Curtis E. Bolton Directed by the Spirit to Havre
Published October 4, 2026 at 7:27 AM
Contributed by
Millennial Star Research
In 1851, while serving in France, Elder Curtis E. Bolton was occupied with the arduous work of translating and preparing the Book of Mormon for publication. Seeking a respite from these intense labors, he was directed by John Taylor to travel from Paris to Havre, as Taylor had indicated that there were people there prepared to receive the Gospel. Arriving in Havre on Sunday, November 20, 1851, at 7:00 a.m., Bolton experienced 'ineffable joy' as he was met by his fellow brethren, John Pack and De La Mare. These men had been independently prompted by the Spirit of God to change their plans and travel to Havre, moving as if impelled by divine direction to join him. Once reunited, the three missionaries worked together to share the Gospel, with Pack and De La Mare assisting in the baptism and confirmation of new converts. This event served as a profound testament to the missionaries of the time regarding the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost in their ministerial labors.
In Their Own Words
“The Spirit of God had for some time been working upon brother Pack, brother De La Mare, and my relative relative to Havre. Finally, brother Taylor directed me to proceed to Havre, as a relief or respite from the arduous duties of translating and preparing for the press the Book of Mormon, telling me there was a people here ready to receive me... Imagine my ineffable joy at seven a.m. Sunday morning, to hold in my arms my brethren Pack and De La Mare. — Millennial Star 13:24”
Sources & References
The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, 15 December 1851 (Vol. 13, No. 24). https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_the-latter-day-saints-millennial-star_1851-12-15_13_24 Fuller account: The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, Vol. 13… The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, 9 July 1853 (Vol. 15, No. 28). https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_the-latter-day-saints-millennial-star_1853-07-09_15_28 Additional sources (periodical research): John Taylor, "Elder John …"
Related Miracles
Similar miracle types and stories from the 1850s.
Miracle of the Week
One remarkable, documented account in your inbox every Monday, drawn from the full archive.