3,015 new missionaries sent out.
3,015 new missionaries sent out.
1,187 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 1 of 6, covering 1950 to 1957. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1950
At General Conference Apostle Joseph F.
At General Conference Apostle Joseph F. Merrill speaks against labor unions and the desire for "more pay for less work." He compares labor unions to bank robbers.
Cathy Rowland is born
Cathy Rowland is born. She is the first Mormon to be Playboy magazine’s “Playmate of the Month” August 1971.
Church membership at 1,111,000
Church membership at 1,111,000.
David O. Mckay History
Became Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Deseret News observes the centennial of its beginning; Church active in 50 nations
Deseret News observes the centennial of its beginning; Church active in 50 nations.
Early morning seminaries were inaugurated
Early morning seminaries were inaugurated in Southern California. This was the beginning of a movement that spread seminary throughout the Church on an early morning, nonreleased-time basis.
First Presidency letter to make 30
First Presidency letter to make 30 percent increase in living allowances for general authorities.
First Presidency letter to stake presidents:
First Presidency letter to stake presidents: "Since our meetinghouses are tax exempt, it is most important that we should not do anything that would put them into a position where they might be assessed and we be compelled to pay taxes thereon because we were carrying on a merchandising business therein."
First Presidency letter: "Where military regulations
First Presidency letter: "Where military regulations require the wearing of two-piece underwear, such underwear should be properly marked as if the articles were of the normal temple garment pattern." Drafted originally for Korean War, this instruction is reissued during Vietnam War on Aug. 31, 1964 and Mar. 17, 1969.
George Albert Smith dedicated the Brigham Young statue at the nation's Capitol
George Albert Smith dedicated the Brigham Young statue at the nation's Capitol.
Hawaii mission is created
Hawaii mission is created
Howard W. Hunter History
Sustained as bishop of Sixth-Seventh Ward of Temple View Stake in Utah.
In 1950 there were 3,015 missionaries
In 1950 there were 3,015 missionaries called to serve.
Joseph Fielding Smith History
Appointed general secretary of the General Missionary Committee and assisted in introducing uniform missionary lessons.
LDS girls' program transferred to the Young Women organization
LDS girls' program transferred to the Young Women organization.
LeGrand Richards publishes A Marvelous Work and a Wonder
LeGrand Richards publishes A Marvelous Work and a Wonder.
Missionaries returned to Hong Kong for the first time since 1853
Missionaries returned to Hong Kong for the first time since 1853.
Near East mission is created
Near East mission is created
President George Albert Smith dedicated a statue of Brigham Young at the nation's Capitol
President George Albert Smith dedicated a statue of Brigham Young at the nation's Capitol.
President George Albert Smith writes, "I
President George Albert Smith writes, "I have not seen the Father or the Son, neither have I heard their voices in an audible way, but I have felt their presence and have enjoyed the whispering of the Still Small Voice that comes from them, the result of which has given me a testimony of the truth."
The 1950 Church Membership 1,111,314
1950 Church Membership 1,111,314
The last two missionaries of the Czechoslovakian Mission were released from prison after 27
The last two missionaries of the Czechoslovakian Mission were released from prison after 27 days and expelled from communist Czechoslovakia.
The Norwegian edition of the Book
This translation of Mormonin kirja was done for Finland. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The responsibility of the LDS girls'
The responsibility of the LDS girls' program was transferred from the Presiding Bishopric to the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association, where it remained until 1974.
The Tahitian mission purchased an 81-foot yacht for mission travel
The Tahitian mission purchased an 81-foot yacht for mission travel.
Thomas S. Monson History
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Utah population about 689,000; Salt Lake City population 182,121
Utah population about 689,000; Salt Lake City population 182,121.
West Central States mission is created
West Central States mission is created
1951
Because the Korean War reduced the number of young elders being called as missionaries
Because the Korean War reduced the number of young elders being called as missionaries, the First Presidency issued a call for seventies to help fill the need. Many married men subsequently served full-time missions.
By this time nearly 1,200 wards, stakes, and missions outfitted with motion picture equipment
By this time nearly 1,200 wards, stakes, and missions outfitted with motion picture equipment.
CHURCH NEWS reports that Finland has given its "Silver Cross" to LDS mission president
CHURCH NEWS reports that Finland has given its "Silver Cross" to LDS mission president Henry A/ Matis for allowing one of his missionaries to coach Finnish National Basketball team for international competition.
Conference sustains David O
Conference sustains David O. McKay as church president with Stephen L. Richards and J. Reuben Clark as counselors. This demotion of Clark from first counselor stuns many Mormons, including Quorum of Twelve Apostles. For first time in its history, Twelve "ordains" church president and then sets apart McKay and his counselors. McKay is also first church president who graduated from college (University of Utah).
