-- Jan 11, 1999
Presidents Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were at the office.
Dr. James E. Talmage called and reported his recent visit to San Francisco [California], where he had been on personal business. Prior to going, he had been requested by the Presidency to investigate in a quiet way, without appearing to do so, the affairs of the California mission and especially the San Francisco branch, word having come to the President's office that Elder Ephraim H. Nye, who presides over that mission, was losing his influence, owing to his arbitrary manner. Brother Talmage now reported that an open division exists in the San Francisco branch, and that in his opinion President Nye is at fault and unable to heal the breach. It was very apparent too that Sister Nye's influence was anything but good and tending to union.
After hearing Brother Talmage at some length, President Cannon remarked that he had felt for some time that Sister Nye ought to be released from that mission. This was the sentiment also of President Smith. President Snow thought that it was time to release both, as Brother Nye had now presided over that mission three years.
Salt Lake Temple 11 A.M. Present: Lorenzo Snow, George Q.
Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W[ood]. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O[wen]. Woodruff, and Rudger Clawson.
This was the quarterly meeting of the Apostles, and they were in session when the Presidency entered their room in the Temple.
Brother Brigham Young, now the senior of the quorum, informed President Snow that each of the Apostles present had spoken, and had nothing more to say, but that they had had an exceedingly pleasant time together.
President Snow informed the Council that President Cannon had an appointment at 1 P.M., and that he desired to be excused about that time.
At the suggestion of Brother John Henry Smith, the usual prayer circle was dispensed with for today, in order to give more time for the transaction of business.
President Snow now referred to a verse of the hymn that was being sung by the Apostles as the Presidency entered, and at his request the hymn was sung again, namely "Glorious things are sung of Zion". After the singing of the hymn, the main theme of which was union, the President spoke briefly on that subject. He said that although we as a people had met with all kinds of troubles, had suffered from heart burnings, and had been called upon to make all sorts of sacrifices, yet we had never lost hope of arriving in due time at a state of perfect union. Speaking of the Apostles, he was pleased to say that more could be said of them in this respect today, than at any other time since the days of the Prophet Joseph [Smith]. Notwithstanding the weaknesses which the servants of the Lord and His people manifested in various ways, he had sustained His servants and given them grace sufficient to meet and overcome every trial and trouble. This being the fact, he (the speaker), for one, could look into the future with the greatest assurance. He did not feel to worry one particle as to the present or the future; it was almost impossible to imagine that the future could bring us greater troubles than we had already passed through. Everything considered, who, he asked, had such great reasons for thanksgiving and rejoicing as we had. The members of this Council were now about to partake of the emblem of the body and blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and with such feelings as we have here we could not but feel that our Lord and Master is very near to us, and that holy beings are in our presence. With these thoughts in his heart, the President said that he felt to bless his brethren, and he hoped they would continue in the line of salvation and perfection. ...
The following communication from the committee on the proposed division of Salt Lake Stake was read to the Council:
"After having given the matter of dividing the Salt Lake Stake our careful consideration, and having visited several of the wards, we feel to recommend that the Stake be divided on lines running east and west instead of on the State Road, as the latter intersects several Wards, and thus interferes with the ownership of meeting houses and other interests which such wards have in
common. The Jordan would make a good natural dividing line, but the resultant stakes would not be so compact and the Church operation would be very unequally divided. The conferences can be held in different places in these stakes, and, with so many bridges over the Jordan, they can be attended conveniently by both sides of the river. We recommend that the Salt Lake Stake be separated from the middle or Cottonwood Stake, by a line running east and west on the thirteenth street south, and that the latter stake be separated from the Southern or Granite Stake by a line running east and west, north of the Union and the West Jordan Wards on what is called the Winchester road. The total membership in the middle or Cottonwood Stake would be 7,136, and in the southern or Granite Stake 6,923, being as nearly as can be an equal division. This division would leave the Cannon, Farmers, Forest Dale and Sugar Wards in the Salt Lake Stake. We find that the feelings of the members of these wards are much in favor of remaining attached to the city. In our opinion the city will grow and eventually absorb these wards within its limits, and then it seems to us it would not be well to have the city divided into different Stakes; besides, such exigencies might arise in the political situation of the city that it might be expedient to have the whole city intimately united under one ecclesiastical organization in order to help pass wholesome, or resist obnoxious measures. Should the Jordan River be considered the better division line, then the Church population of the Jordan Stake would be 5,564 and that of the Granite Stake 8,495. If divided on the thirteenth south street, but if divided on the Tenth South Street it would number 10,832. With highest esteem, Your brethren in the Gospel, (Signed) John Henry Smith, Anthon H. Lund".
