This week in Church history
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50 years ago
"Using the gold-pointed pen of Brigham Young, President David O. McKay this week witnessed the deed to property in Harmony, Pennsylvania, where the Aaronic Priesthood was restored," the Church News reported Feb. 15, 1947.
The pen, that was nearly 100 years old at the time of the signing, was owned by Wilford C. Wood of Woods Cross, Utah. Wood and his wife, Lillian, secured the property before signing it over the the Church.
The land consisted of 80 acres in the township of Oakland, Susquehanna County.
"It was the first piece of property owned by the Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife, Emma, and has changed hands only five times prior to being secured by Mr. Wood," the article reported.
It continued: "The foundation of the first home of Joseph and Emma Smith still stands on the property, and it was in this home that the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery read about baptism, prayed for information, and were directed to the banks of the Susquehanna River. On May 15, 1829, on the banks of this river the Aaronic Priesthood and the keys of baptism were given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by John the Baptist."
The article stated that the pen used by President McKay to witness the transfer of the property was inscribed " `G.S.L.C., (for Great Salt Lake City) Holiness of the Lord, Brigham Young' and has the date 1858 on the point."
Quote from the past
Quarreling and swearing . . . are evils that lower the standards of the ideal home. I cannot imagine a father or mother swearing in the presence of children, or even letting it pass their lips. - President David O. McKay in the April 1953 general conference
