The Succession Crisis in the Latter Day Saint movement occurred after the assassination of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr. on June 27, 1844. The primary contenders to succeed Joseph Smith were Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, and James Strang (see chart below for a more complete list of successor claimants). This significant event in the History of the Latter Day Saint movement precipitated several permanent schisms. The Latter Day Saint movement (a superset of Mormonism, the Mormonism movement or the Mormon movement) is a religious movement beginning in the early 19th century that led to the set of doctrines, practices, and cultures called Mormonism and to the existence of numerous churches, the majority of which call... Artists rendition of Smiths death. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ... June 27 is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 187 days remaining. ... 1844 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ... Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon (19 February 1793–14 July 1876) was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... 1856 daguerreotype of James Strang, taken on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, by J. Atkyn, one of his assassins. ... The Latter Day Saint movement is a religious movement within Christian Restorationism beginning in the early 19th century that led to the set of doctrines, practices, and cultures called Mormonism and to the existence of numerous Latter Day Saint churches. ... The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek σχισμα, schisma (from σχιζω, schizo, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization. ...

Background

Joseph Smith Jr. organized the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 6, 1830. Between that time and his death in 1844, both the church and Smith's role within it expanded. Even prior to the formal establishment of the church, Smith claimed for himself the title of "Prophet, Seer, and Revelator," a title unanimously supported by the other founding saints (and one used by all successive Presidents of the Church). Additionally, because he claimed to have translated the Book of Mormon, his title expanded to "Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator." The temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... April 6 is the 96th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (97th in leap years). ... Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix commemorates the July Revolution 1830 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... A prophet is a person who is believed to speak through divine inspiration. ... Seer has several possible meanings: A fortune teller or prophet The fictional character on the television series Charmed The Seasonal energy efficiency ratio standard for air conditioning appliances This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (softcover missionary edition) The Book of Mormon is one of four sacred texts of Mormonism, which also include the Bible, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants. ...

Because the church was "organized" rather than legally "incorporated," its property needed to be held in trust by a trustee; Smith became the church's Trustee-in-Trust. It has been suggested that Incorporation (business) be merged into this article or section. ...

Initially, the highest leadership position in the church was that of "elder," and church elders were sometimes called "apostles." Smith's initial title in the church was "First Elder," while his friend and associate, Oliver Cowdery, was given the title "Second Elder." In March of 1832, Smith created a quorum of three presidents known as the First Presidency. Smith became President of the First Presidency, a title which became associated with the office of "President of the Church"; Sidney Rigdon and Jesse Gause became Smith's counselors in the First Presidency. In Mormonism, an Elder is a priesthood and leadership position in many denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a person ordained to be a traveling councilor bearing witness of Jesus Christ. ... Photograph of Oliver Cowdery, taken c. ... 1832 was a leap year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... In Mormonism, the President of the Church is the head of a Latter Day Saint denomination or church. ... Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon (19 February 1793–14 July 1876) was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. ...

On December 18, 1833, Smith created the office of "Patriarch over the Church" and ordained his father, Joseph, Sr., to the fill the role. The "Presiding Patriarch," as the office came to be called, often presided over church meetings and was sometimes sustained at church conferences ahead of all other church officers. December 18 is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1833 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Presiding Patriarch is a leadership office in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Joseph Smith, Sr. ...

On February 17, 1834, Smith created a High Council in Kirtland, Ohio. This body consisted of twelve men, headed by the First Presidency. This High Council took on the role of chief judicial and legislative body of the local church and handled such things as excommunication trials and approval of all church spending. This High Council became subordinate to the High Council of Zion, which was organized in Far West, Jackson County, Missouri. Later, when other High Councils were established in newly formed stakes of the Church, the High Council of Zion took on a role of "presiding" over the lesser Stake High Councils (see the LDS Doctrine and Covenants 107:37). Cases tried in the High Councils of outlying stakes were regularly appealed to the High Council of Zion, and then to the First Presidency. February 17 is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1834 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... In Mormonism, a high council is one of several different governing bodies that have existed in the church hierarchy on many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... Kirtland is a city located in Lake County, Ohio, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 6,670. ... In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... The original plat of the City of Zion (Independence, Missouri). ... Far West, Missouri, was a Latter Day Saint (Mormon) settlement in Caldwell County, Missouri. ... Jackson County is a county located in the state of Missouri. ... A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregrations in sects of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ...

In 1835, Smith created an additional "Traveling High Council" of twelve men, ordained to the office of Apostle to oversee the missionary work of the church. Thomas B. Marsh was made president of this council, which, in practice, was initially subordinate to the Presiding High Council of Zion. For example, in 1838, when vacancies arose in the Traveling High Council, it was the Presiding High Council at Far West that filled the vacancies. Later, as the Traveling High Council evolved and began to be known as the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, it acquired equal status with the Presiding High Council; both were subordinate to the First Presidency. When the Presiding High Council of Zion was dissolved after the Church was expelled from Missouri, Nauvoo, Illinois became the headquarters of the church. There, Joseph Smith formed a new Presiding High Council, led by William Marks, which supervised the High Councils of outlying stakes, under the direction of the First Presidency. | Come and take it, slogan of the Texas Revolution 1835 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a person ordained to be a traveling councilor bearing witness of Jesus Christ. ... Thomas B. Marsh(1799-1866) was the first ordained apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1835-1839. ... | J̦ns Jakob Berzelius, discoverer of protein 1838 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... In Mormonism, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (also known as the Quorum of the Twelve, the Council of the Twelve, or the Twelve) is one of the governing bodies of church hierarchy in many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... William Marks, (November 15, 1792 РMay 22, 1872) was born in Rutland, Vermont to Cornwall (or Cornell) and Sarah Goodrich Marks. ...

