Doctrine and Covenants Revelation Sites – Fayette or Kingdom, New York

Fayette or Kingdom (Waterloo), New York

Peter Whitmer Sr. Log Home or Joseph Smith Sr. Home

Sections 35, 36, and 37

December 1830

Location Links

Peter Whitmer Home

Kingdom, New York

A Word of Explanation

Peter Whitmer Home

According to the 1833 Book of Commandments, the revelations now identified as Sections 35 and 36 were received in Fayette, Seneca County, New York. Thus, some historians believe the Peter Whitmer home to be the most probable location. However, Lucy Mack Smith, mother of the Prophet Joseph, wrote that the Prophet conducted a meeting at her home in Waterloo. She stated that Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge first met the Prophet in her home. Thus, some scholars feel that Kingdom was the location of the revelations.

The location for Section 37 is less clear. The Book of Commandments identified the revelation as being received in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. Canandaigua is located about 30 miles SE of Fayette. The 1981 Doctrine and Covenants heading indicates the location was "near Fayette." Kingdom was about 5 miles east of Fayette, and the Prophet apparently did meet Sidney Rigdon there (the revelation was given to Joseph and Sidney). Thus, some believe that the Whitmer home is still the most likely candidate.

Words of Joseph Smith

"In December Sidney Rigdon came to inquire of the Lord, and with him came Edward Partridge; the latter was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord's great men. Shortly after the arrival of these two brethren, thus spake the Lord [Doctrine and Covenants 35]." (History of the Church 1:128)

Words of Lucy Mack Smith

"We [Joseph Smith Sr. and his wife Lucy] moved into a house belonging to an individual by the name of Kellog . . . Many of our neighbors came in and welcomed us to Waterloo . . ." (History of Joseph Smith, 189)

"In December of the same year [1830], Joseph appointed a meeting at our house. While he was preaching, Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge came in and seated themselves in the congregation. When Joseph had finished his discourse, he gave all who had any remarks to make, the privilege of speaking. Upon this, Mr. Partridge arose, and stated that he . . . believed our testimony, and was ready to be baptized, 'if,' said he, 'Brother Joseph will baptize me.'" (History of Joseph Smith, 192)