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Exploring Beaver Island (3 of 3) Jul 28, 2025

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Come see the site where James Strang was killed as we explore the captivating history of Beaver Island, a unique gem in Lake Michigan, especially its ties to James Strang and his Mormon community. https://youtu.be/xdnR28tTeEs Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. 3 Mormon Print Shop Arrival and Reign of King Strang James Strang, a self-proclaimed prophet, settled on Beaver Island around 1848, having arrived in 1847. He led a group of Mormon dissenters who broke away from Brigham Young's leadership and settled on the island in 1846. By 1850, Strang was declared King of his community, which constituted the majority of the island's population. The main hub of the island is even named St. James, after him. Strang's influence extended to societal norms, where he apparently mandated that women wear bloomers or pants to prevent pneumonia, with husbands being whipped if their wives didn't comply. He also reportedly told non-Mormons (like the Irish settlers and original Ottawa/Ojibwe inhabitants) that they needed to convert, leave, or pay a tax. The Mormon Print Shop A pivotal location in Strang's community was the Old Mormon Printing House, erected in 1850 by Strang and his followers2. This building was significant as it published the Northern Islander, which was the first daily newspaper north of Grand Rapids. During the 1850s, Strang's group published religious works and two newspapers: the Northern Islander and the Daily Northern Islander. After Strang's assassination, the print shop was ransacked and later became a boarding house. Today, it stands as a museum and serves as the headquarters for the Beaver Island Historical Society. Tragic End of King Strang The growing friction within Beaver Island's Mormon community reached a violent climax in 1856. James Jesse Strang was fatally shot and clubbed by two of his disgruntled followers while walking towards the dock to meet the captain of the USS Michigan. These assassins were reportedly hiding behind a woodpile near the Johnson McCulla store. It's notable that two of the assassins were husbands who had been whipped under Strang's controversial bloomers policy. Strang died from his wounds 23 days later. The assassins were taken to Mackinaw Island by the USS Michigan's captain, who refused to allow the Mormon police to arrest them. They were soon released by the Mackinaw sheriff, celebrated by Strang's enemies, and astonishingly, each was fined only 50 cents, though the exact charge is unknown. The Aftermath and Island Life In the wake of Strang's assassination, an angry mob from the mainland stormed Beaver Island, destroying buildings and forcing the Mormons to flee. Beaver Island is the only island in Lake Michigan inhabited year-round, with a population of 500 to 800 people that swells to 3,000 in the summer. The island has a strong Irish presence, with many historical inhabitants speaking Gaelic and even naming a local bay "Donegal Bay" after a place in Ireland. Historically, the island's primary industries were lumber and fishing. Overfishing, particularly using a now-outlawed net fishing method, led to severe depletion, prompting Michigan and other states to ban the practice. Today, tourism is the main industry. The island didn't even get electricity until around 1939. Beaver Island Townships Cemetery Visitors can also explore the Beaver Island Townships Cemetery, one of two cemeteries on the island (the other being a Catholic cemetery). The oldest grave dates back to 1853, within James Strang's era. An interesting feature of the cemetery is the presence of posts marking older graves where the original wooden crosses have long since deteriorated, indicating a body is buried there even if the identity is unknown. The second oldest grave, dated July 27, 1859, belongs to Mary Jane, wife of Thomas Hawkins. Notably, St. James Episcopal Church is located across the street from the cemetery. Beaver Island offers a rich tapestry of history, from its unique religious past under James Strang to its evolving industries and enduring natural beauty. It's a place where history comes alive, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of a fascinating and turbulent era. Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission.

Tour of Beaver Island (2 of 3) Jul 25, 2025

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See what a local historian thinks about James Strang as we tour the town of St James on Beaver Island, Michigan. Check out the conversation! https://youtu.be/wBl1C55HoyY Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Beaver Island: A Journey Through Time and Tyranny in Lake Michigan Welcome to Beaver Island, often called "America's Emerald Isle," a fascinating gem in Lake Michigan with a history as rich and diverse as its landscape. If you've ever wondered about year-round island life, a unique Mormon kingdom, or the rise of an Irish community, you're in the right place! Island Life: Year-Round Charm and Seasonal Bustle Beaver Island is unique as the only island in Lake Michigan with a year-round population. While around 600-800 people call it home in the winter, the population swells to 3,000-4,000 during the summer months. Access to the island is primarily by private boat or air service, as ferries only run until mid-December. The main community, St. James, named after James Jesse Strang himself, is where most businesses are concentrated, including the year-round community center, taverns like the Shamrock bar and restaurant, a motel, and a hardware store that also houses a gift shop and vet clinic. Many other businesses, like some restaurants and a bicycle/boat rental shop, are open only in the summer. Historically, the island's economy relied heavily on commercial fishing, with fish being salted or iced down and sent via ferry to Charlevoix for further rail transport to cities like Indianapolis or Chicago. Hotels also played a main role in the economy for many years. Unforgettable Reign of King Strang A significant chapter in Beaver Island's history revolves around James Jesse Strang, a controversial figure who established a Mormon colony here. Strang arrived on the island around 1847-1848, with his colony reaching approximately 1,500 people by the time of his death in 1856. Strang was an ambitious leader, and his people surveyed Beaver Island for the first time in 1848. He named the town of St. James after himself and began building a highway, the King's Highway, also named after himself. His colony was so established that they even had a daily newspaper, the only one north of Grand Rapids at the time. However, Strang's rule was often described as tyrannical by the tour guide. He quickly made enemies with his policies: He mandated that anyone wishing to stay on the island had to become a Mormon or pay him a tax or leave. This drove many people off the island, though some reluctantly converted because they had nowhere else to go. He authorized his followers to steal fish from other fishermen's nets and even take items from the homes of fishermen who were out at sea, according to the guide. Initially, Strang was against plural marriages, but a couple of years after arriving, he embraced polygamy, taking four more wives after his first wife, Mary, left him and returned to Wisconsin. He was also known for peculiar practices, such as having his people build a dock just a few inches under the water in Font Lake (named for baptismal font) so he could appear to be "walking on water" when baptizing his followers. Strang also left a lasting mark on the island's geography by naming several places with biblical references. Examples include: Font Lake, where baptisms took place. Mount Pisgah, a hill named after the biblical Mount Pisgah from which Jesus preached. It became a popular spot for people to climb. A lake on the south side of the island was called Lake Jaz or Lake Galilee, corresponding to the Sea of Galilee in the Holy Land. Interestingly, Strang was a well-educated man who passed the Michigan bar exam and could practice law. This legal expertise proved useful, as he was arrested multiple times. He was taken to Detroit for "coroner's fitting" (likely related to counterfeiting) and later for treason and sedition, but he successfully defended himself and was acquitted in both cases. After his first acquittal, he crowned himself king. The Assassination and the Irish Influx Strang's oppressive policies and his strict rule, including a rule that husbands of women caught wearing long dresses would be whipped, led to his downfall. In 1856, two men who had been whipped shot Strang. James was wounded and taken by boat back to Burlington, Wisconsin, where his first wife Mary was living, and he died there 17 days later. The exact charges against his assassins are unclear, but they were released after a judge (justice of the peace) charged them only 50 cents for the crime. His assassination triggered a significant demographic shift on the island. The news spread quickly, and five boatloads of people came to drive the Mormons off. Irish laborers working on the island's lighthouse at the time sent word to relatives working on the Erie Canal and in Toronto, inviting them to come to Beaver Island, where land was available and fishing was good. By 1900, 75-90% of the island's population was Irish. One of the first things the "Gentiles" did after driving off the Mormons was to burn down the Mormon tabernacle. Many former Strang followers who had been compelled to join Mormonism chose to renounce it and stay on the island. Other Island Features and History Beaver Island is about 14.5 miles long and encompasses approximately 54 square miles. It features two fire stations, a volunteer fire department, and a post office built around 1890 that originally served as a tavern. The island also has several cemeteries, where early settlers and fishermen were buried even before the Mormons arrived. Archaeologists have used ground-penetrating lidar to locate old graves marked by wooden crosses that have long since rotted away. They are marked by white poles now. Other notable points include: High Island, located about 4.5 miles from Beaver Island, which boasts the highest point of land on Lake Michigan. It is currently uninhabited, with the last residents, some Native American families, leaving after a severe storm in 1940. Donegal Bay in the northwest corner of the island, named to correspond with a bay in the northwest corner of Ireland, reflecting the strong Irish influence. Trout Island, which appears as two islands due to an airfield down its middle. Today, Beaver Island offers a blend of tranquil island life and fascinating historical sites, inviting visitors to explore its unique past and vibrant community. Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission.

