When was the Melchizedek Priesthood restored?

[Luke]

"On the 3rd of June, the Elders from the various parts of the country where they were laboring, came in; and the conference before appointed, convened in Kirtland; and the Lord displayed His power to the most perfect satisfaction of the Saints. The man of sin was revealed, and the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood was manifested and conferred for the first time upon several of the Elders. It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs required. Great harmony prevailed; several were ordained; faith was strengthened; and humility, so necessary for the blessing of God to follow prayer, characterized the Saints." (Joseph Smith, DHC 1:176-178)

"Previous to this there was a revelation received, requiring the Prophet to call the elders together, that they might receive an endowment. This was done, and the meeting took place some time in June. About fifty elders met, which was about all the elders that then belonged to the church. The meeting was conducted by Smith. Some curious things took place. The same visionary and marvelous spirits, spoken of before, got hold of some elders; it threw one from his seat to the floor; it bound another, so that for some time he could not use his limbs nor speak; and some other curious effects were experienced, but, by a mighty exertion, in the name of the Lord, it was exposed and shown to be from an evil source. The Melchizedek Priesthood was then for the first time introduced, and conferred on several of the elders. In this chiefly consisted the endowment--it being a new order--and bestowed authority. However, some doubting took place among the elders, and considerable conversation was held on the subject. The elders not fairly understanding the nature of the endowments, it took some time to reconcile all their feelings." (John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1839, pg. 18)

"On the 4th of June 1831, a conference was held at Kirtland, <Ohio> represented by all the above mamed branches; Joseph Smith our modern Prophet presided; and here I again saw the visible manifestations of the power of God as plain as could have been on the day of pentecost and here for the first time I saw the Melchisedec priesthood introduced into the church of Jesus Christ as anciently; whereunto I was ordained under the hands of Joseph Smith, and I then ordainded Joseph and Sidney and sixteen others such as he chose unto the same priesthood. The spirit of God was made manifest to the heeling of the sick, cast<ing> out devils, speaking in unknown tongues, discerning of spirits, and prophesying with mighty power, After the two days the conference broke up receiving the revelation which appointed 28 elders their Mission to Missouri" (Lyman Wight, August 1857, Lyman Wight Sketch, pg. 5-6)

"As the 4th of June last was appointed for the sessions of the conference, it was ascertained, that that was the time specified, when the great and mighty work was to be commenced, and such was the confidence of some, that knowledge superceded their faith, and they did not hesitate to declare themselves perfectly assured that the work of miracles would commence at the ensuing conference. With such strong assurances, and with the most elevated expectations, the conference assembled at the time appointed. To give, if possible, energy to expectation, Smith, the day before the conference, professing to be filled with the spirit of prophecy, declared, that 'not three days should pass away, before some should see their Savior, face to face.' Soon after the session commenced, Smith arose to harangue the conference. He reminded those present of the prophecy, which he said 'was given by the spirit yesterday.' He wished them not to be overcome with surprise, when that event ushered in. He continued, until by long speaking, himself and some others became much excited. He then laid his hands on the head of Elder Wight, who had participated largely in the warm feeling of his leader, and ordained him to the High Priesthood. He was set apart for the service of the Indians, and was ordained to the gift of tongues, healing the sick, casting out devils, and discerning spirits; and in like manner he ordained several others; and then called upon Wight to take the floor." (Ezra Booth, Letter written 31 October 1831, published in Ohio Star, 3 November 1831)

[Subcomandante]

Would correspond to the runup to Shavout in the Hebrew Calendar. When Moses received the 10 Commandments, and also when the Apostles could give the gift of the Holy Spirit to three thousand individuals.

[LDS Watchman]

The Melchizedek priesthood was restored in May 1829 by Peter, James, and John.

We know for certain that it was restored and conferred upon elders of the church long before the conference at Morely farm. We know this because the elders of the church were already performing ordinances which require the Melchizedek priesthood, particularly the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

[Luke]

The Melchizedek priesthood was restored in May 1829 by Peter, James, and John.

We know for certain that it was restored and conferred upon elders of the church long before the conference at Morely farm. We know this because the elders of the church were already performing ordinances which require the Melchizedek priesthood, particularly the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Then why do Joseph and multiple others say it was introduced for the first time?

[Robin Hood]

The Melchizedek priesthood was restored in May 1829 by Peter, James, and John.

We know for certain that it was restored and conferred upon elders of the church long before the conference at Morely farm. We know this because the elders of the church were already performing ordinances which require the Melchizedek priesthood, particularly the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Then why do Joseph and multiple others say it was introduced for the first time?

I think we need to examine what "introduced" means in this context. But clearly, the MP was restored to Joseph and Oliver prior to this date.

[LDS Watchman]

The Melchizedek priesthood was restored in May 1829 by Peter, James, and John.

We know for certain that it was restored and conferred upon elders of the church long before the conference at Morely farm. We know this because the elders of the church were already performing ordinances which require the Melchizedek priesthood, particularly the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Then why do Joseph and multiple others say it was introduced for the first time?

Joseph didn't say it was introduced for the first time. He said it was manifested and conferred upon SOME of the elders for the first time.

I would have to look this up, but I would suspect that some of the men present had not had the Melchizedek priesthood conferred upon them prior to this conference while others had.

[LukeAir2008]

Probably Thursday, May 28, 1829

[ParticleMan]

On the same day as the AP, according to a report by Arthur Winter of Oliver Cowdery:

Arthur Winter collection, 1883-1940, Journal, volume 4, 1892 January-1899 December, p. 267
(Source)

[Luke]

On the same day as the AP, according to a report by Arthur Winter of Oliver Cowdery:

Arthur Winter collection, 1883-1940, Journal, volume 4, 1892 January-1899 December, p. 267
(Source)

Great source. I’ll be adding that to my collection.

But it doesn’t support that view. Where does Oliver mention the Melchizedek Priesthood?

[JLHPROF]

On the same day as the AP, according to a report by Arthur Winter of Oliver Cowdery:

Arthur Winter collection, 1883-1940, Journal, volume 4, 1892 January-1899 December, p. 267
(Source)

First time I've seen that.
That's a pretty cool reference if Cowdery and the report are accurate.

[JLHPROF]

The Melchizedek priesthood was restored in May 1829 by Peter, James, and John.

We know for certain that it was restored and conferred upon elders of the church long before the conference at Morely farm. We know this because the elders of the church were already performing ordinances which require the Melchizedek priesthood, particularly the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Then why do Joseph and multiple others say it was introduced for the first time?

I think we need to examine what "introduced" means in this context. But clearly, the MP was restored to Joseph and Oliver prior to this date.

True.
Whatever happened at the Morley Farm it wasn't the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Probably of the office of High Priests for the first time. Joseph and Oliver already held the Apostleship and received revelation to ordain the first High Priests in the Church it sounds like.
But there's no record of new authority being brought by heavenly messenger as with John the Baptist and Peter, James and John.
And then additional keys still had to be given after this event.

[TheDuke]

At what point did Joseph and Oliver consider themselves having the PH of apostle? I seem to recall them just being called elders after the MP was restored? I see a later claim to apostle, but at the time?

[Luke]

Neither Elders nor Apostles hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.

[JLHPROF]

Neither Elders nor Apostles hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Disagree 100%. But keep on pitching.

[Luke]

Neither Elders nor Apostles hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Disagree 100%. But keep on pitching.

Show me otherwise then. Using Scripture and JS teachings.