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The Silent Majority: Conservative Perception, Mobilization, And Rhetoric At The Utah State International Women's Year Conference, Jenny Lynn Mcgee Harris Mar 2005

The Silent Majority: Conservative Perception, Mobilization, And Rhetoric At The Utah State International Women's Year Conference, Jenny Lynn Mcgee Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Held in 1977, the Utah State International Women's Year (IWY) Conference became a battleground. Mobilized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and conservative groups, 14,000 women revolted against the state coordinating committee. Chaired by Jan Tyler, Utah's IWY committee tried to plan the conference to include both liberals and conservatives; however, they found themselves overwhelmed by the audience. The participants rejected all nationally formulated resolutions, voted against or reworded workshop sponsored resolutions, and elected to the National IWY Conference an overwhelmingly LDS, conservative slate of delegates. Mobilization of conservatives at Utah's meeting was complex. The LDS …


A Diabolical Disneyland In Zion: The Mormons And The Mx, Jacob W. Olmstead Jan 2005

A Diabolical Disneyland In Zion: The Mormons And The Mx, Jacob W. Olmstead

Theses and Dissertations

In September 1979 President Jimmy Carter publicly announced his decision to support the deployment of the MX missile and mobile basing scheme in Utah and Nevada. Despite local opposition and the close proximity of the proposed base to its headquarters, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) remained silent until 5 May 1981, when the First Presidency issued a statement opposing the MX plans. The purpose of this work is to narrate the history of the development of the Mormon position regarding the deployment of MX missile in the Great Basin and evaluate the response to the statement …


The "Unidentified Pioneers": An Analysis Of Staffordshire Mormons, 1837 To 1870, Stephen G. Arrowsmith Jan 2003

The "Unidentified Pioneers": An Analysis Of Staffordshire Mormons, 1837 To 1870, Stephen G. Arrowsmith

Theses and Dissertations

The evidence presented in this thesis advocates an increased level of scholarly interest in English working-class Mormon converts. To illustrate who these people were, and what their roles were as part of Mormon story, this regional study introduces and makes available over twelve hundred Staffordshire Mormons, and asks questions of the collected statistical information. The conservative Staffordshire Mormons clearly assisted the establishment, and continuation, off a Zion in the American West. Much of the data confirms previous scholarship; however, those with “differing visions” of Mormonism (for example, the RLDS Church) attracted Staffordshire converts in larger numbers than previously suggested. The …


A Naturalistic Study Of The History Of Mormon Quilts And Their Influence On Today's Quilters, Helen-Louise Hancey Jan 1996

A Naturalistic Study Of The History Of Mormon Quilts And Their Influence On Today's Quilters, Helen-Louise Hancey

Theses and Dissertations

This interpretive study investigated the "quilt" and its significance to Latter-day Saint Women. Mormon master quilters were chosen because of their knowledge of fabrics, patterns, and symbolism, their skill levels, and their intense interest in quilting. The researcher conducted interviews with the master quilters from July 1995 to April 1996. Field notes were taken and data concerning both observed actions and verbal comments regarding the importance of the quilt were collected, charted, coded, and analyzed.

Several dominant patterns and themes emerged from analyses of the data, including: quilting is an enjoyable and active art form among Mormon women, pattern selection …


History Of The Lds Southern States Mission, 1875-1898, Heather M. Seferovich Jan 1996

History Of The Lds Southern States Mission, 1875-1898, Heather M. Seferovich

Theses and Dissertations

This in-depth study of late nineteenth-century missionary work in the Southern States Mission examines the encounter of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the American South. It highlights some of the region's varying conditions affecting missionary work and reports the elders' responses to new and different situations, peoples, and subcultures. Examining missionary work from the elders' viewpoint creates a better understanding of what the missionaries experienced and how they reacted to new situations outside the Mormon "corridor" of settlement in the American West. The statistical analysis of the 1,689 elders in the Mission reveals new details about …


Mormons And Germany, 1914-1933: A History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Germany And Its Relationship With The German Governments From World War I To The Rise Of Hitler, Jeffery L. Anderson Jan 1991

Mormons And Germany, 1914-1933: A History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Germany And Its Relationship With The German Governments From World War I To The Rise Of Hitler, Jeffery L. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

This paper focuses on the Church's struggle in establishing itself in Germany with cultural, social, political and religious problems. The cultural and social problems focus primarily on the interaction between Mormon-American missionaries and leaders who preached Mormonism in a society somewhat different from their own. The political problems concern historical events such as the first world war, the inflation of 1923 in Germany, and the rise of Hitler, while the religious problems focus on the Church's interaction with other faiths who generally opposed it and the struggle of missionaries to establish congregations.


