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Social and Behavioral Sciences

Theses and Dissertations

Mormon Church

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Full-Text Articles in History

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 …


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 …


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 …


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 …


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.


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 …


The Box Elder Stake Academy In Its Historical Setting, Byron L. Parkinson Jan 1973

The Box Elder Stake Academy In Its Historical Setting, Byron L. Parkinson

Theses and Dissertations

The Box Elder Stake Academy was a part of the Church System of Academies under the direction of Karl G. Maeser. The historical setting of Box Elder County is rather unique. It was here that Lorenzo Snow directed one of the most successful forms of the United Order. The nearby city of Corinne was established as one of the few gentile cities in Utah, and from there a new crusade to end Mormon rule in Utah was begun.

The Box Elder Stake Academy was one of the first academies created under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church. …


A History Of The Schools And Educational Programs Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Ohio And Missouri, 1831-1839, Orlen Curtis Peterson Jan 1972

A History Of The Schools And Educational Programs Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Ohio And Missouri, 1831-1839, Orlen Curtis Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a history of the schools and educational programs organized and maintained by the LDS Church while the saints resided in Ohio and Missouri between the years of 1831 and 1839. The instructors, curriculum, organizational structure, and the purpose of each school is given when information in these areas was available. In Kirtland, the Church organized the School of the Prophets, School of the Elders, Kirtland High School, Hebrew School, a singing school, a writing school, and a few grammar schools. The Church leaders in Missouri organized the Colesville school, a school in Independence, Far West School, and …


History Of The South African Mission Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1853-1970, Farrell Ray Monson Jan 1971

History Of The South African Mission Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1853-1970, Farrell Ray Monson

Theses and Dissertations

The history of the South African Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1853-1970) describes the progress of the Church in South Africa from its inception until the present time. Missionary proselyting activities in the land are traced, and the major historical developments of the mission are discussed.

In 1853 three missionaries began Mormon proselyting activities in the Cape Province and within six months they had baptized forty-five persons, established two branches, and organized the first conference of the Church.

Despite mob violence and opposition from the clergy, civil authorities, and the press, the Church continued to …


The School Of The Prophets: Its Development And Influence In Utah Territory, John R. Patrick Jan 1970

The School Of The Prophets: Its Development And Influence In Utah Territory, John R. Patrick

Theses and Dissertations

Four separate and distinct Schools of the Prophets were organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith Jr. organized the first school in the spring of 1833, and it functioned periodically until 1837. Brigham Young organized the second school in December 1867, as a part of the University of the State of Deseret. It functioned until August of 1872 when Brigham Young disbanded it because members failed to adhere to its rules. Three months later he reorganized on a limited basis a third school in Salt Lake City. This school existed until the summer of 1874 …


The Elections Of 1900 In Utah, R. Gary Penrod Jan 1968

The Elections Of 1900 In Utah, R. Gary Penrod

Theses and Dissertations

The 1900 elections have been little touched in historical studies of Utah. However 1900 was a year of special interest and deserves an examination. In that year a Special Election was held, all state offices were up for renewal and a Presidential Election took place.

The special election was necessary because B. H. Roberts had been denied his seat in the United States Congress. Roberts was excluded because he was a polygamist. The Roberts case threatened to revive gentile versus Mormon antipathies in Utah. However, the most puzzling aspect of the 1900 elections is connected with the presidential vote. In …


A Study Of The Political Involvements In The Career Of Joseph Smith, Edward G. Thompson Jan 1966

A Study Of The Political Involvements In The Career Of Joseph Smith, Edward G. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

It is the purpose of this study to examine the political elements and issues in the United States from the latter part of 1838 to June 27, 1844, to determine their relationship to the death of Joseph Smith. This study includes an analysis of national, state and local issues and sentiment during that time, as they have a bearing upon the subject.
The primary period of study is the Illinois era of Latter-day Saint history which includes the events that transpired from the winter of 1838-39 to June 27, 1844. A less intensive study includes events after June 1844, to …


A Century Of Life In Nephi And Juab Valley 1851-1951, Keith N. Worthington Jan 1958

A Century Of Life In Nephi And Juab Valley 1851-1951, Keith N. Worthington

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is concerned primarily with the settlement, growth, and development of Nephi, Utah. However, an understanding of the physical features of the valley in which it is located is important, as well as the Indian Inhabitants who lived here. All these are included in the first chapter.


Latter-Day Saint Servicemen In The Philippine Islands: A Historical Study Of Their Religious Activities And Influences Resulting In The Official Organization Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In The Philippines, Lowell Eliason Call Jan 1955

Latter-Day Saint Servicemen In The Philippine Islands: A Historical Study Of Their Religious Activities And Influences Resulting In The Official Organization Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In The Philippines, Lowell Eliason Call

Theses and Dissertations

Though generally unheard of in the Western world and the United States prior to the Spanish-American War of 1898, the Filipino people have made some remarkable contributions to world leadership and world history. Frequently they have been considered a pagan and an ignorant people, although in objectively observing them one finds such a belief unfounded and even the reverse of that to be true. Progress which the republic has made during the last fifty years, since being liberated to develop liberties in religion, politics, and education, is phenomenal, even when compared with the United States period of evolution to her …


The Magnitude Of The Fast Offerings Paid In The Stakes Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1916-1936, H. Lester Petersen Jan 1938

The Magnitude Of The Fast Offerings Paid In The Stakes Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1916-1936, H. Lester Petersen

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of this thesis may be stated in four questions: (1) To what extent are "Fast Offerings" paid by the membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? (2) What changes, if any, have occurred in the amounts of these fast offerings paid over the years 1916 to 1936, inclusive? (3) What differences and similarities appear to exist in the amounts of fast offerings paid in the several stakes of the Church? (4) How do the rates of change in the amounts of fast offerings paid during these years compare with the rates of change in the …