Explore interactions with the Book of Mormon with new on campus exhibit

The new Book of Mormon exhibit, “Yea, Today, If Ye Will Hear His Voice,” opened to the public on May 2. This exhibit is located on the second floor of the David O. McKay Library and will remain open throughout the spring semester.

The Book of Mormon is central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are encouraged to read it daily and gain a testimony of its truthfulness.

It is also a video game. It has inspired study guides, comic books and graphic novels. It is even a popular musical.

The Book of Mormon exhibit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Book of Mormon and its relationship with culture and communities. This exhibit not only displays rare editions of the Book of Mormon, but allows visitors to focus on how individuals, families, and communities interact with the Book of Mormon.

Adam Luke, the University Archivist, helped make this exhibit possible. He ordered different books and other items for the exhibit months prior.

“To start out, we’ll have a First Edition of the Book of Mormon,” Luke said. “As well as early editions of the Book of Mormon from 1849 and 1879 and the first edition with footnotes. We have some paperback editions of the Book of Mormon that wasn’t printed by the Church, but by another organization.”

Luke said the ways readers engage with the Book of Mormon are not limited to print copies with blue covers. Whether it be print, digital, audio or even in the form of comic books, there is no one way to interact with the Book of Mormon. While working on the exhibit, Luke curated displays that reflect that.

Luke has been working with Sam Richardson, a senior studying communication and a student lead at Special Collections, for months on the exhibit. Materials from the archive collection such as a first edition Book of Mormon and President Kimball’s personal scripture set will be included. They will be featured alongside other materials that express connections with the Book of Mormon in a less conventional way.

Mark Bennion, chair of the English Department, has his book on display—Psalm & Selah: A Poetic Journey Through the Book of Mormon. Bennion wrote poetry on his thoughts and feelings about the Book of Mormon. At the grand opening of the exhibit, he challenged others to make scripture study passionate rather than another item on a checklist.

“We want students to see that the Book of Mormon isn’t just an item of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Richardson said, “It is something that has affected everyone, and it’s truly a worldwide book.”

Come explore ways to connect with the Book of Mormon at the archives in the McKay Library.