Deseret News Bookstore and Sunday School bookstore merge to become Deseret Book Company
Deseret News Bookstore and Sunday School bookstore merge to become Deseret Book Company.
1,046 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 3 of 6, covering 1919 to 1930. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1919
General Conference is not held due to a flu epidemic
General Conference is not held due to a flu epidemic.
George Albert Smith History
Called as counselor in Salt Lake Temple Presidency.
Heber J. Grant History
Toured missions throughout the world.
In 1919 there were 1,211 missionaries
In 1919 there were 1,211 missionaries called to serve.
Joseph Fielding Smith History
Dedicated Laie Hawaii Temple.
King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium attended a recital on Temple Square
King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium attended a recital on Temple Square in Salt Lake City to hear the Tabernacle organ.
Laie Hawaii Temple
Laie Hawaii Temple was dedicated 27–30 November 1919 by Heber J. Grant.
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant dedicated the temple at Laie, Hawaii, the first temple outside the continental United States. Construction had begun soon after the site was dedicated in June 1915.
The 1919 Church Membership 507,961
1919 Church Membership 507,961
The April general conference of the Church was postponed due to the nationwide influenza
The April general conference of the Church was postponed due to the nationwide influenza epidemic. The conference was held June 1-3.
The Laie Hawaii Temple was dedicated by Heber J
The Laie Hawaii Temple was dedicated by Heber J. Grant.
The Nigger is the new production
The Nigger is the new production to be given at the Social Hall, proclaims DESERET NEWS with explanation: "The Nigger" is distinctly Southern. It is a romance based on Southern ideals and the race problem.
The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) is founded
The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) is founded.
There is no public funeral for President Joseph F
There is no public funeral for President Joseph F. Smith due to the flu epidemic.
William Harrison ("Jack") Dempsy is first
William Harrison ("Jack") Dempsy is first Mormon to be Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the world, which title he maintains until 1926. LDS boxers of similar status are: Gene Fullmer (Middleweight Boxing Champion, 1957), Don Fullmer (American Middleweight Champion, 1965), Danny Lopez (Featherweight Boxing Champion of world, 1976-80), Javier Flores (Super Bantamweight Champion of North America, 1978), Albert Kapua (New Zealand's Junior Boxing Champion, 1978). Mormon inductees into Boxing Hallof Fame are Jack Dempsey (1954) and Gene Fullmer (1974).
1920
1920 edition titled Latter-day Saints' Psalmody
This edition was created in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and was compiled by General Church Music Committee. There were 421 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was the only edition.
An authentic form of LDS architecture developed
An authentic form of LDS architecture developed.
Church membership at 526,000
Church membership at 526,000.
Danish mission is created
Danish mission is created
David O. McKay and Hugh J
David O. McKay and Hugh J. Cannon conducted a world mission survey.
David O. Mckay History
Served mission in Western States Mission, Denver, Colorado.
Deseret Evening News reverts to its original name, The Deseret News
Deseret Evening News reverts to its original name, The Deseret News.
First Presidency selects Elder George F.
First Presidency selects Elder George F. Richards to chair a committee to prepare a new edition of the Book of Mormon. Committee members included Anthony W. Ivins, Melvin J. Ballard, and James E. Talmage. Later John A. Widtsoe and Joseph Fielding Smith are added. After finishing with the Book of Mormon the committee takes up preparing a new edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. The main change is the removal of the "Lectures on Faith" which were published in the 1835 edition and called "the Doctrine of the Church."
Frank Conrad, a Westinghouse engineer, pioneers short-wave radio in Pittsburgh
Frank Conrad, a Westinghouse engineer, pioneers short-wave radio in Pittsburgh.
Harold B. Lee History
Served a mission to Great Britain.
Heber J. Grant dedicated the Hawaii temple at Laie
Heber J. Grant dedicated the Hawaii temple at Laie.
In 1920 there were 889 missionaries
In 1920 there were 889 missionaries called to serve.
In response to Church growth
In response to Church growth and need for a more cost-effective use of building funds, an "authentic form of LDS architecture" was developed. that structurally joined the previously separate chapel and classrooms with the recreational or cultural hall through a connecting foyer/office/ classroom complex.
King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium heard the Tabernacle organ
King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium heard the Tabernacle organ.
New edition of the Book of Mormon printed in two columns with added headings
New edition of the Book of Mormon printed in two columns with added headings, footnotes, and index.
News begins a weekly photogravure picture section, the first published by an intermountain newspaper
News begins a weekly photogravure picture section, the first published by an intermountain newspaper.
