Elder Joseph R. Emery's Miraculous Speaking in Tongues
Published October 13, 2026 at 2:44 AM
Contributed by
Millennial Star Research
During a Tabernacle service on February 25, 1900, Elder Joseph R. Emery, recently returned from a mission in North Carolina, was moved upon by the Spirit to speak in tongues. His voice was described as clear, and he spoke for several moments with perfect felicity. Elder Emery subsequently provided his own interpretation, prophesying that a great cloud hung over the Saints and warning of the need for humility to endure future persecutions.
In Their Own Words
“Elder Joseph R. Emery, recently returned from North Carolina, was the next speaker. This young man was so wrought upon by the Spirit of God, that he startled the congregation by speaking in tongues. His voice was clear and for several moments he spoke in that strange language with perfect felicity. Elder Emery himself interpreted the remarks he made in tongues. He stated that a great cloud was hanging over the Saints, and unless they become more humble they would not be able to endure the persecutions that would come upon them.— Millennial Star 62:12”
Sources & References
The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star (Manchester, later Liverpool, England, May 1840–1970), 22 March 1900 (Vol. 62, No. 12). https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_the-latter-day-saints-millennial-star_1900-03-22_62_12 (account extracted verbatim from the issue's Internet Archive OCR text; research confidence: high)
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