Going on a Tangent: Beaver Island (1 of 3) Jul 22, 2025

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Come along on this journey to Beaver Island, where James Strang was crowned King! We'll learn more about this early Mormon prophet. I’m taking you on a journey to Beaver Island, Michigan, a place central to the intriguing story of James Strang and his followers. You don't want to miss this! https://youtu.be/MPrutzK6ljQ Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. James Strang: From Convert to Contender The tale begins with James Strang, a relatively recent convert to Mormonism, having joined the church just a few months before Joseph Smith sent him on a mission to Wisconsin. After Joseph Smith was killed on June 27, 1844, James Strang made two significant claims to succeed Smith: Angelic Ordination: Strang claimed that the angel Moroni appeared to him and ordained him to be the next prophet1. Letter of Appointment: He also presented a letter, purportedly from Joseph Smith, dated June 18, with a postmark from Nauvoo, Illinois, on June 19. The authenticity of this "letter of appointment" has been a major point of contention. Brigham Young immediately deemed it a forgery. A peculiar postmark (due to a piece of lint in the Nauvoo stamp) was used at the Nauvoo post office. Young followers claimed this was evidence of a forgery. However, when it was shown to be on other letters, Strang used as proof of authenticity. Michael Quinn, a historian, believed the letter was a fraud or forgery. Quinn noted that the signature was written in block letters and Joseph Smith's signature did not match his usual signature, although he acknowledged Joseph often used scribes. Quinn speculated that Strang might have taken a genuine letter from Nauvoo and written on it himself, with the postmark appearing to be genuine. The letter itself was vague, not explicitly naming Strang as the new church president, but rather seeming to put him in charge of the church in Wisconsin, a role Strang might have "inflated". Despite the controversy, Strang attracted some notable converts, including Joseph Smith's brother, William Smith, as well as John Page, Martin Harris, and William Marks, with several members of the Smith family initially encouraging him. Kingdom on Beaver Island Strang eventually received a revelation to move his community from Wisconsin to Beaver Island, Michigan before 1850. On Beaver Island, James Strang, much like Joseph Smith with the Council of 50, was ordained a king. This ambition, where Mormons attempted to take over the government, often led to conflict with surrounding communities. Tragedy and Scattering The Strangite community on Beaver Island ultimately faced a tragic end. In 1856, James Strang was assassinated on the dock by former Strangites. These individuals are referred to as "pseudos" or "pseudo-Mormons" by Strangites, distinguishing them from the LDS term "apostates". Strang was shot. Though not killed immediately, he succumbed to his wounds about three weeks later. Following his assassination, the US Navy, which was patrolling Lake Michigan for pirates, scattered all the people on Beaver Island. They were dropped off in various ports, often penniless and without food or money, a "terrible tragedy" that led to the scattering of Strangites. Today, while the largest congregation is believed to be in Burlington, Wisconsin (which James Strang called Voree), smaller groups exist in New Mexico, Colorado, and potentially West Virginia. Planning Your Visit to Beaver Island For those intrigued by this unique historical site, Beaver Island is accessible by ferry or plane. Travel from Grand Rapids: My journey started at Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From there, it's about a three-hour drive to Charlevoix, Michigan, the departure point for the ferry or small plane. Ferry vs. Plane: The ferry costs around $67 round trip, while a flight is about $150. I opted for the ferry to save money. The Emerald Isle is one of the ferry boats, and the ride takes about 2 hours. There are typically up to four ferry rides a day in the summer on the weekend, with just 1 during weekdays. Ferry Logistics: It's advisable to arrive about an hour early. Boarding is generally easy. Parking for the ferry is located at the library, about 3 blocks from the dock. You can bring a car on the ferry for an additional cost, or rent golf carts on the island, which measures about 6 miles by 12 miles. Island Experience: Beaver Island is noted for its strong Irish influence, with many Irish immigrants having settled there, reminding them of Ireland. The island is currently home to about 500-800 residents year-round. In the summer, the population balloons to about 4000. Visitors can take a 1.5-hour van tour of the island, which discusses James Strang, and there is even a "Strang hotel". The seas can sometimes be rough, so a smooth day for travel is a plus. Beaver Island offers a rich blend of natural beauty and profound historical significance, providing a unique glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of American religious history. How many of you have gone to Beaver Island? Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission.

