Episode 359

Ep359: Data Center Built Over Book of Mormon Witnesses' Graves and Zelph Bone?

Could a new data center put an important piece of Mormon history at risk? On this episode of Mormonish, John Hajicek and Ron Yorgason join us to explore John’s research into the historic Arthur plantation property near Liberty, Missouri, where a data center development raises questions about preserving the past. John shares his findings connecting the property to early Mormon history, Book of Mormon witness graves, and accounts of a reburied bone attributed to Zelph. We discuss the evidence, what remains uncertain, and what could be lost if these historical connections are overlooked. Will the LDS Church weigh in or take steps to help preserve this site? Could other Mormon denominations, historical organizations, or preservation groups get involved? We explore who might advocate for protecting this history—and whether there’s still time to make a difference.

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Rebecca Bibliotheca

Rebecca Bibliotheca is a mother or three boys, co-founder of "The Good Book Club," a virtual reading group for post and nuanced Mormons, cohost of "Mormon Media Reviews," and leader of the "Mormon Stories Book Club." She has a Masters of Library and Information Science from BYU and worked for many years at the BYU Library. She and her husband, Tom, also founded a youth theater program that is in its 19th year. Rebecca loves the theater, reading, film, spending times outdoors, church watching and iced coffee!

Landon Brophy

Landon Brophy is the proud father of four children, two grandchildren, three ATVs and a boat. He's a former military officer, the co-founder of The Good Book Club, a reading group for post and nuanced Mormons, ann international manager for a global defense contractor, and a worldwide traveler. He and his wife founded "Utah Wanderers," an online travel guide to exploring Utah. Landon loves the outdoors, ATVing, boating, flying, reading, observing the "ongoing restoration" and second Saturdays!

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