Brother John Henry Smith remarked, after the reading of the report, that he found the people generally satisfied, either to be divided or remain as they are. On motion of Brother Cowley, seconded by President Cannon, the report of the committee was adopted.
A discussion now arose as to the most appropriate names for the new Stakes. It was finally decided, on motion of Brother Grant, that they be called Granite and Jordan Stakes; the division south of Winchester Road to be called Granite, and that north of it to be called Jordan.
It was now ascertained that Brother Frank Y. Taylor, previously selected by the Council to preside over Granite Stake, as formerly described, is not a resident of Granite Stake under the division, and therefore not eligible to preside there without a special call, and there were no special reasons for such a call. President Snow thought it would be well for Brother John W. Taylor to see his brother Frank and make the necessary explanations.
The Council not being prepared to select a president for Granite Stake, the matter was not now considered. It was understood that nothing should be said of what had just been done until the Council was prepared to complete the division and form the new organizations. It was felt that a mistake had been made in making public the previous action of the Council and naming the
persons selected to preside over the new Stakes. ...
All the brethren present, including George F. Gibbs, the secretary of the Council, then sat at table and partook of the Sacrament, Brother Brigham Young offering a prayer.
Before rising from the table, President Snow invited President Cannon to occupy the few remaining moments of unexpired time, by speaking to the brethren as he might feel led.
President Cannon, responding, said that he heartily endorsed the words of President Snow to the effect that we have the greatest cause to be thankful because of the blessings we enjoy. He referred to the pleasure experienced by him in his boyhood days when in the presence of the servants of God, and the respect he entertained towards them. This feeling had never left him, and he rejoiced in the society of the Apostles today, and in being in possession of their fellowship. He rejoiced in the feelings of union and good fellowship that exist, and there was no question in his mind but that this state of things would continue. He believed that greater power and gifts would be given to the Apostles, and that this would increase until they should met face to face with the Savior himself. He felt that the day was not far distant when the Savior would meet with His Apostles and instruct them; and that they should prepare for the great events which were coming upon the earth. He knew the Savior was near to us, and that the day would come when the Apostles would be greatly honored of him; and that judgment would be given to the Twelve, as it was given to His Apostles who were with Him in Jerusalem. President Cannon said too, referring to the enemies of Zion, that the predictions concerning them and the wicked generally would be brought about; the Lord would literally burn them up; and the Saints would go on from victory to victory until we should finally triumph. In closing, President Cannon, addressed himself to President Snow. He said he felt that the Apostles should be extremely careful as to the counsel they might give, as well as to the wisdom of their own actions. Of course, the Lord would continue to overrule in the future as he had in the past, but much trouble might be brought about through an unwise course on the part of the men to whom the people look for guidance. President Cannon held that no one Apostle should undertake to give counsel affecting the interests or well-being of the community; but on the contrary such counsel should be the combined wisdom of as many of the Apostles as could be got together, with the President at their head. This was a critical time, and we needed all the light we could get, and the only safe way to get it, in his opinion, was through the presiding head.
After the remarks of President Cannon the Council adjourned, President Joseph F. Smith offering the benediction.
