"It Is Thy House, A Place of Thy Holiness"

Chrisanne Serafin, (American, b. 1991)
Kirtland Temple Visitation (2024)
digital painting 10”x14”
Used with permission of the artist

Upon its completion, the Kirtland temple became the first House of God built in this dispensation, and was immediately home to multiple angelic visitations and prophetic manifestations. Jesus Christ, the prophets Moses, Elijah, and Elias, and hosts of angels all appeared in this temple.

In Kirtland Temple Visitation, artist Chrisanne Serafin portrays the moment the Savior appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery inside the newly dedicated Kirtland Temple (Doctrine and Covenants 110). Written along the border are the words of D&C 109:8 that could be interpreted as both instructions and blessings: “A house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”

As you see the radiance of Christ’s presence fill the temple in this image, you might think about how temples are places where heaven and earth meet. One can only wonder if the early saints realized the powerful place that the temple would be as they constructed it. Just as early Saints felt the power of His presence, we too can experience His glory and direction in the Lord’s house today.

Gospel Questions

1. Section 109 is the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple. The Bible Dictionary explains, "Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." As you read the characteristics of the temple in D&C 109:8-9 ("establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; that your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord"), which of these descriptors most matches your own home? Which ones do you wish to incorporate into your home and how can you do so?

2. In this dedicatory prayer, the statement is made that "all men sin" (D&C 109:34). How can this recognition help you appreciate the variety of Saints in your congregation and value their unique perspective and contributions as your weaknesses may be different from theirs? (Note that in the same verse, we plead for His mercy upon all sinners.)

3. The Kirtland Temple was dedicated as a place where those who enter would feel His power (D&C 109:13) and they would leave armed with His power and glory (D&C 109:22). How can you draw upon this power from temple attendance after leaving the temple?

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For Children & Youth

Hi. This picture shows Jesus Christ appearing in the Kirtland Temple after it was dedicated. His light filled the room and Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw Him. The prophet Joseph prayed that the temple would be a place where the Lord’s glory could always rest upon His people. This reminds us that temples are places where we can feel close to Jesus and know He loves us.

1. At a temple dedication, Saints wave a white handkerchief as part of the Hosanna Shout. A Hosanna Shout is an expression of praise and gratitude. The Saints gave a Hosanna Shout after the Kirtland Temple dedication, too. [The meeting concluded with the congregation giving the Hosanna Shout, which they did by loudly proclaiming three times, “Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb! Amen, amen, and amen.” (See Joseph Smith Papers, Journals, Volume 1: 1832–1839, ed. Dean C. Jessee and others [2008], 203–11.)] On a piece of fabric or soft paper, design a handkerchief that demonstrates praise and gratitude to Jesus.

2. In the dedicatory prayer, Joseph Smith prayed that "no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it" (D&C 109:20). What can you do to help keep unclean things out of your home?

3. Elijah appeared in the Kirtland Temple "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers" (D&C 110:15). Think about an experience you had with your father or another relative in your life that made your heart turn to them. Write a note to your father or this relative and tell them how this experience made you feel close to them. If the person is no longer alive, write about the experience in your journal.

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