Richard L. Evans becomes the voice
Richard L. Evans becomes the voice of the weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. He remains the voice until October of 1971.
1,046 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 4 of 6, covering 1930 to 1940. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1930
Ten-reel film of Church history completed
Ten-reel film of Church history completed.
The 1930 Church Membership 670,017
1930 Church Membership 670,017
The centennial of the Church's organization
The centennial of the Church's organization was observed at general conference in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. B.H. Roberts prepared his Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a centennial memorial.
The message of the Ages performance
The message of the Ages performance in Salt Lake Tabernacle as first historical pageant of the LDS church. It involves 1,500 persons. On July 24 "Footprints on the Sands of Time" is first pageant at Hill Cumorah, near Palmyra, New York. Since July 1937 official "Cumorah Pageant" occurs annually. Renamed "America's Witness for Christ," pageant attracts 100,000 people at its fiftieth anniversary in 1987. Similar LDS pageants develop at other sites from Calgary, Canada, to Manti, Utah, to Auckland, New Zealand.
Utah population about 508,000; Salt Lake City population 140,267
Utah population about 508,000; Salt Lake City population 140,267.
1931
A 10-reel film of the history
A 10-reel film of the history of the Church was completed.
DESERET NEWS "CHURCH SECTION" article, "Bishop
DESERET NEWS "CHURCH SECTION" article, "Bishop Released after 31 Years," regarding Joseph C. Cowley.
Ezra Taft Benson History
Elected member of National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America.
First missionary training classes began in wards
First missionary training classes began in wards.
First Presidency instructs Apostle Joseph Fielding
First Presidency instructs Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith and Seventy's president B. H. Roberts: "The subject of Pre-Adamites is not to be discussed in public by the brethren either for or against the theory, as the Church has not declared itself and its attitude on the question."
George Albert Smith History
Married Clara May (Claire) Jeffs (she died October 9, 1983).
Howard W. Hunter History
Graduated from University of Utah.
In 1931 there were 678 missionaries
In 1931 there were 678 missionaries called to serve.
Lion House turned over to the Young Ladies organization
Lion House turned over to the Young Ladies organization.
Saturday Church Section of the Deseret News first printed
Saturday Church Section of the Deseret News first printed; KSL joins the National Association of Broadcasters.
Texas mission is created
Texas mission is created
The 1931 Church Membership 688,435
1931 Church Membership 688,435
The first edition of the Church
The first edition of the Church News was printed by the Church's Deseret News.
Utah Legislature approves transfer of LDS-owned colleges to the state system
Utah Legislature approves transfer of LDS-owned colleges to the state system.
1932
B. H. Roberts, senior Seventy's president
B. H. Roberts, senior Seventy's president and assistant church historian, writes complaint about censorship. Heber J. Grant requires him to remove from forthcoming volume of HISTORY OF THE CHURCH the statement of Brigham Young that Seventies are ordained apostles. "I desire, however, to take this occasion of disclaiming any responsibility for the mutilating of that very important part of President Young's Manuscript," Roberts writes, "and also to say, that while you had the physical power or eliminating that passage from the History, I do not believe you had any moral right to do so."
Church representatives first appear on Columbia Church of the Air broadcasts (CBS)
Church representatives first appear on Columbia Church of the Air broadcasts (CBS).
Church's Adult Aaronic Priesthood program begins
Church's Adult Aaronic Priesthood program begins as local innovation in Salt Lake 28th Ward. It becomes churchwide program next year.
DESERET NEWS reports that Dr. Edgar
DESERET NEWS reports that Dr. Edgar B. Brossard, Congressman Don B. Colton, and mission president James H. Moyle "represented the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the National Conference of Catholics, Jews, and Protestants" at Washington, D.C.,7-9 March. CHURCH SECTION article, "Church Extends New Correlation Project To All Priesthood Quorums, Auxiliaries."
Elder Stephen L. Richards' Conference address
Elder Stephen L. Richards' Conference address asserts that the Church's emphatic intolerance of people who do not live up to the standards of the Word of Wisdom may be "out of proportion with the real seriousness of the offense." "I believe," Richards continues, "there are some good people in the church to whom the use of tobacco is so repugnant and who are so offended by those who use it that they may actually develop a feeling akin to hatred toward the smoker. This state of mind, to my thinking, is regrettable and dangerous." President Heber J. Grant disallows the speech to be published in Conference Reports.
George H Brimhall, in a fit
George H Brimhall, in a fit of depression, kills himself with his hunting rifle while his wife is out shopping. He served as BYU President from 1904 to 1921 and is only BYU president to commit suicide.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
Served mission to the British Isles.
