HISTORY OF THE SAINTS ~ THE CRUCIBLE OF WINTER QUARTERS

General Editors: Dennis C. Lyman, Brent Rogers & Glenn Rawson

Authors: Brent M. Rogers, Tiffany Taylor Bowles, Richard E. Bennett, Maurine Carr Ward & William G. Hartley

The history of Winter Quarters from 1846-1848 will be remembered for many things, for it was in so many ways the Valley Forge of the early Latter-day Saint experience. A sifting ground of faith, it was there on both banks of the Missouri River that so many hundreds of men, women and children suffered, died, and proved their lasting discipleship, while some fewer others opted for a new life elsewhere. At Winter Quarters, final plans and organizations for the trek west were clarified, culminating in their ultimate successful removal to the Salt Lake Valley. It was also a proving ground for adhering to developing doctrines, revelations, and practices. And it was at the Missouri that the Saints sustained a pattern of apostolic succession that continues to dictate Latter-day Saint ecclesiastical government to this day.

- Richard E. Bennett