Kirtland, sometimes called the "City of Faith and Beauty," lies about 22 miles east of Cleveland in the northeast corner of Ohio.
On wintry day in February of 1831, Joseph and Emma arrived by sleigh at Kirtland, Ohio. About 300 members of the Church were living in the general area and with the arrival of Joseph Smith, Kirtland became the headquarters of the Church. In the next few months, many of the Saints in New York sold their farms, often at a loss, and joined others in Kirtland. During the next seven years, from 1831 ro 1838, Church membership in the area grew to 2,000. Of greater importance were the many significant spiritual events that occurred in and around Kirtland during this important period in Church history. Among these: almost one-half of the revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants were received here, the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants was published, the organization of the Church headed by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve was established, the first stake was organized, the School of the Prophets was started, the first temple was built, and many marvelous spiritual manifestations were experienced.
On Sunday, March 27, 1836, the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. Toward the conclusion of the daylong service, Joseph Smith read a dedicatory prayer. Following this prayer, the choir sang "The Sprit of God," a hymn written for the occassion by William W. Phelps. After the Sacrament was administered and several testimonies were borne, the congregation stood and rendered shouts of "Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lamb!"
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;
The angels are coming to visit the earth.
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 vail o'er the earth is beginning to burst.
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!
SOURCE: http://www.kirtlandtemple.org/hymns/thespiritofgod.htm
The center section of the home is believed to have been part of the original residence. It was the first home owned and occupied by Joseph and Emma in Ohio, and is located about a hundred yards north of the Kirtland Temple. The first Stake and High Council of the Church was organized here.
Upon arriving in Kirtland from New York, Joseph and Emma lived for nearly a month in the home of Newel and Elizabeth Whitney, adjacent to the Whitney Store.
