The assertion Strang had no authority in the Priesthood of the Mormon Church is highly disputed.
Strang was an intelligent man who was a licensed as a lawyer. He did indeed join the Mormon Church in February 1844, and was sent by Joseph Smith in April 1844 to Wisconsin to enroll new converts and scout out a new location for Zion. Thus, he only spent about two months with Smith. But Strang was deeply admired and respected by Joseph.
Strang appeared in Nauvoo shortly after Smith was killed and presented a document (still existent in the Rare Documents section of the Yale University Library), apparently in Smith's own handwriting and bearing a Nauvoo postmark dated June 19, 1844 wherein Strang was declared the Designated Successor to Smith.
A number of distinguished Mormons were convinced the letter was genuine, including: John Whitmer, BoM Witness David Whitmer, BoM Witness Martin Harris, Hiram Page, John E. Page, William McLellin, William Smith (Joseph's only surviving brother), Emma Smith (Joseph's widow), the sisters of Joseph Smith, Lucy Mack Smith (Joseph's Mother), William Marks, George Miller, and an array of other scribes and family members.
Each of the above individuals rejected Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as successors to Joseph Smith, and in turn left the Utah Mormons in favor of Strang.
Brigham Young was excommunicated by a high council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints led by Strang on April 6, 1846.
You can read more about the interesting story of the Strangites HERE.
Yea and where are they today don't seem like the Lord supported their verdict!:)
Have you ever heard of BYU?