Heber J Grant launches campaign against
Heber J Grant launches campaign against use of tobacco as part of his emphasis on observing Word of Wisdom by total abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, tea and coffee.
Heber J. Grant writes: "It makes
Heber J. Grant writes: "It makes one's heart ache to see so many people who are willing to work and cannot find positions." Great Depression hits Utah particularly hard because its agricultural economy has also experienced local depression during national "Roaring Twenties." In some urban stakes, 60 percent of previously employed Mormons are without jobs in 1932.
In 1932 there were 399 missionaries
In 1932 there were 399 missionaries called to serve.
KSL increases power to 50,000 watts and changes affiliation from NBC to CBS.
KSL increases power to 50,000 watts and changes affiliation from NBC to CBS.
NEW YORK TIMES reports that David
NEW YORK TIMES reports that David Abbott ("Ab") Jenkins has set land-speed record during twenty-four hour period, one of many world records in his "Mormon Meteor" cars. He single-handedly turns Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats into national speedway.
Outgoing New Zealand Mission President John
Outgoing New Zealand Mission President John E. Magleby asks missionary Harold T. Christensen to stand in as mission president until a new mission president is appointed. Christensen agrees but the new mission president doesn't arrive for 15 months during which time Elder Christensen is president of the New Zealand mission.
The 1932 Church Membership 703,949
1932 Church Membership 703,949
The first missionary training classes began,
The first missionary training classes began, which were to be organized in every ward throughout the Church.
The Lion House, home of Brigham Young and a noted landmark of Salt Lake
The Lion House, home of Brigham Young and a noted landmark of Salt Lake City, was turned over to the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association by the Church for a social center for women and young ladies. Another of Brigham Young's homes, the Beehive House, was previously placed under the direction of the YLMIA as a girls' home.
1933
Adolf Hitler was named chancellor of Germany, capping a 10-year rise to power
Adolf Hitler was named chancellor of Germany, capping a 10-year rise to power.
Church began a six-day Word of Wisdom centennial celebration
Church began a six-day Word of Wisdom centennial celebration.
Church opened a five-hundred-foot exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair
Church opened a five-hundred-foot exhibit at the Chicago World's Fair.
CHURCH SECTION full-page article, "The Problem
CHURCH SECTION full-page article, "The Problem of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon" by Sidney B. Sperry and H. Grant Vest. This is example of LDS leadership's delayed acceptance of B. H. Robert's recommendation decade earlier to openly confront textual problems in Mormon scriptures. Roberts dies eleven days after this article. On Sept 30, CHURCH SECTION prints "The Synoptic Problem in Its Relation To Modern Revelation" and "The Johannine Problem In Its Relation To Modern Revelation" on Oct 7.
CHURCH SECTION reports that, "after years
CHURCH SECTION reports that, "after years of effort," Mormons have equal rights with other religions in applying to be military chaplains. This is decision of recently appointed Secretary of War George H. Dern, non-Mormon and former governor of Utah.
First Presidency and apostles decide that "the Church as an organization could not take
First Presidency and apostles decide that "the Church as an organization could not take part in the campaign for the repeal of the 18th Amendment since this is a partisan political question. It is hoped however that all L.D.S. would vote against repeal of national Prohibition." Thirty-five years later, LDS hierarchy reverses this decision and participates actively in campaign against liquor-by-the-drink in Utah as "moral issue."
First Presidency dedicated the Washington, D.C., meetinghouse
First Presidency dedicated the Washington, D.C., meetinghouse.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
Served on the Salt Lake City Commission.
Harold B. Lee History
Church-sponsored exhibit at Chicago's World Fair.
Heber J. Grant History
Served as president of Church's Genealogical Society.
Heber J. Grant tells BYU's graduating
Heber J. Grant tells BYU's graduating class: "If every other state in the Union repeals the Eighteenth Amendment, I hope Utah is the one bright star that remains."
In 1933 there were 525 missionaries
In 1933 there were 525 missionaries called to serve.
J. Reuben Clark, Jr. is sustained
J. Reuben Clark, Jr. is sustained as second counselor in First Presidency. As first LDS president since Brigham Young to ask non-general authority to serve as Presidency counselor, Heber J. Grant kept position vacant for sixteen months to allow Clark to complete his service as Ambassador to Mexico. Clark is first general authority who has previously served U.S. government in high office. He is also first member of Presidency with post-graduate degree (from Columbia) and is ordained high priest today.
