Vision of Church Presidents and Halos
On 17 April 1893, Andrew Smith Jr. recorded a vision he received in the temple. During his time in the building, he saw several prominent deceased Church leaders, including Brigham Young, John Taylor, Hyrum Smith, and Orson Pratt. These individuals appeared to him in a glorified state, each surrounded by a distinct halo of light. The vision lasted for a period, allowing him to contemplate the reality of their continued interest in the work of the Church. The presence of these men was not intimidating, but rather a comforting assurance of the divine nature of the temple work being conducted. The clarity of the halos and the specific identities of the figures provided Andrew with a powerful testimony of the afterlife and the unity between the Church leaders who had passed on and those currently serving in the Salt Lake Temple.
In Their Own Words
“I saw a bright light appeared above his [President Cannon's] head and behind him from his shoulders upwards. This light remained in that position a few moments and then raised until I could see the face of a personage in the midst of it. It was the countenance of President Brigham Young. I turned my gaze away for a moment . . . and then I beheld the person of President John Taylor. . . . I also saw a personage whom I took to be Hyrum Smith . . . then Orson Pratt, whom I at once recognized. . . . When the prayer was concluded and just before and during the sacred hosanna shout, I noticed a bright halo of light surrounding several of the brethren. . . . I was overcome and wept for joy. . . . On raising it again I saw a brilliant light over the head of each member of the First Presidency while they sat upon the stand. Whichever way any of the speakers turned while addressing the people, the light followed every movement made by them.”
— Andrew Smith Jr., a member of the Tabernacle Choir, describing what he witnessed as President George Q. Cannon read the dedicatory prayer in the Salt Lake Temple, 17 April 1893 (from his journal, quoted in LaRene Gaunt, "The Power of God Was with Us," Ensign, March 1993)
Sources & References
LaRene Gaunt, 'The Power of God Was with Us,' Ensign, Mar. 1993, 28-31; Andrew Smith Jr. journals ; LaRene Gaunt, "The Power of God Was with Us," Ensign, March 1993, 28-31, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1993/03/the-power-of-god-was-with-us?lang=eng
Related Miracles
Similar miracle types and stories from the 1890s.