Church at the Whitmer Farm, Susquehanna River and The Priesthood Restoration Site

 Today was spent driving through rural New York and Pennsylvania. It was a cool but sunny day, and the countryside is so green. 

We headed to Fayette first, to go to Sacrament meeting at the chapel on the grounds of the Whitmer Farm. That was quite special being as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organised at the Whitmer Farm on the 6th April 1830

We then drove to the small town of  Oakland in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania formerly known as Harmony. This is where Emma Smith's parents Isaac and Elizabeth Hale lived, where Emma grew up. Emma and Joseph moved there from Palmyra, so Joseph could work on translating the gold plates.

Emma and Joseph's first child was born here but died at birth. Emma would have looked out this window to the graveyard where their child was buried.

This is where Joseph would have worked on translating the gold plates

This is the home of Isaac and Elizabeth Hale, it was a very comfortable home. 

This is the Priesthood Restoration Visitors Centre

It was a lovely spot, with statues depicting the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek  Priesthood on the banks of the Susquehanna River.

We then walked down to the river

It was flowing very fast and very full

Hank Smith, pointed out this is the highest he has ever seen it. This is the site where Joseph and Oliver baptised each other.

It was a lovely spot.

Me and my travel buddy, Bindi.

We then went to the Joseph Knight house. Joseph Knight was one of the early members of the church, he was the leader of the Colesville Branch, and a great supporter of Joseph Smith. He helped Joseph and Emma Smith in so many ways. He was a very faithful member of the church and committed and willing to do whatever was asked of him, along with his family.

The view from the Joseph Knight home down to the Susquehanna River.

We then headed back to Rochester, stopping off for dinner along the way at a Greek Café, arriving back at our hotel around 10:30pm.

It was a long day but a great day being able to visit these historic sites.