Joseph Smith Speaks with the Voice of God — Witnesses Hear His Voice Transform During the Kirtland Temple Dedication

During the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836, an extraordinary outpouring of spiritual gifts was reported by hundreds of witnesses.

Benjamin Brown recorded: "The Spirit of God suddenly descended upon the congregation like a rushing mighty wind... many saw glorious visions, and heard the sound of singing that appeared to come from above the roof of the building. The Prophet spoke, and his voice seemed to fill the building and the air, and to reach to heaven."

Heber C. Kimball wrote: "There appeared to the congregation 'cloven tongues of fire' resting on the heads of individuals... and the building appeared to be encircled with fire on the outside."

Wilford Woodruff recorded: "The gift of tongues fell upon us in great power, the Savior appeared to some, while angels ministered unto others."

The dedication prayer, received by revelation, was described by participants as one of the most spiritually powerful experiences of their lives. The outpouring was compared to the Day of Pentecost.

Fuller account of this event (as retold in BYU Studies, “An Angel or Rather the Savior” at the Kirtland Temple Dedication: The Vision of Frederick G. Williams):

President F. G. Williams arose & testified that in the A.M. an angel of God came into the window (at the back of the pulpit) while Pt. [Joseph Smith] was speaking & sat in the seat with him & remained there during the prayer. He said he saw him as plainly as he ever saw a man. He said he was a very tall personage, black eyes, white hair, stooped shoulders, & clad in a suit of clothes which seemed to be of a bluish cast. He said he was the messenger of the Lord. He said he saw him as he came in at the window & as he sat in the seat. He said he was the same personage that he had seen before in the temple.

Fuller account of this event (as retold in BYU Studies, “An Angel or Rather the Savior” at the Kirtland Temple Dedication: The Vision of Frederick G. Williams):

President F. G. Williams arose & testified that in the A.M. an angel of God came into the window (at the back of the pulpit) while Pt. [Joseph Smith] was speaking & sat in the seat with him & remained there during the prayer. He said he saw him as plainly as he ever saw a man. He said he was a very tall personage, black eyes, white hair, stooped shoulders, & clad in a suit of clothes which seemed to be of a bluish cast. He said he was the messenger of the Lord. He said he saw him as he came in at the window & as he sat in the seat. He said he was the same personage that he had seen before in the temple.