In June 1833, the Saints were chastened for their slowness in building the house of the Lord. Joseph Smith received revelations about how to build temples and the city of Zion.
“Plat of the City of Zion, circa Early June-25 June 1833,” Joseph Smith Papers
See in detail the drawing and text of the city of Zion plat. This drawing and a letter were sent to Church leaders in Missouri.
“Joseph Smith and the United Firm: The Growth and Decline of the Church’s First Master Plan of Business and Finance, Ohio and Missouri, 1832-1834,” Max H Parkin, BYU Studies 46, no. 3
This article provides context for D&C 94, 96, and 97 through telling the history of the United Firm, a company created to manage Church properties and printing. The company sought to build the city of Zion under Joseph Smith’s direction.
“Historical Context and Background of D&C 94,” Steven C. Harper and Casey Paul Griffiths, Doctrine and Covenants Central
“Section 94 may make more sense after you have studied sections 95, 96, and 97, because it was actually revealed right after section 97. It makes the most sense when it is read as an extension of section 97.”
“Building Zion: The Latter-day Saint Legacy of Urban Planning,” Craig D. Galli, BYU Studies 44, no. 1
In June 1833, Joseph Smith prepared and revised the City of Zion Plat. This article discusses the plan for the community of Saints, which would include a temple, church buildings, schools, parks, stores, and homes. The plan was an expression of the community values of unity, cooperation, education, equitable land use, and environmental stewardship. This plan was adapted for use in settling many Latter-day Saint communities during the pioneer era.
“Waiting for the Word of the Lord,” David W. Grua, Revelations in Context
In summer 1833, the Saints in Missouri faced complaints and violence by Missourians about the growing number of people and their purpose in building communities. Revelations (D&C 97 and 98) offered divine consolation and guidance.
