Mormon history enthusiasts from far-flung locales are gathering in this historic city on the Mexican border for three days of scholarly sessions comprising the 49th annual Mormon History Association Conference.

“The theme of this conference is ‘The Immigration of Cosmopolitan Thought’ into Mormon history, particularly in a worldwide setting,” said Richard E. Bennett, this year’s association president, about the nondenominational gathering, which meets in a different venue each year.

“We’re looking at the impact that local cultures are having and have had on the church historically through the years. San Antonio is kind of a borderland crossing point, and, as the location for this year’s conference, symbolizes the crossing point of cultures into Mormonism, not just the Latino culture, but cultures throughout the world.”