History of the Word of Wisdom, Thursday, Jul 13, 1899

-- Thursday, Jul 13, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ...The sacrament was then partaken of. Pres. Jos. F. Smith was mouth in blessing the bread and wine, which was supplied in sufficient abundance to satisfy all present. A very enjoyable time was passed at the table, after which an adjournment was taken, Pres. F. D. Richards offering the benediction. (1)

-- Sunday, Jul 16, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Richfield. Clear and warm. 9 a.m. Sunday School session at the tabernacle. The First Presidency and other authorities present. A large number of beautiful children were assembled. School called to order by Asst. Stake Supt., Chariton Seegmiller.

Pres. Snow said that he was over 85 years of age and that the little children before him, if they would do right, could live to be 85, 95, 100 years and longer. Advised them to pay tithing on all money they received.

Pres. Cannon made brief remarks on the word of wisdom, prayer, and obedience. The children were given the opportunity to shake hands with Pres. Snow and 717 enjoyed the privilege..... (1)

-- Thursday, Jul 27, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] 11 a.m. Meeting of the brethren at the temple. Present: the First Presidency, Pres. F. D. Richards, Apostles F. M. Lyman, J. H. Smith, Geo. Teasdale, A. H. Lund, M. F. Cowley, R. Clawson, and G. F. Gibbs, clerk.

I reported my recent visit to the stake Sunday School conference of the Box Elder Stake, July 22 and 23. One of the most interesting features of the conference was the report of the Stake Supt. of Sunday Schools, L. A. Snow, to the effect that out of 425 officers and teachers in the Sunday Schools, all were observers of the Word of Wisdom. The Box Elder Stake, I remarked, was the first stake in Zion that was able to make this report.... (1)

-- Sunday, Sep 3, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Mount Pleasant. Clear and warm. 9 a.m. Meeting of the Sunday School children [of San Pete Stake] at the pavilion.

Pres. Snow was the first speaker. Admonished the children to be kind and loving to their parents, and to listen to the counsel of their teachers, and if they would do this, he promised them that they would live long upon the earth.

Pres. Jos. F. Smith counseled the children to keep the Word of Wisdom. Also spoke upon the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. The children were then given an opportunity to shake hands with Pres. Snow, and there were 778 who did so.

Having been troubled continuously with the rheumatism in my foot since leaving home, I decided to return to Salt Lake on the 2 p.m. train. The balance of the party will return tomorrow (Monday). (1)

-- Saturday, Sep 30, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Brigham City. Clear and cool. I had some further talk with Homer, who said that he had been down to Ogden to see the party who held the lease, but could do nothing with him, much to his regret. It was then decided that we use an influence with the city council to get them to raise the license for selling liquor, hoping in this way to shut him out. (1)

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, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson

LDS History Chronology: the Word of Wisdom

Mormon Timeline: the Word of Wisdom
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