In the spring of 1820, Joseph Smith Jr. retired to the woods near his home in Palmyra, New York, and offered a simple prayer to our Father in Heaven. This humble prayer set into motion a series of events that brought forth The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from its obscure beginnings in upstate New York to a worldwide church. Beginning with Joseph Smith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always been led by a prophet of God. These prophets also serve as presidents of the Church and direct the affairs of the Church.