History of Heber C. Kimball (1801-1868) (3)

Mormon History 1830-1844

History of Heber C. Kimball (1801–1868) (3)

Kirtland temple construction. Lectures on Faith at school of the Prophets §. Grammar school, Hebrew classes §. Ordained an apostle §. Mission to New York, New England (first mission of the Twelve) §. Second mission to the East §. Dedication of the House of the Lord §. Mission to England §. Dissident apostles §. Leaves Kirtland for New York, England §.

This sketch is part of the series, "History of Brigham Young," published in the Millennial Star, 1863–1865. It was originally published in the Deseret News in 1858. The title in the Deseret News and Millennial Star is "Synopsis of the History of Heber Chase Kimball."

	SYNOPSIS OF THE HISTORY OF HEBER CHASE KIMBALL.		MS 26, no. 36 (Sept. 3, 1864): 568–569.
	[Part 3]
Temple construction	At this time the brethren were laboring night and day building the House of the Lord. Our women were engaged in spinning and knitting, in order to clothe those who were laboring at the building; and the Lord only knows the scenes of poverty, tribulation, and distress which we passed through in order to accomplish it.
Vilate's spins wool to clothe workers	My wife had toiled all summer in lending her aid towards its accomplishment. She took one hundred pounds of wool to spin on shares, which, with the assistance of a girl, she spun in order to furnish clothing for those engaged in the building of the Temple, and although she had the privilege of keeping half the quantity of wool for herself, as a recompense for her labor, she did not reserve even so much as would make a pair of stockings, but gave it for those who were laboring at the House of the Lord.
Made cloth	She spun, and wove, and got the cloth dressed, and cut, and made up into garments, and gave them to those men who labored on the temple—almost all the sisters in Kirtland labored in knitting, sewing, spinning, &c., for the same purpose.
Theological school Lectures on Faith	In the winter of 1834–5, I attended the Theological School established in Kirtland, in which the lectures on faith, contained in the book of Doctrines and Covenants, originated.
Talks on faith	A certain number were appointed to speak at each meeting. On one occasion I was called upon to speak on the principle of faith. Several brethren spoke before me, and quoted every passage mentioned in the Scriptures on the subject. I referred to an original circumstance which took place in my family.
Daughter breaks saucer Prays mother won't whip her	My daughter had broke a saucer; her mother promised her a whipping, when she returned from a visit on which she was just starting; she went out under an apple tree and prayed that her mother's heart might be softened, and when she returned she might not whip her; although her mother was very punctual when she made a promise to her children to fulfil it, yet when she returned she had no disposition to chastise her child. Afterwards the child told her mother that she had prayed to God that she might not whip her.
Joseph weeps	Joseph wept like a child on hearing this simple narrative and its application.
Grammar school 6 weeks Taught by Sidney and William McLellin	Dec. 22.—I commenced going to a grammar school, taught by Sidney Rigdon and Wm. E. McLellin; many elders and some of the sisters attended. I continued six weeks.		Orson Hyde and William E. McLellin were rebuked for criticizing Sidney's teaching. ¶ Minutes of September 26, 1835.
Apostle	Feb. 14th, 1835.—I was chosen and ordained one of the Twelve Apostles.
Mission of the Twelve	May 4th, 1835.—I started in company with the Twelve on a mission to the Eastern churches.
New York, Vermont conferences	I attended Conferences with the Quorum at Westfield, Chautauqua, New York, at Freedom, Cattaraugus county, at Lyons, Wayne county, and also at Pillow Point [Pillar Point], Jefferson county; from thence I went to Plattsburg, where brother Orson Pratt and I separated from our brethren, and proceeded by steamboat to St. Albans. I visited Sheldon, where I was born, and on the Sabbath had an appointment to preach alone, brother Pratt having gone on. I preached to my friends and relatives several times.		Original: Chataque, Lyonstown Minutes of May 22–25, 1835 Lyons, or Lyonstown, is 15 miles east of Palmyra.
Green Mountains	I passed over the Green mountains on foot and alone, ten miles between houses, through deep gorges.
New England	Attended a Conference in St. Johnsbury with the Twelve. I visited my connections at Plainfield, N. H., and preached to them amid much opposition, and attended Conference with the Quorum at Bradford, Massachusetts, also at Saco and Farmington, Maine.
