Smith Family Log Home

Artist’s depiction of the Smith family log home in 1820 near Palmyra, New York, USA.

Smith Cabin, by Joseph Alleman

Joseph Smith Jr. was living with his family in a log home like this during a time of religious excitement and confusion. Seeking wisdom from God, Joseph went to a nearby grove of trees to pray for guidance. There, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him in answer to his prayer.

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

“… When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17).