Kirtland Temple — House of Spiritual Manifestations
By Becky Cardon Smith

The Kirtland Temple stands majestically atop the hill as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the early Saints while constructing this important edifice. When Joseph received the commandment to build the temple, the Church and its few hundred members were struggling financially. But despite their individual hardships, the Saints were united in building the House of the Lord.

Men began plowing and preparing the land at the temple site soon after the revelation was received. The dimensions for the temple were also received by revelation, as was its purpose. The lower part was to be used “for your sacrament offering, and for your preaching, and your fasting, and your praying, and the offering up of your most holy desires unto me”, while the higher part was to be used “for the school of mine apostles” (D&C 95:14-17). 

The first cornerstone of the temple was laid on July 23, 1833. Work progressed quickly as stone was chiseled from the nearby quarry and lumber was cut at the sawmill. Women made clothing for the temple workers and even donated their glassware, which was crushed to add sparkle to the exterior plaster. Though construction was greatly slowed by the formation of Zion’s Camp and the trek to Missouri, the temple was completed in less than three years.

Close to 1,000 people attended the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836. The dedication service included the sacrament, testimonies, and the unanimous sustaining of Joseph Smith and the Twelve Apostles. Many songs were sung including “Adam-ondi-Ahman,” and a special song written for this sacred occasion, “The Spirit of God.” In the dedicatory prayer, the Prophet spoke of the work that was done through great tribulation in order to “build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people” (D&C 109:5).

Several speakers at the dedication testified that angels were in attendance, while others who were present recorded that heavenly manifestations were both felt and seen. A repeat dedication took place on March 31. (Read the Prophet’s account of the Kirtland Temple dedication in HC 2:410-428 and the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer in D&C 109.) 

Just one week later, on April 3, 1836 (Easter Sunday), the Savior appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the temple. He told them: “For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house” (D&C 110:7). The Prophet recorded that on that special Sabbath day, in addition to the Savior, three other personages appeared who restored important keys of the Priesthood: Moses, Elias, and Elijah.

About three months later, Joseph received another revelation in the temple as recorded in D&C 112. (Prior to the dedication, Joseph had also received a revelation in the temple now recorded in D&C 137.) Once the center of activity for Church members, the temple was abandoned in 1838 as the Saints again faced persecution and continued west.

Tours of the Kirtland Temple, now owned by the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS), begin in the Community of Christ visitors’ center located next to the temple. The temple’s interior has been restored and is inspiring. The exterior of the Kirtland Temple is also in excellent condition and the grounds are beautiful.

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(Next week this series on Kirtland concludes with sites for visitors to see in the Kirtland area.)