The Beginnings of the Restoration

The Beginnings of the Restoration

When 14-year-old Joseph Smith walked into the woods near his home, he had deep questions he wanted to ask God. His questions would lead to the First Vision.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the First Vision—when Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph to answer his prayer. That event launched the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel, including God’s priesthood and the Lord’s true Church. The Restoration is one of the most important events to happen since the Savior Jesus Christ performed His Atonement. And that Restoration is still going on today!

1820

Early Spring, 1820

At age 14, Joseph is confused about which religion to join. He goes into the woods to pray, and in response, God the Father and Jesus Christ appear to him. They tell him that none of the churches are true.

1823

September 21, 1823

The angel Moroni appears to Joseph and tells him about the gold plates and the work Joseph is called to do.

1827

September 22, 1827

Joseph receives the gold plates from Moroni that he would later translate.

1829

May 15, 1829

John the Baptist confers the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Some time later, Peter, James, and John confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon them.

1830

March 26, 1830

After seven months of printing work, the Book of Mormon is made available to the public.

April 6, 1830

Jesus Christ’s Church is organized again upon the earth. Joseph Smith is sustained as prophet, seer, revelator, translator, and Apostle of Jesus Christ.

1836

March 27, 1836

The dedication of the Kirtland Temple in Ohio marks the first temple in this dispensation. Important priesthood keys were restored here.

1846

May 1, 1846

The Nauvoo Temple is dedicated. While it was under construction, Jospeh Smith received revelations about the functions of temples, including proxy baptisms, marriage for eternity, and the endowment ordinance.