George Albert Smith, January, 1948

-- During January, 1948
Revised Hymnbook-- Latter-day Saints. c. 1948.

(Introduction or preface for revised hymnbook compiled by the General Music Committee of the Church under the direction of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve.) (1)

-- Feb 9, 1948
American Red Cross drive-- Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

(Endorsement of the annual appeal of the American Red Cross for support and contributions.) (1)

-- Mar 13, 1948
Special session of the April General Conference-- (Arrangements for a special session of the April 1948 General Conference of the Church to be held in the Salt Lake Temple.) (1)

-- Apr 2, 1948
George Albert Smith-s announcement (later described as "a revelation") that mission presidents are to have counselors. Apostle Spencer W. Kimball later says revelation's text exists but is not to be published. (2)

-- Apr 14, 1948
Joseph Anderson, secretary to the First Presidency writes to historian Dale Morgan: "An experience running over several years has persuaded us of the unwisdom of giving access to our manuscript records to people writing books, because that same experience has shown that people writing such books are rarely qualified to appraise accurately what they read, and too frequently, whether conscious or unconsciously, they misrepresent what they find. Such manuscripts will therefore not be available for general inspection or use." (2)

-- Apr 19, 1948
Returned missionaries to accompany stake high councilmen on ward visits-- Salt Lake City, Utah; also Improvement Era 51:388, June, 1948.

Members of stake high councils to be accompanied on their monthly visits to wards of stake by returned missionaries. (1)

-- During 1948 April
Mission presidents from around the world reported increasing numbers of baptisms. An expanded building program was started. (3)

-- May 10, 1948
State narcotics officer asks church officials to quietly surrender for destruction the "quantity of opium, an opium pipe, and some other trinkets" in LDS Bureau of Information on Temple Square. Seventy's president Richard L. Evans protests that these materials have been there "since time immemorial." First Presidency cooperates rather than face court order. (2)

-- May 14, 1948
[U.S. Religious History] Israel was formally established as an independent state. (4)

-- May 15, 1948
[President George Albert Smith Journal] he attends memorial services at gravesite of Martin Harris at Clarkston, Utah, for commemoration of Restoration of Aaronic Priesthood (5)

Footnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
4 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
5 - Journals of George Albert Smith

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

More History?

Want more LDS history? Check out Mormon-Church-History, a comprehensive chronology of church history. It is a tour through church history, covering a little bit each day through the the history of the church. About a dozen chronological entries are posted daily, gradually covering the entire history of the Mormon church over the next several years. More info can be found here: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html

George Albert Smith, December, 1947

-- During December, 1947
To the Latter-day Saints everywhere-- (A brief report at the close of 1947 by President George Albert Smith "To the Latter-day Saints Everywhere." Mention is made of the missionary and welfare accomplishments of the Church and of the Utah Pioneer Centennial.) {1947-December-Improvement Era 50:797, December, 1947.} (1)

-- During 1947
[Black History] A Church First Presidency investigation concerning the racial situation among Brazilians finds "the racesbadly mixed" because "no color line is drawn among the mass of the people" and that "a great part of the population of Brazil is colored." In Brazil, a shift occurs to using Patriarchal Blessings as the means for determining whether the Priesthood ban applies. (2)

The Church reached the 1 million-member mark. May, The vast project of revising early scripture translations and translating the scriptures into additional languages was begun by the Church offices. (3)

This Is the Place monument revealed by Church President George Albert Smith in conjunction with the 1947 Pioneer Centennial. (4)

[George Albert Smith] He was president of the International Irrigation and Dry Farm Congress in 1918, president for sixteen years of the Society for Aid to the Sightless, and in 1947 chairman of the state-sponsored commission that celebrated Utah's settlement centennial. (5)

-- Jan 3, 1948
Organization of LDS Film Council "to appraise motion pictures and decide upon their suitability for entertainment and educational purposes." (6)

-- During January, 1948
Counsel for a New Year-- COUNSEL FOR A NEW YEAR By President George Albert Smith

As we face another New Year, I thank my Heavenly Father from the depths of my soul for my membership in the Church to which he gave the name of his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

I thank him for the guidance that has come to us through the revelations that have been given to this Church, and among them, I am reminded of a portion of the 28th chapter of II Nephi, indicating an all too prevalent attitude which reads as follows:

"Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, . . . nevertheless, fear God-he will justify in committing a little sin; . . ." (2 Ne. 28:7-8.)

Think of that-the suggestion that a little sin will be justified! Yet in the very first revelation contained in the Doctrine and Covenants we find these words:

"For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance." (D&C 1:31.)

Yet there are those who would say that because it is a little sin our Heavenly Father does not care. Continuing the quotation from 2 Nephi:

". . . yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words," (2 Ne. 28:8.)

Think of what that means, the whisperings of the adversary to lie a little. Whether it be a lie intended to affect an individual a religious organization, a business organization, or a political organization the lie will brand the one who tells it, and sooner or later he will have to account for the wrong he has committed.

". . . yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." (Ibid.)

That is what the adversary of righteousness is saying to the children of men. That is what Lucifer, who goes about defiling people, is breathing into the souls of whomsoever he can. That is the kind of doctrine that is being disseminated in the world by some of those who ought to be the leaders of morality and also of righteousness. But to you, my brethren and sisters, the obligation has been given that you must refute such things as these when you know of them.

We read further:

"Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark." (Ibid. 28:9.)

And then further:

"And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say; All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well-and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.

"And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none-and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.

"Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works." ([bid., 28:21-23.)

That is the word of a prophet of the Lord, spoken centuries ago, of what would exist in the world, and I bear you my witness that this is a condition that does exist in the world in the day and age in which we live. And as your brother, I plead with you that in the dignity of your membership in the great Church of the Lamb of God, you resist the insidious temptations of the adversary and that in your homes and elsewhere you teach and exemplify virtue and righteousness. See that the teachings of the Lord are so disseminated that every soul who comes within your portals will enjoy the blessings that are the result of the companionship of the Holy Spirit.

I know that this is God's work. But I know also that the adversary is awake; his end is drawing near, and he is putting forth every effort in every conceivable way to blind the eyes of the children of men.

During these troublous times when so many are in distress, seeking happiness and not finding it, the best recipe that I could give to obtain happiness would be: Keep the commandments of the Lord.

As members of this Church we may not excuse ourselves as the people of the world may who have not been properly taught and do not understand.

Therefore, watchmen upon the towers of Zion, see to it that you do not shirk your responsibility. See to it that you do not turn aside from the opportunities that our Heavenly Father has placed in your way to be helpful.

Let us go forward, loving our fellow men, always desiring their uplift and blessing, carrying the gospel message in such a way that the adversary shall have no power to stay it.

Get the Spirit of God and keep it. And the only way we will keep it is by living near him, by keeping his commandments. The only way to peace for this world is the pathway of the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. There is no other. {1948-January-Improvement Era 51:11, 37, January, 1948.} (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
2 - Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
4 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
5 - Utah History Encyclopedia: George Albert Smith, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SMITH%2CGEORGE.html
6 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Oct 30, 1947

-- Oct 30, 1947
Special fast day to aid European Saints-- Announcement of a special fast day for the relief of sufferers of war-torn Europe.

FIRST PRESIDENCY SETS DECEMBER FAST DAY FOR AID TO EUROPEANS

The hearts of all our people have gone out to the suffering peoples of Europe. We have sent to our Saints in Europe large quantities of food and clothing which have greatly relieved their distress. We are continuing to send to them from our Welfare supplies to the extent possible, having in mind our own absolute necessities here. How much we send in the future will depend upon how fully the people cooperate in carrying out the Welfare program.

But the time has come when we should make our due contribution towards helping to feed and clothe the millions who are still unrelieved in the countries of Europe where the ravages of war have caused such great woe, grief, and suffering.

The Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve have, after careful and prayerful consideration, been led to fix the regular December Fast Day of this year as a day on which the Saints, each of them, may contribute the greatest sum they feel they can give to the relief of the sufferers of war-torn Europe. The total sum collected on this day will be sent to recognized organizations having in charge general relief measures for Europe.

The Lord has commanded us to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Remember the word of Paul to the Corinthians:

"But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver."

We exhort every man, woman, and child claiming membership in the Church to give cheerfully on the regular December Fast Day-one Fast Day out of the twelve regularly held during the year-as much as he can possibly spare from his own needs. And in judging his needs, let him remember how much more he has than have the European sufferers.

Let us remember the teachings of our Lord on that last day in the Temple before His crucifixion:

"Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

"For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

"Naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

"When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

"Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

"And the King shall answer and say unto you, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren; ye have done it unto me."