Before dispersing and immediately following the prayer Elder John Henry Smith asked President Snow if he thought it was wise for the brethren to speak from the public stand on the principle of plural marriage. President Snow answered that the subject should be let alone and that there was too much being said about it already.
This suggested to President Snow the following: Without reference to anyone present, he said, that there were brethren who still seemed to have the idea that it was possible under his administration to obtain a plural wife and have her sealed to him. He authorized and requested the brethren present to correct this impression wherever they find it. He said emphatically that it could not be done.
President Cannon moved that this be accepted as the mind and will of the Lord. Seconded by Brother Lyman and carried unanimously.
The seventy-third anniversary of the birth of President George Q. Cannon was celebrated at his home on the Cannon Farm during the afternoon and evening. His children, grandchildren, relatives and a few friends, numbering between eighty and ninety gathered at the home and a most pleasant and entertaining evening was spent. At the conclusion of the program President Cannon delivered an address to the family which was characterized by strong, fatherly advice and counsel. (1)
Presidents Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were at the office. Dr. James E. Talmage called and reported his recent visit to San Francisco [California], where he had been on personal business. Prior to going, he had been requested by the Presidency to investigate in a quiet way, without appearing to do so, the affairs of the California mission and especially the San Francisco branch, word having come to the President's office that Elder Ephraim H. Nye, who presides over that mission, was losing his influence, owing to his arbitrary manner. Brother Talmage now reported that an open division exists in the San Francisco branch, and that in his opinion President Nye is at fault and unable to heal the breach. It was very apparent too that Sister Nye's influence was anything but good and tending to union. After hearing Brother Talmage at some length, President Cannon remarked that he had felt for some time that Sister Nye ought to be released from that mission. This was the sentiment also of President Smith. President Snow thought that it was time to release both, as Brother Nye had now presided over that mission three years. Salt Lake Temple 11 A.M. Present: Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W[ood]. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O[wen]. Woodruff, and Rudger Clawson. This was the quarterly meeting of the Apostles, and they were in session when the Presidency entered their room in the Temple. Brother Brigham Young, now the senior of the quorum, informed President Snow that each of the Apostles present had spoken, and had nothing more to say, but that they had had an exceedingly pleasant time together. President Snow informed the Council that President Cannon had an appointment at 1 P.M., and that he desired to be excused about that time. At the suggestion of Brother John Henry Smith, the usual prayer circle was dispensed with for today, in order to give more time for the transaction of business. President Snow now referred to a verse of the hymn that was being sung by the Apostles as the Presidency entered, and at his request the hymn was sung again, namely "Glorious things are sung of Zion". After the singing of the hymn, the main theme of which was union, the President spoke briefly on that subject. He said that although we as a people had met with all kinds of troubles, had suffered from heart burnings, and had been called upon to make all sorts of sacrifices, yet we had never lost hope of arriving in due time at a state of perfect union. Speaking of the Apostles, he was pleased to say that more could be said of them in this respect today, than at any other time since the days of the Prophet Joseph [Smith]. Notwithstanding the weaknesses which the servants of the Lord and His people manifested in various ways, he had sustained His servants and given them grace sufficient to meet and overcome every trial and trouble. This being the fact, he (the speaker), for one, could look into the future with the greatest assurance. He did not feel to worry one particle as to the present or the future; it was almost impossible to imagine that the future could bring us greater troubles than we had already passed through. Everything considered, who, he asked, had such great reasons for thanksgiving and rejoicing as we had. The members of this Council were now about to partake of the emblem of the body and blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and with such feelings as we have here we could not but feel that our Lord and Master is very near to us, and that holy beings are in our presence. With these thoughts in his heart, the President said that he felt to bless his brethren, and he hoped they would continue in the line of salvation and perfection. ... The following communication from the committee on the proposed division of Salt Lake Stake was read to the Council: "After