Isaac Morley's Farm: Where the First High Priests Were Ordained and Heaven Was Opened in June 1831

Isaac Morley (1786–1865) was one of the first converts in the Kirtland, Ohio area, baptized on November 30, 1830, by Parley P. Pratt. His 300-acre farm became one of the most sacred sites in early Church history.

Morley had previously led a community of property (a proto-communal living experiment) on his farm, and when the missionaries arrived, he and nearly his entire community joined the Church at once.

In June 1831, at a small log schoolhouse on the Morley farm, one of the most extraordinary conferences in Church history took place. For the first time in this dispensation, the Lord commanded that men be ordained to the office of High Priest. Joseph Smith ordained Lyman Wight first, and then the Spirit fell upon the assembled elders in a powerful Pentecost-like outpouring.

John Whitmer recorded: 'The Spirit fell upon Lyman, and he prophesied concerning the coming of Christ. He saw the heavens opened and the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Father, making intercession for his brethren.'

Joseph then declared: 'I can see God!' Harvey Whitlock was described as being transfigured as he was ordained. Others saw angels. The Savior was witnessed by multiple individuals.

Isaac Morley himself was ordained a high priest at this conference — seven months after his baptism. He also provided the very land where all of this took place. He later served as a counselor and bishop, and followed the Saints through Missouri, Nauvoo, and to Utah, dying a faithful patriarch at age 79.