Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 15/02) - Many Christians believe they should share their religion with others. But Mormons face an additional responsibility: they must attempt to save their dead ancestors too

Elder Lyndon Smith and sister Barbara Smith said there are about 100 Mormons in Yellowknife. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

"What we do in the church is seek out the names of our kindred dead and, by proxy, baptize them in the temple," said elder Lyndon Smith who arrived in Yellowknife a month ago with his wife of almost 50 years, sister Barbara Smith.

The couple moved to Yellowknife from Idaho to run the Family History Centre, located in the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints basement.

"We did not choose to come here," said sister Smith. "This was our calling."

According to elder Smith, Mormons can't be saved unless they reach out to their "kindred dead."

"As the prophet Joseph Smith stated, it's the most important thing," he said.

Mormons own the largest database of genealogy in the world in Salt Lake City, Utah and the information is accessible through history centres like the one in Yellowknife.

Some records, but not all, are available online.

The Smiths, both raised as Mormons, began tracking their own ancestors eight years ago.

They have no shortage of relatives: both their grandfathers were polygamists and elder Smith is one of 250 grandchildren.

So far, they have "done the work" of 4,000 relatives, and have the names of another 4,000.

But why did these life-long Mormons start this so late in life if their salvation hinges on it?

"I was simply negligent," elder Smith admits.

However, being a member of the church requires more than baptizing relatives by proxy.

"There are a lot of things we have to do," said sister Smith. For instance, they must live charitable, virtuous lives, and can't drink coffee, tea or alcohol.

"We live 10 years longer than the average person because we keep free of these things," said Elder Smith, quoting a University of California statistic.

Mormons, like Jehovah's Witnesses, have a reputation for trying to convert everyone they meet -- even approaching people on buses and streets.

"That perception is true," said elder Smith, explaining Mormons try to give everyone the opportunity to hear the gospel. "We believe we are responsible for our brothers clear across the world."

"I think one of the main things people misunderstand," said sister Smith. "is they feel that sometimes we are pushy... and none of us should be."

But at the Family History Centre, the couple only answers questions about religion, if asked.

"We don't proselytize here," said elder Smith.

The couple plans to stay in Yellowknife for one-and-a-half-years.

"It's quite a place up here," said elder Smith. "It's exciting country."