Sidney Rigdon did not return to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the events of 1844.
A prominent figure in the early days of the Latter-day Saint movement, Rigdon found himself at a crossroads following the death of Joseph Smith. Despite efforts by members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to include him and for him to accept their leadership, he ultimately chose a different path.
Key Events Leading to Sidney Rigdon's Separation
The period after Joseph Smith's death was a time of significant transition and leadership challenges for the nascent Church. Sidney Rigdon's decisions during this time led to his permanent separation.
- Rejection of Leadership: Sidney Rigdon refused to accept the leadership of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which was increasingly seen as the rightful governing body of the Church following the death of Joseph Smith.
- Excommunication: As a consequence of his refusal to accept their authority, Sidney Rigdon was excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September 1844.
- Establishment of an Independent Church: Following his excommunication, Rigdon departed Nauvoo and relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There, he proceeded to establish his own independent church organization, marking a definitive and lasting separation from the main body of the Latter-day Saint movement.
His decision to form a separate religious organization solidified his permanent departure and ensured he did not return to the Church.