David O. McKay becomes the first
David O. McKay becomes the first LDS church president to be "ordained" since the Joseph Smith. Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith "ordained and set apart" President McKay. At seventy-four Apostle Smith may have forgotten his own father's restriction against ordaining presidents of the LDS church.
David O. Mckay History
Sustained as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
David O. McKay sustained as ninth president of the Church
David O. McKay sustained as ninth president of the Church.
David O. McKay was sustained and set apart as the ninth Church president
David O. McKay was sustained and set apart as the ninth Church president.
DESERET NEWS editorial praises non-combatant conscientious
DESERET NEWS editorial praises non-combatant conscientious objectors but opposes the "craven draft-dodger."
First Presidency appoints three apostles to administer second anointings to designated couples
First Presidency appoints three apostles to administer second anointings to designated couples.
First Presidency issued a call for seventies to help missionaries
First Presidency issued a call for seventies to help missionaries.
George Albert Smith died at age eighty-one
George Albert Smith died at age eighty-one.
George Albert Smith History
Became President of the Church.
George Albert Smith, eighth president of the Church, dies
George Albert Smith, eighth president of the Church, dies.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
Served on building committee for Los Angeles California Temple.
Howard W. Hunter History
Died in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 1951 there were 1,801 missionaries
In 1951 there were 1,801 missionaries called to serve.
John K Cannon is first Mormon
John K Cannon is first Mormon appointed to four-star rank in U.S. military. With this promotion General Cannon is commander of U.S. Tactical Air Command. In World War II he was Commander-in-chief of Allied air forces in Europe and later for entire U.S. air force in Europe (1948-51).
Joseph Fielding Smith History
New proselytizing plan for missionaries, A Systematic Program for Teaching the Gospel, inaugurated.
Meeting of Twelve discuss previous "controversy"
Meeting of Twelve discuss previous "controversy" between President Joseph F. Smith and his second counselor Charles W. Penrose over whether it is necessary to confer priesthood before ordaining to office. This does not become churchwide policy again for almost six years.
President George Albert Smith died in Salt Lake City at age 81.April 9 —
President George Albert Smith died in Salt Lake City at age 81.April 9 — President David O. McKay was sustained as ninth president of the Church, with Presidents Stephen L Richards and J. Reuben Clark Jr. as counselors.
Systematic Program for Teaching the Gospel published for missionaries
Systematic Program for Teaching the Gospel published for missionaries.
Temple council of First Presidency, Quorum
Temple council of First Presidency, Quorum of Twelve Apostles and Patriarch to church decides to allow beer commercials on church-owned KSL television station.
The 1951 Church Membership 1,147,157
1951 Church Membership 1,147,157
The Primary's Children's Friend of the Air becomes the first Church program regularly televised
The Primary's Children's Friend of the Air becomes the first Church program regularly televised.
1952
A letter from the First Presidency
A letter from the First Presidency announced that the Primary Association had been assigned the duty of establishing the Cub Scout program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys of the Church.
A letter from the Presiding Bishopric
A letter from the Presiding Bishopric introduced a new Senior Aaronic Priesthood program, with men over 21 years of age organized into separate Aaronic Priesthood quorums. Subsequently, special weekday classes were encouraged in each stake to prepare these brethren for the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances.
A Systematic Program for Teaching
A Systematic Program for Teaching the Gospel was published for use by the missionaries of the Church. This inaugurated the use of a standard plan of missionary work throughout the Church, although the specific format of the various lessons was modified from time to time.
A Systematic Program for Teaching the Gospel — first published proselyting plan for worldwide
A Systematic Program for Teaching the Gospel — first published proselyting plan for worldwide missionary work.
Central American mission is created
Central American mission is created
Church begins broadcasting general priesthood meeting by direct telephone wire to buildings beyond Temple
Church begins broadcasting general priesthood meeting by direct telephone wire to buildings beyond Temple Square.
David O. McKay dedicated first monument
David O. McKay dedicated first monument to martyred LDS missionary, Joseph Standing.
David O. Mckay History
Served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
David O. McKay toured European missions for six weeks
David O. McKay toured European missions for six weeks.
Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve was chosen Secretary of Agriculture
Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve was chosen Secretary of Agriculture by Dwight D. Eisenhower, newly elected president of the United States. Elder Benson served in that capacity for eight years.
Ezra Taft Benson chosen as Secretary of Agriculture
Ezra Taft Benson chosen as Secretary of Agriculture.
First Presidency announced the Cub Scout program for boys
First Presidency announced the Cub Scout program for boys.
