In the fall of
1832, Joseph Smith moved from Hiram, Ohio, back to
Kirtland. Bishop Newel K. Whitney prepared an apartment for
the Prophet's family in his store, and Joseph lived
here until the winter of the following year. The
Whitney Store served as headquarters for the Church
during that time.
Many revelations
now included in the Doctrine and Covenants were received
by the Prophet in this place, including the Word of Wisdom,
the oath and covenant of the priesthood, and the
command to build a temple in Kirtland. Joseph also
completed much of his inspired translation of the
Bible here.
During the winter
of 1832–33, the School of the Prophets was held in an
upper room of the store. The school was organized to teach
gospel doctrine and principles and to prepare members
for ministry in the Church. On one sacred occasion,
members of the school beheld a vision of God the
Father and the Son.
The Church
purchased the Whitney Store in the 1980's and restored it to
its original condition in 1984. This historic site won a
U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in 1988.
First Presidency
The President of the Church and his Counselors. They are a quorum of three high priests and preside over the whole Church. The First Presidency holds all the keys of the priesthood (Guide to the Scriptures, First Presidency).