As we give, so will the Lord bless us. GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1947-October 10-Church News, November 8, 1947.} (1)

-- Nov 18, 1947
Report on special fast day-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

A follow-up letter to the announcement of October 30, 1947, of a special fast day for the relief of sufferers from the war in Europe. The wards were to still retain that portion of the fast day funds normally collected during the month of December, using December, 1946, as the model. The Church would then make up from general tithing funds the amount thus retained by the wards and the full amount collected on this special fast day would be sent from Church headquarters "to the appropriate agency distributing general relief in Europe." (1)

-- Nov 29, 1947
The First Presidency announces to the Saints in North America that the regular December fast day will be dedicated to relieving the suffering of the people in Europe resulting from World War II. About $210,000 is collected and distributed to Europeans of all faiths by an agency not connected with the Church. (2)

-- Dec 20, 1947
President George Albert Smith announced that following the end of World War II, the Church had the responsibility to carry the gospel to the people at home and abroad, a missionary posture leading to the internationalization of the Church. (3)

-- 1947
Church Membership at end of year: 1,016,170

New Converts : 19,665

Percent Change from previous year: 1.97% (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
4 - Wikipedia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Aug 28, 1947

-- Aug 28, 1947
[Black History] Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from Elder John A. Widstoe calling attention to the engagement of a young couple, members of the Church, the sister having one thirty-second of negro blood in her veins. Brother Widstoe raises the question as to whether in such cases the individual having Negro blood might be recommended to the temple for marriage. Brother Widstoe states that he informed the couple of the ruling of the Church in the past that any one having negro blood in his veins cannot receive the Priesthood or go to the temple. Council approved the attitude indicated by Brother Widstoe.

(Adam S. Bennion Papers) (1)

-- Oct 9, 1947
[Black History] Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from Evan A. Borrowman, a stake missionary in the Los Angeles stake, asking questions regarding the Church's attitude toward the negro. Attention was also called to correspondence with O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, asking that missionaries be sent to the people of that land. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith called attention to the report of the Council of the Twelve under the date of April 23, 1940, reporting on an assignment given by this Council regarding permitting a person to receive the Priesthood who has any degree of negro blood, at which time it was the recommendation of the Twelve that the ruling of the past being that a person with the slightest degree of negro blood cannot receive the Priesthood.

President [J. Reuben] Clark called attention to the sentiment among many people in this country to the point that we should break down all racial lines, as a result of which sentiment negro people have acquired an assertiveness that they become impudent. President Clark again repeated what he had previously said on a number of occasions that in South America, and particularly Brazil, we are entering into a situation in doing missionary work among these people where it is very difficult if not impossible to tell who has negro blood and who has not. He said that if we are baptizing Brazilians we are almost certainly baptizing people of negro blood, and that if the Priesthood is conferred upon them, which no doubt is, we are facing a very serious problem. President Clark said that his heart bleeds for the negroes, that he had had them in his home and some of them were very fine people, that he felt we should give them every right and blessing to which they are entitled.

He said he was wondering whether we could not work out a plan whereby, while not conferring the Priesthood as such upon them, we could give them opportunity to participate in the work certainly of the Aaronic Priesthood grades.

In connection with this discussion Brother [Joseph] Anderson, at the request of the First Presidency, read to the Council ex[c]erpts from minutes of the Council meeting held May 28, 1879 and June 4, 1879, in which this matter of ordaining to the priesthood brethren with colored blood in their veins was discussed at considerable length and which minutes give among other things [a] copy of a blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith Sr. upon Elijah Abel, a negro.

The suggestion was made that a compilation be made for the Brethren of the Council of all material that can be brought together upon this subject. Elder Stephen L Richards moved that this material be prepared under the direction of the First Presidency in any way they may see fit. Motion seconded and unanimously approved.

It was decided to postpone answer to the letter from Brother Borrowman and also to correspondence from O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, until the material regarding the negro question has been assembled and the Brethren have had an opportunity to look it over and digest it.

President George F. Richards presented to the Council a question as to whether or not there would be any objection to a Brother Hope and his family (negroes), faithful members of the Church who live in Cincin[n]ati, receiving patriarchal blessing. On motion, duly seconded, it was the decision of the Council that negroes who are faithful members of the Church are entitled to patriarchal blessings.

(Adam S. Bennion Papers) (1)

First Presidency and apostles decide to allow faithful African-American Mormons to receive patriarchal blessings, and Patriarch Eldred G. Smith blesses black couple. (2)

-- Oct 11, 1947
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Mrs. John M. Cannon came to see me re polygamy cases." (3)

Footnotes:
1 - Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Journals of George Albert Smith

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Jul 29, 1947

-- Jul 29, 1947
Quorum of Twelve letter to general Relief Society presidency states that women should seek blessings of health from priesthood leaders and not from other women. This officially ends more than a century of women's anointing and sealing blessings of health on other women and sometimes on men. (1)

-- During July, 1947
Centennial message from the First Presidency-- pp. 422-433, July, 1947.

A CENTENNIAL MESSAGE FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

On July 24, 1947, it will be one hundred years since the first group of Utah Pioneers entered Salt Lake Valley, designated by their inspired leader, President Brigham Young, as "the right place."

That little band of weary-worn travelers gazed upon a barren landscape so uninviting and desolate that one of the three women in the company out of sheer disappointment and hopelessness broke down and wept. Truly to her, and to others of the company, it must have seemed impossible that in such a desert place could be fulfilled the prophecy of their great leader, Joseph Smith, that the Saints "would become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains."

The Centennial year sees that prophecy fulfilled. Brigham Young said:

"God has shown me, that this is the spot to locate his people, and here is where they will prosper; he will temper the elements to the good of the Saints; he will rebuke the frost and the sterility of the soil, and the land shall become fruitful, . . . and we shall build a city and a temple to the most high God in this place."

As that small group of pioneers looked upon what appeared to be a sterile desert, so today the Church faces a world lying in moral lethargy and spiritual decline. A sense of responsibility to build up the kingdom of God inspired the founders of the Church, and with pride we look in retrospect upon achievements wrought. That same sense of responsibility should be and is in the Church today. "If Mormonism is able to endure unmodified until it reaches the third and fourth generation," said Count Leo Tolstoy, "it is destined to become the greatest power the world has ever known." With that same faith and invincible resolution manifested by the Pioneers a century ago must the Church face the re-spiritualizing of a spiritually decadent world. In this gigantic task this people may seem as insignificant, misjudged, and impotent as did the Pioneers when they faced the barren wastes bordering the great inland sea, and orchards supplanted sagebrush and sego roots; cities and towns form
ed a western commonwealth. So may people declining toward godlessness be lead toward a nobler civilization, for there is inherent in the restored gospel the greatest spiritualizing power ever revealed to man. To be true to our heritage, we must face, with fortitude and unflinching courage, the great duty that is ours-the spiritual rejuvenation of mankind.

To participate in a century celebration is the event of a lifetime. No one can look, however imperfectly, upon the aspirations and accomplishments of the men and women who founded this Western Empire without being profited thereby. They are "flowing light-fountains of native, original insight, of manhood and heroic nobleness; in whose radiance all souls feel that it is well with them."

In pageantry, drama, music, sculpture, recreation, and literature, literally thousands of capable men and women in these various fields of art are putting forth their best efforts fittingly to commemorate the sacrifices, heroism, and achievements of the Pioneers who built so well for the generations to follow them.

That which made the Utah Pioneers truly worthy of the homage now paid them, and which will enhance their greatness in future years, is not the mere fact that they endured persecution, suffered privations, subsisted in a wilderness, and that the vanguard made a thousand-mile journey across the plains without a death or even a serious mishap-achievements, it is true, worthy the praises of posterity-but what made them truly great is the fact that no matter how intense their suffering, or how dark their foreboding, they ever cherished as beacon lights unchanging truths fundamental to human peace and progress.

First and foremost was their unwavering faith in the existence and nearness of God their Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Every day of that toilsome journey was begun by prayerful devotion. "At five o'clock in the morning," said the instructions, "the bugle is to be sounded as a signal for every man to arise and attend prayers before he leaves his wagon." To foster reverence is to develop in man his noblest virtue.

To be prepared for any eventuality was a second fundamental requirement. Theirs was physical danger, and "every man must carry his loaded gun or else have it in his wagon where he can seize it at a moment's notice." "Wagons must be kept together and not separate." After arriving in the valley, adobe "forts" and stockades were built as precautionary measures.

