-- Apr 24, 1902
RULES FOR THE REGULATION OF TEMPLE WORK Adopted by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, at a meeting held in the Salt Lake Temple; April 24th, 1902. ... (4) No male over the age of 21 years can be admitted to the Temple, to do ordinance work, except baptisms, until he has received his endowments. The same rule applies to females over the age of 18 years. (5) Males under 21 and females under 18 can be baptized for their health. They can also be baptized for the dead, and sealed to their parents. All over 8 years old must be properly recommended by the Bishop of the Ward and the President of the Stake in which they reside. ... (9) A dead female, in order to be baptized and endowed must have in life attained at least to the age of 8 years. The same applies to dead males. ... (24) Words used in baptizing for the dead: "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for and in behalf of [blank space] who is dead, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." CASES WHICH NEED NO CANCELLATION .... Adopted by the First Presidency and quorum of the Twelve Apostles, at a meeting held in the Salt Lake Temple: April 24th., 1902. [Manti Temple Historical Record, pp. 107-10] (1)
-- Thursday, May 22, 1902
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Clear and mild. 10 a.m. Meeting at the temple. ....
Apostle Smoot asked if it would be proper for a little deaf girl, whose parents are not members of the church, to be baptized for her health in the templeâ€"the request coming from her mother. The answer was yes; there would be no impropriety in it.
Adjourned for two weeks. Benediction by Apostle [Patriarch] Jno. Smith. (2)
-- Friday, May 23, 1902
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ... I learned from the recorder that the first baptism for the dead in the Salt Lake Temple took place just nine years ago today. (2)
-- Jul 16, 1902
We mailed you last evening a copy of certain rules applicable to Temple work, adopted by the Council of First Presidency and Apostles at their meeting in the Salt Lake Temple on the 24th of April last, which you will please receive with all others heretofore made which may be in your possession. We would like you to add to the last rule (No. 27) the following words; "excepting that of baptism." {"(27) The same rule applies to females over the age of 18 years"} [Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to John D. T. McAllister, July 16, 1902] (1)
-- Mar 27, 1903
You have our permission to do the necessary temple work in behalf of your deceased brother who died an excommunicated member of the Church after receiving his endowment and having his wife sealed to him who is also dead. It will be an order for you, being the heir, to be baptized in behalf of your brother, to be ordained to the priesthood he formerly held, and to have his former blessings reconferred upon you in his behalf. And this will authorize the president of the temple to permit this to be done. * P.S. If the children born to your brother before his wife was sealed to him have not been sealed to their parents, this part of his work should also be attended to. But this matter should be laid before the High Council[,] by whom James L. Dee was excommunicated[,] for its approval; and an expression in writing in favor of this work being done in behalf of the deceased [should] be given and the same presented at the Temple, in connection with your own [temple recommend] when you go there. [Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Thomas D. Dee, Mar. 27, 1903] (1)
-- Thursday, Apr 27, 1905
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
All of the First Presidency and of the Twelve Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. and George Albert Smith, C. W. Penrose and Patriarch John Smith and George F. Gibbs [met]. Routine business was gone through. Prayer by George Albert Smith. Prest. Francis M. Lyman was mouth at the altar. Fair reports were made by all. We talked over the question of Rebaptism and some other subjects. It was felt we had been a little too exacting in the matter. I met with the Directors of the Con. W. & M. Co. (3)
Endnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - 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
3 - 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, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Dec 12, 1899
-- Dec 12, 1899
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Franklin. I left Franklin at 6:30 a. m. with my wife Ellen and Loretta to go to Logan to have Loretta baptized in the Temple font. Sleighing very bad from Hyde Park to Logan, scarcely any snow and road rough. She was baptized and Ellen returned on the evening freight train. (1)
-- May 29, 1900
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Fountain Farm. Left for Logan at 5:45 a. m. and arrived at 7:30. We have baptized 348 and sealed 54 couples. I leave for home at 3:40 p. m. as Temple is closed tomorrow for Decoration Day at the City of the Dead. (1)
-- Jun 12, 1900
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Fountain Farm. I left at 5:50 for Logan. Brought my wife Maria and daughter Lenora Eveline to be baptized for the cure of her eye, which has been afflicted all winter. Maria and Ambrose started for home at 3 p. m. (1)
-- Tuesday, Jul 24, 1900
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Clear and mild. Pioneer Day. The ceremonies connected with the unveiling of the Brigham Young Statue at the head of Main Street took place at 10 a.m. The statue and pedestal were draped with American flags and a platform was built around them for the accommodation of the speakers and prominent people. A large crowd had gathered around the stand. ....
I have often said that if I were a wealthy man, I would set aside a portion of my means to be used in the temple for the salvation of the dead. There are many good people in the church who can be employed to work for the dead, and I have ascertained that it will cost from 75c to $1.00 for each dead person who is baptized for and endowed, which work, if accepted by them, means salvation to their souls; and Pres. Lorenzo Snow says that in nine cases out of ten the work will be accepted, so that, it might be said, there is very little risk connected with an investment of this kind. How beautiful it is in cases where men have means, but little or no time to spend in missionary work or to labor themselves in the temple that they should devote a portion of that means for the salvation of the dead, rather than to leave a great lot of means for their children to quarrel over. Now, I am not a man of means, but to show forth the sincerity of my desire, I have decided to set aside a
small part of my monthly income for the purpose above explained and shall start the fund with $4.00. I hope in the future to accomplish much good, under the blessing of the Lord, from this very small beginning. (2)
-- May 14, 1901
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Richmond. I came to Logan today and brought my son William to be baptized for his health, which was done. I took him home, leaving at 3 p. m. (1)
-- May 23, 1901
...St. George Temple President David H. Cannon instructs temple workers: "When a person is anointed, the towel should not be taken to wipe off the oil from the face or the hands or any portion of the body. Oil should not be used too profusely by the workers and should not be wiped off. There are probably some who do not understand this correctly. If they did they would not do it. It must not be done. Speaker wanted to say this to the people. When people come here to be baptized for their health who have not been endowed, they should be gotten out before the ceremonies commence." (3)
-- Nov 21, 1901; Thursday
President [Joseph F.] Smith presided at the meeting of the Presidency and Apostles today. ...
Elder [Reed] Smoot informed the Council that a man in Nebo [Utah] Stake had recently been baptized in a tank, the water having been warmed and the tank especially built for the purpose, the man officiating standing outside of the tank. There had been considerable criticism down there about it to the effect that such a baptism was not lawful. It was a case however where the man was sick nigh unto death and a recent convert. Brother Smoot desired to know the mind of President Smith upon the point. President Smith replied by saying that if the man were still living, and his health permitted it that he be baptized again in the proper way,
but if dead, that he be baptized for in the Temple. ... (4)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - 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
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Franklin. I left Franklin at 6:30 a. m. with my wife Ellen and Loretta to go to Logan to have Loretta baptized in the Temple font. Sleighing very bad from Hyde Park to Logan, scarcely any snow and road rough. She was baptized and Ellen returned on the evening freight train. (1)
-- May 29, 1900
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Fountain Farm. Left for Logan at 5:45 a. m. and arrived at 7:30. We have baptized 348 and sealed 54 couples. I leave for home at 3:40 p. m. as Temple is closed tomorrow for Decoration Day at the City of the Dead. (1)
-- Jun 12, 1900
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Fountain Farm. I left at 5:50 for Logan. Brought my wife Maria and daughter Lenora Eveline to be baptized for the cure of her eye, which has been afflicted all winter. Maria and Ambrose started for home at 3 p. m. (1)
-- Tuesday, Jul 24, 1900
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Clear and mild. Pioneer Day. The ceremonies connected with the unveiling of the Brigham Young Statue at the head of Main Street took place at 10 a.m. The statue and pedestal were draped with American flags and a platform was built around them for the accommodation of the speakers and prominent people. A large crowd had gathered around the stand. ....
I have often said that if I were a wealthy man, I would set aside a portion of my means to be used in the temple for the salvation of the dead. There are many good people in the church who can be employed to work for the dead, and I have ascertained that it will cost from 75c to $1.00 for each dead person who is baptized for and endowed, which work, if accepted by them, means salvation to their souls; and Pres. Lorenzo Snow says that in nine cases out of ten the work will be accepted, so that, it might be said, there is very little risk connected with an investment of this kind. How beautiful it is in cases where men have means, but little or no time to spend in missionary work or to labor themselves in the temple that they should devote a portion of that means for the salvation of the dead, rather than to leave a great lot of means for their children to quarrel over. Now, I am not a man of means, but to show forth the sincerity of my desire, I have decided to set aside a
small part of my monthly income for the purpose above explained and shall start the fund with $4.00. I hope in the future to accomplish much good, under the blessing of the Lord, from this very small beginning. (2)
-- May 14, 1901
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Richmond. I came to Logan today and brought my son William to be baptized for his health, which was done. I took him home, leaving at 3 p. m. (1)
-- May 23, 1901
...St. George Temple President David H. Cannon instructs temple workers: "When a person is anointed, the towel should not be taken to wipe off the oil from the face or the hands or any portion of the body. Oil should not be used too profusely by the workers and should not be wiped off. There are probably some who do not understand this correctly. If they did they would not do it. It must not be done. Speaker wanted to say this to the people. When people come here to be baptized for their health who have not been endowed, they should be gotten out before the ceremonies commence." (3)
-- Nov 21, 1901; Thursday
President [Joseph F.] Smith presided at the meeting of the Presidency and Apostles today. ...
Elder [Reed] Smoot informed the Council that a man in Nebo [Utah] Stake had recently been baptized in a tank, the water having been warmed and the tank especially built for the purpose, the man officiating standing outside of the tank. There had been considerable criticism down there about it to the effect that such a baptism was not lawful. It was a case however where the man was sick nigh unto death and a recent convert. Brother Smoot desired to know the mind of President Smith upon the point. President Smith replied by saying that if the man were still living, and his health permitted it that he be baptized again in the proper way,
but if dead, that he be baptized for in the Temple. ... (4)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - 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
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Apr 17, 1897
-- Apr 17, 1897
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] April 17th I was troubled some with phlem in my throat, but slept 5 1/2 hours from midnight to 9 am. After breakfast Bro Samuel Bateman called. I directed the planting of some garden seeds.
At 2 pm Pres Lorenzo Snow & Bro Wm Salmon called and staid for 1 1/2 hours & we conversed together. He gave me a list of /Salt Lake/ Temple work since the commencement May 22, 1893 to March 31 /97 Showing 142,679 Baptisms for the dead, 3,646 for health, 5,908 living Endowments 81,933 dead endowments; ordinations 53 living 32,739 dead; Sealings 2,590 living, 21,288 dead; children to Parents 6,147 living 17,936 dead; adoptions 67 living 694 dead; 2nd anointing 1,017 living 531 dead. Total living 19,428 Dead 297,794 = 317,222.
Before they left I asked Bro Snow to administer to me. Bro Salmon anointed Pres Snow mouth Elder Nuttall assisting. I had some short naps before midnight. (1)
-- May 25, 1897
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Logan. Lorin, my son, was baptized for himself and grandfathers Joseph Reunolds, Rufus Bulmer, and John R. Richardson. (2)
-- Mar 1, 1898; Tuesday
Pres[ident]. W[ilford]. Woodruff is 91 years to-day. He was at the Office, looking and feeling well and attending to business as usual, in company with Pres[ident]. G[eorge]. Q. Cannon. He waived his usual birthday party, but promised to have one if he should live to a hundred.
Permission was given by the President for the use of the Assembly Hall to repeat the program given at the 11th Ward meeting-house for the benefit of Hirini Whaanga, as the Ward house proved too small to accommodate the audience assembled.
Bishop H[iram]. B. Clawson informed the Presidency that the late James T. Little had expressed a desire previous to his death that H[iram]. B. Clawson, Jun[ior]., his brother-in-law should be baptized for him after his decease. (3)
-- May 19, 1898; Thursday
Meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles at the Salt Lake Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Presidents W[ilford]. Woodruff, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff. ...
The subject of rebaptism was discussed at some length by the Council, the question being whether or not the practice, which had become too common in the Church, should be discontinued, or permitted only in certain cases. The subject was dropped without action.
This afternoon Presidents Woodruff and Smith appropriated the sum of $111.50 in labor tithing to the Utah Stake Tabernacle. (3)
-- Thursday, Mar 16, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Cloudy and mild. I worked on Pres. Snow's private books until 11 a.m.
11 a.m. Council meeting of the brethren at temple. ...
Pres. Jos. F. Smith said a question had been asked in reference to baptism for the dead. Read from Alma (Book of Mormon), Chap. 34, Verses 32, 33, 34, and 35. How can these passages, it was asked, be reconciled with [the] principle of the baptism for the dead? After a few moments of animated discussion, the idea seemed to prevail among the brethren, that, at the time of uttering those words, Amulek could not possibly have been acquainted with the principle of baptism for the dead. Benediction by Apostle M. W. Merrill.... (4)
-- Jun 8, 1899; Thursday
Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow and [Joseph F.] Smith at the Office. President Smith offered prayer this morning at the commencement exercises of the State University, held in the Salt Lake Theatre.
... He had advised Elder Ben E. Rich, now presiding in the South, to communicate with the Liverpool [England] office, and try to get the Book of Mormon cheaper than it could be got here. He mentioned the incident of a number of persons having been baptized into the Church who did not know that we believed in the divine calling of Joseph Smith; due no doubt to the fact that Brother Kimball had deemed it wise at one time for the Elders not to mention the name of the Prophet, but to preach the first principles of the Gospel as contained in the scriptures, and let that suffice for the time being. The result was, since the Elders had been reinstructed to bear testimony to his divine calling, that some of these new
members had left the Church. The speaker had heard, however, that a number of the backsliders had been rebaptized.... (3)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
4 - 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: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] April 17th I was troubled some with phlem in my throat, but slept 5 1/2 hours from midnight to 9 am. After breakfast Bro Samuel Bateman called. I directed the planting of some garden seeds.
At 2 pm Pres Lorenzo Snow & Bro Wm Salmon called and staid for 1 1/2 hours & we conversed together. He gave me a list of /Salt Lake/ Temple work since the commencement May 22, 1893 to March 31 /97 Showing 142,679 Baptisms for the dead, 3,646 for health, 5,908 living Endowments 81,933 dead endowments; ordinations 53 living 32,739 dead; Sealings 2,590 living, 21,288 dead; children to Parents 6,147 living 17,936 dead; adoptions 67 living 694 dead; 2nd anointing 1,017 living 531 dead. Total living 19,428 Dead 297,794 = 317,222.
Before they left I asked Bro Snow to administer to me. Bro Salmon anointed Pres Snow mouth Elder Nuttall assisting. I had some short naps before midnight. (1)
-- May 25, 1897
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Logan. Lorin, my son, was baptized for himself and grandfathers Joseph Reunolds, Rufus Bulmer, and John R. Richardson. (2)
-- Mar 1, 1898; Tuesday
Pres[ident]. W[ilford]. Woodruff is 91 years to-day. He was at the Office, looking and feeling well and attending to business as usual, in company with Pres[ident]. G[eorge]. Q. Cannon. He waived his usual birthday party, but promised to have one if he should live to a hundred.
Permission was given by the President for the use of the Assembly Hall to repeat the program given at the 11th Ward meeting-house for the benefit of Hirini Whaanga, as the Ward house proved too small to accommodate the audience assembled.
Bishop H[iram]. B. Clawson informed the Presidency that the late James T. Little had expressed a desire previous to his death that H[iram]. B. Clawson, Jun[ior]., his brother-in-law should be baptized for him after his decease. (3)
-- May 19, 1898; Thursday
Meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles at the Salt Lake Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Presidents W[ilford]. Woodruff, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff. ...
The subject of rebaptism was discussed at some length by the Council, the question being whether or not the practice, which had become too common in the Church, should be discontinued, or permitted only in certain cases. The subject was dropped without action.
This afternoon Presidents Woodruff and Smith appropriated the sum of $111.50 in labor tithing to the Utah Stake Tabernacle. (3)
-- Thursday, Mar 16, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Cloudy and mild. I worked on Pres. Snow's private books until 11 a.m.
11 a.m. Council meeting of the brethren at temple. ...
Pres. Jos. F. Smith said a question had been asked in reference to baptism for the dead. Read from Alma (Book of Mormon), Chap. 34, Verses 32, 33, 34, and 35. How can these passages, it was asked, be reconciled with [the] principle of the baptism for the dead? After a few moments of animated discussion, the idea seemed to prevail among the brethren, that, at the time of uttering those words, Amulek could not possibly have been acquainted with the principle of baptism for the dead. Benediction by Apostle M. W. Merrill.... (4)
-- Jun 8, 1899; Thursday
Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow and [Joseph F.] Smith at the Office. President Smith offered prayer this morning at the commencement exercises of the State University, held in the Salt Lake Theatre.
... He had advised Elder Ben E. Rich, now presiding in the South, to communicate with the Liverpool [England] office, and try to get the Book of Mormon cheaper than it could be got here. He mentioned the incident of a number of persons having been baptized into the Church who did not know that we believed in the divine calling of Joseph Smith; due no doubt to the fact that Brother Kimball had deemed it wise at one time for the Elders not to mention the name of the Prophet, but to preach the first principles of the Gospel as contained in the scriptures, and let that suffice for the time being. The result was, since the Elders had been reinstructed to bear testimony to his divine calling, that some of these new
members had left the Church. The speaker had heard, however, that a number of the backsliders had been rebaptized.... (3)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
4 - 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: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
More History?
