Joseph Freeman (Mormon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Freeman, Jr.
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| Born | July 24, 1952 (age 72) |
| Occupation | Religious leader, minister, author |
Joseph Freeman Jr. (born July 24, 1952) is a very important person in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was the first Black man to receive the priesthood and become an Elder in the Church. This happened after a special announcement in 1978. This announcement said that all worthy men in the Church could receive the priesthood, no matter their race.
Contents
Early Life and Faith
Joseph Freeman Jr. was born in Vanceboro, North Carolina. His parents were Rose Lee Smith and Joseph Freeman, Sr. His great-grandparents on his father's side, William and Ellen Freeman, were once slaves. They became free during the American Civil War.
When Joseph was ten, he joined the Holiness Church. This was the church his father's family had belonged to for many years. He dreamed of becoming a minister. After high school, he earned a license to be a lay minister in his church.
Joining the Military
In 1972, at age 19, Joseph joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Hawaii. While there, he started looking into other Christian churches. He met some members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He studied with missionaries from the Church for several months. He also read the Book of Mormon. Even though he knew that Black men could not hold the priesthood at that time, he decided to join. He was baptized on September 30, 1973.
Family Life
Before his baptism, Joseph met Toe Isapela Leituala. She was a Samoan member of the Church. They were married on June 15, 1974. In 1975, Joseph left the military. He and Toe eventually moved to Salt Lake City, Utah.
A Historic Day
On June 8, 1978, something very important happened. The leaders of the Church announced a special message from God. Spencer W. Kimball, who was the Church president, had received a revelation.
This revelation said that "every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood." This meant that men could now receive the priesthood "without regard for race or color." This was a huge change for the Church.
Receiving the Priesthood
Just two days later, on June 10, 1978, Joseph Freeman Jr. was approved to receive the priesthood. The very next day, June 11, 1978, he was ordained an Elder. His local church leader, Bishop Jay Harold Swain, performed the ordination.
Usually, men receive a lower priesthood first, called the Aaronic priesthood. Then, about a year later, they receive the Melchizedek priesthood. But because Joseph had been so faithful for many years, his leaders felt he was ready. He became the first Black man to be ordained an Elder after the revelation.
Temple Blessings
On July 23, 1978, Joseph Freeman Jr. and his wife, Toe, were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Their two sons, Alexander and Zechariah, were also sealed to them. This was another historic moment. Joseph was one of the first Black men to receive these special temple blessings. Thomas S. Monson, who later became the Church president, was there to perform the ceremony.
Later Life and Service
In 1986, Joseph Freeman moved to Denver, Colorado. He worked there for 15 years. He was in charge of maintaining the Church's Denver Colorado Temple. In 2001, he moved back to Salt Lake City.
Joseph also adopted his grandson, J.J. Freeman, in 1993. J.J. lived with him for seven years.
After returning to Salt Lake City, Joseph continued to serve in the Church. He served for a time as a bishop. In October 2020, he became a leader in his local area, serving in the presidency of the Salt Lake Granger North Stake.
See also
- Elijah Abel
- Black people and Mormonism
- Official Declaration 2
