Confirmation of the Holy Ghost Overwhelms Eliza Dana Gibbs at Baptism

In April 1838, following her conversion, Eliza Dana Gibbs was baptized by Elder John E. Page on the banks of Chippawa Bay in Hammond, New York. She and her sister Mary were baptized together despite intense family opposition, going forth 'with aching hearts' out of grief over causing pain to their beloved mother.

After changing their clothes at a nearby house filled with Saints, Elder Page confirmed them and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost. Eliza described what happened the moment she was confirmed:

'As soon as I was confirmed the comforter in very truth rested upon me, insomuch, it would not have disturbed me had the whole world been arrayed against me. My trouble and anxiety in regard to Mother and all else was swallowed up in a heavenly peace.'

The distress and fear she had carried were instantly replaced by a deep, encompassing peace. So powerful was this experience that the family opposition which had weighed so heavily on her melted away entirely.

And in what became its own miracle, her mother — who had vehemently opposed the baptisms and whom brother George predicted would die of disgrace — recovered from a subsequent illness, began searching the scriptures to find arguments against the faith, and ended up converting herself. The following summer, she was baptized into the Church as well.