Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home Fayette, , United States of America

The Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home served as the location for many important events in the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- ter-day Saints. Much of the was translated here, the were shown the plates in a wooded area near the home, and the Whitmer farm was the location of the organiza- tion of the Church. In late May 1829, received a letter from requesting him to come to and bring Joseph and back to Fayette where they could finish the translation of the Book of Mormon. David had a unique experience which helped serve as a The Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home witness from God that it was necessary for him Photo courtesy of Alexander L. Baugh to leave his crops and travel to Pennsylvania.1 He arranged for Joseph and Oliver to move Fayette whether they were satisfied that we should pro- and board with his father, Peter Whitmer, Sr. until ceed and be organized as a Church according the work of translating the Book of Mormon was to said commandment which we had received. complete. To these several propositions they consented by Shortly after his arrival in Fayette, Jo- a unanimous vote. I then laid my hands upon seph received a revelation in June 1829 that Oli- Oliver Cowdery, and ordained him an ver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris of the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day would obtain a view of the plates, the breastplate, Saints;’ after which, he ordained me also to the the sword of Laban, and the Urim and Thummim.2 office of an Elder of said Church. We then The four retired to a forest near the Whitmer home took bread, blessed it, and brake it with them; where Moroni appeared to them and showed them also wine, blessed it, and drank it with them. the aforementioned items. We then laid our hands on each individual On Tuesday, April 6, 1830, The Church of member of the Church present, that they might Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially or- receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and be con- ganized with six members: Joseph Smith, Jr., Oli- firmed members of the Church of Christ. The ver Cowdery, , Peter Whitmer, Jr., Holy Ghost was poured out upon us to a very Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer.3 In relation great degree—some prophesied, whilst we all to the meeting, Joseph stated the following: praised the Lord, and rejoiced exceedingly. . . .

“On Tuesday, the sixth day of April, A. D., We now proceeded to call out and ordain some one thousand eight hundred and thirty. Hav- others of the brethren to different offices of the ing opened the meeting by solemn prayer to our Priesthood, according as the Spirit manifested Heavenly Father, we proceeded, according to unto us: and after a happy time spent in wit- previous commandment, to call on our brethren nessing and feeling for ourselves the powers and to know whether they accepted us as their teach- blessings of the Holy Ghost, through the grace ers in the things of the Kingdom of God, and of God bestowed upon us, we dismissed with 2 Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home, Fayette, New York, United States of America

the pleasing knowledge that we were now in- The Three Witnesses’ Experience dividually members of, and acknowledged of God, “The Church of Jesus Christ,” orga- nized in accordance with commandments and 1 revelations given by Him to ourselves in these Joseph Smith last days, as well as according to the order of “Not many days after.... we four, viz., Mar- the Church as recorded in the . tin Harris, David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery and Several persons who had attended the above myself, agreed to retire into the woods, and try to meeting, became convinced of the truth and obtain, by fervent and humble prayer, the fulfil- came forward shortly after, and were received ment of the promises given in the above revela- into the Church; among the rest, my own father tion—that they should have a view of the plates. and mother were baptized, to my great joy and We accordingly made choice of a piece of woods consolation; and about the same time, Martin convenient to Mr. Whitmer’s house, to which we Harris and Orrin Porter Rockwell.” 4 retired, and having knelt down, we began to pray in much faith to Almighty God to bestow upon us In 1926, Elder B. H. Roberts purchased a realization of these promises. 120 acres on behalf of the Church at the location According to previous arrangement, I com- of the Peter Whitmer, Sr. farm.5 The original lo- menced prayer to our Heavenly Father, and was cation of the site was located in 1946-47 and, in followed by each of the others in succession. We 1979, a replica was constructed.6 President Spen- did not at the first trial, however, obtain any answer cer W. Kimball dedicated the site on April 6, 1980 or manifestation of divine favor in our behalf. We in a General Conference broadcast commemorat- again observed the same order of prayer, each call- ing the sesquicentennial of the organization of the ing on and praying fervently to God in rotation, Church. but with the same result as before. Upon this, our second failure, Martin Har- SOURCES ris proposed that he should withdraw himself from us, believing, as he expressed himself, that his pres- 1 , History of Joseph Smith, Revised and Enhanced, ence was the cause of our not obtaining what we edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor (Salt wished for. He accordingly with drew from us, and Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996). we knelt down again, and had not been many min- 2 See Doctrine & Covenants 17. utes engaged in prayer, when presently we beheld 3 a light above us in the air, of exceeding bright- Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts (Salt ness; and behold, an stood before us. In his Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hands he held the plates which we had been pray- 1932-1951), 1: 80. ing for these to have a view of. He turned over the leaves one by one, so that we could see them, and 4 Ibid, 1:74-79. discern the engravings theron distinctly. He then 5 Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History, edited by Arnold K. addressed himself to David Whitmer, and said, Garr, Donald Q. Cannon, & Richard O. Cowan (Salt Lake ‘David, blessed is the Lord, and he that keeps His City: Deseret Book, 2000), 1339. commandments;’ when, immediately afterwards, 6 Ibid. we heard a voice from out of the bright light above us, saying,

