Post Scripts: Mormon mission project?

I can remember, when word came out that a colony of Amish was to be established in the Jamesport area, quite a number of Daviess County citizens were alarmed. Few took the news calmly, there was not broad support for the invasion of Daviess County by "the plain people" and many in the county feared life in this area would be changed forever and that decay and decline would be assured by their presence.

We now know such dire predictions did not materialize. True, the Amish had less to tax than the average farm family, and replacing cars and trucks with horses and buggies was a new tradition in this area. Daviess Countians probably made it worse since many residents preferred no change at the risk of violating old traditions and ways of doing things.

We now know that while the Amish appeared to be backward and reluctant to change, we have since learned they are, in their way, quite intelligent and brought some enlightenment to county people who were not willing to study their "ways" in detail, examine closely what their beliefs entail. They gave us all a lesson in adhering to our own beliefs and way of life and put Jamesport on the map in a big way.

So now comes word the Mormons may be eyeing Daviess County at a new level.

They are building what will be a beautiful church and rumors abound concerning their future interest in Daviess County, that more Mormon faithful may be moving here and, as a few rumors have it, turn this area into Mormon community. I am not in possession of any inside information on their plans for the future.

We need to remember that the Mormon faithful have had an interest in this county for a long time. Adam Ondi Ahman, a few miles north of town, is a sacred site to them. I well remember when Kathy and I took a vacation in Hawaii in 1968 and one evening attended the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was a performance of Pacific singing and dancing, an exceptional show. As we signed the register for visitors an attendant exclaimed: "Gallatin! That’s where we are going to build a temple someday!"

Of course nearly everybody knows that an influential Mormon bought the old high school building some years ago where he operates a computer business, Wide Band, there. Think back and most can recall a Mormon family settling in this area. The impact Mormanism wealth and influence could have on Daviess County is inestimable. Their financial holdings are vast, such as in Union Pacific Railroad and other major industrial and business investments.

If, indeed, the Mormons have development plans for the county, you can be sure they will far exceed the impact any other project this county has ever experienced. In Utah they own the leading newspaper in the state, a radio station, and the last I heard, several banks and financial institutions, life insurance company and vast holdings in Real Estate. They have the resources to change Daviess County as we now know it.

Like the Amish, Mormons do not drink coffee, tea or alcohol. Now and then some will drink a Coke, which some will not touch since it contains caffeine, a drug, and has been condemned. Alcohol and tobacco are no-no’s. I suppose, like us Protestants, some of the flock may stray from the church’s rules now and then but if they are found out it’s real bad news.

Let’s look at the bright side. We don’t know what their plans are for Daviess County.

All we know is this is a big mission project for them and they have the beliefs, the ambition and the funds, with which to do great things. At this point in its history I think their impact will not only be substantial, but also good for a declining Daviess County.