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Dramatic Reading:
Emma Smith: Hear the Fire of the Spirit—Kirtland Temple

by Cathy Loving

We took serious the biblical admonition not to hide our light under a bushel. So we purchased land on a hilltop overlooking the Kirtland flats. There is where we built the House of the Lord in Kirtland, Ohio, and proclaimed the gospel.

It was not easy for our members. Many were poor with little to no material wealth. Through faith, prayer, and trust in God, we found a way. There were many setbacks, but never was Joseph Smith’s inspired vision of the building altered. It shall be built 55 by 65 feet, with a lower court and higher court. It shall be dedicated unto the Lord.

The digging began June 5, 1833, with the first cornerstone laid July 23 of that summer. The brethren traveled to various congregations far and near to solicit contributions for the temple. We were often dearly challenged by persecution, lack of funds, a need for materials and even the skilled artisans to guide the workers. But through God’s blessings and our faith, God provided the funds, and the individuals were guided to our growing community to aid with the construction.

Early in the months of 1836 we fulfilled our dream. The final touches to the building took place right up to the weeks before the dedication with the sisters sewing the heavy curtain that divided the lower sanctuary into smaller sections. The day of the dedication finally arrived, 27 March 1836. The day was chilly. Snow had fallen only days before leaving a blanket of snow. But our spirits were not chilled. More than 500 believers gathered at 7:00 a.m. for the 9:00 service. The sanctuary and vestibule filled, and many gathered outside the opened windows.

We came that day with great expectation, knowing our heavenly God was with us. We were not disappointed. From the opening moments to the closing shouts of Hosanna, blessing from God’s warm Spirit poured over our congregation. No mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations on that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, a Divine Presence was felt by others, and each heart heard a mighty rushing wind of the Spirit of Fire.

Following the prophet’s prayer, the choir sang a hymn written especially for the service by Brother Phelps, “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning.” The gathered body was washed with God’s Holy Fire to the depth of our soul with accompanying heavenly angels. We heard the Fire!

Go find the Fire!