The RLDS Church

This is the church my family was in. And this is a history of that church.

It originated from the LDS church, (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). They were named Mormons from the Book of Mormon, translated by Joseph Smith, who became the Church leader.

When Joseph Smith was killed in 1844, many men tried to lead the Church, with Brigham Young being the most successful. He led his followers across the Rocky Mountains and they settled on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. They became the most successful LDS church, by far.

Some rich farmers in Northern Illinois wanted their church back and formed the Reorganized LDS church (RLDS). They had some church buildings but needed a church leader. The obvious choice was Joseph Smith III, the oldest son of Joseph Smith, who was living in Nauvoo, Ill, that had been built by his father but then abandoned. But he was not interested at the time.

However, he was a married man with a family to care for, and no other employment opportunities. He accepted the appointment of the Church leadership, in 1860, along with his two brothers.

He concentrated on getting new members and was successful at this.

The Church headquarters moved to Lamoni Iowa, on land purchased by the farmers, and then to Independence, Mo also the home of President Truman.

After JS III died, it had poor leadership and eventually became the Community of Christ church in 2001.