Succession Question for Theology/History Gurus

[Just_A_Guy]

Originally Posted by Snow

Originally there was no clear understanding how succession should work. There were various possibilities and claims on succession: Hyrum, who was the Patriarch and Assistant President likely would have taken over if he was not killed. Since both Joseph and Hyrum were gone, who would take charge was a mystery. Potential candidates were:

Samuel Smith
Joseph Smith III
Sidney Rigdon
William Marks, President of the Nauvoo High Council
Brigham Young as the President of the Twelve
The Quorum of the Anointed
The Council of Fifty
etc.

Had Brigham Young not been the President of the Twelve and the dominant personality in the Church at the time, it is quite possible that someone else, other than the presiding apostle would have succeed Joseph.

When Brigham Young died, clear succession still had not been figured out. John Taylor didn't become president until 3 years after Brigham Young's death.

This may interest you (it's an appendage of this post at By Common Consent, a follow-up to which just came out last week).

Wish I could remember where I read it, but my recollection is that after President Taylor died there was some concern that Wilford Woodruff might be too easily swayed by George Q. Cannon, whom some had accused (generally unfairly) of having usurped too much power within the Church. This concern was allegedly the biggest obstacle to President Woodruff's immediate succession.

[Snow]

Originally Posted by Just_A_Guy

This may interest you (it's an appendage of this post at By Common Consent, a follow-up to which just came out last week).

Wish I could remember where I read it, but my recollection is that after President Taylor died there was some concern that Wilford Woodruff might be too easily swayed by George Q. Cannon, whom some had accused (generally unfairly) of having usurped too much power within the Church. This concern was allegedly the biggest obstacle to President Woodruff's immediate succession.

Seems like a great source... thank you

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Elphaba

Wow, they get to use unleavened bread and fresh grape juice for their Eucharist.

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by Snow

Samuel Smith
Joseph Smith III
Sidney Rigdon
William Marks, President of the Nauvoo High Council
Brigham Young as the President of the Twelve
The Quorum of the Anointed
The Council of Fifty
etc.

Had Brigham Young not been the President of the Twelve and the dominant personality in the Church at the time, it is quite possible that someone else, other than the presiding apostle would have succeed Joseph.

So the dominant one (Alpha Mormon) assumed leadership. Is this where the LDS term one mighty and strong comes from? Was it used in this instance?

[Mason]

Originally Posted by Moksha

So the dominant one (Alpha Mormon) assumed leadership. Is this where the LDS term one mighty and strong comes from? Was it used in this instance?

Ervil LeBaron & clan claimed he was the One Mighty And Strong.

Other's claimed the OMAS is a Native American who will come forth in the last days to save the LDS Church. One of the independent Mormon Fundamentalists groups published a booklet on this. (Francis M Darter)

Art Bulla was the most recent individual claiming this title.

Course, then there are the skeptics like me who think they're totally full of baloney.