Alvin Smith Gravesite

Born in Vermont in 1798, Alvin Smith was the oldest surviving child of Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith and older brother of Joseph Smith Jr. Alvin played a major role in the family’s move from Vermont to Palmyra, New York, and was a firm believer in Joseph Smith’s heavenly manifestations. Alvin encouraged Joseph to remain faithful so that he could obtain the Book of Mormon. In November 1823, Alvin passed away at the age of 25. He was remembered as a kind and noble man.

Alvin’s death had a profound effect on Joseph Smith, Jr. who deeply loved his elder brother. In January 1836, while meeting with Elders on the third floor of the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith saw Alvin in the celestial kingdom in vision. “I marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in the kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins” Joseph Smith wrote (Doctrine and Covenants 136:6). In this revelation, the Lord taught that “All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 137:7). While this revelation offered comfort to Joseph that Alvin would be saved, it was unclear exactly how this would be accomplished. Joseph Smith continued to ponder and pray for additional insight which culminated in the revelation that all priesthood ordinances could be made available to the living and vicariously to the dead in holy temples.

Read about the vision Joseph Smith had of Alvin in Saints Volume 1, Chapter 21.

What to Expect

The Alvin Smith Gravesite is not an official Church historic site, but visitors are welcome to respectfully view the grave at this local cemetery.