“These plates have been revealed by the power Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home, Fayette, New York, United States of America 3

of God, and they have been translated by the tween three and four o’clock. Mrs. Whitmer, Mr. power of God. The translation of them which Smith, and myself were sitting in a bedroom, my- you have seen is correct, and I command you to self on a bedside. When Joseph came in, he threw bear record of what you now see and hear.’” himself down beside me and exclaimed, ‘Father! Mother! You do not know how happy I am. The I now left David and Oliver, and went in Lord has caused the plates to be shown to three pursuit of Martin Harris, whom I found at a con- more besides me. They have also seen an angel siderable distance, fervently engaged in prayer. He and will have to testify to the truth of what I have soon told me, however, that he had not yet pre- said, for they know for themselves that I do not vailed with the Lord, and earnestly requested me go about to deceive the people. I do feel as though to join him in prayer, that he also might realize the I was relieved of a dreadful burden which was al- same blessings which we had just received. We ac- most too much for me to endure. But they will cordingly joined in prayer, and ultimately obtained now have to bear a part, and it does rejoice my soul our desires, for before we had yet finished, the that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the same was opened to our view, at least it was world.’ again opened to me, and I once more beheld and Martin Harris then came in. He seemed heard the same things; whilst at the same moment, almost overcome with an excess of joy. He then Martin Harris cried out, apparently in an ecstasy testified to what he had seen and heard, as did also of joy, ‘Tis enough; ‘tis enough; mine eyes have be- the others, Oliver and David, who added that no held; mine eyes have beheld;’ and jumping up, he tongue could express the joy of their hearts and shouted, ‘Hosanna,’ blessing God, and otherwise the greatness of the things which they had both rejoiced exceedingly.” seen and heard. Their testimony was the same in substance as that in the Book of Mormon.” Lucy Mack Smith2 “The next morning after breakfast, we re- David Whitmer Interview on September 7, 18783 paired to the sitting room, and after attending the Elder : “Do you remember what morning service, namely reading, singing, and pray- time you saw the plates?” ing, Joseph arose from his knees and approached David Whitmer: “It was in June, 1829, the Martin with a solemnity which thrills through my latter part of the month, and the veins to this day, whenever it comes to my recol- saw them, I think, the next day or the day after (i. lection. ‘Martin Harris,’ he said, ‘you have got to e. one or two days after). Joseph showed them the humble yourself before your God this day and ob- plates himself but the angel showed us (the three tain, if possible, a forgiveness of your sins. If you witnesses) the plates, as I suppose to fulfill the will do this, it is God’s will that you and Oliver words of the book itself. Martin Harris was not Cowdery and David Whitmer should look upon with us at this time; he obtained a view of them the plates.’ afterwards (the same day). Joseph, Oliver and my- Soon after this, these four left and went into self were together when I saw them. We not only a grove a short distance from the house, where saw the plates of the Book of Mormon, but also they continued in earnest supplication to God, un- the brass plates, [a jewish record carried by Lehi’s til he permitted an angel from his presence to bear colony from Jerusalem and frequently referred to to them a message, declaring to them that all which in the Book of Mormon] the plates of the Book Joseph had testified of concerning the plates was of Ether, the plates containing the record of the true, and showing them the same. wickedness and secret combinations of the people When they returned to the house, it was be- of the world down to the time of their being en- 4 Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home, Fayette, New York, United States of America graved, and many other plates. The fact is, it was done it myself, and the plow was left standing in just as though Joseph, Oliver and I were sitting the furrow. This enabled me to start sooner. When just here on a log, when we were overshadowed I arrived at Harmony, Joseph and Oliver were by a light. It was not like the light of the sun nor coming toward me, and met me some distance like that of a fire, but more glorious and beautiful. from the house. Oliver told me that Joseph had It extended away round us, I cannot tell how far, informed him when I started from home, where but in the midst of this light about as far off as I had stopped the first night, how I read the sign he sits (pointing to John C. Whitmer, sitting a few at the tavern, where I stopped the next night, etc., feet from him), there appeared, as it were, a table and that I would be there that day before dinner, with many records or plates upon it, besides the and this was why they had come out to meet me; plates of the Book of Mormon, also the sword all of which was exactly as Joseph had told Oliver, of Laban, the directors, [i. e. the ball with spindles at which I was greatly astonished. When I was re- which Lehi had, and the interpreters]. I saw them turning to Fayette, with Joseph and Oliver, all of just as plain as I see this bed (striking the bed be- us riding in the wagon, Oliver and I on an oldfash- side him with his hand), and I heard the voice of ioned wooden spring seat and Joseph behind us; the Lord, as distinctly as I ever heard anything in while traveling along in a clear open place, a very my life, declaring that the records of the plates of pleasant, nice-looking old man suddenly appeared the Book of Mormon were translated by the gift by the side of our wagon and saluted us with ‘good and power of God.” morning, it is very warm,’ at the same time wiping Elder Orson Pratt: “Did you see the angel his face or forehead with his hand. We returned this time?” the salutation, and, by a sign from Joseph, I invited David Whitmer: “Yes, he stood before us. him to ride if he was going our way. But he said Our testimony as recorded in the Book of Mor- very pleasantly, ‘No, I am going to .’ This mon is strictly and absolutely true, just as it is there name was something new to me, I did not know written. Before I knew Joseph, I had heard about what Cumorah meant. We all gazed at him and at him and the plates from persons who declared they each other, and as I looked around enquiringly of knew he had them, and swore they would get them Joseph, the old man instantly disappeared, so that from him. When Oliver Cowdery went to Penn- I did not see him again.” sylvania, he promised to write me what he should Elder Joseph F. Smith: “Did you notice his ap- learn about these matters, which he did. He wrote pearance?” me that Joseph had told him his (Oliver’s) secret David Whitmer: “I should think I did. He thoughts, and all he had meditated about going to was, I should think, about five feet eight or nine see him, which no man on earth knew, as he sup- inches tall and heavy set, about such a man as posed, but himself, and so he stopped to write for James Vancleave there, but heavier; his face was Joseph. Soon after this, Joseph sent for me (D. W.) as large, he was dressed in a suit of brown woolen to come to Harmony to get him and Oliver and clothes, his hair and beard were white, like Brother bring them to my father’s house. I did not know Pratt’s, but his beard was not so heavy. I also re- what to do, I was pressed with my work. I had member that he had on his back a sort of knap- some twenty acres to plow, so I concluded I would sack with something in, shaped like a book. It was finish plowing and then go. I got up one morning the messenger who had the plates, who had taken to go to work as usual, and on going to the field, them from Joseph just prior to our starting from found between five and seven acres of my ground Harmony.” had been plowed during the night. I don’t know who did it; but it was done just as I would have Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home, Fayette, New York, United States of America 5