The youth today face enemies also-false ideologies and immoral practices "glossed over" and "seasoned with a text." Sound preparation to meet these enemies is as imperative now as when the Pioneers moved toward desert, wild animals, and stealthily skulking Indians.

Reverence, frugality, industry, and a willingness to serve their fellow men were ideals taught and practiced in the daily lives of the Pioneers.

Ours is a rich heritage. The wealth inherited must neither be buried nor squandered, but should be handed down to posterity with a tenfold increase.

Only they who are specially trained or gifted can produce the best in histrionic art, literature, pageantry, song, or athletic contests, and we are informed that what is now being presented throughout the state in these fields of endeavor merit the highest commendation. State officials, the state legislature, Church and civic organizations are all unitedly desirous that only the best can adequately pay tribute to those who in deprivation suffered uncomplainingly that others might live in joy and comfort. Most surely even the best is inadequate to do them honor.

While committees and participants are striving for the highest in artistry, let us ever keep in mind that the most worthy element in this Centennial will be a manifest desire on the part of their descendants to emulate the virtues and spiritual aspirations that made the Pioneers worthy the tributes that the country now pays them. Only by adherence to these can a people or a nation become great, and the destiny of the Church can be fulfilled. GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1947-July-Improvement Era, Centennial Issue,} (2)

Footnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Jul 15, 1947

-- Jul 15, 1947
Mormon Pioneer Centennial-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The centennial of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in Utah, July 24, 1847, was being celebrated with, among other activities, a centennial postal cachet which was offered either through L.D.S. Church headquarters or directly from the postmaster of Salt Lake City, Utah. (1)

Ward and stake fund-raising to be confined within their jurisdictions-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Local L.D.S. ward or stake fund-raising projects are not to be extended on a regional or Church-wide basis for reasons of justice and fairness and because of the confusion and chaos that would result from such action within the Church. (1)

-- Jul 17, 1947
"From the days of the Prophet Joseph even until now, it has been the doctrine of the Church, never questioned by any of the Church leaders, that the Negroes are not entitled to the full blessings of the Gospel. Furthermore, your ideas, as we understand them, appear to contemplate the intermarriage of the Negro and White races, a concept which has heretofore been most repugnant to most normal-minded people from the ancient patriarchs till now. God's rule for Israel, His Chosen People, has been endogamous. Modern Israel has been similarly directed. We are not unmindful of the fact that there is growing tendency, particularly among some educators, as it manifests itself in this area, toward the breaking down of race barriers in the matter of intermarriage between whites and blacks, but it does not have the sanction of the Church and is contrary to Church doctrine." -- First Presidency Letter to Dr. Lowry Nelson (2)

First Presidency letter states: "From the days of the Prophet Joseph even until now, it has been the doctrine of the Church, never questioned by any of the Church leaders, that the Negroes are not entitled to the full blessings of the Gospel. Furthermore, your ideas, as we understand them, appear to contemplate the intermarriage of the Negro and White races, a concept which has heretofore been most repugnant to most normal-minded people from the ancient patriarchs till now. God's rule for Israel, His Chosen People, has been endogamous. Modern Israel has been similarly directed. We are not unmindful of the fact that there is growing tendency, particularly among some educators, as it manifests itself in this area, toward the breaking down of race barriers in the matter of intermarriage between whites and blacks, but it does not have the sanction of the Church and is contrary to Church doctrine." (3)

-- Jul 21, 1947
TIME MAGAZINE features President George Albert Smith on its cover. (3)

Time magazine features President George Albert Smith on its cover and highlights the centennial of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Great Basin. (4)

-- Jul 22, 1947
A caravan of wagon-canopied automobiles of the same number of people as the original pioneer company, arrived in Salt Lake City after following the Mormon Pioneer Trail. (5)

-- Jul 24, 1947
Church members celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Pioneers' arrival in Salt Lake Valley. The "This Is the Place" monument was dedicated by President George Albert Smith. (5)

This Is the Place Monument dedicated during pioneer centennial. (6)

-- July 24, 1947
[George Albert Smith] On July 24, 1947, he dedicated the newly-completed 'This Is The Place' monument. (7)

Footnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
2 - LDS Quotations, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
5 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
6 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
7 - LDSIndex.com

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Jul 10, 1947

-- Jul 10, 1947
Patriarchs and patriarchal blessings-- Salt Lake City, Utah.

Instructions on Patriarchs and patriarchal blessings, superseding all previous instructions.

July 10, 1947 To the Presidents of Stakes

Dear Brethren:

This communication will supersede previous letters sent from the office of the First Presidency to both presidents of stakes and to stake patriarchs.

To the end that there may be a clearer and more uniform understanding of the selection, duties and prerogatives of stake patriarchs, we bring to your attention the following considerations:

1. Selection and Installation of Stake Patriarchs:

Stake patriarchs are chosen by members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles representing the First Presidency as they visit the stakes of Zion. The stake president does not nominate the patriarch. It is, however, within his province to suggest to a member of the Council of the Twelve the needs of his stake for patriarchal service. He may then be asked by one of the Twelve for his suggestions as to a man or men to be chosen. His counselors may likewise be called into consultation by a member of the Twelve. The member of the Twelve will then submit his recommendation to the Council of the First Presidency and the Twelve. When the recommendation is approved the next visitor from the Twelve to the stake will be authorized to interview the prospective stake patriarch and, if satisfied, the visitor may have him sustained first by the High council and then he will be sustained by the people in conference assembled. After being so sustained the patriarch will be ordained by the vi
siting member of the Council of the Twelve and be instructed as to his duties. He will also be supplied by the one who ordains him with a record book and paper, upon which his blessings are to be recorded. He will likewise receive a copy of these general instructions. Questions arising regarding the service of the stake patriarch should be submitted to the president of the stake and, if necessary, by him transmitted to the Presidency of the Church. Members of the Council of the Twelve may also be consulted by stake patriarchs as they visit the stakes.

2. Nature of the Patriarchal Office and Blessings:

The patriarchal office is one of blessing, not of administration. Patriarchal blessings are the only blessings that patriarchs are specifically ordained and sustained to give. Patriarchal blessings contemplate an inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient, and also, where so moved upon by the Spirit, an inspired and prophetic statement of the life mission of the recipient, together with such blessings, cautions, and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give for the accomplishment of such life's mission, it being always made clear that the realization of all promised blessings is conditioned upon faithfulness to the Gospel of our Lord, whose servant the patriarch is.

All such blessings are recorded and generally only one such blessing should be adequate for each person's life. The sacred nature of the patriarchal blessing must of necessity urge all patriarchs to most earnest solicitation of divine guidance for their prophetic utterances and superior wisdom for cautions and admonitions.

3. Relation to Administrative Officers:

While under the revelations patriarchs are selected and ordained by members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, they act in the stakes of Zion under the direct supervision of the presidency of the stake whose privilege and duty it is to supervise their work and to make adequate provision for it to be carried forward in an orderly way. The patriarch is not a counselor to the people of the stake and the ward as are the presidency of the stake and the bishoprics. It is the duty of the patriarchs ever to sustain these administrative officers in the policies adopted and the counsels given to the people; and if patriarchs are solicited for counsel and advice relating to the conduct of members of the Church and decisions to be made in both temporal and spiritual matters, they should refer such persons to the administrative officers whose right it is to give attention to such matters. Patriarchs, as all others who hold the proper priesthood, may, when requested so to do, give bl
essings for the healing of the sick, but such blessings for the sick or for the comfort of individuals are of no higher order than, nor are they to be distinguished from, similar blessings by others who hold the proper priesthood.

4. Recording Blessings:

All patriarchal blessings, as hereinbefore defined, should be written in duplicate and one copy of the blessing should be given to the recipient, and one copy should be preserved in the record book. No charge is to be made nor gratuity accepted for the giving or recording of a patriarchal blessing.

The stake patriarch should, with the approval of the stake president, arrange for adequate stenographic service to record blessings. If stenographers are available who will furnish the service gratuitously, their services should be accepted as a worthy Church contribution. If, however, such gratuitous service is not available, the patriarch may arrange for a stenographer to record blessings and for this service a stenographer so employed may submit to the First Presidency of the Church statements of charges, not to exceed $1.00 for each blessing recorded. If and when such service is continuous, monthly bills should be presented.

5. Additional Record Books and Materials:

The office of the Church Historian is the depository for the records of patriarchal blessings and stake patriarchs will receive from the Historian's Office such record books and other materials as may be essential for their use. When record books are ready for filing, they should be safely forwarded to the Historian's Office, 47 East South Temple Street in Salt Lake City, Utah. Whenever the stake patriarch shall have exhausted the record book and materials furnished to him at the time of his installation, he may make application to the Historian's office for additional materials which will be sent to him without cost.

