1856 daguerreotype of James Strang, taken on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, by J. Atkyn, itinerant photographer and later one of Strang's assassins.

James Jesse Strang (March 21, 1813 – July 9, 1856) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement during and after the 1844 succession crisis. He became the founder and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite), one of many churches that claim to be a continuation of the Church of Christ founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1830. He also served as the crowned "king" of an ecclesiastical monarchy that existed for six years within the U.S. state of Michigan. Download high resolution version (479x839, 119 KB)This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons, a repository of free content hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation. ... Download high resolution version (479x839, 119 KB)This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons, a repository of free content hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation. ... An 1837 daguerreotype by Daguerre. ... A view of Iron Ore Bay on the southern end of Beaver Island. ... --67. ... is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1813 (MDCCCXIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar). ... is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Latter Day Saint movement (a subset of Restorationism) is a group of religious denominations and adherents who follow at least some of the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Succession Crisis in the Latter Day Saint movement occurred after the violent death of the movements founder, Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Prophet, seer, and revelator is an ecclesiastical title used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is currently applied to the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) is a denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The Church of Christ was the original name given to the church formally organized by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Joseph Smith redirects here. ... Official language(s) None (English, de-facto) Capital Lansing Largest city Detroit Largest metro area Metro Detroit Area  Ranked 11th  - Total 97,990 sq mi (253,793 km²)  - Width 239 miles (385 km)  - Length 491 miles (790 km)  - % water 41. ...

Summary of Latter Day Saint leadership

James Strang was both baptised and confirmed by Joseph Smith, Jr. a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on February 25, 1844 in Nauvoo, Illinois. On the 3rd of March, he was ordained an Elder under the hand of Hyrum Smith, the prophet's brother. Shortly after the murder of Joseph Smith, Jr., Strang announced that he had been appointed by Smith to take over leadership of the church. His claims were quickly rejected by ten of the Twelve Apostles, who had the support of a majority of church leaders and members in Nauvoo. Twice Brigham Young printed in the Times and Seasons that Strang had been excommunicated, however, a trial was never held as the order of the church required. Strang began to gather members of the church to Voree, Wisconsin, which Joseph's purporeted Letter of Appointment named as the new gathering place for the Latter Day Saints. Voree (Burlington) remains the center of Strangite church activity. In 1848, Strang opened another Stake on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, where he moved the headquarters of his church and was proclaimed a spiritual "king" of his church in 1850–but never of the island itself.^[1] Baptism is a water purification ritual practiced in certain religions such as Christianity, Mandaeanism, Sikhism, and some historic sects of Judaism. ... The Church of Christ was the original name given to the church formally organized by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... Nauvoo (נאוו to be beautiful, Sephardi Hebrew Nåvu, Tiberian Hebrew Nâwû) is a city located in Hancock County, Illinois. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Largest metro area Chicago Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 25th  - Total 57,918 sq mi (149,998 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 390 miles (629 km)  - % water 4. ... Excommunication is religious censure which is used to deprive or suspend membership in a religious community. ... Official language(s) None Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee Area  Ranked 23rd  - Total 65,498 sq mi (169,790 km²)  - Width 260 miles (420 km)  - Length 310 miles (500 km)  - % water 17  - Latitude 42° 30′ N to 47° 05′ N  - Longitude 86° 46′ W to 92° 53′ W Population  Ranked... A view of Iron Ore Bay on the southern end of Beaver Island. ... --67. ...

Although Strang had been a Mormon for barely four months at Joseph Smith's death, several prominent Saints, including members of Smith's family, accepted his claims for a time. The most noteworthy of these included three of Joseph Smith's apostles, a bishop of his church, and Smith's own mother and wife (see below). Nearly all of these would ultimately repudiate his leadership, however, over the practice of polygamy, and join a group that later became the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, headed by Joseph Smith, III. In Mormonism, an Apostle is a special witness of the name of Christ who is sent to teach the principles of salvation to others. ... Bishop is the highest priesthood office of the Aaronic priesthood in the Latter Day Saint movement. ...

Strang taught that his office embodied an overtly royal attribute, by which the Mormon prophet was to serve as his people's king. He ultimately offered a highly-developed set of teachings that differed in many significant aspects from any other kind of Mormonism, including that preached by Joseph Smith himself. Strang was also at various times a lawyer, teacher, temperance lecturer, correspondent for the New York Tribune, newspaper editor, and a scientist for the Smithsonian Institution whose study of Beaver Island's natural history remained the definitive work on the subject for nearly a century.^[2] The New York Tribune building - today the site of Pace Universitys building complex of One Pace Plaza in New York City The New York Tribune was established by Horace Greeley in 1841 and was long considered one of the leading newspapers in the United States. ... The Smithsonian Institution Building or Castle on the National Mall serves as the Institutions headquarters. ...

