In this episode of Come Follow Church History, host Lynne Hilton Wilson is joined by BYU professor and historian Janiece Johnson for a captivating deep dive into one of the most pivotal—and often misunderstood—moments in Latter-day Saint history: the 1844 succession crisis.

In the immediate aftermath of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faced an uncertain and deeply emotional crossroads. Without its founding prophet, who would lead the Saints? Lynne and Janiece unpack the confusion, tension, and spiritual searching that followed, exploring the claims of various contenders—including Sidney Rigdon, who argued for guardianship of the Church—as well as other voices who stepped forward during this turbulent period.

Together they trace how fear, grief, and competing visions for the future created a moment of genuine crisis for the Saints. With expert insight, Janiece Johnson provides rich historical context, helping viewers understand the different claims to take leadership of the Church—and how the eventual path forward reshaped the trajectory of the Restoration.

If you’re interested in Latter-day Saint history, the legacy of Joseph Smith, or the development of Church leadership, this episode offers a thoughtful and faith-focused look at a defining moment in 1844. Tune in for a conversation filled with depth, clarity, and remarkable historical detail.

In this episode of Come Follow Church History, host Lynne Hilton Wilson sits down with historian Janiece Johnson to explore one of the most pivotal and tragic moments in Latter-day Saint history—the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Together, they uncover the remarkable and turbulent events leading up to June 27, 1844, when Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed at Carthage Jail.

From Joseph Smith’s unprecedented run for President of the United States to the formation of the Council of Fifty, Lynne and Janiece trace how faith, politics, and power collided in Nauvoo. They also examine William Law’s rebellion and infidelity, the publication of the Nauvoo Expositor, and the rising tensions that set the stage for Joseph’s final days.

In this inspiring episode, host Lynne Hilton Wilson dives deep into the Book of Abraham, one of the most profound and revelatory texts in Latter-day Saint scripture. With a warm and faithful perspective, Lynne explores the incredible doctrines revealed through this ancient record—truths about the divine nature of men and women, our premortal existence, and our eternal standing as beloved children of God.

Lynne also highlights the groundbreaking research of Dr. John Gee, renowned Egyptologist at BYU, whose decades of study on hundreds of Egyptian facsimiles shed new light on Joseph Smith’s inspired translation. His work provides fascinating insights that support and enrich our understanding of how the Book of Abraham connects ancient symbols with eternal truths.

In this episode of Come Follow Church History with Lynne Hilton Wilson, Dr. Wilson sits down with historian Dr. Janiece Johnson to explore one of the most complex and often misunderstood chapters in Latter-day Saint history—the introduction of plural marriage in Nauvoo.

Together, they discuss the deep faith, sacrifice, and obedience of early Saints who strove to follow what they sincerely believed was a divine commandment revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Despite the personal heartache and social challenges that came with practicing plural marriage, figures like Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and many faithful women and men sought to live this principle with devotion, humility, and integrity.

Dr. Wilson and Dr. Johnson also delve into the eternal perspectives behind the doctrine of eternal marriage, exploring how the Saints in Nauvoo viewed family, sealing, and covenant relationships as essential parts of God’s plan of salvation.

Though plural marriage was a defining test of faith for the early Church, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not practice this principle today. This episode invites viewers to look at this sensitive topic with empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the faith and courage of those who lived it.

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson as she dives deep into the inspiring story behind the creation of the Relief Society, the women’s organization established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in March of 1840. In this episode, Lynne explores how a small group of faithful women in Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of Joseph Smith, came together with a divine purpose—to serve, uplift, and strengthen one another in both temporal and spiritual ways.

Through her thoughtful commentary and historical insights, Lynne reveals how the Relief Society became one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the world, dedicated to faith, compassion, and unity. Discover the remarkable beginnings of this sacred sisterhood and how its founding principles continue to bless lives today.

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson and special guest Susan Easton Black, one of the foremost experts on Nauvoo, Illinois, for a captivating episode exploring the creation of one of the most remarkable cities in early Latter-day Saint history. In this groundbreaking podcast, they uncover new insights and fascinating details about how the Saints transformed a swampy stretch of Mississippi River shoreline into the thriving “City Beautiful.”

