Introduction to Joseph Smith and the Early Denominations

Joseph Smith, the founder of what became known as the Latter Day Saint movement and, eventually, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church or simply as the Church), began his religious journey with the unique and divine direction he received. Before what would become known as Mormonism, Smith engaged in several spiritual experiences that led to the creation of churches and religious sects, many of which would later be seen as denominations of the larger LDS movement. In this article, we will explore the original denominations that Joseph Smith and his followers established and how these denominations influenced the development of what we now recognize as the LDS Church.

The Original Denominations and Joseph Smith's Role

Joseph Smith's journey to establish the LDS Church was not without its complications. He and his followers encountered various challenges, including the creation of different religious bodies under his leadership before the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These denominations were formed with divine revelations and the belief that the truth of God was being revealed to them.

The First Denomination: The Church of Christ

The earliest recognized denomination created by Joseph Smith was the Church of Christ, often referred to as the Peculiar People. This church was established on April 6, 1830, at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York. Smith led this group with a vision of restoring the true Christian church and bringing about a fresh wave of spiritual revival through divine inspiration. The Church of Christ was essentially the precursor to the various denominations that followed and eventually formed the basis for the LDS Church.

The Development of Other Denominations

After the establishment of the Church of Christ, Joseph Smith and his followers continued to experience revelations and spiritual manifestations, leading them to create additional denominations. One of these was the Church of Jesus Christ, which was established in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1831. This church was established in response to another set of revelations that Smith received, emphasizing further the divine authority under which the Church of Christ was operating.

Other Notable Denominations

Another notable denomination that emerged was the Church of the New Jerusalem, which was formed in 1832. This denomination was created as a result of Smith's vision to re-establish the kingdom of God in accordance with biblical prophecies. The church was named after the New Jerusalem described in the Book of Revelation, symbolizing the ultimate destination of the Church.

The Evolution and Consolidation of Denominations

As Joseph Smith and his followers continued to spread their messages, they encountered varying degrees of reception and resistance. Many men and women within the movement felt called to act under divine inspiration and create their own churches, seeing themselves as continuing the work of restoration. This led to the creation of several smaller sects that branched off from the original denominations.

Denominations by Apostates

One of the more well-known denominations that emerged from the original LDS churches was founded by William Welch, who left the Church of Christ in 1834 to form the Church of Christ with Liberty. Another notable figure was Benjamin Winchester, who established the Church of Christ with Preparation for the Second Advent in 1833. These denominations were created by individuals who felt that they had received further revelations or had been called by God to a different path.

The Later Development and Joint Restoration

Notably, these denominations often claimed to have independent access to divine revelations and the authority to restore church practices. They believed that through their own efforts, they were continuing the restoration of the true church as revealed to Joseph Smith. The idea of the joint restoration implied that these leaders were also sent by God to restore various aspects of the faith.

Public Perception and the Use of the Term "Mormonism"

It's important to note that the term "Mormonism" was not used by Joseph Smith and his followers to specifically identify their denomination. This term, "Mormonism," was actually a nickname given by their critics and detractors. The term was derived from the Book of Mormon, which was one of the key texts of Joseph Smith's revelations. The term "Mormon" was first used in the press and later adopted by some members of the movement as a badge of honor.

The Conclusion and Takeaways

In conclusion, while Joseph Smith initially created The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there were several other denominations and offshoots that emerged from his vision and the divine revelations he received. These denominations, created by both Smith himself and by men who apostatized from the church, played a significant role in shaping the early development of the LDS movement. Understanding these origins helps us appreciate the rich tapestry of religious history and the diverse paths that led to the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Keywords: Joseph Smith, Latter Day Saint movement, Mormonism