BYU Studies Quarterly
Keywords
Mormon studies, Joseph Smith, Ohio, Missouri, United Firm
Abstract
The United Firm was a business management company established by Joseph Smith (founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) that oversaw both the Church's economic pursuits, such as maintaining properties, and some spiritual matters, such as publishing revelations and planning the city of Zion. Its board of managers essentially fulfilled roles later taken on by Church leaders when quorums were created. The term "United Firm" does not appear in the scriptures, and therefore the organization's role has been misunderstood and underestimated. One of Joseph Smith's pseudonyms for the United Firm was the United Order, but the United Order of Utah later started by Brigham Young functioned differently. This article sheds light on the enigmatic and vital role of Joseph Smith's United Firm in early LDS Church history.
Recommended Citation
Parkin, Max H.
(2007)
"Joseph Smith and the United Firm: The Growth and Decline of the Church's First Master Plan of Business and Finance, Ohio and Missouri, 1832-1834,"
BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 46:
Iss.
3, Article 1.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol46/iss3/1