1831

 

Here’s a breakdown of the 1831 events and revelations month by month:

January 1831

• 2 Jan.: The third conference of the Church was held in Fayette, New York.
• 2 Jan.: D&C 38 – Given at the conference in Fayette.
• 5 Jan.: D&C 39 – Given to James Covel in Fayette.
• 6 Jan.: D&C 40 – Given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in Fayette.

February 1831

• 4 Feb.: Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Kirtland, Ohio.
• 4 Feb.: D&C 41 – Given in Kirtland, calling Edward Partridge as the first bishop.
• 9 & 23 Feb.: D&C 42 – Given in two parts in Kirtland.
• Feb.: D&C 43 – Given in Kirtland.
• Late Feb.: D&C 44 – Given in Kirtland.

March 1831

• Early Mar.: Parley P. Pratt returned to Kirtland from his mission.
• 7 Mar.: D&C 45 – Given in Kirtland.
• 8 Mar.: D&C 46 – Given in Kirtland.
• 8 Mar.: D&C 47 – Given in Kirtland.
• 10 Mar.: D&C 48 – Given in Kirtland.

April 1831

• 9 Apr.: John Whitmer appointed to keep the Church record and history.

May 1831

• Saints from Colesville, New York, arrived in Thompson, Ohio.
• 7 May: D&C 49 – Given to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley in Kirtland.
• 9 May: D&C 50 – Given in Kirtland.
• 20 May: D&C 51 – Given in Thompson.

June 1831

• 3–6 June: A Church conference in Kirtland – first ordinations to the office of high priest.
• 6 June: D&C 52 – Given in Kirtland.
• 8 June: D&C 53 – Given to Algernon Sidney Gilbert in Kirtland.
• 10 June: D&C 54 – Given to Newel Knight, directing the Saints in Thompson to Missouri.
• 14 June: D&C 55 – Given to William W. Phelps in Kirtland.
• 15 June: D&C 56 – Given in Kirtland.
• 19 June: Joseph Smith and others traveled to Missouri (arriving 14 July).

July 1831

• 20 July: D&C 57 – Given in Jackson County, Missouri.

August 1831

• 1 Aug.: D&C 58 – Given in Jackson County.
• 3 Aug.: Joseph Smith and others dedicated the city of Zion and the temple site.
• 4 Aug.: First Church conference in Missouri.
• 7 Aug.: D&C 59 – Given in Zion.
• 8 Aug.: D&C 60 – Given in Independence.
• 9 Aug.: Joseph Smith departed Missouri for Ohio (arrived 27 Aug.).
• 12 Aug.: D&C 61 – Given at McIlwaine’s Bend.
• 13 Aug.: D&C 62 – Given at Chariton, Missouri.
• 30 Aug.: D&C 63 – Given in Kirtland.

September 1831

• 11 Sept.: D&C 64 – Given in Kirtland.
• 12 Sept.: Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Hiram, Ohio.

October 1831

• 13 Oct.: Ezra Booth began publishing critical letters in The Ohio Star.
• 25–26 Oct.: Joseph Smith presided at a conference in Orange Township, Ohio.
• 29 Oct.: D&C 66 – Given in Hiram.
• 30 Oct.: D&C 65 – Given in Hiram.

November 1831

• 1 Nov.: Conference in Hiram approved publication of revelations as the Book of Commandments.
• D&C 1 – Given as the preface to the revelations.
• D&C 67 – Given at a special conference.
• D&C 68 – Given regarding Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and William E. McLellin.
• 3 Nov.: D&C 133 – Originally given as an appendix.
• 11 Nov.: D&C 107 – Revelation on priesthood (later combined with 1835 revelation).
• 11 Nov.: D&C 69 – Given in Hiram.
• 12 Nov.: D&C 70 – Given in Hiram, appointing stewards over Joseph Smith’s revelations.

December 1831

• 1 Dec.: D&C 71 – Instructed Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to preach in Ohio.
• 4 Dec.: D&C 72 – A compilation of three revelations regarding Newel K. Whitney as bishop in Ohio.

This breakdown clarifies the chronology of early Church events, emphasizing the movements, key revelations, and administrative decisions shaping the Church in 1831.

KEY EVENTS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of 1831, including key revelations and their significance:

January 1831

• 2 Jan.: Third conference of the Church held in Fayette, New York.
• 2 Jan. – D&C 38:
• Key Event: Revelation at the conference.
• Significance: Commanded the Saints to move to Ohio, promised them protection and blessings, and warned of secret enemies.
• 5 Jan. – D&C 39:
• Key Event: Given to James Covel.
• Significance: Covel was promised blessings if he obeyed but later rejected the revelation (see D&C 40).
• 6 Jan. – D&C 40:
• Key Event: Given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon.
• Significance: Explained why James Covel rejected his earlier calling—fear of persecution and worldly cares.

