The Newel K

The Newel K. Whitney Home in Kirtland, Ohio.

(Picture taken by Bruce Satterfield)

This is where Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney lived during the Kirtland years of their lives. Joseph and Emma lived in this home for a few weeks shortly after they moved from New York to Ohio. It was in this home that one of the first Kirtland miracles occured. John Johnson's wife, Elsa, whose arm was plagued with chronic rheumatism was healed by through the administration of Joseph Smith.

It was in this home that Edward Partridge was called to be the first bishop of the Church.

In December of 1830, Joseph Smith received a revelation directing the Church to move to "the Ohio" (D&C 37) In the January 2, 1831, Conference of the Church held in Fayette, New York, Joseph received a revelation explaining the reasons for the move. The Lord said, "for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high" (D&C 38:32).

Living Room of the Newel K. Whitney Home

(Picture taken by Bruce Satterfield)

As was promised, on February 9, 1831, shortly after Joseph arrived in Kirtland, while living in the Newel K. Whitney home, he received the revelation called the "law" (see D&C 42). In this revelation, some of the principles that undergird the law of consecration were given. Joseph also received D&C sections 41, 43, 44, and possibley 70 and 72 in this home. These revelations were probably received in the living room.

At this site on January 7, 1836, the Whitney's hosted a "Feast for the Poor" which lasted for three days. Of this event, Joseph Smith recorded: "Attended a sumptuous feast at Bishop Newel K. Whitney's. This feast was after the order of the Son of God--the lame, the halt, and the blind were invited, according to the instructions of the Savior Our meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Father Smith; after which Bishop Whitney's father and mother, and a number of others, were blessed with a patriarchal blessing. We then received a bountiful refreshment, furnished by the liberality of the Bishop. The company was large, and before we partook we had some of the songs of Zion sung; and our hearts were made glad by a foretaste of those joys that will be poured upon the heads of the Saints when they are gathered together on Mount Zion, to enjoy one another's society for evermore, even all the blessings of heaven, when there will be none to molest or make us afraid" (History of the Church, 2:362). Elizabeth Whitney said of this event: "This Feast for the Poor, says Mother Whitney, "lasted three days, during which all in the vicinity of Kirtland who would come, were invited and entertained. The Prophet Joseph and his counselors were present each day, talking, blessing and comforting the poor by words of encouragement and their most welcome presence. He often referred to it afterwards and testified of the great blessing he felt in associating with the meek and humble whom the Lord 'delights to own and bless.' He said it was preferable and far superior to the elegant and select parties he afterwards attended, and afforded him much more satisfaction" (LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:223-224).