6. Removal of Stake Patriarch to Another Stake:

In the event a duly ordained stake patriarch moves out of the stake in which he has been sustained into another stake, the president of the stake into which he moves, when advised of the establishment of the patriarch's membership in one of the wards of his stake, should immediately notify the First Presidency of the Church so that consideration may be given by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve to the installation of the patriarch in the stake to which he has moved. No stake patriarch may give blessings in any stake in which he has not been sustained by the people under the direction of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve.

In the event of the death of the patriarch, the president of the stake should secure and forward to the Historian's Office the record book containing all the blessings that have been given.

7. Eligibility for Patriarchal Blessings:

Stake patriarchs may give blessings to those only who reside within their respective stakes, and only upon the presentation by the applicant of a recommend duly signed and approved by the bishop of the ward, except under the following conditions:

A. Stake patriarchs may give patriarchal blessings to members of organized missions upon the presentation by the applicant of a recommend duly signed and approved by the branch president and mission president. In such cases the applicant is to come into the stake for the blessing; the patriarch is not to go into the mission for the purpose.

B. Stake patriarchs are permitted to bless their blood relations wherever they may reside, provided, however, that such relations shall be duly recommended by the bishops of wards and presidents of stakes in which such relations reside.

C. In stakes where patriarchs have died or have become incapacitated or are absent from the stake so that patriarchal blessings from the stake patriarch are not available to members of the stake, in such circumstances and until such time as the services of a patriarch in such stakes may be made available to the members by a new appointment or the return of a patriarch on leave, members of such such stakes may, upon proper recommendation of their bishops and the president of their stake, receive patriarchal blessings from a stake patriarch in an adjacent stake to whom they shall have been recommended. In such cases the applicant is to go into the patriarch's stake for the blessing; the patriarch is not to leave his own stake and go into another stake for such purpose.

Sincerely yours, GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1947-July 10-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives,} (1)

-- Jul 15, 1947
Establishment of stakes within mission boundaries-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Between June 30, 1940, and June 29, 1947, thirty-seven new stakes of the Church had been organized. Many of these were now in the mission fields of the Church such as Washington, D.C., and Denver, Colorado (June 30, 1940); Reno, Nevada, and San Diego, California, 1941; Palo Alto and Berkeley, California, 1946; Mesa, Arizona, and Florida and Spokane Stakes, 1947. "To Presidents of Missions and Stakes Whose Territorial Boundaries May Overlap or Are of Such Character That the Work of Missions May be Carried Forward Within the General Boundary Line of Stakes." The establishment of stakes in mission territory "shall not be deemed so rigid as to preclude mission work within such boundaries. It being understood, however, that the jurisdiction of stake and ward authorities over units which are set up and maintained in the stake is exclusive." (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Apr 10, 1947

-- Apr 10, 1947
Eldred G. Smith is ordained patriarch to the church, fourteen years after Quorum of Twelve recommended him. He is nuclear engineer for Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, Tennessee which helped usher in atomic age at Hiroshima, Japan. (1)

Eldred Gee Smith is ordained Patriarch to the Church by George Albert Smith. (2)

-- Apr 24, 1947
Re-evaluation of use of older missionary couples-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

To Stake Presidents, calling for a re-evaluation of the policy of the Church in calling older men into the mission field which had prevailed during the years of World War II when younger men were not available. Problems were now arising because of this age differential between missionary companions. Older couples in the mission field were also having some difficulties with health and living conditions. Instructions were for a more careful screening process, taking these considerations into account. (3)

-- During April 1947
President David O. McKay reports in General Conference that 12,206 Church members are serving in the armed forces. (4)

-- During April, 1947
Missionaries should be Mission President's first concern-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Although the available copy of this circular letter "To All Mission Presidents" bears no date, from its place in the files of the Archives Department it is assumed to have been issued in April, 1947. The contents of the letter instruct the Mission Presidents that "missionaries should be the Mission President's first concern." The instructions in the letter seem to be a follow-up of the decision that the Mission Presidents should have counselors in order that the missionaries could become the Mission President's first concern. (3)

-- May 5, 1947
First Presidency Letter states: "- No special effort has ever been made to proselyte among the Negro race, and social intercourse between the Whites and the Negroes should certainly not be encouraged because of leading to intermarriage, which the Lord has forbidden. This move which has now received some popular approval of trying to break down social barriers between the Whites and the Blacks is one that should not be encouraged because inevitably it means the mixing of the races if carried to its logical conclusion." (1)

-- May 20, 1947
LDS president George Albert Smith offers official prayer for U.S. Senate, and CONGRESSIONAL RECORD publishes his invocation's full text. Exactly nineteen years later, May 20, 1966, first counselor Hugh B Brown does likewise. In 1974 Apostle (later LDS president) Gordon B. Hinckley opens U.S. Senate with prayer. (1)

-- Jun 20, 1947
Organization of elders quorums in missions-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

In the April 2, 1947, meeting of the General Authorities of the Church with Mission Presidents, "Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Council of the Twelve made a few remarks concerning the organization of elders quorums in the missions. This question was discussed by those present and in many of the larger missions where there were sufficient number of elders to organize an elders quorum, it was felt that it would be to the advantage of all elders to have a quorum organized within the mission. Brother Kimball assured the mission presidents that further research would be made on the question and that they would be advised as to the final decision concerning this matter." This letter of the First Presidency gives that decision.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, utah June 20, 1947 To Presidents of Missions

Dear Brethren:

You will recall that in the past consideration has been given to the feasibility of organizing Priesthood quorums within the missions.

It is our feeling that stronger Priesthood organization and a well correlated Priesthood activity would be of benefit to the missions and the cause of the Church.

This letter does not presuppose immediate quorum organization in all of the missions, but is your notice that as conditions may warrant possible quorum organization may be studied and perhaps effected.

In your consideration of this important matter, it should be kept in mind that there will be no particular advantage in quorum organization where conditions do not warrant or permit of quorum function. In other words, before an Elders quorum be organized, there should be sufficient number of Elders within a close proximity to comprise a quorum, or at least a majority (49 members) of a quorum, with the prospects favorable to continued growth and quorum function.

The details incident to Priesthood quorum organization and supervision with the missions, under the direction of the General Priesthood Committee, will be worked out and further appropriate notice given. In no case, however, is a quorum organization to be undertaken without specific authorization in each instance from the First Presidency of the Church.

We think that this is an appropriate time for a careful study of Priesthood matters within each mission, and suggest that such study be made promptly.

Sincerely your brethren, GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY First Presidency. {1947-June 20-Original circular letter, L.D.S.} (3)

Footnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
4 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Jan 30, 1947

-- Jan 30, 1947
Temple prayer circle patterns not to be used or imitated outside temples-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Prayer circle patterns as held in the temples of the Church are not to be duplicated or imitated outside of the temples. (1)

[Temple] [T]here is a custom in some areas and among some organizations of having group prayers in which those participating, sometimes kneeling and sometimes standing, arrange themselves in a circle and then hold each other's hands while the prayer is being offered. From these reports that come to us it would seem obvious that the effort is to duplicate as nearly as possible the procedure of the sacred prayer circle. This innovation is not in accordance with the due order of the Church and should be discontinued at once. Where groups are assembled together, the prayers should be offered in the ordinary way we offer prayer as in our public services as at Sacrament meetings, priest hood meetings, and other like gatherings. This rule does not ex clude groups from kneeling in prayer on proper occasions, but it is intend ed to exclude all simulations of the regular prayer circle. [George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McLay, circular letter, Jan. 30, 1947] (2)

-- Feb 28, 1947
Following is a transcript for the minutes of the meeting [Feb. 20, 1947] of the First Presidency and the Council of The Twelve, which is self-explanatory: Elder Joseph Fielding Smith called attention to an inquiry from President ElRay Christiansen of the Logan Temple on the following matter: A couple have adopted legally an infant child, born illegitimately, and are desirous that the names of the natural parents be not placed upon the records. "In discussing this matter the Brethren were agreed that in cases of this kind the names of the natural parents should not appear on the record, and that the names of the couple who are adopting the child should appear as parents. On motion this became the sense of the Council. President George F. Richards was requested to convey this same information to all the temples." [George F. Richards to Edward J. Wood, Feb. 28, 1947, copy in Buerger Papers] (2)

-- March 1947
Recalling when he was recovering from a long ilness: "I thought I was on the shore of a lake and I found that I was alone. I saw a trail through the woods and concluded that I would follow it; soon I saw a man coming towards me. As he neared me I discovered that he was my grandfather [George Albert Smith]. As we met, he said, 'I'd like to know what you have done with my name.' 'Grandfather,' I answered, 'I have never done anything with your name that you need to be ashamed of.' I then became conscious, and I made up my mind that I would never do anything to harm his good name." (3)

-- Mar 10, 1947
Meeting the spiritual needs of young men drafted into military service-- Salt Lake City, Utah.

