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TEMPLES, 1836
1836: 1 Jan.: Satan trying to prevent endowment.
“indeed the adversary is bringing into requisition all his subtlety to prevent the Saints from being endowed, by causing a division among the Twelve, also among the Seventy, and bickering and jealousies among the Elders and the official members of the Church; and so the leaven of iniquity ferments and spreads among the members of the Church.” (Joseph Smith, 1 Jan., 1836, HC2:352-353)
5 Jan.: I cannot tell when the endowment will take place.
“The whole work continually progresses, though somewhat slowly. I cannot tell when the Endowment will take place.” (W. W. Phelps to his wife, Sally, 5 Jan., 1836; JH 5 Jan., 1836)
13 Jan.: Rules of conduct for temple proposed.
“President Rigdon then arose and made some verry appropriate remarks touching the enduement, and dismissed the assembly by prayer.” (Joseph Smith diary, 13 Jan., 1836)
“President Joseph Smith Jr Sidney Rigdon W. W. Phelps D Whitmer & H Smith were nominated Seconded & voted to draft rules & regulations to govern the house of the Lord.
1st It is according to the rules and regulations of regular & legal organized bodies to have a president to keep order
2nd The body thus organized are under obligations toi be in subjection to that authority.
3rd When a congregation assembles in this house they shall submit to the following rules that due respect may be paid to the order of worship viz.
1st No man shall be interupted who is appointed to speak by the permision of the Church by any individual person or persons in the congregation by whispering by laughing by talking by menacing gestures by getting up and running out in a disorderly manner or by offering indignity to the manner of worship or the religion or to any officer of said church while officiating in his office in any wise whatever by any display of ill manners or ill breeding from old or young rich or poor male or female bond or free black or white believer or unbeliever and if any of the above insults are offered such measures will be taken as are lawfull to punnish the aggressor or aggressors and eject them out of the house
2nd An insult offered to the presiding Elder of said Church shall be concidered an insult to the whole body allso an insult offered to any of the officers of said church while officiating shall be concidered an insult to the whole body.
3rd All persons are prohibited from going up the staires in times of worship.
4th All persons are prohibited from exploring the house except waited uppon by a person appointed for that purpose.
5th All persons are prohibited from going into the several pulpits except the officers appointed to officiate in the same.
6th All persons are prohibited cutting marking or marring the inside or outside of the house with a knife pencil or any other instrument whatever under the pain of such penalty as the law shall inflict.
7th All children are prohibited from assembling in the house above or below or in any part of it to play or for recreation at any time and all parents guardians or masters shall be ameanable for all dammage that shall accrue in consequence of their children.
8th All persons whether believer or unbeliever shall be treated with due respect by the authorities of the church.
9th No imposition shall be practiced uppon any member of the Church by depriving them of their rights in the house.” (Kirtland High Council Minutes, 13 Jan., 1836)
15 Jan.: Ratification of rules of conduct for temple.
“The several Quorams of the authorities of the Church met today, and transacted important business preparatory to the endowment. The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 15 Jan., 1836)
“Councill opened by prayer & proceeded to business by reading the rules & regulations to govern the house of the Lord as drafted by the committee chosen for that purpose. The vote of the presidency was called uppon these rules; some exceptions were taken by Pres. O. Cowdery which he withdrew on an explanation and the vote passed unanimously. The subject was then laid before the high councill of Kirtland & after some altercation their vote was called and passed in favour of the rules unanimously. They were next laid before the high councill of Zion, some inquiring was made concerning some particular items but was soon settled, & their vote called and passed unanimously in favour of them. The quorum of the Twelve next investigated the rules, & their vote called and passed unanimously in favour of them.
Councill adjourned for one hour.
1. Oclock P.M. councill called to order & proceeded to business The subject of the rules & regulations to govern the house of the Lord, came next in order before the quorum of the Seventy, their vote called and carried unanimously in favour of them, They were next [illegible word] before the Bishop & his councillors in Kirtland, their vote called & carried in their favour.
The above named rules having now passed unanimously through all the quorums in their order it is received & established as a law to govern the house of the Lord in Kirtland.” (Kirtland High Council Minutes, 15 Jan., 1836)
16 Jan.: Cowdery’s account of washing.
“Met in the evening with bro. Joseph Smith, jr. at his house, in company with bro. John Corrill, and after pure water was prepared, called upon the Lord and proceeded to wash each other’s bodies, and bathe the same with whiskey, perfuned with cinnamon. This we did that we might be clearn [sic] before the Lord for the Sabbath, confessing our sins and covenanting to be faithful to God. while performing this washing unto the Lord with solemnity, our minds were filled with many reflections upon the propriety of the same, and how the priests anciencly used to wash always before ministering before the Lord. As we had nearly finished this purification, bro. Martin Harris came in and was also washed.” (Oliver Cowdery, in “Oliver Cowdery’s Kirtland, Ohio, ‘Sketch Book'”, Leonard J. Arrington, BYU Studies 12(4):416, 1972)
16 Jan.: Discussion of endowment by 12.
“also urged the necessity of an explanation upon the letter which they received from the presidency, and the propriety of their having information as it respects their duties, authority &c that they might come to an understanding in all things, that they migh[t] act in perfect unison and harmony before the Lord and be prepared for the endument.” (Joseph Smith diary, 16 Jan., 1836)
17 Jan.: Preparation for endowment.
“The quorums of the Church were organized in the presence of the Church, and commenced confessing their faults and asking forgiveness. The Holy Spirit rested upon us. O may we be prepared for the endowment,–being sanctified and cleansed from all sin.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 17 Jan., 1836)
“President Rigdon then arose and observed that instead of preaching the time would be occupied by the Presidency and Twelve in speaking each in their turn untill they had all spoken. The Lord poured out his spirit upon us and the brethren began to confess their faults one to the other. The congregation were soon overwhelmed in tears and some of our hearts were too big for utterance. The gift of toungs come upon us also like the rushing of a mighty wind and my soul was filled with the glory of God.” (Joseph Smith diary, 17 Jan., 1836; in Faulring, An American Prophet’s Record, p. 112)
19 Jan.: In the spring they will go where God directs.
19 Jan., 1836: Oliver Cowdery (Kirtland) to Joel Sweetland (East Evans, N.Y.)
“. . . .
Only ten numbers of the Star were published in this place. We have commenced, and shall probably finish, their republication, and if you wish they can be forwarded to you by the mail. You may remit for the former papers, and those to come, as you name in yours of the 9th. I am wholly unable to give you encouragement for preachers at present. The Elders are, or a great many of them, at this place attending School. In the spring they will go out; but where the Lord must direct not men.”
(Oliver Cowdery letterbook, p. 76; Huntington Library)
21 Jan.: Began washings and anointings.
“About three o’clock p.m., I dismissed the school, and the Presidency retired to the attic story of the printing office, where we attended the ordinance of washing our bodies in pure water. We also perfumed our bodies and our heads, in the name of the Lord.
At early candle-light I met with the Presidency at the west school room, in the Temple, to attend to the ordinance of anointing our heads with holy oil; also the Councils of Kirtland and Zion met in the two adjoining rooms, and waited in prayer while we attended to the ordinance. I took the oil in my left hand, Father Smith being seated before me, and the remainder of the Presidency encircled him round about. We then stretched our right hands towards heaven, and blessed the oil, and consecrated it in the name of Jesus Christ.
We then laid our hands upon our aged Father Smith, and invoked the blessings of heaven. I then anointed his head with the consecrated oil, and sealed many blessings upon him.” (Joseph Smith, HC 2:379)
“At about 3. oclock P.M I dismissed the school and the presidency, retired to the loft of the printing office, where we attended to the ordinance of washing our bodies in pure water, we also perfumed our bodies and our heads, in the name of the Lord at early candlelight, I meet with the presidency, at the west school room in the Chapel to attend to the ordinance of annointing our heads with holy oil–also the councils of Kirtland and Zion, meet in the two adjoining rooms, who waited in prayer while we attended to the ordinance,–I took the oil in my left hand, father Smith being seated before me and the rest of the presidency encircled him round about.–we then streched our right hands to heaven and blessed the oil and concecrated it in the name of Jesus Christ–we then laid our hands on our aged fath[er] Smith, and invoked, the blessings of heaven,–I then annointed his head with the concecrated oil, and sealed many blessings upon him, the presidency then in turn, laid their hands upon his head, beginning at the eldest, untill they had all laid their hands on him, and pronounced such blessings, upon his head as the Lord put into their hearts–all blessing him to be our patraark [Patriarch], and to annoint our heads, and attend to all duties that pertain to that office.–I then took the seat, and father annoint[ed] my head, and sealed upon me the blessings, of Moses, to lead Israel in the latter days, even as moses led him in days of old,–also the blessings of Abraham Isaac and Jacob.–all of the presidency laid their hands upon me and pronounced upon my head many prophesies, and blessings, many of which I shall not notice at this time, but as Paul said, so say I, let us come to vissions and revelations,–The heavens were opened upon us and I beheld the celestial Kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell,–I saw the transcendant beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that Kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire, also the blasing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son,–I saw the beautiful streets of that Kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold–I saw father Adam, and Abraham and Michael and my father and mother, my brother Alvin that has long since slept, and marvled 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 second time and had not been baptised for the remission of sins–Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me saying all who have died with[out] a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it, if they had been permited to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial Kingdom of God–also all that shall die henseforth, without a knowledge of it, who would have received it, with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that Kingdom, for I the Lord will judge all men according to their works according to the desires of their hearts–and I also beheld that all children who die before they arive to the years of accountability, are saved in the celestial Kingdom of heaven. . . .
I am mistaken, concerning my receiving the holy anointing first after Smith, we receive it in turn according to our age, (that is the presidency,)
My Scribe also recieved his anointing with us and saw in a vision the armies of heaven protecting the Saints in their return to Zion–& many things that I saw
The Bishop of Kirtland with his counsellors and the Bishop of Zion with his counsellors, were present with us, and received their, annointing under the hands of father Smith and confirmed by the presidency and the glories of heaven was unfolded to them also–
We then invited the counsellors of Kirtland and Zion into our room, and President Hyrum Smith annointed the head of the president of the counsellors in Kirtland and President D. Whitmer the head of the president, of the counsellors of Zion–
The president of each quorum then annointed the heads of his colleagues, each in his turn beginning, at the eldest
The vision of heaven was opened to these also, some of them saw the face of the Saviour, and others were ministered unto by holy angels, and the spirit of prop[h]esy and revelation was poured out in mighty power, and loud hosanahs and glory to God in the highest, saluted the heavens for we all communed with the h[e]avenly host’s,–and I saw in my vision all of the presidency in the Celestial Kingdom of God, and, many others who were present
Our meeting was opened by singing and prayer offered up by the head of each quorum, and closed by singing and invoking the benediction of heaven with uplifted hands, and retired between one and 2. oclock in the morning.” (Joseph Smith diary, 21 Jan., 1836)
“At about three o’clock P.M. I asembled in our office garret, having all things prepared for the occasion, with presidents Joseph Smith, jr. F. G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, John Whitmer and elder John Corrill, and washed our bodies with pure water before the Lord, preparatory to the annointing with the holy oil. After we were washed, our bodies were perfumed with a sweet smelling oderous wash. At evening the presidents of the church, with the two bishop and their counsellors, and elder Warren Parrish, met in the presidents’ room, the high coucils of Kirtland and Zion in their rooms. Those named in the first room were annointed with the same kind of oil and in the man[ner] that were Moses and Aaron, and those who stood before the Lord in ancient days, and those in the other rooms with annointing oil prepared for them. the glorious scene is too great to be described in this book, therefore, I only say, that the heavens were opened to many, and great and marvelous things were shown.” (Oliver Cowdery, “Sketch Book”, op. cit.)
“On the 21st of Jan. 1836, according to appointment the Presidents met at the house of the Lord, and Alvah Beman was anointed to the office where unto he had been ordained.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 21 Jan., 1836)
“Having washed once or twice, the Presidency with bishop Whitney and his counsel, myself and counsellors met for the purpose of being annointed with Holy Oil. Metting was opened by Prest. Joseph Smith jr. in behalf of the Presidency. Bishop Whitney in behalf of himself and councellors. and myself in behalf of myself and counsellors. Then the Presidency proceeded to sanctify the oil. Bro J. Smith jun first anointed his father pronouncing blessings upon him, then all the Presidents begining at the oldest rubbed their hands over his head and face which had been anointed Then bro J. prayed to the Lord to accept of the anointing and all the Presidency with right hand uplifted to heaven said Amen. Father Smith then proceeded to take the lead and pour on the oil then Bro J. followed, and then in rotation as before described, prophesying etc. on each others heads After the Presidents Bishop whitney and his council were annointed after the same manner then myself and my counsel. Then bro Parrish as scribe for the Presidency After this Hyrum Smith anointed father John Smith, who anointed the rest of the High council of Kirtland Bro David Whitmer anointed bro Warren [?] Carter, who anointed the High Council from Zion. Hymns were sung and a number saw visions, and others were blessed the outpouring of the Holy Ghost and we shouted hosannah to the Most High The meeting was dismissed by Bro. J. Smith jun confering the benediction of Heaven upon us.” (Edward Partridge diary, 21 Jan., 1836)
“115. When did Joseph and his counselors first meet in the Kirtland Temple, to attend to the ordinances of washing and anointing?
On the 21st of January, 1836.”
(“Catechism for our Juveniles to Answer,” JI 3(6):44, 15 Mar., 1868)
21 Jan.: First (?) hint at salvation of the dead.
“The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. I saw Fathers Adam and Abraham, and my father and mother, my brother, Alvin, that has long since slept, and marvelled 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 second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.
Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying–
All who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.
And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability, are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.” (Joseph Smith, HC 2:380-381)
“This revelation [D&C 137] was received in the west ‘school room’ of the chapel in the Kirtland Temple. Church leaders from Kirtland and Missouri had met to be anointed with oil as part of their preparation for the endowment of power–to be bestowed upon the ‘first elders’ in connection with the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Two separate meetings were held the evening of January 21, the latter continuing into the morning hours. During the first meeting, Joseph Smith, Sr., with members of the First Presidency, the Presidency of the Church in Missouri (David Whitmer, William W. Phelps, and John Whitmer), the Bishoprics in Kirtland and Missouri, and the Prophet’s scribe (Warren Parrish) anointed each other with ‘holy oil’ and offered prayers that the anointing blessings would be accepted. The second meeting was of the Church high councils in Kirtland and Missouri. Although visions and spiritual manifestations were witnessed during both ceremonies, section 137 was received during the first anointing session.” (Lyndon Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 302-303)
“116. What were opened to them during the meeting?
The visions of eternity were opened to them, and holy angels ministered unto them, and the power of the Highest rested upon them.”
(“Catechism for our Juveniles to Answer,” JI 3(6):44, 15 Mar., 1868)
22 Jan.: Further anointings.
“Friday morning the 22nd attended at the school room at the us[u]al hour.–But insted of persuing our studies we spent the time in rehearsing to each other the glorious scenes that transpired on the preceding evening, while attending to the ordinance of holy anointing.–At evening we met at the same place, with the council of the 12 and the presidency of the 70 who were to receive this ordinance; the high councils of Kirtland and Zion were present also: we called to order and organized; the Presidency then proceeded to consecrate the oil; we then laid our hands upon Elder Thomas B. Marsh who is the president of the 12 and ordained him to the authority of anointing his brethren, I then poured the concecrated oil upon his head in the name of Jesus Christ and sealed such blessings upon him as the Lord put into my heart; the rest of the presidency then laid their hands upon him and blessed him each in their turn beginning at the eldest; he then anointed and blessed his brethren from the oldest to the youngest, I also laid my hands upon them and pronounced many great and glorious [blessings] upon their heads; the heavens were opened and angels ministered unto us.
The 12 then proceeded to anoint and bless the presidency of the 70 and seal upon their heads power and authority to anoint their brethren; the heavens were opened upon Elder Sylvester Smith and he leaping up exclaimed, The horsemen of Israel and the chariots thereof. Br. Carloss Smith was also, annointed and blessed to preside over the high priesthood.–President Rigdon, arose to conclude the servises of the evening by invoking the benediction of heaven upon the Lords anointed which he did in an eloquent manner the congregation shouted a loud hosannah the gift of toungs, fell upon us in mighty pow[e]r, angels mingled their voices with ours, while their presence was in our midst, and unseasing prases swelled our bosoms for the space of half an hour,–I then observed to the brethren that it was time to retire, we accordingly closed our interview and returned home at about 2 oclock in the morning & the spirit & visions of God attended me through the night.” (Joseph Smith diary, 22 Jan., 1836)
“At evening met in the president’s room where were the presidents, the twelve, the presidents of the 70, the high councils of Kirtland and Zion, and the bishops and their counsellors. The presidents proceeded and annointed Thomas B. Marsh, the president of the twelve, and he annointed the other eleven. the twelve then proceeded, president Marsh taking the lead, and annointed the presidents of the Seventy. Elder Don Carlos Smith was ordained and annointed president of the high priesthood of the Melchisedek priesthood, by the presidents of the Church. Near the close of the meeting, 2 o’clock in the morning, almost all present broke out in tongues and songs of Zion.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 22 Jan., 1836)
“The forenoon was taken up in telling the visions of the preceeding evening. We met in the evening for the purpose of anointing the traveling High Council and the Presidents of the Seventy the presidency of the Church first consecrated the oil they then proceeded to anoint bro Thomas B. Marsh as the eldest of the Twelve. Bro Marsh then proceeded to anoint the rest of the Twelve; after which he anointed the presidents of the Seventies, the Presidency of the Church anointed bro Carlos Smith as President of the High Priests in Kirtland, Prest J. Smith jr. requested Prest. Sidney Rigdon to ask the Lord to accept the performances of the evening, and instructed us. When he was done, to shout Hosannah, blessed by the name of the most High God. These things were performed: the shouts and speaking in unknown toungs lasted 10 or 15 minutes. During the evening more especialy at the time of shouting, a number saw visions, and others were blessed with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost and we shouted hosannah to the Most High. The meeting was dissmissed by bro. J. Smith jun conferring the benediction of Heaven upon us.” (Edward Partridge diary, 22 Jan., 1836; LDS Archives, Ouellette)
24 Jan.: Preparation for endowment.
“In the evening met the Presidency in the room over the printing room & counseled on the subject of endowment & the preperation necessary for the solemn Assembly which is to be called when the House of the Lord is finished.” (Joseph Smith diary, 24 Jan., 1836)
“Met the several quorums in the room under the printing office, and, after organizing and opening by prayer, called upon the High Council of Kirtland to proceed and confess their sins, as they might be directed by the Spirit, and they occupied the first part of the day, and confessed and exhorted as the Spirit led.
In the afternoon, attended meeting again, and saw the bread and wine administered to the quorums and brethren who were present.
In the evening, met the Presidency in the chamber over the printing room, and counseled on the subject of endowment, and the preparation for the solemn assembly, which is to be called when the house of the Lord is finished.” (HC 2:384-385)
“The quorums met today: we had a good season. At evening met the presidency in the upper room in the printing office, and conversed upon the time of, and preparation and sanctification for the endowment.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 24 Jan., 1836)
“Preparation for the ‘endowment’ occupied much of the Church leaders’ time during the early months of 1836. Brethren who had been selected to participate in this important event met regularly in the Kirtland Temple during January and February 1836. This preparation, intended to sanctify the brethren, involved the following:
1. Confessing of sins and asking forgiveness,
2. Covenanting to be faithful to God,
3. Having one’s body washed and bathed with cinnamon-perfumed whiskey,
4. Washing one’s own body with pure water and perfume,
5. Having one’s head anointed with holy oil,
6. Having the anointing blessing sealed with uplifted hands (the sealing blessing consisting of three parts: solemn prayer, a sealing prayer, and the hosanna shout), and
7. Washing of faces and feet and partaking of the Lord’s Supper.”
(Lyndon Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 216-217)
25 Jan.: Instructions regarding anointings.
“This evening a meeting, of Elders, was [called] by the president of said quorum, to instruct them, that they may prepare themselves for the holy anointing. . . 3rdly: They gave instructions concerning purification . . .
6thly: The Elders organized into bodies of twelve to make preparations for the Holy anointing.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 25 Jan., 1836)
“In the evening the high priests and elders, all who did not belong to the quorums, met in the Lord’s house, and also the Lesser priesthood, with the bishop at their head, to receive instructions relative to washing and annointing[.] a large number of elders convened; more than I had supposed resided in Kirtland.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 25 Jan., 1836)
26 Jan.: Anointings.
“The president of the Elders (Alvah Beman) met with his counsel (Reuben Hadlock and John Morton) at the house of Elder [Joseph] Bates Nobles, and the meeting being organized the president ordained his co[u]nsel; and the following Elders [names given]. Instructions were given them how to prepare for the holy anointing.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 26 Jan., 1836)
26 Jan.: Priests, Teachers and Deacons anointed.
“The Priests, Teachers and Deacons, met 2 or 3 evenings about the last of Jan. for the purpose of being anointed. Bishop Whitney and Counsil and myself and my counsil met and anointed them, After the anointing was over, each man asked the Lord to bless them and seal upon them the blessings that had been pronounced upon their heads by the Bishops and their counsellors. Bishop Whitney then asked the Lord to seal the blessings that had been pronounced upon the heads of his brethren, after he was through we shouted hosannah three times, to God and the Lamb, amen, amen & amen.” (Edward Partridge journal, 26 Jan., 1836; LDS Archives, Ouellette)
28 Jan.: More anointings, sealing of anointings.
“Thursday 28 attended school at the usual hours In the evening met the quorems of High Priests in the west room of the upper loft of the Lord,s house & in company with my council of the presidency–consecrated & anointed the cou[n]sellors of the President of the High priesthood & having instructed them & set the quorem in order I left them to perform the holy anointing–Y went to the quorem of Elders in the other end of the room. I assisted in anointing the counsellors of the President of the Elders & gave them the instruction necessary for the occasion & left the President & his council to anoint the Elders while I should go to the adjoining room & attend to organizing & instructing of the quorem of the Seventy–
I found the Twelve Apostles assembled with this quorum & I proceeded with the quorem of the presedincy to instruct them & also the seven presidents of the seventy Elders to call upon God with uplifted hands to seal the blessings which had been promised to them by the holy anointing As I organized this quorem with the presedincy in this room, Pres. Sylvester Smith saw a piller of fire rest down & abide upon the heads of the quorem as we stood in the midst of the Twelve.
When the Twelve & the seven were through with their sealing prayers I called upon Pres. S. Rigdon to seal them with uplifted hands & when he he had done this & cried hossannah that all [the] congregation should join him & shout hosannah to God & the Lamb & glory to God in the highest–It was done so & Eld[er] Roger Orton saw a mighty Angel riding upon a horse of fire with a flaming sword in his hand followed by five others–encircle the house & protect the saints even the Lords anointed from the power of Satan & a host of evil spirits which were striving to disturb the saints–
Pres. Wm Smith one of the Twelve saw the h[e]avens op[e]ned & the Lords host protecting the Lords anointed. Pres. Z[ebedee] Coltrin one of the seven saw the saviour extended before him as upon the cross & [a] little after crowned with a glory upon his head above the brightness of the sun after these things were over & a glrious vision which I saw had passed I instructed the seven presidents to proceede & anoint the seventy & returned to the room of the High Priests & Elders & attended to the sealing of what they had done with uplifted hands, the Lord had assisted my bro. Carloss the Pres. of the High Priests to go forward with the anointing of the High priests so that he had performed it to the acceptance of the Lord, notwithstanding he was verry young & inexperienced in such duties & I f[e]lt to praise God with a loud hossannah for his goodness to me & my fathers family & to all the children of men–praise the Lord all ye his saints–praise his holy name after these quorems were dismissed I retired to my home filled with the spirit & my soul cried hossannah to God & the Lamb through the silent watches of the night & while my eyes were closed in sleep the visions of the Lord were sweet unto me & his glory was round about me praise the Lord.” (Joseph Smith diary, 28 Jan., 1836)
“This evening met at the house of the Lord; the quorum of Elders to receive their anointing; and the meeting being organized by prayer the High presidency proceeded;
1stly. To anoint president [Alvah] Beman’s cou[n]selors.
2ndly. President Beman anointed twenty four Elders [lists names]: and the Lord poured out his spirit, and some spake with tongues and prophecied. Oh the wonderous blessings of the God of Israel.
3rdly. After the anointing the presidents received the sum of consecration, (ex[tende]d [until the] 30th) to defray the expenses of the anointing.
4thly. Meeting adjourned untill Sat. the 30th at the same place, and closed by prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 28 Jan., 1836)
“Attended Hebrew School: at evening met many brethren in the Lord’s house, who assembled to receive annointing.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 28 Jan., 1836)
ca. 28 Jan.: Anointing of Priests, Teachers, Deacons.
“The Priests, Teachers and Deacons met 2 or 3 evenings about the last of Jan for the purpose of being anointed. Bishop Whitney and counsel and myself and my counsel met and anointed them. After the annointing was over, each man asked the Lord to bless them and seal upon them the blessings that had been pronounced upon their heads by the Bishops and their counsellors. Bishop Whitney then asked the Lord to seal the blessings that had been pronounced upon the heads of his brethren after he was through he shouted hosannah three times, to God and the Lamb, Amen, Amen, and Amen.” (Edward Partridge diary, 26 Jan., 1836)
29 Jan.: Sealed to eternal life in Patriarchal blessings.
“My Father pronounced the following Patriarchal blessings:
Henry Garrett . . .
I seal thee unto [eternal] life [with] power to tread the adversa[r]y under thy feet and be useful [to] reclaim [thy] friends . . .
Angeline Carter . . .
I sealed the[e] up unto eternal life in the name of Jesus. . . .
Joanna Carter . . .
I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Joseph Smith diary, 29 Jan., 1836; in Faulring, An American Prophet’s Record, p. 125, 126)
30 Jan.: Anointing of 70’s, elders, priests.
“In the evening went to the upper rooms of the Lord’s house & set the different quorems in order–instructed the Presidents of the seventy concerning the order of their anointing & requested them to proceed & anoint the seventy having set all the quorems in order I returned to my house being weary with continual anxiety & labour in puting all the Authorities in & in striving to purify them for the solemn assembly according to the commandment of the Lord.” (Joseph Smith diary, 30 Jan., 1836)
“This evening, president [Alvah] Beman with the Elders of the quorum met at the house of the Lord. The meeting was opened by singing, and prayer, and president Beman proceeded to anoint twenty four; [names given]; and the president and cou[n]sel gave such instructions as were necessary; and the meeting adjourned by prayer untill the 1st of Feb.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 30 Jan., 1836)
“Attended Hebrew School: at evening met in the upper rooms with the 70, elders & priests, who were anointing.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 30 Jan., 1836)
30 Jan.: Instructions regarding anointings.
“This day the president and counsel met at the house of Elder Bosley, and being duly organized, ordained Wm Parks an Elder and [gave] him such instructions as were necessary. Dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 30 Jan., 1836)
Jan.: Phelps’ hymn: The Spirit of God Like A Fire . . .
