-- Sunday, Oct 9, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
President George Q. Cannon presented the Authoraties and the Apostles voted first for President Lorenzo Snow. Then the Patriarch, Presidents of stakes and High Councils. Then High Priests. Then the Seventies. Then the Elders. Then the Bishoprics, then the Priests, Teachers and Deacons. Then all of the Congregation voted. Rudger Clawson filled the vacancy in the Council of the Apostles.
All were unanimous but in the case of John W. Taylor. Some few voted against him for remarks made on Friday about Kamas Ward and the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir.
Bro. John W. Taylor at the close of the meeting met with the choir and arranged his trouble with them. (1)
-- Monday, Oct 10, 1898
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Ordination of Rudger Clawson to the office of an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 12 o'clock noon. The First Presidency and Apostles (Eleven) laid their hands upon him, Prest. Lorenzo Snow being mouth. The following is a verbatim report of the ordination:
Brother Rudger Clawson, in the name of the Lord Jesus and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, we place our hands upon your head and we ordain you an Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and confer upon you all the gifts, blessings, rights, Keys, and powers that pertain unto this holy and sacred Apostleship. And we say unto you, Brother Rudger, in the name of the Lord, inasmuch as you will be humble and seek the Lord for His Spirit, it shall be even as the Spirit of revelation upon you, which it is your privilege to have as an Apostle and to testify of your Knowledge that there is a God over the inhabitants of the earth, and that there is a Jesus, the Son of the living God, who was crucified upon Mount Calvary—that you may testify of this, having a most perfect Knowledge of it by the power of God and the Holy Ghost.
All the blessings, all the qualifications, and all that is necessary to make you perfect in this Apostleship, in the name of the Lord Jesus we seal upon you, and say that these blessings that we have sealed upon you shall continue upon you during your life and also throughout all eternity. These blessings, gifts, powers, rights, and Keys we seal upon you in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
President Lorenzo Snow delivered the following charge to Brother Rudger Clawson [age forty-one]: A few words I want to say as to the obligations you are placed under now that you have received the Apostleship. The Lord will reveal unto you according to your faithfulness and the circumstances and the duties that will be required of you. You must understand that it is not man that has chosen you; it is not the wisdom of man that has selected you. If it had been man that selected you, or the wisdom of man, there would be a possibility of a failure in the future, and you would not be so well satisfied if you understood that you had been selected by a Council that talked over this matter in a common way, as we generally talk over matters of lesser importance. But you have been chosen because the Lord wanted you to fill this place and because of your faithfulness in the past. You have been placed in circumstances that have been very tempting to you to depart a little from the path
of wisdom, and you have resisted those temptations, and you have kept in the path of truth and righteousness, just where the Lord wanted you to keep. You have been wonderfully blessed. I do not know of any young man that has been called to positions like you have been, or any other important positions that the Lord has blessed any more than he has blessed you. It seems that almost every effort you have made has been a success. You were willing to go to the penitentiary for nearly three years, I think. (3 yrs., I mo., 10 days.) You had the opportunity of escaping that if you had been pleased to have done so; but you performed your duty under those circumstances acceptably to the Lord and pleasing to your brethren. And now you have been appointed of the Lord to a high and holy calling. Your success depends entirely upon yourself. There is no man that lives and no impediment that you can get into your path, but will be removed, and you will go right along, providing that you preserve
your humility, and your meekness, and lowliness, as you have done in the past. Do not think of yourself when important duties are to be performed wherein perhaps there might be advantages to yourself, but think of what the Lord requires of you; think of the good that will be accomplished to others without reference to yourself at all. In this way you can go on and your faith [will] be increased.
You are now, of course, the youngest of the Apostles, so far as coming into the quorum is concerned. There are many of this Quorum that have been in this relation to the Church, as apostles, for a great many years, and have had a long experience, and the Lord has blessed them wonderfully. You must not expect that at once you can feel yourself at home and be equal with them in that knowledge which they have obtained through perseverance and a long movement in the path of duty; that you can be as wise and prudent as they, their experience having given them the right to blessings that have been very great to them in the line pertaining to their duties. You will, of course, not feel it your duty to take up all the time, but to let others speak. Let those who have had long experience speak when it comes to matters of high importance and you listen. Do not occupy too much time at first. Wait until you have had the experience and get the wisdom and the understanding the Lord has
given to them and will give to you.
Now, Brother Clawson, we are glad to receive you. President Richards, who is President of the Quorum of the Twelve, is glad to receive you, and all the brethren of the Quorum welcome you to the Quorum with their whole hearts. The more they get acquainted with you, Brother Clawson, the more they will love you; and the more you get acquainted with the brethren, the more you will love them. Move along slowly and pause as you make your steps along; and the Lord will be with you. He will be your leader, and His Spirit will suggest how you should act under the circumstances that may surround you.
Now, we all feel, Brother Clawson—I speak in the name of my Counselors and the brethren of the Twelve—we all feel to welcome you with all our hearts. God bless you.
President Joseph F. Smith said: There is one principle that I would like to have presented to Brother Clawson. Perhaps, Prest. Snow, it may not be my place to do that, but as it did not come to your mind, I thought I would like to mention this fact, that one of the great callings and special duties of the Apostles is to become a living witness of the Lord Jesus Christ; to know Him and to be able to testify that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. That is essential to the calling of an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
Another principle is, that the Apostles must acknowledge the order and organization of the Priesthood and the united counsels of the leading presiding quorums of the Priesthood as supreme above his own judgment, his own predilections, choice, or desires, no matter how strong his predilections, desires, or choice may be. All the Apostles and all those holding the Priesthood, especially in the Council of the Apostles and of the First Presidency, we must covenant and agree before God, angels, and men, and with each other, that we will acknowledge this organization that God has instituted as His supreme authority on earth. We must do that in order to preserve the integrity of the work of the Lord and of the organization of the Holy Priesthood. This is one thing that Brother Clawson, as well as each of us, must accede to in order to obtain the spirit of the Apostleship.
President George Q. Cannon: I would like Brother Rudger Clawson to understand, when he takes upon himself this ministry, that it is the first and most important thing, that he should not set this aside to attend to anything else. His whole life, and all that pertains to his power of life, his talents, and everything should be devoted exclusively to the Apostleship and everything else should be entirely subordinate to that.
Elder Rudger Clawson then made the following remarks: All I can say, brethren, is that I very much appreciate the instructions and suggestions that have been given and I fully accept and endorse them. I feel very weak—a great deal more so than I did at the conference.
Since I have come to think the matter over, a great deal has opened up to my mind. If I could not feel that this call had come to me from the Lord, I would shrink from it, I could not accept it, because the responsibility of it, it seems to me, is so very great that no man of his own wisdom could magnify a calling of this kind. With that feeling in my heart, and the testimonies given here that this is a call from the Lord, that it is His will, why, I feel very much blessed in it and in the acceptance of it; and all that I ask at this time, brethren, is that I may have the faith and prayers of the brethren. If I can have the prayers in my behalf of the Presidency of the Church, of the President of the Twelve, and of my brethren of the Twelve—if I can have their prayers, and sympathy, and support to sustain me—I will endeavor humbly to do my duty and to be one with you. I have been one with you always in my feelings; I have always sustained with my whole heart the Presidency of this
Church in their calling and I have accepted and revered their counsels. I believe that my success, if I have attained to any success in the Box Elder Stake where I presided, is due to this spirit to submit fully to the counsels of the Presidency of this Church and the brethren who have presided over me; and I believe that my success in the future can only be in following those lines.
I pray fervently that the Spirit of this appointment and the Spirit of the Apostleship may rest upon me and that I may live so as to deserve the confidence of my brethren. That is all I ask, and I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
4 p.m. The First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles and their wives were invited to take dinner with Brother John R. Winder at "Poplar Farm," a few miles south of Salt Lake City. All were present. A sumptuous repast was provided and the afternoon passed swiftly and pleasantly away. (2)
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 - 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: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Oct 7, 1898
-- Oct 7, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] ... After the motion [sustaining Rudger Clawson apostle carried] Pres[iden]t Snow said he wanted to say something about Bro[ther] Clawson. Said that when he was in the penitentiary he became intimately acquainted with Bro[ther] Clawson and learned his worth ... his father and his mother were violently and emphatically opposed to his accepting (BE pres) the position he was willing to go and did go. His father had protested to Pres[ident] Woodruff and said his son would be a pauper Bro[ther] Snow said he did not know any young man who had improved as Bro[ther] Clawson had done [had been a proposal that Lorenzo Snow put one of his sons in quorum, Grant against it]. When we were in great trouble over plural marriages Pres[iden]t Woodruffs' counselors desired him to go and ask the mind and will of the Lord and he had done so and the result was that the Manifesto was given to Pres[iden]t Woodruff. But for the Lord giving to us His mind and will Pres[iden]t Snow said he was sure the saints would have felt like going on practicing plural marriages and suffering the consequences. The Lord many times reveals things that we cannot explain and at the time do not understand. Attended a meeting this evening at 8 o'clock at the State Democratic Headquarters of some of the leading men of the party from different parts of the State. A call was made for funds and the Hon. AW McCune subscribed three thousand. A man who could do this has the kind of a heart in him that I admire and I hope he will get what he wants, ie to be a United States Senator. I shall do all in my power for him. ... (1)
-- Oct 8, 1898; Saturday
Meeting in the Temple of First Presidency, and the eleven apostles. We gave in names and the Presidency withdrew to consider them. I gave in the names of Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph S. Wells and John Nicholson, but I feel in my heart to sustain the man whom the Lord may suggest to the First Presidency. ...
[Lorenzo Snow:] When we were in great trouble over plural marriages Pres[iden]t [Wilford] Woodruff's counselors desired him to go and ask the mind and will of the Lord and he had done so and the result was that the Manifesto was given to Pres[iden]t Woodruff.
But for the Lord giving to us His mind and will Pres[iden]t Snow said he was sure the Saints would have felt like going on practicing plural marriages and suffering the consequences. The Lord many times reveals things that we can not explain and at times do not understand.
Pres[iden]t Snow closed his remarks by saying as nearly as I can remember "I feel to say to you my brethren God bless you because you are willing to gather here and in perfect union accept the mind and will of the Lord." (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Heber J. Grant, Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] ... After the motion [sustaining Rudger Clawson apostle carried] Pres[iden]t Snow said he wanted to say something about Bro[ther] Clawson. Said that when he was in the penitentiary he became intimately acquainted with Bro[ther] Clawson and learned his worth ... his father and his mother were violently and emphatically opposed to his accepting (BE pres) the position he was willing to go and did go. His father had protested to Pres[ident] Woodruff and said his son would be a pauper Bro[ther] Snow said he did not know any young man who had improved as Bro[ther] Clawson had done [had been a proposal that Lorenzo Snow put one of his sons in quorum, Grant against it]. When we were in great trouble over plural marriages Pres[iden]t Woodruffs' counselors desired him to go and ask the mind and will of the Lord and he had done so and the result was that the Manifesto was given to Pres[iden]t Woodruff. But for the Lord giving to us His mind and will Pres[iden]t Snow said he was sure the saints would have felt like going on practicing plural marriages and suffering the consequences. The Lord many times reveals things that we cannot explain and at the time do not understand. Attended a meeting this evening at 8 o'clock at the State Democratic Headquarters of some of the leading men of the party from different parts of the State. A call was made for funds and the Hon. AW McCune subscribed three thousand. A man who could do this has the kind of a heart in him that I admire and I hope he will get what he wants, ie to be a United States Senator. I shall do all in my power for him. ... (1)
-- Oct 8, 1898; Saturday
Meeting in the Temple of First Presidency, and the eleven apostles. We gave in names and the Presidency withdrew to consider them. I gave in the names of Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph S. Wells and John Nicholson, but I feel in my heart to sustain the man whom the Lord may suggest to the First Presidency. ...
[Lorenzo Snow:] When we were in great trouble over plural marriages Pres[iden]t [Wilford] Woodruff's counselors desired him to go and ask the mind and will of the Lord and he had done so and the result was that the Manifesto was given to Pres[iden]t Woodruff.
But for the Lord giving to us His mind and will Pres[iden]t Snow said he was sure the Saints would have felt like going on practicing plural marriages and suffering the consequences. The Lord many times reveals things that we can not explain and at times do not understand.
Pres[iden]t Snow closed his remarks by saying as nearly as I can remember "I feel to say to you my brethren God bless you because you are willing to gather here and in perfect union accept the mind and will of the Lord." (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Heber J. Grant, Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Oct 4, 1898; Tuesday
-- Oct 4, 1898; Tuesday
...After supper I called on Pres[iden]t Lorenzo Snow and he said he would be pleased to meet Senator [Joseph L.] Rawlings. We had a confidential chat regarding the condition of Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Co[mpany]. I hope and pray in case he should take the Presidency of that Bank that he will stop dividends and cut down the expenses. This evening attended in company with Anthony W. Ivins the Democratic ratification meeting in the Theater. ... I heard more of O[rlando] W Powers' talk than any other speaker. (1)
-- Oct 5, 1898; Wednesday
Owing to the General Conference, which convenes tomorrow, the regular weekly meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles, which is usually held on Thursday, convened to-day at 11 A.M., in the Salt Lake Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Lorenzo Snow, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Franklin D. Richards; Elders Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff.
President F[ranklin]. D. Richards informed Pres[ident]. Snow that the Apostles in their meeting had been considering the vacancies about to be created in some of the missions, and certain names were now submitted to be considered and selected from in order to fill such vacancies. ...
While the Presidency and Apostles were partaking of the Sacrament, President Snow asked the mind of the brethren with regard to filling the vacancy existing in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was the mind of all that the vacancy should be filled, President Smith making a motion to that effect.
Pres[ident]. Snow then invited each of the Apostles to hand in at their leisure, the names of persons from which a selection might be made to fill the vacancy. He went on to say that he had deep feelings while beholding the faces of his brethren around the sacramental table. He could not help but believe that the Prophets Joseph [Smith], Brigham [Young], John [Taylor], Wilford [Woodruff] and others were cognizant of this meeting, and watched with deepest interest the deliberations and actions of the Council. He invoked the blessing of the Lord upon all present, and besought the brethren to be humble in their callings and hold themselves in readiness to conform their wills to the will of God; never to be over-anxious to have their own way, but learn to listen with unbiased feelings and conclusions; leaving the mind free to be operated upon by the Holy Spirit In this way the will of the Lord would be in the Council. He had felt sometimes that brethren were more anxious to sustain a speaker who expressed their own mind and conclusions, than they were to obtain light, and he felt to caution the brethren against this spirit. There was nothing more glorious to behold than unity, a complete union among the Priesthood of God, and if they persevered, determined to sacrifice their own feelings in order to accomplish the Lord's purposes, great would be the results and great would be the joy of this body of men.
The Council adjourned. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Heber J. Grant, Diary
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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...After supper I called on Pres[iden]t Lorenzo Snow and he said he would be pleased to meet Senator [Joseph L.] Rawlings. We had a confidential chat regarding the condition of Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Co[mpany]. I hope and pray in case he should take the Presidency of that Bank that he will stop dividends and cut down the expenses. This evening attended in company with Anthony W. Ivins the Democratic ratification meeting in the Theater. ... I heard more of O[rlando] W Powers' talk than any other speaker. (1)
-- Oct 5, 1898; Wednesday
Owing to the General Conference, which convenes tomorrow, the regular weekly meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles, which is usually held on Thursday, convened to-day at 11 A.M., in the Salt Lake Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Lorenzo Snow, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Franklin D. Richards; Elders Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff.
President F[ranklin]. D. Richards informed Pres[ident]. Snow that the Apostles in their meeting had been considering the vacancies about to be created in some of the missions, and certain names were now submitted to be considered and selected from in order to fill such vacancies. ...
While the Presidency and Apostles were partaking of the Sacrament, President Snow asked the mind of the brethren with regard to filling the vacancy existing in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was the mind of all that the vacancy should be filled, President Smith making a motion to that effect.