In 1844, Smith created the Council of Fifty to be the "living constitution" of the "Kingdom," which, in turn, sustained Smith as "Prophet, Priest and King." This council consisted mostly of prominent Latter-day Saint associates of Joseph Smith, but contained a few prominent non-Mormons from the Nauvoo area. 1844 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... The Council of Fifty (also known as the Living Constitution) was a theocratic Latter Day Saint organization established by Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

Smith also created the Anointed Quorum, an inner group of strong and trusted Church members (both male and female) who had received the temple endowment, and sometimes the Second Anointing (called the "fullness of the priesthood"). Others who had been given important priesthood authority in the church were the Quorum of Three Witnesses, the Associate President of the Church, Hyrum Smith, and earlier, the Presidency of the Church in Zion, which included David Whitmer and W.W. Phelps. The Anointed Quorum, also known as the Quorum of the Anointed, or the Holy Order, was an elite body of men and women with special standing in early Mormonism. ... In Mormonism, the Endowment is a special gift of heavenly priesthood power, connected with the construction and use of the Mormon temple. ... In Mormonism, the Second Anointing, also known historically and in Mormon scripture as the fulness of the priesthood, is a very sacred and obscure ordinance usually conducted in temples. ... The Three Witnesses were the first of two sets of special witnesses to the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1804 – June 27, 1844) was the brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... David Whitmer (1805–1888) is remembered in the Latter Day Saint movement as the most interviewed of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... William Wine Phelps (also W.W. Phelps, and William W. Phelps) ( February 17, 1792– March 7, 1872) was an important early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement. ...

The 1844 Succession

At the time of his murder, Smith thus held the roles: "Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator," "President of the Church," "President of the First Presidency," "Trustee-in-Trust" of the Church, and "Prophet, Priest and King" of the "Kingdom." It was unclear if all of these offices should be held together by any one successor and it was equally unclear who such a successor should be.

Theoretical Successors

Following Smith's murder, it was not immediately clear to Latter Day Saints who would lead the church. Others, including Illinois governor Thomas Ford, predicted that the movement would dissolve. A Latter Day Saint (LDS) is a person who identifies with the Latter Day Saint movement and is a follower of Mormonism. ... Thomas Ford (December 5, 1800 - November 3, 1850) was governor of Illinois from 1842 to 1846. ...

Contemporary statements of Church leaders indicate that had Smith's brother Hyrum survived, he would have been the successor. Hyrum had been ordained Associate President and Presiding Patriarch of the church, and the successor of Oliver Cowdery, who had been excommunicated (See Times and Seasons, 2 (1 June 1841): 128; cf. Doctrine and Covenants 124:94-95). Hyrum, however, was killed in Carthage, Illinois with Joseph Smith. Regarding Hyrum, Brigham Young stated: Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1804 – June 27, 1844) was the brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Presiding Patriarch is a leadership office in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Photograph of Oliver Cowdery, taken c. ... The Times and Seasons was an early Latter Day Saint periodical published monthly or twice-monthly in Nauvoo, Illinois from November 1839 to February 15, 1846. ... Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ... Carthage is a city located in Hancock County, Illinois. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ...

"Did Joseph Smith ordain any man to take his place. He did. Who was it? It was Hyrum, but Hyrum fell a martyr before Joseph did. If Hyrum had lived he would have acted for Joseph" (Times and Seasons, 5 [Oct. 15, 1844]: 683).

Following the principle of lineal succession, Smith's younger brother Samuel was the next potential candidate in line. Sometime between June 23-27, 1844, Smith reportedly stated that "if he and Hyrum were taken away, Samuel H. Smith would be his successor" (Smith, An Intimate Chronicle, p. 138; William Clayton Diary, typescript, 12 Jul. 1844, original in First Presidency's Archives). However, Samuel died suddenly on July 30, 1844, just days after Joseph and Hyrum were killed. The last of the surviving Smith brothers, William, initially only claimed the right to succeed his brothers as Presiding Patriarch. Much later, after breaking with several Latter Day Saint factions, he exercised his own claim to the presidency of the church, with little result. William alleged that his brother Samuel was poisoned at the behest of Brigham Young, by Hosea Stout, who was acting as Samuel's nurse and who allegedly administered to Samuel a "white powder." Young, however, denied any personal involvement, and there is no solid evidence that Samuel was the victim of foul play. The Times and Seasons was an early Latter Day Saint periodical published monthly or twice-monthly in Nauvoo, Illinois from November 1839 to February 15, 1846. ... Lineal Succession is a doctrine in the Community of Christ, a faction of Mormonism, whereby certain church offices are held by right of inheritance. ... Samuel Harrison Smith (1808–1844) was one of the younger brothers of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... July 30 is the 211th day (212th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 154 days remaining. ... 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. ... The Presiding Patriarch is a leadership office in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. ... Samuel Harrison Smith (1808–1844) was one of the younger brothers of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ... Photograph of Hosea Stout, taken in the 1850s. ...

