Gary Phelps wrote his masters thesis on the history of home teaching. The 175 pdf is available for download from:

Home teaching : Attempts by the Latter-day Saints to establish an effective program during the nineteenth century

UPDATE: The link above appears to be dead. Here is an updated link

http://patriot.lib.byu.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/MTNZ&CISOPTR=10574&REC=16

When you click on the above link, look to the left hand side of the page and click on Printable Copy for a PDF file of the entire program.

Posted by John in Home Teaching, History of HT

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Below is a timeline of the evolution of Home Teaching. Dates and facts have been taken from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 2, Home Teaching, unless otherwise noted. It is quite short, and elaboration that anyone can give will be added. While you’re at it, check out the History of Visiting Teaching. Select a date to view details. Or you can now download this document to view and print from Microsoft Word.

1830, April

Revelation regarding the duties of the priesthood was received. Duties of the Elders, Priests, and Teachers included “watch[ing] over the church. . . visit[ing] the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties. . . [and to] be with and strengthen them.” (D&C 20:42, 47, 51, 53. HC 1:67-68)

1850’s

“Block teachers” were set up. They were called thus due to their geographic nature, for you would visit the families on your block.

1909

Block Teachers were called “acting teachers.”

1912

Acting Teachers were changed to “ward teachers”.

1962, January

President Thomas S Monson returned home from presiding over the Canadian Mission of the Church, and was named a member of the Adult Correlation Committee of the Church, which had been assigned to prepare the “new” concept of Home Teaching. Each phase of the work, when completed, was reviewed by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve. (Ensign, May 1996, pg 45)

1963, Spring

The work of the Adult Correlation Committee was done and a number of them (including Pres Monson) were called to serve on the new Priesthood Home Teaching Committee, and were assigned to go among the stakes of the Church teaching and encouraging its implementation. (Ensign, May 1996, pg 45)

1963

The term “home teachers” was introduced, which was different than ward teaching because a greater emphasis was now put on watching over the family rather than just making monthly visits. (Elder James A. Cullimore, CR, October 8, 1972)

1980, December 1

President Ezra Taft Benson introduces the First Presidency Message as the “official” Home Teaching message. (Ensign, Feb 1981, p. 79; Oct 1981, p. 76)

1987, April 4

President Ezra Taft Benson presents his now famous talk, “To the Home Teachers of the Church.” (Ensign, May 1987, pp 47-49)

Posted by John in Home Teaching, History of HT

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