New Era Celebrates Life of Joseph Smith By Chad Phares, Church Magazines In conjunction with the Churchwide celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the New Era has devoted its May 2005 issue to "The Times and Seasons of Joseph Smith." The special issue includes President Gordon B. Hinckley's testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, time lines that highlight notable events in the Prophet's life, articles on important places in the Prophet's life, and a large pullout poster of the Sacred Grove. Featured throughout the issue are thoughts and feelings of local youth about the Prophet. Articles about Palmyra, New York; Kirtland, Ohio; Independence, Missouri; and Nauvoo, Illinois explore the places Joseph lived and show how the important events that occured in these places affect youth today. The article on Palmyra shows the reader the Smith family homes, the Sacred Grove, the Hill Cumorah, the E. B. Grandin Building (where the Book of Mormon was first published), and the Peter Whitmer home, where the Church was organized on April 6, 1830. The article about Kirtland focuses, among other places, on noteworthy events that took place in the Kirtland Temple and in the Newel K. Whitney and Company Store, where the School of the Prophets was held. In 1831 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that Independence, Missouri, should be the gathering place of the Saints. The article about Independence discusses the temple lot, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Haun's Mill, and the Liberty Jail. The article on Nauvoo is about the last place the Prophet lived before he was martyred in nearby Carthage. This article focuses on the temple and other buildings in the town that were important to the Prophet and the Latter-day Saints who settled there. The May 2005 issue is now available. Those who would like the special issue who do not subscribe to the New Era may purchase it at a Church distribution center. The pullout poster is available separately for $7. The price is $2 when ordered in quantities of 26 or more. The Distribution Center will credit units that have already purchased the posters at the higher price.