Junior Sunday School officially recognized by the Sunday School board
Junior Sunday School officially recognized by the Sunday School board.
Legal transfer of Gila Junior College
Legal transfer of Gila Junior College from LDS-church ownership to Graham County, Arizona, and E. Edgar Fuller begins service as first LDS president of secular college outside intermountain states.
Nazi Party newspaper in Berlin publishes
Nazi Party newspaper in Berlin publishes "Juden und Mormonen," which chritcizes Germans for belonging to LDS church which has "always been very friendly with Jews."
Palestine-Syrian mission is created
Palestine-Syrian mission is created
Quorum of Twelve unanimously recommends Eldred
Quorum of Twelve unanimously recommends Eldred G. Smith as New Patriarch to Church. Since 1932, Heber J. Grant has told apostles he wants his son-in-law Willard R. Smith as new patriarch, but he expects them to nominate him. Otherwise "people would say he had set aside Hyrum G. Smith's son in order to give position to his own son-in-law." President Grant refuses to accept Twelve's unanimous recommendation of Hyrum G.'s son in 1933, and stand-off leaves office vacant for another nine years. Excluding patrilineal office of Church Patriarch, twenty-nine sons of general authorities are appointed during first century of Mormon Hierarchy. This accounts for 23.6 percent of total appointments. Only eight sons of former general authorities are appointed as general authorities in sixty-four years since 1932: one in 1938, two in 1941, one in 1942, one in 1945, one in 1969, one in 1975, and one in 1996.
Relief Society placed a monument at the Nauvoo organization site
Relief Society placed a monument at the Nauvoo organization site.
The 1933 Church Membership 717,619
1933 Church Membership 717,619
The Church began a six-day commemoration
The Church began a six-day commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Word of Wisdom revelation with special observances in every ward.
The Church opened a 500-foot exhibit
The Church opened a 500-foot exhibit in the Hall of Religions at the Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago, Ill. The exhibit was prepared by famed LDS sculptor Avard Fairbanks.
The Czech edition of the Book
This translation of The Book of Mormon was done for Blind people who spoke English. Additional Information:most recent edition 1994. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The first effort to mark the historic sites in Nauvoo
The first effort to mark the historic sites in Nauvoo, Ill., was made by the Relief Society when it placed a monument at the site of its organization in 1842 in Joseph Smith's store.
The First Presidency and four members
The First Presidency and four members of the Quorum of the Twelve participated in the dedication of the Washington, D.C., meetinghouse, which was adorned by a statue of the Angel Moroni atop its 165-foot spire.
Wesley P. Lloyd, later dean of BYU graduate school
Wesley P. Lloyd, later dean of BYU graduate school, writes in his journal of a three-and-a-half-hour conversation with his former Mission President B. H. Roberts: "The conversation then drifted to the Book of Mormon and this surprising story he related to me.... a Logan man by the name of Riter persuaded a scholarly friend who was a student in Washington to read thru and to criticize the Book of Mormon.... Riter sent the letter to Dr Talmage who studied it over and during a trip east ask Brother Roberts to make a careful investigation and study and to get an answer for the letter.
1934
Adolf Hitler took control of Germany
Adolf Hitler took control of Germany after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg.
CHURCH SECTION article "The Catawba Indians--A Mormon Tribe" notes that 95 percent
CHURCH SECTION article "The Catawba Indians--A Mormon Tribe" notes that 95 percent of this South Carolina tribe converted after first contact with LDS missionaries fifty-one years earlier. Tribe's chief Samuel Blue is also president of Catawba branch.
CHURCH SECTION report that general authorities
CHURCH SECTION report that general authorities have allowed king of England's official representative to tour temple in Canada from baptistery to celestial room. Temple has been dedicated and in operation for almost ten years.
David O. Mckay History
Assigned by First Presidency to work out a program of relief for the needy. Start of Church Welfare Program.
Federal Communications Commission created by the Communication Act of 1934
Federal Communications Commission created by the Communication Act of 1934.
First Presidency and newly apointed apostle
First Presidency and newly apointed apostle Alonzo A. Hinckley agree that Heber J. Grant should ask Los Angeles stake president Leo J. Muir to "stop working for Upton Sinclair," Socialist Party candidate for California governor. Grant publicly opposes Sinclair's election.
Genealogical Society headquarters opened in the Joseph F
Genealogical Society headquarters opened in the Joseph F. Smith Building.