Norwegian mission is created
Norwegian mission is created
The 1920 Church Membership 525,987
1920 Church Membership 525,987
The Deseret News begins nightly wireless news flashes from 6ZM in Salt Lake City
The Deseret News begins nightly wireless news flashes from 6ZM in Salt Lake City.
U.S. Department of Justice files charges
U.S. Department of Justice files charges against church president Heber J. Grant and Presiding Bishop Charles W. Nibley for illegal profiteering on behalf of church's Utah-Idaho Sugar Company. Nibley is already under indictment on related charge of conspiracy in restraint of trade. Federal grand jury excludes Grant but includes Nibley in its indictments on Aug. 21. Grant speaks in Nibley's defense at general conferences and govenrment eventually drops charges.
Utah population about 449,000
Utah population about 449,000.
Ward chapels and cultural halls are designed to be connected
Ward chapels and cultural halls are designed to be connected.
1921
Church purchased part of Hill Cumorah in New York
Church purchased part of Hill Cumorah in New York.
Elder David O. McKay of the Quorum
Elder David O. McKay of the Quorum of the Twelve and President Hugh J. Cannon of the Liberty Stake in Salt Lake City traveled 55,896 miles in a world survey of Church missions for the First Presidency. The pair visited the Saints in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia and Asia and then made stops in India, Egypt, and Palestine before visiting the missions of Europe.
Ezra Taft Benson History
Appointed general superintendent of Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
First commercial AM radio broadcast made by KDKA
First commercial AM radio broadcast made by KDKA, Pittsburgh; first religious-group radio broadcast at Calvary Episcopal Church.
First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve
First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve decide to return to pre-1912 "old form of ordaining" to office without first conferring priesthood.
George Albert Smith History
Served as Church Historian.
Heber J. Grant writes to a stake president with instructions
Heber J. Grant writes to a stake president with instructions: "Send each and every recommend direct to the President, not by the hand of anybody, the person recommended included. After the President returns the recommend to you bearing his signature of approval, it will then be in order for you to deliver it in person to the head of the family thus recommended, explaining to him in a private confidential way the sacredness of the ordinance, cautioning him at the same time not to speak of it to anybody outside the temple: and in the interest of privacy you are requested not to send more than one family to the temple the same week bearing a recommend of this character."
In 1921 there were 880 missionaries
In 1921 there were 880 missionaries called to serve.
John A. Widsoe is ordained apostle,
John A. Widsoe is ordained apostle, first general authority to have Ph.D. degree from non-U.S. school (in chemistry from University of Goettingen, Germany).
Joseph Fielding Smith History
Served as president of European Mission.
Latter-day Saints University receives the first U.S
Latter-day Saints University receives the first U.S. broadcast license issued to an educational institution.
New editions of the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price printed
New editions of the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price printed in two columns with added helps.
Primary Children's Hospital opened in Salt Lake City
Primary Children's Hospital opened in Salt Lake City.
Several apostles "read the revelations which do not appear in the present edition
Several apostles "read the revelations which do not appear in the present edition of the Doctrine & Covenants, about twenty in number with view of recommending to the First Presidency certain of them be included in the edition we are just now preparing." This refers to uncanonized revelations of Joseph Smith as published in official HISTORY OF THE CHURCH." None of them are included in the new edition of the Doctrine & Covenants.
The 1921 Church Membership 548,803
1921 Church Membership 548,803
The IMPROVEMENT ERA publishes an article
The IMPROVEMENT ERA publishes an article by James E. Talmadge on church discipline which says, "Should knowledge of any case of wrongdoing, or lack of harmony between or among members, come to the attention of the Bishopric of a Ward, it is their duty to delegate two or more priests or teachers to visit the parties concerned, and to try by brotherly mediation to bring about a reconciliation."
The PROVO HERALD reports
The PROVO HERALD reports: "Dancing of a standard far worse than anything permitted in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles was witnessed at dance halls near Provo. . . . Some eastern people with us were shocked at the dancing permitted at the resort. . . . I have seen a great deal of intoxication at dancing resorts in the county. . . . The obnoxious dancing positions are not graceful. Jazz music must be prohibited."
To rescue church's Utah-Idaho Sugar Company,
To rescue church's Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, Heber J. Grant agrees to mortgage Social Hall, Vermont, and Deseret News buldings. However, Counselor Anthony W. Ivins persuades Grant not to morgtage Church Office Building. This is undoubtedly origin of rumor that Grant mortgages Salt Lake Temple Square, including temple.
