Pioneers by Ship

While most Mormon pioneers travelled by foot and wagon across the United States, and later by rail when the railroad was completed, there were a few Saints who sailed from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States. One of the most famous of these groups was the group that travelled on the Brooklyn from New York to San Francisco. The Brooklyn carried a total of 238 passengers on its voyage which departed on February 4, 1846: 70 men, 68 women, and 100 children. Most of the 238 passengers were Mormon, but a few were just general passengers.

The Saints who travelled on this ship did so in response to a call from Elder Orson Pratt, who was the presiding apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the eastern states, when he heard the Mormons were to leave Nauvoo, Illinois. The Saints were put under the direction of Samuel Brannon, who was the publisher of the Mormon paper The Prophet. Most of the Saints who went along were farmers and mechanics. They took with them all the tools they would need to build a new colony from scratch. They also brought the printing press used for The Prophet as well as a 179-volume collection of books.

The 177-day and 24,000-mile voyage encountered many exciting events. One major storm in the Atlantic Ocean started them off on their journey after only four days at sea, which was followed by another when they reached the Pacific Ocean. In between, they were stuck in calm waters for several days. One passenger, Augusta Joyce Corcheron, described these experiences as follows:

As for the pleasure of the trip, we met disappointment, for we once lay becalmed in the tropics, and at another time we were “hatched below” during a terrific storm. Women and children were at night lashed to their berths, for in no other way could they keep in. Furniture rolled back and forth endangering limb and life. The waves swept the deck and even reached the stateroom. . . . Children’s voices were crying in the darkness, mother’s voices soothing or scolding, men’s voices rising above the others, all mingled with the distressing groans and cries of the sick for help, and, above all, the roaring of the wind and howling of the tempest made a scene and feeling indescribable.

Captain Abel W. Richardson called the Atlantic storm the worst he had ever seen. He was convinced the ship was going to go down, but when he went below deck to inform his passengers of the situation, he met their faith. One woman said, “We were sent to California and we shall get there.”

A total of eleven passengers died on the voyage, mainly due to scarlet fever, consumption (tuberculosis), diarrhea, and dehydration. Laura Goodwin, who died due to a fall during the Pacific storm, was buried in a cave during the stop at Juan Fernandez Island, while the other ten were buried at sea. The ship had been headed for Valparaiso, Chile, and the storm they hit blew them nearly all the way back to Cape Horn. This was a blessing in disguise, because the Saints were able to bathe, do laundry, obtain fresh fruit and potatoes, catch and salt fish, get general supplies, and obtain 18,000 gallons of fresh water. If they had done this at Valparaiso it would have cost them hundreds of dollars, whereas they were able gather most things themselves on the island which inspired Robin Crusoe.

Arriving in Yerba Buena, later renamed San Francisco, on July 31, 1846, the Saints discovered that the United States had taken over the village only three weeks earlier. The Saints were forced to remain in that area until the main body of the Saints decided where to settle, ultimately the Salt Lake Valley, in 1847. The group founded New Hope 70 miles east of Yerba Buena. Six months after their arrival, the Saints were joined by several members of the Mormon Battalion. Only about one-third of the original Brooklyn Saints joined the Saints in Utah after they settled there.

The Brooklyn Saints brought much to the San Francisco area, including the first public school, bank, newspaper, post office, and library. They also brought and grew the first wheat in the area. By 1847, there were more than 500 Saints in California and San Francisco’s population was predominantly Mormon. The efforts and sacrifices made by the Brooklyn Saints helped them to reap many blessings which not only helped New Hope grow, but which helped the Church grow and gain a foundation in new colonies as well.

Sources:

Ships, Saints, and Mariners: A Maritime Encyclopedia of Mormon Migration, 1830–1890. Conway B. Sonne. p. 32–34.

“Voyage of the Brooklyn.” Joan S. Hamblin. Ensign. July 1997. p. 16.

Hyrum Smith

In adulthood, Hyrum Smith was described as being five feet, eleven inches tall and as weighing about 190 pounds. He and Joseph were of similar builds and very much resembled each other physically. They were also completely devoted to each other in the gospel. John Taylor, the third president of the Church, described Hyrum in the following way:

“[He] is a man of sterling integrity, deep penetration and brilliant talents. He is well versed in politics and [is] as unchangeable as the everlasting hills. He is a man of probity and virtue, and an unwavering patriot.” After Hyrum’s death, Taylor said of him, “If ever there was an exemplary, honest and virtuous man, the embodiment of all that is noble in the human form, hyrum Smith was the representative” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 251).

Being the brother of Joseph Smith, Hyrum often does not receive quite as much recognition now as does the Prophet. However, Hyrum lived a life of perfect integrity and sacrificed just as much as Joseph did for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph would surely be the first of many to praise Hyrum’s unassuming dedication to the gospel and to the building of the kingdom of God on the earth today. Examining Hyrum’s life a bit more closely reveals a hero who is still an example to those of us living today.

Birth and Growing Up Years

Hyrum Smith was born to Lucy Mack and Joseph Smith Sr., on February 9, 1800, in Tunbridge, Vermont. Hyrum was the Smiths’ third son, but the oldest died at birth. Alvin, to whom Hyrum became very close, also died young, at the age of 25, on November 19, 1823, admonishing Hyrum to take care of the family as the now oldest son living. Joseph Smith Jr. was born nearly six years after Hyrum on December 23, 1805.

