🚦Latter-day Convert Visits Palmyra's FOUR Protestant Churches
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Published 2024-08-06
In the early 19th century, Palmyra became a popular destination for the Second Great Awakening during construction of the Erie Canal. Many Protestant revivals and camp meetings would be held nearby - consisting of Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Episcopalians.
Today, Palmyra is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Smith, whose family lived on a farm near the outskirts of the town, had a number of questions regarding which was the truest church. His curiosity sparked a number of spiritual encounters during that led to the first publication of Book of Mormon in 1830.
After the Latter Day Saint movement moved west, the four mainline Protestant denominations in Palmyra started to build their own churches at the intersection over time. In 1938, “Ripley's Believe It or Not” featured Palmyra as the only place in the world with four churches on four adjacent corners. The churches had been together there for more than 70 years at that point.
Speaking with some locals about the unique history of each church, I was shown a plaque on Western Presbyterian Church that acknowledges the 1849 wedding of Leonard Jerome and Clarissa Hall, who were the maternal grandparents of Winston Churchill. The ornate Zion Episcopal Church was built within a single year between 1872-73 by Rev. John Webster (along with volunteers he fed and housed in his attic). First Baptist Church (now Canal Town Community Church) were passionate abolitionists, with 27 members enlisting in the Civil War in 1845. Unfortunately, First United Methodist Church of Palmyra voted to close in 2019, but now the building is rented to City of God World Prayer Center for worship and has rooms as a popular Airbnb.
Much more information in the video, so make sure to check it out.
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▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Palmyra
0:57 1938 Ripley's Believe It or Not!
3:26 St. Jude Fundraiser
4:27 Goal to Attend All Four
6:11 Inside All Four Corners Churches
11:26 Palmyra Religious Diversity
14:20 Former First United Methodist Church
19:15 Western Presbyterian Church
23:27 Canal Town Community Church
25:34 Zion Episcopal Church
30:30 LDS in Palmyra Preview
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🎵 Music:
Mattias Tell - Venetian Blinds (Instrumental)
• Mattias Tell - Venetian Blinds
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All Comments (21)
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What was most interesting to you? Let me know what you think below!
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David, I love how honoring you are to every church that you attend. Your enthusiasm for the people and the details of the church is inspiring!
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That was some beautiful organ playing by that younger looking dude! Thanks for another great video, brochacho
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I have only visited Palmyra once, and it never occurred to visit those churches, thank you for this.
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I love Palmyra just showing how greatness can start anywhere. Love this journalism Dave!
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So cool. Loved hearing the hymns and seeing the old churches!
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Everytime I catch up with you, you just blow my mind on how amazing you're countenance has grown you wear it well. 👍
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Thank you. I love how you intertwine the histories into your visits. It was common in the 1800s for those craftsmen and builders to put their initials somewhere it could not be seen in the building.
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Thanks, David.
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Well done!
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Cool tour. I've always been curious.
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Wow, I love the craftsmanship and skill and most of all love of people throughout history who have dedicated their time and talents to the Lord!
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Thank you for continuing to bring us these videos! ❤
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Thanks for sharing!
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Fascinating video and visit. Thanks!
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3 yr ago I met the couple who bought that first church and run the AirBnB. Very sweet people. They gave us a tour of the entire building, plus told us they also own the house next door to the church. We could hear the organ practicing across the street from outside. Such an interesting area. Looking forward to the next vid.
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Regardless of church, I enjoy seeing everyone get along. It is apparent that the membership and wealth of these 4 churches differ. I am particularly impressed when I see members of one church helping refurbish a different, struggling church. Everyone wins when kindness shines.
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You go, David! Great presentation as usual 👍 Can't wait to see the next video! Didn't even know there was a sketch out there of Alvin Smith.
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So fun, you are the best! I’m waiting for a temple trip video, maybe you won’t do one, I hope you do. Thanks for being such a great person!!!
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Very interesting video! It’s seems like there is low attendance in many churches. I wonder how many stay afloat? I know that there are mega churches too which have large attendance. Makes ya wonder how the big ones get big and the others shrink? By the way. It’s visible just how bright your countenance has become. It’s SO COOL to see the change over your videos. Proud of you for going against the norm and getting baptized in to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Being a member of this church is not for wimps. lol…. Coming from Michigan there was a saying that said “Detroit…. No place for wimps!” 😂
