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Moramona: The Mormons in Hawaii
MORAMONA takes the reader through 140 years of trial and triumph in the first comprehensive, one-volume history of the Mormons in Hawaii, from 1850 to the present. Here is the remarkable story of Utah missionaries working alongside Hawaiian Saints to build a new Zion in an island "paradise" -- from the arrival of the first missionaries and the settling of Laie to the building of the Hawaii Temple and the founding of what is now BYU-Hawaii. Engaging yet scholarly, richly illustrated, this volume wil appeal to all interested in the history of Hawaii and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, students of Pacific missiology, and especially to the Saints of Hawaii and the dedicated people who served a mission in the Islands and their descendants.
253 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 10, 2020
A very well-presented history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hawaii, beginning with the first missionaries called to serve there in 1850. The story is chock full of examples of the commitment and sacrifice of both missionaries and members, and offers a taste of the sweet “Aloha” spirit of the Hawaiian people. Very inspiring.
May 27, 2013
A very interesting book, and one of not many materials on the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaii. The history of the church in Hawaii is fascinating. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this topic.
The author's focus is primarily one of history, so those who come expecting a lighter treatment of the topic or one designed primarily for spiritual growth will almost certainly find the presentation dry. However, there is obviously significant research behind the book - and for those who are not members of the LDS church, the author makes significant attempts to accomodate you. The author does not skip past or give ligher treatment to less successful parts of church history either, such as the "reign" of Walter Murray Gibson, or the first failing years of the plantations in Lanai and Laie. I appreciated this because it helps you understand the sacrifice and frustration many of the "haole" missionaries felt in trying to establish the church here. His presentation of the events is extremely fair.
The history of the church in this area is rather unique from church history in other areas of the world. In many ways, it was the first expansion outside of North America. (The first temple outside the continental United States, the first stake outside North America, and so on) The church faced unique challenges but also unique blessings in its expansion here. For example, the story of George Q. Cannon's friendship with Jonathan Napela is fascinating. The story of the (at this time de-throned) Queen Liliuokalani meeting with and receiving a blessing at the hands of George Q. Cannon, (50 years after his original mission) is touching.
Fascinating history. Although the book is out of print, those looking to read a copy might look into the BYU library which has two - one on general shelves for checkout by anyone that has check-out privileges, and another in special collections (first floor) that anyone can read. (though not remove from the library)
The author's focus is primarily one of history, so those who come expecting a lighter treatment of the topic or one designed primarily for spiritual growth will almost certainly find the presentation dry. However, there is obviously significant research behind the book - and for those who are not members of the LDS church, the author makes significant attempts to accomodate you. The author does not skip past or give ligher treatment to less successful parts of church history either, such as the "reign" of Walter Murray Gibson, or the first failing years of the plantations in Lanai and Laie. I appreciated this because it helps you understand the sacrifice and frustration many of the "haole" missionaries felt in trying to establish the church here. His presentation of the events is extremely fair.
The history of the church in this area is rather unique from church history in other areas of the world. In many ways, it was the first expansion outside of North America. (The first temple outside the continental United States, the first stake outside North America, and so on) The church faced unique challenges but also unique blessings in its expansion here. For example, the story of George Q. Cannon's friendship with Jonathan Napela is fascinating. The story of the (at this time de-throned) Queen Liliuokalani meeting with and receiving a blessing at the hands of George Q. Cannon, (50 years after his original mission) is touching.
Fascinating history. Although the book is out of print, those looking to read a copy might look into the BYU library which has two - one on general shelves for checkout by anyone that has check-out privileges, and another in special collections (first floor) that anyone can read. (though not remove from the library)
August 24, 2013
Story of the early Mormons in Hawaii and be default, the store of early Hawaii as missionaries from many churches came. Takes you up through statehood. It's not a quick read but well worth the effort to learn about how the church was started in Hawaii. How Laie was started, what that side of the island was like originally - hint - not the lush oasis it is now. The school, the PCC, etc. Also interesting insights into how the church worked worldwide in the days long before email, fax and even phones. In our "instant" world, it is amazing to contemplate a life where you send a report or a question and wait several months for the reply.
November 8, 2012
This book gave a very nice overview of the LDS Church in Hawaii up to the 1980's. It is very readable--almost feeling light at times--but also has a great amount of scholarship behind it. I love that the rich history of the islands has been captured and think that more and more research can be done to add greater depth to the knowledge that is available on the subject (hopefully including a book on the Laie Hawaii temple for its centennial). I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about the Church in Hawaii.
August 15, 2010
Indispensable reference about the lives of the saints in Hawaii from 1850 on.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews