“When I heard that these Elders were preaching without money, or remuneration of any kind, and more especially when I knew Bro. Morley had received them into his house and had united himself to their faith, and that they were opposed to all priestcraft, I felt an earnest desire to hear their principles proclaimed, and to judge for myself; accordingly, I went immediately to hear, and as soon as I heard the Gospel as the Elders preached it, I knew it to be the voice of the Good Shepherd, and went home rejoicing, to tell my husband the news; he was convinced that I was entirely sincere, and wished to hear them, that he might also receive with me a full assurance; he asked me if I would wait for him to become convinced, that we might together enter the fold through the waters of baptism; but a strong ‘Impression bore witness in my heart, that now was the accepted time, and the day of salvation.’” — Elizabeth Ann Whitney1
Newel was born on February 5, 1795, in Marlborough, Vermont,2 while Elizabeth was born on December 26, 1800, in Derby, Connecticut.3 The two were married in Ohio on October 20, 1822.2 The Whitneys were followers of the Disciples of Christ led by Alexander Campbell (also called Campbellites).3
In 1829, while living in Kirtland, they both received a revelation while praying, where a celestial voice foretold, “Prepare to receive the word of the Lord, for it is coming.” Later, in 1830, they discovered that Sidney Rigdon, a well-known Campbellite preacher, had affiliated himself with a new religion: The Church of Christ, founded by Joseph Smith.4 Intrigued, the Whitneys attended meetings held by Latter-day Saint missionaries4 and were baptized in November of 1830.2
