Near Kirtland

Joseph Smith recalled that, during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on 27 March 1836, “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 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.” (History of the Church, 2:428.)

“God was there [in the Kirtland Temple],” remembered Elder Orson Pratt of the Council of the Twelve, “his angels were there, the Holy Ghost was in the midst of the people . . . and they were filled from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet with the power and inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and uttered forth prophecies in the midst of that congregation, which have been fulfilling from that day to the present time. (Deseret News, Jan. 12, 1876, 788.)

“The ceremonies of that [Kirtland Temple] dedication may be rehearsed,” said Eliza R. Snow, who eventually served as general president of the Relief Society from 1866 to 1887, “but no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, while a sense of divine presence was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with ‘joy inexpressible and full of glory.'” (In Edward W. Tullidge, The Women of Mormondom, (1877), 95.)