Want more Mormon history? Check out Today-in-Mormon-History, three daily snippets of what happened on this day in Mormon Church History. More info can be found here: http://bit.ly/tdmh
Rebaptism, May 20, 1896
-- May 20, 1896
... In baptizing for the dead in the Temples we understand that the form of words used is as follows: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you[,] __________[,] for and in behalf of [,] __________, for the remission of your sins, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. We might go into explanations as to the reasons which have caused this form of baptism to be adopted; but it is not necessary, further than to say that baptisms for health and baptisms for the renewal of covenants, etc., have led doubtless to the adoption of this form of ceremony to distinguish it from others. We have had this matter under consideration from time to time, and supposed that our views had been made known to the Presidents of the Temples; but we understand that they have not been informed upon this point, and that the form above given is still the one used in administering baptisms for the dead. The form we think proper, and that we desire to have used hereafter in administering the ordinance of baptism for the dead, is as follows: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you[,] __________[,] for and in behalf of __________, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. We understand that in some instances baptisms have been administered in the Temples with something like the following ceremony: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for the remission of sins, for the renewal of your covenant, and for the restoration of your health, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. We do not know upon what authority this form of administering baptism has been adopted, but we think it improper. There have been times in the Church when the First Presidency have felt it necessary to call upon all the members of the Church to renew their covenants, and at such times it was suggested that the words "for the renewal of your covenant" be used in the ceremony; but it does not follow that at other times, and in individual cases, that form should be used. We think it improper, speaking generally, for the words "for the remission of sins" or "for the renewal of your covenant" to be used in administering the ordinance of baptism. Where it may be necessary to baptize a person who is already a member of the Church, the form of ceremony which the Lord revealed to the Nephites, and which has been revealed also to us in our day, is sufficient. It is sufficient for a sinner who joins the Church * for through that ordinance and the words of the ceremony which the Lord has given[,] his sins are remitted * and it certainly is for a man who is already a member of the Church, if it should be deemed necessary to administer the ordinance of baptism to him. The practice which has prevailed in some instances where members of the Church are baptized, of using the words "re-baptize" and "re-confirm," we think unnecessary. When we strictly follow the form the Lord has given us we are sure to be right. In cases where people are baptized for their health, we see no impropriety in using the words "for the restoration of your health" in the ceremony. There is a difference between baptism for such a purpose and baptism for admission into the Church. One is an ordinance of salvation * the door provided by the Lord through which His children must enter into His Church and become entitled to the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant; the other, while it may be termed in some respects an ordinance, is not imperative upon the members of the Church. If they have faith and believe, when they have an ailment, that the administration of baptism in that form will be beneficial to them, the privilege is granted to them. But there is a clear distinction between that form of baptism and the form of baptism which the Lord requires His children to obey to become members of His Church. [Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith to Temple Presidents, May 20, 1896] (1)
-- Jun 3, 1896
Idaho Mormons are still being rebaptized and restored to priesthood blessings eight years after First Presidency allowed them to be excommunicated in order to vote. (2)
-- Jul 9, 1896; Thursday
... President F[rancis]. A. Hammond of the San Juan [Utah/Colorado] Stake, had an interview with the First Presidency in reference to his position. It had been proposed to release him from presiding over the San Juan Stake, but the people almost unanimously voted for his retention. The reasons advanced for his release were advancing age and ill health, but he believed that his occasional use of liquor and tabacco were the real or stronger reasons for releasing him. He had therefore sought the Lord in earnest prayer, and had been able to put aside those habits entirely, and for a long time past had not used tabacco nor tasted strong drink of any kind, and believed that he never would again. His habits in these respects had been very much exaggerated, and his health also. He was now entirely recovered, felt well and vigorous, and the Presidency being satisfied with his statement, continued him in his office, with their blessing and approval. President Hammond stated that the statistical records of the San Juan Stake were in a deplorable condition, and it was impossible to tell who were really members of the Church in that region. He asked permission for a rebaptism of all the members, that a full record might be obtained; his request was granted.
The following letter was addressed to Elder Abram Hatch, President of the Wasatch [Utah] Stake, which explains itself:
"You ask the question, Are members of the A.O.U.W.,3 who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints entitled to recommends to the Temple for marriages and Temple work"?
["]In reply, we would say that we are not in favor of our Brethren joining organizations of any kind outside of our Church. But we are more especially impressed with the wrongfulness of their joining organiations which interfere with the rights of
their fellow citizens in regard to labor. To illustrate: We think it is wrong, contrary to our religion, and contrary to good citizenship, for men to combine together in any organization to prevent their fellowmen from working because they do not join them or work for such an amount as they think workmen ought to have. This, we think, states our position clearly in regard to those organizations. But this A.O.U.W., as we understand, is not in the strictest sense an organization of that kind. Still we think it would be better for our brethren not to join it. It would not do, however, to refuse a young man who wanted to be married in the Temple a recommend because of his being a member of that organization. We do not wish to drive out people away from the Church and from its ordinances. At the same time we would not like this to be a precedent and for others to say, `Well, the Church has no objection to our belonging to the A.O.U.W., because So and So has received a recommend and he is a member of that Order.' From this we think you will understand our position. If a man desires a recommend, and this is the only objection, we think you should grant it to him, at the same time giving him these views." (Signed by Presidents Woodruff, Cannon and Smith).
3The Ancient Order of United Workmen.
(3)
Endnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
... In baptizing for the dead in the Temples we understand that the form of words used is as follows: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you[,] __________[,] for and in behalf of [,] __________, for the remission of your sins, and in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. We might go into explanations as to the reasons which have caused this form of baptism to be adopted; but it is not necessary, further than to say that baptisms for health and baptisms for the renewal of covenants, etc., have led doubtless to the adoption of this form of ceremony to distinguish it from others. We have had this matter under consideration from time to time, and supposed that our views had been made known to the Presidents of the Temples; but we understand that they have not been informed upon this point, and that the form above given is still the one used in administering baptisms for the dead. The form we think proper, and that we desire to have used hereafter in administering the ordinance of baptism for the dead, is as follows: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you[,] __________[,] for and in behalf of __________, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. We understand that in some instances baptisms have been administered in the Temples with something like the following ceremony: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for the remission of sins, for the renewal of your covenant, and for the restoration of your health, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. We do not know upon what authority this form of administering baptism has been adopted, but we think it improper. There have been times in the Church when the First Presidency have felt it necessary to call upon all the members of the Church to renew their covenants, and at such times it was suggested that the words "for the renewal of your covenant" be used in the ceremony; but it does not follow that at other times, and in individual cases, that form should be used. We think it improper, speaking generally, for the words "for the remission of sins" or "for the renewal of your covenant" to be used in administering the ordinance of baptism. Where it may be necessary to baptize a person who is already a member of the Church, the form of ceremony which the Lord revealed to the Nephites, and which has been revealed also to us in our day, is sufficient. It is sufficient for a sinner who joins the Church * for through that ordinance and the words of the ceremony which the Lord has given[,] his sins are remitted * and it certainly is for a man who is already a member of the Church, if it should be deemed necessary to administer the ordinance of baptism to him. The practice which has prevailed in some instances where members of the Church are baptized, of using the words "re-baptize" and "re-confirm," we think unnecessary. When we strictly follow the form the Lord has given us we are sure to be right. In cases where people are baptized for their health, we see no impropriety in using the words "for the restoration of your health" in the ceremony. There is a difference between baptism for such a purpose and baptism for admission into the Church. One is an ordinance of salvation * the door provided by the Lord through which His children must enter into His Church and become entitled to the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant; the other, while it may be termed in some respects an ordinance, is not imperative upon the members of the Church. If they have faith and believe, when they have an ailment, that the administration of baptism in that form will be beneficial to them, the privilege is granted to them. But there is a clear distinction between that form of baptism and the form of baptism which the Lord requires His children to obey to become members of His Church. [Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith to Temple Presidents, May 20, 1896] (1)
-- Jun 3, 1896
Idaho Mormons are still being rebaptized and restored to priesthood blessings eight years after First Presidency allowed them to be excommunicated in order to vote. (2)
-- Jul 9, 1896; Thursday
... President F[rancis]. A. Hammond of the San Juan [Utah/Colorado] Stake, had an interview with the First Presidency in reference to his position. It had been proposed to release him from presiding over the San Juan Stake, but the people almost unanimously voted for his retention. The reasons advanced for his release were advancing age and ill health, but he believed that his occasional use of liquor and tabacco were the real or stronger reasons for releasing him. He had therefore sought the Lord in earnest prayer, and had been able to put aside those habits entirely, and for a long time past had not used tabacco nor tasted strong drink of any kind, and believed that he never would again. His habits in these respects had been very much exaggerated, and his health also. He was now entirely recovered, felt well and vigorous, and the Presidency being satisfied with his statement, continued him in his office, with their blessing and approval. President Hammond stated that the statistical records of the San Juan Stake were in a deplorable condition, and it was impossible to tell who were really members of the Church in that region. He asked permission for a rebaptism of all the members, that a full record might be obtained; his request was granted.
The following letter was addressed to Elder Abram Hatch, President of the Wasatch [Utah] Stake, which explains itself:
"You ask the question, Are members of the A.O.U.W.,3 who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints entitled to recommends to the Temple for marriages and Temple work"?
["]In reply, we would say that we are not in favor of our Brethren joining organizations of any kind outside of our Church. But we are more especially impressed with the wrongfulness of their joining organiations which interfere with the rights of
their fellow citizens in regard to labor. To illustrate: We think it is wrong, contrary to our religion, and contrary to good citizenship, for men to combine together in any organization to prevent their fellowmen from working because they do not join them or work for such an amount as they think workmen ought to have. This, we think, states our position clearly in regard to those organizations. But this A.O.U.W., as we understand, is not in the strictest sense an organization of that kind. Still we think it would be better for our brethren not to join it. It would not do, however, to refuse a young man who wanted to be married in the Temple a recommend because of his being a member of that organization. We do not wish to drive out people away from the Church and from its ordinances. At the same time we would not like this to be a precedent and for others to say, `Well, the Church has no objection to our belonging to the A.O.U.W., because So and So has received a recommend and he is a member of that Order.' From this we think you will understand our position. If a man desires a recommend, and this is the only objection, we think you should grant it to him, at the same time giving him these views." (Signed by Presidents Woodruff, Cannon and Smith).
3The Ancient Order of United Workmen.
(3)
Endnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, May 7, 1896
-- May 7, 1896
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At 11 A.M. attended a meeting in the Temple. Presidents Woodruff, Cannon and Smith, Apostles Snow, Richards, Lyman, Smith, Cannon and myslef (sic) were present. It was decided to appoint Rulon S. Wells to preside over the European Mission. It was decided that in baptisms for the dead, and in fact in all baptisms to eliminate the words for remission of sins and the renewal of covenants, and to follow the exact form laid down in the Doctrine and Covenants for original baptisms as well as for those performed for the dead in the Temple. ...
(1)
-- May 7, 1896; Thursday
The meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held at the Temple at 11 A.M. There were present Presidents [Wilford] Woodruff, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith; and of the Twelve, Pres[iden]t. L[orenzo]. Snow, and Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, F[rancis]. M. Lyman, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, H[eber]. J. Grant, J[ohn]. W. Taylor and A[braham]. H. Cannon. ...
Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow called attention to the form of baptism used in the Temples on behalf of the dead, in which the words "for the remission of your sins" were interpolated, being different from the form of baptism for the living.
President Joseph F. Smith said he had noticed in baptizing a person for health the words were used "for the renewal of your covenants, the remission of your sins and the restoration of your health." It was the unanimous sense of the Council that these forms should be corrected by letter of instructions to the Temple Presidents... (2)
-- May 8, 1896; Friday
President Joseph F. Smith went to Centerville [Utah] ...
The following letter prepared by President Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon to carry into effect the action of the Council of the First Presidency and Apostles, on May 7, was addressed today to the Presidents of the Temples:
"In baptizing for the dead in the Temples we understand that the form of words used is as follows:
Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize _______________, for and in behalf of _______________ for the remission of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen."
We might go into explanation as to the reasons which have caused this form of baptism to be adopted; but it is not necessary, further than to say that baptisms for health and baptisms for the renewal of covenants, etc., have led doubtless to the adoption of this form of ceremony to distinguish it from others.
We have had this matter under consideration from time to time, and supposed that our views had been made known to the Presidents of the Temples; but we understand that they have not been informed upon this point, and that the form above given is still the one used in administering baptisms for the dead.
The form that we think proper, and that we desire to have used hereafter in administering the ordinance of baptism for the dead, is as follows:
"Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you _______________ for and in behalf of _______________, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."
We understand that in some instances baptisms have been administered in the Temples with something like the following
ceremony:
"Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for the remission of sins, for the renewal of your covenant, and for the restoration of your health, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."
We do not know upon what authority this form of administering baptism has been adopted but we think it improper. There have been times in the Church when the First Presidency have felt it necessary to call upon all the members of the Church to renew their covenants, and at such times it was suggested that the words "for the renewal of your covenant" be used in the ceremony; but it does not follow that at other times, and in individual cases, that form should be used.
We think it improper, speaking generally, for the words "for the remission of sins" or "for the renewal of your covenant," to be used in administering the ordinance of baptism.
Where it may be necessary to baptize a person who is already a member of the Church, the form of ceremony which the Lord revealed to the Nephites, and which has also been revealed to us in our day, is sufficient. It is sufficient for a sinner who joins the Church, for through that ordinance and the words of the ceremony which the Lord has given, his sins are remitted, and it certainly is for a man who is already a member of the Church, if it should be deemed necessary to administer the ordinance of baptism to him. The practice which has prevailed in some instances where members of the Church are baptized of using the words "re-baptism" and "re-confirmation" we think unnecessary. When we strictly follow the form the Lord has given us we are sure to be right.
In cases where people are baptized for their health, we see no impropriety in using the words "for the restoration of your health" in the ceremony. There is a difference between baptism for such a purpose and baptism for admission into the Church. One is an ordinance of salvation--the door provided by the Lord through which his children must enter into his Church, and become entitled to the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant; the other, while it may be termed in some respects an ordinance, is not imperative upon the members of the Church. If they have faith and believe, when they have some ailment, that the administration of baptism in that form will be beneficial to them, the privilege is granted to them. But there is a clear distinction between that form of baptism and the form of baptism which the Lord requires His children to obey to become members of His Church." Signed by the First Presidency. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At 11 A.M. attended a meeting in the Temple. Presidents Woodruff, Cannon and Smith, Apostles Snow, Richards, Lyman, Smith, Cannon and myslef (sic) were present. It was decided to appoint Rulon S. Wells to preside over the European Mission. It was decided that in baptisms for the dead, and in fact in all baptisms to eliminate the words for remission of sins and the renewal of covenants, and to follow the exact form laid down in the Doctrine and Covenants for original baptisms as well as for those performed for the dead in the Temple. ...
(1)
-- May 7, 1896; Thursday
The meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held at the Temple at 11 A.M. There were present Presidents [Wilford] Woodruff, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith; and of the Twelve, Pres[iden]t. L[orenzo]. Snow, and Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, F[rancis]. M. Lyman, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, H[eber]. J. Grant, J[ohn]. W. Taylor and A[braham]. H. Cannon. ...
Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow called attention to the form of baptism used in the Temples on behalf of the dead, in which the words "for the remission of your sins" were interpolated, being different from the form of baptism for the living.
President Joseph F. Smith said he had noticed in baptizing a person for health the words were used "for the renewal of your covenants, the remission of your sins and the restoration of your health." It was the unanimous sense of the Council that these forms should be corrected by letter of instructions to the Temple Presidents... (2)
-- May 8, 1896; Friday
President Joseph F. Smith went to Centerville [Utah] ...
The following letter prepared by President Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon to carry into effect the action of the Council of the First Presidency and Apostles, on May 7, was addressed today to the Presidents of the Temples:
"In baptizing for the dead in the Temples we understand that the form of words used is as follows:
Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize _______________, for and in behalf of _______________ for the remission of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen."
We might go into explanation as to the reasons which have caused this form of baptism to be adopted; but it is not necessary, further than to say that baptisms for health and baptisms for the renewal of covenants, etc., have led doubtless to the adoption of this form of ceremony to distinguish it from others.
We have had this matter under consideration from time to time, and supposed that our views had been made known to the Presidents of the Temples; but we understand that they have not been informed upon this point, and that the form above given is still the one used in administering baptisms for the dead.
The form that we think proper, and that we desire to have used hereafter in administering the ordinance of baptism for the dead, is as follows:
"Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you _______________ for and in behalf of _______________, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."
We understand that in some instances baptisms have been administered in the Temples with something like the following
ceremony:
"Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for the remission of sins, for the renewal of your covenant, and for the restoration of your health, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."
We do not know upon what authority this form of administering baptism has been adopted but we think it improper. There have been times in the Church when the First Presidency have felt it necessary to call upon all the members of the Church to renew their covenants, and at such times it was suggested that the words "for the renewal of your covenant" be used in the ceremony; but it does not follow that at other times, and in individual cases, that form should be used.
We think it improper, speaking generally, for the words "for the remission of sins" or "for the renewal of your covenant," to be used in administering the ordinance of baptism.
