People from Church History

William W. Phelps

William W. Phelps

• 1792–1872

• Editor of the Church’s first newspaper

• Wrote several hymns, including “The Spirit of God”

William W. Phelps was an early Church leader who, for a period of time, had a falling out with Joseph Smith. After William repented, Joseph enthusiastically welcomed him back to the Church. William later wrote the hymn “Praise to the Man” expressing his testimony of Joseph as a prophet of God.