SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. — About 75 members of the South Royalton Ward, Montpelier Vermont Stake of the Church, celebrated the Prophet Joseph Smith's 196th birthday Dec. 23 with a party, including sandwiches, birthday cake and the singing of hymns at his birthplace.
Sister Starley Smith, a service missionary at the memorial, led the group in singing "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" and "God Bless America."
The custom of having a Joseph Smith Birthday party at his birthplace began December 23, 1986, which would have been the Prophet's 181st birthday. Since that time the commemoration has continued annually.
