Exhibit

Foundations of Faith

Treasures from the Historical Collections of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints build the foundations of their faith on Jesus Christ and the testimonies of His apostles and prophets. From its organization in 1830 to the present day, the Church has kept records of its history to help each generation see the hand of God and remember Him daily.

The items in this exhibit are priceless foundational records from the Church’s history that document its Restoration and growth throughout the earth. Among the records you will see here are early editions of modern scripture, personal records of modern prophets, and evidence of key developments in Church doctrine and organization.

View each collection within the exhibit below.

Accounts of the First Vision

The First Vision is the foundational event of the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Faith in this divine visitation is at the heart of belief for members of the Church around the world.

Modern Scripture

The faith of Latter-day Saints around the world rests on a foundation of modern scripture revealed through Joseph Smith. As a divinely appointed prophet, seer, revelator, and translator, Joseph Smith introduced new volumes of scripture that stand alongside the Bible as witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Modern Prophets

The faith of Latter-day Saints rests on a foundation of modern prophets, inspired men called by God to reveal His word in these times. Like prophets of old, prophets today wait on the Lord, seek His will, and testify of Jesus Christ. These letters and journals record and share some of the divine direction that modern prophets have received.

Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Latter-day Saints have faith that the Restoration produced a “true and living church” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). For members of the Church, from the first six in New York in 1830 to the millions in countries around the world today, local congregations provide opportunities for discipleship, fellowship, and service: living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Gathering Israel

The message and blessings of the restored gospel are intended for “every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” (Mosiah 15:28). Today, modern scripture, the words of the prophets, and the organization of the Church spread across the earth as we translate the Book of Mormon, gather scattered Israel through missionary work, care for the poor and needy, and build temples for the performance of ordinances.

Temples play an integral role in the gathering of Israel, and building temples is an ongoing part of the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From the earliest temples built by Joseph Smith in Kirtland and Nauvoo, to the temples of early Utah, to the temples that dot the earth today, these sacred buildings demonstrate the faith and dedication of faithful members who come to worship and perform saving ordinances.