period in history when the majority of members of the Mormon Church resided in the slave state of Missouri. This thesis explains that the Church felt the need to project anti-black views to placate slaveholders. The Church was largely antislavery, and Missouri citizens were quick to notice the differences in the newly formed Church. A "Secret Constitution" was circulated through Jackson County in July of 1833 that accused the Saints of "tampering with our slaves and endeavoring to sow dissension and raise seditions amongst them"5. The members of the Church were eventually forced out of the county after violent Mob action. Several other historians have dismissed the so-called "Missouri thesis," arguing that the denial of priesthood came under the leadership of Brigham Young. A major fact that argues against the Missouri thesis was the record of the first African American priest; Elijah Abel has ordained an elder in the Melchizedek priesthood on March 3, 18366. It is believed that Abel was a close friend of the Prophet, Joseph Smith. He was able
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