The Kirtland Apostasy Introduction The year 1836 ended in sharp contrast to how it began. Whereas the first quarter of 1836 recorded many unparalleled heavenly outpourings and divine manifestations associated with the Kirtland Endowment, the later months of 1836 marked the beginning of an era that would continue through 1837-38 of hellish influence that has been termed "the Kirtland Apostasy." "By mid-1836, Church leaders in Kirtland, Ohio, faced looming debt as a result of the construction of the Kirtland Temple, the purchase of land for newly arriving Saints, and financial setbacks in establishing Zion in Missouri. Church leaders established the Kirtland Safety Society, an institution similar to a bank, in anticipation that it would become a source of much-needed revenue. However, it did not succeed. Less than a year after opening, the Kirtland Safety Society closed, in large part because of opposition from some non-Mormon citizens as well as a difficult economic climate related to a nationwide financial panic. Beginning in late 1836, a spirit of apostasy and faultfinding grew in the Church, and in 1837 it continued to spread among many of the Saints, including some Church leaders. Though most Church members responded with faith during this difficult period, others openly opposed Joseph Smith—and some even called him a fallen prophet."1 A faithful member of the Church and 19 year-old eye witness to these events, Benjamin F. Johnson, recorded years later what happened in these words: "In November, 1836, the Kirtland Bank began to develop; the Temple was completed, and a large town was being built, by the gathering Saints. A wave of speculation [ie. risky financial ventures of buying land and goods at low prices with the intent to turn around and sell at higher prices when the market improves] was spreading over the nation, and it seemed the spirit of it was caught by the Saints. The revelation in which God had given but five years of safety in Kirtland 1 for the Saints, in which to build the Temple and obtain their blessings had been forgotten [see D&C 64:21], and all appeared to feel that Kirtland was to become and remain a great center of business and religious interest for the future. But the Lord had other and greater purposes in view, one of which seemed to be to show us the weakness of human wisdom, and the folly of our idolatry, by bringing us to see our idols crumble in our hands. "At this time, town property and real estate went up to almost fabulous prices, and a general rush was made into business of all kinds. Members of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elders on missions hastened home, bringing merchandise and means for general trade, while the Kirtland Bank issued its paper apparently with full confidence in the future. Goods were sold upon credit with great hope of better times; and 'Why be deprived of luxury and fashion today,' seemed to be the spirit of the hour. But when goods bought on credit were to be paid for, and notes became due for lands bought at great prices, then began a reaction. Disappointment engendered feelings which reacted upon fellowship, and men in high places began to complain of and reproach each other, and brotherly love was found smothered by the love of the world. "The Bank [ie. the Kirtland Safety Society] having issued its currency in the same confidence now began to comprehend that its specie vaults were empty, with no possibility to realize upon collateral to replenish them. The spirit of charity was not invoked, and brethren who had borne the highest priesthood and who had for years labored, traveled, ministered and suffered together, and even placed their lives upon the same altar, now were governed by a feeling of hate and a spirit to accuse each other, and all for the love of accursed Mammon. All their former companionship in the holy anointing in the Temple of the Lord, where filled with the Holy Ghost, the heavens were opened, and in view of the glories before them they had together shouted 'Hosanna to God and the Lamb,' all was now forgotten by many, who were like Judas, ready to sell or destroy the Prophet Joseph and his followers. And it almost seemed to me that the brightest stars in our firmament had fallen. Many to whom I had in the past most loved to listen, their voices seemed now the most discordant and hateful to me. From the Quorum of the Twelve fell four of the brightest: William E. McLellin, Luke and Lyman Johnson and John Boyington; of the First Presidency, F. G. Williams; the three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris. Of other very prominent elders were Sylvester Smith, Warren Cowdery, Warren Parrish, Joseph Coe and many others who apostatized or became enemies to the Prophet. 2 "I was then nineteen years of age, and as I now look back through more than fifty years of subsequent experience, to that first great Apostasy, I regard it as the greatest sorrow, disappointment and test through which I have ever passed."2 You will read the full story of this tragic time period below. Footnotes 1. Latter-day Saint History: 1815-1846 Teacher Manual, Lesson 14, Apostasy in Kirtland, online version. 2. My Life’s Review 1st ed. Independence, Missouri: Zion’s PrintinG & PublishinG Co., 1947 (rpt., Mesa, Ariz.: 21st Century PrintinG, 1992), 27–30, 95–96; see online version) 3 Scripture Reading & Textual Engagement Questions IMPORTANT NOTE: You are NOT required to answer all of the questions provided at the beGinninG of each section. The point of these readinGs is to riGorously ENGAGE WITH THE TEXT and WITH ONE ANOTHER to promote understanding. The questions are simply guides to help you do so. The Kirtland Apostasy Qs: How could the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society be easily blamed for causing the apostasy of several of the Church leaders and members in Kirtland in 1837-1838? Do you think this was the real issue? Explain. What lessons are you learning from this reading about why some people apostatize and others do not under the same circumstances? What is valuable in this and relevant to Church members today? What important lessons can we learn from the example and actions of Parley P. Pratt during this season? The Story of the Kirtland Apostasy But even as he rejoiced in Kirtland’s (excerpts from Saints, Volume 1) success, Joseph could not forget the Saints in Missouri, who were still huddled in small (Excerpts from Saints, The Story of the communities just outside of Jackson County, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along the Missouri River. He and his vol. 1, p. 247-285. Headings added counselors trusted in the Lord’s promise to throughout) redeem Zion after the elders received the endowment of power. Yet no one knew how How to Finance the Lord's Work and when He would carry the promise out. After the temple dedication, Joseph basked in the hope and goodwill that rested over Turning their attention to Zion, the church Kirtland.1 Saints witnessed an outpouring of leaders fasted and prayed to know the spiritual gifts throughout the spring of 1836. Lord’s will.3 Joseph then recalled the Many saw hosts of angels, clothed in revelation in which the Lord had asked the brilliant white, standing on the roof of the Saints to purchase all the lands in and temple, and some people wondered if the around Jackson County.4 The Saints had Millennium had begun.2 already started purchasing some land in Clay County, but as always, the problem was Joseph could see evidence of the Lord’s finding the money to make more purchases. blessings everywhere. When he had moved to Kirtland five years earlier, the church had In early April, Joseph met with members of been disorganized and unruly. Since then, the church’s printing firm to discuss church the Saints had embraced the word of the finances. The men believed they needed to Lord more fully and transformed a simple contribute all their resources to the village into a strong stake of Zion. The redemption of Zion, and they recommended temple stood as a testament to what they that Joseph and Oliver lead fund-raising could accomplish when they followed God efforts to purchase more land in Missouri.5 and worked together. 4 Unfortunately, the church was already tens back, “and of course have been directed in of thousands of dollars in debt from building wisdom in your moves, relative to leaving the temple and from earlier land purchases, the county.”28 and money was still scarce in Kirtland, even with missionaries collecting donations. With the Saints in Missouri needing a new Much of the Saints’ wealth was in land, place to settle, Joseph felt even more which meant few people could make cash pressure to raise money to buy lands. He donations. And without cash, the church decided to open a church store near Kirtland could do little to pull itself out of debt or and borrowed more money to purchase buy more land in Zion.6 goods to sell there.29 The store had some success, but many Saints took advantage of Once again, Joseph had to find a way to Joseph’s kindness and trust, knowing he finance the Lord’s work.... would not refuse them credit at the store. With the temple completed, more Saints Several of them also insisted on trading for were moving to Kirtland.