Filling in the History

What leads a group of people to organize themselves enough to kill a man? The history of the summer of 1844 gives a few insights to the circumstances in Missouri, Illinois, and within the Church that led Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum to a jail in Carthage, Illinois along with John Taylor and Willard Richards. The jail was attacked, Joseph and Hyrum were killed by a mob while being left to fend for themselves with little protection. We finalize Filling in the History by showing what led to this moment as well as the details of what happened when John Taylor was shut multiple times and Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered in the summer of 1844.

Section 137 in the Doctrine and Covenants takes us back to the Kirtland Temple about 8 years previous and describes a vision of the afterlife by Joseph Smith. After this we get to the last year of Joseph Smith’s life. We see a few discourses that change doctrinal understanding for the Church as well as a volley of paperwork trying to protect Joseph Smith, more to try and keep the peace in Nauvoo, and more still for Joseph Smith’s run for President of the United States.

We will go back in time to the Appendix for the Book of Commandments and a statement on governments and what the Church's views and relationship to governments are. The Potawatomi tribe visits Joseph to gain a revelation from the Great Spirit on what to do with their lands and their future. Joseph is locked in a constant battle over extradition, the Avery brothers are kidnapped, and with some guy pulls a college prank to get Joseph to translate bogus characters.

This episode is only Section 132. In this section we see a revelation about how people can be sealed for time and for eternity. This is part of the idea that welding links across generations and in the eternities are possible through Priesthood power. This section teaches that men and women sealed in these relationships have power to become like their Heavenly Father in all ways, including becoming gods themselves, continuing to create life, and the possible creation of worlds. The idea of plural marriage is explored and justified by citing Abraham and others and explaining that plural marriage is a good thing in the eyes of God as long as it is done in the proper ways. This is a major shift for the Church and a difficult subject even for Joseph's closest associations.

At this point, Church history starts to turn into the controversial. Joseph describes how to detect an angel or other ministering spirits, plural marriage is instituted for more people in Joseph inner circle, Joseph is on the run from the law to avoid extradition in Missouri. All the while, Joseph is mayor of Nauvoo and the leader of the Nauvoo Legion. Due to the size of this episode, Section 132 which is about eternal and plural marriages, will be given it's own episode as a supplemental to this one.

The Saints need a new home. Missouri successfully drove them out of their state, Joseph just escaped from Liberty Jail, and immigrants from Europe are showing up in America because of the efforts of the Apostles in England and other places. They buy some swamp land in a place called Commerce, rename it Nauvoo and get to work. Joseph starts teaching about work for the dead and how the Temple will bind families together forever. The Saints finally have some peace and they start healing. This is a new start for this small group and history will show Nauvoo as one of the most important moments in Church development.

Joseph and his fellow prisoners escape from Liberty Jail and the first item of business is petitioning the US Government to honor the Constitution. Joseph Smith petitions Congress and meets with the President and nobody will help. They are moved to a new portion of Illinois which they later name Nauvoo and a temple is announced. Baptisms for the Dead are announced and major developments in Latter-Day doctrine start to form in their new home by the river. All the while, the Apostles are preaching in England, Europe, and Orson Hyde dedicates Jerusalem for the gathering of Israel.

The Church members of this time are going through horrible experiences, abuses, and strait up criminal activity from their enemies and from elected officials. Joseph Smith, Hyrum, and few others are arrested, tossed around jails and eventually land in Liberty Jail. Many letters and correspondence are shared to try to right these wrongs and get legal protections. From these letters we get sections 121-123 of the Doctrine and Covenants which are pivotal teaching to believers to this day. Amazing teachings from a very dark moment in Church History.

Dissent is all over the Church and there are good reasons for it. We have a bank failure, people being driven from their homes, and persecution from all over. Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer are excommunicated along with several of the Apostles. Joseph and other leaders search for a new home, discover a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman, set up the law of Tithing, the official name of the Church, and organize new stakes for the Latter-day Saints.

This episode covers 1836-1838 with many struggles, excommunications, Apostles being disfellowshipped, and friendships breaking down. Debts mount, dissidents abound, and Joseph and others struggle to clear things up, straiten things out, and keep the Church moving in the right direction. It is a very difficult time in the history of the Church. We see revelations to the Twelve, David Patten, and answers to questions from the Bible in the Book of Isaiah.

