This week in Church history
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175 years ago
Finishing a journey commanded by the Lord, Joseph Smith and companions "went by land on foot to Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, where we arrived about the middle of July," according to History of the Church 1:188.
The Prophet said of the mission to Missouri, "If we were faithful, the land of our inheritance, even the place for the city of the New Jerusalem, should be revealed."
Greeting the Prophet's group in Independence were Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., Ziba Peterson and Frederick G. Williams, who had arrived earlier on missions.
"The meeting of our brethren, who had long awaited our arrival, was a glorious one, and moistened with many tears," said the Prophet as recorded in his History of the Church, p. 189.
On July 20, a few days after the arrival of Joseph Smith and his associates, the revelation was received which would become Section 57 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It designated the place for the City of Zion and a temple.
Verses 2-3 state: "Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion.
"And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the courthouse."
