Wards and branches allowed to have
Wards and branches allowed to have microform facilities for genealogical research.
1,519 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 2 of 8, covering 1984 to 1989. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1984
1985
A new Hymn book is published, the first in 37 years
A new Hymn book is published, the first in 37 years.
A new LDS hymnbook, the first
A new LDS hymnbook, the first revision in 37 years, came off the presses.
A week after two people are
A week after two people are killed by bombs in Salt Lake City, three top Church officials hold an unprecedented open news conference to respond "to questions, speculations, and innuendos" surrounding the bombing tragedy: Gordon B. Hinckley, second counselor in the First Presidency; Dallin H. Oaks of the Council of the Twelve Apostles; and Hugh W. Pinnock of the First Quorum of Seventy. President Hinckley begins by reading a prepared statement, which states that through Mark Hofmann the Church had acquired "by purchase, donation, or trade forty-some documents." A curious contradiction arises when a KBYU reporter asks why the Church is so intent on acquiring historical memorabilia. Elder Oaks reiterated "that the Church was very intent on not getting" the M'Lellin collection, while President Hinckley followed up with the observation, "We are under mandate" from Church revelations "to keep the history of the Church, and we regard that very seriously." SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reporter Dawn Tracy hints the acquisition of the 1825 Joseph Smith letter had its questionable aspects. Why didn't President Hinckley, who purchased the document with personal funds for the Church consult archivist Don Schmidt? she asks. Why wasn't Dean Jessee, the LDS authority on Joseph Smith's handwriting, allowed to examine or authenticate the letter? President Hinckley responds, "I don't know.".
Article in CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION:
Article in CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION: "Tough Challenge for a Basketball Recruiter: Finding Blacks to Play at Brigham Young U."
Brazil Brasilia mission is created
Brazil Brasilia mission is created
By year's end there are 37 operating temples
By year's end there are 37 operating temples, 19 of which are outside the U.S.
California Santa Rosa mission is created
California Santa Rosa mission is created
Chicago Illinois Temple
Chicago Illinois Temple was dedicated 9–13 August 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Church headquarters telephones bishops in Utah,
Church headquarters telephones bishops in Utah, Idaho and Arizona with instructions to forbid discussion of Linda Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery's biography MORMON ENIGMA: EMMA HALE SMITH in Relief Society or other church meetings. Lasting for ten months, this ban is apparently what triples book's sales. The month before, the book had won the best book award from the Mormon History Association and the John Whitmer Historical Association. It later co-wins the prestigious $10,000 Evans Biography Award, sharing the honor with Richard L. Bushman. BYU president and future apostle Jeffrey R. Holland presents the award.
Church Missionary Department begins producing Direct Gospel Messages videotapes
Church Missionary Department begins producing Direct Gospel Messages videotapes.
Church Public Communications director Jerry Cahill
Church Public Communications director Jerry Cahill is informed by Gordon B. Hinckley that the First Presidency's vault does contain letter written by Joseph Smith which talks about "money digging." Cahill had, five days previously had publicly denied any such letter was in the Church's archives or in the First Presidency's vault. The letter, which is later discovered to be a forgery by Mark Hofmann, was secretly sold to the church for $10,000 and locked away in the First Presidency's vault.
Ezra Taft Benson becomes thirteenth president of the Church
Ezra Taft Benson becomes thirteenth president of the Church.
Ezra Taft Benson History
Called as first counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson.
Forger Mark Hoffman shows Hugh Pinnock,
Forger Mark Hoffman shows Hugh Pinnock, of the First Quorum of Seventy, a photocopy of a supposed land deed from the "McLellin Collection." At the bottom among a list of signatures are included "Sidney Rigdon" and "Solomon Spaulding."
Freiberg Germany Temple
Freiberg Germany Temple was dedicated 29–30 June 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Ghana Accra mission is created
Ghana Accra mission is created
Gordon B. Hinkley History
Set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Harvey Tanner, head loan officer of First Interstate Bank
Harvey Tanner, head loan officer of First Interstate Bank, receives a telephone call from "an important man in the LDS church" who says he is sending over Steven Christensen and his friend Mark Hofmann to get a loan for $185,000 which the church was authorizing. When asked later by detectives, "Is that all it takes?" Tanner replies, "Well, this had been done in the past and we knew everything was okay." When pressed for the name of the "important man in the LDS church," Tanner tells detectives it was Hugh W. Pinnock of the First Quorum of Seventy.
Helio D. Camargo is sustained as member of First Quorum of Seventy
Helio D. Camargo is sustained as member of First Quorum of Seventy, first previously ordained minister (Methodist) to become member of Mormon Hierarchy in twentieth century. Hans B. Ringger is also member of Seventy, first general authority who has been high-ranking officer in military of non-U.S. country (Switzerland).