Turkish mission is created
Turkish mission is created
1922
B. H. Roberts writes a letter
B. H. Roberts writes a letter to President Heber J. Grant and the Twelve Apostles: "You will perhaps remember that during the hearing on 'Problems of the Book of Mormon' reported to your Council January, 1922, I stated in my remarks that there were other problems which I thought should be considered in addition to those submitted in my report. Brother Richard R. Lyman asked if they would help solve the problems already presented, or if they would increase our difficulties. My answer was that they would very greatly increase our difficulties, on which he replied, 'Then I do not know why we should consider them.' . . . It is not necessary for me to suggest that maintenance of the truth of the Book of Mormon is absolutely essential to the integrity of the whole Mormon movement, for it is inconceivable that the Book of Mormon should be untrue in its origin or character and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints be a true Church." However he does not send the letter.
David O. Mckay History
Elected vice-president of National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Day after Heber J. Grant joins
Day after Heber J. Grant joins in public appeal for election of man as county sheriff, First Presidency issues statement that church feels "free to use its influence in the promotion of good legislation, honest administration of government and matters calculated to benefit the state and it's people."
Deseret News discontinues its semi-weekly edition
Deseret News discontinues its semi-weekly edition.
For first time annual conference of LDS youth organizations in Salt Lake City
For first time annual conference of LDS youth organizations in Salt Lake City has large scale dancing (at Saltair resort pavilion). Saltair is destroyed by fire three years later, but "all-church dance festival" continues annually in Salt Lake City for fifty years. Regional dance festivals also occur in large Mormon population centers like southern California where 13,000 dancers perform for audience of 100,000 in 1985.
George Albert Smith History
Served as principal of the Whittier and Woodrow Wilson Schools, Salt Lake City.
George Sutherland is first U.S. Supreme
George Sutherland is first U.S. Supreme Court justice of Mormon origins. Raised in LDS church and graduate of Brigham Young Academy in 1881, Sutherland defines himself as non-Mormon long before his election as U.S. Senator in 1905.
Heber J. Grant speaks first words
Heber J. Grant speaks first words on Utah's pioneer radio station KZN. His closing statement: "I bear witness to all mankind that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the true and living God." After church buys controlling interest on Apr 21, 1925, station call sign becomes KSL on June 24. Still in operation.
In 1922 there were 886 missionaries
In 1922 there were 886 missionaries called to serve.
KZN (later KSL) first goes on the air; Heber J
KZN (later KSL) first goes on the air; Heber J. Grant dedicates the station, beginning Mountain West radio broadcasting.
Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith counseled local
Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith counseled local patriarch Joseph A. Quibell about "cranks" and others who go about trying to get a blessing from every patriarch they meet: "I think every member of the Church should have at least one blessing . . . and for that purpose the Stake Patriarchs are placed in the church--for it is an utter impossibility for the Patriarch of the Church to bless all the people. I think all members of the Church may receive blessings in the stakes, and then those who are fortunate enough may receive one from the Presiding Patriarch--then they should be well blessed for this life."
Primary Children's Hospital opened in Salt Lake City
Primary Children's Hospital opened in Salt Lake City.
Radio station KZN goes on air
The Church-owned station, later KSL, begins broadcasting from a rooftop shack; conference sessions go out by radio the following year.
The 1922 Church Membership 566,358
1922 Church Membership 566,358
The Deseret News receives a federal license to operate 500-watt radio station KZN (later
The Deseret News receives a federal license to operate 500-watt radio station KZN (later KSL).
The First Presidency tells B
The First Presidency tells B. H. Roberts he "might select any mission within the United States as a field of Labor" as a mission president or he might even consider accepting the editorial direction of the Church newspaper, the Deseret News. Roberts, without hesitation, chooses to go to New York City as head of the Eastern States Mission covering the northeastern section of the United States This was very shortly after his confrontation with the Twelve over Book of Mormon problems. J. Reuben Clark, an employee of the U.S. Department of State at this time writes a letter objecting to Robert's call. George W. McCune, current Eastern States Mission President also objects.
1923
Cardston Alberta Temple
Cardston Alberta Temple was dedicated 26–29 August 1923 by Heber J. Grant.
Church combines management of the Beobachter, Bikuben, Utah Posten, and De Utah Nederlander
Church combines management of the Beobachter, Bikuben, Utah Posten, and De Utah Nederlander.
David O. McKay is editor of the Millennial Star and president of the British
David O. McKay is editor of the Millennial Star and president of the British mission.
