What happened in Jackson County, Missouri in church history?

What happened in Jackson County in church history?

The early members of the church were searching for a place to gather to create Zion. Some were instructed to gather to Jackson County, Missouri. When they first arrived, they had some success in missionary work. As more and more saints gathered, the original settlers started to feel threatened. They felt as though the Mormons would take over government and other civil duties and that they would be out numbered and not have their voices heard. Soon the tension started to grow between the settlers and the Mormons. The settlers threatened and persecuted the saints. The saints sought protection from the government, but found no help. They were forced to leave their homes and their belongings and seek refuge elsewhere. Many were forced by violent means.

Brother Max H. Parkin in an Ensign article said:

“The site of the New Jerusalem in Jackson County still held its primacy as the “center place.” Many of Missouri’s lessons were bitter. For a generation yet to come, many Mormons felt strong resentment for the injustices of Missouri and its laws—even though the zeal of the Saints had precipitated many of their own problems. Many families were scarred emotionally by the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their hard-earned property; yet they had also learned the value of the gospel in their lives. Moreover, out of the Missouri experience came some of the greatest revelations given in this dispensation, the location of temples, and the establishment of a prophetic future yet to be fulfilled.” Max H Parkin, "Missouri’s Impact on the Church", Ensign, Apr. 1979, 57

What is the future of Jackson County?

There are several myths about Missouri. One is that all members of the church will be asked to gather to Missouri to prepare for the Second Coming.

President Spencer W. Kimball said in October Conference, 1978: “We are building up the strength of Zion—her cords or stakes—throughout the world. Therefore, we counsel our people to remain in their native lands and gather out the elect of God and teach them the ways of the Lord. There temples are being built and the saints will be blessed wherever they live in all the world.” (Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 76.) UAdd a Note

During the time of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, it was essential for members of the Church to “gather to Zion” for their own spiritual and physical safety. But now that temples, welfare projects, educational facilities, genealogical research libraries, and the blessings of a full church organization in stakes are available, this gathering is no longer required or wise. And although the Church purchased some Clay County land last December, it was solely for investment purposes—not for other Church use. At a general conference, President Harold B. Lee stressed the point made by Elder Bruce R. McConkie at the Mexico City Area Conference: “‘The place of gathering for the Mexican Saints is in Mexico; … and so it goes throughout the length and breadth of the whole earth. Japan is for the Japanese; Korea is for the Koreans; Australia is for the Australians; every nation is the gathering place for its own people.’”

Of course, there will be special functions of the temple in Jackson County, but worldwide gatherings of the Saints to Missouri may not be necessary, or desired—after all, the mission of members is to always share the gospel with the nonmembers who surround them throughout the world, and this activity will undoubtedly continue after the Second Coming. Elder Harold B. Lee further cautioned the Saints in all lands to be guided by the current prophet, not by rumor or supposition, and “look forward to the instruction that shall come to them from the First Presidency of this Church as to where they shall be gathered and not be disturbed in their feelings until such instruction is given to them as it is revealed by the Lord to the proper authority” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1948, p. 55.

What are we to learn from this?

I think it’s important for us to be prepared to do whatever our leaders ask of us. Right now the prophet is asking us to build Zion in our wards, stakes and families. We are gathered together in these wards and stakes and are to preach the gospel to those around us. No one knows exactly what is going to happen before or during the Second Coming. All we can do is exercise our faith and follow the modern prophet. We must prepare ourselves and our families spiritually, physically and financially and be prepared to live the higher laws of God if asked to do so.