How Joseph Smith Founded the LDS Church and Claimed to Receive Revelation

Explore the foundational events and spiritual claims central to the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 11, 2026

Branched from The Role of Modern Prophets in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Quick take

Joseph Smith founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, claiming divine direction.
His foundational claims include a vision of God and Jesus Christ and the translation of the Book of Mormon.
He also claimed angelic visitations restored ancient priesthood authority to him.
These events established the unique theological framework and prophetic leadership of the LDS Church.

Joseph Smith founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church) in 1830, asserting that he did so under direct divine instruction. His claims centered on a series of heavenly visions and visitations that he said restored ancient truths, new scripture, and priesthood authority to the earth.

Early Visions and the Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith reported his first significant spiritual experience, known as the "First Vision," in the early 1820s in upstate New York. He claimed that while praying about which church to join, he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ, who instructed him not to join any existing denomination and told him that the true church would be restored through him. This vision established the precedent for direct divine communication.

Years later, Smith claimed that an angel named Moroni visited him annually, beginning in 1823, eventually directing him to ancient golden plates hidden in a nearby hill. Smith stated he translated these plates into the Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon Upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi. Published in 1830, the Book of Mormon recounts the history of ancient inhabitants of the Americas, their interactions with God, and a visit from Jesus Christ after his resurrection. It serves as a foundational scripture for the LDS Church, alongside the Bible.

Priesthood Authority and Church Establishment

Central to Smith's claims was the restoration of divine authority, known as the priesthood. He reported visitations from heavenly messengers, including John the Baptist, who bestowed upon him and Oliver Cowdery the Aaronic Priesthood (which holds authority for baptizing), and later, the ancient apostles Peter, James, and John, who conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood (which holds broader authority to lead the church and perform sacred ordinances).

With these claimed authorities in place and the Book of Mormon published, Joseph Smith formally organized "The Church of Christ" (later renamed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York, with a small group of followers. From this point, Smith continued to receive what he described as revelations, guiding the church's doctrines, organization, and practices, which were recorded and became additional scriptures like the Doctrine and Covenants.

Key Events in the Founding

**Early 1820s:** Joseph Smith's "First Vision" of God the Father and Jesus Christ.
**1823-1827:** Angel Moroni's visitations leading to the discovery of the golden plates.
**1828-1829:** Translation of the Book of Mormon.
**May 1829:** Claimed restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods by angelic messengers.
**April 6, 1830:** Formal organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The foundational claims of Joseph Smith are vital because they establish the theological framework for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, differentiating it from other Christian faiths. They provide the basis for its unique scriptural canon, its system of priesthood authority, and its belief in continuing revelation through modern prophets. For its members, these events represent the restoration of Christ's original church to the earth, giving a distinct purpose and identity to their faith tradition that continues to shape a global religious movement.

Was Joseph Smith the only one who saw the golden plates?

According to Joseph Smith and the Church, several witnesses claimed to see the golden plates and/or handle the translated manuscript. The testimonies of three and eight witnesses are included in every copy of the Book of Mormon.

What is the significance of the "First Vision"?

For members of the LDS Church, the First Vision is significant because it is seen as the beginning of the "Restoration" — the belief that God initiated the process of restoring His true church, doctrines, and priesthood authority to the earth through Joseph Smith.

How did the church grow so quickly after its founding?

The early church grew through vigorous missionary efforts, the appeal of its new doctrines, and the leadership of Joseph Smith. Converts were often drawn by the message of a restored gospel, new scripture, and the promise of direct divine guidance, leading to rapid expansion, particularly in the American frontier.

Did all of Joseph Smith's revelations become scripture?

Many of Joseph Smith's revelations were recorded and compiled into a volume of scripture called the Doctrine and Covenants, which is still used today. However, not every spiritual experience or instruction he received was canonized as scripture; some were for specific situations or individuals.

Where did the name "Latter-day Saints" come from?

The name "Latter-day Saints" reflects the belief that the church was restored in the "latter days" before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and its members are considered modern-day saints, similar to the early Christians.

Sources

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Joseph Smith—History." Pearl of Great Price.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon Upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Doctrine and Covenants."