A Brief History of the Restored Church
From the Sacred Grove to a worldwide organization
Key Scripture
Daniel 2:44
The history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a story of faith, sacrifice, revelation, and divine guidance. From its humble beginnings in 1830 to its current worldwide presence, the Church has grown in remarkable ways.
The Early Church (1830-1844)
The Church was organized on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York. Members gathered in Kirtland, Ohio, where the first temple was built, and then in Missouri and Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred in Carthage, Illinois.
The Pioneer Era (1847-1900)
Following Joseph Smith's death, Brigham Young led the Saints westward to the Salt Lake Valley, arriving on July 24, 1847. Tens of thousands of pioneers made the journey across the plains, many pulling handcarts.
The Modern Church
The Church now has over 17 million members, more than 170 temples, and operates in nearly every country in the world.