This letter of instructions to Presidents of Stakes and Missions outlines a plan to meet the spiritual needs of young men in the armed services.

If the plans of the military authorities of the United States are put into operation, it will mean the entry into the Service of great numbers of our young men. The spiritual guidance of these young men while in the Service is a matter of prime concern to the parents of the men and to the Church. (Excerpt.) (1)

-- Mar 22, 1947
Last weekly list of excommunicated Mormons in CHURCH NEWS. Final list gives names in California, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Utah. (4)

-- Apr 2, 1947
Revelation on counselors for Mission Presidents-- MISSION HEADS WILL SELECT TWO COUNSELORS TO FORM PRESIDENCY

Speaking of these instructions as a revelation received by President George Albert Smith, Elder Spencer W. Kimball, member of the Quorum of the Twelve, said of the occasion at which he was present:

"The revelations come as requested and needed; for instance, in 1947, when President George Albert Smith was President of the Church, there came a revelation to the Church regarding missions, and counselors were given to mission presidents for the first time. That was immediately published all through the Church, in the Church Section of the Deseret News, an official letter to all mission presidents, and everybody in the Church had access to the knowledge of that change in the policy of the Church within a matter of days after it had been given. It was not necessary that that revelation be included in the Doctrine and Covenants. They are all in the minutes and in the files. Revelations are continuous, and this Church is based on revelation." (Speeches of the Year, Brigham Young University, January 13, 1967.)

MEETING OF THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES WITH MISSION PRESIDENTS HELD IN THE SALT LAKE TEMPLE, APRIL 2, 1947

ÃÂ. President David O. McKay presented to those assembled the matter of each mission president having two counselors to assist him in the missionary work. The primary responsibility of the mission president is to contact personally the missionaries under his jurisdiction as frequently as possible, and through such contacts gain their love and confidence, and to assist them in every way possible to adjust their lives to the missionary program of the Church. To aid the mission president in making it possible for him to spend the major part of his time with the missionaries, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles have approved a plan whereby mission presidents will be given counselors. It is suggested that the first counselor may be an experienced local man and that the other counselor may be selected from one of the outstanding missionaries in the field. These two counselors will work with the mission president in supervising the work of each mission.

The counselors are to be selected by the mission president, but before they are spoken to, their names are to be sent to the Office of the First Presidency for approval. If approved, the counselors will then be set apart by one of the General Authorities. In the Pacific Missions the counselors will be set apart by the president of the Pacific Mission, representing the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve; in the European missions the counselors will be set apart by the president of the European Mission, representing the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve. It is suggested that the mission president divide the responsibilities of the mission work with the counselors and that he hold regular council meetings with them at least once a month or oftener if circumstances permit.

These counselors will be released with the mission president and the new mission president will be given the same opportunity of selecting his two counselors. Usually, the counselors will be selected from those either residing or laboring as missionaries in the missions, but in the event the mission presidents desire counselors living in the stakes of Zion, special consideration by the First Presidency will be given these particular requests.

The counselors to the mission presidents are to be paid their actual traveling expenses, but are not to be given a maintenance allowance. If they use their own automobiles, mileage at the rate of 6 cents per mile will be paid from the mission funds. At the end of each month the counselors to the mission president, if they have done any official traveling, should complete Form 31-AFP and present it to the mission president who will check the items listed on the form and, if in order, will approve. Reimbursement from the General Mission Funds will be made to the counselors for their official traveling expense. The traveling expense of the mission counselors will be charged to a special account entitled, "Mission President's Counselors Traveling Expense," and a copy of Form 31-AFP should be filed with the vouchers in the General Accounting Records of the mission and available for audit at any time.

All present seemed very pleased with the announcement made by President McKayÃÂ. {1947-April 2-Church News, April 12, 1947; also Report of meeting with Mission Presidents, Salt Lake Temple, April 2, 1947.} (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
2 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
3 - LDSIndex.com
4 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, 1946

-- During 1946
Translation Department of the Church organized. (1)

[Homosexuality] The First Presidency learns of Patriarch Joseph F. Smith's homosexual relationships and he is allowed to resign for "illness" and deprived of church privileges without a disciplnary court or public announcement. He is restored to full fellowship eleven years later. (2)

-- Jan 7, 1947
[Temple] ... First Presidency, Harold B. Lee, Stephen L. Richards met to discuss matters pertaining to the garment. [David O. McKay diary, Jan. 7, 1947] (3)

-- Jan 8, 1947
DESERET NEWS publishes John H. Koyle's repudiation of his former claims regarding "Dream Mine," in which he urges his followers and stockholders to "regard this mine as a business venture without any religious significance." Despite this statement, Koyle is soon excommunicated, due to pressure from Apostle Mark E. Petersen. (4)

-- Jan 9, 1947
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Spent the day in the temple with the Presidency and Twelve counseling about obtaining more help." (5)

-- Jan 18, 1947
Restrictions on travel of Mission Presidents and mission officers outside their jurisdictions-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mission Presidents or their wives to leave the mission only with permission of the First Presidency. Similar restrictions on mission officers and missionaries on travel outside the mission to which they were called. (6)

-- Jan 25, 1947
Salt Lake Tribune (Kearns-Tribune Corporation) disposes ownership of KSL after 23 years of joint- ownership with the Church, making the Church the majority owner. (1)

-- Jan 28, 1947
American Red Cross annual drive-- Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

(Annual appeal of the American Red Cross for support endorsed by the First Presidency.) (6)

-- Jan 30, 1947
[Black History] Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from President A. Reed Halverson of the New Zealand Mission stating that there has been an instance or two in the mission where men with a trace of Negro blood have been ordained to the Priesthood and are now taking part. He asks whether or not a person who has colored blood in his veins may receive the Priesthood and what should be done about these brethren who have already been ordained.

In discussing this matter it was the sentiment of the Brethren that president Halverson should be informed that no one should be ordained to the Priesthood who is known to have Negro blood in his veins, and that if any one has been so ordained, if it is admitted or otherwise established, he should be instructed not to attempt to use the Priesthood in any other ordinations.

(Adam S. Bennion Papers) (7)

Missionary farewells-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The policy of the Church regarding the details of holding missionary farewells changed from time to time. The instructions in the Handbook for Bishops and Stake Presidents and also the letter of instructions of December 26, 1945, were modified by stating that missionary farewells could be held on Sunday provided that certain stated policies were followed. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
2 - LDS Gay History Timeline [Unabridged], http://mormoninthecloset.blogspot.com/2008/11/lds-gay-history-timeline-unabridged.html
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
4 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower
5 - Journals of George Albert Smith
6 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
7 - Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Nov 29, 1946

-- Nov 29, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Went home too weary to attend lecture of Arthur Gaeth. Emily [daughter] had several friends in from lecture. I went to bed and missed the good company." (1)

-- Dec 7, 1946
Curtailment of number of mission periodicals-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

To curtail the proliferating number of L.D.S. mission newspapers and periodicals in the interest of saving paper, ink, and the time of missionaries. (2)

-- Dec 28, 1946
Francisco J. Vinas, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Montevideo, Uruguay. (3)

-- Dec 31, 1946
The Church missionary force rises from an average of 477 serving during 1945 to an average of 2,244 during 1946. (3)

-- 1946
Church Membership at end of year: 996,505

New Converts : 17,051

Percent Change from previous year: 1.74% (4)

-- During December 1946
KSL begins broadcasting the first FM radio signal in Utah under the call letters KSL-FM. (5)

-- During December, 1946
Annual Christmas greeting-- (The annual Christmas greeting of the First Presidency for the year 1946.) (2)

-- During 1946
Missionary work resumed in South Pacific under the direction of Matthew Cowley. (6)

Deseret Film Productions organized by A. Hamer Resier, manager of Deseret Book Store. The motion picture unit headed by Frank Wise, who made - several successful 16mm sound films of Church events and rented them out through Deseret Book Company. Deseret Film Productions films general authorities at General Conference until 1953, when television became available in Utah. (5)

