Church History Matters Podcast - Episode 117 Summary
Title: How a Move to Ohio Sparked a Global Movement w/ Scott Esplin - E17 Bonus
Host/Author: Scripture Central
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 117 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey engage in a profound discussion with guest Scott C. Esplin, Dean of Religious Education and Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. The episode delves into the pivotal move of the Latter-day Saints from New York to Ohio, exploring its historical significance and enduring impact on the global movement of the church.
The Ohio Move: Background and Divine Command
The conversation begins with an exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Sections 37 and 38, which detail the Lord’s commandment for the Saints to gather in Ohio. Scott Esplin emphasizes the monumental nature of this directive, highlighting its role as a foundational shift in church history.
Scott C. Esplin (00:47): “We don't always know why things happen in our lives, but God certainly knows.”
This move was not merely geographical but was imbued with spiritual significance, aiming to unite the Saints in righteousness and prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Reactions and Challenges Among the Saints
Casey raises a critical question about the varied reactions of church members in New York to the command to relocate. Scott Esplin provides a nuanced answer, comparing their experiences to other scriptural migrations, noting a mix of enthusiasm and hesitation among the Saints.
Casey (03:20): “Talk to us a little bit about the reaction of church members in New York when Section 37 and 38 were given to that group.”
Scott Esplin (03:59): “The reaction was mixed, as you might imagine... They might have been excited about going to the promised land or hesitant about leaving their established roots.”
The Saints faced significant sacrifices, including selling farms and enduring harsh winter conditions to comply with the divine directive.
Importance of Ohio: Economic & Missionary Significance
The discussion transitions to the strategic importance of Ohio during the 1830s. Scott Esplin outlines Ohio’s rapid population growth and its positioning as a crucial economic hub due to the Erie Canal and Lake Erie, which facilitated transportation and commerce.
Scott (06:02): “Ohio is the crossroads of a growing nation and a growing church.”
Ohio was not only economically advantageous but also served as a missionary hub, as highlighted in Section 38, enabling the spread of the gospel both nationally and internationally.
Stories of Faith and Leadership: Lucy Mack Smith
A compelling narrative unfolds around Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith’s mother, whose unwavering faith exemplified the Saints' resilience. Scott recounts her inspirational speech in Buffalo, where she urged her fellow Saints to pray for divine intervention to part the ice, leading to a miraculous escape.
Casey (19:12): “Lucy Mack Smith will lead a group of saints from the Manchester area on the Erie Canal to Buffalo... She just starts testifying with her whole soul.”
This story underscores the themes of faith, leadership, and divine providence that were instrumental in the Saints' migration to Ohio.
Evolution of the Doctrine of Gathering
The conversation shifts to the evolving understanding of the doctrine of gathering. Initially focused on congregating in a single location—Ohio—to build Zion, the doctrine has since expanded globally. Scott Esplin traces this evolution, noting key revelations and historical developments that transformed the gathering from a centralized movement to a worldwide endeavor.
Casey (24:02): “We're going to take the Zion pattern out to the whole world.”
Scott Esplin (27:46): “The first temple outside the United States in Laie, Hawaii... signals that temples are now coming to the people.”
This shift allows for cultural preservation and diversification within the church, fostering a global community united in faith yet respectful of local identities.
Modern Implications and Practices
Scott and Casey discuss how modern church practices reflect the foundational principles established during the Ohio migration. President Nelson’s emphasis on gathering, both physically and spiritually, aligns with the original intent of unity and righteousness.
Scott Esplin (42:36): “The purpose for the gathering is to bring us to the house of the Lord... we're invited to obey and we'll be blessed if we do.”
The establishment of local temples worldwide represents the continuation of Ohio’s legacy, enabling Saints to gather without uprooting their lives, thus maintaining familial and cultural bonds while fostering spiritual growth.
Conclusion
The episode concludes by reinforcing the enduring principles of unity, righteousness, and the alleviation of poverty as central to the doctrine of gathering. Scott Esplin reflects on the blessings associated with temple worship and the ongoing relevance of the Ohio revelations in contemporary church practice.
Casey (40:10): “The principles... are about how to live in righteousness. It's about how to live in unity and to help eliminate poverty.”
Scott Esplin (44:06): “The purpose for gathering is to bring us to the house of the Lord because of what the House of the Lord will do for us.”
Through this in-depth dialogue, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how a historic move to Ohio not only shaped church history but continues to influence the global movement and spiritual practices of the Latter-day Saints today.
Notable Quotes:
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Casey (00:03): “The saints are to literally gather so that they can build the new Jerusalem, Zion, and at the center of that will be a temple.”
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Scott Esplin (03:59): “The reaction was mixed, as you might imagine...”
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Casey (10:28): “The Lord has different riches for them and hints of that in the section as well.”
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Scott Esplin (19:12): “Lucy Mack Smith... you had the unique experience of reading about my own death in the newspaper.”
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Casey (35:59): “It seems calculated to bring about the Zion fruits again that Enoch and his people experience.”
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Scott Esplin (42:36): “We're invited to obey and we'll be blessed if we do.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the rich discussions and insights shared in Episode 117, providing listeners with valuable historical context and contemporary relevance of the Saints’ migration to Ohio and the broader doctrine of gathering.