Author Honored by Historic Preservation Commission
This article was contributed by a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed may not represent the views and positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the Church's official site, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
Fred E. Woods has always had a fascination with Las Vegas, beginning in his childhood when his family drove down Las Vegas Boulevard past the bright lights on their way from their home in Southern California to various vacation destinations.
Decades later, Dr. Woods was honored by the City of Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission for his forthcoming publication, Bright Lights in the Desert, The Latter-day Saints of Las Vegas. The Commission’s 2022 Historic Preservation Awards were presented on May 25, 2022 in the City of Las Vegas Council Chambers with Professor Woods recognized in the “Preservation Education” category for his work to preserve the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Las Vegas. Previously, in 2005, Woods also published a history of the earliest settlers in the Las Vegas Valley, A Gamble in the Desert, The Mormon Mission in Las Vegas (155-1857).
A companion documentary to Bright Lights in the Desert, created by Dr. Woods and filmmaker Martin Andersen, can be viewed on BYU TV. The documentary along with dozens of interviews can also be found at https://truth-and-reason.com/A-E_LasVegas.html.
Fred E. Woods completed a BS degree in psychology and an MS degree in international relations from Brigham Young University. He earned a PhD in Middle East Studies from the University of Utah with an emphasis in Hebrew Bible. He has been a professor at BYU in the Department of Church History and Doctrine since 1998. Dr. Woods has lectured at numerous universities and has authored scores of articles and co-authored or edited a dozen books.