“We’ll wash and be washed, and with oil be anointed
Withal not omitting the washing of feet:
For he that receiveth his PENNY appointed,
Must surely be clean at the harvest of wheat.”
(W. W. Phelps, M&A 2(4):256, Jan., 1836)
1 Feb.: Anointings.
“The quorum met according to appointment and being duly organized proceeded to business.
The Pres. [Alvah Beman] anointed 26 and proceeded to other business.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1 Feb., 1836)
“[I]n the evening attended to the organizing of the quorems of High priests–Elders–Seventy & Bishops in the uper rooms of the house of the Lord & after blessings each quorem in the name of the Lord I left them & returned home.” (Joseph Smith diary, 1 Feb., 1836)
4 Feb.: Anointings.
“Met according to appointment and being duly organized proceeded with the anointing; and Elder [Reuben] Hadlock in forming them to send up their petitions to the Lord of heaven and earth.
Twenty three were anointed and we proceeded to other business.
Agreed to meet to confess one to another and pray one for another.
Closed by singing and prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 4 Feb., 1836)
6 Feb.: Sealing of the anointing.
“Called the anointed together to receive the seal of all their blessings. The High Priests and Elders in the council room as usual, the Seventy with the Twelve in the second room, and the Bishops in the third. I labored with each of these quorums for some time to bring them to the order which God had shown me, which is as follows: The first part to be spent in solemn prayer before God, without any talking or confusion; and the conclusion with a sealing prayer by President Rigdon, when all the quorums were to shout with one accord a solemn hosanna to God and the Lamb, with an Amen, Amen and Amen; and then all take seats and lift up their hearts in silent prayer to God, and if any obtain a prophecy or vision, to rise and speak that all may be edified and rejoice together.” (Joseph Smith, HC 2:391)
“Saturday 6 called the anointed together to receive the seal of all their blessings. The High Priests & Elders in the council room as usual–The Seventy with the Twelve in the second room & the Bishop in the 3–I laboured with each of these quorems for some time to bring [them] to the order which God had shown to me which is as follows–first part to be spent in solemn prayer before god without any talking or confusion & the conclusion with a sealing prayer by Pres. Sidney Rigdon when all the quorems are to shout with one accord a solemn hosannah to God & the Lamb with an Amen–amen & amen–& then all take seats & lift up their hearts in silent prayer to God & if any obtain a prophecy or vision to rise & speak that all may be edified & rejoice together I had considerable trouble to get all the quorems united in this order–I went from room to room repeatedly & charged each separately–assuring them that it was according to the mind of God yet notwithstanding all my labour–while I was in the east room with the Bishops quorems I f[e]lt by the spirit that something was wrong in the quorem of Elders in the west room–& I immediately requested Pres. O. Cowdery & H. Smith to go in & see what was the matter–The quorem of Elders had not observed the order which I had given them & were reminded of it by Pres. Carloss Smith & mildly requested to observe order & continue in prayer & requested–some of them replied that they had a teacher of their own & did not wish to be troubled by others this caused the spirit of the Lord to withdraw This interrupted the meeting & this quorem lost th[e]ir blessing in a great measure–the other quorems were more careful & the quorem of the seventy enjoyed a great flow of the holy spirit many arose & spok testifying that they were filled with the holy spirit which was like fire in their bones so that they could not hold their peace but were constrained to cry hosannah to God & the Lamb & glory in the highest. Pres. Wm Smith one of the twelve saw a vision of the Twelve & seven in council together in old England & prophecied that a great work would be done by them in the old co[u]ntries & God was already beginning to work in the hearts of the p[e]ople–Pres. Z. Coltrin one of the seven saw a vision of the Lords Host–& others were filled with the spirit & spake in tongues & prophecied–This was a time of rejoicing long to be remembered! praise the Lord.” (Joseph Smith diary, 6 Feb., 1836)
“Met to proceed with the anointing of the Elders of the Most High. Counselor Morton organized those who were anointed in order for supplications. President Beman finished the anointing. The first presidency came and sealed our anointing by prayer and shout of Hosanna. The first counselor organized those who had been anointed in order for supplication. They gave us some instructions and left us. President Beman spoke to the assembly. Sever[al] spoke and there seemed to be a cloud of darkness in the room. Pres. O. Cowdery & H. Smith came and gave some instructions and the cloud was broken and some shouted, Hosanna and others spake with tongues. The first president (J. Smith jr) returned and reprimanded us for our evil deeds which was the cause of our darkness. He prophesied saying this night the key is turned to the nations, and the angel John is about commencing his mission to prophesy before kings, and rulers, nations tongues and people. The assembly was dismissed with prayer.” (A Record of the First Quorum Elders, in Jessee, Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 661)
“Attended Hebrew School. In the afternoon wrote a letter in the name of the committee containing a request to Professor Seixa’s wife, for a valuable Lexicon. In the evening met with the presidency any [and] quorums in the Lord’s house, when their anointing blessings were sealed by uplifted hands and praises to God. Many saw visions, may prophesied, and many spoke in tongues. Closed a little before 12 o’clock.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 6 Feb., 1836)
“The 6th. Evening all the quorms met, and had all the
blessings sealed by the Presidency of the Church; at the close of the ceremony we all shouted, agreeably to the above described order.” (Edward Partridge Journal; Meetings – Kirtland 1836; d.1423/f.159, LDS Archives; typescript; 26 Jan – 6 Feb 1836.)
7 Feb.: Continuation of sealings of anointings?
“The quorums met in the room below the printing office and proceeded as previous.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 7 Feb., 1836)
8 Feb.: Anointings.
“Met at the Lord’s house and one was anointed, and the presidents of the seventy called those by name chosen for the second seventy; adjourned by prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 8 Feb., 1836)
11 Feb.: Anointings.
“This evening [met] according to adjournment and being duly organized; president [Alvah] Beman gave some instructions respecting the duty of the officers, and made some confession and was followed by president Joseph Smith jr. in giving instruction to the quorum. Pres. Beman proceeded to anoint these Elders, and his counsel organized them for prayer. The Elders continued their confessions a short time, and the presidents of the seventy came and called forth their seventy from our quorum; this being completed we adjourned with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 11 Feb., 1836)
19 Feb.: Anointings.
“The quorum met in the Lord’s house, and being organized Pres. [Alvah] Beman anointed two Elders. . . A bottle of oil was consecrated to the Lord, and meeting dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 19 Feb., 1836)
22 Feb.: Temple veil.
“This afternoon the sisters met to make the veil of the Temple Father Smith presided over them and gave them much good instruction, closed by singing & prayer.” (Joseph Smith diary, 22 Feb., 1836)
23 Feb.: Temple veil.
“Tuesday the 23d read and translated Hebrew–This afternoon the sisters met again at the chapel to work on the ve[i]l toward the close of the day I met with the presidency & many of the brethren in the house of the Lord–I made some remarks from the pulpit upon the rise and progress of the church of Christ of Latter day Saints and pronounced a blessing upon the Sisters for the liberality in giving their servises so cheerfully to make the veil for the Lord’s house also upon the congregation and dismissed.” (Joseph Smith diary, 23 Feb., 1836)
27 Feb.: Instructions regarding anointings.
“The president and counsel met at Elder [Joseph B.] Nobles house, and being organized, ordained the following Elders [names given] and gave them instructions and dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 27 Feb., 1836)
28 Feb.: Instructions regarding anointings.
“We met again and being organized, president [Alvah] Beman’s health was poor and he gave the meeting into the hands of counselor [Reuben] Hadlock who proceeded and ordained Daniel S. Miles and David Clough Elders and gave them instructions; the meeting dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 28 Feb., 1836)
2 Mar.: Anointings.
“This evening the Elders met at the Lord’s house: the meeting opened by prayer and a hymn was sung; and president [Alvah] Beman proceeded to anoint the following Elders [names given].
The Brethren were then organized for and sent up their prayers to the father in heaven; the blessings were then sealed by a prayer from the president, and a shout of Hosanna. The Brethren then spake of the goodness of the Lord, and told their feeling[s] and determinations.
The meeting was then dismissed with singing and prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 2 Mar., 1836)
3 Mar.: Washed by Peter Whitmer; anointed in Temple.
“I was washed by Br Peter Whitmer & anointed in the Lords House by Simeon Carter who in my absence presided over the High Council of Zion.” (John Murdock journal, 3 Mar., 1836; LDS Archives, Ouellette)
6 Mar.: Sealing of blessings.
“All the Quorums met in the evening and had all the blessings sealed upon them by the Presidency of the Church; at the close of the ceremony we all shouted agreeably to the above described order [Hosannah shout–see Partridge entry for 26 Jan.].” (Edward Partridge diary, 6 Mar., 1836)
9 Mar.: Anointings.
“The Elders met, and being duly organized six Elders were anointed, and some spake of the goodness of God, dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 9 Mar., 1836)
10 Mar.: Beginning of preparations for endowment.
“returned to Kirtland the 10 of March and from this time till the 5th of April we were busy in organiseing [sic], washing of feet, and preparing and receiving our endowments.” (Lyman Wight to Wilford Woodruff, 24 Aug., 1857)
[11Mar.?]: Washing of feet.
“Now the time drew near when the Lord would endow his servants, and before he could do this we must perform all the ordinances that are instituted in his house. There was one ordinance viz. the washing of feet that we had not as yet observed, but did perform it according to Revelation, which ordinance belongs only to ordained members and not the whole church.
For particulars read the private history of Joseph Smith, the Seer.
After the washing of feet came the annointing with holy oil, which was performed by Joseph Smith signor [sic], among the Presidents then the Presidents of each quorum proced [sic] to annoint the members thereof – in their proper time and plan.” (John Whitmer, History, Chapter 17)
16 Mar.: They will soon be able to raise the dead.
“Their temple, at Kirtland, is a huge, misshappen edifice, that comes nearer to the Gothic than any other style of architecture. The pattern, like every thing else connected with Mormonism, ‘was given by direct revelation from Heaven, and given to three individuals separately, so that there could be no doubt on the subject.’ They asure you, with the utmost confidence, that they shall soon be able to raise the dead, to heal the sick, the deaf, the dumb, and the blind, &c. Indeed, more than one asured me, that they had, themselves, by the laying on of their hands, restored the sick to health. The difficulty with their miracles, and the distinction between all false and true miracles, is, that the former are done in private, with few, if any witnesses, while the latter are wrought in open day, before the whole world, friends and foes. The delusion, however, is one, which, I am inclined to think, is likely to spread rapidly, for a season, especially where there is ignorance, combined with a love of the marvellous, and a mystical, distempered, and extravagant tone of piety.” (Letter published in Ohio Atlas, 16 Mar., 1836; Reprinted in Painesville Telegraph, 20 May, 1836.)
16 Mar.: Anointings.
“The meeting being duly organized; President [Alvah] Beman consecrated a bottle of oil for the anointing; after which a hymn was sung and he proceeded to anoint Elders [names given].
Elder [Reuben] Hadlock organized them for prayer.
The blessings were then sealed by the President, and the meeting dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 16 Mar., 1836)
17 Mar.: Instructions regarding anointings.
“The president and counsel met and being organized ordained the eight who had been set apart for Elders: gave them instructions and dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 17 Mar., 1836)
18 Mar.: Anointings.
“The Elders met in the Lord’s house; and being duly organized, the following Elders were ordained Joshua Bosley, Erastus Wightman, and Samuel Thompson: and the following ones were anointed, Lorenzo Young, Heman Hyde, John Gaylord, Joshua Bosley, Osmyn M. Duel, Erastus Wightman, Chapman Duncan, Samuel Thompson and Daniel Jackson.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 18 Mar., 1836)
19 Mar.: Sealing of anointings.
“This evening the Elder[s] met at the Lord’s house, with other quorums of the church. The meeting was opened by singing, and prayer. President Joseph Smith J[u]n. gave some instructions relative to the sealing power, in a short but powerful address.
President S. Rigdon sealed the blessings of the Lord on those who had been anointed, by prayer and with a shout of Hosanna to God and, the Lamb.
Some of the brethren spake of the goodness of the Lord, and President J. Smith jun made some remarks respecting the coming meeting [i.e., the 30 Mar. solemn assembly], and gave out some appointments.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 19 Mar., 1836)
“March 3d. Was washed by Peter Whitmer and annointed by Bro. Simeon Carter, as one of Zions Councillors, and not only as a Councillor but also as a President. 19th Was blessed and sealed up by the Presidency.” (John Murdock autobiography, Mar., 1836, pp. 27-28; LDS Archives, Ouellette)
22 Mar.: Pat. Bless.: Sealed up to eternal life.
“. . . Thou art one of the horns of Joseph to push the people together from the ends of the earth, and if thou wilt serve God with all thy might, mind, and strength, thou shalt receive a crown of celestial glory in the kingdom of the Father and live to see the end of this generation and proclaim the gospel to the end of the wicked until the earth shall reel to and fro and stagger like a drunkard at the coming of the glorious Messiah, for thou shalt live to see him come in the clouds of heaven while thou art yet in the flesh. Thou must seek council at the hand of thy God and keep all the commandments and thou shalt receive all the power of the holy priesthood; power to raise the dead, heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, the dumb to speak. Thou shalt have power to translate thyself from land to land and from country to country, from one end of heaven to the other, and when thy work is done thou shalt translate from earth to heaven.