Should BYU Be Renamed Over Slavery? (Paul Reeve/Christopher Rich) Jul 21, 2025

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Should BYU be renamed Over Slavery? Many argue that BYU should be renamed since slavery was legalized in Utah? Bishop Abraham Smoot also owned slaves and his name is on the Smoot Administration Building. What do BYU alumni Paul Reeve & Christopher Rich think of this proposal? https://youtu.be/L3pHOIv6DIs Don’t miss our other conversations with Paul Reeve! https://gospeltangents.com/people/paul-reeve/ Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. What Do Critics Say? GT: Okay. Well, it’s only been out what, four days right now? Paul: People are starting to actually get their copies, yes. So, I know there’s a peer review process because clearly, the public hasn’t had a chance to push back on you guys. But have you guys gotten any pushback on your book that you can share? Paul: Well, I mean, there’s some skepticism on the interpretation of, is An Act in Relation to Service a form of gradual emancipation. Right? GT: Okay. Paul: Oxford has anonymous peer reviewers. Right? And so, I think we had really good peer reviewers who pressed us on some of the claims that we made. And I think we refined our arguments as a result. so I think what is published is more refined than the original draft. And we simply acknowledge they removed 18 words that we believe would’ve passed on the condition of servitude to the next generation, but they don’t replace those 18 words with “therefore you can’t pass on the condition to the next generation,” positive language that would have said, “we’re not passing on the condition.” So it’s left up to us to infer that their intent was that the condition not pass on to the next generation. We actually offer readers a scan of the original draft of the bill where they cross out those 18 words. And then we provide our own transcript. right? So you can read for yourself the original version of the bill with those 18 words included and then with those 18 words removed. What do you think the intent was? If you take out the clause that would’ve passed on the condition to the next generation, we think that means the intent of lawmakers was that it not pass on, and therefore, that creates a gradual form of emancipation. But that’s open for interpretation. right? GT: Well. Paul: They deliberately—well, we don’t know about deliberately. They draft the bill ambiguously and we don’t know if that’s because they’re just not great lawmakers, or if they’re doing it deliberately. GT: Well, and the question is, are we aware of any children born between say, 1852 and 1862 that slavery was passed onto them? Are you aware of that? Christopher: So, we tried to look at that, and there’s just not a whole lot of evidence. So, any of the children who were actually born in Utah, by 1862, if we use that as the basic end date, still would have been minors. So, they still would have been living with their parents in the homes of their masters. And we do find evidence that they are there. There is some evidence that some children were sold. Now, those children weren’t born in Utah. So, you can make the argument that the law didn’t cover them, but it was a very small number of children. By the 1860s, I think it was roughly 10. So, we try to make a case of, based on the language of the law, this is what should have happened, but we don’t know for sure what would have happened in practice had the law continued on for another 10, or 15, or 20 years. GT: So it’s just too short of a timeframe. Paul: Correct. GT: Okay. Paul: And we make the point that if you are a child, you arrive in Utah territory, you can die enslaved in Utah territory. Right? This only applied to those who would be born in Utah territory after arrival. GT: Right. Paul: That’s how the law is written. So, if you’re born in 1852, you’re only 10 years old by 1862. You’re still living with your parents. And how do historians know what your legal status might have been? GT: Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Any other pushback? Christopher: Over the years, there has been more pushback. When we first brought this idea forward… GT: I remember that session in San Antonio. Christopher: See, back in 2012, when we brought this idea up really for the first time in, we were GT: You got some serious pushback in MHA at San Antonio. Christopher: There was a lot of pushback against this. And that’s reasonable. I mean, these are hard ideas. They’re complicated ideas. I would say that as time has gone on, it has felt like more people are, even while there is pushback against individual parts of our analysis about the gradual emancipation and so forth. I think there has been a more openness to those ideas. At least that’s been my experience. Paul: Well, I think people can read the evidence for themselves. So, we have released all of the documents, all of the speeches. GT: Give us the website. Paul: So www.thisabominableslavery.org. And anyone can go there. They can read Brigham Young’s 5th of February 1852 speech for themselves, all of the documents related to, or most of the documents related to the book are freely available, publicly available, and with the cooperation of the Church History Department. So, people can read the evidence for themselves, and also understand that new evidence has come to light. Right? And so, the notion that Euro-Americans are included in this service bill is something new that prior scholars had missed. But the debate makes it clear that that’s what they’re talking about because they say that when they’re debating. Right? That’s a part of what they’re talking about. GT: Oh, wow. Paul: And if you arrive indebted to the person that provided you passage to America, and you die before you pay it off, can your debt then be passed on to your children? That’s also part of what they’re debating. GT: Wow. Paul: So they’re talking explicitly about Euro-Americans, right? , so prior scholars didn’t have access to that. Tight? GT: Thanks to LaJean. Big shout-out to LaJean. Paul: Exactly. We think that, there’s evidence at least to support our claims, and there might be people who have questions one way or the other. But nonetheless, that’s what scholarship is. Right? You put it out into the public, and people respond. We think the evidence is there. Right? I think a part of the issue is people might think we’re saying slavery didn’t exist in Utah territory. We’re not saying that. We’re not saying that. We fully recognize enslaved people arrived July 22nd, 1847. Right? We talk about this legal effort and also acknowledge from the perspective of the enslaved… GT: It didn’t make much difference. Christopher: It probably didn’t make much difference. Right? So we’re not denying any of that. And so, the way that the question might be asked was Utah a slave territory. Right? Utah is not a state through any of this. And the new evidence suggests that Brigham Young is really clear, for any application for statehood, will not be as a slave state. GT: That’s really interesting and important to know. Paul: But everyone needs to remember Utah remains a territory through this period. It’s never a state. Okay? So as a territory, the law that is passed gives those who have enslaved people in Utah the ability to continue to hold them yet gives them some rights to protect the enslaved. GT: Elevates from slavery to servitude. Paul: Yeah, yeah. But they’re not free. GT: Right. Paul: But they’re not free. And we have this new, firm piece of evidence from the 1856 Constitutional Convention that the effort to apply explicitly as a slave state is soundly voted down. And Brigham Young supports that. He makes it clear. He’s upset with George A. Smith. George A. Smith is the only apostle who votes in favor of the proposal to send this to DC as a slave constitution. And Brigham Young finds out about it and calls George A. Smith on the carpet, says, “I’m not going to send you with this constitution if you’re in favor of slavery.” GT: Oh, wow. Paul: So we had Brigham Young’s interview with Horace Greeley in 1859 where he says, no. Utah won’t go into the union as a slave state. And some historians have argued, well, that’s Brigham Young just playing this public relations game. We have now his evidence from 1856, where he’s clear that he does not support an application as a slave state. Christopher: Well, and really, throughout this entire period, Brigham Young is remarkably consistent in his views toward slavery. While he does sometimes use ambiguous language, and we are very forthright that sometimes he uses ambiguous language, he is very clear that one person should not be able to own another as property. He believes that that is both legally and morally wrong. But the question is how do we deal legally with enslaved people now that they are here? And he’s trying to do this in a context of national controversy over slavery. He wants Deseret admitted to the union as a state, and the advice that he is receiving from many people, including Thomas Kane is you do not want to deal with this issue. Slavery could sink you. You don’t want to come out openly one way or the other. GT: Just be neutral. Christopher: Be neutral, says it multiple times. At the same time, Brigham Young is trying to ensure that there is no split within the Latter-day Saint church and community over this question. In the 1830s and ‘40s, three major American denominations, the Baptists, the Presbyterians, and the Methodists, all split over the question of slavery. Brigham Young wants to ensure that that does not happen. So, Brigham Young seems to be walking on this tightrope where, on the one hand, he does not want to legalize chattel slavery in Utah. He does not want to hold people in property, but sees real problems with immediate abolition at the same time. And so,...

