Timeline of Mormon History

Since the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, members of the LDS Church have seen and participated in a rich and ever-growing history. From its early days to its most recent hours, the events surrounding Mormonism are most certainly grand. In chronological order, here is a timeline of major events in the history of Mormonism.

December 23, 1805- Joseph Smith Jr. is born in Sharon, Vermont.

Spring 1820- Joseph Smith Jr. is visited by God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

September 21, 1823- The Angel Moroni appears to Joseph Smith Jr. and informs him of the Golden Plates.

September 22, 1827- Joseph Smith Jr. obtains the Golden Plates from the Hill Cumorah.

May 15, 1829- Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery are given the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist.

May-June 1829- Josehp Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery are give the Melchizedek Priesthood by Peter, James, and John.

June 1829- Translation of the Golden Plates into what would become the Book of Mormon is finished.

March 26, 1830- The Book of Mormon is officially published by E. B. Grandin's Bookstore in Palmyra, New York.

April 6, 1830- The Church is officially founded.

December 1830- The Church gathers in Ohio.

June 1831- Church members begin to gather in Jackson County Missouri.

February 27, 1833- The Word of Wisdom is introduced.

July 23, 1833- Cornerstone is laid on the Kirland, Ohio Temple.

October 27, 1838- Due to mounting tensions between Mormons and disgruntled neighbors, Governor Lilburn Boggs of Missouri orders an "Extermination Order" on the Mormons. Though long forgotten and obviously not in effect any time in the 20th Century, the order was rediscovered in the records and officially rescinded in 1976.

October 30, 1838- Saints are attacked by an angry mob at Haun's Mill, Missouri.

April 6, 1841- The Nauvoo, Illinois Temple is completed.

June 27, 1844- Joseph Smith Jr. and brother Hyrum Smith are martyred by an angry mob.

July 24, 1847- Under the direction of Brigham Young, the first Mormons enter the Salt Lake Valley, settling what is now the state of Utah.

December 27, 1847- Brigham Young officially named Prophet of the Church.

April 6, 1853- Construction begins on the Salt Lake Temple.

September 1890- The Church issues a moratorium on the practice of polygamy.

April 6, 1893- Construction on the Salt Lake Temple is finished.

1913- The Church supports the Boy Scouts of America program. The program becomes the official activity of the Church's young men.

1918-1938- LDS Seminary buildings begin to be built adjacent to many public high schools in Utah.

Late 1940's- The Church sends relief supplies to Europe at the end of World War II.
January 1971- The Church's official magazines are retooled, giving rise to the publication of the Ensign, the New Era, and the Friend.

1978- All worthy men are allowed to receive the priesthood.

February 7, 1993- A man named Cody Judy threatened Howard W. Hunter and an audience of 15,000-17,000 at a Fireside with a suitcase he claimed held an explosive. He threatened to detonate it unless Hunter would read a paper supposedly declaring Judy the new President of the Church. Howard W. Hunter refused, and Judy was detained by security.

Spring 2000- Construction of the LDS Conference Center is completed, and the building becomes the main meeting place for General Church meetings. Biannually, the General Conference of the Church is held in and broadcast from this engineering marvel.

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For more church timelines, check out this series about the Latter-day prophets.