Then his 1846 issue broke from the standard mold and became a distinctively Mormon almanac. Also borrowing from standard almanacs, he added religious and cultural articles and some notes pertaining to frontier-society needs. The current Deseret News Church Almanac is prepared and edited by the staff of the church news, in cooperation with the Historical Department of the Church. It was published annually from 1974 to 1983, but biennially thereafter. It is intended for use in libraries, schools, and other institutions, as well as private homes.
Liberal use is made of photographs.
In addition to photos of current events, users see photographs of all current and past General Authorities for whom there are pictures available, including an 1853 daguerreotype of the Prophet Joseph Smith's uncle, John Smith, who was an assistant counselor in the First Presidency and later the patriarch to the church. Each biennial issue of the Almanac is updated and revised. Copies may be purchased at Church distribution centers or ordered by mail from the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110. Bibliography Deseret News Church Almanac. Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.