From the soaring Gateway Arch high over the Mississippi River to the banks of the wild Missouri River heading west, St. Louis is a territory still ripe for discovery. Founded as a French fur trading village in 1764, the community has grown into one of the most diverse and popular destinations in the heartland of America. Attached to its background are many of the pioneers of the Church and the State is known for having the 'Garden of Eden'

Mission History from the Church Almanac 1999 - 2000:

Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Peter Whitmer Jr. and Ziba Peterson, joined by Frederick G. Williams arrived in Missouri on Jan 13, 1831. They preached to Delaware and Shawnee Indians in the adjacent Indian Territory. The same year Joseph Smith received revelation indicating that Independence, Jackson County, Missouri was to be the "New Jerusalem" and gathering site for the Saints.

This revelation led to an immediate influx of members, some of whom were ill prepared for settling and less obedient to Church instructions. This influx laid the groundwork for what became, in essence, a battle for turf between old settlers and Mormon colonists. On July 30, 1833 Missourian mobs drove the mormons out. The LDS refugees settled in surrounding counties.

Apostasy fueled internal problems in 1838. Several prominent leaders were excommunicated, and unwise rhetoric against them indicated Missourians again against the Church. Violence erupted on Aug. 6, 1838 and some died. On Nov. 2 the militia plundered Far West and drove out the Saints. The 12,000 - 15,000 LDS refugees in Missouri settled on the Mississippi River in Illinois where they established Nauvoo. During this period members found shelter in the more tolerant city of St. Louis where citizens once raised funds in their aid. In 1844 a Branch was started in St. Louis. The St. Louis Stake was organized in 1854.

The so called "Utah War" of 1857 brought the end of the St. Louis Stake when Brigham young called all members to Utah. With the members gone, little missionary work occured until later in the century.

The Missouri St. Louis Mission was created in 1977. Membership in Missouri was 13,796 in 1974. Year end 1997 members were at 48,000 with 13 stakes, 92 wards, branches 27, missions 2, and temples 1.

Pres. Kimball Visits Mission

_{Above: Supplied by Randy Davis}

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The history of the Church in Missouri began in the winter of 1830-1831 with the mission of Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Frederick G. Williams, and others to the Lamanites. The Church's presence in Missouri ended in 1839 when the Saints were forced to leave the state under threat of extermination. Interestingly enough, in modern times the Govenor of Missouri honored the Saints that were once dishonored.

A short time ago the Washington Post made a remarkable statement regarding the location of the Garden of Eden. It announced that Dr. Campbell, of Versailles had lately discovered that it was on this continent, and near where St. Louis now stands. That gentleman, according to the Post, asserted that the Mississippi River is the Euphrates of Scripture, and that the Bible furnishes evidence of the correctness of his conclusions. It is probable that Dr. Campbell is not aware of the fact that he is not the discoverer of what he now announces, the Prophet Joseph Smith having many years ago stated that the Garden of Eden was located in what is now known as the State of Missouri. The Prophet also pointed out the precise spot where Adam offered sacrifice to the Lord, and where, as the great patriarchal head of the race, he blessed his children previous to his departure from the earth. That sacred spot in Missouri was designated by the Prophet as Adam-ondi-Ahman, the meaning of which is--the land where Adam dwelt. Collected Discourses, Vol. 2, Andrew Jenson, January 16, 1891.