First Presidency letter "To Presidents of Stakes and of Temples
First Presidency letter "To Presidents of Stakes and of Temples . . . After careful and prayerful consideration it was unanimously decided that the following modifications may be permitted, and a garment of the following style be worn by those Church members who wish to adopt it, namely: (1) Sleeve to elbow. (2) Leg just below knee. (3) Buttons instead of strings. (4) Collar eliminated. (5) Crotch closed."
First Presidency statement confirmed policy against plural marriages
First Presidency statement confirmed policy against plural marriages.
First radio broadcast of portions of General Conference
First radio broadcast of portions of General Conference.
First radio network established by AT&T (later NBC)
First radio network established by AT&T (later NBC); Deseret News begins a weekly radio page.
First stake outside the Mormon cultural area created in Los Angeles
First stake outside the Mormon cultural area created in Los Angeles.
First successful radio broadcast from the Mormon Tabernacle (President Harding's speech)
First successful radio broadcast from the Mormon Tabernacle (President Harding's speech).
French mission is created
French mission is created
Harold B. Lee History
Attended the University of Utah. Finished his degree by correspondence courses and extension classes.
Heber J. Grant History
Married Fern Lucinda Tanner (she died September 24, 1962).
In 1923 there were 812 missionaries
In 1923 there were 812 missionaries called to serve.
Letter of the First Presidency to Stake Presidents and Temple Presidents
Letter of the First Presidency to Stake Presidents and Temple Presidents; "It may be observed that no fixed pattern of Temple garment has ever been given, and that the present style of garment differs very materially from that in use in the early history of the Church, at which time a garment without collar and with buttons was frequently used."
May First Presidency and Twelve agree
May First Presidency and Twelve agree to alter temple undergarment worn outside temple: "buttons instead of strings; no collar; sleeves above the elbow and few inches below the knee and a change in the crotch so as to cover the same." Mormons regard this as a dramatic change from endowment garment introduced by Joseph Smith. Few realize that traditional Utah "garment" is based on "Union suit" of last half of nineteenth century, while earlier garment worn under clothing at Nauvoo was based on legless "shirt" or two-piece undergarment current in America from late-eighteenth century to 1840's.
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant dedicated the Alberta Temple in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, which had been under construction for nearly a decade.
Radio broadcast of general conference began on KSL.
Radio broadcast of general conference began on KSL.
The 1923 Church Membership 575,896
1923 Church Membership 575,896
The Cardston Alberta Temple was dedicated by Heber J
The Cardston Alberta Temple was dedicated by Heber J. Grant.
The Church purchased a part
The Church purchased a part of the Hill Cumorah. Additional acquisitions in 1928 gave the Church possession of the entire hill and adjacent lands.
The first stake outside the traditional
The first stake outside the traditional Mormon cultural area was created in Los Angeles, Calif.
1924
A First Presidency statement answered criticism
A First Presidency statement answered criticism of unauthorized plural marriages by once again confirming the Church's policy against the practice. Polygamists within the Church were excommunicated when discovered.
Armenian mission is created
Armenian mission is created
Church announces general supervision for all foreign-language organizations under John
Church announces general supervision for all foreign-language organizations under John A. Widtsoe.
Church begins Church Hour broadcasts on Sunday evenings
Church begins Church Hour broadcasts on Sunday evenings.
Church prepares sets of slides to offer to missionaries
Church prepares sets of slides to offer to missionaries.
First general conference broadcast by radio
First general conference broadcast by radio. An estimated one million people hear the voice of President Heber J. Grant over KPFT (now KSL) radio. "To have the voice carried for thousands of miles," said President Grant in the opening session, "seems almost beyond comprehension."
Heber J. Grant History
First organized training for missionaries held.
Howard W. Hunter History
Spoke on first radio broadcast of general conference.
In 1924 there were 867 missionaries
In 1924 there were 867 missionaries called to serve.
James E. Talmage becomes editor of the Millennial Star and president of the British
James E. Talmage becomes editor of the Millennial Star and president of the British mission.
Missionary home dedicated at 31 N
Missionary home dedicated at 31 N. State Street in Salt Lake City.
Radio broadcast of general conference began
Radio broadcast of general conference began on KSL in Salt Lake City, the Church-owned station. Coverage was expanded into Idaho in 1941.
Spence W. Kimball History
Organized Hunter's Croonaders, a dance band.
St. George Temple president David H.
