| Testimonies of the Restoration Part 1 |
The testimonies on this page are those of Saints of the church from many years
ago. Most have gone on to their reward, yet their testimonies of their faith in
the work and hope for the Kingdom still serve to inspire us today. "Wherefore,
seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us
lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before us!" Hebrews 12:1
ago. Most have gone on to their reward, yet their testimonies of their faith in
the work and hope for the Kingdom still serve to inspire us today. "Wherefore,
seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us
lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before us!" Hebrews 12:1
Notwithstanding I am of the fourth generation of a
family closely identified with the Latter Day Saint
movement, now represented in the Reorganized
Church, the divinity of the Restoration and the
authority of the Reorganized Church have been
attested by many established facts as well as by
hundreds of experiences during the years, many
of them back in the days of early youth.
Memory takes me back to Lamoni, to the first of
our churches in that city, where the Spirit
condescended to witness to me God's presence.
Memory also calls up an army of men with whom I
have been acquainted, and who helped shape the
destinies of our church, who have given evidence
that they were priests of God and who spoke with
authority, as well as the men of the priesthood of
today with whom I labor, who bear daily evidence
of his grace. For all of which I acknowledge my
gratitude to the God who created us and to His
Son whose glory we, by a faithful walk, may share.
family closely identified with the Latter Day Saint
movement, now represented in the Reorganized
Church, the divinity of the Restoration and the
authority of the Reorganized Church have been
attested by many established facts as well as by
hundreds of experiences during the years, many
of them back in the days of early youth.
Memory takes me back to Lamoni, to the first of
our churches in that city, where the Spirit
condescended to witness to me God's presence.
Memory also calls up an army of men with whom I
have been acquainted, and who helped shape the
destinies of our church, who have given evidence
that they were priests of God and who spoke with
authority, as well as the men of the priesthood of
today with whom I labor, who bear daily evidence
of his grace. For all of which I acknowledge my
gratitude to the God who created us and to His
Son whose glory we, by a faithful walk, may share.
Probably when young Joseph Smith went into the
forest to pray that spring morning he had no thought
that he was to be numbered with the prophets. But it is
written, "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of
prophecy" (Rev. 19: 10). He came from the forest with
such a witness for Christ as had not been heard since
the prophets of old fell asleep. God and Christ had
appeared unto him, and the heavenly Father had
attested the mission of the Son, saying, "This is my
beloved Son, hear him." In the sacred precincts of the
Kirtland Temple I myself received the testimony that
the Restoration began after that manner.
Obedient to the instructions of the Lord and Master, six
young men organized the church. They were without
experience in church-building and there was no church
on earth they could pattern after. Yet they brought forth
again the church of Jesus Christ in its organic form
and having the old scriptural doctrines and spiritual
gifts. I have found the gospel that it preaches to be the
power of God unto salvation in my own life and the life
of my family.
forest to pray that spring morning he had no thought
that he was to be numbered with the prophets. But it is
written, "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of
prophecy" (Rev. 19: 10). He came from the forest with
such a witness for Christ as had not been heard since
the prophets of old fell asleep. God and Christ had
appeared unto him, and the heavenly Father had
attested the mission of the Son, saying, "This is my
beloved Son, hear him." In the sacred precincts of the
Kirtland Temple I myself received the testimony that
the Restoration began after that manner.
Obedient to the instructions of the Lord and Master, six
young men organized the church. They were without
experience in church-building and there was no church
on earth they could pattern after. Yet they brought forth
again the church of Jesus Christ in its organic form
and having the old scriptural doctrines and spiritual
gifts. I have found the gospel that it preaches to be the
power of God unto salvation in my own life and the life
of my family.
In my very early years the greatest question that stirred in
my mind was of the existence of God. I felt that if he lives,
irreparable would be the loss, or tragedy, if I went through
life as though he does not. Upon entering the Reorganized
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the age of
fifteen, O soon clearly realized I had a beginning from which
to start, and an end toward which to move. I know that God
lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that a "marvelous work
and a wonder" was divinely inaugurated through the
prophet, Joseph Smith.
my mind was of the existence of God. I felt that if he lives,
irreparable would be the loss, or tragedy, if I went through
life as though he does not. Upon entering the Reorganized
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the age of
fifteen, O soon clearly realized I had a beginning from which
to start, and an end toward which to move. I know that God
lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that a "marvelous work
and a wonder" was divinely inaugurated through the
prophet, Joseph Smith.
