Content preview - You need a premium account to view this content.

The Kirtland Hebrew School (1835-36)

D. Kelly Ogden

The Latter-day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, in the 1830s were surrounded by an atmosphere of learning. This region of America, called the Western Reserve, had an abundance of school teachers, a supply greater than local demand. Teachers often had to seek winter teaching jobs, "leaving in the fall as uniformly as the wild geese and other migratory birds and returning to spend the summer in labor." William M'Lellin one of the Latter-day Saint Elders, was such a teacher. He recorded the following:

Since the year 1827 I have taught school in five different States, and I have visited many schools in which I was not engaged, as teacher; but in none I can say with certainty, have I seen students make more rapid progress, than in this [the Kirtland School].

Judge Lester Taylor of Claridon, speaking of Geauga County (where Kirtland is located) in this time period, said,

Every township has more or less kept up schools for the benefit of advanced scholars, to study higher branches, during winter months.

The Kirtland Temple was built, and the "School of the Prophets" organized, as a result of the following commandment given to Joseph Smith by the Lord in December 1832:

And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out 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.

The School of the Prophets was a school established in Kirtland, Ohio, for "instruction in all things that are expedient" for the officers of the Church and those called to the ministry in the church, and to "study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people."

On November 2, 1835, the "School for the Elders," a "School of the Prophets," was organized and dedicated. W. W. Phelps wrote on November 14 that:

The Elders are coming in every day, almost; the school has commenced under the charge of President Sidney Rigdon as teacher. I shah not be able to go much, if any .... My time and that of President John Whitmer is all taken up in the printing office.

Various classes were taught throughout the School's brief history, including penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar, geography, history, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.