The Savior in Kirtland: Personal Accounts of Divine Manifestations

by Karl Ricks Anderson

Church history is filled with amazing stories of courage and divine inspiration, but often we skip over the profound events that happened to the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio. In this volume, author Karl Ricks Anderson brings to light unparalleled events and divine manifestations that were given during those early years of the Restoration. In Kirtland the Savior personally directed His Church and taught His Saints by appearing to at least twenty-three Church leaders or by speaking to them. Brother Anderson points out that more first-person words of the Lord have gone out to the world from Kirtland than from any other location in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was in Kirtland that Jesus Christ taught the world about His mission of the Atonement, the premortal and the postmortal worlds, and the structure of the Church. It was there He commanded that the first latter-day temple be built. And it was in the Kirtland Temple that the Lord began to restore sacred ordinances for the salvation of His children. The Savior's visits to Kirtland fulfilled millennia of promises from the Old and New Testaments as well as from the Book of Mormon. The story of Kirtland is a story of Christ the two can never be separated.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, History, Historical, Spirituality

338 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kim R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previous to reading this book, I didn’t realize how many visual and audible communications Joseph Smith Jr was having with The Father and The Son, and I didn’t know there were so many others being witness to them. I knew there was more than the canonized First Vision, but I didn’t know where to turn to find more.
This book has expanded my gospel knowledge. It has deepened my convictions that Jesus Christ Himself was guiding Joseph Smith Jr and the Kirkland Saints in restoring His Gospel for the Last Days.
The author includes his sources, making this book a great resource to learn even more.

[Dick Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a remarkable book. I enjoyed the many personal accounts of the early saints during a very trying time in the history of the church. The faith of the saints and the visions that were given to them are inspiring .

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This scrupulously researched and documented text looks at the divine manifestations occurring in Kirtland, Ohio during the LDS Kirtland period. Anderson looks at the theological importance of this period of LDS history and cheerleads for his beloved Kirtland. An excellent discussion book and a great resource for those wanting a deep dive into the revelations of that period.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite fascinating

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things I learned from this book. First was how significant the 5 years were in Kirtland to the Lord's plan of salvation for His children. The purpose of the Kirtland years was to build a House of the Lord where the priesthood keys could be restored, thus authorizing the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil. The gospel could not be taken to the rest of the world until the keys of gathering had been given to the prophet. And the Elders needed to be endowed with power in order to perform those missions. The sealing power also needed to be given. The second thing I realized from reading this book is how the Lord was merciful in scattering Israel, because this enabled Abraham's blood to be mixed and intermingled with all the people of the earth. Thus a majority of people throughout the earth are literally descended from Abraham, which fulfills the promise that his posterity would be great and would bless the nations of the earth. A true sign that God loves all of his children and doesn't choose one race or people over another. This blood of Abraham has been termed "believing blood" which means these descendants of Abraham will be more likely to recognize the truth and come to the knowledge of the Lord. This clarifies the allegory of the olive tree found in the Book of Mormon in Jacob 5.
This book gave me a picture of how intimately the Savior guided the work in Kirtland and how significant this Kirtland period was.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is not up to the standards of a publication by a university press, this book was immensely informative. I found these stories to be enlightening and uplifting. I greatly appreciate the footnotes so I can look up the source documents. This is a great book to refer back to. It was a good read to learn more about some of the spiritual manifestations experienced among the members of the Church of Jesus Christ in Kirtland, Ohio, in the early 1830s. There were some parts where I felt the author threw in some speculation or trusted sources that wouldn’t be my “go to,” but overall, I learned a lot.

[Brent Eggleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most wonderfully well-written and fastidiously documented work. I am overwhelmed at seeing and feeling the hand of the Lord in his work. Reading this book has strengthened my faith in the Lord's love for his children. The number of witnesses brought to light is very confirming.

[Dr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The defining account of the Pentecostal aspects of Kirtland. Not to be missed by any individual interested in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book is a collection of accounts of divine manifestations that occurred during the Kirtland period of the church. “Kirtland was the latter-day location of most visions of Deity during the Church’s early days…a Pentecost…long to be remembered" (p. 141). This book helps us to remember, and I was amazed at how many people witnessed and recorded seeing and hearing visions, angels, and the voice of the Lord. It was a testimony to me that Christ was personally directing His church. My testimony was also strengthened on the importance of the temple in God’s work, as He would not send missionaries throughout the world to preach until the temple was complete and they were endowed with power, authority, and the keys to gather Israel (see notes from Ch 14 below, including Abraham’s bloodline as “believing blood”). This is a great supplement for D&C study.

