“And to sell our lands would amount to a denial of our faith, as that is the place where Zion of God shall stand.” — The Evening and Morning Star¹

In 1838, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and William W. Phelps were removed from their positions in the Missouri presidency by the high council due to charges of misconduct and the mishandling of church land.² Oliver Cowdery was also charged with selling sacred land, but was not removed from the First Presidency because he was not under the Missouri High Council’s jurisdiction.² Thomas B. Marsh and David W. Patten were appointed presidents pro tempore by the Zion high council and bishopric and John Whitmer and William W. Phelps were excommunicated for their actions.³ Joseph Smith praised Marsh and the high council for maintaining peace in Far West and addressing the dissent within the church.⁴

1. "An Appeal," The Evening and Morning Star, August 1834, 187, catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org

2. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 26, 300-302

3. “Pro Tempore Presidents of Church Appointed,” josephsmithpapers.org; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 26, 304-305

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 26, 304-305