Strang's sect is formally referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints^[3]. During and after the succession crisis, followers of Brigham Young were referred to as "Brighamites", followers of Sidney Rigdon were known as "Rigdonites", and followers of James Strang were and still are generally known simply as "Strangites." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) is a denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The succession crisis in the Latter Day Saint movement occurred after the violent death of the movements founder, Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

Like the Church under Joseph Smith, Strang's church suffered many persecution on Beaver Island, but his church continued to grow, steadily gaining converts from other Mormon sects until his assasination at the hands of two disgruntled members, in cooperation with others, including crew members of the steam ship "Michigan", which guaranteed asylum to the assasins and delivered them to Mackinac, a hotbet of Anti-mormon sentiment, where they were tried, acquitted and released (similar to those who assasinated Joseph Smith) and thus protected from further indictment by the double-jeopardy law. Strang was shot three times by his assailants- one shot grazed his head, another lodged in his cheek and a another lodged in his spine. Following this, one of the men beat him with the handle of his pistol until it broke, before the two ran aboard the steamer for protection. Strang lived three weeks, getting slightly better, before he died. The day before his death, a mob from Mackinac invaded Beaver Island and forcibly scattered all of Strang's followers, delivering them, without their property, at various ports on the lake. The Mob took up residence in the vacant homes left on the island.

Strang refused to name a successor, when asked just before his death. Instead he counseled his apostles to "Take care of yourselves and your families, until you receive further instruction." Unlike other LDS denominations, none of Strang's apostles decided to take over as president of the church, but instead waited for God to appoint a successor, which never happened. Most of LDS members in all the sects, however held a belief that Joseph Smith III, the son of Mormonism's first prophet, would some day lead the church. Consequently, when he began to lead the Reorganized LDS Church, most of Strang's followers joined his movement (which subsequently denounced Strang because of his practice of polygamy). Those who remained loyal to Strang, continued to practice their religion, but did not emphasize missionary work, believing that after three murdered prophets (Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and James Strang), that God had closed his dispensation to the Gentiles of the West. Consequently, the church has continued to dwindle until the present day.

Childhood and education

James Jesse Strang was born March 21, 1813, in Scipio, Cayuga County, New York. He was raised as a Baptist by parents who had a good reputation. James' mother was very tender with him as a consequence of delicate health, yet she required him to render an account of all his actions and words while absent from her.^[4] is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1813 (MDCCCXIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar). ... Scipio is a town located in Cayuga County, New York. ... Location in the state of New York Formed 1799 Seat Auburn Area  - Total  - Water 2,237 km² (864 mi²) 441 km² (170 mi²) 19. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Baptist is...

During his formative years, Strang was the author of a rather profound personal diary, written partly in a secret code that was not deciphered until over one hundred years after it was authored (ironically, by Strang's own grandson Mark Strang, a banker in Long Beach, California). This diary (published by Michigan State University Press) contains Strang's musings on a variety of subjects, including his desire to "rival Caesar or Napoleon" and his regret that by age nineteen, he had not yet become a general or member of the state legislature, which he saw as being essential by that point in his life to his own quest for fame.^[5] However, Strang's diary equally reveals a sincere desire to be of service to his fellow man, together with his agonized frustration at not knowing how he might be able to do so as a penniless, unknown youth from upstate New York. Michigan State University (MSU) is a co-educational public research university in East Lansing, Michigan USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act. ... For other uses, see Julius Caesar (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Napoleon (disambiguation). ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... State legislatures are the lawmaking bodies of the 50 states in the United States of America. ...

At 12 years old, Strang was baptised as a Baptist. He was known as an exceptionally intelligent child, "a dreamer of grandiose dreams—dreams of power, of royalty, and of fame" according to one biographer.^[6] He studied civil law, and was admitted to the bar in New York at age 23 and later at other places where he resided. He became County Postmaster and edited a local newspaper. Later, in the midst of myriad duties as the leader of his church on Beaver Island, he would find time to found and edit the Daily Northern Islander, the first newspaper in all of northern Michigan.^[7] This article is about the state. ... If you are looking for different meanings of this word, see Postmaster (disambiguation) A postmaster is a term used in post offices to denote the head or master of the office. ...

Strang, who had once described himself as a "cool philosopher"^[8] and a freethinker, became a Baptist minister but subsequently left to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1844. Strang quickly found favor with Joseph Smith, though they had known each other only a short time, and was baptized personally by him.^[9] Immediately ordained an Elder, he was sent forthwith at Smith's request to Wisconsin, to establish a Mormon stake at Voree, just outside modern Burlington. Shortly after Strang's departure, Joseph Smith was murdered by an anti-Mormon mob in Carthage, Illinois. The word freethinker has different meanings: A freethinker is a proponent of the philosophical practice known as Freethinking, thus being a practitioner of Freethought. ... For other types of minister, see Minister In Christian churches, a minister is a man or woman who serves a congregation or participates in a role in a parachurch ministry; such persons can minister as a Pastor, Preacher, Bishop, Chaplain, Deacon or Elder. ... The title Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints can refer to: the Church of Christ (Mormonism), the first church organization within the Latter Day Saint movement; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest denomination within the Latter Day Saint movement; the Church of Jesus... Elder is a priesthood office in the Melchizedek Priesthood of denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregrations in sects of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Voree, Wisconsin is a former settlement and a historic site on the outskirts of present-day Burlington, Wisconsin. ... Burlington is a city in Wisconsin, United States. ... Carthage is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. ...

