The organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830 was “established agreeable to the laws of our country”. For a long time, historians misunderstood the implications of this statement. Recent analysis by David Keith Stott, a practicing attorney in New York, significantly clarifies how the establishment of the Church was done in accordance with New York law and customs of the time.
Church History
More Church History Features
The Wilford Woodruff Papers: How a Detailed Personal Record Can Give Us Stunning Insights into the Restoration
From the day of his baptism on December 31, 1833 Wilford Woodruff kept a faithful record of “this Church and kingdom and the dealings of God with us.” His record provides a front row seat to the ongoing restoration of the principles and doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as the process of revelation that is integral to it. And now these records are becoming available to the public and you can be involved.
The Promise of a Prophet
Little did I know I was fulfilling a prophecy when I went to visit Ardella Knight.
Watching Joseph Smith Receive Revelation
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be in the room when the Prophet Joseph Smith received revelation or translated scripture? We have testimonies from those who were there.
What Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Had to Say About a Restoration of Ancient Religion
Many years ago, I was impressed by an article summarizing testimonies of various Prophets about the Prophet Joseph Smith as a restorer of truth. The cause that Joseph Smith was called to proclaim was not something he made up, nor was he the first to look forward to or see the need for a return of ancient truths. See what Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon had to say on the subject.
7 tips from historians for studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year
“One of the things that people find challenging in engaging with the Doctrine and Covenants a lot of the times is that it does not have a narrative,” said Lisa Olsen Tait, who is a Church historian. Tait joined fellow historians Matt McBride and Matthew Godfrey in sharing several ways and resources that can help those studying the Doctrine and Covenants.
Why Was Joseph Smith Accused of Being a “Disorderly Person” in 1826?
Why was Joseph accused? There are at least four reasons.