Religious Sentiments

Before the 1800's, Upper Canada was generally Anglican in sentiment. It should be noted, however, that the earliest settlers of the area were French voyageurs and fur traders who were almost exclusively Catholic. Sectarian conflict was not yet a major issue although the question of the separation of Church and State was ripening into open conflict. Many felt that Anglicanism should become the legally established church, but the representatives of many different faiths were in strong disagreement. Irrespective of their origin, a very vital part of the emigrants social luggage was their denominational identity and religious commitments. Upper Canada was also a Haven for the persecuted. In the early 1800's, there was not only religious but also economic and political upheaval. Three things grew out of these conditions: (1) the struggle for an Established Church, (2) an abortive Civil War, and (3) the 1836-1837 Depression.

It was into these political, economic and religious conditions that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints came onto the scene in 1832 when six missionaries began working near Kingston. In 1833, the Prophet Joseph Smith visited Mount Pleasant, where Freeman A. Nickerson and family were baptized and Freeman was ordained an Elder and appointed Branch President. In 1834 and 1835, other missionaries were called and served in Canada.

In as much as Frederick John Levi was baptized in September of 1837 in Toronto, it was probably the calling of Parley P. Pratt and events following that were of greatest significance in the lives of the Frederick Levi family even though we do not know what missionary or missionaries either contacted or were instrumental in bringing the Levi family into contact with or into the church.

During the winter of 1835-1836, members of the church in Kirtland were blessed with many spiritual experiences in connection with the newly-built temple there. It is said that the Lord declared, and from thence (Kirtland), whom so ever, I shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told to them what they shall do for I have a great work laid up in store; and I will lead them whither so ever I will and no power shall stay my hand.

In the light of this promise, Parley P. Pratt was contemplating his future course. He was deeply in debt and his wife was ill. He desired financial security and the welfare of his wife, but he also desired to fulfill what he felt were the Lord's commands. After he had retired to rest early on an April evening, and while he was yet pondering his future course, some visitors knocked at his door. Parley wrote of this occasion: I arose and opened it, when Elder Heber C. Kimball and others entered my house, and being filled with the spirit of prophecy, they blessed me and my wife, and prophesied as follows: "Brother Parley, thy wife shall be healed from this hour, and shall bear a son, and his name shall be Parley. Arise therefore and go forth in the ministry, doubting nothing. Take no thought for you debts, nor the necessities of life, for the Lord will supply you with abundant means for all things." Thou shalt go to Upper Canada, even to the city of Toronto, the Capital, and there thou shalt organize the Church among them, and many shall be brought to the knowledge of the truth and shall be filled with joy. You shall have means to deliver you from your present embarrassments.

Later when Elder Pratt left Hamilton without means to pursue his journey, he wrote: "My place of destination was Toronto, around on the North side of the lake. If I went by land, I would have a circuitous route, muddy and tedious to go on foot. Two dollars would convey me to Toronto in a few hours, but I was an entire stranger in Hamilton and money I had none. The Spirit seemed to whisper to me to try the Lord, and see if anything was too hard for Him, that I might know and trust Him under all circumstances. I retired to a secret place in the forest and prayed; then entered Hamilton. I had not tarried many minutes before I was accosted by a stranger, who enquired my name and asked me if I did not want some money. I said yes. He then gave me ten dollars and a letter of introduction to John Taylor, of Toronto. John Taylor received him cordially, but seemed unimpressed.

Somewhat discouraged, he retired again to the woods to pray and upon returning to the John Taylor home to get his baggage, he met a Mrs. Walton. After hearing Elder Pratt's mission, she said to Mrs. Taylor: "Indeed! Well I now understand the feelings and spirit which brought me to your house at this time. Tell the stranger that he is welcome at my house. I have a spare room and bed, and food in plenty. He shall have a room in my house, and two large rooms to preach in just when he pleases.

Success came quickly among William P. Patrick's study group to which Mrs. Walton and John Taylor belonged. Elder Pratt preached in the heart of the city in the open air to which hundreds flocked to hear him. Twenty-five were baptized and confirmed. Elder Pratt reported that many others in the neighborhood were baptized and a branch of the church was organized. Among those baptized were John Taylor and family, Joseph Fielding, Isaac Russell and others. After several months of intense missionary work, Elder Pratt summarized his labors thus:

The truth had now triumphed in Canada, as was predicted on my head. Several branches of the Church had been organized and been ordained to take care of the flocks. I took an affectionate leave of my friends in that country, and with my wife returned home. Where I had labored, the Lord had opened the hearts of the Saints sufficiently to pay my debts, as had been predicted, and at the turn of the season, less than twelve months from the date of brother Kimball's prophecy, my wife bore me a son and we called him Parley. He was born early in the morning of March 25, 1837.

There was never a more successful missionary to Canada than John E. Page. "But I can't go on a mission to Canada, Brother Joseph, protested John E. Page, I don't even have a coat to wear." "Here", said Joseph Smith, removing his own coat, "take this and the Lord will bless you abundantly." At the end of two years of missionary work in Canada, Elder Page could report that he had baptized upwards of six hundred persons into the Church. Truly the Lord blessed him abundantly. The culmination of Page's success came in July of 1837, when he was called to become an apostle. He was ordained on December 19, 1839.

Joseph Smith, accompanied by Sidney Rigdon, Thomas Marsh, A. P. Rockwell, and Brigham Young, left Kirtland on July 27, 1837 to visit the branches in Canada. The Church had been growing fast, and much opposition and bitterness was openly manifested toward it. As Elder Taylor traveled with the Mormon prophet in regulating the affairs of the different branches, they had many opportunity of conversing with them, of listening to their instructions, and of participating in the rich stores of intelligence that flowed continually from the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Following this tour of Joseph Smith and others, the work spread repidly, signs followed the believers. The Church in Canada continued to grow through convert baptisms; but in as much as the Church taught the doctrine of gathering to Zion where the Saints could enjoy fellowship and instruction together, and in as much as the political situation in Canada brought rumors of rebellion against England, hundreds of families sold their belongings in Canada and moved to Northern Missouri and later to Nauvoo, Illinois.

One group involving two hundred wagons left Upper Canada in May of 1837 for the far West. Another group who left in August of 1838 were reproved by Joseph Smith for they did not settle at Adam-ondi-Ahman as instructed, but made their abode contrary to counsel on the fork of the Grand River. William Law also led a group. John E. Page led a large group to Missouri, arriving at Dewitt in late July of 1838. the route used by many Mormons in subsequent migrations to nauvoo, Illinois and still bears the name "Nauvoo Road".

We do not know at this time with which group the Levi family journeyed. Frederick Levi joined the Church on 25 September, 1837 and we believe they left for Missouri shortly thereafter. We have not found the name of Frederick Levi among any of the lists of converts we have yet come across.

Written by Dewey J. Levie and Paul D. Levie.

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