Among the earliest missionary endeavors after the organization of the Church were the travels of Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Frederick G. Williams, Peter Whitmer and Ziba Peterson to the Indian lands near the western boundary of Missouri in the winter of 1830-1831. After reaching Independence during one of the coldest winters in Midwest history, Oliver, Parley and Frederick left for the Indian lands in February. Peter and Ziba stayed behind, operating a tailor shop to earn needed funds.
The missionaries found a willing listener in William Anderson, the aged chief of the Delawares. He was the son of a Scandinavian father and an Indian mother. Oliver Cowdery was invited to speak before some 40 tribal leaders seated comfortably in the chief's lodge. He recounted the missionaries' long and arduous trip from the east to bring them word of the Book of Mormon. He acknowledged their difficult plight — how they had once been a great people. He wove the Book of Mormon into his narrative.
"Thousands of moons ago, when the red men's forefathers dwelt in peace and possessed this whole land, the Great Spirit talked with them, and revealed His law and His will, and much knowledge to their wise men and prophets."
Oliver continued by explaining that their history and the prophecies of the "things which should befall their children in the latter days" were written in this book. He urged them to receive and follow the teachings in the book and the "Great Father" would make them great once again. In expressing his gratitude, Chief Anderson placed his hand over his heart and said, "It makes us glad in here."
Continuing, the old chief said, "It is now winter, we are new settlers in this place, the snow is deep, our cattle and horses are dying, our wigwams are poor; we have much to do in the spring — to build houses, and fence and make farms; but we will build a council house, and meet together, and you shall read to us and teach us more concerning the Book of our fathers and the will of the Great Spirit."
Unfortunately, Indian agents, out of jealousy and envy, soon drove the missionaries away. The elders were even threatened with military force. Any further attempts to teach among other Indian groups were foiled. However, the seeds had been planted and the Lamanite mission had impact on the subsequent history of the Church. The gospel had been introduced to a remnant of the house of Israel, and there was now an awareness of the importance of these people in the eyes of the Lord. — From Church History in the Fulness of Times, Religion 341-43, pages 84-87.
Another in a series of "Missionary Moments."
Illustration by John Clark.