The Plano congregation of the church was organized on April 21, 1861, and first met at the home of Elder James Horton. In May 1868, members resolved to build a church, and townspeople supported the effort generously while a local merchant donated the land. Plano Stone Church was completed and dedicated in November 1868, and its pews and pulpit, made from native lumber by church members, are still in use. Joseph Smith III, church president and prophet from 1860-1914, lived in Plano with his family from 1866-1881, and during that time the church served as headquarters for the denomination. Fourteen General Conferences were hosted there. Plano was also home to Herald Publishing House, where numerous church publications were issued, including the Saints' Herald, Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible, the 1874 edition of the Book of Mormon, and the first Zion's Hope.