Joseph Smith Jr. also seems to have given indications that one of his sons would succeed him. Several church leaders later claimed that on August 27, 1834, and April 22, 1839, Joseph Smith indicated his eldest son, Joseph Smith III, would be his successor (See Roger Launius, Joseph Smith III: Pragmatic Prophet). At the time of Smith's death, however, Joseph Smith III was eleven years old — far too young to lead the church. Similarly, in April 1844, Joseph Smith had reportedly prophesied his unborn child would be a son who was to be named "David" and would eventually become "president and king of Israel" (See Valery Tippetts Avery, From Mission to Madness: The Last Son of the Mormon Prophet). In the 1980s, Mark Hofmann, forged a copy of a Patriarchal Blessing given to Joseph Smith III, naming the young Joseph as Smith's successor. Although this document was a forgery, it was based on contemporary reports of such a blessing. Births 1407 - Ashikaga Yoshikazu, Japanese shogun (d. ... 1834 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... April 22 is the 112th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (113th in leap years). ... 1839 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ... Mark Hofmann (born December 7, 1954), a disaffected member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a prolific counterfeiter who murdered two people in Salt Lake City, Utah. ... In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and other Mormon denominations, a patriarchal blessing (also called an evangelists blessing) is a special blessing or ordinance given by a patriarch (evangelist) to a church member. ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ...

Some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speculate that had Joseph's wife, Emma, followed Brigham Young and the other saints to Utah, Joseph III could very well have fulfilled his father's alleged prophecy that he would lead the church someday. The temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... Emma Hale Smith Emma Hale Smith (July 10, 1804 - April 30, 1879) was the wife of Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, had they not been previously excommunicated, might also have had credible claims to be Smith's successor. Oliver Cowdery had been the "Second Elder" of the church after Joseph Smith, and until the time of his excommunication held the keys of the dispensation with Joseph. In addition, he was with Smith at all the important events of the early church. Like Hyrum later, Joseph Smith had ordained Cowdery as the Associate President, and had given him authority "to assist in presiding over the whole Church and to officiate in the absence of the President" (Manuscript History of the Church, Book A-1, p. 11, Church Archives). However, Cowdery was excommunicated on April 12, 1838 (Cannon and Cook, Far West Record, pp. 162-171). Photograph of Oliver Cowdery, taken c. ... David Whitmer (1805–1888) is remembered in the Latter Day Saint movement as the most interviewed of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... In Mormonism, priesthood is considered to be the power and authority to act in the name of God, including the performance of sacred rites and ordinances, and the performance of miracles. ... April 12 is the 102nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (103rd in leap years). ...

Whitmer had been ordained President of the High Council in Zion (Jackson County, Missouri), and Joseph had blessed him on July 7, 1834, "to be a leader or a prophet to this Church, which (ordination) was on condition that he (J. Smith, Jr) did not live to God himself" (Cannon and Cook, Far West Record, p. 151). Upon forming the High Council in Jackson County, Smith stated "if he should be taken away that he had accomplished the great work which the Lord had laid before him, and that which he had desired of the Lord, and that he now had done his duty in organizing the High Council, through which Council the will of the Lord might be known" (Cannon and Cook, Far West Record, pp. 71-72). Whitmer, however, was excommunicated on April 13, 1838 (Id., pp. 176-178). In Mormonism, a high council is one of several different governing bodies that have existed in the church hierarchy on many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 177 days remaining. ... A prophet is a person who is believed to speak through divine inspiration. ... 13 April is the 103rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (104th in leap years). ...

Immediate Successors

Joseph Smith's death left a number of important church leaders, councils, and quorums, many of which had overlapping and/or evolving functions, without guidance.

The highest executive council of the church was the First Presidency. The death of both Joseph and Hyrum Smith left Sidney Rigdon as the only surviving member of the First Presidency. As early as April 19, 1834, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had "laid hands upon bro. Sidney [Rigdon] and confirmed upon him the blessings of wisdom and knowledge to preside over the Church in the absence of brother Joseph" (Joseph Smith Diary, 19 Apr. 1834, Church Archives; Jessee, Papers of Joseph Smith, vol. 2, pp. 31-32). In the spring of 1844, Joseph Smith had begun running a third-party candidacy to be elected President of the United States. Sidney Rigdon was nominated as Smith's Vice Presidential running mate and had moved to Pennsylvania to establish legal residency there (the United States Constitution dictates that the President and Vice President must come from separate states). Upon receiving word of Smith's death, Rigdon claimed to receive a revelation calling him to succeed Smith as "guardian" of the church and he hurriedly returned to Nauvoo to exercise his claim. In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1804 – June 27, 1844) was the brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon (19 February 1793–14 July 1876) was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... April 19 is the 109th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (110th in leap years). ... 1834 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... The presidential seal was used by president Hayes in 1880 and last modified in 1959 by adding the 50th star for Hawaii. ... The Vice President of the United States is the second-highest executive official of the United States government. ... A running mate is a person running for a subordinate position on a joint ticket during an election. ... Official language(s) None Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 33rd 119,283 km² 255 km 455 km 2. ... The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. ...

