1980 Church Membership 4,639,822
First Year of Districts are introduced into the church system
1,519 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 1 of 8, covering 1980 to 1984. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1980
Africa West mission is created
Africa West mission is created
Argentina Bahia Blanca mission is created
Argentina Bahia Blanca mission is created
Block time meetings begin
Block time meetings begin.
Bonneville Satellite Corporation formed in Salt Lake City
Bonneville Satellite Corporation formed in Salt Lake City.
Brazil Curitiba mission is created
Brazil Curitiba mission is created
By year's end there are 19 operating temples
By year's end there are 19 operating temples, 6 of which are outside the U.S.
CALGARY HERALD reports: "Blood Indians camped,
CALGARY HERALD reports: "Blood Indians camped, on the northern edge of Cardston, Alberta, Canada, pledging to pull all their money out of banks in the town of 3200 and refusing to purchase anything from Cardston businesses. . . . Anger was directed at Cardston residents and specifically at the Mormon Church. The town was founded by Mormon pioneers and is the site of a temple. This is the latest turn in the dispute over the Bloods' claim to land they say is rightfully theirs-land that takes in the town. Blood Indians claimed they have heard racist statements from town residents, been refused service in local businesses, and been refused treatment in the local hospital. They now plan to take their economic revenge."
California San Bernardino mission is created
California San Bernardino mission is created
Celebrating the Church's 150th anniversary, President Spencer
Celebrating the Church's 150th anniversary, President Spencer W. Kimballconducted part of general conference from the newly restored Peter Whitmer farmhouse at Fayette, N.Y., the site where the Church was organized. The proceedings in Fayette were linked with the congregation in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City via satellite, the first time a satellite was used in the Church for transmitting broadcasts of general conference.
CHURCH NEWS article about LDS institute
CHURCH NEWS article about LDS institute of religion at university: "Kim R. Rogers was warmly received despite his long hair, liberal attitudes."
CHURCH NEWS article about Ronald Mead
CHURCH NEWS article about Ronald Mead Horton, "newly appointed music director of National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador."
Church's first satellite broadcast marks the sesquicentennial celebration
Church's first satellite broadcast marks the sesquicentennial celebration; Kimball dedicates the reconstructed Whitmer log home in Fayette, New York.
CompuServe and the Columbus Dispatch initiate the first online newspaper
CompuServe and the Columbus Dispatch initiate the first online newspaper.
Consolidated meeting program introduced
Consolidated meeting program introduced.
Consolidated meeting schedule
Sacrament meeting, Sunday School, and priesthood or Relief Society move into a single three-hour block, easing travel for scattered congregations.
Dedication of Orson Hyde Memorial Park in Jerusalem broadcast via satellite to Salt Lake
Dedication of Orson Hyde Memorial Park in Jerusalem broadcast via satellite to Salt Lake City.
Effective date of Utah legislation granting
Effective date of Utah legislation granting university police statewide jurisdiction. BYU also claims this right, even though it is a private institution and its security police take no state oath of office.
England Coventry mission is created
England Coventry mission is created
Gordon B. Hinckley and J
Gordon B. Hinckley and J. Willard Marriott Jr. interviewed by Tom Brokaw on the Today show.
Honduras Tegucigalpa mission is created
Honduras Tegucigalpa mission is created
Illinois Chicago North mission is created
Illinois Chicago North mission is created
Illinois Chicago South mission is created
Illinois Chicago South mission is created
In 1980 there were 16,600 missionaries
In 1980 there were 16,600 missionaries called to serve.
Japan Osaka mission is created
Japan Osaka mission is created
Micronesia Guam mission is created
Micronesia Guam mission is created
Missionary work opened in Haiti
Missionary work opened in Haiti and Belize.
Mr. Krueger's Christmas (Jimmy Stewart and the Choir) televised by Bonneville Media Communication
Mr. Krueger's Christmas (Jimmy Stewart and the Choir) televised by Bonneville Media Communication; Sony introduces the Walkman.
Music and the Spoken Word receives a Freedom Foundation Award for its Fourth
Music and the Spoken Word receives a Freedom Foundation Award for its Fourth of July Broadcast.
Norma Matheson, wife of Utah's Democratic
Norma Matheson, wife of Utah's Democratic Governor Scott Matheson, leaves BYU's "Speak Off" political forum lecture in tears after student outbursts interrupt her closing statement. BYU Student Body President Jeffrey Duke and Vice President Thomas Peterson later issued a formal apology to Mrs. Matheson: "We were appalled that any Brigham Young University student should be so inconsiderate, and we express our deepest regret at the lack of respect shown by some to you personally and as the first lady of Utah."
