By Adrienne Andros
This Saturday, April 6, marks the anniversary of several momentous events for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Its prime significance is that we use that day to mark the beginning of the restored church,” said Alex Baugh, professor of church history and doctrine.
In 1830, 172 years ago, the prophet Joseph Smith restored the church. Because of that significant event, prophets and apostles throughout the years have centered other activities, dedications and celebrations on April 6, Baugh said.
Joseph and Hyrum Smith were put in Liberty Jail at the end of 1838. However, about 5 months later, on April 6, 1839, they were taken from Liberty jail to Galliton, Mo. for a grand jury hearing.
Just two years later, in 1841, Joseph Smith conducted an official ceremony where he dedicated the cornerstone of the Nauvoo Temple. The temple was completed five years later.
Similarly, on April 6, 1853, the cornerstone of the Salt Lake temple was dedicated; and exactly 40 years later, on April 6, 1893, President Wilford Woodruff dedicated the temple.
In between the cornerstone and temple dedications of the Salt Lake temple, the St. George temple was dedicated on April 6, 1877.
At the St. George temple dedication, President Brigham Young presided, with President Daniel H. Wells, second counselor in the First Presidency, offering the dedicatory prayer.
Two years ago, on April 6, 2000, the Palmyra temple in New York was dedicated. The Palmyra temple was the 77th temple in operation and was the first temple to be dedicated via encrypted satellite throughout the United States and Canada.
“It certainly is a historic date,” Baugh said.
It will always mark the beginning of a “stone rolling forth,” he said.
