In the early months of 1902, apostle Francis Marion Lyman—then president of the European Mission—embarked on a remarkable journey to the Holy Land and the Ottoman Empire. Joining him were two fellow Latter-day Saint mission presidents: Sylvester Q. Cannon of the Netherlands-Belgium Mission and Albert Herman of the Turkish Mission. It is through the detailed and reflective writings of Sylvester Q. Cannon that this extraordinary pilgrimage comes to life.

Off for the Holy Land presents a richly contextualized and carefully curated account of their three-month expedition. Drawing from Cannon’s vivid personal journals and the nine travelogues he published in the Millennial Star, editor Reid L. Neilson constructs a compelling documentary history that opens a window into early twentieth-century Latter-day Saint missionary work, travel, and interfaith encounters in the Middle East.

The volume is framed by two introductory essays: Reid L. Neilson’s offering historical background on the travelers and the motivations for their tour, and a second—by historian James R. Swensen—featuring a stunning photographic essay. Swensen brings to light Cannon’s personal photo album, pairing rare images with selected excerpts from letters and diaries, offering a visually immersive experience of sacred and storied landscapes.

From the shores of the Mediterranean to the streets of Jerusalem, Off for the Holy Land invites readers to retrace a journey of faith, diplomacy, and devotion—one that deepened these men’s testimonies of Jesus Christ and broadened the Church’s international vision at the dawn of a new century.

ISBN 978-1-9503-0473-8

Expected December 1, 2025