Mormon Studies Commons^™

Lanai

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

Lanai is the sixth largest island and is one of the driest so only a few thousand Hawaiians ever called it home. By the time the LDS Church attempted to establish a gathering place in Palawai Basin there were only 600 Hawaiians on the island. Andrew Jenson listed only 14 members out of 105 inhabitants on Lanai in 1895.

Anticipating The Year 2000: Howard Nielson, Byu, And Statistics, Natalie J. Blades, G. Bruce Schaalje

BYU Studies

In the 1950s, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considered creating BYU satellite campuses around the western United States and asked BYU President Ernest Wilkinson to recommend locations. At the same time, Stanford researcher Howard Nielson created a careful projection of future demand for wood in America that drew much attention. Wilkinson hired Nielson to create a projection of future growth of the Church and demand for a BYU education. Upon learning that Nielson was a member of the Church, Wilkinson invited him to join the faculty of BYU, and the BYU Department of Statistics was …

The Record Of The Twelve, 1835: The Quorum Of The Twelve Apostles' Call And 1835 Mission, Ronal K. Esplin, Sharon E. Nielsen

BYU Studies

In 2011, the Joseph Smith Papers Project of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made public a document created in 1835 by Orson Hyde and William E. McLellin. That document is presented in its entirety here with an introduction and editorial notes. Ronald Esplin and Sharon Nielsen, members of the editorial team of the Joseph Smith Papers, give historical context of the document: in 1835, twelve men were called as the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Joseph Smith instructed the quorum to keep a record of their meetings and actions; the document presented in this article is that …

The Medical Practice Of Dr. Frederick G. Williams, Frederick G. Williams

BYU Studies

Frederick Granger Williams (1787-1842) was a leader in the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but also served as a justice of the peace, scribe, editor, and medical practitioner. In the early nineteenth century, the medical profession was in its infancy, beginning a slow shift from barbaric practices (generally bleeding and calomel) to herbal treatments that were at least mild if not particularly effective. Dr. Williams conscientiously followed the botanic methods and theories of Samuel S. Thomson, who published a book (The Thomsonian Materia Medica) and sold patents to those who read his …

One Eternal Round, Hugh W. Nibley, Michael D. Rhodes, Gary P. Gillum

BYU Studies

Hugh Nibley began serious research on One Eternal Round as early as 1988. When Nibley's long-time colleague Michael D. Rhodes took over the project following Nibley's death in 2005, he was faced with thirty boxes of research notes and drafts, 450 computer files, and as many as twenty versions of one chapter. Fortunately, Michael is familiar with most of Nibley's prodigious output, as well as the subjects listed in the preface, which are a reflection of Nibley's mind and interests and which are all within the scope of One Eternal Round.

Throughout Nibley's long career, his critics have seen him …

Modern Mormonism: Myths And Realities, James T. Summerhays, Robert L. Millet

BYU Studies

Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, has added to his several books designed to encourage interfaith dialogue between Latter-day Saints and fellow Christians. Considering the current presidential campaign and growing media attention directed at Latter-day Saints, Modern Mormonism could not have been published in a more timely manner.

Millet tackles those doctrinal points that have become sticking points between Mormons and traditional Christians, working to overcome those various doctrinal misconceptions that have unnecessarily divided them. Such misunderstandings (which are clarified in the book) include: Mormons allegedly believe that God has a finite body, therefore God's …

The Men Behind The Pen: The Clerks Of The Lds General Conferences, Alan Clark

Student Works

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds General Conferences every year. At these conferences, the leadership of the Church speaks to its entire membership, as well as any others who may be listening. The practice of holding such conferences has existed throughout the history of the organization. In April 2012, 182nd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held. Over the 18 decades that these conferences have been held, the format, location, and speakers have changed. Conference have been held in New York, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah, in a number of different …

Wailuku

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

Two days after Cannon, Bigler, and Keeler arrived in Maui, they began studying the language. Without formal language instruction, Cannon appealed to the Lord in prayer and fasting for the gift of tongues.1 The missionary efforts of George Q. Cannon were the first to bear significant fruit in the Hawaiian Islands. It is recorded that on March 4, 1851, Cannon left his companions in Lahaina and made his way in bad weather to Wailuku. On his way to Wailuku, Cannon felt that “he was to meet someone who would be interested in his message and who would be willing to …

Joseph F. Smith’S 1864 Mission To Hawaii: Leading A Reformation, Eric Marlowe, Isileli Kongaika

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

At age twenty-five, Joseph F. Smith was part of two of the more recognizable events in Hawaiian Church history: the near accidental drowning of Lorenzo Snow and the excommunication of Walter Murray Gibson. However, these are only two incidents in a unique eight-month mission Joseph F. served to the Hawaiian Islands (then Sandwich Islands) in 1864.

