The "Church of Christ" organized, Fayette township, NY, and "Articles and Covenants of the Church" revealed (D&C 20). [See April 6; Fayette, NY.] (1)
The Church organized in Fayette Township, New York. (2)
-- 1830 April 6
Joseph Smith Jr. and five others, in front of 56 people in attendance, formally organizes The Church of Jesus Christ in Fayette, New York. minutes Joseph Smith Jr. is ordained an elder, as is Oliver Cowdery. Joseph Smith Jr. is appointed as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator for the entire church. (3)
-- 1830, April 6
[Joseph Smith] Formally organizes the Church at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette (see D&C 20:1). At first the official name of the Church is the Church of Christ. On May 3, 1834, the name is changed to The Church of the Latter Day Saints. On April 26, 1838, the name is changed by revelation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 115:4). (4)
-- 6 Apr. 1830
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Smith organizes the "Church of Christ"; the traditional site is the Peter Whitmer Sr. home in Fayette township, but other evidence suggests Manchester as the site. Joseph Sr. and possibly Lucy are baptized on this date. (5)
-- April 6, 1830
[Revelations] Fayette, New York. Doctrine and Covenants 22. New and everlasting covenant. Non-Mormon baptisms not recognized.
William E. McLellin diary.
Church Archives manuscript dated April 16th 1830 followed by Joseph Smith's name.
Book of Commandments Book B (1833).
Book of Commandments 23.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 47.
Headings.
McLellin A commandment unto the church of Christ which was established in these last days in the year of our Lord 1830 on the fourth month and on the sixth day of the month which is called April,
BC, Book B A Commandment unto the Church of Christ, which was established in these last days A. D. 1830 on the fourth month & sixth day of the month which is called April.
BC 23 A Commandment unto the church of Christ, which was established in these last days, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty: Given in Fayette, New-York, April, 1830, in consequence of some desiring to unite with the church without re-baptism, who had previously been baptized.
1835 D&C 47 Revelation to the church of Christ, which was established in these last days, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty: Given April, 1830 in consequence of some desiring to unite with the church without re-baptism, who had previously been baptized.
1981 Doctrine and Covenants Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830. HC 1:79-80. This revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism. (6)
[Revelations] Manchester, New York. Doctrine and Covenants 21. A record to be kept; Joseph to be a seer, translator, prophet, apostle, and elder. Church to give heed to him and receive his word "as if from mine own mouth. " Oliver to ordain him first elder. Oliver an elder and first preacher.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 46 heading: Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. given April 6, 1830. (6)
[Revelations] Manchester, New York. Doctrine and Covenants 23. Oliver-watch pride, preach truth forever; Hyrum-exhort, strengthen the church forever because of family ; Samuel-exhort, strengthen church, not yet preach to the world ; Joseph-exhort, strengthen the church forever; Joseph Knight Sr. -pray in public, be baptized, exhort. (6)
Footnotes:
1 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
2 - http://scriptures.lds.org/chchrono/contents
3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
4 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
5 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
6 - http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
Clair Barrus
