Behind every conversion to the restored gospel lies a personal spiritual journey. For early Black Latter-day Saints, these journeys often required extraordinary courage and conviction. Their testimonies—powerful enough to sustain them through unique challenges—continue to inspire members today as examples of enduring faith.

A Complex Heritage To Explore

The stories of Black Latter-day Saints are rich, complex, and essential to understanding the full scope of Church history. While the Church has wrestled with racial issues, Black members played crucial roles in the Church's development and continue to contribute significantly to its global community.

Let's meet some of these faithful pioneers, each with a compelling story of conviction and endurance, who have left a lasting impact on the Church and its heritage.

Elijah Able: Elder and Seventy

Elijah Able stands as one of the first known Black men ordained to the priesthood. Elijah Able was born around 1810 in Maryland, and having one black great-grandparent made Elijah, according to the nomenclature used at the time, an "octoroon" or one-eight Black. Elijah encountered the restored gospel through a missionary, Ezekiel Roberts, in Cincinnati and was baptized in 1832 at age 22. By 1836, he had received the Melchizedek Priesthood, was ordained a Seventy, and received some of his temple ordinances in Kirtland.

Elijah wore many hats throughout his life—carpenter, undertaker, and boarding house operator—while maintaining his faith. Despite financial difficulties later in life, he remained a dedicated member of the Third Quorum of Seventy, and when most would be enjoying retirement, Elijah accepted a call to serve a third mission at age 73. He literally wore himself out in missionary service, returning to Utah in December 1884 only to pass away on Christmas Day.

Though Brigham Young's later announcement of the priesthood restriction prevented Elijah from receiving his endowment or temple sealings to his wife, Mary Ann, he persevered in faith until his death. As local newspapers reported, "he died in full faith of the gospel"—a testament to his spiritual endurance through changing Church policies and attitudes.

Jane Manning James: The Woman Who Walked to Zion

Jane Manning James was one of the earliest Black women to join the restored Church. After embracing the gospel in Connecticut in the early 1840s, she and her family made an extraordinary 800-mile journey on foot from New York to Nauvoo after they were denied steamboat passage because of their race. Along the way, local authorities stopped them, suspecting they were escaped slaves and demanding paperwork to show they were free. Jane later recalled that their shoes wore out, their feet cracked and bled, but through prayer, they were miraculously healed. This trek—and the many miracles throughout—showcased the deep faith that would define Jane's life.

In Nauvoo, Jane developed a close friendship with Joseph and Emma Smith, even living in their home. Years later, she would recall detailed memories of the Prophet, saying "I did know the Prophet Joseph. He was the finest man I ever saw on earth. . . . I was certain he was a prophet because I knew it." Her unique position gave her rare glimpses into early Church history—including handling a bundle Lucy Mack Smith identified as holding the Urim and Thummim.

After settling in Utah in 1847, Jane remained steadfast despite facing both racial restrictions and personal tragedies—the deaths of several children, divorce, and financial challenges. Though barred from receiving temple ordinances (though she could perform baptisms for the dead), she remained active in Relief Society, donated to temple construction, and repeatedly petitioned Church leaders for full temple privileges.

After she passed in 1908, the Deseret News reported, "Few persons were more noted for faith and faithfulness than was Jane Manning James." Her temple work was completed on her behalf in 1979.

Green Flake: The Pioneer

Among those in the original pioneer company to enter the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 was a remarkable man named Green Flake. Born into slavery in North Carolina in 1828, Green was baptized into the Church in Mississippi in 1844. Just three years later, he would make history as part of the vanguard company of pioneers settling Utah—and he wasn't just along for the ride. As a member of the advance party that arrived on July 22, 1847 (two days before Brigham Young), Green was already planting crops when the main company arrived.

After gaining his freedom in the 1850s, Green married Martha Ann Morris and built a life in Union, near Big Cottonwood Canyon. Throughout his long life, he remained devoted to his faith and was celebrated as one of the original pioneers. He became a popular speaker at Pioneer Day celebrations and even attended the 1897 Jubilee Pioneer Day celebration, where the Salt Lake Tribune noted: "Green is a vigorous, broad-shouldered, good-natured, bright old gentleman, long a resident of Salt Lake county but now living at John Gray's lake, Idaho. He wore glasses, but that is the only sign of old age about him. His voice might do for a trumpet, and he steps off like a West Pointer when he walks."