St. George Temple president David H. Cannon recounts how Apostle George F. Richards had "criticized him very severely for not adhering to the unwritten part of the ceremonies as he had been instructed to do." He tells the assembly of local Church leaders that Richards had instructed him to either burn the old rulings and instructions or send them to Salt Lake--"If we want any information, not contained in the 'President's Book' we will refer to the authorities of the Church for that information, but not refer to any of the old rulings." St. George Stake president Edward H. Snow (who became the temple president in 1926) then mentions one of the recent changes, "in no longer praying that the blood of the prophets and righteous men, might be atoned for, because this prayer has been answered and is no longer necessary." As if to pass approval on this change, Cannon recalled comments by Anthony W. Ivins (second counselor in First Presidency) given at a conference in Enterprise, stating that Ivins "took exception to the way the Law of Retribution was worded, and said he Ivins thought the language was harsh and that the authorities had thought of changing that" Three years later a letter from Apostle Richards to all temple presidents directed that they "omit from the prayer circles all reference to avenging the blood of the Prophets. Omit from the ordinance and lecture all reference to retribution"
The 1924 Church Membership 597,861
1924 Church Membership 597,861
The Deseret News sells KZN
The Deseret News sells KZN, forming the Radio Service Corporation of Utah; call letters change to KFPT.
1925
Church assumes majority ownership of KFPT; Earl J
Church assumes majority ownership of KFPT; Earl J. Glade hired as manager and call letters changed to KSL.
DESERET NEWS editorializes in favor of new Utah law which legalizes horse racing
DESERET NEWS editorializes in favor of new Utah law which legalizes horse racing and pari-mutual betting. Legislature has appointed Brigham F. Grant as chair of Racing Commission. He is manager of DESERET NEWS and brother of church president.
Elder Melvin J. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve established a mission
Elder Melvin J. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve established a mission in South America with headquarters in Buenos Aires, Argentina, opening the Church's official work in South America, which he dedicated for the preaching of the gospel on Dec. 25.
First Presidency rules, in response to an inquiry asking if it was proper
First Presidency rules, in response to an inquiry asking if it was proper to remove garments from patients during operations, that "the wishes of the patients should be considered." but there had been a previous ruling that because of sanitary reasons it "might be wise to remove the garments from the patient, and where it is thought best to do so, this may be done."
German-Austrian mission is created
German-Austrian mission is created
Heber J. Grant History
Married Flora Smith Amussen.
Heber J. Grant warns general priesthood
Heber J. Grant warns general priesthood meeting against Ku Klux Klan, and remarks: "It is beyond my comprehension how people holding the priesthood will want to associate themselves with the Ku Klux Klan or any other similar organization."
Heber J. Grant writes: "Had I
Heber J. Grant writes: "Had I had any knowledge of what is known as the Pari betting system I never would have consented to go to the races the opening day. . . . The racing that is now being conducted is licensed gambling under a state law. The law was passed during my absence from the city and I regret exceedingly that it ever got on the statute books, and I am humiliated to think that I attended the races the first day." Four days later First Presidency letter states: "The Church has been and now is unalterably opposed to gambling in any form whatever."
In 1925 there were 1,131 missionaries
In 1925 there were 1,131 missionaries called to serve.
In the famous "Scopes Monkey Trial,"
In the famous "Scopes Monkey Trial," John T. Scopes, a Tennessee school teacher, was found guilty of teaching evolution in a public school.
John Scopes found guilty in the "Scopes Monkey Trial."
John Scopes found guilty in the "Scopes Monkey Trial."
Melvin J. Ballard established a mission in South America
Melvin J. Ballard established a mission in South America.
North Central States mission is created
North Central States mission is created
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant dedicated a remodeled home at 31 N. State St. in Salt Lake City as the Church's missionary home, offering the first organized training for missionaries in gospel topics, Church procedures, personal health and proper manners.
South American mission is created
South American mission is created
South American missionary work begins in Argentina
South American missionary work begins in Argentina.
Spencer Adams plays in baseball's World
Spencer Adams plays in baseball's World Series for Washington Senators (again in 1926, New York Yankees). First Mormon on major league team of any sport (1923, Pittsburgh Pirates), Adams is only LDS player to participate in consecutive World Series.
The 1925 Church Membership 613,572
1925 Church Membership 613,572
The church dedicates its first Missionary Training Center at 31 N
The church dedicates its first Missionary Training Center at 31 N. State Street.
The First Presidency issued a statement
The First Presidency issued a statement, " 'Mormon' View of Evolution," which, in part, stated: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, basing its belief on divine revelation, ancient and modern, declares man to be the direct and lineal offspring of Deity."
1926
Ezra Taft Benson History
Received master's degree from Iowa State University.
In 1926 there were 1,236 missionaries
In 1926 there were 1,236 missionaries called to serve.
NBC established
NBC established.
