David Candland — Spiritual Manifestation at the 1859 Festival

On December 19, 1859, David Candland hosted a social and spiritual gathering at his home, inviting President Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, and other Church leaders. During the evening, Candland spoke of his travels, his service in the Mormon Battalion, and his conversion. Wilford Woodruff recorded in his journal that a powerful manifestation of the Spirit of God rested upon the assembly as Candland spoke, serving as a divine witness to the group of the importance of their pioneer labors and the trials they had overcome.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

19th Monday. I spent the day in the office. In the evening I went to David Candland's. He had a party. President Young and several of the Twelve were there. We had a very agreeable time. Brother Candland gave a history of his travels and his mission and his journey in the Mormon Battalion and his conversion to the Church. The Spirit of God rested upon him in a powerful manner while he was speaking, and it was a time of refreshing to all present. We felt that the Lord was well pleased with our labors and the trials we had passed through.