Manti Temple Dedication Spiritual Manifestations

During the dedication services of the Manti Temple held May 21, 1888, the Saints experienced profound spiritual manifestations that confirmed the divine acceptance of the structure. Apostle George Teasdale reported that on the first day, just as Professor Smyth concluded a musical selection from Mendelssohn, many Saints in the body of the hall and brethren in the west stand heard heavenly voices singing. The sound, which appeared to originate from behind and above the congregation, was perceived as angelic, causing many to turn their heads in search of a choir. Testimony provided by Franklin D. Richards corroborated that the ears of many faithful were touched by this music, while their eyes, opened by the 'inward eye,' witnessed the presence of spiritual beings including the Prophet Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Jedediah M. Grant. Additionally, witnesses observed a halo of heavenly light surrounding the heads of some of the speakers during the proceedings. Teasdale noted that this spiritual feast extended throughout the three days of services, filling the congregants with such joy that many were moved to tears, serving as a clear witness that God accepted the Manti Temple from the hands of His people.

Fuller account of this event (as retold in The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, Vol. 50, No. 33 (August 13, 1888), page 521):

On the first day, just as Professor Smyth was concluding the voluntary—a selection from Mendelssohn—a number of the Saints in the body of the hall and some of the brethren in the west stand heard most heavenly voices singing. It sounded to them as angelic, and appeared to be behind and above them, and many turned their heads in that direction wondering if there were not another choir in some other part of the building. There was no other choir, however. The music was of the most exquisite character, and the voices were as clear as a bell. It was a spiritual feast that lasted through the three days of the services. Some of the Saints saw the spirits of Presidents Young and Taylor, J. M. Grant, and others in the Temple, and the heads of some of the speakers were surrounded by a halo of heavenly light during the services. It was a time of rejoicing, and many were moved to tears by the outpouring of the Spirit of God, which was a testimony to all present that the Lord had accepted the house at the hands of His people.