Doctrine and Covenants Revelation Sites

Kirtland, Ohio

Kirtland Temple

Sections 109, 110, 112, and 137

January 1836 to July 1837

Scripture

"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;

Doctrine and Covenants 109:8

"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."

Quarry from which the stones of the Kirtland Temple were carved. The Prophet Joseph often labored in the quarry alongside the other workers.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:10

". . . 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."

Doctrine and Covenants 137:7-9

The temple dedication in early 1836 was accompanied by many heavenly manifestations, culminating in the appearance of Jesus Christ.

Key Events

First temple built in this dispensation in obedience to God's command.

Church members made enormous sacrifices to build the temple.

During a Pentecostal season prior to the temple dedication, many experienced great spiritual manifestations.

Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to accept the temple.

Moses, Elias, and Elijah here restored Priesthood authority, including the keys of gathering and the sealing power.

The School of the Prophets and School of the Elders was held here.

The ordinances of the Kirtland Temple were to prepare the saints to spread the restored gospel across the earth. Important priesthood keys pertaining to the salvation of all mankind were restored here.

Words of Joseph Smith

"The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; 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 white 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 your brethren rejoice, and 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.'" (Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-7)