There are many places in the world
where we know roughly where the Savior was even going to Jerusalem. But there are very few places
where we can say, “Right here.” The Kirtland Temple, part of the recent
transfer of property from the Community of Christ, holds a
sacred place in Church history.
This temple is a place where necessary
keys were restored.
The Savior Himself came here. The Savior appeared on the breastplate
of the pulpit, and after Him three heavenly messengers,
Moses, Elias, and Elijah, restoring necessary keys for the kingdom
to come back to the earth and to roll forward. When you think about the ordinances
that take place in temples today,
there would be no need to do what
we do today if it hadn't been for what took place on April 3, 1836,
in this location right behind us. The Kirtland Temple and several other
historic buildings in Nauvoo, Illinois, are now available for free public tours under the guidance of
members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
God has given a commandment
that we remember. I can imagine that one of the reasons
that He wants us to remember is so that He can keep us close. The Kirtland Temple was a sacred place,
and it's sacred to many people, many different people. And I hope
people will come and feel
a sense of peace, feel the
Spirit of God there.
An exhibition of artifacts, also
acquired by the Church of Jesus Christ, is now on display at the Church History
Museum in Salt Lake City until the end of October. At a museum, we like to show art
and artifacts and letters here so that we can give people a chance
to connect with sacred history, to make sure sacred history
is real in their lives. So to have this chance for
the public to come is a really wonderful opportunity.