What made/makes Brigham Young the obvious choice?

[Fether]

One little gap in my understand has to do with the secession crisis following the death of Joseph Smith. What makes Brigham Young the obvious choice for the leader of the church? Was it established before The Prophet’s death how the keys were passed down? If so, why was there a crisis?

[InCognitus]

8 minutes ago, Fether said:

One little gap in my understand has to do with the secession crisis following the death of Joseph Smith. What makes Brigham Young the obvious choice for the leader of the church? Was it established before The Prophet’s death how the keys were passed down? If so, why was there a crisis?

Simply put, Brigham Young was the president of the quorum of the twelve apostles at the time that Joseph Smith was killed:

Doctrine and Covenants 124:127-128:

"I give unto you my servant Brigham Young to be a president over the Twelve traveling council;  Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word to every creature."

[Fether]

14 minutes ago, InCognitus said:

Simply put, Brigham Young was the president of the quorum of the twelve apostles at the time that Joseph Smith was killed:

Doctrine and Covenants 124:127-128:

"I give unto you my servant Brigham Young to be a president over the Twelve traveling council;  Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word to every creature."

And it was just assumed that the President of the twelve would receive the mantle of “prophet”?

Edited March 13, 2022 by Fether

[Megalodon]

7 minutes ago, Fether said:

One little gap in my understand has to do with the secession crisis following the death of Joseph Smith. What makes Brigham Young the obvious choice for the leader of the church? Was it established before The Prophet’s death how the keys were passed down? If so, why was there a crisis?

See D&C 107. In pertinent part:

22 Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church.
23 The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
24 And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned.

When the president is removed, by our understanding today there is no more presidency, with the First Presidency being dissolved, and the Q12 as a body now becomes the governing body of the church, with the quorum's president as its head. But in the death of Joseph Smith, the state of the FP was not yet clear. Plenty of people decided they themselves were in charge, but obviously no-one outside the FP and the Q12 could be scripturally in charge. 

You might like to read (or listen to) what Elder Bruce R. McConkie had to say about the topic: Succession in the Presidency

In that talk, Elder McConkie quoted Elder Orson Hyde in 1848 (emphasis added):

In the month of February, 1848, the Twelve Apostles met at Hyde Park, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where a small Branch of the Church was established. . . . We were in prayer and council, communing together; and what took place on that occasion? The voice of God came from on high, and spake to the Council. Every latent feeling was aroused, and every heart melted. What did it say unto us? “Let my servant Brigham step forth and receive the full power of the presiding Priesthood in my Church and kingdom.” This was the voice of the Almighty unto us at Council Bluffs, before I removed to what was called Kanesville. It has been said by some that Brigham was appointed by the people, and not by the voice of God. I do not know that this testimony has often, if ever, been given to the masses of the people before; but I am one that was present, and there are others here that were also present on that occasion, and did hear and feel the voice from heaven, and we were filled with the power of God. This is my testimony; these are my declarations unto the Saints—unto the members of the kingdom of God in the last days, and to all people.

. . . Men, women, and children came running together where we were, and asked us what was the matter. They said that their houses shook, and the ground trembled, and they did not know but that there was an earthquake. We told them that there was nothing the matter—not to be alarmed; the Lord was only whispering to us a little, and that he was probably not very far off. We felt no shaking of the earth or of the house, but were filled with the exceeding power and goodness of God. We knew and realized that we had the testimony of God within us. On the 6th day of April following, at our Annual Conference, held in the Log Tabernacle at Kanesville, the propriety of choosing a man to preside over the Church was investigated. In a very few minutes it was agreed to, and Brigham Young was chosen to fill that place without a dissenting voice, the people not knowing that there had been any revelation touching the matter. They ignorantly seconded the voice of the Lord from on high in his appointment. (Voice from the stand: “That is, Vox Dei, vox populi.”) Yes, the voice of God was the voice of the people. Brigham went right ahead, silently, to do the work of the Lord, and to feed his sheep, and take care of them like a faithful shepherd, leaving all vain aspirants to quarrel and contend about lineal descent, right, power, and authority.[Journal of Discourses, 8:233–34]

 

 

[rongo]

There wasn't any precedent. Brigham  had a revelation as the Twelve were called home because of the death of Joseph (in company of a couple of other apostles, I think) that the senior apostle would be in charge on the interim. His transfiguration before the audience at Nauvoo when speaking at the succession meeting (where Sidney Rigdon made his case as "caretaker") sealed it for the bulk of the membership, who followed and stayed with the main body.

