Blog Post
City of Refuge Fund
In the winter of 1839, thousands of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found themselves on the icy banks of the Mississippi River without shelter or food, following an executive order that called for the Mormons to be exterminated or driven from the state of Missouri. The citizens of Quincy, approximately 1,500 at the time, came to the aid of more than 5,000 of these exiles providing refuge, safety, and peace to the Saints in their time of need.
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In March 1839, the Quincy Whig wrote “The Mormons—A large number of families are encamped on the opposite bank of the Mississippi waiting for an opportunity to cross. . . . If they have been thrown upon our shores destitute, through the oppressive people of Missouri, common humanity must oblige us to aid and relieve them all in our power.”
Former Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz says the hospitality shown by Quincy residents during the winter of 1839 has been described as, “one of the greatest humanitarian acts in the history of our country.” To put the act into context, it would be roughly the equivalent of today’s Quincy population offering refuge to more than 130,000 individuals.
“I want the citizens of Quincy today to understand and appreciate our history as a city built by immigrants and it’s imperative that the hospitality and respect shown by our Quincy ancestors back then be engrained and passed on from one generation to the next,” says Scholz.
The benevolence shown by the citizens of Quincy at that time is something those from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints keep close to their heart. That sentiment holds true almost two centuries later, which is why Daryl and Patricia Ward decided to start the City of Refuge Fund at the Community Foundation – to honor the citizens of Quincy who demonstrated compassion for and provided refuge to early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Our ancestors were among the people that were aided by the good citizens of Quincy, so we wanted to personally give and honor that heritage,” said Daryl.
The City of Refuge Fund will support charitable organizations in Quincy that provide food, shelter, education, and other human services to individuals and families in need. Because the fund is endowed, it will grow and provide grants in perpetuity.
“We chose to establish a fund with the Community Foundation because this gift will continuously grow over time and therefore, continuously help charitable organizations in Quincy to provide refuge,” said Patricia.
The Community Foundation is grateful for this meaningful gift that will provide a permanent source of support to Quincy residents in need. The City of Refuge Fund exemplifies the spirit of endowment, honoring our roots while growing resources for the future.
“The generosity exhibited by our early residents is mirrored by this gift. We should all be inspired to emulate this compassion for those in need,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “Every grant made from The City of Refuge Fund will be a reminder of our shared history and to live each day with kindness and empathy.”
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