The Kirtland Endowment Ordinances | Divine Teachings | Spiritual Outpourings | Priesthood Keys

Introduction

The Promise In January 1831, the Lord promised the New York saints that if they would "go to the Ohio" he would (1) give unto them his law and (2) "there you shall be endowed with power from on high" (D&C 38:32). Five days later the Lord reiterated that "inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves at the Ohio, I have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from thence men shall go forth into all nations" (D&C 39:15). Jesus delivered on his promise to give them his law almost immediately after the prophet Joseph arrived in Kirtland, Ohio the next month (see D&C 42). But what of the promised "endowment" of power? When would that come? And what would it be? What exactly was the "blessing" that would be poured forth upon the saints? And how would this prepare them to go into the nations of the world to preach? Whereas "the law" came quickly, the endowment of power would come only once the saints were truly prepared for it. Only days after the Lord gave the law, he told the saints in Kirtland to "sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power" (D&C 43:16). History shows that this sanctifying process took about five years before the endowment was finally given. In the mean time, the Lord commanded the saints in 1833 to build the Kirtland temple, "in the which house," he said, "I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high" (D&C 95:8). One year later, the Lord reiterated that he had "prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon" the Elders of the Church and that they would "receive their endowment from on high in my house, which I have commanded to be built unto my name in the land of Kirtland" (D&C 105:12, 33). Thus, by 1833-

1 1834 it was clear that the endowment of power would not occur until the Kirtland temple was completed. In a meeting with the Quorum of the Twelve on 12 November 1835, Joseph told them, "if we are faithful, and live by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God, I will venture to prophesy that we shall get a blessing that will be worth remembering, if we should live as long as John the Revelator; our blessings will be such as we have not realized before, nor received in this generation.... You need an endowment, brethren, in order that you may be prepared and able to overcome all things.... I feel disposed to speak a few words more to you, my brethren, concerning the endowment. All who are prepared, and are sufficiently pure to abide the presence of the Savior, will see Him in the solemn assembly."1

The Endowment of Power The season of the endowment of power and the outpouring of blessings dawned in January 1836 and would last until April of that same year. The Kirtland endowment was quite different from what Church members today understand a temple endowment to be. Rather than consisting of a ritual of covenant making amidst a presentation of Adam and Eve's journey toward Celestial realms, the Kirtland endowment consisted of four things:

1. Ordinances—primarily washing, anointing with oil, sealing the anointing, and the washing of feet 2. Divine teachings—the gift of doctrinal revelations that occasionally attended the above ordinances 3. Spiritual Outpourings/Divine Manifestations—the bestowal of visions, prophecies of the future, speaking in unknown tongues, seeing angels, and seeing the face of the Savior 4. Restoration of Priesthood Keys—brought and bestowed by the angelic messengers Moses, Elias, and Elijah

Groups of Church leaders began meeting in the Kirtland temple in January prior to its dedication to attend to the ordinances mentioned above. As they did so, divine teachings and spiritual manifestations were poured out (see Reading #1 below for an example of this). During the dedicatory services of the Kirtland temple at the end of March additional divine manifestations were witnessed and experienced by over 1,000 Church members (see Reading #2 below for examples). Finally, one week after the first dedicatory service, on Easter Sunday, 3 April 1836, Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and accepted the dedication of the house; then Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared and conferred upon them their

2 priesthood keys. All of this together constituted the Kirtland endowment of power. All of this collectively was the "blessing such as is not known among the children of men," which was "poured forth upon their heads" (D&C 39:15) because the saints had sanctified themselves and were prepared to receive it. All of this together was indeed, in Joseph's words, "a blessing ... worth remembering."

Footnotes 1. History of the Church, 2:308-310

3 Scripture Reading & Textual Engagement Questions

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are NOT required to answer all of the questions provided at the beginning of each section. The point of these readings is to rigorously ENGAGE WITH THE TEXT and WITH ONE ANOTHER to promote understanding. The questions are simply guides to help you do so.

Section 137

Qs: What was happening in the room just prior to Joseph receiving the divine teachings recorded in D&C 137? Why is the circumstance and setting relevant? How does this give us insight into the meaning of the Kirtland Endowment? What significant doctrines were taught to Joseph in this vision? Explain why you believe they are significant.

Doctrine and Covenants 137 second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins. 1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the 7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, glory thereof, whether in the body or out I saying: All who have died without a cannot tell. knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to 2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom through which the heirs of that kingdom will of God; enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; 8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it 3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that was seated the Father and the Son. kingdom;

4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, 9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men which had the appearance of being paved according to their works, according to the with gold. desire of their hearts.

5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my 10 And I also beheld that all children who father and my mother; my brother Alvin, die before they arrive at the years of that has long since slept; accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven. 6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the

4 Background, Context, and Aftermath of and blessings, many of which I shall not Section 137 (from scottwoodward.org) notice at this time. But as Paul said, so say I, let us come to visions and revelations. Date: 21 January 1836 The heavens were opened upon us, and I Place: Kirtland, Ohio beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I Joseph Smith (President) cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that At early candle-light I met with the kingdom will enter, which was like unto Presidency at the west school room, in the circling flames of fire; also the blazing Temple, to attend to the ordinance of throne of God, whereon was seated the anointing our heads with holy oil; also the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful Councils of Kirtland and Zion met in the streets of that kingdom, which had the two adjoining rooms, and waited in prayer appearance of being paved with gold. I saw while we attended to the ordinance. I took Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father the oil in my left hand, Father Smith being and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long seated before me, and the remainder of the since slept, and marvelled as that he had Presidency encircled him round about. We obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, then stretched our right hands towards seeing that he had departed this life before heaven, and blessed the oil, and consecrated the Lord had set His hand to gather Israel it in the name of Jesus Christ. the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins. We then laid our hands upon our aged Father Smith, and invoked the blessings of Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, heaven. I then anointed his head with the saying— consecrated oil, and sealed many blessings upon him. The Presidency then in turn laid All who have died without a knowledge of their hands upon his head, beginning at the this Gospel, who would have received it if oldest, until they had all laid their hands they had been permitted to tarry, shall be upon him, and pronounced such blessings heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also upon his head, as the Lord put into their all that shall die henceforth without a hearts, all blessing him to be our Patriarch, knowledge of it, who would have received it to anoint our heads, and attend to all duties with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that that pertain to that office. The Presidency kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men then took the seat in their turn, according to according to their works, according to the their age, beginning at the oldest, and desire of their hearts. received their anointing and blessing under the hands of Father Smith. And in my turn, And I also beheld that all children who die my father anointed my head, and sealed before they arrive at the years of upon me the blessings of Moses, to lead accountability, are saved in the celestial Israel in the latter days, even as Moses led kingdom of heaven. I saw the Twelve him in days of old; also the blessings of Apostles of the Lamb, who are now upon Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. All of the the earth, who hold the keys of this last Presidency laid their hands upon me, and ministry, in foreign lands, standing together pronounced upon my head many prophecies in a circle, much fatigued, with their clothes

5 tattered and feet swollen, with their eyes cast We then invited the High Councilors of downward, and Jesus standing in their midst, Kirtland and Zion into our room, and and they did not behold Him. The Savior President Hyrum Smith anointed the head of looked upon them and wept. the President of the Councilors in Kirtland, and President David Whitmer the head of I also beheld Elder M'Lellin in the south, the President of the Councilors of Zion. The standing upon a hill, surrounded by a vast President of each quorum then anointed the multitude, preaching to them, and a lame heads of his colleagues, each in his turn, man standing before him supported by his beginning at the oldest. crutches; he threw them down at his word and leaped as a hart, by the mighty power of The visions of heaven were opened to them God. Also, I saw Elder Brigham also. Some of them saw the face of the Young standing in a strange land, in the far Savior, and others were ministered unto by south and west, in a desert place, upon a holy angels, and the spirit of prophecy and rock in the midst of about a dozen men of revelation was poured out in mighty power; color, who appeared hostile. He was and loud hosannas, and glory to God in the preaching to them in their own tongue, and highest, saluted the heavens, for we all the angel of God standing above his head, communed with the heavenly host. And I with a drawn Sword in his hand, protecting saw in my vision all of the Presidency in the him, but he did not see it. And I finally saw celestial kingdom of God, and many others the Twelve in the celestial kingdom of that were present. Our meeting was opened God. I also beheld the redemption of Zion, by singing, and prayer was offered up by the and many things which the tongue of man head of each quorum; and closed by singing, cannot describe in full. and invoking the benediction of heaven, with uplifted hands. Retired between one Many of my brethren who received the and two o'clock in the morning. (History of ordinance with me saw glorious visions also. the Church, 2:379-382) Angels ministered unto them as well as to myself, and the power of the Highest rested Aftermath and Outcomes of D&C 137 upon us, the house was filled with the glory of God, and we shouted Hosanna to God and Steven C. Harper (LDS Scholar) the Lamb. My scribe also received his anointing with us, and saw, in a vision, the Some of the greatest theological minds have armies of heaven protecting the Saints in wrestled with the problem of evil. Early their return to Zion, and many things which Christian philosophers recognized the I saw. problem and were sure that Christ would somehow save all the righteous, but already The Bishop of Kirtland with his Counselors, the significance was lost of truths Peter and and the Bishop of Zion with his Counselors, Paul had taught, leaving no certain answer to were present with us, and received their the question, "Shall those be wholly anointings under the hands of Father Smith, deprived of the kingdom of heaven who died and this was confirmed by the Presidency, before Christ's coming?" Theologians scour and the glories of heaven were unfolded to the Bible for clues, acknowledging the them also. problem and coming up with diverse solutions.... Perhaps God does not desire the salvation of all his children, some suggest.

6 In the eighteenth century the great Jonathan damnation, and by solving the problem of Edwards longed to find a solution to the salvation for the dead, the Prophet removed problem. One contemporary scholar finds in the classical barriers encountered in the Edwards the seeds of a "dispositional problem of soteriology." soteriology," meaning a doctrine of salvation that requires only that one's Joseph later revealed the ordinance of disposition be redeemed by God through baptism for the dead that enables all Christ. It does not require one to knowingly mankind to make and keep the gospel accept the Savior. But John 3 declares covenants (see D&C 127–28). Joseph taught otherwise, and thus the question persists, the doctrine to his father on his deathbed. In "What about those who never heard?".... contrast to his reaction to Reverend Stockton's sermon [at the time of Alvin's That truth is contained in verses 8–9 of death about Alvin going to hell], Father Doctrine and Covenants 137. "Thank God Smith "was delighted to hear" the truth and for Joseph Smith!" wrote David Paulsen, a asked Joseph to attend to the ordinance of philosopher who knows full well the baptism on Alvin's behalf. Joseph and pervasive problem and therefore appreciates Hyrum fulfilled their father's dying wish. "I the profound solution. His gratitude for see Alvin," Father Smith said just a few Joseph is "not merely for being God's minutes before his own passing. conduit in resolving one more thorny Prophetically, section 137 solved a problem of evil, but for being the instrument persistent problem faced by Joseph's family through whom God restored the knowledge and many, many others. (Making Sense of and priesthood powers that make the the Doctrine and Covenants, p.506-507, redemption of the dead possible. In an (2008), © Deseret Book Company. Used by eternal perspective, the only evil is Permission.)