Hyrum attended Moor’s School in Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1811, which he attended for a couple years as a promising student. However, an outbreak of typhus fever caused him to have to return home in 1813. The entire Smith family soon became infected and thirteen-year-old Hyrum tried to provide what comfort he could to them. After Joseph’s apparent recovery from the illness, however, it became apparent that complications from his illness had led to a severe infection in his leg which required surgery. It was weeks before they found a doctor willing to operate without amputating, and Hyrum, seeing how exhausted his mother was from caring for the family, offered to tend to seven-year-old Joseph. Lucy described Hyrum as sitting by Joseph’s side “almost day and night for some considerable length of time holding the affected part of [Joseph's] leg in his hands, and pressing it between them, so that his afflicted brother might be enabled to endure the pain which was so excruciating” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 7). Even then, Lucy noted Hyrum as “rather remarkable for his tenderness and sympathy.”

In 1820, when Joseph was fourteen years old, he had a vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, which he eventually shared with his family. The bond between the brothers was strong, and Hyrum never doubted that Joseph had seen and heard what he claimed he had. They were still a poor, hardworking family, though, and all the Smith children developed strong work ethics. Alvin’s death in 1823 was the first of many losses in Hyrum’s life which he used to show empathy to those around him. He was never too busy to comfort someone who had suffered a loss.

Despite constant hard work, the Smith family suffered several financial setbacks. After Hyrum had left home, his family lost their home. He and his first wife, Jerusha, welcomed the whole family in to their small log house. Hyrum was sufficiently educated to qualify him to teach school, which he did at different times to help support his family. His flawless and unquestionable character was enough recommendation to grant him acceptance into the Mount Moriah Mason Lodge No. 112.

A Witness to the Book of Mormon

Though The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had not yet been organized, persecution had already arisen against the Smith family and any who believed Joseph’s story. In 1827, Joseph was entrusted with the plates from which the Book of Mormon would eventually be translated. When people heard rumors of these gold plates, they tried every means to get them from Joseph (though they supposedly discredited everything Joseph said, they apparently still believed in the plates) and persecution intensified. As Joseph translated the plates, with Oliver Cowdery acting as his scribe, they came across doctrines which they would approach the Lord about in prayer. Baptism was one of these ordinances. After receiving the priesthood, Joseph and Oliver baptized each other, and Hyrum was baptized in early June 1829. Early in July, Hyrum and seven others—together known as the Eight Witnesses—were invited to share Joseph’s burden in being a witness of the plates and of the divine origin of the Book of Mormon.

Hyrum was always in tune with the Spirit of God. This sometimes led to promptings and impressions which enabled Hyrum to sense danger and confront it. While the Book of Mormon was being printed, one Sunday afternoon, Hyrum had a distinct feeling that something was not right at the printing office. He confided his feelings to Oliver Cowdery, who was hesitant to go to the office, because it was Sunday and the office was closed. Hyrum acted quickly, however, and upon arriving at the printing office, discovered a man with hostile feelings to Joseph Smith printing his newspaper with excerpts of “Joe Smith’s Gold Bible.” The man had special permission to use the office on Sunday, but was breaking the law printing copyrighted material he found in the manuscript for the Book of Mormon. Hyrum and Oliver finally persuaded the man to cease his printing, thus preserving the integrity of the Book of Mormon. This is one example of many of Hyrum following the promptings of the Spirit.

With the organization of the Church in 1830, Hyrum was told his duty would be unto the Church forever (D&C 23:3). He was also counseled to continue learning the gospel before preaching it, being told he would be called to preach when it was time (D&C 11:15). Hyrum’s commitment to the gospel was such that he would set aside whatever he was doing to help an individual grow in the gospel. Parley P. Pratt sought baptism at Hyrum’s hand and Hyrum welcomed him into his home and discussed teachings of the gospel into the night. Hyrum even walked twenty-five miles with Parley the next day to see him baptized by Oliver Cowdery. At another time, Hyrum was told by a father whose daughter wanted to be baptized that whoever baptized her a Mormon would “do so at his peril.” Hyrum replied respectfully but fearlessly, “Mr. Tyler, we shall not baptize your daughter against your wishes. If our doctrine be true, which we testify it is, if you prevent your daughter from embracing it, the sin will be on your head, not on ours or your daughters” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 73). Mr. Tyler pondered this, decided to counsel his daughter, and left the decision up to her. She was baptized soon thereafter.

The Kirtland Temple and the School of the Prophets

In 1833, Joseph received a directive for Hyrum from the Lord counseling him and the brethren to build a house of the Lord and to form the School of the Prophets for the instruction of all Church leaders. In the course of the School of the Prophets, the Word of Wisdom was revealed to Joseph Smith. Though the Word of Wisdom did not become a strict commandment for many years, Hyrum remained a strong advocate of following the Lord’s counsel in this matter for the rest of his life.

In June 1833, brethren gathered to discuss the construction of the temple they had been commanded to build. After some deliberation of their own ideas, Joseph revealed to them the plan the Lord had given him. They immediately set to work clearing the ground which had been set aside for the building. Hyrum ran to his parents’ house and grabbed a scythe. On his way back out, his mother asked where he was going with the scythe. His response, as recorded by Lucy, shows his typical zeal and dedication to the work: “We are preparing to build a house for the Lord, and I am determined to be the first at work.” After the men had cleared the grain from the field, Lucy went on, “Hyrum commenced digging a trench for the wall, he having declared that he would strike the first blow upon the house” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 86).

