Though this piece is titled 'History of the Church', George Q. Cannon says he might have called it a biography of Brigham Young, for that is essentially what it is. It begins by describing Brigham's family, and early experience with the Church, covering the period up to the Martyrdom in the first twelve parts. Following that, the part in Volume 6 describes the period while the Saints remained in Nauvoo, prior to departing for the West. Later sections of the History describe the removal of the Saints from Nauvoo (including the Battle of Nauvoo), Winter Quarters, and the crossing of the Plains. It also mentions the Twelve's mission to Britain.