Succession as prophet and role in Mormon polygamy

Main article: Succession crisis

Following Smith's murder, Brigham Young, Strang, and several others claimed to be Smith's successor. A power struggle ensued, and Young eventually led the bulk of Smith's followers to Utah. The succession crisis in the Latter Day Saint movement occurred after the violent death of the movements founder, Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death. ... The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ...

Strang's evidence for his claim included a purported "Letter of Appointment" from Smith, postmarked a week before his death: "Nauvoo, June 19, 1844." Strang also testified that an angel appointed him as Joseph Smith's successor at about the same time Smith died. Smith and Strang were some 200 miles (320 km) apart at the time, and Strang insisted that witnesses would affirm that he made his announcement before news of Smith's murder was publicly available.^[10] In Mormonism, the Letter of Appointment is a controversial two-page document used by the supporters of James Strang to prove that he was the designated successor to Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Nauvoo (נאוו to be beautiful, Sephardi Hebrew Nåvu, Tiberian Hebrew Nâwû) is a city located in Hancock County, Illinois. ... is the 170th day of the year (171st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... This article is about the supernatural being. ...

The letter from Smith to Strang is held today by Yale University. Although the postmark is legitimate, modern forensic analysis has asserted that Joseph Smith's signature on the second page—the one appointing Strang as Smith's successor—is a forgery.^[11] One former Strangite claimed to have conspired with Strang to fabricate his Letter of Appointment and the Voree Plates (see below), though no proof of this was ever produced.^[12] “Yale” redirects here. ... An example of a postmark A postmark is a postal marking made on a letter, package, postcard or the like indicating the (more or less precise) date and time that the item was delivered into the care of the postal service. ... Forgery is the process of making or adapting objects or documents (see false document), with the intention to deceive. ... The Voree Plates, sometimes called The Record of Rajah Manchou of Vorito were a tiny set of metal plates discovered in 1845 in Voree (now Burlington), Wisconsin. ...

The letter convinced most of Smith's family and several other prominent Mormons that Strang's claims were genuine. John Whitmer, David Whitmer, Martin Harris, Hiram Page, Apostles John E. Page, William E. M'Lellin, and William Smith, Smith's first wife and widow, Emma Hale Smith, the sisters of Joseph Smith, William Marks, Bishop George Miller, and others, including Joseph Smith's mother, Lucy Mack Smith, accepted Strang at first. Lucy wrote to one Reuben Hedlock: "I am satisfied that Joseph appointed J.J. Strang. It is verily so."^[13] According to William Smith, all of Joseph Smith's family (except for Hyrum Smith's and Samuel Harrison Smith's widows), endorsed Strang.^[14] John Whitmer (1802–1878) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... David Whitmer (January 7, 1805–January 25, 1888) was an early adherent of the Latter Day Saint movement who eventually became the most interviewed of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... Martin Harris (1783–1875) was the first financier of The Book of Mormon. ... Hiram Page (1800–1852), was an early member of the Latter Day Saint movement and one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... John Edward Page (February 25, 1799–1867) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... William Earl MLellin (January 18, 1806—April 24, 1883) (often modernized to McLellin) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... William Smith (also found as William B. Smith) (1811–1893) born in Royalton, Vermont, was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and an original member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. ... Emma Hale Smith Emma Hale Smith (10 July 1804 - 30 April 1879) was the wife of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... George Miller (November 25, 1794–1856) was an prominent convert in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the third ordained bishop in the Latter Day Saint church. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1800—June 27, 1844) was the older brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Samuel Harrison Smith (1808–1844) was one of the younger brothers of Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

In all, about 12,000 Latter-day saints accepted Strang's claims.^[15] However, not all would follow him to Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, where Strang's headquarters was moved in 1848. Most of his initial followers, including all of those listed above (with the exception of George Miller, who remained loyal to Strang until death), would leave Strang's church before his death. Some eventually followed Brigham Young, but Smith's immediate family never recognized Young's leadership, and many of them formed the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints a few years later. A view of Iron Ore Bay on the southern end of Beaver Island. ... --67. ... George Miller (November 25, 1794–1856) was an prominent convert in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the third ordained bishop in the Latter Day Saint church. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death. ... “RLDS” redirects here. ...

Several of these defections were due to Strang's seemingly abrupt "about-face" on the subject of polygamy. Vehemently opposed to the practice at first,^[16] Strang reversed course in 1849 to become one of its strongest advocates, marrying a total of five wives (including his original spouse) and fathering a total of fourteen children. The term polygamy (many marriages in late Greek) is used in related ways in social anthropology, sociobiology, and sociology. ...

