I found 275 matches when I plugged my last name into the LDS.org database. Never once harboring the belief this search would yield any worthy results. Most of them were indeed out of Bavaria, some Austrians. Nonetheless was very indemnifying to finally find.
For the past few years, I have tried searching for members of my German family. There are no stories, no memories and no indication of what cultural traditions were predominant. My grandfather passed away when I was very young and I never had the opportunity to ask him all the things I wanted to ask him. In my teens, my grandmother fell ill with Alzheimer’s and her memories quickly regressed. She lived thousands of miles away and the only time I was able to visit her during those years she no longer remembered me.
I never was able to find any information regardless of where I looked. One would imagine in this “information age” genealogical research would be less frustrating.…
The story of my initial arrival at this point is perhaps the most interesting allotment. It marked the beginning of another journey to discover a life and a culture I was previously and stereotypically oblivious to.
Kimmy and I sat in her basement one night at a children’s table eating pie after dinner. My legs scrunched and wedged underneath the table built for a 3 year old child- engulfing the tiny chair I sat on. (Sure as hell that the legs were about to break!)
“My church has the largest genealogical database in the world.” she explained, “It would honestly surprise me if you didn’t find any information on your last name”.
CHURCH. Now THIS is something I went running from at about 16. Raised traditionally Roman Catholic and having underwent the classic “first communion” and “confirmation” ceremonies, I decided at that age I didn’t want to go to church anymore.
It was too solemn. I didn’t like the rituals because they never actually felt satisfying or indemnifying to me. Just like something I was lead into. I didn’t agree with many of the staunch principles and definitely did not agree when I was told that other religions are wrong.
Having studied world religions- I now find any exercise in faith which contributes to the greater good of humanity and peace to be beautiful. I even cried once while actively watching a documentary about the Islamic journey to Mecca. I became emotional because of the spirituality aspect- not the ritualistic components.
Kimmy is actually a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. The church many refer to as “the Mormon church”. In the United States, when people think about Mormons, we stereotypically see young men on their bicycles, large families, or even men with multiple wives. In fact- this is the primary “wisecrack” regarding this branch of Christianity.
“Watch out for the Mormons, a friend once told me, “all they do is try to convert you”. Her view of this religion was that they sacrificed animals and carried out elaborate cult ceremonies…
There are, however, differences between a member of LDS and a “Mormon”. Kimmy explained that “Mormon” has come to actually describe a fundamentalist movement which practice plural marriages. Indeed the traditional “Mormon” stereotype that has come to symbolize this belief sector is actually inaccurate. These are Mormon fundamentalists. They broke from the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints because they believed the church had forgone many principles and teachings of their respected leader Joseph Smith. These fundamentalist groups have formed various small sects, thus even the view points of these groups vary.
The journey of “50 Women” for me is about objectively learning new things, investigating them and objectively conceptualizing them in attempt to present these differences to the rest of the world. (My hope is that the rest of the world can eventually become more accepting of differences.)
Kimmy explained in addition to having the world’s largest genealogical database, they also have the most extensive Christian missionary program with hub offices all over the world. She showed me the various humanitarian services offered and provided, regardless of spiritual beliefs, to those in need. The missionary language training program is so extensive- it is sought after by the Unites States military.
A few weeks later, Kimmy invited me to attend a modern dance performance at the local temple. I was nervous about entering a church setting as this is generally not my cup of tea. Keeping the mission of “50 Women” in my mind I reminded myself that this is an integral part of Kimmy’s life she is willing to introduce me to and that I needed to be open to learning about this- especially since there are so many stereotypes concerning this denomination. Stereotypes interest me and I am always attempting to debunk the tales surrounding them.
Leaving my apartment one night about two weeks later to attend a Mormon women’s group, my neighbor asked where I was going. I told her “the big white building on the corner of Grand Street”.
“You’re going to the MORMON church” she exclaimed… “Good luck getting out”!
When I entered the building- all of the young men were wearing their suits and two of them opened the door for me.
“Are you lost Madame” they asked, concerned
“ I’m looking for a friend”.
“Can we get you something to drink…water…tea”…
Kimmy introduced me to the other women in the group and they were very kind. No one tried to convert me, no one asked about my religious background, no one sacrificed any animals and no one tried to marry me into polygamy.
Instead- the women listened attentively to my description of “50 Women”, told me about various humanitarian projects the church organization is involved in and even suggested women they knew with intriguing and inspiring stories . They all knew I was not part of the same religion, but never judged me for it once or tried to persuade me to join their organization. They sure did invite me to other women’s group meetings.
I enjoyed my time with them. Just as I do with my Muslim friends, and Buddhist friends and new age friends and even atheist friends. Faith is a powerful thing. It is my reason for beginning “50 Women“. Faith is never the same one person as it is to another.
So what have I learned besides the fact that the myths about LDS church are not true?
That faith is a transitive experience, and the most important thing one can do is try to understand these differences.
One week later I plugged my last name into the genealogical center database at LDS. What the hell…
Et voila- 275 hits.
Thank you Kimmy for not only giving me a lead, but also opening my eyes to something I knew little to nothing about…
For more information on LDS and its programs and services, visit LDS.org









