A new Church history exhibit highlights the lives of two early converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Norwegian roots in the 19th century: Canute Peterson, who emigrated from Norway, and Sarah Ann Nelson, the American-born daughter of Norwegian immigrants. Their story is one of courage, faith and enduring service.
Titled Crossings, Conversion, and Community the exhibit follows the lives of Canute and Sarah Ann as they responded to the gospel, crossed oceans and plains and helped establish thriving Latter-day Saint communities in Utah. Their experiences reflect the broader story of Scandinavian Latter-day Saints who sacrificed much to follow Jesus Christ.
From Norway to Illinois: A Community of Converts
In 1825 a ship named the Restauration set sail from Stavanger, Norway, carrying 52 emigrants to the United States. Some of these pioneers eventually settled in the Fox River settlement in Illinois, the first permanent Norwegian-American settlement in the Midwest.
By the 1840s missionaries from the Church were teaching among the Norwegian immigrants. Their message of restored truth touched many hearts, including those of Sarah Ann Nelson, born to Norwegian parents in New York, and Canute Peterson, who had emigrated from Norway as a young boy. Both embraced the gospel and became lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
Sarah Ann Nelson: A Life of Quiet Strength
Sarah Ann was baptised at the age of 18 and joined the Saints in their westward journey to the Salt Lake Valley. She married Canute Peterson en route and later settled in Ephraim, Utah, where she became a devoted wife, mother and leader.
She served as Relief Society president in Ephraim and as a counsellor in the Sanpete Stake Relief Society presidency. Under her leadership, women raised funds for the construction of the Manti Utah Temple, supported the poor and sick and helped other Scandinavian Saints gather to Zion.
C. C. A. Christensen, the Danish Latter-day Saint artist, described her as ‘noble-minded, self-sacrificing and unselfish … Her greatest pleasure was to do good to others and ameliorate their sufferings.’
Canute Peterson: Missionary, Mediator and Community Builder
Canute Peterson was baptised in 1842 and soon called to serve as a missionary. He and Sarah Ann helped settle both Lehi and Ephraim, Utah, where he served as bishop and later as president of the Sanpete Stake.
He worked to foster peace between the Scandinavian settlers and the Ute people, gaining respect for his fairness and compassion. He also served two missions to Scandinavia, including as president of the Scandinavian Mission, where he strengthened congregations and boldly shared the gospel in his homeland.
Canute Peterson passed away on 14 October 1902 while serving as South Sanpete Stake president. At his funeral Apostle Reed Smoot praised him as ‘a man of God … a community builder and a father to the people.’
A Lasting Legacy
Sarah Ann and Canute Peterson were among the first Norwegian Saints to settle in Utah. Their lives were filled with trials, faith and service. They helped build not only homes and congregations but also a legacy of discipleship that continues to inspire.
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Their story reminds us that, no matter our origin, following Jesus Christ invites us to build up His kingdom, wherever we are called.