Saints In The Secular City: A History Of The Los Angeles Stake, Chad M. Orton Jan 1989

Saints In The Secular City: A History Of The Los Angeles Stake, Chad M. Orton

Theses and Dissertations

Beginning in 1847 and continuing to the turn of the century, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) were encouraged to gather to Utah, where they formed communities seperated from the evils of the world around them. While Mormonism continues to be closely associated with Utah, in 1989 it is a world-wide church with nearly seven million members, most residing outside of Utah, and many of these in major urban areas. Nevertheless, few studies have been made of how the Church has developed outside of Utah.

When the Los Angeles Stake was organized in 1923, it …


Thomas Bullock: A Man Doing His Duty, Jerald F. Simon Jan 1988

Thomas Bullock: A Man Doing His Duty, Jerald F. Simon

Theses and Dissertations

Thomas Bullock was intimately associated with leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than twenty-five years. He served twenty-one years in the Church Historian's office and also clerked in many city, county, and territorial positions, acting as scribe, clerk, and personal secretary to Joseph Smith Jr., Brigham Young, Willard Richards, and the Twelve Apostles. During this time he was privy to important events of late Nauvoo and early Utah Mormon history. His was a critical role in not only recording the history, but also in the gathering and preservation of historical documents. As a clerk …


An Examination Of The Mormon Settlement Of Syracuse, Utah, J. Kent Tucker Jan 1987

An Examination Of The Mormon Settlement Of Syracuse, Utah, J. Kent Tucker

Theses and Dissertations

The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the "Mormon" church, has been well researched, yet little has been written about individual community histories. This work centers on the small Mormon community of Syracuse, Utah, located about twenty-five miles north of Salt Lake City on the eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake. From its inception in 1877 through 1987, the community of Syracuse continues to be dominated by the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) influence. This thesis examines the development of this LDS Church settlement, giving emphasis to the early history of the area, …


Hiram Page: An Historical And Sociological Analysis Of An Early Mormon Prototype, Bruce G. Stewart Jan 1987

Hiram Page: An Historical And Sociological Analysis Of An Early Mormon Prototype, Bruce G. Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

Recent sociological studies propose a model for understanding early Mormonism in its cultural context. Such models, while experimental, suggest commonalities between Mormonism and contemporary millennial sects. Enthusiastic beginnings, early convert response to American millennialism, the containment of charisma through institutionalization, discomfiture of Mormon millenial expectation, and the process of apostasy within the church provide the parameters of this study.

The life of Hiram Page, an early convert, is used as a foil to this end. Page is prototypal of the original band of followers who were attracted to Joseph Smith. Drawn to Joseph for spiritual comfort, Page and his associates …


Mormons In Victorian England, Jan G. Harris Jan 1987

Mormons In Victorian England, Jan G. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a study of the members of the Manchester Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1838 – 1860. It is a social examination of the converts and reveals that Manchester Mormons were prototypes of many members who joined the Church throughout England.