Heber J. Grant gives "little or no encouragement" for proposal that LDS church join
Heber J. Grant gives "little or no encouragement" for proposal that LDS church join World Fellowship of Faith.
In 1934 there were 843 missionaries
In 1934 there were 843 missionaries called to serve.
Joseph Fielding Smith History
Released as counselor and sustained again as clerk of the St. Joseph Stake.
MIA board adopts the official MIA
MIA board adopts the official MIA slogan for the year: "By my actions I will prove my allegiance to the Church."
New headquarters of the Genealogical Society
New headquarters of the Genealogical Society of Utah, located in the Joseph F. Smith Memorial Building on North Main Street in Salt Lake City, was formally opened. The building previously was part of the campus of the LDS College.
Spence W. Kimball History
Sustained as second counselor to President Heber J. Grant.
Stake organized in New York
Stake organized in New York.
The 1934 Church Membership 730,738
1934 Church Membership 730,738
The general board of the Sunday School officially recognized the Junior Sunday School
The general board of the Sunday School officially recognized the Junior Sunday School, which had been part of some ward programs for many years.
1935
Adult Aaronic Priesthood program introduced
Adult Aaronic Priesthood program introduced.
Argentine mission is created
Argentine mission is created
Brazilian mission is created
Brazilian mission is created
Church Radio, Publicity and Mission Literature Committee organized, with Gordon B
Church Radio, Publicity and Mission Literature Committee organized, with Gordon B. Hinckley as executive secretary.
Deseret News begins using wirephoto
Deseret News begins using wirephoto.
Dr. George W. Middleton and Heber
Dr. George W. Middleton and Heber Sears ask 'the opinion of the Church regarding sterilization of criminals, incompetents, etc." Heber J. Grant replies that "the Church had taken no stand whatever on this matter up to date."
First excommunication of many Mormon Fundamentalists
First excommunication of many Mormon Fundamentalists who refuse to sign loyalty oath that, among other things, denies "any intimation that any one of the Presidency or Apostles of the church is living a double life." Later these excommunicants learn that Apostle Richard R. Lyman was living a polygamous "double life" at this time.
First stake outside North America (in Laie
First stake outside North America (in Laie, Oahu, Hawaii), as fulfillment of founding prophet's instructions on April 8, 1944 to organize stakes wherever there are sufficient numbers of Mormons.
Frequency modulation (FM) first publicly demonstrated in Yonkers, New York by Edwin H
Frequency modulation (FM) first publicly demonstrated in Yonkers, New York by Edwin H. Armstrong.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
Church Security Plan (later changed to Church Welfare Program) began.
Harold B. Lee History
Began employment as executive secretary of the recently formed Radio, Publicity, and Mission Literature Committee of the Church.
Heber J. Grant dedicated the Hill Cumorah Monument
Heber J. Grant dedicated the Hill Cumorah Monument.
In 1935 there were 960 missionaries
In 1935 there were 960 missionaries called to serve.
In a change of policy, members
In a change of policy, members of the Quorum of the Twelve were released from auxiliary leadership positions as presiding officers and general board members.
John Horne Blackmore is elected to Canada's Parliament
John Horne Blackmore is elected to Canada's Parliament, serving in House of Commons until 1958. Other non-U.S. Mormons who serve in their nation's parliament are Harry Percival Vette (Tonga, 1940s), Solon E. Low (Canada, 1945), James Gladstone (Canada, 1958), Iofipo R. Kuresa (Samoa, 1970), Manuera Benjamin Riwai-Couch (New Zealand, 1975), Terry Rooney (England, 1990), Moroni Bing Torgan (Brazil, 1991).
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant dedicated the Hill Cumorah Monument near Palmyra, N.Y.
Quorum of the Twelve released from auxiliary positions
Quorum of the Twelve released from auxiliary positions.
The 1935 Church Membership 746,384
1935 Church Membership 746,384
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Chior is J. Spencer Cornwall. Directed the choir in the film This is Cinerama,[7] and for its first performance abroad in 1955.
1936
A separate Aaronic Priesthood program
A separate Aaronic Priesthood program for adults, recommended by the General Priesthood Committee on Outlines 20 years earlier, was introduced.
Book of Mormon published in seven Braille volumes
Book of Mormon published in seven Braille volumes; Deseret News installs a giant Hoe four-color press.
Chief of Salt Lake City's detectives
Chief of Salt Lake City's detectives begins sending to First Presidency reports of surveillance and infiltration of Communist Party in Utah.