Where it may be necessary to baptize a person who is already a member of the Church, the form of ceremony which the Lord revealed to the Nephites, and which has also been revealed to us in our day, is sufficient. It is sufficient for a sinner who joins the Church, for through that ordinance and the words of the ceremony which the Lord has given, his sins are remitted, and it certainly is for a man who is already a member of the Church, if it should be deemed necessary to administer the ordinance of baptism to him. The practice which has prevailed in some instances where members of the Church are baptized of using the words "re-baptism" and "re-confirmation" we think unnecessary. When we strictly follow the form the Lord has given us we are sure to be right.
In cases where people are baptized for their health, we see no impropriety in using the words "for the restoration of your health" in the ceremony. There is a difference between baptism for such a purpose and baptism for admission into the Church. One is an ordinance of salvation--the door provided by the Lord through which his children must enter into his Church, and become entitled to the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant; the other, while it may be termed in some respects an ordinance, is not imperative upon the members of the Church. If they have faith and believe, when they have some ailment, that the administration of baptism in that form will be beneficial to them, the privilege is granted to them. But there is a clear distinction between that form of baptism and the form of baptism which the Lord requires His children to obey to become members of His Church." Signed by the First Presidency. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Aug 21, 1894
-- Aug 21, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We opened the Temple today after closing on the 13th of July. We baptized 87 today. Almira, my wife, here today; brought Leon, her youngest boy, and he was baptized, he being 8 years old and it being his birthday. (1)
-- Sep 25, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. This is my birthday, 62 today. Received a present from Maria L. Merrill, a nice family picture; also from Sophia, a nice necktie. We baptized 153. Phebe, my daughter, was here and baptized for her health. Her mother, Sarah A. Merrill, was with her. (1)
-- Sep 27, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Thursday. I came from the farm this a. m.; brought Nellie, my daughter; she was baptized in the Temple, being 8 years old today. (1)
-- Jun 3, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman] [Loa] I spoke 75 minutes upon rebaptism, Statehood and woman suffrage. At close of the meeting met my brother Amasa. First time in 6 years. He looks old and weighs 140 lbs. (2)
-- Jun 4, 1895
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Ezra, my son, was rebaptized today, and Lewis last week, May 28th. I attended the closing exercises at the A. C. College at 11 a. m. and witnessed the conferring of a degree upon Lewis, my son, and one other student. Sarah and Almira, my wives, were present at the College. (1)
-- Sep 26, 1895
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26 Have severe Cold upon my Lungs. I went to the Temple with the Twelve. We talked over the Subjet of ReBaptizing people for wrong Doings &c. I went home sick & sent for Andrew Smith to Come & nurse me which He did do. (3)
-- Tues., Oct 1, 1895
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Bro. Lyman related of the joining to the church of several old time Mormons, and said he could not help feeling sorry for these men who have lost so much time and so many blessings by their apostasy. Some desultory talk was now had in which the following truths were told: Joseph Smith tried the faith of the Saints many times by his peculiarities. At one time he had preached a powerful sermon on the Word of Wisdom, and immediately thereafter he rode through the streets of Nauvoo smoking a cigar. Some of the brethren were tried as was Abraham of old. The Prophet said that the scripture concerning the putting of new wine into old bottles referred to the teaching of the Gospel to old traditionated people, many of whom were unable to stand the new truths. Even baptism for the dead was once unacceptable to the Saints. (4)
-- Dec 3, 1895
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I went to Franklin and got four pairs of colored blankets; gave two pairs to Almira and two pairs to Maria (my wives). Came to Logan; roads rough and bad; arrived at 5:30 p. m. Took supper at my boarding house with my school boys. Baptized 343 today. (1)
-- Dec 17, 1895
I am directed by the First Presidency to say in answer to your favor of [the] 10th inst., that in the cases to which you refer, the same rule holds good with regard to both living and dead. For those who have associated with any upon whom rests the curse of Cain[,] baptisms can be performed, but endowments cannot be received. The fact of them being dead does not make any difference in regard to this law. [George Reynolds to Levi Savage, Dec. 17, 1895] (5)
-- Apr 7, 1896
First Presidency announces at conference priesthood meeting the end of salaries for local church officers. On Apr. 2, the temple council decides "to not pay Salaries to any one but the Twelve." However, in 1898, hierarchy returns to fixed allotments for general authorities. First Presidency and apostles decide that baptisms for dead and all other baptism ordinances eliminate words "for remission of sins" or "renewal of covenants," and use only the words in DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS. They also give "Instructions relative to the burying of the dead . . . that they should not be exposed to the public gaze in the meeting houses with their Temple clothes on." (6)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
4 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
5 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We opened the Temple today after closing on the 13th of July. We baptized 87 today. Almira, my wife, here today; brought Leon, her youngest boy, and he was baptized, he being 8 years old and it being his birthday. (1)
-- Sep 25, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. This is my birthday, 62 today. Received a present from Maria L. Merrill, a nice family picture; also from Sophia, a nice necktie. We baptized 153. Phebe, my daughter, was here and baptized for her health. Her mother, Sarah A. Merrill, was with her. (1)
-- Sep 27, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Thursday. I came from the farm this a. m.; brought Nellie, my daughter; she was baptized in the Temple, being 8 years old today. (1)
-- Jun 3, 1895
[Francis M. Lyman] [Loa] I spoke 75 minutes upon rebaptism, Statehood and woman suffrage. At close of the meeting met my brother Amasa. First time in 6 years. He looks old and weighs 140 lbs. (2)
-- Jun 4, 1895
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Ezra, my son, was rebaptized today, and Lewis last week, May 28th. I attended the closing exercises at the A. C. College at 11 a. m. and witnessed the conferring of a degree upon Lewis, my son, and one other student. Sarah and Almira, my wives, were present at the College. (1)
-- Sep 26, 1895
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26 Have severe Cold upon my Lungs. I went to the Temple with the Twelve. We talked over the Subjet of ReBaptizing people for wrong Doings &c. I went home sick & sent for Andrew Smith to Come & nurse me which He did do. (3)
-- Tues., Oct 1, 1895
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Bro. Lyman related of the joining to the church of several old time Mormons, and said he could not help feeling sorry for these men who have lost so much time and so many blessings by their apostasy. Some desultory talk was now had in which the following truths were told: Joseph Smith tried the faith of the Saints many times by his peculiarities. At one time he had preached a powerful sermon on the Word of Wisdom, and immediately thereafter he rode through the streets of Nauvoo smoking a cigar. Some of the brethren were tried as was Abraham of old. The Prophet said that the scripture concerning the putting of new wine into old bottles referred to the teaching of the Gospel to old traditionated people, many of whom were unable to stand the new truths. Even baptism for the dead was once unacceptable to the Saints. (4)
-- Dec 3, 1895
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I went to Franklin and got four pairs of colored blankets; gave two pairs to Almira and two pairs to Maria (my wives). Came to Logan; roads rough and bad; arrived at 5:30 p. m. Took supper at my boarding house with my school boys. Baptized 343 today. (1)
-- Dec 17, 1895
I am directed by the First Presidency to say in answer to your favor of [the] 10th inst., that in the cases to which you refer, the same rule holds good with regard to both living and dead. For those who have associated with any upon whom rests the curse of Cain[,] baptisms can be performed, but endowments cannot be received. The fact of them being dead does not make any difference in regard to this law. [George Reynolds to Levi Savage, Dec. 17, 1895] (5)
-- Apr 7, 1896
First Presidency announces at conference priesthood meeting the end of salaries for local church officers. On Apr. 2, the temple council decides "to not pay Salaries to any one but the Twelve." However, in 1898, hierarchy returns to fixed allotments for general authorities. First Presidency and apostles decide that baptisms for dead and all other baptism ordinances eliminate words "for remission of sins" or "renewal of covenants," and use only the words in DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS. They also give "Instructions relative to the burying of the dead . . . that they should not be exposed to the public gaze in the meeting houses with their Temple clothes on." (6)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
4 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
5 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Apr 19, 1892
-- Apr 19, 1892
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Our dry stock goes away in the herd today. We baptized 280 today. (1)
-- Mar 3, 1893
First Presidency secretary L. John Nuttall writes in his diary, "Went through the Temple, think the Celestial room is too gaudy. The Font is too small." (2)
-- May 23, 1893
The first ordinance work, baptisms for the dead, was performed in the Salt Lake Temple. On May 24, the first endowment work and sealings were performed. (3)
-- Jun 13, 1893
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I received a letter from Apostle Snow requesting me to come to Salt Lake and assist them in the Temple for a few days. I go tomorrow if all is well. We baptized 400 today. Weather warm and looks like rain. (1)
-- September 19, 1893
Zina Diantha Huntington Jacob Smith Young leads a prayer circle for Mary Ann Burnham Freeze in the Salt Lake Temple, who is then baptized for her health, confirmed, and administered to by male temple healers in the garden room. (4)
-- Dec 27, 1893
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Wednesday. I opened the Temple for work today; baptized 8 persons, endowed 35. My sons were here, viz., Marriner, Thomas H., Alma, Charley, Willard, and Heber, the lastnamed to get his own endowments. I received check from Bullion Beck Company for $184.00 and paid tithing $18.40. (1)
-- During 1893
[Six] questions submitted by the recorder through President [Lorenzo] Snow[,] answered by President Woodruff, written by his own hand. 1. When dates of death are unknown [and the] relationship absent or uncertain[,] and it is not known that the deceased reach[ed] maturity, what work, if any can be done for the dead? Ans[wer]. It is v[e]ry [possible] that [when] a name is presented for Work for the dead[,] * [no] evidence [exists] to show whether the person [was] a child or of mature age[.] For [the] endowment[,] wh[e]re such evidence cannot be obtained[,] do nothing. But endowments may be given w[he]re dates of birth & death cannot be found [but it is known that] they [were] of sufficient age for [the] ordinance. 2. What age must a dead female have attained before she can be endowed? Ans[wer]. She must at least be 8 years of age before she can be baptized[,] [and] for an endow[ment][,] and [the same] if living[,] not less than 12 years [but] unless for some special reason not less than 16. 3. What age must a dead male have attained before he can be endowed? Ans[wer]. Same as number 2. 4. What age must a dead female have attained before she can be sealed as a wife? Ans[wer]. Not less than 12 years. 5. What age must a dead male have attained before a female can be sealed to him as a wife? Ans[wer]. Not less than 12 years. 6. Is it proper when desired by children who are in the Church that the latter should be sealed to parents who did not hear the Gospel in life and consequently did not embrace it? Ans[wer]. Yes * unless th[ere] is some special reason why it should not be done. (There [is] no specific date given when these questions are answered. They appear in the book for the year 1893.) [Book of Temple Ordinances, 1893; p. 42] (5)
-- Jan 30, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We baptized 158 today. Sarah, Alma, Rilda, Ellen my wife with Elna, and Lowell came to Logan today, the last two to be baptized. Elna, my daughter, was 8 years old yesterday, and Lowell, Alma and Rilda's oldest, was 8 years old on January 24. Brother Elias Kimball baptized the children, Elna and Lowell, and Brother N. C. Edlefsen confirmed them. I sent Albert M. Merrill, Oswego, N. Y., a draft on N. Y. for $50.00. (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower
3 - 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
4 - Stapley, Jonathan & Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008
5 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Our dry stock goes away in the herd today. We baptized 280 today. (1)
-- Mar 3, 1893
First Presidency secretary L. John Nuttall writes in his diary, "Went through the Temple, think the Celestial room is too gaudy. The Font is too small." (2)
-- May 23, 1893
The first ordinance work, baptisms for the dead, was performed in the Salt Lake Temple. On May 24, the first endowment work and sealings were performed. (3)
-- Jun 13, 1893
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I received a letter from Apostle Snow requesting me to come to Salt Lake and assist them in the Temple for a few days. I go tomorrow if all is well. We baptized 400 today. Weather warm and looks like rain. (1)
-- September 19, 1893
Zina Diantha Huntington Jacob Smith Young leads a prayer circle for Mary Ann Burnham Freeze in the Salt Lake Temple, who is then baptized for her health, confirmed, and administered to by male temple healers in the garden room. (4)
-- Dec 27, 1893
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Wednesday. I opened the Temple for work today; baptized 8 persons, endowed 35. My sons were here, viz., Marriner, Thomas H., Alma, Charley, Willard, and Heber, the lastnamed to get his own endowments. I received check from Bullion Beck Company for $184.00 and paid tithing $18.40. (1)
-- During 1893
[Six] questions submitted by the recorder through President [Lorenzo] Snow[,] answered by President Woodruff, written by his own hand. 1. When dates of death are unknown [and the] relationship absent or uncertain[,] and it is not known that the deceased reach[ed] maturity, what work, if any can be done for the dead? Ans[wer]. It is v[e]ry [possible] that [when] a name is presented for Work for the dead[,] * [no] evidence [exists] to show whether the person [was] a child or of mature age[.] For [the] endowment[,] wh[e]re such evidence cannot be obtained[,] do nothing. But endowments may be given w[he]re dates of birth & death cannot be found [but it is known that] they [were] of sufficient age for [the] ordinance. 2. What age must a dead female have attained before she can be endowed? Ans[wer]. She must at least be 8 years of age before she can be baptized[,] [and] for an endow[ment][,] and [the same] if living[,] not less than 12 years [but] unless for some special reason not less than 16. 3. What age must a dead male have attained before he can be endowed? Ans[wer]. Same as number 2. 4. What age must a dead female have attained before she can be sealed as a wife? Ans[wer]. Not less than 12 years. 5. What age must a dead male have attained before a female can be sealed to him as a wife? Ans[wer]. Not less than 12 years. 6. Is it proper when desired by children who are in the Church that the latter should be sealed to parents who did not hear the Gospel in life and consequently did not embrace it? Ans[wer]. Yes * unless th[ere] is some special reason why it should not be done. (There [is] no specific date given when these questions are answered. They appear in the book for the year 1893.) [Book of Temple Ordinances, 1893; p. 42] (5)
-- Jan 30, 1894
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We baptized 158 today. Sarah, Alma, Rilda, Ellen my wife with Elna, and Lowell came to Logan today, the last two to be baptized. Elna, my daughter, was 8 years old yesterday, and Lowell, Alma and Rilda's oldest, was 8 years old on January 24. Brother Elias Kimball baptized the children, Elna and Lowell, and Brother N. C. Edlefsen confirmed them. I sent Albert M. Merrill, Oswego, N. Y., a draft on N. Y. for $50.00. (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower
3 - 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
4 - Stapley, Jonathan & Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008
5 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Sep 23, 1890
-- Sep 23, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. My son Willie and daughter Rhoda were baptized for 45 of my relatives and friends today. We had 1,046 for baptism. I received telegram from President Woodruff to be in Salt Lake tomorrow. (1)
-- Sep 30, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Baptized 856 today. We had some rain and prospects of more. Willard commenced school in the College yesterday. (1)
-- Oct 9, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 51 for endowments and baptized 12 today. Cold and stormy. I received check dividend from Bullion Beck and Champion Mining Company $368.10. Cost of Almira's wagon house on end of her barn, as per bills filed, $276.40. (1)
-- Oct 21, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We have 675 for baptism today. Weather very fine. I sent a check to C. E. Merrill to pay Heber's clothes bill, Salt Lake, $33.50. Check was $40.86. Also sent an order to Parley Merrill to pay my Lewiston water tax, and paid Lars Jacobson of Logan for 18 days on Almira's barn and making bee houses and honey boxes, cash $36.00. I also wrote to Carl Nordberg, Salt Lake, and sent him mill account. (1)
