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Question: Did the First Presidency identify the New York "Hill Cumorah" as the site of the Nephite final battles?
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Question
Did the First Presidency identify the New York "Hill Cumorah" as the site of the Nephite final battles?
Answer
In 1990, F. Michael Watson (secretary to the First Presidency) sent a letter to a questioner which read as follows:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
October 16, 1990
Bishop Darrel L. Brooks Moore Ward Oklahoma City Oklahoma South Stake 1000 Windemere Moore, OK 73160
Dear Bishop Brooks:
I have been asked to forward to you for acknowledgment and handling the enclosed copy of a letter to President Gordon B. Hinckley from Ronnie Sparks of your ward. Brother Sparks inquired about the location of the Hill Cumorah mentioned in the Book of Mormon, where the last battle between the Nephites and Lamanites took place.
The Church has long maintained, as attested to by references in the writings of General Authorities,
that the Hill Cumorah in western New York state is the same as referenced in the Book of Mormon.
The Brethren appreciate your assistance in responding to this inquiry, and asked that you convey to Brother Sparks their commendation for his gospel study.
Sincerely yours, (signed) F. Michael Watson Secretary to the First Presidency
Bro. Watson seems to have been speaking on his own understanding of the matter, and not as an official declaration of Church policy. In 1993
Endnotes
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