7 The Kirtland Temple

Qs: As you read through several of these accounts, which spiritual outpourings/divine manifestations impress you the most? Why do you suppose the term "an endowment of power" is a good way to describe these outpourings?

Spiritual Manifestations in the Kirtland upon me the blessings of Moses, to lead Temple (from scottwoodward.org) Israel in the latter days, even as Moses led him in days of old; also the blessings of The Visions of January 21, 1836 Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. All of the Presidency laid their hands upon me, and Joseph Smith (President) pronounced upon my head many prophecies and blessings, many of which I shall not At early candle-light I met with the notice at this time. But as Paul said, so say I, Presidency at the west school room, in the let us come to visions and revelations. Temple, to attend to the ordinance of anointing our heads with holy oil; also the The heavens were opened upon us, and I Councils of Kirtland and Zion met in the beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the two adjoining rooms, and waited in prayer glory thereof, whether in the body or out I while we attended to the ordinance. I took cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the oil in my left hand, Father Smith being the gate through which the heirs of that seated before me, and the remainder of the kingdom will enter, which was like unto Presidency encircled him round about. We circling flames of fire; also the blazing then stretched our right hands towards throne of God, whereon was seated the heaven, and blessed the oil, and consecrated Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful it in the name of Jesus Christ. streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw We then laid our hands upon our aged Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father Father Smith, and invoked the blessings of and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long heaven. I then anointed his head with the since slept, and marvelled as that he had consecrated oil, and sealed many blessings obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, upon him. The Presidency then in turn laid seeing that he had departed this life before their hands upon his head, beginning at the the Lord had set His hand to gather Israel oldest, until they had all laid their hands the second time, and had not been baptized upon him, and pronounced such blessings for the remission of sins. upon his head, as the Lord put into their hearts, all blessing him to be our Patriarch, Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, to anoint our heads, and attend to all duties saying— that pertain to that office. The Presidency then took the seat in their turn, according to All who have died without a knowledge of their age, beginning at the oldest, and this Gospel, who would have received it if received their anointing and blessing under they had been permitted to tarry, shall be the hands of Father Smith. And in my turn, heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also my father anointed my head, and sealed all that shall die henceforth without a

8 knowledge of it, who would have received it anointing with us, and saw, in a vision, the with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that armies of heaven protecting the Saints in kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men their return to Zion, and many things which according to their works, according to the I saw. desire of their hearts. The Bishop of Kirtland with his Counselors, And I also beheld that all children who die and the Bishop of Zion with his Counselors, before they arrive at the years of were present with us, and received their accountability, are saved in the celestial anointings under the hands of Father Smith, kingdom of heaven. I saw the Twelve and this was confirmed by the Presidency, Apostles of the Lamb, who are now upon and the glories of heaven were unfolded to the earth, who hold the keys of this last them also. ministry, in foreign lands, standing together in a circle, much fatigued, with their clothes We then invited the High Councilors of tattered and feet swollen, with their eyes cast Kirtland and Zion into our room, and downward, and Jesus standing in their midst, President Hyrum Smith anointed the head of and they did not behold Him. The Savior the President of the Councilors in Kirtland, looked upon them and wept. and President David Whitmer the head of the President of the Councilors of Zion. The I also beheld Elder M'Lellin in the south, President of each quorum then anointed the standing upon a hill, surrounded by a vast heads of his colleagues, each in his turn, multitude, preaching to them, and a lame beginning at the oldest. man standing before him supported by his crutches; he threw them down at his word The visions of heaven were opened to them and leaped as a hart, by the mighty power of also. Some of them saw the face of the God. Also, I saw Elder Brigham Savior, and others were ministered unto by Young standing in a strange land, in the far holy angels, and the spirit of prophecy and south and west, in a desert place, upon a revelation was poured out in mighty power; rock in the midst of about a dozen men of and loud hosannas, and glory to God in the color, who appeared hostile. He was highest, saluted the heavens, for we all preaching to them in their own tongue, and communed with the heavenly host. And I the angel of God standing above his head, saw in my vision all of the Presidency in the with a drawn Sword in his hand, protecting celestial kingdom of God, and many others him, but he did not see it. And I finally saw that were present. Our meeting was opened the Twelve in the celestial kingdom of by singing, and prayer was offered up by the God. I also beheld the redemption of Zion, head of each quorum; and closed by singing, and many things which the tongue of man and invoking the benediction of heaven, cannot describe in full. with uplifted hands. Retired between one and two o'clock in the morning. (History of Many of my brethren who received the the Church, 2:379-382) ordinance with me saw glorious visions also. Angels ministered unto them as well as to Oliver Cowdery myself, and the power of the Highest rested upon us, the house was filled with the glory Thursday, the 21st of God, and we shouted Hosanna to God and This morning, at 15 minutes past nine, my the Lamb. My scribe also received his little daughter is 5 months old. O Lord, I

9 thank thee that thou hast thus been merciful After calling to order and organizing, the and spared my only child. At about three Presidency proceeded to consecrate the oil. o'clock P.M. I assembled in our office garret, having all things prepared We then laid our hands upon Elder Thomas for the occasion, with presidents Joseph B. Marsh, who is President of the Twelve, Smith, jr. F. G. Williams, Sidney and ordained him to the authority of Rigdon Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, John anointing his brethren. I then poured the Whitmer and elder John Corrill, and washed consecrated oil upon his head, in the name our bodies with pure water before the Lord, of Jesus Christ, and sealed such blessings preparatory to the annointing with the holy upon him as the Lord put into my heart. The oil. After we were washed, our bodies were rest of the Presidency then laid their hands perfumed with a sweet smelling oderous upon him and blessed him, each in his turn, wash. At evening the presidents of the beginning at the oldest. He then anointed Church, with the two bishop and their and blessed his brethren from the oldest to counsellors, and elder Warren Parrish, met the youngest. I also laid my hands upon in the presidents' room, the high councils of them, and pronounced many great and Kirtland and Zion in their rooms. Those glorious things upon their heads. The named in the first room were annointed with heavens were opened, and angels ministered the same kind of oil and in the [man[ner] unto us. that were Moses and Aaron, and those who stood before the Lord in ancient days, and The Twelve then proceeded to anoint and those in the other rooms with annointing oil bless the Presidency of the Seventy, and seal prepared for them. The glorious scene is too upon their heads power and authority to great to be described in this book, therefore, anoint their brethren. I only say, that the heavens were opened to many, and great and marvelous things were The heavens were opened unto Elder shown. (BYU Studies, vol. 12 (1971-1972), Sylvester Smith, and he, leaping up, p.418) exclaimed: "The horsemen of Israel and the chariots thereof." The Visions of January 22, 1836 Brother Don C. Smith was also anointed and Joseph Smith (President) blessed to preside over the High Priests' quorum. Attended at the school room at the usual hour, but instead of pursuing our studies, we President Rigdon arose to conclude the spent the time in rehearsing to each other the services of the evening by invoking the glorious scenes that occurred on the blessing of heaven upon the Lord's anointed, preceding evening, while attending to the which he did in an eloquent manner; the ordinance of holy anointing. congregation shouted a long hosanna: the gift of tongues fell upon us in mighty power, In the evening we met at the same place, angels mingled their voices with ours, while with the Council of the Twelve, and the their presence was in our midst, and Presidency of the Seventy, who were to unceasing praises swelled our bosoms for receive this ordinance [of anointing and the space of half-an-hour. blessing]. The High Councils of Kirtland and Zion were present also.

10 I then observed to the brethren, that it was anoint the Elders while I should go to the time to retire. We accordingly closed our adjoining room, and attend to organizing interview and returned home at about two and instructing the quorum of the Seventy. o'clock in the morning, and the Spirit and visions of God attended me through the I found the Twelve Apostles assembled with night. (History of the Church, 2:382-383) this quorum, and I proceeded, with the quorum of the Presidency, to instruct them, Oliver Cowdery and also the seven presidents of the Seventy Elders, to call upon God with up-lifted Friday, the 22nd. hands, to seal the blessings which had been Copied blessings. At evening met in the promised to them by the holy anointing. As I president's room where were the presidents, organized this quorum, with the presidency the twelve, the presidents of the 70, the high in this room, President Sylvester Smith saw councils of Kirtland and Zion, and the a pillar of fire rest down and abide upon the bishops and their counsellors. The presidents heads of the quorum, as we stood in the proceeded and annointed Thomas B. midst of the Twelve. Marsh, the president of the twelve, and he annointed the other eleven. The twelve then When the Twelve and the seven presidents proceeded, president Marsh taking the lead, were through with their sealing prayer, I and annointed the presidents of the Seventy. called upon President Sidney Rigdon to seal Elder Don Carlos Smith was ordained and them with uplifted hands; and when he had annointed president of the high priesthood of done this, and cried hosanna, that all the the Melchisedek priesthood, by the congregation should join him, and shout presidents of the Church. Near the close of hosanna to God and the Lamb, and glory to the meeting, 2 o'clock in the morning, God in the highest. It was done so, and Elder almost all present broke out in tongues and Roger Orton saw a mighty angel riding upon songs of Zion. (BYU Studies, vol. 12 (1971- a horse of fire, with a flaming sword in his 1972), p.419) hand, followed by five others, encircle the house, and protect the Saints, even the The Visions of January 28, 1836 Lord's anointed, from the power of Satan and a host of evil spirits, which were Joseph Smith (President) striving to disturb the Saints.

In the evening met the quorum of High President William Smith, one of the Priests, in the west room of the upper loft of Twelve, saw the heavens opened, and the the Lord's house, and, in company with my Lord's host protecting the Lord's anointed. counselors, consecrated and anointed the counselors of the presidents of the High President Zebedee Coltrin, one of the seven Priests' quorum, and, having instructed them presidents of the Seventy, saw the Savior and set the quorum in order, I left them to extended before him, as upon the cross, and perform the holy anointing, and went to the a little after, crowned with glory upon his quorum of Elders at the other end of the head above the brightness of the sun. room. I assisted in anointing the counselors of the president of the Elders, and gave the After these things were over, and a glorious instruction necessary for the occasion, and vision, which I saw, had passed, I instructed left the president and his counselors to the seven presidents to proceed and anoint

11 the Seventy, and returned to the room of the seats and lift up their hearts in silent prayer High Priests and Elders, and attended to the to God, and if any obtain a prophecy or sealing of what they had done, with up-lifted vision, to rise and speak that all may be hands. edified and rejoice together.