North Carolina Charlotte mission is created
North Carolina Charlotte mission is created
North Carolina Raleigh mission is created
North Carolina Raleigh mission is created
One of the foremost experts in the field of computer and statistical analysis
One of the foremost experts in the field of computer and statistical analysis of literary style, Richard W. Bailey, of the University of Michigan writes, in answer to a question concerning validity of Book of Mormon "wordprint" analysis: "The term 'wordprint' is an unfortunate one since it reminds people of fingerprints. We know that fingerprints are valid; voiceprints are somewhat dubious; and we're not sure if 'wordprints' even exist."
Organization of Africa West Mission, first
Organization of Africa West Mission, first full-time mission directed specifically to black Africans, especially Nigerians.
Seattle Washington Temple
Seattle Washington Temple was dedicated 17–21 November 1980 by Spencer W. Kimball.
Sonia Johnson's appeal to President Spencer
Sonia Johnson's appeal to President Spencer W. Kimball to overturn her December 5th excommunication is denied. Johnson charging that she was not invited to the high council court to defend herself and that her bishop, Jeffrey Willis, divulged testimony from the bishop's court to Beverly Campbell of McLean, Virginia, who has been traveling the country for the Church defending its position on Sonia's excommunication and the ERA.. Church officials did not give Mrs. Johnson a copy of the letter from the First Presidency denying the appeal but read parts of it to her.
Spence W. Kimball History
Called as counselor to President Spencer W. Kimball.
The Fijian edition of the Book
This translation of The Book of Mormon was done for Spain. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The last of a series of large area conferences
The last of a series of large area conferences, presided over by the president of the Church, was held in six major cities in the Far East: Manila, Philippines; Hong Kong; Taipei, Taiwan; Seoul, Korea; and Tokyo and Osaka, Japan.
The NON-MORMON NEWS, a BYU student
The NON-MORMON NEWS, a BYU student paper for and by non-Mormons reports that when one student raised a question in class, his instructor told him to "go home and repent and put his thoughts in harmony with the teachings of the brethren."
The Presidency of the First Quorum
The Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy was reorganized to strengthen the lines of administration at Church headquarters. The executive directors of the Missionary, Curriculum, Priesthood and Genealogy departments became members of the presidency.
Three BYU students are injured (Peter
Three BYU students are injured (Peter Bergstrom, a Swede, critically) in terrorist bombing of railway station of Bologna, Italy.
Tokyo Japan Temple
Tokyo Japan Temple was dedicated 27–29 October 1980 by Spencer W. Kimball.
U.S. and Canadian members began a new consolidated meeting schedule that put priesthood
U.S. and Canadian members began a new consolidated meeting schedule that put priesthood, sacrament, and auxiliary meetings into one three-hour time block on Sundays.
Utah population about 1.5 million
Utah population about 1.5 million; Salt Lake City population 163,034; 16,600 new missionaries sent out.
Utah Salt Lake City North mission
Utah Salt Lake City North mission is created
Utah Salt Lake City South mission
Utah Salt Lake City South mission is created
West Virginia Charleston mission is created
West Virginia Charleston mission is created
While organizing a stake in Brasilia,
While organizing a stake in Brasilia, Brazil, Apostle Ezra Taft Benson gives blessing to new stake president's daughter who "had a large growth on her neck," that "growth would disappear" without surgery recommended by physicians. Five days later the growth is gone.
1981
A network of 500 satellite dishes
A network of 500 satellite dishes for stake centers outside Utah was announced.
A smaller, less-expensive ward meetinghouse, called
A smaller, less-expensive ward meetinghouse, called the Sage Plan, was announced by the First Presidency.
After nearly eleven years of losing
After nearly eleven years of losing advertising revenues, DESERET NEWS begins publishing ads for R-rated movies.
After the choir performs at the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan
After the choir performs at the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, Reagan gives it the nickname "America's Choir."
At the regional representatives meeting, President Spencer
At the regional representatives meeting, President Spencer W. Kimballoutlined three responsibilities to carry out the mission of the Church: Proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints and redeem the dead.
Bonneville Entertainment Company incorporated into Bonneville International; IBM introduces a 16-bit personal computer
Bonneville Entertainment Company incorporated into Bonneville International; IBM introduces a 16-bit personal computer.
Church begins installing satellite receivers in all U.S
Church begins installing satellite receivers in all U.S. stake centers, beginning with Utah.
Conference sustains first Hispanic Latin American
Conference sustains first Hispanic Latin American as general authority, First Quorum of Seventy's Angel Abrea.
Dominican Republic Santo Domingo mission is created
Dominican Republic Santo Domingo mission is created
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley was called
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley was called as a counselor in the First Presidency, the first time since the administration of President David O. McKay that a president had more than two counselors.
Establishment of hundreds of satellite dishes
Establishment of hundreds of satellite dishes in stake centers outside Utah for closed-circuit broadcasts of special LDS meetings and programs.
First KSL-AM stereo broadcast
First KSL-AM stereo broadcast.