The dedication of the Kirtland House of the Lord and the events that follow are pivotal moments in the history of the Church and a major victory for the Latter-day Saints of the time. Despite their issues and the hard times they had to work through, they made it to a milestone day, an 8 hour event to dedicate their sacred structure. A week later during a sacrament meeting, Joseph and Oliver describe a theophany of heavenly being restoring authority and keys to do the work they were commended to do. These keys and this moment are the reason for modern Temples, the focus of the Church, and the direction for all Latter-day Saints.

After years of turmoil and the Zion's Camp expedition, the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon select the Twelve Apostles. The Apostles are ordained and called on a mission to the surrounding areas armed with Section 107 as we now have it, which explains Priesthood and Church government. We get a serious brawl between Joseph and William Smith. We also see a set of mummies show up in Ohio, which leads to the papyri findings and the translation into the Book of Abraham.

Part 2 of 2:One of the largest pivots in Church History surrounds Zion's Camp. This armed group of men and women, recruited from all over various branches of the Church who marched to Missouri to attempt to reclaim their lands and continue to build Zion in Independence. This was a major sacrifice for the members of this group, some left the Church, some died from disease, and the first cohort of Apostles and later Presidents of the Church came from this expedition. There is much to cover and much to remember from Zion's Camp on Filling in the History.

Part 1 of 2.One of the largest pivots in Church History surrounds Zion's Camp. This armed group of men and women, recruited from all over various branches of the Church who marched to Missouri to attempt to reclaim their lands and continue to build Zion in Independence. This was a major sacrifice for the members of this group, some left the Church, some died from disease, and the first cohort of Apostles and later Presidents of the Church came from this expedition. There is much to cover and much to remember from Zion's Camp on Filling in the History.

The battle over Zion begins with the destruction of the press office set up by Church members in Independence, MO. The Book of Commandments is never fully printed and the members are forced out of their homes and out of the area. Government helps do not function for this small group and there is little hope that things will turn to their favor. Despite all of this, we get a mission call, we get more revelations, the Saints are building up another press in Kirtland, and Joseph Smith decides to organize an expedition to redeem Zion and reinstate people back into their homes. This is the beginning of Zion's Camp, the beginning of Kirtland as headquarters of the Church, and of what will come to be known as the Mormon War.

The Saints want to build their city of Zion and a House of the Lord. They are buying lands, gathering converts, sending out missionaries, and publishing at an increasing pace. We get to see the earliest plans for the Kirtland and Independence temple structures as well as the ambitious city planning ideas they hoped to accomplish. However, mobs formed to combat this growth and combined to assault the leaders in Missouri and destroy the printing press. Now Church leaders need to choose to fight on the streets, in the courts, or petition for help to try to remain in their new home.

Several very remarkable events are reported during the period leading up to receiving Section 93. We get meetings where groups of people have shared visions, manifestations, and one very odd experience by Reynolds Cahoon. Joseph Smith receives a revelation describing pre-mortality, the definition of truth, and nature of God, and the potential destiny of humankind. Section 93 is a pivotal moment in defining what doctrines will direct the Church and some believe is one of the most important works ever written. We will try to do it all justice in this episode of Filling in the History.

This episode gives us the health code for the Latter-day Saints, the Word of Wisdom. Since this code tells people what they can and cannot drink or consume, it has been debated, reinterpreted, and provided a lot of tension since it was first given in 1833 to the present day. We also see the official beginning of the First Presidency of the Church, and a revelation explaining the status of the Apocrypha and whether Joseph Smith should include it in his revision of the Bible. We also have some poignant meetings, interesting blessings, and much more which we are Filling in the History.

Two days after a prophecy about civil war, bloodshed, and national strife, Joseph Smith meets with 10 others in the upper room of the local store and gives a revelation of peace that extends over three days. This is the longest canonized revelation to date and this time it is filled with hope, history, clarity, and motivation for anybody who chooses to serve. This revelation is not about war, it is termed "The Olive Leaf."

Joseph Smith travels to New York City and writes his wife a letter from hotel stationary. We get another letter to William W Phelps that we have now canonized to Section 85. Small meetings happen as people are ordained to callings and called on missions. We also get a revelation explaining the parable of the wheat and tares as well as a big prophesy about the United States entering into a Civil War which will start in South Carolina. All of this a much more on Filling in the History.