After the First Presidency, the (Presiding) Nauvoo High Council was the church's chief legislative and judicial council. Nauvoo Stake President William Marks was president of the High Council at the time. Smith's widow, Emma urged Marks to succeed Smith as President and Trustee-in-Trust of the church, but Marks supported the claims of Rigdon. In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... In Mormonism, a high council is one of several different governing bodies that have existed in the church hierarchy on many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregrations in sects of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... William Marks, (November 15, 1792 – May 22, 1872) was born in Rutland, Vermont to Cornwall (or Cornell) and Sarah Goodrich Marks. ... Emma Hale Smith Emma Hale Smith (July 10, 1804 - April 30, 1879) was the wife of Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were originally ordained to be traveling ministers, and had been delegated leadership of outlying areas of the world in which no "stakes" — local congregations — were established. In 1835, Smith had stated, "The twelve apostles have no right to go into Zion or any of its stakes where there is a regular high council established, to regulate any matter pertaining thereto" (Minutes of a Grand High Council, 2 May 1835, in Patriarchal Blessing Book, p. 2, Church Archives). In later years, however, Smith had given the Quorum a greater role in governing the Church, and Quorum President Brigham Young became one of Smith's closest confidants. Long after Smith's death, members of the Twelve in Utah claimed that Smith gave them a "last charge" on March 26, 1844, in which he stated at a meeting of the Council of Fifty: In Mormonism, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (also known as the Quorum of the Twelve, the Council of the Twelve, or the Twelve) is one of the governing bodies of church hierarchy in many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregrations in sects of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... | Come and take it, slogan of the Texas Revolution 1835 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ... Official language(s) English Capital Salt Lake City Largest city Salt Lake City Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 13th 219,887 km² 435 km 565 km 3. ... March 26 is the 85th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (86th in leap years). ... The Council of Fifty (also known as the Living Constitution) was a theocratic Latter Day Saint organization established by Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

"Upon the shoulders of the Twelve must the responsibility of leading this Church henceforth rest until you shall appoint others to succeed you...I roll the burden and responsibility of leading this church off from my shoulders on to yours. Now, round up your shoulders and stand under it like men; for the Lord is going to let me rest awhile" (Undated certificate of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young Papers, Church Archives).

The accuracy of this "last charge," and the question of whether the charge was directed specifically to the Quorum of the Twelve, are in dispute. Benjamin F. Johnson, a member of the Council of Fifty but not the Quorum of the Twelve, recalled that Joseph rose and spoke "in the presence of the Quorum of the Twelve and others who were encircled about him." (Autobiography of Benjamin F. Johnson, p. 96). According to the journal of Wilford Woodruff, the Prophet spoke three hours with "his face...as amber, and he was covered with a power that [Woodruff] had never seen in the flesh before." Finally the Prophet "said that the Lord had now accepted his labors and sacrifices, and did not require him any longer to carry the responsibilities and burden and bearing off of this kingdom, and turning to those around him, including the 12, he said, 'And in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I now place it upon you my brethren of the council (of 50) and I shake my skirts clear from all responsibility from this time forth.'" This may imply, then, that the "last charge" was directed to the Council of Fifty (even though the Council was not a Priesthood quorom or even a Church organization) or possibly the Anointed Quorum, both of which included the Twelve as its members (see, e.g., Lyle G. Brown, The Holy Order in Nauvoo, unpublished). Benjamin Franklin Johnson (July 28, 1818 – 1905) was a prominent early member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and a member of the Council of 50. ... Wilford Woodruff (March 1, 1807 – September 2, 1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from 1889 until his death in 1898. ... A prophet is a person who is believed to speak through divine inspiration. ... The Council of Fifty (also known as the Living Constitution) was a theocratic Latter Day Saint organization established by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... In Mormonism, priesthood is considered to be the power and authority to act in the name of God, including the performance of sacred rites and ordinances, and the performance of miracles. ... The Anointed Quorum, also known as the Quorum of the Anointed, or the Holy Order, was an elite body of men and women with special standing in early Mormonism. ...

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who believe Brigham Young was the true successor to Joseph Smith, dispute this claim that the "last charge" could have been directed to any other group than the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Joseph Smith had received a revelation on 28 March 1835 stating that the Twelve Apostles "form a quorum equal in authority and power to the three presidents [of the First Presidency]" (Doctrine and Covenants 107:24), and at a special conference on August 16, 1841, Joseph Smith appointed Brigham Young to preside in his absence (it was later at that conference, after Smith arrived, that he revealed the changes in responsibility of the Twelve). Soon after the conference, Wilford Woodruff wrote, "The temporal business of the Church is laid upon the hands of the Twelve" (Wilford Woodruff Diary, 8 October 1841, Church Archives). Nevertheless, the most telling evidence of Brigham Young's authority to lead the church as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is his alleged transfiguration into Joseph Smith at the conference on August 8, 1844. The temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... In Mormonism, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (also known as the Quorum of the Twelve, the Council of the Twelve, or the Twelve) is one of the governing bodies of church hierarchy in many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... March 28 is the 87th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (88th in Leap years). ... | Come and take it, slogan of the Texas Revolution 1835 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ... August 16 is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... take you to calendar). ... Wilford Woodruff (March 1, 1807 – September 2, 1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from 1889 until his death in 1898. ... October 8 is the 281st day of the year (282nd in leap years). ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ... August 8 is the 220th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (221st in leap years), with 145 days remaining. ...