Strangite Women Hold Priesthood, Saturday Worship (Gary Weber 4 of 6) Jul 16, 2025

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Welcome to an exploration of one of the most distinctive branches of Mormonism: the Strangite Church. We will discuss Strangite women's role in priesthood. While many are familiar with the larger Latter-day Saint movements, the Strangites offer a fascinating glimpse into different interpretations and practices rooted in early Restorationism. Based primarily in Burlington, Wisconsin, the Strangite Church has a rich history, unique theological perspectives, and surprising elements that set it apart. https://youtu.be/61quRH-_glI Resilient Community/Promised Refuge According to the revelations of James J. Strang, Voree was prophesied to be a refuge for the people, where "the Gentiles would treat you with kindness". Remarkably, the Strangites in Voree have never experienced the persecution that other Mormon settlements faced in places like Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, or Nauvoo. This consistent respect and kind treatment from the wider community is seen by Strangites as a powerful sign that James A. Strang's revelations were true. Furthermore, families living there have prospered, owning homes and achieving financial stability, which they believe is a testament to the blessings promised for obedience to God. The congregation has seen periods of challenge and renewal. A spiritual movement led others to move to Voree, and gradually the church began to build up again. While the primary congregation is in Burlington, members also reside in various states, including Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota, often attending services via Zoom. Women in the Aaronic Priesthood Perhaps one of the most surprising and progressive aspects of the Strangite Church is its stance on women and the priesthood. Unlike many other Restorationist faiths, the Strangite Church ordains women to the Aaronic priesthood, specifically to the office of teacher. They believe that Emma Smith herself was the first teacher. These women teachers play an active and vital role in church services. They are permitted to lead meetings, often doing so in pairs, each taking half of the Sabbath service. While women hold the office of teacher, they are not ordained as deaconesses; deacons are exclusively boys. Priesthood ordination in the Strangite Church is not tied to age or seen as a "rite of passage.” Instead, individuals are called when a priesthood member receives inspiration that a particular person is ready and begins to excel. The Strangite priesthood structure includes: Melchizedek Priesthood: Elders and High Priests. Aaronic Priesthood: Priests, Teachers (including women), and Deacons. There are no Seventies currently, and they believe a prophet is needed to structure other offices. The leadership of the church has continued through a series of appointments. Lorenzo Hickey ordained Wingfield Watson as the head of the church and a high priest, who then served until his passing around 1920. Following Watson, subsequent presiding high priests have been appointed by their predecessors. Currently, David Flanders serves as the presiding high priest, a role of duty and responsibility to manage affairs, but not one that grants him higher authority than other high priests. Saturday Worship and the Nature of Christ A distinct practice of the Strangite Church is their worship on Saturday, the Sabbath day. This is based on their belief that God sanctified the seventh day during creation. They contend that the Catholic Church changed the Sabbath to Sunday to honor the sun god and appease pagans, aiming to unite Christians and pagans into a single universal church. Their theological views also extend to the nature of Christ. The Strangite Church believes that Jesus was 100% mortal, and that Joseph was his biological father. This belief is critical to their understanding of Christ's lineage, as Joseph was of the tribe of Judah, which connects Jesus directly to the covenant line of Abraham and King David through the male seed. They suggest that the passage in the King James Bible detailing Jesus's birth was an addition by Catholics. For them, Jesus being fully mortal and "made under the law" means he was truly tempted and tried as humans are, allowing him to sympathize with and judge humanity. His perfect, sinless life as a mortal serves as an example, demonstrating that humans have "no excuse for our sins". Joseph Smith's Lectures on Faith are cited as supporting this view of Jesus's mortality. The Strangite Church also rejects the "Adam-God" theology and views the King Follett sermon as having been tampered with. Importantly, they have never had a priesthood ban on black members, asserting that God is "not a respecter of persons" and welcomes everyone regardless of color or wealth. They have had black priesthood members dating back to Joseph Smith's and James Strang's times, including a Brother Q. Walker Lewis. Comprehensive Scriptural Canon The Strangite Church embraces a broad collection of scriptures, which includes: The Bible, with a preference for Joseph Smith's inspired version. The Book of Mormon. The Pearl of Great Price (the LDS version). The Book of the Law of the Lord. The Revelations of James, which serve as their equivalent of the Doctrine and Covenants. The Voree Record (or Voree Plates), from which the name of their settlement, Voree, originates. The Lectures on Faith are considered scripture. They also consider journal entries from publications like Times and Seasons and Evening and Morning Stars that were printed during Joseph Smith's lifetime to be scripture, as he was present to verify their content. Anything printed after Joseph Smith's death is not considered scripture by them, although they acknowledge the historical truth of events like his martyrdom. They believe that some teachings introduced by Brigham Young, after Joseph Smith's death, deviated from Joseph's original doctrines. Prophecies & Look Towards the Future The Strangites also hold unique prophecies, such as the belief that Daniel from the Bible will stand on the "Hill of Promise" in the last days, before Christ's return, to teach the people, fulfilling the biblical instruction for Daniel to "stand in thy lot". They believe that the spirit of God was withdrawn from the United States due to the murders of Joseph Smith and James J. Strang, and the persecution and expulsion of the saints from their lands. This is why, they feel, it's currently difficult to proselytize, as "people just don't really care about religion" today. However, they anticipate a future time, before the next prophet comes, when God's spirit will go forth, and "hunters and fishers" will seek out the righteous and preach to the House of Israel, rejoining them to the covenant.

Strangite Mormon Beliefs on Polygamy, Baptism for the Dead & More (Gary Weber 3 of 6) Jul 15, 2025