Full Issue, Byu Studies

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.

Dispensation: Latter-Day Fiction, Scott Hales, Angela Hallstrom

BYU Studies

In her preface to Dispensation, Angela Hallstrom writes that "immersing oneself in a completely foreign place or time is one of the fundamental pleasures of reading good literature," which is certainly the lesson I learned from reading Hemingway, Steinbeck, and countless other writers in my teenage years. Even today, I make a habit of reading books by authors of various backgrounds so that my scope does not become too narrow, my worldview too restricted. But, like Hallstrom, I agree that "recognizing oneself in a work of fiction is an exhilarating experience, too." The good news is that I no longer …

A New Pneumatology: Comparing Joseph Smith's Doctrine Of The Spirit With His Contemporaries And The Bible, Lynne H. Wilson

BYU Studies

While Joseph Smith's teachings on the Holy Ghost appear to fall within the mainstream of the enthusiastic outbursts of the Second Great Awakening (circa 1800–1840), a closer look shows that his restored doctrines made an abrupt and radical departure from the pneumatology of his day. Many historians interpret Joseph's claim to revelation as a creative response to the cultural and religious stimulus of the "Burned-over District" in upstate New York. Focused research suggests that Joseph Smith's teachings on the Holy Ghost were not merely a product of his environment or a reaction to his culture. His biblical interpretations of the …

"Look! And I Looked": Lessons In Learning And Teaching From Nephi's Vision, John Hilton Iii

Faculty Publications

On several occasions Elder David A. Bednar has shared his fascination with Nephi’s vision found in 1 Nephi 11–14 and, in particular, what it teaches about teaching and learning. The purpose of this paper is to begin exploring principles of learning and teaching that can be distilled from the interactions Nephi had with the Spirit of the Lord and an angel and to discuss what learners and teachers can do to apply these principles. I state at the outset that this represents only the beginning of such a study. I also acknowledge that the lens I bring to 1 Nephi …

Indian Relations In Utah During The Civil War, Kenneth L. Alford Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

A discussion of native American (Indian) relations in Utah Territory during the Civil War, including the differing policies of Mormon president Brigham Young and U.S. Army commander Colonel Patrick Edward Connor, the January 1863 Bear River Massacre (called the Battle of Bear River at that time), Indian superintendents, treaties, and reservations.

Mormon Motivation For Enlisting In The Civil War, Brant Ellsworth, Kenneth L. Alford Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

A discussion of several Latter-day Saint (Mormon) Union and Confederate soldiers who served in the American Civil War.

Utah And The Civil War Press, Kenneth L. Alford Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

A discussion of how Mormons were treated in the national press during the American Civil War with an emphasis on polygamy, statehood requests, loyalty, and Brigham Young.

This chapter was originally published (and reprinted in "Civil War Saints" with permission):

Kenneth L. Alford, “Utah and the Civil War Press.” Utah Historical Quarterly 80, no. 1 (Winter 2012): 75–92.

What's In A Name? The Establishment Of Camp Douglas, Kenneth L. Alford Ph.D., William P. Mackinnon

Faculty Publications

A discussion of the establishment (1862) of Camp Douglas, Utah Territory -- named by Col. Patrick Edward Connor after U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas.

Elam Luddington: First Latter-Day Saint Missionary To Thailand, Michael A. Goodman

Faculty Publications

Elam Luddington, the first Latter-day Saint missionary to Siam (modern Thailand), faced tremendous hardships in his pioneering proselyting work. Almost killed at sea numerous times, stoned twice, poisoned once, and finally mobbed, he left the Thai people after little more than four months. No further formal missionary work was attempted for over one hundred years in the ancient land of Siam. His sacrifice, however, laid the foundation for the future work of bringing the fullness of the gospel to Thailand. His efforts were not in vain. His legacy of faithfulness would be followed by other modern-day pioneers who would also …

Clothed With Salvation: The Garden, The Veil, Tabitha, And Christ, Dan Belnap, Daniel Belnap

Faculty Publications

Sandwiched between the account of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 and Peter’s vision of the Gentiles in Acts 10 is the story of the raising of Tabitha. While staying in the town of Lydda, Peter, the presiding disciple of Christ, is approached by two individuals from the neighboring city of Joppa with the request that he come and attend to the then-deceased Tabitha. When he gets there, he is met by widows weeping and wailing over Tabitha’s departure. We know practically nothing of Tabitha except that she is a believer and a woman “full of good works and almsdeeds” (Acts …