The Lord assisted my brother, Don Carlos, I had considerable trouble to get all the the president of the High Priests, to go quorums united in this order. I went from forward with the anointing of the High room to room repeatedly, and charged each Priests, so that he had performed it to the separately, assuring them that it was acceptance of the Lord, notwithstanding he according to the mind of God, yet, was very young and inexperienced in such notwithstanding all my labor, while I was in duties; and I felt to praise God with a loud the east room with the Bishops' quorum, I hosanna, for His goodness to me and my felt, by the Spirit, that something was wrong father's family, and to all the children of in the quorum of Elders in the west room, men. Praise the Lord, all ye, His Saints, and I immediately requested Presidents praise His holy name. Oliver Cowdery and Hyrum Smith to go in and see what was the matter. The quorum of After these quorums were dismissed, I Elders had not observed the order which I retired to my home, filled with the Spirit, had given them, and were reminded of it by and my soul cried hosanna to God and the President Don Carlos Smith, and mildly Lamb, through the silent watches of the requested to preserve order, and continue in night; and while my eyes were closed in prayer. Some of them replied that they had a sleep, the visions of the Lord were sweet teacher of their own, and did not wish to be unto me, and His glory was round about me. troubled by others. This caused the Spirit of Praise the Lord. (History of the Church, the Lord to withdraw; this interrupted the 2:386-387) meeting, and this quorum lost their blessing in a great measure. The Visions of February 6, 1836 The other quorums were more careful, and Joseph Smith (President) the quorum of the Seventy enjoyed a great flow of the Holy Spirit. Many arose and Called the anointed together to receive the spoke, testifying that they were filled with seal of all their blessings. The High Priests the Holy Ghost, which was like fire in their and Elders in the council room as usual, the bones, so that they could not hold their Seventy with the Twelve in the second peace, but were constrained to cry hosanna room, and the Bishops in the third. I labored to God and the Lamb, and glory in the with each of these quorums for some time to highest. bring them to the order which God had shown to me, which is as follows: The first President William Smith, one of the part to be spent in solemn prayer before Twelve, saw a vision of the Twelve, and God, without any talking or confusion; and Seven in council together in old England, the conclusion with a sealing prayer by and prophesied that a great work would be President Rigdon, when all the quorums done by them in the old countries, and God were to shout with one accord a solemn was already beginning to work in the hearts hosanna to God and the Lamb, with an of the people. Amen, Amen and Amen; and then all take

12 President Zebedee Coltrin, one of the Then we all (like as did Israel when they Seven, saw a vision of the Lord's host. And surrounded Jericho), with one united voice, others were filled with the Spirit, and spake gave aloud a shout of Hosannah, Hosannah, with tongues and prophesied. This was a Hosannah to God and the Lamb; Amen, time of rejoicing long to be remembered. amen, and amen. When this was done, the Praise the Lord. (History of the Church, Holy Ghost shed forth upon us; some spake 2:391-392) in tongues, some interpreted, others prophesied, some received visions of the Oliver Cowdery judgments that were to be poured out upon this generation. Others saw Zion in her glory Saturday, 6.... In the evening met with the and the angels came and worshipped with us presidency any [and] quorums in the Lord's and some saw them, yea, even twelve house, when their anointing blessings were legions of them, the chariots of Israel and sealed by uplifted bands and praises to God. the horsemen thereof. ("A Journal or Sketch Many saw visions, many prophesied, and of the Life of Erastus Snow," many spoke in tongues. Closed a little typescript, BYU) before 12 o'clock. (BYU Studies, vol. 12 (1971-1972), p.422) Dedication Day, March 27, 1836

Erastus Snow (Quorum of the Twelve) Joseph Smith's History

All the several authorities and quorums of [After the dedicatory prayer [D&C 109] and the Church were organized and established the choir singing "The Spirit of God Like a in their order and purified themselves by Fire is Burning"] I then asked the several water and perfume prepared for that quorums separately, and then the purpose, and received the holy anointing congregation, if they accepted the dedication like . . . [?], Aaron, David and the holy men prayer, and acknowledged the house of old. Each quorum received their anointing dedicated. The vote was unanimous in the under the hand of their president; first the affirmative, in every instance. quorum of the presidency which consisted of the three presidents of the high council in The Lord's Supper was then administered; Zion and the three presidents of the whole President Don Carlos Smith blessed the Church, the head of which was the Prophet bread and the wine, which was distributed Joseph; second was the high councils of by several Elders to the Church; after which Zion and Kirtland, consisting of twelve high I bore record of my mission, and of the priests each; then the Twelve Apostles; then ministration of angels. the seventy; then the quorum of high priests a distinct body from any other quorum; then President Don Carlos Smith also bore the elders, 96 in number, with President testimony of the truth of the work of the Beeman [Alva Beaman] at their head; then Lord in which we were engaged. the bishops and their counselors; then the priests, teachers and deacons. The number of President Oliver Cowdery testified of the all that were anointed and blessed in the truth of the Book of Mormon, and of the house of the Lord in Kirtland [Temple] was work of the Lord in these last days. about 360, and when all were anointed, the blessings were sealed by the presidency.

13 President Frederick G. Williams arose and not cry a word from 8 till 4 in the after noon. testified that while President Rigdon was But when the saints all shouted Hosana, the making his first prayer, an angel entered the child was nursing but let go and shouted window and took his seat between Father also. When the saints paused, it paused; Smith and himself, and remained there when they shouted, it shouted. For three during the prayer. times when they shouted "amen," it shouted also for three times then it resumed its President David Whitmer also saw angels in nursing without any alarm. (Opening the the house. Heavens, p.336; grammar and punctuation modernized) President Hyrum Smith made some appropriate remarks congratulating those Full Accounts of the Kirtland Temple who had endured so many toils and Dedication privations to build the house. The following accounts detail the events of President Rigdon then made a few the first temple dedication on Sunday, appropriate closing remarks, and a short March 27, 1836, from 8:00 am-4:00 pm. prayer, at the close of which we sealed the proceedings of the day by shouting hosanna, Oliver Cowdery's Account (Messenger & hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb, Advocate, vol. 2, March, 1836, No. 18, three times, sealing it each time with amen, p.274-281) amen, and amen. Kirtland, Ohio, March 27th 1836. President Brigham Young gave a short address in tongues, and David W. Patten Previous notice having been given, the interpreted, and gave a short exhortation in Church of the Latter Day Saints met this day tongues himself, after which I blessed the in the House of the Lord to dedicate it to congregation in the name of the Lord, and him. The congregation began to assemble the assembly dispersed a little past four before 8 o'clock A.M. and thronged the o'clock, having manifested the most quiet doors until 9, when the Presidents of the demeanor during the whole exercise. church who assisted in seating the (History of the Church, 2:427-428) congregation, were reluctantly compelled to order the door keepers to close the doors; Benjamin Brown every seat and aisle were crowded.—One thousand persons were now silently and Sunday, March 27th 1836. The order of the solemnly waiting to hear the word of the House of the Lord was [that] there was no Lord from the mouth of his servants in the small children admitted. One woman sacred desk. President S. Rigdon began the however, not knowing the order, brought her services of the day, by reading the 96th and child about 2 months old. She stood out of 24th Psalms. An excellent choir of singers, the door for a long time, manifesting an led by M.C. Davis sung the following anxious desire to enter. At length, one of the Hymn: Elders said, "Brethren, we do not exercise faith. My faith is [that] this child will not cry Tune—Sterling. a word in the house today." On this, the Ere long the vail will rend in twain, woman and child entered and the child did The King descend with all his train;

14 The earth shall shake with awful fright, Tune Weymouth. And all creation feel his might. O happy souls who pray Where God appoints to hear? The trump of God, it long shall sound, O happy saints who pay And raise the nations under ground; Their constant service there! Throughout the vast domain of heav'n We praise him still; The voice echoes, the sound is given. And happy we; We love the way Lift up your heads ye saints in peace, To Zion's hill. The Savior comes for your release; The day of the redeem'd has come, No burning heats by day, The saints shall all be welcom'd home. Nor blasts of evening air, Shall take our health away, Behold the church, it soars on high, If God be with us there: To meet the saints amid the sky; He is our sun, To hail the King in clouds of fire, And he our shade, And strike and tune th' immortal lyre. To guard the head By night or noon. Hosanna now the trump shall sound, Proclaim the joys of heav'n around, God is the only Lord, When all the saints together join, Our shield and our defence; In songs of love, and all divine. With gifts his hand is stor'd: We draw our blessings thence. With Enoch here we all shall meet, He will bestow And worship at Messiah's feet, On Jacobs race, Unite our hands and hearts in love, Pecular grace, And reign on thrones with Christ above. And glory too

The city that was seen of old The speaker (S. Rigdon,) selected the 8th Whose walls were jasper, and streets gold chapter of Matthew, the 18, 19 and 20th We'll now inherit thron'd in might: verses from which, he proposed to address The Father and the Son's delight. the congregation, continuing himself more closely to the 20th verse—He spoke two Celestial crowns we shall receive, hours and a half in his usual, forcible and And glories great our God shall give, logical manner. At one time in the course of While loud hosannas we'll proclaim, his remarks he was rather pathetic, than And sound aloud the Saviors name. otherwise, which drew tears from many eyes. He was then taking a retrospective Our hearts and tongues all joined in one, view of the toils, privations and anxieties of A loud hosanna to proclaim, those who had labored upon the walls of the While all the heav'ns shall shout again, house to erect them. And added, there were And all creation say, Amen. those who had wet them with their tears, in the silent shades of night, while they were President Rigdon then in an able, devout and praying to the God of heaven, to protect appropriate manner, addressed the throne of them, and stay the unhallowed hands of Grace. The following Hymn was then sung: ruthless spoilers, who had uttered a

