Six members become thousands. The Church is organised in a farmhouse in Fayette, missionaries go out within weeks, and converts gather first to Kirtland in Ohio and then to Jackson County in Missouri. A temple rises in Kirtland and is dedicated, and in the same decade the Saints are driven out of Jackson County by force.
1,629 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 2 of 9, covering 1831 to 1831. See the same material on the moving timeline.
Brigham meets with several of the Twelve. Dr. Isaac Galland's letter is read concerning a "half breed tract of land in Lee county, Iowa." Brigham advises them to purchase land there, "as we probably would move northward."
bringing a pretended revelation, entitled the "Book of Mormon." They came to the brethern of the reformation in Mentor, saluted them as brethern, and professed to rejoice at finding a people walking according to the scriptures of truth, and acknowledging no other guide. …
Church purchases three farms, including a parcel from Peter French that includes a brickyard. Frederick is appointed superintendent of the yard.
Clay county citizens meet with Mormon representatives
Clay County, Lyman Wight's home. Members of the new high council are ordained, replacing the bishopric as the presiding authority in Missouri. Joseph ordains David to be his successor should he fall. Joseph says his work is now complete.
Colesville church boards a steamer at Wellsville, Ohio.
Colesville Saints Arrived in Independence
Colesville Saints Left for Ithaca
Colesville Saints Left Ithaca for Buffalo
Committee of Edward Partridge, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Theodore Turley, Brigham Young, Isaac Morley, George W. Harris, John Murdock, and John M. Burke draft a petition to the state legislature detailing the Mormon side of the conflict.
Conference designates Heber C. Kimball to lead mission to England.
Conference is held in the home of nineteen-year-old Stephen Burnett where Burnett is ordained a High Priest by Oliver Cowdery. A few months later Burnett is appointed by revelation (D&C 75:35 and D&C 80:1) to two missions but later leaves the Church and denounces Joseph Smith. In 1838 an official church publication calls Burnett “an ignorant little blockhead.” Burnett stated that the "last pedestal" of support for belief in the church gave way when he "came to hear Martin Harris state in public that he never saw the plates with his natural eyes only in vision or imagination, neither Oliver Cowdery nor David Whitmer & that the eight witnesses never saw them & hesitated to sign that instrument for that reason, but were persuaded to do it."
Conference (Kaw township): Second coming, gathering, sacrifice; William E. McLellin ordained.
Conference (Newel Knight's house in Zion): Emily Coburn and Elizabeth Gilbert complain about the "teaching & Spirit which had actuated br Newel Knight for a length of time past." Both parties are reproved, Newel is prohibited from officiating as an elder "until he could see with the other Elders & be able to discover that he had a bad spirit."
Conference of high priests is unable to decide how to dispose of the French farm. D&C 96: Ahashdah [Newel K. Whitney] to take manage it; Zombre [John Johnson] is to be admitted to "the order," is promised eternal life, is ordained "and he shall seek diligently to take away incumbrances that are upon the house named among you, that he may dwell therein."
Cornerstone of the House of the Lord is laid in Kirtland.
Council approves article for the Evening and Morning Star endorsing Joseph's behavior on Zion's Camp. Sylvester Smith guilty is "disqualified" to act in his office until "a trial before the bishop assisted by twelve high priests can be had."
Court binds Dr. Philastus Hurlbut over under $200 bond to keep the peace for six months and pay nearly $112.59 in court costs.
D. P. Hurlbut visits Joseph and they discuss the Book of Mormon. "According to my best recollection, I heard him say, in the course of conversing with him, that if he ever became convinced that the book of Mormon was false, he would be the cause of my destruction, &c."
D&C 1 was revealed during the Hiram conference.
D&C 100 (Perrysburgh, New York): Sidney to be Joseph's spokesman.
D&C 106, 117, 118, 120, and an unpublished revelation are received in Far West.
D&C 107 was revealed at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 121–123: Prayer and prophecies
D&C 133 was revealed at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 22: All ordinances are done away, all must be baptized into the church.
D&C 24 (Harmony) Joseph to stop sinning, magnify his office; go to Colesville; branch there to support him or be cursed; calling to write what Comforter gives, expound scriptures, bless the churches; Oliver to declare the gospel; do not require miracles except casting out devils, healing the sick, power over serpents, etc; dust feet against those who reject you; no purse or scrip; prune the vineyard.
