The Peter Whitmer Farm was our last church history stop on day 1 of our trip. It is located about 40 minutes from Palmyra outside of a town called Waterloo. The town of Fayette (as spoken of in church history) doesn't really exist anymore. I'm glad we had directions written down because this place is in the middle of nowhere. This is the surrounding view . . .
The Peter Whitmer Farm is significant for a few reasons. This is where Joseph Smith completed translation of the Book of Mormon and the church was organized on April 6, 1830. It is amazing to think of how much the church has grown since then! Starting with a humble gathering of 40-50 people in this small log home (6 names were on the official documents - per the law in New York) . . . to the worldwide church that exists today with over 16 million members!
This log home was constructed and dedicated on April 6, 1980 by Spencer W. Kimball during the Sunday session of General Conference, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the organization of the church. Check out this clip! It isn't a true reconstruction of the Whitmer home, but serves as a reminder of what happened here on this land.
On site they have also constructed a meeting house that serves a dual purpose as Visitors Center
In the visitors center they showed us a short video montage highlighting the growth of the church set to the music of Come, Come Ye Saints. That is a song of our pioneer ancestors but the message rings strong and true as we are all pioneers, establishing the restored gospel as we live, work, and serve wherever we may be! I'm so blessed and happy to be a part of it.
Another highlight of the day .... My cousin was serving a mission in New York and I knew that her assignment/area included the church sites. She could be at any one of them today. We asked around but no luck at the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, or Book of Mormon printing site. So I was so excited to walk out of the film at the Peter Whitmer farm and stumble upon Sister Andersen! She then took us around for the remainder of our tour.
Before heading back to our hotel in Rochester, we made sure to swing by a pretty amazing country store that was recommended by books I read and highly recommended as a must stop by Sister Andersen ..... Sauders in Seneca. This country store is Mennonite owned and is full of fresh produce, cheese, candy, a deli, and is known for their pies. We were only there to browse and grab some snacks for the drive home, but oh my! The browsing was an epic adventure!
every kind of jam, pickled ____ (fill in the blank), sprinkles, extracts, pie filling, maple syrup you could possibly imagine and more!
Definitely worth the stop!
As a recap ... here is what day 1 of our Church History trip included
Day 1 - Manchester, Palmyra, Fayette
Smith Family Farm, Sacred Grove, and Hill Cumorah
Book of Mormon Historic Publication Site
Peter Whitmer Farm
Palmyra Itinerary: Download Day 1 Palmyra Itinerary
Guide to Church Historic Sites: Peter Whitmer Farm
