followHIM Podcast Episode Summary Title: Doctrine & Covenants 51-57 Part 1 • Sister Emily Utt • May 26 - June 1 • Come Follow Me
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Sister Emily Utt

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into the intricate teachings of Doctrine & Covenants sections 51-57 with their esteemed guest, Sister Emily Utt. A historian and curator for the church history department, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge about the early Latter-day Saints' endeavors to build Zion, both physically and spiritually. This episode, released on May 21, 2025, offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by the Saints in the early 19th century.

Guest Introduction: Sister Emily Utt

Hank Smith warmly introduces Emily Utt, highlighting her extensive background as a historic sites curator. With a bachelor's degree in history and religion from Case Western Reserve University and a master's in historic preservation from Goucher College, Emily has dedicated over two decades to preserving and sharing sacred places of the global church. Her work includes significant projects at the Manti Utah Temple, Logan Utah Tabernacle, Kirtland Temple, and Beehive House. Emily's multifaceted interests extend beyond her professional duties, encompassing culinary skills, backpacking adventures, and ward organist duties.

[07:52] John: "We've seen some of those historic sites, and we love seeing those historic sites... She holds a bachelor's in history and religion from Case Western Reserve University and a master's in historic preservation from Goucher College."

The Significance of Kirtland, Ohio

The conversation begins with a deep exploration of Kirtland, Ohio—a pivotal location in early church history. Both hosts and Emily reflect on the Kirtland Temple's construction, recognizing the community's unwavering enthusiasm despite limited experience.

[02:25] Emily Utt: "I think of Ohio, and I think of a place that's going to set me on the path and that's going to give me the foundation to build something that will last for eternity."

Kirtland serves as a foundation for understanding Zion, a term that encompasses both a physical settlement and a spiritual community dedicated to God's principles. The hosts discuss how the Kirtland Temple, though imperfect, stands as a testament to faith and God's acceptance despite human flaws.

[04:33] Emily Utt: "It's literally in the floorboards, and it's so applicable."

Historical Context: From New York to Ohio, and Beyond

Emily provides a chronological overview of the Saints' migration, detailing the strategic moves from New York to Ohio, then to Missouri, and eventually to Nauvoo. She emphasizes the logistical challenges faced during these transitions, especially the move to Missouri, which lacked established infrastructure compared to Ohio.

[16:53] Emily Utt: "Within a few weeks of moving to Ohio, God says, I am going to build a literal Zion, a literal New Jerusalem."

The hosts highlight the immense dedication required to build Zion, noting that it's not just about physical relocation but about cultivating a community grounded in humility, repentance, and collective purpose.

[35:13] Hank Smith: "God gets his work done through the people, and he gets his people done through the work."

Doctrine & Covenants Sections 51-57: Building a Faithful Community

The core of the episode centers on sections 51 through 57 of the Doctrine & Covenants, where the Lord provides directives for establishing Zion. Emily breaks down the revelations, emphasizing themes of honest dealings, humility, education, and the establishment of essential services like stores and printing presses.

Contrition and Humility
A recurring theme in these sections is the call for a contrite spirit—a heart humbled and always turning to God. Both hosts and Emily discuss how this internal transformation is crucial for building a unified and faithful community.

[24:19] John: "That was the topic of Family Night just the other night."

Emily elaborates on the meaning of contrition, linking it to biblical concepts of humility and constant repentance.

[25:12] Emily Utt: "A contrite heart is one that is bruised, it is humbled... always seeking to do the will of God."

Education as a Pillar of Zion
Sections 55 highlights the importance of education, urging the establishment of schools and the selection of books for children's instruction. Emily connects this early emphasis on education to the church's contemporary educational programs, illustrating the enduring significance of teaching faith and repentance from a young age.

[62:16] Emily Utt: "The first Book of Mormon I read was the Illustrated Book of Mormon... it started with the most basic introduction to the Word of God."

Establishing Temporal Foundations
Sections 56 and 57 focus on the establishment of stores and the acquisition of land. Emily explains how these practical steps are interwoven with spiritual goals, ensuring that the community's temporal needs are met to foster a conducive environment for spiritual growth.

[65:01] John: "If anybody goes on a church history tour and you go to Independence Square, look to the west and you'll see a Gilbert and Whitney store."

Humanizing Historical Figures

Emily breathes life into historical figures mentioned in these revelations, portraying them as diverse and relatable individuals with unique backgrounds, strengths, and struggles. She discusses personalities like Edward Partridge, Sidney Rigdon, and others, highlighting their contributions and the personal sacrifices they made for the cause of Zion.

[49:21] Emily Utt: "These are amazing people, but again, very much common. Normal farmers, bookkeepers, the standard folk."

This human-centric approach allows listeners to connect deeply with the stories of early Saints, understanding that building Zion was a collective effort involving ordinary people striving for extraordinary faith.

Application to Modern Life

Throughout the episode, parallels are drawn between historical teachings and contemporary life. The hosts and Emily discuss how the principles outlined in Doctrine & Covenants sections 51-57 are still relevant today, from establishing personal Zion through humble living and education to the importance of diverse skills in building a functional community.

[48:16] Hank Smith: "What starts here, Emily, you're right. Is the Lord saying, we need to be educating and instructing, and we have kept that going."

Emily emphasizes that Zion is not just a historical concept but a living doctrine that believers can embody in their daily lives by using their unique talents to serve the community and uphold God's will.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Emily Utt: "I think of Ohio, and I think of a place that's going to set me on the path and that's going to give me the foundation to build something that will last for eternity." [02:25]

• Hank Smith: "You'll find your own way. Don't copy another guy because his path seems to be the right path." [48:20]

• John Bytheway: "God gets his work done through the people, and he gets his people done through the work." [35:23]

• Emily Utt: "Every job is needed in Zion. For W.W. Phelps, he had learned a lot about that business. So when he joins the church, God says, 'I can use that.'" [66:32]

Conclusion

This episode of the followHIM podcast masterfully intertwines historical analysis with spiritual insights, offering listeners a profound understanding of Doctrine & Covenants sections 51-57. Through Sister Emily Utt's expertise, the conversation highlights the foundational elements of building Zion—humility, education, community service, and the effective use of individual talents. The hosts successfully bridge the gap between past and present, encouraging believers to embody these enduring principles in their own lives to foster a vibrant and united community.

As Hank Smith aptly summarizes towards the end, the journey to Zion is not just a physical relocation but a continuous process of personal and collective growth, guided by faith and unwavering commitment to divine instructions.

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The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guest and podcasters alone.