Howard W. Hunter History
Called as Second Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson.
Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published in Salt Lake
Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published in Salt Lake City.
In 1985 there were 19,890 missionaries
In 1985 there were 19,890 missionaries called to serve.
Indonesia Jakarta mission is created
Indonesia Jakarta mission is created
Jamaica Kingston mission is created
Jamaica Kingston mission is created
Johannesburg South Africa Temple
Johannesburg South Africa Temple was dedicated 24–25 August 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Latter-day Saints in the United States
Latter-day Saints in the United States and Canada participated in a special fast to benefit victims of famine in Africa and other parts of the world. The fast raised more than $6 million.
LDS Astronaut Don Lind administers sacrament
LDS Astronaut Don Lind administers sacrament in zero gravity Skylab 3.
LDS Humanitarian Services program begins
LDS Humanitarian Services program begins; a special fast for African famine raises more than $46 million.
Letter from LDS Church Education System's
Letter from LDS Church Education System's Zone Administrators of Curriculum and Instruction Division to area directors, associate area directors, teaching support consultants, CES coordinators, institute directors, seminary principals: "Even if the letters circulated by Mark Hoffman were to be unauthentic as they are, such issues as Joseph Smith's involvement in treasure-seeking and folk magic remain. Ample evidence exists for both of these, even without the letters. The publicity surrounding the letters served only to heighten the general public's awareness of these two issues."
Nigeria Lagos mission is created
Nigeria Lagos mission is created
Our individual, personal testimonies are based
Our individual, personal testimonies are based on the witness of the Spirit, not on any combination or accumulation of historical facts. If we are so grounded, no alteration of historical facts can shake our testimonies. --Dallin H. Oaks, "1985 CES Doctrine and Covenants Symposium," Brigham Young University.
Peru Trujillo mission is created
Peru Trujillo mission is created
President Ezra Taft Benson was ordained
President Ezra Taft Benson was ordained and set apart as the 13th president of the Church, with President Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson as counselors.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, second counselor
President Gordon B. Hinckley, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks at a young adult fireside broadcast from Temple Square that is published as the First Presidency message in September 1985. He reviews some of the Hofmann documents, prefacing his remarks with the statement: "They are interesting documents of whose authenticity we are not certain and may never be," then continues, "I plead with you, do not let yourselves be numbered among the critics, among the dissidents, among the apostates. That does not mean that you cannot read widely. As a Church, we encourage gospel scholarship and the search to understand all truth. Fundamental to our theology is belief in individual freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression. Constructive discussion is a privilege of every Latter-day Saint."
President Spencer W
President Spencer W. Kimball died in Salt Lake City at age 90.
Rare-coin dealer Alvin Rust gives Mark
Rare-coin dealer Alvin Rust gives Mark Hofmann a check for $150,000 to obtain the "McClellin Collection," supposedly a collection of documents once owned by Apostate Apostle William McClellin.
Seoul Korea Temple
Seoul Korea Temple was dedicated 14–15 December 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Six LDS chapels are bombed in Chile
Six LDS chapels are bombed in Chile, apparently by the Frente Patriotico Manuel Rodriguez, Chile's most important armed opposition to the Pinochet dictatorship.
Spence W. Kimball History
Became President of the Church.
Spencer W. Kimball, twelfth president of the Church, dies
Spencer W. Kimball, twelfth president of the Church, dies.
Steve Christensen brings the "salamander letter"
Steve Christensen brings the "salamander letter" (later discovered to be a forgery by Mark Hofmann) to First Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley as a gift to the church. Ten days later he receives a thank-you letter from the First Presidency. Only after Hofmann leaks copies and a session of Mormon History Association is devoted to it is the text published in the CHURCH NEWS.
Stockholm Sweden Temple
Stockholm Sweden Temple was dedicated 2–4 July 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
That same day Hoffman pays $165,000
That same day Hoffman pays $165,000 towards a debt with Alvin Rust. The money authorized by Pinnock and earmarked for purchase of the "McClellen collection" in Texas never leaves Salt Lake City.
The 1985 Church Membership 5,919,483
1985 Church Membership 5,919,483
The Church Genealogical Library in Salt
The Church Genealogical Library in Salt Lake City was dedicated by President Hinckley.
The DESERET NEWS publishes the content
The DESERET NEWS publishes the content of a revelation found in Ron Lafferty's pocket the day he was arrested: "Thus sayeth the Lord unto my servants the prophets. 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, then Chloe Low, and then Richard Stowe. And it is my will that they be removed in rapid succession and that an example be made of them in order that others might see the fate of those who fight against the true saints of God" Ron Lafferty, with his brother Dan, murdered Brenda Lafferty and her baby but were arrested before they could fulfil the remaining parts of the revelation.