Son born	My son, Heber P, was born in Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio, June 1, 1835.
Begin return journey	August 31.—We started for home; I passed through Concord, N. H., and at Plainfield I received seven dollars, a bequest left me by my aunt, which enabled me to proceed home. I went by stage, railroad, and canal, visiting my sister by the way, at Byron, and arrived at Buffalo, where I met the Quorum of the Twelve.
Steamer leaks	We went on board the steamer United States, and proceeded as far as [569] Dunkirk, where she ran aground and sprung a leak; she made her way for Erie, where she arrived with difficulty, but we were under the necessity of running upon a sand bar, to save the boat from sinking,
Arrive Kirtland	we re-shipped and arrived at Fairport; we reached Kirtland the same evening, Sept. 27.		Probably September 26. ¶ 1835 Chronology
Mission hardships	A considerable portion of this mission was performed on foot, and I suffered severely from fatigue and blistered feet, which were sometimes so sore I could not wear my boots nor proceed without. I was frequently threatened and reviled by unbelievers, and had great difficulty in finding places to sleep and procuring food to eat.
Sidney's grammar school Seixas Hebrew class	I attended grammar school, taught by Elder Rigdon, about five weeks, and then commenced studying Hebrew under Professor J. Seixas, at which I continued during the winter.
Temple dedication March 1836	March 27, 1836.—I attended the dedication of the House of the Lord, and received my washings and anointings with the Twelve Apostles; and received the washing of feet on the day of the solemn assembly. I received many manifestations of the power of God, and participated in all the blessings and ordinances of endowment which were then administered.
Heber: mission or school? Joseph: either	May, 1836.—I inquired of the Prophet Joseph if I should go on a mission to preach, or go to school, he replied, I might do either, for the Lord would bless me in the course I should pursue.
May 10 mission to western New York	Accordingly, on the 10th, I left Kirtland and proceeded to Fairport, where I took steamboat at 11 o'clock a.m., and next morning I arrived in Buffalo. From that place I passed on to the North-east, preaching where doors were open, and baptizing for the remission of sins such as believed.
June meets Luke Johnson and Orson Pratt	June 13.—At Sackets Harbor, I had the pleasure of meeting Luke Johnson and Orson Pratt, who were laboring with their might for the cause of God in that region.		Original: Sackett's
Ogdensburg Preaches an hour	I took the steamer United States to Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County. About three miles from the village I was stopped by a shower of rain, and making known my calling, the people desired a meeting, and called in their neighbors, and I preached to them for an hour.
People want more	Many stayed until midnight; and before I was up in the morning they called upon me, and requested that I should preach again that day in a school-house, which I did, and at night I was again thronged with those who were eager to hear.
Baptizes 3	The second morning they likewise called on me, and would not let me go until they knew the truth of my testimony; and on the fourth morning I baptized three.
Total 7 Believers speak in tongues, sick healed	I remained seven days, and continued preaching, and baptized and confirmed seven; and the promise was fulfilled, for those who believed spoke with tongues, and the sick were healed.
Plattsburg, New York; St. Albans, Vermont; Green Mountains	From thence I journeyed to Plattsburg, where I stayed all night with Mr. Mansfield, who was very friendly. I took steamer to St. Albans, Vermont, and visited my friends in Bakersfield; I was absent from Ogdensburg about five weeks, travelling through various parts of Vermont; and in my tour I visited Wright's settlement on the top of the Green Mountains, where some were believing.		MS 26 no. 37 (Sept. 10, 1864): 584–585.
Potsdam	On my return to Ogdensburg, I met Elder Solon Foster at Potsdam. I preached there once, and eight or nine bore testimony to the truth of the Gospel which I declared.
Ogdensburg	From there I went to Ogdensburg, and met the brethren whom I had baptized, and they rejoiced at my return. I tarried several days in those regions preaching and baptizing.
Joseph Sr. and John Smith arrive	On the 25th of August [1836] while we were assembled for a meeting, our hearts were filled with joy by the arrival of Joseph Smith, Sen., the Patriarch, and his brother John Smith, who were on a mission to bless the churches.
Patriarchal blessings	On the 27th the Church came together and received patriarchal blessings under the hands of President Joseph Smith, sen. I wrote for him.
