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Testimonies (Why I Believe)

William Mendenhall — Witnessing the Prophet's Return to Nauvoo

Published October 30, 2026 at 12:57 AM

1840s · 1842
Nauvoo, Illinois
William Mendenhall·Joseph Smith

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On August 29, 1842, William Mendenhall recorded in his diary the return of Joseph Smith to Nauvoo after a three-week absence due to legal threats and the need to go into hiding. Mendenhall noted the significance of the Prophet's reappearance at a special conference, where Joseph Smith addressed the Saints and prophesied regarding the success of those who would support his character on upcoming missions. This event was marked by an 'indescribable transport of good feeling' among the assembly, leading to 380 elders volunteering for missions.

In Their Own Words

“Their was a special conference held in Nauvoo and Joseph Smith made his appearance after 3 weeks absence — William Mendenhall Diary”

Sources & References

29 August 1842 (Monday Morning). Grove Near Temple | Religious Studies Center (https://rsc.byu.edu/words-joseph-smith/29-august-1842-monday-morning-grove-near-temple) (research confidence: high)

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Filed under

Testimonies (Why I Believe)1840sUSA

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Questions about this account

Who was involved in this account?
The account involves William Mendenhall, Joseph Smith. Each person named here also has a witness page collecting the other accounts involving them.
When did this account take place?
The account is set in 1842, in the 1840s.
Where did this account take place?
It took place in Nauvoo, Illinois.
What kind of miracle is this?
It is filed as a Testimonies (Why I Believe) account reported in USA.
Where does this account come from?
29 August 1842 (Monday Morning). The full source citation appears in the Sources section below, with links to the original where available.

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