Hyrum was a strong example to the men in Zion’s Camp on their trek to help their fellow Saints in Missouri. When members of the camp began to complain that others were not working as hard as they ought, they were shown the error of their ways by Hyrum’s firm but gentle counsel. After being shown how murmuring affected the camp, one brother recalled, “We saw the evil, felt humble, and readily confessed to each other and to God and with uplifted hands covenanted to forget and forgive all that had passed and [to]do so no more” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 97). The men viewed Hyrum as an authoritative leader. Hyrum’s example also enabled him to reprimand the men without being a hypocrite; all Church members felt this and respected Hyrum for it. Upon the men’s return from Zion’s Camp, work on the temple began again.

In all the service Hyrum gave the Church, he was supported by his wife, Jerusha. He was often gone for extended periods on Church business and missions, but she never complained. They had also lost a daughter, Mary, when she was a toddler. They both sacrificed a great deal for the Church. In 1835, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was formed, as was the Quorum of the Seventy. Nearly all these men were chosen from the ranks of those who had served under and learned from the Prophet in Zion’s Camp. Though Hyrum was not called to either quorum at this time, he was called to the presidency of the High Priesthood. He was given a blessing while being ordained to this office; a blessing which foreshadowed coming events. He was told:

“Thou shalt have power to escape the hand of thine enemies. Thy life shall be sought with untiring zeal, but thou shalt escape. If it please thee, and thou desirest thou shalt have the power voluntarily to lay down thy life to glorify God” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 112).

As Hyrum continued his service in the Church, he also continued his education. Joshua Seixas, a Jew by birth who had been converted to the gospel, taught Hyrum Hebrew until Hyrum gained the ability to read and translate fluently. Hyrum loved to learn and used his education wisely.

Hyrum Smith: Part II

Hyrum Smith Part II

A Peacemaker

Hyrum’s mild manner and impeachable character allowed him to serve as a peacemaker even in his own family. At a time when his younger brother William became very upset with Joseph after being rebuked by him, Hyrum tried to bring William around. Joseph recorded that Hyrum “was perfectly satisfied with the course I had taken in rebuking William in his wickedness, but he is wounded to the very soul, because of the conduct of William; and although he experiences the tender feelings of a brother towards him, yet he can but look upon his conduct as an abomination in the sight of God” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 142). Though it took some time and more hard words from William, the brothers and family as a whole became reconciled. Having kept a cool head, Hyrum was able to bring peace back to the relationship after William acknowledged his faults and returned to the family. In situations regarding gossip or misunderstandings, Hyrum counseled the Saints to seek out the individual who had wronged them and seek to settle the matter between the two of them. He knew from observation that anger and malice led to more hate.

In October 1837, Hyrum was once again away from home on a Church assignment. Jerusha was pregnant with their sixth child and gave birth to her on October 2. Sadly, Jerusha passed away less than two weeks later, leaving five living children whose father was away from home. This took a heavy toll on Hyrum, who had loved his wife very much. Just over two months later, on Hyrum’s return home, Joseph counseled him with a revelation from God to marry again without delay so his children would not be motherless. The Lord counseled Hyrum to marry Mary Fielding, who was thirty-six at the time. Mary and Hyrum had a strong marriage and she continued to support him in his Church callings, just as Jerusha had done. They married on December 24, 1837.

Hyrum’s kind nature prompted him to take many people into his home. In fact, when he left Kirtland, Ohio, in 1838, he recorded that his family consisted of ten individuals. He did not identify those who were not his immediate family members, but at least one stayed under his family’s roof after their relocation to the Salt Lake Valley after Hyrum’s death. Such a character as Hyrum’s could hardly go unnoticed by those outside of the Church. Said one Presbyterian minister from Kirtland, “Whatever other Mormons may have been, Hyrum was a perfect gentleman” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 167).

Imprisonment in Liberty Jail

In October 1838, the Saints were driven from Missouri by the infamous extermination order from Governor Lilburn W. Boggs. Joseph was betrayed by a leader in the Mormon militia and was arrested. The army, led by Colonel Hinkle, soon went to Hyrum’s house and arrested him as well. Torn from his family when they needed his help so much, Hyrum spent the next five and a half months imprisoned with Joseph while their families, along with all the Saints, were expelled from their homes and the state in the middle of winter. Though his life was in danger, Hyrum’s faith never wavered. He knew his cause was just and that God was on his side. As the prisoners were being moved for their trial, they were exposed to the elements as well as severe abuse. They were put through a sham trial and imprisoned in Liberty Jail in Clay County. To add insult to injury, some of the leaders of the mobs fighting against the Church were former Church leaders turned apostate, many of whom had once been close friends of Hyrum and Joseph. Olivery Cowdery, who had also left the Church, ransacked Hyrum’s home in his absence, showing forged bills of pretended debts, robbing the already poor and prostrate family in their defenseless state. During this time, however, Joseph and Hyrum grew even closer. Several attempts to escape failed, but finally their jailers took pity on them, knowing of their innocence as well as the corruption of the government in their court proceedings. In transit, the jailers allowed the prisoners to escape. Hryum later recalled this experience, stating his gratitude for his faithfulness in adversity.

Soon after their experience with angry apostates and their incarceration, Hyrum was called to serve as the assistant president of the Church under Joseph. He took on many leadership responsibilities when Joseph was absent, but always stepped down when Joseph was there to preside. At times like this, Hyrum gained a greater appreciation of the burden Joseph carried in the mantel of being the living prophet on the earth.

