Spiritual Manifestations at the Manti Temple Dedication

During the Manti Temple dedication in May 1888, attendees reported several spiritual manifestations across the three-day services. On May 21, after A. C. Smyth concluded a Mendelssohn selection, people in the assembly hall and west stand heard what sounded like heavenly singing from behind and above them; many turned, thinking another choir was present. John D. T. McAllister later described heavenly music moving from the southeast corner behind Lorenzo Snow as he spoke, with perfect harmony but unintelligible words. Accounts also described halos and brilliant light around speakers: Rhoda W. Smith reported light enveloping Lorenzo Snow’s head and shoulders, while John W. Taylor and Heber J. Grant were also said to be surrounded by radiant light. Witnesses reported seeing deceased Church leaders and other spiritual beings, including Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Jedediah M. Grant. The records describe related manifestations at the same temple dedication, including the heavenly choir, visions of spiritual beings, and halos or light around speakers.