Latter-day Saints
began moving from New York to Kirtland, Ohio, in 1831.
Joseph and Emma Smith arrived in February of that year. They
were graciously invited to live in the home of Newel
and Elizabeth Whitney and their five children, where
they stayed for a few weeks.
Joseph healed
Elsa Johnson's lame arm in the Whitney home. The Prophet
also received important revelations here, including the
Lord's confirmation of Joseph's prophetic calling, the
law of the Church, and the office and duties of a
bishop.
Here, Newel K.
Whitney was called as the second bishop in the Church. A
three-day "Feast for the Poor," many of them newly arrived
Saints, was hosted in Bishop Whitney's home in January 1836.
"The Prophet Joseph and his two Counselors [were]
present each day, talking, blessing, and comforting
the poor, by words of encouragement and their most
welcome presence."
The Church
purchased the Whitney home in the early 1980s and restored
it to its original condition in 2003.
