Martin Harris Sees His Father in Vision at the Foot of a Ladder — Confirmed That Baptism for the Dead Is True

When Martin Harris arrived in Salt Lake City in 1870 after 39 years of separation from the main body of the Church, he was taught about baptism for the dead — a principle new to him. He was skeptical, but said if it was correct, the Lord would manifest it to him by His Spirit.

Edward Stevenson recorded what happened:

'Martin, soon after his arrival in Salt Lake City, came to my house and said the spirit of the Lord had made it manifest to him, not only for himself personally, but also that he should be baptized for his dead, for he had seen his father seeking his aid. He saw his father at the foot of a ladder, striving to get up to him, and he went down to him taking him by the hand and helped him up.'

This vision confirmed to Harris the truth of proxy baptism for the dead. He was immediately baptized for himself and then for several of his deceased ancestors. Five apostles were present at his confirmation: John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, and Joseph F. Smith.