I saw this today, and I realize it is a few years past that it was published. Thank you for this article. I posted this, along with the article on FB.
An article found in the Meridian by Jack tells of the extreme sins and crimes of WW Phelps. I had not heard this story of WW Phelps before. I am a bit embarrassed to say such. We sing his awe inspired hymns prior to his fall. "The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning" and "Now Let Us Rejoice" were and are 2 of my favorites. Then, sadly, he faltered in a big way. After a number of years prodigal, he repented and pleaded for forgiveness. He was granted such from Heavenly Father, Christ, Joseph Smith, and the general Church membership. He visited Joseph in the morning of June 27, 1844 in Carthage and actually offered to take Joseph's place. WW Phelps puts to life the meaning of the words, .."asked if [he] for him would die..." It was not to be. Deeply moved and troubled at the events of The Martyrdom, WW Phelps penned a song of cadence, "Praise to the Man."
PeggyOctober 8, 2013
Thank you for another excellent article. I love reading your work. I knew most of brother Phelps history, but you provided more detail and I am grateful for the opportunity to read of the total forgiveness of everyone wronged by him. I pray we can all be as humble and forgiving.
Brett AllenAugust 13, 2013
Joseph and the members of that time responded with great humility and unbelievable forgiveness.
How was Phelps able to repent of murder? His actions and writings led to the murder of innocents and multiple rapes.
Marisa OatesAugust 12, 2013
XO
Mark DodsonAugust 12, 2013
All the best, Brad
LeonAugust 12, 2013
A wonderful, excellently written, article, but please could you provide sources throughout?
Paul W. SextonAugust 11, 2013
Many abstract nouns are evident in this relation: love, hatred, bitterness, guilt, pride, greed, treachery and others. The greatest noun, however, is forgiveness.
Atalie Van DamAugust 10, 2013
Thank you for publishing this story. I am amazed by the character and spirit of prophet Joseph. He endured so much, never bending under much scrutiny and hardship. Truly - praise to the man!
TimothyAugust 9, 2013
I've often seen the name "W.W. Phelps" in Church hymnals and associated with Church history. I was totally uninformed as to what Paul Harvey would call, "The rest of the story". Thank you for sharing the "rest of the story" with us. Fine article, well researched and thoughtfully presented.
DianeAugust 9, 2013
This was heartfelt and appreciated - great lesson on us ...prodigal sons and forgiveness. God continues to work with all of us- not giving up.
Rosalyn FarleyAugust 9, 2013
Although I was familiar with most of the history recounted in this article, I don't think I've ever heard it all together, from beginning to end. Thank you so much for this amazing article--so compelling. It leaves me with much to ponder, and the hymns by W.W. Phelps mean even more now knowing just when they were written. Thanks again.
DarcyAugust 8, 2013
Thank you so much for telling us about this. I have studied a lot of church history but I did not know the story of William W, Phelps. It is very moving.
Dallin WrigleyAugust 8, 2013
Thank you for sharing your talent in bringing to mind the history of W.W. Phelps. I had heard most of it before but it has never to my mind been as well said as in this article. Brother Phelps downfall I suppose was one of pride and a sense of entitlement. I had known of Joseph's forgiveness but didn't know all the saints had voted for his forgiveness as well. Would we be as forgiving today?
A modern parallel is the story of George P. Lee of the Seventy. I would wish you or someone with your talent would write about his fall and the aftermath. I knew Elder Lee while he was mission president among the Navajos. His was not the happy ending but we can learn from the story the pitfalls of pride and a feeling of entitlement.
Richard CrosbyAugust 8, 2013
Larry...I always love your articles, but this is one of the best! The added insights you shared have strengthened my testimony.
Thank You!
Clarissa FowlerAugust 7, 2013
I visited Haun's mill place and in 90 degree weather there was a spot I felt cold. I was told that others had the same feeling's and it was the spot where the well used to be.
TedAugust 7, 2013
Did anyone proof read this article? The church was organized April 6, not July 6. A few paragraphs later the word should be 'given', not 'give'. And the date for General Samuel Lucas should be 1838 not 1938.
