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Private Notes
On the afternoon of October 30, 1838, a vigilante force of more than two hundred armed men attacked and raided the small settlement known as Hawn’s Mill in eastern Caldwell County, Missouri. The premeditated assault left seventeen Mormon men and boys dead and more than a dozen others wounded. But those who remained had little time to mourn their loss. Afraid of another attack, short of help, and facing unseasonably cold temperatures, the shocked survivors quickly buried fourteen of their dead in an unfinished dry well.
During the weeks and months that followed, life at Hawn’s Mill was bleak, especially for the women and children whose husbands and fathers had been killed or wounded. Those left behind struggled to provide for their families. Yet the experiences of the Latter-day Saints at Hawn’s Mill exemplify incredible faith, courage, and commitment in the midst of terrible tragedy. Their stories touch the deepest of sympathies, inspire faith, and strengthen testimony, and they should never be forgotten.
But why did the attack occur? Who was involved? And did the Saints at Hawn’s Mill disobey Joseph Smith’s counsel? These and other telling questions are explained and clarified in this first-of-a-kind DVD devoted exclusively to helping viewers understand the massacre at Hawn’s Mill.
The Relief Society was never intended to be just a class for the women in the ward who did not have a calling elsewhere. Its intended purpose was much more exalted—bolder and nobler. The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo was organized under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. From March to August of 1842, he met with the sisters six times, teaching them doctrine and giving them counsel, inspiration, and purpose. They were to be, he said, "a select society separate from all of the evils of the world, choice, virtuous, and holy," whose purpose was to "save souls" and to care for the poor and the needy. Emma Smith, the elect lady, was chosen as their leader. In their organizational meeting, with her prophet husband standing by, she declared, "We are going to do something extraordinary." And so it has come to pass. This History of the Saints one-hour documentary presentation takes you back to 1842 and the very beginnings of Relief Society, where Joseph Smith imparted the purpose, the vision, and the place of women in the Restoration: a place where "Charity Never Faileth."
This documentary is hosted by Ruth Todd and features interviews with current and past Relief Society leaders and scholars on Latter-day Saint women's history.
In conducting the interviews for "I Now Turn the Key to You" with these wonderful women there was so much edifying material shared that could not be included in the documentary. Each woman brought her own expertise and perspective to the subject of Joseph Smith and the Origins of Relief Society. Therefore, the producers wanted to make this material available for study and consideration. The following are selected excerpts from the interviews.
It has been described as “one of the finest expressions of human compassion in American history.” In 1839, the Mormons were a people in flight, having been ordered out of the State of Missouri by the edict of the Governor. More than 7000 refugees fleeing in the dead of winter—and where could they go? Who would take them in? They came to the only arms open to them. The citizens of Quincy, Illinois opened their homes and hearts to a people in perilous straits—the Mormons. This is the story—seldom told–of one of the greatest rescues in 19th century American history.
Each year, wards and stakes around the world “go on trek,” reenacting and living out the experiences of the handcart pioneers of 1856. As part of those treks, the focus often turns to the Willie and Martin handcart companies of late 1856, who were caught in early winter snows and who suffered beyond all description. As interesting and compelling as their story is, and as much as they deserve our honor, theirs does not accurately represent the entire handcart experience. Altogether, there were ten handcart companies, and the whole of their trail experience is a fascinating story worthy of our consideration. This DVD brings you stories from the journals of handcart pioneers whose experiences represent the typical life on the trail for those who came to Zion pulling handcarts.
The Book of Mormon is a miracle! It is truly a marvelous work and a wonder brought forth by the gift and power of God. Not just Joseph Smith, but no man in that age or now could have authored the work. It is too deep, too complex, too much for the mind and intellect of any one man. In short, it is a miracle. In this History of the Saints special presentation, we present the expertise and witness of some of the world’s most informed scholars on the Book of Mormon. They will discuss the history and origins of the text, the Book as literature, its doctrine and intertextuality, its translation and printing. Even the claims of the book archaeologically and anthropologically will be examined. This fascinating documentary special is a must-see for all who have an interest in the Book of Mormon.
Amasa Mason Lyman represents a life mostly forgotten in Church History, yet he figured prominently in Nauvoo as a member of the First Presidency, in Utah as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, and on numerous missions around the world. When he was excommunicated in 1870 it was as though history forgot his dedicated service and sacrifice for the Kingdom. This biographical documentary tells the story of Elder Lyman from his conversion to his first memorable meeting with the Prophet Joseph Smith, from his service in the Temple at Nauvoo through his numerous assignments as a member of the Twelve. It describes the circumstances of his excommunication and climaxes with the tender and inspiring story of his reinstatement as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a witness of the far-reaching power of the atonement.
Lucy Mack Smith — mother of the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith Jr. — was born during the American Revolution and by her very nature had the determined spirit of independence. She also witnessed the Second Great Awakening in America that caused so many to seek after God. These influences, coupled with a faithful upbringing, created in Lucy Mack Smith a singular personality and character, one well-suited to rear the Prophet who would restore all truth to the earth. That alone was monumental, but her influence extended well beyond the formative years of her children. The historical record bears out the profound respect shown her both by her family and by the body of the Saints. Not only did she prove herself an exemplary mother and companion, but she was a fierce witness and defender of the faith. This documentary gives new insight into the life story of Lucy Mack Smith — First Mother of the Restoration.
In December 1847, a ragged band of soldiers known as the Mormon Battalion made their way into the Latter-day Saint settlement of Kanesville, Iowa, to be reunited with the families they had left behind for voluntary service in the United States Army. These pages, full of compelling narrative and rich visuals, bring to life the history of this unusual military unit with all of its faith, sacrifice, and unflagging service. So significant was their contribution that upon their return, President Brigham Young called for a jubilee celebration in their honor, proclaiming their offering to be a salvation to the Latter-day Saints at a crucial time in their history, as well as the history of the nation. This fascinating story, too long neglected and too little understood, will humble and inspire you as you take in this volume worthy of generations.
Those who pulled handcarts across the plains are looked at today as great examples of faith—
but what many may not realize is that the handcart was an even bigger test of faith for those
who pulled them. This unusual conveyance represented more than just a cumbersome two-
wheeled burden. It represented a wrenching test of obedience. Would they come—the rich and
the poor, from all over the world—at the prophet’s call? Would they give away all but
seventeen pounds of this world’s goods? And would they come by handcart? There were those
both in and out of the Church who mocked the prophet, ridiculed the plan, and tried to stop the
obedient. But the faithful came anyway—more than three thousand of them in ten companies
of handcarts from 1856 to 1860. Their story is as unusual and as powerful as their mode of
conveyance was different. This History of the Saints special documentary DVD presentation tells
their compelling story.
September 22, 1823, Palmyra, 17 year-old Joseph Smith Jr. was called by name by a messenger sent from the presence of the Lord. He called himself Moroni and told Joseph that God had a work for him to do and that his name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds and tongues. Now, nearly two centuries later the controversies regarding Joseph Smith and early Church history have crossed generational lines, all international boundaries, and reached many families. The question is ultimately the same that it has always been, is Joseph Smith a prophet of God or a fraud and a charlatan? Was he an honest man or a liar? This History of the Saints presentation speaks to those who have concerns about Church history and particularly, Joseph Smith as a prophet, a man, and a historical figure.