Conference of August 8, 1844

At the time of Smith's death, Rigdon, Young, and many other church leaders were out of the state on "political missions," canvassing for Smith's presidential bid. Rigdon returned to Nauvoo first (August 3) and the next day announced at a public meeting that he had received a revelation appointing him "Guardian of the Church." President William Marks called for a conference on August 8 to decide the issue. On August 6, Brigham Young and the rest of the Twelve returned to Nauvoo; the next day, they met with Sidney Rigdon, who repeated his claim to become the guardian of the Church. Brigham Young responded, "Joseph conferred upon our heads all the keys and powers belonging to the apostleship which he himself held before he was taken away" (Smith, History of the Church, 7:224-230). The references in this article would be clearer with a different style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... August 3 is the 215th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (216th in leap years), with 150 days remaining. ... August 8 is the 220th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (221st in leap years), with 145 days remaining. ... August 6 is the 218th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (219th in leap years), with 147 days remaining. ... In Mormonism, priesthood is considered to be the power and authority to act in the name of God, including the performance of sacred rites and ordinances, and the performance of miracles. ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a person ordained to be a traveling councilor bearing witness of Jesus Christ. ...

At the conference on August 8, Ridgon spoke first to the assembled, asking the saints to confirm his role as "guardian." To back his claim, Rigdon cited his long relationship with Smith and the fact that he was the only surviving member of the First Presidency. Rigdon also argued that Smith had sent him to Pennsylvania to prevent the entire presidency from being killed in the ongoing conflict. In Mormonism, a general conference is a meeting open to all members of a particular Latter Day Saint denomination. ... August 8 is the 220th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (221st in leap years), with 145 days remaining. ... In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... Official language(s) None Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 33rd 119,283 km² 255 km 455 km 2. ...

After Rigdon spoke for ninety minutes, Young called for a recess of two and a half hours. When the conference resumed, Young spoke, emphasizing the idea that no man could ever replace Joseph Smith. However, he stated that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles retained all the "keys of the priesthood" that Smith had held. He answered Rigdon’s proposal to be named "guardian" by claiming that Rigdon and Smith had become estranged in recent years. Rather than a single guardian, Young proposed that the Quorum of the Twelve be named the church's First Presidency. Rigdon declined an offer to rebut Young, asking W. W. Phelps to speak for him. Instead Phelps spoke in favor of Young's proposal. In Mormonism, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (also known as the Quorum of the Twelve, the Council of the Twelve, or the Twelve) is one of the governing bodies of church hierarchy in many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... William Wine Phelps (also W.W. Phelps, and William W. Phelps) (February 17, 1792–March 7, 1872) was an important early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement. ...

The assembled church members then voted, according to the principal of common consent, either to accept Rigdon as church guardian or to set the Twelve as guardians over the church. The overwhelming majority voted in favor of the latter, squarely defeating Rigdon.

Brigham's Transfiguration into Joseph

Many Latter-day Saints recorded that as Brigham Young spoke, he appeared to them to look and/or sound like the late Joseph Smith. The story of this "transfiguration" is often repeated and has become church tradition (or folklore, according to some). A Latter-day Saint is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and should not to be confused with the different, though similar term Latter Day Saint. ... The word Transfiguration means a changing of appearance or form. ... Folklore is the body of verbal expressive culture, including tales, legends, oral history, proverbs, jokes, popular beliefs current among a particular population, comprising the oral tradition of that culture, subculture, or group. ...

George Laub wrote:

"Now when President Young arose to address the congregation his voice was the voice of Bro[ther] Joseph and his face appeared as Joseph's face & should I have not seen his face but heard his voice I should have declared that it was Joseph" (Eugene English, "George Laub Nauvoo Diary," BYU Studies, 18 [Winter 1978]: 167).

According to William Burton:

"But their [Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith's] places were filed by others much better than I once supposed they could have been, the spirit of Joseph appeared to rest upon Brigham" (William Burton Diary, May 1845. Church Archives).

Benjamin Johnson wrote:

"But as soon as he spoke I jumped upon my feet, for in every possible degree it was Joseph's voice, and his person, in look, attitude, dress and appearance; [it] was Joseph himself, personified and I knew in a moment the spirit and mantle of Joseph was upon him" (Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review [Independence, 1928], p. 103- 104).

Mosiah Hancock recorded:

"Although only a boy, I saw the mantle of the Prophet Joseph rest upon Brigham Young; and he arose lion-like to the occasion and led the people forth" (Life Story of Mosiah Hancock, p. 23, BYU Library).

Wilford Woodruff stated: Wilford Woodruff (March 1, 1807 – September 2, 1898) was the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from 1889 until his death in 1898. ...

"If I had not seen him with my own eyes, there is no one that could have convinced me that it was not Joseph Smith" (Deseret News, 15 Mar. 1892).

George Q. Cannon ssaid: George Quayle Cannon (January 11, 1827–April 21, 1901) was an early member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. ...

"[When Brigham Young spoke] it was with the voice of Joseph himself; and not only was it the voice of Joseph which was heard, but it seemed in the eyes of the people as though it was the every person of Joseph which stood before them" (Juvenile Instructor, 22 [29 Oct. 1870]: 174-175).