Pres[ident]. Snow then invited each of the Apostles to hand in at their leisure, the names of persons from which a selection might be made to fill the vacancy. He went on to say that he had deep feelings while beholding the faces of his brethren around the sacramental table. He could not help but believe that the Prophets Joseph [Smith], Brigham [Young], John [Taylor], Wilford [Woodruff] and others were cognizant of this meeting, and watched with deepest interest the deliberations and actions of the Council. He invoked the blessing of the Lord upon all present, and besought the brethren to be humble in their callings and hold themselves in readiness to conform their wills to the will of God; never to be over-anxious to have their own way, but learn to listen with unbiased feelings and conclusions; leaving the mind free to be operated upon by the Holy Spirit In this way the will of the Lord would be in the Council. He had felt sometimes that brethren were more anxious to sustain a speaker who expressed their own mind and conclusions, than they were to obtain light, and he felt to caution the brethren against this spirit. There was nothing more glorious to behold than unity, a complete union among the Priesthood of God, and if they persevered, determined to sacrifice their own feelings in order to accomplish the Lord's purposes, great would be the results and great would be the joy of this body of men.
The Council adjourned. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Heber J. Grant, Diary
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Sep 22, 1898
-- Sep 22, 1898
Financial difficulties of certain Church institutions-- Salt Lake City, Utah.
President Wilford Woodruff died in San Francisco, California on September 2, 1898. Before his death he had announced to his close associates in the administration of the Church that "it was not the will of the Lord that in the future there should be a lengthy period elapse between the death of the president of the church and reorganization of the first presidency." (Juvenile Instructor, November 1, 1901, p. 660)
Accordingly his successor, Lorenzo Snow was chosen as the new President of the Church at a special meeting of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on September 13, 1898. He was sustained in that office by the body of the Church at the ensuing October general conference, 1898.
Lorenzo Snow had been born in Mantua, Ohio, April 3, 1814 making him in his 85th year when he became President. He died October 10, 1901 making his term as President of the Church three years.
During those three years his main task was the development of a plan for the reformation of the financial structure of the L.D.S. Church.
His predecessor in office, Wilford Woodruff, had repeatedly noted in his personal diary the financial dilemma that he and the Church faced with such expressions as:
August 8, 1894 "I don't sleep nights and am weary by day. As trustees-in-trust and the presidency of the church we have taken such a load upon us it is difficult to carry it."
August 9, 1894 "There is a heavy load resting upon us in church affairs, our debts are very heavy."
December 30, 1896 "The presidency of the church are so overwhelmed in financial matters it seems as though we shall never live to get through with it unless the Lord opens the way in a marvelous manner. It looks as though we shall never pay our debts."
April 7, 1897 "I spoke of this financial condition of the church, explained the action of the government officials in starting our debts. I did not want to die until the church and myself as trustee-in-trust are out of debt."
Wilford Woodruff did not live to see this last expressed hope realized. The task was handed to his successor Lorenzo Snow.
Present Snow immediately set about to get the Church "out of debt" with three measures:
(1) He abandoned a number of the financial enterprises of the previous administration, more especially mining, milling and railroad enterprises.
(2) He issued $1,000,000 worth of short term bonds in the name of the Church.
(3) He received a revelation "from the Lord" calling upon the church membership to from that day forward (May 8, 1899) "pay a full tithing."
Perhaps one other notable development in this short administration was the resumption of control by the Church over the Deseret News which had been leased in October, 1892 to a private company, George Q. Cannon Sons operating as the Deseret News Publishing Company.
Including the two addresses of President Snow as Prophet, Seer and Revelator on the subject of tithing, we have been able to locate 24 public documents of the First Presidency during Lorenzo Snow's three years as President.
Of these 24 documents, all reproduced below in the remainder of this volume and all of them more or less self-explanatory, eight deal directly with the subject of tithing and the financial affairs of the Church, as might be exacted from the background of Presidents Snow's administration given above.
Three of the remaining messages deal with the subject of Church publications and six with the training and calling of the missionary force of the church.
One message each deals with the following topics: Temple ordinances; Church procedure in voting for church officers; a headquarters building for Church auxiliary organizations; status of church members who join secret societies; testimony of President Snow concerning David W. Patten, an early martyr of the Church; and an address prepared to commemorate the opening of the Twentieth Century.
Readers who wish to gain historical perspective and background for these 24 documents of President Snow's administration are encouraged to become familiar with the following references even before reading the documents. CHC 6:351-385, RCH 3:253-273; Arrington, Great Basin Kingdom, pp. 380-412.
A LETTER to the Presidency, Bishops and Counselors, and Saints of the Pocatello Stake of Zion.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Sept. 22, 1898.
DEAR BRETHREN:
This letter will be presented to you by Elders Heber J. Grant and Matthias F. Cowley, and we ask you to treat as strictly confidential all communications which they may make to you.
We have called these brethren on a mission to raise the funds to save one of the institutions of Zion from making an assignment, and another-the Oneida Stake Academy-from closing its doors against hundreds of children who are in need of proper training and education in our church schools.
We feel that it would be a great calamity to have these institutions fail, as it would injure the credit and moral prestige of the Latter-day Saints as a community, and to maintain which is something that should appeal to the patriotism of every Latter-day Saint.
We appeal to you to render to these brethren all the financial aid that your circumstances will admit of, and also to assist them, to the full extent of your ability, to accomplish this mission.
We fully appreciate the fact that the saints have very many calls made upon them, but notwithstanding this, as sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, we do not hesitate to appeal to you for aid in these matters, knowing that every sacrifice made in aiding any of the institutions of Zion will be sure to bring an ample reward from our Father in Heaven.
We assure you that we shall appreciate very much indeed all you shall do to aid the brethren in making their mission a success.
Your Brethren in the Gospel, LORENZO SNOW, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH. {1898-September 22-Circular letter, Church Historian's Library,} (1)
-- Sep 29, 1898; Thursday
Eleven o'clock meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Lorenzo Snow, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Franklin D. Richards; Elders Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff. ...
President Snow asked the Apostles to encourage the emigration of suitable people from the different Stakes to Canada, to work under the contract made with the Alberta Company. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Financial difficulties of certain Church institutions-- Salt Lake City, Utah.
President Wilford Woodruff died in San Francisco, California on September 2, 1898. Before his death he had announced to his close associates in the administration of the Church that "it was not the will of the Lord that in the future there should be a lengthy period elapse between the death of the president of the church and reorganization of the first presidency." (Juvenile Instructor, November 1, 1901, p. 660)
Accordingly his successor, Lorenzo Snow was chosen as the new President of the Church at a special meeting of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on September 13, 1898. He was sustained in that office by the body of the Church at the ensuing October general conference, 1898.
Lorenzo Snow had been born in Mantua, Ohio, April 3, 1814 making him in his 85th year when he became President. He died October 10, 1901 making his term as President of the Church three years.
During those three years his main task was the development of a plan for the reformation of the financial structure of the L.D.S. Church.
His predecessor in office, Wilford Woodruff, had repeatedly noted in his personal diary the financial dilemma that he and the Church faced with such expressions as:
August 8, 1894 "I don't sleep nights and am weary by day. As trustees-in-trust and the presidency of the church we have taken such a load upon us it is difficult to carry it."
August 9, 1894 "There is a heavy load resting upon us in church affairs, our debts are very heavy."
December 30, 1896 "The presidency of the church are so overwhelmed in financial matters it seems as though we shall never live to get through with it unless the Lord opens the way in a marvelous manner. It looks as though we shall never pay our debts."
April 7, 1897 "I spoke of this financial condition of the church, explained the action of the government officials in starting our debts. I did not want to die until the church and myself as trustee-in-trust are out of debt."
Wilford Woodruff did not live to see this last expressed hope realized. The task was handed to his successor Lorenzo Snow.
Present Snow immediately set about to get the Church "out of debt" with three measures:
(1) He abandoned a number of the financial enterprises of the previous administration, more especially mining, milling and railroad enterprises.
(2) He issued $1,000,000 worth of short term bonds in the name of the Church.
(3) He received a revelation "from the Lord" calling upon the church membership to from that day forward (May 8, 1899) "pay a full tithing."
Perhaps one other notable development in this short administration was the resumption of control by the Church over the Deseret News which had been leased in October, 1892 to a private company, George Q. Cannon Sons operating as the Deseret News Publishing Company.
Including the two addresses of President Snow as Prophet, Seer and Revelator on the subject of tithing, we have been able to locate 24 public documents of the First Presidency during Lorenzo Snow's three years as President.
Of these 24 documents, all reproduced below in the remainder of this volume and all of them more or less self-explanatory, eight deal directly with the subject of tithing and the financial affairs of the Church, as might be exacted from the background of Presidents Snow's administration given above.
Three of the remaining messages deal with the subject of Church publications and six with the training and calling of the missionary force of the church.
One message each deals with the following topics: Temple ordinances; Church procedure in voting for church officers; a headquarters building for Church auxiliary organizations; status of church members who join secret societies; testimony of President Snow concerning David W. Patten, an early martyr of the Church; and an address prepared to commemorate the opening of the Twentieth Century.
Readers who wish to gain historical perspective and background for these 24 documents of President Snow's administration are encouraged to become familiar with the following references even before reading the documents. CHC 6:351-385, RCH 3:253-273; Arrington, Great Basin Kingdom, pp. 380-412.
A LETTER to the Presidency, Bishops and Counselors, and Saints of the Pocatello Stake of Zion.
Salt Lake City, Utah, Sept. 22, 1898.
DEAR BRETHREN:
This letter will be presented to you by Elders Heber J. Grant and Matthias F. Cowley, and we ask you to treat as strictly confidential all communications which they may make to you.
We have called these brethren on a mission to raise the funds to save one of the institutions of Zion from making an assignment, and another-the Oneida Stake Academy-from closing its doors against hundreds of children who are in need of proper training and education in our church schools.
We feel that it would be a great calamity to have these institutions fail, as it would injure the credit and moral prestige of the Latter-day Saints as a community, and to maintain which is something that should appeal to the patriotism of every Latter-day Saint.
We appeal to you to render to these brethren all the financial aid that your circumstances will admit of, and also to assist them, to the full extent of your ability, to accomplish this mission.
We fully appreciate the fact that the saints have very many calls made upon them, but notwithstanding this, as sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, we do not hesitate to appeal to you for aid in these matters, knowing that every sacrifice made in aiding any of the institutions of Zion will be sure to bring an ample reward from our Father in Heaven.
We assure you that we shall appreciate very much indeed all you shall do to aid the brethren in making their mission a success.
Your Brethren in the Gospel, LORENZO SNOW, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH. {1898-September 22-Circular letter, Church Historian's Library,} (1)
-- Sep 29, 1898; Thursday
Eleven o'clock meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Lorenzo Snow, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Franklin D. Richards; Elders Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff. ...
President Snow asked the Apostles to encourage the emigration of suitable people from the different Stakes to Canada, to work under the contract made with the Alberta Company. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Sept 13, 1898
-- Sept 13, 1898
Quorum of Twelve Apostles sustains Lorenzo Snow as church president with two counselors. Snow then tells them "that he had heard rumors of people thinking that plural marriages could be contracted. He wanted it understood that this can not be done." Concerning post-manifesto plural marriages authorized by his predecessor Snow adds, "As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them." (1)
-- Sep 15, 1898
The First Presidency and the Apostles met in regular meeting in the Temple at 11 A. M. Present: Presidents Lorenzo Snow, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Jos[eph]. F. Smith; Elders Brigham Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, H[eber]. J. Grant, John W. Taylor, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff.
An invitation from Bishop John R. Winder, inviting the First Presidency, the Apostles and their wives to dinner, immediately after conference, was accepted. ...
President Smith reminded the Council that men would soon be needed to take the places of the Presidents of the Swiss and German Missions, and the Presidency of the European Mission. President Snow invited the brethren to think up the names of men suitable for these places, and present them later to the Council. ... (2)
Endnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Quorum of Twelve Apostles sustains Lorenzo Snow as church president with two counselors. Snow then tells them "that he had heard rumors of people thinking that plural marriages could be contracted. He wanted it understood that this can not be done." Concerning post-manifesto plural marriages authorized by his predecessor Snow adds, "As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them." (1)
-- Sep 15, 1898
The First Presidency and the Apostles met in regular meeting in the Temple at 11 A. M. Present: Presidents Lorenzo Snow, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Jos[eph]. F. Smith; Elders Brigham Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, H[eber]. J. Grant, John W. Taylor, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff.
An invitation from Bishop John R. Winder, inviting the First Presidency, the Apostles and their wives to dinner, immediately after conference, was accepted. ...
President Smith reminded the Council that men would soon be needed to take the places of the Presidents of the Swiss and German Missions, and the Presidency of the European Mission. President Snow invited the brethren to think up the names of men suitable for these places, and present them later to the Council. ... (2)
Endnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Sep 13, 1898
-- Sep 13, 1898
Dec[ember]. 3rd 1892"; LeRoi Clarence Snow, "The Appearance of the Saviour to Pres[ident]. Lorenzo Snow"]
At 10 o'clock this morning the Council of the Apostles met at the President's office, according to appointment. There were present: Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow; Elders Franklin D. Richards, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mar[r]iner W[ood]. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O[wen]. Woodruff.
On motion of Elder F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Elder Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs was appointed secretary and stenographer of the Council, on the same terms as made by the late First Presidency. ...
The special object of this meeting was to hear a report from Senator Frank J. Cannon, relative to the matter of borrowing for the Church the sum of $1,500,000, for which purpose he had been East. The proposition was to issue bonds for that amount, bearing interest at 5%. Senator Cannon informed the Council that he had been to New York, and met a Mr. Pierce, who acted for Messrs. Dillon and Gould, from whom the loan was to be obtained. They had proposed to form a syndicate [to] float the bonds, but he gave them to understand that the First Presidency would object to this, as they wanted the bonds kept from the public market. He spent a good deal of time conversing with Mr. Pierce on the perpetuity of the authority and succession of the Trustee-in-trust and First Presidency, and while he perhaps did not succeed in fully satisfying that gentleman on this subject, he felt assured that Mr. Dillon could do so, as he was fully advised on it, and was an authority on trusts. The terms of the loan talked on were 5% and par for the bonds. At the expiration of five of the twenty years contemplated as the life of the bonds, should the Church desire to take them up, it would have the privilege of doing so, by paying a premium of $107, or $1,070 for each bond. Senator Cannon thought the death of President [Wilford] Woodruff might have the effect of somewhat delaying the present negotiations, as the question of legal ownership of Church property, in consequence of succession to the Presidency, would have to be discussed.
The question now arose as to what was necessary to be done by the Council to satisfy the moneyed parties, in view of the changed conditions consequent upon the death of President Woodruff. The original document forming the basis of these negotiations had been given by the Trustee-in-trust, and it was evident to the Council that nothing could be done legally by way of continuing the negotiations without a new Trustee-in-trust.
Elder Lyman, speaking to this question, said he was reminded of the time when the Council was together after the death of President [John] Taylor, and the feeling of President Woodruff at that time; he was also reminded of President Woodruff's feelings, as expressed on different occasions during his administration, to the effect that whenever he died, the First Presidency of the Church should be organized without delay. "And if the Lord should manifest to you, President Snow, that it was the proper thing to do now, I am prepared to not only vote for a Trustee-in-trust, but for the President of the Church". Bro[ther]. Lyman added that he saw no reason why this action should not be taken at the present meeting, giving the President time, if he desired it, to choose his counselors. He remarked that after the death of Joseph Smith, three years lapsed before the First Presidency was organized; after the death of President [Brigham] Young, it also took three years to organize the First Presidency; after the death of Pres[ident]. Taylor, eighteen months elapsed, and the speaker believed that if the Council had been in harmony, no such interval would have occurred, but the Presidency would have been reorganized earlier. He believed the right thing to do now was to organize the First Presidency, and this act would tend to create confidence at home and abroad.
Bro[ther]. Grant remarked that the present time was just as opportune as any other, and that he could sustain Pres[ident]. Snow with all his heart as President of the Church.
Bro[ther]. Young remarked that Bro[ther]. Grant had expressed his feelings exactly. He felt that this was the way out.