D&C 26 (Harmony): Joseph, Oliver, and John to devote their time to studying scriptures, preaching, and supporting the church at Colesville. All things to be done by common consent.
D&C 30: David Whitmer has not been diligent. Peter Whitmer Jr. to accompany Oliver on mission. Oliver is to build up the church among the Lamanites and only Joseph is above him in the church.
D&C 32 (Fayette): Parley P. Pratt (h) and Ziba Peterson to join Oliver's mission to the Lamanites.
D&C 39 was revealed to James Covel at Fayette, New York.
D&C 40 was revealed to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon.
D&C 41 was revealed at Kirtland, Ohio, calling Edward Partridge as bishop.
D&C 42 was revealed in two parts at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 43 and 44 were revealed at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 44 (Kirtland): Missionaries to return to Kirtland in June; Joseph and Sidney to visit the poor and minister to their needs.
D&C 45 was revealed to the Church at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 46 (Kirtland): Admit all to public meetings, all members to sacrament meetings, transgressors not to partake of sacrament, honest seekers to sacrament and confirmation meetings; gifts of the Spirit.
D&C 46, 47, and 48 were revealed at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 49 was revealed to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley.
D&C 50 was revealed at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 51 was revealed at Thompson, Ohio.
D&C 52 was revealed to Church elders at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 53 was revealed to Algernon Sidney Gilbert at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 54 was revealed to Newel Knight at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 55 to W. W. Phelps: called to be baptized, ordained, assist Oliver in printing, select and write school books, go to Missouri with Joseph, Sidney, and others.
D&C 55 was revealed to William W. Phelps at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 56 was revealed at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 57 was revealed in Jackson County, Missouri, designating Zion.
D&C 58 was revealed in Jackson County, Missouri.
D&C 59 was revealed in Jackson County, Missouri.
D&C 60 was revealed in Independence, Missouri.
D&C 61 was revealed on the Missouri River at McIlwaine's Bend.
D&C 62 (Chariton, Missouri) to John Murdock, Hyrum, Harvey Whitlock, and David Whitmer: Missions are not finished, but they may go to Zion, before returning to their labors. Joseph, Sidney, and Oliver continue overland journey to St. Louis, where they meet W. W. Phelps and Sidney Gilbert. Joseph, Sidney, and Oliver take the stage to Kirtland, while William and Sidney Gilbert took the steamboat down the Mississippi to the Ohio, then east on the Ohio to Wellsville, 90 miles southeast of Kirtland.
D&C 62 was revealed on the Missouri River at Chariton, Missouri.
D&C 63 was revealed at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 64 was revealed to Church elders at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 65 (Hiram): keys of the kingdom committed to men; gospel to roll forth as the stone cut out of the mountain without hands; Son of Man to return in glory; kingdom of God goes forth that the kingdom of heaven may come.
D&C 65 was revealed at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 66 was revealed at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 67 was revealed at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 68 (Hiram): inspired statements of missionaries are scripture, sealing power. First-born descendants of Aaron and bishops. Bishops and high priests tried only by the First Presidency. Parents' responsibility to teach and baptize children at 8.
D&C 68 was revealed at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 69 was revealed at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 70 was revealed at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 71 (Hiram): time to [stop work on Bible revisions and] proclaim the gospel, expound the mysteries, "confound your enemies [Ezra Booth]."
D&C 71 was revealed to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon at Hiram, Ohio.
D&C 72 was revealed at Kirtland, Ohio.
D&C 91 (Kirtland): Apocrypha contains many true things, mostly translated correctly, does not need to be translated.
D&C 95 (Kirtland): Dimensions of the house of the Lord. For the endowment of power, Sunday services, school of the prophets.
D&C 98 raise standard of peace, not revenge.
D&C Joseph and others flee Kirtland, arriving in Far West on March 14.
David H. Redfield returns to Far West and reports to the high council.
David Whitmer and Samuel H. Smith are appointed Literary firm agents.
David Whitmer arrives in Kirtland from Missouri.
David Whitmer baptizes Newel Knight (first of his family).
