Category: Latter-day Saint History

Wilford Woodruff played a pivotal role in shaping Latter-day Saint temple doctrine, guiding the development of ordinances and family-sealing practices that continue to define modern worship. Across decades of ministry, Wilford Woodruff navigated the transition from early adoption practices to multigenerational sealing, carefully recording revelations and experiences that reveal how temple work unfolded “line upon line.” His leadership in St. George and insights into redeeming the dead illustrate the evolving nature of temple practice in the 19th century. In this interview, Jennifer Mackley reflects on Woodruff’s contributions and the historical context that shaped his enduring influence.

Latter-day Saint rebaptism was practiced from the time of Joseph Smith until the 1910s. Members of the church would often be baptized multiple times, frequently to commemorate significant events or to recommit to a life of discipleship during the Mormon Reformation. In this interview, historians Jonathan Stapley and David Grua explain more about the unique practice.

Susa Young Gates divorced Alma Dunford several years after she was married at the age of 16. She admits being immature, and her lack of experience clashed with her husband’s alcoholism (which may have had underlying causes). In this interview, historian Lisa Olsen Tait explains that Susa’s divorce is more than a tabloid story because of how it contextualizes legal, social, and gender norms in pioneer Utah.