Sidney Gilbert

Today we are learning more about Sidney Gilbert, an early member of the Church. Section 57 of the Doctrine & Covenants refers to Brother Gilbert:

6 And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the office to which I have appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an ^aagent unto the church, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be done in righteousness, and as wisdom shall direct.

8 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a ^astore, that he may sell goods ^bwithout fraud, that he may obtain money to buy ^clands for the good of the saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance.

9 And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain a license—behold here is ^awisdom, and whoso readeth let him ^bunderstand—that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks employed in his service;

10 And thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in ^adarkness and in the region and ^bshadow of death.

Now for some background. Sidney Gilbert was an associate of Newel Whitney, a perhaps better known figure from Church history. Newel was an intuitive businessman while Sidney struggled. Sidney was inclined to purchase large lots and build large stores, while Newel was inclined to build smaller stores. Newel worked with Sidney in one of these stores and that is how the two first met in 1820. Sidney would eventually lose that store to creditors after a succession of bad luck. In 1825 Newel was doing very well in his investments and invited Sidney Gilbert to help him capitalize on the opening of the Erie Canal, which had greatly expanded economic opportunities for businessmen in the area. Sidney accepted and with that N.K. Whitney and Company was born.

The Gospel came to the Gilbert family first through Ann Whitney, the wife of Newel. From there on the direction of Newel and Sidney’s business ventures changed drastically. Sidney was called to travel with the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to Missouri, where he was instructed, as we read above, to establish a store. This he did, purchasing a brick store at the prime intersection in Independence. However, the store constantly struggled. I think it’s important to understand more about Missouri to put Sidney’s experiences there in context:

“The Church grew, but it never flourished. Instead, the Missouri story tells of personal growth and courage for many, of despair and unfaithfulness for others, and of frustration for all. Still, we cannot understand either the theology or the history of Mormonism without understanding the role of Missouri. The concept of Zion became a distinctive part of our doctrine, while the search for Zion led to this deeply felt chapter of our history.”

Sidney was there for two years when “unrest developed in Jackson County”; “the mob came into town and started destroying things, including merchandise from his store. He joined Bishop Partridge, Isaac Morley, and others in offering themselves to the mob to spare the Church, but their offer was rejected. Brother Gilbert was allowed to sell his remaining goods before he left, although financial records suggest many items were damaged and not marketable.”

Just one year later, Sidney Gilbert contracted cholera and died of the painful disease on June 29, 1834.

While much of Sidney’s life was not dramatic, he was faithful and accepted calls as they came because he had a testimony of the Gospel. My research of different members during this course has been so enlightening! There are many well-known figures in early Church history, but there are so many others we hear little about who did their duty; their sacrifices were just as important to the establishment of the Church. The same is true for us today, we may not be known by many people or have a calling that is very “visible”, but our sacrifices and efforts are just as important to the work of the Lord. I am reminded of Elder Holland’s talk from this last Conference, Because of Your Faith: “the Church draws incomparable strength, a truly unique vitality, from the faith and devotion of every member of this church, whoever you may be. In whatever country you live, however young or inadequate you feel, or however aged or limited you see yourself as being, I testify you are individually loved of God, you are central to the meaning of His work, and you are cherished and prayed for by the presiding officers of His Church. The personal value, the sacred splendor of every one of you, is the very reason there is a plan for salvation and exaltation.” I would encourage you to read the talk in its entirety.

What are some insights you had as you read about Sidney Gilbert’s life? How do you feel about your contribution to the work of the Lord?

Information gathered from Thou Art the Man by Mark Staker, Senior Curator of Museum of Church History and Art and Missouri’s Impact on the Church by Max H. Parkin