This brochure is presented to you with the belief that the experiences of some of the people whose
testimonies you will read are similar to your own – that their needs have been similar to the needs
you sense in your own life. These people have achieved a measure of success, representing
professional and business groups; and some are community, national and international leaders. But
their success lies more truly in their mutual testimony that Jesus of Nazereth is the Son of God; that
though him, God the Father moves among men in our time in revelation of his plan of salvation; that
the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the divinely established church
commissioned by God to give leadership toward his kingdom, and that the power of God is
evidenced in many ways in this Restoration of the Gospel of Christ.
These testimonies of marvelous manifestations of spiritual power in healing, angelic ministry,
prophetic inspiration , and physical miracles combine to remind us that “The spirit and the body is
the soul of man” and “The glory of God is intelligence.”
This booklet is commended to the Saints with the prayer that it will strengthen their faith and
quicken the spirit of evangelistic testimony in them; and to the our friends wit the invitation to share
with us in the happy fellowship of the cause of Christ in the Restoration of the fullness of the gospel.
THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE APOSTLES
by the Committee for Missionary Materials
Arthur A. Oakman
Maurice L. Draper
Reed M. Holmes
testimonies you will read are similar to your own – that their needs have been similar to the needs
you sense in your own life. These people have achieved a measure of success, representing
professional and business groups; and some are community, national and international leaders. But
their success lies more truly in their mutual testimony that Jesus of Nazereth is the Son of God; that
though him, God the Father moves among men in our time in revelation of his plan of salvation; that
the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the divinely established church
commissioned by God to give leadership toward his kingdom, and that the power of God is
evidenced in many ways in this Restoration of the Gospel of Christ.
These testimonies of marvelous manifestations of spiritual power in healing, angelic ministry,
prophetic inspiration , and physical miracles combine to remind us that “The spirit and the body is
the soul of man” and “The glory of God is intelligence.”
This booklet is commended to the Saints with the prayer that it will strengthen their faith and
quicken the spirit of evangelistic testimony in them; and to the our friends wit the invitation to share
with us in the happy fellowship of the cause of Christ in the Restoration of the fullness of the gospel.
THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE APOSTLES
by the Committee for Missionary Materials
Arthur A. Oakman
Maurice L. Draper
Reed M. Holmes
THE TESTIMONY OF
ISRAEL A. SMITH
PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH (1946 TO 1958)
Grandson of the Prophet Joseph Smith
ISRAEL A. SMITH
PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH (1946 TO 1958)
Grandson of the Prophet Joseph Smith
THE TESTIMONY OF
ELBERT A. SMITH
PRESIDING PATRIARCH
Grandson of the Prophet Joseph Smith
ELBERT A. SMITH
PRESIDING PATRIARCH
Grandson of the Prophet Joseph Smith
THE TESTIMONY OF
PAUL M. HANSON
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE APOSTLES
PAUL M. HANSON
PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE APOSTLES
It would seem that there could be no better evidence of one's belief in
and devotion to the church than that of acceptance of responsibility of
ministry in its service. One needs to review his own relation to the
church and the cause it represents from time to time. I find that each
time that I do this the principles revealed to the church of the
Restoration through the revelations received verify the truth and
divinity of this great cause. It is a cause in which I believe and which
challenges me to give the best I can to it.
The principles of the gospel bring hope of a better life of eternal
character while at the same time holding out promise of the
establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth. To the building of this
kingdom I gladly and willingly commit myself.
and devotion to the church than that of acceptance of responsibility of
ministry in its service. One needs to review his own relation to the
church and the cause it represents from time to time. I find that each
time that I do this the principles revealed to the church of the
Restoration through the revelations received verify the truth and
divinity of this great cause. It is a cause in which I believe and which
challenges me to give the best I can to it.
The principles of the gospel bring hope of a better life of eternal
character while at the same time holding out promise of the
establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth. To the building of this
kingdom I gladly and willingly commit myself.
