Independence, Missouri: Temple Lot
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John Whitmer
Oliver Cowdery
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In 1896, the Church conducted an experiment in missionary work. Brigham H. Roberts, who had distinguished himself as an expounder and defender of the faith, was called to preach the Gospel in some of the leading cities of the United States. Accompanying him on this mission were George D. Pyper, who had a fine tenor voice; Melvin J. Ballard, who had a beautiful baritone voice; and Edward P. Midgley, organist. These brethren were to rent suitable halls and present the Gospel in a way that would appeal to discriminating people. In this way it was hoped to obtain favorable newspaper publicity and to open up new fields for missionary work. Of this introduction to his missionary career, Elder Ballard wrote: "In the fall of 1895, I received a letter from the missionary committee of the Apostles, asking if it would be possible for me to take a mission to the Southern States early in 1896. At this time I was attending the Brigham Young College at Logan, in the dual role of teacher and student, having graduated from that institution two years previous. In answer to this inquiry, | stated what I was doing and left the matter with my brethren, explaining that I would do whatever they said. I received a reply stating that I was to continue my activities at the college until the close of the school year, which was June 5, 1896. Shortly after, I received my appointment to the Southern States Mission, but soon received another letter stating that my mission was changed to the Eastern States. Then my mission was changed again. This time I was to labor with Elders B. H. Roberts and George D. Pyper, who were to visit various cities of the United States in the interest of the Gospel, to allay prejudice and to open new fields of work. Accordingly, I prepared for this work, leaving my home June 30, 1896. On my arrival in Salt Lake City, I went up to see the brethren and talked over the mission. On July 6th we met with the First Presidency, and they gave us some instructions which were contained in a letter I have preserved. President Woodruff gave us some good advice, shook hands with us, and left us. I was set apart for my mission under the hands of Lorenzo Snow, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, Seymour B. Young, and B. H. Roberts. John Henry Smith was mouth in setting me apart. He also ordained me a Seventy. All arrangements having been completed, at 7:00 p.m. I left for my mission, leaving my bride of three weeks in Salt Lake City." * * * * * * Met in Kansas City by President Spencer of the Northern States Mission, the small group threw themselves immediately into their appointed work. The diary continues: "At that time there was not a member of the Church living in Kansas City; the nearest family was six miles out. On July 12 we held our first meeting in the music hall in that city. There were one hundred and fifty people present. The hall had a seating capacity of one thousand two hundred. We commenced by singing “Oh, My Father.” After the opening service, Brother Roberts spoke for one hours on the relation of Mormonism to the Christian world. The people were much interested and in the evening we had about the same number present. The subject of the evening meeting was “The Mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith.” July 15 we held a meeting in Independence, Missouri. There were about two hundred present, mostly Josephites. They were very attentive. I shall never forget the feeling I had when entering that city, realizing that our people were but a short time before driven out by a mob. The next day we returned to Independence to hold another meeting. This one was well attended. Brother Roberts bore a strong testimony to them, which made some of them cringe; others were greatly affected: and some became bitter." Campaigning in Kansas City that day was William Jennings Bryan, Democratic nominee for President. Elder Ballard was much impressed by his oratory. Local disinterest in their message soon ended the trio’s Kansas City labors. On July 21, 1896, Melvin was in Independence again, this time savoring the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of a Zion that might have been and would surely be one day. "On July 21, Brother Pyper and myself went again to Independence, Jackson County. We visited the temple lot. It is a most beautiful spot, made so by nature. Everything was quiet and serene. It crowns a hill; I am told it is about the highest point between the Allegheny and the Rocky Mountains. We took two photographs of this spot, sat under the shade of beautiful trees, and sang several songs about the promises made to this historic place. Strange indeed were our thoughts as we sat here and realized that at some future time this favored spot would be the crowning place of the whole earth, and that Christ Himself would dwell among men. After visiting the temple lot we went to the
Elder Melvin J. Ballard
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