The Mormon Apocrypha

Last post, I shared some revelations received by Otto Fetting. This post does the same, but with the revelations of William A. Draves. Message 31 1 “Fear not, let peace be with you. Your prayers have been heard; God hears the prayers of His children; He knows your hearts before you ask. Some are pleading to Him in your behalf, and God has looked on you in favor. The year has been good to you. Blessings have been yours to enjoy. Yea, be humble before your God.  2 Truly God has used you as an instrument in His hands—by the power of that righteous Spirit He spoke through you. Many have obeyed His voice. Many have been made glad, and some have gone through sadness and will, before they will hear Him, but God will not fail the honest—those that seek Him diligently. Seek Him early while it is called today. Man is all selfishness unless he is filled with the Spirit of God.”  At this juncture the visitor raised his right arm and seemed to reach almost over me swaying his arm gently. I...

Unlike the other churches of the restoration, I have talked about so far, The Church of Christ with the Elijah Message was not created during the succession crisis, but instead in the 1920s. Despite this, it is the fourth largest Mormon denomination, with over 12,000 members. Otto Fetting was a member of the Church of Christ, Temple Lot. On February 4, 1927, Fetting claimed that John the Baptist gave him a message to give to the Church of Christ. The church was originally accepting of Otto's visions, even publishing them in their paper, The Zions Advocate. Soon however, Otto began receiving messages contrary to the Church of Christ's policies. Consequently, in 1929, Fetting was silenced. Fetting chose to withdraw from the church, bringing a large percentage of church of Christ members with him. Otto passed away in 1933, after claiming to have received multiple revelations by the angel. William A. Draves, a member of this church, claimed to have received revelations from the sam...

Next year, in 2027, the Salt Lake Temple will be opened to the public for the first time in over seven years. To celebrate this occasion in advance, I want to share a sermon from the eleventh volume of the Journal of Discourses. Delivered by Brigham Young in Salt Lake City, it goes over the building of the Salt Lake Temple. I want your attention. I do not know how long it will be prudent to continue our meeting, but we would like to say a great deal more to the people. I will talk to you a little with regard to building the Temple. When br. Heber asks you to come and join us in drawing rock, you turn round and say, “I have paid my tithing; what more do you want? Do you want any donations or extra help? What do you do with the tithing?” This is in the minds of the people, and it is something that I think about, too, but I confess to you that, although I am Trustee-in-Trust and have the management of all this, I know but little about what is done with the tithing. Br. Hunter is Bishop, a...

In 1985, the first temple in Africa was dedicated. Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was a great step forward for the preaching of the gospel in Africa. Dedicated 24–25 August 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley Almighty and Eternal Father in Heaven whom we love and worship, on this day of dedication we come unto Thee in the name of Thy Son Jesus Christ. We are assembled in this holy house which we present unto Thee. It has been built through the consecrations of Thy faithful sons and daughters. They have given generously of their means to rear it unto Thee as an expression of their love for Thee and of their faith in the eternal ordinances which Thou hast revealed for the salvation and blessing of Thy children. We pray that Thou wilt accept our offering and that Thou wilt honor this house with Thy holy presence. Let Thy Spirit constantly abide here and touch the hearts of all who shall enter. Beloved Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude on this historic day in the chronicles of...