Church History Matters

Is this really Joseph Smith? A recently discovered daguerreotype has sparked intense debate among historians, researchers, and Latter-day Saints. Could this remarkable photograph actually be an authentic image of Joseph Smith the Prophet?In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths sit down with independent researcher Patrick A. Bishop and classical and forensic artist Joseph F. Brickey to explore the evidence behind the controversial daguerreotype. Patrick and Joseph share their research, discoveries, and insights—including the story behind their new film, Brother Joseph Again.What can forensic analysis, historical records, photographic technology, and Joseph Smith's known appearance tell us? Is the man in this daguerreotype really Joseph Smith—or is the evidence pointing to someone else? Scott and Casey dig into the arguments, examine the evidence, and ask the central question: Could we actually be looking at a photograph of the Prophet Joseph Smith?Watch this fascinating investigation and decide for yourself.What do you think? Is the daguerreotype really Joseph Smith? Let us know in the comments!#JosephSmith #ChurchHistory #LDS #LatterDaySaints #MormonHistory #JosephSmithDaguerreotype #ChurchHistoryMatters #BrotherJosephAgain #LDSHistory #Restoration

Few figures in early Latter-day Saint history have a reputation as colorful—and as misunderstood—as Orrin Porter Rockwell. Known in popular memory as a fearless frontier scout, bodyguard, and legendary defender of Joseph Smith, Porter has often been portrayed as a rough-and-tumble gunman whose reputation sometimes overshadowed the real person. But who was Porter Rockwell when the legends were stripped away?In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths take a closer look at the man behind the myth. What was Porter Rockwell actually like when people met him? Why did friends and Church leaders describe such loyalty, courage, humor, generosity, and devotion in him? From his lifelong friendship with Joseph Smith to his relationships with ordinary Latter-day Saints, Porter’s story reveals a man whose personality could be as memorable as his reputation. Those who encountered him often remembered his kindness, hospitality, quick wit, unwavering loyalty, and willingness to stand by his friends through extraordinary circumstances.Scott and Casey explore the stories and firsthand impressions that help paint a fuller picture of Porter Rockwell—not simply as the legendary “Mormon Danite” of popular folklore, but as a complex human being whose faith, friendships, personality, and devotion shaped the way others remembered him. Who was Porter Rockwell really? And what can the testimony of those who knew him tell us about the man behind one of the most enduring legends of Latter-day Saint history?#Porterrockwell #Churchhistorymatters #caseygriffiths #scottwoodward

Porter was more than a legendary frontiersman and lawman. He was a close friend of Joseph Smith, a protector of the Prophet, and a man whose life was deeply shaped by the events surrounding Joseph’s death. In June 1844, Porter helped Joseph and Hyrum cross the Mississippi River as they sought to avoid arrest. When Joseph decided to return to Nauvoo and face the authorities, Porter accompanied him part of the way toward Carthage. Joseph ultimately asked him to return to Nauvoo, concerned for his safety. It was the last time Porter saw Joseph alive.Porter's battle cry was, "Wheat! Wheat! Wheat!"The episode also examines one of the most striking and controversial events in Porter’s life: the shooting of Franklin A. Worrell on September 16, 1845, in Hancock County, Illinois. Worrell had been a lieutenant in the Carthage Greys and had previously guarded the jail where Joseph and Hyrum were killed. Porter was serving as a deputy under Sheriff Jacob Backenstos when he shot Worrell during a confrontation involving the sheriff. The circumstances, competing accounts, and questions surrounding the shooting make this a fascinating moment in the aftermath of the martyrdom. We’ll also explore Porter’s famous statement about Joseph: “When they killed Joseph, they killed the only friend I ever had.” What did Joseph mean to Porter? How did the martyrdom shape his life? And what can we learn about the man behind the legend?Join Scott and Casey as they explore the loyalty, courage, controversy, and enduring legacy of Porter Rockwell.Watch, like, and subscribe to Church History Matters for more stories from the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.#PorterRockwell #JosephSmith #ChurchHistoryMatters #LDSHistory #CarthageJail #MormonHistory

Few stories in early Latter-day Saint history are as legendary—or as controversial—as the accusation that Porter Rockwell attempted to assassinate Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs.In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths take a closer look at the evidence surrounding one of the most famous allegations against the legendary “Destroying Angel.”Did Porter Rockwell really travel to Missouri with orders to kill Governor Boggs? Or did the story grow over time through accusations, rumors, and competing narratives?There is no hard evidence proving that Porter Rockwell was the man who shot Boggs, but there are plenty of claims on both sides. Scott and Casey examine the accusations made by John C. Bennett, the historical circumstances surrounding the shooting, and the case for and against Rockwell's involvement.And then there is the famous statement attributed to Porter Rockwell himself. When questioned about the shooting, Rockwell reportedly responded that if he had done the shooting, Boggs would have been dead.Was that a confession? A denial? A threat? Or simply classic Porter Rockwell?Join Scott and Casey as they separate documented history from legend, examine the competing claims, and ask whether one of the most notorious stories about Porter Rockwell can actually be proven.Was Porter Rockwell an attempted assassin—or was he the victim of a historical accusation that became legend?#ChurchHistoryMatters #PorterRockwell #JosephSmith #LDSHistory #MormonHistory #LilburnBoggs #MissouriMormonHistory #ChurchHistory

