Did you know that Joseph Smith was baptized? You have heard all those stories from Pennsylvania and New York, I know. But, have you heard about Joseph Smith being baptized in Teziutlán, Puebla, Mexico? And that he was baptized by a Mormon missionary from Tempe and by his companion from Mexico City? There is a story about that. I copy for you the letter from Elders Moeller and Cifuentes.

The Legend [but this isn't really a legend] of Joseph Smith

In the early 1800´s a man was born and given the name of Joseph Smith. Nearly 200 years later, another was born and was given given the same name. Joseph Smith was born to Rafael Vega and Alma Nely Avalos. The family was strong in the church and thought to honor the prophet of the Restoration by naming their firstborn son after him. [Interesting that they did not name him "José eSmith."]

Some rough times hit the familia Vega Avalos and they withdrew their attendance from the Church. Smith as they called him, grew up without the church. Alma Nely decided one day to take the kids to church. They had been attending for two months before we caught wind they were not members. They would come to church in their Sunday best. Sometimes Joseph would assist the other teachers prepare the sacrament. Just a little apostasy. I think the whole ward was fooled.

Once we found out the children of the family were not members, we were over there the next day. They had knowledge from their two months in the church so we were able to teach the lessons very rapidly. They agreed to be baptized that next week. We continued to pass by and teach them and strengthen them.

Joseph and his little sister Nelly passed their baptism interviews and on the 9th of May were baptized. Joseph Smith now is a baptized Aaronic Priesthood holder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The End
Elder Moeller and Elder Cifuentes

So, there you have it. Joseph Smith's sister Nelly has a real name. It is Meridiana--Meridian, as in the meridian of time. This family was obviously quite active and knowledgeable. They have returned to that. Joseph Smith and Meridiana (of time) Vega Avalos are now official members of the Church. Very nice. You would think that Joseph Smith could look a little happier about finally being baptized.