Temple-Builder Summary and Analysis

The men who were sent to seek a Zion in western Missouri thought that Independence would be a good place to settle. At that time, Independence was a small, rough town with uncivilized residents. It was, however, focused on commerce, and was the near center of the continent, a jumping off location for those who later joined the migration farther west. In the early 1830s Independence and the Missouri River were the border of the country, the far west. Crossing the Missouri River took settlers into Indian Territory.

Joseph took a contingent of men to determine if Independence was truly the correct place for his growing congregation to be moved. While there, he dedicated a plot of land to the Lord as a location for a temple. Though that temple has yet to be built, the land continues to be dedicated...