Bro[ther]. Teasdale said that he was in perfect harmony and accord with the feelings of the brethren.
Jos[eph]. F. Smith: "I move that that be the sense of this meeting".
The motion was seconded by Bro[ther]. Cowley.
President Snow asked if there were any further remarks. Several of the brethren called for the question, whereupon Pres[ident]. Snow asked Elder Jos[eph]. F. Smith to put the motion. This being done, it was carried unanimously, and Lorenzo Snow was thus sustained by the Council of the Apostles, as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Snow then arose and said: There was no use in his making excuses as to inability, etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position to which he had been elected. He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord. He knew the action taken by the Council was according to the mind and will of the Lord, who had shown and revealed to him several days ago that the First Presidency should be organized before the next conference. He had been feeling a little gloomy, and perhaps a little discouraged at the prospect, and the vast responsibility that would naturally fall upon him as President of the Twelve Apostles, and with this feeling he went before the Lord, offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and called upon Him to let light come to his mind. His prayer was answered, the Lord manifesting unto him clearly what he should do; also in regard to the counselors he should select when he became President of the Church, "And[,]" said he, "In accordance with the light given me, I now present to you the name of Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon as my first counselor, and of Joseph F. Smith as my second counselor".
Several of the brethren, speaking at the same time, seconded the choice of counselors, and the brethren named had expressed themselves upon the subject—Bro[ther]. Cannon to the effect that he was willing to act in this capacity, or any other, if he could have the love and confidence of his brethren, and Bro[ther]. Smith to the effect that since the Lord had manifested his will in this matter, he had nothing to say, except that he was perfectly willing to act in this or any other position, and would do all he could to sustain the hands of the President in righteousness before the Lord.
Pres[ident]. Snow, before calling for the vote, said, "I have not mentioned this matter to any person, either man or woman. I, wanted to see what the feelings of the brethren were. I wanted to see if the same spirit which the Lord manifested to me was in you. I had confidence in you that the Lord would indicate to you that this was proper and according to his mind and will. I do not feel that I should be over-anxious in regard to anything pertaining to the work of the Lord. I had one revelation or manifestation in my early career which became my star, so to speak, and which I have always had before my mind. I put the meaning of it into couplet form, as follows:
"As man is, God once was;
"As God is, man may be". That was revealed to me with power; the Holy Ghost was upon me for a long time, and I knew it was my privilege to be like Him whom I afterwards knew was my Father and God. As John the Apostle says, "We are now the sons of God; when He shall appear we shall be like Him", etc. We must act as far as we possibly can like God while we are in the flesh, and I know we can reach that degree of perfection. Now brethren, I shall do the best I can, as God shall give me wisdom and power. I sense keenly my own weakness and inability, but I appreciate the fact that God can make strong. If I know my own heart, the administration about to be ushered in shall not be known as Lorenzo Snow's, but as God's in Lorenzo Snow. As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them; it will become us as servants of the Lord to go to work and meet the difficulties before us, as the Lord shall aid and assist us. I feel to say in my heart, God bless you, and I invoke the blessing of the Lord upon myself in the discharge of the obligations resting upon me."
The vote was then taken approving unanimously the President's choice of counselors.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley now moved, and the motion was carried, that Lorenzo Snow be sustained as Trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon suggested that the President of the Twelve Apostles be appointed, and on motion of F[ranklin]. M. Lyman, Franklin D. Richards was unanimously sustained to act in that position.
Pres[ident]. Cannon then suggested that Frank J. Cannon be at liberty to continue negotiations with the Eastern parties on the loan question; that he be informed of the organization that had just taken place, and be directed to inquire of said parties what, if anything, should be done further to satisfy them. Senator Cannon, who was in the adjoining room, was sent for, and this information was imparted to him.
On motion of Bro[ther]. Grant, it was decided to make public in this evening's paper, the action of the Council in organizing the First Presidency and appointing the Trustee-in-trust and the President of the Twelve Apostles.
The Council then adjourned.
All of our thoughts seemed directed to organizing First Presidency. Several Brethren spoke & all felt alike. By unanimous vote we sustained Lorenzo Snow as President. He said I knew this would come and the Lord has revealed to me who my councillors were, George Q. Cannon & Jos[eph]. F. Smith. I did thank God in my heart and so all seemed to feel. Pres[ident]. S[now]. Trustee in Trust— Franklin D. Richards President of the Twelve. What a load is removed from the Twelve we can now go out into our fields among the people and labor as usual.
An account of a private interview with Pres[iden]t. [Wilford] Woodruff Dec[ember]. 2 1892 at Salt Lake City.
Yesterday morning I went to Salt Lake City where I arrived about eleven o'clock A.M. and proceeded immediately to Pres[iden]t. Woodruff's Office; there were present Pres[iden]t. Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith: F[rancis]. M. Lyman came in shortly after. Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs was also present.
We spent the time in conversation on various subjects till after 3 P.M. When I arose to leave shook hands with the Brethren adn started towards the door, when Pres[iden]t. Woodruff called me back, saving that he wished to speak with me in private. We went into the adjoining room and took seats on one of the sofas. He said (and spoke with much feeling and energy) "I have an important request to make of you which I want you to fulfill. A few months ago while on a visit to St. George [Utah] I came near dying. I have no lease of my life and know not how soon I may be called away. And when I go I want you, Brother [Lorenzo] Snow, not to delay but organize The First Presidency, take George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith for your councillors, they are good, wise, and men of experience."
Of course I was much surprised, and said, Pres[iden]t. Woodruff, am I to receive this as a revelation? I do not call to mind the words of his answer but they were such as gave me the impression that he wished me to regard it as such. Without thought or considering the impropriety of such a question, I continued—Pres[iden]t. Woodruff, is this the place I am to occupy? He hesitated a moment then replied "It is according to the order." I asked, if he had mentioned this matter to his councillors? He said "No, not to any one." I told him I wished he would, I understood from his answer that he would do so.
This interview was brief—As we arose to return to the Pres[ien]t's Office, he said, "Now Brother Snow do not neglect to oganize as I have told you, it may prevent much trouble."
L[orenzo Snow].
This is a correct copy of the interview taken from Bro[ther]. Snows account.
M[innie]. J[ensen]. Snow
President Wilford Woodruff died in San Francisco [California], Friday morning at 6:40 o'clock September 2nd, 1898. President George Q. Cannon at once wired the information to the President's office in Salt Lake City. Word was forwarded to President Lorenzo Snow who was in Brigham City [Utah]. The telegram was delivered to him on the street in Brigham City. He read it to Elder Rudger Clawson, who was then with him, went to the telegraph office and replied that he would leave on the train about 5:30 that evening. He reached Salt Lake City about 7:15, proceeded to the President's office, reported his arrival, gave some instructions and then went to his private room in the Salt Lake Temple. He put on his holy temple robes and repaired to the Second Annointing room [i.e., Holy of Holies], knelt at the altar, offered up the sacred signs of the Priesthood and poured out his heart to the Lord. During his prayer he said: "Father, Thou knowest I prayed that President Woodruff's life would be spared, that his days would be lengthened beyond mine; that I might never be called upon to bear the heavy burdens and responsibilities of the Church. Nevertheless, Thy will be done. I have not sought this responsibility but if it is Thy will, I now present myself before Thee for Thy guidance and instruction. I ask that Thou show me what Thou wouldst have me do." After he had finished, he expected some special manifestation from the Lord; but there was none, and he left the altar and the room in disappointment. Passing thru the Celestial room and as he entered the large hall-way leading from the room a most remarkable manifestation was given President Snow which I relate in the words of his grand-daughter, included in a testimony which I bore during the M.I.A. conference, in the special session Sunday morning, in the Assembly Hall, June 7th, 1919, at 8:30 A.M. "Brethren and sisters, I feel impressed to say this morning: not only is this the work of God, but God is very close to this Church; not only are the leaders of the Church prophets, but God is very close to them and they are walking very near the Lord. Every president of the Church, from the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, has placed his mantle upon his successor and there is no question at all but that every one of the leaders of this Church has been accepted of God, appointed by him, and has had all the necessary authority of God given him in that high and sacred and holy position."
Allie Young Pond, the wife of one of the presidency of the Pocatello [Idaho] Stake, is a grand-daughter of President Brigham Young and of President Lorenzo Snow, and here is an incident which occurred in her life: "One evening while I was visiting grand-pa Snow in his room in the Salt Lake Temple, I remained until the door keepers had gone, so grand-pa had to take me to the main front entrance and let me out that way. On the way, after we left his room and while we were still in the large corridor leading to the celestial room, grand-pa stopped and said: `Wait a moment, Allie, I want to tell you something. It was right here that the Savior Jesus Christ appeared to me. He stood about three feet above floor (here grand-pa put his hand out to show about the height) and it looked as though he stood on a piece of solid gold and I talked with him as one man talks with another. It was at that time that He told me not to wait or delay until the regular conference of the Church, but to go ahead, call a special conference and complete the organization of the Church, and that I was to succeed President Wilford Woodruff as president.' He then placed one hand upon my head and said: `Now, grand-daughter I want you to remember that this is your grand-father's testimony and that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior and talked with him face to face as one man talks with another.'" Amen.
President Heber J. Grant immediately arose and said: "In confirmation of the testimony given by brother LeRoi C. Snow quoting the grand-daughter of Lorenzo Snow, I want to call attention to the fact that several years elapsed after the death of the Prophet Joseph [Smith] before President Young was sustained as the president of the Church; after the death of President Young, several years elapsed again before Brother Taylor was sustained, and again when he died, several years elapsed before President Woodruff was sustained. After the funeral of President Wilford Woodruff, the Apostles met in the office of the First Presidency and brother Francis M. Lyman said: `I feel impressed, although one of the younger members of the quorum, to say that I believe it would be pleasing in the sight of the Lord if the First Presidency of the church was reorganized right now. If I am in error regarding this impression, President Snow and the senior members of the council can correct me.' President Snow said that he would be pleased to hear from all the brethren upon this question, and each and all of us expressed ourselves as believing it would be pleasing to the Lord and that it would be the proper thing to have the Presidency organized at once. When we had finished, then and not till then, did brother Snow tell us that he was instructed of the Lord in the Temple the night President Woodruff died, to organize the presidency of the Church at once. President Anthon H. Lund and myself are the only men now living who were present at that meting. May the Lord bless and guide us by his spirit continually and may the testimony that we possess of the divinity of the work ever abide with us and our faithfulness be a inspiration to lead others to a knowledge of the Gospel, is my prayer and I ask it in the name of Jesus, Amen."
A few days after the M.I.A. conference, in an interview with President Lund in his office, he retold the incident to me as given by President Grant regarding the meeting in the office of the First Presidency on Tuesday morning, September 13th, 1898 at which Lorenzo Snow was chosen president of the Church. President Lund also told me that President Snow had related the manifestation to him, of the Savior's appearance to him after dressing in his temple robes and offering up the signs of the holy Priesthood. (1)
-- Sep 13, 1898 (Tuesday)
At a special meeting of the Apostles held in Salt Lake City, at which Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O. Woodruff were present, Lorenzo Snow was nominated and sustained as President of the Church. President Snow then selected, with the approval of the council, Geo. Q. Cannon as his first and Joseph F. Smith as his second Counselor. Pres. Snow was also sustained as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church, and Franklin D. Richards as President of the Twelve Apostles. All the proceedings were unanimous. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
2 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Dec[ember]. 3rd 1892"; LeRoi Clarence Snow, "The Appearance of the Saviour to Pres[ident]. Lorenzo Snow"]
At 10 o'clock this morning the Council of the Apostles met at the President's office, according to appointment. There were present: Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow; Elders Franklin D. Richards, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mar[r]iner W[ood]. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O[wen]. Woodruff.
On motion of Elder F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Elder Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs was appointed secretary and stenographer of the Council, on the same terms as made by the late First Presidency. ...
The special object of this meeting was to hear a report from Senator Frank J. Cannon, relative to the matter of borrowing for the Church the sum of $1,500,000, for which purpose he had been East. The proposition was to issue bonds for that amount, bearing interest at 5%. Senator Cannon informed the Council that he had been to New York, and met a Mr. Pierce, who acted for Messrs. Dillon and Gould, from whom the loan was to be obtained. They had proposed to form a syndicate [to] float the bonds, but he gave them to understand that the First Presidency would object to this, as they wanted the bonds kept from the public market. He spent a good deal of time conversing with Mr. Pierce on the perpetuity of the authority and succession of the Trustee-in-trust and First Presidency, and while he perhaps did not succeed in fully satisfying that gentleman on this subject, he felt assured that Mr. Dillon could do so, as he was fully advised on it, and was an authority on trusts. The terms of the loan talked on were 5% and par for the bonds. At the expiration of five of the twenty years contemplated as the life of the bonds, should the Church desire to take them up, it would have the privilege of doing so, by paying a premium of $107, or $1,070 for each bond. Senator Cannon thought the death of President [Wilford] Woodruff might have the effect of somewhat delaying the present negotiations, as the question of legal ownership of Church property, in consequence of succession to the Presidency, would have to be discussed.
The question now arose as to what was necessary to be done by the Council to satisfy the moneyed parties, in view of the changed conditions consequent upon the death of President Woodruff. The original document forming the basis of these negotiations had been given by the Trustee-in-trust, and it was evident to the Council that nothing could be done legally by way of continuing the negotiations without a new Trustee-in-trust.
Elder Lyman, speaking to this question, said he was reminded of the time when the Council was together after the death of President [John] Taylor, and the feeling of President Woodruff at that time; he was also reminded of President Woodruff's feelings, as expressed on different occasions during his administration, to the effect that whenever he died, the First Presidency of the Church should be organized without delay. "And if the Lord should manifest to you, President Snow, that it was the proper thing to do now, I am prepared to not only vote for a Trustee-in-trust, but for the President of the Church". Bro[ther]. Lyman added that he saw no reason why this action should not be taken at the present meeting, giving the President time, if he desired it, to choose his counselors. He remarked that after the death of Joseph Smith, three years lapsed before the First Presidency was organized; after the death of President [Brigham] Young, it also took three years to organize the First Presidency; after the death of Pres[ident]. Taylor, eighteen months elapsed, and the speaker believed that if the Council had been in harmony, no such interval would have occurred, but the Presidency would have been reorganized earlier. He believed the right thing to do now was to organize the First Presidency, and this act would tend to create confidence at home and abroad.
Bro[ther]. Grant remarked that the present time was just as opportune as any other, and that he could sustain Pres[ident]. Snow with all his heart as President of the Church.
Bro[ther]. Young remarked that Bro[ther]. Grant had expressed his feelings exactly. He felt that this was the way out.
Bro[ther]. Teasdale said that he was in perfect harmony and accord with the feelings of the brethren.
Jos[eph]. F. Smith: "I move that that be the sense of this meeting".
The motion was seconded by Bro[ther]. Cowley.
President Snow asked if there were any further remarks. Several of the brethren called for the question, whereupon Pres[ident]. Snow asked Elder Jos[eph]. F. Smith to put the motion. This being done, it was carried unanimously, and Lorenzo Snow was thus sustained by the Council of the Apostles, as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Snow then arose and said: There was no use in his making excuses as to inability, etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position to which he had been elected. He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord. He knew the action taken by the Council was according to the mind and will of the Lord, who had shown and revealed to him several days ago that the First Presidency should be organized before the next conference. He had been feeling a little gloomy, and perhaps a little discouraged at the prospect, and the vast responsibility that would naturally fall upon him as President of the Twelve Apostles, and with this feeling he went before the Lord, offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and called upon Him to let light come to his mind. His prayer was answered, the Lord manifesting unto him clearly what he should do; also in regard to the counselors he should select when he became President of the Church, "And[,]" said he, "In accordance with the light given me, I now present to you the name of Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon as my first counselor, and of Joseph F. Smith as my second counselor".