Strang's defense of polygamy was rather unique. He claimed that, far from enslaving or demeaning women, it would liberate and "elevate" them by allowing them to choose the best possible mate based upon any factors deemed important to them--even if that mate were already married to someone else. Rather than being forced to wed "corrupt and degraded sires" due to the scarcity of more suitable men, a woman could marry the one she saw as the most compatible to herself, the best candidate to father her children and the man who could give her the best possible life, no matter how many other wives he might have.^[17]

Strang's first wife was Mary Perce, whom he married on November 20, 1836, when she was eighteen and he was twenty-three. They were separated in May of 1851, though they remained legally married until Strang's death.^[18] His second wife, married on July 13, 1849, was nineteen-year old Elvira Eliza Field (who disguised herself at first as "Charlie J. Douglas," Strang's purported nephew, before revealing her true identity in 1850). Strang's third wife was thirty-one year old Betsy McNutt, whom he married on January 19, 1852; his fourth was nineteen-year old Sarah Adelia Wright, married on July 15, 1855. Ironically, decades after Strang's death, Sarah would divorce her second husband, one Dr. Wing, due to his interest in polygamy.^[19] Strang's last wife was eighteen-year old Phoebe Wright, cousin to Sarah, whom he married on October 27, 1855, less than one year before his murder. is the 324th day of the year (325th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1836 (MDCCCXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Wednesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1849 (MDCCCXLIX) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 19th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... is the 196th day of the year (197th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1855 (MDCCCLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 300th day of the year (301st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1855 (MDCCCLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Sarah Wright would later describe Strang as "a very mild-spoken, kind man to his family, although his word was law." She further indicated that while each wife had her own bedroom, they all shared meals and prayer time together with Strang and that family life in their household was generally "as pleasant as possible."^[20] On the other hand, Strang and Phoebe Wright's daughter, Eugenia, wrote in 1936 that after only eight months of marriage, Phoebe had "begun to feel dissatisfied with polygamy, though she loved him [Strang] devotedly all her life."^[21]

Strang led his church for 12 years. He refused to name a successor at his death, and because of his unique doctrine requiring a Strangite prophet to be ordained directly by angels,^[22] no one has succeeded in claiming his prophetic mantle (though at least two men have tried; see below) since his demise. No apostles remain in Strang's organization (since all Strangite apostles must be appointed by a Strangite prophet), the last having died in 1900.^[23] In Mormonism, an Apostle is a special witness of the name of Christ who is sent to teach the principles of salvation to others. ...

Strang's church today is divided into two main factions; one is led by a Presiding High Priest, who does not claim to have the authority or priesthood office possessed by Joseph Smith or James Strang. The other claims that the first faction is in error, and that by incorporating in 1961, it lost its identity as the true successor to Strang's organization. This second group claims that it is the sole true remnant of James Strang's church.^[24] High priest is a priesthood office in the Melchizedek priesthood of denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ...

Visions, translating from plates, revelations and distinctive teachings

Like Joseph Smith, James Strang reported numerous visions, unearthed and translated ancient metal plates using the Urim and Thummim, and claimed to have restored long-lost spiritual knowledge to humankind. Furthermore, like Smith, Strang presented witnesses to authenticate the ancient records he claimed to have received.^[25] In ancient Israelite religion and culture, Urim and Thummim (Hebrew: האורים והתמים, Standard  Tiberian ; Arabic: الاوريم والتميم al-ŪrÄ«m waʾaṯ-á¹®ummÄ«m) is a phrase from the Hebrew Bible associated with the sacred breastplate, divination in general, and cleromancy in particular. ...

Unlike Smith, however, Strang offered his plates to the curious public for examination. The non-Mormon Christopher Sholes (inventor of the first practical typewriter, and a later inspiration to Thomas Edison), editor of the "Southport Telegraph," examined Strang's "Voree Plates," a set of three tiny brass plates Strang claimed to have discovered in 1845 as the result of a vision he had seen.^[26] Sholes offered no opinion of the plates themselves, but described Strang as "honest and earnest" and opined that Strang's followers ranked "among the most honest and intelligent men in the neighborhood."^[27] Wisconsin Historical Marker Christopher Latham Sholes (February 14, 1819 - February 17, 1890) is an American who contributed to the development of the typewriter. ... “Edison” redirects here. ... The Voree Plates, sometimes called The Record of Rajah Manchou of Vorito were a tiny set of metal plates discovered in 1845 in Voree (now Burlington), Wisconsin. ...

