. ... LeRoy Snow, Anthon H. Lund, and Joseph F. Smith all spoke on the paying of tithes. (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993
2 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990
Mormon Tithing Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