The fast for Ethiopia
Two special fasts raise more than eleven million dollars for African famine relief, the start of the Church’s modern humanitarian arm.
The First Presidency releases the "money-digging
The First Presidency releases the "money-digging letter." This letter, supposedly written by Joseph Smith to Josiah Stowell in 1825, was secretly purchased by First Presidency Second Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley for a reported $25,000 two years previously and hidden without comment in the First Presidency's vault. However rumors of its existence and typewritten copies of it have been in circulation among the "Mormon underground. Previously Church spokesman Jerry Cahill had denied the letter's existence. The letter later turns out to be a forgery by Mark Hofmann."
The Freiberg Temple, located in the German Democratic Republic
The Freiberg Temple, located in the German Democratic Republic, then communist-controlled, was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
The Johannesburg South Africa Temple was dedicated by President Hinckley
The Johannesburg South Africa Temple was dedicated by President Hinckley. With the dedication of this building, there was now a temple on every continent except Antarctica.
Thomas S. Monson History
Seoul Korea Temple dedicated. First of 9 temples to be dedicated during President Benson's presidency.
Three days before the Sunstone Theological
Three days before the Sunstone Theological Symposium convened for its annual meetings, Elder Dallin Oaks makes headlines when he publicly decries Mormon scholars who criticize LDS leadership. Church leaders are entitled to the respect and support of their members, he says, regardless of whether their counsel and opinions were right or wrong.
1986
At priesthood session of General Conference,
At priesthood session of General Conference, President Ezra Taft Benson announces that "the seventies quorums in the stakes of the Church are to be discontinued." Soon church's only Seventies (at one time the largest body of priesthood in the church) are general authorities who have been ordained High Priests.
Brazil Campinas mission is created
Brazil Campinas mission is created
Buenos Aires Argentina Temple
Buenos Aires Argentina Temple was dedicated 17–19 January 1986 by Thomas S. Monson.
BYU's administration prepares document for its
BYU's administration prepares document for its external accreditation review, including: "BYU administrators are advised not to publish in 'Dialogue, a Journal of Mormon Thought,' nor to participate in 'Sunstone' symposia."
Church membership was estimated to have
Church membership was estimated to have reached the 6-million member milestone.
CHURCH NEWS article "Church Acquired 45
CHURCH NEWS article "Church Acquired 45 Documents from Hofmann" lists forty-eight documents that the Church had acquired directly from Mark Hofmann. The "salamander letter" is not on the list because Steven Christensen had acquired it from Hofmann, then given it to the Church.
Denver Colorado Temple
Denver Colorado Temple was dedicated 24–28 October 1986 by Ezra Taft Benson.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, speaking at the LDSSA Fireside in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, repeats his injunction for members of the church to avoid criticizing leaders--"it does not matter that the criticism is true"--then continues: "The counsel against faultfinding and evilspeaking applies with special force to criticisms of Church leaders, but this is not for the benefit of the leaders. It is to safeguard the spiritual well-being of members who are prone to murmur and find fault."
Ezra Taft Benson History
Sesquicentennial of first missionary work in Great Britain.
Gary Sheets and relatives install a memorial bench on the birthday of his wife
Gary Sheets and relatives install a memorial bench on the birthday of his wife Kathy (who was killed by one of Mark Hofmann's bombs), on the grassy corner of the nearby wardhouse lawn overlooked the woods and stream beside their driveway. Sheets Had previously asked the bishop for permission to install the memorial bench and was told, "No, I can't give you permission. Sheets "decoded" the message, to mean "It's easier to repent than get permission" to which the bishop smiled.
In 1986 there were 20,798 missionaries
In 1986 there were 20,798 missionaries called to serve.
In the first Churchwide Young Women
In the first Churchwide Young Women activity, an estimated 300,000 gathered at sites around the world to release helium-filled balloons containing personal messages from the young women.
Korea Taejon mission is created
Korea Taejon mission is created
LDS Historical Department officials announce that researchers must apply for admittance
LDS Historical Department officials announce that researchers must apply for admittance, be interviewed by an archives official, and sign a statement agreeing to abide by archival rules which include submitting a pre-publication copy of quotations and their context to the Copyrights and Permissions Office. Physical remodeling of the facilities puts patrons using archival materials in a small glass-walled room.
LDS Lt-Gen. Robert C
LDS Lt-Gen. Robert C. Oaks is commander of Allied Forces in southern Europe. He is uncle of recently-sustained apostle Dallin H. Oaks.
