The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) recently dedicated its first temple in Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, but the church has long had a presence in the commonwealth. In December 1827, years before the church was established, Joseph Smith and his wife, Emma, moved from Palmyra, New York, to Susquehanna County to a place referred to as Harmony in Mormon history. Joseph brought with him golden plates that he said he had been directed to unearth by an angel named Moroni. He and Emma were seeking a peaceful place where he could translate the ancient writings on the plates. The Smiths moved in with Isaac Hale and his wife, Elizabeth. The Hales were Emma’s parents. “The majority of the Book of Mormon was translated here and the priesthood was restored here. These are very significant contributions to the history Read more…