	On Sunday, 28th, Father John Smith preached at 10 a.m. and four of us bore testimony to the Book of Mormon. In the afternoon we administered the sacrament, confirmed three, and blessed the little children of the branch.
Ordinations	Monday 29th. We ordained Alvin Simons an Elder and Levi Chapins a Teacher to watch over the church; fathers Joseph and John Smith left us.
Black Lake, Potsdam	I went to Black Lake, preached and baptized one; and I preached at Potsdam and baptized another.
Ogdensburg, 28 members	I returned to the township of Oswegatchie, called the Church together at Ogdensburg, which numbered twenty-eight, and bid them farewell. I left the church rejoicing in the Lord, and many around them believing the testimony.
Meets Vilate in Victor	From thence I pursued my journey to the town of Victor, Ontario County, where I met Vilate, my wife, visiting her friends: I tarried a few days with them.		Victor is three miles from Mentor.
Buffalo	From thence we pursued our journey to Buffalo. Here a magistrate came forward and paid our passages, $5, to Fairport.
Swiss emigrants	We took deck passage; our company consisted of Swiss emigrants.
Heber speaks in Swiss-German	After sitting and hearing them some time, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I was enabled to preach to them in their own tongue they seemed much pleased and treated us kindly.
Arrive Kirtland	We arrived in Kirtland on the 21st of October [1836].
Mission: baptized 30	I was gone nearly five months, visited many of my friends, preached much and baptized thirty; the Lord was with me and blessed me and confirmed the word with signs following.
June 1837 call to England	On or about the first day of June 1837, the Prophet Joseph came to me, while I was seated in the front stand, above the sacrament table on the Melchizedek side of the temple, in Kirtland, and whispering to me, said brother Heber, the Spirit of the Lord has whispered to me, "Let my servant Heber go to England and proclaim my gospel and open the door of salvation to that nation."
Fearful but determined	The idea of being appointed to such an important mission was almost more than I could bear up under; I truly felt my weakness and unworthiness yet the moment I understood the will of my heavenly Father, I felt a determination to go at all hazards, believing that he would support me by his almighty power. And although my family were dear to me, and I should have to leave them almost destitute, yet I felt that the cause of truth, the Gospel of Christ, outweighed every other consideration.
Orson Hyde repents	[585] I met the Presidency at Elder Rigdon's after meeting, and when they were about to lay hands on me, Elder O. Hyde stepped in and partaking of the Spirit of God, while hearing what was going on, he said, "Brethren I acknowledge that I have sinned before my God and you, and I beg of you to forgive me."		Heber's diary, qtd. in Heber, 41, indicates he was set apart June 4. On the previous day Orson had testified against the Prophet in a murder conspiracy case. ¶ Did Joseph Plot to Murder Grandison Newell?
Willing to go on mission	The Presidency rejoiced and praised the Lord at this manifestation of repentance by brother Hyde, who said if they found him worthy, he desired to accompany me on my mission to England, or go on any other mission.
Presidency set apart Heber Angels bear him up Bring salvation to thousands	The Presidency then laid hands on me, and set me apart to that mission and conferred great blessings upon my head; said that God would make me mighty in that nation in winning souls unto him, and angels should accompany me and bear me up, that my feet should never slip, that I should be mightily blessed and prove a source of salvation to thousands, not only in England but in America;
Orson Hyde, Joseph Fielding	after which Elder Hyde was set apart receiving similar blessings, and also Joseph Fielding who was a Priest.
Prays in the temple daily	After being called on this mission I daily went into the attic story of the Temple and poured out my soul unto the Lord, asking his protection and power to fulfil honorably the mission appointed me by his servants, that the God of Joseph, and all the holy Prophets and Apostles that were before him, would be with me by the administrations of his holy angels, and that I might have power so to live that all the blessings which had been conferred upon me in that House might be fulfilled.
Asks for Brigham to accompany Joseph wants Brigham to stay	Feeling my own weakness to go on such a mission, I asked the Prophet if brother Brigham might go with me. He replied that he wanted brother Brigham to stay WITH HIM.
Some apostles rebelling John F. Boynton: Joseph fallen	At this time many had faltered in their faith, even some of Twelve were in rebellion against the Prophet of God. John F. Boynton said to me, if I was such a damned fool as to go at the call of the fallen Prophet, Joseph Smith, he would not help me a dime and if I was cast on Van Dieman's Land he would not make an effort to help me.