CHURCH SECTION photograph of LDS youth
CHURCH SECTION photograph of LDS youth conference in Germany with Apostle Joseph F. Merrill in front of Swastika banner of Nazi Party. This is intentional association of visual symbols, since Aug. 7, 1937 issue also prints photograph of church president Heber J. Grant seated in front of Swastika banner at LDS meeting in Frankfurt.
Church-wide Welfare Program formed to meet members' needs
Church-wide Welfare Program formed to meet members' needs.
Dr. Max Haenle, a German non-Mormon,
Dr. Max Haenle, a German non-Mormon, who visited Utah in the late twenties and became a friend of Anthony W. Ivins, speaks to a District Conference in Dresden on "Utah, Land of the Mormons." DER STERN reportes Haenle made "comparisons ... throughout the whole lecture between the Mormon state founded 86 years ago by Brigham Young in Utah and Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. . . . In its political productivity, its organization forms, and its unswerving successes in the various areas of governmental, social, and communal life," Haenle proclaimed, "Utah bears a really striking similarity to our Germany of today. Here as well as there, the unshakable faith in and willingness to die for their Fuhrer respective leaders is the foundation and prerequisite for all further development."
First counselor J. Reuben Clark recommends
First counselor J. Reuben Clark recommends that Communist candidate for U.S. president be denied use of Salt Lake Tabernacle for speech. Also recommends to "confidentially" advise Utah's governor to have Mormon members of American Legion armed with "Picks and ax-handles" to attend Communist Party's rally in Liberty Park.
First Presidency announces Church Security Plan,
First Presidency announces Church Security Plan, renamed Church Welfare Program in 1938. This began four years earlier as local innovation by stake president Harold B. Lee in Salt Lake Pioneer Stake.
First Presidency publishes unsigned editorial in DESERET NEWS
First Presidency publishes unsigned editorial in DESERET NEWS, which argues against re-election of Democratic president Franklin D. Roosevelt. Editorial, written by J. Reuben Clark, accuses F.D.R. of unconstitutional and Communist activities. In response one thousand Mormons angrily cancel their subscriptions to the News. Three days later, 69.3 percent of Utah's voters help re-elect Roosevelt. Utah's electorate re-elects F.D.R. again (1940,1944), despite First Presidency's opposition.
First Presidency restores full church membership
First Presidency restores full church membership and priesthood blessings to Matthias F. Cowley. He unsuccessfully asked for this since 1926. DESERET NEWS publishes the announcement.
First Presidency statement against Communism and Communist Party (which is legal in United States
First Presidency statement against Communism and Communist Party (which is legal in United States at this time and has candidates in Utah elections).
First Presidency's message is broadcast to European Mormons by shortwave radio
First Presidency's message is broadcast to European Mormons by shortwave radio.
German mazazine DER STERN reports on a lecture by Dr
German mazazine DER STERN reports on a lecture by Dr. Max Haenle from Tubingen, a non-Mormon who visited Utah in the late twenties and became a friend of Anthony W. Ivins, First Counselor to Heber J. Grant. The article says that Haenle made "comparisons ... throughout the whole lecture between the Mormon state founded 86 years ago by Brigham Young in Utah and Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. . . . In its political productivity, its organization forms, and its unswerving successes in the various areas of governmental, social, and communal life," he proclaimed, "Utah bears a really striking similarity to our Germany of today. Here as well as there, the unshakable faith in and willingness to die for their Fuhrer respective leaders is the foundation and prerequisite for all further development."
Harold B. Lee History
Called to Deseret Sunday School Union General Board.
Heber J. Grant History
Called as managing director of the Church Security Plan (later changed to Church Welfare Program).
In 1936 there were 899 missionaries
In 1936 there were 899 missionaries called to serve.
Portions of General Conference broadcast to Europe via international shortwave radio
Portions of General Conference broadcast to Europe via international shortwave radio.
Seventy's president Levi Edgar Young represents
Seventy's president Levi Edgar Young represents church at organization of Utah chapter of National Conference of Christians and Jews. He becomes its president in 1937. In 1960's George W. Romney is national director of organization, which gives him its Charles Evans Hughes Gold Medal in 1965.
Spanish-American mission is created
Spanish-American mission is created
Tabernacle Choir broadcast takes its present format as Music and the Spoken Word (Richard
Tabernacle Choir broadcast takes its present format as Music and the Spoken Word (Richard L. Evans, host).
The 1936 Church Membership 760,690
1936 Church Membership 760,690
The church begins a formal welfare program
The church begins a formal welfare program.
