April 1830

The Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized

A joyful Church meeting

The Book of Mormon was now printed, and God’s priesthood power was on the earth again. The Lord told Joseph Smith it was time to organize the Church of Jesus Christ.

Saints, 1:84

On April 6, 1830, about 40 women and men came to the Whitmer family’s home to organize the Church. The Lord had called Joseph and Oliver to lead His Church. Joseph and Oliver asked the people to raise their hands to show they sustained them as their leaders.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:1–3; Saints, 1:84

Next, Joseph and Oliver blessed the sacrament. They gave it to people to help them remember Jesus Christ. Joseph and Oliver then put their hands on the heads of people who had been baptized. They confirmed them members of the Church and gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79; Saints, 1:85

The Lord gave Joseph a message for the new Church. He told them to write down what happened in the Church. He said that Joseph Smith was His prophet. He promised Church members that if they followed the commandments He gave Joseph, He would bless them. The devil would not have power over them.

Doctrine and Covenants 21:1–6; Saints, 1:85

The people were so happy to have the Church of Jesus Christ! After the meeting, more people were baptized, including Joseph’s mother and father. When his father came out of the water, Joseph gave him a big hug. “I have lived to see my father baptized into the true church of Jesus Christ!” he said.

Saints, 1:86

Later that night, Joseph went to the woods to be alone. His heart was full of joy. It had been 10 years since he first saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. So much had happened since then. Joseph was very thankful he could help restore, or bring back, Jesus Christ’s Church!

Saints, 1:86