Hyrum was always ready to plead for mercy on behalf of those who came to Church leaders seeking forgiveness. One such penitent was Orson Hyde, for whom Joseph recommended disciplinary action. However, upon hearing that both Hyrum and Heber C. Kimball pleaded on Hyde’s behalf, he withdrew his motion. Such was the degree to which Joseph held Hyrum’s good opinion that he granted Sidney Rigdon an extended probation, even after Rigdon had worked openly against the prophet. Though Hyrum’s mercy was complete, in this case his judgment was ill founded. Sidney eventually left the Church.

Death of His Father

After the death of Joseph Smith, Sr., on September 14, 1840, Hyrum was called to fill his father’s role as the Church Patriarch, giving patriarchal blessings to worthy Church members who requested them. This life-long calling required even more time, but Hyrum was always willing to set aside what he was doing to fulfill the work of the Lord and to comfort individuals who need bolstering of faith. Said the Lord of Hyrum, “Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me” (D&C 124:91).

After the Saints moved yet again, this time to Nauvoo, Hyrum became a brevet major general in the Nauvoo Legion. Hyrum continued to function in his role as Church Patriarch. At Joseph’s request, Hyrum wrote a letter of reprimand to the Saints in Kirtland about collecting money for a religious newspaper when the direction from the Lord clearly stated all money which could be spared to go to the completion of the Nauvoo Temple. Hyrum’s language was unmistakable and direct while remaining unoffensive. Hyrum knew the importance of completing this temple, which would allow the Lord to shower down eternal blessings upon faithful Saints.

Not only could Hyrum be direct in his correction of others; he could stand correction himself when it was necessary. At a meeting in Joseph’s home, Hyrum spoke on the importance of the scriptures, admonishing that “We must take them as our guide alone.” After Hyrum sat down, Brigham Young, the president of the Twelve, stood, piled the books of scripture on top of each other, and said, “I would not give the ashes of a rye straw for all those books for my salvation without the living oracles. I should follow and obey the living oracles for my salvation instead of anything else” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 250–251). Instead of being offended or growing angry, Hyrum stood and acknowledged his oversight in not including the living oracles and asked pardon. Such was his character.

Hyrum instructed the brethren to preach nothing but the basic principles of the gospel to the world: faith, repentance, baptism, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. He taught:

“Beware what you teach! For the mysteries of God are not given to all men; and unto those to whom they are given they are placed under restrictions to impart only such as God will command them; and the residue is to be kept in a faithful breast, otherwise he will be brought under condemnation. by this God will prove his faithful servants, who will be called and numbered with the chosen” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 318).

The Martyrdom

As persecution in Nauvoo increased, the city council declared the Nauvoo Expositor a nuisance due to its libelous slander. Since the charter which had been granted to the city gave the city council the right declare nuisances and to “prevent and remove the same” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 336). The council’s actions were within legal bounds and were, they believed, for the safety of the people. However, this act set into motion events which culminated in the martyrdom. Thinking only their lives were in danger, Joseph and Hyrum decided to leave for the West, expecting the Saints to join them later, and hoping that this action would stem the tide of violence coming against the Saints. When they were requested to return, Hryum remembered the power his blessing had given him to choose to lay down his life, even though it meant leaving his family. Both Hyrum and Joseph knew that a return meant death, but they both went willingly, sealing their testimonies with their blood.

Four men were present in Carthage Jail the morning of June 27, 1844. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were both killed by an angry mob of men, but Willard Richards and John Taylor escaped alive. Much has been said of Joseph’s sacrifices, but an editorial which appeared in the Times and Seasons offered this eulogy on behalf of Hyrum:

“In thus descanting upon the glory of General Joseph Smith and the cowardly disgrace of his assassins, let his noble minded brother Hyrum have no less honor shown him: he lived so far beyond the ordinary walk of man, that even the tongue of the vilest slanderer could not touch his repuation. He lived godly and he died godly, and his murderers will yet have to confess that it would have been better for them to have a mill stone tied to them, and they cast into the depths of the sea, and remain there while eternity goes and eternity comes, than to have robbed that noble man of heaven, of his life” (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 359).

Hyrum Smith: Part I

Hyrum’s Feelings on His Imprisonment

After escaping from his wrongful five-and-a-half-month imprisonment in Liberty Jail, Clay County, Missouri, Hyrum recalled and summarized his feelings of the events as follows:

I was innocent of crime, and . . . I had been abused and thrust into a dungeon, and confined for months on account of my faith, and the “testimony of Jesus Christ.” However I thank God that I felt a determination to die, rather than deny the things which my eyes had seen, which my hands had handled, and which I had borne testimony to, wherever my lot had been cast; and I can assure my beloved brethren that I was enabled to bear as strong a testimony, when nothing but death presented itself, as ever I did in my life. my confidence in God, was likewise unshaken. I knew that he who suffered me, along with my brethren, to be thus tried, that he could and that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies; and in his own due time he did so, for which I desire to bless and praise his holy name.

From my close and long confinement, as well as from the sufferings of my mind, I feel my body greatly broke down and debilitated, my frame has received a shock from which it will take a long time to recover; yet, I am happy to say that my zeal for the cause of God, and my courage in defense of the truth, are as great as ever. “My heart is fixed,” and I yet feel a determination to do the will of God, in spite of persecutions, imprisonments or death; I can say with Paul [that] “none of these things move me . . . so that I may finish my course with joy (Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, Jeffrey S. O’Driscoll, 207).

