“Reformed Egyptian” is the history of a previously unknown New World people. With the help of God Joseph translates the writing into what is now the Book of Mormon. 1829 On May 15 John the Baptist allegedly gives the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith and his scribe Oliver Cowdery as part of the restoration of God’s Church on Earth—authority that had been lost shortly after Jesus died. 1829 Probably in the summer, as a continuation of the restoration of God’s Church, the Apostles Peter, James, and John allegedly