Poets of the Restoration

William Wines Phelps was born in New Jersey on February 17, 1792. He grew up and became a part of “The Second Great Awakening,” in which the fervor towards Christianity in America witnessed a tremendous spike. He purchased a Book of Mormon from Parley P. Pratt and became a convert to the Church shortly thereafter. Brother Phelps was put in charge of the first Latter-day Saint periodical, the Evening and Morning Star, in 1832. Twenty-nine hymns written by him were published in the first edition of the Church’s hymnal. One of his most influential hymns, “The Spirit of God,” was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication. It continues to be sung at every temple dedication to this day.

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, the life of Ellis Reynolds Shipp is examined. Ellis Reynolds was born in Davis County, Iowa, 1847. Her family becomes baptized into the Church that year, and they join the pioneer trek west to the Salt Lake Valley. She later marries Milford Bard Shipp with the approval of Brigham Young. Through extraordinary adversity and physical sickness, Ellis attends medical school in Philadelphia, starts her own medical practice as the second woman doctor in the state of Utah, and helps hundreds of patients throughout her life. She writes poetry not only to enrich and inspire the lives of others, but to give herself the strength she needs to press forward.

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, our host details the life of Scottish poet John Lyon. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he leads a childhood that is markedly different from others by its hardship and despair. Being the only surviving child in his family, John Lyon helps to provide for his mother after his father passes away. After being the first baptized soul in Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1844, John travels to America with his wife and remaining children to be with the Saints. He publishes 105 poems in a book called “Harp of Zion,” a publication the Church highly approved of. His devout mission work in converting hundreds of people helped earn him the affectionate nickname “Lyon of the Lord.” His poetry reflects on points of politics, nature, social upheaval, and his tremendous faith in God.

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration we learn about the life of Ruth May Fox. She was born November 16th, 1853, in Westbury, Wiltshire, England. Although her family is unsympathetic towards Latter-day Saints, Ruth’s father highly encourages her to join the Church at a young age, and her faith remains strong throughout her entire lifetime. Ruth travels to America in 1865 and makes her way to Utah two years later to become one of the most influential women’s rights advocates of her time. Her poetry is used as an expression of the goodness in life and her deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Born in Burlington, New York on April 12, 1807, Parley P. Pratt lived to become one of the most influential Apostles in Church history. He converted over 1,000 people through his valiant missionary work in Canada and England. In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we discuss his life and contributions as a poet. He was known as “The Poet Apostle” and is best known for his written hymns in the Church. He has 38 hymns to his credit, including the only love song in the book.

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we take a closer look at the life of the poet Emmeline B. Wells. She was born in Petersham, Massachusetts, in 1828. Her father passed away when she was only four years old, and her mother and siblings raised her from then on. She honed her writing skills at a literary school in Salem, from which she graduated in 1841. She was baptized in 1842. She married three times throughout her life, became a largely successful advocate for women’s rights, and edited the Women’s Exponent periodical for 37 years. She wrote her poetry to express the universal human conditions of love, suffering, sadness, and hope. By doing so, she inspired her readers and herself to move forward and keep the faith.

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we learn about the life of Emily Woodmansee. She was born as Emily Hill in Warminster, England, on March 24, 1836, to hardworking but spiritually ambivalent parents. Having an intense desire for salvation at a young age, she sought answers regarding the truth and found it from her cousin Miriam, a recent convert to the Church. Emily later traveled to America at age 20 and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in early 1857. She eventually married Joseph Woodmansee, had eight children, and became a strong advocate of women’s rights. The poetry she wrote is a call to trust in the Lord—regardless of the hardship that follows—and a reminder that through our trials we can strengthen our faith and eventually become one with God.

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, our host discusses the life of Louisa “Lulu” Greene Richards. She was born in Gainesville, Iowa, on April 18, 1849. Being devout Latter-day Saints, Louisa’s mother and father moved the family to the Salt Lake Valley in November 1852. At age 18, Louisa and her sister started a small school in the valley. Realizing she needed more education, Louisa dutifully studied until she was 20 and started submitting poetry to the Deseret News under the nickname “Lulu.” Her poetry was well-received, and she eventually became the editor of the Women’s Exponent periodical for five years. The words of her writings reflect the importance of love and industry in building up others and living life to the fullest.

The poetic gift was something that Eliza R. Snow was born with. This episode of Poets of the Restoration is part one of an outline of the life of this most well-known Mormon poet, beginning at her birth. Several of her poems are also read.

Susa Young Gates was no ordinary pioneer girl. She was born in the Lion House in Salt Lake City in 1856. As a stenographer, reporter, and writer, she enriched the lives of her family and of all those around her. In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we learn about Susa's life and her belief that words are the strongest things on earth.

John Taylor was born November 1, 1808, in Milnthorpe, England, near to Windemere and the beautiful Lake District, and here a love of nature and of everything beautiful was awakened in his heart. Learn about this love and the poetry that came from John Taylor's heart, in this episode of Poets of the Restoration.

This episode continues the story of the Mormon poetess Eliza R. Snow. She arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and wrote poetry about the experience. Poetry that Eliza wrote is read as part of the presentation.

Orson F. Whitney testified often to the Saints of the powerful spiritual characteristics inherent in poetry and within the soul of the poet who gives of his gifts to the world. Learn more about Elder Whitney and his poetry on this episode of Poets of the Restoration.