Several of the brethren, speaking at the same time, seconded the choice of counselors, and the brethren named had expressed themselves upon the subject—Bro[ther]. Cannon to the effect that he was willing to act in this capacity, or any other, if he could have the love and confidence of his brethren, and Bro[ther]. Smith to the effect that since the Lord had manifested his will in this matter, he had nothing to say, except that he was perfectly willing to act in this or any other position, and would do all he could to sustain the hands of the President in righteousness before the Lord.
Pres[ident]. Snow, before calling for the vote, said, "I have not mentioned this matter to any person, either man or woman. I, wanted to see what the feelings of the brethren were. I wanted to see if the same spirit which the Lord manifested to me was in you. I had confidence in you that the Lord would indicate to you that this was proper and according to his mind and will. I do not feel that I should be over-anxious in regard to anything pertaining to the work of the Lord. I had one revelation or manifestation in my early career which became my star, so to speak, and which I have always had before my mind. I put the meaning of it into couplet form, as follows:
"As man is, God once was;
"As God is, man may be". That was revealed to me with power; the Holy Ghost was upon me for a long time, and I knew it was my privilege to be like Him whom I afterwards knew was my Father and God. As John the Apostle says, "We are now the sons of God; when He shall appear we shall be like Him", etc. We must act as far as we possibly can like God while we are in the flesh, and I know we can reach that degree of perfection. Now brethren, I shall do the best I can, as God shall give me wisdom and power. I sense keenly my own weakness and inability, but I appreciate the fact that God can make strong. If I know my own heart, the administration about to be ushered in shall not be known as Lorenzo Snow's, but as God's in Lorenzo Snow. As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them; it will become us as servants of the Lord to go to work and meet the difficulties before us, as the Lord shall aid and assist us. I feel to say in my heart, God bless you, and I invoke the blessing of the Lord upon myself in the discharge of the obligations resting upon me."
The vote was then taken approving unanimously the President's choice of counselors.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley now moved, and the motion was carried, that Lorenzo Snow be sustained as Trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon suggested that the President of the Twelve Apostles be appointed, and on motion of F[ranklin]. M. Lyman, Franklin D. Richards was unanimously sustained to act in that position.
Pres[ident]. Cannon then suggested that Frank J. Cannon be at liberty to continue negotiations with the Eastern parties on the loan question; that he be informed of the organization that had just taken place, and be directed to inquire of said parties what, if anything, should be done further to satisfy them. Senator Cannon, who was in the adjoining room, was sent for, and this information was imparted to him.
On motion of Bro[ther]. Grant, it was decided to make public in this evening's paper, the action of the Council in organizing the First Presidency and appointing the Trustee-in-trust and the President of the Twelve Apostles.
The Council then adjourned.
All of our thoughts seemed directed to organizing First Presidency. Several Brethren spoke & all felt alike. By unanimous vote we sustained Lorenzo Snow as President. He said I knew this would come and the Lord has revealed to me who my councillors were, George Q. Cannon & Jos[eph]. F. Smith. I did thank God in my heart and so all seemed to feel. Pres[ident]. S[now]. Trustee in Trust— Franklin D. Richards President of the Twelve. What a load is removed from the Twelve we can now go out into our fields among the people and labor as usual.
An account of a private interview with Pres[iden]t. [Wilford] Woodruff Dec[ember]. 2 1892 at Salt Lake City.
Yesterday morning I went to Salt Lake City where I arrived about eleven o'clock A.M. and proceeded immediately to Pres[iden]t. Woodruff's Office; there were present Pres[iden]t. Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith: F[rancis]. M. Lyman came in shortly after. Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs was also present.
We spent the time in conversation on various subjects till after 3 P.M. When I arose to leave shook hands with the Brethren adn started towards the door, when Pres[iden]t. Woodruff called me back, saving that he wished to speak with me in private. We went into the adjoining room and took seats on one of the sofas. He said (and spoke with much feeling and energy) "I have an important request to make of you which I want you to fulfill. A few months ago while on a visit to St. George [Utah] I came near dying. I have no lease of my life and know not how soon I may be called away. And when I go I want you, Brother [Lorenzo] Snow, not to delay but organize The First Presidency, take George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith for your councillors, they are good, wise, and men of experience."
Of course I was much surprised, and said, Pres[iden]t. Woodruff, am I to receive this as a revelation? I do not call to mind the words of his answer but they were such as gave me the impression that he wished me to regard it as such. Without thought or considering the impropriety of such a question, I continued—Pres[iden]t. Woodruff, is this the place I am to occupy? He hesitated a moment then replied "It is according to the order." I asked, if he had mentioned this matter to his councillors? He said "No, not to any one." I told him I wished he would, I understood from his answer that he would do so.
This interview was brief—As we arose to return to the Pres[ien]t's Office, he said, "Now Brother Snow do not neglect to oganize as I have told you, it may prevent much trouble."
L[orenzo Snow].
This is a correct copy of the interview taken from Bro[ther]. Snows account.
M[innie]. J[ensen]. Snow
President Wilford Woodruff died in San Francisco [California], Friday morning at 6:40 o'clock September 2nd, 1898. President George Q. Cannon at once wired the information to the President's office in Salt Lake City. Word was forwarded to President Lorenzo Snow who was in Brigham City [Utah]. The telegram was delivered to him on the street in Brigham City. He read it to Elder Rudger Clawson, who was then with him, went to the telegraph office and replied that he would leave on the train about 5:30 that evening. He reached Salt Lake City about 7:15, proceeded to the President's office, reported his arrival, gave some instructions and then went to his private room in the Salt Lake Temple. He put on his holy temple robes and repaired to the Second Annointing room [i.e., Holy of Holies], knelt at the altar, offered up the sacred signs of the Priesthood and poured out his heart to the Lord. During his prayer he said: "Father, Thou knowest I prayed that President Woodruff's life would be spared, that his days would be lengthened beyond mine; that I might never be called upon to bear the heavy burdens and responsibilities of the Church. Nevertheless, Thy will be done. I have not sought this responsibility but if it is Thy will, I now present myself before Thee for Thy guidance and instruction. I ask that Thou show me what Thou wouldst have me do." After he had finished, he expected some special manifestation from the Lord; but there was none, and he left the altar and the room in disappointment. Passing thru the Celestial room and as he entered the large hall-way leading from the room a most remarkable manifestation was given President Snow which I relate in the words of his grand-daughter, included in a testimony which I bore during the M.I.A. conference, in the special session Sunday morning, in the Assembly Hall, June 7th, 1919, at 8:30 A.M. "Brethren and sisters, I feel impressed to say this morning: not only is this the work of God, but God is very close to this Church; not only are the leaders of the Church prophets, but God is very close to them and they are walking very near the Lord. Every president of the Church, from the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, has placed his mantle upon his successor and there is no question at all but that every one of the leaders of this Church has been accepted of God, appointed by him, and has had all the necessary authority of God given him in that high and sacred and holy position."
Allie Young Pond, the wife of one of the presidency of the Pocatello [Idaho] Stake, is a grand-daughter of President Brigham Young and of President Lorenzo Snow, and here is an incident which occurred in her life: "One evening while I was visiting grand-pa Snow in his room in the Salt Lake Temple, I remained until the door keepers had gone, so grand-pa had to take me to the main front entrance and let me out that way. On the way, after we left his room and while we were still in the large corridor leading to the celestial room, grand-pa stopped and said: `Wait a moment, Allie, I want to tell you something. It was right here that the Savior Jesus Christ appeared to me. He stood about three feet above floor (here grand-pa put his hand out to show about the height) and it looked as though he stood on a piece of solid gold and I talked with him as one man talks with another. It was at that time that He told me not to wait or delay until the regular conference of the Church, but to go ahead, call a special conference and complete the organization of the Church, and that I was to succeed President Wilford Woodruff as president.' He then placed one hand upon my head and said: `Now, grand-daughter I want you to remember that this is your grand-father's testimony and that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior and talked with him face to face as one man talks with another.'" Amen.
President Heber J. Grant immediately arose and said: "In confirmation of the testimony given by brother LeRoi C. Snow quoting the grand-daughter of Lorenzo Snow, I want to call attention to the fact that several years elapsed after the death of the Prophet Joseph [Smith] before President Young was sustained as the president of the Church; after the death of President Young, several years elapsed again before Brother Taylor was sustained, and again when he died, several years elapsed before President Woodruff was sustained. After the funeral of President Wilford Woodruff, the Apostles met in the office of the First Presidency and brother Francis M. Lyman said: `I feel impressed, although one of the younger members of the quorum, to say that I believe it would be pleasing in the sight of the Lord if the First Presidency of the church was reorganized right now. If I am in error regarding this impression, President Snow and the senior members of the council can correct me.' President Snow said that he would be pleased to hear from all the brethren upon this question, and each and all of us expressed ourselves as believing it would be pleasing to the Lord and that it would be the proper thing to have the Presidency organized at once. When we had finished, then and not till then, did brother Snow tell us that he was instructed of the Lord in the Temple the night President Woodruff died, to organize the presidency of the Church at once. President Anthon H. Lund and myself are the only men now living who were present at that meting. May the Lord bless and guide us by his spirit continually and may the testimony that we possess of the divinity of the work ever abide with us and our faithfulness be a inspiration to lead others to a knowledge of the Gospel, is my prayer and I ask it in the name of Jesus, Amen."
A few days after the M.I.A. conference, in an interview with President Lund in his office, he retold the incident to me as given by President Grant regarding the meeting in the office of the First Presidency on Tuesday morning, September 13th, 1898 at which Lorenzo Snow was chosen president of the Church. President Lund also told me that President Snow had related the manifestation to him, of the Savior's appearance to him after dressing in his temple robes and offering up the signs of the holy Priesthood. (1)
-- Sep 13, 1898 (Tuesday)
At a special meeting of the Apostles held in Salt Lake City, at which Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O. Woodruff were present, Lorenzo Snow was nominated and sustained as President of the Church. President Snow then selected, with the approval of the council, Geo. Q. Cannon as his first and Joseph F. Smith as his second Counselor. Pres. Snow was also sustained as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church, and Franklin D. Richards as President of the Twelve Apostles. All the proceedings were unanimous. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
2 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Sep 13, 1898; Tuesday
-- Sep 13, 1898; Tuesday
At 10 o'clock this morning the Council of the Apostles met at the President's office, according to appointment. There were present: Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow; Elders Franklin D. Richards, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mar[r]iner
W[ood]. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O[wen]. Woodruff.
On motion of Elder F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Elder Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs was appointed secretary and stenographer of the Council, on the same terms as made by the late First Presidency. ...
President Snow asked if there were any further remarks. Several of the brethren called for the question, whereupon Pres[ident]. Snow asked Elder Jos[eph]. F. Smith to put the motion. This being done, it was carried unanimously, and Lorenzo Snow was thus sustained by the Council of the Apostles, as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Snow then arose and said: There was no use in his making excuses as to inability, etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position to which he had been elected. He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord. He knew the action taken by the Council was according to the mind and will of the Lord, who had shown and revealed to him several days ago that the First Presidency should be organized before the next conference. He had been feeling a little gloomy, and perhaps a little discouraged at the prospect, and the vast responsibility that would naturally fall upon him as President of the Twelve Apostles, and with this feeling he went before the Lord, offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and called upon Him to let light come to his mind. His prayer was answered, the Lord manifesting unto him clearly what he should do; also in regard to the counselors he should select when he became President of the Church, "And[,]" said he, "In accordance with the light given me, I now present to you the name of Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon as my first counselor, and of Joseph F. Smith as my second counselor".
Several of the brethren, speaking at the same time, seconded the choice of counselors, and the brethren named had expressed themselves upon the subject--Bro[ther]. Cannon to the effect that he was willing to act in this capacity, or any other, if he could have the love and confidence of his brethren, and Bro[ther]. Smith to the effect that since the Lord had manifested his will in this matter, he had nothing to say, except that he was perfectly willing to act in this or any other position, and would do all he could to sustain the hands of the President in righteousness before the Lord.
Pres[ident]. Snow, before calling for the vote, said, "I have not mentioned this matter to any person, either man or woman. I, wanted to see what the feelings of the brethren were. I wanted to see if the same spirit which the Lord manifested to me was in you. I had confidence in you that the Lord would indicate to you that
this was proper and according to his mind and will. I do not feel that I should be over-anxious in regard to anything pertaining to the work of the Lord. I had one revelation or manifestation in my early career which became my star, so to speak, and which I have always had before my mind. I put the meaning of it into couplet form, as follows:
"As man is, God once was;
"As God is, man may be".
That was revealed to me with power; the Holy Ghost was upon me for a long time, and I knew it was my privilege to be like Him whom I afterwards knew was my Father and God. As John the Apostle says, "We are now the sons of God; when He shall appear we shall be like Him", etc. We must act as far as we possibly can like God while we are in the flesh, and I know we can reach that degree of perfection. Now brethren, I shall do the best I can, as God shall give me wisdom and power. I sense keenly my own weakness and inability, but I appreciate the fact that God can make strong. If I know my own heart, the administration about to be ushered in shall not be known as Lorenzo Snow's, but as God's in Lorenzo Snow. As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them; it will become us as servants of the Lord to go to work and meet the difficulties before us, as the Lord shall aid and assist us. I feel to say in my heart, God bless you, and I invoke the blessing of the Lord upon myself in the discharge of the obligations resting upon me."
The vote was then taken approving unanimously the President's choice of counselors.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley now moved, and the motion was carried, that Lorenzo Snow be sustained as Trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon suggested that the President of the Twelve Apostles be appointed, and on motion of F[ranklin]. M. Lyman, Franklin D. Richards was unanimously sustained to act in that position.
Pres[ident]. Cannon then suggested that Frank J. Cannon be at liberty to continue negotiations with the Eastern parties on the loan question; that he be informed of the organization that had just taken place, and be directed to inquire of said parties what, if anything, should be done further to satisfy them. Senator Cannon, who was in the adjoining room, was sent for, and this information was imparted to him.
On motion of Bro[ther]. Grant, it was decided to make public in this evening's paper, the action of the Council in organizing the First Presidency and appointing the Trustee-in-trust and the President of the Twelve Apostles.
The Council then adjourned. (1)
President Wilford Woodruff died in San Francisco [California], Friday morning at 6:40 o'clock September 2nd, 1898. President George Q. Cannon at once wired the information to the President's office in Salt Lake City. Word was forwarded to President Lorenzo Snow who was in Brigham City [Utah]. The telegram was delivered to him on the street in Brigham City. He read it to Elder Rudger Clawson, who was then with him, went to the telegraph office and replied that he would leave on the train about 5:30 that evening. He reached Salt Lake City about 7:15, proceeded to the President's office, reported his arrival, gave
some instructions and then went to his private room in the Salt Lake Temple. He put on his holy temple robes and repaired to the Second Annointing room [i.e., Holy of Holies], knelt at the altar, offered up the sacred signs of the Priesthood and poured out his heart to the Lord. During his prayer he said: "Father, Thou knowest I prayed that President Woodruff's life would be spared, that his days would be lengthened beyond mine; that I might never be called upon to bear the heavy burdens and responsibilities of the Church. Nevertheless, Thy will be done. I have not sought this responsibility but if it is Thy will, I now present myself before Thee for Thy guidance and instruction. I ask that Thou show me what Thou wouldst have me do." After he had finished, he expected some special manifestation from the Lord; but there was none, and he left the altar and the room in disappointment. Passing thru the Celestial room and as he entered the large hall-way leading from the room a most remarkable manifestation was given President Snow which I relate in the words of his grand-daughter, included in a testimony which I bore during the M.I.A. conference, in the special session Sunday morning, in the Assembly Hall, June 7th, 1919, at 8:30 A.M. "Brethren and sisters, I feel impressed to say this morning: not only is this the work of God, but God is very close to this Church; not only are the leaders of the Church prophets, but God is very close to them and they are walking very near the Lord. Every president of the Church, from the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, has placed his mantle upon his successor and there is no question at all but that every one of the leaders of this Church has been accepted of God, appointed by him, and has had all the necessary authority of God given him in that high and sacred and holy position."