First Presidency letter states minimum age
First Presidency letter states minimum age for male missionaries is twenty and for female missionaries is twenty-three.
General Priesthood meeting is sent to chapels via new telephone technology
General Priesthood meeting is sent to chapels via new telephone technology.
In 1952 there were 872 missionaries
In 1952 there were 872 missionaries called to serve.
Merlo J. Pusey is first activly
Merlo J. Pusey is first activly Mormon recipient of Pulitzer Prize for his biography CHARLES EVANS HUGHES. Other LDS recipients are John M. Hightower (1952, international reporting), Robert D. Mullins (1962, local reporting), Jack Anderson (1972, national reporting), Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (1991, history A MIDWIFE'S TALE), Steve Benson (1993, editorial cartoons), in 1952 Pusy also receives nation's most prestigious history award (Bancroft Prize), also conferred on Richard L. Bushman (1968, FROM PURITAN TO YANKEE) and Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (1991, A MIDWIFE’S TALE). In 1957, Virginia Sorensen receives Newberry Medal from American Library Association for MIRACLES ON MAPLE HILL, and Josefina Febres Cordero is named Argentina's Woman of the Year in 1977 for her autobiography LA PUERTA AZUL (The Blue Door). Orson Scott Card is recipient of highest U.S. awards in Science fiction: "Nebula" from Science Fiction Writers of America (1998, ENDER'S GAME), Nebula and also "Hugo" from World Science Fiction Society (1987, SPEAKER FOR THE DEAD), and Hugo (1988, EYE FOR EYE).
Newspaper Agency Corporation formed to merge business functions of the Deseret News and Salt
Newspaper Agency Corporation formed to merge business functions of the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune.
President David O. McKay made a six-week
President David O. McKay made a six-week tour of European missions and branches in Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Wales, Scotland and France. During this trip he announced Bern, Switzerland, as site of the first European temple.
Proposal made to establish a motion picture studio on the BYU campus
Proposal made to establish a motion picture studio on the BYU campus.
Senior Aaronic Priesthood program introduced by letter
Senior Aaronic Priesthood program introduced by letter.
The 1952 Church Membership 1,189,053
1952 Church Membership 1,189,053
The Church began carrying the priesthood
The Church began carrying the priesthood session of general conference by direct telephone wire to buildings beyond Temple Square.
The new Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City was dedicated
The new Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City was dedicated. Half the cost of the building had been raised by children of the Church through the continuing Primary penny drive.
Twenty-year-old David B. Bleak, unarmed LDS
Twenty-year-old David B. Bleak, unarmed LDS medic in Korean War, wrote "while attempting to cross the first-swept area to attend the wounded, he came under hostile fire from a small group of the enemy concealed in a trench. Entering the trench he closed with the enemy, killed 2 with bare hands and a third with his trench knife. Moving from the emplacement, he saw a concussion grenade fall in front of a companion and, quickly shifting his position, shielded the man from the impact of the blast. Later, while ministering to the wounded, he was struck by a hostile bullet but, despite the wound, he undertook to evacuate a wounded comrade. As he moved down the hill with his heavy burden, he was attacked by 2 enemy soldiers with fixed bayonets. Closing with the agressors, he grabbed them and smashed their heads together, then carried his helpless comrade down the hill to safety." That is the explanation for the Congressional Medal of Honor which Bleak receives in 1953.
Utah Broadcasters Association founded
Utah Broadcasters Association founded; Mormon Tabernacle Choir makes its film debut in the first Cinerama movie.
1953
Arizona police and national guard raid
Arizona police and national guard raid polygamous commune at Short Creek, Arizona, arrest all its adults, and put its children in foster homes. First Presidency had ten days' advance notice of raid and informed Deseret News on July 24. Arizona Governor Howard Pyle explains in a radio address: "Here is a community--many of the women, sadly right along with the men--unalterably dedicated to the wicked theory that every maturing girl child should be forced into the bondage of multiple wifehood with men of all ages for the sole purpose of producing more children to be reared to become mere chattels of this totally lawless enterprise."
BYU creates a department of motion picture production with Judge Whitaker as founding director
BYU creates a department of motion picture production with Judge Whitaker as founding director.
BYU produces its first television program, the BYU Christmas Hour
BYU produces its first television program, the BYU Christmas Hour.
David O. Mckay informs Utah's Congressional
David O. Mckay informs Utah's Congressional delegation that he does not want them to help European Mormons to immigrate to United States. Instead church president says they should remain and build church in their countries. Unlike earlier statements McKay strengthens this appeal by building European temples, primary motive for moving to Utah.