February 1831

• 4 Feb.: Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Kirtland, Ohio.
• 4 Feb. – D&C 41:
• Key Event: First revelation given in Ohio; Edward Partridge called as bishop.
• Significance: Established Church leadership in Ohio and introduced the role of a bishop.
• 9 & 23 Feb. – D&C 42:
• Key Event: Two-part revelation on the Law of the Church.
• Significance: Introduced the Law of Consecration, moral laws, and community organization.
• Feb. – D&C 43:
• Key Event: Given in Kirtland.
• Significance: Clarified that revelations for the Church would come only through Joseph Smith, rejecting unauthorized claims.
• Late Feb. – D&C 44:
• Key Event: Commanded a general Church meeting.
• Significance: Encouraged Saints to gather in unity and prepare for future growth.

March 1831

• Parley P. Pratt returned from his mission.
• 7 Mar. – D&C 45:
• Key Event: Revelation on the signs of the Second Coming.
• Significance: Emphasized Christ’s return, called for a gathering place, and pointed to New Jerusalem.
• 8 Mar. – D&C 46:
• Key Event: Directed how spiritual gifts should be received.
• Significance: Clarified that gifts come from God and should be sought by all faithful members.
• 8 Mar. – D&C 47:
• Key Event: John Whitmer assigned as Church historian.
• Significance: Established the importance of keeping records.
• 10 Mar. – D&C 48:
• Key Event: Directed the Saints to prepare to move to Missouri.
• Significance: Laid groundwork for the concept of Zion.

April 1831

• 9 Apr.: John Whitmer formally appointed as Church historian.

May 1831

• Colesville Saints arrived in Thompson, Ohio.
• 7 May – D&C 49:
• Key Event: Revelation to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley.
• Significance: Rejected Shaker beliefs, affirmed marriage, and clarified doctrines about Christ’s return.
• 9 May – D&C 50:
• Key Event: Revelation about false spirits and spiritual manifestations.
• Significance: Taught that true revelations bring light and understanding.
• 20 May – D&C 51:
• Key Event: Guidance for organizing the Law of Consecration.
• Significance: Established bishop Edward Partridge’s role in handling consecrated properties.

June 1831

• 3–6 June: Church conference in Kirtland; first high priests ordained.
• 6 June – D&C 52:
• Key Event: Mission assignments for elders.
• Significance: Established Missouri as the land of Zion and sent missionaries there.
• 8 June – D&C 53:
• Key Event: Given to Sidney Gilbert.
• Significance: Called Gilbert to be an agent for Church goods.
• 10 June – D&C 54:
• Key Event: Directed Saints in Thompson to Missouri.
• Significance: Addressed Leman Copley’s betrayal, which forced Saints to relocate.
• 19 June: Joseph Smith and others departed for Missouri (arrived 14 July).

July 1831

• 20 July – D&C 57:
• Key Event: Declared Independence, Missouri, as the location of Zion.
• Significance: Marked the beginning of Church settlement in Missouri.

August 1831

• 1 Aug. – D&C 58:
• Key Event: Instructions for Zion’s establishment.
• Significance: Taught that faith precedes blessings—Saints must first obey before receiving Zion.
• 3 Aug.: Zion and temple site dedicated.
• 4 Aug.: First conference in Missouri.
• 7 Aug. – D&C 59:
• Key Event: Taught principles of Sabbath observance.
• Significance: Emphasized gratitude and proper worship.
• 9 Aug.: Joseph Smith departed for Ohio (arrived 27 Aug.).

September 1831

• 11 Sept. – D&C 64:
• Key Event: Taught forgiveness and sacrifice.
• Significance: Instructed Saints to forgive and be patient in building Zion.
• 12 Sept.: Joseph and Emma moved to Hiram, Ohio.

October 1831

• Ezra Booth published anti-Mormon letters.
• 25–26 Oct.: Conference in Orange, Ohio.
• 29 Oct. – D&C 66:
• Key Event: Personal revelation to William E. McLellin.
• Significance: Proved prophetic authority—McLellin was told his secret sins.

November 1831

• 1 Nov.: Conference in Hiram, Ohio, approved publication of the Book of Commandments.
• D&C 1: Given as the Lord’s preface.
• D&C 67: Test of prophetic language.
• D&C 68: Clarified Church leadership roles.
• 3 Nov. – D&C 133:
• Key Event: Called Saints to prepare for Christ’s return.
• Significance: Later became the “appendix” to the Doctrine and Covenants.
• 11 Nov. – D&C 69:
• Key Event: John Whitmer sent to transport revelations for printing.
• Significance: Ensured the safety of the Book of Commandments.
• 12 Nov. – D&C 70:
• Key Event: Named stewards over revelations.
• Significance: Defined scriptural responsibility.

December 1831

• 1 Dec. – D&C 71:
• Key Event: Joseph and Sidney Rigdon told to pause Bible translation and preach.
• Significance: Countered Ezra Booth’s anti-Mormon attacks.
• 4 Dec. – D&C 72:
• Key Event: Newel K. Whitney appointed as Ohio bishop.
• Significance: Expanded Church administration.

This month-by-month breakdown clarifies not just when events happened, but also why they mattered—especially in establishing Church leadership, gathering to Zion, and refining doctrine.