Church History Matters Podcast Episode 124 Summary: "D&C 51-54 CFM - Trying to Build Zion While Losing Everything"

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Hosts: Scott and Casey from Scripture Central

Introduction

In Episode 124 of the Church History Matters podcast, Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) sections 51 through 54, exploring the intricate balance between striving to build Zion and the tribulations faced by early Latter-day Saints. This episode sets the stage for the crescendo in section 57, which reveals the location of the New Jerusalem. Throughout their discussion, Scott and Casey unpack historical events, revelations, and personal stories that highlight both the challenges and divine guidance experienced by the Saints during this formative period.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 51: Organizing the Colesville Saints

Context and Background

Scott begins by emphasizing the significance of sections 51-54 as a culmination of earlier revelations that underscore the concept of building the New Jerusalem or Zion. He references the long-standing prophecy from the Book of Mormon about the remnant of Lehi and Gentiles uniting to establish Zion, igniting the imaginations of early church members from the very inception of the Book of Mormon's publication.

Key Topics and Discussions

• The Colesville Branch's Journey to Kirtland (00:40 - 04:17):

  • Casey outlines the logistical challenges faced by the Colesville branch, led by Newel Knight, as they traveled from New York to gather with Saints in Kirtland, Ohio.
  • Scott recounts the harsh voyage, highlighting Newel Knight’s admission: “Our voyage on the lake was very disagreeable. Nearly all the company was seasick. However, we arrived in safety at the place of our destination” (03:20).
  • This migration serves as the first structural test for the law of consecration under Bishop Edward Partridge.

• Revelation to Bishop Partridge (04:17 - 07:04):

  • Bishop Partridge seeks divine guidance on organizing the incoming Colesville Saints.
  • The Lord's revelation instructs Partridge to allocate resources “equally according to each family’s circumstances and needs” (05:50), emphasizing a tailored approach rather than a uniform distribution.

• Legal and Ethical Implications (07:52 - 10:09):

  • The revelation mandates formal documentation for consecrated portions, ensuring legal binding and preventing members who stray from reclaiming their donations (07:52).
  • Parallel drawn to modern-day legal disputes, Casey notes a recent lawsuit by former members seeking tithing refunds, illustrating the enduring relevance of these principles.

• Foundational Qualities for Zion (10:09 - 16:02):

  • Honesty emerges as the cornerstone for a covenant community, necessary for the law of consecration to function effectively.
  • Scott and Casey discuss the importance of integrity among both leaders and members, referencing the New Testament account of Ananias and Sapphira as a cautionary tale (09:30).
  • The narrative progresses to highlight the spiritual preparation and qualities required to build Zion, setting the stage for upcoming sections.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott: “Honesty is one of the bedrocks.” (10:09)
• Casey: “Consecration was meant to provide the means not only for survival but for flourishing among church members.” (13:32)

Doctrine and Covenants Section 52: The Missouri Mission Call

Historical Context (16:13 - 24:30):

• Casey sets the scene by referencing the prior revelation in Section 44, which calls for a grand conference of church elders in Kirtland, Ohio, in June 1831.
• The conference, attended by 62 participants, becomes a pivotal moment where several prophecies and spiritual manifestations occur, including visions and revelations from Joseph Smith and others.
• Notable spiritual disturbances during the conference are recounted, with Scott detailing instances where the devil attempted to disrupt the proceedings, only to be rebuked by Joseph Smith (18:19).

Key Topics and Discussions

• High Priesthood Ordinance (20:53 - 45:59):

  • The conference marks the first ordination of the high priesthood in this dispensation, a significant milestone in the priesthood's restoration.
  • Casey and Scott explore the complexities surrounding the term "high priesthood," clarifying that it represents a progressive restoration culminating in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
  • They reference Joseph Smith's meticulous work on his translation of the Bible, noting the connection between the high priesthood and scriptural passages about Melchizedek (45:23).

• Revelation for Missouri Mission (24:19 - 35:21):

  • The Lord commands 14 pairs of elders, including Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, to journey to Independence, Missouri, to preach and establish the New Jerusalem.
  • Scott highlights this as the first D&C revelation mentioning Missouri, foreshadowing the state's central role in church history.
  • Personal stories of missionaries like John Murdoch and Ezra Booth illustrate the varied outcomes of this demanding mission. While Murdoch's faith is unwavering despite hardships (22:39), Booth becomes disillusioned and apostatizes, leading anti-Mormon sentiments (30:05).

Notable Quotes:

• Casey: “The passage underscores both the divine promise and the impending challenges in Missouri.” (24:30)
• Scott: “This is the very first revelation we have in the Doctrine of Covenants that mentions Missouri.” (24:24)

Doctrine and Covenants Section 53: Calling Sidney Gilbert

Context and Background (52:40 - 53:17):

• The focus shifts to Sidney Gilbert, a recent convert and business partner of Newell K. Whitney, who co-owns a store that serves as a hub for church activities in Kirtland.
• Two days post-revelation, Sidney Gilbert requests his own revelation, which Scott and Casey explore in detail.

