180 years ago today, June 27 1844, right around the time I am writing this – 5:00 PM, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered by a mob of armed and painted men while confined at Carthage Jail in Hancock County, Illinois. Climaxing over 24 years of persecution, their deaths sealed their testimonies, making them religious martyrs in ‘the land of the free’, ironically the one country in this world founded upon the tenet of religious freedom.
Inspired artists of all genres have lent their talent to portraying the life and mission as well as the death of these great men. Painters, sculptors, poets, educators, writers of books, songs and scripts, film and stage actors, musicians and singers, have brought their testimonies to life and tears to the eyes of those they speak to. This beautiful (new to me) image painted by artist Andrew Knaupp depicts the minutes leading up to the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum.
Pay particular attention to the two brothers in the middle, look closely. Note the brotherly love on their faces as they looked at each other for the last time in this life. Put yourself there. Did they know it? In seconds from that look, the world would change.
“Facing your own death,” said Knaupp “is one thing. Facing the death of your brother at the hand of a mob is another. …. I was trying to capture, as close as I could, what it might have actually looked like, …… so that it might transport the viewer to that moment. …. “. It transported me.
“I can’t think of someone better, that the Prophet would want to have been with in those final moments, than his brother Hyrum.” – Andrew Knaupp
This second image – painted by artist Liz Lemon Swindle, is aptly called OH MY POOR DEAR BROTHER HYRUM. Hyrum was shot first and died almost immediately. “In life they were not divided, and in death, they were not separated” said John Taylor who was witness to the martyrdom and the days prior to it – himself severely wounded. Of Joseph he said “He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people, and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood and so has his brother Hyrum.” (D&C 135:3)
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation, Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.
Praise to his memory, he died as a martyr; Honoured and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins, Plead unto heaven while the earth lauds his fame.
Great is his glory and endless his priesthood. Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom, Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven; Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice. Millions shall know “Brother Joseph” again.
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.
– William W. Phelps,
I love the Prophet Joseph, I have from the first day I learned about him. I felt a sureness of who and what he was from that early time that has never wavered. I am indebted to him for a lifetime of service and sacrifice that ultimately changed the world. He was a critical player in events leading up to the day in which I live, and is a core figure in the way I personally choose to worship Jesus Christ. I revere him and honour him as a prophet of God. And I love Hyrum Smith too, for the goodness of his heart and his unfailing support of his prophet brother from day one. He is an example to me of long suffering and unfailing, guileless charity and love.
I know that Jesus Christ lives and is intimately involved in the day to day happenings of this world. He loves us, and I love Him.
June 27 is a somber day of reflection for me.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Warmly,
Cindy Suelzle