The Mormon Migration
A Religious Journey Mormon was a nickname given to those people who gathered around Joseph Smith. The actual name of the church was and still is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They were called the Mormons because they believed that the Book of Mormon was the word of God like the bible.
The Beginning of the Mormon Church Mormonism got its start it in upstate New York. In this time period, this part of the state was experiencing a Great Awakening. This was a religious revival where many religions were competing for converts.
The Beginning of the Mormon Church Joseph Smith was a young 14 year old boy at this time. He attended many different religious services. He was confused because he said that their doctrine differed greatly from religion to religion.
Joseph Smith
The Mormon church begins In response to this he claimed to have a vision in which he saw God and Jesus Christ. Smith also claimed that he received visits from an angel named Moroni who gave him an ancient record. Smith said he translated that record into the Book of Mormon.
The controversy starts Before and after the Mormon church was founded on April 6, 1830 there was persecution of the Mormons. The biggest reason for the persecution was because the Mormons had much different beliefs than other churches. Because of this the Mormons were forced from state to state.
Early Mormon movement Palmyra and Fayette, New York Nauvoo, Illinois Kirtland, Ohio Jackson County, Missouri
Early Mormon movement From the beginning the Mormons were trying to gain converts. The church established a missionary program that had immediate success. One of their biggest successes included baptizing 130 people in Ohio from a congregation lead by Sidney Rigdon.
Other Early Leaders Sidney Rigdon Oliver Cowdery Martin Harris David Whitmer
Kirtland, Ohio The Mormons would relocate from New York and Pennsylvania to Kirtland, Ohio because of increasing persecution and the large conversion that had taken place in Ohio. They lived in Ohio from 1830-1838 until they were forced out by Mobs. A lot of Mormons left the church.
Kirtland, Ohio The Mormons had tried to establish a bank that failed. This lead a lot of people to think that Joseph Smith was not a prophet. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were both tarred and feathered. Mormons were forced to leave a well-established community.
Kirtland, Ohio
Mormons in Missouri From Ohio the Mormons moved to the western frontier in Missouri. Mormons believed this to be Zion or the New Jerusalem. The Mormons had some problems in Missouri because of their religion and politics. Mormons were Anti-Slavery.
Mormons in Missouri The Mormons were driven from county to county. They were harassed and killed by mobs. (Haun s Mill) An extermination order was issued by Governor Lilburn Boggs. Mormons were forced to flee, but they still believe they will gather in Missouri someday.
Early Mormon movement Palmyra and Fayette, New York Nauvoo, Illinois Kirtland, Ohio Jackson County, Missouri
Nauvoo, Illinois From Missouri the Mormons went to Illinois, where they established the community of Nauvoo in the swamps near the Mississippi River. Nauvoo, meant the beautiful in Hebrew. The Mormons finally felt that they would be left alone.
Nauvoo, Illinois
Nauvoo, Illinois One of the biggest problems for Mormons was the idea of Zion or of gathering as a people. This lead to Nauvoo becoming the largest city in Illinois in only a few years. There was also the problem of increased polygamy.
End of an Era Some former Mormons began publishing an anti-mormon newspaper in Nauvoo. Joseph Smith ordered that the press be destroyed. Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were sent to jail for this.
End of an Era While they were in Jail they were attacked by a mob and Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed. Many people thought the Mormon church would die with Smith s death. A new and dynamic leader would step up to lead the Mormons.
The death of Joseph Smith
Brigham Young