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Story
June 18, 1897
Deseret Evening News
Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah
What is this article about?
Letter from H. P. Dotson in Sturges, Miss., dated June 1, 1897, describing the positive reception of the Mormon conference despite prior opposition, with elders explaining doctrines and Utah's achievements, leading to reduced prejudice among locals.
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LETTER FROM MISSISSIPPI.
A Resident There Gives His Views of the Mormon Conference in Sturges, Miss.
STURGES, Miss., June 1st, 1897.
To the Editor:
Our vicinity has had a most enjoyable time in the assembling of the Mississippi conference in our midst, some two years since, certain parties here said:
"The people of this community don't want Mormonism among them, and they are not going to have it." I wonder what they think now.
The opposition manifested then, with its increased violence since, has been a stepping-stone to plant Mormonism firmly on this same forbidden ground. This is one instance among numerous others where Mormonism—so called—has been "kicked up hill" by enemies.
The town of Sturges during conference had one of the greatest displays of the sublimity and grandeur of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ ever witnessed in this community. There was quite a respectable crowd out each day to listen to the strange doctrines of the Mormons. They doubtless expected to hear something akin to Mohammedanism, or they knew not what; but instead they heard the plain, simple story of the cross, from which man-made theology was eliminated.
When much that is precious, so far as many of the sects today are concerned, Elder Pomeroy explained the origin of the Book of Mormon, and proved by incontestable scriptural evidence, its divine authenticity. The people's wonder knew no bounds; and when Elder Rydalch gave them a sketch of Utah, past and present, with the status and standing of the Mormon people, their trials and sufferings for the Gospel's sake, tears welled up in the eyes of some, roused to weeping.
The Mormons are usually looked upon as most woefully deluded, and now it is thought by many that only the most ignorant and superstitious will embrace or have anything to do with Mormonism. But when they learn, as they did on this occasion, that Utah stands third in point of education of the states composing this great republic, they may well imagine that some of the greatest men of this republic believe as they do there. When the facts are known of the care and painstaking of the training of their sons and daughters, as they grow up to manhood and womanhood, they then may cease to wonder at the results. If any outside testimony were needed to show the high plane upon which the people of Utah move, I would respectfully refer the reader to an article in the Atlanta (Georgia) Constitution relative to Hon. Frank J. Cannon, Senator from Utah.
Much prejudice was allayed, as the Elders visited among the people, and the universal testimony, so far as I have been able to learn, is that they were the nicest and grandest lot of men ever assembled in Sturges.
Many of the old most-buckee, if I should so call them, refused to come out to the meeting, and kept all others away that they could, but in spite of their efforts many came, and the good seed was scattered far and wide, and evidently will bring forth fruit in the near future.
H. P. DOTSON.
A Resident There Gives His Views of the Mormon Conference in Sturges, Miss.
STURGES, Miss., June 1st, 1897.
To the Editor:
Our vicinity has had a most enjoyable time in the assembling of the Mississippi conference in our midst, some two years since, certain parties here said:
"The people of this community don't want Mormonism among them, and they are not going to have it." I wonder what they think now.
The opposition manifested then, with its increased violence since, has been a stepping-stone to plant Mormonism firmly on this same forbidden ground. This is one instance among numerous others where Mormonism—so called—has been "kicked up hill" by enemies.
The town of Sturges during conference had one of the greatest displays of the sublimity and grandeur of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ ever witnessed in this community. There was quite a respectable crowd out each day to listen to the strange doctrines of the Mormons. They doubtless expected to hear something akin to Mohammedanism, or they knew not what; but instead they heard the plain, simple story of the cross, from which man-made theology was eliminated.
When much that is precious, so far as many of the sects today are concerned, Elder Pomeroy explained the origin of the Book of Mormon, and proved by incontestable scriptural evidence, its divine authenticity. The people's wonder knew no bounds; and when Elder Rydalch gave them a sketch of Utah, past and present, with the status and standing of the Mormon people, their trials and sufferings for the Gospel's sake, tears welled up in the eyes of some, roused to weeping.
The Mormons are usually looked upon as most woefully deluded, and now it is thought by many that only the most ignorant and superstitious will embrace or have anything to do with Mormonism. But when they learn, as they did on this occasion, that Utah stands third in point of education of the states composing this great republic, they may well imagine that some of the greatest men of this republic believe as they do there. When the facts are known of the care and painstaking of the training of their sons and daughters, as they grow up to manhood and womanhood, they then may cease to wonder at the results. If any outside testimony were needed to show the high plane upon which the people of Utah move, I would respectfully refer the reader to an article in the Atlanta (Georgia) Constitution relative to Hon. Frank J. Cannon, Senator from Utah.
Much prejudice was allayed, as the Elders visited among the people, and the universal testimony, so far as I have been able to learn, is that they were the nicest and grandest lot of men ever assembled in Sturges.
Many of the old most-buckee, if I should so call them, refused to come out to the meeting, and kept all others away that they could, but in spite of their efforts many came, and the good seed was scattered far and wide, and evidently will bring forth fruit in the near future.
H. P. DOTSON.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Providence Divine
Moral Virtue
Fortune Reversal
What keywords are associated?
Mormon Conference
Sturges Mississippi
Religious Opposition
Book Of Mormon
Utah Education
Elder Pomeroy
Elder Rydalch
What entities or persons were involved?
H. P. Dotson
Elder Pomeroy
Elder Rydalch
Hon. Frank J. Cannon
Where did it happen?
Sturges, Miss.
Story Details
Key Persons
H. P. Dotson
Elder Pomeroy
Elder Rydalch
Hon. Frank J. Cannon
Location
Sturges, Miss.
Event Date
June 1st, 1897
Story Details
A resident reports on the successful Mississippi Mormon conference in Sturges, overcoming local opposition through sermons on Gospel doctrines, Book of Mormon origins, and Utah's history and educational standing, allaying prejudices and attracting listeners.