Frederick G. Williams, Moved by the Holy Ghost, Washes Joseph Smith's Feet in Token of Unto-Death Loyalty (Kirtland, 1833)

On January 23, 1833, at the close of a conference held at the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio, a powerful spiritual atmosphere permeated the assembly. Joseph Smith later described this gathering as one where 'great and glorious were the divine manifestations of the Holy Spirit,' noting that many participants spoke in tongues. During this profound spiritual event, Frederick G. Williams was moved upon by the Holy Ghost to perform a solemn act. He washed the feet of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This act was performed as a tangible token of Williams's fixed determination to stand by Joseph Smith in all circumstances—whether in suffering, in journeying, in life, or in death—and a promise to be continually at his right hand. Joseph Smith accepted this covenant in the name of the Lord, formalizing a bond of unwavering loyalty between the two men.