Celebrating 2025 John Whitmer Historical Association Award Winners

The 2025 John Whitmer Historical Association (JWHA) conference has honed in on some remarkable contributions to the field of Mormon history. These scholars have significantly impacted our understanding of various aspects of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), shedding light on topics that resonate deeply within our community and beyond. Each award recipient has crafted narratives that enrich our LDS heritage, encourage dialogue, and invite deeper exploration of our faith.

Pollock Best Historical Article

Ryan A. Davis: Rockin’ the Regime

One of the most exciting recognitions at this year’s conference was awarded to Ryan A. Davis for his article “Rockin’ the Regime: Mormon Missionaries, American Popular Music, and the Fading of Spanish Fascism.” This article, featured in Popular Music and Society, provides an innovative lens through which we can view the interconnectedness of culture and spirituality.

Davis delves into how American popular music influenced Mormon missionaries in Spain, particularly during a period marked by political tension and ideological conflict. He navigates the complexities of how missionaries adapted cultural elements to share their faith, demonstrating a profound understanding of the cultural milieu in which the Church operated.

This article positions itself as a vital contribution to the understanding of the dynamic relationship between faith and culture within our church. As Paul teaches in the Book of Mormon, “For I, God, have not given you a commandment to save you, but I have given you a commandment to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). This verse underscores the importance of adapting our methods of teaching and sharing the gospel, making it accessible to diverse audiences.

Relevance of Culture in Missionary Work

Davis’s work invites reflection on the ways we can use culture to strengthen our faith and outreach efforts. By navigating the tension between cultural relevance and doctrinal truth, we can create bridges that allow others to explore the gospel in ways that resonate with their own backgrounds and experiences. His findings resonate well in today’s interconnected world, emphasizing that the gospel can meet individuals where they are.

As members of the LDS community engage with diverse musical traditions and cultural expressions, we find additional pathways to understanding and sharing our faith’s core tenets. This recognition not only honors Davis’s scholarship but inspires us to think more expansively about our missionary efforts and cultural engagements.

Greg Kofford Best Historical Article

William Perez: Unholy Waters

Another notable award was presented to William Perez for his thought-provoking article “Unholy Waters: The Role of Alcohol in Identity and Boundary Creation Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” This piece, included in the anthology Holy Waters: An Interdisciplinary Examination of Religion and Alcohol, presents a nuanced exploration of how the historical context of alcohol consumption has shaped church identity and boundaries surrounding community norms.

In this article, Perez navigates the complex history of alcohol use among early members of the Church and how these practices influenced various facets of community life. His analysis provides critical insights into the ongoing conversation surrounding identity, faith, and personal choices within the Church.

Historical Context Matters

Understanding the historical context surrounding alcohol use in the LDS community illuminates our discussions today. As we reflect on how past decisions can shape present-day beliefs, we can evaluate the principles that guide our actions now. The lessons learned from Perez’s work remind us of the importance of historical awareness in shaping our identity as a church.

The doctrine regarding alcohol is a vital part of the word of wisdom, which teaches us the significance of making choices that reflect our health and commitment to God. These historical contextualizations obligate us to consider how our choices affect our community and faith’s ongoing evolution.

The Need for Continued Dialogue

Perez’s scholarship highlights the necessity of ongoing dialogue around issues of identity and community standards within the Church. By engaging with difficult subjects, we can explore how our historical identity informs our collective experience today. Encouraging reflection around potentially contentious issues like alcohol would offer a chance for growth, understanding, and unity.

Smith-Pettit Best Book

Matthew L. Harris: Second-Class Saints

Recognition was also given to Matthew L. Harris for his influential work, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality. In a time when discussions concerning race and equality are paramount, Harris’s book offers a vital historical perspective on the experiences of Black members in the LDS Church.

Through detailed research and thoughtful analysis, Harris sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of Black Latter-day Saints throughout history. His work serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the ongoing journey towards racial equality within our faith community.

The Journey Towards Equality

Understanding the narratives and experiences of Black Mormons not only enriches our historical knowledge but also invites us to engage in introspection regarding our attitudes and practices today. The work of scholars like Harris illuminates the ongoing challenges that different communities within the Church face, urging us to foster greater understanding and compassion.

The Book of Mormon teaches us that “all are alike unto God,” emphasizing that each individual, regardless of race or background, holds intrinsic value within the eyes of our Heavenly Father (2 Nephi 26:33). This verse becomes a guiding principle as we work together to move towards a more equitable church community.

Suzanne Geisner & Jerry Mogg Best Anthology

David Golding and Christopher Cannon Jones: Missionary Interests

The anthology Missionary Interests: Protestant and Mormon Missions in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries was awarded to the authors David Golding and Christopher Cannon Jones. This anthology offers rich insights into the missionary endeavors of both Protestants and Mormons, drawing comparisons and contrasts that illuminate the unique contributions of both traditions.

A Comparative View of Missions

By examining missionary efforts across denominations, this collection enhances our understanding of how different faiths have interacted with diverse cultures and communities. It provides a strong historical background, enabling contemporary Latter-day Saints to learn from the approaches taken by their predecessors.

Such comparative analyses foster a broader understanding of our own missionary approaches and can inspire innovative strategies for outreach. Given the rising global interconnectedness, we can look back on these lessons with fresh eyes to better engage with others today.

Alma Blair Best Biography

Cristina M. Gagliano: Joseph White Musser

Cristina M. Gagliano’s Joseph White Musser: A Mormon Fundamentalist received the Alma Blair Best Biography award, delving into the life and beliefs of a significant figure within fundamentalist circles of the LDS tradition. Gagliano’s detailed research provides valuable insights into the complexities of faith and doctrine, examining how personalized understanding can shape individual and communal experiences within the Church.

Engaging with Diverse Perspectives

This biography serves as a crucial point of reference for understanding the multifaceted nature of belief and practice within the larger framework of Mormonism. By exploring the life of Musser, readers are prompted to engage thoughtfully with varying interpretations and expressions of faith among contemporary Latter-day Saints.

The narratives presented in Gagliano’s work encourage discussions surrounding core principles of our faith, promoting an environment where diverse views can coexist harmoniously under the gospel’s overarching message.

Whittemore Best Documentary History

Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl: Fifty Years of Exponent II

Finally, Fifty Years of Exponent II, authored by Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl, captured the Whittemore Best Documentary History award. This investigation into the influential feminist publication provides essential context for understanding women’s voices throughout LDS history.

The Role of Women in LDS History

Rich and Sundahl’s work emphasizes the importance of understanding gender dynamics within Mormon history, offering avenues for further discussion about the role and impact of women in the Church. As we recognize their contributions, we also seek to ensure that such voices continue to be heard.

The ongoing journey toward inclusivity and recognition of all voices within our faith community enriches our shared experience. It sparks conversations about the evolving roles that women can play within the Church while rooting ourselves in foundational gospel principles.

In conclusion, the achievements of these scholars remind us how continually engaging with our history and the diverse narratives within our tradition can promote solidarity, understanding, and an enriched Latter-day Saint experience. For those looking to explore more about the 2025 JWHA awards and the profound contributions highlighted, check out the John Whitmer Historical Association prize winners. Engaging with these works not only informs us about our past but also guides us toward a more thoughtful and compassionate future within our faith community.