Brief Timeline of Events in Fayette, New York

1809

Peter and Mary Whitmer settle in Fayette and establish a farm.

Late May 1829

Miraculous Events on Whitmer Farm

David Whitmer experiences miraculous events at his farm allowing him to expedite his efforts to travel to Harmony to bring Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to his parent's home in Fayette (see Accounts).

1-3 June 1829

Joseph & Oliver Move to Fayette

Joseph and Oliver move with David Whitmer from Harmony to Fayette, Seneca County, New York, to the home of Peter Whitmer (David's father).

4-30 June 1829

Book of Mormon Translation Recommences

Joseph and Oliver recommence translation the day after their arrival in Fayette. The translation was finished in the upstairs room of Peter Whitmer's home by July 1. Some of the Whitmers (John Whitmer especially) help as scribes during this period.

11 June 1829

Book of Mormon Copyright Secured

The copyright for the Book of Mormon is secured at the office of the Federal District Court Clerk, Richard R. Lansing. The application contains the title page of the Book of Mormon. This demonstrates that before this date Mormon's entire abridgment (Mosiah-Mormon 7) and Moroni's additions (Mormon 8-9, Ether, & Moroni) have been translated, including the title page inscribed by Moroni.

5-14 June 1829

D&C 14-16 Received

Joseph receives Doctrine and Covenants 14, 15, and 16 around this time on behalf of David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jr. (see Background to D&C 14, 15, 16).

Early to Mid-June 1829

Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jr. are baptized

Early to Mid-June 1829

D&C 17 Received

Doctrine and Covenants 17 was received around this time (see Background to D&C 17).

Sometime in June 1829

Witnesses See the Plates

The Three Witnesses see the plates (see Accounts). A few days later in Palmyra-Manchester, New York, near the Smith log home, the Eight Witnesses see and handle the plates (see Accounts). Lucy Mack Smith says that she, at one point, feels and handles the plates (see Accounts).

Before June 14 1829

Apostleship & Keys of the Kingdom Restored

Peter, James, and John restore the Apostleship and the Keys of the Kingdom to Joseph and Oliver. Doctrine and Covenants 18 is subsequently received for Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer (see Background to D&C 18). D&C 18 is most certainly received before June 14, as is clear from a letter from Oliver Cowdery to Hyrum Smith (see Oliver's Letter).

End of June 1829

Book of Mormon Translation Complete

4 October 1829

Joseph returns to Harmony

6 April 1830

Church Organized | D&C 21 Received

The Church of Christ is organized at the Peter Whitmer Sr. home. D&C 21 is received here on this occasion (see Background to D&C 21).

11 April 1830

Oliver Preaches First Sermon

Oliver Cowdery preaches the first public sermon, after which several individuals present themselves for baptism.

9 June 1830

First Conference of the Church

First conference of the Church held. The Holy Ghost is poured out in miraculous ways upon many of those attending (see Account).

31 August 1830

Parley P. Pratt Baptized

Hyrum Smith takes convert Parley P. Pratt to meet Joseph and Oliver; Oliver baptises Parley in Seneca Lake the following day.

September 1830

Joseph and Emma move to Fayette from Harmony and stay in the Peter Whitmer home

17 October 1830

Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., and Ziba Petersen depart on their mission to the Lamanites

Fall & Winter 1830

D&C 31-34 Received

Converts and others living in other regions of the country seek counsel from Joseph as to the Lord's will for them. Several revelations result from these eager saints wanting to learn their duty (see Background to D&C 31, D&C 32, D&C 33, D&C 34).

December 1830

D&C 35-36 Received

Sidney Rigdon, a recent convert, and Edward Partridge, an earnest investigator, travel to Fayette, New York from Ohio to meet the prophet Joseph Smith. Revelations were received for both of these men calling them immediately to positions of responsibility (see Background to D&C 35 and D&C 36).

2 January 1831

Saints Commanded to Gather to Ohio

A third conference of the Church is held in which further knowledge is given by revelation concerning the building up of Zion and the gathering to Ohio (see Background to D&C 37-38).

5-6 January 1831

D&C 39-40 Received

Joseph receives revelation in behalf of James Covel, an interested reformed Methodist preacher (see Background to D&C 39, D&C 40).

Late January 1831

Joseph & Emma Leave for Kirtland, Ohio

January-April 1831

New York Saints Gather to Ohio

Many other faithful saints follow Joseph and gather to Ohio from surrounding areas (see Accounts).