First Presidency announces standardized "Sage Plan"
First Presidency announces standardized "Sage Plan" for small meeting houses, further evidence of financial strains of church growth since 1960's.
First Presidency statement against deployment of MX missile-system in Utah-Nevada desert
First Presidency statement against deployment of MX missile-system in Utah-Nevada desert, including criticism of developing weapons of war. LDS U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch and Jake Garn immediately reverse their positions from ardent proponents of MX missile-system and of its deployment in Utah to "leading the fight to keep MX out of Utah." The NEW YORK TIMES editorializes, "The Mormon Church's opposition to the MX missile, is an oddly selective summons to national morality in the service of an obviously parochial interest." The First Presidency's statement cited the large influx of non-Mormons into Utah for MX construction as a reason to oppose the deployment.
First satellite station in the Mountain West put into service by Bonneville Satellite Corporation
First satellite station in the Mountain West put into service by Bonneville Satellite Corporation.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
New edition of triple combination (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) published.
In 1981 there were 17,800 missionaries
In 1981 there were 17,800 missionaries called to serve.
Jordan River Utah Temple
Jordan River Utah Temple was dedicated 16–20 November 1981 by Marion G. Romney.
LDS CHURCH NEWS reports that married
LDS CHURCH NEWS reports that married couple has been "teaching folk, square and some ballroom dances" to Indians in primarily Christian Goa, while "serving as Church representatives to teach recreation in India.." LDS missionary work in India is limited by laws forbidding foreigners to overtly proselytize. Since conversion and baptism in 1965 of S. Paul Thiruthuvadoss, who sought out LDS leaders to teach him, proselytizing on Indian subcontinent is conducted by native converts.
LDS spokesman Don LeFevre states (in response to charges that the First Presidency statement
LDS spokesman Don LeFevre states (in response to charges that the First Presidency statement against basing the MX missile system in Utah ignores national defense needs): "I don't think you can read a lack of patriotism into the Church's MX statement. . . .There is no place in Mormon philosophy for the conscientious objector"
Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs at President Ronald Reagan's inauguration, who calls it "America's Choir."
Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs at President Ronald Reagan's inauguration, who calls it "America's Choir."
New edition of the triple combination published with cross-references and D&C sections 137-138
New edition of the triple combination published with cross-references and D&C sections 137-138.
New editions of the scriptures
A decade-long project produces heavily cross-referenced editions of the standard works that shape how members study for the next forty years.
New York Times reports official announcement
New York Times reports official announcement that new edition of Book of Mormon changes prophecy that Lamanites (Native Americans) will "become white and delightsome." Instead of continuing original reference to skin color, new edition emphasizes inward spirituality: "become pure and delightsome."
Philippines Baguio mission is created
Philippines Baguio mission is created
Plans to build nine smaller temples
Plans to build nine smaller temples in the United States, Central America, Asia, Africa and Europe were announced by President Spencer W. Kimball: Chicago, Ill.; Dallas, Texas; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Lima, Peru; Frankfurt, Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Seoul, Korea; Manila, Philippines; and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Representatives of National Organization of Women
Representatives of National Organization of Women march in Salt Lake City's Pioneer Day parade as part of their "mission" to Utah in support of Equal Rights Amendment. LOS ANGELES TIMES reports that "some spectators heckled, threw fruit and spat on ERA missionaries."
Spence W. Kimball History
Appointed by President Ronald Reagan to President’s Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives.
The 1981 Church Membership 4,920,449
1981 Church Membership 4,920,449
The Catalan edition of the Book
This translation of Mormónsbók was done for Iceland. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Choir performs at the inauguration
The Choir performs at the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, who names it “America’s Choir.”
The church discontinues Delta Phi Kappa Fraternity
The church discontinues Delta Phi Kappa Fraternity.
The church releases a new triple combination set of scriptures
The church releases a new triple combination set of scriptures.
The first copies of a new
The first copies of a new version of the Triple Combination (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price), with extensive scripture helps, were made available to the public.
The First Presidency publicly voiced its
The First Presidency publicly voiced its opposition to the proposed basing of the MX missile system in the Utah-Nevada desert.
The Icelandic edition of the Book
This translation of Księga Mormona was done for Poland. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The less costly Sage design chapel is announced
The less costly Sage design chapel is announced.
THE NEW YORK TIMES calls the Church's opposition to the MX missile system
THE NEW YORK TIMES calls the Church's opposition to the MX missile system "an oddly selective summons to national morality in the service of an obviously parochial interest."
The Polish edition of the Book
This translation of Книга Мормона was done for Russia, Post-Soviet states, Eastern Europe,. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Russian edition of the Book
This translation of मॉर्मन धर्मशस्त्र was done for India. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Tabernacle Choir participated in the inaugural festivities for President Ronald Reagan
The Tabernacle Choir participated in the inaugural festivities for President Ronald Reagan.