The Church introduced a formal
The Church introduced a formal welfare program to assist in emergency situations of needy Church members and those unemployed. Called the Church Security Program at first, it was renamed the Church Welfare Program in 1938. Later it expanded its services with the addition of local production programs.
The welfare plan
Rather than rely on federal relief, the Church organizes member-run farms and storehouses so families can work for what they receive. The system still supplies bishops’ storehouses worldwide.
1937
A portion of the Nauvoo Temple
A portion of the Nauvoo Temple lot in Nauvoo, Ill., returned to Church ownership when Wilford C. Wood, representing the Church, purchased the property.
British mission has 6,200 members
British mission has 6,200 members.
Charles Bidamon, step son of Emma
Charles Bidamon, step son of Emma Smith, sells "One Silver Pocket Piece. Inscribed 'Make me O Lord all Powerful'" for $50.00 to Wilford Wood, agent for the LDS church. The piece, a "Jupiter's Talisman" was in Joseph's pocket when he was assassinated.
CHUCH SECTION full-page article "The Eleusinian
CHUCH SECTION full-page article "The Eleusinian Mysteries," which continues as another full-page article on Sept 25. This is 100 years since LDS periodical at church headquarters first described Eleusinian Mysteries. Through Oct 23 there are weekly full-page discussions of "The Mysteries of Bacchus" in two parts, "Orphic Reincarnation," and finally "The Mysteries Of The Great Mother."
Church purchased the Nauvoo Temple lot from Wilford Wood
Church purchased the Nauvoo Temple lot from Wilford Wood.
CHURCH SECTION article "Introducing The Home
CHURCH SECTION article "Introducing The Home Evening." as indication of inability of headquarters for two decades to persuade LDS members to adopt this practice.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
Church European tour of Great Britain and western Europe.
Heber J. Grant History
Married Marjorie Pay.
Heber J. Grant returned from a three-month European tour
Heber J. Grant returned from a three-month European tour.
In 1937 there were 1,079 missionaries
In 1937 there were 1,079 missionaries called to serve.
Japanese mission is created
Japanese mission is created
New England mission is created
New England mission is created
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant returned to Salt Lake City after a three-month tour of Europe, where he visited with Church members and missionaries in 11 countries. He dedicated nine meetinghouses and gave some 55 addresses, including the principal address at the British Mission Centennial Conference at Rochdale, England, on Aug. 1.
The 1937 Church Membership 767,752
1937 Church Membership 767,752
The annual Hill Cumorah Pageant established in upstate New York
The annual Hill Cumorah Pageant established in upstate New York.
The First Presidency officially adopted
The First Presidency officially adopted the practice widely utilized over several preceding decades of ordaining worthy young men in the Aaronic Priesthood at specific ages. The recommended ages for advancement from deacon to teacher to priest to elder have changed from time to time since 1937.
The Hill Cumorah pageant, "America's
The Hill Cumorah pageant, "America's Witness for Christ," began on an outdoor stage on the side of the Hill Cumorah in New York.
The Missionary's Handbook and LeGrand Richards's proselyting outline published
The Missionary's Handbook and LeGrand Richards's proselyting outline published.
1938
Church begins microfilming genealogical records
Church begins microfilming genealogical records.
Church develops The Fulness of Times radio series of 39 half-hour dramatized episodes
Church develops The Fulness of Times radio series of 39 half-hour dramatized episodes from Church history.
East German mission is created
East German mission is created
Ezra Taft Benson History
Toured missions in the Church in the South Pacific.,
First Deseret Industries store opens with its dual purposes of providing low-cost used items
First Deseret Industries store opens with its dual purposes of providing low-cost used items as well as employment for disabled and elderly persons. Orson H. Hewlett patterns this after Goodwill Industries.
Genealogical Society began microfilming temple records
Genealogical Society began microfilming temple records.
George Albert Smith History
Called as president of the Mount Graham Stake.
Hugh B. Brown becomes editor of the Millennial Star
Hugh B. Brown becomes editor of the Millennial Star.
In 1938 there were 1,146 missionaries
In 1938 there were 1,146 missionaries called to serve.
Joseph Fielding Smith History
Toured Europe; World War II began; directed evacuation of all missionaries from Europe.
Popular general authority J. Golden Kimball,
Popular general authority J. Golden Kimball, asleep in the back of the car while returning from a vacation in California, is thrown from the car and suffers a fatal skull fracture when the driver loses control.
Spence W. Kimball History
Married Jessie Ella Evans (she died August 3, 1971).
