Comments on: “We Have Left No One Behind”: Agents for Ourselves and for Others

By: Matthew Andreasen

Matthew Andreasen — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:08:55 +0000

I like how you tied the actual meaning of "agency" to the doctrinal idea of being agents unto ourselves, to the gospel principle of acting in behalf of others, and to the history of the various agents involved in the emigration to the West.

By: Diane Peel

Diane Peel — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:17:00 +0000

Bob (my husband) used this as the High Priests lesson today-the second one he’s taken from Keepa this year.

If I had been a member of your ward, I would have complained to management.

I knew there were agents negotiating and preparing many things for the Saints-and making the whole enterprise possible. But NOW you’ve shown me a face, given the notion a body-some form. THANKS!

By: MARJORIE CONDER

MARJORIE CONDER — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 19:22:10 +0000

This is an important metaphor for our day (which I am sure is the point you were also trying to make.) These ideas should be more widely known and taught. Achieving safety and peace during difficult enterprises should be of great interest to all of us.

By: Maurine

Maurine — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:49:32 +0000

I’m sorry that you didn’t get to give your whole talk last Sunday. The people in your ward really missed out. Next year, see if you can speak first!

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:53:43 +0000

Some things never changed. I’ve just read the account of a family emigrating from Oslo to California in 1948: “Their first impression of America was disappointing; their taxi driver at the pier in New York City drove them for miles around the city before he delivered them to the train station — and exacted a $25.00 taxi fee from them.”

Thanks for your comments. I wish all of you *had* been there last Sunday. And Clark, that’s a good suggestion, to do a post about the out-and-back program, one of the fine examples of church members helping each other in the 1860s.

By: Clark

Clark — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:32:15 +0000

Like #2 above, I appreciate the detailed description.

I recall that LeGrand Richards served as an emmigration agent during his first mission to Holland. When did these agents cease?

Also, would you be willing to do a post about the out-and-back teams and those who lent their sons, animals, and wagons to help the less fortunate travelers. I’ve always wanted to know more about that….

By: kevinf

kevinf — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:23:43 +0000

Great talk and good piece of history, Ardis. I thought as I read about the “down and back” wagon companies from the 1860′s that would take empty wagons and teams from Utah in the spring, and bring back emigrants from where the railroads ended in Nebraska and Missouri. Many of these parties spent six months every third year or so performing this service, which had to be challenging.

I had previously run into William Staines’ name in conjunction with the 1873 Arizona colonists, but I can’t remember the exact context now. Really helps to put in perspective the whole concept of what “agency” should mean. Thank you for sharing.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:32:28 +0000

Great talk, Ardis! I’m with Researcher–I wish I could have been there too.

By: Researcher

Researcher — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:35:07 +0000

Three comments:

Hooray for John Bernhisel. I got a picture of myself with him (okay, his monument) at the Salt Lake City Cemetery a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the explanation on “emigrants.” I’ve wondered about that, since Andrew Jenson always used that terminology. And, can I put in a plug for saying “Perpetual Emigrating Fund” instead of “Emigration Fund”?

My in-laws are serving an employment mission in an inner-city area, working with first-generation Saints of all nationalities. Perhaps they could relate to some of William Staines’ experiences.

Wonderful talk, Ardis. Wish I could have been there.

By: Eric Boysen

Eric Boysen — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:34:52 +0000

I have heard of church agents before, but I’ve never seen a comprehensive description of their work. This is a cool bit of history. One tale I remember in particular (with no memory of where I read it, so I can’t testify to its truth) was of an agent in New Orleans, who needed funds to send Saints up river, praying and receiving guidance to purchase a Cuban lottery ticket. Of course it was the winning ticket. The brother was then told by the Spirit never to to do it again.