-- Oct 28, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I deposited $1,000.00 in Thatcher & Company's Bank in favor of Richmond Co-op, and paid my County, Territorial, and School taxes, $236.47; also paid $5.50 to Dentist Kyser for my wife Cyrene. Visited the bank, barber's, U. O. Store, and court house, and came back to Temple. We baptized 818 today. I received a letter from Alma and wrote him this evening. (1)
-- Nov 18, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I sent Marriner receipt of deposit to Richmond Co- op $174.35. I have donated $100.00 cash for hauling gravel on the streets in Richmond. Willard, my son, has quit attending college and commenced with Frank Lewis to work putting in drains on South Farm. We baptized 646 today. Weather beautiful. (1)
-- Dec 9, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Baptized 496 today. Weather pleasant. No snow in the Valley but considerable on the mountains. (1)
-- Jan 9, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I received from Samuel Roskelly, Temple Recorder, the yearly bulletin showing the amount of work done in Logan Temple for 1890, which is as follows: Baptisms, 30,788; endowments, 12,748; ordinations, 4,465; sealings, 3,831, children to parents, 1,492; adoptions, 53; second anointings, 207. (1)
-- Feb 3, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We had 194 only for baptism today. Thermometer 10 degrees below zero this a. m. Held a U. O. M. & B. Co. directorsÂ' meeting in my office as I was not able to go out. Present: D. Eccles, C. W. Nibley, George Cole, Erastus Cole, and M. W. Merrill. Heard reports of earnings of last 6 months, over $8,000.00. (1)
-- Sep 29, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I came to Logan this morning. We baptized 450 today. I wrote to the Bishop of Richmond for recommends for the following: Sarah, Cyrene, Almira, and Maria Merrill, Elizabeth A. Lewis Whitney, Sophia Angman, Edgar, Lewis, Ezra, Amos, and Laura Merrill. Also wrote to H. E. Gibson, Ogden, for 10 bushels of fall wheat for seed. (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. My son Willie and daughter Rhoda were baptized for 45 of my relatives and friends today. We had 1,046 for baptism. I received telegram from President Woodruff to be in Salt Lake tomorrow. (1)
-- Sep 30, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Baptized 856 today. We had some rain and prospects of more. Willard commenced school in the College yesterday. (1)
-- Oct 9, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 51 for endowments and baptized 12 today. Cold and stormy. I received check dividend from Bullion Beck and Champion Mining Company $368.10. Cost of Almira's wagon house on end of her barn, as per bills filed, $276.40. (1)
-- Oct 21, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We have 675 for baptism today. Weather very fine. I sent a check to C. E. Merrill to pay Heber's clothes bill, Salt Lake, $33.50. Check was $40.86. Also sent an order to Parley Merrill to pay my Lewiston water tax, and paid Lars Jacobson of Logan for 18 days on Almira's barn and making bee houses and honey boxes, cash $36.00. I also wrote to Carl Nordberg, Salt Lake, and sent him mill account. (1)
-- Oct 28, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I deposited $1,000.00 in Thatcher & Company's Bank in favor of Richmond Co-op, and paid my County, Territorial, and School taxes, $236.47; also paid $5.50 to Dentist Kyser for my wife Cyrene. Visited the bank, barber's, U. O. Store, and court house, and came back to Temple. We baptized 818 today. I received a letter from Alma and wrote him this evening. (1)
-- Nov 18, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I sent Marriner receipt of deposit to Richmond Co- op $174.35. I have donated $100.00 cash for hauling gravel on the streets in Richmond. Willard, my son, has quit attending college and commenced with Frank Lewis to work putting in drains on South Farm. We baptized 646 today. Weather beautiful. (1)
-- Dec 9, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Baptized 496 today. Weather pleasant. No snow in the Valley but considerable on the mountains. (1)
-- Jan 9, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I received from Samuel Roskelly, Temple Recorder, the yearly bulletin showing the amount of work done in Logan Temple for 1890, which is as follows: Baptisms, 30,788; endowments, 12,748; ordinations, 4,465; sealings, 3,831, children to parents, 1,492; adoptions, 53; second anointings, 207. (1)
-- Feb 3, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. We had 194 only for baptism today. Thermometer 10 degrees below zero this a. m. Held a U. O. M. & B. Co. directorsÂ' meeting in my office as I was not able to go out. Present: D. Eccles, C. W. Nibley, George Cole, Erastus Cole, and M. W. Merrill. Heard reports of earnings of last 6 months, over $8,000.00. (1)
-- Sep 29, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I came to Logan this morning. We baptized 450 today. I wrote to the Bishop of Richmond for recommends for the following: Sarah, Cyrene, Almira, and Maria Merrill, Elizabeth A. Lewis Whitney, Sophia Angman, Edgar, Lewis, Ezra, Amos, and Laura Merrill. Also wrote to H. E. Gibson, Ogden, for 10 bushels of fall wheat for seed. (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Jun 6, 1890
-- Jun 6, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I paid John Jacobs $13.10 for fruit trees received in April. We have 108 today for endowments. I wrote to Deseret News Company for the two 10-quire record books and the 1,000 endowment sheets for the dead ordered on March 26, 1890, and ordered 1,000 baptismal sheets for the dead to be sent at once. (1)
-- Jun 17, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I came back to Logan. Left Salt Lake at 8:10, arrived in Logan at 12:50. Expense in Salt Lake $1.75. Baptized 678 today. (1)
-- Jun 24, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I came to Logan Temple, arrived at 6:30. Baptized 696 today. (1)
-- Jul 1, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I came to Logan and resumed my labors in Temple. Baptized 662. (1)
-- Jul 8, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I came to Logan. Left home at 5 a. m. My daughter Rhoda came with me to go to Newton and Clarkston to attend Young Ladies meetings. We baptized 890 today. (1)
-- Jul 15, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 995 today with 12 second anointings. I sent lumber to Richmond for beehives and also sent cedar posts. Apostle F. D. Richards in Temple all day. (1)
-- Jul 16, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 186 for endowments, 59 sealings, 11 second anointings, 7 baptisms, 4 adoptions, 37 children sealed to parents, and 59 Elders ordained (dead). Apostle Richards here again today. Donations $54.10. (1)
-- Sep 2, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Am in the Temple today, answering correspondence, settling accounts, counseling with the Saints about Temple work, etc. We baptized 1,037 today. I sent to Bishop Skidmore for the following recommends to the Temple for my family and others, viz., Sarah A., Cyrene, Almira, Maria L., Rhoda L., Libbie, William, Edgar, Amos, Albert, Lewis, Hattie, Laura, Willard, Lucy Merrill, also for Elizabeth Pond Whitney and Anna Sophia Anderson. Bought a small spring wagon from Studebaker Bros., cost $80.00, also single harness, cost $20.00. Paid $12.75 for books of different kinds for Edgar, Albert, and Hattie. The wagon is for Maria. Paid for extras for the machines today $18.50. (1)
-- Sep 9, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 1,027 baptized today. Almira, my wife, and Charles E. Merrill, my son, came from home today and were baptized for themselves and some dead, and went home before dinner and took Preston with them. I wrote to W. C. Spence, Salt Lake City, about getting reduced rates for Joseph and Libbie to Ann Arbor. (1)
-- Sep 16, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 948 baptized today. Louis Edgar, Albert Marion, and Hattie Loenza were rebaptized today by John Crowther and confirmed by George T. Baugh and H. J. Neilson in the Temple. The census of Utah is as follows by counties and cities, as reported by the Census Office, Washington, D. C., for 1890. (The data then tabulated for each county and for Logan, Salt Lake, Provo, Spanish Fork, Springville, and Ogden.) (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I paid John Jacobs $13.10 for fruit trees received in April. We have 108 today for endowments. I wrote to Deseret News Company for the two 10-quire record books and the 1,000 endowment sheets for the dead ordered on March 26, 1890, and ordered 1,000 baptismal sheets for the dead to be sent at once. (1)
-- Jun 17, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I came back to Logan. Left Salt Lake at 8:10, arrived in Logan at 12:50. Expense in Salt Lake $1.75. Baptized 678 today. (1)
-- Jun 24, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I came to Logan Temple, arrived at 6:30. Baptized 696 today. (1)
-- Jul 1, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I came to Logan and resumed my labors in Temple. Baptized 662. (1)
-- Jul 8, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. I came to Logan. Left home at 5 a. m. My daughter Rhoda came with me to go to Newton and Clarkston to attend Young Ladies meetings. We baptized 890 today. (1)
-- Jul 15, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 995 today with 12 second anointings. I sent lumber to Richmond for beehives and also sent cedar posts. Apostle F. D. Richards in Temple all day. (1)
-- Jul 16, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 186 for endowments, 59 sealings, 11 second anointings, 7 baptisms, 4 adoptions, 37 children sealed to parents, and 59 Elders ordained (dead). Apostle Richards here again today. Donations $54.10. (1)
-- Sep 2, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Am in the Temple today, answering correspondence, settling accounts, counseling with the Saints about Temple work, etc. We baptized 1,037 today. I sent to Bishop Skidmore for the following recommends to the Temple for my family and others, viz., Sarah A., Cyrene, Almira, Maria L., Rhoda L., Libbie, William, Edgar, Amos, Albert, Lewis, Hattie, Laura, Willard, Lucy Merrill, also for Elizabeth Pond Whitney and Anna Sophia Anderson. Bought a small spring wagon from Studebaker Bros., cost $80.00, also single harness, cost $20.00. Paid $12.75 for books of different kinds for Edgar, Albert, and Hattie. The wagon is for Maria. Paid for extras for the machines today $18.50. (1)
-- Sep 9, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 1,027 baptized today. Almira, my wife, and Charles E. Merrill, my son, came from home today and were baptized for themselves and some dead, and went home before dinner and took Preston with them. I wrote to W. C. Spence, Salt Lake City, about getting reduced rates for Joseph and Libbie to Ann Arbor. (1)
-- Sep 16, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 948 baptized today. Louis Edgar, Albert Marion, and Hattie Loenza were rebaptized today by John Crowther and confirmed by George T. Baugh and H. J. Neilson in the Temple. The census of Utah is as follows by counties and cities, as reported by the Census Office, Washington, D. C., for 1890. (The data then tabulated for each county and for Logan, Salt Lake, Provo, Spanish Fork, Springville, and Ogden.) (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Mar 19, 1889
-- Mar 19, 1889
Your letter of Feb. 27th, asking certain questions pertaining to Temple ordinances, has been received and considered. In regard to your last question, pertaining to a woman having been sealed and anointed [second anointing] to her husband, but subsequently divorced from him, he continuing a faithful, good man, etc, is she to be anointed to a second good man as though she never had been anointed? I answer, No. In such a case it will not be proper for the sister to be again anointed. Your second question as to my having any word for you in relation to adoption * I would say it will be well to leave the matter of adoption for the present as they have been, and not make any changes. This will also answer your question in regard to going back as far as records can be obtained correctly in adoptions. In relation to children who are old enough to be baptized & who are dead, receiving their endowments. I will say that in performing ordinances for the dead it is safe to follow the rules observed in regard to the living, unless there may be special occasions which can be attended to when the circumstances require. [Wilford Woodruff to John D. T. McAllister, Mar. 19, 1889] (1)
-- Jun 27, 1889
The questions which you ask me in your [letter] of the 20th inst. concerning the giving of endowments to persons of negro descent, have been considered. We feel that you should not administer the ordinance of endowments to any in their behalf. Their relatives can be baptized for them and also confirmed; but beyond this we think nothing more should be done. [Wilford Woodruff to David H. Cannon, June 27, 1889] (1)
-- Oct 9, 1889
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I find that in reading over what I have written regarding the conference meetings that I have neglected to state that at the Priesthood meeting, Oct 5th, that was held Saturday night that among other things, that Prest. Woodruff spoke of there having been a number of baptisms for the dead in the river and that it was afterwards [sic] revealed to the Prophet that this was not proper and that these would have to be done over in a House of the Lord. He said that there were many things revealed to the Prophet that were not fully understood and that these were changed when there was more light came [sic]. The Prophet had said that little children would grow after the resurrection, this statement was made after he had said that there would be no growth after the resurrection. It was revealed to the Prophet that we would rise as we were laid down. He had seen children on thrones and he had concluded that there would be no growth until it had been revealed to him that this was not the case. I was pleased to have the President make these remarks as there are so many of the people that have felt badly on account of thinking that their little ones would not grow after they had passed away. (2)
-- 1890
Wilford Woodruff questions the neccessity of Baptisms for Health (3)
-- 1890 January 11
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Jan 11 I signed 28 Recommends. I received 9 Letters. I wrote 3 Letters to Emma Ferguson, & Milton. Several Members of the Legislature Called upon us this Morning.
The following is the sum total of the work done in the three Temples at St George Manti, & Logan since they were dedicated and opened & work Commenced. This work + both for the Living & the Dead. Baptized 499,958, Endowed 209,544, Ordained 77,294. Couple sealed 69,271. Children sealed to Parents 22,845, Adoptions 8,751, Seconed Anointings 3,812. This is a glorious work both for the Living & the Dead. (4)
-- May 6, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] President Woodruff after breakfast took the 6:20 train for Salt Lake. I accompanied him to the depot with the Temple team. President Lorenzo Snow met us there and went home to Brigham City. We baptized 395 today in the Temple. Weather very fine. (5)
-- Jun 3, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 915 baptisms today and are having a beautiful rain, which is much needed. Weather quite cool and snow fell low down on the mountains last night and today. I wrote to Joseph, my son, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, to come home during the vacation. Also wrote to Marriner and my wife Sarah on business matters. (5)
Endnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Stapley, Jonathan & Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Your letter of Feb. 27th, asking certain questions pertaining to Temple ordinances, has been received and considered. In regard to your last question, pertaining to a woman having been sealed and anointed [second anointing] to her husband, but subsequently divorced from him, he continuing a faithful, good man, etc, is she to be anointed to a second good man as though she never had been anointed? I answer, No. In such a case it will not be proper for the sister to be again anointed. Your second question as to my having any word for you in relation to adoption * I would say it will be well to leave the matter of adoption for the present as they have been, and not make any changes. This will also answer your question in regard to going back as far as records can be obtained correctly in adoptions. In relation to children who are old enough to be baptized & who are dead, receiving their endowments. I will say that in performing ordinances for the dead it is safe to follow the rules observed in regard to the living, unless there may be special occasions which can be attended to when the circumstances require. [Wilford Woodruff to John D. T. McAllister, Mar. 19, 1889] (1)
-- Jun 27, 1889
The questions which you ask me in your [letter] of the 20th inst. concerning the giving of endowments to persons of negro descent, have been considered. We feel that you should not administer the ordinance of endowments to any in their behalf. Their relatives can be baptized for them and also confirmed; but beyond this we think nothing more should be done. [Wilford Woodruff to David H. Cannon, June 27, 1889] (1)
-- Oct 9, 1889
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I find that in reading over what I have written regarding the conference meetings that I have neglected to state that at the Priesthood meeting, Oct 5th, that was held Saturday night that among other things, that Prest. Woodruff spoke of there having been a number of baptisms for the dead in the river and that it was afterwards [sic] revealed to the Prophet that this was not proper and that these would have to be done over in a House of the Lord. He said that there were many things revealed to the Prophet that were not fully understood and that these were changed when there was more light came [sic]. The Prophet had said that little children would grow after the resurrection, this statement was made after he had said that there would be no growth after the resurrection. It was revealed to the Prophet that we would rise as we were laid down. He had seen children on thrones and he had concluded that there would be no growth until it had been revealed to him that this was not the case. I was pleased to have the President make these remarks as there are so many of the people that have felt badly on account of thinking that their little ones would not grow after they had passed away. (2)
-- 1890
Wilford Woodruff questions the neccessity of Baptisms for Health (3)
-- 1890 January 11
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Jan 11 I signed 28 Recommends. I received 9 Letters. I wrote 3 Letters to Emma Ferguson, & Milton. Several Members of the Legislature Called upon us this Morning.
