Vision of the Heavenly Host during Temple Dedication

During the initial dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, President Wilford Woodruff reported a profound spiritual experience wherein he witnessed the presence of heavenly personages who had passed into the spirit world. He specifically identified Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, and John Taylor, among other ancient prophets such as Esaias and Jeremiah. These figures were seen as having a deep, vested interest in the completion and dedication of the house of the Lord. The manifestation served as an affirmation that the work performed on earth was ratified and supported by those who had previously presided over the Church and the prophets of old. This angelic congregation provided a sense of continuity and divine sanction for the proceedings, as President Woodruff felt the weight and importance of the temple ordinances being established. The vision encouraged the Saints to recognize the eternal nature of their labors and the communion between the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven.

Fuller account of this event (from LaRene Gaunt, "The Power of God Was with Us," Ensign, Mar. 1993, 28–31):

"The Heavenly Host were in attendance at the [first] dedication [service]," President Woodruff told the congregation in a subsequent dedicatory service. "If the eyes of the congregation could have been opened they would [have] seen Joseph and Hyrum [Smith], Brigham Young, John Taylor and all the good men who had lived in this dispensation assembled with us, as also Esaias, Jeremiah, and all the Holy Prophets and Apostles who had prophesied of the latter day work. … They were rejoicing with us in this building which had been accepted of the Lord and [when] the [Hosanna] shout had reached the throne of the Almighty," they too had joined in the joyous shout.