THE TESTIMONY OF
G. L. DeLAPP
PRESIDING BISHOP
G. L. DeLAPP
PRESIDING BISHOP
The scriptural soundness of the Restoration message convinced me
that the Reorganized Church is indeed the true Church of Jesus
Christ restored to earth today. During my thirty-two years and over
as a member of both the church and the priesthood, the validity of
this claim has never failed, though repeatedly tried. The Spirit,
through many personal experiences, has witnessed to me that
Jesus is the Christ and that "the eternal purposes of the Lord shall
roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled." This assures that the
church, though necessitated to pass through many trials, eventually
will succeed in establishing the kingdom of God on earth,
preparatory to the coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
that the Reorganized Church is indeed the true Church of Jesus
Christ restored to earth today. During my thirty-two years and over
as a member of both the church and the priesthood, the validity of
this claim has never failed, though repeatedly tried. The Spirit,
through many personal experiences, has witnessed to me that
Jesus is the Christ and that "the eternal purposes of the Lord shall
roll on, until all his promises shall be fulfilled." This assures that the
church, though necessitated to pass through many trials, eventually
will succeed in establishing the kingdom of God on earth,
preparatory to the coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
THE TESTIMONY OF
E. Y. HUNKER
SENIOR PRESIDENT OF SEVENTY
E. Y. HUNKER
SENIOR PRESIDENT OF SEVENTY
PRESIDENT, Fisher School, Boston, Massachusetts
PROFESSIONAL activities have included:
MEMBER, Board of Directors, Eastern Business Teachers Association
PRESIDENT, National Association of Commercial Schools
MEMBER, Executive Board of National Association and Council of
Business Schools
PRESIDENT, New England Business College Association
DIRECTOR, Boston Rotary Club and chairman of the Student Loan
Fund Committee
MEMBER of Quorum of High Priests and Counselor to Southern New
England District President, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints
PROFESSIONAL activities have included:
MEMBER, Board of Directors, Eastern Business Teachers Association
PRESIDENT, National Association of Commercial Schools
MEMBER, Executive Board of National Association and Council of
Business Schools
PRESIDENT, New England Business College Association
DIRECTOR, Boston Rotary Club and chairman of the Student Loan
Fund Committee
MEMBER of Quorum of High Priests and Counselor to Southern New
England District President, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints
THE TESTIMONY OF
SANFORD L. FISHER
SANFORD L. FISHER
As a high school student I attended church because of family insistence. My father was a bishop who
believed that his family should set a good example of regular church attendance.
While in college the Darwinian theory and evolution versus the church kept me from making the church a
natural part of my life.
Now, with more mature years, observation of those who have lived by the higher levels of the gospel
teachings, in contrast with those who have not, study of the literature of the church, acceptance of
priesthood responsibility, together with the teachings of the Spirit on many occasions, I can say with
conviction that the Restoration Movement was brought into existence by the hand of God. It is a most
necessary part of his great program for the ultimate salvation of man.
believed that his family should set a good example of regular church attendance.
While in college the Darwinian theory and evolution versus the church kept me from making the church a
natural part of my life.
Now, with more mature years, observation of those who have lived by the higher levels of the gospel
teachings, in contrast with those who have not, study of the literature of the church, acceptance of
priesthood responsibility, together with the teachings of the Spirit on many occasions, I can say with
conviction that the Restoration Movement was brought into existence by the hand of God. It is a most
necessary part of his great program for the ultimate salvation of man.
THE TESTIMONY OF
TIHONI (JOHN) MERVIN
TIHONI (JOHN) MERVIN
INTER-ISLAND shipper-Society Islands
IMPORTER of general merchandise-Oceanic Export Company
EXPORTER of copra and mother of pearl-French government,
John Rie Company, and Gerdau Company
ELDER, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
IMPORTER of general merchandise-Oceanic Export Company
EXPORTER of copra and mother of pearl-French government,
John Rie Company, and Gerdau Company
ELDER, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
I first came into contact with the church through my wife who was a member of long standing. Reading
the Doctrine and Covenants, the Book of Mormon, and other church publications convinced me her
religion was correct. After setting my roots deep in the faith, I was baptized in the year 1922. That same
year I was married to my companion who has constantly encouraged me to labor in the work.
Since our covenant with him we have continued to serve him in our weak way, and are convinced that this
is indeed the church which Jesus Christ restored to the earth in these latter days. We have attempted to
bring up our children in the faith, and we testify that the Lord has helped us, as they are all members in
good standing in the church. We also give great credit to the missionaries who have assisted and
encouraged us in our labors of love. We have listened attentively to the instructions which they have
brought, and have received with joy the words which fell from their lips.