Thomas S. Monson History
Called as second counselor in First Presidency.
Vandal attacks "Christus" statue in Visitor's
Vandal attacks "Christus" statue in Visitor's Center on Salt Lake Temple Square and breaks off its fingers. On Dec. 16, 1982 same mentally-ill vandal breaks off its arms.
William Appleman Williams, writing in THE NATIOn, Calls the LDS First Presidency's statement
William Appleman Williams, writing in THE NATIOn, Calls the LDS First Presidency's statement on the MX missile system a "truly radical action," which has "received far less attention than it deserves. He encourages radicals committed to social change to learn from the Mormons. Williams asserts "the left has created nothing to compare with the concentrated force of the Mormon opposition to the MX and to the American acceleration of the arms race." Williams, who teaches history at Oregon State University and is president of the Organization of American Historians, acknowledges that "the Mormons display a very, shrewd understanding of the kind of national power that can grow out of organizing a relatively small number of people in a specific region."
1982
A visitors center and historic site
A visitors center and historic site opened its doors in the three-story Grandin printing building in Palmyra, N.Y., where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed in 1830.
ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS article "Donny Osmond
ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS article "Donny Osmond Bounces From Bubblegum to Broadway."
At general conference, major changes in financing Church meetinghouses were announced, shifting construction costs
At general conference, major changes in financing Church meetinghouses were announced, shifting construction costs to general Church funds and utility costs to local units. Also, the term of service for single elders serving full-time missions was reduced from two years to 18 months.
Bolivia Cochabamba mission is created
Bolivia Cochabamba mission is created
Church first purchases satellite transponder capacity and begins using direct broadcast satellites
Church first purchases satellite transponder capacity and begins using direct broadcast satellites; Sony releases the first CD player.
Church membership reaches 5 million
Church membership reaches 5 million.
Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley tells general
Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley tells general conference: "Of course, there are aberrations in our history. There are blemishes to be found, if searched for, in the lives of including our leaders past and present. But these are only incidental to the magnitude of their service and to the greatness of their contributions. Keep before you the big picture, for this cause is a large as all mankind and as broad as all eternity."
Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley tells Mission
Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley tells Mission Presidents Seminar, "I plead with you to train and motivate your missionaries to the point of view that it is converts that they are out to win rather than numbers of baptisms for the sake of a good statistical record."
Dallas Merrell of Silver Springs, Maryland,
Dallas Merrell of Silver Springs, Maryland, withdraws his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. On July 6, filing deadline for the primary he steps back into the arena. Ten days later, he bows out for the final time. Merrell, a 46-year-old business consultant who graduated from BYU in 1960 as a classmate of Orrin Hatch and Rex Lee, hires several top-flight professionals such as Robert Wirthlin, pollster and strategist in the Reagan campaign, and Richard Richards, a fellow Mormon and chair of the Republican National Committee, to assist the campaign. The Washington Post calls it a "textbook, case in political promotion." Promotion, however, costs money. Unable to raise the funds necessary for the kind of media blitz he projected to make his name a household word, Merrell bows out, his campaign more than $67,000 in debt.
Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve and a member of the Scriptures
Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve and a member of the Scriptures Publication Committee announced that a subtitle was being added to the Book of Mormon: "Another Testament of Jesus Christ."
Equal Rights Amendment is defeated
Equal Rights Amendment is defeated. To present no church publication acknowledges Mormon role in its defeat.
First Presidency announces the addition of the subtitle "Another Testament of Jesus Christ"
First Presidency announces the addition of the subtitle "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" to the Book of Mormon.
First Presidency announces two changes to lessen financial burdens on church members
First Presidency announces two changes to lessen financial burdens on church members. First, church headquarters henceforth pays for all costs of meetinghouse construction. This relieves local members of requirement to finance construction in addition to paying tithing. Second, service of male missionaries is reduced from 24 months to 18 months. "It is anticipated that this shortened term will make it possible for many to go who cannot go under present financial circumstances," counselor Gordon B Hinckley explains. "This will extend the opportunity for missionary service to an enlarged body of our young men." Instead annual number of new missionaries level off. Annual convert baptisms decline more than 7 percent each year rather than increase by same proportion as before.
First Presidency letter: "The Church organization
First Presidency letter: "The Church organization formerly identified as The Development Office will henceforth be known as LDS Foundation . . . to encourage and facilitate voluntary philanthropic contributions to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its related organizations and activities, with primary fund-raising emphasis relating to Church institutions of higher education."
First use of the satellite network beyond general conference, for a churchwide youth fireside
First use of the satellite network beyond general conference, for a churchwide youth fireside.
