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Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Young Men General President Steven J. Lund marked the 150th anniversary of the Young Men organization with a video recorded at the Priesthood Restoration Site in Oakland Township, Pennsylvania. The video was made available on July 13, 2025, for young men aged 11 to 17 worldwide.
“You are here to bear up the priesthood and to hold up the kingdom of God,” Elder Neil L. Andersen stated in the video recorded at this historic site.
The presentation also featured five young holders of the Aaronic Priesthood: Sawyer Smith, Preston Melton, Joshua Winkel, Spencer Young, and Juan David Carpintero. As they visited various historic locations with Elder Andersen and President Lund, they discussed sacred events of the Restoration and shared their thoughts.
Dedicated by President Russell M. Nelson in 2015, the Priesthood Restoration Site is significant as it is where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist. It is also where baptisms by priesthood authority first took place in the Susquehanna River.
“This experience changed the world,” said Elder Andersen about John the Baptist ordaining Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic Priesthood.
President Lund remarked on how few places have such historical significance: “This is one of those places where the priesthood of God was poured back into earth.”
In reflecting on their experiences at this site, Elder Andersen emphasized that holding priesthood responsibilities requires patience and growth over time.
Elder Andersen testified that John the Baptist restored a preparatory priesthood for what would later be known as Melchizedek Priesthood bestowed upon Joseph Smith by ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John.
“There is order and understanding in how this works,” he said. “This priesthood is real; it changes world events.”
The event concluded with an invitation from Elder Andersen for all young men globally to prepare themselves spiritually while bearing witness about Jesus Christ's role today guiding holy work upon Earth before His Second Coming.
