Richard Ballantyne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richard Ballantyne |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 26, 1817 Whitridgebog, Roxburghshire, Scotland |
| Died | November 8, 1898 (aged 81) Ogden, Utah, United States |
| Resting place | Ogden City Cemetery 41°13′57″N 111°57′44″W / 41.2325°N 111.9622°W |
| Organization | Founder of the LDS Sunday School |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Pierce Caroline A. Sanderson Huldah M. Clark |
| Children | 23 |
| Parents | David Ballantyne Ann Bannerman |
Richard Ballantyne (born August 26, 1817 – died November 8, 1898) was an important person in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is best known for starting the Church's Sunday School program in December 1849. He was also one of the early pioneers who traveled to Utah.
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Early Life and Faith
Richard Ballantyne was born in a place called Whitridgebog in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Even when he was young, he was involved in teaching children. He worked as a Sunday school teacher in a Christian church there.
In December 1842, Richard learned about and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was baptized in the Firth of Forth, which is a large river in Scotland.
Moving to America
In 1843, Richard and some of his family members decided to move to America. They went to Nauvoo, Illinois. This was a special place where many members of the Church were gathering at that time.
Later, on February 17, 1847, Richard Ballantyne married Hulda Meriah Clark. The next year, in 1848, they joined other Mormon pioneers and traveled all the way to Utah Territory. This was a long and difficult journey.
Starting the Sunday School
After settling in Salt Lake City, Richard Ballantyne had a great idea. He wanted to create a special class for the children of the Church. He asked his local Church leader, called a bishop, for permission to start a Sunday school.
His bishop agreed, and so Richard held the very first Sunday School meeting for the Church. This happened in his own home on December 9, 1849. About 50 children came to that first class! This small start grew into a worldwide program. The Sunday School was officially organized throughout the entire Church in 1867.
Missionary Work
In 1852, Richard Ballantyne was asked to serve as a Church missionary. He traveled far away to India. He worked there from 1853 to 1855, sharing his beliefs with people.
Family Life
Richard Ballantyne had a large family. He married Huldah M. Clark in 1847. Later, he also married Mary Pierce in 1855 and Caroline Sanderson in 1857. He was the father of 23 children. His sister, Jane, was also married to John Taylor, who later became the president of the Church from 1880 to 1887.
