The Interpreter Foundation and Redbrick Filmworks continues to release a new episode of their not-for-profit series of mini-documentaries titled Becoming Brigham each Monday.
Over the past few weeks, they have released the following episodes:
Episode 23: “Brigham Young Was Sent Away From Leadership?”
Why is it significant that Brigham Young was already exercising authority to ordain Apostles and direct the Saints’ exodus before Joseph’s martyrdom—and what does that reveal about the foundation of Church leadership today? How did Joseph Smith’s experience in Liberty Jail transform him spiritually, and why do many historians call it both a prison and a temple? What specific leadership skills and experiences did Brigham Young gain while Joseph was in Liberty Jail that prepared him to lead the Church after the Prophet’s death?
This episode centers on Liberty Jail in Missouri, one of the most somber and pivotal places in early Church history. Following the Battle of Crooked River and Governor Lilburn Boggs’s infamous extermination order, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and others were imprisoned in Liberty Jail under horrific conditions. In this dark setting, Joseph poured out his heart in the famous plea, “O God, where art thou?” and received the powerful revelations now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants sections 121–123. The episode explores how Liberty Jail functioned not only as a prison but also as a kind of “temple,” where Joseph was spiritually tutored and refined through prolonged adversity. This also brought about Brigham Young’s emergence as a leader. The episode underscores how this difficult time prepared Brigham Young for his future role. Through personal reflection and historical context, our hosts explore how adversity refined both Joseph and Brigham.
Episode 24: “Who Didn’t Hate the Mormons?”
How did Brigham Young’s leadership during the Saints’ flight from Missouri reveal his character and prepare him for his later role as Church president? What does the kindness shown by the people of Quincy teach us about compassion in times of crisis, and how does it contrast with the persecution the Saints faced?
With the First Presidency imprisoned and much of the Quorum of the Twelve unavailable, Brigham Young emerges as the senior Apostle and de facto leader of the Church. He organizes the flight of the Saints across Missouri to Quincy, Illinois, while emphasizing a sacred covenant: no righteous member would be left behind, especially the poor. This episode explores the harsh conditions the Saints faced—freezing weather, violence from the Missouri militia, and the trauma of being driven from their homes under Governor Lilburn Boggs’ extermination order—while highlighting Brigham’s practical and compassionate leadership.
Episode 25: “Mobs to Mercies?”
How did Brigham Young’s leadership during the Missouri exodus demonstrate both practical organization and deep compassion? What does the kindness shown by the citizens of Quincy reveal about human goodness in times of crisis, and how did it impact the Saints’ faith? How did the experiences of the Saints fleeing Missouri shape the identity and resilience of the early Church?
With Joseph Smith and the First Presidency imprisoned in Liberty Jail, Brigham Young emerged as a key leader as he organized the flight across the frozen Mississippi River to Quincy, Illinois. This episode highlights the extreme hardships—frozen rivers, lost belongings, starvation, and the trauma of being driven from their homes—while featuring personal stories, including Emma Smith’s harrowing journey. A major theme of this episode is the remarkable kindness shown by the people of Quincy. Local citizens passed resolutions to provide aid, shelter, and employment, turning Quincy into a “city of refuge.” Stories of divine promptings and community support underscore themes of compassion, faith, and God’s mercy amid persecution.
Why this docuseries? Many people are aware of Brigham Young as a pivotal figure in American religious and frontier history, but Brigham is also often misunderstood, seen as a larger-than-life caricature rather than as a man. Who actually was Brigham as a man, a father, a husband, and a prophet? The video web series Becoming Brigham debunks fictions and provides surprising new insights into the real Brigham Young. Learn more in the article “Becoming Brigham: The Video Series Premieres.”