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Gary Weber, a member of the Strangite Church, shared unique insights into their doctrines, including polygamy, baptism for the dead, and their distinctive interpretation of the "stick of Judah" prophecy. https://youtu.be/_e1Zm605gtE 0:00 Distinctive Stance on Polygamy The Strangite Church believes that polygamy is an eternal principle and can be acceptable to God if commanded by Him, primarily "to build up seed unto [His] name," not for lustful purposes. This aligns with the Book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon, which states one should have only one wife "unless I command you otherwise.” Historical figures like Abraham are cited as examples of righteous men who practiced it when commanded. Regarding their founder, James Strang, initially, he was against polygamy. However, he later embraced it, reportedly through inspiration from God on Beaver Island, allowing it as part of the "Book of the Law of the Lord.” It's notable that its practice was limited, with perhaps only five families out of thousands practicing it due to financial constraints and the crucial requirement that the wife must not object. Currently, the Strangite Church does not practice polygamy. This is primarily because they believe in keeping the laws of the land, and polygamy is against the law. They hold that God would not put people in a position to break the law and go to jail. Gary Weber noted that Joseph Smith also said, "We believe in keeping the laws of the land.” Furthermore, they believe that only a prophet can "usher in a dispensation for polygamy.” Interestingly, Gary mentioned that Joseph Smith allegedly cut off a Mr. Brown from the church for practicing and teaching polygamy three months before his death, suggesting an inconsistency in Joseph Smith's own stated position if he himself practiced it. 5:17 Baptism for the Dead Another unique doctrine discussed is baptism for the dead, which the Strangites believe requires a prophet to "usher in a dispensation" and obtain "the keys from Elijah.” They assert that both Joseph Smith and James A. Strang received these keys and therefore practiced it. The "Book of the Law of the Lord" includes a section on the doctrine of baptism for the dead, which is described as identical to the information Joseph Smith put out in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. A significant difference between the Strangite practice and that of the Utah Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is that the Strangites believe that the sex of the person does not matter; a woman could be baptized for her deceased father if he hadn't been baptized. In contrast, the Utah church generally practices that women baptize for women and men for men. However, the Strangite Church does not currently practice baptism for the dead. The reason, similar to polygamy, is the absence of a living prophet on the earth. 8:39 Waiting for the Prophet of the "Stick of Judah" The Strangite Church has a distinct eschatological belief tied to a prophecy in Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses his 12 sons. When speaking of Judah, it states, "the lawgiver shall not depart between the feet of Judah.” They interpret this to mean that after Joseph Smith, who they consider the prophet of the "stick of Ephraim," there was to be a prophet from the tribe of Judah who would "bring forth the book of the law.” This next prophet is expected to remain in the house of Judah, from the tribe of King David, and will take the gospel to the house of Israel. The Strangite Church is currently waiting for this prophet to come forth, as they believe there was meant to be an "indirect period of time" after James Strang, before the "house of Israel's dispensation to the Jews" began. 13:29 James Strang's Life & Beaver Island Community James Strang lived in the Voree/Burlington area, Wisconsin, from about 1842 until approximately 1849 or 1850. He then moved his community to Beaver Island around 1850, remaining there until 1856 when he was killed. Strang held significant authority on Beaver Island, serving as both mayor and "king" through his priesthood, though still under Michigan's jurisdiction. His leadership led to conflict with other islanders. Reasons for the animosity included: Prohibition on the sale of alcohol to both Indians and Saints on Beaver Island. Economic competition from the Strangites, who were selling timber from Beaver Island, taking trade away from other islanders on Lake Michigan. James Strang was shot on the pier in Beaver Island in 1856 and died a few weeks later at his parents' house in Voree. Despite having time, he chose not to call a successor, as it was not believed to be the appointed time for the next prophet to come forth. After his death, the Strangite community on Beaver Island scattered, with members returning to various family homes in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, notably establishing a significant branch in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. 18:52 Lost Temple and Church Leadership Today James Strang reportedly laid the cornerstone for a temple near the White River. However, the exact location of this temple site has since been lost over time, as it was eventually torn down “by the Gentiles.” The temple was never finished. While there have been claims about Strang organizing an "Order of the Illuminati" with Masonic influences, Gary Weber stated there's no definitive proof from Strang's own writings. Many early Mormons, including Joseph Smith and James Strang, were Masons. Many of the day had the objective to keep Catholic influence out of politics. Following James Strang's death, the Strangite Church faced a challenge in leadership succession. They believe that only a prophet, through revelation, can call an apostle, and that "the lesser cannot bless the greater or ordain the greater.” Consequently, as their original apostles died out, they could not "regenerate themselves" without a prophet. As such, the Strangite Church is now led by high priests and elders. In an interesting note on priesthood, the Strangite Church ordains women to an office within the Aaronic priesthood: Teacher. They believe that Emma Smith, Joseph Smith's wife, was the first teacher. However, women holding these offices cannot ordain or baptize. What are your thoughts?

Meet a Strangite Mormon (Gary Weber 2 of 6) Jul 10, 2025

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It’s always fun to talk to someone from the Strangite Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Based in Burlington, Wisconsin, this branch of the Latter-day Saint movement offers a distinctive perspective on the succession of Joseph Smith and the ongoing divine restoration. https://youtu.be/RUL8rF0hb4U Strangite Genesis in Voree The current headquarters of the Strangite Church is Burlington, Wisconsin. Interestingly, the area holds historical significance with multiple names. It was originally called Foxville. While today it's known as Burlington, a specific area on the west side of town where the Mormon settlement was located was called Voree by the early Strangites, a name associated with the significant "Voree record". James J. Strang led his followers to this location, believing God had instructed them to move from Nauvoo. James Strang was dispatched to the Burlington area by Joseph Smith, having been baptized and made an elder by Smith himself. Strang wrote back to Joseph Smith, suggesting Voree would be a "wonderful place for a gathering" due to its rich resources like fish, fresh water, great farmland, and good soil near the Great Lakes. Initially, Joseph Smith was hesitant, but after discussion with Hyrum Smith and a subsequent spiritual revelation, he concluded that Voree was indeed a good place for the Saints. James J. Strang: Joseph Smith's Chosen Successor? The Strangite Church believes that James J. Strang was divinely appointed as Joseph Smith's successor. This belief is rooted in two pivotal events: The Letter of Appointment: Joseph Smith penned a letter to James A. Strang, officially appointing him as his successor. This original letter is now preserved at Yale University in the Beineke Library, with copies available for members. The Angelic Ordination: On the very day Joseph Smith was assassinated, June 27, 1844, angels appeared to James J. Strang and ordained him a prophet. These were believed to be the same angels who ordained Joseph Smith – Peter, James, and John. Strang was aware of Joseph's death through this angelic visitation even before news arrived from Nauvoo. Furthermore, it's believed that Jesus also anointed Strang as the King of Israel for the gentile dispensation, an ordination attributed to his lineage from the royal line of King David. Sacred Texts and Prophetic Interpretations The Strangite Church embraces a unique canon of scripture beyond what is common in other Latter-day Saint traditions: The Voree Plates: These ancient plates were revealed to James Strang through a vision from the angel Moroni, known as the Hill of Promise. Strang gathered leading citizens to witness their excavation from beneath a tree, about four feet down, where roots had grown around them. The plates, housed in an earthen case, crumbled upon exposure to air due to their age. Witnesses, including a newspaper reporter from Kenosha, confirmed the ancient nature of the record and that the site had been undisturbed. Strang translated them using the Urim and Thummim given to him by the angel Moroni, much like Joseph Smith used the Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon. The Voree Plates provide a brief history of a people who were "no more" and, most notably, contained a pictorial drawing depicting the true structure of the priesthood, including the prophet lawgiver, two viceroys, twelve apostles, high priests, and seventies. These plates were translated around 1844. The Book of the Law: This significant text is believed to be the "stick of Judah" spoken of in Ezekiel 37. According to Strangite belief, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon (the stick of Ephraim), but was instructed not to touch the sealed record, which was the Book of the Law, meant for a future prophet. James J. Strang, being of the tribe of Judah with Jewish ancestry, translated the Book of the Law after receiving the plates of Laban from the angel Moroni. Parts of the book were translated from these plates using the Urim and Thummim, while other sections comprise articles written by Strang himself on various gospel topics. Unlike some other Latter-day Saints who identify the Bible as the stick of Judah, Strangites believe the Book of the Law fulfills this prophecy because it was written by a man of the tribe of Judah. Strang's background as a lawyer and legislator known for writing excellent laws in Michigan further aligns with his role as a "lawgiver". Other Accepted Texts: The Strangites also believe in the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, and the Book of Moses. For the Doctrine and Covenants, they adhere to the 1844 edition established by Joseph Smith. While they maintain good relations with the RLDS (Community of Christ) Church, they primarily use the Salt Lake City (LDS) 1974 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. Distinctive Beliefs and Relations with Other Latter-day Saints The Strangite Church identifies as "Mormons" and shares a similar church name with other Latter-day Saint groups. However, there are key distinctions: Interpretation of the "Stick of Judah": As noted, they believe the Book of the Law, translated by James Strang, is the "stick of Judah," not the Bible, which was written by many individuals from various tribes. Polygamy: While James Strang did practice polygamy, leading to some members leaving for the RLDS Church or Utah, the Strangites hold that polygamy can only be ushered in by a prophet through divine dispensation. They also believe God would not command something that would lead people to break the law and face imprisonment. Future Prophecy: They interpret Ezekiel 37 and Isaiah 11 to mean that a future prophet from the House of Judah, greater than Moses, will gather the Israelites from the four corners of the earth, including American Indians and the lost ten tribes, establishing a new dispensation. The Strangite Church, through its unique history, prophetic succession, and scriptural interpretations, offers a rich and distinctive chapter in the broader Latter-day Saint narrative. Are you familiar with them? Have you seen our other interviews with Bill Shepard, Vickie Speek, and Kyle Beshears on Strangites?

