Last Sunday, May 17, after stake conference, Grandpa and I drove to Oakland (formerly Harmony), PA. Two days before was the anniversary of when the Aaronic Priesthood was restored. This monument depicts John the Baptist ordaining Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey.
We are standing on the banks of the Susquehanna River, where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey were baptized. It had rained heavily the day before, so the river was quite muddy, as you can see. It was also quite chilly. We wondered what the weather was like when they entered these waters for baptism.
These plaques give further explanation about the great things that happened here. We also saw the cornerstones of Joseph and Emma's home and her parents' home. Our stake is having their Father & Son Campout in this location in a couple of weeks.
Below is a photo of the headstone for Joseph and Emma's infant son. It is encased in a newer headstone, which faces the opposite side and has the same words engraved as the original. Emma's parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Hale, were buried to the side of him.
One of the blessings of living in this area is being within less than a day's drive of so many church history sites. Grandpa has been here many times, but this was my first. It was a wonderful experience for us.
I want you to know that I know that the priesthood was restored through Joseph Smith, that he was a true prophet of God, and that the GOSPEL IS TRUE!!! How I wish each of you could have been with us and felt what we felt. I hope you can feel it somewhat when you look at these photos and read my testimony.
I also want you to know that I LOVE YOU!