Favorite chapters: 6, 8, 9, 12

Chapter 8
-“One word from the mouth of the Savior, from the bosom of eternity, strikes [everything] into insignificance, and blots it forever from the mind!...The certainty that we heard the voice of Jesus, and the truth unsullied as it flowed from a pure personage, dictated by the will of God, is to me, past description, and I shall ever look upon this expression of the Savior’s goodness with wonder and thanksgiving.” Oliver Cowdery p. 166
-Martin’s powerful, unwavering testimony p. 169

Chapter 9
-Newel Whitney’s experience of being extended to call to serve as bishop, and feeling inadequate. Joseph asked him to ask the Father for himself. His heartfelt prayer was answered. “In the silence of night and the solitude of his chamber he heard the voice from heaven: “Thy strength is in me.” p. 176

Chapter 12
-Vision of Christ and the Latter-day Twelve Apostles: “I saw the 12, apostles of the Lamb, who are not upon the earth who hold the keys of this last ministry, in foreign lands, standing together in a circles much fatigued, with their clothes tattered and feet swollen, with their eyes cast downward, and Jesus in their midst, and they did not behold him…the Savior looked upon them and wept.” p. 231
-Vision of the Twelve Apostles in the Celestial Kingdom being embraced by the Savior p. 231

Chapter 14
-Abraham’s bloodline, found scattered throughout the world, has “believing blood,” a tendency to recognize truth and accept the gospel: “In general, the Lord sends to earth in the lineage of Jacob those spirits who in pre-existence developed an especial talent for spirituality and for recognizing truth. Those born in this lineage, having the blood of Israel in their veins and finding it easy to accept the gospel, are said to have believing blood.” Elder McConkie p. 273
-Link between temple keys, endowment and the gathering of Israel: “Israel’s gathering could not commence until the Kirtland Temple was completed. In 1832, missionaries who would be sent out into the world were told to wait until the temple was built…They were told ‘Remember you are not to go to other nations, till you receive your endowment’…Thus, the Kirtland Temple became the key link in the chain of gathering. A primary purpose for the temple was to receive final keys and authority. Moses couldn’t return the keys of gathering Israel until the temple was completed.” p. 277-278
-Parley’s missionary experience in Canada where he “was among strangers and entirely unknown” and “The Spirit seemed to whisper to me to try the Lord, and see if anything was too hard for him, that I might know and trust Him under all circumstances” and receiving an immediate answer to prayers. p. 282-283

Chapter 15
-Temple work - “I wish…that the veil was lifted off the face of the Latter-day Saints; I wish we could see and know the things of God as they do who are laboring…in the spirit world; for if this were so, this whole people, with very few, if any, exceptions, would lose all interest in the riches of the world, and…their whole desires and labors would be directed to redeem their dead, to perform faithfully the work and mission given us on earth.” p. 301

[Lisa Reising · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could there be a more glorious subject to research and document? Anderson does a nice job with the source documentation, and in putting together a timeline and helpful charts to chronicle the Kirtland years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The fact that so many various sources confirm and witness the events really does leave this story as credible (if not more so, with # of participants and witnesses) as the Pentecostal period described in the New Testament. A very enlightening and enjoyable book, exceptionally readable.

[Becky Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author brings all the great stories and manifestations together that occurred In Kirkland. I so appreciate the many sources he researched and pulled together. He has great insight and this is a great church history book on the visions, revelations, and temple in Kirtland. Thank you for writing this book!!! Love the modern day stories in the epilogue too.

[J Kir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much. Some try to discredit Joseph, the three witnesses, the 8 witnesses. But their are dozens more witnesses in this book of miracles, visions, angels, the Savior, and God the Father. This is Gods kingdom on earth and this book is a powerful witness to that truth!!!

Faith building! Love it.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn more about the Savior's appearances in Kirtland in 1836, I highly recommend this book. The research here is extensive and well documented. The text is well written and the overall message is inspiring!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. I loved it. It will be a book that I will read over and over again. It really was so wonderful to read about all the appearances and miracles that were manifested in Kirtland. It makes me want to travel there again.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unimaginably heart strenthening!

