Reynolds Cahoon — Breaking Ground for the Kirtland Temple

Following a vision given to the First Presidency regarding the design and dimensions of the Kirtland Temple, Reynolds Cahoon was appointed to the three-man Temple Committee. On June 5, 1833, Cahoon and Hyrum Smith went to the designated wheat field to begin the work. Hyrum Smith struck the first blow with a pick, and Reynolds Cahoon followed, beginning the excavation for the foundations. This act was considered a miracle of faith by the early Saints, as the small group of impoverished members had no visible means to complete such a massive and costly structure, yet they proceeded based on the divine manifestation received.