Dedication of Zion and Temple Site
Divine Origin of Book of Commandments Presented
Doctrine & Covenants Section 1 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the Lord’s 'Preface'
Doctrine & Covenants Section 133 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the original "Appendix"; Second Coming; missionary work
Doctrine & Covenants Section 38 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to equality; wars
Doctrine & Covenants Section 39 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to James Covill
Doctrine & Covenants Section 40 was given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in matters relating to concerning James Covill
Doctrine & Covenants Section 41 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the church; Edward Partridge called as bishop
Doctrine & Covenants Section 42 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to "the law" of the church
Doctrine & Covenants Section 43 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the Role of President of the Church; missionary work; forces of nature
Doctrine & Covenants Section 44 was given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in matters relating to Church conference called
Doctrine & Covenants Section 45 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Matthew chapter 24 explained; missionary work; Christ as advocate
Doctrine & Covenants Section 46 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to sacrament meeting, gifts of the Spirit
Doctrine & Covenants Section 47 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to John Whitmer to keep history of church
Doctrine & Covenants Section 48 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the purchase of lands
Doctrine & Covenants Section 49 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt and Leman Copley; Shakerbeliefs
Doctrine & Covenants Section 50 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Recognizing the Spirit
Doctrine & Covenants Section 51 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to property division
Doctrine & Covenants Section 52 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to sending elders to Missouri
Doctrine & Covenants Section 53 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Algernon Sidney Gilbert
Doctrine & Covenants Section 54 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Newel Knight
Doctrine & Covenants Section 55 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to W.W. Phelps
Doctrine & Covenants Section 56 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the rebellious; the rich and the poor
Doctrine & Covenants Section 57 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the location of Zion at Jackson County, Missouri
Doctrine & Covenants Section 58 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to tribulations; gather to Zion
Doctrine & Covenants Section 59 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the sabbath; reward for the righteous
Doctrine & Covenants Section 60 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to elders to travel to Cincinnati; missionary work
Doctrine & Covenants Section 61 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to the "destruction upon the waters"
Doctrine & Covenants Section 62 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to missionary work
Doctrine & Covenants Section 63 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to signs; mysteries; impending war and woe; gather to Zion; authority to use Lord's name
Doctrine & Covenants Section 64 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to forgiveness; financial debt; tithing; Zion to flourish
Doctrine & Covenants Section 65 was given to Joseph Smith (prayer) in matters relating to Prayer of Joseph Smith; keys of the kingdom
Doctrine & Covenants Section 66 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to William E. M’Lellin
Doctrine & Covenants Section 67 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to testimony of the Book of Commandments
Doctrine & Covenants Section 68 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson and William E. M’Lellin; ; bishops; parents
Doctrine & Covenants Section 69 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to Assignments for John Whitmer
Doctrine & Covenants Section 70 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to stewardship; equality
Doctrine & Covenants Section 71 was given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in matters relating to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon called to preach
Doctrine & Covenants Section 72 was given to Joseph Smith in matters relating to bishops
During a ceremony in Kaw Township, 12 miles west of Independence in Jackson County, Mo., Sidney Rigdon dedicated the Land of Zion for the gathering of the Saints. The next day, on Aug. 3, Joseph Smith dedicated a temple site at Independence, Mo.
Edmund Bosley is excommunicated for failing to raise $2,000 as promised.
Edward Partridge buys lot 76 in Independence for the print shop, paying $50.
Edward Partridge was named "bishop unto the Church." (See D&C 41.) This was the first revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio.
Elders quorum president Alvah Beman submits the names of seventy elders to be considered for ordination as seventies.
Eliza R. Snow resumes teaching school for young ladies and boards with the Smith family.
Emma replies to a letter from Joseph.
Evangelist Nancy Towle arrives in Kirtland and stays with Elizabeth Godkin Marsh for a few days while she investigates Mormonism. She interviews W. W. Phelps, Martin Harris, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith.
Ezra Booth, letter #3 published: Gift of tongues, Indian connection discarded. Visions once popular, now only for Joseph. Three Witnesses told what to say. Hidden treasures to benefit church.
Ezra Booth's Letters Published
Far West high council: presidents of high priests and elders must be ordained by a higher authority. Quorum presidents may ordain their counselors. Bishop takes charge of the Lesser Priesthood. Quorums to choose their presidents.
Far West high council adopts city plat, appoints five "wise men" to price and sell town lots, names construction committee for the House of the Lord with presidents of the stake to superintend and receive revelations for the building. Jacob Whitmer to serve as counselor until the return of President David Whitmer.
First "annual conference" is held. There are sixty-three elders, teachers and priests present. The Melchizedek priesthood and the office of high priest are conferred on previously ordained elders. Lyman Wight, the first ordained high priest, ordains Joseph Smith to that office. The general membership is not invited to annual conference until the Nauvoo period.