DESERET NEWS editorial applauds the previous
DESERET NEWS editorial applauds the previous day's police raid of the polygamous community of Short Creek: "We hope the unfortunate activities at Short Creek will be cleaned up once and for all."
Ezra Taft Benson History
Toured South Africa, South America, and Central America.
Full-time missionaries now report to stake leaders instead of the First Presidency
Full-time missionaries now report to stake leaders instead of the First Presidency.
General Conference televised outside the Intermountain area for the first time
General Conference televised outside the Intermountain area for the first time.
In 1953 there were 1,750 missionaries
In 1953 there were 1,750 missionaries called to serve.
Leadership Week at Brigham Young University
Leadership Week at Brigham Young University where collector Wilford C. Wood displays "a silver piece that was Emma's most priceless possession, that was taken from the pocket of the Prophet--from his dead body. What do you think it was? In hieroglyphics . . . that the Prophet would save: CONFIRMO, O DEUS POTENTISSIMUS (Make me, Oh God, all-powerful)." English texts of magic give the incantation phrase of Jupiter talisman as: "Confirm, O God, they strength in us."
Organization of the United Church School
Organization of the United Church School System, with Ernest L. Wilkinson as administrator, was publicly announced.
Returning missionaries no longer report to General Authorities
Returning missionaries no longer report to General Authorities.
Semiannual conference broadcast by television outside the Intermountain area
Semiannual conference broadcast by television outside the Intermountain area.
The 1953 Church Membership 1,246,362
1953 Church Membership 1,246,362
The ARIZONA REPUBLIC editorial on the recent raid of the polygamous community of Short
The ARIZONA REPUBLIC editorial on the recent raid of the polygamous community of Short Creek: "By what stretch of the imagination could the actions of the Short Creek children be classified as insurrection? Were those teenagers playing volleyball in a school yard inspiring a rebellion?" wondered the paper. "Insurrection? Well, if so, an insurrection with diapers and volleyballs!" "Odious and Un-American" and "circus-like" are typical criticisms published elsewhere.
The Cub Scout program begins in the church
The Cub Scout program begins in the church.
The First Presidency announced that returning
The First Presidency announced that returning missionaries would no longer report directly to General Authorities but, rather, to their stake presidency and high council.
The semiannual conference of the Church was broadcast by television for the first time
The semiannual conference of the Church was broadcast by television for the first time outside the Intermountain area.
Through the influence of J. Willard
Through the influence of J. Willard Marriott, Thomas Stuart Ferguson meets with the First Presidency and other invited General Authorities. He appeales to them for Church funds to continue the work of New World Archaeological Foundation, $15,000 to finish out the current year and $120,000 to cover the next four years Near the end of the presentation, Ferguson told the assembled Church leaders that he "had prayed to the Lord & asked him to stop me if it weren't his will that we go forward." At this point President David O. McKay replied with a smile, "Brother Ferguson, you're a hard man to stop" The next day Ferguson writes a letter to the First Presidency reminding them that "the priceless artifacts of Book of Mormon people" would assist in the missionary program and would publicize the Book of Mormon to the world. A week later, President Ruben J. Clark replies with a partially favorable decision: the Church would con' tribute $15,000 to Ferguson for the present year only, with the condition that "no publicity whatever in any way or at any time" be given to this private donation.
1954
Aaronic Priesthood ordination ages changed to fourteen and sixteen
Aaronic Priesthood ordination ages changed to fourteen and sixteen.
After quoting 3 Nephi 1:13 "Tomorrow
After quoting 3 Nephi 1:13 "Tomorrow come I into the world" First-Presidency Second Counselor J. Reuben Clark states (in a talk at BYU): "But it seems possible that the spirit may not be present in the embryo till at least shortly before birth, whether the birth be regular or premature."
CBS television's Edward R. Murrow program
CBS television's Edward R. Murrow program features Apostle Ezra Taft Benson's family having "LDS Home Night." At this time Benson is also Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower.
Church announced establishing the Church College of Hawaii
Church announced establishing the Church College of Hawaii.
CHURCH NEWS publishes Counselor J. Reuben
CHURCH NEWS publishes Counselor J. Reuben Clark's talk to all LDS seminary and institute teachers in which he declares that "even the President of the Church has not always spoken under the direction of the Holy Ghost."
Counselor J. Reuben Clark writes U.S
Counselor J. Reuben Clark writes U.S. senator Henry Dworshak: "I am impressed, as to Indo-China with this fact. . . .it is not worth spending our blood for it. . . Finally, while unalterably opposed to Communism, I can imagine that an enlightened Communism may be a whole lot better than a decrepit, deficient, corrupt colonial government in Indo-China. I feel that the principle could be applied to very much of the situation in the whole Far East. . . . In my personal view, our greatest danger and greatest handicap is the concept, not yet more than half-expressed, sometimes, perhaps, not even fully recognized that we are destined to dictate to and rule the world, though we have not enough sense to rule ourselves wisely." Indo-China soon becomes separate countries of North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, all of which are part of Vietnam conflict, longest war in U.S. history.