Remembering Lynne Whitesides Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

This is a re-broadcast of my 2023 interview with Lynne Whitesides. She passed away from pneumonia/leukemia on July 7, 2025. We miss her. Lynne Whitesides was the first person punished in the September Six. She shares her story of why she wasn't excommunicated, who was involved, and where she is on her spiritual journey. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/thV_CGqy3jY Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. First to Get Punished Interview GT 00:34 Welcome to Gospel Tangents. I'm so excited to have one of the original members of the September Six. Could you go ahead and tell us who you are and where we are? Lynne 00:45 I am Lynne Whitesides, and I was the first of the September Six. GT 00:49 Okay. Lynne 00:50 We are at the Utah Valley University in Provo. GT 00:56 Right, Orem, actually. Lynne 00:57 Are we in Provo? We're in Orem. GT 01:00 Well, very good. I've been doing this podcast for eight years now. And this is our first time talking. You're hard to track down. Lynne 01:11 I don't know. I'm glad to be here. GT 01:14 Well, thanks. Well, as we look back on this, can you talk about the events? I don't know how far back it goes. Does it go back to the 80s? Or was it just really concentrated in the early 90s, that led you into trouble with Church authorities? Lynne 01:30 Well, I can go back a little farther, even in my own [story.] But I don't know that we want to go there. I'll start with from when I moved from Chicago to Salt Lake City. And when I did that, my friend, Lorie Stromberg; do you know Lorie? GT 01:48 A little bit. We're Facebook friends. Lynne 01:50 Lorie said, "Why don't you volunteer for Sunstone?" And I had three little kids and my husband was doing his residency and he had gotten his residency here in Salt Lake. And I so I went down, and I volunteered to just be one of the people who helps at Sunstone. And at the end of that symposium, so that was '84, or something like that. GT 02:12 Okay. Lynne 02:13 Then, I think Marti Bradley had a talk with Elbert Peck and said, "We think Lynne should be the new chair of the symposium." So, they invited me to be the chair of the symposium for the next year, which I did. I mean, I did it for four years. So whatever the four years were. GT 02:30 So, you were the leader of Sunstone? Lynne 02:31 I was the chair of the symposium. Elbert was the editor and Daniel Rector was the publisher. And then there are [others.] At the time, her name was Marti Esplin and now her name is Marti Ashby now. She was an editor. There was a really cool crew that worked there, Connie Disney. GT 02:49 So, this is after Peggy Fletcher's Stack. Lynne 02:51 Yes, just right after when Elbert took over. And it was so much fun working with Elbert and Daniel. Because I had no idea how to pull a Symposium together. But Elbert, in particular, was so gracious and helpful and just kind of showed me the ropes. And by the time I was done [with] four years, I could run a symposium, so it was great. GT 03:16 Well, it sounds like Sunstone and correct me if I'm wrong. It seems like it used to be a magazine. And it seems like Peggy was trying to get people to write for the magazine. And she started the symposium and now the symposium is the whole thing. Lynne 03:31 Yeah. GT 03:31 There's not that many people that read the magazine anymore. Lynne 03:33 I don't even know. I don't follow the magazine anymore at all. I haven't been to the symposium for years, since 10 years after, and then this year. Because I have been invited to speak. But, those four years were really kind of heady because Peggy, that's what she was trying to do. And we were getting a lot of professors from BYU and the University of Utah, but also just all kinds of really interesting people. GT 04:01 Mark Hofmann would have been one of those people. Lynne 04:03 Yeah, that was the year before I took it over. GT 04:07 Okay. That was the year he had made a big discovery that he announced at Sunstone, wasn't it? Lynne 04:13 I believe it was either two or one year before, because Steve Christensen was part of Sunstone, at the time, too. And, and I had just met Steve. And then all that stuff happened with Hofmann. GT 04:29 Yeah, well, Steve was killed in '87, I believe.[1] Right? Lynne 04:32 Right. And by '87, I was doing the symposium. I was chairing the symposium, 1987-88-89. So four years. GT 04:38 Did you know Steve pretty well? Lynne 04:40 No, I was just getting to know him a little bit. And then that happened. Yeah. GT 04:43 That's terrible. It was a terrible thing. So you didn't really know Mark Hofmann, either. Lynne 04:47 No, not at all. I mean, I probably went to his talk or something. I had lived in Salt Lake. Then, I moved to Mexico for two years because my husband did two years of med school in Guadalajara, then went to Chicago for two years. And I had gone to Sunstone a bunch before then and then didn't during those four years, and that's when all that was going on. Then [we] moved from Chicago to Salt Lake City. And that's when I started working for them. So you see, I was in and out. GT 05:19 Okay. And so you led Sunstone from like, '85 to '89 or so? Lynne 05:26 Yeah, something like that. I wish I knew. I should have checked before I got here. But, yeah, I didn't lead Sunstone, but I chaired the symposium. GT 05:34 Okay. Because you were the Lindsay Hansen Park of the day, then. Right? Lynne 05:39 I think so. But working so closely with Elbert and Dan was super. I mean, they had so much input. GT 05:51 Dan Wotherspoon. Lynne 05:52 No, Dan Rector. GT 05:54 Oh, Dan Rector. Lynne 05:54 Dan Rector knew a lot of people because of his dad, Hartmon Rector. He was the publisher, at the time. GT 06:02 He [Hartman] was a former general authority. Lynne 06:03 Yeah. Well, Hartman was [a general authority] at the time. GT 06:06 Oh at the time? Lynne 06:06 Yeah. And then Dan knew a lot of [people.] He knew Paul Dunn. He actually knew what was going on with Paul Dunn and he confronted Paul Dunn. GT 06:17 Oh. Lynne 06:18 That was an interesting story if you want to hear it. GT 06:20 We haven't gone into the Paul Dunn story. Lynne 06:21 Yeah, we don't need to. GT 06:22 This is great. We do tangents here. Lynne 06:24 But we can. GT 06:26 Give them a little taste of Paul Dunn. I really want to get Lynn Packer, because he's written a book on Paul Dunn. Lynne 06:30 Oh, okay. So [here is] what happened. I think Lynn was part of this. I don't know how much I knew Lynn. But I knew of him because we were doing all this stuff. So, we had begun to understand (Daniel in particular) that a lot of the stories Paul Dunn was telling were not true. GT 06:47 And Paul Dunn was a former general authority. Lynne 06:48 Yeah, he was a general authority. And he was the folksy general authority that everybody loved. GT 06:52 He was a wonderful speaker. Lynne 06:54 {He had] great stories. He talked about being in a foxhole and holding his best friend while he died. GT 07:01 And he was a minor league baseball player. Lynne 07:02 And he was a minor league baseball player. So we found out the name of his best friend who died. Daniel found him and said, "Do you know Paul Dunn?" And he said, "Yes." And he said, "Were you in a foxhole with him?" Lynne 07:14 And he said, "That never happened." GT 07:17 "And you're still alive." Lynne 07:18 Yeah, "You're still alive." And I remember the story. If I can remember it correctly. Dan was at the Church Office Building. He was in an elevator with Paul Dunn and said to Paul, "Look. We know this is going on." Paul was doing a lot of business bad stuff, too. But he said, "We know this is happening." Lynne 07:33 And Paul Dunn basically said, "Well, it was wasn't an actual story. It was a metaphor kind of thing." Lynne 07:39 And Dan was like, "Yeah, I don't think so." So, all of that was going on. I mean, it was an interesting time with Hofmann, and then Packer, I mean, Dunn. And then, Packer being so angry and mean and going after anybody that didn't agree with him. GT 07:55 Boyd Packer. Lynne 07:56 Yeah. Boyd. GT 07:56 Yeah. I think Lynn Packer and Boyd [are related.] Boyd is Lynn's uncle, I believe. Lynne 08:01 I think so, too. Yeah. So, all that was going on. And I remember Dan would keep trying to get Paul Dunn a chance. "Look. Why don't you come clean? And then we won't have to do this." But he didn't. And then I can't remember who broke the story. It might have been Sunstone. But it was so long ago. GT 08:19 It was probably Lynn Packer. Lynne 08:20 But he was talking to us. There was some kind of connection. And it came out. But Dan tried to give Paul an opportunity to come clean. Yeah. And then they made him emeritus instead of doing anything else. GT 08:34 They retired him. Lynne 08:35 Yeah, they retired him. You'd lied. Go away. GT 08:40 Wow, you had quite the experiences there with Sunstone. Lynne 08:43 Oh, it's really [great.] It was really fun and exciting. I loved going to work. It was really great. Yeah. GT 08:50 Was that like a full time job for you? Lynne 08:52 It was full time, really, in the summer. But there was a lot of work before: preparation, getting papers, sending out the call, deciding which papers we wanted to do, and then doing all the stuff. Because at that time, we had maybe 1000 people coming, and we had several hundred concurrent sessions. I mean, it was a really interesting time because everyone wanted to be part of it. And then we would always bring in some sort of big name, outside of Mormonism,...

