A restoration movement founded in 1830 that believes in continuing revelation, additional scripture, and a restored priesthood authority.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith in upstate New York, based on his account of a divine vision and the translation of the Book of Mormon — which members believe is an additional volume of scripture alongside the Bible. The church teaches that the original Christian church established by Jesus fell into apostasy after the death of the apostles, and that it was restored through Smith's prophetic calling. This belief in a 'restoration' rather than a 'reformation' is central to how Latter-day Saints understand their place in Christian history.
Latter-day Saints hold to a distinctive theology that differs in significant ways from traditional Christian orthodoxy. They believe in a Godhead of three separate beings — the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — rather than the traditional trinitarian understanding of one God in three persons. They also believe in ongoing revelation through a living prophet, the possibility of humans becoming divine, and the importance of temple ordinances for both the living and the dead. These beliefs have led many traditional Christian denominations to classify the LDS church as outside the bounds of historic Christianity, while Latter-day Saints themselves identify as followers of Jesus Christ.
In Fayetteville, the LDS church has four meetinghouse locations serving multiple wards (congregations). Wards are organized geographically, and members are assigned to the ward covering their home address. Sunday services include sacrament meeting (the main worship service), Sunday school, and separate meetings for men, women, and youth. The church is known for its strong emphasis on family, service, and lay leadership — there is no paid clergy, and all positions are filled by volunteers from the congregation.
Latter-day Saints are distinguished by their belief in additional scripture (the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price), a living prophet who receives revelation for the church, and temple ordinances not practiced in other Christian traditions. Their theology of the Godhead and human potential differs significantly from traditional Christian orthodoxy.
Sacrament meeting is the main Sunday service, featuring congregational hymns, prayers, the sacrament (communion), and lay members speaking rather than a paid pastor. Services are reverent and family-oriented.
1830, Fayette, New York, by Joseph Smith.
Strong family values, worldwide missionary program, lay leadership, and the Utah Tabernacle Choir.