David O. Mckay History
Held servicemen's conferences in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Guam.
David O. McKay visited London, South Africa, and Latin America
David O. McKay visited London, South Africa, and Latin America.
Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune form the Newspaper Agency Corporation as a cost-saving
Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune form the Newspaper Agency Corporation as a cost-saving measure.
First building constructed for a motion picture studio on the BYU campus (the "Green
First building constructed for a motion picture studio on the BYU campus (the "Green Barn").
First Presidency letter allows young men
First Presidency letter allows young men and women to be sealed to their parents "at any time prior to their reaching the age of 21. This supersedes the earlier rulings on the question which made a difference between the young men and the young women in respect to the age limits governing them in this matter."
General Conference TV and radio broadcast ranges nine western states
General Conference TV and radio broadcast ranges nine western states.
George W. Romney is named president
George W. Romney is named president of Ameican Motors in Detroit, Michigan. A Few of the other large national corporations (outside intermountain area) and international corporations which have Mormons as president, vice-president, CEO, chair of board, or general manager at various times are Aetna Life and casualty (D. Lee Tobler), American Airlines (Melvin E. Olsen), American Broadcasting Co. (Robert H. Hinckley), Anaconda Copper ((Howeard L. Edwards, Charles Jay Parkinson), Atari Games (Nolan Busnell), Bank of America (Blair R. Egli, Richard V. Harris), Black & Decker (Nolan D Archibald), Citibank (Dan C. Jorgensen), Clorox (Robert A. Bolingbroke), Columbia Broadcasting System (Ralph W. Hardy), Columbia Records (James B. Conkling), Conoco (Max G. Pitcher), Consolidated Freightways (Ronald E. Poelman), Digital Equipment (Ralph N. Christensen), Dow Chemical (Wayne Hancock), Eastman Kodak (Kay R. Whitmore), General Mills (Delbert F. Wright, Mark H. Willes, Richard C. Edgley), B. F. Goodrich (D. Lee Tobler), Gucci Stores (Harmon J. Tobler), Hewlett-Packard (Richard W. Anderson), Kaiser Steel (Albert P. Heiner), M. W. Kellogg (Alex G. Oblad), Kentucky Fried Chicken (Leon W. Harman), Litton Industries (Rudolph E. Lang, Jr.), Los Angeles Times-Mirror (Mark H. Willes), Lufthansa Airlines (Dieter F. Uchtdorf), Madison Square Garden (David W. Checketts), Marriott Hotels (J. Willard Marriott, Sr. and Jr., Ridhard E. Marriott, Milton A Barlow, W.Donn Ladd, Francis W. Cash, Thomas Hart), McGraw-Hill Publications (David P. Forsyth), Mars Candy (Merrill J. Bateman), Metropolitan Life Insurance (Stanley Benfell), Nabisco (Lee > Bickmore), Newsweek (Llewellyn L. Calaway), Olumpic Stain (C. Roger Victor), J. C. Penney (Oakley S. Evans), Phillips Petroleum (Robern N. Sears), Prudential Insurance (James B. Jacobson), Ryder Rental Trucks (M. Anthony Burns), Safeway Stores (O. Leslie Stone), Sperry Univac (Gerald G. Probst), Trans-Canada Pipeline (N. Eldon Tanner), Union Carbide (Isaac Stewart), Warner Bros. Records (James B Conkling), Western Airlines (Larry Lee), Winchell's/Denny's Restaurants (John D. Hatch), Woolworth Stores (Robert Kirkwood).
Harold B. Lee History
Toured Far East and dedicated four countries for the preaching of the gospel.
Herbert Salisbury, grandson of Cathrine Smith
Herbert Salisbury, grandson of Cathrine Smith Salisbury, sister of Joseph Smith, says in an interview, "I was visiting my grandmother at her home in Hancock County, near Fountain Green, when I asked her for some recollections of her brother, the Prophet Joseph Smith. Catherine Smith Salisbury then told me that while dusting up the room where the Prophet had his study she saw a package on the table containing the gold plates on which was engraved the story of the Book of Mormon. She said she hefted those plates and found them very heavy like gold and also rippled her fingers up the edge of the plates and felt that they were separate metal plates and heard the tinkle of sound that they made. . . . the Prophet's sister, told me that she was there when he came in running and burst through the door carrying the plates; and that his hand was injured from striking one of the villains. He told her that he had jumped over a rail fence; when one of the villains grabbed for the plates, he knocked him down with his right fist while carrying the plates under his left arm clasped to his body. Then he ran the gauntlet with several more, and when he came in the house she said he was completely out of breath. She took the plates from him and laid them on the table temporarily, and helped revive him until he got breathing properly, and also examined his hand, and treated it for the bruises on his knuckles, where he had struck the villain and thus defended himself and the plates."
