October 19

1835 – The Prophet Joseph spent the day at home. He entertained a number of people who came to see the ancient Egyptian records he was translating. (History of the Church, 2:290)

1840 – The Prophet Joseph writes a letter to the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, reproving them for the neglect of their brethren during the Missouri persecutions. He also encourages them to repent and the Lord will bless them as they build the kingdom in that area. The Prophet also writes a letter to the Twelve Apostles in England telling them to return in the Spring. Also, that a temple is being built in Nauvoo and that the city is growing in population. He discourses on the power of love, being one of the characteristics of Deity, and other subjects. (History of the Church, 4:225-226)

1843 – The Prophet Joseph, accompanied by William Clayton, leaves Nauvoo about noon and travels to Macedonia, (now Webster), Illinois, arriving about sundown at the home of Benjamin F. Johnson where he spends the night.

1845 – After publicly coming out against the leadership of the Twelve Apostles, William Smith was excommunicated from the Church.

      by Joseph Brickey

1856 – The Willie and Martin handcart companies encounter the first major winter storm at Red Butte near present day Casper, Wyoming.

1947 – The first stake in South Carolina is organized.

1971 – The Genesis Branch (also known as the Genesis Group) is organized in Salt Lake City, Utah, for African-American members of the Church.

1975 – The first missionaries enter the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean.

1984 – The Dallas Texas Temple is dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency.

1999 – The Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS) signs an affiliation agreement with Brigham Young University making it officially part of the University.

2003 – The first stake in the Democratic Republic of Congo at Brazzaville.

2010 – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve offered a blessing on the people and nation of Burundi and dedicated the country for missionary work.