— LDS GENERAL CONFERENCE —

Pioneer video

Shown Sunday, narrated by First Presidency

The pioneer trek to the Salt Lake Valley was marked "by faith in every footstep."
Facing severe persecution and still mourning the murders of Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, the early Saints decided to leave Nauvoo and move west.
In the winter of 1846, the exodus began as church members left their Illinois homes for the last time. The grueling journey was slow. Freezing temperatures, incessant rain and knee-deep mud tried even the hardiest among them.
The pioneers lumbered across Iowa, setting up stations for those who would follow, before resting on the banks of the Missouri for the winter.
A vanguard company left in the spring of 1847, moving across Nebraska and into Wyoming. The pioneers and their handcart-pulling followers faced discouragement and even death. Scores of Saints perished in the unforgiving wilderness.
President Brigham Young and his fellow travelers finally arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. Days later, the pioneer prophet recognized Ensign Peak from a vision, climbed its slope and gazed out at the untamed valley.
"This is where we will plant the souls of our people and where the Lord will place his name amongst his people," said President Young.
This great pioneer movement goes forward with latter-day pioneers.