Against the Christian Door

by Andrew Knaupp


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"Against the Christian" Door takes place in the upstairs bedroom of the Carthage Jail in Carthage, Illinois on June 27, 1844. Here the Prophet Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards were attacked by and angry mob of over 100 men. In their own words Willard Richards and John Taylor, the only survivors, describe the scene:

"While Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Mr. Taylor and myself, who were in the front chamber, closed the door of our room against the entry at the head of the stairs, and placed ourselves against it, there being no lock on the door, and no catch that was usable. The door is a common panel, and as soon as we heard the feet at the stairs head, a ball was sent through the door, which passed between us, and showed that our enemies were desperadoes, and we must change our position." (Willard Richards, Two Minutes in Jail, Times and Seasons, Aug. 1, 1844, 5:598-99.)

"I saw a number of men, with painted faces, coming around the corner of the jail, and aiming towards the stairs. The other brethren had seen the same, for, as I went to the door, I found Brother Hyrum Smith and Dr. Richards already leaning against it. They both pressed against the door with their shoulders to prevent its being opened, as the lock and latch were comparatively useless."( John Taylor, Witness to the Martyrdom, pg. 88-90.)

The door of the jailers bedroom was a Christian Door, which is an architectural term used to describe the design of the door itself. This design was created to be a reminder to a Christian of their beliefs through the symbols of the cross and the open Bible, which were represented by the negative shape between panels on the top of the door, and the panels themselves at the bottom. It is ironic that Christian men in the mob were shooting through a Christian Door to kill men who had devoted their lives to the cause of Christ, and who died as Christian martyrs."

The Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet had many opportunities to escape the mob at Carthage, but chose to remain instead. He stated "I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall be said of me­he was murdered in cold blood." D&C 135:4

He was the brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, a member of the First Presidency, and the Patriarch of the Church. Hyrum's brotherly dedication to Joseph and unwavering support of the Church led him down many roads of hardship and persecution with his brother, and finally led him down the road to Carthage, where he too would give his life. D&C 135:4

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, John Taylor later became President of the Church. John Taylor's life was threatened many times during the activities leading up to June 27, 1844, and would continue to be for many years following. He was shot four times at Carthage, but survived his injuries to be a living witness to the martyrdom.

A member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and secretary to the Prophet, Willard Richards told Joseph,"Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you­you did not ask me to come to Carthage with you­you did not ask me to come to jail with you­and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I will do; if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free."(Reed Blake, 24 Hours to Martyrdom, pg. 127.)

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