While it is established precedent now, I do think that it doesn't have to be this way --- that the apostles who collectively hold keys could choose someone who wasn't the senior apostle (if they were trying unanimous). I know others disagree, and think that God makes His choice clear by who He allows to be the senior apostle.

[MiserereNobis]

It was definitely because of his beard. God wanted to improve on one of Joseph's infallibilities by making sure the next guy had some facial hair.

The last bearded Pope died in 1700. God needs to get working in my church so the next Pope is sporting some 19th century style beard.

Many priests and bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches are required to have beards. Here is a picture of a Ukrainian Catholic bishop from Chicago meeting with the Pope. Looking good!

[Saint Bonaventure]

25 minutes ago, MiserereNobis said:

It was definitely because of his beard. God wanted to improve on one of Joseph's infallibilities by making sure the next guy had some facial hair.

The last bearded Pope died in 1700. God needs to get working in my church so the next Pope is sporting some 19th century style beard.

Many priests and bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches are required to have beards. Here is a picture of a Ukrainian Catholic bishop from Chicago meeting with the Pope. Looking good!

I remember that when Eastern Catholic bishops attended JP II's funeral, quite a few people thought that they were representatives from the Orthodox Churches. Wooly enough? Yes! Grumpy enough? No!

[Stormin' Mormon]

Geography. 

The membership of the Church in 1844 was split into three groups of roughly equal size: Nauvoo, Britain, and the scattered branches of the U.S. Brigham Young had a solid base of support from two of the three. He lived with his family in Nauvoo, where he was known and loved. And because of the recent mission of the Twelve in the British Isles, Young (and the Quorum of the Twelve generally) were known and loved there. What authority he had was respected by both of those bases, which helped him to consolidate support in the months and years immediately following the Martyrdom.

I picked up this theory from the book Mapping Mormonism. I graduated from BYU with a degree in Geography, so of course it appeals to me.

[Stormin' Mormon]

From "Mapping Mormonism," page 66:

Quote

Another reason was that there were, in effect, three different churches: the Nauvoo Stake, the scattered branches through the United States and Canada, and the British Mission; each consisted of roughly a third of the 30,000 members in 1844.  Nauvoo had the largest concentration of members, including leadership.  There Joseph introduced new doctrine, temple ceremonies, the Council of Fifty, and plural marriage, often to only a select few who he felt were prepared for the innovations (including the Apostles). The branches were largely unaware of these new developments, except what little was published in the Times and Seasons and frequent rumors that gave them a negative slant.  They were thus largely living in the Church of the Kirtland-Missouri period.  The result was that most at Nauvoo supported Brigham Young's continuance of these practices, while the majority of the members in the outlying branches supported other alternatives, often attributing the changes to Young himself.  They were joined by several from Nauvoo (including a few leaders) who were well aware of, but opposed to, the new doctrines.  Britain was in a similar state to the branches, except that they were very loyal to the Twelve, who had personally converted most of them. 

Geography: it's the Why of Where!

Edited March 13, 2022 by Stormin' Mormon

[kimpearson]

Doctrinaly, Joseph had only given all the keys of the priesthood including the endowment, to the quorum of the 12.  No one else has all the keys and seniority of apostles has already started although there was some confusion over some apostles that had apostatized briefly.  The reality is that the majority of Church members chose to follow Brigham as they pondered and prayed individually what they should do.  To me, that is the true evidence of why Brigham.

[CV75]

2 hours ago, Fether said:

One little gap in my understand has to do with the secession crisis following the death of Joseph Smith. What makes Brigham Young the obvious choice for the leader of the church? Was it established before The Prophet’s death how the keys were passed down? If so, why was there a crisis?

Yes, it was established in principle (keys, quorums and common consent* as outlined in the D&C), but under the various circumstances of the day (scattered leadership and membership, very limited technology, lack of precedent, the practices of converts' previous denominations, etc.), was not broadly communicated. As a result, its existence and application could be called into question. This is covered in the Saints Vol. 1: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1/45-an-almighty-foundation?lang=eng

The practices, protocols, procedures have changed over the years but basically the senior Apostle is the successor to the President of the Church: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/succession-of-church-leadership?lang=eng

* the "four K's" --"keys, kworums, and kommon konsent"

 

Edited March 13, 2022 by CV75

[2BizE]

4 hours ago, rongo said:

There wasn't any precedent. Brigham  had a revelation as the Twelve were called home because of the death of Joseph (in company of a couple of other apostles, I think) that the senior apostle would be in charge on the interim. His transfiguration before the audience at Nauvoo when speaking at the succession meeting (where Sidney Rigdon made his case as "caretaker") sealed it for the bulk of the membership, who followed and stayed with the main body.

