A Deep-Dive Into the "Bickertonite" Movement (w/Josh Gehly) | Succession, Ep. 11

Following the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844, Sidney Rigdon, who had been Joseph’s 1st Counselor, made the claim to Church members in Nauvoo that he was the rightful successor to lead the Church as its guardian. After his falling out with the Twelve apostles, Sidney left Nauvoo and travelled to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania where he built up a church there separate and apart from the Church Brigham Young and the Twelve led to Utah. And, today, the only branch of the Restoration that claims its right of succession from Joseph Smith through Sidney Rigdon is The Church of Jesus Christ, also sometimes referred to as the “Bickertonites.” The Church of Jesus Christ is headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania and is the third largest branch of the Restoration movement today. On this episode of Church History Matters, Casey sits down with Josh Gehly, a friend and ordained Evangelist in The Church of Jesus Christ, to take a deep dive into the details of this movement.

This is the eleventh episode of our podcast series on succession in the presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For a full transcript of this episode, as well as show notes and additional resources, visit our website at https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/podcast-episode/a-deep-dive-into-the-bickertonite-movement-w-josh-gehly/

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Originally published October 1, 2024

DISCLAIMER: While we try very hard to be historically and doctrinally accurate in what we say on this podcast, please remember that all views expressed in this and every episode are our views alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Scripture Central or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

00:00 Introducing Josh Gehly
6:53 Basics of The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite)
10:30 William Bickerton and His Vision
14:52 The Schism and the Two Williams
18:39 Two Notable Events
21:36 Succession and Lay Ministry in The Church of Jesus Christ
29:12 Comparing “Bickertonite” and “Brighamite” Differences - Temples/Callings
33:40 Comparison - Baptism, Washing of Feet, and Other Ordinances
41:29 Comparison - Canon, Revelation, and The Book of Mormon
54:50 “Bickertonite” and “Brighamite” Similarities
56:37 - Josh Gehly's Faith Journey
1:04:01 - Next Episode Teaser and Outro