Allie Young Pond, the wife of one of the presidency of the Pocatello [Idaho] Stake, is a grand-daughter of President Brigham Young and of President Lorenzo Snow, and here is an incident which occurred in her life: "One evening while I was visiting grand-pa Snow in his room in the Salt Lake Temple, I remained until the door keepers had gone, so grand-pa had to take me to the main front entrance and let me out that way. On the way, after we left his room and while we were still in the large corridor leading to the celestial room, grand-pa stopped and said: `Wait a moment, Allie, I want to tell you something. It was right here that the Savior Jesus Christ appeared to me. He stood about three feet above floor (here grand-pa put his hand out to show about the height) and it looked as though he stood on a piece of solid gold and I talked with him as one man talks with another. It was at that time that He told me not to wait or delay until the regular conference of the Church, but to go ahead, call a special conference and complete the organization of the Church, and that I was to succeed President Wilford Woodruff as president.' He then placed one hand upon my head and said: `Now, grand-daughter I want you to remember that this is your grand-father's testimony and that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior and talked with him face to face as one man talks with another.'" Amen.
President Heber J. Grant immediately arose and said: "In confirmation of the testimony given by brother LeRoi C. Snow
quoting the grand-daughter of Lorenzo Snow, I want to call attention to the fact that several years elapsed after the death of the Prophet Joseph [Smith] before President Young was sustained as the president of the Church; after the death of President Young, several years elapsed again before Brother Taylor was sustained, and again when he died, several years elapsed before President Woodruff was sustained. After the funeral of President Wilford Woodruff, the Apostles met in the office of the First Presidency and brother Francis M. Lyman said: `I feel impressed, although one of the younger members of the quorum, to say that I believe it would be pleasing in the sight of the Lord if the First Presidency of the church was reorganized right now. If I am in error regarding this impression, President Snow and the senior members of the council can correct me.' President Snow said that he would be pleased to hear from all the brethren upon this question, and each and all of us expressed ourselves as believing it would be pleasing to the Lord and that it would be the proper thing to have the Presidency organized at once. When we had finished, then and not till then, did brother Snow tell us that he was instructed of the Lord in the Temple the night President Woodruff died, to organize the presidency of the Church at once. President Anthon H. Lund and myself are the only men now living who were present at that meting. May the Lord bless and guide us by his spirit continually and may the testimony that we possess of the divinity of the work ever abide with us and our faithfulness be a inspiration to lead others to a knowledge of the Gospel, is my prayer and I ask it in the name of Jesus, Amen."
A few days after the M.I.A. conference, in an interview with President Lund in his office, he retold the incident to me as given by President Grant regarding the meeting in the office of the First Presidency on Tuesday morning, September 13th, 1898 at which Lorenzo Snow was chosen president of the Church. President Lund also told me that President Snow had related the manifestation to him, of the Savior's appearance to him after dressing in his temple robes and offering up the signs of the holy Priesthood. [LeRoi Clarence Snow, "The Appearance of the Saviour to Pres[ident]. Lorenzo Snow," LDS Archives.] (1)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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At 10 o'clock this morning the Council of the Apostles met at the President's office, according to appointment. There were present: Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow; Elders Franklin D. Richards, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mar[r]iner
W[ood]. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O[wen]. Woodruff.
On motion of Elder F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Elder Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs was appointed secretary and stenographer of the Council, on the same terms as made by the late First Presidency. ...
President Snow asked if there were any further remarks. Several of the brethren called for the question, whereupon Pres[ident]. Snow asked Elder Jos[eph]. F. Smith to put the motion. This being done, it was carried unanimously, and Lorenzo Snow was thus sustained by the Council of the Apostles, as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Snow then arose and said: There was no use in his making excuses as to inability, etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position to which he had been elected. He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord. He knew the action taken by the Council was according to the mind and will of the Lord, who had shown and revealed to him several days ago that the First Presidency should be organized before the next conference. He had been feeling a little gloomy, and perhaps a little discouraged at the prospect, and the vast responsibility that would naturally fall upon him as President of the Twelve Apostles, and with this feeling he went before the Lord, offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and called upon Him to let light come to his mind. His prayer was answered, the Lord manifesting unto him clearly what he should do; also in regard to the counselors he should select when he became President of the Church, "And[,]" said he, "In accordance with the light given me, I now present to you the name of Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon as my first counselor, and of Joseph F. Smith as my second counselor".
Several of the brethren, speaking at the same time, seconded the choice of counselors, and the brethren named had expressed themselves upon the subject--Bro[ther]. Cannon to the effect that he was willing to act in this capacity, or any other, if he could have the love and confidence of his brethren, and Bro[ther]. Smith to the effect that since the Lord had manifested his will in this matter, he had nothing to say, except that he was perfectly willing to act in this or any other position, and would do all he could to sustain the hands of the President in righteousness before the Lord.
Pres[ident]. Snow, before calling for the vote, said, "I have not mentioned this matter to any person, either man or woman. I, wanted to see what the feelings of the brethren were. I wanted to see if the same spirit which the Lord manifested to me was in you. I had confidence in you that the Lord would indicate to you that
this was proper and according to his mind and will. I do not feel that I should be over-anxious in regard to anything pertaining to the work of the Lord. I had one revelation or manifestation in my early career which became my star, so to speak, and which I have always had before my mind. I put the meaning of it into couplet form, as follows:
"As man is, God once was;
"As God is, man may be".
That was revealed to me with power; the Holy Ghost was upon me for a long time, and I knew it was my privilege to be like Him whom I afterwards knew was my Father and God. As John the Apostle says, "We are now the sons of God; when He shall appear we shall be like Him", etc. We must act as far as we possibly can like God while we are in the flesh, and I know we can reach that degree of perfection. Now brethren, I shall do the best I can, as God shall give me wisdom and power. I sense keenly my own weakness and inability, but I appreciate the fact that God can make strong. If I know my own heart, the administration about to be ushered in shall not be known as Lorenzo Snow's, but as God's in Lorenzo Snow. As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them; it will become us as servants of the Lord to go to work and meet the difficulties before us, as the Lord shall aid and assist us. I feel to say in my heart, God bless you, and I invoke the blessing of the Lord upon myself in the discharge of the obligations resting upon me."
The vote was then taken approving unanimously the President's choice of counselors.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley now moved, and the motion was carried, that Lorenzo Snow be sustained as Trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon suggested that the President of the Twelve Apostles be appointed, and on motion of F[ranklin]. M. Lyman, Franklin D. Richards was unanimously sustained to act in that position.
Pres[ident]. Cannon then suggested that Frank J. Cannon be at liberty to continue negotiations with the Eastern parties on the loan question; that he be informed of the organization that had just taken place, and be directed to inquire of said parties what, if anything, should be done further to satisfy them. Senator Cannon, who was in the adjoining room, was sent for, and this information was imparted to him.
On motion of Bro[ther]. Grant, it was decided to make public in this evening's paper, the action of the Council in organizing the First Presidency and appointing the Trustee-in-trust and the President of the Twelve Apostles.
The Council then adjourned. (1)
President Wilford Woodruff died in San Francisco [California], Friday morning at 6:40 o'clock September 2nd, 1898. President George Q. Cannon at once wired the information to the President's office in Salt Lake City. Word was forwarded to President Lorenzo Snow who was in Brigham City [Utah]. The telegram was delivered to him on the street in Brigham City. He read it to Elder Rudger Clawson, who was then with him, went to the telegraph office and replied that he would leave on the train about 5:30 that evening. He reached Salt Lake City about 7:15, proceeded to the President's office, reported his arrival, gave
some instructions and then went to his private room in the Salt Lake Temple. He put on his holy temple robes and repaired to the Second Annointing room [i.e., Holy of Holies], knelt at the altar, offered up the sacred signs of the Priesthood and poured out his heart to the Lord. During his prayer he said: "Father, Thou knowest I prayed that President Woodruff's life would be spared, that his days would be lengthened beyond mine; that I might never be called upon to bear the heavy burdens and responsibilities of the Church. Nevertheless, Thy will be done. I have not sought this responsibility but if it is Thy will, I now present myself before Thee for Thy guidance and instruction. I ask that Thou show me what Thou wouldst have me do." After he had finished, he expected some special manifestation from the Lord; but there was none, and he left the altar and the room in disappointment. Passing thru the Celestial room and as he entered the large hall-way leading from the room a most remarkable manifestation was given President Snow which I relate in the words of his grand-daughter, included in a testimony which I bore during the M.I.A. conference, in the special session Sunday morning, in the Assembly Hall, June 7th, 1919, at 8:30 A.M. "Brethren and sisters, I feel impressed to say this morning: not only is this the work of God, but God is very close to this Church; not only are the leaders of the Church prophets, but God is very close to them and they are walking very near the Lord. Every president of the Church, from the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, has placed his mantle upon his successor and there is no question at all but that every one of the leaders of this Church has been accepted of God, appointed by him, and has had all the necessary authority of God given him in that high and sacred and holy position."
Allie Young Pond, the wife of one of the presidency of the Pocatello [Idaho] Stake, is a grand-daughter of President Brigham Young and of President Lorenzo Snow, and here is an incident which occurred in her life: "One evening while I was visiting grand-pa Snow in his room in the Salt Lake Temple, I remained until the door keepers had gone, so grand-pa had to take me to the main front entrance and let me out that way. On the way, after we left his room and while we were still in the large corridor leading to the celestial room, grand-pa stopped and said: `Wait a moment, Allie, I want to tell you something. It was right here that the Savior Jesus Christ appeared to me. He stood about three feet above floor (here grand-pa put his hand out to show about the height) and it looked as though he stood on a piece of solid gold and I talked with him as one man talks with another. It was at that time that He told me not to wait or delay until the regular conference of the Church, but to go ahead, call a special conference and complete the organization of the Church, and that I was to succeed President Wilford Woodruff as president.' He then placed one hand upon my head and said: `Now, grand-daughter I want you to remember that this is your grand-father's testimony and that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior and talked with him face to face as one man talks with another.'" Amen.
President Heber J. Grant immediately arose and said: "In confirmation of the testimony given by brother LeRoi C. Snow
quoting the grand-daughter of Lorenzo Snow, I want to call attention to the fact that several years elapsed after the death of the Prophet Joseph [Smith] before President Young was sustained as the president of the Church; after the death of President Young, several years elapsed again before Brother Taylor was sustained, and again when he died, several years elapsed before President Woodruff was sustained. After the funeral of President Wilford Woodruff, the Apostles met in the office of the First Presidency and brother Francis M. Lyman said: `I feel impressed, although one of the younger members of the quorum, to say that I believe it would be pleasing in the sight of the Lord if the First Presidency of the church was reorganized right now. If I am in error regarding this impression, President Snow and the senior members of the council can correct me.' President Snow said that he would be pleased to hear from all the brethren upon this question, and each and all of us expressed ourselves as believing it would be pleasing to the Lord and that it would be the proper thing to have the Presidency organized at once. When we had finished, then and not till then, did brother Snow tell us that he was instructed of the Lord in the Temple the night President Woodruff died, to organize the presidency of the Church at once. President Anthon H. Lund and myself are the only men now living who were present at that meting. May the Lord bless and guide us by his spirit continually and may the testimony that we possess of the divinity of the work ever abide with us and our faithfulness be a inspiration to lead others to a knowledge of the Gospel, is my prayer and I ask it in the name of Jesus, Amen."
A few days after the M.I.A. conference, in an interview with President Lund in his office, he retold the incident to me as given by President Grant regarding the meeting in the office of the First Presidency on Tuesday morning, September 13th, 1898 at which Lorenzo Snow was chosen president of the Church. President Lund also told me that President Snow had related the manifestation to him, of the Savior's appearance to him after dressing in his temple robes and offering up the signs of the holy Priesthood. [LeRoi Clarence Snow, "The Appearance of the Saviour to Pres[ident]. Lorenzo Snow," LDS Archives.] (1)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Sep 13, 1898
-- Sep 13, 1898
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Salt Lake City. Met with the Apostles at 10 a. m. and organized the First Presidency by electing Lorenzo Snow President and George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith Counselors, and F. D. Richards President of the Twelve Apostles. At 2 p. m. met at Brother Savage's Art Gallery and had our photos taken all together in one group. In the evening went with Brother H. J. Grant to see the O. S. L. Passenger Agent to get lower Conference rates, but failed to do so. (1)
-- Sep 13, 1898; Tuesday
All of our thoughts seemed directed to organizing First Presidency. Several Brethren spoke & all felt alike. By unanimous vote we sustained Lorenzo Snow as President. He said I knew this would come and the Lord has revealed to me who my councillors [sic] were, George Q. Cannon & Jos[eph]. F. Smith. I did thank God in my heart and so all seemed to feel. Pres[ident]. S[now]. Trustee in Trust--Franklin D. Richards President of the Twelve.
What a load is removed from the Twelve we can now go out into our fields among the people and labor as usual. (2)
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 - Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Tuesday. Salt Lake City. Met with the Apostles at 10 a. m. and organized the First Presidency by electing Lorenzo Snow President and George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith Counselors, and F. D. Richards President of the Twelve Apostles. At 2 p. m. met at Brother Savage's Art Gallery and had our photos taken all together in one group. In the evening went with Brother H. J. Grant to see the O. S. L. Passenger Agent to get lower Conference rates, but failed to do so. (1)
-- Sep 13, 1898; Tuesday
All of our thoughts seemed directed to organizing First Presidency. Several Brethren spoke & all felt alike. By unanimous vote we sustained Lorenzo Snow as President. He said I knew this would come and the Lord has revealed to me who my councillors [sic] were, George Q. Cannon & Jos[eph]. F. Smith. I did thank God in my heart and so all seemed to feel. Pres[ident]. S[now]. Trustee in Trust--Franklin D. Richards President of the Twelve.
What a load is removed from the Twelve we can now go out into our fields among the people and labor as usual. (2)
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 - Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Friday, Sep 9, 1898
-- Friday, Sep 9, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
At 10 a.m. all of the Apostles met in their room. Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lurid, Mattbias F. Cowley and Abraham O. Woodruff, President Lorenzo Snow presiding. Singing. Prayer by Francis M. Lyman. Singing. Prest. Lorenzo Snow made a short talk and asked Elders Geo. Q. Cannon and J. F. Smith to make a brief statement of the financial condition of the Church, which they did.
On motion of Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow was sustained as President of the Twelve. On motion of John Henry Smith, Geo. Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were returned to their places in the Council of the Apostles, according to ordination.
[On] motion of John Henry Smith The Council of Apostles were declaired the presiding Quorum of the church.
President W. Woodruffs desk was given to his son. Geo. Q. Cannon and Jos. F. Smith retain theirs. The Desk in the Apostles room was given to Prest. Lorenzo Snow. Fifty dollars a month was [given] to each of Bro. Wilford Woodruff's Widows on my motion.
We adjourned to meet at the President's office at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Joseph F. Smith gave the Benediction.
I went up to the Lagoon with some of the Delegates to the Republican Convention.
Charles S. Zane was nominated for Supreme Judge. Alma Eldredge for Representative to Congress. (1)
-- Sep 9, 1898
A meeting of the Apostles was held at 10 o'clock this morning in the Temple; all present, including Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith. These two brethren, by unanimous vote of the Council of the Twelve (now presiding over the Church in lieu of the First Presidency just dissolved) were received back as members of that body, and took their seats in the Council according to their order of ordination, with President Lorenzo Snow presiding. President Snow, by the action of the Council, was placed in charge of all Church affairs until the First Presidency should again be organized. Brothers Cannon and Smith were presented with the desks they had occupied in the President's Office, and Bro[ther]. A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff was presented with the desk that his deceased father had occupied, and they were authorized to take them away from the office. A new desk was purchased for the use of President Snow.
At the above meeting, President Snow spoke, referring solemnly to the absence of Pres[ident]. [Wilford] Woodruff, whose death had disorganized the first quorum of the Church. He suggested the possible presence with them on this occasion of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and other departed leaders, and spoke of the great responsibility which had now fallen upon the Quorum of the Twelve. He felt thankful beyond expression for the union that existed in the Council of the Apostles, and he believed, and in fact knew, that by each one laboring unselfishly for the cause of Zion, their labors would be crowned with success, and they would triumph. He exhorted the brethren to be charitable to each other, and to accept their new duties and responsibilities in all humility as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. He offered to vacate his position as President of the Twelve, and thus give place to any one else who might be the unanimous choice of the Council.
