SPOKANE, Wash.- The Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) was the only religious congregation to be officially represented at Spokane’s Expo ‘74.
The fair’s focus on preventing environmental pollution was co-opted by the congregation, who used the fair to highlight the moral framework offered by the Book of Mormon according to the Brownsville Herald.
“Find shelter from the moral pollution rampant in the world today,” a church representative said during the expo.
In addition to a pavilion which included a statue of the Angel Moroni and a history of the life of Joseph Smith, a Mormon Expo Choir was created and performed throughout the fair for thousands of visitors.
A unique Book of Mormon cover was printed according to Deseret News, and church members offered brochures and other materials to attendees.
While Spokane is not predominantly Mormon, the LDS church was the largest presence at Expo ‘74. It is a fascinating chapter of not only the history of a religious congregation, but the composition of one of Spokane’s most important international events.