Whatever may have happened at that fateful conference, the great majority of saints chose Brigham Young and the Twelve to lead them, even if it meant walking over 1,000 miles to relocate and settle in Utah. In Mormonism, a general conference is a meeting open to all members of a particular Latter Day Saint denomination. ... Official language(s) English Capital Salt Lake City Largest city Salt Lake City Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 13th 219,887 km² 435 km 565 km 3. ...

Church reorganization after the conference

With the support of the church, Brigham Young quickly got to work reorganizing the church. He met with the Twelve and members of the Anointed Quorom on August 9; Bishops Newel K. Whitney and George Miller "were appointed to settle the affairs of the late Trustee-in-Trust, Joseph Smith, and be prepared to enter upon the duties as Trustees of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (Smith, History of the Church, 7:247). Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ... August 9 is the 221st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (222nd in leap years), with 144 days remaining. ... Bishop is an office of the priesthood in the Latter Day Saint or Mormon tradition. ... Newel Kimball Whitney (1795–1850) (commonly known as Newel K. Whitney, with his first name sometimes being misspelled Newell) was a prominent leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an American businessman. ... George Miller (born March 3, 1945) is an Australian film and television screenwriter, film director and producer. ... The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ...

Meanwhile, Sidney Rigdon did not abandon his claims and began organizing supporters in Nauvoo. The Twelve Apostles discovered that Rigdon was undermining their authority; on September 3, 1844, Rigdon claimed "he had power and authority above the Twelve Apostles and did not consider himself amenable to their counsel" (Smith, History of the Church, 7:267). The Twelve then disfellowshipped Rigdon, on grounds of "Making a Division in the Church [by] ordaining Prophet, Priests & Kings contrary to the Say [way?] of God" (George A. Smith Diary, Sept. 3, 1844, Church Archives). He was excommunicated by the Twelve in a public Bishop's Court on September 8 (Times and Seasons, 5 [Sept. 15, Oct. 1, 15, 1844]: 647-655, 660-667, 685-687). Rigdon, claiming that Young's supporters had threatened his life, fled from Nauvoo and established a separate sect of the church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which excommunicated Young and most of the Twelve. Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon (19 February 1793–14 July 1876) was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... September 3 is the 246th day of the year (247th in leap years). ... September 8 is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years). ... The Times and Seasons was an early Latter Day Saint periodical published monthly or twice-monthly in Nauvoo, Illinois from November 1839 to February 15, 1846. ... Pittsburgh skyline as viewed from Mount Washington Pittsburgh is a city in Western Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat of Allegheny County. ...

At the General Conference of October 6-7, 1844, the Quorom of the Twelve presided as the church's highest authority for the first time; Brigham Young was sustained as "the president of the quorum of the Twelve and first presidency of the church." The saints did not sustain William Marks as President of the Nauvoo Stake, sustaining John Smith in his place (Times and Seasons, 5 [1 Nov. 1844]: 692). In Mormonism, a general conference is a meeting open to all members of a particular Latter Day Saint denomination. ... 1844 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... William Marks, (November 15, 1792 – May 22, 1872) was born in Rutland, Vermont to Cornwall (or Cornell) and Sarah Goodrich Marks. ... A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregrations in sects of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The Times and Seasons was an early Latter Day Saint periodical published monthly or twice-monthly in Nauvoo, Illinois from November 1839 to February 15, 1846. ...

At this conference, Brigham Young also addressed the issue of revelation. More specifically, did revelations cease with Smith's death, or, if not, who would receive and publish them? He indicated his own uncertainty concerning the subject, concluding, "Every member has the right of receiving revelations for themselves, both male and female." Then he elaborated: "If you don't know whose right it is to give revelations, I will tell you. It is I" (Times and Seasons, Vol. V, pp. 682-683). For information on the last book of the New Testament see the Book of Revelation. ... The Times and Seasons was an early Latter Day Saint periodical published monthly or twice-monthly in Nauvoo, Illinois from November 1839 to February 15, 1846. ...

The Claims of James J. Strang

While these events were going on in Nauvoo, another successor of Smith began to exercise his claim in the church's outlying branches in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Although he was a recent convert (baptized in February 1844), James J. Strang posed a strong, determined, and initially quite successful challenge to the claims of Young and Rigdon. Strang was an elder in the church, charged with establishing a stake in Wisconsin, should the Latter Day Saints be forced to abandon their headquarters in Nauvoo, Illinois. He possessed a letter, known as the Letter of Appointment. This letter, purportedly written by Smith the month of his death, appointed Strang to be Smith's successor as church president. Strang also claimed that at the moment of Smith's death, he was visited by angels who ordained him as Smith's successor. 1856 daguerreotype of James Strang, taken on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, by J. Atkyn, one of his assassins. ... A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregrations in sects of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... A Latter Day Saint (LDS) is a person who identifies with the Latter Day Saint movement and is a follower of Mormonism. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... 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. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

Strang's claim appealed to many Latter Day Saints who had been attracted to the early church's doctrines of continuing revelation through the mouth of a living prophet. In the August 8, 1844, Conference, Young had emphasized that no single man could replace the prophet Joseph Smith. Young subsequently used the Times and Seasons newspaper to announce to the church, "You no longer have a prophet, but you have apostles." Strang, by contrast, announced that there was, indeed, a new Mormon prophet to succeed Smith. Strang claimed to commune with angels and that he found and translated supposedly ancient records engraved upon metal plates, just as Smith had. For information on the last book of the New Testament see the Book of Revelation. ... A prophet is a person who is believed to speak through divine inspiration. ... The Times and Seasons was an early Latter Day Saint periodical published monthly or twice-monthly in Nauvoo, Illinois from November 1839 to February 15, 1846. ... 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. ...