First Church sermon delivered by short wave radio (President George Albert Smith to 203 LDS servicemen in Japan). (5)

Footnotes:
1 - Journals of George Albert Smith
2 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
4 - Wikipedia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history
5 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
6 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Sep 17, 1946

-- Sep 17, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Wilford Wood Met Presidency to report on purchase of Jos Smith home at harmony (Sic) Penni." (1)

-- Sept 18, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Met with Douglass Scalley about Sugar matters. Hyrum Smith and Harold Beecher came to consider Joseph Patriarch's position." (1)

-- Sept 27, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Spent day at office far behind with correspondence. I wish I had a competent private secretary to keep track of my affairs and do a lot of detail work" (1)

-- Oct 3, 1946
President George Albert Smith writes in his journal that it had been decided "Joseph F. Smith Patriarch unable to carry on," and the Patriarch to the Church was released, "a sad happening." Joseph F. Smith II, Patriarch to the Church was discovered to have been engaging in homosexual behaviors. That same day David O. McKay reads a letter from Joseph F. Smith II in which he claims to be in poor health and that he is willing to be released. He is released and moves to Hawaii where he is not allowed to hold any church position. No disciplinary hearing is ever held. (2)

[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Spent 5 hours with Council in Temple. Joseph F. Smith Patriarch is unable to carry on." (1)

-- Oct 6, 1946
Public release of Joseph Fielding Smith (b. 1899) as Patriarch to Church due to "ill health" but actually due to discovery of his recent homosexual activity. Bruce R. McConkie is sustained to first Council of Seventy, first veteran of World War II to becaome genearl authority. (3)

[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Tabernacle & Assembly hall filled Jos F. Smith released. a sad happening." (1)

-- Oct 9,1946
[Utah] First Presidency and apostles decide to allow faithful African-American Mormons to receive patriarchal blessings, and Patriarch Elder G. Smith blesses black couple for the first time. (4)

-- Oct 10, 1946
Benjamin E. Roberts, son of B. H. Roberts, addresses the Timpanogos Club at the Hotel Utah, discussing his father's studies on the Book of Mormon. He presents a manuscript by B. H. Roberts titled "A Parallel" which lists 18 parallels between the Book of Mormon and Ethan Smith's "VIEW OF THE HEBREWS" which was published in New York in 1823 and again in an enlarged edition in 1825. One of B. H. Roberts striking "parallels" is a passage from Ethan Smith's book that gives a capsule outline of the Book of Mormon: "It is highly probable that the more civilized part of the tribes of Israel, after they settled in America, became wholly separated from the hunting and savage tribes of their brethren: that the latter lost the knowledge of their having descended from the same family with themselves; that the more civilized part continued for many centuries; that tremendous wars were frequent between them and their savage brethren, till the former became extinct." B. H. Roberts adds: "Let
it be remembered that the work from which this is quoted existed from five to seven years before the publication of the Book of Mormon. And the two editions of the work flooded the New England states and New York." (2)

-- Oct 24, 1946
[Blacks] Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from June B. Sharp of the South African Mission regarding a letter that has been forwarded to him by the office of the First Presidency and the correspondence that President Sharp had had with O.J. Umordak of Afaha Ofiong, Mbiaso Post Office, Uyo District, Nigeria, in which Mr. Umordak pleads for missionaries to be sent to Nigeria and also asks for literature regarding the Church. These people are Africans of the black race. President Sharp asks if he should comply with [the] man's request to send literature to him.

After some discussion regarding our responsibility in proclaiming the Gospel to the world, Council decided to give the matter further consideration before making reply.

(Adam S. Bennion Papers) (5)

Footnotes:
1 - Journals of George Albert Smith
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower
4 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power
5 - Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Jul 10, 1946

-- Jul 10, 1946
President George Albert Smith writes in his diary: "Met in office with Council of Presidency & Twelve .... Jos Patriarch case considered. Bad situation. Am heartsick." President Smith is referring to Presiding Patriarch Joseph Fielding Smith [Not the Apostle of the same name] and to the recent discovery of his homosexual activities. Forty-seven-year-old Patriarch Smith is "released due to ill health" the following Oct. (1)

-- July 10, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "At office 9 a.m. Met in office with Council of Presidency & Twelve Jos Patriarch case considered bad situation. Am heartsick." (2)

-- July 11, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "At office early. Met in Church Council room with Presidency and Twelve. Transacted considerable business Discussed condition of Patriarch Jos F." (2)

-- July 24, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] he sets first granite stone for monument to Mormon Pioneers at Henefer, Wyoming. (2)

-- Jul 29, 1946
Joseph Fielding Smith of the Quorum of the Twelve writes to Belle S. Spafford, the Relief Society General President, and her counselors: "While the authorities of the Church have ruled that it is permissible, under certain conditions and with the approval of the priesthood, for sisters to wash and anoint other sisters, yet they feel that it is far better for us to follow the plan the Lord has given us and send for the Elders of the Church to come and administer to the sick and afflicted." This ends the practice of "washings and anointings" for women (usually preparatory to childbirth). A previous Relief Society President wrote of this ordinance, "this beautiful ordinance has always been with the Relief Society, and it is our earnest hope that we may continue to have that privilege, and up to the present time the Presidents of the Church have always allowed it to us.' (1)

-- Aug 23, 1946
First presidency tells LDS judge to be cautious about sending LDS "subnormals" to be sterilized in facility at American Fork, Utah. (1)

-- Aug 29, 1946
I was instructed by the First Presidency to write to Pres[ident] Edward J. Wood for the Alberta Temple at Cardston,8 calling his attention to reported irregularities, and innovations, seances &c introduced into the temple and temple ordinances with a request that such deviations must stop. [George F. Richards diary, Aug. 29, 1946] (3)

-- Sept 6, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Harrold Bennett drove me to see Patriarch Jos F. Smith. A pitiable case." (2)

-- Sep 10, 1946
The first missionaries to Costa Rica arrive in the country. (4)

-- Sept 16, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Restless night At office 815. Met with Presidency & Jos F. Patriarch & Ruth Browning & son present. A E Bowen also listened in. Regret that the evidence is not satisfactory. President Bryant & Counselors of Palmyra Stake came to counsel about Dream Mine." (2)

Footnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Journals of George Albert Smith
3 - Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship
4 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, May 1946

-- During May 1946
[Fawn McKay Brodie] No Man Knows My History led directly to Brodie's excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in May 1946. (1)

-- During 1946 May
President George Albert Smith became the first president of the Church to visit Mexico. While in the country, he met with Manuel Avila Camacho, president of Mexico. (2)

George Albert Smith visited Mexico and helped reunify disaffected Church members. (3)

-- Jun 21, 1946
First shipment of Welfare Plan foodstuffs and essential commodities arrives in Geneva, Switzerland for distribution to Mormons in war-devastated European cities. This aid totals eighty-five railroad freight cars. Eight months earlier First Presidency reestablished proselytizing missions in Europe. (4)

-- Jun 28, 1946
Sacrament meeting honoring Mormon pioneers-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

A sacrament meeting to be devoted to honoring Utah Mormon pioneers to be held. The Daughters and Sons of Utah Pioneers organizations were willing to cooperate in this special service. (5)

Universal compulsory military service-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

As indicated in the notes to the statement of the First Presidency of December 14, 1945, on the subject of universal compulsory military training, to which the First Presidency was opposed, this letter was written because the First Presidency had been informed that Bishops and Stake Presidents in states other than Utah (the statement of December 14, 1945, had been sent to Utah's congressional delegation) were concerned as to whether ward and stake leaders should initiate petitions or other communications with "their representatives in Congress."

June 28, 1946 Presidents of Stakes

Dear Brethren:

So far as we understand the situation, there seems still to be an intention upon the part of certain national groups to impose universal compulsory military training upon the people of the United States. As you probably know, the First Presidency issued a statement under date of December 14, 1945 covering this matter. This statement has received approving commendation from a number of sources, and we believe it fairly covers the main grounds of objection which exist against universal compulsory military training.

Some stake presidents have felt that action should be taken upon the part of their stake organizations, and in some cases on the part of ward organizations, expressing disapproval of universal compulsory military training, the action taken in such cases to be in the form of petitions or other communications to their representatives in Congress. While we are not asking ward and stake authorities to take such action as this on this matter, nevertheless we have no objections to their so doing; and we feel that if such action is taken, it should be done in a suitable way and in as effective a manner as possible.