Swiss Austrian mission is created
Swiss Austrian mission is created
Swiss mission is created
Swiss mission is created
The 1938 Church Membership 784,764
1938 Church Membership 784,764
The first Deseret Industries store opened
The first Deseret Industries store opened in Salt Lake City to provide work opportunities for the elderly and handicapped. Part of the Welfare Program, a growing network of stores still offers used furniture, clothing and other items.
The Genealogical Society of Utah
The Genealogical Society of Utah had its own camera and began microfilming baptism and sealing records of the Salt Lake, Logan, Manti and St. George temples.
West German mission is created
West German mission is created
Wilford Wood purchased Liberty Jail for the Church
Wilford Wood purchased Liberty Jail for the Church.
1939
An article by West German Mission
An article by West German Mission President Alfred C. Rees entitled "In the Land of the Mormons" appears in a special issue of the Nazi Party organ DER VOLKISCHE BEOBATCHTER. In the Editor's Preface to the article, President Rees is called "the representative of the Church in Germany," who "paints for our readers a portrait of Mormonism today, a church which views the New Germany with sympathy and friendship." Whether President Rees originally wrote the article in German or not, the language of the piece abounds in such loaded terms as Volk and Rasse (race); and a picture of Brigham Young bears the caption, "Fuhrer der historischen Mormonenpioniere." disturbing in hindsight is the way President Rees blatantly parallels Mormonism with Nazism. As Rees warms to his topic, Mormonism begins to sound like a fulfillment of Nazi teachings, providing "the practical realization of the German ideal: 'the common good takes precedence over the individual good.' " Rees concluded by assuring his readers that "Mormons are people who put this healthy doctrine into action."
At Salt Lake City's first exhibition
At Salt Lake City's first exhibition of television, Heber J. Grant writes that since "they were not going to mention any names of the men connected with the invention, I decided not to refer to Mr. Philo Farnsworth. I did, however, refer to Harvey Fletcher in my brief talk, as one of the greatest scientists, so acknowledged, working in the laboratory of the great Bell Telephone System." Farnsworth and Fletcher are first Mormon inventors to receive national recognition since Jonathan Browning. Member of YMMIA general board at LDS headquarters, Fletcher develops stereophonic sound and television.
Church exhibit (created by Gordon B
Church exhibit (created by Gordon B. Hinckley) debuts at the Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco.
Eduardo Balderas appointed the first full-time translator of Church literature
Eduardo Balderas appointed the first full-time translator of Church literature.
Ezra Taft Benson History
First storehouse on Welfare Square is completed in Salt Lake City, Utah.
First counselor J. Reuben Clark "admonished
First counselor J. Reuben Clark "admonished President Grant that people were prone to say to him what people thought he wanted to hear."
First Counselor J. Reuben Clark requests
First Counselor J. Reuben Clark requests U.S. department of State to assist immigration of two Mormons: "She and her husband are Aryan natives and nationals of Switzerland." In contrast, Clark privately urges State Department not to help Jewish children to leave Nazi Germany if their parents are trying to send them to United States.
First Presidency agrees to send no
First Presidency agrees to send no more missionaries to Germany due to danger of "having them thrown into concentration camps, with all the horrors that that entails."
First Presidency cables mission presidents to have all missionaries leave France and Germany immediately
First Presidency cables mission presidents to have all missionaries leave France and Germany immediately. Mormon missionaries are safely in neutral countries when World War II begins week later with Nazi invasion of Poland and declaration of war by France and England. All missionaries cross Atlantic within three months.
First Presidency directed missionaries to leave Europe
First Presidency directed missionaries to leave Europe.
First Presidency orders evacuation of missionaries from Germany and Czechoslovakia as WWII begins
First Presidency orders evacuation of missionaries from Germany and Czechoslovakia as WWII begins.
Harold B. Lee History
Graduated from Southwestern Law School.
Heber J. Grant History
Became executive secretary of National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in Washington, D.C.
Howard W. Hunter History
Served as first president of the Washington D.C. Stake.
Hugh B. Brown released as British Mission president and Millennial Star editor
Hugh B. Brown released as British Mission president and Millennial Star editor.
In 1939 there were 1,088 missionaries
In 1939 there were 1,088 missionaries called to serve.
Joseph Fielding Smith History
Church-sponsored exhibit at San Francisco's World Fair.
Nazi Gestapo arrests two American LDS
Nazi Gestapo arrests two American LDS missionaries in Czechoslovakia and put them and two other missionaries into prison. Not released until Aug. 23.
