“Here’s the twelve! An independent body, who have the keys of the priesthood, the keys of the kingdom to deliver to all the world.” — Brigham Young¹

After Joseph and Hyrum Smith’s deaths in June 1844, the Church faced a leadership crisis. Sidney Rigdon, who had served as Joseph’s counselor, returned to Nauvoo and presented himself as a “guardian” for the Church. However, the Saints were uncertain, as many believed leadership should fall to the Twelve Apostles. Other men, including William Smith and James J. Strang, also contended to lead the Church.^2,3

Brigham Young, leading the Twelve, returned to Nauvoo and spoke during a meeting on August 8, 1844. During this meeting, many Saints reported seeing Young take on the voice and appearance of Joseph Smith, an event later called his "transfiguration." The Saints overwhelmingly voted to sustain the Twelve Apostles as the leaders, with Brigham Young at the helm. Sidney Rigdon’s claim was rejected, and the Twelve led the Church until the First Presidency was reorganized in 1847.^4,5

Despite the majority of the Saints following the Twelve Apostles, some chose to follow other groups in the aftermath of the succession crisis. The groups include the Strangites, Cutlerites, and Bickertonites, all of which continue to have a number of followers.⁶

1. General Church Minutes, 8 August 1844, CR 100 318, Church History Library

2. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 4, 567

3. Apostle and Patriarch William Smith gives his reasons for opposing the leadership of Brigham Young and the rest of the Twelve, bhroberts.org

4. “Succession of Church Leadership,” churchofjesuschrist.org

5. Ronald W. Walker, “Six Days in August: Brigham Young and the Succession Crisis of 1844,” A Firm Foundation: Church Organization and Administration (Provo: Religious Studies Center)

6. List of Denominations in the Latter-day Saint Movement, Wikipedia