Ch. 43 He Was a Prophet of God: Contemporaries of J. Smith Testify of His Prophetic Mission

Eliza Roxy Snow Young, Lorenzo Hill Hatch, and Mary Alice Cannon Lambert were three of the contemporaries who testified of the prophet Joseph Smith.

Eliza R. S. Young was the second general president of the Relief Society, wrote hymns, and is buried in the Salt Lake Cemetary. She knew the prophet Joseph before crossing the plains to Utah. Of Joseph she said "In the cause of truth and righteousness--in all that would benefit his fellow man, his integrity was as firm as the pillars of Heaven. He knew that God had called him to the work, and all the powers of earth and hell combined, failed either to deter or divert him from his purpose." (played by Joann Nance)

Lorenzo Hill Hatch was a young man when he knew the Prophet Joseph. He lived in Nauvoo when he was 16, and was a builder. His original level, found in his home in Nauvoo, which has now been restored, was likely used on the Nauvoo temple. (The one Barbara Harvath brought to the lesson.) Lorenzo crossed the plains, was sent to settle Lehi, settled the 4 Corners area of the state. [He is the many great grandfather of Barbara Harvath, and the young man portraying him in the photo.]

Mary Alice Cannon Lambert emigrated to Nauvoo as a young girl from England. She first met the Prophet Joseph as she got off a river boat and landed in Nauvoo. "I knew him the instant my eyes rested upon him, and at that moment I received my testiony that he was a Prophet of God. . . . He was not pointed out to me. I knew him from all the other men, and, child that I was (I was only fourteen) I knew that I saw a Prophet of God."
Brigham Young (David Ingabretsen), the Second President of the Church: "I feel like shouting, hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom he gave keys and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth and sustain it. These keys are committed to this people, and we have power to continue the work that Joseph commenced."

Wilford Woodruff (Jim Gish) "President Joseph Smith Jr arose and addressed the congregation for teh term of three hours, clothed with teh power, spirit, and image of God. He unbosomed his mind and feelings in the house of his friends. He presented many things of vast importance to the minds of the elders of Israel. Oh, that they might be written upon our hearts as with an iron pen to remain forever that we might practice then in our lives [see Job 19:23-24]."

Our fabulous technical crew (holding the level that Lorenzo Hill Hatch used in Nauvoo).

Thanks Barbara and all of her participants for this wonderful readers for such a stirring presentation of the testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith.