March 1836

The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated

Feeling the Lord’s Spirit in His house

After almost three years of hard work, the Kirtland Temple was finally finished. The Prophet Joseph invited the Saints to a special meeting to dedicate the temple. He would say a special prayer and give the temple to the Lord. It would become the Lord’s holy house.

Saints, 1:235

Early on the morning of the meeting, hundreds of Saints crowded into the temple. When all of the seats were filled, people stood in the doorway and outside, looking through the windows. Everyone was excited to see the temple be dedicated.

Saints, 1:235–36

Joseph read a prayer to dedicate the temple. He told the Lord that the Saints had obeyed Him. He asked the Lord to accept the temple as His house.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:1–5

Joseph prayed that everyone who came to the temple would feel the Lord’s power and know it is His house.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:13

Joseph also prayed that when the Saints sinned, they could repent right away. He asked the Lord to give them power to share His gospel in all the world. After the prayer, a choir sang a new song called “The Spirit of God.” The people were filled with joy. They stood and praised the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:21–32; Hymns, no. 2; Saints, 1:237

Many people saw angels in the temple that day. They saw bright light coming down from heaven onto the temple. Some people said it looked like a cloud; others said it looked like fire. They all felt that the temple was a holy place. It truly was now the house of the Lord.

Saints, 1:237