Francis Gladden Bishop Ordained a Seventy and Sent on Extensive Missions

Francis Gladden Bishop's zeal for the gospel was evident early in his membership. Baptized in July 1832, he began missionary work in 1833, preaching across New England. Though he faced ecclesiastical challenges in 1835 regarding his doctrine and his belief that he was one of the "two witnesses" of Revelation, he expressed repentance and was reordained. In February 1836, he was ordained a Seventy in Kirtland, Ohio. While the Twelve Apostles once retained his license, requesting he seek further instruction in Kirtland, Bishop later recalled they provided a letter of commendation, noting: "We would say to the friends of brother Bishop, that there is nothing against his moral character, for that is good, and that they should not loose confidence in him, but we thought that he had better go to Kirtland and get some instructions."