Legacy Restoration

Elder Robert D. Hales, “Preparations for the Restoration and the Second Coming: ‘My Hand Shall Be over Thee’”

In the October Conference of 2005, in honor of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s birth, Apostle Robert D. Hales spoke about the Prophet of the Restoration. Like other prophets, Joseph Smith was foreordained for his gospel mission.  The gospel of Jesus Christ was given to mankind as early as Adam and has continued in every dispensation.  After the death of Christ and His apostles, the fullness of the gospel was lost.  In the centuries prior to the Restoration, religious reformers paved the way for Joseph Smith.  With a divine commission, Joseph neither reformed nor protested what was already on the earth. Instead he restored that which had been on earth and had been lost. (Read the Article).

President N. Eldon Tanner, “The Contributions of the Prophet Joseph Smith”

In anticipation of the 150th anniversary of the Mormon Church, Apostle N. Eldon Tanner spoke about the Prophet Joseph Smithand the rich legacy he left to the world.  As a teen, experienced a number of heavenly visitations.  In spite of the persecution and ridicule of the world, Joseph Smith’s legacy spans the globe and remains firmly rooted.  Among the contributions of the prophet are a knowledge of the nature of the Godhead, the personal nature of God and the divinity of His son Jesus Christ.  Through Joseph Smith, revelation, the priesthood, and temple work were restored.  Building upon the foundation laid by Joseph Smith, modern prophets continue to lead Christ’s church. (Read the Article).

President Howard W. Hunter, “The Sixth Day of April, 1830”

During the April 1991 General Conference, President Howard W. Hunter spoke about the day the Church was officially organized, April 6, 1830.  At the time of its organization, the Mormon Church had six official members and held its meeting in the home of Peter Whitmer.  The group of humble, ordinary people gathered because they believed and followed the claims of Joseph Smith.  One of Joseph’s most profound claims was his declaration of the living, personal natures of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  From its humble beginnings in 1830, the Church has grown to having millions of members around the world. (Read the Article).

President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Joseph the Seer”

In April Conference of 1977, President Gordon B. Hinckley, then an apostle, spoke about the Prophet Joseph Smith.  The media has praised some of the programs of the Mormon Church: it’s genealogical program, welfare system, emphasis on families, and code of health.  But while the revealed truths of the Church are praised, the world at large dismisses the revelator, Joseph Smith. The story of Joseph’s life is the story of a miracle.  Within twenty years, he was instrumental in laying the foundation of a Church which now spans the earth with millions of members. (Read the Article).