[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ... The clerk read a letter addressed by Reuben A. McBride to Pres. [Ira N.] Hinckley of the Millard Stake. He asked to be reinstated in the church and have his former blessings and priesthood sealed upon him. The status of the case may be given in a few words. Some 13 years ago he was cut off the church for the crime of murder committed while under the influence of liquor. It seems that in a moment of anger, while intoxicated, he killed a man by the name of Speed for striking his son. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, but, after serving three years, was pardoned. He has since led a temperate life, is repentant, and desires reinstatement in the church. After some discussion the matter was referred to the presidency and high council of the Millard Stake for action. It was, however, decided that in any event he could only receive a standing in the church and would not be entitled to receive the priesthood.
Song, "Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing." Benediction by myself. (1)
-- Thursday, Apr 4, 1901
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ...The sacrament was then administered, Pres. J. F. Smith being month in pronouncing the blessing upon the bread and wine. While at the table I moved that the following brethren be sustained as the presidency of the Big Horn Stake (it having been previously moved and carried that the Big Horn colonies be organized into a stake of Zion): Byron Sessions, president; Jesse W. Crosby, 1st counselor; and [Charles A.] Welsch, 2nd counselor. Carried by unanimous vote.
Benediction by Apostle B. Young, Jr. After the reading of the minutes, the meeting adjourned for three months. (1)
-- May 14, 1901
[Temple] In my opinion the man who pays but twenty five percent of his tithing and has been in the habit of using tobacco and getting drunk, but who is trying to quit these bad habits, and has partially succeeded, should be encouraged to continue in well doing until he is fully worthy to go to the temple before he should be recommended. [Lorenzo Snow to William H. Smart, May 14, 1901] (2)
-- Thursday, Jun 13, 1901
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ...In order to establish uniform procedure throughout the church relative to the manner of blessing the bread and wine in the administration of the sacrament, it was decided that one, and one onlyâ€"the party officiatingâ€"should kneel. Benediction by Apostle B. Young. (1)
-- Tuesday, Jul 9, 1901
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ...Some discussion was indulged in regarding Saltair, with reference particularly to the selling of beer at that resort. It was moved and carried that it be the sense of the meeting that the brethren of the Twelve are opposed to the selling of beer at Saltair.... (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
2 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/mo-temple
LDS History Chronology: the Word of Wisdom
Mormon Timeline: the Word of Wisdom
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
