John Jaques (Mormon) facts for kids

John Jaques, a writer and missionary.

John Jaques (born January 7, 1827 – died June 1, 1900) was an important person in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was known for writing many hymns and serving as a missionary. He also helped keep the church's history as an Assistant Church Historian.

Early Life and Joining the Church

John Jaques was born in Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, England. His parents were Thomas Jaques and Mary Ann Heighington. When he was 21 years old, John Jaques was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This happened on July 12, 1848. Soon after, he began serving as a missionary for the church in Stratford-on-Avon.

Journey to America

In 1856, John Jaques and his wife traveled across the Atlantic on a ship called the Horizon. They landed in Boston, USA. From there, they took a train to Iowa City. In Iowa City, they joined a group of pioneers known as the Martin Handcart Company. This group faced many challenges. They were caught in snowstorms in Wyoming. Many people, including John Jaques' oldest daughter, sadly passed away during this difficult journey.

A Famous Hymnwriter

John Jaques wrote many poems and other works. One of his most famous poems is called "Truth." He wrote it while he was a young missionary in Stratford-on-Avon. He thought about the question Pilate asked Jesus Christ: "What is truth?"

His poem "Truth" was included in the first edition of the Pearl of Great Price in 1851. Later, a woman named Ellen Knowles Melling set the poem to music. John Jaques had baptized her when he was preaching in Scotland. The song became a hymn called "Oh Say, What is Truth?" It is still sung today in the hymnal of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Work in England and Publishing

In 1869, John Jaques returned to England for another two-year mission. While there, he helped edit a church newspaper called the Millennial Star with George Teasdale. From 1870 to 1871, he was the only editor of the newspaper.

John Jaques also wrote a special book called a catechism. This book helped teach the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a very popular and respected book in the early days when the church's main offices were in Utah. The catechism explained that God has a specific place where He lives. However, it also taught that God can be everywhere through the power and influence of the Holy Ghost.

Church Historian and Genealogy

After his mission, John Jaques returned to Utah Territory. He started working for the Deseret News, a newspaper. By 1874, he became the main writer for the newspaper's editorials.

Starting in 1873, he also served as an Assistant Church Historian. In this role, he worked with A. Milton Musser and Franklin D. Richards. They created plans for a new group called the Genealogical Association of the church. This association was the start of what is now the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. After the Genealogical Society of Utah was officially formed, John Jaques became its first librarian.