Sparta, Tennessee today has its own branch of the church and recently had a renovated building dedicated as a chapel. But once Sparta was the headquarters of the Middle Tennessee Conference of the Southern States Mission. Elder J. Urban Allred, presided over that conference. He recorded in his journal two newspaper articles written at the time.
SPARTA FAVORITE
February 9, 1900
Editor
R. P. Baker
Lots of
Mormon Elders are now tramping over the country distributing their literature
in an endeavor to make proselites to their faith. Two were calling on Sparta
people this week. But Sparta people always were patient and forbearing. The
Quebeck correspondent of the American says they have been in that
section preaching the persecution of Brigham Roberts, the man kicked out of
Congress. These “Saints,” as they delight to style themselves, don't advocate
polygamy in every house they enter, but they believe in it, as one of them
acknowledged to a citizen of Sparta some time ago. We shall shortly publish a
full exposure of their nefarius doctrine and practices in Utah, as made by one
of the best men in Tennessee, who spent some time in Utah and investigated for
himself. The gentleman referred to stands high both in church and State
affairs, and what he says can be relied on. We also see it stated in the papers
that they have moved their headquarters from Nashville to this place.
SPARTA EXPOSITOR
February 9, 1900
J.
G. Snodgrass, editor.
We
understand that the headquarters of the Mormon church for the Middle Tennessee
District have been moved to Sparta from Nashville, with Elder J. W. Allred, of
Utah, in charge. There are about forty elders in this district. They are all in
good health, and seem to be busily engaged in distributing tracts and
collecting provisions. They are evidently paying expenses and getting some
encouragement in some sections. Ordinarily, it is not much of a compliment for
Mormons to attack a community. It either indicates that ignorance or a tempting
supply of provisions exist in a section -- in this case the latter, we presume.
2 comments:
It is obvious that the good Editor
Snodgrass, got the facts of his reports somewhat conflated. Mormon Elder's don't "attack towns" but they have been known to attack food set before them at the dinner table. In their youthful, hungry zeal, the table itself might
occasionally resemble a war zone after such an 'assault'. But I hever never personally read about anyone ever being wounded or a casualty from the experience.
Ha! Excellent.
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