Although every splinter since the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith claimed or claims to be the authentic version of Mormonism, the real question is whether there was “an original.” From the First Vision until June 27, 1844 Mormonism constantly changed. It was still a work-in-process at Joseph’s death. Even the design for the Nauvoo Temple, like the temple itself, remained unfinished. Brigham Young felt at liberty to complete both as he imagined they ought to be completed. This presentation will discuss whether there was an “original,” and what it did and did not include.

Denver C. Snuffer