Group:

Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite)

Life:

February 29, 1784 - August 10, 1864

Served:

1853 - 1864

Succeeded by:

Chauncey Whiting

About:

     Cutler was an early convert to the Joseph Smith, Jr.'s Church of Christ and a member of the high council at the time of Smith's death. He was also a member of the Council of Fifty and a member of the secret Quorum of Seven. Cutler was a mason and was instrumental in the construction of the Kirtland Temple and was the Chief Architect for the construction of the Nauvoo Temple.

     After Joseph Smith's death, Cutler served a mission to Indians. Cutler believed Smith had ordained him specifically to bring the gospel to the Indians. 

     Cutler is believed to have practiced polygamy, and is recorded as being sealed to seven wives; however, Cutlerites maintain that these records were drawn up by the LDS Church in an effort to discredit Cutler and his new church.

     Cutler believed that his membership in the Quorum of Seven gave him authority to reorganize the church after it had fallen into error.

Miscellaneous:

• Photo of Cutler's gravestone

Further Study/References:

• Jorgensen, Danny L. "The Old Fox: Alpheus Cutler." Differing Visions: Dissenters in Mormon History (Chicago: University of Illinois, 1994), p. 158-179.
• Shields, Steven L. Divergent Paths of the Restoration: A History of the Latter Day Saint Movement. 1982, p. 60-62.
• Wikipedia entry: "Alpheus Cutler"