Conditions in Europe

This is an excerpt from a letter to the First Presidency regarding the condition of the European Saints after WWII by Ezra Taft Benson:

“The general condition of the Saints is improving daily. Spiritually it has been good throughout the war and was perhaps never better than it is now. Mission leaders everywhere report that in their experience the Saints have never so completely lived the law of tithing and kept the Word of Wisdom and otherwise maintained the standards of the Church. While the Saints have been called upon to endure hardships almost beyond description, in many cases, yet they have remained hopeful and optimistic, even during occupation of their countries by a foreign enemy when at times they feared for their very lives.

“During the past two or three weeks we have ridden in unheated trains, trucks, and airplanes in order to visit the various missions, but in every instance we were greeted upon arrival with such love and warmth of spirit that any hardships encountered in our travels were soon forgotten. Probably the gospel has never been so fully appreciated by the Saints in Europe as during the recent war period. Already we have come to love them deeply and I am sure we cannot say enough in praise of their devotion to the truth and their love of the General Authorities of the Church” (On Wings of Faith, 25–26).

The Impossible Made Possible

On an early trip to Paris, from where they hoped to organize a massive relief effort, Elder Benson and Bro. Babbel met with the colonel in charge of communications with Germany. They told him of their desire to organize and send supplies to their Church members in all areas of Germany. The colonel told them it would be impossible on such a scale. He told them it would be nearly impossible to find a car to transport the supplies, as well as extremely difficult to get the supplies. Elder Benson assured the colonel they could arrange transportation, food, and military permission. The colonel replied that if they were able to do all this they might get into the American sector of Germany, but none of the others. Despite the negative assurance that all they intended was impossible, Elder Benson turned to Bro. Babbel after the meeting and said, “Let’s get busy!”

Before the end of that day, they had purchased one car and had the prospect of being able to purchase several more in the future. Elder Benson decided the army truck they had been able to obtain should be taken to the Dutch Saints to aid in their distribution of welfare supplies, so Bro. Babbel and Bro. Badger took the truck to Belgium on what turned out to be a very adventurous trip. After their return, they discovered Elder Benson had purchased two new French Citroen cars (which required visiting thirty French governmental officials and industrial executives)—two of the first cars off the line after the war.

With these cars, and with the arrangements made for supplies and travel, they returned to a very surprised colonel, who granted them the necessary military orders to enter the American Zone of Germany. This series of miracles, as well as the cooperation of officials after much resistance, was typical of many experiences in many countries for these men. Multiple times they were able to secure passage on airplanes, trains, or otherwise, when everyone in charge assured them there was no room or no train going to where they needed to go. Persistence and intense faith, along with the strong Spirit which impressed on themselves and others the importance of their work, time and again softened hearts and helped them with what they need to get or to get where they needed to go.

Russians Grant Welfare Access to Eastern Germany

It wasn’t until near the end of Bro. Babbel’s mission, in 1947, that they were finally given permission to send welfare supplies to the Russian sector of Berlin, which permission had been denied for quite some time. The Saints there were so grateful. Many lives were saved by the receipt of these goods. However, the brethren had still been unable to obtain permission to send welfare supplies to East Germany, and the Saints there were suffering greatly. On March 20, 1947, after Elder Benson had been replaced by President Sonne and had gone home, President Sonne spoke with Bro. Babbel. He said, “I want you to leave right away for Berlin and get permission from the Russians to let us ship our welfare supplies into East Germany. When you accomplish this task, you can go home.”

This was the most difficult task Bro. Babbel had been assigned. With no military orders authorizing him, Bro. Babbel managed to negotiate entrance into Berlin. Once there he was able to arrange a meeting with the Russian general in charge of East Germany. After explaining their desires and plans, Bro. Babbel once again asked for permission. He was denied. Feeling guided by the Spirit, Bro. Babbel said, “General (calling him by name), I am grateful to you for granting me this privilege of discussing this vital matter with you. I sincerely respect you and realize that you must have good and valid reasons for giving me the answer you have just given me.

“But if you will be as frank and honest with me as I have been with you, you must at least acknowledge that I have told you the truth in these matters. We have no ulterior motives; we are only interested in helping to keep some of these critically needy people alive; and we don’t care who gets the credit.”

After what Bro. Babbel referred to as a noticeable pause, the general smiled and said, “I must admit that you have been extremely frank and honest with us . . . and because you have been, we are happy to grant you permission!”

Conditions in Europe after WWII

Sweden

Despite losing international missionaries, the Swedes were able to maintain nearly twenty full-time, native missionaries during the war. Their convert baptisms increased significantly during the war years even though they had far fewer missionaries. The Swedish Saints had an impressive 85 percent attendance in their Sacrament meetings. Even more astonishingly, their tithing payments increased by 300 percent and their fast offerings increased by 600 percent during the war  years. These Saints truly understood the need to help one another and to turn to the Lord in their trials.

Holland 

In an early meeting with Mission President Zappey, Elder Benson advised Zappey to find some land where the Dutch Saints could grow potatoes and alleviate some of their own needs. After finally finding land, the Dutch Saints turned a crop of 66 tons of potatoes the first year. Remarkably, President Zappey made a startling request of the Saints, which they agreed to: “Some of the most bitter enemies you people have encountered as a result of this war are the German people. We know what intense feelings of dislike you have for them. But those people are now much worse off than you are and we are asking you to send your entire potato harvest to the German saints. Will you do it?” This is just one amazing example of the peace that the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring to people.