Thou art one of the hundred and forty four thousand which shall stand upon Mount Zion with the harps of God. These blessings, the Lord shall give unto thee in his own due time and I seal them for thee in thee in the name of Jesus and I seal thee up unto eternal life. Even so. Amen.
Recorded in book account, page 36. Sylvester Smith, scribe.” (Patriarchal blessing given by Joseph Smith, Sen. to Ethan Barrows, 22 Mar., 1836; in “Journal of Ethan Barrows,” Journal of History 15:40, Jan., 1922)
26 Mar.: Anointings.
“This day the Elders met at the Lord’s house and being organized the president and counsel proceeded to anoint the following Elders [names given]. The blessings were sealed some exhortations given, and meeting closed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 26 Mar., 1836)
27 Mar.: Anointings.
“The president and cou[n]cil met according to appointment, and being organized the following Elders were ordained [names given].
They were instructed how to prepare for the holy anointing. Several exhorted and spake of the goodness of God some spake in tongues, and others interpreted; and the meeting was dismissed with prayer. In the evening met again at the same place, and after prayer ordained Dexter Stillman an Elder and dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 27 Mar., 1836)
“I met the quorums in the evening and instructed them respecting the ordinance of washing of feet, which they were to attend to on Wednesday following; and gave them instructions in relation to the spirit of prophecy, and called upon the congregation to speak, and not to fear to prophesy good concerning the Saints, for if you prophesy the falling of these hills and the rising of the valleys, the downfall of the enemies of Zion and the rising of the kingdom of God, it shall come to pass. Do not quench the spirit, for the first one that opens his mouth shall receive the spirit of prophecy.
Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like a sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels, which fact I declared to the congregation. The people of the neighborhood came running together (hearing an unusual sound within, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple), and were astonished at what was taking place. This continued until the meeting closed at eleven p. m.” (HC 2:428)
27 Mar.: Dedication of Kirtland temple.
“He [Sidney Rigdon] admitted there were many houses: many sufficiently great, built for the worship of God, but not one except this, on the face of the whole earth, that was built by divine revelation, and were it not for this, the dear Redeemer might in this great day of science, this day of intelligence, this day of religion, say to those who would follow him, The foxes have holes, the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (M&A 2(6):276, Mar., 1836)
[Dedicatory prayer] “Out of our poverty we have given of our substance to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people.
And as thou hast said, in a revelation given unto us, calling us thy friends, saying–‘Call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you; and as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; Seek learning; even by study, and also by faith, Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house [of] fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God: that your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord: that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands to the Most High.’
And now, Holy Father, we ask thee to assist us, thy people with thy grace in calling our solemn assembly, that it may be done to thy honor, and to thy divine acceptance, and in a manner that we may be found worthy in thy sight, to secure a fulfilment of the promises which thou hast made unto us thy people, in the revelatio[n]s given unto us: that thy glory may rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy house, which we now dedicate to thee; that it may be sanctified and consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in this house; and that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord’s house may feel thy power and be constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.
And do thou grant, holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house, may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning, even by study, and also by faith, as thou hast said; and that they may grow up in thee and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing and that this house may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory, and of God, even thy house: that all the incomings of thy people, into this house, may be in the name of the Lord; that all their outgoings, from this house, may be in the name of the Lord; that all their salutations may be in the name of [the] Lord, with holy hands uplifted to the Most High; and that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it.
And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favour in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained, to be poured out upon those who shall reverance thee in this thy house.
And we ask, holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house, armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them, and from this place they may bear exceeding great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of thy prophets concerning the last days. . . .
Let the anointing of thy ministers be sealed upon them with power from on high: let it be fulfilled upon them as upon those on the day of Pentacost: let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof. And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory.
Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word, they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those judgements thou art about to send in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble. . . .
O Lord, deliver thy people from the calamity of the wicked; enable thy servants to seal up the law and bind up the testimony, that they may be prepared against the day of burning. . . .
I then bore testimony of the administering of angels.–Presdt Williams also arose and testified that while Presdt Rigdon was making his first prayer an angel entered the window and took his seated between father Smith, and himself, and remained their during his prayer Presdt David Whitmer also saw angels in the house
We then sealed the proceedings of the day by shouting hosanah to God and the Lamb 3 times sealing it each time with Amen, Amen, and Amen and after requesting all the official members to meet again in the evening we retired–met in the evening and instructed the quorums respecting the ordinance of washing of feet which we were to attend to on wednesday following.” (Joseph Smith diary, 27 Mar., 1836; prayer also recorded in M&A 2(6):278-280, Mar., 1836)
“Met and dedicated the House of the Lord. Prest. Rigdon preached in the forenoon. Pres. J. Smith jun made many remarks and delivered the dedication prayer. We meet at 8 in the morning and dissmiss at 1/4 past 4 afternoon. Met again in the evening, that is the authorities of the Church. Many spoke in tongues, some saw visions etc. Doct. F. G. Williams saw an angel or rather the savior during the forenoon service.” (Edward Partridge diary, 27 Mar., 1836)
“Attended the dedication of the Lord’s house. For the particulars of this great event see my acount written by myself, and printed in the March No. of The Messenger and Advocate, signed C. In the evening I met with the officers of the church in the Lord’s house. The Spirit was poured out–I saw the glory of God, like a great cloud, come down and rest upon the house, and fill the same like a mighty rushing wind. I also saw cloven tongues, like as of fire rest upon many, (for there were 316 present,) while they spake with other tongues and prophesied.” (Oliver Cowdery diary, 27 Mar., 1836)
“President F. G. Williams bore record that a Holy Angel of God, came and set between him and J. Smith sen. while the house was being dedicated.” (M&A 2(6):281, Mar., 1836)
“In the course of the winter there was a Hebrew school started, which I attended until February 22, 1836, when I was called upon by the Prophet to superintend the painting and finishing of the Temple, upon which I labored until March 27, when the Temple was so far finished as to be dedicated to the Lord by the Prophet, with the assembled Quorums of the Church and as many members as could possibly be accommodated. On this occasion the power of God was displayed, as recorded in the history of Joseph Smith.” (Watson, Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, p. 12)
“Four hundred and sixteen elders, priests, teachers, and deacons met in Kirtland temple on the evening of its dedication. I can see faces here that were in that assembly. The Lord poured His Spirit upon us, and gave us some little idea of the law of anointing, and conferred upon us some blessings. He taught us how to shout hosanna; gave Joseph the keys of the gathering together of Israel, and revealed to us–what? Why, the fact of it was, he dare not yet trust us with the first keys of the priesthood. He told us to wash ourselves, and that almost made the women mad, and they said, as they were not admitted into the temple while this washing was being performed, that some mischief was going on, and some of them were right huffy about it.” (George A. Smith, sermon in Salt Lake Tabernacle, 1855. Copied in the Cleveland Herald of 18 Jul., 1855 from the Deseret News. Reprinted in J. H. Kennedy, Early Days of Mormonism, p. 139)
“The structure had cost them nearly forty thousand dollars–a sum of no small magnitude considering their resources and the scale of prices of those days. Devoid of architectural beauty, it was still imposing, and not without a dignity of the rigid and angular sort. Making use of a description of the temple penned a short time after its erection, we obtain the following: [Source: “Ohio Historical Collections,” p. 282]
In front, over the large window, is a tablet, bearing the inscription:
‘House of the Lord
Built by the Church
of the Latter-Day Saints.
A. D. 1834.’
The first and second stories are divided into two grand rooms for public worship. The attic is partitioned off into about a dozen small apartments. The lower grand room is fitted up with seats as an ordinary church, with canvas curtains hanging from the ceiling, which, on the occasion of prayer-meetings, are let down to the top of the slips, dividing the room into several different apartments, for the use of the separate collections of worshippers. At each end of the room is a set of pulpits, four in number, rising behind each other. Each pulpit is calculated for three persons, so that when they are full, twelve persons occupy each set, or twenty-four persons the two sets. These pulpits were for the officers of the priesthood. The set at the farther end of the room are for the Melchisedek priesthood, or those who minister in spiritual concerns. The set opposite, near the entrance of the room, are for the Aaronic priesthood, whose duty it is to simply attend to temporal affairs of the society. These pulpits all bear initials, signifying the rank of the occupants.
The temple was dedicated on March 27th. That occasion may be regarded as the culminating point of Mormon success and influence in Ohio. The leaders used every means within their power to raise it above the level of temporal things, and to impress upon it an apparent stamp of special divine acceptance and favor. The ceremonies of dedication and consecration were conducted with a mysterious solemnity intended to impress believers and mark itself with effect upon spectators from the outer world. The various quorums of the church officially recognized Smith as their Prophet and Seer; and if Joseph’s word is to be taken as conclusive, there were august visitors in attendance–Moses, Elias, and Elisha appearing unto him, and surrendering into his possession the Keys of the Priesthood, which conferred upon him great power in spiritual and material things. He also saw angels, which came down and held converse with him, but were seen not by the dull eyes of those about him.
Brigham Young, not to be too far behind Joseph in the manifestations of spiritual power, was favored with an eloquent outburst of tongues, and made an address which neither he nor any one else could understand, but which some brother made an effort to translate. A pillar of fire was seen above the temple, and supernatural sounds heard in the air. Many who had heretofore been content to remain in the background, arose and gave utterance to prophecy. The brethren shut themselves in the temple; and washed and anointed themselves. This exaltation of spirit, and the excitement of which it was a part, continued several days. On the evening of March 29th the ceremony of washing feet was performed, each Saint humbling himself in the service of another. Hundreds, we are told in the Mormon records, remained in the building all night, ‘glorifying God and prophesying.’ At daybreah they partook of the sacramental bread and wine.
The excitement continued until March 31st. During this time all business of a secular character was suspended. Many spectators were drawn from the neighboring towns and farms. No such season had been witnessed at Kirtland even in the early days of spiritual riot, and none was possible in the times of gloom and trouble that were even now closing in from every side.” (J. H. Kennedy, Early Days of Mormonism, pp. 150-152)
“On Sunday, March 27th, 1836, the various quorums of the priesthood, and the people met in the House of the Lord for the purpose of dedicating it. The stands in the west and east ends of the House were filled by the quorums and the presidents for which they were intended, and the people, numbering as near as could be calculated between nine and ten hundred, were then seated. Even then there was a large number left out, for whom room could not be found. The power of God was poured out mightily, and the Saints rejoiced with a joy which cannot be described.
After singing and prayer, and the delivery of a discourse by Sidney Rigdon, each quorum was called upon to manifest their willingness to acknowledge Joseph as a Prophet and Seer and to uphold him as such. This all the quorums, as well as the entire congregation, cheerfully complied with. After an intermission of twenty minutes, the services of the day were resumed, and Joseph made a short address, and called upon the several quorums and all the congregation to acknowledge the Presidency as Prophets and Seers and to uphold them as such. He then called upon them to acknowledge the Twelve Apostles, as Prophets, Seers and Revelators, and special witnesses to all the nations of the earth, holding the keys of the Kingdom to open it, or cause it to be done, to them. All the other quorums were in like manner presented, and in like manner sustained. Then followed the dedicatory prayer, which was offered by Joseph, and which the several quorums and the congregation were asked separately if they accepted, and acknowledged the house dedicated; to which, in every instance, they responded that they did. The Lord’s supper was then administered, after which, Joseph and several of the Elders bore testimony; among others, President Brigham Young spoke in tongues. The proceedings of the day were sealed by the shouting of Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to God and the Lamb, three times, sealing it each time with, Amen, Amen, and Amen.
