Where It All Began

One of the highlights of our roadtrip this summer was stopping for a day in Palmyra, New York--a very special place for the Latter Day Saints.  Here is where Joseph Smith began the great work of translating the Book of Mormon and establishing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

For those of you who do not know the story here is short video:

and a longer more in depth one:

You can read more about Joseph Smith here.

Our first stop was the Hill Cumorah.  This is the place that records that he translated into the Book of Mormon were given to Joseph.

The monument was beautiful.

Then we visited the Smith family property.  It has been restored to match what it looked like at the time they lived there.

Can you believe that a family of 10 lived in this little home.

Here is the loft that Joseph shared with his brothers.

Interestingly, these woods have not been touched in 200 years since Joseph lived there.  The land was not always owned by the Smith family or the church but locals said no one ever had the heart to cut down the woods.  I am so glad. 

You can see the temple. 

This is the actual bigger family home they built after about 7 years on the land.

The home is restored with furnishing from that time period and according to journals etc. The original studs from Lucy's herb rack were still there.

The Pantry-

 

This was the actual tree the family planted when their oldest son Alvin died.

This is the barn--and I thought this was interesting...when they were restoring the farm and researching the barn (which was not longer standing) they found this one that belonged to Brigham Young's father John Young.  It was still in good condition and they were able to move it to the site.  Cool, huh?!

Behind the family home is the beautiful grove of trees where Joseph Smith went to pray.  

Next stop:

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this book of scripture--The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

The title page states that the Book of Mormon’s purpose is to convince all of us "that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations." It was written to help us develop a true knowledge of Jesus Christ and His mission on earth. The Book of Mormon reaffirms what we learn from the Bible, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to earth to help us overcome our sins. The people in the Book of Mormon, the Nephites and the Lamanites, recorded their testimonies of Jesus Christ. Many of the prophets who wrote the records that make up the Book of Mormon saw Christ personally, just as happened with the Apostle Paul, which he recorded in the Bible (see Acts 9:3-6).   

A modern day apostle of Jesus Christ sharing his thoughts on the Book of Mormon:

The Book of Mormon has truly changed my life.  I know with all my heart that it is true--it has been such a huge blessing in bringing me closer to God and his son Jesus Christ. It is the perfect companion to the Bible.  I would love to offer a  copy to anyone who is interested,

You can read it and find out for yourself.   

If you would like a free copy of my favorite book, email me at melandboys@gmail.com.

I have purchased a few to share and will get one in the mail right away---no matter where you live!  

My treat!