The following is the sum total of the work done in the three Temples at St George Manti, & Logan since they were dedicated and opened & work Commenced. This work + both for the Living & the Dead. Baptized 499,958, Endowed 209,544, Ordained 77,294. Couple sealed 69,271. Children sealed to Parents 22,845, Adoptions 8,751, Seconed Anointings 3,812. This is a glorious work both for the Living & the Dead. (4)
-- May 6, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] President Woodruff after breakfast took the 6:20 train for Salt Lake. I accompanied him to the depot with the Temple team. President Lorenzo Snow met us there and went home to Brigham City. We baptized 395 today in the Temple. Weather very fine. (5)
-- Jun 3, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We had 915 baptisms today and are having a beautiful rain, which is much needed. Weather quite cool and snow fell low down on the mountains last night and today. I wrote to Joseph, my son, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, to come home during the vacation. Also wrote to Marriner and my wife Sarah on business matters. (5)
Endnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Stapley, Jonathan & Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Sep 2, 1887
-- Sep 2, 1887
The Indian girl Viroqua Johnson[,] concerning whose second anointings you write to me, I think is a case that should be deferred for the present. You are at liberty to have her baptized for and have someone have Endowments for her: but at present I think it is improper for the ordinance of Second Anointing to be administered in her behalf. [Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Sept. 2, 1887] (1)
-- Sep 5, 1887
We send the enclosed letter to you for Brother James H. Martineau, and send it unsealed that you may read its contents and obtain therefrom our views concerning the principle alluded to by him. We must be more strict in enforcing the rule which is here mentioned in regard to heirship in our Temples, and people must not be permitted to follow their whims in being baptized for any and every body whom they may choose to officiate for; and persons should be questioned upon this subject of being baptized for those not of their own kin. We are satisfied that no man has a right[,] outside of his own kindred[,] to attend to ordinances for the dead without consultation and permission from the Presiding authority of the Church. But as this, perhaps, would lead to great delay and large correspondence, you as President of the Temple are authorized to exercise a wise discretion in permitting persons to be baptized for friends, when they satisfy you that they have no representative in the Church. [Wilford Woodruff to Marriner Wood Merrill, Sept. 5, 1887] (1)
-- Oct 26, 1887
Your letter of the 18th inst. in which you express your wishes concerning an Indian girl who has been sealed to you receiving her second anointing, and also respecting her doing work for 7 or 8 of the early martyrs, unmarried women, and having them sealed to you, has been received. I think it is better for you to defer the ordinance of second anointing for this Indian girl who has been sealed to you since her death. It will be no los[s] to her for the present. As to the martyrs of whom you speak, we see no impropriety in having the ordinance of baptism attended to for them, especially if you know who they are: but before having them sealed to you, you should certainly have some knowledge of them and of your right to have them, as others may claim that they have a better right than you hereafter. [Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Oct. 26, 1887] (1)
-- Feb 28, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Olonzo came to the Temple and was baptized for his health and administered to. (2)
-- Oct 13, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Saturday. Went home with Temple team. Lumber wagon team went on to Lewiston. Stayed at Sarah's place. Went to South Farm Sunday, and went up to reservoir on Monday. Came to Logan on Monday. Sophia Angman came with Olonzo and me. She was baptized for her health on Tuesday, October 16. (2)
-- Nov 27, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 300 today. (2)
-- Dec 24, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] In the Temple 17 baptisms today as tomorrow Temple will be closed. Am alone in Temple this evening, Christmas eve. I sent car of mill stuff to Salt Lake G. T. O. (General Tithing Office) today as follows: 5,000 pounds Golden Harvest flour, 8,000 pounds High Patent flour, and 7,000 pounds bran and shorts. (2)
-- Jan 29, 1889
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 252 today. Thermometer 10 below zero at 8 a. m. (2)
-- Feb 6, 1889
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 635 today. On Saturday Professor J. M. Tanner lectured in Temple, Charles W. Nibley being unable to lecture on account of Ellen, his wife, losing her child 2 years old. (2)
-- Feb 21, 1889
Church in April 1887, a month after the Edmunds Tucker Act became law, announcing that recommends for new plural marriages would be suspended. This letter was read in general conference that month (Richard S. Van Wagoner, Mormon Polygamy: A History [Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1989], 130). Remembered when the Nauvoo Temple was near completion, the saints look[ed] forward with fond anticipation to the time when they could go forth and do a work for their dead; but many were driven from Nauvoo before their anticipations could be realized and some of the last company, who did go through[,] never got further than the Terrestrial Room. Remember when men and women were baptized in the Miss[issippi] River, men for women and women for men, but they were told that this was wrong and that men should be baptized for men and women for women[,] which they did, in a Temple, in a font resting upon 12 wooden oxen, after which [it was] changed to stone oxen. In those days people flocked to the House of God by thousands to do a work for their dead. [David H. Cannon, Temple Minute Book, St. George, Feb. 21, 1889] (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
The Indian girl Viroqua Johnson[,] concerning whose second anointings you write to me, I think is a case that should be deferred for the present. You are at liberty to have her baptized for and have someone have Endowments for her: but at present I think it is improper for the ordinance of Second Anointing to be administered in her behalf. [Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Sept. 2, 1887] (1)
-- Sep 5, 1887
We send the enclosed letter to you for Brother James H. Martineau, and send it unsealed that you may read its contents and obtain therefrom our views concerning the principle alluded to by him. We must be more strict in enforcing the rule which is here mentioned in regard to heirship in our Temples, and people must not be permitted to follow their whims in being baptized for any and every body whom they may choose to officiate for; and persons should be questioned upon this subject of being baptized for those not of their own kin. We are satisfied that no man has a right[,] outside of his own kindred[,] to attend to ordinances for the dead without consultation and permission from the Presiding authority of the Church. But as this, perhaps, would lead to great delay and large correspondence, you as President of the Temple are authorized to exercise a wise discretion in permitting persons to be baptized for friends, when they satisfy you that they have no representative in the Church. [Wilford Woodruff to Marriner Wood Merrill, Sept. 5, 1887] (1)
-- Oct 26, 1887
Your letter of the 18th inst. in which you express your wishes concerning an Indian girl who has been sealed to you receiving her second anointing, and also respecting her doing work for 7 or 8 of the early martyrs, unmarried women, and having them sealed to you, has been received. I think it is better for you to defer the ordinance of second anointing for this Indian girl who has been sealed to you since her death. It will be no los[s] to her for the present. As to the martyrs of whom you speak, we see no impropriety in having the ordinance of baptism attended to for them, especially if you know who they are: but before having them sealed to you, you should certainly have some knowledge of them and of your right to have them, as others may claim that they have a better right than you hereafter. [Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Oct. 26, 1887] (1)
-- Feb 28, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Olonzo came to the Temple and was baptized for his health and administered to. (2)
-- Oct 13, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Saturday. Went home with Temple team. Lumber wagon team went on to Lewiston. Stayed at Sarah's place. Went to South Farm Sunday, and went up to reservoir on Monday. Came to Logan on Monday. Sophia Angman came with Olonzo and me. She was baptized for her health on Tuesday, October 16. (2)
-- Nov 27, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 300 today. (2)
-- Dec 24, 1888
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] In the Temple 17 baptisms today as tomorrow Temple will be closed. Am alone in Temple this evening, Christmas eve. I sent car of mill stuff to Salt Lake G. T. O. (General Tithing Office) today as follows: 5,000 pounds Golden Harvest flour, 8,000 pounds High Patent flour, and 7,000 pounds bran and shorts. (2)
-- Jan 29, 1889
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 252 today. Thermometer 10 below zero at 8 a. m. (2)
-- Feb 6, 1889
[Marriner W. Merrill Diary] We baptized 635 today. On Saturday Professor J. M. Tanner lectured in Temple, Charles W. Nibley being unable to lecture on account of Ellen, his wife, losing her child 2 years old. (2)
-- Feb 21, 1889
Church in April 1887, a month after the Edmunds Tucker Act became law, announcing that recommends for new plural marriages would be suspended. This letter was read in general conference that month (Richard S. Van Wagoner, Mormon Polygamy: A History [Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1989], 130). Remembered when the Nauvoo Temple was near completion, the saints look[ed] forward with fond anticipation to the time when they could go forth and do a work for their dead; but many were driven from Nauvoo before their anticipations could be realized and some of the last company, who did go through[,] never got further than the Terrestrial Room. Remember when men and women were baptized in the Miss[issippi] River, men for women and women for men, but they were told that this was wrong and that men should be baptized for men and women for women[,] which they did, in a Temple, in a font resting upon 12 wooden oxen, after which [it was] changed to stone oxen. In those days people flocked to the House of God by thousands to do a work for their dead. [David H. Cannon, Temple Minute Book, St. George, Feb. 21, 1889] (1)
Endnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Friday, Sep 24, 1886
-- Friday, Sep 24, 1886
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Bro. Heber J. Grant and I called upon Albert Cartington and found him very feable. He expressed an earnest desire to have the privilege of rebaptism and said he was willing to do whatever may be required of him. Bro. Grant and I felt a little diferently about his case. We wrote to Bro. Woodruff, giving him the result of our visit.
I set apart J. W. McMurrin and wife for a mission to England. (1)
-- Mar 29, 1887
Lyman Wight: Baptized by proxy 29 Aug. 1844, again 29 Mar. 1887, priesthood restored before his proxy endowment 30 Mar. (2)
-- Jun 8, 1887
Your letter of the 1st [June 1887] reached me last night. I arrived here [St. George] last night to have an interview with S[amuel] Snow, as he will be here to attend Conference. I have read your letter carefully. Now concerning endowments in all its phases: my own views are these * that we ought to follow out, as far as we can, the pattern laid down by our leaders. I consider that if there ever was any man who thoroughly understood the principle of the Endowments it was Brigham Young. He had been with Joseph Smith from the beginning of the Endowments to the end; and he understood it if any man did. And before his death he required me to write in a book every Ordinance in the Church and Kingdom of God, from the first to the last; beginning with Baptism to the last Ordinance performed through every department of the Endowments. I was several weeks doing this writing, and President Young corrected it all until he got through. Then he said to me, "Now, there you have a pattern of all the Ordinances and Endowments for every Temple we shall build, until the coming of the Son of Man." Now if I ever have anything to do, or to say, in any Temple on the earth, concerning Endowments, I would say: follow the pattern that President Young has set us; and [do] not deviate from it one iota. And if we do that, we may have a hundred Temples at work, and all the work and ceremonies will be alike in every Temple. While on the other hand, if every man who is called to preside over a Temple has his own way, and introduces his own form and ceremonies, our Temple work would be as diverse as the sectarian world and God would not appro[ve] it. Brother Roskelley, I have given Endowments in Salt Lake City for twenty years, and I received my Endowments under the hands of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I directed the fixing up of the Temple in St. George for giving Endowments under the direction of President Young; and since the rules are written for our guidance in all future time, I feel very strenuous that in our giving Endowments we should all work alike, and not deviate from the written word. You say, "we are told here so and so concerning sealings and adoptions." Who is it that has told you these things and given these instructions? I don't think it can be President Taylor, for neither he nor I have ever received such teachings from either Joseph Smith or Brigham Young. But I have been taught quite the reverse by President Young. He told me to have single women of my father's and mother's households sealed to me. I asked him "how many?" He said if there was not over nine hundred and ninety-nine to take them. I had some three hundred sealed to me by his instructions. I don't know whether I shall have to build them each a palace in the Celestial Kingdom of God or not. If I do, I shall have time to do it. I did as I was told. So in relation to Adoptions, most, if not all, of the Presidency and Twelve, have had men adopted to them, and all these Sealings and Adoptions are for the Salvation of the living and the dead. I have never asked any man to be adopted into my family that I can recollect of; but I have had a number of families of friends adopted into my family, as have other men, without any regard as to whether it will, in the future, cost me one dollar or a million. What we have done in this matter has been for the salvation of man. It may possibly be a correct doctrine that a man's kingdom will consist of only the fruit of his own loins. Yet J[e]sus Christ died to save the whole world, and if we, as Apostles and Elders, do nothing for the human family only for the fruit of our own loins, we shall not do much towards magnifying the Holy Priesthood God has given us for saving the souls of man * either the living or the dead. Brother Roskelley, we must not get our minds too puckered up in these principles. We are ordained and appointed Saviors upon Mount Zion, and we must not be afraid to administer the Ordinances of Life and Salvation to our fellow man * living or dead, for fear it will cost us a dollar. I have adopted this rule in Sealings and Adoptions: to take such as the Lord has given me, and leave the result in His hands. I think there is a Book in [the] Logan Temple containing all the Ordinances as directed by President Young. I should recommend following that strictly, that our work in both Temples may be alike. Now concerning what Joseph Smith the Prophet said about children: In the first place he said children would rise from the grave, as they were laid down, and their parents would receive as they laid them away. This, I believe. He conveyed an idea in the first place, that they would not grow, but after more mature reflection, he conveyed the idea that they eventually would grow to the full stature of man. It was a good deal upon the same principle that it was when he got the first revelation on baptism for the dead. He did not at first get the whole of it, but he went into the Mississippi River with myself and a number of others, and we baptized for the dead, without regard to males acting for males only, and females acting for females only, also without any Recorder. But the Lord revealed more to him, and gave him to understand that there should be a Recorder who should strictly record all the baptisms and Ordinances and that man should act for man, and woman for woman. So with regard to his views on the Resurrection * they enlarged before he got through, and he said children would grow to full stature. That I believe. Now anything I have said in this letter in giving my views in relation to what you have asked, need not be treated as a private matter, as you suggest. You may make whatever use of them you please. There has got to be a welding link of some kind before we get through with this work that will adopt man to man, and weld all dispensations from Father Adam down to the last Saint. But in all this matter, I do not go around electioneering to get men adopted to me. I don't want any of this work done for me, only what the Lord wants. Paul talked a good deal about Adoptions, but we did not understand much about it, until the Lord revealed it to Joseph Smith, and we may not, perhaps, understand it now as fully as we should. Still the Sealings and Adoptions are true principles, or our Prophets have been badly deceived. [Wilford Woodruff to Samuel Roskelley, June 8, 1887] (3)
Endnotes:
1 - 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, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - 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
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Bro. Heber J. Grant and I called upon Albert Cartington and found him very feable. He expressed an earnest desire to have the privilege of rebaptism and said he was willing to do whatever may be required of him. Bro. Grant and I felt a little diferently about his case. We wrote to Bro. Woodruff, giving him the result of our visit.
I set apart J. W. McMurrin and wife for a mission to England. (1)
-- Mar 29, 1887
Lyman Wight: Baptized by proxy 29 Aug. 1844, again 29 Mar. 1887, priesthood restored before his proxy endowment 30 Mar. (2)
-- Jun 8, 1887
Your letter of the 1st [June 1887] reached me last night. I arrived here [St. George] last night to have an interview with S[amuel] Snow, as he will be here to attend Conference. I have read your letter carefully. Now concerning endowments in all its phases: my own views are these * that we ought to follow out, as far as we can, the pattern laid down by our leaders. I consider that if there ever was any man who thoroughly understood the principle of the Endowments it was Brigham Young. He had been with Joseph Smith from the beginning of the Endowments to the end; and he understood it if any man did. And before his death he required me to write in a book every Ordinance in the Church and Kingdom of God, from the first to the last; beginning with Baptism to the last Ordinance performed through every department of the Endowments. I was several weeks doing this writing, and President Young corrected it all until he got through. Then he said to me, "Now, there you have a pattern of all the Ordinances and Endowments for every Temple we shall build, until the coming of the Son of Man." Now if I ever have anything to do, or to say, in any Temple on the earth, concerning Endowments, I would say: follow the pattern that President Young has set us; and [do] not deviate from it one iota. And if we do that, we may have a hundred Temples at work, and all the work and ceremonies will be alike in every Temple. While on the other hand, if every man who is called to preside over a Temple has his own way, and introduces his own form and ceremonies, our Temple work would be as diverse as the sectarian world and God would not appro[ve] it. Brother Roskelley, I have given Endowments in Salt Lake City for twenty years, and I received my Endowments under the hands of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I directed the fixing up of the Temple in St. George for giving Endowments under the direction of President Young; and since the rules are written for our guidance in all future time, I feel very strenuous that in our giving Endowments we should all work alike, and not deviate from the written word. You say, "we are told here so and so concerning sealings and adoptions." Who is it that has told you these things and given these instructions? I don't think it can be President Taylor, for neither he nor I have ever received such teachings from either Joseph Smith or Brigham Young. But I have been taught quite the reverse by President Young. He told me to have single women of my father's and mother's households sealed to me. I asked him "how many?" He said if there was not over nine hundred and ninety-nine to take them. I had some three hundred sealed to me by his instructions. I don't know whether I shall have to build them each a palace in the Celestial Kingdom of God or not. If I do, I shall have time to do it. I did as I was told. So in relation to Adoptions, most, if not all, of the Presidency and Twelve, have had men adopted to them, and all these Sealings and Adoptions are for the Salvation of the living and the dead. I have never asked any man to be adopted into my family that I can recollect of; but I have had a number of families of friends adopted into my family, as have other men, without any regard as to whether it will, in the future, cost me one dollar or a million. What we have done in this matter has been for the salvation of man. It may possibly be a correct doctrine that a man's kingdom will consist of only the fruit of his own loins. Yet J[e]sus Christ died to save the whole world, and if we, as Apostles and Elders, do nothing for the human family only for the fruit of our own loins, we shall not do much towards magnifying the Holy Priesthood God has given us for saving the souls of man * either the living or the dead. Brother Roskelley, we must not get our minds too puckered up in these principles. We are ordained and appointed Saviors upon Mount Zion, and we must not be afraid to administer the Ordinances of Life and Salvation to our fellow man * living or dead, for fear it will cost us a dollar. I have adopted this rule in Sealings and Adoptions: to take such as the Lord has given me, and leave the result in His hands. I think there is a Book in [the] Logan Temple containing all the Ordinances as directed by President Young. I should recommend following that strictly, that our work in both Temples may be alike. Now concerning what Joseph Smith the Prophet said about children: In the first place he said children would rise from the grave, as they were laid down, and their parents would receive as they laid them away. This, I believe. He conveyed an idea in the first place, that they would not grow, but after more mature reflection, he conveyed the idea that they eventually would grow to the full stature of man. It was a good deal upon the same principle that it was when he got the first revelation on baptism for the dead. He did not at first get the whole of it, but he went into the Mississippi River with myself and a number of others, and we baptized for the dead, without regard to males acting for males only, and females acting for females only, also without any Recorder. But the Lord revealed more to him, and gave him to understand that there should be a Recorder who should strictly record all the baptisms and Ordinances and that man should act for man, and woman for woman. So with regard to his views on the Resurrection * they enlarged before he got through, and he said children would grow to full stature. That I believe. Now anything I have said in this letter in giving my views in relation to what you have asked, need not be treated as a private matter, as you suggest. You may make whatever use of them you please. There has got to be a welding link of some kind before we get through with this work that will adopt man to man, and weld all dispensations from Father Adam down to the last Saint. But in all this matter, I do not go around electioneering to get men adopted to me. I don't want any of this work done for me, only what the Lord wants. Paul talked a good deal about Adoptions, but we did not understand much about it, until the Lord revealed it to Joseph Smith, and we may not, perhaps, understand it now as fully as we should. Still the Sealings and Adoptions are true principles, or our Prophets have been badly deceived. [Wilford Woodruff to Samuel Roskelley, June 8, 1887] (3)