While it is established precedent now, I do think that it doesn't have to be this way --- that the apostles who collectively hold keys could choose someone who wasn't the senior apostle (if they were trying unanimous). I know others disagree, and think that God makes His choice clear by who He allows to be the senior apostle.

Unfortunately, the whole transfiguration story has turned out to be a hoax…

It is primarily attributed to Orson Hyde, which Wilford Woodruff’s own journal confirms Orson was not at the event and would not arrive for another 5 days.

https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/transfiguration

Edited March 14, 2022 by 2BizE

[Robert F. Smith]

2 hours ago, Fether said:

One little gap in my understand has to do with the secession crisis following the death of Joseph Smith. What makes Brigham Young the obvious choice for the leader of the church? Was it established before The Prophet’s death how the keys were passed down? If so, why was there a crisis?

You mean succession.  There were several competing personalities, some of whom actually started their own churches -- including Sidney Rigdon, whose branch of the church still exists and publishes its own Book of Mormon.  Some people claimed at the time that Joseph's mantle fell upon Brigham in the presence of the Saints assembled in Nauvoo.  One of my own ancestors claimed that when Brigham began to speak, he took on the visage and voice of Joseph.  Whatever the reason, most of the Saints went West with Brigham.

[Robert F. Smith]

2 hours ago, 2BizE said:

Unfortunately, the whole transfiguration story has turned out to be a hoax…

One of my direct ancestors witnessed that event, and a close friend of mine likewise had his direct ancestor testify to that powerful event.  Many of those accounts are discounted only because they were written down later.  That does not make it a "hoax."

2 hours ago, 2BizE said:

It is primarily attributed to Orson Hyde, which Wilford Woodruff’s own journal confirms Orson was not at the even and would not arrive for another 5 days.

https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/transfiguration

John W. Welch and Eric B. Carlson, eds., Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestation, 1820-1844, 1st ed. (Provo: BYU Press/SLC: Deseret Book, 2005); 2nd ed. (2017).

Edited March 14, 2022 by Robert F. Smith

[kimpearson]

15 minutes ago, Robert F. Smith said:

One of my direct ancestors witnessed that event, and a close friend of mine likewise had his direct ancestor testify to that powerful event.  Many of those accounts are discounted only because they were written down later.  That does not make it a "hoax."

John W. Welch, and Eric B. Carlson, eds., Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestation, 1820-1844, 1st ed. (Provo: BYU Press/SLC: Deseret Book, 2005); 2nd ed. (2017).

There is simply not enough evidence to conclude exactly what happen.   Many of the later recounted stories describe different experiences.  Maybe something will be discovered that will more fully answer the question.  I would agree that the word hoax is not correct but there could be embellishment of the memory when later recorded.

[JLHPROF]

3 hours ago, Fether said:

One little gap in my understand has to do with the secession crisis following the death of Joseph Smith. What makes Brigham Young the obvious choice for the leader of the church? Was it established before The Prophet’s death how the keys were passed down? If so, why was there a crisis?

Your question has two aspects:

1. What made Brigham the successor doctrinally?

D&C 132:7 states that the one man holding the keys is both anointed and appointed.  This means all restored ordinances and either seniority or named by Joseph.

None of the other succession options qualify for both parts.  Except Hyrum who died before Joseph.

2. How was this accepted by the members?

This is the trickier question.  Stories of transfiguration, secret letters, appeals to previous revelations, patriarchal blessings, and more.  All used to claim leadership.

But again, most ignored #1.

 

[Kenngo1969]

1 hour ago, kimpearson said:

Doctrinaly, Joseph had only given all the keys of the priesthood including the endowment, to the quorum of the 12.  No one else has all the keys and seniority of apostles has already started although there was some confusion over some apostles that had apostatized briefly.  The reality is that the majority of Church members chose to follow Brigham as they pondered and prayed individually what they should do.  To me, that is the true evidence of why Brigham.

