Alpheus Cutler

Who was Alpheus Cutler?

Alpheus Cutler was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement who founded the Church of Jesus Christ in 1853. He had previously served in several church positions under Mormon founder Joseph Smith, Jr. as well as captain of Smith's personal bodyguard and "Master Builder and Workman on all God's Holy Houses." Following Smith's murder in June 1844, Cutler at first followed the Twelve Apostles under Brigham Young, but later left Young's church to start his own sect. Cutler claimed that his was the sole legitimate continuation of Joseph Smith's organization, and he served as its leader until his death.