A sneak peek

Here is the first paragraph of the paper I'm writing about the Kirtland Temple... a little sneak peek for you....

“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and 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.” (Doctrine & Covenants 88:119) This was the commandment given to Joseph with several brethren present on December 27, 1832. This was to be the first meetinghouse built by Joseph Smith and his followers. It is clear Joseph knew this was to be a Temple for the specific purposes to come into the presence of the Lord and be endowed with special blessings by him. In a letter to the Saints in Missouri, Joseph wrote, “You will see that the Lord commanded us in Kirtland to build an house of God… This is the word of the Lord to us, and we must, yea, the Lord helping us, we will obey, as on conditions of our obedience, he has promised us great things, yea even a visit from the heavens to honor us with his presence.” (Joseph Smith to William Phelps, Jan. 11 1833) This also demonstrates that Joseph recognized how important this and future temples would be in the spiritual development of his people.