While Joseph is traveling home, Newel K Whitney breaks his ankle on the stagecoach. Joseph stays with Newel and starts battling with some difficult feelings. In the throes of this moment, Joseph writes a letter to Emma that shares how difficult life has been including the death of Hyrum Smith's daughter, which is poignant considering that all of Joseph and Emma's children have died. Shortly after this letter and after Joseph makes it to his destination, a cosmic view of the Priesthood is revealed along with the history of how it has continued with humankind. This revelation is now section 84 and shows the power of serving God and of staying true to covenant promises.

Two unpublished revelations are given, one about paper to print the Book of Commandments, and another about bishops and their callings...which no bishop received. A conflict that was simmering for months between Sidney Rigdon and Newel K Whitney is resolved in public at a conference and the aftermath is a revelation that we now call Section 82. After all of this, we get a revelation detailing the care of widows, children, and a few forward-thinking rights given to women for property in their family.

Joseph Smith gives a question and answer about the Book of Revelation from the Bible, Jesse Gause is ordained to the First Presidency and later excommunicated, and we get a few missionary calls for preaching in this episode of Filling in the History. This episode will cover D&C 77-80, Enjoy.

The Vision (D&C 76) cannot be understated as one of the most important and powerful revelations to the early Church and to the modern Church. This vision, seen by Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon lays out a very different view of the purpose of life, qualifications for salvation, and the afterlife. How was this received? Who was involved? What does it all mean? Are we the only faith that believe in degrees of glory? We explore all of this on Filling in the History.

We finally come to the end of 1831. A few people have become disaffected with the Church and in 1831 and 1832, they make major efforts to tear down and antagonize the Church by preaching and publishing criticisms. Joseph and Sidney are called to preach against these forces, many others are called on missions. In the middle of this, an explanation is revealed about New Testament scripture and who should be baptized and when. The New Testament revision continues and we end 1831 as the biggest year for the amount of revelations published in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The revelations are chosen for publication. A challenge to the authenticity of these revelations is answered with a challenge to produce something better than what Joseph Smith can do, which the members take. A Preface is given, an Appendix is given and with all of that plus a new Revelation Book that contains all of it, Oliver and John get ready to start printing in Independence. This is the major milestone in the publication and written history of the Church.

Section 64 is interrupted in the Book of Commandments because that is far as the publishers got until the press was destroyed by a mob in 1833. This marks the end of that era. We are getting tense with these sections. Members are leaving, feelings are hurt, and people are getting their licenses revoked. However, in the midst of all of it, William McLellin has 5 unknown questions that Joseph Smith answers in a revelation that change his life. The good, the bad, and the burning of books are all here in early American life.

The early leaders made their trip to Missouri across land, accomplished what they set out to do and dedicated the land. A few found things so underwhelming that they left the Church, thinking they have been duped.The leaders decided that a river journey back was the best option until a sawyer tried to tip the group over and Joseph Smith ordered everybody back on land for the journey back. Needless to say, they know the best way to Zion and the best way back.

The Saints are in Independence, MO. Things are being consecrated, dedicated, and organized. We get the first death in Zion, new missions, and new issues with people moving, people misunderstanding doctrine, and a pretty rough crowd in Missouri. This episode talks about what to do on Sundays, what the sacrament is, what fasting is, and next steps for this very new Church.

William W Phelps appears on the scene, Leman Copley kicks out members of the Church from his land, and missionary calls are being dished out left and right. In this episode we see a revelation that was never published, General Conference minutes, and lots of revelations about practical matters, caring for members, and the revelation on the location of the New Jerusalem, or the City of Zion. This is a long episode, but full of juicy details.

Leman Copley joins the Church and brings some of his beliefs from the Shakers with him. Section 49 is given to attempt to correct some of these beliefs and, potentially, convert his congregation. That revelation was not well received. At the same time some very strange things are happening in Kirtland and trying to sort out what all of it means leads to section 50. Tensions are a little high and good and bad things come from it. It's May of 1831.

