John Pulsipher Witnesses Extraordinary Celestial Steamboat Vision

In March 1838, while working in the woods about one mile from the Kirtland Temple with his father Elias Pulsipher and Jesse Baker, young John Pulsipher experienced a miraculous vision that was witnessed by multiple people. As John recorded: 'One pleasant day in March, while I was at work in the woods, about one mile from the Temple, with father, Elias Pulsipher and Jesse Baker, there was a steamboat past over Kirtland in the air! It was a clear, sunshine day. When we first heard the distant noise, we all stopped work. We listened and wondered what it could be. As it drew nearer, we heard the puffing of a steamboat, intermingled with the sound of many wagons rattling over a rough stony road.' As the miraculous vessel approached, 'It seemed to pass right over our heads; we all heard the sound of a steamboat as plain as we ever did in our lives.' When the heavenly boat reached the city, it was seen by many persons. As John described: 'It was a large fine and beautiful boat, painted in the finest style. It was filled with people. All seemed full of joy. Old Elder Beamon, who had died a few months before was seen standing in the bow of the boat swinging his hat and singing a well known hymn.' The boat passed 'right over the Temple and went out of sight to the west!' John noted that 'The boat went steady along over the city' and observers stated that 'as it arrived over the Temple a part of it broke off and turned black and went north and was soon out of sight, while the boat, all in perfect shape, went to the west more beautiful and pure than before.' John concluded: 'This wonderful sight encouraged the Saints because they knew the Lord had not forgotten them.' This extraordinary miracle was a collective experience witnessed by the workers and the people of Kirtland during a time of great trial for the Church.