Historic Tour in Voree, Wisconsin (Gary Weber 1 of 5) Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Join us on a fascinating journey to Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin, to explore the unique history and beliefs of a Latter-day Saint group often referred to as the Strangites. This isn't the commonly known LDS Church; rather, it's a distinct branch founded by James Strang. He started a rival Mormon Church in Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin back in 1844 and the church still exists! We'll tour around the Trust Farm and see historic sites, including the Hill of Promise & the home where James Strang died. Gary Weber is a Strangite. He's our tour guide and we'll discuss their church and theology. You don't want to miss this conversation... https://youtu.be/uMh31ZwIZik Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Genesis of Strangism The Strangite Church, formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Strangite), was founded in 1844. James Strang, who had been sent on a mission to Wisconsin by Joseph Smith, claimed that an angel ordained him on June 27, 1844, the very day Joseph Smith died. This divine ordination, he asserted, made him the rightful successor to the church's leadership. Trip to Voree/Burlington The journey to this lesser-known Latter-day Saint community in Wisconsin involved a mix of trains, planes, and automobiles. Landing in Milwaukee, the trip continued towards Burlington, Wisconsin, where the Church is located. The group believes they are the original Mormon Church and refer to themselves as Mormons. The area around Burlington, known as Voree is the setting for much of Strangite history, especially concerning the "Voree record". The weather in Burlington on June 12th was surprisingly mild for summer, with a high of just 63 and low around 56 degrees Fahrenheit, a notable difference from Utah's typical June temperatures. Current Church Building and Surroundings The current Strangite church building, located on Spring Valley Road near what's called "Mormon Road," is smaller than I expected. According to Bill Shepard, a long-time resident & member, this building was constructed around 1965-1967 and marks the first time the Strangites have had a dedicated church building, as they were previously scattered. The lawn around the chapel is nicely manicured, and visitors are always welcome. Inside, or in their collections, the Strangites possess a wealth of historical documents, including 26 volumes of the Journal of Discourses, Times and Seasons, and Millennial Star. They also have Strang Manuscripts, which are copies of letters, and a publication called The Northern Islander, which was published at Beaver Island. Notably, the Strangites do use the Doctrine and Covenants. Sacred Hill of Promise One of the most significant sites for Strangites is the Hill of Promise. This is where James Strang is believed to have found his "Voree plates. The discovery was found under a small tree on the hill, under which Strang claimed a buried record lay. He gathered respected men from the town to witness the excavation, ensuring no prior disturbance of the soil. An angel reportedly appeared to Strang, revealing the record's location. Upon opening the stone casing, the ancient record crumbled due to exposure to air, a common occurrence with ancient artifacts according to Weber. Strang translated this record using the Urim and Thummim, which he said he received from the angel Moroni. The "Voree record" was a short account of a people named "Raja Ramor" who lived in the area and, similar to the Nephites on the Hill Cumorah, were largely destroyed in a great war. The record also depicted the priesthood structure, aligning precisely with the priesthood under Joseph Smith and James Strang, including prophet, viceroy, twelve apostles, and seventies. Beyond its historical significance, the Hill of Promise holds prophetic importance: James Strang's revelations indicate that Daniel from the Bible will someday appear on this hill to teach the saints and announce the imminent second coming of Christ. Meetings are sometimes held there to commemorate this. Key Locations and Figures in Voree The tour also covered several other historically rich locations: The Trust Farm: Much of the land in Voree, including several historic buildings, is part of the trust farm, which was started by Wingfield Watson. They currently rent out farmland for cattle grazing. ◦ The "Mormon House": An old building from the early 1800s, it was once home to a member of James Strang's church. ◦ Wingfield Watson's House: Wingfield Watson was a significant leader in the church after James Strang. He lived in Voree, went to Beaver Island, and returned after the saints were run off the island. Born in Ireland, Watson was converted to Mormonism by Parley P. Pratt's pamphlet, Voice of Warning, and later to Strangism by a Strangite elder. He lived a long life (1828-1922) and was a loyal disciple and stalwart leader who helped the scattered saints. His home is now occupied by David August's son. A memorial to Wingfield Watson stands outside an old church, erected in 1984 by the Wingfield Watson Trust. ◦ The Old Church House: An earlier church building from the early 1900s, still stands today. It was used from at least 1940 to around 1965, now serves as storage. Printing Press Building: This building housed the printing press for publications like The Gospel Herald, and now serves as storage. Another old building behind the church, It previously was used to print the Gospel Herald. ◦ The Stone Quarry: Located across the street from the trust farm, this quarry provided rock for many homes in Burlington that still stand, including James Strang's parents' house. The quarry is still actively mined. Voree Park: Also owned by the trust farm, this park features a pictorial representation of early church members and their homes, including the Moses Smith. White River: This river was a site for baptisms for the dead under Strang. It once had a large water wheel for grinding wheat and corn, though it's long gone now. The river was historically known as "White River" due to its heavy flow. Voree Temple Project: A grand temple was planned for Voree, with cornerstones laid across the river, but it never progressed much beyond the foundation. Some visuals have even depicted it as potentially larger than the Nauvoo Temple, though this is debated given it was never fully built. James Strang's Parents' House: This "original Stone Quarry house" is where James Strang was brought after being shot on Beaver Island. He lived there for three weeks before he died. He was initially buried in the Mormon Voree Cemetery on Mormon Road but later moved to the Burlington Cemetery. This is now a private residence, though a tour participant recounted staying in the room where Strang died. Challenges and Adaptations The Strangite Church faced a significant challenge when a treasurer absconded with tithing money. Because the church was not legally registered with the government, the bank account was in the treasurer's name, making recovery impossible. This incident prompted the church to obtain a charter and register as a legal entity to hold property, despite objections from some who felt it changed the church. However, registering with the government for legal recognition and property ownership was a common practice in church history. This tour offered an incredible glimpse into the enduring legacy of James Strang and the Strangite community in Wisconsin. There is clearly much more to learn about their theology and continued existence. Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission.

