In early April 1844, Saints gathered in Nauvoo for a special conference that Latter-day Saints today might think of as general conference.īetween sessions in which he spoke, Joseph Smith participated in a baptismal service near his home in the Mississippi River, where he baptized a woman named Martha Nelson Goforth. “The incident created a negative perception of the Church, and they were concerned about it,” Nelson said. As a result, her husband and the branch president faced criminal charges and other opposition. President Hedlock also reported on some difficulties the Church was facing after a convert named Sarah Cartwright tragically drowned during her baptismal service. The lengthy document provides details on missionary activities in England and Scotland, including growth in membership despite thousands emigrating to the United States each year. “It gets pretty extensive treatment because the letter is so long,” Nelson said. 14 is a 24-page mission report from Reuben Hedlock, who was serving as president of the Church’s British mission. 14” was released on Monday, April 17, and is the 26th of 27 volumes in the Joseph Smith Papers series. “Things are just starting to rev up leading to the martyrdom.” “This is the calm before the storm,” Petty said. Nelson, volume editors and historians for “ Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Vol. Problems were starting to increase, said Adam H. Even as Joseph Smith promoted peace, taught new doctrines and sought to build up Nauvoo and the Church, he and the Latter-day Saints faced escalating regional tension, disputes within the Church and city, apostasy and broken friendships. The personal correspondence reflects both the Prophet’s outward optimism and growing anxiety in the final months of his life. “In fact, things in general seem prosperous and pleasing, and I never saw a better feeling amongst the Saints than at the present time.” “Although the mobocrats of this county breathe out their shame with a continual foam and threaten extermination, the citizens of Nauvoo are at peace, they fear no danger,” Joseph wrote. President Smith also tried to dispel fear and offer encouragement to his friend. He expressed concerns about growing hostility in surrounding communities and possible abduction to Missouri if he left the safety of Nauvoo, Illinois. The Prophet replied with gratitude and kindness but politely declined the invitation. Heywood, inviting him and his family to visit Heywood in Quincy, Illinois. In early February 1844, Joseph Smith received a friendly letter from Church member Joseph L.
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