Hugh B. Brown delivers the first of five "Whom say ye that I am?"
Hugh B. Brown delivers the first of five "Whom say ye that I am?" addresses over KSL radio.
Hugh B. Brown delivers The Living Christ radio broadcast on the CBS Church
Hugh B. Brown delivers The Living Christ radio broadcast on the CBS Church of the Air.
In 1954 there were 2,022 missionaries
In 1954 there were 2,022 missionaries called to serve.
Indian Placement Program inaugurated for elementary students
Indian Placement Program inaugurated for elementary students.
Intermountain-based companies of national stature (not owned or controlled by LDS church) which have
Intermountain-based companies of national stature (not owned or controlled by LDS church) which have Mormon executives from their inception or at various times are Albertson's Supermarkets, Associated Foods, Evans and Sutherland Computer Corp., First Security Bank/Wells Fargo, Franklin Quest, Geneva Steel, Huntsman Chemicals, Jusky Oil, J.B.'s Big Boy Restaurants, Little America Hotels, Micron Technology, Morton-Thiokol, Nevell, J. R. Simplot Corp., Sinclair Oil, Smith's Food King Stores, Swire Coca-Cola USA, O. C. Tanner Jewelry, Wildon Food Products, WordPerfect.
Jewish missionary work program organized
Jewish missionary work program organized (until 1959).
Joseph Fielding Smith speaks
Joseph Fielding Smith speaks, at a lecture for Seminary and Institute teachers, for two hours on his recently published book, MAN HIS ORIGIN AND DESTINY, repeating many of the points in previous classes at the summer session. He insists on the view that the earth was only 6,000 years old and that no one and nothing had died before Adam and Eve's transgression. He concludes, 'I hope you take what I'm saying literally, because if you don't you have no business in the church school system.'"
O. Meredith Wilson is president, University
O. Meredith Wilson is president, University of Oregon. Other Mormons appointed as university presidents outside intermountain states are Vern O. Knudsen (UCLA, 1959), G. Homer Durham (Arizona State University, 1960), O. Meredith Wilson (University of Minnesota, 1960), Stanford Cazier (California State University at Chico, 1971) E. Gordon Gee (West Virginia University, 1981), David P. Gardner (University of California system, 1984), E. Gordon Gee (University of Colorado, 1985; Ohio State University, 1990), V. Lane Rawlins (Memphis State University, 1990).
President David O. McKay left Salt
President David O. McKay left Salt Lake City on a trip to London, England; South Africa; and South and Central America. He returned in mid-February, and at that point had visited every existing mission of the Church. He was the first president of the Church to visit the South African Mission.
Priest and teacher ordination ages are lowered to 16 and 14
Priest and teacher ordination ages are lowered to 16 and 14.
Second Counselor J. Reuben Clark gives
Second Counselor J. Reuben Clark gives an address titled "When are the Writings or Sermons of Church Leaders Entitled to the Claim of Scripture?" In it he states, ". . . even the President of the Church, himself, may not always be 'moved upon by the Holy Ghost,' when he addresses the people. This has happened about matters of doctrine (usually of a highly speculative character) where subsequent Presidents of the Church and the peoples themselves have felt that in declaring the doctrine, the announcer was not moved upon by the Holy Ghost'. . . . even the President of the Church has not always spoken under the direction of the Holy Ghost, for a prophet is not always a prophet . . . in our own Church, leaders have differed in view from the first. . . . not always may the words of a prophet be taken as a prophecy or revelation . . ." This may have been given in response to recent, public addresses by Joseph Fielding Smith which dogmatically labeled evolution as false.
The 1954 Church Membership 1,302,240
1954 Church Membership 1,302,240
The Church announced the inauguration
The Church announced the inauguration of the Indian Placement Program, whereby Indian students of elementary- and secondary-school age could be placed in foster homes during the school year in order for them to take advantage of better educational opportunities.
The Finnish edition of the Book
This translation of 摩爾門經 was done for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia. Additional Information:Retranslated in 2007 and changed name from 摩門經 to 摩爾門經.. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The First Presidency announced the establishment
The First Presidency announced the establishment of the Church College of Hawaii. The college commenced operation Sept. 26, 1955.
