Joseph Smith Timeline

Joseph Smith Jr. is born to Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith in Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont.

At age 14, Joseph becomes confused about which religion to join. He goes into the woods to pray and sees God the Father and Jesus Christ. They tell him that none of the churches are true.

The angel Moroni appears to Joseph and tells him about the gold plates and the work he is called to do.

Joseph marries Emma Hale. They were married 17 years and had 11 children. Some of their children were adopted, and six of their children died in infancy.

Joseph receives the gold plates from Moroni and begins translating them.

The priesthood is restored. John the Baptist confers the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and they baptize each other. A short time later, Peter, James, and John confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon them.

The Book of Mormon is printed and made available to the public.

Jesus Christ’s Church is organized again upon the earth. Joseph Smith is sustained as prophet, seer, revelator, translator, and Apostle of Jesus Christ.

The Word of Wisdom is revealed (see D&C 89).

The Kirtland Temple is completed. Jesus Christ appears to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery there.

Under Joseph’s direction, the Saints begin building Nauvoo.

Missionaries sent by Joseph Smith arrive in Great Britain. More than 6,000 people join the Church.

Joseph publishes the Articles of Faith and the book of Abraham in the Times and Seasons newspaper.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith are martyred in Carthage Jail, which seals the testimony of the Prophet. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to grow to fill the whole earth.