Jos[eph]. F. Smith moved, and several of the brethren seconded and it was voted heartily and unanimously that Lorenzo Snow be sustained in his position as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.
Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon spoke briefly but feelingly of the present happy state of love and confidence in the Council, in contrast with past embarrassments, and expressed hope and faith of an honorable and happy outcome through a continuance of the love and union alluded to by President Snow. He invoked the blessing of the Lord on the President and the Council, to enable them to safely bear off the work of God.
Brothers Cannon and Smith were requested, by vote of the Council, to furnish a report showing the condition of the Church's finances.
The Council, by unanimous action, then accepted the responsibilities of the Presidency of the Church.
Before dismissing it was voted that the widows of President Woodruff receive $50 a month, each, until further orders.
The Council then adjourned.
Twelve met in Temple at 10 a.m. 14 Apostles present. Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. received back into the Quorum. Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. to give Council statement of present resources and liabilities. God be thanked that Frank Cannon has returned from east where he was sent by presidency to borrow 1.500000 dollars One million five hundred thousand dollars. The present Presidency are not altogether certain that they want him to be the agent of the church. After dismissing talk began by Bro[ther]. H[eber]. J. Grant about my preceeding Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. in the Quorum. He thought it wrong and was surprised to see us take our seats, with me between Geo[rge]. Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. I said, I am willing to take any place in the quorum, never felt I was fit to be an apostle; ready to follow Bro[ther]. Joseph will do just as the Lord wants: Said that, I submitted this matter to father one day and he said, rather severely: "It is just right the way it is, and you let it alone." I never had courage to tackle the question again; still, I am of the opinion that when a man is ordained an apostle and seeks to magnify that office no new man can rank him in being set apart to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. I am anxious for God through my brethren to decide this question and I y[ie]ld my views to theirs with all my heart. (2)
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 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
At 10 a.m. all of the Apostles met in their room. Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lurid, Mattbias F. Cowley and Abraham O. Woodruff, President Lorenzo Snow presiding. Singing. Prayer by Francis M. Lyman. Singing. Prest. Lorenzo Snow made a short talk and asked Elders Geo. Q. Cannon and J. F. Smith to make a brief statement of the financial condition of the Church, which they did.
On motion of Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow was sustained as President of the Twelve. On motion of John Henry Smith, Geo. Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were returned to their places in the Council of the Apostles, according to ordination.
[On] motion of John Henry Smith The Council of Apostles were declaired the presiding Quorum of the church.
President W. Woodruffs desk was given to his son. Geo. Q. Cannon and Jos. F. Smith retain theirs. The Desk in the Apostles room was given to Prest. Lorenzo Snow. Fifty dollars a month was [given] to each of Bro. Wilford Woodruff's Widows on my motion.
We adjourned to meet at the President's office at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Joseph F. Smith gave the Benediction.
I went up to the Lagoon with some of the Delegates to the Republican Convention.
Charles S. Zane was nominated for Supreme Judge. Alma Eldredge for Representative to Congress. (1)
-- Sep 9, 1898
A meeting of the Apostles was held at 10 o'clock this morning in the Temple; all present, including Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith. These two brethren, by unanimous vote of the Council of the Twelve (now presiding over the Church in lieu of the First Presidency just dissolved) were received back as members of that body, and took their seats in the Council according to their order of ordination, with President Lorenzo Snow presiding. President Snow, by the action of the Council, was placed in charge of all Church affairs until the First Presidency should again be organized. Brothers Cannon and Smith were presented with the desks they had occupied in the President's Office, and Bro[ther]. A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff was presented with the desk that his deceased father had occupied, and they were authorized to take them away from the office. A new desk was purchased for the use of President Snow.
At the above meeting, President Snow spoke, referring solemnly to the absence of Pres[ident]. [Wilford] Woodruff, whose death had disorganized the first quorum of the Church. He suggested the possible presence with them on this occasion of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and other departed leaders, and spoke of the great responsibility which had now fallen upon the Quorum of the Twelve. He felt thankful beyond expression for the union that existed in the Council of the Apostles, and he believed, and in fact knew, that by each one laboring unselfishly for the cause of Zion, their labors would be crowned with success, and they would triumph. He exhorted the brethren to be charitable to each other, and to accept their new duties and responsibilities in all humility as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. He offered to vacate his position as President of the Twelve, and thus give place to any one else who might be the unanimous choice of the Council.
Jos[eph]. F. Smith moved, and several of the brethren seconded and it was voted heartily and unanimously that Lorenzo Snow be sustained in his position as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.
Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon spoke briefly but feelingly of the present happy state of love and confidence in the Council, in contrast with past embarrassments, and expressed hope and faith of an honorable and happy outcome through a continuance of the love and union alluded to by President Snow. He invoked the blessing of the Lord on the President and the Council, to enable them to safely bear off the work of God.
Brothers Cannon and Smith were requested, by vote of the Council, to furnish a report showing the condition of the Church's finances.
The Council, by unanimous action, then accepted the responsibilities of the Presidency of the Church.
Before dismissing it was voted that the widows of President Woodruff receive $50 a month, each, until further orders.
The Council then adjourned.
Twelve met in Temple at 10 a.m. 14 Apostles present. Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. received back into the Quorum. Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. to give Council statement of present resources and liabilities. God be thanked that Frank Cannon has returned from east where he was sent by presidency to borrow 1.500000 dollars One million five hundred thousand dollars. The present Presidency are not altogether certain that they want him to be the agent of the church. After dismissing talk began by Bro[ther]. H[eber]. J. Grant about my preceeding Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. in the Quorum. He thought it wrong and was surprised to see us take our seats, with me between Geo[rge]. Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. I said, I am willing to take any place in the quorum, never felt I was fit to be an apostle; ready to follow Bro[ther]. Joseph will do just as the Lord wants: Said that, I submitted this matter to father one day and he said, rather severely: "It is just right the way it is, and you let it alone." I never had courage to tackle the question again; still, I am of the opinion that when a man is ordained an apostle and seeks to magnify that office no new man can rank him in being set apart to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. I am anxious for God through my brethren to decide this question and I y[ie]ld my views to theirs with all my heart. (2)
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 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Tuesday, Sep 6, 1898
-- Tuesday, Sep 6, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I was sent for by President Lorenzo Snow to go to his room in the Temple.
He said he wanted me to run for U.S. Senator.
He also told me he would not take hold of affairs until after the funeral of Prest. Wilford Woodruff. He said he thought the church owed three millions of dollars. He also said he did not agree with Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon's business methods. He said the load seemed more than he could carry.
Heber J. Grant, Geo. T. Odell, Geo. Rommney, Chas. Burton, Wm. W. Riter, and Attorney J. Moyle of Coop. W. & M. Co. met with John W. Cannon and talked over a matter pertaining to Montpelier branch. (1)
-- Sep 7, 1898
The Council of the Apostles, Lorenzo Snow presiding, in answer to a telegram from Elder D[aniel]. D. McArthur, President of St. George [Utah] Stake, inquiring if it would be agreeable to the Council for the Saints of that Stake to hold memorial services in honor of the deceased President, authorized the transmission of a telegram, which was subsequently sent, stating that it would be very agreeable to them for the Saints of the St. George Stake to hold memorial services as proposed. This suggested the idea that it might be well for other Stakes, whose leading authorities might not be able to attend the funeral, to hold memorial services, and a telegram signed by President Lorenzo Snow, was sent to the Presidents of distant Stakes, suggesting to them that in case they should not be able to attend the President's funeral, it would be a very proper and appropriate thing for them to hold memorial services in their respective Stakes.
Had conversation with brethren on present situation: All who express themselves, some of the best men among us cannot entertain the idea to have a continuation of our present financial policy. God help us to arrange all in the fear of the Lord. Suggested to Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow that the apostles resume circle prayer at once and get ourselves in harmony with the spirit of God. I fear that there is division in our sentiments. Father give us unity in this one day of trial is my prayer. (2)
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 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I was sent for by President Lorenzo Snow to go to his room in the Temple.
He said he wanted me to run for U.S. Senator.
He also told me he would not take hold of affairs until after the funeral of Prest. Wilford Woodruff. He said he thought the church owed three millions of dollars. He also said he did not agree with Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon's business methods. He said the load seemed more than he could carry.
Heber J. Grant, Geo. T. Odell, Geo. Rommney, Chas. Burton, Wm. W. Riter, and Attorney J. Moyle of Coop. W. & M. Co. met with John W. Cannon and talked over a matter pertaining to Montpelier branch. (1)
-- Sep 7, 1898
The Council of the Apostles, Lorenzo Snow presiding, in answer to a telegram from Elder D[aniel]. D. McArthur, President of St. George [Utah] Stake, inquiring if it would be agreeable to the Council for the Saints of that Stake to hold memorial services in honor of the deceased President, authorized the transmission of a telegram, which was subsequently sent, stating that it would be very agreeable to them for the Saints of the St. George Stake to hold memorial services as proposed. This suggested the idea that it might be well for other Stakes, whose leading authorities might not be able to attend the funeral, to hold memorial services, and a telegram signed by President Lorenzo Snow, was sent to the Presidents of distant Stakes, suggesting to them that in case they should not be able to attend the President's funeral, it would be a very proper and appropriate thing for them to hold memorial services in their respective Stakes.
Had conversation with brethren on present situation: All who express themselves, some of the best men among us cannot entertain the idea to have a continuation of our present financial policy. God help us to arrange all in the fear of the Lord. Suggested to Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow that the apostles resume circle prayer at once and get ourselves in harmony with the spirit of God. I fear that there is division in our sentiments. Father give us unity in this one day of trial is my prayer. (2)
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 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, 1898. September 2
-- 1898. September 2
(Lorenzo Snow) : Lorenzo Snow, who had been president of the Quorum of the Twelve for nine years and president of the Salt Lake Temple for five, was informed of the death of President Wilford Woodruff. He immediately went to the Salt Lake Temple, donned his robes, and began a long session of prayer in the Holy of Holies. (1)
-- Sep 2, 1898
Death of Wilford Woodruff, only Utah church president to die outside Utah (in San Francisco, California, at the home of non-Mormon Isaac Trumbo); buried in Salt Lake City. Lorenzo Snow has a vision in the Salt Lake Temple where Jesus Christ instructs him to organize a First Presidency. A new First Presidency is organized eleven days later. Each of the previous three times a church president had died it had taken from twenty months to over three years to organize a new First Presidency. Apostle Brigham Young Jr. writes I his journal: "Pres Woodruff has passed away far from home and in the house of one I cannot believe to be an honest man." (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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(Lorenzo Snow) : Lorenzo Snow, who had been president of the Quorum of the Twelve for nine years and president of the Salt Lake Temple for five, was informed of the death of President Wilford Woodruff. He immediately went to the Salt Lake Temple, donned his robes, and began a long session of prayer in the Holy of Holies. (1)
-- Sep 2, 1898
Death of Wilford Woodruff, only Utah church president to die outside Utah (in San Francisco, California, at the home of non-Mormon Isaac Trumbo); buried in Salt Lake City. Lorenzo Snow has a vision in the Salt Lake Temple where Jesus Christ instructs him to organize a First Presidency. A new First Presidency is organized eleven days later. Each of the previous three times a church president had died it had taken from twenty months to over three years to organize a new First Presidency. Apostle Brigham Young Jr. writes I his journal: "Pres Woodruff has passed away far from home and in the house of one I cannot believe to be an honest man." (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Sep 2, 1898; Friday
-- Sep 2, 1898; Friday
President Wilford Woodruff died at San Francisco [California] at 6:40 A.M. today. He slept peacefully all night, and passed away without movement. A telegram to this effect was received at the President's Office this morning. Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith at once notified the Apostles, most of whom were absent from the city, and requested their presence here at the earliest possible moment; Geo[rge]. Teasdale at Nephi [Utah]; John Henry Smith at Rexburg [Idaho]; M[atthias]. F. Cowley at Preston [Idaho]; A[nthon]. H. Lund at Ephraim [Utah]; M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill at Logan [Utah]; were informed by letter of President Woodruff's death, and Franklin D. Richards, at Baker City [Oregon], A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff at Cardston [Alberta, Canada], John W. Taylor at Denver [Colorado], and F[rancis]. M. Lyman at Kanab [Utah], were summoned home by telegram. Pres[ident]. Lorenzo Snow received the word at Brigham City [Utah]. "Pres[ident]. Woodruff died to-day", was the message cabled by Pres[ident]. Smith to the Presidency of the European Mission at Liverpool [England]. The following telegram was received from Pres[ident]. [George Q.] Cannon this evening: "We start to-night; will reach Ogden [Utah] Sunday morning, 6:45 Mountain time. Secure transit for funeral car over Rio Grande Western R[ail]. R[oad]. from Ogden to Salt Lake City and return. Have Joseph E. Taylor (undertaker) meet us at depot". ...
President Woodruff died at the home of Col[onel]. Isaac Trumbo, whose guest he was while in San Francisco. He breathed his last surrounded by every comfort that loving hands could provide. His wife Emma was with him, as were Pres[iden]t. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Bishop H[iram]. B. Clawson and their wives, who were sojourning in the same hospitable home. The President had suffered occasionally from asthma and from kidney and bladder troubles, but when he left for the coast on the 13th of August, he was well and
cheerful, and in fact remarked to a friend, "I wish Pres[iden]t. Cannon was as well as I am". At a dinner given in his honor at the rooms of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, a few evenings before his death, and of which no man under eighty was permitted to partake, Pres[ident]. Woodruff, though in his 92nd year, was voted the smartest of the party. The day before he died he was talking of going out fishing. Thursday night, September 1st, he complained of feeling ill, and Dr. Winslow Anderson, his physician, after a consultation with Drs. McNutt and Buckley, decided that there was little hope that he would see another day. He passed away peacefully at early dawn. [First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Section 2. The Presidency of Lorenzo Snow (1)
-- 1898. September 2
(Lorenzo Snow) A granddaughter later related his account: "It was right here that the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to me at the time of the death of President Woodruff. He instructed me to go right ahead and reorganize the First Presidency of the Church at once and not wait as had been done after the death of the previous presidents, and that I was to succeed President Woodruff…. He stood right here, about three feet above the floor. It looked as though he stood on a plate of solid gold. … I want you to remember that this is the testimony of your grandfather, that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior, here in the temple, and talked with him face to face." (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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President Wilford Woodruff died at San Francisco [California] at 6:40 A.M. today. He slept peacefully all night, and passed away without movement. A telegram to this effect was received at the President's Office this morning. Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith at once notified the Apostles, most of whom were absent from the city, and requested their presence here at the earliest possible moment; Geo[rge]. Teasdale at Nephi [Utah]; John Henry Smith at Rexburg [Idaho]; M[atthias]. F. Cowley at Preston [Idaho]; A[nthon]. H. Lund at Ephraim [Utah]; M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill at Logan [Utah]; were informed by letter of President Woodruff's death, and Franklin D. Richards, at Baker City [Oregon], A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff at Cardston [Alberta, Canada], John W. Taylor at Denver [Colorado], and F[rancis]. M. Lyman at Kanab [Utah], were summoned home by telegram. Pres[ident]. Lorenzo Snow received the word at Brigham City [Utah]. "Pres[ident]. Woodruff died to-day", was the message cabled by Pres[ident]. Smith to the Presidency of the European Mission at Liverpool [England]. The following telegram was received from Pres[ident]. [George Q.] Cannon this evening: "We start to-night; will reach Ogden [Utah] Sunday morning, 6:45 Mountain time. Secure transit for funeral car over Rio Grande Western R[ail]. R[oad]. from Ogden to Salt Lake City and return. Have Joseph E. Taylor (undertaker) meet us at depot". ...
