Jason W. Briggs's prophecy that led to making RLDS. William Smith, brother of the prophet, regathered yet misled. In despair, Briggs fervently prayed until the Lord answered, "I will call upon the seed of Joseph Smith, and bring one forth, and he shall be mighty & strong".

(1/2) Jason Briggs basically founded the RLDS church. But, by the 1870's he reinterpreted its peculiar doctrines in a liberal direction such that his Salt Lake mission was little different from Protestants. See Launius's Pragmatic Prophet, p. 274-5

Enjoyed a happy moment in worship. The older RLDS Hymnal, used 1981-2013, had 'Fremont Zionic Center' stamped at bottom corner. Evidently, such centers were introduced by Ap. W. Tims to replace Independence MO. But San Jose valley was always a gathering point.

Lodges & Churches in a nutshell: By degree, they are the residue of the King's corporate body-- his ritual presence despite physical absence. In America the activities of corporate bodies would become particularly important w the salvaging sovereignty. She gets it in Logan's Awkward Rituals, pp.4-5

Wish these rituals were still known and understood! Rare footage showing how Americans could blend rituals of lodge and church-society together. Notice the hoodwink w evangelical love feast; testimonies and hymns w grips and signs. We dont know how to do this anymore
youtu.be/RjN2CG-VUvY?...

John Saltmarsh, 17th c. Commonwealth-man, defines historical 'Seekers' in _The Smoke in the Temple. Truly describes my own faith or skepticism.

'The Lodge is close enough to the Church'. It not only provided obvious insurance but ritual, chaplains, & mutual sympathy. Observation from The Down-town Church, a social institution in Transition (1922), pp 101-2, by Young.

Notice the NSGW initials on the old Odd Fellows Lodge in Alvarado, California, aka. the Armory. The two Orders depicted here have a close historical relation.

Did an interview w Rev. Rickman at Plainspoken about the dynamics of Wesleyan Class Meetings.
youtu.be/oYIOLGTUKu8?...

Nestorians on seven sacraments. Close to the Reformation Anglican idea but replace the West's matrimony & extreme unction w the East's sign of cross & holy leaven. See Badger's Nestorians and their Rituals (1852), pp. 150, 161.