Oliver Cowdery | First Church Historian

First Church History Buff — Oliver Cowdery T-Shirt

If you’re a Church history buff, it’s hard to find a better historical figure to put on your shirt than Oliver Cowdery. As one of the most important figures of the Restoration, Oliver stood at the center of some of the Church’s earliest and most sacred events—and now you can celebrate his story with a little vintage-style muscle.

Oliver Cowdery served as Joseph Smith’s principal scribe during much of the translation of the Book of Mormon, beginning in 1829. He also became one of the Three Witnesses, personally testifying that he had seen the plates and knew of their divine origin.

But Oliver’s role didn’t stop there. When the Church was organized in 1830, Oliver was appointed to keep Church records and conference minutes and began recording the early history of the Restoration. Church historical sources describe him as the first Church historian and recorder, although the exact development of the formal historian role continued as John Whitmer was later called to write and preserve the Church’s history.

And Oliver’s story has an especially meaningful final chapter. After being separated from the Church for about a decade, he sought readmission, was rebaptized in Kanesville, Iowa, on November 12, 1848, and made plans to join the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley. Sadly, declining health prevented him from making the journey. He died in Richmond, Missouri, on March 3, 1850, while on his way toward rejoining the Saints in Utah.

Wear the history. Lift the dumbbells. Know the story. Be a Church History Buff.

Product: Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

• 4.3 oz.,

• 60% combed ringspun cotton/ 40% polyester jersey

• Colors have a slightly heathered look

• Pre-shrunk for reduced shrinkage

• CVC blend

• 1x1 baby rib-knit set-in collar

• Shoulder to shoulder taping

• Tear-away label

• Side seamed