Aterse and rather antagonistic entry in a 19th Century history was the basis for a sesquicentennial observance here Oct. 7 of the beginning of missionary work in Alabama.
The missionary work that was started in the state 150 years ago has led to an estimated Church membership today of approximately 20,000.Pres. John E. Enslen of the Montgomery Alabama Stake quoted the entry, from the City Directory and History of Montgomery, Alabama, which states: "October 7, 1839 - A Mormon preacher delivered a sermon in the old Court House in this city. He was the first representative of Joe Smith's fanatics who visited Montgomery."
Writing in a newspaper published by the stake especially for the sesquicentennial, Pres. Enslen commented, "We know that this missionary's efforts were successful, because just three years later, in 1842, the History of the Church records branches already established when new missionaries came to Alabama."
The sesquicentennial observance coincided with the scheduled stake conference, at which Elder John R. Lasater of the Second Quorum of the Seventy presided. Thus, the congregation at a special two-hour meeting Saturday, Oct. 7, and at the conference session the next day heard addresses by a General Authority.
Chief Justice Ernest C. "Sonny" Hornsby of the Alabama Supreme Court spoke at the meeting.
"I know that you are a God-fearing, Christ-centered, scripture-oriented, family-emphasizing, health-conscious, worldwide church with 7 million members," Hornsby declared. "I know that you have approximately 20,000 members of the Church in Alabama today in 62 congregations, and that more than half of those congregations have been organized in the last 20 years."
A stake sesquicentennial choir sang the Alabama state song at the two-hour meeting, as well as a hymn composed for the 150th anniversary by Pres. Enslen, "Behold a Marvelous Work," based on Doctrine and Covenants section 4.
Historical displays were set up for the occasion, and a video presentation was shown, featuring recollections of older stake members.