“The House of the Lord,” For the Strength of Youth, Oct. 2021. Come, Follow Me The House of the Lord Doctrine and Covenants 109–110 By Matthew C. Godfrey Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe In December 1832, the Lord commanded the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, USA, to build a temple. ImageJoseph Smith talking “Establish a house, even … a house of God.” The temple took three years to complete. The Saints sacrificed time and money to build it. ImageKirtland Temple In March 1836 it was finished. Joseph Smith told the Saints to gather for the dedication. ImageJoseph Smith preaching On the morning of March 27, 1836, around 1,000 people attended the dedication in the temple. Imagepeople filling the Kirtland Temple Sidney Rigdon spoke for over two hours. ImageSidney Rigdon preaching Joseph Smith then read the dedicatory prayer (see Doctrine and Covenants 109). ImageJoseph Smith reading “We ask thee, O Lord, to accept this house.” A choir sang “The Spirit of God,” which was written specifically for the occasion. Imagechoir Many testified of great spiritual experiences they had at the dedication, including an outpouring of the Holy Ghost and the appearance of angels. Imagepeople in sunbeams On April 3, Jesus Christ appeared to the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery in the temple. He told them that He accepted it as His house and that the Saints should rejoice because of the blessings they would receive. ImageJesus Christ appearing to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple