Speaking in Tongues and Prophesying at the Kirtland School of the Prophets

During the period of the Kirtland School of the Prophets (1833), a remarkable outpouring of the gifts of tongues and prophecy occurred, witnessed and later recounted by Zebedee Coltrin, one of the original members of that school:

"At Kirtland, we were called to the School of the Prophets. At one time Joseph was in the translating room, and myself and others were talking about the gift of tongues, when the gift of tongues fell upon me and I spoke under its influence. Joseph came into the room and said, 'God bless you Brother Coltrin, that is the Spirit of God.' He told me to continue, and the gift of tongues and of prophesying rested on the greater part of the brethren present, and we continued speaking in tongues and prophesying through that day and the greater part of the night."

This account is significant as a firsthand witness of how Joseph Smith both recognized and actively encouraged the outpouring of spiritual gifts among the early elders. The manifestation was not brief — it extended through the day and most of the night, enveloping the greater part of those present.