Provo's DAILY HERALD reports that in a poll of 3000 Provo residents
Provo's DAILY HERALD reports that in a poll of 3000 Provo residents, forty-eight percent favored either outright repeal major modification of prohibition, while fifty-two percent advocated keeping the law as it stood
The 1926 Church Membership 623,909
1926 Church Membership 623,909
The First Presidency writes to First
The First Presidency writes to First Quorum of Seventies President Joseph W. McMurrin: "We find upon inquiry that it has been some years since ordinances bestowing second blessings have been performed in cases where both parties are dead. Where people are sealed in the temple for and on behalf of the dead, or in cases where people who are dead were themselves sealed while living, the feeling has always been that every privilege, power and blessing of every description will be given to them, if they have lived worthy of same, and that they could not have more even if they had additional blessings sealed upon them. We, therefore, feel that there is no necessity of performing the ordinances that Sister Smith requests."
1927
1927 edition titled Latter-day Saint Hymns
This edition was created in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and was compiled by General Church Music Committee. There were 387 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was the only edition.
By this date 20,000 Mormons live in California
By this date 20,000 Mormons live in California.
CBS established
CBS established.
Charles Lindbergh completed the first transatlantic solo flight
Charles Lindbergh completed the first transatlantic solo flight.
Charles Lindbergh, aboard his "Spirit of St
Charles Lindbergh, aboard his "Spirit of St. Louis" monoplane, completed the first transatlantic solo flight from New York City to Paris, a distance of 3,610 miles, in 33 1/2 hours.
DESERET NEWS welcomes the temporary stopover
DESERET NEWS welcomes the temporary stopover of a large contingent of motion picture executives from a Hollywood trade convention. After calling their visitors "keen observers and rare judges of beauty," the News urges the filmmakers to "come again, gentlemen." This is in keeping with the Church's efforts to encourage more positive images of Mormons in movies.
Ezra Taft Benson History
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson.
Heber J. Grant History
Appointed Franklin County (Idaho) agricultural agent.
In 1927 there were 1,017 missionaries
In 1927 there were 1,017 missionaries called to serve.
Latter-day Saint Hymns published to replace The Latter Day Saints' Psalmody
Latter-day Saint Hymns published to replace The Latter Day Saints' Psalmody.
Mesa Arizona Temple
Mesa Arizona Temple was dedicated 23–26 October 1927 by Heber J. Grant.
President Coolidge signs the Radio Communication Act of 1927, establishing the Federal Radio Commission
President Coolidge signs the Radio Communication Act of 1927, establishing the Federal Radio Commission.
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant dedicated the Arizona Temple at Mesa, completing a project begun six years before. Dedicatory services were broadcast by radio.
The 1927 Church Membership 644,745
1927 Church Membership 644,745
The Jazz Singer released as the first commercial talking motion picture
The Jazz Singer released as the first commercial talking motion picture.
The Mesa Arizona Temple was dedicated by Heber J
The Mesa Arizona Temple was dedicated by Heber J. Grant.
The Victor Talking Machine Company creates
The Victor Talking Machine Company creates the first electrical recording of the choir, a rendition of "Worthy is the Lamb" from Handel's "Messiah."
Thomas S. Monson History
Dedicated Mesa Arizona Temple.
1928
Church begins broadcasting Sunday Evening on Temple Square, a weekly religious program
Church begins broadcasting Sunday Evening on Temple Square, a weekly religious program.
DESERET NEWS quotes J. Reuben Clark's
DESERET NEWS quotes J. Reuben Clark's Mothers Day sermon, delivered in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Clark claimed that the famous women of history had been wrong to acquire prominence because in doing so, they had placed themselves "in the field of competition with men."
East Central States mission is created
East Central States mission is created
In 1928 there were 1,193 missionaries
In 1928 there were 1,193 missionaries called to serve.
James H. Moyle produces 16mm movies on Central American ruins and institutes a series
James H. Moyle produces 16mm movies on Central American ruins and institutes a series of radio programs.
Over vociferous protests of many citizens
Over vociferous protests of many citizens including famed LDS sculptor Mahonri Young, the Salt Lake Dramatic Association, Church-owned corporation, sells the historic Salt Lake Theatre (built by Brigham Young) and adjacent lands to the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company for construction of a telephone company building. Just before demolition someone changes the marquee to read "Erected by a prophet, destroyed by a profiteer."
Priesthood quorums began meeting during
Priesthood quorums began meeting during the Sunday School hour for gospel instruction under a correlated experiment lasting 10 years. This priesthood Sunday School experiment included classes for all age groups, with Tuesday evening reserved as an activity night for both priesthood and young women.
