The Sound of a Mighty Rushing Wind and Pillar of Fire at the Kirtland Pentecost

Prescindia Lathrop Huntington was a firsthand witness to the Kirtland Pentecost — a day of extraordinary spiritual outpouring in the Kirtland Temple. She recorded the following:

"We were also in the temple at the pentecost. In the morning Father Smith prayed for a pentecost, in opening the meeting. That day the power of God rested mightily upon the saints. There was poured out upon us abundantly the spirit of revelation, prophesy and tongues. The Holy Ghost filled the house; and along in the afternoon a noise was heard. It was the sound of a mighty rushing wind. But at first the congregation was startled, not knowing what it was. To many it seemed as though the roof was all in flames. Father Smith exclaimed, 'Is the house on fire?'

'Do you not remember your prayer this morning, Father Smith?' inquired a brother.

Then the patriarch, clasping his hands, exclaimed, 'The spirit of God, like a mighty rushing wind!'"

This account directly parallels the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 in the New Testament, and aligns with dozens of other eyewitness testimonies from the Kirtland Temple dedication period in March–April 1836. Father Joseph Smith Sr.'s prayer for a pentecost in the morning, followed by its literal fulfillment that afternoon, underscores the prophetic character of the day. Many others present reported seeing a pillar of fire resting on the temple and angels appearing inside.