1900-05-19-Southern Star—History of the Southern States Mission

History of the Southern States Mission

Latter-day Saints Southern Star, v2 n25, May 19, 1900, p. 197.

History of the Southern States Mission

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March, 1897 — The month was stormy. From me almost incessant rains resulted high waters throughout nearly the entire south, in consequence of which the people, the poor especially, suffered intensely ; while the Elders were greatly hindered in their work. In the Mississippi valley the water spread over an area of more than fifty miles. The poor farmers were driven from their homes, their food and stock were destroyed. The people were destitute of food and means to sustain life. Added to the horror of floods, a famine was raging in parts of Louisiana, where over 100,000 people were being supported out and out by the government, because of their poverty.

Elders John Woodmansee and Thaddeus W. Naylor were called to the office to assist in the work.

The plan of furnishing uniform writing material to the Elders was adopted, adding dignity to our correspondence, and was in pleasing harmony with our calling. On the 14th inst. a letter was received from the First Presidency of the Church stating that inasmuch as the great work of the Lord was increasing in the world they thought it to be in harmony with the interests of the church and Saints to make a few changes in the various missions. They thought it well to add the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland to the Eastern States Mission. But before making the change they desired to have the opinion of the different Mission Presidents. The change was made and Elders laboring in those states were instructed to remain and report in the Eastern States Mission. Elder Elias S. Woodruff continued his presidency over what was to be known as the East Kentucky Conference.