The eagerness of the saints to build the Kirtland Temple was matched by their eagerness to make use of the sacred edifice after it was completed.

Elder James E. Talmage wrote: "The dedication of the Kirtland Temple occurred on Sunday, March 27, 1836. The early hour of 8 a.m. had been set as the time for opening the doors; but so intense was the interest and so eager the expectation,that long before the time hundreds had gathered about the doors. Between nine hundred and a thousand people attended the services." (The House of the Lord, p. 99.)Regarding how the temple was put to use after its dedication, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote:

"During the winter, the House of the Lord at Kirtland was filled to overflowing with attentive hearers, mostly communicants; and in the evenings the singers met under the direction of Elders Luman Carter and Jonathan Crosby, Jun., who gave instruction in the principles of vocal music.

"On Monday evenings the quorum of high Priests meet in the west room of the attic story, where they transact the business of their particular quorum. On Tuesday evenings the Seventies occupy the same room. On Wednesday evenings the rooms are occupied by the quorum of Elders. And on Thursday evening a prayer meeting is held in the lower part of the house, free to all, though generally conducted by Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sen.

"The Twelve, the High Council and other quorums, generally meet each week to transact business, and during the week the 'Kirtland High School' is taught in the attic story, by H.M. Hawes, Esq., professor of the Greek and Latin languages. The school numbers from one hundred and thirty-five to one hundred and forty students, divided into three departments - the classic, where the languages only are taught; the English department, where mathematics, common arithmetic, geography, English grammar, writing, and reading are taught; and the juvenile department, the last two having each an assistant instructor.

"The school commenced in November [1836], and on the first Wednesday in January the several classes passed a public examination in presence of the trustees of the school, parents and guardians, and their progress in study was found of the highest order." (History of the Church, 2:474-75.)

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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the gospel doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by Gerry Avant

Sources: History of the Church, Vol. 2, by Joseph Smith; The House of the Lord, by James E. Talmage; The Kingdom of God Restored, by Carter E. Grant; The Doctrine and Covenants Speaks, Vol. 2, by Roy W. Doxey; Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, by Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl.