Priesthood Restoration Site near the Susquehanna River

Over the past two years, I’ve been visiting important historical sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I’d never been to the Priesthood Restoration Site on the banks of the Susquehanna River and eagerly visited.

In my typical style, I’d sandwiched my visit into a drive—on a schedule—from Palmyra to New York City.  I quickly wandered the paths and Sugar Grove and then drove to the baptismal site. Surprised to be the only car in the parking lot, I began the short walk down to the river.  I loved seeing chipmunks run across the path and hearing the insects buzzing around me.  I wanted to capture the moment of discovery so took a short video as grew close to the river.

From The Church of Jesus Christ’s website:

The Priesthood Restoration Site in Oakland Township, Pennsylvania, is a place where several significant events of the Restoration occurred. …

While Joseph and Emma lived here in 1828 and 1829, Joseph translated most of the Book of Mormon. Emma Smith served as Joseph’s scribe for a time, and later Oliver Cowdery received that responsibility. On May 15, 1829, in answer to Joseph and Oliver’s prayer about the authority to baptize, God sent John the Baptist, who conferred on Joseph and Oliver the Aaronic Priesthood. Joseph and Oliver baptized each other in the Susquehanna River later that day.

Below are some of those recorded events.  So amazing to know that I was in the same sacred space!