Finland

Previous to the war, Finland had not been opened to the preaching of the gospel. In his call to this mission, Elder Benson was promised that due to his efforts, many new nations would open to the missionaries. In one of his first meetings in Europe, while in Sweden, Elder Benson felt impressed to call Bro. Fritz Johansson to serve as a Finnish-speaking missionary. After fulfilling his mission to Europe, Elder Benson was still impressed with the need of finding a Finnish-speaking mission president to open a mission there. He was travelling with his wife to the East on Church business. Due to a train leaving early, they were stranded in Kansas City. Elder Benson called the airport and arranged for a flight to take them the rest of the way, and then he phoned the Chicago stake president to have someone pick them up and drive them to the airport. One of the counselors in the stake presidency, Henry A. Matis, met the Bensons, and on the drive inquired about the state of things in Finland. Upon questioning Elder Matis, Elder Benson found Elder Matis’s parents were Finnish, and that he was fluent in the language. Shortly thereafter, Elder Matis was called to serve as the Finnish Mission president. The promise made to Elder Benson was fulfilled dramatically.

Norway

When the brethren met Bro. Olaf Sonsteby, who had been acting as mission president during the war, Sonsteby told them a remarkable story. When occupying powers had taken over, they seized all denominational funds. Bro. Sonsteby moved them repeatedly, but finally resorted to burying the money. When he dug the money up after the war, he inexplicably found an extra 37,000 crowns added to the amount he had buried. The mission was blessed through his efforts.

Germany

No country was more devastated than was Germany at the end of the war. The Allied Forces had been merciless in bombing countless cities. When the Church assessed their damages they found that nearly all German meetinghouses had been destroyed. In addition, 80–85 percent of the German Saints had been bombed out of their homes. Many refugees were fleeing Poland to Germany and they brought nothing with them save destitution.

Despite the extremely poor conditions which were so prevalent in Germany, the Saints still had great hope. The brethren received wonderful accounts of German servicemen during the war attending services in other countries, administering the Sacrament, providing blessings, and often giving their rations to the people. This goes to show that even in war there can be kindness and generosity through the teachings of Christ. In one area, the German Saints pulled together and lived the Law of Consecration, helping one another as best they could. Disease was everywhere in the country, and winter was beginning to set in. Most Germans had been on ration for seven years, throughout the war, and their rations were being cut still. Most were on the brink of starving to death. Then the coldest winter recorded during the previous hundred years set in, wiping out even more people who were suffering so badly.

The Church’s Aid to the European Saints after WWII

After the end of World War II in 1945, many of the people in Europe were without homes, clothing, or food. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints‘ leaders knew they had to do all they could to help the Saints now in dire straits. The First Presidency called Ezra Taft Benson, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to serve a one-year mission touring Europe to reorganize the Church there after the devastating war. Frederick W. Babbel was called to escort him and be his aide. In addition, Chaplain Howard C. Badger was permitted to accompany them once they were in Europe to act as a military escort and help them in many ways.

Elder Benson’s assignment included reorganizing and reopening the European missions, which had mostly been forced to shut down at the beginning of the war; assessing the physical and spiritual needs of the people and helping the Church meet those needs; and bringing the blessings and love of the First Presidency to the Saints in Europe.

Conditions were deplorable at this time. Permission to enter all countries had to be granted from all appropriate military powers, and once permission was granted the actual travel had to be arranged. Flights were nearly non-existent, except in military planes. Many railways had been bombed out and there were virtually no passenger cars left, so most railway passage was in livestock cars or third-class cars. Automobiles were very scarce and exceedingly hard to come by, but the missions had to have some. Most countries were still on food rations, and many people could not even find the food available which was listed on their ration cards. Most things were sold on the black market at exorbitant prices, and starvation ran rampant. In some cities there were no buildings left standing, and few people had clothing. On top of all of these hardships, occupying soldiers often took out their rage and hate on the often innocent civilians. Rape, pillage, and plunder were all common, everyday occurrences. These are some of the conditions which President Benson and his companions faced.

And None Shall Stay Them

In an account which Bro. Babbel wrote of their experiences, he focused on the promise the Lord gave His servants in the Doctrine and Covenants: “And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them” (1:5). The experiences of these brethren truly showed the fulfillment of this promise. In one of the first meetings he attended with Elder Benson, Bro. Babbel recorded the following description of him:

“Never had I met a men of God who was so humble, so grateful for loyalty and kindness rendered, so genuinely and deeply emotional and receptive to that which is good and pure, a man who has such an all-consuming love for the children of our Father. Since our arrival he had been able to do more in less time, and that more thoroughly and effectively, than I had ever dreamed to be possible” On Wings of Faith, 20).

When they met with the saints in Oslo, Norway, Elder Benson gave the Saints the following promise:

“I promise you as a servant of God that if you will live true to the covenants you have made with him and will live the gospel as it has been restored, every blessing you might receive by living close to the temples shall be granted unto you, even the celestial kingdom of God.

“God judges us not only by what we do, but by what we would do and desire to do if we had the opportunity. He will not withhold any blessing from us of which we are truly worthy” (On Wings of Faith, 20).

This was a very significant promise, because the Saints keenly felt their distance from any temple. Eventually many more temples would be built in Europe, but this promise surely gave much comfort to those Saints who never had the opportunity to attend the temple in their lifetimes.

