Hovan Lawton speaking at the Building Latter-day Faith Conference

The Telling Responses of Nineteenth-Century Saints Unexpectedly Called to Serve Missions

By Hovan Lawton

During Wilford Woodruff’s ten-year administration as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he and his counselors in the First Presidency issued many mission calls. In turn, these men responded by letter to explain whether or not they could accept the call to serve. Although one might assume that their responses would be rather businesslike and uninteresting, they are actually full of vivid details about the lives of nineteenth-century Latter-day Saints and how their mission calls impacted their lives. These men faced various obstacles to missionary service, and the letters explained their circumstances as well as some of the special requests made to help mitigate their challenges. A close study of just 135 of the responses written to Wilford Woodruff in 1889 allows for a greater appreciation for the sacrifices and faith of those called to serve missions during this time.

By Maddie Christensen

In today’s digital age, the Internet has become an indispensable tool for accessing information on any topic imaginable. With just a few keystrokes and a click of a button, one can easily find answers to any question that comes to mind. Googling questions has become a ubiquitous activity that many of us engage in on a daily basis.

By Kaitlin Palmer

Stories have been and always will be our primary tools for remembering, learning, and creating community. The Wilford Woodruff Papers Project is sharing stories of all kinds about the individuals Wilford Woodruff interacted with in his lifetime and making these stories available through FamilySearch. Wilford’s writings have given a new perspective about the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and now his records are adding details to the lives of individual people as well.

A Rewarding Volunteer Project

By Maddie Christensen

“One of the things that has touched my heart with this project is that the individuals were just like you and me. They lived, they had their concerns (which were probably not too much different than the ones I have), and for the most part, they remained faithful to the Church,” states Kathi Quantz, a volunteer for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation.

She continues, “I love that Wilford Woodruff mentioned the everyday interactions he had with the Saints in his papers. I look at these people and their lives, and it brings me hope.”

As a volunteer, Kathi researches individuals in the Papers and writes a short biography for each one. She also enjoys the flexibility of volunteering. She has a large family and is grateful to be able to volunteer and still spend time with her family.

Insight from the Additional Documents

If I had been asked a little over a year ago to list the people who prepared me the most to serve a full-time mission, Wilford Woodruff would not have been on that list. But since I joined the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project, the fourth prophet of the last dispensation would be one of the first people I would mention. It has been an incredible experience to prepare for my missionary service while also studying Wilford Woodruff’s missionary journals, reviewing mission call acceptance letters from nineteenth-century elders, and reading sermons and letters in which he urged the priesthood brethren to dedicate their lives to serving the Lord.

Ellie Hancock, representing the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation, recently spoke at the Association for Documentary Editing Conference in Washington, D.C. She presented alongside scholars representing organizations such as the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, the Joseph Smith Papers, and more.

Last month we partnered with FAIR Latter-day Saints and Missionary Mommas to hold a Q&A with several former mission leaders. We are thankful for all who participated in any way. The recording from the event is available at the link below.

Registration is open for the 2023 FAIR Conference, which will take place from August 2 to 4 in Provo, Utah. LaJean Purcell Carruth, one of the advisors to the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation, will be speaking on August 3. Learn more about the conference, apply for student scholarships, and register using the links below.

Use code "WILFORD" for a 20% discount at checkout.

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