SOURCES enable him to do this work sooner than the same work had ever been done on the farm before-and 1 Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day he would receive it as an evidence that it was God’s Saints, 7 vols., introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts (Salt will that he should do all in his power to assist Jo- Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-1951), 1: 54-55. seph Smith in the work in which he was engaged. He then fastened his horses to the harrow, and in- 2 Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, Revised and Enhanced, stead of dividing the field into what is, by farmers, edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996). usually termed bands, he drove round the whole of it, continuing thus till noon, when, on stopping 3 Contributor, Vol. 5, No. 11, (August 1884), 404. for dinner, he looked around, and discovered to his surprise that he had harrowed in full half the Three Strangers1 wheat. After dinner he again went on as before, and by evening he finished the whole two days’ work. When he informed his father of the fact, “One morning as he applied it to his eyes his father could not believe it till he examined for to look upon the record, instead of the words of himself and ascertained that it was actually true. the book being given to him, he was commanded ‘Well,’ said his father, ‘there must be some overrul- to write a letter to one David Whitmer, who lived ing power in this thing, and I think you had better in Waterloo. This man Joseph had never seen, but go as soon as you get your plaster of paris sown he was instructed to say to him that he must come and bring up the man with his scribe.’ with his team immediately, in order to convey Jo- To this also David agreed. The next morn- seph and Oliver back to his house, that they might ing, as soon as breakfast was over, he took the remain with him there until the translation should half-bushel measure under his arm and went out be completed, as an evil-designing people were to the place where he supposed the plaster to be, seeking to take away Joseph’s life in order to pre- as he knew exactly where he had left it twenty-four vent the work of God from going forth among the hours earlier. But when he came to look for it, be- world. The letter was written and delivered, and hold, it had entirely disappeared! Every vestige of Mr. Whitmer showed it to his father, mother, sis- it was gone from the spot where he left it. He ran ters, and brothers, asking their advice as to what it to his sister’s house a few yards distant and inquired would be best for him to do. if she knew what had become of it. His father said, ‘Why, David, you know you ‘Why?’ she said, in surprise. ‘Was it not all have sowed as much wheat as you can harrow in spread yesterday?’ tomorrow and the next day, and then you have a ‘Not to my knowledge,’ answered David. quantity of plaster of paris to spread that is much ‘I am astonished at that,’ replied his sister, needed on your land. You cannot go unless you get ‘for the children came to me in the forenoon and an evidence from God that it is very necessary.’ begged of me to go out and see the men sow plas- This suggestion pleased David, and he ter in the field, saying that they never saw anybody asked the Lord for a testimony that it was his will sow plaster so fast in their lives. I accordingly went that he should go. He was told by the voice of the and saw three men at work in the field, as the chil- Spirit to harrow in his wheat, and then go straight- dren said, but, supposing that you had hired some way to Pennsylvania. The next morning David help on account of your hurry, I went immediately went to the field and found that he had two heavy into the house and gave the subject no further at- days’ work before him. He then asked the Lord to tention.’ 6 Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home, Fayette, New York, United States of America

