Colonia Juarez
Commemorating 125 Years of the Mormon Colonies in Mexico
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from the Foreword...
Greetings from "South of the Border", and thank you for your interest in Colonia Juarez! Perhaps I should clarify from the onset that I am not a historian in the true sense of the word. The stories of the founding and evolution of this colony along with the other Mormon Colonies in Mexico have, however, always been dear to my heart. At the time of the centennial celebration of the colonies in 1985, I put together a very brief sketch of the history of the colonies, enhanced by a number of color photographs, in an attempt to give readers a quick glimpse of our history. The booklet was well received and hopefully it served its purpose.
The last in-depth history of Colonia Juarez was published in 1954 by Nelle Spilsbury Hatch. Her book has become a classic of Mormon history in Mexico. In the years since the publication of her work many wonderful things have occurred in and around Colonia Juarez which are of compelling interest, particularly to those whose "roots go back to Mexico". It has been my goal in incorporate these into this brief history in an orderly manner. Hopefully this will make it easy for the reader to follow the sequence of events and feel somewhat of the spirit of the colonies. One would also hope that the reader would be led to recognize how the Spirit of the Lord has hovered over the community and sustained its residents through every circumstance.
Since only Colonia Juarez and Colonia Dublan remain of the original eight major Mormon Colonies in Mexico, it is virtually impossible to talk about one without the other. Although I have not attempted to delve deeply into the history of Dublan, it is hoped that the reader will recognize the close bond that exists between the two colonies. Together they form an extended "family", and what affects one unavoidably affects the other.
It has been a privilege and a joy to once again study the history of the Mormon Colonies in Mexico. This experience has reawakened in me a deep sense of admiration and appreciation for the stalwart people who founded the colonies. Likewise it has rekindled my gratitude for those who have continued to be true to the faith over the ensuing one hundred and twenty-five years. Thanks to each and all of you for your unwavering examples of devotion to the Father of us all who has guided the destiny of our loved communities over these many years.
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About the Book
Colonia Juarez, one of the two remaining Mormon Colonies in Mexico, has existed and prospered for one hundred and twenty-five years. During that time many interesting and important things have occurred which have had far reaching effects on the lives of thousands of people scattered throughout the world. These have included revolutionary upheavals, the founding and growth of the Juarez Stake Academy (Academia Juarez), the coming of the paved highway to the colony, three centennial celebrations within a period of twelve years, and two visits within two years from the Lord's Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, even Gordon B. Hinckley. His second visit was for the dedication of the Colonia Juarez Chihuahua Temple. Although there are currently fewer than 200 descendents of the original colonists living in Colonia Juarez, literally thousands still refer to it as "down home". The last complete history of Colonia Juarez, written by Nelle Spilsbury Hatch, was released in 1954. The time is right for an up-date of the history of this loved community. This is especially true in light of the uncertainty which currently exists due to the brutal drug cartel-related acts committed almost daily throughout the state of Chihuahua, including the region where Colonia Juarez and Colonia Dublan are situated. Can the lessons of the past help us deal with the realities of today? And, what of the future?
About the Author
LaVon Brown Whetten was born in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico and is a fourth generation resident of the Mormon Colonies in Mexico. She has lived in the colonies all her life, with brief absences while attending Brigham Young University where she earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Business Education and Administration. She spent twenty years working at the Juarez Stake Academy (Academia Juarez), where she served in both teaching and administrative positions. In addition to her work at the Academy, she has given a lifetime of service in church and community positions. She continues to live in Colonia Juarez and is the mother of five children and six beautiful granddaughters, with a grandson on the way. Her greatest love is her family, and her joy is watching them grow and develop in their respective endeavors.