Appearance of Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple (April 3, 1836)

On April 3, 1836 (Easter Sunday, one week after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple), Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery knelt together in prayer behind the lowered veil in the newly dedicated Kirtland Temple in Ohio. The veil was taken from their minds and the eyes of their understanding were opened. They saw the Savior standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit; under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire, the hair of his head white like pure snow, his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters. The Lord declared that he had accepted the house, that his name should be there, and that he would manifest himself to his people in mercy in that house, and that the fame of the house should spread to foreign lands. On the same occasion Moses, Elias, and Elijah also appeared (see Doctrine and Covenants 110); this event served as the divine sanction for the restoration/commitment of priesthood keys described in those accounts.