By Matthew Bryan Christensen
As holders of the Aaronic Priesthood gather this month to celebrate the restoration of the lesser priesthood, the question may arise as to why there is no official commemoration for the Melchizedek Priesthood.
'It is for two reasons, the exact date is unknown, and it is sacred,' said Richard L. Anderson, senior research fellow for BYU''s Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History.
As for the sacredness, Anderson said there is no need to have campouts for the older men of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He said they should know the Melchizedek Priesthood is important.
Anderson said the Aaronic Priesthood restoration is commemorated because it helps the young men appreciate the priesthood and prepare them for the higher priesthood.
Anderson said a good example of not celebrating elements of the Melchizedek Priesthood is the restoration of many of the priesthood keys.
Anderson said the exact date for the restoration of these priesthood keys was on April 3 1836, but is not celebrated on any official level of the Church of Jesus Christ.
There is no need to officially celebrate these dates, said Anderson.
The Aaronic Priesthood, restored by John the Baptist on May 15, 1829, is commemorated all across the world during May by LDS young men and their leaders.
There are some members of the Church trying to get a closer date on the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Larry Porter, retired BYU professor of Church History and Doctrine, has done extensive research into the dates.
'Based on the historical documents, it would have to be sometime after May 15 and before May 28, 1829,' Porter said.
Porter said these dates are the most likely time frame, as the Melchizedek Priesthood would have to come after the Aaronic.
Joseph F. McConkie, BYU professor of Ancient Scripture agrees with Porter.
'The Aaronic is the preparatory priesthood, paving the way for the higher priesthood, which is the priesthood of the Savior himself,' McConkie said.
McConkie, first counselor of the stake presidency in the Orem Sunset Heights Stake said their stake remembers the restoration of both priesthoods in firesides.
'It is a wonderful time to remember what we have been entrusted with,' said McConkie.