Key Topics and Discussions

• Sidney Gilbert’s Revelation (53:17 - 56:21):

  • The Lord commands Sidney Gilbert to forsake worldly attachments and accept his calling as an elder and agent for the church, supporting Bishop Partridge in financial and organizational matters.
  • This revelation marks the introduction of Sidney as an integral figure in establishing the church's temporal affairs in Zion.
  • Casey notes Sidney’s role in founding the Whitney and Gilbert store in Zion, emphasizing the church's foresight in addressing both spiritual and temporal needs (55:33).

• Implications and Future Consequences:

  • The store becomes a site of significant church activity but also a target for mob persecutions.
  • Sidney Gilbert’s legacy continues through his niece, Mary Elizabeth Rollins, who plays a pivotal role in preserving church revelations during persecutions (56:50).

Notable Quotes:

• Sidney Gilbert (as quoted in the transcript): “Will you give up some of the things that you love in this world for the things of the better?” (53:17)
• Casey: “The Lord is looking to the temporal well-being of the saints in Zion, knowing they're going to need a store.” (56:21)

Doctrine and Covenants Section 54: The First Test of the Law of Consecration

Context and Background (57:34 - 67:00):

• The Colesville Saints, led by Newell Knight, face their first significant challenge to the law of consecration when Leman Copley reneges on his agreement to support them on his farm in Thompson, Ohio.
• This breach forces the Saints into a precarious position, leading to further divine instruction.

Key Topics and Discussions

• Breach of Covenant by Leman Copley (60:23 - 62:40):

  • Leman Copley initially offers his farm to support the Colesville Saints but later evicts them, breaking their consecrated covenant.
  • Newell Knight receives a revelation urging the Saints to remain steadfast and prepare to flee to Missouri, highlighting the vulnerability of Zion-building efforts when individuals fail to honor their commitments (60:23).

• Divine Instruction and Leadership (62:40 - 67:00):

  • The Lord commands the Saints to appoint new leaders and flee to Missouri to continue their Zion-building mission.
  • Scott emphasizes the emotional turmoil and confusion faced by the Saints upon learning of Copley's betrayal, juxtaposed with Casey’s analysis of covenant vulnerabilities.
  • The journey to Missouri is depicted as both a physical relocation and a spiritual test, reinforcing the necessity for unwavering faith and commitment among church members.

Notable Quotes:

• Newell Knight: “This was the first branch of the church which had emigrated to the land of Zion.” (65:50)
• Casey: “This illustrates sometimes when someone breaks their covenants, it affects others too.” (65:40)
• Scott: “Breaking covenants breaks Zion.” (65:42)

Insights and Conclusions

Scott and Casey provide a comprehensive examination of D&C 51-54, illuminating the foundational efforts to establish Zion amidst significant internal and external challenges. The episode underscores the delicate balance between divine guidance and human agency, illustrating how the early Saints navigated betrayals, hardships, and spiritual tests in their quest to build a covenant community.

Key takeaways include:

• Flexibility and Structure in Consecration:

  • The law of consecration was designed to be both flexible and legally binding, ensuring resources were allocated fairly while respecting individual stewardship (07:04).

• Leadership and Integrity:

  • Strong, honest leadership was crucial for maintaining unity and effectively building Zion, as demonstrated by Bishop Partridge and Sidney Gilbert (10:09).

• Trials as Tests of Faith:

  • Events like Leman Copley’s betrayal and the subsequent revelations served as tests of faith, revealing the true commitment and resilience of the Saints (65:42).

• Divine Provision and Guidance:

  • Despite setbacks, divine revelations provided clear instructions and alternative paths, reinforcing that Zion-building was a divine mandate despite human imperfections (64:28).

Looking Ahead

Scott and Casey tease the continuation of their study in Episode 125, which will cover D&C sections 55 through 57. This forthcoming episode promises to culminate the current discussion by unveiling the location of the New Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in church history.

Notable Teasers:

• “This is section 57, the crescendo of this entire week's study. So stay tuned.” (66:00)
• “You’re not going to want to miss 57.” (67:00)

Final Thought:

Episode 124 of the Church History Matters podcast offers a deep dive into the early church's struggles and triumphs in establishing Zion. Through detailed discussion and poignant anecdotes, Scott and Casey illuminate the enduring legacy of these foundational events, providing valuable insights for both seasoned historians and new members seeking to understand the complexities of church history.

Footnotes: Timestamps refer to the transcript provided and are indicated within the sections above.