Mormon History Association

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2003 Kirtland Conference Comments
"...associating with those with a passion for Mormon history." Clair & Helen Barrus
Multiple seminars had us literally bouncing back and forth between rooms trying to drink it all in, without spilling a drop. We appreciated the tours, book signing and shopping, and banquets where we got to meet and greet those whose studies and books we have devoured. How was this maiden voyage of a lawyer/LDS Bishop and his farmer/florist better half into the nether world of professional historians, fellow travelers and occasional skeptics? In a word -- marvelous! Call us hooked, transformed or converted. Move over Larry, Jan and Martha, and make room for some new MHA adherents!” --Ross & Sharon Boundy, Bainbridge Island, Washington
“With the recent historic site restorations, coupled with “the” historians of Mormonism, we were able to see church history sites and hear about them as few have. We visited many places including the Newel K. Whitney store, Kirtland temple, John Johnson farm, Eliza and Lorenzo Snow home, the Peter Whitmer home, the Hill Cumorah, Grandin Bookstore, and the two Joseph Smith Sr. homes in Manchester/Palmyra. Gaps in our historic knowledge were quickly filled as we were able to ask questions on site to our guides . . .and seeing the sites up close. . . allowed us to gain a more personal, complete integration of Mormon history.” “In the Kirtland temple we had a sense of what it must have been like at the original service. The hope of an imminent return to Zion was recreated and we were touched by the music and history of that temple and its part in our Mormon heritage. --Clair & Helen Barrus, Draper Utah
“Each session added special insights for us about Mormon heritage. Professor Randall Balmer delivered an outstanding Tanner lecture, which explored the topic of passing one’s religious faith onto succeeding generations. In his examination of Brigham Young’s family, he illustrated how people could expand this topic by exploring other Mormon families in the various branches of their religious heritage. During our visit to the temple and homes of former saints who live in Kirtland, Colleen discovered a link with her family through Peter Shirts, who helped build the temple. Our hearts and minds felt inspired at the Sunday services in the Kirtland temple. Richard Clothier directed the piano, instruments, and the choir in the four corners of the temple. The congregation frequently joined the choir in singing. Narrators provided details about the composers of the lyrics and melodies.” --Larry & Colleen Coates, Rexburg ID
“I was raised in the church, but had never been to a church history site in Ohio or farther east. It was so inspiring and interesting -- a watershed experience in my life. The gentleman (Jerry Argetsinger) who talked at the Hill Cumorah was very entertaining and, at the same time, inspiring. It was wonderful to sit at the very same place where they put on the pageant and therefore, better picture the mishaps involved in getting the Pageant back into full swing. I heard people say many times during the trip that this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the many things we saw. But the trip had the opposite effect on me. I came away feeling that the sites were more accessible to me personally, not less. I mean this physically and intellectually.” --Tamara Taysom, Houston, Texas
“As a student of History and a Latter-day Saint, it has been hard for me to find others who share my love of those two subjects. Usually those I talk to get a glazed-over look when I talk about either subject. When I heard about the Mormon History Association, imagine the excited flip my heart did inside my chest. I came to the MHA conference as a novice: a simple undergraduate student of history. I came away quite satisfied. I was able to meet and hear from people whose work I have read and admired. In talking with them, they treated me no different than a colleague whom they had known for years. One night I sat at the same table with Richard E. Turley, Jr., Steven Olsen and Glen M. Leonard. They took a keen interest in the path my education was taking and offered me encouragement. I also cannot forget that at the same table I sat directly across from W. Grant McMurray, President of the Community of Christ. My first experience at MHA made a believer out of me. When Joseph Smith talked of intelligence, learning, brotherhood, and sociality, I know he was thinking about gospel related areas, with the hope that it would infuse itself into everyday life. I cannot help but think, if Joseph had been at MHA he would have seen those principles applied to everyone, and he would have been proud.” -- Peter Coyl, Pontiac Michigan