Brigham Young Transfigured to Appear as Joseph Smith

During the early years following Joseph Smith's death in 1844, Brigham Young experienced a remarkable spiritual manifestation that strengthened the faith of the Saints and confirmed his divine calling as Joseph's successor. While standing before the Saints, Brigham Young's appearance was transfigured so that he took on the voice, manner, and countenance of Joseph Smith himself. Those who witnessed this event reported that they saw Joseph Smith standing before them, heard his distinctive voice, and witnessed his characteristic gestures and bearing. This transfiguration served as a powerful spiritual confirmation that Brigham Young, who had been ordained to lead the Church following Joseph's martyrdom, was indeed acting under divine authority and was the rightful successor to the Prophet. The experience strengthened the faith of those who witnessed it and provided assurance during a time of uncertainty following the loss of the foundational leader of the Restoration. This supernatural manifestation demonstrated God's willingness to intervene and confirm His servants through extraordinary spiritual means.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

The next day President Brigham Young arived in Nauvoo with some of the other apostles from a Mission to the Eastern States And Called a meet- ing and invited Sidney Rigdon to the Stand and in the presance of the assembled thousands of the Saints Said to Sidney Now if you have any thing to say you have the apertunity and you can take the stand[.] The occasion that I now refer to was a general meeting of the Latter-day Saints, soon after the return to Nauvoo of President Brigham Young and other members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, from their missions. The meeting had been called to order, and after the usual opening exercises President Brigham Young arose to address the assembly.