Zion, Jackson County (Kansas City), Missouri
Joshua Lewis home in Kaw Township
Sections 57, 58, 59, and 60
July and August 1831
Scripture
"For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
Joshua Lewis was converted by early missionaries to the Lamanites. The Colesville Branch from New York settled in Kaw Township in 1831.
"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
"By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins--behold, he will confess them and forsake them."
Doctrine and Covenants 58:4, 27-28, 42-43
"And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
"For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High."
Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-10
Key Events
Joseph Smith presided at the dedication of the land of Zion, which took place at or near here in mid-1831.
The first Church conference in Zion was held in the Lewis home, with Joseph Smith conducting.
The Lord revealed the location that was to be dedicated for building a temple.
Polly Knight, wife of faithful member Joseph Knight, Sr. died, being the first Church member to die in Zion.
The first conference of the church in Missouri was held in the Lewis log home, which stood near this location about 12 miles west of Independence.
Words of Joseph Smith
"Repentance is a thing that cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression and daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God." (History of the Church 3:379)
"Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our Heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us." (History of the Church 3:383)
"If you do not accuse each other, God will not accuse you. If you have no accuser you will enter heaven, and if you will follow the revelations and instructions which God gives you through me, I will take you into heaven as my back load. If you will not accuse me, I will not accuse you. If you will throw a cloak of charity over my sins, I will over yours - for charity covereth a multitude of sins." (History of the Church 4:445)
Copyright 2005 Steve Mortensen. All rights reserved.