Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints records
UUS_COLL MSS 369
1 box
0.25 linear feet
1905-1950
This collection contains various typed and handwritten manuscripts ostensibly originating from members of the RLDS church in Missouri (Apfelbaum described these materials as a "Mormons in Missouri" archive).
Material in English
Processed in March of 2012.
The material was purchased by USU Special Collections and Archives in 2007 from Charles Apfelbaum.
No restrictions on use, except: not available through interlibrary loan.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints records must be obtained from the Special Collections and Archives manuscript curator and/or the Special Collections and Archives department head.
Initial Citation: Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints records USU_COLL MSS 369, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.
Following Citations: USU_COLL MSS 369, USUSCA.
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daay Saints (RLDS) emerged in Illinois in the late 1850s from a conglomeration of groups that broke from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Originally known as the New Organization, the group opposed the ascendancy of Brigham Young to the head of the LDS church, believing instead that Joseph Smith's son, Joseph Smith III, was the true heir to his father's position. They also disagreed with the continuing practice of polygamy in the LDS church. Throughout the 19th century, the RLDS church sent missionaries to Utah in an effort to convert members of the LDS church into their congregation. Despite some initial success, proselytizing slowed when the LDS church banned polygamy in 1890, thus removing the most easily discernable difference between the two groups.
In 1920, Smith's son, Frederick M. Smith, established the headquarters of the RLDS church at Independence, Missouri, where it remains today. Under the leadership of Church President-Prophet W. Grant McMurray, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints changed its name to Community of Christ in 2001. Today, led by Stephen M. Veazey, the church boasts approximately 250,000 members in 50 nations.
This collection contains various typed and handwritten manuscripts ostensibly originating from members of the RLDS church in Missouri (Apfelbaum described these materials as a "Mormons in Missouri" archive). Documents include histories, sermons, stories, poems, aphorisms, articles, and notes that mostly originate from around the turn of the 20th century, though some date from as late as 1950.
Arranged by document type.
Mormonism
Religious literature.
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.).
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Collection
Thesis entitled, "Legality of Combinations of Corporations" by R.A. McCord. University of Iowa. April 1, 1904.
1904 April 4
1
1
Essay entitled, "Is Education a Promoter of Liberty?"
undated
1
2
Article entitled, "Warning to All People: Vision of Elder A. White Which Will Shortly Come to Pass. Will You Be Ready?" from Infallible Proofs
undated
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3
Typed manuscript entitled, "The Regalia" vol. 1, no. 1. Kansas City, Missouri, 1905.
1905
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4
Typed manuscript entitled "A Vision" by Bro. Hubert Case
undated
1
5
Typed manuscript signed by Maud Warnky, c. 1905. Tells the history of the Lamoni, Iowa, Zion Religio Literary Society
undated
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Typed manuscript poem about a young girl named Ida and an Indian named Teaho
undated
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7
Typed manuscript containing short stories, jokes, and aphorisms
undated
1
8
Handwritten sermon (patriotic theme)
undated
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Single leaf of a handwritten manuscript, possibly a sermon
undated
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Small notebook with handwritten notes about the Old Testament. The name "Cameron" is written on the inside cover.
undated
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11
Newspaper clippings of poems and devotional material
undated
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Other loose leaves clipped from published material including a poem, a page from Covenants and Commandments, and a page from Victor Vane, The Young Secretary
undated
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