We therefore suggest that inasmuch as frequently there is not the time at the disposal of the brethren concerned to work out a well-rounded statement, and since further it is desirable, that so far as possible the representations on the part of Church organizations should be as nearly uniform as possible, any ward or stake desiring to express themselves on the question might appropriately do so by formally endorsing the statement made by the First Presidency on this matter, and that any communication sent by the ward or stake to the Congressman or Senator involved might appropriately include a copy of the First Presidency's statement as indicating the views of the voters of the ward or stake involved.

Faithfully yours, GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1946-June 28-Original circular letter, L.D.S.} (5)

First Presidency statement against compulsory military service ("conscription" or "the draft") during peace time. This is extensive version of Presidency's earlier views and of its efforts to persuade LDS congressmen to vote against peacetime draft. (4)

-- Jul 7, 1946
Almost two years after Americans dropped atomic bomb on Hiroshima, U.S. serviceman Boyd K. Packer performs first baptism of Japanese converts in Japan. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Fawn McKay Brodie, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/b/BRODIE%2CFAWN.html
2 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
3 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
4 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
5 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, May 1, 1946

-- May 1, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Jos Patriarch Met Presidency." (1)

-- May 2, 1946
The First Presidency instructed local Church leaders that in meetings where the sacrament is passed, it should be passed to the presiding officer first. (2)

Purpose of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The pure of the ordinance of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is stated in this letter of instructions.

May 2, 1946 To Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of Wards

Dear Brethren:

Inquiries received at the office of the First Presidency disclose the fact that there is a divergence of opinion and varied practices among ward officers with respect to the kind of music, if any, that should be rendered during the administration of the sacrament.

Recently, this question came before the First Presidency and the Twelve who unanimously approved the recommendation that the ideal condition is to have absolute quiet during the passing of the sacrament, and that we look with disfavor upon vocal solos, duets, group singing, or instrumental music during the administration of this sacred ordinance.

There is no objection to having appropriate music during the preparation of the emblems, but after the prayer is offered, perfect silence should prevail until the bread and the water have been partaken of by the full congregation.

It was further suggested, and unitedly agreed upon, that the sacrament should be first given to the presiding authority in the meeting. This may be the bishop, perhaps one of the stake presidency, or one of the visiting General Authorities. It is the duty of the priest officiating to determine who is the presiding authority present; thus, whenever the sacrament is administered, members of the Aaronic Priesthood officiating will have a lesson in Church government.

When the sacrament is given first to the presiding authority, those officiating may pass the sacrament consecutively to members of the Church who are sitting on the rostrum and in the audience.

It was also the conclusion of the Council to recommend to the Superintendency and General Board of the Deseret Sunday School Union that local Sunday Schools be advised that the significance of partaking of the sacrament will be enhanced if no music be given at that period. Undoubtedly, there will be those who will claim that soft, appropriate music contributes to better order; but careful consideration of the institution and purpose of the sacrament will lead to the conclusion that anything which detracts the partaker's thought from the covenants he or she is making is not in accordance with the ideal condition that should exist whenever this sacred, commemorative ordinance is administered to the members of the Church.

Reverence for God and for sacred things is fundamental in pure religion. Let every boy and girl, every man and woman in the Church, manifest this principle by maintaining perfect order by self-communion whenever the sacrament is administered.

Sincerely yours, GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1946-May 2-Original circular letter, L.D.S.} (3)

-- May 3, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "In bed regretting that I am not able to keep my work up at the office." (1)

-- May 04, 1946
President George Albert Smith autographs five specially bound leather copies of the recently completed Tongan translation of the Book of Mormon for Tonga's Queen Salote, Tupou III, Prince Tupou To'a; Premier Ata; and two Tongan governors. (4)

-- May 19, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] -May 31, 1946, he is in Mexico to attend Mexican Mission meetings in Mexico City (1)

-- May 25, 1946
More than a thousand Saints gather at the Irmeta Branch chapel, near Mexico City, for a two-day Mexican Mission conference. President George Albert Smith gives one of the first speeches ever made by a Church President in Mexico. (4)

-- May 26, 1946
Twenty-one people are baptized into the Church between sessions of the Mexican Mission conference. President George Albert Smith presides over the conference during his visit to Mexico. (4)

-- May 29, 1946
Five hundred former members who had been part of a group that had left the Church over a dispute regarding native leadership spread flowers along the lane leading to the chapel in Tecako, Mexico, and stand on each side, singing "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" as President George Albert Smith arrives to address them. He invites them back into the Church, and some twelve hundred eventually return. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Journals of George Albert Smith
2 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
3 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
4 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, 1946 January

-- During 1946 January
The Church began sending supplies to the Saints in Europe. This continued for the next several years. (1)

-- Feb 21, 1946
Evening meeting of stake conferences to be held by the MIA-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

As of this date, the Sunday evening meetings of the stake conferences of the Church, which had been rotated among the various auxiliary organizations of the Church, are now to be held exclusively by the Young Men's and Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association. (2)

-- Feb 25, 1946
Annual drive of the American Red Cross-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.

(The annual message of the American Red Cross, appealing for support funds, to be read in ward sacrament meetings on March 3, 1946.) (2)

-- Feb 26, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Bro Browning called to report visit with Jos. F.S." (3)

-- Mar 10, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "[daughter] Emily had one of her groups at home in evening to hear [blank] talk on world condition. very interesting." (3)

-- Mar 20, 1946
Ward fast meeting not to be held on General Conference Sundays-- Salt Lake City, Utah.

Time for the monthly fast meetings in the wards of the Church to be adjusted so that they do not fall on the same Sunday as the General Conference of the Church. (2)

-- Mar 25, 1946
[Daughters of Utah Pioneers] Ground was broken for the Museum on March 25, 1946. (4)

-- Apr 6, 1946
Church Welfare Program-- The accomplishments of the Church Welfare Program, summarized in Part III of the Annual Financial Statement of the Church, as published in the Conference Report for April, 1946, pp. 10-14. Members of the Church urged to continue their "devotion to this great program." (2)

-- Apr 15, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Le Grand Chandler of St. George come called to see me about Joseph F. Patriarch." (3)

-- Apr 19, 1946
Writers who use official Church records and sources expected to write objectively and fairly about the Church-- c. 1948, Introduction.

Joseph H. Weston was a professional journalist who came into contact with the Mormons for the first time in 1940 during a tour of military duty. He returned to Utah early in 1946 to write a book about the Mormons and applied to the First Presidency for access to official Church sources. The reply of the First Presidency states more than a simple reply to the request of one author.

April 19, 1946

Dear Mr. Weston:

We have your letter of April 9, in which you tell us of your project to write a book which shall deal at least in part with the Latter-day Saints, and in which you indicate you would like some assistance with access to sources which are available to us.

We should like to say to you that we shall be happy to give you such assistance as may be feasible and will be glad to designate someone to whom you may go to help you in connection with your work.

We hope that you will pardon our saying that some untoward experiences which we have had in the past with those who have written books, sometimes scurrilous and defamatory against us, lead us to make bold to set out the following observations, though the tone of your letter indicates that you do not fall within the class whose members have given us the unfortunate experiences in the past. We do hope you will allow us to say that while we do not expect people to come here to make studies and to write their accounts to be propagandists for us nor to violate their own convictions in order to be kind in their statements concerning us, we think we have a right to expect that they should be fair and honest and not distort the truth in order to provide sensation and thus increase the saleability of their product. We have had experiences in the past in going out of our way to be obliging and courteous to writers and to cite them to materials and we have had our confidence greatly ab
used by their after words, either to facilitate sales or to satisfy the demands of their employers, garbling facts in such a way as to give altogether false impressions.

We are returning herewith the following papers which accompanied your letter. (A long list of enclosures follows.)