Just when I've concluded that, quite reliably, I can assume, safely, that I will disagree with just about every word you type ...  

[JLHPROF]

3 hours ago, Fether said:

And it was just assumed that the President of the twelve would receive the mantle of “prophet”?

It seems like you're more asking how people recognized his authority vs how he was qualified.  Am I correct?

[Scott Lloyd]

1 hour ago, Robert F. Smith said:

You mean succession.

Good catch. 
 

I generally see this error in reverse; that is, people say or write “succession” when they mean secession. But either way, it’s confusing two similar-sounding words. 
 

For those who are prone to the error, it might help to consider the respective root words:

secede -> secession, meaning breaking away from, as in The southern states tried to secede from the Union.  
 

succeed -> succession, meaning coming after in filling a position or office, as in Brigham Young succeeded Joseph Smith as president of the Church. 
 

Edited March 14, 2022 by Scott Lloyd

[Scott Lloyd]

36 minutes ago, kimpearson said:

There is simply not enough evidence to conclude exactly what happen.   Many of the later recounted stories describe different experiences.  Maybe something will be discovered that will more fully answer the question.  I would agree that the word hoax is not correct but there could be embellishment of the memory when later recorded.

I earnestly disagree. I believe there is strong evidence to conclude that this spiritual manifestation did transpire — in somewhat varying ways — for many people. 
 

Now, if you had written your statement to say, “There is simply not enough proof to conclude exactly what happened,” I might have agreed with you. But I distinguish between proof and evidence. 

Edited March 14, 2022 by Scott Lloyd

[rongo]

1 hour ago, 2BizE said:

Unfortunately, the whole transfiguration story has turned out to be a hoax…

It is primarily attributed to Orson Hyde, which Wilford Woodruff’s own journal confirms Orson was not at the even and would not arrive for another 5 days.

https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/transfiguration

As has been mentioned, there are far more witnesses than just "primarily Orson Hyde." People can chalk it up to late reminiscences, group hypnosis, or whatever, but a lot of people and a lot of people's ancestors who were there believed they witnessed it. Turned out to be a hoax, indeed . . .

The main thing is that Brigham's speech and his argument for succession was accepted by the vast majority --- along with his claimed revelation that the surviving apostles collectively held the keys to ordain the successor.

[Metis_LDS]

Brigham Young led the church as president of the Quorum of the Twelve until December 5, 1847 a period of 3 years, 6 months.

It seems that it was a sensitive thing for Brigham to become President right away because Joseph Smith was so beloved of the members.  This became a tradition for a time.

Brigham Young died in August 29, 1877 and John Taylor was made President on October 10, 1880.

John Taylor died in July 25, 1887 and Wilford Woodruff was made President on April 7, 1889.

With the death of Wilford Woodruff this ceased and there were about 11 days before Lorenzo Snow was made President.

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by Metis_LDS
Spelling

[JLHPROF]

8 minutes ago, Metis_LDS said:

Brigham Young led the church as president of the Quorum of the Twelve until December 5, 1847 a period of 3 years, 6 months.

It seems that it was a sensitive thing for Brigham to become President right away because Joseph Smith was so beloved of the members.  This became a tradition for a time.

Brigham Young died in August 29, 1877 and John Taylor was made President on October 10, 1880.

John Taylor died in July 25, 1887 and Wilford Woodruff was made President on April 7, 1889.

With the death of Wilford Woodruff this ceased and there were about 11 days before Lorenzo Snow was made President.

 

Important to note it was because the Savior came to Lorenzo Snow and told him not to wait like before.

[Bernard Gui]

Retrospectively, Bro Brigham was the most qualified to lead the Exodus west and hold the Church together, indeed to see it prosper, through extremely difficult times. He was a good choice.

[Stormin' Mormon]

26 minutes ago, Bernard Gui said:

Retrospectively, Bro Brigham was the most qualified to lead the Exodus west and hold the Church together, indeed to see it prosper, through extremely difficult times. He was a good choice.

I've always found it of interest that Brigham Young was one of the few leaders who didn't get swept up by the Missouri Militia after the fall of Far West. During those difficult times, it was up to Brother Brigham to organize the mini-exodus from Missouri to Illinois. I'm sure there were many lessons learned then that he applied to the much larger endeavor a decade later.

Edited March 14, 2022 by Stormin' Mormon