Lima Peru Temple
Lima Peru Temple was dedicated 10–12 January 1986 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
New missionary discussions, which focus on "teaching from the heart," were approved for use
New missionary discussions, which focus on "teaching from the heart," were approved for use in all English-speaking missions.
Philippines Quezon City mission is created
Philippines Quezon City mission is created
President Ezra Taft Benson emphasizes reading the Book of Mormon as the keystone
President Ezra Taft Benson emphasizes reading the Book of Mormon as the keystone of the religion.
Seventies quorums in stakes throughout the Church were discontinued
Seventies quorums in stakes throughout the Church were discontinued.
Texas Lubbock mission is created
Texas Lubbock mission is created
The 1,600th stake of the Church
The 1,600th stake of the Church was created by President Monson in Kitchener, Ontario.
The 1986 Church Membership 6,166,974
1986 Church Membership 6,166,974
The Arabic edition of the Book
This translation of Mormonan Kellkatapa was done for Peru, Bolivia. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Aymara edition of the Book
This translation of Το Βιβλιο του Μορμον was done for Greece. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The ten-month speaking ban on authors
The ten-month speaking ban on authors Linda Newell and Val Avery is lifted. They were banned from giving talks or firesides in church as a consequence of their biography of Emma Smith.
The Uniform System for Teaching the Gospel published — new missionary discussions based
The Uniform System for Teaching the Gospel published — new missionary discussions based on a commitment pattern.
University of Utah Professors Brigham H.
University of Utah Professors Brigham H. Madsen and Sterling W. McMurrin defend themselves before a capacity crowd in Provo over charges brought against them by F.A.R.M.S. writers and BYU professors John W. Welch and Truman G. Madsen. Brigham H. Madsen and McMurrin had edited B. H. Roberts's manuscript "Studies on the Book of Mormon" for publication by the University of Illinois Press the year previously. In their defense of the faith the F.A.R.M.S. writers had attacked the editorial processes and suggested that the editors had weak or nonexistent testimonies and had slanted the material to fit their own "hidden agendas." Madsen and McMurrin had suggested a joint presentation with John W. Welch and Truman G. Madsen, giving each side equal time but the F.A.R.M.S. writers declined. Brigham Madsen characterizes the FARMS report as "a 100-page attack on the credibility of the editors of the Roberts book" and says that Welch was "apparently attempting to discredit Roberts by discrediting his editor." Professor McMurrin describes the FARMS report as "an attack not only on our competence but also on our honesty and integrity of purpose," He and Brigham Madsen, he says, had been primarily concerned with making Roberts's manuscript available and letting the seventy speak for himself. The question of what he really believed about the Book of Mormon or, for that matter, what the editors really believed about it simply did not seem relevant. By contrast, he says, "Madsen and Welch seem to feel that if such a book were to be published, it should in some way be designed as an argument supporting the authenticity of the Book of Mormon."
Washington D.C. North mission is created
Washington D.C. North mission is created
Washington D.C. South mission is created
Washington D.C. South mission is created
William Flynn, forensic document analyst for the Arizona State Crime Lab
William Flynn, forensic document analyst for the Arizona State Crime Lab, testifies in the preliminary hearing of murderer and forger Mark Hofmann. He testifies that Hofmann's documents are forgeries. He is followed by George Throckmorton, a certified forensic document examiner, who also declares Hofmann's documents to be forgeries.
1987
A letter from the First Presidency
A letter from the First Presidency announced the discontinuance of the International Mission. Responsibility for its areas reverted to the respective area presidencies of the Church.
Austria Vienna East mission is created
Austria Vienna East mission is created
Brazil Fortaleza mission is created
Brazil Fortaleza mission is created
Church members throughout Britain commemorated the 150th anniversary of the first missionary work
Church members throughout Britain commemorated the 150th anniversary of the first missionary work in Great Britain. Thirteen General Authorities, including President Ezra Taft Benson and President Gordon B. Hinckley, attended various events, which included dedication of historical sites, firesides and conferences.
Conference sustains Douglas J
Conference sustains Douglas J. Martin of New Zealand as first general authority from South Pacific. Also John R. Lasater is first Vietnam War veteran and highest-ranking veteran (general) to become general authority.
Dominican Republic Santiago mission is created
Dominican Republic Santiago mission is created
Ezra Taft Benson History
Set apart as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Florida Jacksonville mission is created
Florida Jacksonville mission is created
Frankfurt Germany Temple
Frankfurt Germany Temple was dedicated 28–30 August 1987 by Ezra Taft Benson.
In 1987 there were 21,001 missionaries
In 1987 there were 21,001 missionaries called to serve.
