Lesson 15

The Church in Northern Missouri, 1836–38

Themes

1. Far West was established as a gathering place for the Saints and eventually became the headquarters of the Church.

2. The Prophet Joseph Smith identified the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman as the place where the Ancient of Days (Adam) will come to visit his people. The Lord will also appear at this gathering.

3. The Far West period was a time of conflict, apostasy, and purging.

Student Manual and Scripture Sources

• Student manual, chapter 15, pp. 181–92.

• Doctrine and Covenants 114–20.

Suggested Approaches

• Doctrine and Covenants sections 114–20 are revelations received by Joseph Smith at Far West. You could mention these sections and point out certain verses and show their importance.

  Doctrine and Covenants 114 Elder David W. Patten is called to serve a mission to testify of Christ.

  Doctrine and Covenants 115 The Lord commands his people to build a temple at Far West, Missouri (see vv. 10–14). In this section the Lord also affirms the name of the Church (see v. 4).

  Doctrine and Covenants 116 The location and importance of Adam-ondi-Ahman are given.

  Doctrine and Covenants 117 William Marks and Bishop Newel K. Whitney are commanded to leave and gather at Adam-ondi-Ahman and Far West (see vv. 8–11).

  Doctrine and Covenants 118 Four new Apostles are called to fill vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve (see vv. 1, 6). The Twelve are to go to England (see vv. 4–5).

  Doctrine and Covenants 119 The law of tithing is given.

  Doctrine and Covenants 120 Authorizes the committee on the disposition of tithing.

• Read or sing “Adam-ondi-Ahman” (Hymns, no. 49).

Theme Sources

• History of the Church, 2:448–62, 522–25; 3:1–54.

• Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:413–46.

• Readings in LDS Church History, 1:257–85.

• Leland H. Gentry, “Adam-ondi-Ahman: A Brief Historical Survey,” Brigham Young University Studies, Summer 1973, pp. 553–76.

  An account of the exploration of the area by Church leaders and the settling of the area by the Saints.

• Robert J. Matthews, “Adam-ondi-Ahman,” Brigham Young University Studies, Autumn 1972, pp. 27–35.

  Focuses primarily on the doctrinal significance of Adam-ondi-Ahman.

Additional Sources

• Leland Homer Gentry, “A History of the Latter-day Saints in Northern Missouri from 1836 to 1839,” Ph.D. diss., Brigham Young University, 1965.

  The early chapters in this study provide information regarding the dissenting Mormons and the settlement of various communities.

• Peter Crawley, “Two Rare Missouri Documents,” Brigham Young University Studies, Summer 1974, pp. 502–27.

  The documents reproduced in this article are an extra edition of The Evening and Morning Star, printed in February 1834 by Oliver Cowdery in Kirtland, which gives an account of the expulsion of the Saints from Jackson County, and an oration by Sidney Rigdon delivered on 4 July 1838 at Far West.

• Leland H. Gentry, “The Danite Band of 1838,” Brigham Young University Studies, Summer 1974, pp. 421–50.

  Discusses the history of the Danite band and its leaders. Answers many of the questions relative to this group and their part in causing difficulties between the Mormons and non-Mormons in northern Missouri.

• Richard Lloyd Anderson, “Atchison’s Letters and the Causes of Mormon Expulsion from Missouri,” Brigham Young University Studies, Summer 1986, pp. 3–47.

  Contains biographical information on David Atchison and his fairness in dealing with the Latter-day Saints during a time of conflict.