Many prominent Latter Day Saints believed in the Letter of Appointment and accepted Strang as the Church's second "Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator." One such follower was William Smith (Joseph's last surviving brother); he had asked to be ordained Presiding Patriarch in May 1845 and subsequently claimed that his ordination meant he should be the President of the Church, because of Hyrum Smith's position as both Presiding Patriarch and Associate President. Others included Book of Mormon witness Martin Harris, former Nauvoo Stake President William Marks, Presiding Bishop and Trustee-in-Trust George Miller, Apostle John E. Page, former Apostle William E. McLellin, and John C. Bennett (excommunicated by Smith). 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. ... The Presiding Patriarch is a leadership office in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... In Mormonism, the President of the Church is the head of a Latter Day Saint denomination or church. ... Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1804 – June 27, 1844) was the brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Three Witnesses were the first of two sets of special witnesses to the Book of Mormons Golden Plates. ... William Marks, (November 15, 1792 – May 22, 1872) was born in Rutland, Vermont to Cornwall (or Cornell) and Sarah Goodrich Marks. ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a person ordained to be a traveling councilor bearing witness of Jesus Christ. ... John Edward Page (February 25, 1799–1867) born in Trenton, New York, was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... William E. McLellin (1806–1883) (also spelled MLellin) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Engraving of John C. Bennett in a Napoleon-like pose as General of the Nauvoo Legion. ...

Strang's newspaper printed a statement allegedly signed by William Smith, Joseph Smith's mother, Lucy Mack Smith, and three of Joseph's sisters, certifying that "the Smith family do believe in the appointment of J. J. Strang." However, Lucy Mack Smith addressed the saints at the October 1844 General Conference and stated that she hoped all her children would accompany the saints to the West, and if they did she would go. Brigham Young then said: "We have extended the helping hand to Mother Smith. She has the best carriage in the city, and, while she lives, shall ride in it when and where she pleases" (Millennial Star, Vol. VII, p. 23). Whether she shifted her support from Brigham Young to Strang in the year following that October Conference is a matter of debate; what is certain is that she never made it to Utah, staying instead with her daughter-in-law, Emma, in Nauvoo until her death in the summer of 1856. Lucy Mack Smith was Joseph Smith, Jr. ... In Mormonism, a general conference is a meeting open to all members of a particular Latter Day Saint denomination. ... Official language(s) English Capital Salt Lake City Largest city Salt Lake City Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 13th 219,887 km² 435 km 565 km 3. ... Emma Hale Smith Emma Hale Smith (July 10, 1804 - April 30, 1879) was the wife of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

Strang established his separate church organization in Voree, Wisconsin, and called upon the Latter Day Saints to gather there. He and his hierarchy were excommunicated by the Quorom of the Twelve Apostles in Nauvoo and vice-versa. Strang was shot June 15, 1856, and died shortly thereafter. Most of his followers then joined with Joseph Smith III and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now called the Community of Christ). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Strangite church, is a denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement and a part of the Mormon faith. ... Voree, Wisconsin is a former settlement and a historic site on the outskirts of present-day Burlington, Wisconsin. ... A Latter Day Saint (LDS) is a person who identifies with the Latter Day Saint movement and is a follower of Mormonism. ... June 15 is the 166th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (167th in leap years), with 199 days remaining. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ... Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 Community of Christ, a Christian denomination known for its dedication to the pursuit of peace, claims more than 250,000 members in 50 nations. ...

Aftermath

The great majority of Latter Day Saints accepted the leadership of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, either immediately or within the following two decades. In 1846, this group was forced to leave their homes and beautiful new temple in Nauvoo because of mounting persecutions (the temple was soon destroyed). The saints began to migrate west, though slowly at first because of the harsh winters; the wagon trains halted at Winter Quarters, Nebraska before eventually leaving to settle in the Great Basin in what is now Utah. A Latter Day Saint (LDS) is a person who identifies with the Latter Day Saint movement and is a follower of Mormonism. ... In Mormonism, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (also known as the Quorum of the Twelve, the Council of the Twelve, or the Twelve) is one of the governing bodies of church hierarchy in many Latter Day Saint denominations. ... 1846 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... The Salt Lake Temple is the most well-known Mormon Temple. ... The references in this article would be clearer with a different style of citation, footnoting or external linking. ... Winter Quarters, Nebraska, was an encampment formed by approximately 3,500 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as they awaited better conditions for their trek westward during the winter of 1846-1847. ... Map showing the Great Basin in orange The Great Basin is a large, arid region of the western United States, commonly defined as the contiguous watershed region, roughly between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, that has no natural outlet to the sea. ... Official language(s) English Capital Salt Lake City Largest city Salt Lake City Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 13th 219,887 km² 435 km 565 km 3. ...

