Sometime in late 1851 or early 1852, Brigham Young decided to publicly endorse plural marriage. While attending a church meeting in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, William Bickerton, a dedicated Mormon elder, heard the shocking news. He arose from his seat and declared, “If the approval of God were to come to [me] by accepting the doctrine of polygamy, [I would] prefer the displeasure of God.” The session will explore why Bickerton challenged polygamy and why this dramatic event prompted him to forsake Brigham Young and establish a new church.

Daniel Stone, D. Michael Quinn