Tabernacle Choir started a weekly NBC radio broadcast
Tabernacle Choir started a weekly NBC radio broadcast.
The 1928 Church Membership 655,686
1928 Church Membership 655,686
The Church published its first
The Church published its first Melchizedek Priesthood handbook.
The Church purchased Hill Cumorah
The Church purchased Hill Cumorah in western New York.
The YMMIA introduced a Vanguard
The YMMIA introduced a Vanguard program for 15- and 16-year-old boys. After the National Boy Scout organization created the Explorer program in 1933, patterned in part after the Vanguards, the Church adopted Explorer Scouting.
Utah Woman's Press Club discontinued
Utah Woman's Press Club discontinued.
1929
Czechoslovak mission is created
Czechoslovak mission is created
Elder Yeates of Church of Christ,
Elder Yeates of Church of Christ, Temple Lot, asks Heber J. Grant for permission to solicit donations for construction of temple at independence, Missouri. President Grant declines "to assist in erecting a temple for a church with which we have no connection whatever."
Ezra Taft Benson History
Tabernacle Choir began weekly network radio broadcasts.
First Counselor Anthony W. Ivins computes
First Counselor Anthony W. Ivins computes that church lost $6 million in stock investments and $900,000 in loans and business transactions with Presiding Bishop Charles W. Nibley before his appointment as second counselor in First Presidency in 1925.
First nationwide radio broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word with Ted Kimball
First nationwide radio broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word with Ted Kimball, announcer, originating from KDYL, predecessor of today’s KSL radio in Salt Lake City.
First network broadcast on radio by Mormon Tabernacle Choir
First network broadcast on radio by Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Choir leader Anthony Lund selects both sacred and "highbrow" secular music: a chorus from Wagner's Die Meistersinger and the Finale of Mendelssohn's Elijah billed alongside Parley Pratt and George Careless's "The Morning Breaks, The Shadows Flee."
First Presidency and Twelve decide to disband private prayer circle organizations which meet weekly
First Presidency and Twelve decide to disband private prayer circle organizations which meet weekly or monthly in temples. Until 1978 local stakes continue to have prayer circle meetings in temples or in special rooms of stake meeting houses.
Heber J Grant writes: "I am
Heber J Grant writes: "I am free to confess that I am disappointed with the Yosemite valley. It seems only about one-half as grand as the American Fork canyon" of Utah.
Heber J. Grant History
Appointed to Idaho State University Extension Service in Boise.
In 1929 there were 1,058 missionaries
In 1929 there were 1,058 missionaries called to serve.
In Rochester, N.Y. THE GEM reports:
In Rochester, N.Y. THE GEM reports: "A man by the name of Martin Harris was in this village a few days since endeavoring to make a contract for printing a large quantity of a work called the Golden Bible. He gave something like the following account of it. In the autumn of 1827, a man named Joseph Smith of Manchester, in Ontario County, said that he had been visited by the spirit of the Almighty in a dream, and informed that in a certain hill in that town was deposited a Golden Bible, containing an ancient record of divine origin. He states that after the third visit from the same spirit in a dream he proceeded to the spot, removed the earth, and there found the Bible, together with a large pair of spectacles. He had also been directed to let no mortal see them under the penalty of immediate death, which injunction he steadfastly adhered to. The treasure consisted of a number of gold plates, about eight inches long, six wide, and one-eighth of an inch thick, on which were engraved hieroglyphics. By placing the spectacles in a hat and looking into it, Smith interprets the characters into the English language. Harris states that he went in search of some one to interpret the hieroglyphics, but found that no one was intended to perform that all-important task but Smith himself. Smith has interpreted the whole, and it is now in press in Palmyra, Wayne County."
KSL affiliates with NBC; two stakes now in Los Angeles
KSL affiliates with NBC; two stakes now in Los Angeles.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir begins weekly network radio broadcasts on KZN — the longest continuously
Mormon Tabernacle Choir begins weekly network radio broadcasts on KZN — the longest continuously broadcast network program in America.
Senior Seventy's president and assistant church
Senior Seventy's president and assistant church historian Brigham H. Roberts tells congregation in Salt Lake Tabernacle that "the Latter-day Saints are conscious of receding from that zenith of early Mormonism in that they are no longer flooded with revelation." On Oct. 3 combined meeting of First Presidency, Quorum of Twelve, and Seventy's presidents condemns his statement. He apologizes to them.
Stock market crash leads to the Great Depression
Stock market crash leads to the Great Depression.