(Signed) GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1946-April 19-Joseph H. Weston, These Amazing Mormons,} (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
2 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
3 - Journals of George Albert Smith
4 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/d/DAUGHTERSUTPIO.html

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, 1945

-- 1945
Church Membership at end of year: 979,454

New Converts : 25,450

Percent Change from previous year: 2.67% (1)

-- During December, 1945
Annual Christmas message-- The annual Christmas message of the First Presidency for 1945 looks back on the war years and gives consolation to loved ones whose family circle was temporarily broken by death. "May all who mourn find in Christ that peace which supplants sorrow with faith and hope." (2)

-- During 1945-1949
[BYU] The postwar influx of veterans under the presidency of Howard S. McDonald (1945-1949) put concerns of enough enrollment to rest, and the campus was soon dotted with converted war surplus buildings to accommodate an enrollment that reached 5,400 in 1947-48. (3)

-- During 1945
[David O. McKay] Sustained and set apart as second counselor to President George Albert Smith. (4)

[Ezra Taft Benson] Following the end of World War II hostilities in 1945, Benson was sent by LDS Church President George Albert Smith to Europe where he spent eight busy months coordinating relief and recovery efforts among Mormons in Europe. This experience intensified his dislike of tyranny, cruelty, and injustice. (5)

[Fawn McKay Brodie] Following her move from Chicago to Hanover, New Hampshire, and then to Washington, D.C., Fawn Brodie did the research and writing for her first biography, the life of Joseph Smith, a task that consumed her energies for seven years. It was completed in 1945 following the Brodies' move to New Haven, Connecticut, and published under the title No Man Knows My History. A widely reviewed but extremely controversial work, this biography asserted that Mormonism's founder was in some respects a conscious fraud, and that in developing the doctrines associated with his movement, he was primarily influenced by ideas and forces in his nineteenth-century American environment. (6)

Improvement Era absorbs the Liahona-Elder's Journal, which began publication in 1907. (7)

-- Jan 4, 1946
[President George Albert Smith Journal] after Statehood dedication at Tabernacle, "Edith drove car we took Nobe Warrum and Bp Hunt home." (8)

-- Jan 20, 1946
Council of Twelve recommends that all stake presidents and bishops engage in "a program of revival and motivation of the 'Home Evening' as a Church wide project." citing previously unfulfilled instructions in this regard by First Presidency in 1915. (9)

-- Jan 21, 1946
Priesthood leadership and returning servicemen-- The letter outline a program for the priesthood leadership of the Church in assuming its responsibility for the servicemen returning from World War II.

January 21, 1946 To: Stake Presidencies, Priesthood Quorum Presidents and Bishops:

Dear Brethren:

Since the ending of the war, the military authorities have conducted a program for releasing service men to civilian life. Already large numbers have been released and it is understood this program is to continue until the last man now in service has returned to his home. It is our feeling that the Church can and must play an important part in the readjustment of these men now returning from the armed forces of our country. It now becomes our task to assist our Latter-day Saint service men to bridge over the time when they return as "heroes for achievements in war" until they may resume their peace-time occupations and become "heroes in peace and peace-time occupations." Every priesthood officer in the Church is now requested to assume his responsibility in so far as it pertains to returning service men under his immediate priesthood jurisdiction. To the end that our responsibility in this matter may be properly and effectively met, this letter is sent for your study and in
struction.

Separation Centers

As now announced, the army and navy have established thirty (30) or more "separation" or demobilization centers throughout the United States, through which men now in the army and navy must pass in order to be mustered out of service. Each separation center will receive and "process" those who reside in the region in which each separation center is designed to serve. At these centers, each returning service man will receive information as to what he may expect as privileges and opportunities under the so-called "GI Bill of Rights."

It is likely that the majority of service men who are members of the Church will be mustered out of service at separation centers located on the west coast or at four of these designated centers, located as follows:

Fort Douglas, near Salt Lake City, for men whose homes are in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Nevada.

Camp Beale, near Marysville, California for men whose homes are in California.

Fort Lewis, near Tacoma, Washington, for men whose homes are in Washington and Oregon.

Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Texas, for men whose homes are in Arizona, New Mexico, and the western part of Texas.

L.D.S. Service Men's Homes

During the course of the war, by direction of the First Presidency, there have been established Homes for service men of the Church in areas having the largest concentration of Church members in military service. These Homes have been established for the convenience and use of our boys while they are stationed at nearby camps, and make available suitable facilities and provide such activities from time to time as are thought essential to the best interests of Church members in military service who desire to take advantage of them. It is planned that as our boys are demobilized, overnight sleeping accommodations may be provided at these Homes as required. These Homes are located as follows:

Salt Lake City, Utah 41 North State Street (1-1/2 miles from Fort Douglas)

Laie, Oahu 4 Beretania Street Honolulu, T. H.

Marysville, California "F" Street (About 12 miles from Camp Beale)

* Oakland, California 6 Alice Street

* San Diego, California 23rd and "C" Streets

(*These are near large navy personnel concentration points)

It is likely that at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Washington, and at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, there may never be many members of the Church at any one time passing through these centers. In such cases, our men in uniform may receive from the members of the Church residing in these localities the help they might otherwise have secured at a Service Men's Home.

Where travel conditions will permit, some parents may desire to meet their sons in the city where they may be sent for separation from the service. Meetings between relatives and service men may be arranged at these Service Men's Homes.

Stake Supervision of Program for Returning L.D.S. Service Men

It is requested that the stake presidency immediately give instructions to the Stake Melchizedek Priesthood Committee and make them responsible, under the direction of the stake presidency, for the supervision and the stimulation of a program suggested in this letter for the benefit and blessing of these young men as they return home. The Stake Melchizedek Priesthood Committee is to be charged with the responsibility of interviewing the president of each Melchizedek Priesthood Quorum in the stake, the Welfare Committee Chairmen of the Quorums and also the ward bishops to discuss any facts that are pertinent to the returning service men's welfare. In some stakes where service men's committees for returning veterans are functioning, these might be invited to assist the Stake Melchizedek Priesthood Committee in this work.

The Bishop's Responsibility

It is suggested that the bishop have a private interview with each young man from his ward as he returns from military service, and if he is a young or newly-married man, an interview with the young couple together. This interview by the bishop should be in the true spirit of his calling as father of the ward with ample opportunity being given for a full discussion of problems or questions each young man or couple might wish to discuss. In wisdom the bishop should give such counsel as the Spirit of the Lord may direct. Some wards are planning suitable home-coming parties at stated intervals to show due respect and appreciation for the sacrifices made and services rendered. As soon as possible, each returning service man, if he is properly qualified, should be assigned to some Church activity.

What the Quorums Should Do

Quorum officers should see to it that each service man is visited immediately upon his return by members of the quorum presidency. If quorums have been following instructions and have been in regular correspondence with him during his absence, this home-coming contact will be undoubtedly easier and productive of much good. Quorum officers should see to it that regular correspondence is carried on with members of their quorum who are not yet released from military service. The quorum members should become "job finders" if necessary, and by cooperative effort in other ways, demonstrate their feeling of brotherhood in the rehabilitation of those who may require aid beyond that which the individual's family can provide in order that each returning service man be assisted in his efforts to become satisfactorily readjusted to civilian life. Inquiries made by quorums of Stake Welfare or Stake Agricultural Committees may reveal possibilities for those seeking business or farming op
portunities within their communities or elsewhere where land opportunities are available. Welfare projects, recreational activities, house parties, week-night study classes, and Welfare production projects of the quorum will provide splendid opportunities for the quorum to build these returning service men into the warmth of a friendship and brotherhood that will go far toward restoring shattered nerves and the reducing of tensions resulting from war.

What the Family Can Do

Those in the stakes and wards, who are assigned to the responsibility of assisting returned service men to become adjusted to home and peace conditions after their war experiences, should keep in mind the important part that must be played by the families in this work. We cannot stress too much the importance of the members of a service man's family doing all they can to assist in this readjustment. They can provide a healthful atmosphere in the home, they can go far toward assisting their returning service man to become active in the ward and in the quorum. Stake and ward officers should encourage the family to take full responsibility in this regard, realizing that a cooperative effort between the family and the Church officers will accomplish far more than a lone effort on the part of but one of these groups.

Stake Presidency The stake presidency are asked to become responsible for seeing that the suggestions contained in this letter are properly carried out and that the proposed program is successfully promoted in the interest of Church members returning from military service. We believe that the promotion of activities looking to the spiritual welfare of our thousands of young men bearing the holy priesthood, who are returning from war, is one of the greatest obligations confronting us today. We are certain that your vigilant attention to this matter will pay great dividends in the strength and character of our young manhood.

We are sending herewith sufficient copies of this letter for each member of the stake presidency, high council, ward bishops and priesthood quorum presidents in your stake. Will you please see that the necessary meetings are called as soon as possible to discuss the contents of this letter and to lay plans at once for the carrying out of these suggestions.

Ever praying the Lord's choicest blessings to attend your efforts in this great work, we are, Sincerely your brethren GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1946-January 21-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah; also Church News, v. 4 no. 7, February 9, 1946.} (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Wikipedia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history
2 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
3 - Utah History Encyclopedia: BYU, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/b/BRIGHAMYOUUNIVER.html
4 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O McKay, Salt Lake City, Utah
5 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Ezra Taft Benson, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/b/BENSON%2CEZRA.html
6 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Fawn McKay Brodie, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/b/BRODIE%2CFAWN.html
7 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
8 - Journals of George Albert Smith
9 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/