In a book published in 2016, titled “The Witness of Women: Firsthand Experiences and Testimonies from the Restoration,” Sister Eliza Snow, speaking of the Kirkland Temple dedication which she attended is quoted as saying, ““The ceremonies of that dedication may be rehearsed, but no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, while a sense of divine presence was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”

In the dedicatory prayer, the prophet Joseph Smith asked the Lord “…to accept of this house, the workmanship of the hands of us, thy servants, which thou didst command us to build.”  Shortly after the dedication, the Lord appeared in a magnificent vison and did accept His Temple. (D&C 109)

After that vision closed, Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, which we refer to as missionary work. Second, Elias appeared and committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, which includes the Abrahamic covenant.  And lastly, Elijah appeared and committed the keys of the sealing power in this dispensation, which is family history work and temple ordinances enabling salvation for the living and the dead.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to be a part of this dispensation, our lives are being blessed as we witness the increase in temples and family history work, and we have been told the work will continue to accelerate until the Second Coming of our Savior.

Elder Quentin L Cook has said, “Family history work, heaven blessed by technology, has dramatically increased in the past few years.  We would be unwise to become complacent about this divinely appointed responsibility and expect that Aunt Jane or some other committed relative will take care of it.”  He then goes on to quote President Joseph Fielding Smith as saying, “None is exempt from this great obligation.  It is required of the apostle as well as the humblest elder or sister.  Place, or distinction, or long service in the Church will not entitle one to disregard the salvation of one’s dead.” (Prepare to Meet God)

It’s a great blessing to have knowledgeable consultants at the Granite FamilySearch Center who can assist us with questions or offer guidance in our efforts to participate in FamilySearch.  We are blessed to have temples and FamilySearch Centers scattered throughout the world. 

I hope we will all do what we can to help the world realize the great blessings that were offered to us through the restoration of Priesthood Keys inside the Kirkland Temple. As we do, I know our lives will be blessed and we can feel for ourselves the importance of this great work.

– Doug Nielsen, Director, Sandy Granite FamilySearch Center