15 prophecy when the foundation was laid, that Essens, and all differing from each other, the walls would never be reared. This was that they were led by the precepts and only a short digression from the main thread commandments of men. Each had something of his discourse, which he soon resumed. peculiar to himself. But all agreed in one point, (viz:) to oppose the Redeemer. So that Here it may be not improper to give a we discover he would with the utmost synopsis of the discourse for the satisfaction propriety, exclaim, notwithstanding their of our readers who were not privileged as synagogue and Temple worship, The foxes we were with hearing it. The speaker have holes, the birds of the air have nests, assumed as a postulate, what we presume no but the Son of man hath not where to lay his one was disposed to deny, (viz:) that in the head. He took occasion here to remark that days of the Savior there were Synagogues, such diversity of sentiment ever had, and where the Jews worshipped God, and in ever would obtain when people were not led addition to them, the splendid Temple at by present revelation. This brought him to jerusalem. Yet, when on a certain occasion, the inevitable conclusion that the various one proposed to follow him whithersoever sects of the present day, from their he went, he though heir of all things cried manifesting the same spirit, rested under the out like on in the bitterness of his soul in same condemnation with those who were abject poverty, The Foxes have holes, &c. coeval with the Savior. He admitted there This, said the speaker, was evidence to his were many houses; many sufficiently great, mind, that the Most High did not put his built for the worship of God, but not one name there, and that he did not accept the except his, on the face of the whole earth, worship of those who payed their vows and that was built by divine revelation, and were adorations there. This was evident from the it not for this, the dear Redeemer might in fact that they would not receive him, but this day of science, this day of intelligence, thrust him from them, saying, away with this day of religion, say to those who would him, crucify him! crucify him! It was follow him, The foxes have holes, the birds therefore abundantly evident that his spirit of the air have nests, but the Son of man did not dwell in them. They were the hath not where to lay his head. degenerate sons of noble sires: but they had long since slain the Prophets and Seers Here his whole should appeared to be fired through whom the Lord revealed himself to with his subject. Arguments, strong and the children of men. They were not led by conclusive seemed almost to vie with each revelation, This, said the speaker, was the other for utterance. Indeed, there was no grand difficulty among them. Their sophistry in his reasoning, no plausible unbelieve in present revelation. He further hypothesis on which the whole rested, but remarked, that, their unbelief in present on the contrary plain scripture facts. revelation was the means of dividing that Therefore his deductions and inferences generation into the various sects and parties were logical and conclusive. that existed. They were sincere worshipers, but their worship was not required of them, The comparison drawn between the different nor was it acceptable to God.—The religious sects of ancient and modern times, Redeemer himself who knew the hearts of was perfectly natural, and simple yet it was all men, called them generation of vipers. It done in that confident, masterly manner, was proof positive to his mind, that there accompanied with those incontrovertable being Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians and proofs of his position, that was directly

16 calculated to cheer and gladden the hearts of And shortly the hour of redemption will the Saints, but to draw down the indignation come; of the sectarian world upon him and we have no doubt had our speaker uttered the same When all that was promis'd the saints will sentiments, with the same proof of their be given, correctness, had there been those present And none will molest them from morn until that we might name, his voice would even, doubtless have been drowned as was that of And earth will appear as the garden of Eden, the ancient apostle in the Athenian Temple, And Jesus will say to all Israel: Come home! when his auditors cried incessantly for about two hours "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." We'll love one another and never dissemble, But cease to do evil and ever be one; But to conclude, we can truly say no one And while the unGodly are fearing and unacquainted with the manner of delivery tremble. and style of our speaker can, from reading We'll watch for the day when the Savior form any adequate idea of the powerful shall come: effect he is capable of producing in the minds of his hearers." And to say on this When all that was promis'd the saints will occasion he showed himself mater of his be given, subject and did well, would be doing him And none will molest them from morn until injustice; to say he acquitted himself with even, honor or did very well, would be detracting And earth will appear as the garden of Eden, from him real merit; and to say that he did And Jesus will say to all Israel: Come home! exceeding well; would be only halting praise. In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah, To guide through these last days of trouble After closing his discourse he presented and gloom: Joseph Smith jr. to the church as a Prophet And after the scourges and harvest are over, and Seer. The Presidents of the church then We'll rise with the just, when the Savior all in their seats, acknowledged him as such doth come: by rising. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Then all that was promis'd the saints will be given, The question was then put, and carried And they will be crown'd as the angel of without a manifest dissenting sentiment to heaven: each of the different grades or quorums of And earth will appear as the garden of Eden, church officers respectively and then to the And Christ and his people will ever be one. congregation. The following hymn was then sung: Services closed for the forenoon.

Tune—Hosanna. Intermission was about 15 minutes during Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation, which none left their seats except a few No longer as strangers on earth need we females, who from having left their infants roam; with their friends, were compelled to do so Good tidings are sounding to us and each to take care of them. The P.M. services nation, commenced by singing the following hymn:

17 Tune Adam-ondi-Ahman. quorums in the church, the Lord would bless This earth was once a garden place. them; yea, in the name of Christ, the With all her glories common; blessings of Heaven shall be yours. And And men did live a holy race, when the Lord's anointed go forth to And worship Jesus face to face, proclaim the word, bearing testimony to this In Adam-ondi-Ahman. generation, if they receive it, they shall be blessed, but if not, the judgments of God We read that Enoch walk'd with God, will follow close upon them, until that city Above the power of Mammon: of that house, that rejects them, shall be left While Zion spread herself abroad, desolate. The following hymn was then And saints and angels sung aloud, sung: In Adam ondi-Ahman. Tune Dalston. Her land was good and greatly blest, How pleased and blest was I, Beyond old Israel's Canaan: To hear the people cry, Her fame was known from east to west: "Come, let us seek our God to-day!" Her peace was great, and pure the rest Yes, with a cheerful zeal, Of Adam-ondi-Ahman. We'll haste to Zion's hill, And there our vows and honors pay. Hosanna to such days to come The Savior's second comin'— Zion thrice happy place, When all the earth in glorious bloom, Adorn'd with wondrous grace, Affords the saints a holy home And walls of strength embrace the round! Like Adam-ondi-Ahman. In thee our tribes appear, To pray, and praise, and hear President J. Smith jr. then rose, and after a The sacred gospel's joyful sound. few preliminary remarks, presented the several Presidents of the church, then There David's greater Son present, to the several quorums respectively, Has fix'd his royal throne: and then to the church as being equal with He sits for grace and judgment there: himself, acknowledging them to be Prophets He bids the saint be glad, and Seers. The vote was unanimous in the He makes the sinner sad, affirmative in every instance.—Each of the And humble souls rejoice with fear. different quorums was presented in its turn to all the rest, and then to the church, and May peace attend thy gate, received and acknowledged by all the rest, And joy within thee wait, in their several stations without a manifest To bless the soul of every guest: dissenting sentiment. The man that seeks thy peace, And wishes thine increase, President J. Smith jr. then addressed the A thousand blessings on him rest! congregation in a manner calculated to instruct the understanding, rather than please My tongue repeats her vows, the ear, and at or about the close of his "Pease to this sacred house! remarks, he prophesied to all that inasmuch For here my friends and kindred dwells? as they would uphold these men in their And since my glorious God several stations, alluding to the different

18 Makes thee his blest abode, the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands to My soul shall ever love thee well. the Most High."

He then offered the dedication prayer, which And now, holy Father, we ask thee to assist was as follows: us, thy people with thy grace in calling our solemn assembly, that it may be done to thy Thanks be to thy name, O Lord God of honor, and to thy divine acceptance, and in a Israel, who keepest covenant and shewest manner that we may be found worthy, in thy mercy unto thy servants, who walk uprightly sight, to secure a fulfilment of the promises before thee with all their hearts: thou who which thou hast made unto us thy people, in hast commanded they servants to build an the revelations given unto us: that thy glory house to thy name in this place. (Kirtland.) may rest down upon thy people, and upon And now thou beholdest, O Lord, that so thy this thy house which we now dedicate to servants have done, according to thy thee, that it may be sanctified and commandment. And now we ask thee, holy consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son presence may be continually in this house; of thy bosom, in whose name alone ant that all people who shall enter upon the salvation can be administered to the children threshhold of the Lord's house may feel thy of men: we ask thee, O lord, to accept of this power and be constrained to acknowledge house, the workmanship of the hands of us, that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy thy servants, which thou didst command us house, a place of thy holiness. to build; for thou knowest that we have done this work through great tribulation: and out And do thou grant, holy Father, that all those of our poverty we have given of our who shall worship in this house, may be substance to build a house to thy name, that taught words of wisdom out of the best the Son of Man might have a place to books, and that they may seek learning, even manifest himself to his people. by study, and also by faith; as thou hast said; and that they may grow up in thee and And as thou has said, in a revelation given receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and be unto us, calling us thy friends, saying "Call organized according to thy laws, and be your solemn assembly, as I have prepared to obtain every needful thing: and commanded you; and as all have not faith, that this house may be a house of prayer, a seek ye diligently and teach one another house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the glory, and of God, even thy house: that all best books words of wisdom: Seek learning, the incomings of thy people, into this house, even by study, and also by faith. may be in the name of the Lord; that all their outgoings, from this house, may be in the "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful name of the Lord; that all their salutations thing, and establish a house, even a house of may be in the name of the Lord, with holy prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a hands, uplifted to the Most High; and that no house of learning, a house of glory a house unclean thing shall be permitted to come of order, a house of God: that your in into thy house to pollute it. comings may be in the name of the Lord; that your out goings may be in the name of And when thy people transgress, any of the Lord: that all your salutations may be in them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be

19 restored to the blessings which thou hast thy people: for thou knowest, O Lord, that ordained, to be poured out upon those who thy servants have been innocent before thee shall reverence thee in this thy house. in bearing record of thy name for which they have suffered these things; therefore we And we ask thee, holy Father, that thy plead before thee for a full and complete servants may go forth from this house, deliverance from under this yoke. Break it armed with thy power, and that thy name off O Lord: break if off from the necks of may be upon them and thy glory be round thy servants, by thy power, that we may rise about them, and thine angels have charge up in the midst of this generation and do thy over them; and from this place they may work! bear exceeding great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they O Jehovah, have mercy upon this people, may know that this is thy work, and that and as all men sin, forgive the transgressions thou hast put forth thy hands, to fulfil that of thy people, and let them be blotted out which thou has spoken by the mouths of thy forever. Let the anointing of thy ministers be prophets concerning the last days. sealed upon them with power from on high: let it be fulfilled upon them as upon those on We ask thee, holy Father, to establish the the day of Pentecost: let the gift of tongues people that shall worship and honorable hold be poured out upon thy people, even cloven a name and standing in this thy house, to all tongues as of fire, and the interpretation generations, and for eternity, that no weapon thereof. And let thy house be filled, as with formed against them shall prosper; that he a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory. who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself; that no combination of Put upon thy servants the testimony of the wickedness shall have power to rise up and covenant, that when they go out and prevail over thy people, upon whom thy proclaim thy word, they may seal upon the name shall be put in this house: and if any law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for people shall rise against this people, that all those judgements thou art about to send, thine anger be kindled against them: and if in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the they shall smite this people, thou wilt smite earth, because of their transgressions, that them thou wilt fight for thy people as thou thy people may not faint in the day of didst in the day of battle, that they may be trouble. delivered from the hands of all their enemies. And whatever city thy servants shall enter, and the people of that city receive their We ask thee, holy Father, to confound, and testimony, let thy peace and thy salvation be astonish, and bring to shame, and confusion, upon that city, that they may gather out of all those who have spread lying reports that city the righteous, that they may come abroad over the world against thy servant, or forth to Zion, or to her stakes, the place of servants, if they will not repent when the thine appointment, with songs of everlasting everlasting gospel shall be proclaimed in joy, and until this be accomplished let not their ears, and that all their works may be thy judgments fall upon that city. brought to nought, and be swept away by the hail, and by the judgments, which thou wilt And whatever city thy servants shall enter, sent upon them in thine anger, that there and the people of that city receive not the may be an end to lyings and slanders against testimony of thy servants, and thy servants

