Priesthood Restoration Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Priesthood Restoration Site |
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Monument depicting the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, erected at the site in 1960
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| Location | Oakland Township, Pennsylvania,  United States |
| Area | 157 acres (64 ha) |
| Elevation | 955 feet (291 m) |
| Years of significance | 1827–1830 |
| Governing body | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
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The Priesthood Restoration Site is a special historical place in Oakland Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is also known as the Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Site. This site is very important to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the LDS Church). The Church owns and takes care of it.
This land was once owned by Joseph Smith, a key figure in the Church's early history. Members of the Church believe that in 1829, John the Baptist, who had died and was resurrected, appeared here. They believe he gave the Aaronic priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Today, the site has a visitors' center, a meetinghouse, monuments, and rebuilt homes of the Smith and Hale families. It was officially opened to the public in September 2015.
History of the Priesthood Restoration Site
In December 1827, Joseph Smith and his wife, Emma, moved to this area. They hoped to find peace after facing difficulties in Palmyra, New York. The Smiths bought about 13.5 acres of land from Emma's father, Isaac Hale.
At that time, the property was in Harmony Township. Later, in 1853, the Oakland Township was created and included this land. Emma grew up in Harmony, and many of her relatives lived nearby. Her brother, Jesse Hale, had built a three-room house. The Smiths bought this house and moved it onto their property.
While living in this home, Joseph and Emma's first child, Alvin, was born. Sadly, Alvin died and is buried in the McKune Cemetery, just east of the historic site.
Important Events at the Smith Home
According to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith translated a large part of the Book of Mormon while living in this house.
Church members believe that on May 15, 1829, the Aaronic priesthood was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. This happened in the woods near their home. They believe John the Baptist appeared and gave them this priesthood by placing his hands on their heads.
After receiving the priesthood, Joseph and Oliver baptized each other. They did this in the nearby Susquehanna River. Then, they ordained each other to the Aaronic priesthood.
The Smith family left the area in August 1830 and moved to Fayette, New York. The house where they lived was destroyed by fire in 1919.
How the Site Was Developed
Because this site is so important to its early history, the LDS Church bought the original property. They also bought some land around it. Between 1947 and 1959, the Church bought the original property and six more acres.
In 1960, a monument was placed at the site. It honors the restoration of the priesthood. The monument includes a sculpture by artist Avard T. Fairbanks. It shows John the Baptist giving the priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
In 2002, the Church bought 25 acres of land that went down to the river. This land had been affected by nearby railroad activity. Since then, more property has been bought. The Church now owns about 157 acres in the area.
In 2011, the LDS Church announced that the site would be restored. This project included rebuilding the homes where the Smith and Hale families lived. They also built farm buildings. A new visitors' center and a meetinghouse were constructed. A new monument was also added.
Pennsylvania Route 171, a road that went through the historic site, was moved as part of the project. In August 2015, the Church announced that the construction was finished. The site opened to the public on August 29, 2015. Russell M. Nelson officially dedicated it on September 19, 2015.
