The Spirit of Prophecy and Revelation at the Dedication

On April 6, 1893, exactly forty years to the day after the cornerstones were laid, the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated by President Wilford Woodruff ([Salt Lake Temple](https://ensignpeakfoundation.org/salt-lake-temple/)). The completion of the temple was a monumental event for the Latter-day Saint pioneers, who had labored for decades to see Brigham Young's vision fulfilled. According to historical records, the interior work had been miraculously finished in exactly one year's time following the laying of the capstone in April 1892 ([Salt Lake Temple](https://ensignpeakfoundation.org/salt-lake-temple/)). On the morning of the dedication, an estimated 3,000 individuals crowded into the large upper assembly room of the temple to participate in the sacred first session ([Wilford Woodruff Dedicates Salt Lake Temple | Day in the Life of Wilford Woodruff | Wilford Woodruff Papers](https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/media/videos/wilford-woodruff-dedicates-salt-lake-temple-day-in-the-life-of-wilford-woodruff)).

In his personal journal entry for that day, President Wilford Woodruff recorded the profound spiritual manifestations that accompanied the long-awaited event. He wrote: 'The dedication of the temple commenced at 10 o'clock. Nearly 3000 assembled in the upper room. I attended the dedication of the temple. The Spirit & power of God rested upon us. The spirit of prophecy & revelation was upon us & the hearts of the people were melted and many things were unfolded to us' ([Wilford Woodruff Dedicates Salt Lake Temple | Day in the Life of Wilford Woodruff | Wilford Woodruff Papers](https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/media/videos/wilford-woodruff-dedicates-salt-lake-temple-day-in-the-life-of-wilford-woodruff)).

Woodruff further noted the glorious nature of the afternoon session, which began at 2 o'clock, stating that they 'had a glorious time.' During these sessions, the First Presidency, including Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith, occupied most of the time, with Woodruff offering the dedicatory prayer in the forenoon and Cannon in the afternoon ([Wilford Woodruff Dedicates Salt Lake Temple | Day in the Life of Wilford Woodruff | Wilford Woodruff Papers](https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/media/videos/wilford-woodruff-dedicates-salt-lake-temple-day-in-the-life-of-wilford-woodruff)). While Woodruff's journal does not detail every specific thing that was 'unfolded' to them in that moment, his apostolic witness confirms that a collective spirit of prophecy and revelation descended upon the congregation, melting their hearts and providing divine confirmation of the Lord's acceptance of their forty years of sacrifice and devotion ([How the Salt Lake Temple Was Built Part 1: 40 Years of Faith & Sacrifice](https://www.ldstemple.pics/news/salt-lake-temple-history-1847-1893-from-pioneer-vision-to-sacred-dedication-part-1/)).

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

The greatest Event of 1893 was the Dedication of the Great Salt Lake Temple Wilford Woodruff Dedicated it first And attended the first 21 Meetings & through sickness was absent on the 15 & 16. The Power of God was Manifest in the dedication of this Temple & many things Revealed by the power of God to the Presidency of the Church Near 50 years ago while in the City of Boston I had a vision of going with the Saints to the Rocky Mountains Building a Temple And I dedicated iy two nights in succession before John Taylors Death president Young gave me the Kees of the Temple & told me to go and Dedicate it which I did