It was announced that the Church-owned
It was announced that the Church-owned Hotel Utah, a landmark in downtown Salt Lake City for 76 years, would close as a hotel Aug. 31 and be renovated as a meetinghouse and office building.
Keith B. McMullin, director of LDS
Keith B. McMullin, director of LDS Welfare Services, testifies before Subcommittee on Public Assistance of Ways and Means Committee, U.S. House of Representatives. Subcommittee is investigating ways to improve federal assistance programs. He becomes general authority in 1995.
Mexico Mazatlan mission is created
Mexico Mazatlan mission is created
Mexico Mexico City East mission is created
Mexico Mexico City East mission is created
Mormon Tabernacle Choir receives an Emmy award for "Christmas Sampler with Shirley Verrett."
Mormon Tabernacle Choir receives an Emmy award for "Christmas Sampler with Shirley Verrett."
Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 3,000th weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcast
Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 3,000th weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcast.
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences gives Emmy for public service spot "produced
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences gives Emmy for public service spot "produced for the Church's Missionary Department by Bonneville Media Communications." LDS church is first religious organization to receive national Emmy (again 1988, 1993)
New Hampshire Manchester mission is created
New Hampshire Manchester mission is created
New Jersey Morristown mission is created
New Jersey Morristown mission is created
Philippines Cebu East mission is created
Philippines Cebu East mission is created
Portugal Porto mission is created
Portugal Porto mission is created
Spain Bilbao mission is created
Spain Bilbao mission is created
The 1987 Church Membership 6,394,314
1987 Church Membership 6,394,314
The B.H. Roberts Society presents a forum entitled, ,Is Salvation a Laughing Matter
The B.H. Roberts Society presents a forum entitled, ,Is Salvation a Laughing Matter? or Laugh Now. . ..It May Be Straight Beyond the Gate." It is a look at satire and LDS society. "It was also a circus of comic talent and a groundling's-eye of low comedy in the celestial fast lanes of LDS culture. Five Mormon artists presented a mixture of performance and commentary: a writer William Wilson, an editorial cartoonist Calvin Grondahl, a novelist Levi S. Peterson, and two actors James Arrington and Darryl Christensen." Cartoonist Grondahl comments, "We are cautioned in the Church. about being light-minded, but I don't think there is anything light minded about humor. I think it is a very serious thing."
The Choir wins an Emmy award
The Choir wins an Emmy award for “Christmas Sampler,” with Shirley Verrett.
The Church's Genealogical Department was renamed
The Church's Genealogical Department was renamed the Family History Department.
The Genealogical Library celebrated the conversion
The Genealogical Library celebrated the conversion of the last card from its card catalog to computer.
The Greek edition of the Book
This translation of ספר מורמון was done for Israel. Additional Information:RLDS Church translation;[8]. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Hotel Utah closes for renovation to a chapel/office structure
The Hotel Utah closes for renovation to a chapel/office structure.
The program "Christmas Sampler" with Shirley
The program "Christmas Sampler" with Shirley Verrett brings the choir its first (and, to date, its only) Emmy Award.
The Public Broadcasting Service documentary "The Mormons
The Public Broadcasting Service documentary "The Mormons: Missionaries to the World" premiers across the United States. Even before airing, the film engages controversy, culminating in a letter to all U.S. LDS wards from Howard W. Hunter, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The letter acknowledges that the Church cooperated with the film's production but distances the institution from the final product. There were also press stories about the Church's protest to PRS and KCTS, the local affiliate that produced the documentary. The documentary showcased the LDS missionary program but also had interviews from former Mormons and one missionary who left his mission early.
The Tabernacle Choir marked its 3,000th
The Tabernacle Choir marked its 3,000th radio broadcast in a series that had become the longest-running network program in the free world.
U.S. Supreme Court rules that LDS
U.S. Supreme Court rules that LDS church, as well as any other religious organization, can discriminate against employees on basis of religious persuasion and behavior. This ends $5 million lawsuit against church by five former employees.
Zaire Kinshasa mission is created
Zaire Kinshasa mission is created
Zimbabwe Harare mission is created
Zimbabwe Harare mission is created
1988
Addam Swapp writes a nine-page letter
Addam Swapp writes a nine-page letter from his jail cell justifying his bombing of The Kamas, Utah, LDS stake center. The letter ends: "For these and other reasons, the Lord did command me to blow up the Mormon church building. I did not do what I did out of hatred or malice towards these people. Me and my family pray for them continually. We have only wanted to be left alone." Prior to Swapp's bombing of the stake center and the stand-off where police officer Fred House is killed by Swapp's brother, Baura Kale had discussed religion with Addam Swapp and his father and had concluded that the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. Baura was also a Shotokan Karate student under Fred House.