Most Mormons were young, and were baptized in their twenties or early thirties. Many were single. The Mormon congregation was representative of the working class citizenry of town. Almost all worked with their hands. Living conditions varied. Some members were affluent by working class standards and some barely survived. However, the …


The Girl Scouts In Utah: An Administrative History, 1921-1985, Jennifer L. Lund Jan 1986

The Girl Scouts In Utah: An Administrative History, 1921-1985, Jennifer L. Lund

Theses and Dissertations

Girl Scouting began in Utah in 1921 out of a desire of several wealthy women to help build the character of young girls in Ogden. Exhibiting many elements of the "social gospel" aspect of progressivism, they adopted the Girl Scout program which emphasized preparation for practical living, appreciation of nature, and development of character.
Since the first troops were organized in Ogden, Girl Scouting slowly spread throughout the rest of the state, resulting in several Councils and Lone Troops. After responding to a call for consolidation from the National Girl Scout Council the Utah Scouts made a dramatic change in …


From Babylon To Zion: The Life Of William Mclachlan, A British Convert To The Mormon Church, Winifred Morse Mclachlan Jan 1986

From Babylon To Zion: The Life Of William Mclachlan, A British Convert To The Mormon Church, Winifred Morse Mclachlan

Theses and Dissertations

William McLachlan, a Scotsman, was converted to the L. D. S. Church, in Braintree, Essex, England in 1859. The motivating factor in his life was his faith that Joseph Smith was a prophet to whom the Lord had restored the precepts of the original Christian church. His journals, his letters, his speeches, his life, were oriented toward one ultimate goal, to build the Kingdom of God and to gain a place for himself and his family in that kingdom.
This thesis is a biography of his life and examines his emigration to Zion, his settlement and adjustment to the frontier, …


A History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Japan From 1948 To 1980, Terry G. Nelson Jan 1986

A History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Japan From 1948 To 1980, Terry G. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan from 1948 to 1980 is a study in cross-cultural interaction. Compared to the earlier attempts of the Church in proselytizing the Japanese in the period 1901 to 1924, there are some significant contrasts. The earlier mission is seen as an attempt by a small, relatively unknown, provincial religion, in financial straits, just emerging into the twentieth century, trying to establish itself in a non-christian, fiercely nationalistic, culturally closed nation.

From very humble beginnings, starting with second and third generation Japanese in Hawaii, and with LDS members of …


The Nonconformists Of Leeds In The Early Victorian Era: A Study In Social Composition, Susan L. Fales Jan 1984

The Nonconformists Of Leeds In The Early Victorian Era: A Study In Social Composition, Susan L. Fales

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the Nonconformist denominational membership in the Borough of Leeds during the early Victorian era to determine the social composition of its members. The chapel goers of Old Dissent, represented by the Unitarians, Baptists, Independents, and the Society of Friends, and New Dissent, represented by the Wesleyan Methodists, Methodist New Connexion, Primitive Methodists and the Mormons were the basis for this study. The results of the occupational, residential, family, and migration analysis revealed a surprisingly high percentage of working classes (72) represented among the Dissenters. This fact flys in the face of contemporary observation and historical investigation, which …


A History Of Mormon Periodicals From 1830 To 1838, Richard G. Moore Jan 1983

A History Of Mormon Periodicals From 1830 To 1838, Richard G. Moore

Theses and Dissertations

The "Mormon" Church has published over one hundred different periodicals since the purchase of its first printing press in 1831. The early Latter-day Saint newspapers set many precedents for the myriad of Mormon publications that would follow. This is a study of the periodicals of the Church from its origin in 1830 to the exile of its members from missouri in 1839. It discusses the reasons and purposes behind early Mormon journalism and the effects of this printed material on Mormon history.

This work also gives a history of the five church periodicals published during the era mentioned above, specifically, …


Mormon Land Ownership As A Factor In Evaluating The Extent Of Mormon Settlements And Influence In Missouri 1831-1841, Wayne J. Lewis Jan 1981

Mormon Land Ownership As A Factor In Evaluating The Extent Of Mormon Settlements And Influence In Missouri 1831-1841, Wayne J. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis has been to demonstrate as clearly as possible the full extent of Mormon Land in Missouri during the years 1831-1841. An identification has been made of the names of several thousand of these early Mormons and will further show the scope of Mormonism during this period. This study will add detail to what previous writers have stated about this trying period for Mormonism.