President Heber J
President Heber J. Grant writes to Kenneth Macgowen, associate producer of Twentiety-Century-Fox's film "Brigham Young:" "I hope we shall not appear to you to be over anxious, and we have no disposition to be oversensitive, but we are tremendously concerned that this picture shall be a true picture, and, while we are not, any of us, playwrights, or dramatists, or Movie technicians, we can appreciate the war which must constantly go on in one preparing a picture, between the highly dramatic and the sober fact." The LDS Church provided constant input to the making of the film.
The 1939 Church Membership 803,528
1939 Church Membership 803,528
The First Presidency directed all missionaries
The First Presidency directed all missionaries in Germany to move to neutral countries. Later the missionaries were instructed to leave Europe and return to the United States. The last group arrived in New York Nov. 6, 1939.
The First Presidency message on world
The First Presidency message on world peace was delivered in general conference by President Heber J. Grant.
The Portuguese edition of the Book
This translation of Ko e Tohi ʻa Molomona was done for Tonga. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
Wilford Wood purchased the Liberty Jail
Wilford Wood purchased the Liberty Jail in Missouri on behalf of the Church.
World War II began when Nazi
World War II began when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later.
1940
Actor Dean Jagger, who played the part of Brigham Young
Actor Dean Jagger, who played the part of Brigham Young, converts to Mormonism later in life.
Captain William Losey is killed by bomb during Nazi invasion of Norway, first U.S
Captain William Losey is killed by bomb during Nazi invasion of Norway, first U.S. serviceman to die in World War II. A returned LDS missionary, he is military aide to U.S. ambassador. Despite his and other American deaths in Nazi war zone, United States remains officially neutral until Dec. 1941.
Church membership at 863,000
Church membership at 863,000.
CHURCH SECTION prints Mrs. Horace Eaton's
CHURCH SECTION prints Mrs. Horace Eaton's 1881 account that the prophet's mother Lucy Mack Smith performed various forms of divination, including palmistry.
Commenting on the Mormon block vote
Commenting on the Mormon block vote and Joseph Smith's ability to manipulate it the QUINCY WHIG opines: "These remarkable sectaries . . . hold in their hands a fearful balance of political power.... Should they ever become disposed to exert their influence for evil, which may Heaven prevent, they would surround our institutions with an element of danger, more to be dreaded than an armed and hundred- eyed police"
Ezra Taft Benson History
Opened first law practice.
First Counselor J. Reuben Clark persuades
First Counselor J. Reuben Clark persuades President Grant not to publish statement signed by all general authorities urging defeat of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt's candidacy for third term.
First Presidency announced the new position of Assistant to the Twelve
First Presidency announced the new position of Assistant to the Twelve.
First Presidency asks Apostle Joseph Fielding
First Presidency asks Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith to chair "Literature Censorship Committee authorized by Quorum of the Twelve last Thursday."
Heber J. Grant views Hollywood's BRIGHAM
Heber J. Grant views Hollywood's BRIGHAM YOUNG. His reaction: "My eyes were full of tears of gratitude for the fine picture." Dean Jagger, in title role, joins LDS church in 1972.
Howard W. Hunter History
Sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ordained an Apostle on April 10, 1941.
Improvement Era absorbs the Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine
Improvement Era absorbs the Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine.
In 1940 there were 1,194 missionaries
In 1940 there were 1,194 missionaries called to serve.
In explaining financial decisions for First
In explaining financial decisions for First Presidency to general conference, first counselor J. Reuben Clark observes: "We are not infallible in our judgment, and we err, but our constant prayer is that the Lord will guide us in our decisions, and we are trying so to live that our minds will be open to His inspiration."
Missionaries work only in North and South America due to WWII
Missionaries work only in North and South America due to WWII; Genealogical Society begins worldwide microfilming.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir participates in the first public demonstration of stereophonic sound at Carnegie
Mormon Tabernacle Choir participates in the first public demonstration of stereophonic sound at Carnegie Hall.
Premiere of Twentieth-Century-Fox motion picture "Brigham
Premiere of Twentieth-Century-Fox motion picture "Brigham Young" at the Centre Theater and six other theaters in Salt Lake City. All seven theaters completely sell out to nearly 9,000 people at the then high ticket price of $1.10. Such unprecedented response to a film premiere sets an industry record for the number of theatres used simultaneously for the premiere of one film.. Ten days previously, the First Presidency was given a private screening. Emerging from the screening, President Heber J. Grant says to waiting reporters. "I endorse it with all my heart and have no suggestions. This is one of the greatest days of my life. I can't say any more than 'God Bless You'."