In 1847, Brigham Young and the other Apostles formed a new First Presidency, as required by the Doctrine and Covenants. Young, who had already been sustained as the President of the Quorom of the Twelve Apostles, thus became the second President of what is now known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest sect of Mormonism by a factor of fifty (with 12,275,822 members worldwide, as of December 31, 2004). His two counselors were Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards, the latter of whom was present when Joseph Smith was killed. Young's succession became a precedent without exception; with the death of each President, the First Presidency is dissolved and the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the new President. Latter-day Saints sustain the new prophet and his counselors at a "solemn assembly" during the next General Conference. 1847 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ... In Mormonism, an Apostle is a person ordained to be a traveling councilor bearing witness of Jesus Christ. ... In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes referred to as the D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of Mormonism. ... In Mormonism, the President of the Church is the head of a Latter Day Saint denomination or church. ... The temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... This is a Root page. ... December 31 is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Heber C. Kimball Heber Chase Kimball (June 14, 1801 – June 22, 1868) (commonly known as Heber C. Kimball) was a leader in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Willard Richards (June 24, 1804 – March 11, 1854) was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to Joseph and Rhoda Howe Richards on June 24, 1804. ... Artists rendition of Smiths death. ... In Mormonism, the President of the Church is the head of a Latter Day Saint denomination or church. ... In Mormonism, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy of several Latter Day Saint denominations. ... President Thomas S. Monson Acting President Boyd K. Packer In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the most senior Apostle in the church, aside from the church President. ... The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... A prophet is a person who is believed to speak through divine inspiration. ... In Mormonism, a general conference is a meeting open to all members of a particular Latter Day Saint denomination. ...

Sidney Rigdon's church dissolved a few years after its organization, but it was reorganized as the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) in 1862, which continues to this day. Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon (19 February 1793–14 July 1876) was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... The Church of Jesus Christs historic chapel in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. ... 1862 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

James J. Strang's leadership was based predominantly on his claim to be a prophet called by God. When he was mortally wounded by assassins in 1856, he refused to name a successor, leaving the matter in God's hands. When no prophet appeared, the bulk of his church dissolved, though a few loyal congregations remain today. 1856 daguerreotype of James Strang, taken on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan, by J. Atkyn, one of his assassins. ... A prophet is a person who is believed to speak through divine inspiration. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Strangite church, is a denomination of the Latter Day Saint movement and a part of the Mormon faith. ...

Many Latter Day Saints, including Strang, believed that one or more of Joseph Smith's sons would eventually lead the church. Even Brigham Young may have recognized the patrilineal right of succession for Smith’s sons. Decades after Smith’s murder, Young made apparently earnest entreaties to Smith’s sons, Joseph Smith III and David Hyrum Smith, to join his church's hierarchy in Utah. A Latter Day Saint (LDS) is a person who identifies with the Latter Day Saint movement and is a follower of Mormonism. ... Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was the second prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church; see also Mormonism). ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ... David Hyrum Smith was an early member of the Latter Day Saint movement and the youngest son of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Official language(s) English Capital Salt Lake City Largest city Salt Lake City Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 13th 219,887 km² 435 km 565 km 3. ...

Both Smiths were, however, profoundly opposed to a number of practices, especially plural marriage, and refused to join the Utah church led by Brigham Young. Eventually, many Latter Day Saints in the Midwest coalesced behind the leadership of Jason W. Briggs, Zenas H. Gurley, William Marks and others. In the late 1850s, they proposed the creation of a New Organization of the church and asked Joseph Smith III to be their president. Joseph III refused to lead any church unless he felt inspired to do so. By 1860, he reported that he had received such inspiration and became Prophet/President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Today, this denomination (now called the Community of Christ) is the second-largest Latter Day Saint denomination consisting of 250,000 members. Plural marriage (also sometimes called celestial marriage or spiritual wifery) is a type of polygamy that was practiced by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... A Latter Day Saint (LDS) is a person who identifies with the Latter Day Saint movement and is a follower of Mormonism. ... William Marks, (November 15, 1792 – May 22, 1872) was born in Rutland, Vermont to Cornwall (or Cornell) and Sarah Goodrich Marks. ... Joseph Smith III — Leader of the 1860 Reorganization of the Latter Day Saint church. ... 1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ... Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 Community of Christ, a Christian denomination known for its dedication to the pursuit of peace, claims more than 250,000 members in 50 nations. ... The Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. ...

There were several other Latter Day Saint branches in Bloomington, Crow Creek, Half Moon Prairie, and Eagle Creek, Illinois, and Vermillion, Indiana, each left leaderless after the 1844 succession crisis. In 1863, these groups united under the leadership of Granville Hedrick. This group inherited the name "Church of Christ" and became known popularly as the Hedrickites. Today, this small church has ownership of the temple site in Independence, Missouri, and its members are commonly known as the Temple Lot Mormons. The Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. ... 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar). ... The headquarters building of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) as seen from the original temple site designated by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Salt Lake Temple is the most well-known Mormon Temple. ... Independence is a city located in Missouri, in the Kansas City metropolitan area. ... The headquarters building of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) as seen from the original temple site designated by Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

Table

1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ... 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Dedicated 1994 Community of Christ, a Christian denomination known for its dedication to the pursuit of peace, claims more than 250,000 members in 50 nations. ...

See also

• 1840s (Mormonism)