As accurately as possible, the author has identified where the Mormon settlements were, through graphs and charts. It has been demonstrated that the Mormon population extended beyond the traditional areas they have …


The World And Joseph Smith, Lane D. Ward Jan 1980

The World And Joseph Smith, Lane D. Ward

Theses and Dissertations

It is felt by some historians that Joseph Smith was a product of his environment; that his teachings were the amplifications of religious doctrines surrounding his life experience in early America.
Some writings which have been published show similarities between Joseph's "Mormonism" and contemporary religions.
It should be rememebered, however, that if Joseph Smith's call, as restorer, were all that he professed it to be (and he was not alone in that profession), there would, indeed, exist paralleling truths surrounding his "restored" gospel. For, as Joseph tells us, the gospel was preached from the beginning. If that is true, we …


Joseph Smith Iii: Moderate Mormon, Robert Duane Hutchins Jan 1977

Joseph Smith Iii: Moderate Mormon, Robert Duane Hutchins

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the history of the Mormon movement, certain members or groups of members, have exercised free agency in the form of dissent against the direction which the prophet of that church chose to lead his movement. The form of this dissent varied but the theme was usually quite consistant: a demand for moderation. For many of these dissenters the extremes of Mormon doctrine seemed to take them out of touch with prevailing American values.

Joseph Smith III, a son of the Mormon founder, proved to be one of these moderates. He ultimately rejected all of his father's more radical theology …


A Study Of Historical Evidences Related To Lds Church As Reflected In Volumes Xiv Through Xxvi Of The Journal Of Discourses, Terry J. Aubrey Apr 1976

A Study Of Historical Evidences Related To Lds Church As Reflected In Volumes Xiv Through Xxvi Of The Journal Of Discourses, Terry J. Aubrey

Theses and Dissertations

The material in this study is a follow-up of a thesis done by Paul C. Richards entitled, "A Study of Evidences Related to LDS Church History as Reflected in Volumes I through XIII of the Journal of Discourse." That same basic format has been employed in treating the last thirteen volumes of the Discourses.

The Discourses contains addresses delivered by General Authorities of the LDS Church and others from 1854 to 1886. Until Richards did his thesis, no one had compiled an index of those volumes that dealt exclusively with history related to the LDS Church. This study …


History And Functions Of The Aaronic Priesthood And The Offices Of Priest, Teacher, And Deacon In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1829 To 1844, Robert L. Marrott Jan 1976

History And Functions Of The Aaronic Priesthood And The Offices Of Priest, Teacher, And Deacon In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1829 To 1844, Robert L. Marrott

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis traces the history of the restoration and development of the Aaronic Priesthood and its offices of priest, teacher, and deacon, from 1829 to the middle 1840s in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The major areas of emphasis include the organizational structure of the Aaronic Priesthood, the responsibilities assigned to priests, teachers, and deacons, and the relationship of the functions of the Aaronic Priesthood which are first given in Section 13 of the Doctrine and Covenants, namely the ministering of angels, the preparatory gospel, and the offering of the sons of Levi. Also included is the …


Formal Reporting Systems Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1830-1975, Dennis H. Smith Jan 1976

Formal Reporting Systems Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1830-1975, Dennis H. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Since its organization, the Church has kept records of its members and their Church activity. The foremost means of gathering this data has been printed report forms. This thesis traces the history of formal reports used by the Church and emphasizes information on membership and vital data as well as activity in Priesthood and auxiliary organizations. Financial reports of organizations and individual persons, as well as personalized confidential reports and minutes of meetings were not used. The thesis analyzes the type of information called for rather than the statistical figures themselves.


A Study Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Upper Canada, 1830-1850, Richard E. Bennett Jan 1975

A Study Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Upper Canada, 1830-1850, Richard E. Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to critically examine the factors contributing to the rise and subsequent decline of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Upper Canada. Although the time period of this study spans from 1830 until 1850, the principal years of activity were from 1832 until 1840. An effort is made to discuss any major location wherein the Church made substantial progress.

The major contribution of the thesis lies in the effort to stage the Mormon drama against a Canadian background of changing social factors. During the times of greatest economic stagnation, political upheaval and …


A History Of Kirtland Camp: Its Initial Purpose And Notable Accomplishments, Gordon Orville Hill Jan 1975

A History Of Kirtland Camp: Its Initial Purpose And Notable Accomplishments, Gordon Orville Hill

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a history of a group of Latter-day Saints who travelled from Kirtland, Ohio to Adam-ondi-Ahman, Caldwell County, Missouri during the late summer and early autumn, 1838. The group numbered between five and six hundred when they left Kirtland and had diminished to approximately half that many at the end of their journey.

