Who was Oliver Cowdery

Who was Oliver Cowdery

Oliver Cowdery was one of the most important figures in the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. He was not only the principal scribe for Joseph Smith in the translation of the Book of Mormon, but he was also a direct witness to the sacred events that led to the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He and Joseph Smith received the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood directly from heavenly messengers: John the Baptist conferred the first, and Peter, James, and John bestowed the second. Through this, God’s authority was restored to the earth.

Cowdery was also one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, meaning he saw with his own eyes the gold plates from which the book was translated and heard the voice of God testifying of its truth. He never denied his testimony, not even when he was excommunicated from the Church in 1838 due to disagreements with some leaders.

Years later, in 1848, he reconciled with the Church and publicly reaffirmed his testimony before passing away in 1850. His legacy is undeniable: he was a key instrument in the restoration of the gospel, and his testimony of the Book of Mormon remains a powerful witness that it is a true book, translated by the power of God.