Former Mormon Ed Decker writes to Victor L
Former Mormon Ed Decker writes to Victor L. Brown, Presiding Bishop: "The Mormon excommunication system brings a stigma with it that generates an aroma of 'stink' about the persons requesting separation. It has caused divorces, economic hardships, social shunning, and many other problems-all in the name of righteous judgment. We are at the point that we must require some system that will allow a decent withdrawal of membership. Item 4, page 72 of the General Handbook of Instructions allows for such an act of free agency. Yet, to the general membership, excommunication has to fall into the categories of Moral Transgression found on the preceding page of the handbook! Not only are we dumped together as having some kind of secret sins too awful to mention to decent people; but categorically have no honor or witnesses (unless approved by the court) on your own behalf within the trial procedures." The Church later allows members to resign without excommunication.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
First multi-stake (now known as regional) conference held in London, England.
HOUSTON POST article: "Mormon Officials Installing
HOUSTON POST article: "Mormon Officials Installing 500 Satellite Dishes at Chapels."
In 1982 there were 18,260 missionaries
In 1982 there were 18,260 missionaries called to serve.
In a telephone survey of LDS
In a telephone survey of LDS households in "600-member ward in the Southeastern U.S" it is found that a large majority of LDS men work in airconditioned workplaces while a majority of stay-at-home wives do not have airconditioning. This seemingly contradicts God's mandate to Adam: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread"
It was announced that Church membership
It was announced that Church membership had reached the 5-million member mark.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL publishes a letter
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL publishes a letter to the editor by Apostle Bruce R. McConkie in response to an article about a National Nude Beach Days outing at Lake Mead which identified the organizer as a Mormon. "We cannot speak about the laws of your recreational areas, but we are in a position to inform members and nonmembers of our church that this type of nude conduct is not moral behavior and is not permissible if an individual is to remain a stalwart member of our faith and religious belief." McConkie then urged the LDS naturist "to immediately contact his local bishop regarding this immoral practice," or to contact Elder McConkie personally "for an immediate interview."
Organization of "Pilgrimage" at Nauvoo, Illinois,
Organization of "Pilgrimage" at Nauvoo, Illinois, by fifty-six Mormon women from across nation. Annual meetings continue in various cities.
President Spencer W. Kimball is photographed
President Spencer W. Kimball is photographed with Brent and Charlene Ashworth with Mark Hofmann's forged "Lucy Mack Smith letter." The photograph and others are used extensively by the church to publicize the letter. At the meeting Kimball genially asks Ashworth, " Are you giving this letter to me?" Asworth replies, "I'll see that you get a good copy of it this afternoon."
PROVO HERALD article: "Plea of Insanity
PROVO HERALD article: "Plea of Insanity Accepted in Utah Murder Case." A Logan seminary teacher had killed his infant son after he believed he was commanded by God to sacrifice his son and restore him again to life.
The 1982 Church Membership 5,162,619
1982 Church Membership 5,162,619
The Hindi edition of the Book
This translation of Sach Mặc Môn was done for Vietnam. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The LDS Church purchases a letter
The LDS Church purchases a letter written by David Whitmer for $10,000. The letter is purchased from Mark Hofmann and is one of his forgeries. Gordon B. Hinckley had authorized $15,000 for the purchase, but Hofmann reduced the price in a show of good will.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir celebrated 50
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir celebrated 50 years of continuous weekly broadcasts over the CBS radio network.
The Vietnamese edition of the Book
This translation of Lix Hu Laj Mormon was done for Belize, Guatemala. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
Three Church executive councils were created:
Three Church executive councils were created: the Missionary Executive Council, the Priesthood Executive Council, and the Temple and Genealogy Executive Council.
U.S. President Ronald Reagan visited Utah
U.S. President Ronald Reagan visited Utah to tour a Church cannery and see the Church Welfare Program in action.
Women protesting the Mormon Church policy
Women protesting the Mormon Church policy against ERA and their work against it chain themselves to an LDS meeting house in San Diego, CA.
Zion Lutheran Church of Salt Lake
Zion Lutheran Church of Salt Lake Ciy enters float in "Days of '47 Parade," apparently first participation of non-LDS church in this celebration of Mormon Pioneers.
1983
Apia Samoa Temple
Apia Samoa Temple was dedicated 5–7 August 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Atlanta Georgia Temple
Atlanta Georgia Temple was dedicated 1–4 June 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Before an audience of some 400
Before an audience of some 400 people, Eugene England, professor of English at BYU, and Rev. George Nye, senior minister of the First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, debated the topic "Are Mormons Christian?"
Bonneville Telecommunications formed as a division of Bonneville International
Bonneville Telecommunications formed as a division of Bonneville International.
Book of Mormon translated into 52 languages by this date
Book of Mormon translated into 52 languages by this date.
CHURCH NEWS reports that Palestinian Suheil
CHURCH NEWS reports that Palestinian Suheil Abu Hadid has arrived in Utah as first Jerusalem Arab to serve full-time LDS mission.
