The Kirtland Temple Pentecost: Angels, Pillars of Fire, and the Savior Appears (March-April 1836)
In the weeks surrounding the Kirtland Temple dedication in March and April 1836, participants recorded events they compared to the day of Pentecost in the New Testament.
A non-member neighbor, Lucius Parsons, wrote to his sister on April 10, 1836: 'They have had wonderful manifestations there of late. Some can see angels and others cannot. They report that the Savior appeared personally with angels and endowed the Elders with powers to work Miracles.'
On the night of the dedication (March 27), Joseph and those anointed tarried all night in the temple. His journal records: 'The Holy Spirit rested down upon us and we continued in the Lord's house all night prophesying and giving glory to God.' Benjamin Brown's independent account adds that angels ministered, that there was prophesying in tongues, and visions of the Savior. Brown called it 'even greater than at the day of Pentecost.'
Outside, witnesses saw a pillar of fire resting upon the temple.
On April 3, Joseph and Oliver retired behind the veil. The Savior appeared. Moses appeared and restored the keys of gathering. Elias appeared and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham. Elijah appeared and restored the sealing power.
It was one of the most concentrated outpourings of divine power in the history of the Restoration.
Sources & References
BYU Studies: https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/opening-the-heavens/a-pentecost-and-endowment-indeed-six-eyewitness-accounts-of-the-kirtland-temple-experience. Doctrine and Covenants 110. Joseph Smith Journal, March 1836. Benjamin Brown account. Lucius Parsons letter, April 10, 1836.