December 21

1603 – In preparation for the Restoration of the Gospel, Roger Williams is born in London, United Kingdom. He was a Puritan minister, theologian, and author who founded the U.S. state of Rhode Island. He was a staunch advocate for religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with Native Americans.

1830 – The Prophet Joseph Smith receives Doctrine and Covenants 37 by revelation. It the first commandment from the Lord for the Saints to gather to one location—in this revelation the call is given to gather to the Kirtland, Ohio, area. (History of the Church, 1:139)

1839 – The Prophet Joseph Smith left Washington D. C. and traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by railroad. He would spend the next several days preaching and “visiting from house to house,” both Church members and others. (History of the Church, 4:47)

      John P. Greene

1843 – The Nauvoo City Council met and voted to send Orson Pratt with a Memorial and Ordinance to Congress in Washington D. C. outlining the experiences of the Saints in Missouri and asking for them to protect and save them from it happening again in Illinois. Also, the City Council elected John P. Greene city marshal who was then instructed by the Mayor, Joseph Smith, to kept the city in order, stop the boys when fighting in the streets, and to correct anything out of order like a father would.

1852 – Elder Orson Pratt publishes the first issue of The Seer, a Church newspaper in Washington D. C.

1969 – The first branch of the Church is organized on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

1984 – The Brigham Young University football team wins the Holiday Bowl over the University of Michigan, 24-17, capping an undefeated season (13-0). Later, as a result of the victory, the football team receives the number one ranking in the polls and is awarded the NCAA National Championship.