Mormon Church Buys Junkyard Site for $2.1 Million

Book of MormonWhat has been the home of Boughton's Auto Salvage — a garage, junk yard and used-parts facility — is an important site to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (i.e., the Mormon Church), which has purchased the property for $2.1 million.

The Mormons believe that the area in Susquehanna County, NY, was home to Joseph Smith, and his wife, the former Emma Hale, from 1827 to 1830. Smith arrived in the area when working a silver mining venture. They also believe that their founder, Joseph Smith, translated the Book of Mormon there in 1829.

The parcel is next to another 124 acres that the church owns.

D. Beeksma

One of the growing crowd of American "nones" herself, Deborah is a prolific writer who finds religion, spirituality and the impact of belief (and non-belief) on culture inspiring, fascinating and at times, disturbing. She hosts the God Discussion show and handles the site's technical work. Her education and background is in business, ecommerce and law.

More Posts - Website - Twitter