having given the matter of dividing the Salt Lake Stake our careful consideration, and having visited several of the wards, we feel to recommend that the Stake be divided on lines running east and west instead of on the State Road, as the latter intersects several Wards, and thus interferes with the ownership of meeting houses and other interests which such wards have in common. The Jordan would make a good natural dividing line, but the resultant stakes would not be so compact and the Church operation would be very unequally divided. The conferences can be held in different places in these stakes, and, with so many bridges over the Jordan, they can be attended conveniently by both sides of the river. We recommend that the Salt Lake Stake be separated from the middle or Cottonwood Stake, by a line running east and west on the thirteenth street south, and that the latter stake be separated from the Southern or Granite Stake by a line running east and west, north of the Union and the West Jordan Wards on what is called the Winchester road. The total membership in the middle or Cottonwood Stake would be 7,136, and in the southern or Granite Stake 6,923, being as nearly as can be an equal division. This division would leave the Cannon, Farmers, Forest Dale and Sugar Wards in the Salt Lake Stake. We find that the feelings of the members of these wards are much in favor of remaining attached to the city. In our opinion the city will grow and eventually absorb these wards within its limits, and then it seems to us it would not be well to have the city divided into different Stakes; besides, such exigencies might arise in the political situation of the city that it might be expedient to have the whole city intimately united under one ecclesiastical organization in order to help pass wholesome, or resist obnoxious measures. Should the Jordan River be considered the better division line, then the Church population of the Jordan Stake would be 5,564 and that of the Granite Stake 8,495. If divided on the thirteenth south street, but if divided on the Tenth South Street it would number 10,832. With highest esteem, Your brethren in the Gospel, (Signed) John Henry Smith, Anthon H. Lund". Brother John Henry Smith remarked, after the reading of the report, that he found the people generally satisfied, either to be divided or remain as they are. On motion of Brother Cowley, seconded by President Cannon, the report of the committee was adopted. A discussion now arose as to the most appropriate names for the new Stakes. It was finally decided, on motion of Brother Grant, that they be called Granite and Jordan Stakes; the division south of Winchester Road to be called Granite, and that north of it to be called Jordan. It was now ascertained that Brother Frank Y. Taylor, previously selected by the Council to preside over Granite Stake, as formerly described, is not a resident of Granite Stake under the division, and therefore not eligible to preside there without a special call, and there were no special reasons for such a call. President Snow thought it would be well for Brother John W. Taylor to see his brother Frank and make the necessary explanations. The Council not being prepared to select a president for Granite Stake, the matter was not now considered. It was understood that nothing should be said of what had just been done until the Council was prepared to complete the division and form the new organizations. It was felt that a mistake had been made in making public the previous action of the Council and naming the persons selected to preside over the new Stakes. ... All the brethren present, including George F. Gibbs, the secretary of the Council, then sat at table and partook of the Sacrament, Brother Brigham Young offering a prayer. Before rising from the table, President Snow invited President Cannon to occupy the few remaining moments of unexpired time, by speaking to the brethren as he might feel led. President Cannon, responding, said that he heartily endorsed the words of President Snow to the effect that we have the greatest cause to be thankful because of the blessings we enjoy. He referred to the pleasu
re experienced by him in his boyhood days when in the presence of the servants of God, and the respect he entertained towards them. This feeling had never left him, and he rejoiced in the society of the Apostles today, and in being in possession of their fellowship. He rejoiced in the feelings of union and good fellowship that exist, and there was no question in his mind but that this state of things would continue. He believed that greater power and gifts would be given to the Apostles, and that this would increase until they should met face to face with the Savior himself. He felt that the day was not far distant when the Savior would meet with His Apostles and instruct them; and that they should prepare for the great events which were coming upon the earth. He knew the Savior was near to us, and that the day would come when the Apostles would be greatly honored of him; and that judgment would be given to the Twelve, as it was given to His Apostles who were with Him in Jerusalem. President Cannon said too, referring to the enemies