In the fall of 1832, Joseph Smith moved from Hiram, Ohio, back to Kirtland. Bishop Newel K. Whitney prepared an apartment for the Prophet's family in his store, and Joseph lived here until the winter of the following year. The Whitney Store served as headquarters for the Church during that time. Roland Lee's third great grandfather, James Henry Rollins worked as a clerk in the Whitney store as a young man of 17.
Many revelations now included in the Doctrine and Covenants were received by the Prophet in this place, including the Word of Wisdom, the oath and covenant of the priesthood, and the command to build a temple in Kirtland. Joseph also completed much of his inspired translation of the Bible here.
During the winter of 1832–33, the School of the Prophets was held in an upper room of the store. The school was organized to teach gospel doctrine and principles and to prepare members for ministry in the Church. On one sacred occasion, members of the school beheld a vision of God the Father and the Son.
The Church purchased the Whitney Store in the 1980's and restored it to its original condition in 1984. This historic site won a U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in 1988.
