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LDS Church seeks to quell photo buzz

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why quell? | 12:25 a.m. March 20, 2008

The definition of "quell" is, "suppress" or "quiet." Why does the church have to seek to quiet and/or suppress people? Very strange and opressing to say the least Are they worried they'll have to reprint their pamphlets if this photo turns out to be Joseph Smith?

Praise to the Man | 1:06 a.m. March 20, 2008

I'm Mormon and very active. But this story is the dumbest thing I ever read.

Wilkey | 1:24 a.m. March 20, 2008

Whoever this person is, there is something strangely compelling about an individual staring out at you over so much time and space.

What was the motivation of the Community of Christ Church for acquiring the photo, I wonder.

Mike | 1:26 a.m. March 20, 2008

So, if the press release as quoted below is true, then whose death mask did I see at the Daughters of Utah Pioneer Museum years ago? The label on one said it was Hyrum's, the label on the other said it was Joseph's!

The release said the church "does not have or own this photograph or any image of Joseph Smith other than several early artists' portrayals of him and some early photographs of those portrayals. The church does have the death mask of Joseph Smith."

Eye Dee Ten Tee | 1:53 a.m. March 20, 2008

After reading the article, quell seems to be the word the reporter chose, not the church. All the church has said is they cannot confirm who is in the photograph. But if you see repression and secrecy under your bed every night, who am I to ruin your fun?
I can see why 53,000+ missionaries going from door to door throughout the world might be seen as being secretive.

Dan | 3:33 a.m. March 20, 2008

Better headline: LDS Church sheds light on mystery photograph.
In fact, this writer seems to me to be biased against the LDS Church. The Church isn't seeking to quell anything, but merely to state facts. The writer should not presume to infer their PURPOSE in doing so.

Kyle from AZ | 3:48 a.m. March 20, 2008

This is not Joseph in my opinion, it would be very cool if it was.

Hey Eye Dee Ten | 5:53 a.m. March 20, 2008

Do you know what sarcasm is? I believe the first commentor was using sarcasm to make fun of the reporter for using a dumb word that doesnt' make sense in that usage.

who am I to say.. | 6:35 a.m. March 20, 2008

I'm sure by the end of today this article will have alot of comments about this picture. Some will say it is some will say it isn't. But, I'm not going to say it is or isn't. It does say in his journal that he did have his photo taken. But, if this is the one I don't know.

story and headline | 6:38 a.m. March 20, 2008

People I agree that the story is meaningless, but writers and columnist dont write the headlines for the stories. Don't just attack the writer because of the headline that he didnt write.

Wonka | 6:51 a.m. March 20, 2008

Looks like Gene Wilder to me. But what do I know?

brent | 7:10 a.m. March 20, 2008

I already saw this picture some months ago and I personally believe it is authentic

Chris | 7:10 a.m. March 20, 2008

The church released this statement, because the Mormon gossip mill that runs through forwarded emails has started a rumor that the church is going to authenticate it, etc, etc. Gotta love that gossip mill and the people that forward their oftentimes ludicrous emails.

However the photo isn't of Joseph Smith. He's much too slight of built, hair too dark, and the expression on his face is that of the serial killer Jesse James. "Move on these aren't the droids you are looking for"

Get the Facts | 7:20 a.m. March 20, 2008

If you read the comments from the journals, of those that knew Joseph; you would know that this picture is not Joseph Smith. They say he was broad shoulder, long arms and legs, but small hands...
With just these few description of him you can see that this man is not the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Utah Saint | 7:44 a.m. March 20, 2008

What a dumb title for this article. Perhaps some more throrough reporting would be in order as well. Who has possession of the death mask (or at least claims to)? Maybe the reporter could have brought up the fact there have been other puported photos of Joseph Smith. Honestly, I would expect this kind of shallow reporting from Fox13, not the Deseret News.

Rico | 7:44 a.m. March 20, 2008

To why quell.
They can teach a person to read, but being able to understand apparently a little more difficult.
The article says nothing about qwelling people, it says the church seeks to qwell speculation that the church lends it's support to the authenticity of the photo.

Smith | 7:39 a.m. March 20, 2008

I know many Smiths and this picture does not look like a Smith.

Close, but no. | 7:47 a.m. March 20, 2008

This daguerreotype is a close match to the death mask, but the most correct representation I know of is a 19th century linen lithograph reproduction of an original daguerreotype owned by a man in Pleasant Grove. It shows both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young together. A known daguerreotype photographer lived with Joseph Smith for about the last six months of Joseph's life. Surely, there was one taken of the prophet. Keep looking, but it should match George's picture.

Rico | 7:50 a.m. March 20, 2008

I have to agree with brent. I too think the photo is authentic, I just don't think it's Joseph.

apr | 7:50 a.m. March 20, 2008

I don't think this is the prophet Joseph Smith. History accounts that he was very athletic and strong. Look at those shoulders in the photo, they are shoulders of someone who has little muscle mass. Just a thought.

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