Priesthood Restoration Baptismal Site

On May 15, 1829, an angel appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the woods near the Smith home. The angel “said that his name was John, the same who is called John the Baptist in the New Testament.” John conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph and Oliver, giving them the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins. John then instructed Joseph and Oliver to “go, and be baptized.” Joseph first baptized Oliver, and then Oliver baptized Joseph (Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72). Joseph Smith wrote of this experience: “Immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had been baptized, we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly Father...We were filled with the Holy Ghost, and rejoiced in the God of our salvation” (Joseph Smith—History 1:73).

Today, this section of the Susquehanna River provides a quiet place for visitors to contemplate the return of the priesthood and the ordinance of baptism in our day.

Read more about the restoration of the priesthood by John the Baptist and the baptisms of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in Saints Volume 1, Chapter 7.

360° Walkthrough

What to Expect

Visitors are welcome to walk around and enjoy the Susquehanna River and baptismal site.