The First Presidency approved a plan
The First Presidency approved a plan to ordain young men of the Aaronic Priesthood to the office of teacher at age 14 and priest at age 16. The previous ages were 15 and 17.
The Indian Placement program begins
The Indian Placement program begins.
World-class scientist (and father of future
World-class scientist (and father of future apostle) Henry Eyring writes to Apostle Richard L. Evans, "I never worry what the Brethren believe about my specialty today because it is part of the genius of the Lord's Church that both they and I will understand the entire situation better tomorrow." A general authority stated that Eyring "kept his knowledge of the revealed truths of religion and his organic evolutionary views in separate compartments."
1955
A letter from the Presiding Bishopric
A letter from the Presiding Bishopric announced that students at BYU would be organized into campus wards and stakes beginning Jan. 8, 1956. This move set the pattern for student wards to be organized at Church colleges and institutes of religion wherever their numbers warranted it.
A special program of missionary
A special program of missionary work among the Jewish people was organized. It continued until 1959.
Bern Switzerland Temple
Bern Switzerland Temple was dedicated 11–15 September 1955 by David O. McKay.
Campus wards and stakes organized at BYU
Campus wards and stakes organized at BYU (beginning January 8).
Church College of Hawaii opened for classes
Church College of Hawaii opened for classes.
Church College of Hawaii opens for regular course work
Church College of Hawaii opens for regular course work. First and largest of LDS schools established in Pacific islands for Polynesian Mormons, this becomes Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus on Sept. 1, 1974.
CHURCH NEWS article, "Church-Approved Formal Evening
CHURCH NEWS article, "Church-Approved Formal Evening Gowns Designed: Relief Society Sewing Center."
Congress defines full-time LDS missionaries as eligible for ministerial deferments from military service
Congress defines full-time LDS missionaries as eligible for ministerial deferments from military service.
David O. Mckay History
Dedicated Los Angeles California Temple.
David O. McKay toured South Pacific missions
David O. McKay toured South Pacific missions.
Dedication of LDS temple near Bern
Dedication of LDS temple near Bern Switzerland by President David O. McKay. This is first temple in Eruope.
First European overseas temple dedicated near Bern, Switzerland — first to use films
First European overseas temple dedicated near Bern, Switzerland — first to use films.
First Presidency letter instructs stake presidents
First Presidency letter instructs stake presidents that Native American Indian children may be legally taken into LDS homes "in Utah only through the agency of the Relief Society." Established July 1954 this Indian Placement Program seeks to give educational and acculturation advantages to Native Americans by placing their elementary and secondary school-age children in homes of LDS Anglo-Americans for each school year. This began in 1947 as innovation of Golden R. Buchanan, member of Sevier Stake presidency, who took first Native American Indian (sixteen-year-old Helen John) into his home. Later, this program is taken from jurisdiction of Relief Society and given to male church leaders. At its peak in 1972, program places 4,977 Indian children in Anglo-American homes. By 1990 participation declines to 500 because of increased resentment against this well-intentioned effort to "Americanize" Native peoples.
Gulf States mission is created
Gulf States mission is created
Hugh B. Brown delivers "History's Most Eventful Week" Easter sermon on the NBC Faith
Hugh B. Brown delivers "History's Most Eventful Week" Easter sermon on the NBC Faith in Action series.
In 1955 there were 2,414 missionaries
In 1955 there were 2,414 missionaries called to serve.
Joel F. LeBaron incorporates Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times
Joel F. LeBaron incorporates Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times, only Mormon Fundamentalist group to aggressively proselytize.
Joseph Fielding Smith History
Sustained as counselor in stake presidency, Temple View Stake, Utah.
Northern Far East mission is created
Northern Far East mission is created
Official publication of American Jewish Congress
Official publication of American Jewish Congress notes that "American Jews are proud to join Americans of all faiths in wishing the Mormon Church continued progress and growth."
President David O. McKay took
President David O. McKay took a trip covering more than 45,000 miles to the missions of the South Pacific, selected a site for the New Zealand Temple and discussed plans for the building of a Church college in New Zealand.
Professors Hugh Nibley of the Brigham
Professors Hugh Nibley of the Brigham Young University and Sterling M. McMurrin of the University of Utah read papers at the Great Issues Forum at the University of Utah under the general title "Do Religion and History Conflict?"
Quorum of Twelve recommends establishment of separate unit or branch for African-American members
Quorum of Twelve recommends establishment of separate unit or branch for African-American members in Salt Lake City.
South Australian mission is created
South Australian mission is created
Southern Far East mission is created
Southern Far East mission is created
Tabernacle Choir toured Europe
Tabernacle Choir toured Europe.