Strang's translation of these metal plates was published as the "Voree Record," purporting to be the last testament of one "Rajah Manchou of Vorito," who had lived in the area centuries earlier and wished to leave a brief record for posterity.^[28] Two modern non-Mormon scholars have declared that the text on the plates appears to represent a genuine, albeit unknown, language.^[29] The Voree Plates disappeared around 1900, and their current whereabouts is unknown.^[30]

Strang also claimed to have translated the "Plates of Laban" described in the Book of Mormon.^[31] His translation of these "plates" was published in 1851 as the Book of the Law of the Lord, said to be the original Law given to Moses and mentioned in II Chronicles 34:14-15.^[32] Strang claimed to have received a number of other revelations, including his own appointment as king and direction to commence the practice of plural marriage.^[33] According to The Book of Mormon, Laban is a man in Jerusalem who commands wealth and servants, and also possesses records on brass plates of the genealogy of Lehi. ... The Book of Mormon[1] is one of the sacred texts of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The Book of the Law of the Lord was translated from metallic plates with the use of Urim and Thummim by James Strang in the late 1840s, and first published in 1851. ... Plural marriage (also referred to as Celestial marriage, the New and Everlasting Covenant, the Principle, and the Priesthood Work) is a type of polygyny taught by Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

Some of Strang's teachings differed substantially from those of other Mormon leaders, including Joseph Smith. For instance, Strang rejected both the traditional Christian doctrine of the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ and the Mormon doctrine of "plurality of gods." A monotheist, he insisted that there was but one eternal God of all the universe, the Father, and that "progression to godhood" (a doctrine allegedly taught by Joseph Smith toward the end of his life)^[34] was impossible. God had always been God, said Strang, and He was but one Person (not three, as in the traditional Christian Trinity).^[35] Jesus Christ, said Strang, was the natural-born son of Mary and Joseph, who was chosen from before all time to be the Savior of mankind, but who had to be born as an ordinary mortal of two human parents (and not the offspring of the Father or the Spirit) to be able to truly fulfill his Messianic role.^[36] Strang claimed that the earthly Christ was in essence "adopted" as God's son at birth, and fully revealed as such during the Transfiguration.^[37] After proving himself to God by living a perfectly sinless life, he was enabled to provide an acceptable sacrifice for the sins of men, prior to his resurrection and ascension.^[38] To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... The plurality of gods usually refers to a unique doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is based on interpretations of the Bible, the canonical Book of Abraham, the teachings of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Monotheism (in Greek monon = single and Theos = God) is the belief in a single, universal, all-encompassing deity. ... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ... Exaltation or eternal progression is a belief among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that mankind, as spirit children of their Father in Heaven, can become like Him. ... This article is about the Christian Trinity. ... Virgin Mary redirects here. ... For other uses, see Saint Joseph (disambiguation). ... Icon of the Transfiguration (15th century, Novgorod) The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event reported by the Synoptic Gospels in which Jesus was transfigured upon a mountain (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:1-8, Luke 9:28-36). ... In the Supper at Emmaus, Caravaggio depicted the moment the disciples recognise Jesus The Resurrection appearances of Jesus are reported in the New Testament to have occurred after his death and burial. ... This article is about the Ascension of Jesus Christ. ...

Furthermore, Strang denied that God could do all things, and insisted that some things were as impossible for Him as for us.^[39] Thus, he saw no essential conflict between science and religion, and while he never openly championed evolution, he did state that God was limited in His power by both the matter He was working with and by the eons of time required to "organize" and shape it.^[40] He spoke glowingly of a future generation who would "make religion a science," to be "studied by as exact rules as mathematicks." "The mouth of the Seer will be opened," Strang prophesied, "and the whole earth enlightened."^[41] To see a brief description of evolution in simpler language, visit the Simple Wikipedia article on evolution Evolution is the ongoing process of change that has transformed life on earth from its simple beginnings into its present diversity. ... This article is about matter in physics and chemistry. ...

Musing at length on the nature of sin and evil, Strang wrote that of all things that God could give to man, He could never give him experience.^[42] Thus, if "free agency" were to be real, said Strang, humanity must be given the opportunity to fail and to learn from its own mistakes. The ultimate goal for each human being was to willingly conform oneself to the revealed character of God in every respect, preferring good to evil not out of a fear of punishment or desire for reward, but rather "on account of the innate loveliness of undefiled goodness; of pure unalloyed holiness."^[43] For other uses, see Sin (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Evil (disambiguation). ... Agency (also referred to as free agency or moral agency), in Latter-day Saint theology, is the privilege of choice which was introduced by God the Eternal Father to all of his spirit children in the premortal state.[1] Mortal life is viewed as a test of faith, where our...

Strang believed strongly in the Saturday Sabbath, and enjoined it in lieu of Sunday;^[44] the Strangite church continues this tradition. He advocated baptism for the dead, and practiced it to a limited extent in Voree and on Beaver Island. He also introduced animal sacrifice, not for sin or guilt, but rather as a part of Strangite celebration rituals.^[45] Animal sacrifices and baptisms for the dead are not currently practiced by the Strangite organization, though belief in each is still affirmed. Strang attempted to construct a temple in Voree, but was prevented from completing it due to the poverty and lack of cooperation of his followers.^[46] No "endowment" rituals comparable to those practiced by the Utah LDS church seem to have existed among the Strangites.^[47] This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article concerns the Sabbath in Christianity. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Baptism for the dead is an ordinance performed today in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for those who have died without having been baptized by one having authority. ... A sheep is led to the altar, 6th century BC Corinthian fresco. ... The Salt Lake Temple, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the best-known Mormon temple. ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Endowment is a gift of power from on high that has several meanings in various contexts of Latter Day Saint theology. ...