Argentina Salta mission is created
Argentina Salta mission is created
Arizona’s state senate convicts Governor Evan
Arizona’s state senate convicts Governor Evan Mecham of "high crimes and misdemeanors," thus removing him from office. Mecham is first Mormon office-holder to be impeached (February 1988), and first to be convicted by senate and constitutionally removed from office. Every LDS legislator (all Republicans) voted against his impeachment; there were no Mormons in Arizona senate at this time.
At a Taylorsville, Utah, Regional Fireside
At a Taylorsville, Utah, Regional Fireside Paul H. Dunn tells of a conversation with baseball great Mickey Mantle when the two of them participated in a celebrity golf tournament: ""ARE you telling me there is baseball in heaven?" Mickey Mantle asks Dunn, "If there isn't, I don't want to go," is the response Dunn tells audiences he gave Mantle.
Bolivia La Paz mission is created
Bolivia La Paz mission is created
Brazil Belo Horizonte mission is created
Brazil Belo Horizonte mission is created
BYU's College Republicans invite Mecham to speak on their campus but it i denied
BYU's College Republicans invite Mecham to speak on their campus but it i denied by the faculty advisor because of BYU's speaker policy which states: "The speaker must not in his personal life (as reflected in the news media and common understanding of the public) have committed acts of immorality, dishonesty, or other conduct that would make it inappropriate for the Church Educational System to feature him as a speaker and thus as a person whose life and advice are an appropriate model for students in an educational system with our ideals."
Chile Antofagasta mission is created
Chile Antofagasta mission is created
CHURCH NEWS article about Aledir Paganelli
CHURCH NEWS article about Aledir Paganelli Barbour, PhD. in geology, university professor, and stake president in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Colombia Barranquilla mission is created
Colombia Barranquilla mission is created
David P. Wright Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Near Eastern Languages at BYU receives
David P. Wright Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Near Eastern Languages at BYU receives a letter offering him the choice between resigning or receiving a letter of termination. Wright chooses to be fired "because the matter was too serious to let go undocumented on the part of the institution." The reasons given include his views that the Book of Mormon "is best explained as a nineteenth-century work of scripture rather than a translation of a document from ancient America around 600 B.C.-400 A.D. The letter acknowledges that Wright does not teach these views in the classroom."
David P. Wright, Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Near Eastern Languages
David P. Wright, Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Near Eastern Languages, is terminated by letter from BYU. The letter gives three reasons: (1) his "view that the Book of Mormon is best explained as a nineteenth-century work of scripture rather than a translation of a document from ancient America around 600 B.C.-400 A.D." (2) His "historical-critical view that the prophets of the Hebrew Bible generally spoke for their time, and probably did not have in mind events far into the future in the time of Jesus and our day;" and (3) His "historical-critical approach to the Hebrew Bible generally, which is necessarily skeptical of the historical accuracy of events described in it and seeks to determine the correct authorship of biblical books and the date of their composition." The letter indicates that other than for the foregoing issues, he has been an "exceptional young scholar and teacher." It says his research, publication, teaching, administrative work, personality, morals, and conduct with other faculty and students are strong and good and not grounds for his termination.
DESERET NEWS reports federal judge's decision
DESERET NEWS reports federal judge's decision that FBI has been guilty of systematic discrimination because "Mormon supervisors made personnel decisions which favored members of their church at the expense of Hispanic" FBI agents. Principal offender named is Richard Bretzing, former FBI chief of Los Angeles and current director of LDS Security Department. In December federal judge also rules that FBI used illegal methods to discredit Hispanic FBI agent who had accused Bretzing of protecting Richard N. Miller from arrest as Communist spy because Bretzing was Miller's LDS bishop.
Elder David B. Haight created the 1,700th stake of the Church
Elder David B. Haight created the 1,700th stake of the Church. The new stake was in Manaus, Brazil, a city of 1.5 million in the heart of the Amazon jungle.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve organized the Aba Nigeria
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve organized the Aba Nigeria Stake, the first Church stake in West Africa.
First African Stake where all priesthood
First African Stake where all priesthood leaders are black Africans, at Aba, Nigeria.
First Presidency statement supports Child Abuse
First Presidency statement supports Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourages Mormons to combat this "pernicious problem."
First stake organized in black Africa, in Aba, Nigeria
First stake organized in black Africa, in Aba, Nigeria.
Gordon B. Hinckley receives the NAACP Distinguished Service Award
Gordon B. Hinckley receives the NAACP Distinguished Service Award.
Guatemala Guatemala City North mission is created
Guatemala Guatemala City North mission is created
Guatemala Guatemala City South mission is created
Guatemala Guatemala City South mission is created
High school honor student, Eagle Scout,
High school honor student, Eagle Scout, and returned missionary Arthur Gary Bishop is executed at Utah State Penitentiary for the kidnapping and murder of five young boys, ages four to thirteen, over a five-year period in the Salt Lake County area.
