Summer Lecture Series is Now Available!
During the summer of 2020, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation hosted a weekly lecture series that explored a variety of topics from church history. Although the lecture series was free to our guests, donations from the series supported the ongoing preservation of Community of Christ historic sites. Over $10,000 was raised in response to the summer series. Thank you for your generosity!
Missed a Lecture?
If you missed the series, no need to worry. The online lectures were recorded and are made available thanks to the generosity of our donors. Click on the blue box located below each of the lecture summaries to view the online program of your choice.
Missed a Lecture?
If you missed the series, no need to worry. The online lectures were recorded and are made available thanks to the generosity of our donors. Click on the blue box located below each of the lecture summaries to view the online program of your choice.
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June 25 Lecture: Andrew Bolton, Who Was Right About World War I: Frederick M. Smith or F. Henry Edwards?Join Andrew Bolton as he explores the fascinating views of F. Henry Edwards and Frederick Madison Smith during WWI. Future apostle, F. Henry Edwards, was a British conscientious objector who chose to go to prison rather than risk killing a fellow Christian. Frederick M. Smith, president of the RLDS Church, thought young church members should obey the draft and fight for their country. Who was right and what are the twists and turns in their later relationship as they served together in ministry? What can we learn from F. Henry Edwards and Frederick M. Smith's lives and perspectives in today's Community of Christ?
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July 2 Lecture: Life, Legacy, and Lessons from Joseph Smith III with Lachlan MackayThis week's lecture features Lachlan Mackay discussing Joseph Smith III, RLDS/Community of Christ prophet/president from 1860-1914. Lachlan will explore the life story of Joseph Smith III including his views on politics, slavery, peace and justice, church leadership, and the many changes that took place during his tenure in the presidency.
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July 9 Lecture: Life and Legacy of Edward Ellsworth Guy with David BrockJoin David Brock as he shares the story of Edward Ellsworth Guy, a missionary and human rights activist. Ed was born and raised in California but spent much of his life exploring the world. He served as a missionary and church planter in Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Dave's lecture will explore the life of Ed Guy and the impact he made on Community of Christ. In addition, Dave will share a collection of personal experiences he shared while traveling with Ed Guy and lessons learned along the way. Ed Guy received the Community of Christ/RLDS Humanitarian Award in 1994.
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July 16 Lecture: [non]Violence: Lessons from Community of Christ History with Seth BryantIn this presentation, Seth Bryant argues that if we desire to become a people of nonviolence we need to interrogate what generates violence and correct any complicity. To this end, the presentation explores our historic vision and mission, and how that orientation contributes to violence. He will focus on specific examples of how Zion generated scarcity, and why that engendered violence; and how the Saints responded to violence. He also looks at what the Saints did right in promoting peace. His lecture concludes with lessons learned from our past that are relevant today, for the church, individuals and families, and communities.
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July 23 Lecture: History Behind the Annual Reunion Traditions in Community of Christ with Barbara WaldenJoin Barb Walden as she shares the story behind one of Community of Christ's most beloved traditions: the annual reunion. See historic images, hear stories, and catch a glimpse of of the reunion experience during the summer of 1946. This lecture will feature three additional panelists: Kim Naten, Robert Cook, and Valeria Bryant sharing the unique stories behind the Samish Island, Onset, and Bluff Springs campgrounds.
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July 30 Lecture: The Story of Community of Christ in the Philippines with David HowlettThis week's lecture features David Howlett as he explores the people and places involved in the beginning of the early RLDS/Community of Christ in the Philippines. David shares the stories behind the earliest members of the Community of Christ along with Restorationists and Adventists in the United States. David will speak briefly about the founding of Community One Resource Development (CORD) and the founding of Outreach International.
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August 6 Lecture: Stories Behind the Preservation of the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois with Wendy EatonFor over 100 years the preservation of Joseph and Emma Smith's Nauvoo has been an ongoing passion for many supporters of church history. Join Wendy as she shares a selection of these stories of how the site has been understood and cared for over the years.
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August 8 Lecture: Bonus Lecture!
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August 13 Lecture: The Life and Legacy of Marietta Hodges Walker with Barbara WaldenOur final lecture features Barbara Walden sharing the story of Marietta Walker, traditionally heralded as the "Mother of Graceland University." Marietta Walker's life wove an inspiring thread through the first one hundred years of Community of Christ history. She was witness to many of the early events in Kirtland, Far West, and Nauvoo. Marietta immersed herself into the Reorganization for over fifty years. Her educational background prepared her to take an active role in the publication committee for the Inspired Version of the Bible. She was a relentless supporter of education materials for youth and adults, often promoting her ideas while editing and writing for several church publications. In 1895, her educational vision for all became a reality with her generous donation of Iowa farmland for the establishment of Graceland University.
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