20 warn them to save themselves from this And if it can not be otherwise, that the cause untoward generation, let it be upon that city of thy people may not fail before thee, may according to that which thou hast spoken, by thine anger be kindled and thine indignation the mouths of thy prophets, but deliver thou, fail upon them, that they may be wasted O Jehovah, we beseech thee, thy servants away, both root and branch from under from their hands, and cleanse them from heaven; but in as much as they will repent, their blood. O Lord, we delight not in the thou art gracious and merciful, and will turn destruction of our fellow men: their souls away thy wrath, when thou lookest upon the are precious before thee; but thy word must face of thine anointed. be fulfilled:—help thy servants to say with thy grace assisting them, thy will be done, O Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of Lord, and not ours. the earth: have mercy upon the rulers of our land: may those principles which were so We know that thou hast spoken by the honorably and nobly defended: vis. the mouth of thy prophets, terrible things constitution of our land, by our fathers be concerning the wicked, in the last days, that established forever. Remember the kings, thou wilt pour out thy judgments, without the princes, the nobles, and the great ones of measure: therefore. O Lord, deliver thy the earth, and all people; and the churches: people from the calamity of the wicked; all the poor, the needy and the afflicted ones enable thy servants to seal up the law and of the earth, that their hearts may be bind up the testimony, that they may be softened when thy servants shall go out from prepared against the day of burning. thy house, O Jehovah, to bear testimony of thy name, that their prejudices may give way We ask thee, holy Father, to remember those before the truth, and thy people may obtain who have been driven by the inhabitants of favor in the sight of all, that all the ends of Jackson county, Missouri, from the lands of the earth may know that we thy servants their inheritance, and break off. O Lord, this have heard thy voice, and that thou hast sent yoke of affliction, that has been put upon us, that from among all these thy servants, them. Thou knowest, O Lord, that they have the sons of Jacob may gather out the been greatly oppressed, and afflicted, by righteous to build a holy city to thy name, as wicked men, and our hearts flow out in thou hast commanded them. sorrow because of their grievous burdens. O Lord, how long wilt thou suffer this people We ask thee to appoint unto Zion other to bear this affliction, and the cries of their stakes besides this one, which thou hast innocent ones to ascend up in thine ears, and appointed, that the gathering of thy people their blood to come up in testimony before may roll on in great power and majesty, that thee, and not make a display of thy power in thy work may be cut short in righteousness. their behalf? Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken Have mercy, O Lord, upon that wicked mob, before thee, concerning the revelations and who have drive thy people, that they may commandments which thou hast given unto cease to spoil, that they may repent of their us, who are identified with the Gentiles; But sins, if repentance is to be found; but if they thou knowest that we have a great love for will not, make bear thine arm O Lord, and the children of Jacob who have been redeem that which thou didst appoint a Zion scattered upon the mountains; for a long unto thy people. time in a cloudy and dark day.

21 We therefore ask thee to have mercy upon ones, with all the poor and meek of the the children of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from earth, that the kingdom which thou hast set this hour, may begin to be redeemed; and up without hands, may become a great the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken mountain and fill the whole earth, that they off from the house of David, and the church may come forth out of the wilderness children of Judah may begin to return to the of darkness, and shine forth fair as the lands which thou didst give to Abraham, moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an their father, and cause that the remnants of army with banners, and be adorned as a Jacob, who have been cursed and smitten, bride for that day when thou shalt unveil the because of their transgression, to be heavens, and cause the mountains to flow converted from their wild and savage down at thy presence, and the valleys to be condition, to the fulness of the everlasting exalted, the rough places made smooth, that gospel that they may lay down their they glory may fill the earth. weapons of bloodshed and cease their rebellions. And may all the scattered That when the trump shall sound for the remnants of Israel, who have been driven to dead, we shall be cause up in the cloud to the ends of the earth, come to a knowledge meet thee, that we may ever be with the of the truth, believe in the Messiah and be Lord, that our garments may be pure, that redeemed from oppression, and rejoice we may be clothed upon with robes of before thee. righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our hands; and reap O Lord, remember thy servant Joseph Smith, eternal joy for all our sufferings. O Lord, jr. and all his afflictions and persecutions, God Almighty hear us in these our petitions, how he has covenanted with Jehovah and and answer us from heaven, thy holy vowed to thee, O mighty God of Jacob, and habitation, where thou sittest enthroned, the commandments which thou hast given with glory, honor, power, majesty, might, unto him, and that he hath sincerely strove dominion, truth, justice, judgments, mercy to do thy will. Have mercy, O Lord, upon and an infinity of fulness, from everlasting his wife and children, that they may be to everlasting. exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand. Have mercy upon all O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord,, and their immediate connexions, that their answer these petitions, and accept the prejudices may be broken up, and swept dedication of this house, unto thee, the work away as with a flood, that they may be of our hands, which we have built unto thy converted and redeemed with Israel and name; and also this church to put upon it thy know that thou art God. Remember, O Lord, name. And help us by the power of thy the presidents, even all the presidents of thy Spirit, that we may mingle our voices with church, that thy right hand may exalt them those bright shining seraphs, around thy with all their families, and their immediate throne with acclamations of praise, singing connexions, that their names may be hosanna to God and the Lamb: and let these perpetuated and had in everlasting thine anointed ones be clothes with remembrance from generation to generation. salvation, and thy saints shout aloud for joy. Amen and Amen. Remember all thy church, O Lord, with all their families, and all their immediate The choir then sung a hymn. connexions, with all their sick and afflicted Tune Hosanna.

22 The Spirit of God like a fire is burning; And Ephraim be crown'd with the blessing The latter day glory begins to come forth; in Zion, The visions and blessings of old are And Jesus descends with his chariots of fire! returning; We'll sing & we'll shout with His armies of The angels are coming to visit the earth. heaven: We'll sing & we'll shout with the armies of Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb! heaven: Let glory to them in the highest be given, Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb! Henceforth and forever: amen and amen. Let glory to them in the highest be given, Henceforth and forever: amen and amen! President Smith then asked the several quorums separately and then the The Lord is extending the saints' congregation, if they accepted the prayer. understanding: The vote was, in every instance, unanimous Restoring their judges and all as at first; in the affirmative. The knowledge and power of God are expanding: The Eucharist was administered. D. C. The vail o'er the earth is beginning to burst. Smith blessed the bread and wine and they We'll sing and we'll shout &c. were distributed by several Elders present, to the church. We call in our solemn assemblies, in spirit, To spread forth the kingdom of heaven President J. Smith jr. then arose and bore abroad, record of his mission. D. C. Smith bore That we through our faith may begin to record of the truth of the work of the Lord in inherit; which we are engaged. The visions, and blessings, and glories of God. President O. Cowdery spoke and testified of We'll sing and we'll shout &c. the truth of the book of Mormon, and of the work of the Lord in these last days. We'll wash, and be wash'd, and with oil he anointed President F. G. Williams bore record that a Withal not omitting the washing of poet: Holy Angel of God, came and set between For he that receiveth his penny appointed, him and J. Smith sen. while the house was Must surely be clean at the harvest of wheat. being dedicated. We'll sing and we'll shout &c. President Hyrum Smith, (one of the building Old Israel that fled from the world for his committee) made some appropriate remarks freedom, concerning the house, congratulating those Must come with the cloud and the pillar, who had endured so many toils and amain: privations to erect it, that it was the Lord's A Moses, and Aaron, and Joshua lead him, house built by his commandment and he And feed him on manna from heaven again. would bless them. We'll sing and we'll shout &c. President S. Rigdon then made a few How blessed the day when the lamb and the appropriate closing remarks; and a short lion prayer which was ended with loud Shall lie down together without any ire; acclamations of Hosanna! Hosanna!

23 Hosanna to God and the Lamb, Amen, who should feel disposed to contribute Amen and Amen! Three times. Elder B. something to defray the expense of building Young, one of the Twelve, gave a short the House of the Lord. We also dedicated address in tongues; Elder D. W. Patten the pulpits, and consecrated them to the interpreted and gave a short exhortation in Lord. tongues himself; after which, President J. Smith jr. blessed the congregation in the The Number at the First Meeting. name of the Lord, and at a little past four P.M. the whole exercise closed and the The doors were then opened. Presidents congregation dispersed. Rigdon, Cowdery and myself seated the congregation as they came in, and, We further add that we should do violence according to the best calculation we could to our own feelings and injustice to the real make, we received between nine and ten merit of our brethren and friends who hundred, which were as many as could be attended the meeting, were we here to comfortably seated. We then informed the withhold a meed of praise, which we think is doorkeepers that we could receive no more, their just due; not only for their quit and a multitude were deprived of the demeanor during the whole exercise, which benefits of the meeting on account of the lasted more than eight hours, but for their house not being sufficiently capacious to great liberality in contributing of their receive them; and I felt to regret that any of earthly substance for the relief of the my brethren and sisters should be deprived building committee, who were yet somewhat of the meeting, and I recommended them to involved. As this was to be a day of repair to the schoolhouse and hold a sacrifice, as well as of fasting, There was a meeting, which they did, and filled that man placed at each door in the morning to house also, and yet many were left out. receive the voluntary donations of those who entered. On counting the collection it Arrangement of the Assembly. amounted to nine hundred and sixty three dollars. The assembly was then organized in the following manner, viz.: west end of the Joseph Smith's History (History of the house, Presidents Frederick G. Williams, Church, 2:410-428) Joseph Smith, Sen., and William W. Phelps occupying the first pulpit for the Sunday, March 27.—The congregation Melchisedek Priesthood; Presidents Joseph began to assemble at the Temple, at about Smith, Jun., Hyrum Smith, and Sidney seven o'clock, an hour earlier than the doors Rigdon, the second pulpit; Presidents David were to be opened. Many brethren had come Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery, and John in from the regions round about, to witness Whitmer, the third pulpit; the fourth was the dedication of the Lord's House and share occupied by the President of the High in His blessings; and such was the anxiety Priests' quorum and his counselors, and two on this occasion that some hundreds choristers. The Twelve Apostles on the (probably five or six) assembled before the right, in the three highest seats. The doors were opened. The presidents entered President of the Elders, his counselors and with the doorkeepers, and stationed the latter clerk, in the seat immediately below the at the inner and outer doors; also placed our Twelve. The High Council of Kirtland, stewards to receive donations from those consisting of twelve, on the left in the three