In the evening Joseph again met with the quorums. He gave the Elders instructions respecting the spirit of prophecy and called upon them to speak and not to fear, and the spirit of prophecy should rest down upon them. Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing, mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power. Many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions, and Joseph beheld that the Temple was filled with angels, and told the congregation so. The people of the neighborhood, hearing an unusual sound within the Temple, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon it, came running together, and were astonished at what was transpiring.” (“Biography. Joseph Smith, the Prophet,” JI 12(4):38, 15 Feb., 1877)
“They were two of the happiest days of my life. . . . It was verily true that the Heavenly Influence rested down upon that house. . . . Heavenly beings appeared to many. Solemn assemblies were called. Endowments were given. The Elders went from house to house, blessing the Saints and administering the sacrament. Feasts were given. Three families joined together and held one at our house. We baked a lot of bread and had the best of wine.” (Diary of Nancy Naomi Alexander Tracy, n.d., quoted in Linda King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery, “Sweet Counsel and Seas of Tribulation: The Religious Life of the Women in Kirtland,” BYU Studies 20(2):156, Winter, 1980)
“March 27 and 1836 / This day was appointed to be a day / when the house of the Lord built / by the Church of the Latter day Saints / was to be dedicated unto the Lord / of the whole earth: there was also / a contribution; each individual as / they came into the house of the Lord / donated as they could in order to de[-] / fray the expense of the building as the / committee had incurred much expense a- / bove what had before been contributed. / the doors were opened at 8 and to be closed / at 9 A.M. however they were closed be- / fore 9 on account of the house being / full many retired to, and filled the sch- / ool room, under the printing office which / holds 400 or 450 and many went home. / The congregation came to order and president / Sidney Rigdon commenced the services of the / day by reading the 96 Psalm and then the 24 / Ps. Then a song of praise then a prayer by / President S. Rigdon then another song of / praise and next a discourse from S. Rigdon / from Matthew VIII 18-19-20 particularly the / 20 verse; after the sermon the several / quorums voted and arose as they were call- / ed upon to declare that they acknowledge / Joseph Smith Jun. as a prophet, seer, and rev- / alator to Israel. there was a song of praise / and a short intermission the order of the house / was for the people to keep their seats; as / this day was appointed as a fast day unto / the Lord from morning until evening. / and. a song of praise Joseph Smith Jun. / first president of the church of Latter day / saints; took the lead and called upon the / several quorums separately to acknowl- / edge each other in their several capacities / There was present the following, and they / voted in the following order, to acknowledge / the prophet, first the Presidency 2nd the 12 apostles 3rd the / High Council, 4th the Bishopric including / the Bishop of Zion and his counsellors / 5th the Zion Council on the right of the / Bishopric 6 the 7 presidents of the 70’s / on the left of the Bishopric, 7th the / Presidency and council of High Priests, 8th / the President and council of Elders 9th / the whole congregation when the Bish- / oprick voted the whole Bishoprick was / included viz Bishop of Kirtland of Zion Presidents of the / Priests teachers and Deacons with their coun / cils, President Joseph Smith Jun. Offered / up a dedication prayer unto the Lord / President Sidney Rigdon offered a short / prayer and then led the way, followed by / the whole congregation acknowledging / the Lord to be King, this is the sample / of the shout with uplifted hands unto / the most high, by the Lord anointed / Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna to / God and the Lamb Amen! amen. and / Amen. this was done three times. / making 9 hosannas and 9 amens / they next partook of the sacrament and then / were dismissed after some testimony / during the partaking by the congregation / of the bread and wine in remembrance / of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Joseph / Smith Jun. testified of the Angel of / the Lord’s appearing unto him to call him / to the work of the Lord, and also of being / ordained under the hands of the Angel of / of the covenant. President Hyrum Smith / and President O. Cowdery, testified of the / truth of the work which was made kno- / wn to them by the power of God. Car- / los Smith President of the High priests / testified of the truth of the book. / President F. G. Williams arose and testified / that in the A.M. an angel of God came / into the window (at the back of the pulpit) / while P. t. Rigdon was at prayer and took his / seat between him and Father Joseph Smith Sr. / and remained there during the prayer. / The ordained members of the church were / requested to meet in the Lords house this / evening to receive instruction previous to / their going forth to proclaim the gospel / the congregation were now dismissed / This eve assembled in the house of the / Lord Joseph Smith jun. read the 6 / chap. 11 Chron. and showed us the order of / dedicating a house to God anciently: this / evening was designed as a continuation / of our pentecost, Angels of God came / into the room, cloven tongues rested / upon come of the Servants of the Lord / like unto fire and they spake with / tongues and prophesied. / Last Saturday I received my patriar / chal blessing under the hands of / Joseph Smith Sen. Patriarch and / Evangellist I write this monday / march. 28 the roads are bare but there / is plenty of snow in the woods, and / considerable yet in the fields people / are preparing for sugar making as they / have not yet tapped any where yet as / I have heard. the air is smoky today / it was ascertained and told to us last eve / that there was 1000 persons in the house / of the Lord yesterday and they contributed / as they went in $960. I will ment / ion here that two of the Apostles Brigham / Young and David Patten sang each / a song of Zion in tongues and each spake / in tongues and Elder Patten interpreted / brother Youngs tongue which he spake / During Last week there was / 11 baptized in Kirtland. / there was about 316 ordained mem- / bers met in the house of the Lord / Sunday eve and we received instruction / from Joseph Smith Jr relative to our / preaching and to our endowment this / eve the spirit of the Lord rested on / the congregation many spake in tongues / many prophesied, Angels were in our / midst, and ministered unto some, Cloven / tongues like unto fire rested upon / those who spake in tongues and prophesied / when they ceased to speak the tongues / ascended.” (Stephen Post journal; BYU/Film/298/#126, 27 Mar., 1836; Typed as in original without the use of [sic]. The “/” indicates where the entry line ended and the next line begins in the original source.)
28 Mar.: Instructions concerning anointing.
“The president and counsel met at Elder [Joseph B.] Nobles’ house and ordained Moses Lindsley and gave him instructions, and dismissed with prayer.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 28 Mar., 1836)
29 Mar.: Washing of feet in Kirtland temple.
“The Presidency proceeded to ordain George Boosinger to the High Priesthood, and anoint him. This was in consequence of his having adminstered unto us in temporal things in our distress, and also because he left the place just previous to the dedication of the Lord’s House, to bring us the temporal means, previously named. Soon after this, the word of the Lord came, through President Joseph Smith, Jun., that those who had entered the holy place, must not leave the house untiil morning, but send for such things as were necessary, and, also, during our stay, we must cleanse our feet and partake of the Sacrament that we might be made holy before Him, and therefore be qualified to officiate in our calling, upon the morrow, in washing the feet of the Elders.
Accordingly we proceeded to cleanse our faces and our feet, and then proceeded to wash one another’s feet. President Sidney Rigdon first washed President Joseph Smith, Junior’s feet, and then, in turn, was washed by him; after which President Rigdon washed President Joseph Smith, Sen., and Hyrum Smith. President Joseph Smith, Jun., washed President Frederick G. Williams, and then President Hyrum Smith washed President David Whitmer’s and President Oliver Cowdery’s feet. Then President David Whitmer washed President William W. Phelps’ feet, and in turn President Phelps washed President John Whitmer’s feet. The Bishops and their Counselors were then washed, after which we partook of the bread and wine. The Holy Spirit rested down upon us, and we continued in the Lord’s House all night, prophesying and giving glory to God.” (HC 2:429-430)
“Attended school, which was the last day of our course of lectures in Hebrew by Professor Seixas.
At 11 o’clock A.M. Presidents Joseph Smith, Jun, Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery met in the Most Holy Place in the Lord’s House and sought for a revelation from Him to teach us concerning our going to Zion and other important matter[s]. After uniting in prayer, the voice of the Spirit was that we should come into this place three times, and also call the other Presidents, the two Bishops and their councils (each to stand in his place) and fast through the day and also the night and that during this, if we would humble ourselves, we should receive further communication from Him.
After this word was received, we immediately sent for the other brethren who came. The Presidency proceeded to ordain George Boosinger to the High Priesthood and annoint him. This was in consequence of his having administered unto us in temporal things in our distress. And also because he left the place just previous to the dedication of the Lord’s House to bring us the temporal means previously named.
Soon after this, the word of the Lord came to us through Presdt J. Smith Jun that those who had entered the holy place must not leave the house untill morning but send for such things as were necessary, and also, that during our stay we must cleans[e] our feet and partake of the sacrament that we might be made holy before Him, and thereby be qualified to officiate in our calling upon the morrow in washing the feet of the Elders.
Accordingly we proceeded and cleansed our faces and our fee, and then proceeded to wash each others feet.–president S. Rigdon first washed presdt J. Smith jun and then in turn was washed by him–after which president Rigdon washed presdt J. Smith Sen. and Hyrum Smith prsdt J. Smith Jun washed presdt F. G Williams, and then pres. Hyrum Smith washed president David Whitmer’s feet and president Oliver Cowdery’s, then pres D. Whitmer washed pres. W. W. Phelps feet and in turn pres Phelps washed pres John Whitmers feet.
The Bishops and their councils were then washed: After which we partook of the bread and wine. The Holy S[p]irit rested down upon us and we continued in the Lords house all night prophesying and giving glory to God.” (Joseph Smith diary, 29 Mar., 1836)
“I attended the solemn assembly, and, with my brethren of the Twelve, received my washings and anointings, and was privileged to listen to the teachings and administrations of the Prophet of God. We also attended to the washing of feet, which ordinance was administered to me by the Prophet Joseph.” (Manuscript History of Brigham Young)
“The Presidents and the two Bishops and their counsellors met in the afternoon in the House of the Lord. We clensed our hands and faces and feet, after which we had our feet washed in the name of the Lord; this Took till about dusk; we then partook of Bread and wine a feast: We prophesied and spoke in tongues and shouted Hosannas the meeting lasted till day light. Wednesday all the officers of the Church met at 9 oclock in the Lord’s House. The Priests Teachers & Deacons in one corner, the vail having been let down, and the other officers occupied the rest of the lower room [unclear] The washing of feet was performed by noon. Then they began to prophecy and speak in tongues adding shouts of Hosanna to God and the Lamb with amen and amen this continued till dark, when they partook of a feast of bread and wine, The meeting was Kept up till morning. The shouts were omited during the night.” (Edward Partridge journal, 29 Mar., 1836 entry; LDS Archives, Ouellette)
30 Mar.: Day of Pentecost; Church organization complete.
“Wednesday morning 8 o clock March 30th 1836 According to appointment the presidency, the 12, the seventies, the high councils, the Bishops and their entire quorums, the Elders, and all the official members in this stake of Zion amounting to about 300 met in the temple of the Lord to attend to the ordinance of washing of feet, I ascended the pulpit and remarked to the congregation that we had passed through many trials and afflictions since the organization of this church and that this is a year of Jubilee to us and a time of rejoicing, and that it was expedient for us to prepare bread and wine sufficient to make our hearts glad, as we should not probably leave this house until morning; to this end we should call on the brethren to make a contribution, the stewards passed round and took up a liberal contribution and messengers were dispatched for bread and wine, tubs [of] water and towels were prepared and I called the house to order, and the presidency proceeded to wash the feet of the 12 pronouncing many prophecy’s and blessings upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus, the brethren began to prophesy upon each others heads, and cursings upon the enimies of Christ who inhabit Jackson county Missouri continued prophesying and blessing and sealing them with Hosanna and Amen until nearly 7 o clock P.M. the bread and wine was then brought in, and I observed that we had fasted all the day, and lest we faint; as the Saviour did so shall we do on this occasion, we shall bless the bread and give it to the 12 and they to the multitude, after which we shall bless the wine and do likewise; while waiting I made the following remarks, that the time that we were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endued would be fulfilled in a few days, and then the Elders would go forth and each must stand for himself, that it was not necessary for them to be sent out two by two as in former times; but to go in all meekness in sobriety and preach Jesus Christ & him crucified . . .
I then observed to the quorums that I had now completed the organization of the church and we had passed through all the necessary ceremonies, that I had given them all the instruction they needed and that they now were at liberty after obtaining their lisences to go forth and build up the kingdom of God, and that it was expedient for me and the presidency to retire, having spent the night previous in waiting upon the Lord in his temple, and having to attend another dedication on the morrow, or conclude the one commenced on the last sabbath for the benifit of those of my brethren and sisters who could not get into the house on the former occasion but that it was expedient for the brethren to tarry all night and worship before the Lord in his house I left the meeting in the charge of the 12 and retired at about 9 o clock in the evening; the brethren continued exhorting, prophesying and speaking in tongues until 5 o clock in the morning–the Saviour made his appearance to some, while angels minestered unto others, and it was a penticost and enduement indeed, long to be remembered for the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world, and the occurrences of this day shall be hande[d] down upon the pages of sacred history to all generations, as the day of Pentecost, so shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of Jubilee and time of rejoicing to the saints of the most high God.” (Joseph Smith diary, 30 Mar., 1836)
“At eight o’clock, according to appointment, the Presidency, the Twelve, the Seventies, the High Council, the Bishops and their entire quorums, the Elders and all the official members in this stake of Zion, amounting to about three hundred, met in the Temple of the Lord to attend to the ordinance of washing of feet. . . .
Tubs, water, and towels were prepared, and I called the house to order, and the Presidency proceeded to wash the feet of the Twelve, pronouncing many prophecies and blessings upon them in the name of the Lord Jesus; and then the Twelve proceeded to wash the feet of the Presidents of the several quorums. The brethren began to prophesy upon each other’s heads, and upon the enemies of Christ, who inhabited Jackson county, Missouri; and continued prophesying, and blessing, and sealing them with hosanna and amen, until nearly seven o’clock in the evening [sic]. . . .
While waiting, I made the following remarks: that the time that we were required to tarry in Kirtland to be endowed, would be fulfilled in a few days, and then the Elders would go forth, and each must stand for himself . . .
I then observed to the quorums, that I had now completed the organization of the Church, and we had passed through all the necessary ceremonies, that I had given them all the instruction they needed, and that they now were at liberty, after obtaining their licenses, to go forth and build up the Kingdom of God . . .