Tabernacle Choir broadcast begins
Music and the Spoken Word begins with a boy standing on a stool to reach the single microphone, and has aired weekly ever since.
The 1929 Church Membership 663,652
1929 Church Membership 663,652
The Juvenile Instructor changes its name to the Instructor
The Juvenile Instructor changes its name to the Instructor.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir presents its
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir presents its weekly radio broadcast "Music and the Spoken Word" for the first time. The still-airing broadcast moves to the CBS Radio Network, where it still airs, in 1932.
The New York Stock Market collapsed
The New York Stock Market collapsed in frantic trading, a dramatic beginning of the Great Depression.
The official publication of the Sunday School began publishing under the name
The official publication of the Sunday School began publishing under the name of The Instructor. From 1877 until 1929, the publication was The Juvenile Instructor. The name change reflected the growing use of articles on teaching methods and gospel subjects to be used by the several Church organizations.
The Tabernacle Choir started a weekly
The Tabernacle Choir started a weekly network radio broadcast on NBC. Richard L. Evans joined the program with his sermonettes in June 1930. "Music and the Spoken Word" eventually switched to KSL Radio on the CBS network, and has since become the longest continuing network radio broadcast in history.
The Young Woman's Journal ceases publication (combines with Improvement Era)
The Young Woman's Journal ceases publication (combines with Improvement Era).
1930
Centennial of Church organization observed at general conference
Centennial of Church organization observed at general conference; first edition of the Church News printed by the Deseret News.
Church membership at 670,000
Church membership at 670,000.
Ezra Taft Benson History
Served as president of the Pioneer Stake.
Harold B. Lee History
Served as executive secretary of Idaho Cooperative Council.
Heber J. Grant remarks that Apostle
Heber J. Grant remarks that Apostle George Albert Smith "is getting very nervous. We don't want him to have another breakdown such as he had years ago, almost costing him his life." Apostle Smith doesn't begin describing his symptons until Jan. 1932, and years later writes: "My nerves are nearly gone but am holding on the best I know how." Symptoms gradually subside and do not resume until he is church president.
In 1930 there were 896 missionaries
In 1930 there were 896 missionaries called to serve.
International Hygiene exposition at Dresden, Germany,
International Hygiene exposition at Dresden, Germany, includes LDS exhibit on Word of Wisdom. This is church's first formal participation in national or international exposition. In 1933, church has exhibit which includes sculptures by Avard Fairbanks in Hall of Religion at Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. In 1935 church has its first exhibit building at California-Pacific International Exposition in San Diego.
J. Reuben Clark is first Mormon
J. Reuben Clark is first Mormon to serve as U.S. Ambassador (Mexico). U.S. government appoints other Mormons as ambassadors: Davendish W. Cannon (Yugoslavia in 1947, Syria in 1950, Portugal in 1952, Greece in 1953, Morocco in 1956), David S. King (Malagasy in 1967, Mauritius in 1968), David M. Kennedy (ambassador-at-large and ambassador to NATO in 1971), Mark Evans Austad (Finland in 1975, Norway in 1980), Keith Foote Nyborg (Finland in 1981), Gregory J. Newell (Sweden in 1985), Jon Huntsman, Jr. (Singapore in 1992).
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant writes that he has no objection to LDS woman receiving temple recommend, despite her self-inflicted abortion three years ago.
Probable date for the creation of the Los Lunas Ten Commandment Stone
Probable date for the creation of the Los Lunas Ten Commandment Stone. "Eva and Hobie 3-13-30" is carved on a rock nearby the notorious "Ten Commandment Stone.". The stone contains a Phonecian inscription of the Ten Commandments and has achieved some fame in the Mormon community as evidence of the historicity of the Book of Mormon. In 1953 Welby Ricks (President of the University Archaeological Society at BYU), Milton R. Hunter, Sidney B. Sperry, Hugh Nibley, and John L. Sorenson made a trip to New Mexico to investigate the inscription on the stone. Sorenson notes: "We were quite thrilled at first sight and fascinated by its contents." Sorenson "took some shots of surrounding petroglyphs and was surprised to find they were heavily patinated, whereas none of the carvings on the Phoenician stone were thus darkened. (Patination is the discoloration due to oxidation which develops on exposed surfaces of stone over very long periods of time.)" The "Eva and Hobie" stone shows similar lack of patination. Welby Ricks issues a report concluding: "I am fully convinced that the Ten Commandment stone found near Los Lunas, New Mexico is a fraud. Its age does not go back into ancient times. It is probably from thirty to fifty years old, perhaps even dating to as late as March 13, 1930."