Lyman E. Johnson gives Heber the cloak off his back (Heber's first)	Lyman E. Johnson said he did not want me to go on my mission; but if was determined to go he would help me all he could; he took his cloak off his back and put it on to mine, this was the first cloak I ever had in my life.		On May 29 Lyman had charged Joseph with lying and theft in the Kirtland Safety Society affair. "Charges Against Joseph Smith, Jr.," Whitney papers.
Encouragement from brethren	Brother Sidney Rigdon, father Joseph Smith, brothers Brigham Young, Newel K. Whitney and others, said, "Go, and do as the Prophet has told you and you shall prosper and be blessed with power to do a glorious work."
Hyrum weeps like a child, continually blessing, encouraging, prophesying	Hyrum, seeing the condition of the Church, when he would talk about my mission, wept like a little child. He was continually blessing and encouraging me, and pouring out his soul in prophecies upon my head. He said to me, "Go, and you shall prosper as not many have prospered."
Willard Richards returns from mission Heber urges him to go to England	June 12th [1837]. Elder Willard Richards (h) arrived from his mission yesterday. I met him on the street today and told him I was now ready to fulfil my engagement with him. I told him I started for England tomorrow, and wanted him to go with me.		MS 26, no. 38 (Sept. 17, 1864): 598–599.
	Considering himself involved in business with brother Brigham, he did not believe he could go but upon consulting Presidents Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon, and brother Brigham agreeing to take charge of his business responsibilities, he was set apart at 6 p.m., by brothers Hyrum and Sydney to accompany the mission to England.
Letter of recommendation	I received the following letter of recommendation from the First Presidency.
	At a Conference of the Elders of the Church of Latter-day Saints held in Kirtland, Geauga co., Ohio, on the second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-seven, Elder Heber C. Kimball the bearer of this was unanimously appointed, set apart and ordained to go at the head of this mission to England, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of that nation, as it is believed and practiced by us—From the long acquaintance which we have had with this our worthy brother, his integrity and zeal in the cause of truth, we do most cheerfully and confidently recommend him to all candid and upright people as a servant of God and faithful minister of Jesus Christ. We do furthermore beseech all people who have an opportunity of hearing this our brother declare the doctrine believed by us, to listen with attention to the words of his mouth.
	JOSEPH SMITH. SIDNEY RIGDON. HYRUM SMITH.	Presiding Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Blesses family	I laid my hands upon my family and blessed them and dedicated them to God.		¶ Robert B. Thompson: Heber C. Kimball
June 13 leave Kirtland	June 13th 1837, I bade my family and friends in Kirtland farewell, and in company with Elders Hyde, Richards (h), and Priest Fielding started on my mission: arrived at Fairport, on Lake Erie, that afternoon, a distance of twelve miles; and about an hour after our arrival, took passage in a steamboat.
Mary Fielding donates $5	Sister Mary Fielding gave me five dollars, with which I paid my passage and brother Hyde's to Buffalo; after a pleasant voyage we reached Buffalo the next day.
Heber does not receive Canadian donations to mission	There was means furnished by the Canadian brethren to help the mission but I never got a farthing of it.
	I journeyed in company with Elder Richards to Richmond, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, where we spent one day visiting his father and mother, and were successful in obtaining $40 to enable us to prosecute our journey.
New York City, June 22 Meet other Canadian companions	We arrived at New York on the 22nd day of June, where we met with brothers Goodson, Russell and Snider (they came by the way of Canada) all in good health.
Sleep on warehouse floor (beds empty)	Being scant of means we were obliged to rent a store house from Elijah Fordham's father, on the floor of which we lay. He had as many as twelve beds which were empty.
Orson's pamphlet Timely Warnings	While we remained in New York, we distributed O. Hyde's Timely Warnings to the ministers of the different denominations, and taught the people the principles of the Gospel.		Heber confuses Orson's A Timely Warning ( May 1839) with his A Prophetic Warning (Aug. 1836). Crawley bibiography, 63–64, 85–86.
Elijah Fordham only Saint in New York.	Elijah Fordham was the only Saint in New York, he gave me $10.
Elijah Fordham only Saint in New York.	Heber C. Kimball (h1) Heber C. Kimball (h2) Heber C. Kimball (5) Heber C. Kimball Biographies Home