Eternal marriage formed a part of Strang's teaching, though he did not require it to be performed in a temple (as in the modern LDS church).^[48] Thus, eternal marriages are still contracted in Strang's church even in the absence of any Strangite temple or "endowment" ceremony. Alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea were prohibited to his followers, as in many other Mormon denominations. Polygamy is no longer practiced by the Strangites, though belief in its correctness is still affirmed.^[49] Celestial marriage (also called the New and Everlasting Covenant) is a doctrine peculiar to Mormonism, particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and branches of Mormon fundamentalism. ...

Strang also claimed to have "restored" a "missing" commandment to the Decalogue: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." He insisted that versions of the Decalogue found in Bibles used by other churches--including other Mormon churches--contain only nine commandments, not ten.^[50] This article is about a list of ten religious commandments. ...

Strang allowed women to hold the Priesthood offices of Priest and Teacher, unique among all Mormon factions during his lifetime.^[51] He welcomed African Americans into his church, and ordained at least two to the eldership.^[52] Strang also publicly advocated conservation of land and natural resources, requiring the building of parks and retention of large tracts of woodlands in his kingdom.^[53] He defended his claims to prophetic leadership against Brigham Young and others, wrote an eloquent refutation of the "Solomon Spalding theory" of the Book of Mormon's authorship,^[54] and defended the prophetic ministry and teachings of Joseph Smith (as he understood them). Priest is a priesthood office in the Aaronic Priesthood of denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Teacher is a priesthood office in the Aaronic Priesthood of denominations within the Latter Day Saint movement, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... African Americans, also known as Afro-Americans or black Americans, are an ethnic group in the United States of America whose ancestors, usually in predominant part, were indigenous to Sub-Saharan and West Africa. ... The conservation movement is a political and social movement that seeks to protect natural resources including plant and animal species as well as their habitat for the future. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death. ... For other uses of the word Solomon, see Solomon (Disambiguation) The Rev. ...

Coronation as king and troubled reign on Beaver Island

Strang claimed that he was to fulfill the office of king as described in the Book of the Law of the Lord.^[55] He insisted that this authority was incumbent upon all holders of Joseph Smith's prophetic office from the beginning of time, and his followers believe that Smith himself was crowned secretly as "king" of the Mormon church before his murder. Strang was crowned in 1850 by his counselor and Prime Minister, an actor named George J. Adams. About 300 people witnessed his coronation, for which he wore a bright red flannel robe topped by a white collar with black speckles. His tin crown was described in one account as "a shiny metal ring with a cluster of glass stars in the front."^[56] Strang also sported a breastplate and carried a wooden scepter. He "reigned" for six years, and the date of his coronation, July 8, is still mandated as one of the two most important dates in the Strangite church year (the other being April 6, the anniversary of the founding of Joseph Smith's church).^[57] For other uses, see Monarch (disambiguation). ... The Council of Fifty (also known as the Living Constitution, the Kingdom of God, or its name by revelation, The Kingdom of God and His Laws with the Keys and Power thereof, and Judgment in the Hands of His Servants, Ahman Christ[1]) was a Latter Day Saint organization established... For other persons named George Adams, see George Adams (disambiguation). ... A asses is a ceremony marking the investment of a monarch with regal power through, amongst other symbolic acts, the placement of a crown upon his or her head. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Contrary to popular misconception, Strang never claimed to be the king of Beaver Island itself, nor of any other geographical entity.^[58] Rather, he claimed to be king over his church, which he saw as the one, true "Kingdom of God" prophesied in Scripture and destined to spread over all the earth.^[59] However, as his church was the main religious body on Beaver Island, claiming the allegiance of most of its inhabitants, Strang often tended to exert authority even over non-Mormons on Beaver--which would ultimately cause him and his followers a great deal of grief. Furthermore, he and many of his disciples were accused of forcibly appropriating non-Mormon property on the island, which equally made him few friends among the "gentiles." “Kingdom of Heaven” redirects here. ...

On the other hand, Strang and his people lived in justified apprehension of what their non-Mormon neighbors, many of whom were bullying and threatening toward them, might do next. Mormons were often beaten up while going to the post office to collect their mail,^[60] and some of their homes were robbed and even seized by "gentiles" while Mormon men were away.^[61] On July 4, 1850, a drunken mob of "gentile" fishermen vowed to kill the Mormons or drive them from the island, only to be awed into submission when Strang fired a cannon (which he had secretly acquired) at them.^[62] Competition for business and jobs between Mormons and the non-Mormon inhabitants of Beaver and nearby areas added to tensions on the island, as did the increasing Mormon monopoly on local government, made sure after Beaver and adjacent islands were attached first to Emmet County in 1853, then later organized into their own insular county of Manitou in 1855. is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the game, see: 1850 (board game) 1850 (MDCCCL) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday [1] of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Location in the state of Michigan Formed April 1, 1840 Seat Petoskey Area  - Total  - Water 2,285 km² (882 mi²) 1,073 km² (414 mi²) 46. ... Manitou County was an insular county in Michigan that was made up of Beaver Island, its surrounding islands, and the Manitou and Fox Islands in Lake Michigan. ...

