Missouri Period and Early Persecution of the Latter-day Saints (1831–1839)
Missouri became a central gathering place for early Latter-day Saints beginning in 1831, with major settlement in Jackson County by 1832–1833. Rising tensions between longtime settlers and Church members escalated rapidly. By 1833, organized mob violence erupted, resulting in the destruction of homes, physical assaults, and the forced expulsion of Church members from Jackson County.
The affidavit of Hyrum Smith documents a sustained pattern of persecution, including threats, beatings, property destruction, and repeated removals. These events established a continuous cycle of violence that later culminated in the Hawn’s Mill Massacre of 1838 and the broader Missouri Mormon War. Ultimately, thousands of Latter-day Saints were driven from the state under severe and violent circumstances.
Liberty Jail (1838–1839) and the Origin of Doctrine and Covenants 121–123
During the winter of 1838–1839, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders were incarcerated in Liberty Jail under harsh conditions. While imprisoned, Joseph wrote lengthy epistles to the Saints that offered spiritual instruction, comfort, and doctrinal insight.
Modern section headings clarify that Doctrine and Covenants 121–123 are excerpts from two extended letters written from Liberty Jail. These headings emphasize that the revelations emerged directly from a context of extreme persecution, suffering, and injustice.
Adam-ondi-Ahman and the Hawn’s Mill Massacre
Adam-ondi-Ahman, identified by Joseph Smith as a sacred site, became a major settlement location for Church members in northern Missouri. The region was later engulfed in violence during the 1838 conflict.
At Hawn’s Mill, on October 30, 1838, a mob attack resulted in the deaths of 17 Latter-day Saints. This event stands as one of the most tragic episodes of religious violence in early American history and remains a defining moment in Latter-day Saint collective memory.
Doctrine and Covenants Heading Updates Informed by the Joseph Smith Papers
Recent updates to Doctrine and Covenants section headings—particularly sections 98–138—have been informed by research from the Joseph Smith Papers Project. Earlier revisions in 2013 focused on sections 1–98.
Examples include:
- Section 98, now clearly dated to July 20, 1833, tying the revelation directly to mob demands in Jackson County.
- Section 107, corrected from May 3 to May 4, 1835, based on verified historical manuscripts.
These updates provide more accurate dates, locations, and historical context.
Kirtland Temple Visions (Section 110)
Updated headings highlight that Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. Notably, this date fell on Easter Sunday, adding historical and liturgical significance to the event.
Apostolic Dissension (Section 112)
The revised heading for Section 112 emphasizes widespread apostasy and internal conflict affecting several apostles during 1837–1838. This context is essential for understanding the counsel and instructions directed to Thomas B. Marsh and the Quorum of the Twelve.
Tithing Law and Consecration (Section 119)
The updated heading clarifies that the law of tithing did not replace or nullify the law of consecration. Consecration remains a standing covenant, while tithing functions as a specific financial requirement within that broader system. This corrects misunderstandings present in earlier editions.
Nauvoo Temple and the Nauvoo House (Section 124)
Section 124 contains instructions for constructing the Nauvoo Temple and outlines key temple ordinances, including washings, anointings, the endowment, baptisms for the dead, and solemn assemblies. Verses 39–41 explain that certain ordinances were being introduced for the first time in the dispensation of the fulness of times.
A non-canonized revelation dated March 20, 1841, explains that the Nauvoo House was intended to provide employment for the poor, particularly newly arrived immigrants. Investment in the Nauvoo House was limited to faithful members who accepted the Book of Mormon and modern revelation.
Plural Marriage: Historical Background and Section 132
The modern section heading states that Joseph Smith understood principles of plural marriage before the revelation was written down on July 12, 1843, replacing the older and contested claim that dated the origin to 1831.
Some late recollections, such as those by W. W. Phelps, mention 1831, but these sources are considered less reliable. Historical research confirms that Joseph Smith privately taught and practiced plural marriage prior to 1843, influenced by his translation of the Old Testament and teachings in Jacob 2 of the Book of Mormon.
Although the RLDS Church later denied Joseph Smith’s involvement, extensive firsthand accounts from both men and women confirm that Joseph introduced and practiced the principle.
Temple Ordinances in the Nauvoo Era
During the Nauvoo period, the Saints received and implemented a full system of temple ordinances. These included washings, anointings, endowment instruction, baptisms for the dead, and sacred ordinances described as being hidden from before the foundation of the world.
Economic Hardship in Nauvoo and the Social Mission of the Nauvoo House
Between 1841 and 1845, large numbers of poor European converts settled in Nauvoo, creating significant economic strain. The construction of the Nauvoo House was designed to provide employment and financial stability for these immigrants, helping them integrate into the growing Latter-day Saint community.
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Season 5, Episode 45 – Changes to the Section Headings and Polygamy