When he passed away in 1903, multiple newspapers reported his death, and the Deseret News wrote, "Bro. Flake had reached the honorable age of 76, which means, to all who knew him, 76 years of honest, hard work for the betterment of humanity, and for an exaltation in his Father’s kingdom." His legacy lives on, honored today at This Is The Place Heritage Park with a monument celebrating his contributions alongside other Black pioneers.

Q. Walker Lewis: The Abolitionist Elder

Before Joseph Smith's death, a respected Black man named Q. Walker Lewis joined the restored Church in Lowell, Massachusetts. As a barber and proprietor of his own shop, Lewis was a distinguished community leader who had served as Most Worshipful Grand Master in the first Black Freemasonry lodge in America and helped found the Massachusetts General Colored Association, fighting for abolition and equal rights.

When Lewis encountered the restored gospel through missionaries in the early 1840s, he embraced it wholeheartedly. William Smith (Joseph's brother) ordained him an elder in 1843 or 1844. Even when controversy swept through the Lowell branch and other officers resigned their positions, Lewis remained steadfast. His commitment was so notable that Brigham Young later described him as "one of the best Elders." Even when unsure it would even make it to the right place, Lewis demonstrated his devotion through consistent tithing, sending multiple donations to support the Nauvoo Temple's construction. In 1851, he made the journey to Salt Lake Territory, though he later returned to Lowell.

Samuel and Amanda Chambers: The Long-Distance Disciples

Samuel D. Chambers was just 13 years old when he first encountered Latter-day Saint missionaries in Mississippi in 1844. After attending their street meetings, the young enslaved boy was so moved that he had a nighttime baptism and confirmation. Then, remarkably, he went 26 years without any further contact with the Church—and somehow never lost his faith.

Born into slavery in Alabama in 1831, Samuel grew up as an orphan after slave traders took his mother away. After gaining freedom following the Civil War, he married Amanda Leggroan, and the couple began saving for their journey west. "I did not come to Utah to know the truth of the Gospel," Samuel later explained, "but I received it away back where the Gospel found me."

In 1870, they finally arrived in Salt Lake. Despite the priesthood and temple ban, Samuel participated when called to help with deacons quorum responsibilities (which were different than they are today). Into his 90s, Samuel continued bearing powerful testimony "like an apostle," and staunchly defended the faith until his death in 1929 at age 98—his 1874 patriarchal blessing of long life and remembrance among the Saints had been fulfilled.

In Utah, Amanda was much more than just Samuel's supportive wife. Though she received less historical attention than Samuel, she was equally devoted to their faith and community. She taught herself to read and write using a Guffey speller—no small achievement—and kept their home filled with Mormon books. Amanda was known throughout the community for her culinary skills, frequently donating cakes and pies for ward social functions. During harvest seasons, neighbors recalled seeing her seated under a large umbrella alongside Samuel, picking and cleaning currants before Amanda loaded her spring wagon to deliver produce to customers. Between Amanda's industry, faith, and quiet strength and Samuel's testimony, enthusiasm, and endurance, the Chambers became one of the most regarded families in their community.

Pioneers of Faith and Perseverance

These individuals represent just a handful of the Black Latter-day Saints who made a difference in the early Church. Their stories of faith, perseverance, and contribution continue to inspire members worldwide today. From Elijah Able's priesthood service to Jane Manning James's 800-mile journey on foot, from Green Flake's pioneer vanguard company to Q. Walker Lewis' and the Chambers' decades of faithful devotion—these stories showcase parts of the tapestry of early Church history.

As the Church continues to expand worldwide, the profound spiritual dedication of these early Black Saints remains a source of inspiration nearly two centuries later. Their unwavering faith in the face of adversity offers timeless lessons for anyone navigating challenges on their own path of belief.