D&C 109 - Intro

Section 109 is something new, it is the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple. I hadn't understood why the Kirtland Temple was so important and I guess that's because we have so many temples now, so I was like "what's the big deal," but reading the circumstances and what different things mean, it makes more sense. I guess let's start out with some perspective. The D&C church manual on section 109 asks "How many temples were built by the Lord's covenant people before this dispensation?" And answers saying, "we know of only four temples that were built by the Lord's covenant people before this dispensation. The first was the temple built in the days of Solomon, which was rebuilt twice and known at different times as the temple of Zerubbabel and the temple of Herod. The other three temples are mentioned in the Book of Mormon: the temple built by Nephi (2 Nephi 5:16), the temple in the land of Zarahemla from which King Benjamin gave his final address (Mosiah 1:10l2:1), and the temple in the land Bountiful where the people gathered before the appearance of the resurrected Lord." Knowing that throughout all human history, there were only 4 temples ever constructed, that we know of, until the last 200 years and now we have over 150 of them, that's pretty significant. The background for section 109 says, "Smith and Sjodahl write: 'The dedicaiton of the Temple in Kirtland, on the 27th of March, 1836, was an ever memorable event in the history of the Church. That structure was reared in compliance with Revelations received, at a time when the Saints were few and poor, and when to raise the money required (between sixty and seventy thousand dollars) meant a great deal of self-sacrifice on their part. 'While the brethren labored in their departments,' says Tullidge, 'the sisters were actively engaged in boarding and clothing workmen not otherwise provided for- all living as absentmindedly as possible, so that every cent might be appropriated to the grand object.' And thus they toiled on from the 23rd of July, 1833, when the corner stones were laid, until it was completed for dedication. In the Revelation give on the 1st of June, 1833, the Lord indicated the special object for which this house was built: 'I gave unto you a commandment, that you should build an house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen, with power form on high.' It was to be a place in which the Church would receive a Pentecostal baptism in the fire of the Holy Spirit. A special house, consecrated and dedicated, was needed for that purpose, hence the commandment of God to the Saints concerning this house. Now the day of dedication had come. the people assembled early, full of joy and gratitude, and they were not disappointed in their expectations. The manifestations of the divine presence were such as to leave no room in the minds of the true Saints for doubt concerning the nature of the work in which they were engaged. Heber C. Kimball relates that during the ceremonies of the dedication, and angel appeared and sat near Joseph Smith, Sr., and Frederick G. Williams, so that they had a fair view of this person. He was tall, and had black eyes and white hair; wore a garment extending to near his ankles, and had sandals on this feet. 'He was sent,' President Kimball said, 'as a messenger to accept the dedication.' A few days afterward, a solemn assembly was held... and blessings were given. 'While these things were being attended to,' Heber C. Kimball says, 'The beloved disciple John was seen in our midst by the Prophet Joseph, Oliver Cowdery, and others.' On the 6th of April, a meeting was held which was prolonged into the night. On this occasion the spirit of prophecy was poured out upon the Saints, and many in the congregation saw tongues of fire upon some of those present, while to others angels appeared. 'This,' President Kimball says, 'continued several days and was attended by a marvelous spirit of prophecy. Every man's mouth was full of prophesying, and for a number of days and weeks out time was spent in visiting from house to house, administering bread and wine, and pronouncing blessings upon each other to that degree, that from the external appearances one would have supposed that the last days had truly come, in which the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon all flesh.' Nor were the Saints the only ones who were aware of supernatural manifestations at this time. Elder George A. Smith rose to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of rushing wind. All the congregation arose, and many bean to speak in tongues and prophesy. And then 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. This continued until the meeting closed, at 11 p.m. As the dedicatory services proceeded, Sidney Rigdon spoke to the congregation, commencing the services by reading Psalms 96 and 24. Several hymns were sung, and then President Rigdon spoke on Matthew 18:18-20 and the sealing power of the priesthood. The various quorums of the priesthood were presented to the membership of the Church for their sustaining vote, and then followed the dedicatory prayer by the Prophet. To the surprise of some, instead of praying spontaneously, Joseph Smith read the dedicatory prayer, which he had received earlier by revelation. This pattern for temple dedicatory prayers has been followed since that time." This is really incredible. I guess if I think about it, spending thousands of years without a temple and then  having your people create one at the cost of great personal sacrifice, that would be incredible.