SusanAugust 7, 2013
Amazing story. I had never heard all of this. Thank you for sharing it.
geri nortonAugust 7, 2013
I am serving with ,my husband in Kirtland and I really loved reading this article. The Prophet Joseph has indeed showed us a great example of love. Thank you for sharing!
JustinAugust 7, 2013
Larry, thank you for a wonderful article on the incredible forgiveness extended to W.W. Phelps by the prophet and members of the church.
I'm not sure I could have done the same, in all honesty. Surely, a lot of growth to do in myself to match the tender love and mercy of those saints.
Marcelyn ReiterAugust 7, 2013
Powerful! Absolutely unbelievable, in terms of the usual nature of man to be enticed into evil when he has been taught, and knows, better. Even more unbelievable to know that every one who was impacted in the most vile and barbaric way by Phelps' transgressions-- all unanimously voted to receive him among themselves again, in full fellowship, believing his repentance and turnaround to be genuine. I will ponder, and marvel, at this history for a long time-- and hope that I can also be strong enough, and loving enough, and faithful enough, to extend forgiveness if similarly called upon.
Sylvia GriffinAugust 7, 2013
Phelps published the hymn, but he didn't claim to write the words. Those words were found in Eliza R. Snow's handwriting among other poems she had written.
joyceAugust 7, 2013
I knew this history but not in so much detail. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, especially including the youtube link at the end. I really enjoyed reading this this morning
Stacey HawsAugust 7, 2013
When exactly was the church organized? According to this articles first paragraph that would be July 6, 1830?
Laura LynnAugust 7, 2013
Good story I didn't know on forgiving others.
Mary WilloughbyAugust 7, 2013
Loved the comprehensive story about the early Saints. Where can I learn more about the revelation Joseph received about Independence being the original place of The Garden of Eden. Also, on p. 7, was it 18 or 19 men and boys that were killed at Hauns Mill???
Looking forward to a response.
Mary Willoughby
EditorAugust 7, 2013
July 9th - 3 days after church organized? - s/b April 9th or 3 months - 1938? Maybe 1838 - suggest corrections are in order
Comments | Return to Story
Thalia Andrus TaylorMay 30, 2017
I saw this today, and I realize it is a few years past that it was published. Thank you for this article. I posted this, along with the article on FB. An article found in the Meridian by Jack tells of the extreme sins and crimes of WW Phelps. I had not heard this story of WW Phelps before. I am a bit embarrassed to say such. We sing his awe inspired hymns prior to his fall. "The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning" and "Now Let Us Rejoice" were and are 2 of my favorites. Then, sadly, he faltered in a big way. After a number of years prodigal, he repented and pleaded for forgiveness. He was granted such from Heavenly Father, Christ, Joseph Smith, and the general Church membership. He visited Joseph in the morning of June 27, 1844 in Carthage and actually offered to take Joseph's place. WW Phelps puts to life the meaning of the words, .."asked if [he] for him would die..." It was not to be. Deeply moved and troubled at the events of The Martyrdom, WW Phelps penned a song of cadence, "Praise to the Man."
PeggyOctober 8, 2013
Thank you for another excellent article. I love reading your work. I knew most of brother Phelps history, but you provided more detail and I am grateful for the opportunity to read of the total forgiveness of everyone wronged by him. I pray we can all be as humble and forgiving.
Brett AllenAugust 13, 2013
Joseph and the members of that time responded with great humility and unbelievable forgiveness. How was Phelps able to repent of murder? His actions and writings led to the murder of innocents and multiple rapes.
Marisa OatesAugust 12, 2013
XO
Mark DodsonAugust 12, 2013
All the best, Brad
LeonAugust 12, 2013
A wonderful, excellently written, article, but please could you provide sources throughout?
Paul W. SextonAugust 11, 2013
Many abstract nouns are evident in this relation: love, hatred, bitterness, guilt, pride, greed, treachery and others. The greatest noun, however, is forgiveness.
Atalie Van DamAugust 10, 2013
Thank you for publishing this story. I am amazed by the character and spirit of prophet Joseph. He endured so much, never bending under much scrutiny and hardship. Truly - praise to the man!
