Chapter 16
The Land of Zion—Its Dedication
1831
Character of Inhabitants
About the middle of July, 1831, the missionaries commenced to arrive in western Missouri, and were met with tears of joy by their brethren there. Here, on the borders of the United States, had gathered renegades from the east; lawless and vile outcasts, who had been forced to flee to the west for safety. “How natural it was,” wrote the Prophet, “to observe the degradation, leanness of intellect, ferocity, and jealousy, of a people that were nearly a century behind the times.”
First Sabbath in Zion
The first Sabbath (July 17, 1831), the elders spent in Jackson County, William W. Phelps preached a public discourse. His congregation was composed of “specimens of all the families of the earth.” After this meeting two persons, who had previously believed, were baptized.
Arrival of the Colesville Branch
A few days later the members of the Colesville branch, from Thompson, Ohio, arrived in Missouri and were located on lands in Kaw township, where a portion of Kansas City is now built.