September 21: Moroni Day — The Angel, the Prophet, and the Beginning of the Book of MormonWhat happened on the night of September 21, 1823? In this special episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths are joined by Scripture Central founder Jack Welch to explore one of the most important dates in Latter-day Saint history: Moroni Day.According to Joseph Smith’s accounts, it was on the night of September 21 that the angel Moroni appeared to him and delivered a remarkable message about an ancient record buried in the earth—a record that would eventually become the Book of Mormon.Why did Moroni appear to Joseph Smith? What did Moroni tell him? What can we learn by comparing Joseph Smith’s accounts of these events? And why has September 21 become a meaningful day for remembering Moroni and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon?Scott, Casey, and Jack Welch dive into the historical accounts, the significance of Moroni’s message, and the remarkable connection between an ancient prophet and the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days.From the Hill Cumorah to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, this episode explores the story behind one of the foundational events of the Restoration—and why September 21 deserves to be remembered as Moroni Day.Join Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and Jack Welch for this special celebration of Moroni Day and the story of how an ancient record became a modern witness of Jesus Christ.What does Moroni’s appearance mean to you? Let us know in the comments!#MoroniDay #September21 #BookOfMormon #Moroni #JosephSmith #ChurchHistory #LatterDaySaints #Restoration #ScriptureCentral #ChurchHistoryMatters

In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore the remarkable political rise of Mitt Romney—from his family’s political legacy and his career in business and Massachusetts politics to his campaigns for the presidency in 2008 and 2012. Romney’s candidacy brought unprecedented national attention to his Latter-day Saint faith. He ultimately became the first Latter-day Saint nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.

But Romney’s campaigns were about much more than politics. His candidacy helped usher in what became known as the “Mormon Moment,” a period when American media, popular culture, and the broader public took an extraordinary interest in the history, beliefs, practices, and people of the Church. From questions about Mormonism and the presidency to his famous “Faith in America” speech, Romney found himself at the center of a national conversation about religion and American public life. Scott and Casey examine what Mitt Romney represented to Latter-day Saints who watched one of their own come closer than any previous Latter-day Saint to occupying the White House.

They also explore the challenges he faced—including religious prejudice, questions about whether a Latter-day Saint president could separate church loyalty from constitutional responsibility, and the tension between Romney’s desire to define himself as a political candidate rather than simply as “the Mormon candidate.” Most importantly, what did the Mitt Romney moment mean for Latter-day Saints? Did his campaign change how Americans viewed the Church? Did it help normalize Latter-day Saint participation in American public life? And how did the experience shape the Church’s visibility and identity in the years that followed? Join Scott and Casey as they explore Mitt Romney, presidential politics, religious identity, and the “Mormon Moment”—and why this chapter in American political and Latter-day Saint history still matters today.

#ChurchHistoryMatters #MittRomney #LatterDaySaints #MormonMoment #LDSHistory #MormonHistory #ReligionAndPolitics #AmericanHistory #ScottWoodward #CaseyGriffiths

After serving as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ezra Taft Benson returned to full-time service as an Apostle and became one of the most influential—and sometimes controversial—leaders in modern Latter-day Saint history. In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths examine Elder Benson's post-Washington years, including his outspoken warnings about communism during the Cold War, his strong advocacy for constitutional principles and free-market economics, his criticism of government welfare programs, and the debates surrounding his association with conservative political movements such as the John Birch Society. They explore how his political views were received both inside and outside the Church and how Church leaders worked to keep the Church politically neutral despite the personal convictions of individual Apostles. The episode also traces the remarkable transformation of Ezra Taft Benson's public ministry after he became the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rather than emphasizing politics, President Benson focused the Church on what he believed mattered most: becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ through daily scripture study and repentance. His landmark call for members to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon renewed worldwide interest in the keystone scripture of the Restoration, while his unforgettable teachings on pride, humility, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ continue to influence Latter-day Saints around the world. Join Scott and Casey as they separate history from myth, examine the historical context surrounding President Benson's political legacy, and discover how his prophetic ministry ultimately centered on Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the invitation for every disciple to come unto Him. Topics covered in this episode: Ezra Taft Benson after leaving Washington, D.C. Cold War fears and anti-communism The John Birch Society and political controversy Government welfare, self-reliance, and constitutional principles Republican politics and Church neutrality Becoming President of the Church Flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon "Beware of Pride" and the call to humility President Benson's lasting prophetic legacy #ChurchHistoryMatters #EzraTaftBenson #BookofMormon #LDSHistory #ChurchHistory #Restoration #JesusChrist #ScriptureStudy #Pride #Humility #ScottWoodward #CaseyGriffiths

