In 1829 — 175 years ago — the young Prophet and his scribe sought answers to their questions about the vital ordinance of baptism. While kneeling in prayer at the edge of the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania, Joseph and Oliver were visited by John the Baptist. Acting under the direction of Peter, James and John, John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood upon the two men.
The authority to baptize and act in God's name had been restored. Joseph and Oliver became, for a time, the sole holders of the priesthood. Later, the Melchizedek Priesthood was also restored.
Jonathan Munoz is a promising tennis player and enjoys watching Formula 1 car races. He's also the sole priesthood holder at Southwest Middle School in Lakeland, Fla.
"You always try your best — you know you're being watched," Jonathan said, speaking of his unique ecclesiastical status among his schoolmates. A deacon in the Lakeland Ward, Lakeland Florida Stake, Jonathan does appreciate the companionship of fellow young men in his ward. And he looks forward to gathering with tens of thousands of priesthood holders worldwide to view a Church broadcast commemorating the 175th anniversary of the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood.
The event will be broadcast May 16 from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, beginning at 6 p.m., MDT.
http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/art ... lives.html
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
During the next few years, the Church will enter a period of significant anniversaries of major Church history events. The Church will not be commemorating these anniversaries at the general level. However, stake and ward leaders may choose to commemorate some of them at the local level.
We ask that any local commemorations not place undue burdens on leaders and members.
Sincerely yours,
/s/The First Presidency
https://bycommonconsent.com/2017/01/31/ ... versaries/
March 17, 2017, marks 175 years since the organization of Relief Society by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1842. We are excited about this date because of the feelings and actions we anticipate it will evoke in the hearts and lives of all our sisters.
Relief Society principles
Rather than being an “event,” we hope that each individual sister will reflect upon and prayerfully seek ways to honor and remember this special milestone, keeping the following principles in mind:
https://www.LDS.org/church/news/relief- ... 7?lang=eng
I predict the Church will have a big celebration for the 200 year anniversary of the Priesthood.