I left the meeting in the charge of the Twelve, and retired about nine o’clock in the evening. the brethren continued exhorting, prophesying, and speaking in tongues until five o’clock in the morning. The Savior made his appearance to some, while angels ministered to others, and it was a Pentecose and an endowment indeed, long to be remembered, for the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world, and the occurrences of this day shall be handed down upon the pages of sacred history, to all generations; as the day of Pentecost, so shall this day be numbered and celebrated as a year of jubilee, and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God.” (Joseph Smith, HC 2:432)
“At length the time arrived for this assembly to meet, previous to which, Smith exhorted the elders to solemnize their minds, by casting away evil from them in thought, word, or deed, and let their hearts become sanctified, because they need not expect a blessing from God without being duly prepared for it; for the Holy Ghost would not dwell in unholy temples. This meeting took place in March, 1836, a little previous to which the house of the Lord had been dedicated. As well as I can remember, the solemn assembly was conducted nearly as follows. The ceremony was first performed upon the first presidency, together with the bishops and their counselors; after which the elders in their turn attended to the ceremony, and it was alike upon all occasions. they were to purify their bodies by washing them entirely with pure water, after which they were to wash each others feet, and anoint each other with oil, pronouncing mutual blessings during the performance. The sacrament was then administered, in which they partook of the bread and wine freely, and a report went abroad that some of them got drunk: as to that every man must answer for himself. A similar report, the reader will recollect, went out concerning the disciples, at Jerusalem, on the day of pentecost. This was followed by a marvelous spirit of prophecy. Every man’s mouth was full of prophesying, and for a number of days or weeks their time was spent in visiting from house to house, making feasts, prophesying, and pronouncing blessings on each other, to that degree, that from the external appearance, one would have supposed that the last days had truly come, in which the spirit of the Lord was poured out upon all flesh, as far as the church was concerned, for their sons and their daughters were full of prophesying.” (John Corrill, Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints (Commonly Called Mormons) Chapter 12, 1839)
“At the close of the solemn assembly meetings in Kirtland, Smith told the elders that they were now endowed with power to go forth and build up the Kingdom, that they must now call upon God for themselves, and do that which the spirit directed them to do, and every man was accountable to God for his own doings, and he charged them to be careful and avoid contention, and not to meddle with other orders of Christians, nor proclaim against their doctrines, but to preach the gospel in its simplicity, and let others alone.” (John Corrill, History, Chapter 14)
“As to the endowment in Kirtland, I state positively, it was no endowment from God. Not only myself was not endowed, but no other man of the five hundred who was present–except it was with wine.!” (William McLellin to M. H. Forscutt, Oct., 1870. RLDS Archives, P19/F36)
“. . . in the spring of 1836 I was in Kirtland at the dedication of the Temple and the Endowment of the Elders, that the Lord had promised as a reward for their offerings. The blessings of the Lord were poured out abundantly. There is one thing that I would here relate, that was a great pay to me, and that was when the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Elders. I saw the Spirit in the form of cloven tongues as a fire descend in thousands, and rest on the heads of the Elders, and they spoke with tongues and prophesyed.” (“Autobiography of Milo Andrus, 1814-1875.” Note that a photocopy of this page of the autobiography is displayed in the LDS Visitors’ Center at the Newel K. Whitney Store in Kirtland.)
“When that noble structure the Temple in Kirtland was dedicated, after only being partly finished, it was done without any power being sent forth, or manifested in any degree to the large congregation assembled in it. I was present and know what I say. In 1836 when they undertook to get an endowment in the Kirtland Temple. All washed and with oil anointed themselves, and appeared in the Temple at sunrise, then all feet were washed, and about five hundred ministers took their places, and solemly prayed. We remained there fasting until sunrise next morning. We however partook of some bread and wine in the evening. And some partook so freely, on their empty stomachs, that they became drunk! I took care of S. H. Smith in one of the stands, so deeply intoxicated that he could not nor did sense anything. I kept him hid from the crowd in the stand, but he vomited the spit-box five times full, and his dear brother Carlos would empty it out of the window. But I would prefer to draw a curtain over the awful scene! Others imbibed to much also. But let the curtain fall!!” (William E. McLellin letter to Joseph Smith III, July, 1872. Original in RLDS Archives.)
“Wednesday [30 Mar.] all the officers of the Church met ___ ___ ___ in the Lord’s House, the Preists Teachers and Deacons in one corner, the vail having been let down, and the other officers occupied the rest of the lower room. The washing of feet was performed by noon. Then they began to prophecy and speak in tongues adding shouts of Hosanna, to God and the lamb with Amen and Amen this continued till dark when they partook of a feast of bread and wine. The meeting was kept up till morning the shouts were omited during the night.” (Edward Partridge diary, under 29 Mar., 1836 entry)
“Wen. 30. This day between the hours / of 8 and 9 the
ordained members met in / the house of the Lord to attend to the / last ordinance of the endowment viz: / the ordinance of the washing of feet / this ordinance is administered to none / but those who are clean from the blood / of the generation in which they live. / I did not expect much to receive the or- / dinance as I had not labored much / in the vineyard, but I had en-
deavour- / ed to do as well as I could. however when / we came together the word of the Lord / was that we all should receive the / ordinance. O the goodness and condescen- / sion of God. The washing was commen- / sed by the presidents who first washed / the 12 and the 7 presidents of the seventies / the 12 and 7 then commenced washing / until the whole were washed. The or- / der of the house was that we tarry / until tomorrow morning in the house / of the Lord and not go out only in ca- / ses of necessity, after the washing the / Brethren commenced prophesying for the / spirit of prophecy was poured out up- / on the congregation: the house was di- / vided into 4 parts by the curtains and they / prophesied, spake and sang in tongues in /
each room. we fasted until even when / we partook of bread and wine in commem- / oration of the marriage supper of the / Lamb. now having attended through / the endowment I could form an idea / of the endowment anciently for Gods / ordinances change not.” (Stephen Post’s Journal; BYU/Film/298/#126; 30 March 1836. Typed as in original without the use of [sic]. The “/” indicates where the entry line ended and the next line begins in the original source.)
“The great heavenly ‘visitation,’ which was alleged to have taken place at Nauvoo [Kirtland–see note below], was a grand fizzle, the elders were assembled on the appointed day, which it was promised would be a veritable day of Pentecost, but there was no visitation. No Peter, James, and John, no Moses and Elias, put in an appearance. ‘I was in my seat on that occasion,’ says Mr. [David] Whitmer, ‘and I know that the story sensationally circulated, and which is now on the records of the Utah Mormons as an actual happening, was nothing but a trumped-up yarn. I saw a great many of these things which I knew were not right, but I clung on in patience, trusting everything would eventually be put right.'” (David Whitmer, quoted in an article in the Chicago Inter-Ocean 17 Oct., 1886, which was subsequently reprinted in The Saints Herald 33:722, 13 Nov., 1886. In the 4 Dec., 1886 issue of The Saints Herald, p. 764, David Whitmer said, referring to this article from the Chicago Inter-Ocean, “He also made a mistake in saying Nauvoo, when it should have been Kirtland. In regard to what he has written about the Kirtland endowment, I told him it was a failure, and not what we expected.”)
“During the winter we had some very great and glorious meetings. We were commanded to wash our bodies with pure water and to be anointed with holy oil which we accordingly did and the power of the Lord rested down upon the authorities of the church. Many say heavenly visions. The lower court of the House of the Lord was finished and dedicated on the 30 of March 1836. All the authorities of the church who had been anointed came together in the House of the Lord and received the washing of feet. We received great blessings from the hand of God this day. Many saw visions; many had great and marvelous things prophecied upon their heads.” (Orson Pratt diary, under entry of 3 Dec., 1835)
“I will now go back for a short period. In 1836, an endowment meeting, or solemn assembly, was called, to be held in the Temple at Kirtland. It was given out that those who were in attendance at the meeting should receive an endowment, or blessing, similar to that experienced by the disciples of Christ on the day of Pentecost. When the day arrived, great numbers convened from the different Churches in the country. They spent the day in fasting and prayer, and in washing and perfuming their bodies; they also washed their feet, and anointed their heads with what they called holy oil, and pronounced blessings. In the evening, they met for the endowment. The fast was then broken by eating light wheat bread, and drinking as much wine as they saw proper. Smith knew well how to infuse the spirit which they expected to receive; so he encouraged the brethren to drink freely, telling them that the wine was consecrated, and would not make them drunk. As may be supposed, they drank to the purpose. After this, they began to prophesy, pronouncing blessings upon their friends, and curses upon their enemies. If I should be so unhappy as to go to the regions of the damned, I never expect to hear language more awful, or more becoming the infernal pit, than was uttered that night. The curses were pronounced principally upon the clergy of the present day, and upon the Jackson county mob in Missouri. After spending the night in alternate blessings and cursings, the meeting adjourned.” (William Harris, Mormonism Portrayed {1841}, quoted in John C. Bennett, History of the Saints, p. 136)
“Br Smoot related the news to me from Br Patten which was glorious in the first degree. He gave me an account of the endowment at Kirtland Ohio. The heavens Was opened unto them. Angels & Jesus Christ was seen of them sitting at the right hand of the father.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 19 Apr., 1836. I:67)
“I was present at Kirtland at the time of the endowment of which I have previously testified. The endowment consisted of prayer meetings, prayers, testimonies given, individual experiences, and ceremonies of that kind. I don’t know that there was any anointing connected with it; if there was, I do not recollect about it.” (William Smith, “Temple Lot Case,” 1893; p. 105)
“579 Q: I will ask you what you meant Mr. Smith when you used the language that the church ‘was looking forward to an endowment in the temple’? A: I meant what I said, that that was what it was looking forward to.
580 Q: I know that, but I want you to explain what you meant by the use of the word ‘endowment’? A: Now I understand that question, and I will answer it. There is two phases to be had according to my idea and opinion on the subject as regards the matter of an endowment,–There was an endowment that was promised on the condition that we built that temple. If I am not mistaken in the reading there is some thing that in printed in the book of covenants in reference to it,–in the way of finishing of a temple and after it ws finished the church was to receive an endowment on account of it, or some thing like that. Now I wish to explain what that endowment was,–it was supposed to mean an additional outpouring of the spiritual gifts and blessings of the church through the means of their industry and sacrifice incurred and undergone on account of its building. That was recognized as an endowment,–an outpouring of the Spirit that would show that the work was blessed by the Spirit, as a reward for the industry and sacrifice that marked its erection. This was recognized as an endowment,–an additional blessing and bestowal of spiritual gifts and spiritual influences and power, and its corresponding effect upon the ministry of the church.
581 Q: Then if I understand you correctly Mr. Smith the endowment was simply a greater out pouring of the Spirit with reference to the same as on the day of Pentecost? A: Something similar. Something of that nature was generally expected and talked of that such would probably be the application of what was meant by the endowment. That was generally supposed to be what the obligation meant.
. . . .
642 Q: Were you present at the endowment of which you speak at Kirtland, Ohio? A: What is that?
643 Q: Were you present at the endowment at Kirtland of which you spoke?
Counsel for the plaintiff objects to the question asked the witness on the ground and for the reason that the same is incompetent irrelevant and immaterial, and not proper re-cross examination, and also on the further ground that the witness has not stated that there was any endowment at Kirtland. The endowment that the witness spoke of was to be at Nauvoo, but according to the testimony of the witness never occurred.
643 Q: Well there is a difference of opinion there,–that is all to that there is. I will ask the question anyway,–were you present when the endowment was made? A: At Kirtland?
644 Q: Yes sir? A: Yes sir.
Counsel for the plaintiff objects to the answer of the witness and moves the court to exclude same from the record for the same reasons as are stated in the objection to the question to which it is an answer.
645 Q: Do you know what the endowment was at that time Mr. Smith?
Counsel for the plaintiff objects to the question asked the witness on the grounds and for the reasons that the same is incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial, and is not proper cross-examination or re-cross examination.
A: Yes sir.
646 Q: Well what was it? A: It consisted of prayer meetings,–prayers, testimonies given, and individual experiences, and the attention of washing the feet and ceremonies of that kind.
647 Q: Was there any anointing connected with it?
Counsel for the plaintiff objects to the question asked the witness on the grounds and for the reasons as set forth in the last objection made the question objected to.
A: I don’t recollect sir. I don’t know that there was any anointing had there at that time. If there was I don’t recollect about it. I do not recollect of any anointing administration occuring there, and I do not think there was, for I was there, and if there had been I would have participated in it, and I do not remember of having done so.
648 Q: Why would you have participated in it? A: As an officer of the church I being personally present would have participated in it, but I do not recollect of anything of the kind occuring. There was no anointing took place at that endowment. If there was I have forgotten all about it.
649 Q: Do they practice the ordinance of washing the feet in the re-organized church? A: I have not learned that they practice an ordinance of that kind or have adopted it.
Counsel for the plaintiff objects to the question asked the witness on the ground and for the reasons that the same is incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial, and is not proper re-cross examination.
A: I do not understand that the re-organized church has adopted that ordinance, but if I have the right to say something on that point I would like to do so if I am allowed.
By Mr. Kelley–
650 Q: Well go ahead and state what you want to on that subject? A: I have understood that the subject is under consideration, and that it is to be adopted at some time in the future when that ordinance will be resumed.
By Mr. Southern,–
651 Q: Well never mind that,–it is sufficient for you to say that they do not practice it now, and that is what I understand you to say? A: Yes sir.”
(William Smith, Temple Lot Manuscript, Book 2 Comp. Testimony, pp. 205-213)
“I went to the [Kirtland] Elders school the remaining part of the winter:–& truly enjoyed many priveleges & was blessed with many blessings–all the several authorities & quorums of the church were organised & established in their order & purified themselves by water & perfume prepared for that purpose:–& receive the holy annointing like aschid [sic] Aaron David and the holy men of old: each quorum received their annointing under the hand of their presedent.–first the quorum of the presendency which consisted of the the three presendents of the high council in Zion & the three presedents of the whole church: the head of which was Prophet Joseph:–2nd was the high councils of Zion & Kirtland consisting of twelve high priests each:–then the twelve apostles–then the seventy: then the quorum of high priests a distinct body from any other quorum–then the Elders. 96 in number with presendent beeman at their head:–then the bishops & their councillors–then the priests teachers and deacons;–The number of all that were anointed & blessed in the house of Lord in Kirtland was about three hundred & sixty.–& when all were anointed the blessings were seeld by the presedency then we all (like as did Israel when they surrounded Jerico.) with one united voice gave aloud shout of Hosannah; Hosannah Hosannah to God & the Lamb Amen amen & amen:–when this was done the holy Ghost shed forth upon us: some spake in tongues some interpreted others prophecied some recived visions of the Judgements that were to be poured out upon this generation others saw Zion in her glory & the angels came & worshipped with us & some saw them yea even twelve legions of them the charriots of Israel & the horseman thereof:–& after all these things were over it came to pass that the second quorum of the seventies were chosen from the Elders quorum & I was one of the number which was set apart to be especial witnesses among the nations & was ordained to this office under the hand of Lyman Shireman one of the seven presendents of the seventies after this I received a Patriarchal blessing under the hand of Joseph Smith Seen which reads as follows:– . . .I confirm these blessings upon thee & seal thee up to Eternal life in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
And it came to pass that all the Lords anointed assembled in the Lords house & recieved the ordinance of the washing of feet & they continued there meeting from morning untill evening & from evening untill morning & the angels of the Lord apeared unto them & cloven tongues like fire sat upon many of them & they prophecied and spake with other tongues as the spirit gave them uterence.–& in the evening they eat the passover, & feasted upon bread & wine untill they were filled and after these things were over the deciples went from house to house breaking bread & eating it with joyful hearts being fill with the spirit of prophecy & the sick were healed & Devils were cast out. And then the Elders went abroad into the country to preach the gospel.” (“E[rastus]. Snows Sketch Book No. 1,” 9 Nov., 1818-5 Dec., 1837; Typescript in Huntington Library; manuscript pp. 8-12; typescript pp. 5-7)
“118. What holy ordinance was attended to on the Wednesday following [the dedication]?