President Woodruff died at the home of Col[onel]. Isaac Trumbo, whose guest he was while in San Francisco. He breathed his last surrounded by every comfort that loving hands could provide. His wife Emma was with him, as were Pres[iden]t. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Bishop H[iram]. B. Clawson and their wives, who were sojourning in the same hospitable home. The President had suffered occasionally from asthma and from kidney and bladder troubles, but when he left for the coast on the 13th of August, he was well and
cheerful, and in fact remarked to a friend, "I wish Pres[iden]t. Cannon was as well as I am". At a dinner given in his honor at the rooms of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, a few evenings before his death, and of which no man under eighty was permitted to partake, Pres[ident]. Woodruff, though in his 92nd year, was voted the smartest of the party. The day before he died he was talking of going out fishing. Thursday night, September 1st, he complained of feeling ill, and Dr. Winslow Anderson, his physician, after a consultation with Drs. McNutt and Buckley, decided that there was little hope that he would see another day. He passed away peacefully at early dawn. [First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Section 2. The Presidency of Lorenzo Snow (1)
-- 1898. September 2
(Lorenzo Snow) A granddaughter later related his account: "It was right here that the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to me at the time of the death of President Woodruff. He instructed me to go right ahead and reorganize the First Presidency of the Church at once and not wait as had been done after the death of the previous presidents, and that I was to succeed President Woodruff…. He stood right here, about three feet above the floor. It looked as though he stood on a plate of solid gold. … I want you to remember that this is the testimony of your grandfather, that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior, here in the temple, and talked with him face to face." (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Jul 14, 1898; Thursday
-- Jul 14, 1898; Thursday
Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Salt Lake Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale,
H[eber]. J. Grant, M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O. Woodruff (all the Apostles present except John W. Taylor, who is on a mission in Colorado). The Apostles were also together yesterday, it being their regular Quarterly meeting, and to-day they partook of the sacrament, it being their fast day.
Elder Lund remarked that he omitted to state at the last meeting that there was no publication in the Turkish Mission. It was thought that Bro[ther]. [Ferdinand F.] Hintze might be able to print and publish some work, if he had the necessary means--about $400. Bro[ther]. Lund was authorized to see Bro[ther]. [Leon] Sarkis, the Armenian about returning to his native land as a missionary, in company with Jos[eph]. W. Booth, who is to leave shortly.
Pres[ident]. Cannon remarked that there were some features of our missionary labors that ought to be considered. He had learned this morning that the fund recently set apart for missionary purposes would soon be exhausted, and he had felt for some time that a committee of the Twelve Apostles should be appointed to inquire into our missionary operations, to see if the number of missionaries could not be reduced, without materially affecting the progress of the work. He had taken an interest in getting up the form now used by Conference Presidents in reporting the labors and ability of missionaries, and yet felt very much disappointed over the general capacity as missionaries after being in the field for two or three years, as reported by their Presidents. In too many instances incapable and unsuitable men had been sent out at a cost to themselves as well as to the Church. He favored sending fewer and more competent men, and thought the brethren having in hand the calling if missionaries should give this matter careful attention.
President Smith remarked that there was a better class of men to draw from to-day than ever before for missionaries, but still what President Cannon had said was, he was sorry to say, too true. The solution, however, was found in the fact that so many Elders were called at the present time as compared to former times in the Church.
Pres[ident]. Cannon presented the following motion, which was carried: "I move that a committee of Apostles be appointed to investigate into the results of the various missions, and ascertain as nearly as they can the cost of sending and returning Elders, the amount expended by toward their own sustenance while in their fields of labor, and the number of converts made". It was understood that the Presidency would appoint the committee. ...
Pres[ident]. Cannon was administered to by the brethren, Elder Lyman being mouth. He promised Pres[ident]. Cannon that his life should not be cut short, and that he should be fully restored.
The brethren now partook of the sacrament, Elder Heber J. Grant blessing the emblems. In the midst of the prayer, steam whistles were heard in the town, in token of rejoicing, as was afterwards learned, over the announcement of the surrender of Santiago de Cuba. After the sacrament, at the invitation of President Snow, Presidents Woodruff and Cannon made remarks, and
the council at 2;30 P.M. adjourned. (1)
-- Jul 14, 1898
Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Salt Lake Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, H[eber]. J. Grant, M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O. Woodruff (all the Apostles present except John W. Taylor, who is on a mission in Colorado). The Apostles were also together yesterday, it being their regular Quarterly meeting, and to-day they partook of the sacrament, it being their fast day.
Elder Lund remarked that he omitted to state at the last meeting that there was no publication in the Turkish Mission. It was thought that Bro[ther]. [Ferdinand F.] Hintze might be able to print and publish some work, if he had the necessary means—about $400. Bro[ther]. Lund was authorized to see Bro[ther]. [Leon] Sarkis, the Armenian about returning to his native land as a missionary, in company with Jos[eph]. W. Booth, who is to leave shortly.
Pres[ident]. Cannon remarked that there were some features of our missionary labors that ought to be considered. He had learned this morning that the fund recently set apart for missionary purposes would soon be exhausted, and he had felt for some time that a committee of the Twelve Apostles should be appointed to inquire into our missionary operations, to see if the number of missionaries could not be reduced, without materially affecting the progress of the work. He had taken an interest in getting up the form now used by Conference Presidents in reporting the labors and ability of missionaries, and yet felt very much disappointed over the general capacity as missionaries after being in the field for two or three years, as reported by their Presidents. In too many instances incapable and unsuitable men had been sent out at a cost to themselves as well as to the Church. He favored sending fewer and more competent men, and thought the brethren having in hand the calling if missionaries should give this matter careful attention.
President Smith remarked that there was a better class of men to draw from to-day than ever before for missionaries, but still what President Cannon had said was, he was sorry to say, too true. The solution, however, was found in the fact that so many Elders were called at the present time as compared to former times in the Church.
Pres[ident]. Cannon presented the following motion, which was carried: "I move that a committee of Apostles be appointed to investigate into the results of the various missions, and ascertain as nearly as they can the cost of sending and returning Elders, the amount expended by toward their own sustenance while in their fields of labor, and the number of converts made". It was understood that the Presidency would appoint the committee. ...
Pres[ident]. Cannon was administered to by the brethren, Elder Lyman being mouth. He promised Pres[ident]. Cannon that his life should not be cut short, and that he should be fully restored.
The brethren now partook of the sacrament, Elder Heber J. Grant blessing the emblems. In the midst of the prayer, steam whistles were heard in the town, in token of rejoicing, as was afterwards learned, over the announcement of the surrender of Santiago de Cuba. After the sacrament, at the invitation of President Snow, Presidents Woodruff and Cannon made remarks, and the council at 2;30 P.M. adjourned.
Met at 10 talk was excellent on spiritual matters, what were our ideas on former lives. Bro[ther]. [Francis M.] Lyman said we were always men never had a beginning of existence. So we all think but not quite so pronounced as Bro[ther]. L[yman]. The conversation opened our eyes a little. ...
Presidency vis W[ilford]. W[oodruff]., Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. had talk about business filling mission Con[ference]. appointments. Some discussion about decreasing our missionary force in the world. It struck me favorably. Bro[ther [Anthon H.] Lund was appointed to about mission needs. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Salt Lake Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale,
H[eber]. J. Grant, M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O. Woodruff (all the Apostles present except John W. Taylor, who is on a mission in Colorado). The Apostles were also together yesterday, it being their regular Quarterly meeting, and to-day they partook of the sacrament, it being their fast day.
Elder Lund remarked that he omitted to state at the last meeting that there was no publication in the Turkish Mission. It was thought that Bro[ther]. [Ferdinand F.] Hintze might be able to print and publish some work, if he had the necessary means--about $400. Bro[ther]. Lund was authorized to see Bro[ther]. [Leon] Sarkis, the Armenian about returning to his native land as a missionary, in company with Jos[eph]. W. Booth, who is to leave shortly.
Pres[ident]. Cannon remarked that there were some features of our missionary labors that ought to be considered. He had learned this morning that the fund recently set apart for missionary purposes would soon be exhausted, and he had felt for some time that a committee of the Twelve Apostles should be appointed to inquire into our missionary operations, to see if the number of missionaries could not be reduced, without materially affecting the progress of the work. He had taken an interest in getting up the form now used by Conference Presidents in reporting the labors and ability of missionaries, and yet felt very much disappointed over the general capacity as missionaries after being in the field for two or three years, as reported by their Presidents. In too many instances incapable and unsuitable men had been sent out at a cost to themselves as well as to the Church. He favored sending fewer and more competent men, and thought the brethren having in hand the calling if missionaries should give this matter careful attention.
President Smith remarked that there was a better class of men to draw from to-day than ever before for missionaries, but still what President Cannon had said was, he was sorry to say, too true. The solution, however, was found in the fact that so many Elders were called at the present time as compared to former times in the Church.
Pres[ident]. Cannon presented the following motion, which was carried: "I move that a committee of Apostles be appointed to investigate into the results of the various missions, and ascertain as nearly as they can the cost of sending and returning Elders, the amount expended by toward their own sustenance while in their fields of labor, and the number of converts made". It was understood that the Presidency would appoint the committee. ...
Pres[ident]. Cannon was administered to by the brethren, Elder Lyman being mouth. He promised Pres[ident]. Cannon that his life should not be cut short, and that he should be fully restored.
The brethren now partook of the sacrament, Elder Heber J. Grant blessing the emblems. In the midst of the prayer, steam whistles were heard in the town, in token of rejoicing, as was afterwards learned, over the announcement of the surrender of Santiago de Cuba. After the sacrament, at the invitation of President Snow, Presidents Woodruff and Cannon made remarks, and
the council at 2;30 P.M. adjourned. (1)
-- Jul 14, 1898
Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Salt Lake Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, J[ohn]. H[enry]. Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, H[eber]. J. Grant, M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill, A[nthon]. H. Lund, M[atthias]. F. Cowley, and A[braham]. O. Woodruff (all the Apostles present except John W. Taylor, who is on a mission in Colorado). The Apostles were also together yesterday, it being their regular Quarterly meeting, and to-day they partook of the sacrament, it being their fast day.
Elder Lund remarked that he omitted to state at the last meeting that there was no publication in the Turkish Mission. It was thought that Bro[ther]. [Ferdinand F.] Hintze might be able to print and publish some work, if he had the necessary means—about $400. Bro[ther]. Lund was authorized to see Bro[ther]. [Leon] Sarkis, the Armenian about returning to his native land as a missionary, in company with Jos[eph]. W. Booth, who is to leave shortly.
Pres[ident]. Cannon remarked that there were some features of our missionary labors that ought to be considered. He had learned this morning that the fund recently set apart for missionary purposes would soon be exhausted, and he had felt for some time that a committee of the Twelve Apostles should be appointed to inquire into our missionary operations, to see if the number of missionaries could not be reduced, without materially affecting the progress of the work. He had taken an interest in getting up the form now used by Conference Presidents in reporting the labors and ability of missionaries, and yet felt very much disappointed over the general capacity as missionaries after being in the field for two or three years, as reported by their Presidents. In too many instances incapable and unsuitable men had been sent out at a cost to themselves as well as to the Church. He favored sending fewer and more competent men, and thought the brethren having in hand the calling if missionaries should give this matter careful attention.
President Smith remarked that there was a better class of men to draw from to-day than ever before for missionaries, but still what President Cannon had said was, he was sorry to say, too true. The solution, however, was found in the fact that so many Elders were called at the present time as compared to former times in the Church.
Pres[ident]. Cannon presented the following motion, which was carried: "I move that a committee of Apostles be appointed to investigate into the results of the various missions, and ascertain as nearly as they can the cost of sending and returning Elders, the amount expended by toward their own sustenance while in their fields of labor, and the number of converts made". It was understood that the Presidency would appoint the committee. ...
Pres[ident]. Cannon was administered to by the brethren, Elder Lyman being mouth. He promised Pres[ident]. Cannon that his life should not be cut short, and that he should be fully restored.
The brethren now partook of the sacrament, Elder Heber J. Grant blessing the emblems. In the midst of the prayer, steam whistles were heard in the town, in token of rejoicing, as was afterwards learned, over the announcement of the surrender of Santiago de Cuba. After the sacrament, at the invitation of President Snow, Presidents Woodruff and Cannon made remarks, and the council at 2;30 P.M. adjourned.
Met at 10 talk was excellent on spiritual matters, what were our ideas on former lives. Bro[ther]. [Francis M.] Lyman said we were always men never had a beginning of existence. So we all think but not quite so pronounced as Bro[ther]. L[yman]. The conversation opened our eyes a little. ...
Presidency vis W[ilford]. W[oodruff]., Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. had talk about business filling mission Con[ference]. appointments. Some discussion about decreasing our missionary force in the world. It struck me favorably. Bro[ther [Anthon H.] Lund was appointed to about mission needs. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Jun 23, 1898; Thursday
-- Jun 23, 1898; Thursday
Elder Anthon H. Lund of the
Council of the Apostles, called at the President's Office this morning, having just returned from Palestine.
At 11 A.M. the First Presidency and the Apostles met as usual in the Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, H[eber]. J. Grant, A[nthon]. H. Lund, and M[atthias]. F. Cowley.
Brother Lund presented to Pres[ident]. Snow a genuine Turkish rug, made expressly for the Salt Lake Temple by one of the sisters of the Church, whom he met during his travels in the Orient. The rug was made since 1893 the year of the Temple's dedication, and the figures 1893 are woven into the fabric. ... (1)
-- Jun 30, 1898
Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, B[righam]. Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, M[atthias]. F. Cowley and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff. ... Elder A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff presented the following case: A woman was sealed to her husband and had children by him; he died and she afterwards married a Gentile and had children by him. In course of time he joined the Church and wanted his children sealed to him. Elder Woodruff asked for information regarding the matter, and was answered to this effect: That the woman having been sealed and divorced was already in the covenant of the Holy Priesthood, and her children born to the Gentile, as well as those born to her husband, were already in the covenant, and therefore could not be sealed to her Gentile husband.
The following case was presented by Elder Lyman: Sidney R. Burton, an apostate, died out of the Church, and is supposed to have committed suicide, though this is uncertain. He left a wife and children in the Church. His widow now desired permission to have his Temple work done (He had not received his endowments) and be sealed to him. Brother Lyman favored the granting of the request, as it might be the means of her holding her children together. Elder Young took the opposite view, holding that such leniency might be regarded by them as a licence and do them more harm than good. Pres[ident]. Smith thought it a waste of time as well as an improper proceeding to seal a woman to such a man. He believed in giving a woman the largest liberty possible in such a case, and would even strain a point by granting her request; but at the same time he would advise her against it. Pres[ident]. Snow agreed with Pres[ident]. Smith. Pres[ident]. Woodruff thought that we should not defile our Temples and altars by acting in such cases, but leave them in the hands of the Lord. Brother Lyman agreed with the views of the other brethren, but thought that as there had been so much leniency shown in such cases of late, he would satisfy Sister Burton's feelings by bringing the matter before the Council. It was finally decided that the case be laid over for further inquiry. ...
Met in Temple Pres[ident] [Wilford] W[odruff]. & [Joseph F.] S[mith]. present. Question of admitting apostate husband now dead of faithful woman to ordinances of Temple. he was active against church up to time of his death. He felt it repugnant to my feelings others advocate for sake of wife & children it would soften them. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Elder Anthon H. Lund of the
Council of the Apostles, called at the President's Office this morning, having just returned from Palestine.
At 11 A.M. the First Presidency and the Apostles met as usual in the Temple. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Brigham Young [Jr.], John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, H[eber]. J. Grant, A[nthon]. H. Lund, and M[atthias]. F. Cowley.
