On January 14, 2018, Russell M. Nelson was announced as the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A former heart surgeon, Nelson succeeded Thomas S. Monson following his death. Nelson's presidency has been marked by significant organizational changes, including a focus on home-centered church learning and the restructuring of church programs.

On April 6, 2000, the Palmyra New York Temple was dedicated. This temple holds special significance as it is located near the birthplace of the church and the site of Joseph Smith's First Vision. The dedication of the temple was part of a broader effort by the church to expand its temple-building program globally, reflecting its growing membership.

On June 9, 1978, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a revelation that extended the priesthood to all worthy male members, regardless of race. This marked a significant change in church policy, as previously, black men were not allowed to hold the priesthood. The announcement was made by church president Spencer W. Kimball.

On October 6, 1890, church president Wilford Woodruff issued the Manifesto, a declaration that officially ended the practice of polygamy within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This decision was influenced by legal pressures and the desire for Utah to gain statehood. The Manifesto marked a significant shift in church policy and helped to transform its public image.

On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young led the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley, marking the beginning of a major settlement effort in what is now Utah. This migration was driven by the need for a safe haven where the Saints could practice their religion without persecution. The event is celebrated annually as Pioneer Day in Utah.

Joseph Smith was assassinated on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois. He and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob while awaiting trial in the Carthage Jail. Smith's death marked a significant turning point for the church, leading to a leadership crisis and the eventual migration of the Saints to the western United States under Brigham Young's leadership.

In 1838, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began moving to Missouri, which they believed to be the location of Zion. However, tensions with local residents led to violent conflicts, culminating in the Missouri Mormon War. The conflict resulted in the expulsion of the Saints from the state under an extermination order issued by Governor Lilburn Boggs.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially founded on April 6, 1830, in Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith and five others organized the church, which was initially called the Church of Christ. This event marked the formal establishment of a new religious movement that would grow rapidly in the following decades.

In the spring of 1820, Joseph Smith reported experiencing a vision in which God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. This event, known as the First Vision, is considered a foundational moment in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It marked the beginning of Smith's prophetic mission and the restoration of the gospel.

Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont. His early life was marked by hardship, including the death of his brother Alvin and the family's financial struggles. These experiences shaped his spiritual outlook and quest for religious truth.