Joseph Smith
presided over the laying of the cornerstones of the Nauvoo
Temple in a grand ceremony on April 6, 1841, the eleventh
anniversary of the founding of the Church. "The more
than 10,000 residents, visiting dignitaries and Church
leaders, moving in harmony, in friendship, in dignity"
created an imposing spectacle. Joseph Smith laid the
southeast cornerstone, "in honor of the Great God" and
pledged speedy construction, "that the Saints may have a place
to worship God, and the Son of Man have where to
lay His head."
Men contributed
one day in ten to construction. The Prophet Joseph
organized the Female Relief
Society of Nauvoo to assist with clothing
for temple laborers and care for needy families.
Brigham Young
laid the capstone of the temple May 24, 1845; the Prophet
Joseph had been dead nearly a year. During the months of
December 1845 and the early months of 1846, the Saints
received their blessings and endowments prior to vacating
the city of Nauvoo and heading west. They left the
temple with a cryptic invitation painted on the east end:
"THE LORD HAS BEHELD OUR SACRIFICE, COME AFTER
US."
endowment
In a general sense, a gift of power from God. Worthy members of the Church can receive a gift of power through ordinances in the temple that gives them the instruction and covenants of the Holy Priesthood that they need in order to attain exaltation. The endowment includes instruction about the plan of salvation (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Endowment," 73–74).
Saints
A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Saint," 215–16).
Son of Man
A title that Jesus Christ used when speaking of Himself (see Luke 9:22; Luke 21:36). It meant the Son of the Man of Holiness. Man of Holiness is one of the names of God the Father. When Jesus called Himself the Son of Man, it was an open declaration of His divine relationship with the Father. This title is found frequently in the Gospels. Latter-day revelation confirms the special meaning and sacredness of this name of the Savior (D&C 45:39; 49:6, 22; 58:65; Moses 6:57; The Guide to the Scriptures, "Son of Man," 232).
cornerstone
The main stone forming the corner of the foundation of a building. Jesus Christ is called the chief cornerstone (see Ephesians 2:20; The Guide to the Scriptures, "Cornerstone," 54).
Relief Society
An organization founded by the Prophet Joseph Smith on March 17, 1842, to provide relief for the poor and needy and to save souls (True to the Faith, "Relief Society," 130).
