Joseph Smith Sr. License (1830)

Joseph Smith Sr. was one of the eight witnesses who saw and handled the golden plates, one of the earliest members of the Church, and one of those ordained to ministerial positions at the first general conference of the Church on June 9, 1830. The license indicates that he was ordained according to the Articles and Covenants, the Church’s foundational document adopted on the day of its organization (now Doctrine and Covenants 20). The record was written by Oliver Cowdery and signed by him and Joseph Smith. Priesthood ordinations are recorded and office holders trace their authority through Joseph Smith to Jesus Christ.