Joseph Freeman, Jr. (born July 24, 1952) was the first man of black African descent to receive the Melchizedek priesthood and be ordained an elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the announcement of the 1978 Revelation on Priesthood, which allowed “all worthy male members of the Church” to “be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color.
2:16- Early life and family
4:45- Joseph Freeman’s account of the revelation and receiving the priesthood
17:37- Conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- joining the army, meeting his wife, being baptized, facing opposition
37:15- Thoughts on joining the Church despite the inability to hold the priesthood
44:19- Reading The Book of Mormon
51:11- Being baptized and early experiences in the Church
58:26- Temple sealing by Thomas S. Monson
1:02:16- Joseph Freeman’s book, In the Lord’s Due Time
1:02:51- Ending Questions
Read more from the Provo Daily Herald here.
Guest Author
Nick Galieti
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