Endnotes:
1 - 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, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - 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
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Nov 17, 1884
-- Nov 17, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 We visited the Manti Temple which was in Excellet Progression. The Pipes & heater was in & most of the windows. Presidet Taylor directed that the sealing room for the dead should be over the Baptismal font.... (1)
-- 1884 December 9
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9 Azmon Called upon me this Morning & I wrote a Letter to Henry Woodruff. F D. Richards & myself had a Meeting with Bishop Rawlins & Nathan Tanner to settle an old difficulty of 10 years standing. We advised Br Tanner to go and Be Baptized & renew his Covenants and He promised to do so. (1)
-- Friday, Jun 3, 1885
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "Frank made confession of his follies before the evening meeting of Ogden on Sunday last and was forgiven. He will be rebaptized, (2)
-- Jun 30, 1885
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30 I spent the day in the Temple. They Baptized 413 for the dead. I spent the night at Br Wm. Squair's. Baptized in June 2,985, 1,373 June 16. [This Woodruff's last recorded Baptism for the dead] (1)
-- Aug 30, 1885
[Sermon] Franklin D. Richards: Parable of the Ten Virgins - Rapid Development of the Arts and Sciences - The Lord Hastening His Work in Its Time - Enmity Between the Church of Christ and the World - The Gathering Together of People From Every Nation After They Have Been Baptized Into One Spirit - The Law of Tithing - Blessings Which Follow Obedience Thereto - Binding Upon All, Rich and Poor Alike - Giving to the Poor - Power of the Principles of the Gospel and Effects of Their Observance - Jehovah - Jesus Christ - His Ministry - His Followers - Their Mission - Preaching to the Spirits in Prison - Baptism for the Dead - Saviors Upon Mount Zion - Responsibility Resting Upon the Saints - a Word of Encouragement to the Missionaries, JD 26:296 - 303 (3)
-- May 11, 1886
The theme of my correspondence on the present occasion will be a subject that has engrossed my mind for many years and especially of late. I have just returned from St George wither I had been with a portion of my family to work for my dead relatives and friends in the Temple of the Lord. I find in looking over my record that my Father died an Elder; I re - c[eive]d for him some 7 years ago his second anointings. He was a good man and was called hence without a moments warning by a St[r]oke of lightning at the age of 63. He was Killed [i]n Beaver City some 27 years ago and I am very desirous to receive for him the ordination as an High Priest that he may belong to the same quorum as my Brother Joshua and myself if it meets with your approval. Bro Erastus Snow was some little acquainted with Father and to him I refer as his advocate. My Brother Joshua had his failings, like many more, but my mind has been set at rest for many years in regard to his present condition and situation in the spirit world. He was never cut off [from] the Church altho he demeaned himself very improperly for some time before his death and no doubt brought about his early demise thro[ugh] his bad habit of drinking. Nevertheless from manifestations I have received since his death I am satisfied that he has sorrowfully repented and is now engaged in doing all the good he can on the other side. If it meets with your approval I would very much like him to receive his second anointings. I was rebaptized for him in the Temple at St George some 8 years ago[.] I take pleasure in mentioning the names of Judge Elias Smith and Pres[iden]t Daniel H. Wells as his advocates. I have another Brother dead named Benjamin[.] He lived in Greenville Beaver Co[unty] [and] also died in the faith. I should be pleased to receive for him his second anointings and will mention the name of Pres[iden]t John R. Murdock of Beaver Stake as his advocate. I hope dear brother you will not deem me presumptous in asking for blessings for my dead relatives * they are very dear to me and I am fully satisfied that the three I have mention'd are doing all they can according to their calling and Priesthood to further on the work of the Lord where they are * I have done for them all I can * I have recd the blessings mention'd for myself and earnestly wish that these near and dear to my heart should share in the same blessings and privileges that I by the clemency of the Priesthood have been permitted to receive. Praying the Lord to shield and protect you and the brethr[e]n with you in the future as he has in the past and with due respect I desire to subscribe myself you[r] Brother in the Gospel. [Christopher J. Arthur to John Taylor, May 11, 1886] (4)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
3 - Journal of Discourses, http://jod.mrm.org
4 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 We visited the Manti Temple which was in Excellet Progression. The Pipes & heater was in & most of the windows. Presidet Taylor directed that the sealing room for the dead should be over the Baptismal font.... (1)
-- 1884 December 9
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9 Azmon Called upon me this Morning & I wrote a Letter to Henry Woodruff. F D. Richards & myself had a Meeting with Bishop Rawlins & Nathan Tanner to settle an old difficulty of 10 years standing. We advised Br Tanner to go and Be Baptized & renew his Covenants and He promised to do so. (1)
-- Friday, Jun 3, 1885
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "Frank made confession of his follies before the evening meeting of Ogden on Sunday last and was forgiven. He will be rebaptized, (2)
-- Jun 30, 1885
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30 I spent the day in the Temple. They Baptized 413 for the dead. I spent the night at Br Wm. Squair's. Baptized in June 2,985, 1,373 June 16. [This Woodruff's last recorded Baptism for the dead] (1)
-- Aug 30, 1885
[Sermon] Franklin D. Richards: Parable of the Ten Virgins - Rapid Development of the Arts and Sciences - The Lord Hastening His Work in Its Time - Enmity Between the Church of Christ and the World - The Gathering Together of People From Every Nation After They Have Been Baptized Into One Spirit - The Law of Tithing - Blessings Which Follow Obedience Thereto - Binding Upon All, Rich and Poor Alike - Giving to the Poor - Power of the Principles of the Gospel and Effects of Their Observance - Jehovah - Jesus Christ - His Ministry - His Followers - Their Mission - Preaching to the Spirits in Prison - Baptism for the Dead - Saviors Upon Mount Zion - Responsibility Resting Upon the Saints - a Word of Encouragement to the Missionaries, JD 26:296 - 303 (3)
-- May 11, 1886
The theme of my correspondence on the present occasion will be a subject that has engrossed my mind for many years and especially of late. I have just returned from St George wither I had been with a portion of my family to work for my dead relatives and friends in the Temple of the Lord. I find in looking over my record that my Father died an Elder; I re - c[eive]d for him some 7 years ago his second anointings. He was a good man and was called hence without a moments warning by a St[r]oke of lightning at the age of 63. He was Killed [i]n Beaver City some 27 years ago and I am very desirous to receive for him the ordination as an High Priest that he may belong to the same quorum as my Brother Joshua and myself if it meets with your approval. Bro Erastus Snow was some little acquainted with Father and to him I refer as his advocate. My Brother Joshua had his failings, like many more, but my mind has been set at rest for many years in regard to his present condition and situation in the spirit world. He was never cut off [from] the Church altho he demeaned himself very improperly for some time before his death and no doubt brought about his early demise thro[ugh] his bad habit of drinking. Nevertheless from manifestations I have received since his death I am satisfied that he has sorrowfully repented and is now engaged in doing all the good he can on the other side. If it meets with your approval I would very much like him to receive his second anointings. I was rebaptized for him in the Temple at St George some 8 years ago[.] I take pleasure in mentioning the names of Judge Elias Smith and Pres[iden]t Daniel H. Wells as his advocates. I have another Brother dead named Benjamin[.] He lived in Greenville Beaver Co[unty] [and] also died in the faith. I should be pleased to receive for him his second anointings and will mention the name of Pres[iden]t John R. Murdock of Beaver Stake as his advocate. I hope dear brother you will not deem me presumptous in asking for blessings for my dead relatives * they are very dear to me and I am fully satisfied that the three I have mention'd are doing all they can according to their calling and Priesthood to further on the work of the Lord where they are * I have done for them all I can * I have recd the blessings mention'd for myself and earnestly wish that these near and dear to my heart should share in the same blessings and privileges that I by the clemency of the Priesthood have been permitted to receive. Praying the Lord to shield and protect you and the brethr[e]n with you in the future as he has in the past and with due respect I desire to subscribe myself you[r] Brother in the Gospel. [Christopher J. Arthur to John Taylor, May 11, 1886] (4)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
3 - Journal of Discourses, http://jod.mrm.org
4 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, 1884 May 21
-- 1884 May 21
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 I went to the Temple. M. W. Merrill was Apointed & ordained & set apart to Preside over the Logan Temple. Presidet Taylor was Mouth. S Roskelley [was] set apart as Temple Recorder By G Q. Cannon. The first Baptisms in the Logan Temple was administered By David Cannon. F. D. Richards was the first Baptized for his health and the renewal of his Covenants. He was Confirmed By John Taylor & G Q Cannon. Sister Rachael Grant was Baptized for her hearing seven times. Many Endowmets were given during the day. Quite a Number of the young Brethren had a wife sealed to them among the number M F. Cowley.
Presidet Taylor officiated in sealing a wife to two of his Sons. W Woodruff gave 2d Anointing to Wm B Preston and wives and to L John Nuttall wife & 2 dead. J D T McAllister gave 2d Anointing to C O Card & wife. D H Wells sealed 19 Couple & J Taylor 2 & 9 Sealings for the Dead. (1)
[John Nuttle Diary] Prests Taylor, Cannon & Smith and the apostles, brethren & Sisters met at the Temple this morning and complete preparations were made for the work in the ordinances
Prest Jos. F Smith [DEL: as :DEL] (sic) E
"
J. D. T. McAllister M & A
Geo Teasdale Y
D. H. Cannon P
A. M. Cannon J
Oli N. Liljenquest J.
N. C. Edlifson L
Thomas Moore P.
Minerva Snow E
L. John Nuttall- Recorder -
Patriarch John Smith Sword & Counting
Prests Taylor Canon & Smith apostles W. Woodruff, L Snow, E Snow F. D Richards, M Thatcher, G. Teasdale H. J. Grant & J. W. Taylor Coun D H Wells - Patriarch John Smith - Bp W. B Preston & C O Card & M W Merrill Met in the garden - when Prest Taylor submitted the name of Bro M. W. Merrill as President of the Logan Temple which was unanimously approved and Brother Merrill was Ordained, blessed and set apart to preside over the Logan Temple and all its affairs - with power and authority to officiate in all Ordinances performed therein & to appoint and set in order the administrators for the Washings, anointings and Endowments [DEL: and sealings :DEL] (sic) administered to the Saints in this Holy House for the living and the dead Elders Nuttall & Leishman having prepared the lists of names of those for baptizms and for Endowments - the saints present were seated in the Recorders Room & in the Hall. when Prest George Q. Cannon offered the Morning prayer afterwhich the ordinance of Baptizm was performed Apostle F. D. Richards the first male for the dead - and Sister Sophia Elizabeth Taylor Nuttall the first female for the dead - others were baptized for their health - and for renewal of Covenants also for the dead Prest Taylor, Cannon & Smith in confirming Apostle F D Richards for the renewal of his covenants - Elder L. John Nuttall & Samuel Rockelly Recorders - Elders Thos Moore & Charles Oscar Dunn as Confirmers M. W. Merrill - C. O. Card & Bro Turner witnesses. The brethren & Sisters called as workers then attended to the Washings & Anointings & Endowments. The ordinances of Baptizms, Washings, anointings, Endowments, Sealings & Second Anointings for the Living and the dead were performed during the day - Elders Ebenezer Young Taylor and Sister also Elder Frank young Taylor and Sister Campbell were united in marriage by Prest John Taylor - these brethren being sons of Prest Taylor - The subject of adoption was presented Elder L John
Nuttall being desirous to have that ordinance attended to - some conversation was had on this matter afterwhich Prest Taylor proposed to consider the subject and he would meet at the Temple to-morrow morning and take such steps as he should deem proper - Prest Taylor & Cannon apostle E. Snow & Elder L John Nuttall were together in considering this subject - [DEL: In the evening :DEL] , (sic) Pres Taylor & wives - Pres Cannon & wife, Pres Smith & wife Prest W Woodruff Elder Nuttall wives & others spent the evening at Supper and in Conversation at the residence of Bro Robert Campbell in honor of the marriage of the Bros E Y & F Y Taylor - (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 I went to the Temple. M. W. Merrill was Apointed & ordained & set apart to Preside over the Logan Temple. Presidet Taylor was Mouth. S Roskelley [was] set apart as Temple Recorder By G Q. Cannon. The first Baptisms in the Logan Temple was administered By David Cannon. F. D. Richards was the first Baptized for his health and the renewal of his Covenants. He was Confirmed By John Taylor & G Q Cannon. Sister Rachael Grant was Baptized for her hearing seven times. Many Endowmets were given during the day. Quite a Number of the young Brethren had a wife sealed to them among the number M F. Cowley.
Presidet Taylor officiated in sealing a wife to two of his Sons. W Woodruff gave 2d Anointing to Wm B Preston and wives and to L John Nuttall wife & 2 dead. J D T McAllister gave 2d Anointing to C O Card & wife. D H Wells sealed 19 Couple & J Taylor 2 & 9 Sealings for the Dead. (1)
[John Nuttle Diary] Prests Taylor, Cannon & Smith and the apostles, brethren & Sisters met at the Temple this morning and complete preparations were made for the work in the ordinances
Prest Jos. F Smith [DEL: as :DEL] (sic) E
"
J. D. T. McAllister M & A
Geo Teasdale Y
D. H. Cannon P
A. M. Cannon J
Oli N. Liljenquest J.
N. C. Edlifson L
Thomas Moore P.
Minerva Snow E
L. John Nuttall- Recorder -
Patriarch John Smith Sword & Counting
Prests Taylor Canon & Smith apostles W. Woodruff, L Snow, E Snow F. D Richards, M Thatcher, G. Teasdale H. J. Grant & J. W. Taylor Coun D H Wells - Patriarch John Smith - Bp W. B Preston & C O Card & M W Merrill Met in the garden - when Prest Taylor submitted the name of Bro M. W. Merrill as President of the Logan Temple which was unanimously approved and Brother Merrill was Ordained, blessed and set apart to preside over the Logan Temple and all its affairs - with power and authority to officiate in all Ordinances performed therein & to appoint and set in order the administrators for the Washings, anointings and Endowments [DEL: and sealings :DEL] (sic) administered to the Saints in this Holy House for the living and the dead Elders Nuttall & Leishman having prepared the lists of names of those for baptizms and for Endowments - the saints present were seated in the Recorders Room & in the Hall. when Prest George Q. Cannon offered the Morning prayer afterwhich the ordinance of Baptizm was performed Apostle F. D. Richards the first male for the dead - and Sister Sophia Elizabeth Taylor Nuttall the first female for the dead - others were baptized for their health - and for renewal of Covenants also for the dead Prest Taylor, Cannon & Smith in confirming Apostle F D Richards for the renewal of his covenants - Elder L. John Nuttall & Samuel Rockelly Recorders - Elders Thos Moore & Charles Oscar Dunn as Confirmers M. W. Merrill - C. O. Card & Bro Turner witnesses. The brethren & Sisters called as workers then attended to the Washings & Anointings & Endowments. The ordinances of Baptizms, Washings, anointings, Endowments, Sealings & Second Anointings for the Living and the dead were performed during the day - Elders Ebenezer Young Taylor and Sister also Elder Frank young Taylor and Sister Campbell were united in marriage by Prest John Taylor - these brethren being sons of Prest Taylor - The subject of adoption was presented Elder L John
Nuttall being desirous to have that ordinance attended to - some conversation was had on this matter afterwhich Prest Taylor proposed to consider the subject and he would meet at the Temple to-morrow morning and take such steps as he should deem proper - Prest Taylor & Cannon apostle E. Snow & Elder L John Nuttall were together in considering this subject - [DEL: In the evening :DEL] , (sic) Pres Taylor & wives - Pres Cannon & wife, Pres Smith & wife Prest W Woodruff Elder Nuttall wives & others spent the evening at Supper and in Conversation at the residence of Bro Robert Campbell in honor of the marriage of the Bros E Y & F Y Taylor - (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, 1883 December 12
-- 1883 December 12
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 12 1883 I went to the Temple & wrote a letter to Presidt Taylor. We attended to Endowments to day. Emma Woodruff was Baptized for the renewal of her Covenants. Emma Woodruff got her Endowments to day for her Grand Mother Smith and we were sealed for 46 Couple of my dead Relatives. We had 66 Endowments and 25 ordinations. E Snow read a vision of Jacob Gates. (1)
-- Dec 12, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 12 1883 I went to the Temple & wrote a letter to Presidt Taylor. We attended to Endowments to day. Emma Woodruff was Baptized for the renewal of her Covenants. Emma Woodruff got her Endowments to day for her Grand Mother Smith and we were sealed for 46 Couple of my dead Relatives. We had 66 Endowments and 25 ordinations. E Snow read a vision of Jacob Gates. (1)
-- Dec 28, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28 I Called upon Br Wakefield then went to the Temple and in searching my record I find I have been baptized for 2,934 of my Dead, have Endowments for 2,305 and have 628 more to be Endowed for. I have been sealed for 978 Couple of Dead friends. I have been sealed for 134 Couple of dead friends on this present visit. There was 57 Endowments to day 30 ordinations & 31 sealings. I dined with Br McAllister.
We held a Meeting & J D. T. McAllister spok 20 M John E Carlisle 15 W Woodruff 55 M, G Teasdale 10. I spent the Night at Br Barrons. 6 Miles. (1)
-- Jan 13, 1884
[Sermon] George Teasdale:: Joseph Smith:'s Testimony Never Proven False - Primitive Organization of the Church - Work of Christ not Completed When He Said, - It is Finished - Why Should So Much Fault Be Found With the Latter - Day Saints? - The World's Objection to - Mormonism - History of the Apostles - Authority to Preach the Gospel Restored - Temples - Baptism for the Dead - Book of Mormon - Restoration of the Priesthood - Cause of Persecution - No Surrender - Plural Marriage, JD 25:13 - 22 (2)
-- Feb 4, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4 + I rode to Logan and visited the Temple with the Presidency and Twelve and the Architect Truman O Angel Jr had got the platform on the South side of the font as marked in black. I told the Company that the recorder witnesses and Confirmers should be as near together as possible at the south End so the administrator Could hear the recorder distinctly when the names are Called off as I have marked it in read.
No Architect in building a Temple who is not thoroughly acquainted with giving Endowments should go to work to build a Temple according to his own ideas without Consulting with the building Committee and the Presidency of the Church and those who do understand what is necessary for the work of the Endowments. By persuing this Cource in Logan Temple Br Angel has made many mistakes and much work has had to be undone.