The official name, "Kirtland Camp," was adopted by the group which was originally founded and governed by seven men, i.e. the Seventies Presidency in Kirtland.

The camp was organized to assist Church members who otherwise would have been unable to escape persecutions in Ohio. Camp …


For God And Country: Mormon Chaplains During World War Ii, Richard Maher Jan 1975

For God And Country: Mormon Chaplains During World War Ii, Richard Maher

Theses and Dissertations

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) is a lay church inasmuch as it has no professionally trained ministers. Because of this, the Chaplains Corps during World War II questioned whether members of the Mormon faith could serve effectively as chaplains. The answer to the effectiveness of Mormon chaplains is found in their performance as many received high praise from their superiors.
During the Second World War, the Mormon Church provided the military services with a total of 45 chaplains, and although only 45 served, they saw duty in all theaters of war and served at such major …


The Settlement And Development Of Wayne County, Utah, To 1900, Aldus Devon Chappell Jan 1975

The Settlement And Development Of Wayne County, Utah, To 1900, Aldus Devon Chappell

Theses and Dissertations

Although John C. Fremont had traveled through Wayne County, Utah, in the winter of 1853-54, it was not until 1874 that the first herd of cattle was introduced to Rabbit Valley. Reports soon circulated that here was a new land, conducive to the raising of livestock, and in 1876 about a dozen families entered the valley and began settlement. Families that moved into this area came from various places. Each settler came to make a new life, and came independently of the others. In 1895 the population was nearly 2,000, and by 1970 it had dropped to 1,486.

The Church …


Home Teaching: Attempts By The Latter-Day Saints To Establish An Effective Program During The Nineteenth Century, Gary L. Phelps Jan 1975

Home Teaching: Attempts By The Latter-Day Saints To Establish An Effective Program During The Nineteenth Century, Gary L. Phelps

Theses and Dissertations

Even though home teaching is not unique with the Mormons, its present methods and utilization are unlike the teaching practices used by other churches. The purpose of this thesis is to study Mormon attempts to establish effective home teaching practices within their Church during the nineteenth century.


The Life And Contributions Of Zebedee Coltrin, Calvin Robert Stephens Jan 1974

The Life And Contributions Of Zebedee Coltrin, Calvin Robert Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

Zebedee Coltrin join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints January 9, 1831, and remained faithful to the teachings of the Church until his death on July 21, 1887. During those fifty-six years he played a prominent part in such significant events as the organization of the School of the Prophets, the march of Zion's Camp, and the organization of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was called to be one of the Seven Presidents of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He spent sixteen years of his life doing missionary work.

He was one of the original …


History Of Mormon Exhibits In World Expositions, Gerald Joseph Peterson Jan 1974

History Of Mormon Exhibits In World Expositions, Gerald Joseph Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The history of Mormon Exhibits in world expositions is an important chapter in the over-all accounting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints total missionary program. In seeking more proficient means for accomplishing this task, involvement in world expositions offered a fresh opportunity to which the Church quickly responded. Finances, inexperience, non-acceptance by the world religious community and struggle for security appeared to be significant obstacles to extensive activity in early world's fairs.

Eventually as the Church strengthened, it became less the national spectacle and significantly was given its first real world's fair opportunity in an exhibit sponsored …


A History Of The Nauvoo Legion In Illinois, John Sweeney Jr. Jan 1974

A History Of The Nauvoo Legion In Illinois, John Sweeney Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The Nauvoo Legion was a branch of the Illinois state militia, located in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. To obey the state military service requirement, provide adequate protection for themselves, and display loyalty to the state, the inhabitants of Nauvoo organized a militia within their city. Having received necessary state approval, the citizens designated their militia the "Nauvoo Legion," which functioned from February, 1841 to January, 1845, when the Legion charter was repealed by the state legislature.

Organized and staffed mainly by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Legion was considered by some opponents as a …