24 first seats. The fourth seat, and next below To hail the King in clouds of fire, the High Council, was occupied by Elders And strike and tune th' immortal lyre. Warren A. Cowdery and Warren Parrish, Hosanna! now the trump shall sound, who served as scribes. The pulpits in the Proclaim the joys of heaven around, east end of the house, for the Aaronic When all the Saints together join Priesthood, were occupied as follows: The In songs of love, and all divine. Bishop of Kirtland and his counselors, in the With Enoch here we all shall meet, first pulpit; the Bishop of Zion and his And worship at Messiah's feet, counselors, in the second pulpit; the Unite our hands and hearts in love, president of the Priests and his counselors, And reign on thrones with Christ above. in the third pulpit: the president of the The city that was seen of old, Teachers and his counselors, and one Whose walls were jasper, streets were gold, chorister in the fourth pulpit; the High We'll now inherit, throned in might— Council of Zion, consisting of twelve The Father and the Son's delight. counselors, on the right; the president of the Celestial crowns we shall receive, Deacons and his counselors, in the seat And glories great our God shall give; below them; the seven presidents of While loud hosannas we'll proclaim, Seventies, on the left. The choir of singers And sound aloud our Savior's name. were seated in the four corners of the room, Our hearts and tongues shall join in one, in seats prepared for that purpose. To praise the Father and the Son; While all the heavens shall shout again, Received by contribution—nine hundred And all creation say, Amen. and sixty-three dollars. President Rigdon addressed the throne of At nine o'clock a. m. President Sidney grace in a devout and appropriate manner, Rigdon commenced the services of the day and the following hymn was sung: by reading the 96th and 24th Psalms. Tune—Weymouth An excellent choir of singers, led by M. C. O happy souls, who pray Davis, sung the following hymn: Where God appoints to hear! O happy Saints, who pay Tune—Sterling. Their constant service there Ere long the veil will rend in twain, We'll praise Him still, The King descend with all His train; And happy we The earth shall shake with awful fright, Who love the way And all creation feel His might. To Zion's hill. The angel's trumpet long shall sound, No burning heats by day, And wake the nations under ground; Nor blasts of evening air, Throughout the vast domain of space Shall take our health away, 'Twill echo forth from place to place. If God be with us there. Lift up your heads, ye Saints, in peace, He is our sun, The Savior comes for your release; And He our shade The day of the redeemed has come; To guard the head The Saints shall all be welcomed home. By night or noon. Behold the church! it soars on high, God is the only Lord, To meet the Saints amid the sky, Our shield and our defense;

25 With gifts His hands are stored; Christ, whithersoever He went, He, though We draw our blessings thence. heir of all things, cried out like one in the He will bestow bitterness of His soul in abject poverty— On Jacob's race "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the Peculiar grace, air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not And glory too. where to lay His head." This, said the speaker, was evidence to his mind, that the Elder Rigdon's Discourse. Most High did not put His name there, and that He did not accept the worship of those President Rigdon then read the 18th, 19th who paid their vows and adorations there. and 20th verses of the 18th chapter of This was evident from the fact that they Matthew, and preached more particularly would not receive Him, but thrust Him from from the 20th verse: "Verily I say unto you, them, saying: "Away with Him, crucify whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be Him! crucify Him!" It was therefore bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall abundantly evident that His Spirit did not loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. dwell in them. They were the degenerate Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall sons of noble sires, but they had long since agree on earth as touching any thing that slain the Prophets and Seers, through whom they shall ask, it shall be done for them of the Lord revealed Himself to the children of my Father which is in heaven. For where men. They were not led by revelation. This, two or three are gathered together in my said the speaker, was the grand difficulty name, there am I in the midst of them." He among them—their unbelief in present spoke two hours and a half in his usual revelation. logical manner. His prayer and address were very forcible and sublime, and well adapted Remarks on Revelation. to the occasion. At one time, in the course of his remarks, he was rather pathetic, and He further remarked, that their unbelief in drew tears from many eyes. He was then present revelation, was the means of taking a retrospective view of the toils, dividing that generation into the various privations, and anxieties of those who had sects and parties that existed. They were labored upon the walls of the house to erect zealous worshipers according to outward them; and added, there were those who had forms, but such worship was not required of wet them with their tears, in the silent them, nor was it acceptable to God. The shades of night, while they were praying to Redeemer Himself, who knew the hearts of the God of heaven to protect them, and stay all men, called them a generation of vipers. the unhallowed hands of ruthless spoilers, It was proof positive to the speaker's mind, who had uttered a prophecy, when the there being Pharisees, Sadducees, foundation was laid, that the walls would Herodians, and Essenes, all differing from never be reared. one another, that they were led by the precepts and commandments of men. Each In reference to his main subject, he assumed had something peculiar to himself, but all as a postulate that in the days of the Savior agreed in one thing, viz., to oppose the there were synagogues where the Jews Savior; so that we discover He could, with worshiped God, and in addition to them, the the utmost propriety, exclaim, splendid temple at Jerusalem, yet, when on a notwithstanding their synagogue and certain occasion, one proposed to follow temple-worship: "The foxes have holes, and

26 the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Good tidings are sounding to us and each Man hath not where to lay His head." nation, And shortly the hour of redemption will The Consequence of Rejecting Present come; Revelation. When all that was promised the Saints will be given, He took occasion here to remark that such And none will molest them from morn until diversity of sentiment ever had, and ever even, would obtain, when people were not led by And earth will appear as the Garden of present revelation. This brought him to the Eden, inevitable conclusion, that the various sects And Jesus will say to all Israel, Come home. of the present day, from their manifesting We'll love one another, and never dissemble, the same spirit, rested under the same But cease to do evil, and ever be one; condemnation, with those who were And while the ungodly are fearing and contemporary with the Savior. He admitted tremble, there were many houses, many sufficiently We'll watch for the day when the Savior will large, built for the worship of God, but not come: one except this, on the face of the whole When all that was promised the Saints will earth, that was built by divine revelation; be given, and were it not for this the dear Redeemer And none will molest them from morn until might, in this day of science, this day of even, intelligence, this day of religion, say to those And earth will appear as the Garden of who would follow Him: "The foxes have Eden, holes, the birds of the air have nests, but the And Jesus will say to all Israel, Come home. Son of Man hath not where to lay His head." In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah To guide through these last days of trouble Joseph Smith, Jun., Sustained as the Prophet and gloom; and Seer of the Church. And, after the scourges and harvest are over, We'll rise with the just when the Savior doth After closing his discourse he called upon come. the several quorums, commencing with the Then all that was promised the Saints will be Presidency, to manifest, by rising, their given, willingness to acknowledge me as a Prophet And they will be crowned as the angels of and Seer, and uphold me as such, by their heaven, prayers of faith. All the quorums, in turn, And earth will appear as the garden of Eden, cheerfully complied with this request. He And Christ and His people will ever be then called upon all the congregation of one." Saints, also, to give their assent by rising on their feet, which they did unanimously. After an intermission of twenty minutes, during which time the congregation kept The following hymn was then sung: their seats, the services of the day were resumed by singing "Adam-ondi-Ahman: " Tune—Hosanna. Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation, This earth was once a garden place, No longer as strangers on earth need we With all her glories common; roam; And men did live a holy race,

27 And worship Jesus face to face, witnesses to the nations, to assist the Twelve In Adam-ondi-Ahman. in opening the Gospel kingdom among all We read that Enoch walked with God, people, and to uphold them by their prayers, Above the power of Mammon; which they did by rising. While Zion spread herself abroad, And Saints and angels sang aloud, High Councils and Bishoprics Sustained. In Adam-ondi-Ahman. Her land was good and greatly blest, I then called upon the quorums and Beyond old Israel's Canaan; congregation of Saints to acknowledge the Her fame was known from east to west; High Council of Kirtland, in all the authority Her peace was great and pure the rest of the Melchisedek Priesthood, and uphold Of Adam-ondi-Ahman. them by their prayers, which they assented Hosanna to such days to come— to by rising. The Savior's second coming, When all the earth in glorious bloom I then called upon the quorums and Affords the Saints a holy home, congregation of Saints to acknowledge, and Like Adam-ondi-Ahman. uphold by their prayers, the Bishops of Kirtland and Zion, and their counselors, in Presidency of Church and Twelve Apostles all the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood, Sustained as Prophets, Seers and which they did by rising. Revelators. I next called upon the quorums and I then made a short address, and called upon congregation of Saints to acknowledge the the several quorums, and all the High Council of Zion, and uphold them by congregation of Saints, to acknowledge the their prayers, in all the authority of the High Presidency as Prophets and Seers, and Priesthood, which they did by rising. uphold them by their prayers. They all covenanted to do so, by rising. Presidency of Elders Quorum Sustained.

I then called upon the quorums and I then called upon the quorums and all the congregation of Saints to acknowledge the Saints to acknowledge the president of the Twelve Apostles, who were present, as Elders, and his counselors, and uphold them Prophets, Seers, Revelators, and special by their prayers which they did by rising. witnesses to all the nations of the earth, holding the keys of the kingdom, to unlock The Presidencies of the Quorums of the it, or cause it to be done, among them, and Lesser Priesthood Sustained. uphold them by their prayers, which they assented to by rising. The quorums and congregation of Saints were then called upon to acknowledge, and The Seventies Sustained as Apostles and uphold by their prayers, the presidents and Special Witnesses. counselors, of the Priests, Teachers and Deacons, which they did by rising. I next called upon the quorums and congregation of Saints to acknowledge the The Prophet's Promise and Prediction. presidents of Seventies, who act as their representatives, as Apostles and special

28 The vote was unanimous in every instance, Makes thee His blest abode, and I prophesied to all, that inasmuch as My soul shall ever love thee well. they would uphold these men in their several stations, (alluding to the different quorums The dedicatory prayer was then offered: in the Church), the Lord would bless them; yea, in the name of Christ, the blessings of The following Prayer was given by heaven should be theirs; and when the Revelation to Joseph, the Seer, and was Lord's anointed go forth to proclaim the Repeated in the Kirtland Temple at the time word, bearing testimony to this generation, of its Dedication, March 27, 1836. if they receive it they shall be blessed; but if not, the judgments of God will follow close Prayer. upon them, until that city or that house which rejects them, shall be left desolate. [Quotes D&C 109 in its entirety]...

