1st-edition Book of Mormon at BYU-Idaho

REXBURG, Idaho — A first-edition copy of The Book of Mormon has recently been added to the Brigham Young University-Idaho David O. McKay Library's collection.

It was donated by John E. Philips, of Logan, who said the book belonged to Frederick G. Williams, an early leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served for a time as a counselor in the First Presidency of the LDS Church and also as scribe for the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. Philips selected BYU-Idaho because of the love he has had for the university from an early age. "I wanted at one time to go to this school, but my mother was a widow and we didn't have enough money," he said.

Printed on the Grandin Press in 1830, it was one of the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon released. The donated book is complete and is in very good condition.

President Kim B. Clark accepted the book more than a year ago, but after undergoing an extensive restoration process at the Church History Library, it is now on display in the Special Collections' Press Room. The Book of Mormon can be seen in the David O. McKay Library, Room 220, or a tour can be scheduled through Laurie Francis at 208-496-9537 or at francisl@byui.edu.