Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources: Doctrine and Covenants 49–50, Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources (2020)
Doctrine and Covenants 49–50, Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources
Doctrine and Covenants 49–50
Texts
Historical background and the earliest manuscript of each revelation, as published in The Joseph Smith Papers
Revelation, 7 May 1831 [D&C 49]
This revelation directed Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley to visit a community of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (popularly called Shakers) in North Union, Ohio. More …
Revelation, 9 May 1831 [D&C 50]
In late fall 1830, Oliver Cowdery and his missionary companions left Kirtland, Ohio, on their way to preach to the American Indians in the territory just west of Missouri after having baptized more than one hundred persons into the Church. More …
People
Biographical facts and historical images of individuals associated with the revelations
Historical Background
Revelations in Context
Essays on the background of each revelation
Leman Copley and the Shakers
In the spring of 1831, a prosperous farmer named Leman Copley joined the fledgling Church of Christ (as the Church was then known). His farm in Thompson, Ohio, was only a few miles northeast of the village of Kirtland. More …
Religious Enthusiasm among Early Ohio Converts
When Parley P. Pratt returned from Missouri in March, he too noted the continued displays of enthusiasm as he visited the congregations scattered about the Kirtland area. More …
Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days
Narrative history of events surrounding the revelations
Volume 1, Chapter 11
Ye Shall Receive My Law
Joseph remained optimistic about the Indian mission, even as he turned his attention to strengthening the Church in Kirtland. More …
Volume 1, Chapter 12
After Much Tribulation
Polly Knight was sick when she and the Colesville Saints settled on Leman Copley’s land. Here the Knights could start over and practice their new faith in peace, although many worried that Polly would not be long with them. More …
At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women
Lucy Mack Smith: “Where Is Your Confidence in God?”
“Brethren and sisters,” said I, “we call ourselves Latter-day Saints and profess to have come out from among the world.” More …
Church History Topics
Essays on subjects related to the revelations
Gifts of the Spirit
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ promised His disciples that “signs shall follow them that believe.” More …
Religious Beliefs in Joseph Smith’s Day
As the earliest members of the Church transitioned into their new faith, they brought with them beliefs, traditions, and values from their prior religious experience. More …
Places
Maps and information about places associated with the revelations from The Joseph Smith Papers, Historic Sites, and other helpful sources
Chronology
Timeline placing each revelation in the context of key events in the Church’s first century
For church members in the 1830s, building Zion was a temporal endeavor as well as a spiritual one. This figure heaves as he struggles to keep the horses pulling straight.
Mabel Frazer, The Furrow, 1929, oil on canvas, Church History Museum.