Joseph's 1838 history identifies April 6, 1830 as the founding date of the Church of Christ.

Date
1838 - 1839
Type
Manuscript
Source
Joseph Smith, Jr.
LDS
Hearsay
Scribed Verbatim
Direct
Reference

Joseph Smith, History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834], 37, The Joseph Smith Papers website, accessed June 10, 2022

Scribe/Publisher
James Mulholland
People
Peter Whitmer, Sr., Joseph Smith, Jr.
Audience
N/A
Transcription

Whilst the Book of Mormon was in the hands of the printer, we still continued to bear testimony, and give information, as far as we had opportunity; and also made known to our brethren, that we had received commandment to organize the Church And accordingly we met together for that purpose, at the house of the above mentioned Mr Whitmer [Peter Whitmer Sr.] (being six in number) on Tuesday the sixth day of April, AD One thousand, eight hundred and thirty.

Having opened the meeting by solemn prayer to our Heavenly Father we proceeded, (according to previous commandment) to call on our brethren to know whether they accepted us as their teachers in the things of the Kingdom of God, and whether they were satisfied that we should proceed and be organized as a Church according to said commandment which we had received. To these they consented by an unanimous vote. I then laid my hands upon Oliver Cowdery and ordained him an Elder of the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” after which he ordained me also to the office of an Elder of said Church. We then took bread, blessed it, and brake it with them, also wine, blessed it, and drank it with them. We then laid our hands on each individual member of the Church present that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and be confirmed members of the Church of Christ. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us to a very great degree. Some prophesied, whilst we all praised the Lord and rejoiced exceedingly. Whilst yet together I received the following commandment.

Revelation to Joseph Smith Jr, Given at Fayette, Seneca Co N Y. April 6th 1830.

[Quotation of Doctrine and Covenants 21]

Citations in Mormonr Qnas
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