Kirtland, Ohio:  On April 27 (1836), the Saints gathered in Kirtland for the dedication of the newly completed temple.  Over a thousand Saints gathered in the temple by 7:00 AM for the dedication and another eight hundred were turned away.
     The morning session began at 9:00 AM, with President Sidney Rigdon conducting. President Rigdon delivered a two and one half hour sermon based on Matthew 8 where it says: "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head."

     The afternoon session began after a brief intermission.  President Joseph Smith delivered a short address and then present- ed the authorities of the Church for a sustaining vote.  The Prophet then read the dedicatory prayer, which had been given by revelation.
     Following the dedicatory prayer, the choir arose and sang, "The Spirit of God Like A Fire Is Burning."  William W. Phelps had composed this hymn especially for the dedication.  The Prophet then asked for a sustaining vote from each of the priest- hood quorums to accept the dedication.  The sacrament was passed.  After comments and testimony from Don Carlos Smith, Oliver Cowdery, President Frederick G. Williams, and Hyrum Smith, President Rigdon concluded with the closing prayer.  The proceedings of the day were sealed with the hosanna shout.  Additional meetings continued in the evening and in the days that followed.