Did Joseph Smith really predict that the Constitution of the United States would one day “hang by a thread” and that the Latter-day Saints would step forward to save it? And what about the mysterious and controversial White Horse Prophecy—a dramatic account involving the future of the United States, the Constitution, and the destiny of the Latter-day Saints? In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths take a careful look at one of the most debated statements in Latter-day Saint history. The White Horse Prophecy has been repeated, quoted, expanded, and sometimes used to interpret modern politics for generations. But how much of it can actually be traced back to Joseph Smith? Scott and Casey examine the weaknesses in the prophecy's claim to authenticity, including the late recollection on which much of the account depends, the absence of a contemporary record, and questions about how the story changed and developed over time. The result is a fascinating example of why historians have to distinguish between what may have been remembered, what can be documented, and what later generations may have added to the story. But that does not mean every idea associated with the White Horse Prophecy should be dismissed. The famous concept that the Constitution of the United States would one day “hang by a thread” has a stronger historical foundation. Multiple sources attribute statements to Joseph Smith expressing concern for the future of the Constitution and describing a time when it would face grave danger. Scott and Casey explore those sources, their strengths and limitations, and what Joseph Smith may actually have meant. Join us as we separate prophecy from folklore, documentation from tradition, and historical evidence from later interpretation. What can we responsibly say Joseph Smith taught about the future of the Constitution? What parts of the White Horse Prophecy are difficult to substantiate? And why has this controversial story continued to capture the imagination of Latter-day Saints for more than a century?

After serving as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ezra Taft Benson returned to full-time service as an Apostle and became one of the most influential—and sometimes controversial—leaders in modern Latter-day Saint history. In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths examine Elder Benson's post-Washington years, including his outspoken warnings about communism during the Cold War, his strong advocacy for constitutional principles and free-market economics, his criticism of government welfare programs, and the debates surrounding his association with conservative political movements such as the John Birch Society. They explore how his political views were received both inside and outside the Church and how Church leaders worked to keep the Church politically neutral despite the personal convictions of individual Apostles. The episode also traces the remarkable transformation of Ezra Taft Benson's public ministry after he became the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rather than emphasizing politics, President Benson focused the Church on what he believed mattered most: becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ through daily scripture study and repentance. His landmark call for members to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon renewed worldwide interest in the keystone scripture of the Restoration, while his unforgettable teachings on pride, humility, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ continue to influence Latter-day Saints around the world. Join Scott and Casey as they separate history from myth, examine the historical context surrounding President Benson's political legacy, and discover how his prophetic ministry ultimately centered on Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the invitation for every disciple to come unto Him. Topics covered in this episode: Ezra Taft Benson after leaving Washington, D.C. Cold War fears and anti-communism The John Birch Society and political controversy Government welfare, self-reliance, and constitutional principles Republican politics and Church neutrality Becoming President of the Church Flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon "Beware of Pride" and the call to humility President Benson's lasting prophetic legacy #ChurchHistoryMatters #EzraTaftBenson #BookofMormon #LDSHistory #ChurchHistory #Restoration #JesusChrist #ScriptureStudy #Pride #Humility #ScottWoodward #CaseyGriffiths

Discover the remarkable double life of Ezra Taft Benson—a man who simultaneously served as a high-ranking Washington statesman and a chosen Apostle of the Lord.In this video, we dive deep into the chaotic, inspiring, and historic eight years (1953–1961) Ezra Taft Benson spent serving as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. As an LDS Apostle, Benson brought an unwavering moral compass to Washington, but his strict free-market principles made him one of the most controversial political figures of the 1950s.From hanging in effigy by furious farmers to a historic, miraculous television broadcast that changed the nation's heart, we explore the jaw-dropping events that defined his tenure. The Prophet's Call: How President Eisenhower convinced a reluctant LDS Apostle to join his cabinet, and the unique condition Benson demanded before accepting.The Battle of the Barnyard: Why Benson’s fight to eliminate government price supports made him the target of intense political crossfire and protests.

The Miracle of the 'Edward R. Murrow' Broadcast: The behind-the-scenes story of the 1954 See It Now television special that saved Benson's career overnight.Apostle to the Soviet Union: The emotional, historic 1959 visit to the Central Baptist Church in Moscow where Benson preached freedom and faith behind the Iron Curtain.The Spiritual Statesman: How his eight years in Babylon prepared him to eventually become the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.