David made considerable inquiry in regard truth shall cover the earth as the waters cover the to the matter, both among his relatives and neigh- mighty deep. bors, but was not able to learn who had done it. Today, dear Father, in the authority of the However, the family were convinced that there holy priesthood, which thou hast given us, we was an exertion of supernatural power connected dedicate these structures which stand on the farm with this strange occurrence.” of Peter Whitmer, Sr.: the restored log farmhouse, with its furnishings, as a reminder of the humble SOURCES beginnings from which thy mighty work has grown; the later Whitmer home, as a place of residence 1 Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, Revised and Enhanced, for thy servants who will labor here as missionar- edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996). ies among the many strangers who will be attracted to this place of history; and this beautiful chapel and visitors’ center, in which we meet today, that it may be a place of sacred worship, a place of in- Dedicatory Prayer struction, a sanctuary from the world, and a place of hospitality to the scores of thousands who will come here as visitors. May thy Holy Spirit abide “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed here. May thy protecting power be made manifest be thy name. On this anniversary day, we are met in the preservation of these important scenes of where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day history. May knowledge of thee increase and testi- Saints was organized under revelation from thee mony of thy divine Son strengthen in the hearts of 150 years ago. Our hearts are filled with gratitude the many who will come with interest and depart for thy marvelous blessings, so generously be- with added faith and knowledge. stowed. As we review the past, we are subdued in Father in Heaven, on this day of dedica- contemplating the works of those who have gone tion we pray for thy servants and thy people ev- before us, and particularly the Prophet Joseph erywhere throughout the earth. Bless those who Smith and his brother Hyrum who, with their life’s walk in righteousness, and let thy Holy Spirit be blood, sealed their testimonies of the sacred things with them. Strengthen within the heart of each a which occurred in this area. renewed sense of dedication to thee and thy ever- We are grateful for all who have labored lasting truth. with faith in the nations of the earth to bring the We love thee, our Father. We love thy holy Church to its present stature. Standing today at Son. We give our witness to the world concerning this milestone of history, we look with assurance him and thee, and ask that thou wilt accept of our to the future. We know that with thy direction thy thanks, our labors, and our love, in the name of work will roll on for the blessing of thy children of Jesus Christ. Amen.” all generations and throughout the earth; and that where there are now hundreds there will be thou- SOURCES sands; and that, whereas thy work is established to- 1 Spencer W. Kimball, “Remarks and Dedication of the Fayette, day in many nations, it must and will roll forth over New York, Buildings,” Ensign, (May 1980), 54. the whole earth until men everywhere shall bow the knee and give homage to thee and thy Son. We plead with thee, our Father, that thou wilt touch the hearts of the rulers of nations that they will open their doors to thy servants until Peter Whitmer, Sr. Farm Home, Fayette, New York, United States of America 7

Dale L. Berge, “Archaeology at the Peter Whitmer Visitor Information Farm, Seneca County, New York” BYU Studies, 1973. J. Orvall Ellsworth, “The Birthplace of the Church,” , (April 1924). Address: C. E. Grant, “Peter Whitmer’s Log House,” Im- 1451 Aunkst Road provement Era, 1959. Waterloo, New York 13165 E. Cecil McGavin, “The Whitmer Home: A New Addition to the Church’s Collection of Historic Hours of Operation: Places,” Improvement Era, (September 1927). November - March Keith W. Perkins, “True to the Book of Mor- • Monday Through Saturday mon—The Whitmers,” Ensign, (February 1989), • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 34. • Sunday • 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM April - May • Monday Through Saturday • 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM • Sunday • 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM June - August • Monday Through Saturday • 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM • Sunday • 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM September - October • Monday Through Saturday • 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM • Sunday • 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Admission: Free

Further Reading Resources

Richard Loyd Anderson, “The House Where the Church was Organized,” Improvement Era, 1970. Richard Loyd Anderson, “The Whitmers: A Fam- ily That Nourished the Church,” Ensign, (August 1979), 35.