The following hymn was then sung: The choir then sang:

Tune—Dalston. Tune—Hosanna. How pleased and blessed was I The Spirit of God like a fire is burning! To hear the people cry: The latter-day glory begins to come forth; "Come, let us seek our God today!" The visions and blessings of old are Yes, with a cheerful zeal, returning, We'll haste to Zion's hill, The angels are coming to visit the earth. And there our vows and honors pay. Zion, thrice happy place, CHORUS. Adorned with wondrous grace, And walls of strength embrace thee round, We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of In thee our tribes appear, heaven— To praise and pray and hear Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb! The sacred Gospel's joyful sound. Let glory to them in the highest be given, There, David's greater Son Henceforth and forever: amen and amen. Has fixed his royal throne; He sits for grace and judgment there; The Lord is extending the Saints' He bids the Saints be glad, understanding, He makes the sinner sad, Restoring their judges and all as at first; And humble souls rejoice with fear. The knowledge and power of God are May peace attend thy gate, expanding; And joy within thee wait, The veil over the earth is beginning to burst. To bless the soul of every guest! We'll sing and we'll shout, etc. The man that seeks thy peace, And wishes thine increase, We'll call in our solemn assemblies in spirit, A thousand blessings on him rest. To spread forth the kingdom of heaven My tongue repeats her vows, abroad, "Peace to this sacred house! That we through our faith may begin to For here my friends and kindred dwell;" inherit And since my glorious God The visions and blessings and glories of

29 God. I bore record of my mission, and of the We'll sing and we'll shout, etc. ministration of angels.

We'll wash and be washed, and with oil be President Don Carlos Smith also bore anointed, testimony of the truth of the work of the Withal not omitting the washing of feet; Lord in which we were engaged. For he that receiveth his penny appointed Must surely be clean at the harvest of wheat. President Oliver Cowdery testified of the We'll sing and we'll shout, etc. truth of the Book of Mormon, and of the work of the Lord in these last days. Old Israel, that fled from the world for his freedom, President Frederick G. Williams arose and Must come with the cloud and the pillar testified that while President Rigdon was amain; making his first prayer, an angel entered the And Moses and Aaron and Joshua lead him, window and took his seat between Father And feed him on manna from heaven again. Smith and himself, and remained there We'll sing and we'll shout, etc. during the prayer.

How blessed the day when the lamb and the President David Whitmer also saw angels in lion the house. Shall lie down together without any ire, And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing President Hyrum Smith made some in Zion, appropriate remarks congratulating those As Jesus descends with His chariots of fire! who had endured so many toils and We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of privations to build the house. heaven— Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb! President Rigdon then made a few Let glory to them in the highest be given, appropriate closing remarks, and a short Henceforth and forever: amen and amen! prayer, at the close of which we sealed the proceedings of the day by shouting hosanna, Dedication of the Temple Accepted by the hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb, Priesthood and the Saints. three times, sealing it each time with amen, amen, and amen. I then asked the several quorums separately, and then the congregation, if they accepted President Brigham Young gave a short the dedication prayer, and acknowledged the address in tongues, and David W. Patten house dedicated. The vote was unanimous in interpreted, and gave a short exhortation in the affirmative, in every instance. tongues himself, after which I blessed the congregation in the name of the Lord, and The Lord's Supper and Testimonies. the assembly dispersed a little past four o'clock, having manifested the most quiet The Lord's Supper was then administered; demeanor during the whole exercise. President Don Carlos Smith blessed the bread and the wine, which was distributed by several Elders to the Church; after which

30 Spiritual Manifestations in the Kirtland I met the quorums in the evening and Temple. instructed them respecting the ordinance of washing of feet, which they were to attend I met the quorums in the evening and to on Wednesday following; and gave them instructed them respecting the ordinance of instructions in relation to the spirit of washing of feet, which they were to attend prophecy, and called upon the congregation to on Wednesday following; and gave them to speak, and not to fear to prophesy good instructions in relation to the spirit of concerning the Saints, for if you prophesy prophecy, and called upon the congregation the falling of these hills and the rising of the to speak, and not to fear to prophesy good valleys, the downfall of the enemies of Zion concerning the Saints, for if you prophesy and the rising of the kingdom of God, it the falling of these hills and the rising of the shall come to pass. Do not quench the Spirit, valleys, the downfall of the enemies of Zion for the first one that opens his mouth shall and the rising of the kingdom of God, it receive the Spirit of prophecy. shall come to pass. Do not quench the Spirit, for the first one that opens his mouth shall Brother George A. Smith arose and began to receive the Spirit of prophecy. prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which Brother George A. Smith arose and began to filled the Temple, and all the congregation prophesy, when a noise was heard like the simultaneously arose, being moved upon by sound of a rushing mighty wind, which an invisible power; many began to speak in filled the Temple, and all the congregation tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious simultaneously arose, being moved upon by visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled an invisible power; many began to speak in with angels, which fact I declared to the tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious congregation. The people of the visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled neighborhood came running together with angels, which fact I declared to the (hearing an unusual sound within, and congregation. The people of the seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire neighborhood came running together resting upon the Temple), and were (hearing an unusual sound within, and astonished at what was taking place. This seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire continued until the meeting closed at eleven resting upon the Temple), and were p. m. astonished at what was taking place. This continued until the meeting closed at eleven The number of official members present on p. m. this occasion was four hundred and sixteen, being a greater number than ever assembled The number of official members present on on any former occasion. (History of the this occasion was four hundred and sixteen, Church, 2:428) being a greater number than ever assembled on any former occasion. Oliver Cowdery

Dedication Evening, March 27, 1836 Sunday, the 27th attended on the dedication of the Lord's house. For the particulars of Joseph Smith (President) this great event see my account written by myself, and printed in the March No. of The Messenger and Advocate, signed C. In the

31 evening I met with the officers of the church (D&C 88:68, 70). On 12 November 1835, in in the Lord's house. The Spirit was poured a meeting with the Twelve, Joseph out--I saw the glory of God, like a great explained more about the details and cloud, come down and rest upon the house, purposes of the solemn assembly: and fill the same like a mighty rushing wind. I also saw cloven tongues, like as of fire rest "We must have all things prepared, and call upon many, (for there were 316 present,) our solemn assembly as the Lord has while they spake with other tongues and commanded us, that we may be able to prophesied. (BYU Studies, vol. 12 (1971- accomplish His great work, and it must be 1972), p.426) done in God's own way. The house of the Lord must be prepared, and the solemn Steven Post assembly called and organized in it, according to the order of the house of God; The eve [of March 27] assembled in the and in it we must attend to the ordinance of house of the Lord. Joseph Smith Jun. read washing of feet.... It is calculated to unite the 6 chap[ter of] II Chron[icles] and our hearts, that we may be one in feeling and showed us the order of dedicating a house to sentiment, and that our faith may be strong, God anciently. This evening was designed so that Satan cannot overthrow us, nor have as a continuation of our Pentecost. Angels of any power over us here.... God came into the room, cloven tongues rested upon some of the servants of the Lord "The endowment you are so anxious about, like unto fire, and they spake with tongues you cannot comprehend now ... but strive to and prophesied.... be prepared in your hearts, be faithful in all things, that when we meet in the solemn There was about 316 ordained members assembly ... we must be clean every whit. [who] met in the house of the Lord Sunday Let us be faithful and silent, brethren, and if eve. We received instruction from Joseph God gives you a manifestation, keep it to Smith Jr. relative to our preaching and to our yourselves; be watchful and prayerful, and endowment this eve. The Spirit of the Lord you shall have a prelude of those joys that rested on the congregation; many spake in God will pour out on that day. Do not watch tongues, many prophesied, angels were in for iniquity in each other, if you do you will our midst and ministered to some. Cloven not get an endowment, for God will not tongues like unto fire rested upon those who bestow it on such. But if we are faithful, and spake in tongues and prophesied. When they live by every word that proceeds forth from ceased to speak the tongues ascended. the mouth of God, I will venture to prophesy (Opening the Heavens, p.351-352; grammar that we shall get a blessing that will be and punctuation modernized) worth remembering, if we should live as long as John the Revelator; our blessings The Solemn Assembly, March 30, 1836 will be such as we have not realized before, nor received in this generation.... You need Historical Background: In December 1832 an endowment, brethren, in order that you the Lord commanded the saints to "sanctify may be prepared and able to overcome all yourselves that you minds become single to things.... I feel disposed to speak a few God, and the days will come that you shall words more to you, my brethren, concerning see him.... Tarry ye, tarry ye in this place the endowment. All who are prepared, and [Kirtland], and call a solemn assembly" are sufficiently pure to abide the presence of

32 the Savior, will see Him in the solemn quorums. The brethren began to prophesy assembly." (History of the Church, 2:308- upon each other's heads, and upon the 310) enemies of Christ, who inhabited Jackson county, Missouri; and continued Although there were several gatherings, or prophesying, and blessing, and sealing them "assemblies," prior to this meeting in which with hosanna and amen, until nearly seven there were spiritual outpourings upon the o'clock in the evening. saints, the solemn assembly spoken of in D&C 88:70 was in all probability held on The bread and the wine were then brought this day, 30 March 1836 as it best fits the in, and I observed that we had fasted all the above description of the Prophet, including day, and lest we faint, as the Savior did so the washing of the feet and the promise that shall we do on this occasion; we shall bless those who were prepared would see the the bread, and give it to the Twelve, and Lord. they to the multitude. While waiting, I made the following remarks: that the time that we Joseph Smith's History were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endowed, would be fulfilled in a few days, Wednesday, 30.—At eight o'clock [a.m.], and then the Elders would go forth, and each according to appointment, the Presidency, must stand for himself, as it was not the Twelve, the Seventies, the High Council, necessary for them to be sent out, two by the Bishops and their entire quorums, the two, as in former times, but to go in all Elders and all the official members in this meekness, in sobriety, and preach Jesus stake of Zion, amounting to about three Christ and Him crucified; not to contend hundred, met in the Temple of the Lord to with others on account of their faith, or attend to the ordinance of washing of feet. I systems of religion, but pursue a steady ascended the pulpit, and remarked to the course. This I delivered by way of congregation that we had passed through commandment; and all who observe it not, many trials and afflictions since the will pull down persecution upon their heads, organization of the Church, and that this is a while those who do, shall always be filled year of jubilee to us, and a time of rejoicing, with the Holy Ghost; this I pronounced as a and that it was expedient for us to prepare prophecy, and sealed with hosanna and bread and wine sufficient to make our hearts amen. Also that the Seventies are not called glad, as we should not, probably, leave this to serve tables, or preside over churches, to house until morning; to this end we should settle difficulties, but are to preach the call on the brethren to make a contribution. Gospel and build them up, and set others, The stewards passed round and took up a who do not belong to these quorums, to liberal contribution, and messengers were preside over them, who are High Priests. despatched for bread and wine. The Twelve also are not to serve tables, but to bear the keys of the Kingdom to all Tubs, water, and towels were prepared, and I nations, and unlock the door of the Gospel called the house to order, and the Presidency to them, and call upon the Seventies to proceeded to wash the feet of the Twelve, follow after them, and assist them. The pronouncing many prophecies and blessings Twelve are at liberty to go wheresoever they upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus; will, and if any one will say, I wish to go to and then the Twelve proceeded to wash the such a place, let all the rest say amen. feet of the Presidents of the several

33 The Seventies are at liberty to go to Zion if down upon the pages of sacred history, to all they please, or go wheresoever they will, generations; as the day of Pentecost, so shall and preach the Gospel; and let the this day be numbered and celebrated as a redemption of Zion be our object, and strive year of jubilee, and time of rejoicing to the to effect it by sending up all the strength of Saints of the Most High God. (History of the the Lord's House, wherever we find them; Church, 2:430-433) and I want to enter into the following covenant, that if any more of our brethren Rededication Day, March 31, 1836 are slain or driven from their lands in Missouri, by the mob, we will give Note: no miraculous manifestations are ourselves no rest, until we are avenged of recorded in connection with this our enemies to the uttermost. This covenant rededication. Yet some who attended this was sealed unanimously, with a hosanna and meeting say that it surpassed the original an amen. Sunday dedicatory meeting.

