Oakland in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

“Go, and Be Baptized”

Joseph Smith Property

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2015

1. “Go, and Be Baptized” Marker

Inscription. On May 15, 1829, an angel appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the woods near the Smith home. He “said that his name was John, the same who is called John the Baptist in the New Testament.” He conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on them, giving them the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins. He then instructed them to “go, and be baptized.” They likely made their way to the river in the evening, after the river traffic had ceased for the day. The water level that day was high enough for them to baptize one another without leaving the Smith’s pasture. Joseph first baptized Oliver, and then Oliver baptized Joseph. (See Joseph Smith—History 1:68-72.)

Joseph Smith wrote of this experience: “Immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had been baptized, we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly Father…We were filled with the Holy Ghost, and rejoiced in the God of our salvation” (Joseph Smith—History1:73).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1829.

Location. 41° 57.028′ N,

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75° 38.32′ W. Marker is in Oakland, Pennsylvania, in Susquehanna County. It is on Pennsylvania Route 171. The marker is across the highway from the Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Site-Joseph Smith Property. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Susquehanna PA 18847, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Susquehanna River (here, next to this marker); Joseph Smith (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); War Memorial (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named War Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Bluestone Mining (approx. 1.8 miles away);

“Go, and Be Baptized” Marker is the marker on the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2015

2. “Go, and Be Baptized” Marker is the marker on the right

Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Community Veteran's Service Board (approx. 1.8 miles away); Commemorating 300th Birthday of Pennsylvania (approx. 1.8 miles away).

“Go, and Be Baptized” Marker is near the Historic Baptism Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2015

3. “Go, and Be Baptized” Marker is near the Historic Baptism Site

“Go, and Be Baptized” Marker is near the Priesthood Restoration Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2015

4. “Go, and Be Baptized” Marker is near the Priesthood Restoration Site

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 441 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 6, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.