In April 1830, Joseph Smith founded the Church of Christ in Fayette, New York, with about 50 attendees including family and friends. During the meeting, they organized the church under New York law, ordaining Smith and Oliver Cowdery as the first elders, and administered the sacrament.¹

Smith then undertook a significant revision of the Bible, starting with the Book of Moses, enhancing the church's doctrinal foundation.² Amidst this, Smith faced legal trials in South Bainbridge and Colesville for being a "disorderly person" but was acquitted.³

Joseph's brother, Samuel H. Smith, spread the new faith, notably introducing Brigham Young to the Book of Mormon.⁴ Controversies also arose, such as Hiram Page's unauthorized revelations, which Joseph swiftly refuted to maintain doctrinal authority.⁵

In October 1830, Joseph initiated a missionary expedition to the Native Americans, seeing them as integral to Latter-day Saint prophecies.⁶

1. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 8, 84-85

2. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 10, 107-108

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 9, 95-96

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 9, 99-100

5. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 9, 97-98

6. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 9, 98-99