TimothyAugust 9, 2013
I've often seen the name "W.W. Phelps" in Church hymnals and associated with Church history. I was totally uninformed as to what Paul Harvey would call, "The rest of the story". Thank you for sharing the "rest of the story" with us. Fine article, well researched and thoughtfully presented.
DianeAugust 9, 2013
This was heartfelt and appreciated - great lesson on us ...prodigal sons and forgiveness. God continues to work with all of us- not giving up.
Rosalyn FarleyAugust 9, 2013
Although I was familiar with most of the history recounted in this article, I don't think I've ever heard it all together, from beginning to end. Thank you so much for this amazing article--so compelling. It leaves me with much to ponder, and the hymns by W.W. Phelps mean even more now knowing just when they were written. Thanks again.
DarcyAugust 8, 2013
Thank you so much for telling us about this. I have studied a lot of church history but I did not know the story of William W, Phelps. It is very moving.
Dallin WrigleyAugust 8, 2013
Thank you for sharing your talent in bringing to mind the history of W.W. Phelps. I had heard most of it before but it has never to my mind been as well said as in this article. Brother Phelps downfall I suppose was one of pride and a sense of entitlement. I had known of Joseph's forgiveness but didn't know all the saints had voted for his forgiveness as well. Would we be as forgiving today? A modern parallel is the story of George P. Lee of the Seventy. I would wish you or someone with your talent would write about his fall and the aftermath. I knew Elder Lee while he was mission president among the Navajos. His was not the happy ending but we can learn from the story the pitfalls of pride and a feeling of entitlement.
Richard CrosbyAugust 8, 2013
Larry...I always love your articles, but this is one of the best! The added insights you shared have strengthened my testimony. Thank You!
Clarissa FowlerAugust 7, 2013
I visited Haun's mill place and in 90 degree weather there was a spot I felt cold. I was told that others had the same feeling's and it was the spot where the well used to be.
TedAugust 7, 2013
Did anyone proof read this article? The church was organized April 6, not July 6. A few paragraphs later the word should be 'given', not 'give'. And the date for General Samuel Lucas should be 1838 not 1938.
SusanAugust 7, 2013
Amazing story. I had never heard all of this. Thank you for sharing it.
geri nortonAugust 7, 2013
I am serving with ,my husband in Kirtland and I really loved reading this article. The Prophet Joseph has indeed showed us a great example of love. Thank you for sharing!
JustinAugust 7, 2013
Larry, thank you for a wonderful article on the incredible forgiveness extended to W.W. Phelps by the prophet and members of the church. I'm not sure I could have done the same, in all honesty. Surely, a lot of growth to do in myself to match the tender love and mercy of those saints.
Marcelyn ReiterAugust 7, 2013
Powerful! Absolutely unbelievable, in terms of the usual nature of man to be enticed into evil when he has been taught, and knows, better. Even more unbelievable to know that every one who was impacted in the most vile and barbaric way by Phelps' transgressions-- all unanimously voted to receive him among themselves again, in full fellowship, believing his repentance and turnaround to be genuine. I will ponder, and marvel, at this history for a long time-- and hope that I can also be strong enough, and loving enough, and faithful enough, to extend forgiveness if similarly called upon.
Sylvia GriffinAugust 7, 2013
Phelps published the hymn, but he didn't claim to write the words. Those words were found in Eliza R. Snow's handwriting among other poems she had written.
joyceAugust 7, 2013
I knew this history but not in so much detail. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, especially including the youtube link at the end. I really enjoyed reading this this morning
Stacey HawsAugust 7, 2013
When exactly was the church organized? According to this articles first paragraph that would be July 6, 1830?
Laura LynnAugust 7, 2013
Good story I didn't know on forgiving others.
Mary WilloughbyAugust 7, 2013
Loved the comprehensive story about the early Saints. Where can I learn more about the revelation Joseph received about Independence being the original place of The Garden of Eden. Also, on p. 7, was it 18 or 19 men and boys that were killed at Hauns Mill??? Looking forward to a response. Mary Willoughby
EditorAugust 7, 2013
July 9th - 3 days after church organized? - s/b April 9th or 3 months - 1938? Maybe 1838 - suggest corrections are in order
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