SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ roots in Iceland will be the topic of the Pioneers in Every Land lecture on Thursday, Aug. 13.
The presentation, titled "Fire on Ice: The Story of Icelandic Latter-day Saints at Home and Abroad," is by Fred E. Woods, a professor in the College of Religious Education at Brigham Young University. It is hosted by the LDS Church History Library in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square at 7 p.m.
Hundreds joined the LDS Church in Iceland between 1855 and 1914, including many who immigrated to the United States, according to a news release. Using original correspondence and other documentation, Woods’ presentation is set to explore the Icelandic Saints’ challenges and difficulties and the cultural imprint, along with the stories of the first missionaries to Iceland.
Woods is the author of a number of books and articles, the bulk of which deal with Mormon immigration to America in the 19th century. In addition, Woods is the compiler and editor of the Mormon Migration website at lib.byu.edu/mormonmigration. His most recent book is “Divine Providence: The Wreck and Rescue of the Julia Ann,” for which he co-produced a film.
He is also sponsoring an Icelandic Conference at Brigham Young University, Sept. 9-13. For more information visit icelander.byu.edu.
The Pioneers in Every Land lectures are on the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, 50 N. West Temple. Limited free parking is provided at the Conference Center. The Church History Library encourages guests to use UTA transit.
This lecture will be available on history.lds.org a few weeks after the event. All previous lectures from past years are also available on this site. For more information, or to download a brochure listing all of this year’s lectures, visit history.lds.org or call 801-240-2272.