Kirtland Temple Dedication — Heavenly Manifestations

During the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836, and in the days following, a series of spiritual manifestations occurred. Witnesses, including Brigham Young and George A. Smith, reported hearing the sound of a rushing mighty wind, seeing a pillar of fire rest upon the temple, and seeing angels standing on the roof and in the windows. Richards uses these events to demonstrate God's acceptance of the first temple of the Restoration, where the keys for the salvation of the dead were to be restored.