Howard W. Hunter History
Second Quorum of Seventy created.
In 1988 there were 22,619 missionaries
In 1988 there were 22,619 missionaries called to serve.
John K. Carmack, of First Quorum
John K. Carmack, of First Quorum of Seventy, testifies in favor of Child Protection and Obscenity Enforcement Act before Subcommittee on Crime, U.S. House.
LDS church joins VISN television network
LDS church joins VISN television network (Vision Interfaith Satellite Network) sponsored jointly by different religious organizations; renamed "Faith and Values Channel."
Liberia Monrovia mission is created
Liberia Monrovia mission is created
Mascarene Islands mission is created
Mascarene Islands mission is created
Mexico Chihuahua mission is created
Mexico Chihuahua mission is created
Mexico Puebla mission is created
Mexico Puebla mission is created
Mexico Tampico mission is created
Mexico Tampico mission is created
Mexico Tuxtla Gutierrez mission is created
Mexico Tuxtla Gutierrez mission is created
Michaelene P Grassli, general Primary President,
Michaelene P Grassli, general Primary President, is first woman to speak in general conference in 133 years.
National Interfaith Cable Coalition launches VISN cable channel, carrying Church programs
National Interfaith Cable Coalition launches VISN cable channel, carrying Church programs.
New head of Church Security is Richard Bretzing, twenty-five-year veteran of FBI
New head of Church Security is Richard Bretzing, twenty-five-year veteran of FBI.
Nigeria Aba mission is created
Nigeria Aba mission is created
Peru Lima East mission is created
Peru Lima East mission is created
Philippines Bacolod mission is created
Philippines Bacolod mission is created
Philippines Cagayan De Oro mission is created
Philippines Cagayan De Oro mission is created
Philippines Cebu mission is created
Philippines Cebu mission is created
Philippines Quezon City West mission is created
Philippines Quezon City West mission is created
Postage stamp by British Commonwealth government
Postage stamp by British Commonwealth government of Western Samoa commemorates one hundred years of Mormonism there.
President Benson calls on members to "flood the earth" with the Book of Mormon
President Benson calls on members to "flood the earth" with the Book of Mormon.
President Thomas S
President Thomas S. Monson led a delegation of Church leaders that met with the German Democratic Republic's top government officials. It was announced Nov. 12 that the Church had been granted rights to send missionaries to the DDR and for LDS members from the DDR to serve as missionaries in other countries.
Seven stakes were created in one
Seven stakes were created in one weekend in Lima, Peru, by Elder Charles Didier of the Seventy.
Spain Las Palmas mission is created
Spain Las Palmas mission is created
Texas Fort Worth mission is created
Texas Fort Worth mission is created
The 1988 Church Membership 6,721,210
1988 Church Membership 6,721,210
The bishopric of the Boise, Idaho
The bishopric of the Boise, Idaho 20th ward mails a letter on Church stationary to ward members. "In meetings with the area presidency, our stake presidency committed to raise funds for Consider Consider is a political group opposing an Idaho State Lottery. The assignment to our ward is to, among its members, raise $2,000 by September 15th. The urgency of this request does not allow for individual, person-to-person contact. Please, consider your resources, decide what would be an appropriate response to this request, and make a contribution to Consider. Checks need to be made out directly to Consider and collected on a ward basis. They can be turned in to a member of the bishopric or mailed in the enclosed envelope." The letter is signed by Bishop Gordon J. Stevens,
The BYU Folk Dancers were the only North American dance company to perform
The BYU Folk Dancers were the only North American dance company to perform at opening ceremonies of the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, viewed by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.
The Church reached the milestone
The Church reached the milestone of having completed 100 million endowments for the dead.
The Church was granted legal recognition
The Church was granted legal recognition in Hungary, the first of several such steps in Eastern European nations during the next two years.
The First Presidency issued a statement
The First Presidency issued a statement on the subject of AIDS, stressing chastity before marriage, fidelity in marriage, and abstinence from homosexual behavior, yet extending sympathy to those who have contracted the disease.
The Hebrew edition of the Book
This translation of Mormon Könyve was done for Hungary. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is honored
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is honored with a Freedom Foundation award for its contributions to promoting patriotic pride in America.
The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reports of an appeal in a criminal case where two
The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reports of an appeal in a criminal case where two people were found guilty after a male in the jury "asserted his spiritual authority in the said religion Mormonism" and thereby "influenced his fellow adherents to submit the question of guilt to the will of God by joining him in group prayer" . . . . "Immediately following the prayer, the said juror expressed the "answer" to the prayer that the defendants were guilty." After that all prayer participants changed their opinions, and a 6-2 vote in favor of acquittal became a 6-2 vote in favor of conviction without further evidentiary considerations.