At the Close of our visit at the Temple we took Cars & rode to Salt Lake City & spent the night. Distance 100 Miles. (1)
-- Monday February 4th 1884
[John Nuttle Diary] Prest Taylor feeling well in health this Morning. at 9 a m Prst Taylor and the brethren went to the Temple and considered as to the Carpeting of the rooms - also decided as to the seating of the Recorder - Witnesses & confirmer's at the Font ... (3)
-- 1884 February 14
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 My Son Asahel H Woodruff was reBaptized this morning and received his Endowments. President Taylor paid us a visit this morning in our Office. (1)
-- Feb 14, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 My Son Asahel H Woodruff was reBaptized this morning and received his Endowments. President Taylor paid us a visit this morning in our Office. (1)
-- May 21, 1884
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [At Logan temple] A number of Batisms [sic] then followed for the living and dead, among the number was my mother, she was baptized seven times for her health and hearing. Prests Taylor and Cannon, Apostles Erastus Snow, Moses Thatcher and H.J. Grant confirmed mother. Prest Geo. Q. Cannon being mouth. Bishop David Cannon of Saint George officiated in baptizing. I never felt better in my life than while assisting in my mother's confirmation, and I am free to confess that as near as I can judge the testimony of the spirit it was that her hearing should be restored to her. (4)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Journal of Discourses, http://jod.mrm.org
3 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
4 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 12 1883 I went to the Temple & wrote a letter to Presidt Taylor. We attended to Endowments to day. Emma Woodruff was Baptized for the renewal of her Covenants. Emma Woodruff got her Endowments to day for her Grand Mother Smith and we were sealed for 46 Couple of my dead Relatives. We had 66 Endowments and 25 ordinations. E Snow read a vision of Jacob Gates. (1)
-- Dec 12, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 12 1883 I went to the Temple & wrote a letter to Presidt Taylor. We attended to Endowments to day. Emma Woodruff was Baptized for the renewal of her Covenants. Emma Woodruff got her Endowments to day for her Grand Mother Smith and we were sealed for 46 Couple of my dead Relatives. We had 66 Endowments and 25 ordinations. E Snow read a vision of Jacob Gates. (1)
-- Dec 28, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28 I Called upon Br Wakefield then went to the Temple and in searching my record I find I have been baptized for 2,934 of my Dead, have Endowments for 2,305 and have 628 more to be Endowed for. I have been sealed for 978 Couple of Dead friends. I have been sealed for 134 Couple of dead friends on this present visit. There was 57 Endowments to day 30 ordinations & 31 sealings. I dined with Br McAllister.
We held a Meeting & J D. T. McAllister spok 20 M John E Carlisle 15 W Woodruff 55 M, G Teasdale 10. I spent the Night at Br Barrons. 6 Miles. (1)
-- Jan 13, 1884
[Sermon] George Teasdale:: Joseph Smith:'s Testimony Never Proven False - Primitive Organization of the Church - Work of Christ not Completed When He Said, - It is Finished - Why Should So Much Fault Be Found With the Latter - Day Saints? - The World's Objection to - Mormonism - History of the Apostles - Authority to Preach the Gospel Restored - Temples - Baptism for the Dead - Book of Mormon - Restoration of the Priesthood - Cause of Persecution - No Surrender - Plural Marriage, JD 25:13 - 22 (2)
-- Feb 4, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4 + I rode to Logan and visited the Temple with the Presidency and Twelve and the Architect Truman O Angel Jr had got the platform on the South side of the font as marked in black. I told the Company that the recorder witnesses and Confirmers should be as near together as possible at the south End so the administrator Could hear the recorder distinctly when the names are Called off as I have marked it in read.
No Architect in building a Temple who is not thoroughly acquainted with giving Endowments should go to work to build a Temple according to his own ideas without Consulting with the building Committee and the Presidency of the Church and those who do understand what is necessary for the work of the Endowments. By persuing this Cource in Logan Temple Br Angel has made many mistakes and much work has had to be undone.
At the Close of our visit at the Temple we took Cars & rode to Salt Lake City & spent the night. Distance 100 Miles. (1)
-- Monday February 4th 1884
[John Nuttle Diary] Prest Taylor feeling well in health this Morning. at 9 a m Prst Taylor and the brethren went to the Temple and considered as to the Carpeting of the rooms - also decided as to the seating of the Recorder - Witnesses & confirmer's at the Font ... (3)
-- 1884 February 14
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 My Son Asahel H Woodruff was reBaptized this morning and received his Endowments. President Taylor paid us a visit this morning in our Office. (1)
-- Feb 14, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 My Son Asahel H Woodruff was reBaptized this morning and received his Endowments. President Taylor paid us a visit this morning in our Office. (1)
-- May 21, 1884
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [At Logan temple] A number of Batisms [sic] then followed for the living and dead, among the number was my mother, she was baptized seven times for her health and hearing. Prests Taylor and Cannon, Apostles Erastus Snow, Moses Thatcher and H.J. Grant confirmed mother. Prest Geo. Q. Cannon being mouth. Bishop David Cannon of Saint George officiated in baptizing. I never felt better in my life than while assisting in my mother's confirmation, and I am free to confess that as near as I can judge the testimony of the spirit it was that her hearing should be restored to her. (4)
Endnotes:
1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Journal of Discourses, http://jod.mrm.org
3 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
4 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Nov 20, 1881
-- Nov 20, 1881
Pres[ident] Erastus Snow arose and read Par[agraphs] 12, 13, 14, & 15 of Section 128 of the D[octrine] & C[ovenants]. He said the general features of the St. George Temple are in conformity to those of the Kirtland Temple which was dedicated in April 1836. That temple may be said to have been built to show forth the order of the priesthood, Aaronic and Melchizedek * the priesthood there received the ordinance of the washing of feet and the anointing of the head with oil. This was confirmed to those holding the priesthood. There was no baptismal font in the temple at Kirtland for that ordinance had not been revealed to the people. By the time the Nauvoo Temple was being built the doctrine of the baptism for the dead was revealed and one of the first thing[s] attended to there was the preparation of the font for the Baptism of the Dead. It was revealed here in St. George to the prophet Brigham Young that there should be variations made in the temples to be built. This was given unto the Prophet Brigham in answer to his question, "Oh Lord show unto thy servants if we shall build all temples after the same pattern?" The answer came. "Do you all build your houses after the same pattern? Do you[,] after increasing your families[,] build after the same pattern used when your family is small? So shall the growth of the knowledge of the principles of the Gospel among my people cause diversity in the pattern of Temples." [St. George Stake Historical Record, Nov. 20, 1881 , typed excerpt in Buerger Papers] (1)
-- Mon. Nov. 28th, 1881
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "In the evening six persons came here to be baptized; they were Peter Vogel, his wife Katharina, and daughter Margaretha, Franz J. Medel, and Johann Bauer, with his wife Babeta. I baptized them all, the first named being also baptized for his health, he having a lame back." (2)
-- Feb 2, 1882
[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Permission to baptize children in Temple font.
Sent information to Priesthood Meeting, we had liberty to Baptise our children who are eight years old in the temple font. (3)
-- Saturday Feb 4, 1882
[John Nuttle Diary] Prest Taylor arranged to visit the Temple at 11 a m - whilst some of the brethren attended the Conference Meeting - received a letter from Bro John Albiston of Richmond At 11 A. M. Prest Taylor & the brethren visited the Temple and proposed such changes and improvements and gave other directions as to the finishing as appeared Necessary - It was ordered that the Windows of the Font room be cut down even with the floor to give more light Conference convened at. 10 A. M. present. Pres Smith. L. Snow. E Snow F. D. Richards. Lyman. & faith - choir Sang - prayer by J. H. Smith.. Elder E. Snow F. M. Lyman spoke the Statistical report was read also the Relief Society report - Elder Edward Dalton spoke. choir Sang & Geo F. Gibbs dismissed [illegible] p.m. - (4)
-- Wednesday, Dec 13, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool
It is snowing and foggy.
I wrote letters to Edwin Eyre, J. A. West, Ben E. Rich and Joseph A. A. Bunot. I also drafted a letter to be sent to all of the Presidents of conferences asking for information in regard to the baptisms for the year 1882, the number of first Baptisms and what proportion are the children of the saints, and what proportion of New Converts and also the number of rebaptisms. (5)
-- Mar 26, 1883
The corner stones were laid on the 10th day of March, 1873, and labor was continued thereon until Jan[.] 1st, 1877, when it was dedicated to God. (See W[ilford] Woodruff 's Journal of Jan[.] 1st, 1877, which contains the dedicatory prayers of W[ilford] Woodruff, Erastus Snow, and B[righam] Young Jr., also the speech of President [Brigham] Young.) I, Wilford Woodruff, bear testimony, that Pres[iden]t B[righam] Young told me to go to work and prepare the Temple for giving Endowments, and I had made the preparations according to his acceptance; and on the 9th of Jan., 1877, we repaired to the Temple and for the first time the ordinance of baptism for the dead was performed in the Temple of St. George[.] Wilford Woodruff went into the font by the direction of Pres[iden]t Brigham Young and administered the ordinance of baptism for the first 140 persons, and confirmed the first person, Pres[iden]t Young laying on hands at the same time. John L. Smith administered the ordinance of baptism for the next 83 persons, making 223 baptisms and confirmations during that day. Wilford Woodruff Confirmed one 1. J[ohn] D. T. McAllister confirmed 64, A[lonzo] H. Raleigh 15, H[enry] W. Bigler 123, and Erastus Snow 20. Susie Amelia Young Dunford was the first baptized and confirmed by W[ilford] Woodruff. Pres[iden]t Brigham Young requested me to take charge of the Temple, which I did. He also requested me to write all the ordinances of the Church from the first baptism and confirmation through every ordinance of the Church. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon assisted some in this writing, and when I had finished it to the satisfaction of the Pres ident, he said to me, "Now you have before you an ensample to carry on the endowments in all the temples until the coming of the Son of Man." On the 8th of April, 1877, W[ilford] Woodruff was appointed in the public assembly to take charge of the Temple and preside over it, and in private conversation with the President, he said he wanted me to take the whole charge of the Temple and attend to all affairs connected with the endowments, sealings &c. I told him I was not able to go to the altar and do all the sealings as I had injured myself at that labor in the Salt Lake Endowment House. Pres[iden]t Young told me to go to work and ordain some men to help me to do the sealing[s]. He told me to set apart J[ohn] D. T. McAllister and David H. Cannon for that purpose and, if I needed more, to set them apart. I set apart Br[other] McAllister to that work April 14th, 1877. I set apart David H. Cannon for the same purpose on the 27th of April. I also set apart James G. Bleak to officiate at the altar some time afterward (I do not recollect the date). (2d March 1881.) Pres[iden]t Young gave me power and authority to give second anointings and seal women to men as I might be led by the Spirit of God. I parted with Pres[iden]t Young for the last time in the flesh at 9:30 A.M. on April 16th, 1877, when he started for Salt Lake City. Brigham Young Jr., was very sick at the time. When I left St. George, I placed the presidency of the Temple in the hands of John David Thompson McAllister, who was to preside over it in my absence. This is the testimony which I Wilford Woodruff bear to all whom it may concern. [Wilford Woodruff, "History of the St. George Temple, Its Cost & Dedication and the Labor Thereon", Mar. 26, 1883] (1)
Footnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
3 - Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
4 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - 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, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Pres[ident] Erastus Snow arose and read Par[agraphs] 12, 13, 14, & 15 of Section 128 of the D[octrine] & C[ovenants]. He said the general features of the St. George Temple are in conformity to those of the Kirtland Temple which was dedicated in April 1836. That temple may be said to have been built to show forth the order of the priesthood, Aaronic and Melchizedek * the priesthood there received the ordinance of the washing of feet and the anointing of the head with oil. This was confirmed to those holding the priesthood. There was no baptismal font in the temple at Kirtland for that ordinance had not been revealed to the people. By the time the Nauvoo Temple was being built the doctrine of the baptism for the dead was revealed and one of the first thing[s] attended to there was the preparation of the font for the Baptism of the Dead. It was revealed here in St. George to the prophet Brigham Young that there should be variations made in the temples to be built. This was given unto the Prophet Brigham in answer to his question, "Oh Lord show unto thy servants if we shall build all temples after the same pattern?" The answer came. "Do you all build your houses after the same pattern? Do you[,] after increasing your families[,] build after the same pattern used when your family is small? So shall the growth of the knowledge of the principles of the Gospel among my people cause diversity in the pattern of Temples." [St. George Stake Historical Record, Nov. 20, 1881 , typed excerpt in Buerger Papers] (1)
-- Mon. Nov. 28th, 1881
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "In the evening six persons came here to be baptized; they were Peter Vogel, his wife Katharina, and daughter Margaretha, Franz J. Medel, and Johann Bauer, with his wife Babeta. I baptized them all, the first named being also baptized for his health, he having a lame back." (2)
-- Feb 2, 1882
[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Permission to baptize children in Temple font.
Sent information to Priesthood Meeting, we had liberty to Baptise our children who are eight years old in the temple font. (3)
-- Saturday Feb 4, 1882
[John Nuttle Diary] Prest Taylor arranged to visit the Temple at 11 a m - whilst some of the brethren attended the Conference Meeting - received a letter from Bro John Albiston of Richmond At 11 A. M. Prest Taylor & the brethren visited the Temple and proposed such changes and improvements and gave other directions as to the finishing as appeared Necessary - It was ordered that the Windows of the Font room be cut down even with the floor to give more light Conference convened at. 10 A. M. present. Pres Smith. L. Snow. E Snow F. D. Richards. Lyman. & faith - choir Sang - prayer by J. H. Smith.. Elder E. Snow F. M. Lyman spoke the Statistical report was read also the Relief Society report - Elder Edward Dalton spoke. choir Sang & Geo F. Gibbs dismissed [illegible] p.m. - (4)
-- Wednesday, Dec 13, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool
It is snowing and foggy.
I wrote letters to Edwin Eyre, J. A. West, Ben E. Rich and Joseph A. A. Bunot. I also drafted a letter to be sent to all of the Presidents of conferences asking for information in regard to the baptisms for the year 1882, the number of first Baptisms and what proportion are the children of the saints, and what proportion of New Converts and also the number of rebaptisms. (5)
-- Mar 26, 1883
The corner stones were laid on the 10th day of March, 1873, and labor was continued thereon until Jan[.] 1st, 1877, when it was dedicated to God. (See W[ilford] Woodruff 's Journal of Jan[.] 1st, 1877, which contains the dedicatory prayers of W[ilford] Woodruff, Erastus Snow, and B[righam] Young Jr., also the speech of President [Brigham] Young.) I, Wilford Woodruff, bear testimony, that Pres[iden]t B[righam] Young told me to go to work and prepare the Temple for giving Endowments, and I had made the preparations according to his acceptance; and on the 9th of Jan., 1877, we repaired to the Temple and for the first time the ordinance of baptism for the dead was performed in the Temple of St. George[.] Wilford Woodruff went into the font by the direction of Pres[iden]t Brigham Young and administered the ordinance of baptism for the first 140 persons, and confirmed the first person, Pres[iden]t Young laying on hands at the same time. John L. Smith administered the ordinance of baptism for the next 83 persons, making 223 baptisms and confirmations during that day. Wilford Woodruff Confirmed one 1. J[ohn] D. T. McAllister confirmed 64, A[lonzo] H. Raleigh 15, H[enry] W. Bigler 123, and Erastus Snow 20. Susie Amelia Young Dunford was the first baptized and confirmed by W[ilford] Woodruff. Pres[iden]t Brigham Young requested me to take charge of the Temple, which I did. He also requested me to write all the ordinances of the Church from the first baptism and confirmation through every ordinance of the Church. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon assisted some in this writing, and when I had finished it to the satisfaction of the Pres ident, he said to me, "Now you have before you an ensample to carry on the endowments in all the temples until the coming of the Son of Man." On the 8th of April, 1877, W[ilford] Woodruff was appointed in the public assembly to take charge of the Temple and preside over it, and in private conversation with the President, he said he wanted me to take the whole charge of the Temple and attend to all affairs connected with the endowments, sealings &c. I told him I was not able to go to the altar and do all the sealings as I had injured myself at that labor in the Salt Lake Endowment House. Pres[iden]t Young told me to go to work and ordain some men to help me to do the sealing[s]. He told me to set apart J[ohn] D. T. McAllister and David H. Cannon for that purpose and, if I needed more, to set them apart. I set apart Br[other] McAllister to that work April 14th, 1877. I set apart David H. Cannon for the same purpose on the 27th of April. I also set apart James G. Bleak to officiate at the altar some time afterward (I do not recollect the date). (2d March 1881.) Pres[iden]t Young gave me power and authority to give second anointings and seal women to men as I might be led by the Spirit of God. I parted with Pres[iden]t Young for the last time in the flesh at 9:30 A.M. on April 16th, 1877, when he started for Salt Lake City. Brigham Young Jr., was very sick at the time. When I left St. George, I placed the presidency of the Temple in the hands of John David Thompson McAllister, who was to preside over it in my absence. This is the testimony which I Wilford Woodruff bear to all whom it may concern. [Wilford Woodruff, "History of the St. George Temple, Its Cost & Dedication and the Labor Thereon", Mar. 26, 1883] (1)
Footnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
3 - Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
4 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - 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, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, 1877
-- During 1877
(Susa Young Gates) A few months later she recorded this self-portrait: "5'3". 115 lbs. Dark blue or grey eyes, light 'rather curly' brown hair. I must confess my teeth are the only redeeming feature of my face."