The brethren took a whirlwind one-month tour of Europe to get a better feeling for the needs of the Saints in all areas. Elder Benson summarized their trip and findings in a letter to the First Presidency, which was included in the official European Mission History.

On their first visits, the brethren made all possible arrangements for welfare supplies to be delivered to the Saints in most need before the larger welfare shipments arrived. They also worked closely with the International Red Cross, as well as other necessary offices, and obtained much-needed help to transport and distribute the supplies which were sent for.

Miracles in Transportation

After this initial trip, Elder Benson gained a deep understanding of the needs of the Saints and went to work arranging for welfare goods to be shipped to them. This was, however, a very complicated process, and many times it was only through a series of miracles that they were able to get all the permission and paperwork they needed.

In addition to getting supplies to the Saints, it was also Elder Benson’s responsibility to reopen the European missions. However, records were in shambles from the war period. Converting the piles of disorganized information into some semblance of mission records seemed a nearly impossible task, since nearly all missions were in the same state of disarray. However, by the end of their first year, this task had been completed, which was key in reopening many missions and sending the Saints much spiritual strength. It took much more work than organizing the records, however. Elder Benson had to meet with several civil and military authorities to gain all necessary permission for missionaries to return to these countries, but of course he was successful in this endeavor as well.

Conditions in Europe

As they travelled to many different countries, Bro. Babbel recorded the situation in each. Though some countries were better off than others, everywhere there was devastation and despair. The brethren noticed consistently, however, that despite harsh and trying conditions, the Saints were hopeful and had the light of Christ in their hearts. Some touching experiences strengthened testimonies and offered encouraging reports to the First Presidency.

Welfare Arrangements

Despite so much suffering, the Saints retained strong testimonies. One sister who had walked to Western Germany from East Prussia bore her testimony of the power of prayer and of the gospel. Her husband was killed in a battle near the end of the war. She fled with her four small children, the youngest still a baby. She walked over a thousand miles with them, pulling a small cart with all their belongings. Along the way she lost each of her children, digging graves for them along the way with a tablespoon. Near the end of the unbearable journey, her baby died and she dug the grave with her bare hands. Despairing and near to suicide, she felt the impression she needed to pray, which she did. She was comforted and strengthened and bore a fervent testimony that she was happy because she knew Jesus is the Christ and that if she continued faithful, she would be rewarded in the next life for all she had suffered in this life.

Others bore similar testimonies that through the devastation of war they had gained an unshakable testimony because they had turned to the Lord when there was no one else and He never denied them. Bro. Babbel recounted seeing hundreds near starvation, but never hearing them utter a word of complaint. They found their hope in the gospel and did the best they could.

In the course of things, Elder Benson arranged for the Church’s welfare supplies to be shipped by the Red Cross to Bremen, Germany, but there was a lot of concern about the shipments being pilfered once they made it to Bremen and were being shipped by rail across the country. Much of this robbery had been occurring, but the papers were trying to keep it quiet, and Elder Benson was very concerned about it. Later it was decided that all supplies would be sent to Geneva, because the risk of sending them through some of the German and Belgian ports was too great. Through the protection of the Lord, though, there was minimal loss of the welfare supplies during this huge relief effort. In addition to the Church’s welfare supplies, Elder Babbel contributed many things at his own expense. His wife often sent him care packages that he would share with and distribute to the Saints. Sometimes it was something as small as a needle and thread, which were impossible to get in Germany, and the gratitude with which these things were received always touched Bro. Babbel’s heart.

It took a year for Bro. Babbel to receive permission from the Russians to allow welfare supplies to be sent into Eastern Germany. This was one of the greatest miracles which occurred during Bro. Babbel’s year-long mission.

The Sacrifices of the Brethren to Bring Aid to the European Saints

Bro. Babbel recorded accurate records of all he and Elder Benson were able to accomplish, but their success did not come without sacrifice. These brethren often worked eighteen-hour days or longer, getting up before 5:00 in the morning and going until at least midnight day after day. They often went without food —either because it was not available or because they gave what they had to the Saints who need it so much more. They once fasted for a period of four days. They also often travelled under horrible circumstances, once flying in a plane with no heating and no insulation. They were nearly frozen when they landed. They each left their families for a year, and communication with their families was minimal, with letters sometimes taking several weeks to reach the brethren in their travels. At one point Elder Benson did not hear of his child’s serious illness until it was too late for him even to pray for a good outcome. He had to have faith that the prayers which had been offered in this child’s behalf would be sufficient: they were.

Their travelling was unfathomable, especially under the conditions in which they were forced to travel. Between April and June, Elder Benson travelled from London to Switzerland, back to London, around England, to Norway, then to Sweden and then to Denmark. Next came Holland, then back to London, back to Denmark and then to Germany, and finally back to London. Elder Benson often travelled extensively within each country he visited, as well.

By the end of his mission, Elder Benson had travelled 32,202 miles by plane 1,455 miles by ship and boat; 9,818 miles by train; 14,356 miles by car; and 3,405 miles by miscellaneous transportation including military jeeps and station wagons, buses, street cars, taxis, droshkas (horse-drawn carriage), cable railways, etc., for a total of 61,236 miles.

Despite their hardships, these brethren sacrificed most willingly to bring hope and comfort to those of God’s children they were called to serve.