Brother Lund presented to Pres[ident]. Snow a genuine Turkish rug, made expressly for the Salt Lake Temple by one of the sisters of the Church, whom he met during his travels in the Orient. The rug was made since 1893 the year of the Temple's dedication, and the figures 1893 are woven into the fabric. ... (1)
-- Jun 30, 1898
Meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles at the Temple at 11 A.M. Present: Pres[iden]ts. Wilford Woodruff, Jos[eph]. F. Smith and Lorenzo Snow; Elders F[ranklin]. D. Richards, B[righam]. Young [Jr.], F[rancis]. M. Lyman, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, M[atthias]. F. Cowley and A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff. ... Elder A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff presented the following case: A woman was sealed to her husband and had children by him; he died and she afterwards married a Gentile and had children by him. In course of time he joined the Church and wanted his children sealed to him. Elder Woodruff asked for information regarding the matter, and was answered to this effect: That the woman having been sealed and divorced was already in the covenant of the Holy Priesthood, and her children born to the Gentile, as well as those born to her husband, were already in the covenant, and therefore could not be sealed to her Gentile husband.
The following case was presented by Elder Lyman: Sidney R. Burton, an apostate, died out of the Church, and is supposed to have committed suicide, though this is uncertain. He left a wife and children in the Church. His widow now desired permission to have his Temple work done (He had not received his endowments) and be sealed to him. Brother Lyman favored the granting of the request, as it might be the means of her holding her children together. Elder Young took the opposite view, holding that such leniency might be regarded by them as a licence and do them more harm than good. Pres[ident]. Smith thought it a waste of time as well as an improper proceeding to seal a woman to such a man. He believed in giving a woman the largest liberty possible in such a case, and would even strain a point by granting her request; but at the same time he would advise her against it. Pres[ident]. Snow agreed with Pres[ident]. Smith. Pres[ident]. Woodruff thought that we should not defile our Temples and altars by acting in such cases, but leave them in the hands of the Lord. Brother Lyman agreed with the views of the other brethren, but thought that as there had been so much leniency shown in such cases of late, he would satisfy Sister Burton's feelings by bringing the matter before the Council. It was finally decided that the case be laid over for further inquiry. ...
Met in Temple Pres[ident] [Wilford] W[odruff]. & [Joseph F.] S[mith]. present. Question of admitting apostate husband now dead of faithful woman to ordinances of Temple. he was active against church up to time of his death. He felt it repugnant to my feelings others advocate for sake of wife & children it would soften them. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, May 5, 1898
-- May 5, 1898
The First Presidency and Twelve discussed the Word of Wisdom. One member reads from the twelfth volume of the Journal of Discourses a statement by Brigham Young that seems to support the notion that the Word of Wisdom was a commandment of God. Lorenzo Snow, then President of the Council of the Twelve agrees, saying that he believes the Word of Wisdom was a commandment and that it should be carried out to the letter. In doing so, he says, members should be taught to refrain from eating meat except in dire necessity, because Joseph Smith had taught that animals have spirits. Wilford Woodruff, then President of the Church, says he looks upon the Word of Wisdom as a commandment and that all members should observe it, but for the present, no definite action should be taken except that the members should be taught to refrain from meat. The minutes of the meeting record that "President Woodruff said he regarded the Word of Wisdom in its entirety as given of the Lord for the Latter-day Saints to observe, but he did not think that Bishops should withhold recommends from persons who did not adhere strictly to it." (1)
-- Thursday, May 12, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I surrendered 2047 shares of Groesbeck Co. old stock and am to take the new.
I had a short visit with Prest. Lorenzo Snow and we talked over in a frank way the financial condition of the church and what we would do as to having an understanding with the presidency in regard to those affairs. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - 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: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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The First Presidency and Twelve discussed the Word of Wisdom. One member reads from the twelfth volume of the Journal of Discourses a statement by Brigham Young that seems to support the notion that the Word of Wisdom was a commandment of God. Lorenzo Snow, then President of the Council of the Twelve agrees, saying that he believes the Word of Wisdom was a commandment and that it should be carried out to the letter. In doing so, he says, members should be taught to refrain from eating meat except in dire necessity, because Joseph Smith had taught that animals have spirits. Wilford Woodruff, then President of the Church, says he looks upon the Word of Wisdom as a commandment and that all members should observe it, but for the present, no definite action should be taken except that the members should be taught to refrain from meat. The minutes of the meeting record that "President Woodruff said he regarded the Word of Wisdom in its entirety as given of the Lord for the Latter-day Saints to observe, but he did not think that Bishops should withhold recommends from persons who did not adhere strictly to it." (1)
-- Thursday, May 12, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I surrendered 2047 shares of Groesbeck Co. old stock and am to take the new.
I had a short visit with Prest. Lorenzo Snow and we talked over in a frank way the financial condition of the church and what we would do as to having an understanding with the presidency in regard to those affairs. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - 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: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Saturday, Apr 9, 1898
-- Saturday, Apr 9, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Prest. Lorenzo Snow spoke [on] Temple work and the aiding the Labor with their means. ... (1)
-- Apr 26, 1898
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] In company with my brother Willard & nephew Richard W. met Pres[ident] Woodruff & Geo[rge] Q. C. I was condemned without question Pres[ident] W. said I have talked with no one not read anything but the Herald this morning and I say when men leading men in our church undertake to defy the Gov[ernmen]t they should be careful to seek the council of the presidency & twelve I said President, who has defied the Gov[ernmen]t you should not judge me the words and what is written by the Herald an enemy The Pres[ident] decided for Willard & Richard to go on receiving volunteers. I said I have tried to make head against the spirit which is going through the people especially among our young men to rush into the army exhibiting a desire to engage in war; that spirit is not of God and I condemned it perhaps my language was rough and certainly subject to missinstruction but I am content for you to get your information from such men as Angus M. Cannon & C. H. Penrose who heard all I have said one disloyal sentence I will make such reparation as you may choose to recommend. The feeling among the gentiles and some of the Mormons is strong against me. God help me to be humble & take reproof in proper spirit. I will be one with the president God being my helper. [marks were passed upon me for my speech on Sunday. I can't help it now and trust as president Snow remarked it will do more good than harm. I am quite sure it will cause the presidency of the church to take a prompt stand on this question which the saints are longing for. (2)
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 - Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Prest. Lorenzo Snow spoke [on] Temple work and the aiding the Labor with their means. ... (1)
-- Apr 26, 1898
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] In company with my brother Willard & nephew Richard W. met Pres[ident] Woodruff & Geo[rge] Q. C. I was condemned without question Pres[ident] W. said I have talked with no one not read anything but the Herald this morning and I say when men leading men in our church undertake to defy the Gov[ernmen]t they should be careful to seek the council of the presidency & twelve I said President, who has defied the Gov[ernmen]t you should not judge me the words and what is written by the Herald an enemy The Pres[ident] decided for Willard & Richard to go on receiving volunteers. I said I have tried to make head against the spirit which is going through the people especially among our young men to rush into the army exhibiting a desire to engage in war; that spirit is not of God and I condemned it perhaps my language was rough and certainly subject to missinstruction but I am content for you to get your information from such men as Angus M. Cannon & C. H. Penrose who heard all I have said one disloyal sentence I will make such reparation as you may choose to recommend. The feeling among the gentiles and some of the Mormons is strong against me. God help me to be humble & take reproof in proper spirit. I will be one with the president God being my helper. [marks were passed upon me for my speech on Sunday. I can't help it now and trust as president Snow remarked it will do more good than harm. I am quite sure it will cause the presidency of the church to take a prompt stand on this question which the saints are longing for. (2)
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 - Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Mar 24, 1898
-- Mar 24, 1898
(B. H. Roberts) March 5: The First Presidency, the Twelve, and Seven Presidents of Seventy continued to labor with the Democrat leader. "We spent the whole day here until six o'clock laboring with B. H. Roberts," Wilford Woodruff wrote. "He stood like Adamant and he is going to destruction." Roberts felt that the political manifesto constituted an infringement on basic civil liberties. He was suspended from ecclesiastical duties and given three weeks to recant. Two weeks later Heber J. Grant recorded that Roberts "held all the brethren at bay."
March 24: He walked the streets all night, wrestling with the dilemma of sacrificing principle or being stripped of his Church blessings. Just hours before the deadline, he decided to sign and was accepted back into fellowship.
1898. With approval from Quorum of the Twelve President Lorenzo Snow, Roberts ran for the House of Representatives and won by a plurality of 7000 votes. (1)
-- Sunday, Apr 3, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
President Lorenzo Snow is 84 years of age today. A fast meeting was held by the Temple workers at nine a.m. and many bore testamony. A good spirit was present. At the close of the services, Bp. John R. Winder in behalf of the Temple Workers presented a beautifull boquet to Prest. L. Snow. He made a neat speach, to which Prest. L. Snow responded. The Bouquet was of white flowers. Three large lillies represented the first presidency. Twelve White Roses the Apostles. Seventy white cornelilans the Seventies, and a base of many white flowers representative of the great body of Saints.
It is snowing today.
Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon and I testified we had seen the Saviour at the Temple meeting this morning. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - 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: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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(B. H. Roberts) March 5: The First Presidency, the Twelve, and Seven Presidents of Seventy continued to labor with the Democrat leader. "We spent the whole day here until six o'clock laboring with B. H. Roberts," Wilford Woodruff wrote. "He stood like Adamant and he is going to destruction." Roberts felt that the political manifesto constituted an infringement on basic civil liberties. He was suspended from ecclesiastical duties and given three weeks to recant. Two weeks later Heber J. Grant recorded that Roberts "held all the brethren at bay."
March 24: He walked the streets all night, wrestling with the dilemma of sacrificing principle or being stripped of his Church blessings. Just hours before the deadline, he decided to sign and was accepted back into fellowship.
1898. With approval from Quorum of the Twelve President Lorenzo Snow, Roberts ran for the House of Representatives and won by a plurality of 7000 votes. (1)
-- Sunday, Apr 3, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
President Lorenzo Snow is 84 years of age today. A fast meeting was held by the Temple workers at nine a.m. and many bore testamony. A good spirit was present. At the close of the services, Bp. John R. Winder in behalf of the Temple Workers presented a beautifull boquet to Prest. L. Snow. He made a neat speach, to which Prest. L. Snow responded. The Bouquet was of white flowers. Three large lillies represented the first presidency. Twelve White Roses the Apostles. Seventy white cornelilans the Seventies, and a base of many white flowers representative of the great body of Saints.
It is snowing today.
Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon and I testified we had seen the Saviour at the Temple meeting this morning. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - 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: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, January 12, 1898
-- January 12, 1898
[James Jenry Martinau] To day received the following in answer to the letter I sent to Prest Lorenzo Snow in November, and which he had submitted for consideration to the First Presidency and Twelve:
"Salt Lake City, Utah 24th Dec. 1897
Elder James H. Martineau
Dear Brother. In replying to the questions submitted by you in your letter of Nov. 28th 1897, it is not necessary to repeat them here, as you will find them covered by a decision made on Thursday, December 16th 1897, by the Council of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles, which was as follows:
(1st) That the sealing of a couple outside of a temple, as husband and wife for time and eternity by one holding the requisite authority (The President of the Church, or any one deputed by him) is as valid as when performed in the House of the Lord, even when either or both of the parties have not been previously endowed.
(2nd) That children born after such sealing are legal heirs, even if begotten before the sealing occurred, and it is therefore unnecessary to seal them to their parents.
(3d) No measures are at present afoot looking to the erection of a temple in Mexico. Your Brother in the Gospel Lorenzo Snow." (1)
-- Thursday, Mar 24, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
All of the Presidency and Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Myself, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, Matthias F. Cowley, and Abraham O. Woodruff of the Apostles met at the Temple. I made a report of my labors in the south.
I asked the brethren for the priveledge of working to make myself a United States Senator. Joseph F. Smith moved I be allowed to make the effort. It was seconded by Lorenzo Snow and carried unanimously. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - James Henry Martinau Journals
2 - 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: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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[James Jenry Martinau] To day received the following in answer to the letter I sent to Prest Lorenzo Snow in November, and which he had submitted for consideration to the First Presidency and Twelve:
"Salt Lake City, Utah 24th Dec. 1897
Elder James H. Martineau
Dear Brother. In replying to the questions submitted by you in your letter of Nov. 28th 1897, it is not necessary to repeat them here, as you will find them covered by a decision made on Thursday, December 16th 1897, by the Council of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles, which was as follows:
(1st) That the sealing of a couple outside of a temple, as husband and wife for time and eternity by one holding the requisite authority (The President of the Church, or any one deputed by him) is as valid as when performed in the House of the Lord, even when either or both of the parties have not been previously endowed.
(2nd) That children born after such sealing are legal heirs, even if begotten before the sealing occurred, and it is therefore unnecessary to seal them to their parents.
(3d) No measures are at present afoot looking to the erection of a temple in Mexico. Your Brother in the Gospel Lorenzo Snow." (1)
-- Thursday, Mar 24, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
All of the Presidency and Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Myself, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, Matthias F. Cowley, and Abraham O. Woodruff of the Apostles met at the Temple. I made a report of my labors in the south.
I asked the brethren for the priveledge of working to make myself a United States Senator. Joseph F. Smith moved I be allowed to make the effort. It was seconded by Lorenzo Snow and carried unanimously. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - James Henry Martinau Journals
2 - 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: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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Lorenzo Snow, Thursday, Jan 6, 1898
-- Thursday, Jan 6, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
All of the Apostles but F. M. Lyman, Anthon H. Lund, and M. F. Cowley met at the Temple at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m. all of the first Presidency came in. President Lorenzo Snow asked the Presidency as to the duties of the Apostles in Connection with the Presidency in the financial affairs of the Church. All of the Apostles present spoke very plain and Elder Brigham Young made a very sweeping statement in which he said president Geo. Q. Cannon was the cause of the great indebtedness of the Church.
All three of the Presidency said it was their view that the two Quorums should be united in the consideration of the more weighty problems that affect the whole Church. Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon felt very much hurt over the remarks of Elders Brigham Young and Heber J. Grant. (1)
-- Friday, Jan 7, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
My wife Josephine passed a very bad night.
All of the first Presidency and all of the Apostles but F. M. Lyman, A. H. Lund, and M. F. Cowley met at 12 noon in the Apostles' room in the Temple.
After some explanations of yesterday['s] sayings, Prest. Franklin D. Richards moved we forgive each other for Harsh words spoken and that we partake of the sacrament. President Joseph F. Smith seconded the motion and said it now being about to be determined by vote of the joint Councils of the presidency and Twelve that they shall act together upon all questions of great moment to the Church, he felt to ad his hearty endorsement of this action.
The vote was unanimous. We partook of the Sacrament together. After the Presidency withdrew, President Lorenzo Snow said, brethren the Lord approves of our action and in the future the Quorums will understand each other better.
Elders F. D. Richards, Brigham Young, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, and Abraham O. Woodruff bore testamony. (1)
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
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
All of the Apostles but F. M. Lyman, Anthon H. Lund, and M. F. Cowley met at the Temple at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m. all of the first Presidency came in. President Lorenzo Snow asked the Presidency as to the duties of the Apostles in Connection with the Presidency in the financial affairs of the Church. All of the Apostles present spoke very plain and Elder Brigham Young made a very sweeping statement in which he said president Geo. Q. Cannon was the cause of the great indebtedness of the Church.
All three of the Presidency said it was their view that the two Quorums should be united in the consideration of the more weighty problems that affect the whole Church. Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon felt very much hurt over the remarks of Elders Brigham Young and Heber J. Grant. (1)
-- Friday, Jan 7, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
My wife Josephine passed a very bad night.
All of the first Presidency and all of the Apostles but F. M. Lyman, A. H. Lund, and M. F. Cowley met at 12 noon in the Apostles' room in the Temple.
After some explanations of yesterday['s] sayings, Prest. Franklin D. Richards moved we forgive each other for Harsh words spoken and that we partake of the sacrament. President Joseph F. Smith seconded the motion and said it now being about to be determined by vote of the joint Councils of the presidency and Twelve that they shall act together upon all questions of great moment to the Church, he felt to ad his hearty endorsement of this action.
The vote was unanimous. We partook of the Sacrament together. After the Presidency withdrew, President Lorenzo Snow said, brethren the Lord approves of our action and in the future the Quorums will understand each other better.
Elders F. D. Richards, Brigham Young, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, and Abraham O. Woodruff bore testamony. (1)
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
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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