We hopped back onto the bus after visiting Harmony in order to stop by
Fayette and the Whitmer farm. Joseph and Emma moved to Fayette at the recommendation
of Oliver, a friend to the Whitmer family. The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints was organized here on April 6, 1830. According to New
York law, there had to be between three and nine members in order to establish
a church. There were six present in the small Whitmer cabin: Joseph, Hyrum,
and Samuel Smith; Peter Whitmer Jr.; David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery.
There were over 50 people crammed inside the small cabin to witness the
event
The visitor’s center here is very informative. I can scarcely imagine what
it must’ve been like with fifty people inside for the organization of the
Church, but I’m grateful that it was organized. The surrounding area is
beautiful. I had no idea that there could be so many trees growing next
to each other, but they’re all over the place in New York. Conversely, in
Utah, it’s almost a treat to see a tree growing in the wild in the valleys.
Inside the visitor’s center is a really cool statue of Peter, James, and
John ascending back to heaven after conferring the Melchizedek priesthood
to Joseph and Oliver. It must’ve taken a lot of planning on the sculptor’s
part, for very little of the statue is actually touching the base. The pictures
showing the organization of the church in various time frames are wonderful.
"Sorry...I just thought with the captain issue in question, I'd throw
in my name for consideration."
Pintel