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A Pentecostal Season
Kirtland was crowded in 1836. In addition to the constant stream of Latter-day Saint immigrants settling there, hundreds of visitors were gathering for the dedication of the temple. Leaders of the Church from Missouri were there, as well as many other members of the priesthood from other parts of the country. The newcomers crowded into the small homes of the Saints, and when the homes and the boarding houses near the temple were filled, the visitors sought accommodations in adjacent communities. But whether the Saints lived in Kirtland or were there for the dedication, they shared much of the same kind of anticipation. Because of their offerings and sacrifices during the building of the temple, they were told, the Lord would bestow upon them "great and choice blessings," including a special gift or "endowment with power from on high."
Recalling the events that transpired during the period of the temple's dedication, Orson Pratt declared:
God was there, his angels were there, the Holy Ghost was in the midst of the people, the visions of the Almighty were opened to the minds of the servants of the living God; the veil was taken from the minds of many; they saw the heavens opened; they beheld the angels of God; they heard the voice of the Lord; 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. . . . In that Temple, set apart by the servants of God, and dedicated by a prayer that was written by inspiration, the people were blessed as they never had been blessed for generations and generations.
During a fifteen-week period, extending from January 21 to May 1, 1836, probably more Latter-day Saints beheld visions and witnessed other unusual spiritual manifestations than during any other era in the history of the Church. There were reports of Saints' beholding heavenly beings at ten different meetings held during that time. At eight of these meetings, many reported seeing angels; and at five of the services, individuals testified that Jesus, the Savior, appeared. While the Saints were thus communing with heavenly hosts, many prophesied, some spoke in tongues, and others received the gift of interpretation of tongues.
The Kirtland Endowment
Most of the unusual spiritual manifestations occurred in the Kirtland Temple at meetings in which members of the priesthood were receiving or were preparing to receive the endowment. Joseph Smith taught that the endowment was a gift of knowledge derived from revelation, a gift of power emitting from God. This gift consisted of instructions relating to the laws of God, including the principle of obedience, and was partially designed to help missionaries to serve with greater power and to give them greater protection. The Prophet said that many would not comprehend the endowment, but that bearers of the priesthood should prepare for this gift by purifying themselves, by cleansing their hearts and their physical bodies. "You need an endowment, brethren," he said, "in order that you may be prepared and able to overcome all things." After instructing the Saints for about three months, the Prophet concluded that the brethren of the priesthood had received "all the necessary ceremonies" relating to that endowment. He then challenged those who had received the gift to "go forth and build up the kingdom of God."