Despite living in poverty, the saints were commanded to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio in 1832. They fulfilled the commandment. On Sunday, March 27, 1836 nearly 1,000 saints were admitted into the dedicatory service of the temple. Many of whom "had come in from the regions round about, to witness the dedication of the Lord's house and share in his blessings"
Heavenly beings: Moses, Elias, and Elijah, came to the Kirtland Temple and restored priesthood keys. Following the dedication in a meeting with the quorums of the priesthood Joseph Smith reported "A noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple, ... and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels... a bright light like a pillar of fire rested upon the Temple"
On April 3, 1836 Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. They recorded "We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us... His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters" (D&C 110:2-3)
The Kirtland temple is owned and operated by the Community of Christ church.