As a result of his coronation, together with lurid tales spread by George Adams (who had been excommunicated by Strang a few months after the ceremony), Strang was accused of treason, counterfeiting, trespass on government land, and theft, among other crimes. He was brought to trial in Detroit, Michigan, after President Millard Fillmore ordered U.S. District Attorney George Bates to investigate the rumors about Strang and his colony.^[63] Strang's successful trial defense brought him considerable favorable press, which he leveraged to run for, and win, a seat in the Michigan state legislature as a Democrat in 1853. Facing a determined effort to deny him this seat due to the hostility of his enemies, he was permitted to address the legislature in his defense, after which the Michigan House of Representatives voted twice (first unanimously, then a second time by a 49-11 margin) to allow "King Strang" to join them.^[64] For other uses, see Treason (disambiguation) or Traitor (disambiguation). ... A counterfeit is an imitation that is made with the intent to deceptively represent its content or origins. ... “Unlawful entry” redirects here. ... A young waif steals a pair of boots “Stealing” redirects here. ... “Detroit” redirects here. ... Not to be confused with Mallard Fillmore. ... 1853 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Type Lower House Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, Democratic since November 7, 2006 Minority Leader Craig DeRoche, Republican since November 7, 2006 Members 110 Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party Meeting place Michigan State Capitol, Lansing, Michigan Web site Michigan House of Representatives Cora B. Anderson House of Representatives...

In the 1853 legislative session, Strang introduced ten bills, five of which passed.^[65] The Detroit Advertiser, on February 10, 1853, wrote of Strang: “Mr. Strang’s course as a member of the present Legislature, has disarmed much of the prejudices which have previously surrounded him. Whatever may be said or thought of the peculiar sect of which he is the local head, I take pleasure in stating that throughout this session he has conducted himself with the degree of decorum and propriety which have been equaled by his industry, sagacity, good temper, apparent regard for the true interests of the people, and the obligations of his official oath.”^[66] He was reelected in 1855, and did much to organize the upper portion of Michigan's lower peninsula into counties and townships. Strang ardently fought the illegal practice of trading liquor to local Native American tribes.^[67] This made him many enemies among those non-Mormon residents of Beaver and nearby Mackinac Island who profited mightily from this illicit trade. is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1853 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... The regions of lower Michigan and their major cities are identified on this map. ... United States of America, showing states, divided into counties. ... The term township generally means the district or area associated with a town. ... This article is about the people indigenous to the United States. ... Mackinac Island (pronounced or MACK-in-aw) is an island covering 3. ...

Assassination

James Strang made foes among his own people, too. One of these, Thomas Bedford, had been horsewhipped for adultery on Strang's orders, and felt considerable resentment toward the "king."^[68] Another, Dr. H.D. McCulloch, had been excommunicated for drunkenness and other alleged misdeeds, after previously enjoying Strang's favor and several high offices in local government. These conspired against Strang with Alexander Wentworth and Dr. J. Atkyn, who had allegedly endeavored (unsuccessfully) to blackmail the Strangites into paying his numerous bad debts.^[69] A decree that female Strangites wear "bloomers" only added fuel to the fire for Bedford and other malcontents among Strang's subjects.^[70] This article is about the act of adultery. ... 1850s fashion bloomers 1851 caricature of fashion bloomers as being similar to Turkish attire An example of late 19th-century / Edwardian athletic bloomers: the Smith College class of 1902 basketball team 1890s caricature of athletic bloomers as leading women to adopt masculine habits Bloomers is a word which has been...

Although Strang apparently knew that Bedford and the others were gunning for him, he seems not to have taken them very seriously. "We laugh with bitter scorn at all these threats," he wrote in the Northern Islander, just days before his murder.^[71] Strang's refusal to employ a bodyguard or to carry a firearm or other weapon made him an easy target.^[72] Bodyguards of Viktor Yushchenko (far left) after leaving Gdansk city hall. ...