The ordinance of the washing of feet.
119. What was the result of the endowment which the elders there received?
It caused the work of God to take a mighty stride, and from that time the preaching of the gospel took a much wider range.”
(“Catechism for our Juveniles to Answer,” JI 3(6):44, 15 Mar., 1868)
“On Tuesday, March 29th, 1836, the First Presidency and some others met in the House of the Lord, and were commanded to remain there all night. They were told that they must cleanse their feet and partake of the sacrament that they might be made holy before the Lord, and thereby be qualified to officiate in their calling, upon the morrow, in washing the feet of the Elders. This they did, and after attending to those ordinances they continued prophesying and giving glory to God.
The next day, Joseph and the leading Elders, with all the official members of that stake of Zion, met in the Temple of the Lord to attend to the ordinance of washing of feet. The Presidency washed the feet of the Presidents of the several quorums. Many prophecies and blessings were pronounced and sealed with Hosanna and Amen. The enemies of Christ were not forgotten, and many predictions wer then uttered respecting them that have since been fulfilled upon their heads. These labors occupied the time from eight in the morning until seven in the evening. Then pread and wine were brought in, (for all had fasted through the day,) and Joseph and his Counselors blessed the bread and gave it to the Twelve and they to the brethren present.
Joseph afterwards gave much instruction, saying, among other things, that he had now completed the organization of the Church, and they had passed through all the necessary ceremonies they were prepared to receive; and for the present he had given them all the instruction they needed, and they were now at liberty, after obtaining their licenses, to go forth and build up the Kingdom of God. Himself and the rest of the Presidency then retired, having been up all the preceding night, and left the meeting in charge of the Twelve. The entire night was occupied in exhorting, prophesying and speaking in tongues. The Savior made His appearance to some, while angels ministered to others.
These were times long to be remembered. As Joseph said: it was a pentecost and an endowment indeed; and the occurrences of that day should be handed down, upon the pages of sacred history, to all generations. As the day of pentecost, so shall this day, said he, be numbered and celebrated as a year of jubilee and time of rejoicing to the Saints of the Most High God.
The endowment of the Elders caused the work of God to take a mighty stride, and from that time the preaching of the gospel took a much wider range.” (“Biography. Joseph Smith, the Prophet,” JI 12(4):38-39, 15 Feb., 1877)
“The day of dedication had come, a feast of heavenly love and sweet communion. There were four hundred and sixteen Elders present, including the Apostles and Prophets of God. At the morning services Sidney Ridgon preached an eloquent discourse, lasting two hours and a half. Joseph Smith was then by a unanimous vote sustained as Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and the various quorums of the Priesthood were similarly sustained. Among the evening exercises was the dedicatory prayer, by the Prophet, recorded in Doc. and Cov. Sec. 109, which for sublimity of language is hardly surpassed by the loftiest expressions of Isaiah. . . .
Brigham Young spoke in tongues and David W. Patten interpreted. In the evening George A. Smith stood up and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a mighty wind filling the house. The congregation arose in an instant, and people from the neighborhood came running to learn the cause of the manifestation, a brilliant light having been seen above the structure. The spectators were filled with wonder and amazement.
Several other manifestations have been recorded. Elder F. G. Williams testifies that he saw an angel enter the upper pulpit. The house was filled with the Holy Spirit, and many had a testimony that Jesus was present. . . .
There was a sacred influence in this temple, felt both by the Saints and by strangers. Sister Snow testifies that she has there seen the lame throw aside their crutches and the blind open their eyes, the deaf regain their hearing and the dumb their speech.” (Janne M. Sjodahl, Temples Ancient and Modern. Descriptive and Historical Sketches, ca. 1892; pp. 15-16)
“We progressed in this way while we were building the Kirtland Temple. The Saints had a great many traditions which they had borrowed from their fathers, and laid the foundations, and built that Temple with great toil and suffering, compared with what we have now to endure. They got that building so far finished as to be dedicated; this was what the Lord wanted, He wished them to provide a place wherein He could reveal to the children of men those principles that will exalt them to eternal glory, and make them Saviors on mount Zion. Four hundred and sixteen Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons met in the Kirtland Temple on the evening of its dedication. I can see faces here that were in that assembly. The Lord poured His Spirit upon us, and gave us some little idea of the law of anointing, and conferred upon us some blessings. He taught us how to shout hosannah, gave Joseph the keys of the gathering together of Israel, and revealed to us, what? Why the fact of it was, He dare not yet trust us with the first key of the Priesthood. He told us to wash ourselves, and that almost made the women mad, and they said, as they were not admitted into the Temple while this washing was being performed, that some mischief was going on, and some of them were right huffy about it.
We were instructed to wash each other’s feet, as an evidence that we had borne testimony of the truth of the Gospel to the world. We were taught to anoint each other’s head with oil in the name of the Lord, as an ordinance of anointing. All these things were to be done in their time, place, and season. All this was plain and simple, yet some apostatized because there was not more of it, and others because there was too much.
On the evening after the dedication of the Temple, hundreds of the brethren received the ministering of angels, saw the light and personages of angels, and bore testimony of it. They spake in new tongues, and had a greater manifestation of the power of God than that described by Luke on the day of Pentecost. Yet a great portion of the persons who saw these manifestations, in a few years, and some of them in a few weeks, apostatized. If the Lord had on that occasion revealed one single sentiment more, or went one step further to reveal more fully the law of redemption, I believe He would have upset the whole of us. The fact was, He dare not, on that very account, reveal to us a single principle further than He had done, for He had tried, over and over again, to do it. He tried at Jerusalem; He tried away back before the flood; He tried in the days of Moses; and He had tried, from time to time, to find a people to whom he could reveal the law of salvation, and He never could fully accomplish it; and He was determined this time to be so careful, and advance the idea so slowly, to communicate them to the children of men with such great caution that, at all hazards, a few of them might be able to understand and obey. For, says the Lord, my ways are not as your ways, nor my thoughts as your thoughts; for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. . . .
Now if the Lord had considered it wisdom, on the day of the Kirtland endowment and great solemn assembly, to come forward and reveal to the children of men the facts that are laid down plainly in the Bible, and had told them that, without the law of sealing, no man could be exalted to a throne in the celestial kingdom, that is, without he had a woman by his side; and that no woman could be exalted in the celestial world, without she was exalted with a man at her head; that the man is not without the woman, nor the woman without the man in the Lord; had He revealed this simple sentiment, up would have jumped some man, saying, ‘What! got to have a woman sealed to me in order to be saved, in order to be exalted to thrones, dominions, and eternal increase?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘I do not believe a word of it, I cannot stand that, for I never intended to get married, I do not believe in any of this nonsense.’ At the same time, perhaps somebody else might have had faith to receive it. Again up jumps somebody else, ‘Brother Joseph, I have had two wives in my lifetime, cannot I have them both in eternity?’ ‘No.’ If he had said yes, perhaps we should all have apostatized at once.
Now I will illustrate this still further. The Lord did actually reveal one principle to us there, and that one principle was apparently so simple, and so foolish in their eyes, that a great many apostatized over it, because it was so contrary to their notions and views. It was this, after the people had fasted all day, they sent out and got wine and bread, and blessed them, and distritubed them to the multitude, that is, to the whole assembly of the brethren, and they ate and drank, and prophesied, and bore testimony, and continued to do so until some of the High Council of Missouri stepped into the stand, and, as righteous Noah did when he awoke from his wine, commenced to curse their enemies. You never felt such a shock go through any house or company in the world as went through that. There was almost a rebellion because men would get up and curse their enemies; although they could remember well that it is written that Noah cursed his own grandson, and that God recognized that curse to such an extent that, at this day, millions of his posterity are consigned to perpetual servitude.” (George A. Smith, 18 Mar., 1855; JD 2:214-216)
“The house progressed steadily forward notwithstanding all the threats of the mob untill the years when it was completed. And there was much rejoicing in the church and great blessings poured out upon the elders but as the endowment of the Elders does not exactly come with in the purview of my knowledge I shall say nothing further about that but refer the reader to the church history writen by those who were present.” (Lucy Mack Smith manuscript, p. 174)
31 Mar.: 2nd dedicatory service for temple.
“We met at 8 or 9 to accommodate those who could not get in at the Sunday dedication. The house was about filled, and similar ceremonies performed as on Sunday this meeting rather surpassed the Sunday meeting both in length and goodness.” (Edward Partridge diary, 31 Mar., 1836)
“This day being set apart to perform again the ceremonies of the dedication for the benifit of those who could not get into the house on the preceeding Sabbath. I repaired to the Temple at 8 o’clock A.M. in company with the Presidency and arranged our doorkeepers and stewards as on the former occasion. We then opened the doors and a large congregation entered the House and were comfortably seated. The authorities of the Church were seated in their respective order and the services of the day were commenced, prosecuted, and terminated in the same manner as at the former dedication and the Spirit of God rested upon the congregation and great solemnity prevailed.” (Joseph Smith diary, 31 Mar., 1836; in Faulring, An American Prophet’s Record, p. 156)
Kirtland endowment.
“I attended the dedication of the Temple and all subsequent public meetings. I knew of the endowments received by the elders, and learned of the ministering of the angels at the time of their appearance in the Temple; but as I had not yet received the priesthood I did not receive the higher blessings.” (Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life’s Review, n.p., n.d.; p. 23)
3 Apr.: Appearance of Elijah, revelation of sealing power.
“After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:
Behold, the time has fully some, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi–testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come–
To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse–
Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors. (D&C 110:13-16)
[Foreshadowed sealing of people-to-people, rather than the earlier sealing of people-to-eternal life. Joseph, however, did not fully reveal nor use this sealing power until Nauvoo.]
“He attended meeting in the Lord’s House and assisted the other Presidents of the Church in seating the congregation and then became an attentive listener to the preaching from the stand. T B. Marsh and D W. Patten spoke in the A.M. to an attentive audience of about 1,000 persons.
In the P.M. he assisted the other Presidents in distributing the elements of the Lord’s Supper to the Church receiving them from the Twelve whose privilige it was to officiate in the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to his brethren, he retired to the pulpit, the vails being dropped, and bowed himself, with O Cowdery, in solemn but silent prayer to the Most High.
After rising from prayer the following vision was opened to both of them. The vail was taken from their minds and the eyes of their understanding were opened. They saw the Lord standing upon the breast work of the pulpit before them and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was like the pure snow. His countenance shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the Voice of Jehovah, saying,
‘I am the first and the last. I am he who liveth. I am he who was slain. I am your Advocate with the Father. Behold your sins are forgiven you. You are clean before me. Therefore lift up your heads and rejoice. Let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
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, yea I will appear unto my servants and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments and do not pollute this Holy House. Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have already been endowed and shall hereafter be endowed in this House. And the fame of this House shall spread to foreign lands, and this is the beginning of the blessing, which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people. even so Amen.
After this vision closed, the Heavens were again opened unto them and Moses appeared before them and committed unto them the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the Earth and the leading of the ten tribes from the Land of the North. After this Elias appeared and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying, that in them and their seed all generations after them should be blessed.
After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon them, for Elijah, the Prophet, who was taken to Heaven without tasting death, also stood before them, and said, behold the time has fully come which was spoken of by the Mouth of Malachi, testifying, that he should be sent before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come, to turn the hearts of the Fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse. Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands, and by this ye may know that the great and the dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.” (Joseph Smith diary, 3 Apr., 1836)
“What glorious things were revealed to Joseph on the Sunday following [the dedication]?
The heavens were opened to him and Oliver Cowdery and the glories thereof were shown unto them, with much that is highly interesting to read.”
(“Catechism for our Juveniles to Answer,” JI 3(6):44, 15 Mar., 1868)
“A brief note in the History of the Church under the date of Sunday, 3 April 1836, records the appearance of the Lord, Moses, Elias, and Elijah to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. Subsequent writersa have noted that this date corresponds to the Jewish Passover, during which the arrival of Elijah is traditionally awaited. In his April 1936 general conference address, Joseph Fielding Smith remarked:
It was, I am informed, on the third day of April, 1836, that the Jews, in their homes at the Paschal feast, opened their doors for Elijah to enter. On that very day Elijah did enter–not in the home of the Jews to partake of the Passover with them, but he appeared in the House of the Lord. [CR, April, 1936, p. 75]
A parenthetical note in the Missionary Training Manual: For Use in the Jewish Proselyting Program states the correlation of the two events even more emphatically. There we are informed that Elijah appeared in the Kirtland Temple ‘at about the same hour that the Jewish families in that time zone would have been preparing to begin their feast of the Passover.'” (Stephen D. Ricks, “The Appearance of Elijah and Moses in the Kirtland Temple and the Jewish Passover,” BYU Studies 23(4):483, Fall, 1983)
3-6 Apr.: Further washings and anointings.
