The 2013 Chappell Lecture Series, Great Lives, continues this week with America's "Modern Moses": Brigham Young.

On Thursday, Feb. 7, George Mason University's John Turner, author of "Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet," will discuss this leader of the Church of Latter-Day Saints. The successor to founder Joseph Smith, Young led Mormon followers in an exodus through the desert to what was considered the promised land: Utah, the center of this upstart American faith.

Controversies abound about this uniquely fascinating American pioneer leader, yet among his many accomplishments are the founding of Salt Lake City and his service as first territorial governor of Utah.

All lectures are open to the public free of charge and begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium at George Washington Hall. For further information, call the Events Information Line at 540/654-1065 or visit umw.edu/great lives.