Mormon History LDS Initial Developments Initiation of Priesthood of Melchizedek (April 1830) Initiation of Priesthood of Melchizedek (April 1830) Eight additional witnesses from inner circle Eight additional witnesses from inner circle Melchizedek Priesthood then conferred in epiphany of Apostles Peter, James and John Melchizedek Priesthood then conferred in epiphany of Apostles Peter, James and John April 6th 1830, they lay hands on each other at farmhouse of Peter Whitmer – ordaining as Elders April 6th 1830, they lay hands on each other at farmhouse of Peter Whitmer – ordaining as Elders Initial LDS conference (June 9, 1830) Initial LDS conference (June 9, 1830) Thirty men gathered organize new religious society Thirty men gathered organize new religious society Commissioned missionaries armed with Book of Mormon Commissioned missionaries armed with Book of Mormon Secured the conversion of Sidney Rigdon Secured the conversion of Sidney Rigdon