Church-produced made-for-TV movie The Last Leaf airs on network television
Church-produced made-for-TV movie The Last Leaf airs on network television.
Fiber-optic cable used for long-distance digital audio transmission linking New York and Washington, D.C
Fiber-optic cable used for long-distance digital audio transmission linking New York and Washington, D.C.
Final issue of SEVENTH EAST PRESS
Final issue of SEVENTH EAST PRESS includes an april-fool insert parodying the DAILY UNIVERSE. Headline is "ROTC reveals plan to deploy MX on campus," The MX story is accompanied by a photo of BYU President Jeffery Holland with other BYU officials in a ground-breaking ceremony. Another article announces plans to implant land mines to discourage students from taking short cuts across the grass. President "Holliday" is quoted as saying, "Sure we're going to lose a few students at first. But the kind of kids who would cut across the grass don't belong here at BYU anyway." In another article about censorship at BYU, Jae R. "Bailiff," academic vice-president, says, "I'm glad you asked me about that. Censorship at BYU is so negligible, the topic need not even be discussed. And I refuse to discuss it any further." An advertisement for "Deserted Book" features "Developing a Personal Relationship with the Apostles, by George Peace and Questions to Gospel Answers, by Egg MacMurrin. An advertisement for the "Desperate News" promises to include fast-offering envelopes in their Sunday edition. Bullock & Losee Jewelers consideres taking court action because of a derisive imitation of advertisements they frequently run in the Daily Universe. "My husband and I felt it was in very poor taste," JoAnn B. Losee tells the real DAILY UNIVERSE, "and most likely reflects the content of the rest of their paper.
For the first time in Church
For the first time in Church history, two temples were dedicated within a week's time: the Apia Samoa Temple on Aug. 5 and the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple on Aug. 9; both by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
FORBES magazine notes that in recent
FORBES magazine notes that in recent years at least ten separate swindles have been uncovered in Utah involving more than 9,000 people (I percent of Utah's adults) and losses are estimated at more than $200 million. In asking itself "why?" the magazine described Utah as "fertile soil for swindles" because of excessive trust among LDS members: "Most of those bilked are Mormons, and the bilkers, too, profess to be upstanding members of the church and use church connections"
Illinois Chicago mission is created
Illinois Chicago mission is created
Illinois Peoria mission is created
Illinois Peoria mission is created
In 1983 there were 19,450 missionaries
In 1983 there were 19,450 missionaries called to serve.
Larry Nielsen is first American to climb Mt
Larry Nielsen is first American to climb Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen.
LOGAN HERALD JOURNAL reports Cache County
LOGAN HERALD JOURNAL reports Cache County administrative assistant Keith Nelson had been printing LDS ward material in the men's room of the county Hall of Justice. As a result the practice is stopped. However, the Logan chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union accuses the Cache county commission of violating First Amendment rights by failure to separate church and state.
Mexico City Mexico Temple
Mexico City Mexico Temple was dedicated 2–4 December 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Newspapers reveal that Apostle Mark E.
Newspapers reveal that Apostle Mark E. Petersen is leading inquisition against Mormons who have written articles for independent publications SUNSTONE and DIALOGUE. Although stake presidents nationally are instructed to interview such contributors, BYU faculty members are focus of special attention. When First Presidency learns of this, second counselor Gordon B. Hinckley tells apostles to stop this investigation immediately.
Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple
This is an operating temple dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley
Papeete Tahiti Temple
Papeete Tahiti Temple was dedicated 27–29 October 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
PEOPLE magazine story on Howard Hughes
PEOPLE magazine story on Howard Hughes widow Terry Moore says that Moore wed Hughes in 1949. "Though the two were never properly divorced," reports PEOPLE, Moore subsequently remarried four times. Once was to L.A. Rams football star, Glenn Davis, "in a quiet Mormon ceremony." The magazine also reports her inheritance (10 to 20 million dollars) will be channeled into charity funds, personal gifts, a new limo, a suburban mansion, and "ten percent will go to the Mormon church to which she tithes."
Provo DAILY HERALD reports an interview
Provo DAILY HERALD reports an interview with a Provo teacher who, as a student teacher in a public school class that prayed vocally, heard "the same children and the same words" each morning. "It was a meaningless repetition with only a small core of the children ever volunteering to pray." The article also reports of Provo schoolteacher Marjorie Bradshaw who tried a moment of silent prayer in her classroom but abandoned it after a few months because "their lack of reverence and respect for one another made the quiet time useless"
Public Affairs Department merges with Special Affairs, renamed Public Communications/Special Affairs
Public Affairs Department merges with Special Affairs, renamed Public Communications/Special Affairs.
Salt Lake City’s mayor, by placing
Salt Lake City’s mayor, by placing one call to local LDS leader, has 2,000 volunteers within hour to create artificial sandbag levees to prevent widespread flooding.