In 1877 Susa became the first person to be baptized for the dead in the newly completed Saint George Temple. (1)
-- Mar 25, 1878
You understood Bro[ther] Joseph F. Smith rightly with regard to those only being accepted at the Endowment House who have been re-baptized. We do not think that the blessings of the House of the Lord are for those who are either too careless or too indifferent to give heed to the servants of God, when a call is made for repentance and renewal of covenants. The only exceptions that we make to this rule are with those whose first baptism has occurred within a few (say six or eight) months. [John Taylor to F. Spencer, Mar. 25, 1878] (2)
-- Thurs. Mar 25, 1880
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "–". . . were talking for a while about rebaptism and Bro. Enz told me that he was rebaptized a short time after coming on his mission; as I felt it my duty, and felt I must also be rebaptized before I could receive a full measure of God's blessings, I requested the same at Bro. Enz's hands. . , . About 8 o'clock on this lovely moonlight evening, we went down on the banks of the Rhine, and after praying, Bro. Enz rebaptized and reconfirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; I will now try and live better than I have done in the past, and be the instrument in the Lord's hands of doing much good; may my Heavenly (Father) help me so to do. I have felt for some time that I should do this, and now it is done, a load seems to be taken from my shoulders." (3)
-- Oct 21, 1880
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 I received 4 letters. I wrote 1 to Jacobson. Br Henry Charles Fowler Baptized my Daughter Susan C Scholes in the font for the Renewal of her Covenants and her health. (4)
-- Apr 2, 1881
In meeting of stake presidents with First Presidency and apostles: "Before parties can be recommended to the Temples or house of the Lord, they must be rebaptised & must be tithing payers." (5)
-- June 12th, 1881
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Another case of rebaptism. "After meeting, Bro. Bloesch, the president of the branch, expressed the desire to be rebaptized. He is guilty of having intercourse with another man's wife, but he asked forgiveness for this, and made everything right as near as possible. We therefore went down to the Bieler Canal, where I rebaptized Bro. Bloesch and baptized Elsie Bangeter, Bro. Alder confirming the former and I the latter." (3)
-- Oct 11, 1881
You say, "If parties are to be rebaptized regardless of how recent their first baptism may have been, &c. &c. we will cheerfully comply." In the first place we think it extremely riskey to send persons to the [Endowment] House &c. who are only "recently baptized." We think people should have an opportunity to prove themselves, before coming to the House or going to the Temple, especially [in]experienced people. They should at least "summer and winter" in the Church, and then if deemed worthy to come for sacred ordinances, agreeable to [the] letter of instructions sent to the Bishops and Presidents on this subject when the House was re-opened, they should be rebaptized for the renewal of their covenants before being recommended by the bishop. [Joseph F. Smith to William Bringhurst, Oct. 11, 1881; emphasis in original] (2)
-- Nov 18, 1881
Permit me to draw your attention to the fact that a few days ago you signed a recommend in favor of a young man, residing in Brigham City, who had not been re-baptized, and whose first baptism took place as long ago as 1863. The consequence was we were compelled to rebaptize him before he could receive his blessing. When such things occur it causes inconveniences and delay to the whole company passing through on that day, and is also contrary to the rules that govern in such matters. Will you please notify the Bishops in your Stake that all persons whose first baptisms have not taken place within a very recent period must be re-baptized before they receive their recommends to pass through the House of the Lord. [Joseph F. Smith to Oliver G. Snow, Nov. 18, 1881] (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
3 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
(Susa Young Gates) A few months later she recorded this self-portrait: "5'3". 115 lbs. Dark blue or grey eyes, light 'rather curly' brown hair. I must confess my teeth are the only redeeming feature of my face."
In 1877 Susa became the first person to be baptized for the dead in the newly completed Saint George Temple. (1)
-- Mar 25, 1878
You understood Bro[ther] Joseph F. Smith rightly with regard to those only being accepted at the Endowment House who have been re-baptized. We do not think that the blessings of the House of the Lord are for those who are either too careless or too indifferent to give heed to the servants of God, when a call is made for repentance and renewal of covenants. The only exceptions that we make to this rule are with those whose first baptism has occurred within a few (say six or eight) months. [John Taylor to F. Spencer, Mar. 25, 1878] (2)
-- Thurs. Mar 25, 1880
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "–". . . were talking for a while about rebaptism and Bro. Enz told me that he was rebaptized a short time after coming on his mission; as I felt it my duty, and felt I must also be rebaptized before I could receive a full measure of God's blessings, I requested the same at Bro. Enz's hands. . , . About 8 o'clock on this lovely moonlight evening, we went down on the banks of the Rhine, and after praying, Bro. Enz rebaptized and reconfirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; I will now try and live better than I have done in the past, and be the instrument in the Lord's hands of doing much good; may my Heavenly (Father) help me so to do. I have felt for some time that I should do this, and now it is done, a load seems to be taken from my shoulders." (3)
-- Oct 21, 1880
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 I received 4 letters. I wrote 1 to Jacobson. Br Henry Charles Fowler Baptized my Daughter Susan C Scholes in the font for the Renewal of her Covenants and her health. (4)
-- Apr 2, 1881
In meeting of stake presidents with First Presidency and apostles: "Before parties can be recommended to the Temples or house of the Lord, they must be rebaptised & must be tithing payers." (5)
-- June 12th, 1881
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Another case of rebaptism. "After meeting, Bro. Bloesch, the president of the branch, expressed the desire to be rebaptized. He is guilty of having intercourse with another man's wife, but he asked forgiveness for this, and made everything right as near as possible. We therefore went down to the Bieler Canal, where I rebaptized Bro. Bloesch and baptized Elsie Bangeter, Bro. Alder confirming the former and I the latter." (3)
-- Oct 11, 1881
You say, "If parties are to be rebaptized regardless of how recent their first baptism may have been, &c. &c. we will cheerfully comply." In the first place we think it extremely riskey to send persons to the [Endowment] House &c. who are only "recently baptized." We think people should have an opportunity to prove themselves, before coming to the House or going to the Temple, especially [in]experienced people. They should at least "summer and winter" in the Church, and then if deemed worthy to come for sacred ordinances, agreeable to [the] letter of instructions sent to the Bishops and Presidents on this subject when the House was re-opened, they should be rebaptized for the renewal of their covenants before being recommended by the bishop. [Joseph F. Smith to William Bringhurst, Oct. 11, 1881; emphasis in original] (2)
-- Nov 18, 1881
Permit me to draw your attention to the fact that a few days ago you signed a recommend in favor of a young man, residing in Brigham City, who had not been re-baptized, and whose first baptism took place as long ago as 1863. The consequence was we were compelled to rebaptize him before he could receive his blessing. When such things occur it causes inconveniences and delay to the whole company passing through on that day, and is also contrary to the rules that govern in such matters. Will you please notify the Bishops in your Stake that all persons whose first baptisms have not taken place within a very recent period must be re-baptized before they receive their recommends to pass through the House of the Lord. [Joseph F. Smith to Oliver G. Snow, Nov. 18, 1881] (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
3 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4
4 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
5 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
Rebaptism, Sep 16, 1877
-- Sep 16, 1877
[Temple] I will say here, before closing, that two weeks before I left St. George, the spirits of the dead were gathered around me, wanting to know why we did not redeem them. Said they, "You have had the use of the Endowment House for a number of years, and yet nothing has ever been done for us. We laid the foundation of the government you now enjoy, and we never apostatized from it, but we remained true to it and were faithful to God." These were the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and they waited on me for two days and two nights. I thought it very singular, that notwithstanding so much work had been done, and yet nothing had been done for them. The thought never entered my heart, from the fact, I suppose, that heretofore our minds were reaching after our more immediate friends and relatives. I straightway went into the baptismal font and called upon Brother [John D. T.] MacAllister to baptize me for the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and fifty other eminent men, making one hundred in all, including John Wesley, Columbus, and others; I then baptized him for every President of the United States, except three; and when their cause is just, somebody will do the work for them. [Wilford Woodruff discourse, Sept. 16, 1877 , Journal of Discourses, 19:229-30] (1)
-- Sep 25, 1877
[Temple] Your favor of the 22nd, inst.[,] asking the form of ceremony you ought to use in rebaptizing persons who wish the ordinance, and also the form of ceremony in confirming the same, has been received. Your letter was read to the Council, and it has been decided that the proper form to be used in rebaptizing persons who have not been cut off the Church or dealt with for their fellowship is as follows: the person who has authority from the Lord to baptize shall go down into the water with the person to be baptized, and shall say, calling him or her by name, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for the remission of your sins, and for the renewal of your covenants, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." In confirming[,] it is proper to reconfirm the members of the Church and to seal upon them all the former baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, patriarchal blessings, and if they have had their endowments, their washings, anointings and their sealing ordinances. [John Taylor to Moses Thatcher, Sept. 25, 1877] (1)
-- Oct 6, 1877
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Oct 6 1877 I received 2 letters No 12. I wrote No 19. I met in general Conference this Morning with all the Quorum of the Twelve John Taylor presiding. All the Authorities of the Church in this Country were preset. Prayer by Joseph Young. G. Q. Cannon said it was the intention to have read the report of all the Stakes but the report of all the Stakes was not handed in but He would read what He had.
Elder Woodruff gave An account of his labors in St George from the time of the dedication of the Temple uP till the time He left from the 9 Jan till the 20 Sept 1877.
We Baptized for the living 395 for the Dead 23,989. Gave Endowments for the Living Males 424, females 520 Dead Males 4,204 Females 6,448. Ordinations For the dead 7 High Priest, Living Elders 264, Dead 4,085. Sealing of females to Males Living 356, Dead 3,352. Sealing of Children to parents Living 174, Dead 95. Adoptions Living 25 Dead 28. Second Anointings Living 179, Dead 130. Elder E Snow then addressed the Meeting Followed by G Q. Cannon.
Afternoon. The Authorities of the Church were presented Begining with the Twelve Apostles with John Taylor as their presidet. All these votes were put to each Quorum separately and each body Rose to their feet and raised their right hand and all the Authorities were presented in this way through all the Quorums then put to the whole Assembly. It was A vary solumn occasion and oppresive scene. (2)
-- Nov 15, 1877
[A]fter a very free expression of the members of the Quorum [of Twelve], it was obvious that it was the feeling of all present that the [means] to lawful marriage according to the sealing ordinance of the Holy Priesthood should not be diminished amongst the Latterday Saints, but that marriage should be encouraged in our midst by every means within our power not inconsistent with the revealed will of God. It was also deemed salutory to have the Priesthood discountenance wherever practicable, the marriages of Latter-day Saints in any place not especially dedicated and set apart for the performance of the ordinances of the House of the Lord, of which the ceremony which unites the sexes in the bonds of matrimony is a very im portant part. To aid in the accomplishment of this object, it was unanimously resolved by the Councils of the Apostles to re-open the Endowment House in this city for the performance of certain ordinances of the House of the Lord, namely: * First, for the sealing of those in full fellowship in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have been married for time by any Apostle, Bishop, Elder, Justice of the Peace, etc. since the close of the Endowment House in October, 1876. Secondly, for the sealing of the members of the Church in good standing who have not been married but who desire to be sealed, and to whom a journey to the Temple at St. George for this purpose would not be convenient or practicable. Thirdly, for the purpose of giving endowments to the very aged, sick, or infirm, such, and such only as their Bishop may think will probably not live until the Temple at Salt Lake City, Manti, or Logan is completed and opened. Those desiring to receive the benefit of these ordinances must obtain a recommend from the Bishop of the Ward or settlement in which they reside, or in the absence of the Bishop, the recommend may be signed by the President of the Stake. It will be well for persons presenting themselves at the Endowment House to receive the ordinances thereof, to be prepared to reply to the following questions: * "When were you born?" "Where were you born?" "When were you first baptized?" "What is your Father's name?" "What was your Mother's maiden name?" No person will be eligible to receive these blessings except they have been rebaptized. The Endowment House will be open for the performance of the ordinances mentioned on the last Thursday in November and thenceforth, until otherwise ordered, on the last Thursday of every month. All parties interested should be at the House not later than 8 o'clock a.m. Please notify the Bishops in the Stake over which you preside of these instructions. [John Taylor to Angus M. Cannon, Nov. 15, 1877] (1)
Footnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
[Temple] I will say here, before closing, that two weeks before I left St. George, the spirits of the dead were gathered around me, wanting to know why we did not redeem them. Said they, "You have had the use of the Endowment House for a number of years, and yet nothing has ever been done for us. We laid the foundation of the government you now enjoy, and we never apostatized from it, but we remained true to it and were faithful to God." These were the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and they waited on me for two days and two nights. I thought it very singular, that notwithstanding so much work had been done, and yet nothing had been done for them. The thought never entered my heart, from the fact, I suppose, that heretofore our minds were reaching after our more immediate friends and relatives. I straightway went into the baptismal font and called upon Brother [John D. T.] MacAllister to baptize me for the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and fifty other eminent men, making one hundred in all, including John Wesley, Columbus, and others; I then baptized him for every President of the United States, except three; and when their cause is just, somebody will do the work for them. [Wilford Woodruff discourse, Sept. 16, 1877 , Journal of Discourses, 19:229-30] (1)
-- Sep 25, 1877
[Temple] Your favor of the 22nd, inst.[,] asking the form of ceremony you ought to use in rebaptizing persons who wish the ordinance, and also the form of ceremony in confirming the same, has been received. Your letter was read to the Council, and it has been decided that the proper form to be used in rebaptizing persons who have not been cut off the Church or dealt with for their fellowship is as follows: the person who has authority from the Lord to baptize shall go down into the water with the person to be baptized, and shall say, calling him or her by name, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for the remission of your sins, and for the renewal of your covenants, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." In confirming[,] it is proper to reconfirm the members of the Church and to seal upon them all the former baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, patriarchal blessings, and if they have had their endowments, their washings, anointings and their sealing ordinances. [John Taylor to Moses Thatcher, Sept. 25, 1877] (1)
-- Oct 6, 1877
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Oct 6 1877 I received 2 letters No 12. I wrote No 19. I met in general Conference this Morning with all the Quorum of the Twelve John Taylor presiding. All the Authorities of the Church in this Country were preset. Prayer by Joseph Young. G. Q. Cannon said it was the intention to have read the report of all the Stakes but the report of all the Stakes was not handed in but He would read what He had.
Elder Woodruff gave An account of his labors in St George from the time of the dedication of the Temple uP till the time He left from the 9 Jan till the 20 Sept 1877.
We Baptized for the living 395 for the Dead 23,989. Gave Endowments for the Living Males 424, females 520 Dead Males 4,204 Females 6,448. Ordinations For the dead 7 High Priest, Living Elders 264, Dead 4,085. Sealing of females to Males Living 356, Dead 3,352. Sealing of Children to parents Living 174, Dead 95. Adoptions Living 25 Dead 28. Second Anointings Living 179, Dead 130. Elder E Snow then addressed the Meeting Followed by G Q. Cannon.
Afternoon. The Authorities of the Church were presented Begining with the Twelve Apostles with John Taylor as their presidet. All these votes were put to each Quorum separately and each body Rose to their feet and raised their right hand and all the Authorities were presented in this way through all the Quorums then put to the whole Assembly. It was A vary solumn occasion and oppresive scene. (2)
-- Nov 15, 1877
[A]fter a very free expression of the members of the Quorum [of Twelve], it was obvious that it was the feeling of all present that the [means] to lawful marriage according to the sealing ordinance of the Holy Priesthood should not be diminished amongst the Latterday Saints, but that marriage should be encouraged in our midst by every means within our power not inconsistent with the revealed will of God. It was also deemed salutory to have the Priesthood discountenance wherever practicable, the marriages of Latter-day Saints in any place not especially dedicated and set apart for the performance of the ordinances of the House of the Lord, of which the ceremony which unites the sexes in the bonds of matrimony is a very im portant part. To aid in the accomplishment of this object, it was unanimously resolved by the Councils of the Apostles to re-open the Endowment House in this city for the performance of certain ordinances of the House of the Lord, namely: * First, for the sealing of those in full fellowship in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have been married for time by any Apostle, Bishop, Elder, Justice of the Peace, etc. since the close of the Endowment House in October, 1876. Secondly, for the sealing of the members of the Church in good standing who have not been married but who desire to be sealed, and to whom a journey to the Temple at St. George for this purpose would not be convenient or practicable. Thirdly, for the purpose of giving endowments to the very aged, sick, or infirm, such, and such only as their Bishop may think will probably not live until the Temple at Salt Lake City, Manti, or Logan is completed and opened. Those desiring to receive the benefit of these ordinances must obtain a recommend from the Bishop of the Ward or settlement in which they reside, or in the absence of the Bishop, the recommend may be signed by the President of the Stake. It will be well for persons presenting themselves at the Endowment House to receive the ordinances thereof, to be prepared to reply to the following questions: * "When were you born?" "Where were you born?" "When were you first baptized?" "What is your Father's name?" "What was your Mother's maiden name?" No person will be eligible to receive these blessings except they have been rebaptized. The Endowment House will be open for the performance of the ordinances mentioned on the last Thursday in November and thenceforth, until otherwise ordered, on the last Thursday of every month. All parties interested should be at the House not later than 8 o'clock a.m. Please notify the Bishops in the Stake over which you preside of these instructions. [John Taylor to Angus M. Cannon, Nov. 15, 1877] (1)
Footnotes:
1 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Unconventional Baptisms
Mormon History Timeline: Forms of Rebaptism in LDS History
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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