By Diana Lee
One hundred fifty years ago, converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left their native soil in Europe to build a new homeland in America.
Sea Trek 2001 will honor those European saints of The Church of Jesus Christ who came to America by setting sail across the Atlantic on Tuesday, August 7.
The 59-day journey will start in Denmark, where more than 10 vintage tall ships will set sail, and continue to New York.
This international public event is organized by the nonprofit Sea Trek Foundation to enhance understanding of the history and faith of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ.
It also celebrates the culturally diverse heritage of the Latter-Day Saints while promoting social unity through public participation.
Church historians will use the ships as their classroom to teach. Richard Holzapfel, professor of church history and doctrine will be among five other BYU professors on the trek.
“Over 85,000 Mormon converts crossed the Atlantic before journeying west across the Plains to reach Utah,” Holzafpel said. “People were born and people died on the ships. They were married, sea captains were converted, and all the wonders on the romantic trail were more than doubled on the ships. It was an incredible time for the people.”
The historians will give lectures on the 19th century migration of the Saints to North America on ship and at the ports. Actual stories will be read from original letters and diaries. Participants will also relate stories of their ancestors.
“We are fairly expert historians, but most of us have never sailed the seas. To experience this first hand is a bit of a leap of faith,” Paul Peterson, BYU department chair of church history and doctrine said. “I”m a little scared about the sea-sickness, but I can”t be too concerned because we have crucial functions to perform.”
Bill Hartley, associate professor of history and research historian at the BYU Smith Institute for LDS History, will take on the entire 59-day voyage.
“I am excited to get the feel of what my ancestors had. With the Atlantic crossing, I hope to feel the tedium – mentally, emotionally, and socially – the shift of the sails, storms and the long endurance that the immigrants had,” Hartley said.
At each port the foundation will host a “Rock the Dock” celebration open to the public. These dockside events will feature maritime and history exhibits, online ancestral research, forums, firework display and live entertainment.
Holzapfel said well-known members of The Church of Jesus Christ – high-level mayors and leaders of countries, musicians and symphonies – would attend the events.
Larry King, Admiral Paul A. Yost and Jane Clayson are a few on the committee board that will be present.
“To sail the North Atlantic on historic tall ships, re-tracing the routes of a people”s heritage is a once in a lifetime opportunity – a high seas adventure to make modern history,” said Ret. Former Commandant United States Coast Guard, Admiral Paul A. Yost.
The Foundation hopes the interaction from this event will help eliminate stereotypes that Europeans may have of The Church of Jesus Christ.
