A self-declared Messiah and leader of a schismatic Latter Day Saint sect, known for his extraordinary claims and tragic demise.
Arnold Potter, born on January 11, 1804, in Herkimer County, New York, was a significant figure in the history of the Latter Day Saint movement. His life journey from a devoted follower to a self-declared Messiah is a testament to the religious fervor and spiritual exploration that characterized 19th-century America.
Early Life and Conversion
At the young age of 19, Potter married Almira Smith, marking the beginning of his family life. By 1835, the Potters had relocated to Switzerland County, Indiana, where they would spend the next few years. It was during this period that Potter and his family encountered the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
On November 10, 1839, a significant event occurred in the Potter family’s spiritual journey. They were baptized by missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, officially joining the growing religious movement. In 1840, they made the decision to move to Nauvoo, Illinois, joining the main gathering of Latter Day Saints.
In Nauvoo, Potter’s dedication to the church was recognized and rewarded. He received the Melchizedek priesthood, a significant honor in the Latter Day Saint tradition. Moreover, Joseph Smith himself, the founder of the movement, ordained Potter as an elder.
As the Latter Day Saint movement faced persecution and sought new lands, Potter joined the Mormon pioneers in their trek to the Salt Lake Valley in 1848. By 1856, Potter had moved his family to San Bernardino, California, and later embarked on a missionary trip to Australia.
The Birth of “Potter Christ”
During his time in Australia, Potter claimed to have undergone a profound spiritual experience. He described it as a “purifying, quickening change,” in which his spiritual body, which he called “Christ,” entered into him. This experience led Potter to declare himself “Potter Christ, Son of the living God,” marking a significant departure from mainstream Latter Day Saint beliefs.
While in Australia, Potter wrote a book that he claimed was dictated to him by angels. He asserted that this book would serve as the basis for judgment at the Final Judgment, further solidifying his claim to divine authority.
Upon his return to California in October 1857, Potter began to gather followers around his new teachings. His charismatic personality and claims of divine revelation attracted a small but devoted group of believers.
Seeking to establish a permanent settlement for his flock, Potter led his followers to Saint Marys in northwest Mills County, Iowa. The choice of location was not random; Potter intended to settle near Independence, Missouri, a site of great significance in Latter Day Saint theology.
However, nature had other plans. In 1865, Saint Marys was devastated by flooding, forcing Potter and his followers to relocate once again. They found a new home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where Potter would spend the remainder of his life.
In Council Bluffs, Potter became a local curiosity. He was often seen wandering the streets dressed in a long white robe, a visual representation of his claimed divine status. Potter held enthusiastic prayer meetings that frequently culminated in what he described as new revelations from God.
Potter’s followers, though few, were deeply committed to his teachings. They adopted distinctive attire as a mark of their faith. Men wore black robes, while women eschewed conventional grooming practices, setting them apart from the broader community.
The Final Ascension
As Potter approached his later years, he made a dramatic announcement to his followers. In 1872, he declared that the time had come for his ascent into heaven. This proclamation set the stage for a tragic and spectacular end to Potter’s earthly journey.
Leading his disciples to the edge of the bluffs overlooking Council Bluffs, Potter prepared for his final act as the self-proclaimed Messiah. On April 2, 1872, in front of his gathered followers, Potter attempted to ascend to heaven by leaping off the bluff. Tragically, instead of ascending, Potter fell to his death. His devoted followers, shocked but still faithful, collected his body and buried it, marking the end of an extraordinary life and religious movement.
image via Owlcation
