Lost Sermons

The Lost Sermons series on history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org features excerpts from these recently transcribed sermons, punctuated to improve readability. The full transcriptions are made available to researchers via a link to the Church History Catalog website at the bottom of each sermon. Additional sermons will be made available regularly.

Lost Sermons Introduction and Explanation

The Lost Sermons series recaptures early teachings of Church leaders, publishing excerpts of sermons recorded by George D. Watt and others beginning in 1852.

Deciphering Shorthand

Watch this brief video to learn more about George Watt, shorthand, and the Lost Sermons project.

Brigham Young, September 1864

Extracts from sermons given by Brigham Young at various settlements in Utah during a trip south in 1864.

Milo Andrus, July 17, 1853

Includes his testimony of the First Vision.

Lorenzo Snow, April 4, 1866

Excerpts from an address Lorenzo Snow delivered April 4, 1866, in Salt Lake City, recorded by George D. Watt.

Parley P. Pratt, October 31, 1852

Excerpts from an address by Parley P. Pratt on October 31, 1852, in Salt Lake City, recorded by George D. Watt.

Brigham Young, October 6, 1867

Address and prayer of dedication at the first meeting held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, given by Brigham Young on October 6, 1867, in Salt Lake City, recorded by George D. Watt.

Erastus Snow, February 20, 1853

Excerpts from an address by Erastus Snow on February 20, 1853, in Salt Lake City, recorded by George D. Watt.

John Taylor, October 10, 1852

Shortly after his return from missionary labors in France, Germany, and Great Britain, John Taylor gave this sermon in the five-year-old city of Salt Lake. The sermon gives insight into the climate of the times and the sense of possibility Latter-day Saints felt as they began to create their own communities in the Rocky Mountain region.

John Taylor, October 30, 1859

Excerpts from two sermons delivered by John Taylor on October 30, 1859, in the Old Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, recorded by George D. Watt.

Brigham Young, September 23, 1852

Excerpts from an address given at the funeral of Mary Fielding Smith, September 23, 1852, at the home of Heber C. Kimball.

Wilford Woodruff, January 9, 1864

Address given by Wilford Woodruff on January 9, 1864, in Farmington, Utah, recorded by George D. Watt.

Orson Pratt, June 20, 1852

Excerpts from two sermons delivered by Orson Pratt on June 20, 1852, in the Old Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, recorded by George D. Watt

Heber C. Kimball, October 7, 1853

Excerpts from an address by Heber C. Kimball on October 7, 1853, in Salt Lake City, recorded by George D. Watt.

Joseph Smith’s First Journal

Joseph Smith began keeping a personal record a month before he turned 27. He kept his first journal only sporadically, but the little book opens a window into the Prophet’s personality.