First day of the Kirtland temple dedication. Angels are seen in the solemn assembly.
First (second?) conference of the church, Fayette, New York. Articles and Covenants ratified. David Whitmer, John Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Ziba Peterson,Samuel H. Smith are ordained elders. Joseph Sr., Martin Harris, and Hyrum Smith are ordained priests.
Foundation for Zion Laid
Frederick G. Williams is excommunicated
Frederick G. Williams replaces Oliver as scribe for Joseph's history.
Frederick G. Williams returns from Cleveland and reports cholera epidemic. "After much consultation" Joseph, Oliver Cowdery, and Frederick agree that Frederick should return and administer to the sick .
Funeral of David W. Patten
Revelation directs the New York Saints to Ohio, where a congregation of converts is already waiting. Kirtland becomes headquarters for seven years.
General Clark addresses citizens of Far West, giving terms and conditions of their treatment. Far West prisoners start for Richmond.
George A. Smith and his second cousin, Lyman Smith, leave Kirtland on a mission to Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and New York, returning November 2. They hold about 80 meetings and baptize eight.
Heber C. Kimball urges Willard to come to England. After consulting with Hyrum, Joseph, Sidney, and Brigham, Willard agrees and is set apart.
High council grants Joseph and Sidney each 80 acres, annual salary of $1100 (quickly rescinded).
High Priest Office Instituted
High priests and elders in Kirtland meet in Joseph's home. The council organizes, then Joseph says, "I shall now endeavor to set forth before this council, the dignity of the office which has been conferred upon me by the ministering of the Angel of God, by his own will and by the voice of this Church."
However, about two days after, Mr. R. was persuaded to tempt God by asking this sign, which he knew to be contrary to his revealed will; he received a sign, and was convinced that Mormonism was true and divine. The Monday following he was baptised.
Hyrum and William E. McLellin, returning from Independence, reach Father Smith's in Kirtland.
Hyrum and William Smith baptizes 23 in Pennsylvania in three weeks.
Hyrum Smith and Amasa Lyman (h) brought into militia camp as prisoners. Court martial sentences prisoners to be shot, but General Doniphan refuses to carry out the order. Caldwell county militia (Mormon) surrenders arms to General Lucas. State militia plunders Far West. "About eighty" men taken prisoner.
Hyrum Smith and Orson Hyde write the bishopric of Zion (Edward Partridge, Isaac Morley, and John Corrill) objecting to their "accusing Brother Joseph in rather an indirect way of seeking after monarchial power and authority."
Hyrum Smith and Reynolds Cahoon are set apart as counselors to Bishop Whitney.
Hyrum Smith baptizes and confirms William E. McLellin.
I told Elder Cahoon, of the Temple committee, that we must sustain the Twelve, and not let them go down; if we do not, they must go down, for the burden is on them, and is coming on them heavier and heavier. If the Twelve go down, we must go down, and we must sustain them.
I was sensable, when you left Kirtland that the Lord would chasten you I am not at all astonished at what has happened to you neither to what has happened to Zion and I could tell all the whys & wherefores of all there calamities but alas it is in vain to warn and give precepts for all men are naturally disposed to walk in their own paths …
In 1831 there were 58 missionaries called to serve.
In June they are all to meet, and hold a kind of [jubilee] in this new 'land of promise,' where they are to work diverse miracles—among others that of raising the dead. It is said there are soon to be miraculous births among them, and the number it is expected, will [be] materially increased after the general meeting.
In Kirtland, Ohio, twins, a son and a daughter, later given the names Thaddeus and Louisa, are born to Joseph and Emma. They die within three hours. On the same day other twins , Joseph and Julia Murdock, are also born in Orange, Ohio and are adopted by Joseph and Emma nine days later. Joseph Murdock dies eleven months later.
In Monroe, Sidney Rigdon pays the Kirtland Safety Society $200 in Monroe bank notes for 1,000 shares of stock.
Independence Temple*
Independence, Jackson County, Mo., was designated the center place for Zion. (See D&C 57).
Isaac Morley and Ezra Booth leave Kirtland for Independence.
It was also agreed that, W. W. Phelps, John Whitmer and David Whitmer have 500 Books of Doctrine and Covenants, when bound and 500 hymn books, together with the subscription list for the "Messenger and Advocate," and "Northern Times" now due in Clay County, Mo. And that Messrs Phelps and J. Whitmer be released from the responsibility of all claims on them or either of them, as joint partners in thecouncil <Firm>." W. A. Cowdery, clerk.