Together, Lynne and Susan dive into Nauvoo’s spiritual, social, and architectural legacy—from the vision behind its city planning and the building of the majestic Nauvoo Temple to the stories of the faith-filled people who made it all possible. Viewers will discover how Nauvoo became a center of innovation, faith, and community—and why its legacy still inspires members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.

In the winter of 1838–1839, the Prophet Joseph Smith and several Church leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were imprisoned in Liberty Jail, Missouri — a cold, cramped dungeon that became a “prison-temple” of revelation. Doctrine and Covenants sections 121, 122, and 123 capture Joseph’s heartfelt cries to God and the Lord’s powerful response about enduring adversity with faith, patience, and charity.

This episode explores the intense persecution of the Saints in Missouri, the unlawful imprisonment of Church leaders, and the spiritual lessons that arose from one of the darkest times in early Church history. As Joseph faced betrayal, loss, and despair, God taught eternal truths about priesthood, humility, and the refining power of trials.

Join us as we uncover how these revelations can help you face your own Liberty Jail moments — finding strength when everything seems turned against you, and trusting that “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”

In this episode, we explore Doctrine and Covenants sections 115 through 120—some of the most defining revelations in the history of the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These revelations, given in 1838, officially establish the divinely revealed name of the Church, emphasizing that it must bear the name of Jesus Christ to clearly identify whose Church it is. The Lord also directs the Saints to build up the sacred gathering place of Adam-ondi-Ahman in Missouri—a site tied to ancient prophecy and the future return of the Savior. Through these commands, the Saints are reminded that their work is not only about organizing a church but about preparing a people and a place for the coming of Christ.

Sections 119 and 120 introduce the law of tithing, a principle that would bless both individual Saints and the Church collectively. This revelation set a divine pattern of sacrifice and stewardship, where the faithful contribute one-tenth of their increase to sustain the Lord’s work on earth. These sections show how the Lord guides His people in both spiritual and temporal matters—establishing identity through His name, unity through sacred gathering places, and consecration through the law of tithing. Together, these revelations reflect the growing maturity of the restored Church and the Lord’s ongoing pattern of preparing His Saints for Zion.

The story of the early Latter-day Saints in the 1830s is one of both trial and triumph. In Kirtland, Ohio, the Saints faced a heartbreaking financial crisis with the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank. Hopes of building Zion seemed threatened as many lost money, and critics pointed to the failure as evidence against Joseph Smith and the Church’s future stability. It was a season of doubt, testing, and refinement for the faith of the Saints.

Yet, at the very same time, remarkable success unfolded across the Atlantic. Missionaries sent to England began preaching the restored gospel with such power that entire congregations were converted. In less than a year, over 1,600 baptisms took place—an astonishing outpouring of faith that infused the struggling Church with new life and strength.

In this episode with professor Lynne Hilton Wilson, listen to details about how both the trials of Kirtland and the miracles in England shaped the destiny of the Church. The failures of man stood in stark contrast to the Lord’s triumphs, showing how God’s hand continued to guide His people through opposition, ultimately moving the work forward in miraculous ways.

Section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants is a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith that lays out the organization and structure of priesthood authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It explains the two priesthoods—the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood—detailing their offices, responsibilities, and governing councils. The revelation establishes the presiding quorums, such as the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventy, and gives instruction on their roles in guiding and administering the Church. It also highlights the principle that all Church leaders are to act in righteousness, humility, and under the direction of revelation.

The section further emphasizes the eternal nature of the priesthood, teaching that it was first given to Adam and passed down through his posterity, continuing in an unbroken line of authority. It underscores the order, unity, and accountability required in priesthood service and notes that bishops serve as judges in Israel, caring for the temporal and spiritual welfare of members. The revelation concludes with a call for diligence, urging all who serve in the priesthood to learn their duty and act with exactness, promising that those who do so will magnify their callings and bring honor to God’s work.