Special Topics

This section will include special topics about Mormon history.

History of Mormon Temples
The temples of the Mormon Church are one of its most unique and distinguishing characteristics. They stand as symbols of Mormons’ beliefs in the afterlife and in the purpose of life here on earth.  Since the beginnings of Mormon history, the prophets and members of the Mormon Church have sacrificed to build these sacred buildings and worship within them.  In comparison to most other Christian churches, Mormonism stands virtually alone in affirming the importance of its leaders having the proper authority, given of God, to administrate the Church. This authority, called the priesthood, gives leaders the ability to guide Christ’s Church and to build and operate temples for the salvation of the living and the dead.  In a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord Jesus Christ declared, “my people are always commanded to build [temples] unto my holy name” (D&C 124:39).  (Read more)

Mormonism in Germany
Mormon missionaries and leaders have been preaching the message of the restored gospel in Germany since 1841 and, over the years, tens of thousands of Mormons have joined the Mormon Church. In the early years, persecution drove the Mormon converts to move to America, where they could practice religious freedom, but today nearly 40,000 Mormons live and work in Germany. (Read More)

History of Mormon Missionary Work
Since the Prophet Joseph Smith first shared his message about the First Vision, Mormons have been doing missionary work. This work is one of great faith and sacrifice and illustrates the power of Mormon beliefs and the commitment of those who follow them. Mormons have sacrificed many things to spread the message that Jesus Christ’s gospel has been restored through living prophets. (Read More)

History of the Late Persecution by Parley P. Pratt
In Which Ten Thousand American Citizens Were Robbed, Plundered, and Driven From the State, and Many Others Imprisoned, Martyred, etc. for Their Religion, And All This by Military Force, by Order of the Executive. (Read More)

Facts Relative to the Expulsion of the Mormons From the State of Missouri by John Greene.
We give in today’s paper the details of the recent bloody tragedy acted in Missouri-the details of a scene of terror and blood unparalleled in the annals of modern, and under the circumstances of the case, in ancient history-a tragedy of so deep, and fearful, and absorbing interest, that the very life-blood of the heart is chilled at the simple contemplation. (Read More)

Concise History of the Mormon Battalion by Sergeant Daniel Tyler
Before entering upon the History of the  Mormon Battalion, it seems necessary to offer some explanation of the previous condition of the Latter-day Saints; otherwise the reader unacquainted with those facts would scarcely be able to appreciate the situation of the people at the time of the enlistment of the Battalion. (Read More)