Major Mormon Milestones Trivia Quiz

Born to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack in Sharon Vermont on December 23, 1805, Joseph Smith was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He became dissatisfied with the prominent religions of the day and sought on his own to know which of the many sects he should join. Smith later wrote that he was instructed in a vision that he should join none of the churches.

In the Home of Peter Whitmer, Sr., the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was officially organized on April 6, 1830 in Fayette, New York. Present with Joseph Smith were Oliver Cowdery, Joseph's brothers Hyrum and Samuel, and David and Peter Whitmer.

The saints began construction of the Kirtland, Ohio Temple in 1833 and dedicated it three years later. The principle building materials were lumber and sandstone. Saints in the area also ground up pottery and glass to make stucco which covered the exterior of the building.

In 1901 ownership of the temple was secured by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, an offshoot of the original church, now known as the Community of Christ.

With the LDS population in Missouri growing, tensions increased primarily due to the saints' anti-slavery views. In the aftermath of a clash between members of the church and the state militia on October 24, Lilburn Boggs signed Missouri Executive Order 44 that stated, "The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state if necessary for the public peace-their outrages are beyond all description." The saints were forced to leave the state into neighboring Illinois. Executive Order Number 44 was officially rescinded on June 25th, 1976.

Less then one week after Executive Order Number 44 was enacted, a settlement of church members were attacked by a militia headed by Colonel Thomas Jennings. Though doubt remains that the militia members knew of Governor Boggs's order, the rising tensions created a proverbial powder keg. Nearly 1,600 rounds of ammunition were expended over a 30-60 minute period. Among the dead were two children aged nine and ten

While imprisoned in Carthage Jail with his brother Hyrum, Joseph Smith was visited by friends and fellow members John Taylor and Willard Richards. On June 27th, an armed mob set upon the jail. Hyrum was killed almost instantly with a shot to the face. Joseph was shot multiple times before falling from the second story window. He died shortly after impact.

In June of 1946, leaders of the church petitioned the federal government for help in moving westward and escaping the persecutions they had suffered for many years to that point. President Polk offered assistance on the condition that several hundred members enlist in the army to fight in the Mexican-American War, which had broken out earlier that year. Over 500 men were mustered in Council Bluffs, Iowa and later arrived at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas on August 1st for training.

A mere 29 days after the pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley, the choir was organized. The Tabernacle that would be the home to the choir was not completed until 1867. In 2018, the original name was retired and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square was born.

The choir has toured more than 20 countries and has performed at the inaugurations of multiple presidents including Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush.

Two ships of LDS immigrants departed from England later than anticipated in 1856 and arrived in the United States in New York and Boston. By train, they traveled to Iowa City, Iowa where they were outfitted with handcarts and provisions and organized into companies. Concerned about the lateness of the season, members were warned to stay in Iowa City until spring. Despite the warnings, the two companies departed Iowa City in mid-August of that year.

A harsh winter wreaked havoc as they passed through Wyoming and progress stalled until 77 wagon teams from Salt Lake city rescued the companies and helped them to the Salt Lake valley. The Willie company arrived on November 9th and the Martin company arrived on November 30th. Over two hundred members of the two companies died en route.

Although the iconic Salt Lake temple was the first temple in Utah to begin construction in 1853, it was actually the fourth to be completed in 1893. Construction on the St. George Utah temple commenced in 1871 and was completed in 1877, with the dedication ceremony held on April 6. The temple underwent a major renovation in 2019.