Doctrine and Covenants 20–22

“The Rise of the Church of Christ”

The Prophet Joseph Smith’s work of translating the Book of Mormon was now complete. But the work of the Restoration had only just begun. It was clear from earlier revelations that in addition to restoring doctrine and priesthood authority, the Lord wanted to restore a formal organization—His Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 10:53; 18:5). So on April 6, 1830, more than 40 believers crowded into the Whitmer family’s log home in Fayette, New York, to witness the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Still, some people wonder, why is an organized Church necessary? The answer may be found, at least in part, in the revelations connected with that first Church meeting in 1830. Here, blessings are described that would not be possible if the true Church of Jesus Christ had not been “regularly organized and established” in the latter days (Doctrine and Covenants 20:1).

Peter Whitmer Home, by Al Rounds