Brigham Young's Rise to Power: How the LDS Church Chose Its Second Leader After Joseph Smith

Explore the pivotal moments and competing claims that led to Brigham Young becoming the second leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after Joseph Smith's assassination.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 9, 2026

Branched from The Assassination of Joseph Smith: A Turning Point in Latter-day Saint History

Quick take

Joseph Smith's assassination created a leadership vacuum with no clear succession plan.
Two main claimants emerged: Sidney Rigdon (sole surviving First Presidency member) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, led by Brigham Young.
Brigham Young's powerful address and the 'Mantle of Joseph' experience swayed many members to sustain the Twelve.
This decision solidified the Quorum of the Twelve's authority and set the course for the main body of the Church to migrate west.

After the assassination of its founder, Joseph Smith, in June 1844, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faced an unprecedented leadership crisis. With no explicit, universally understood succession plan in place, various individuals and groups vied for control, leading to a critical period of debate and decision-making that ultimately saw Brigham Young, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, emerge as the Church's second prophet and leader.

The Immediate Leadership Vacuum

Joseph Smith's death left the young church in shock and disarray. While Smith had established a First Presidency (consisting of himself and two counselors) and a Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the precise mechanism for succession upon the death of the Church President was not clearly defined or universally understood by all members. The First Presidency was dissolved with Smith's death, leaving the Quorum of the Twelve as the highest functioning body with general church authority.

Contending Claims for Authority

Two primary claims to leadership quickly surfaced. Sidney Rigdon, who had served as Joseph Smith's First Counselor in the First Presidency, argued that he should serve as a "guardian" of the Church, having been called and anointed by Smith. He felt his prior association with the First Presidency gave him a unique claim. On the other hand, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, led by Brigham Young, asserted that Joseph Smith had bestowed upon them all the priesthood keys necessary to lead the Church. They believed the leadership should devolve to the collective body of the Twelve, who would then reorganize the First Presidency in due time.

The Pivotal August 8th Conference

The conflict came to a head at a special conference held in Nauvoo, Illinois, on August 8, 1844. Sidney Rigdon spoke first, presenting his case for guardianship. Later, Brigham Young addressed the Saints. During his powerful speech, many present testified to a miraculous event: they claimed to see Joseph Smith's countenance and hear his voice when Young spoke. This spiritual manifestation, often referred to as the "Mantle of Joseph," profoundly influenced the congregation, convincing many that Young was divinely appointed to lead.

Following Young's address, the Saints voted overwhelmingly to sustain the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as the presiding authority of the Church. This decision effectively rejected Rigdon's claim and solidified the Twelve's leadership.

The "Mantle of Joseph"

Many eyewitnesses at the August 8, 1844, conference reported that as Brigham Young spoke, his voice and appearance transformed, seeming to become that of Joseph Smith.
This spiritual experience was a powerful factor in convincing many members that Young was the divinely chosen successor, embodying Smith's prophetic spirit.
It served as a key moment of validation for the Quorum of the Twelve's claim to leadership.

Brigham Young's successful rise to power was a defining moment for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It not only resolved the immediate leadership crisis but also set the precedent for how presidential succession would operate in the future, establishing the Quorum of the Twelve's authority as the default presiding body in the absence of a First Presidency. This decision directly led to the main body of the Church migrating west under Young's direction, ultimately settling in the Salt Lake Valley and shaping the Church's trajectory into a global faith. It also clarified the theological understanding of priesthood keys and their transfer, which remains fundamental to LDS Church governance today.

Who were the main contenders for leadership after Joseph Smith's death?

The two primary claimants were Sidney Rigdon, who served as First Counselor in the First Presidency, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, led by Brigham Young.

What was the "Mantle of Joseph"?

The "Mantle of Joseph" refers to the spiritual experience reported by many members during Brigham Young's speech on August 8, 1844. They testified that Young's voice and appearance seemed to transform, taking on the likeness of Joseph Smith, which they interpreted as a divine sign of his rightful succession.

Did everyone accept Brigham Young as the new leader?

No, not everyone accepted Brigham Young. Sidney Rigdon and others formed their own separate movements, leading to various splinter groups within the broader Latter-day Saint tradition. The largest of these, the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), eventually recognized Joseph Smith III, Joseph Smith's son, as their leader.

How does succession work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today?

Today, when the President of the Church dies, the First Presidency is automatically dissolved. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as the senior body, then becomes the presiding authority. The senior apostle (the one with the longest continuous service in the Quorum) is typically sustained as the new President of the Church, who then reorganizes the First Presidency.

Sources

Bushman, Richard Lyman. *Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling*. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Arrington, Leonard J. and Bitton, Davis. *The Mormon Experience: A History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints*. Alfred A. Knopf, 1979.
Church History in the Fullness of Times Institute Manual. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2003.