Success of the Welfare Mission

At the end of the welfare mission, all of the hard work Elder Benson and Bro. Babbel had put in had produced marvelous results. All previous missions had been reestablished and were operating under individual mission presidents, with the exception of West Germany, whose new president was on his way. Welfare supplies had been organized and routes set up so needy Saints could get some relief. Missionaries were sent out again and were working hard to help bring people the peace of the gospel as well as help the people rebuild their countries and lives. Finland had also been opened to the gospel and proved to be one of the most receptive countries in Europe.

Ninety-two railway carloads of welfare supplies, amounting to about 2,000 tons, had been received and distributed in Europe. These supplies included food, clothing, utensils, medical supplies, and other necessaries. Individual Church members organized themselves and sent additional tens of thousands of critical items. The response was great enough that the Church was also able to donate large amounts of clothing and food to local child-care and feeding programs in some places. Several military barracks had also been purchased and moved to house the Saints while they rebuilt. The countries which benefited from the monumental relief effort included Britain, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Germany. By March of 1947, needs had been met in all countries except Germany, Austria, and Poland, which allowed extra items to be sent to the still-needy countries.

The welfare program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides the necessities of life, so those who are in need may once again become capable of providing for themselves. The efforts of Elder Benson and Bro. Babbel in post-World War II Europe saved the lives of countless people. The Lord blessed these men to find ways to accomplish the seemingly impossible task of reaching so many people under such circumstances. Truly the Lord’s promise that “none shall stay them” was fulfilled in this mission.

Race and the Priesthood

The power of the priesthood is the authority to act in God’s name and can only be given to those whom the Lord ordains. The ability to exercise the power of the priesthood, after one has been ordained to it, depends strictly upon one’s personal worthiness. In ancient times, only certain men were selected to hold the priesthood. In the days of Moses, Aaron was set apart as the high priest, and only his descendants were able to be ordained to the priesthood. During all the years that the Law of Moses was in force, only Levites held the priesthood, because the Lord declared it should be that way.  It was the pattern of the Firstborn being dedicated to the service of God.  Israel is the “firstborn” of the world, Levites are the “firstborn” of Israel, and Aaron’s descendants are the “firstborn” of the Levites.  Christ became the Firstborn of God, and His sacrifice allows Him to choose worthy followers to administrate under His authority.  The standard for them is worthiness and covenant-making.

When The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, the priesthood was restored. Men who had been baptized and who were worthy were ordained to the priesthood, as is still the practice in the Church today. However, in the early days of the Church, it was the practice not to ordain men of African descent to the priesthood. Though some people have come up with reasons for this practice, the fact is that the reason was either never revealed by the Lord, or there was never any record of the revelation. The Church has received a lot of criticism for this past practice, but the criticism is not what is important. What is important is that the Church has never taught any doctrine demeaning people of color in any way. Nor has the Church ever segregated its congregations. Joseph Smith taught, in fact, that any perceived inferiority or weakness in those of African descent only existed because those people had not been given the same education and opportunities as had the rest of the country’s population. The Church also supported civil rights causes long before the priesthood was extended to  men of color. Many have asked why it took until 1978 for men of African heritage to receive the priesthood. The only true answer is, we don’t know, because the Lord never offered an explanation.

There was a lot of pressure put on the Church and its leaders to give the priesthood to all worthy men. However, pressure is not what changes things in the Church. The only way policies change is if the Lord instructs his prophet, through revelation, to change something. Many prophets had wished for a this policy to be different, but it could not change just because people wished it were different. However, in 1978, Spencer W. Kimball, who was then the prophet of the Church, felt strongly that the time had come for all worthy male members of the priesthood to receive the priesthood and consequently temple blessings as well. Many people hoped for and looked forward to this day; previous presidents had even prophesied that at some day all worthy males would be allowed these blessings. President Kimball turned to the Lord through much prayer and fasting in the temple. This was an issue he pondered long hours over and finally received a revelation in 1978 that the time had come to extend the priesthood to all worthy male members, regardless of race. This revelation was received unanimously by all Church leaders and was presented to the Church in the September General Conference of that year, where it was also received unanimously. This revelation has entered Church cannon as Official Declaration—2.

An apostle when this revelation came forth, Bruce R. McConkie addressed the difficulty some people had with the whole issue:

“It is time disbelieving people repented and got in line and believed in a living, modern prophet. Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young . . . or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world. We get our truth and our light line upon line and precept upon precept. We have now had added a new flood of intelligence and light on this particular subject, and it erases all the darkness and all the views and all the thoughts of the past. They don’t matter any more. It doesn’t make a particle of difference what anybody ever said about the Negro matter before the first day of June of this year. It is a new day and a new arrangement, and the Lord has now given the revelation that sheds light out into the world on this subject” (Stephen R. Haynes, Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002).

This principle can be applied to nearly any revelation given in the Church. We may not know why the Lord gives a commandment, but we follow that commandment to the best of our abilities. When the Lord wants something changed, He reveals it to the only man who holds the keys to His Church: the living, modern prophet. Though we do not know why it ever was a practice to withhold the priesthood from anyone, we do know that now, at this time, the Lord has commanded that all worthy men, regardless of race or color, are able to receive His priesthood after making the proper covenants.

The extending of the priesthood to all worthy males was immediate and the effects have been innumerable. This revelation has brought joy to millions of people and will continue to do so. The Church continues to expand throughout the world, and the blessings of the priesthood can now be exercised and shared by all Church members. Temples now dot the earth in myriad countries, and temple blessings are extended to all worthy, prepared members.

Watch a short video on the blessings of the Revelation on the Priesthood.

Next Page »