On Monday, June 16, 1856, Strang was gunned down around 7:00 PM on the dock at the harbor of St. James, chief city of Beaver Island, by Wentworth and Bedford, who shot him in the back and then beat him savagely. All this was carried out in full view of several officers and men of the USS Michigan, a U.S. Naval vessel docked in the harbor. As they watched the assault unfold, not one person on board the ship made any effort to warn or to aid Strang.^[73] Some have accused Captain McBlair of the "Michigan" of complicity in, or at least foreknowledge of, the assassination plot, though no hard evidence of this was ever forthcoming.^[74] The so-called "King of Beaver Island" was taken to Voree, where he lived until July 9, dying at age 43. His assailants claimed sanctuary on board the "Michigan," whose captain refused to deliver them to the local sheriff.^[75] After being transported to Mackinac, Strang's murderers were immediately released, then feted and praised by the locals.^[76] None were ever convicted of their crimes. is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... St. ... USS Michigan was the United States Navy’s first iron-hulled warship and served during the American Civil War. ... USN redirects here. ... is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Look up Sheriff in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

After Strang's death

Four days before Strang's death, on what Michigan historian Byron M. Cutcheon would call "the most disgraceful day in Michigan history,"^[77] a drunken mob of "gentiles" from Mackinac and elsewhere descended upon Beaver Island and forcibly evicted every Mormon from it. Strang's subjects on the island—numbering approximately 2,600 persons^[78]—were herded onto hastily-commandeered steamers, many after being robbed of their money and other personal possessions, and unceremoniously dumped onto docks along the shores of Lake Michigan. A few moved back to Voree, while the rest scattered across the country. Byron M. Cutcheon (May 11, 1836 - April 12, 1908) was an American Civil War officer and politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. ...

While Strang's apostles endeavored for a time to keep his church alive, Strang's unique dogma requiring his successor to be ordained by angels handicapped his church in its search for a new prophet. Apostle Lorenzo Dow Hickey would emerge as an ad-hoc leader until his death in 1900, followed by Wingfield W. Watson, a high priest in Strang's organization (until he died in 1922). Neither of these men claimed Strang's office or authority, however. Later in the twentieth century two would-be pretenders, Alexander Caffiaux and David Roberts, would endeavor—and fail—to convince the Strangites of their claims.^[79] Left without any prophet to lead them, most of Strang's members (including all of his wives)^[80] departed his church in the years after his murder. Most later joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which was established in 1860. A few, however, continue to this day to carry on Strang's mission and vision as best they can, as they await a new successor to their fallen founder. Wingfield W. Watson (April 28, 1828 - October 29, 1922 in Voree, Wisconsin) was a religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) which was founded by James Jesse Strang Wingfield Watson was with James Strang when he was assassinated on Beaver Island in Michigan and... “RLDS” redirects here. ...

See also

• Kimball-Snow-Woolley Family

The Kimball-Snow-Woolley Family is a U.S. political family. ...

References

is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1832 (MDCCCXXXII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a leap year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... From 1830-1833, the Latter Day Saint movement had no policy regarding race. ...

References

• Fitzpatrick, Doyle C. The King Strang Story: A Vindication of James J, Strang, the Beaver Island Mormon King, 1970, National Heritage, ISBN 0685572269
• Jensen, Robin Scott, Gleaning the Harvest: Strangite Missionary Work, 1846-1850, 2005, BYU Thesis
• Noord, Roger van, King of Beaver Island: The Life and Assassination of James Jesse Strang, 1988, University of Illinois Press, ISBN 0252014723
• Palmer, Grant H, An Insider's View of Mormon Origins, 2002, Signature Books, ISBN 1-56085-157-0
• Post, Warren, "History of James Strang: The Birth and Parentage of the Prophet James."
• Speek, Vickie Cleverley, God Has Made Us a Kingdom: James Strang and the Midwest Mormons, 2006, Signature Books, ISBN 1-56085-192-9
• Strang, James J., Ancient and modern Michilimackinac, including an account of the controversy between Mackinac and the Mormons, Originally published by Strang in 1854. Reprint by the University of Michigan Library, 2005
• Strang, James J. Book of the Law of the Lord, Being a Translation from the Egyptian of the Law Given to Moses in Sinai. The Royal Press, St. James, 1856.
• Strang, James J., The Prophetic Controversy: A Letter from James Strang to Mrs. Corey, St. James, Michigan, 26 September 1854.
• Weeks, Robert P. "For His Was the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory...Briefly." Article in American Heritage Magazine, Vol. 21, Issue 4, June, 1970.

External links

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Official website of one of the two main Strangite groups.
• Book of the Law of the Lord Edition of 1856, containing Strang's extensive notes (which do not appear in the original 1851 edition).
• Revelations of James J. Strang Website containing texts of several revelations issued by James J. Strang.
• Newspapers of James J. Strang Excellent site containing reprints of Strangite newspapers, including the Northern Islander.
• Assassination of a Michigan King
• An account of Dr. J. Atkyn, Strang's photographer and later one of his assassins
• Michigan political biography
• Clarke Historical Library: Strangite Mormons - Brief biography from Central Michigan University which has a collection of letters and diaries written by Strang and his followers.
• Articles about Wingfield Watson and James Strang, Wisconsin State Historical Society

Central Michigan University (also known as CMU) is a coeducational state university located in Mount Pleasant in the U.S. state of Michigan. ...