The Kirtland Temple dedication on 27th of March, 1836 was witnessed by nearly 1,000 people in attendance.
Joseph Smith recorded:
George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels, which fact I declared to the congregation. The people of the neighborhood came running together (hearing an unusual sound within, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple), and were astonished at what was taking place”
– History of the Church, 2:428
Why did potentially 1,000 people all experience visions? Why is Joseph’s record of the event characteristically straightforward, lacking hyperbole, affirming matter-of-factly that the promised blessings were obtained?
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