Godbeites

The Godbeites were a schismatic group of the Latter-day Saint movement that formed in the late 1860s in Utah Territory. The movement was largely composed of disaffected members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who sought to reform the church's economic and political policies under the leadership of William S. Godbe, after whom the group was named.

The Godbeites, also known as the Godbeite movement or the New Movement, criticized the increasing economic control exerted by Brigham Young and the church over the lives of members in Utah. They advocated for greater economic diversification, including the development of mining and other industries beyond agriculture. They also desired increased political autonomy and greater engagement with the United States federal government.

Key figures besides William Godbe included Elias L.T. Harrison, Edward W. Tullidge, and Eli M. Kelsey. These individuals often held prominent positions within the existing church structure before breaking away to form the New Movement. The Godbeites published their views in newspapers such as Utah Magazine and Salt Lake Tribune, providing a platform for dissent and reform proposals.

Ultimately, the Godbeite movement failed to gain widespread support, and most members eventually either reconciled with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or drifted away from organized religion entirely. However, the Godbeite movement is significant in the history of Utah and the Latter-day Saint movement because it represented a significant challenge to Brigham Young's authority and offered alternative visions for the future of the territory.