-- Mar 12, 1937
Josiah Butterfield: Baptized by proxy into LDS church 5 Sept. 1936, after which his priesthood was restored before his proxy endowment 12 Mar. 1937 (1)
-- Jun 21, 1937
Pres[ident] [David O.] McKay also said that he would formulate a letter to all Stake Presidents informing them that living baptisms in the Temples should be discontinued. I suggested that Temple Presidents be also notified. [George F. Richards diary, June 21, 1937] (2)
-- Jun 25, 1937
Reports received at this office indicate that there is an increasing practice in some districts of baptizing and confirming children and adults in temples even where baptismal fonts are conveniently accessible. This matter was recently considered by members of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, and after due deliberation it was unanimously decided to confirm a former ruling that baptisms for the living should not be performed in any temples where there is a convenient place for baptisms outside of the temple, and that temple fonts, excepting in case of real necessity, be used only for the purpose of baptizing for the dead. Will you please give this information to the Bishoprics in your Stake so that they may govern themselves accordingly. It is understood of course that there may be exceptions to this rule, for example, where there [is] no baptismal font within a convenient distance, or when extreme cold weather might justify a modification of this recommendation. In general, however, the instructions given above should be carefully followed. [David O. McKay to "Dear Brethren", June 25, 1937] (2)
-- During Jan. 1941
There appears to be some confusion as to the course which Presidents of Stakes, Bishops, Presidents of Branches and Presidents of Mis sions should follow with reference to making out, signing, and delivering the new temple recommends. In the following instructions- Presidents of Independent Branches will follow the procedure laid down for Bishops. ... . The only exception to individual recommends is where groups of children are sent to the temples to do baptismal work for the dead. There the regular group form of recommend may still be used. However, in this case the Bishop should satisfy himself that each child recommended is a good child who is exemplary in his life and is attending to such Church duties as are incident to his age. Great care should be taken to see that the children of apostates, as also children of parents belonging to or affiliating with apostate groups, are not included in such groups nor given individual recommends.... [Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay, circular letter, Jan. 6, 1941, in Progress of the Church, Jan. 1941, 47] (2)
-- Mar 21, 1949
John F Boynton: Baptized by proxy into LDS church 20 July 1946, after which his priesthood was restored before his proxy endowment 21 Mar. 1949. (1)
-- During 1956
Based on individual worthiness and other specified qualifications as set forth herein under the general heading "Temple Recommends," the following members of the Church may be given recommends to enter the temple: ... 10. Baptized members desiring to be baptized for the dead. ... (2)
-- Thu Dec 12, 1957
[David O. McKay Office Journal] Council Meeting--S.L. Temple Re: Baptism of Negro President Joseph Fielding Smith said that he had received a letter marked personal in which the statement is made that someone had reported to the writer that President McKay had given consent that the temple endowment work be performed for a negro who is dead, and that therefore we were doing work for negroes in the temple. I related the following facts for the information of the Brethren, and said that I felt sure that I had previously brought this matter to the Council. A negro woman had called at the office some few years ago, she having her residency in Ogden. I stated that I think she said she was a Methodist; that her church could not do anything for her husband who was dead, and that before he died he wanted to join our Church; that inasmuch as our Church is the only Church that can do baptismal work for him, and he had requested that she see that his baptism was attended to if he did not recover from his illness, she wanted to have it done. I told her that that could be done. She explained that she knew that he could not receive the Priesthood. She said that the Ward teachers would do the work for him. I said that the thought came to me as to whether they could be baptized for him, and the matter was discussed in Council later. I gave consent for the Ward teacher to be baptized for this negro lady's husband. Now the report comes that the temple work was done for that negro, and therefore he was ordained an Elder. The facts are that the ward teachers were authorized to do baptism work for a colored man who had become converted but died before baptism could be performed, and there is no truth to the statement that he was ordained an Elder or permitted to have his endowments. At Council meeting today I made the following remarks to the brethren, it being the last meeting before the Christmas holidays. I have something to say to you personally as we approach the Holidays and close the year's work. First, I wish to express appreciation and deep appreciation for the companionship and loyalty of President Richards and President Clar, particularly during the last few months as we have sat together in counsel considering weighty problems that affect the Church, not only presently but in the future. My heart has been filled with consolation, and I may say pride and admiration, for their wise counsel. There is a freedom in our council which is unlimited. I am sure they feel free to express their opinions, as they should, and under the inspiration of their callings they contribute to decisions which I am sure are approved of our Father in Heaven. I do not know what other Presidents of the Church have had in their counselors; undoubtedly they have had inspirational help. They have, but I shall say this: that no other President has had greater strength in counselors who exercise greater wisdom than these two Brethren who complete the Presidency of the Church. (3)
Endnotes:
1 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power
2 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
3 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
