Opening Plenary: Dr. Janiece Johnson
The first missionaries to Kirtland, Ohio, brought 50 Books of Mormon with them but their converts soon numbered more than three hundred. Despite such a shortage of Books, the Book of Mormon become central to the religious experience of many of these early converts in Kirtland. We will consider how error, enthusiasm, and devotion amongst "good and honest disciples" demonstrate the vibrant role of new American scripture in Kirtland.