Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declarations 1

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declarations 1

"One case has been reported, in which the parties allege that the marriage was performed in the Endowment House, in Salt Lake City, in the Spring of 1889, but I have not been able to learn who performed the ceremony; whatever was done in this matter was without my knowledge. In consequence of this alleged occurrence the Endowment House was, by my instructions, taken down without delay."

Any member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can tell you that we do not practice polygamy. We have not done so for over 130 years. To be found doing so will lead to excommunication. Yet there is a reason why this manifesto against the practice of polygamy is included in the Doctrine and Covenants as an Official Declaration. Reading this now in the light of our day I can see a warning.

The Endowment House was were the saints could receive temple ordinances while waiting for the completion of the Salt Lake Temple. In consequence of the actions of a few misguided members, that went against the direction of the president of the church and laws of the land, the Endowment House was immediately taken down. This happened in Oct 1890 and the Salt Lake Temple was not dedicated until 1893. So for a period of time the saints could not receive the blessings of temple ordinances because of the actions of a few.

As I reflected on this situation, and the slow and cautious reopening of our temples from this pandemic, I thought of the careful videos made in preparation for what to expect when we return. As clear and peaceful as these videos are I am sure there must be a concern that misguided individuals may challenge and refuse to follow these guidelines. I hope they do not, for to do so could rightfully justify the First Presidency in closing our temples again. The actions of a few have consequences for many. I do not want to see history repeat itself. It's one thing for a temple to close due to a pandemic. It's another if it's because of our own actions. I would not want to be on the wrong side of this. Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Official Declarations 1

"One case has been reported, in which the parties allege that the marriage was performed in the Endowment House, in Salt Lake City, in the Spring of 1889, but I have not been able to learn who performed the ceremony; whatever was done in this matter was without my knowledge. In consequence of this alleged occurrence the Endowment House was, by my instructions, taken down without delay."

Any member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can tell you that we do not practice polygamy. We have not done so for over 130 years. To be found doing so will lead to excommunication. Yet there is a reason why this manifesto against the practice of polygamy is included in the Doctrine and Covenants as an Official Declaration. Reading this now in the light of our day I can see a warning.

The Endowment House was were the saints could receive temple ordinances while waiting for the completion of the Salt Lake Temple. In consequence of the actions of a few misguided members, that went against the direction of the president of the church and laws of the land, the Endowment House was immediately taken down. This happened in Oct 1890 and the Salt Lake Temple was not dedicated until 1893. So for a period of time the saints could not receive the blessings of temple ordinances because of the actions of a few.

As I reflected on this situation, and the slow and cautious reopening of our temples from this pandemic, I thought of the careful videos made in preparation of what we are to expect when we return. One of the requirements is to wear masks. I sure hope we do not have misguided members that will challenge and refuse to wear them. To do so would justify the First Presidency in closing our temples again. The actions of a few have consequences for many. I do not want to see history repeat itself. It's one thing for a temple to close due to a pandemic. It's another if it's because of our own actions. I would not want to be on the wrong side of this.

Day 2142