There are 14,000 Church converts in Africa
There are 14,000 Church converts in Africa.
1989
A major change in policy for financing local Church units in the United States
A major change in policy for financing local Church units in the United States and Canada was announced by the First Presidency. Ward members would no longer have stake and ward budget assessments.
Church membership reaches 7 million
Church membership reaches 7 million.
CHURCH NEWS explains that the purpose
CHURCH NEWS explains that the purpose of the Tabernacle Choir is to promote "the American family and the American dream"
CHURCH NEWS feature article, "Los Angeles"
CHURCH NEWS feature article, "Los Angeles" Hispanics, Other Minorities Strengthen Inner-City Wards."
Church offers its assistance to government
Church offers its assistance to government of USSR to build emergency housing.
Creation of Second Quorum of the Seventy for those with temporary appointments as general
Creation of Second Quorum of the Seventy for those with temporary appointments as general authorities. Announced period of service is five years.
Eight men are honorably released from recently established Second Quorum of the Seventy
Eight men are honorably released from recently established Second Quorum of the Seventy, cease to be general authorities, but do not have "emeritus" status of those released form First Quorum of the Seventy. This administrative difference continues to present.
El Salvador reached self-sufficiency in local full-time missionaries
El Salvador reached self-sufficiency in local full-time missionaries. Jan. 28 — Elders Russell M. Nelson and Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve completed an eight-day visit to China and were assured by high-level Chinese leaders that people are free to practice religious beliefs in that country.
Elder Paul H. Dunn, age 65,
Elder Paul H. Dunn, age 65, of the Presidency of the First Quorum of Seventy is given emeritus status "in consideration of factors of age and health." He continues, however, to participate in money-making ventures including tours of major-league baseball parks throughout the United States.
Excommunication of Navajo general authority George
Excommunication of Navajo general authority George P. Lee for "apostasy," first excommunication of a general authority in almost 40 years. He has written letters to First Presidency accusing them of promoting racist policies. Deseret Book had issued Lee's biography in its ninth printing the week of the excommunication. A representative of the First Presidency orders KSL-TV news personnel to read the announcement with no comment or contextual information, a ruling reversed only when, forty minutes before air time, both news anchors and other staff decided to walk off the set unless they were allowed to report the story according to their journalistic standards.
Ezra Taft Benson History
BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies dedicated.
First Presidency's office completes documents which give Counselors Gordon B Hinckley and Thomas S
First Presidency's office completes documents which give Counselors Gordon B Hinckley and Thomas S. Monson power of attorney for church president Ezra Taft Benson which "shall not be affected by his disability" or "incompetence." Church president does not sign these legal documents which are instead "signed" by signature machine in First Presidency's office. Identical signature of Ezra Taft Benson also appears on similar document, dated Feb. 25, 1993, and also filed with state of Utah. Although Presidency's office uses its AUTO-PEN machine to create church president's signature on correspondence, missionary calls, and other routine documents, this use of signature machine for legal documents (especially power-of-attorney) is unprecedented. Disclosure of this by SALT LAKE TRIBUNE fuels speculation that Benson is already in mental decline by 1989.
France Bordeaux mission is created
France Bordeaux mission is created
German Democratic Republic Dresden mission is created
German Democratic Republic Dresden mission is created
Ground was broken for the first
Ground was broken for the first LDS meetinghouse in Poland.
Howard W. Hunter History
Received Presidential Citizens Medal from the President of the United States.
In 1989 there were 25,609 missionaries
In 1989 there were 25,609 missionaries called to serve.
Kingdom of Jordan grants legal status
Kingdom of Jordan grants legal status to LDS church by registering LDS "Center for Cultural and Educational Affairs."
Las Vegas Nevada Temple
Las Vegas Nevada Temple was dedicated 16–18 December 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
LDS Brent Scowcroft, national security advisor
LDS Brent Scowcroft, national security advisor to President George Bush, presents U.S. Presidential Citizens Award to Ezra Taft Benson.
LDS missionaries and those of the Jehovah's Witnesses were expelled from Ghana
LDS missionaries and those of the Jehovah's Witnesses were expelled from Ghana, a western Africa nation where 6,000 Church members live. The Church had no advance notice of the ban. The LDS missionaries were able to return to Ghana in 1990.
Mexico Queretaro mission is created
Mexico Queretaro mission is created
Michigan Detroit mission is created
Michigan Detroit mission is created
Panama Panama City mission is created
Panama Panama City mission is created