19 Jul - Newel K. Whitney Home

The Whitneys were told by the Lord to “Prepare, for the word of the Lord is coming.” The Whitneys invited the Smiths to stay with them for several weeks when they first arrived in Kirtland. The Whiney home became the headquarters of the Church during that time, and Joseph received “The Law” (D&C 42) during this time. Sections 41-44, 70, and 72 of the Doctrine and Covenants were also recorded here.

The missionaries at the site also told of the healing of Elsa Johnson’s arm by the Prophet Joseph. Several people were gathered together to meet the prophet and hear his doctrine. During the visit the subject of spiritual gifts came up, including the possibility that the gift of healing had been restored. When the conversation changed, Joseph walked over to Elsa and said, “Woman, in the name of Jesus Christ, I command thee to be made whole.” She was able to lift her previously lame arm and was healed from that moment on. (from Hayden’s “History of the Disciples,” p. 250-51; B.H. Roberts, New Witnesses for God, Vol. 1 p. 258; History of the Church, Vol. 1 p. 215 footnotes)