Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discuss the origin and development of the Southern States Mission of the Mormon Church as it relates to the Catawba Indians of York County. The primary purpose of this relationship was to teach the Indian people the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It is also the purpose of this study to show the significance of the change in the Catawba society resulting from this mission. From the time the first Mormon missionaries came into contact with the Catawbas, their lives have been deeply influenced by the teachings of the LDS Church. Every aspect of the Catawbas' lives was changed as a direct result of Mormonism.

It was found that an enormous amount of courage, time, and effort was expended on the part of the Catawbas, as well as the Mormons, in developing this relationship. As a result, the Catawba Indians are atypical as compared with other Indian tribes in that they have much lower rates of alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, suicide, and illiteracy.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History

Rights

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