Orrin Porter Rockwell (1813-1878) is one of the most colorful characters in LDS Church history. He is memorialized in biographies, novels, articles, ballads, and monuments. Childhood protector, lifelong friend, and bodyguard of Joseph Smith Imprisoned for the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs “No bullet or blade can harm thee.” (Joseph Smith prophecy) Rowed the boat … Continue reading Porter Rockwell and the Prophet
"Great Quotes" “Occasionally we find some who become so energetic in their Church service that their lives become unbalanced. They start believing that the programs they administer are more important than the people they serve. They complicate their service with needless frills and embellishments that occupy too much time, cost too much money, and sap … Continue reading It’s all about People, not Programs – M. Russell Ballard
"Sunday Sermon" Doctrine and Covenants 107:99-100: Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted … Continue reading “Let Every Man Learn His Duty” – D&C 107: 99-100
David Wyman Patten was born November 14, 1799, in New Hampshire, the eleventh of thirteen children. In 1828, he married Pheobe Ann Babcock in Michigan, and they had one stillborn child. David was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint in Indiana, on June 15, 1832, by his brother. “I … Continue reading David W. Patten, the First Apostolic Martyr
"Great Quotes" The First Presidency issued this bold statement, as part of a larger message, in 1942, during WW II. “Obedient to the direct command of the Lord, given to us more than a hundred years ago (directing us to “renounce war and proclaim peace” D&C 98:16) the Church is and must be against war, … Continue reading “On War” -The First Presidency (D&C 98:16)
"Sunday Sermon" In July 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation calling the Twelve Apostles to serve a mission in Britain. They were to leave on April 26th 1839 from Far West, Missouri. (D&C 118) Tragic conditions made fulfillment of the prophecy virtually impossible This revelation could not have come at a worse time. … Continue reading The Incredible Mission of the Twelve to Britain(1838-1841)
"Fun Facts Saturday" In the 1840’s, Nauvoo, Illinois was a thriving Latter-day Saint community on the banks of the Mississippi River. Nauvoo had about 12,000 residents, almost as large as Chicago. In 1845, the year after the mob murdered the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Nauvoo Charter was repealed, and the “City of Joseph” was legally … Continue reading Nauvoo: Brigham Young’s “Whistling and Whittling Brigade” — Law Enforcement by “Nuisance”
"Great Quotes" “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places.” Dallin H. Oaks (“Followers of Christ,” Gen. Conf. Apr. 2013) Life and Legacy Birth and Childhood: Dallin Harris Oaks was born August 12, 1932, … Continue reading Following Christ Is Not Casual — Dallin H. Oaks
"Sunday Sermon" Worldwide Expansion of the Church David O. McKay was the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the 1950’s and 1960’s. He presided over the worldwide expansion of the church. Until his administration, the church was perceived as a Utah church. President McKay personally changed the image of the … Continue reading David O. McKay: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”
"Fun Facts Saturday" “Porter Rockwell killed more outlaws than Wyatt Earp, Doc Holladay, Tom Horn, and Bat Masterson combined, earning him the menacing title, the ‘Avenging Angel.’” Orrin Porter Rockwell (1813-1878) is one of the most colorful characters in Utah and LDS Church history. He is memorialized in biographies, novels, newspaper articles, ballads, and … Continue reading The Famous Porter Rockwell – Prophets’ Bodyguard and Outlaws’ “Avenging Angel”
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