The Saints are making their collective way to Kirtland and they need some help. They are not letting visitors into their meetings, there is some misunderstanding about spiritual gifts, and many don't have a place to live. The Church also needs to keep records and Mr. Whitmer is not completely on board with that. These three revelations give some guidance, lay down the law a little bit and confirm, once again, what is meant by scriptural passages, rules in the Church, and how members should conduct themselves.

Section 45 of the Doctrine and Covenants was originally called a prophecy. Along with the Law (section 42), it helped to start the continuing movement to Ohio, dictate the method of growth for this new Church and initiate the New Testament revision which would later include Joseph Smith-Mathew, as is currently in the Pearl of Great Price. Also with this we get a rare document, a letter written in Joseph Smith's own hand. The letter is to Hyrum with reports of success in missionary work and for the new home for the Saints.

The headquarters of the Church moves from New York to Ohio. There is some confusion, some challenges to authority, some unity and peace, some sacrifice that hurts, but after all of that, the promised "Law" is given and answers to questions of policy and doctrine get laid out with revelations. This is the beginning of the Ohio era.

The challenge is sent to the Saints that they are moving to the Ohio to build their New Jerusalem. James Covel comes in hot and leaves just as quickly. The Amateur Historian finds a revelation that was designated as "Do Not Print". Will he share the contents of this unprinted revelation? Yes...yes he will.

We break this down by month because we have 7 sections to cover, which is really 9 revelations to various people, minutes of a conference, letters, and many missionary calls. The beginnings of the Church's influence in Ohio are felt and many key players in the Restoration show up by the end of 1830.

The Amateur Historian departs from the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants to cover the King Follett Discourse. This sermon was given three months previous to Joseph Smith's death and it had a profound impact on the audience of the time. We discuss the circumstances, the various versions and authors, and the response to this sermon.

Leading up to a conference, section 29 was given with goodies about the age of accountability and future Temples. Many of the things shared in this section are inspired from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. The Amateur Historian shall attempt to explain the JST, how we got it, what methods were used, and various other interesting facts.

Joseph gets some serious clarity on how to administer the Sacrament. We see Joseph pay for his first home. We find an important letter in somebody's basement in a tin box. We find Hiram Page with a seer stone of his own and the question arises about who gets to have revelations for the Church. Oliver Cowdery is called on his first mission.

There is a lot going on here. The first baptisms of the Church, the first miracle of the Church, the first time Joseph is arrested. Lots of firsts, some are good, some are stressful, and some lift you off the floor...literally.

The Articles and Covenants are part of this episode. This is a foundational section of doctrine and Church policy that is held to this day. It was also published without permission in a random newspaper in Ohio to not glowing reviews. We do get an ad about cough drops, an article about loyal dogs, and so much more.

Martin Harris mortgages his property to publish 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. We get to see letters preserved in a book we still have to this day. The big thing is a revelation that was never published. These are the kinds of things that make the Joseph Smith Papers so interesting. Enjoy!

At the close of an era of Church History, the Three Witnesses are asked to seek out 12 Apostles, which they get around to in 5 years or so. This era of missing documents and fragmented stories is a reminder that life is worth remembering, so write it down, keep a copy, and believe that your life is worth remembering.

Lots of small sections to cover. Joseph Knight, David, John, and Peter Whitmer all get answers through the Urim and Thummim. The Aaronic Priesthood is restored. The witnesses to the Book of Mormon are chosen and title pages and copyrights to the Book of Mormon are all covered in this episode.

Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, and a debate about getting the Book of Lehi back on the press. Enjoy.

Oliver Cowdery joins the story. He will be the main scribe for what remains of the Book of Mormon translation project, a major figure in early Church events, even before there is a Church, and become one of the Three Witnesses. We get a parchment from John the Beloved, a diving rod, and some revelations from the Urim and Thummim. If any of that sounds odd, it probably is. Enjoy!

I used translate and transcribe incorrectly and it is important to know the difference, so please accept my apologies.

116 pages are lost. Martin Harris breaks his promise. Joseph suffers enormous tragedy. Things are not going well, but people keep supporting and believing, and we get some wonderful insight into how difficult everything becomes during the early translation effort for the Book of Mormon.

Moroni appears to Joseph Smith, plates are introduced, and a few touching family stories with good fathers, good mothers, and good brothers are unearthed.

Several accounts survive from Joseph Smith's time about the First Vision. We look at all of them and let you see for yourself how the story was told.