Palawai

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

Because the law in Hawaii did not allow Hawaiian converts to migrate to Zion, Brigham Young counseled the missionaries to locate a gathering place in Hawaii. On September 28, 1853, Francis A. Hammond discovered a possible gathering place for the LDS while traveling on the island of Lanai. The spot Hammond chose was the Palawai Basin. He described it as: “lying at the foot of the large mountain on the east and extending toward a high ridge on the west, which enclosed completely a large tract of good land, perhaps 5,000 acres of which was in full view.” Further, Hammond …

Olowalu

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

onathan Napela was born in Honokohau Valley September 11, 1813 but grew up in Olowalu before attending Lahainaluna Seminary. At that time several hundred Hawaiians farmed kalo on the alluvial fan of Olowalu. Napela’s parents died here in the 1853 smallpox epidemic. In ancient times there existed a footpath up Olowalu stream and over the 3500 foot pali into Iao Valley. It was very difficult and although there is a tradition Cannon used it, the path had pretty much been abandoned by 1851 so Cannon would more likely have walked around the north end of the island or continued on …

Interview With Takeo Taniguchi, Shannon Kanekoa

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

Can you tell us your full name? Takeo Taniguchi

Bro. Taniguchi, where were you born and raised? I was born in Lahaina, Maui. Year September 9, 1923. Went to Honokowai School, Kam III (third) School and Lahainaluna. Graduated June 1942 from Lahainaluna.

2012 Mphs Biennial Field Trip-Itinerary

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

No abstract provided.

Mormonism In The Methodist Marketplace: James Covel And The Historical Background Of Doctrine And Covenants 39–40, Christopher C. Jones

BYU Studies

Joseph Smith received two revelations in January 1831 (Doctrine and Covenants 39 and 40) directed to one "James Covill." Joseph and his scribes noted that Covill "had been a Baptist minister for about forty years." Historians discovered nothing about a Baptist minister named James Covill, but documents unearthed by the Joseph Smith Papers Project revealed that he was actually a Methodist minister. This sliver of information opened the door to information about a very well-known Methodist minister in upstate New York by the name of James Covel.

Christopher Jones mines this Methodist vein productively and pieces together a short biography …

Lahainaluna

Mormon Pacific Historical Society

On the mountainside above Lahaina town is Lahainaluna High School. The school was started by Protestant missionaries in 1831 and is the oldest high school west of the Mississippi. The best and brightest young men of Hawaii, usually alii, were selected to attend including Hawaiian historians David Malo and Samuel Kamakau. Many of the early stalwarts of the LDS Church in Hawaii were also educated here: Jonathan H. Napela, J.H. Uaua, J.W.H. Kauahi, George Raymond, Keau Kalawaia, J.H. Keanu, and J.W. Kaleohano.

Eve, The Apple Was A Pomegranate—, E. S. Jenkins

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.

Stripping The Kitchen Floor, William Deford

BYU Studies

No abstract provided.

The Introduction Of Mormonism To Finnish Society, 1840–1900, Kim Östman, Melvin J. Luthy

BYU Studies

If one were to ask a returned missionary from Finland, or even a member of the Church in Finland, when missionary work began in that country, a likely response would be that it began in 1946, when Elder Ezra Taft Benson dedicated the land for missionary work. The date is well known, and a small monument commemorating the event has been erected in Larsmo, a small town on Finland's northwestern shore. Although many consider missionaries who served in the years immediately following the dedication to be the first missionaries in Finland, there is a general understanding that some members in …

Ben E. Rich: Sharing The Gospel Creatively, Kenneth L. Alford Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

The life and missionary work of Ben E. Rich. President of the Southern States Mission and the States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

"There Arose A Mist Of Darkness": The Narrative Of Lehi's Dream In Christ's Theophany, Dan Belnap, Daniel Belnap

Faculty Publications

The events surrounding Christ’s theophany as recounted in 3 Nephi describe the creation of a new world, both physically and socially. In particular, chapters 8–18 depict a series of events that are reminiscent of the creation of the earth as described in Genesis and elsewhere. From the all-pervasive darkness experienced during the cataclysmic destruction to the glorious, light-filled arrival of Christ and the institution of new laws and ordinances delivered during his first day among the people, the Book of Mormon text reflects this biblical narrative. Yet the manner in which it is presented echoes a creation narrative unique to …