 Upon arriving in the mission in 1855, Bringhurst dedicated himself fully to ensure the mission's success.In 1856, Nathaniel V. Jones was sent by Brigham Young to the mission to claim some of the missionaries to work in mines for the purpose of smelting ore. Bringhurst refused to allow Jones to take his missionaries and upon later return Jones informed Bringhurst that Brigham Young had denounced Bringhurst's status as president of the Las Vegas Mission and his membership in the Church.Bringhurst later regained good-standing with the Church and was appointed by Brigham Young as one of the founding trustees of Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University).