Santiago Chile Temple
Santiago Chile Temple was dedicated 15–17 September 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
SEVENTH EAST PRESS, an off-campus newspaper
SEVENTH EAST PRESS, an off-campus newspaper ceases publication. It had been banned from distribution on the BYU campus due to publishing an interview with Sterling McMurrin in which McMurrin says he doesn't believe in either the First Vision or in the Gold Plates. The SEVENTH EAST PRESS often published articles concerning controversial aspects of Mormon history and doctrine.
Spence W. Kimball History
Area Presidencies established.
Taiwan Taichung mission is created
Taiwan Taichung mission is created
The 1983 Church Membership 5,351,724
1983 Church Membership 5,351,724
The first of a series of multi-stake (later known as regional) conferences was held
The first of a series of multi-stake (later known as regional) conferences was held in London, England.
The PROVO DAILY HERALD reports of fourteen Mormon writers in four states
The PROVO DAILY HERALD reports of fourteen Mormon writers in four states who "had been questioned" by local ecclesiastical leaders. All had contributed to Dialogue, Sunstone, or the Seventh East Press. Roy Doxey, former BYU dean of religious education, says that Apostle Mark E. Petersen "ordered the investigations."
Thomas Stuart Ferguson, LDS apologist turned
Thomas Stuart Ferguson, LDS apologist turned closet critic, has a massive heart attack while playing tennis and dies immediately.
U.S. postage stamp honors Philo T.
U.S. postage stamp honors Philo T. Farnsworth for "First Television Camera." His electronic television transmission occurred in San Francisco in 1927.
West Indies mission is created
West Indies mission is created
1984
A new program — the Four-Phase
A new program — the Four-Phase Genealogical Facilities Program — was announced, enabling wards and branches to establish genealogical facilities in their meetinghouses.
Appointment of first general authorities to have stated time-limit on their service
Appointment of first general authorities to have stated time-limit on their service. Initially these temporary general authorities served in First Quorum of Seventy. Also Dallin H. Oaks is first general authority and apostle who has served as state supreme court justice. DIALOGUE: A JOURNAL OF MORMON THOUGHT (an independent scholarly publication with which Oaks had once officially affiliated) publishes survey showing that 88 percent of its subscribers attend LDS services weekly and that two-thirds regard BOOK OF MORMON as "an actual historical record of ancient inhabitants."
Arizona Phoenix mission is created
Arizona Phoenix mission is created
At the Mormon History Association's annual
At the Mormon History Association's annual meeting in Provo, Utah, Melvin T. Smith presents a paper titled "The Believing Mormon Historian's Dilemmas."
Boise Idaho Temple
Boise Idaho Temple was dedicated 25–30 May 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Bruce L. Christensen is elected president
Bruce L. Christensen is elected president of Public Broadcasting Service. Apostle Dallin H. Oaks is already chair of PBS board of directors. Christensen resigns in 1993 to become dean at BYU.
BYU anthropology professor Ray T. Matheny,
BYU anthropology professor Ray T. Matheny, speaking at a Sunstone Symposium states, "All these Book of Mormon cultural traits paint a scene that seems to be quite foreign to what I am familiar with in the archaeological record of the New World. . . And the terminologies and the language used and the methods of explaining and putting things down are nineteenth century literary concepts and cultural experiences one would expect Joseph Smith and his colleagues would experience. . . If I were doing this cold like John Carlson is here. I would say in evaluating the Book of Mormon that it had no place in the New World whatsoever. . . It seems like these are anachronisms. It seems like the items are out of time and place, in trying to put them into the New World. And I think there's a great difficulty here for we Mormons in understanding what this book of Mormon is all about."
BYU's DAILY UNIVERSE letter to the editor concerning four drawings by undergraduate artist Bob
BYU's DAILY UNIVERSE letter to the editor concerning four drawings by undergraduate artist Bob Adams which were removed from a student art exhibition by officials as being "potentially offensive:" "LDS artists cannot and should not ignore the human figure, for that would be admitting that the body is evil. . . . If the viewer sees the drawings as erotic, suggestive, or pornographic, perhaps she should examine her own thoughts"
Church materials translated into 72 languages; Apple markets the Macintosh computer
Church materials translated into 72 languages; Apple markets the Macintosh computer.
CHURCH NEWS article on the "Salamander
CHURCH NEWS article on the "Salamander Letter" explains that the letter's "white salamander" was only Martin Harris's use of "language and symbolism." "If you look the word up in the Oxford Dictionary it has many uses and meanings not known to the modern world, not just the amphibian we think of today. By the time of Martin Harris, the word also meant angel. It also referred to brave soldiers who would run into the heat of battle. The bravest soldiers in the French Revolution were known as salamanders." It is later revealed that the letter was forged by Mark Hofmann
Dallas Texas Temple
Dallas Texas Temple was dedicated 19–24 October 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
El Salvador San Salvador mission is created
El Salvador San Salvador mission is created
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Council of the Twelve writes a memorandum
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Council of the Twelve writes a memorandum to the Church Board of Education Executive Committee and the Special Affairs Committee that a scholarly defense of the historicity of the Book of Mormon should be prepared. Maxwell names BYU's John Sorenson as a possible author.
