“Sidney and Phebe Rigdon,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories (2024)
“Sidney and Phebe Rigdon,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories
October–November 1830
Sidney and Phebe Rigdon
Changing their lives to accept the gospel
Parley Pratt and others were going to share the gospel with Native Americans. On their way, Parley wanted to stop and visit his friend Sidney Rigdon. Sidney was a preacher who had taught Parley about Jesus Christ in the Bible. Now Parley wanted to teach Sidney about Jesus in the Book of Mormon.
Doctrine and Covenants 32; Saints, 1:99
Parley told Sidney about the Book of Mormon and invited him to read it. Sidney wasn’t sure, but because Parley was a friend, he promised he would.
Saints, 1:100
When Sidney read the Book of Mormon, he knew it came from God. He shared his feelings with his wife, Phebe.
Saints, 1:101
But Sidney wasn’t sure what to do next. If he got baptized, he would lose his job as a preacher in his church. How could he care for Phebe and their six children? How would the people in his church feel? He prayed to Heavenly Father for help, and he had a peaceful feeling.
Saints, 1:101; Doctrine and Covenants 19:23
Sidney asked Phebe if she was willing to give up their comfortable life and join this new church with him. “It is my desire to do the will of God,” she said, “come life or come death.” They decided to be baptized.
Saints, 1:101
Later, Sidney met the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Lord gave Sidney a message through Joseph. He said that He had seen the good things Sidney had done and heard his prayers. The Lord told Sidney He had a great work for him to do. Sidney would do great things.