“Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron.” — John the Baptist1
In May of 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were translating the Book of Mormon. While working through what is now 3 Nephi, they came across verses on the nature and importance of baptism. They had questions about this ordinance and its proper administration.2
Joseph and Oliver went to a secluded woody area near the Susquehanna River and knelt to pray. In response to the prayer, John the Baptist appeared and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, which included the keys or authority to perform baptisms. After John the Baptist left, Joseph and Oliver went to the Susquehanna River. Joseph baptized Oliver first and then Oliver baptized Joseph. They then ordained each other to the Aaronic Priesthood.3