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scholarship of this book is apparent in the footnotes, and the fact the Neal A. Maxwell requested the book be written is interesting.

Before reading this book, I did not realize the involvement of Sidney Rigdon and the impact of Kirtland on the Restoration. I was more in the Oliver Cowdery/Nauvoo camp. The novelty and challenge in accepting the doctrines of section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants was surprising.

I did not find the chart of who and how many regarding the visions as compelling and Yes, I can understand people's reticence in detailing their spiritual experiences in detail for others' consumption.

My interest is more in the reason for the revelations and their impact. For example, the information about the coming of Moses, Elias, and Elijah/when they came/what it represented. The fulfillment of the promise in Malachi and the idea that the key figures from all dispensations came to Joseph Smith and gave him keys ... all the keys was fascinating.

Bottom-line I have mixed feelings about the book, but am glad I read it and have things to ponder from doing so. What more can you ask from a book?

[Brooks Bentley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content of this book is really good, how Christ was involved in Kirkland, Ohio. However, it reads like an encyclopedia combined with a travel brochure for Kirtland. The author seems to highlight unnecessarily and at the expense of other locations or ideas, the ultimate importance of Kirtland, that it is the “apex of the Restoration.” The author’s overreach is tiring, and you realize that he doesn’t have a full understanding and appreciation of the Restoration. If you want a hoorah book about Kirtland, you may like this approach. I would have liked however to read a more balanced view of how the Kirtland period fits into all of church history. The author is clearly parochial, but I think this book will be a good reference in the future.

[Abe Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karl Anderson isn't a natural author, but it's as though he came to earth to gather and tell the Kirtland story. Astounding! The "First Vision" was truly just the "first". Members of the church need to be prepared to not only affirm Joseph Smith's experience in a grove of trees as a fourteen-year-old boy, but also on scores of other occasions with several prophets of old, the Father, and the Savior. And it wasn't just Joseph. Many others had similar experiences.

I rarely go back and read books a second time, but it's something I plan on doing right away in order to read the footnotes and take notes.

[Michael Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Through the lens of a geographic location, the author expounded scripture from the beginning of time showing how God is gathering together the peoples of the world, past, present and future that will unify His family for eternity. Kirtland is a special place. It was prepared by the Lord so that the fulfillment of prophesy could occur at just the right time.

Karl Anderson is not a professional author but did an amazing job. It is obvious that this work is the cumulative of many years of research and study. I am so grateful he heeded the urging of an apostle of God to write this book.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed at how many times the Savior appeared in Kirtland. I knew many of the events but never really put it all in context before. I loved the part where the author talked of the 4 steps of God's plan -1. Tower of Babel to separate the good and bad, 2. Abraham and the covenant God made with him, 3. The lost 10 tribes - dispersing Abraham's seed throughout the world, 4. The gathering of Israel that was started in Kirtland. It was a fascinating read.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, uplifting, enlightening!
"As we look at Kirtland through the lens of Christ, we realize that in no other place have the visions and voice if the Savior been manifest in greater magnitude or more clearly. The number of ways He manifests Himself and the depth of His teaching are staggering."

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did learn some things from this book. it is chock full of references to the savior. it is a great topic about a great place. that said i found it a little hard to get into. it read a bit dry like a conference report to me. My husband liked it though.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thorough and Spiritual account of the Kirtland era of LDS history. It is about the building of the Temple there and the remarkable events surrounding it. There are many Spiritual manifestations and answers to prophesy and prayers.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The five years in Kirtland are a treasure trove of incidents relating the Our Savior's love for us. I did not realize the extent spiritual manifestations during this period opened the current dispensation and enabled many of the blessings associated with the last dispensation.

[Wayne Cable · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent collection of historically significant events!

I learned so much I cannot even begin to explain what I learned and what I felt as I read this collection of true doctrine!

[Mark Grundvig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book detailing the significance of the Kirtland years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The book details the many corroborated first hand experiences with the Savior in Kirtland.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard all these accounts over the years, but it was amazing to read them all in one compilation.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great compilation of the events in Kirtland. Some of the stories I already knew but others were new to me. Great to have these events recorded in one book.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing the head librarian recommended this to me. It was so cool.