The dedication of the Kirtland Temple was a joyous event and the wonders of heaven were displayed. In this Doctrine and Covenants FHE lesson, learn more about the dedication and how we can sing and shout for temples today.
Scripture
And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord’s house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a of thy holiness.
Hymn
1. The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
And angels are coming to visit the earth.
[Chorus]
We’ll sing and we’ll shout with the armies of heaven,
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever, Amen and amen!
2. The Lord is extending the Saints’ understanding,
Restoring their judges and all as at first.
The knowledge and power of God are expanding;
The veil o’er the earth is beginning to burst.
3. We’ll call in our solemn assemblies in spirit,
To spread forth the kingdom of heaven abroad,
That we through our faith may begin to inherit
The visions and blessings and glories of God.
4. How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion
Shall lie down together without any ire,
And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion,
As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!
Lesson
FOR CHILDREN
Begin the lesson by showing the children a picture of the Kirtland Temple.
Read aloud: The Kirtland Temple was the first temple built in modern times. The day it was dedicated, it became the house of the Lord. The people who came to the temple could have Heavenly Father’s power and spirit to bless them. It was a holy place. Everyone was so excited, they sang with joy. Many more temples have been built since then and we can have the same joy Joseph Smith and the other Saints did.
Ask: What is something you love about the temple?
Teach the children the first verse and chorus of “The Spirit of God.” Explain this is the song the Saints sang at the Kirtland Temple dedication.
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Begin the lesson by watching the following video. Ask everyone to think about what this song teaches us about temples and the gospel.
Read aloud: The Kirtland Temple was built after much sacrifice and hard work. When it was dedicated, nearly 2,000 Saints wanted to enter the building for the 7-hour dedication services. They managed to fit about 1,000 inside. Together, they sang the Spirit of God and prayed for the Lord’s power and glory to rest upon them.
Today, temples dot the earth. We should try and embody the spirit of the early Saints in the joy felt about temples.
Ask: What do you love about temples? What could improve the joy you feel about temple worship?
Finish the lesson with your testimony.
FOR SINGLE STUDY
Watch the following documentary about the Kirtland Temple.
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Treat
Treat
Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment or with a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, peanut butter and egg together until well incorporated.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a fork, make a criss-cross pattern on each cookie.
Bake for 12 minutes.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack.
(Courtesy of 365daysofbakingandmore.com)
Activity
Kirtland Historic Tour
Go on a virtual tour of the Kirtland Historic Sites. Click here to sign up!
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
