Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to critically examine the factors contributing to the rise and subsequent decline of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Upper Canada. Although the time period of this study spans from 1830 until 1850, the principal years of activity were from 1832 until 1840. An effort is made to discuss any major location wherein the Church made substantial progress.

The major contribution of the thesis lies in the effort to stage the Mormon drama against a Canadian background of changing social factors. During the times of greatest economic stagnation, political upheaval and Methodist divisions, Mormonism made its greatest strides. In contract, once the economy had improved, the political rebellion quelled, and religious divisions healed, the Mormon influence waned. Furthermore, the Church emphasized so strongly the doctrine of gathering to America that not enough stalwart converts remained behind to form a permanent nucleus of activity.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/