I then observed to the quorums, that I had Joseph Smith's History now completed the organization of the Church, and we had passed through all the Thursday, 31.—This day being set apart to necessary ceremonies, that I had given them perform again the ceremonies of the all the instruction they needed, and that they dedication, for the benefit of those who now were at liberty, after obtaining their could not get into the house on the preceding licenses, to go forth and build up the Sabbath, I repaired to the Temple at eight, Kingdom of God, and that it was expedient a.m., in company with the Presidency, and for me and the Presidency to retire, having arranged our door keepers and stewards as spent the night previously in waiting upon on the former occasion. We then opened the the Lord in His Temple, and having to doors, and a large congregation entered the attend another dedication on the morrow, or house, and were comfortably seated. The conclude the one commenced on the last authorities of the Church were seated in Sabbath, for the benefit of those of my their respective places, and the services of brethren and sisters who could not get into the day were commenced, prosecuted and the house on the former occasion, but that it terminated in the same manner as at the was expedient for the brethren to tarry all former dedication, and the Spirit of God night and worship before the Lord in His rested upon the congregation, and great house. solemnity prevailed. (History of the Church, 2:433) I left the meeting in the charge of the Twelve, and retired about nine o'clock in the William W. Phelps evening. The brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until On Thursday the 31st March, a second five o'clock in the morning. The Savior dedication was held for the Lord's House. It made His appearance to some, while angels was a sublime scene, surpassing the first in ministered to others, and it was a Pentecost sublimity and solemnity as well as in order. and an endowment indeed, long to be The singing was grand. The addresses were remembered, for the sound shall go forth the best that could be and [their] majesty from this place into all the world, and the exceeded anything I have witnessed in the occurrences of this day shall be handed

34 last days. (Opening the Heavens, p.348; thousand persons. In the afternoon, I assisted grammar and punctuation modernized) the other Presidents in distributing the Lord's Supper to the Church, receiving it from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate at the sacred desk this day. After Edward Partridge having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils Thursday [March] 31st, we met from 8 to 9 being dropped, and bowed myself, with to accommodate those who could not get in Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent [the] Sunday dedication. The house was prayer. After rising from prayer, the about filled and similar ceremonies following vision was opened to both of us— performed that were performed on Sunday. [quotes D&C 110]. (History of the Church, This meeting rather surpassed the Sunday 2:434-435) meeting both in length and goodness. (Opening the Heavens, p.346; grammar and William W. Phelps punctuation modernized) On Sunday, April 3, the Twelve held Sunday Meeting, April 3, 1836 meeting and administered the sacrament. It was a glorious time. The curtains were Joseph Smith (President) dropped in the afternoon. And there was a manifestation of the Lord to Br[other] Sunday, 3.—Attended meeting in the Lord's Joseph and Oliver, [by?] which they House, and assisted the other Presidents of [learned?] thus: the great and terrible day of the Church in seating the congregation, and the Lord, as mentioned by Malachi, was then became an attentive listener to the near, even at the doors. (Opening the preaching from the stand. Thomas B. Marsh Heavens, p.349; grammar, spelling, and and David W. Patten spoke in the forenoon punctuation modernized) to an attentive audience of about one

35 Section 110

Qs: What impresses you about Joseph's description of the Savior in vs. 1-3? Why? What impresses you about the Lord's message in vs. 4-10? Why? What do you think the Lord meant when He said, speaking of the Kirtland endowment, "this is the beginning of the blessings which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people" (D&C 110:10)? How are we still reaping the blessings of the Kirtland Endowment today? How can vs. 11-16 be correctly considered an endowment of power? Explain. Bonus question: What, if any, significance is there in the fact that this divine manifestation occurred during Jewish Passover?

Doctrine and Covenants 110 7 For behold, I have accepted this house, 1 The veil was taken from our minds, and and my name shall be here; and I will the eyes of our understanding were opened. manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. 2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and 8 Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and under his feet was a paved work of pure speak unto them with mine own voice, if my gold, in color like amber. people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house. 3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his 9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of countenance shone above the brightness of thousands shall greatly rejoice in the sun; and his voice was as the sound of consequence of the blessings which shall be the rushing of great waters, even the voice poured out, and the endowment with which of Jehovah, saying: my servants have been endowed in this house. 4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your 10 And the fame of this house shall spread advocate with the Father. to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon 5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you the heads of my people. Even so. Amen. are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. 11 After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared 6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and before us, and committed unto us the keys of let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who the gathering of Israel from the four parts of have, with their might, built this house to my the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes name. from the land of the north.

36 12 After this, Elias appeared, and committed the other Presidents in distributing the the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, Lord's Supper to the Church, receiving it saying that in us and our seed all generations from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to after us should be blessed. officiate at the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils 13 After this vision had closed, another great being dropped, and bowed myself, with and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent the prophet, who was taken to heaven prayer. After rising from prayer, the without tasting death, stood before us, and following vision was opened to both of us— said: [quotes D&C 110]. (History of the Church, 2:434-435) 14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi— William W. Phelps testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord On Sunday, April 3, the Twelve held come— meeting and administered the sacrament. It was a glorious time. The curtains were 15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the dropped in the afternoon. And there was a children, and the children to the fathers, lest manifestation of the Lord to Br[other] Joseph and Oliver, [by?] which they the whole earth be smitten with a curse— [learned?] thus: the great and terrible day of the Lord, as mentioned by Malachi, was 16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation near, even at the doors. (Opening the are committed into your hands; and by this Heavens, p.349; grammar, spelling, and ye may know that the great and dreadful day punctuation modernized) of the Lord is near, even at the doors. Steven C. Harper (LDS Scholar) Background, Context, and Aftermath of D&C 110 (from scottwoodward.org) A week after dedicating the house of the Lord in Kirtland, Joseph attended meetings there, including an afternoon sacrament Date: 3 April 1836 meeting. For Christians it was Easter Sunday; Jews were celebrating Place: Kirtland, Ohio Passover. Joseph and Oliver Cowdery retreated behind the heavy curtains used to Joseph Smith (President) divide the room. They bowed in what Joseph's journal describes as "solemn, but Sunday, 3.—Attended meeting in the Lord's silent prayer to the Most High. After rising House, and assisted the other Presidents of from prayer the following vision was opened the Church in seating the congregation, and to both of them." That vision is recorded in then became an attentive listener to the Doctrine and Covenants 110. (Making Sense preaching from the stand. Thomas B. Marsh of the Doctrine and Covenants, p.407, and David W. Patten spoke in the forenoon (2008), © Deseret Book Company. Used by to an attentive audience of about one Permission.) thousand persons. In the afternoon, I assisted

37 Aftermath and Outcomes of D&C 110 links Israel's Old Testament deliverance with Christ's New Testament resurrection Steven C. Harper (LDS Scholar) and affirms that Joseph Smith and the temple-building Latter-day Saints are the Doctrine and Covenants 110 fulfills the heirs of God's promises to the Israelite Lord's conditional promise to the Saints that patriarchs. Christ is the Passover lamb who if they would move to Ohio and build him a "was slain" and then resurrected and now holy house, he would endow them with appears to Joseph in Kirtland, Ohio, to power in it (D&C 38; 88; 95). It fulfills the approve of the latter-day work and great promise of section 88 that the commission the Prophet to fulfill the work sanctified would come into the presence of of Moses (the gathering of Israel), Elias (the the Lord. Indeed, Joseph promised the Saints gospel of Abraham), and Elijah (the sealing that "on conditions of our obedience," the of families). Savior had promised "a visit from the heavens to honor us with his own presence" Joseph put the keys to use despite great [see Letter, 11 Jan. 1833]. opposition.... Though oppressed by what seems like concerted opposition that Section 110 also fulfills a multilayered included financial collapse, widespread prophecy. Through Malachi, the Lord apostasy, an executive order driving the prophesied, "I will send you Elijah the Saints from Missouri, and then unjust prophet before the coming of the great and imprisonment in Liberty, Missouri, Joseph dreadful day of the Lord" (Malachi 4:5). began to teach and administer the ordinances Moroni reiterated this prophecy to Joseph of the temple. In sum, the endowment of Smith in 1823 (D&C 2). Elijah fulfilled it priesthood keys he received in the house of nearly thirteen years later as recorded in the Lord in Kirtland authorized him to begin section 110. Jews had long awaited Elijah's performing temple ordinances. prophesied return and welcomed him during the Passover Seder. On the very day that Section 110 communicated temple some Jews were celebrating the sacred meal knowledge and power. It came in the with the hope that Elijah would return, he temple, behind a veil, was recorded but not visited the house of the Lord. preached, and acted on but not publicly explained. After the revelation, Joseph used Moses' appearance is just as significant. the keys to gather, endow, and seal in "His appearance in company with Elijah anticipation of the Savior's second coming. offers another striking parallel between Section 110 marks a restoration of temple- Mormon teachings and Jewish tradition, related power and knowledge that Moses according to which Moses and Elijah would possessed and "plainly taught" but which arrive together at the 'end of time'" (see had been forfeited by the children of Israel Stephen D. Ricks, "The Appearance of (D&C 84:23). (Making Sense of the Elijah and Moses in the Kirtland Temple Doctrine and Covenants, p.409-411, (2008), and the Jewish Passover," BYU Studies 23, © Deseret Book Company. Used by no. 4 (1903): 485).... Permission.)

Few texts weld dispensations as thoroughly as does section 110. Given on Easter and during the Passover season, the revelation

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