of Zion, that the predictions concerning them and the wicked generally would be brought about; the Lord would literally burn them up; and the Saints would go on from victory to victory until we should finally triumph. In closing, President Cannon, addressed himself to President Snow. He said he felt that the Apostles should be extremely careful as to the counsel they might give, as well as to the wisdom of their own actions. Of course, the Lord would continue to overrule in the future as he had in the past, but much trouble might be brought about through an unwise course on the part of the men to whom the people look for guidance. President Cannon held that no one Apostle should undertake to give counsel affecting the interests or well-being of the community; but on the contrary such counsel should be the combined wisdom of as many of the Apostles as could be got together, with the President at their head. This was a critical time, and we needed all the light we could get, and the only safe way to get it, in his opinion, was through the presiding head. After the remarks of President Cannon the Council adjourned, President Joseph F. Smith offering the benediction. Before dispersing and immediately following the prayer Elder John Henry Smith asked President Snow if he thought it was wise for the brethren to speak from the public stand on the principle of plural marriage. President Snow answered that the subject should be let alone and that there was too much being said about it already. This suggested to President Snow the following: Without reference to anyone present, he said, that there were brethren who still seemed to have the idea that it was possible under his administration to obtain a plural wife and have her sealed to him. He authorized and requested the brethren present to correct this impression wherever they find it. He said emphatically that it could not be done. President Cannon moved that this be accepted as the mind and will of the Lord. Seconded by Brother Lyman and carried unanimously. The seventy-third anniversary of the birth of President George Q. Cannon was celebrated at his home on the Cannon Farm during the afternoon and evening. His children, grandchildren, relatives and a few friends, numbering between eighty and ninety gathered at the home and a most pleasant and entertaining evening was spent. At the conclusion of the program President Cannon delivered an address to the family which was characterized by strong, fatherly advice and counsel. Met in Temple at 10. Spoke for 20 m[inutes]. conversation general. One assertion I made while talking That "when the saints received U[nited]. O[rder]. and lived it then will God restore to us the law of celestial marriage." Presidency came at 11 o clock after much talking arranging Con[ference]. & business. The Apostles met at 10. a.m. and the first Presidentcy came in about 11.30. We did not clothe and engage in prayer-circle as usual. The matter of division of the Salt Lake Stake was passed upon, without a chance for discussion. The division was unsatisfactory to me but I voted for it so as to not be out of harmony with some of my file-leaders. ... We partook of the bread and wine, emblems of our Master's body and blood. After the Lord's supper Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow said: so far as I am concerned no plural marriages can be entered into anywhere: in Mexico or elsewhere. John Henry Smith made a speach in absolute discouragement of the practice anywhere. Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon moved we accept Pres[iden]t. Snow's words as the "word of the Lord". It was seconded and again without any chance to express our feelings and judgment were forced to sustain a motion that some of us were opposed to or be out of harmony with our brethren. I felt forced to sustain this motion and that is why I did it, knowing that if it were not right the responsibility would not rest on me. I absolutely know that a number of the brethren, among them John W. Taylor, Geo[rge]. Teasdale and M[atthias]. F. Cowley entertained feelings in harmony with my own. I owe my exist[e]nce to the princip[le] of Polygamy and I have some intense feelings regarding the sustaining of that principle. I am indebted to that principle for my life and any time my Father wants my life to defend that principle (and those who practice it in righteousness) God being my helper it is at his command. Pres[iden]t. Brigham Young [Jr.] came to my desk at the close and said, "Bro[ther]. Woodruff I want to tell you that the time is not far distant when the question of Polygamy will be changed and practiced again." I said I will hold you responsible for that remark Bro[ther]. Young. He answered: "You may!" Apostle M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill in yesterday's meeting prophesied that "the time will never come in the church when polygamist children will not be born." I pray God to give me light on this matter as I feel almost sick about it. I want to and intend to be loyal to my Chief. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary; Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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