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Missionary Journeys to Foreign Countries

David J. Whittaker

Missionary work has been a central concern of the Mormons since their beginnings in 1830. In their study of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, Mormon leaders identified with early Christian missionaries who were commissioned by Jesus to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matt. 28:19). Further, their own scriptures both reemphasized and reinforced this international missionary outlook. Many passages in the Book of Mormon and the D&C described the world as a field, which was white and ready to harvest; and the faithful were assured that no joy would be greater than what came as a result of successful missionary work.

Historically, missionary work has served to revitalize membership at critical periods of stress and strain. New converts also brought badly needed skills and talents during the hectic pioneer period of the Church's history. The history and development of the various missions of the Church were often the testing ground for Church leaders as well as for Church programs and publications. Problems of government and administration--internal and external to the Church--that arose in the various mission fields forced Church leaders very early to deal more comprehensively with matters of organization, licensing, discipline, publishing, immigration, and management of finances.

Church membership grew from six original members in 1830 to 268,331 in 1900, by which time missionaries had preached in nearly all the countries of the world. The first foreign mission attempted was to Canada. From 1832 on, individuals or groups of missionaries hazarded trips there, and notwithstanding the few converts in these early years, those who were baptized became instrumental in opening the British Mission, the next foreign mission attempted by the Church. From its first beginnings in 1837, the British Mission became the most successful foreign mission of the Church in the 19th century.

Much of the early missionary work in England was performed by members of the Quorum of the Twelve. Apostle-missionaries such as Wilford Woodruff achieved phenomenal success in bringing new converts into the Church. From 1840 to about 1900 it is estimated that over 50,000 converts emigrated to the United States from Britain.

Very early in their history Mormons also sent missionaries into other countries besides Canada and Britain. Even before the death of Joseph Smith, elders were sent to Australia, India, South America, Germany, and Jamaica. Although he failed to go, one man was even called to go to Russia. Apostle Orson Hyde visited and dedicated Palestine in 1841.