Temples, Travels, & Timely Insights! Jul 05, 2025

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I've visited some temples recently! "Gospel Tangents" recently hosted a surprise live session, a "late night unannounced edition," much to the delight of its "night owl" viewers. I shared a whirlwind of Temples, Travels, updates, upcoming content, and even some breaking news from various Restorationist traditions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw_a2PA5jAU Temples, Travels, & Timely Insights! I've been traveling extensively, leading to a "boatload of pictures" and a significant backlog of videos waiting to be edited. Despite the busy schedule, i'm eager to share my experiences: Community of Christ World Conference in Independence: Rick attended and captured his reactions to Stassi Cramm being ordained the new prophet. While there, he met a man from New Zealand (a "Kiwi") and expressed hope for interviews with people from the Temple Lot Church, including Tom from a fundamentalist group and potentially Stassi Cramm herself. Mormon History Association (MHA): This event also proved fruitful, including tours of LDS churches, such as an old one in Ogden and Joseph Soderberg's church where President Hinckley reportedly gained his testimony. Exploring the Strangites in Wisconsin: This trip was a major highlight. I stayed with Bill Shepard, a former guest, and toured various Strangite sites with Gary Weber and David Boice. ◦ A key stop was the Hill of Promise, which the Strangites consider akin to the Hill Cumorah. It's believed to be where James J. Strang found the Voree record, a "short record of the people of Raja Ramor." This record described a people similar to those in the Book of Mormon, with a priesthood structure mirroring Joseph and James's. The Hill of Promise also holds future significance, as Strangite revelations state that Daniel from the Bible will appear there to announce Christ's approaching second coming. ◦ I also visited the site of the unbuilt Strangite temple in Burlington, which was planned to be "quite significant" in size. ◦ Rick also drove by James Strang's house in Burlington, where Strang died three weeks after his assassination on the dock of Lake Michiga. ◦ A fascinating piece of news is that David Boice is moving to Utah at the end of July. Rick plans to visit Beaver Island (Strangite Island) in July or August, noting that while Gary Weber says there's "not a lot to see," one can rent a golf cart for getting around. He also mentioned Vicki Speek is working on a census of the island. ◦ For those unfamiliar, James J. Strang claimed an angelic ordination on the day Joseph Smith died (June 27, 1844). He translated the Voree plates and later the "plates of Laban" (published as the Book of the Law of the Lord). He settled in Burlington, then moved to Beaver Island, where he was crowned king and even served in the Michigan legislature. His efforts to stop Gentiles from selling liquor to Native Americans reportedly led to his assassination with the help of the U.S. Navy. Upcoming Trip to Calgary and Cardston, Alberta: Rick is flying to Calgary for his son's wedding. He plans to make a video about the Cardston Alberta Temple, which was the first international temple for the LDS Church. Some compare it to the Mesa Temple and notes its "pioneer feel" like the Manti Temple. The Cardston Temple's murals are darker, possibly due to varnish, and hopes for a refurbishment once a new temple opens in Lethbridge. Book Giveaways and Exciting New Releases The live session included a book giveaway for "Joseph Fielding Smith a Mormon Theologian," won by Mark Francis. Looking ahead, the channel is celebrating the release of John Turner's new book, "Joseph Smith The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," which launched in June on Amazon. (The contest is over now.) Rick gave away an autographed copy of this book. Potentially "Breaking News" from the Temple Lot Church I discovered some surprising news regarding the Temple Lot Church: they are "going to quit selling the Book of Commandments." I was "shocked" to learn that they might be preparing to de-canonize it, based on hints from Randy Sheldon. For context, the Book of Commandments was the precursor to the Doctrine and Covenants, originally intended for publication in 1833 but largely destroyed by a mob. It is incredibly rare and thus "even more expensive" than a first edition Book of Mormon. I want to express my gratitude to my viewers, particularly the "night owls" who joined the spontaneous live session. There will be many exciting videos in the pipeline, despite my ongoing travel and editing challenges.

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