In this manner have we come to appreciate the marvels of the kingdom. It was our singular experience to
be shifted into the position, largely due to the Lord's blessings upon us, of ministering to the needs of the
missionaries who have come to this field. We were thrilled to have this opportunity of service. I have
trusted and worked in the church for thirty years, and hope to labor in the faith unto death. I hope the Lord
will see fit to crown my efforts in the church with success, that my life shall be lengthened, extending my
arm of service beyond my fondest anticipations. This is my prayer and that of my family.
the Doctrine and Covenants, the Book of Mormon, and other church publications convinced me her
religion was correct. After setting my roots deep in the faith, I was baptized in the year 1922. That same
year I was married to my companion who has constantly encouraged me to labor in the work.
Since our covenant with him we have continued to serve him in our weak way, and are convinced that this
is indeed the church which Jesus Christ restored to the earth in these latter days. We have attempted to
bring up our children in the faith, and we testify that the Lord has helped us, as they are all members in
good standing in the church. We also give great credit to the missionaries who have assisted and
encouraged us in our labors of love. We have listened attentively to the instructions which they have
brought, and have received with joy the words which fell from their lips.
In this manner have we come to appreciate the marvels of the kingdom. It was our singular experience to
be shifted into the position, largely due to the Lord's blessings upon us, of ministering to the needs of the
missionaries who have come to this field. We were thrilled to have this opportunity of service. I have
trusted and worked in the church for thirty years, and hope to labor in the faith unto death. I hope the Lord
will see fit to crown my efforts in the church with success, that my life shall be lengthened, extending my
arm of service beyond my fondest anticipations. This is my prayer and that of my family.
THE TESTIMONY OF
OTIS J. STEPHENS
OTIS J. STEPHENS
TRAINING and Safety Advisor for Gulf Oil Company
MEMBER of Quorum of High priests and Counselor to Central
Oklahoma District President, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints
MEMBER of Quorum of High priests and Counselor to Central
Oklahoma District President, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints
My parents accepted the gospel before I was born. My father has been in the priesthood as long as I can
remember. In 1942 I was ordained an elder, and in 1950 a high priest.
I never questioned the divinity or the church. My only question has been—can I live up to its ideals and
goals? I have been healed of illness through administration, and have seen others healed through this
ordinance. This, of course, is miraculous. But the greatest miracle and unmistakable evidence to me of
the divinity of the church is what I have seen take place in the lives of the members. I have, in the past five
years, seen miracles performed in the lives of the members of the Central Oklahoma District. Perhaps my
outstanding experience was when, during a sermon, I received evidence of the calling of three young men
to the priesthood. This was my first time to see these young men, and subsequent developments in their
lives have confirmed this evidence.
remember. In 1942 I was ordained an elder, and in 1950 a high priest.
I never questioned the divinity or the church. My only question has been—can I live up to its ideals and
goals? I have been healed of illness through administration, and have seen others healed through this
ordinance. This, of course, is miraculous. But the greatest miracle and unmistakable evidence to me of
the divinity of the church is what I have seen take place in the lives of the members. I have, in the past five
years, seen miracles performed in the lives of the members of the Central Oklahoma District. Perhaps my
outstanding experience was when, during a sermon, I received evidence of the calling of three young men
to the priesthood. This was my first time to see these young men, and subsequent developments in their
lives have confirmed this evidence.
I do not believe any individual really reaches any firm convictions until he has passed through a period of
doubt. It has been said, firm convictions presage strong action. Born in the Restoration Movement, I
accepted it as part of my life as I did my father and mother—food and clothing—as something taken for
granted. As my maturing mind began to question creation, a lot of reading and study had to be engaged in,
in order to do the analyzing and selecting of the true things of life. A study of the philosophy of Zoroaster
and Buddha, the statements of the Reformers, and the firm convictions of the founder of the Restoration,
have convinced me beyond doubt of the divinity of the Restoration Movement and the part it has played as
a leaven on all religious institutions since 1830. I know and believe!
doubt. It has been said, firm convictions presage strong action. Born in the Restoration Movement, I
accepted it as part of my life as I did my father and mother—food and clothing—as something taken for
granted. As my maturing mind began to question creation, a lot of reading and study had to be engaged in,
in order to do the analyzing and selecting of the true things of life. A study of the philosophy of Zoroaster
and Buddha, the statements of the Reformers, and the firm convictions of the founder of the Restoration,
have convinced me beyond doubt of the divinity of the Restoration Movement and the part it has played as
a leaven on all religious institutions since 1830. I know and believe!