James Mulholland begins writing for Joseph (begins the 1839 history, which includes text written in 1838).
Jared Carter writes in his diary: "there was one of our Sisters healed from blindness by his Joseph Smith's instrumentality,"
Jared Carter writes, "Brother Joseph notwithstanding he is not naturally talanted for a Speaker yet he was filled with the power of the holy Ghost." In 1833 Joseph Smith announces a revelation appointing Sidney Rigdon as his "spokesman."
John Corrill is excommunicated.
John Whitmer and W. W. Phelps and his son Waterman leave Missouri for Kirtland, arriving May 17.
John Whitmer Appointed to Keep Church Record
John Whitmer Commenced Writing History
John Whitmer was appointed to keep Church records and history.
John Whitmer's Arrival in Kirtland
Joseph and Emma Smith moved to John Johnson's farm in Hiram, Ohio.
Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Kirtland, Ohio.
Joseph and Emma's twins, Thadeus and Louisa, are born in the cabin but survive only 3 hours.
Joseph and Lyman Wight are arrested and freed on bail pending grand jury results.
Joseph and Oliver leave for conference in New Portage.
Joseph and Sidney write John Whitmer requesting the return of church documents still in his care, noting his "incompetency as a historion."
Joseph appoints Edward Partridge, Isaac Morley, John Corrill, and W. W. Phelps "wise men" to purchase land in Missouri for the Saints to occupy, and gives them funds for that purpose.
Joseph arrives at Far West and approves of the course the apostles and high council have taken.
Joseph attends the funeral of Polly Knight, wife of Joseph Knight Sr.
Joseph baptizes Edward Partridge in the Seneca River.
Joseph calls his family together, arranges his "domestick concerns," and "dismissed my boarders."
Joseph confers the Melchizedek priesthood for the first time. Although the office of Elder existed prior to this it was not considered an office of the Melchizedek priesthood.
Joseph confirms Orson Pratt and ordains him an elder. Orson proceeds to Colesville on his first mission.
Joseph is arrested
Joseph marries Hyrum and Mary Fielding.
Joseph meets with quorum of High Priests in the House of the Lord, anoints his counselors, then leaves them to anoint quorum members while he goes to Elders quorum, assists in anointing the quorum president's counselors, gives instructions and leaves them to perform anointings, then goes to quorum of the Seventy
Joseph meets with the Kirtland high council. Petition Missouri's governor to return the refugees. Raise volunteers ready to fight to the death. Organize a "war department."
Joseph ordains John Johnson an elder.
Joseph Smith and others traveled to Independence, Missouri, arriving July 14.
Joseph Smith casts devil out of Newel Knight (first miracle of the restoration).
Joseph Smith dedicated a temple site at Independence, Missouri.
Joseph Smith dedicated the city of Zion and temple site in Jackson County.
Joseph Smith departed Independence, arriving in Kirtland on August 27.
Preaches in Kirtland and Ravenna, Ohio, area to counter negative newspaper articles by Ezra Booth in the Ohio Star (see Doctrine and Covenants 71).
Joseph Smith presided over a conference in Orange Township, Ohio.
Joseph Smith presided over the first Missouri Church conference.
Joseph Smith Sr., William, Don Carlos, Jenkins Salisbury, William McClary, and Lewis Robbins, and families, and Sister Singly start for Missouri from Norton, Ohio.
Joseph Smith, Frederick G. Williams, Newel K. Whitney, Oliver Cowdery, John Johnson, and Orson Hyde pray that the Lord will send his angels to watch over them and their families, protect the lives of the members of the united order [United Firm], let Joseph prevail over Doctor P. Hurlbut in court, bless the bishop with means to discharge every debt of the order, deliver the printing press from the hands of evil men, deliver Zion and gather his scattered people, and "unveil his face, that his saints might behold his glory, and dwell with him. Amen."
Joseph speaks in tongues, opening two-day conference. Washing of feet instituted. Speaking, praying, singing in tongues throughout. Meal of the Lord's supper.
Joseph speaks on the "other Comforter."
Joseph Sr. and Lucy, "sorely afflicted in mind" by the difficulty between Joseph and William, call on Joseph. He persuades them that "I was not to blame" and invites them to move in with him. They agree.
Joseph tells visitor membership "in this branch" (Kirtland) is 1,500–2,000.