Beginnings of the Church in Germany

Missionary work in Germany began with Elder Orson Hyde, who came to Regensburg in 1842. Although he was only able to stay ten months, he tried to learn the German language during that time so that he could reach the people in their mother tongue. He completed a German translation of a tract and later taught German to the prophet Joseph Smith.  

The first group of members was organized into a branch in Darmstadt in 1843 under the direction of missionary Johann Greenig. At the same time, a German congregation was established in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA.

In 1852 the first German translation of the Book of Mormon was published. It was translated by John Taylor and George P. Dykes. Later that year, a congregation was organized in Hamburg with 12 members.

Since the members often had problems with the government because of their religious affiliation, most of them emigrated to the USA, resulting in closure of the Hamburg congregation in 1854.

In 1855 a congregation was organized in Dresden with Karl. G. Maeser as president. Due to strong persecution similar to what the Saints in Hamburg experienced, the members emigrated to Utah and the congregation disbanded in 1857.

Maeser co-founded Brigham Young University and returned to Germany in 1867 as a missionary. Over 600 people were baptized within three years of his arrival. Many of them left Germany so that they could practice their religion freely in Utah.