THE TESTIMONY OF
RICHARD J. JONES
RICHARD J. JONES
MANAGER, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
PAST PRESIDENT, Oklahoma City Sales Executives Club
PAST PRESIDENT, Oklahoma City Knife and Fork Club
VICE CHAIRMAN, Salvation Army's Advisory Board
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce,
Lion's Club, and Goodwill Industries
PAST MEMBER, National Board of Sales Executives
CHAIRMAN, Citizens' Education Project, Oklahoma City Schools
PRESIDENT, The Oklahoma Club
MEMBER of Order of Evangelists, Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints
PAST PRESIDENT, Oklahoma City Sales Executives Club
PAST PRESIDENT, Oklahoma City Knife and Fork Club
VICE CHAIRMAN, Salvation Army's Advisory Board
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce,
Lion's Club, and Goodwill Industries
PAST MEMBER, National Board of Sales Executives
CHAIRMAN, Citizens' Education Project, Oklahoma City Schools
PRESIDENT, The Oklahoma Club
MEMBER of Order of Evangelists, Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints
During the spring of 1945 at a Far West Stake conference a prophecy was delivered concerned with the
"word of wisdom." Suddenly my studies in the field of nutrition took on new meaning! I shall never forget
the thrill with which I opened the Doctrine and Covenants to section 86 on the way home and excitedly
tried to tell my family that the things written there some 113 years before were the things modern
nutrition was teaching too.
Each new bit of information in the field of nutrition brought added evidence of the divine inspiration
enjoyed by the prophet as he penned the words of the Doctrine and Covenants. When there was
controversy among the scientists, that which was written helped me to choose the truth. So much that
the prophet had written had been vindicated by time that I had no hesitancy in using it all as a guide.
Recent discoveries justify this procedure.
I have found that my friends in sociology, chemistry, nuclear physics, and other fields are receiving
similar assistance from the words of the prophet. Truly the more one learns in any field the more certain
one becomes that the modern prophet was inspired of God—the more grateful one becomes that the
prophet of the Restoration enjoined us to "seek learning by study and also by faith." Only such seeking
can open our vision to the discovery of all truth.
"word of wisdom." Suddenly my studies in the field of nutrition took on new meaning! I shall never forget
the thrill with which I opened the Doctrine and Covenants to section 86 on the way home and excitedly
tried to tell my family that the things written there some 113 years before were the things modern
nutrition was teaching too.
Each new bit of information in the field of nutrition brought added evidence of the divine inspiration
enjoyed by the prophet as he penned the words of the Doctrine and Covenants. When there was
controversy among the scientists, that which was written helped me to choose the truth. So much that
the prophet had written had been vindicated by time that I had no hesitancy in using it all as a guide.
Recent discoveries justify this procedure.
I have found that my friends in sociology, chemistry, nuclear physics, and other fields are receiving
similar assistance from the words of the prophet. Truly the more one learns in any field the more certain
one becomes that the modern prophet was inspired of God—the more grateful one becomes that the
prophet of the Restoration enjoined us to "seek learning by study and also by faith." Only such seeking
can open our vision to the discovery of all truth.
THE TESTIMONY OF
B. MILDRED NELSON SMITH
B. MILDRED NELSON SMITH
HOMEMAKER and missionary's wife
RURAL School Teacher, Bernard, Missouri, 1936-40
HOME Management Supervisor, Farm Security Administration
ASSISTANT Farm Labor Supply Center Manager, War Food
Administration, Office of Labor—Charleston and East Prairie, Missouri,
1941-44
STUDENT, Research Assistant and United States Department of
Agriculture Co-ordinator, Iowa State College, 1944-46
EXTENSION NUTRITIONIST, Iowa State College and United States
Department of Agriculture co-operating; Assistant Professor at Iowa
State College, 1946-51
RESIDENT STAFF MEMBER, Iowa State College, planning and teaching a
new course in family nutrition, 1951
RURAL School Teacher, Bernard, Missouri, 1936-40
HOME Management Supervisor, Farm Security Administration
ASSISTANT Farm Labor Supply Center Manager, War Food
Administration, Office of Labor—Charleston and East Prairie, Missouri,
1941-44
STUDENT, Research Assistant and United States Department of
Agriculture Co-ordinator, Iowa State College, 1944-46
EXTENSION NUTRITIONIST, Iowa State College and United States
Department of Agriculture co-operating; Assistant Professor at Iowa
State College, 1946-51
RESIDENT STAFF MEMBER, Iowa State College, planning and teaching a
new course in family nutrition, 1951
| Testimonies of the Restoration Part 1 |