“A brief notice only was given, that a solemn assembly would be called, of the official members of the Church, on the 6th of April, for the purpose of washing, anointing, washing of feet, receiving instructions, and the further organization of the ministry. Meetings were held by the different quorums on Monday, 3rd, Tuesday, 4th, and Wednesday, 5th, to anoint such of their respective members as had not been washed and anointed, that all might be prepared for the meeting on the 6th.
At an early hour on Thursday, the 6th of April, the official members assembled in the House of the Lord, when the time for the first two or three hours was spent by the different quorums in washing of feet, singing, praying, and preparing to receive instructions from the Presidency. The Presidents, together with the Seventies, and their presidents, repaired to the west room in the attic story, where, for want of time the preceding evening, it became necessary to seal the anointing of those who had recently been anointed and not sealed. . . .
That there are certain ordinances which belong to the Priesthood, from which flow certain results.” (HC 2:475-477) [CHECK COMPLETENESS OF CITATION; WAS THERE ANY INDICATION THAT WOMEN WERE INCLUDED IN THESE ORDINANCES?]
[Ceremony of Washing of Feet? CHECK TIMES AND SEASONS]: Brother ______, in the name of Jesus I wash your feet in token of my fast determination to be with you in suffering or in journeying, in life and death and by the power of the Holy Ghost I pronounce you clean from the blood and sins of this generation.
“I spent the night in the temple in prayer and fasting; the spirit of the Lord rested upon us, April 6 the presidency of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, and other quorums met in solemn assembly and sealed upon us our washings, anointings and blessings – with a loud shout of Hosannah to God and the Lamb, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us after spending three hours in the upper room, the quorums rejoined to the lower court. The Veils were lowered and the ordinance of washing of feet was administered. After this ordinance the veils of the temple were pulled up and the prophet addressed the Elders for three hours. Clothed with the power and spirit of God he unbosomed his feelings in the House of his friends and gave much instruction. He urged upon us the absolute necessity of giving strict heed to his teachings and counsel and the revelations of the Lord to the Church and us in all things, that Zion and her stakes may be redeemed and established no more to be thrown down. He said that the kings of the earth would yet come to behold the glory of Zion and that great and glorious blessings would be bestowed upon the Saints in the Last Days. Hyrum Smith bore testimony and was followed by Oliver Cowdery, who exhorted the Elders to keep within the bounds of their knowledge and let the mystery of the kingdom alone, for the Gentiles had not a knowledge even of the first principles of the Gospel. He said it is far better to
preach what the people would call the small of the kingdom than to enter into the visions of Isaiah, Ezekiel and John. The Twelve broke bread, which was distributed to the multitude who eat and were filled. Thanks were returned and the meeting closed. The house was again filled at Candle Light. Pres. Joseph Smith requested the Elders to speak their feelings freely and sing, exhort and pray as the spirit would give utterance. The meeting continued during the whole night. Many of the gifts were poured out upon the people; at Break of Day we were dismissed. I also spent the night of the Y in the Temple with several of the Elders in prayer and praise. Before the Lord the Holy Ghost rested upon us and the spirit of prophecy was given and many things were shown by the Holy Spirit.” (Journal of Jeremiah Willey; CHO/d.1422/ f.159/Copy 1; pp. 10-12; 1836.)
12-16 Apr.: Washing & anointing at Kirtland.
“Tues 12 [Apr., 1836] I traveled 7 miles and arrived at Kirtland Ohio about 10 o clock A.M. there the high council of Kirtland met at 3 PM and I was ordained to the holy Priesthood & in the evening I attend to the first Washing I was ordained under the hand of Hyrum or John Smith the lower Room of the Lords house was finished and dedicated to Him.
Wed 13 attended the second washing with my Brethren &c &c
Thur 14 . . . I was anointed with oil in the name of the Lord under the hand of President of [sic] Carlos Smith he pronounced many blessings . . .
Sat 16 we met at 10 o clock in the Lords house and attend to the washing of feet my feet was washed by President Carlos Smith I also washed some of my Brethren feet there was many Blessings prounced [sic] upon my head . . . we then continued to fast and pray until the setting of the sun when we Broke Bread and Drank wine we prophesied all night pronouncing blessings and cursings until the morning light there was Great manifestations of the power of God . . . and I was filled with the spirit of prophesy and I was endued with power from on high.” (Charles Coulson Rich, 12-16 Apr., 1836; Charles Coulson Rich diary, vol. 5, MS 889, LDS Archives; Barney)
14 Apr.: Anointings.
“The president of the high priests met with his counsel, and president [Alvah] Beman being gone to the east he anointed the following Elders who were received into the quorum by the clerk. [names given]” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 14 Apr., 1836)
30 Apr.: Anointings, including a PRIEST.
“The [High] council met again in the Lord’s house and proceeded to anoint the following Elders. Pr[e]s Joseph Smith presided with [high] counselors John Smith and Henry G. Sherwood.
[Names given]
These Elders with a Priest were anointed in the Lord’s house with fasting and washing of feet according to the order given for the endowment of God, in the last days by the Pr[e]s. and assistant.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 30 Apr., 1836)
15 May: Blessed with priesthood, but not FULLNESS.
“Thou shalt be blessed of the Lord thy God if faithful thou be blessed with the holy priesthood and the power of it shall rest upon you.” (Patriarchal Blessing of Israel Duty, by Joseph Smith, Sen., 15 May, 1836. RLDS Archives, P8/F20)
20 May: Non-Mormon description of Kirtland Temple.
Painesville Telegraph, Friday, May 20, 1836, N.S. vol. II, no. 20, whole no. 768.
“MORMONISM.
The following is extracted from a letter dated Painesville, March 18, 1836, and published in the Ohio Atlas. . . .
Their temple, at Kirtland, is a hunge, misshapen edifice, that comes nearer to the Gothic than any other style of architecture. The pattern, like every thing else connected with Mormonism, ‘was given by direct revelation from Heaven, and given to three individuals separately, so that there could be no doubt on the subject.’ They assure you, with the utmost confidence, that they shall soon be able to raise the dead, to heal the sick, the deaf, the dumb, and the blind, &c. Indeed, more than one assured me, that they had, themselves, by the laying on of their hands, restored the sick to health. The difficulty with their miracles, and the distinction between all false and true miracles, is, that the former are done in private, with few, if any witnesses, while the latter are wrought in open day, before the whole world, friends and foes. The delusion, however, is one, which, I am inclined to think, is likely to spread rapidly, for a season, especially where there is ignorance, combined with a love of the marvellous, and a mystical, distempered, and extravagant tone of piety.” (DALE MORGAN – “THE MORMONS AND THE FAR WEST: A collection of transcripts of newspaper articles on the Mormons, also containing material on the following subjects: the opening of the West; the fur trade; Indians of the middle and south-western states; the Santa Fe trade, etc. 1809-c.1857.” Huntington Library)
31 May: Wilford Woodruff sealed to eternal life.
“Spent this 31st DAY of MAY at Br Fry Eagle Creek and found it to be the most interesting, important & instructive day of my LIFE. For on this Glorious DAY I was ordained unto the High Priesthood and also as one of the Second Seventy & sealed up unto Eternal LIFE under the hands of my Beloved Brethren, VIZ Elder’s David W Patten & Warren Parrish. My ordination was requested by the PRESIDENCY of the Church at Kirtland Ohio.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 31 May, 1836)
31 May: Pat. Blessing: Sealed to eternal life.
“The patriarchal Blessing of my wife Amoranda who was born Kortright Delaware Co N.Y. July 12th 1810 Pronounced by Joseph Smith Sen. . . .
thou shalt truly be his [husband’s] help meet & patricipate with the joys and sorrows incident to frail Mortality and when thou shalt have passed through this cneckered seen be wafted home to glory; these blessings I seal upon the[e] & I seal the[e] up unto eternal Life even so Amen.” (John Murdock journal, 31 May, 1836; LDS Archives, Ouellette)
8 Jun.: Patr. Blessing: Sealed to eternal life.
“Give up thyself to God and thou shalt see thy Redeemer, whom thou desirest to know. Thou shalt be a member of the celestial world. I seal these blessings upon thy head. I seal thee up to eternal life. Amen and Amen.” (Patriarchal Blessing of Abigail McBride, given by Joseph Smith, Sen., 8 Jun., 1836; in Abigail McBride biographical sketch, LC Collection)
11 Aug.: Non-Mormon description of Kirtland Temple.
“They have built a huge stone temple in this town, fifty feet high, and 60 by 80 on the ground, at an expense of $40,000. On the front is this inscription, ‘The House of the Lord, built by the Latter-day Saints.’ The lower story is the place of worship, the middle for the school of the prophets, and the upper for an academical school; a distinguished professor of Hebrew is their teacher. He is now giving his second course, with about one hundred in each class. . . .
Those of them who remained here during the campaign [Zion’s Camp], were required to work one day in each week on the temple; and the poor females were instructed to part with even the necessaries of life in aid of the same object. They looked forward to the completion of the Temple as a Grand Era, when Christ would descend and dwell among them, and commence his reign on earth. These burdens are severely felt by the poor people among them, and can only be sustained by the unconquerable strength of their faith.” (Reverend Truman Coe, “Mormonism,” The Ohio Observer, 11 Aug., 1836; reprinted in BYU Studies 17(3):350-352, Spring, 1977)
11 Aug.: Pattern shown to Joseph in a vision.
“The completion of the temple, according to the pattern shown to Joseph in vision, is a monument of unconquerable zeal.” (Reverend Truman Coe, The Ohio Observer, 11 Aug., 1836; cited in Backman, The Heavens Resound, p. 149)
12 Oct.: Washing of feet against enemies.
“Retired in company with Elder A. O. Smoot unto the banks of Blood River aside from the abodes of men to spend some time in Prayer & Praise to God & to Perform a solemn duty that is rquired of all the Elders of Israel whose testimony is rejected by this generation while they are preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ & bearing testimony of his NAME. After we had Cleansed our Bodies with Pure water & also with strong drink or spirits this not by Commandment but from Choice we then according to Commandment clensed our hands and feet and bore testimony unto God against the Benton County mob & also against Paris & many others who had rejected our testimony. We enjoyed a solumn, spiritual, & interesting Season.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 12 Oct., 1836)
31 Oct.: Weekly worship services in the Temple.
“From this scene, I traveled through the States of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, preaching by the way, and arrived at Kirtland Oct. 31, 1836, where I found, instead of the few friends, thinly scattered around the bare frame of the Lord’s house, multitudes of brethren, laboring through the week, and when the sabbath arrives, assemble to hear the doctrine of heaven distil from the lips of the Lord’s servants, while they stand in the consecrated pulpits of the temple of the Lord, a monument for this generation to gaze at . . .” (Daniel Stephens, “To Friends in the East,” M&A 3(2):414, Nov., 1836)
10 Nov.: Phebe Carter [Woodruff] sealed to eternal life.
“I seal all of these blessings on thy Head in the name [of] Jesus I seal thee up unto Eternal life. Amen & Amen.” (Patriarchal Blessing of Phebe Carter [Woodruff], by Joseph Smith, Sen., 10 Nov., 1836; in Wilford Woodruff diary, entry of 20 Dec., 1850)
10 Nov.: Olive Boynton Hale sealed to eternal life.
“Thou mayest tarry till the end of the wickedness shall be accomplished; till the gathering of Israel shall be finished; till the winding-up scene of this generation; and until the Savior comes in the coulds of Heaven, if thou art faithful, and if thou dost attain to that faith. . . .
In the name of Jesus Christ, I seal these blessings upon thee. I seal thee up to eternal life.” (Patriarchal Blessing given to Olive Boynton Hale, wife of Jonathan H. Hale, 10 Nov., 1836, by Joseph Smith, Sr.; in Heber Q. Hale, Bishop Jonathan H. Hale of Nauvoo–His Life and Ministry, Salt Lake City, 1938; p. 28) [Note that her husband’s blessing, given 30 Apr., 1835, did not contain the promise of “being sealed up to eternal life.”]
15 Dec.: Sealed to eternal life.
“Copy of L Snow’s Blessing for a Patriarchal blessing meeting held in the Lord’s House in Kirtland this the fifteenth day of Dec eighteen hundred and thirty six. Joseph Smith Sen the patriarch of the Church of LD Saints being present and holding the meeting & Patriarchal blessing was conferred on the head of Lorenzo Snow son of Oliver Snow born in Mantua Portage Co State of Ohio the 3rd of April 1814.–Brother–in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood which God has confered on me and by the Holy Anointing I lay my hands on thy head and give thee a fathers blessing . . . Thou are of the House and lineage of Abraham thy discent is through the loins of Joseph and Ephraim and art entitled to the Priesthood–. . . this is thy Blessing–In the name of Jesus Christ I seal these on thy head and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood I seal thee up to Eternal life–even so Amen Amen.” (Lorenzo Snow, 15 Dec., 1836; Journal and Letterbook, 1836-1845, MS 1330, LDS Archives; Barney)