The King Follett discourse or King Follett sermon, as it was prompted by the death of King Follett, a Nauvoo Latter-day Saint—has been hailed by historians both in and out of the Church as a landmark moment in Church history and “one of the truly remarkable sermons ever preached in America.” 1 Excerpts from it frequently appear in Church materials, and it remains popular among Church members, historians, and others researching Church history and Joseph Smith’s life.

Even for people who were aware of Joseph Smith’s earlier teachings on the premortal existence, divine nature, and exaltation, the King Follett discourse stood apart as the defining moment when those key concepts powerfully came to life as a meaningful component of LDS doctrine and thought.

As the church moved to Ohio great changes were in store; but here was where the Church really became a church, as revelations were given and doctrines solidified. This is also where the Law of Consecration was first given, and its precepts are still an integral part of the church today. Though details have changed, the basic idea of serving the needs of the members as a whole, and the needy in particular, has become one of the driving principles of the LDS Church.

The Shakers in North Union Ohio were the only church to have a revelation from Joseph Smith directed specifically at them. This as unique and not repeated again in the Doctrine and Covenants. However, it was a special circumstance, and it provided the Lord the opportunity to clarify and restate the importance of what are today some basic gospel fundamentals.