Moroni Celebration

Smith Family Home in Palmyra, New York – September 2023 – photos by Joey Orton
Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith in His Room by Tom Lovell

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith Jr. – September 21-22, 2023

Smith Family gathered in Palmyra, New York on Thursday, September 14 to produce a video to share as a family, celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Moroni appearing to young Joseph Smith.

The Smith Family is the core family of the restoration. The Prophet Joseph’s work could never have been done by him alone. It became a family responsibility. They not only shared in its glorious events, but they suffered persecution, abuse, imprisonment and even death. All these things seemed to strengthen their testimonies. Each family member believed Joseph’s work was of God. Following is a short, but representative compilation of Book of Mormon testimonies, borne by Smith family members. On the 200th anniversary of Moroni’s first visit to the Prophet Joseph, it is appropriate that we pause and be reminded that each family member knew and testified that it was true. Their testimonies reflect our ancestor’s deep faith and devotion. There are many more that could have been published. There are many, many more that were unspoken. Hopefully, you will become acquainted with their testimonies. Hopefully your children, grandchildren and generations to come will become acquainted with their testimonies. As you learn, teach and share, your testimonies will grow. You will gain a greater appreciation for the price that was paid by the whole Smith family at the beginning of this work. We pray that these testimonies will build our faith and cause us to follow in their footsteps.

Testimonies from the Smith Family of the Book of Mormon

Moroni Celebration Program

Children’s Coloring Page

Moroni Celebration Talk by Daniel Adams

Daniel Adams Power Point

An Angel From On High – arrangement by Claire Nabrotzky

(Add some fun when you sit down to watch the Moroni Celebration by enjoying some angel food cake on golden plates or dishes.)

Recorded Moroni Celebration Link

Scholarship 2023 Winners

Announcements were made during the 200th Anniversary Year of Moroni appearing to Joseph and changing the path of the Smith family. You receive check # 1071 in the amount of $1,000 to be used toward furthering your education goals.

The Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. This family Association is involved with outreach, locating and preserving family sites, education, commemorating historical events, and continuing the family’s efforts to publish Joseph’s name for good.

Scholarship 2023 – 1st Place

Chloe Isom “Cricket”
755 S Main St. Suite 4-337
Cedar City, UT
cricketreads@1beckyjsmithgmail-com
Brigham Young University

Slam Poem “Related” (video and written copy)

The Smith family are largely known for Jospeh Smith’s role in bringing about the
Restoration of the gospel in full. Because of the miraculous and impactful nature of his work and accomplishments, his and his family’s lives are elevated to illustrious and almost mythic proportions. As a consequence, it can sometimes feel like they are more heroes from stories than real people. While reading and contemplating about their family as a whole, I was struck with how many relatable experiences they did have in between and interwoven with what they were called to do; mainly, the trials and struggles they faced that were not only unique to their position, but are still relevant to what we face today. With this understanding, I have felt a closer connection to them and a desire to follow their examples of endurance and integrity through hardship.

Scholarship 2023 – 2nd Place

David Pinegar Jr
176 Twin Brook Road
Chesterfield, New Hampshire
davidothesecond@gmail.com
Keene High School

A musical arrangement

I have formed a medley arranged for a full orchestra. Complete sheet music and a recording was submitted.

“The selection of this particular work comes from my respect for Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith’s family. They consistently, throughout the raising of their family, taught their children to believe. This principle of teaching faith is one that is so important in our world today, especially given the advances of the adversary in leading youth away from the priorities that matter most. Referring to the Ammonite stripling warriors, in Alma 57:26, it reads, “And we do justly ascribe [their preservation] to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe.” The Smith family’s devoted teaching of faith provided the setting for the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith, to be preserved.

This medley of hymns is meant a tribute to the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His Atonement and an homage to Joseph Smith, who “has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (D&C 135:3). Like the Smith family, I have always believed in the importance of teaching faith and teaching to believe. As a result, I will be serving a mission this coming July, in the Buenos Aires Argentina South Mission. As I prepare for this, I try to find more and more opportunities to teach others about what I know and believe. Particularly through music, I am able to teach others about my faith in Christ.”

Scholarship 2023 – 3rd Place

Jeannette Baird
1024 E Golden Ct
Spokane Washington
gobaird@msn.com
Brigham Young University
Service Through Music – Inspired by Lucy Mack Smith

She learned how to serve others by studying Lucy Mack Smith’s life. Jeannette used her musical skills to serve in the community nursing homes. She also raised proceeds through service donating to local charities. She learned she can use her skills to bring her community together.