First Spanish-speaking stake in U.S. (Huntington
First Spanish-speaking stake in U.S. (Huntington Park West Stake in Los Angeles).
Florida Fort Lauderdale mission is created
Florida Fort Lauderdale mission is created
Germany Democratic Republic Dresden mission is created
Germany Democratic Republic Dresden mission is created
Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
Guatemala City Guatemala Temple was dedicated 14–16 December 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Haiti Port-au-Prince mission is created
Haiti Port-au-Prince mission is created
Harmon Killebrew is inducted into Baseball
Harmon Killebrew is inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame. His career record of 573 home-runs is exceeded only by Hank Aaron,Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Frank Robinson. Larry H. Miller enters National Softball Hall of Fame in 1992.
In 1984 there were 19,720 missionaries
In 1984 there were 19,720 missionaries called to serve.
Manila Philippines Temple
Manila Philippines Temple was dedicated 25–27 September 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy were appointed to serve as area
Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy were appointed to serve as area presidencies in 13 major geographical areas of the Church — seven in the United States and Canada and six in other parts of the world.
Nelda Karen Cotwell of Layton, Utah,
Nelda Karen Cotwell of Layton, Utah, is convicted, in Laredo, Texas, of conspiring to illegally bring Mexican infants into the United States and sell them. Following Cotwell's arrest in early February, several reports appeared in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram linking "a growing number of Mormons" to an "international adoption ring." In response, Don LeFevre, director of the LDS church's press relations, issues a statement warning that "privately arranged placement of any children without a licensed agency's sanction is frequently in violation of local or national law. Church officers or members should not be involved in such arrangements."
Ohio Akron mission is created
Ohio Akron mission is created
Philippines Cebu mission is created
Philippines Cebu mission is created
Premier Zhao Ziyang of the People's
Premier Zhao Ziyang of the People's Republic of China visited the BYU-Hawaii campus and the adjacent Polynesian Cultural Center during the first visit of a Chinese premier to the United States since the People's Republic of China was formed in 1949.
R. Craig Smith, Mormon CIA agent,
R. Craig Smith, Mormon CIA agent, is arrested for espionage. Acquitted in 1986 his biographical exoneration is published next year in Utah by manager of Dale Carnegie Training Programs. Four years earlier the government convicted first CIA agent, non-LDS, to be arrested for espionage.
Ron and Dan Lafferty are arrested
Ron and Dan Lafferty are arrested Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ronald E Poelman gives general conference
Ronald E Poelman gives general conference talk stressing need of central headquarters to adapt its programs to cultural diversity of international church, rather than require diverse peoples to conform to Utah Mormon culture. He is required to return to empty Salt Lake Tabernacle to re-deliver censored version of his general conference talk for videotaping which includes pre-recorded track of audience coughs but deletes his endorsement of chltural diversity and decentralization. He is not allowed to speak in general conference again for more than four years.
South Africa Cape Town mission is created
South Africa Cape Town mission is created
Spence W. Kimball History
Died in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sydney Australia Temple
Sydney Australia Temple was dedicated 20–23 September 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Taipei Taiwan Temple
Taipei Taiwan Temple was dedicated 17–18 November 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
The 1984 Church Membership 5,641,054
1984 Church Membership 5,641,054
The Choir performs at the Olympic
The Choir performs at the Olympic Gala for the Los Angeles Summer Olympics Games.
The Church's 1,500th stake was created
The Church's 1,500th stake was created 150 years after the first stake was organized in Kirtland, Ohio. The landmark stake was the Ciudad Obregon Mexico Yaqui Stake.
The first members of the First
The first members of the First Quorum of the Seventy called for temporary three- to five-year terms were sustained. They were later sustained to the Second Quorum of the Seventy, created in 1989.
The First Presidency announced that, beginning
The First Presidency announced that, beginning Jan. 1, the term of full-time missionary service for single elders would again be 24 months. It had been shortened from two years to 18 months in April 1982.
Two Mormon Fundamentalists, brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, ritualistically murder their sister-in-law Brenda
Two Mormon Fundamentalists, brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, ritualistically murder their sister-in-law Brenda and her fifteen-month-old daughter Erica in response to a "Thus saith the Lord" revelation: "It is my will and commandment that ye remove the following individuals in order that my work might go forward. For they have truly become obstacles in my path and I will not allow my work to be stopped. First thy brother's wife Brenda and her baby, . . ."