The 1955 Church Membership 1,357,274
1955 Church Membership 1,357,274
The Bern Switzerland Temple was dedicated by David O
The Bern Switzerland Temple was dedicated by David O. McKay.
The choir conducts its first international
The choir conducts its first international concert tour, performing at venues across Europe.
The Church Building Committee was organized to supervise the vast building program
The Church Building Committee was organized to supervise the vast building program of the Church throughout the world.
The Church College of Hawaii, now
The Church College of Hawaii, now BYU-Hawaii, was opened.
The first Choir concert tour to Europe
The first Choir concert tour to Europe, with stops in Scotland, Wales, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and France, is completed.
The first college wards are created at BYU.
The first college wards are created at BYU.
The Swiss Temple, near Bern, was dedicated by President David O
The Swiss Temple, near Bern, was dedicated by President David O. McKay.
The Tabernacle Choir made a major concert tour of Europe
The Tabernacle Choir made a major concert tour of Europe.
Thomas S. Monson History
Dedicated Bern Switzerland Temple.
1956
Convert integration program adopted during the year
Convert integration program adopted during the year.
David O. Mckay History
Called as president of the East Millcreek Stake, a third-generation stake president.
First Presidency letter about large number
First Presidency letter about large number of converts "to be absorbed in the existing stake and mission organizations of the Church. Their assimilation into these organizations has come to be a matter of grave concern." This statement refers to 21,669 convert baptisms in 1955. In 1995 there are 304,330 convert baptisms.
Frederick S. Williams, former mission president
Frederick S. Williams, former mission president in Argentina and Uruguay, moved with his family to Peru and contacted Church headquarters for permission to organize a branch and begin missionary work. First missionaries arrived Aug. 7, 1956.
Frederick Williams moved to Peru and began missionary work
Frederick Williams moved to Peru and began missionary work.
Gordon B. Hinkley History
One and one-half vocal cords removed due to throat cancer.
In 1956 there were 2,572 missionaries
In 1956 there were 2,572 missionaries called to serve.
Los Angeles California Temple
Los Angeles California Temple was dedicated 11–14 March 1956 by David O. McKay.
Los Angeles Temple dedicated
A 190,000-square-foot temple with a gold-leafed spire signals the Church’s growth outside the Intermountain West.
Los Angeles Temple dedicated by David O
Los Angeles Temple dedicated by David O. McKay.
Northern Mexican mission is created
Northern Mexican mission is created
Pacific Board of Education organized for Church schools
Pacific Board of Education organized for Church schools.
President David O
President David O. McKay dedicated the Los Angeles Temple.
Second counselor J. Reuben Clark reluctantly
Second counselor J. Reuben Clark reluctantly agrees not to oppose First Preidency's decision to set aside two-thirds of tithing income to invest in government bonds, even though in previous months church had already lost $1 million on its investments in government securities.
Semiannual conference canceled due to a flu epidemic
Semiannual conference canceled due to a flu epidemic.
The 1956 Church Membership 1,416,731
1956 Church Membership 1,416,731
The first campus wards and stakes
The first campus wards and stakes in the Church were organized at BYU.
The Los Angeles California Temple was dedicated by David O
The Los Angeles California Temple was dedicated by David O. McKay.
The new Relief Society Building in Salt Lake City was dedicated
The new Relief Society Building in Salt Lake City was dedicated.
University of Utah awarded a construction permit for Channel 7
University of Utah awarded a construction permit for Channel 7; BYU decides to build its own TV production center.
1957
Church College of Hawaii dedicated by David O
Church College of Hawaii dedicated by David O. McKay.
Church first uses videotape to record and rebroadcast General Conference
Church first uses videotape to record and rebroadcast General Conference.
Church Information Service formed to promote missionary work through an accurate image
Church Information Service formed to promote missionary work through an accurate image of the Church.
General Conference is canceled due to a flu outbreak
General Conference is canceled due to a flu outbreak.
In 1957 there were 2,518 missionaries
In 1957 there were 2,518 missionaries called to serve.
London Temple dedicated by David O
London Temple dedicated by David O. McKay.
New Zealand Temple dedicated by David O
New Zealand Temple dedicated by David O. McKay.
North German mission is created
North German mission is created
Spence W. Kimball History
Toured South Seas missions; dedicated Church College of New Zealand and Church College of Hawaii (now BYU-Hawaii).
The 1957 Church Membership 1,488,314
1957 Church Membership 1,488,314
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Chior is Richard P. Condie. 1959 Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus for "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".
The Pacific Board of Education
The Pacific Board of Education was organized to supervise all Church schools in the Pacific area.
The semiannual general conference was canceled due to a flu epidemic
The semiannual general conference was canceled due to a flu epidemic.