14 Hebrew School and Egyptian Antiquities, plus Kirtland School and Temple Plans

Beginning on December 27, 1832, and continuing with additional portions revealed on December 28, 1832, and January 3, 1833, the Lord gave to the Prophet Joseph Smith a revelation (today’s D&C 88) designated as the “olive leaf . . . plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord’s message of peace to us.”¹ Among the many glorious kernels of truth contained therein is found a commandment of galactic proportions that requires immense intellectual and spiritual breadth and depth. The Lord called the diligent teaching (and study) of heavenly and earthly truths a preparation for future callings.

Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and kingdoms—That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.²

All Good Books and Languages

Continuing in that same seemingly rhetorical vein, one of the Lord’s first commandments to the newly organized First Presidency was an intellectual challenge of enormous scope. On March 8, 1833, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a charge that was to be the “business and mission” of the members of the First Presidency throughout their lives. The commandment reads, “Study and learn and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues and people.”³ It is difficult to fathom how one could possibly become familiar with “all good books,” particularly in an age before the computer and the Internet. Earlier in the revelation, reference was made to the Presidency holding the keys to the School of the Prophets,⁴ an obvious starting point for learning; but the means to accomplish becoming “acquainted with all good books” must have perplexed them.

Nevertheless, the portion of the challenge to become “acquainted with languages” was taken seriously, and they began to keep the commandment. Besides English, they chose to study Hebrew, the language of much of the Old Testament. After a period of studying on their own, they decided to hire a teacher and open the class to the entire School of the Prophets.

Joshua Seixas

The teacher they hired was Joshua Seixas, who began teaching on Tuesday, January 26, 1836, in the nearly completed Kirtland Temple. Bishop Edward Partridge, one of the students, mentioned in his writings the study of Hebrew in the school and how he was placed in the first class. “The 26 Mr. J. Seixas, our Hebrew teacher, met with us for the first time, after about 4 or 5 days he divided the class I was taken into the first class.”⁵ Joseph Smith added: “Mr. Seixas arrived from Hudson, to teach the Hebrew language, and I attended upon the organizing of the class, for the purpose of receiving lectures upon Hebrew grammar. His hours of instruction are from ten to eleven, a. m.; and from two to three, p. m. His instruction pleased me much. I think he will be a help to the class in learning Hebrew.”⁶

Professor Joshua Seixas was a Sephardic or Iberian Jew (those from Spain and Portugal) whose ancestors no doubt had been expelled from Portugal (since Seixas is a Portuguese name) starting in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries for not converting to Christianity. Many Sephardic Jews made their way to The Netherlands, and in 1630 some of their descendants emigrated to Brazil, when the Dutch took control of the northeastern corner of that Portuguese colony. There they founded the first Jewish synagogue in the New World. When the Dutch were expelled by the Portuguese in 1654, one group of twenty-three found refuge in Governor Peter Stuyvesant’s New Netherlands (later renamed New York by the British), thus becoming not only the first Jewish settlers in North America but the first Portuguese settlers as well.⁷

The initial attempt to secure a teacher of Hebrew by the First Presidency came with their meeting of Doctor Daniel Peixotto (another Sephardic Jew with a Portuguese name), who was married to Joshua Seixa’s cousin.⁸ When the noted doctor was scheduled to speak in nearby Willoughby, the brethren took every effort to go hear him.

Monday, November 2 [1835].—I was engaged in regulating the affairs of the school, after which I had my team prepared, and Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, Frederick G. Williams, my scribe, and a number of others, went to Willoughby to hear Dr. Piexotto [sic] deliver a lecture on the theory and practice of physics [medicine]. Called at Mr. Cushman’s, dined, attended the lecture. Was treated with great respect throughout, and returned home.⁹

Soon after, Oliver Cowdery, rather than Frederick, was sent to New York to secure a bookbindery, according to the revelation Joseph had received,¹⁰ and, we learn later, to procure Hebrew books for the school. On November 3, 1835, Joseph received another revelation, this time concerning the Twelve, and then organized and dedicated the school of the elders.¹¹ On November 4, Joseph Smith “attended school during school hours, made rapid progress in our studies.”¹²

Hebrew Books and Hebrew Teachers Dr. Peixotto and Prof. Joshua Seixas

Oliver Cowdery arrived from New York on November 20, 1835, with several books. “In the evening, President Cowdery returned from New York, bringing with him a quantity of Hebrew books, for the benefit of the school. He presented me with a Hebrew Bible, lexicon, and Grammar, also a Greek lexicon, and Webster’s English Dictionary.”¹³

With the Prophet’s entry for Saturday, November 21, 1835, it becomes clear that, in addition to President Williams’s interest in medicine, the First Presidency had gone to hear Dr. Peixotto with the intention of contracting him to teach them Hebrew.

Saturday, 21.—Spent the day at home, in examining my books, and studying the Hebrew alphabet.

At evening, met with our Hebrew class, to make some arrangements about a teacher. It was decided, by the voice of the school, to send to New York, for a Jew to teach us the language, if we could get released from the engagements we had made with Dr. Piexotto [sic] to teach us, having ascertained that he was not qualified to give us the knowledge we wished to acquire of the Hebrew.¹⁴

The disagreement with Dr. Peixotto was apparently overcome, for the school again contracted with him; but they were disappointed with him once more and dismissed him, as we learn from the Prophet’s entry for Monday, January 4, 1836.

Met and organized our Hebrew school according to the arrangements that were made on Saturday last. We had engaged Doctor Piexotto [sic] to teach us in the Hebrew language, when we had our room prepared. We informed him that we were ready and our room was prepared. And he agreed to wait on us this day, and deliver his introductory lecture. Yesterday he sent us word that he could not come until Wednesday next. A vote was then called to know whether we would submit to such treatment or not; and carried in the negative; and Elder Sylvester Smith was appointed clerk to write him on the subject, and inform him that his services were not wanted; and Elders William E. M’Lellin [sic] and Orson Hyde despatched to Hudson Seminary to hire a teacher. They were appointed by the voice of the school to act in their behalf. However, we concluded to go on with our school and do the best we could until we obtained a teacher; and by the voice of the school I consented to render them all the assistance I was able to for the time being.

We are occupying the translating room for the use of the school, until another room can be prepared. It is the west room in the upper part of the Temple, and was consecrated this morning by prayer, offered up by Father Smith. This is the first day we have occupied it.¹⁵

Although still without a teacher, the school members continued to study Hebrew on their own, but with mixed results. On January 5, 1836, the Prophet noted a disagreement with Orson Pratt over pronunciation: “Attended the Hebrew school, divided it into classes. Had some debate with Elder Orson Pratt concerning the pronunciation of a Hebrew letter. He manifested a stubborn spirit, at which I was much grieved.”¹⁶ The controversy was not resolved until the next day, however: “Attended school and spent most of the forenoon in settling the unpleasant feelings that existed in the breast of Elder Orson Pratt. After much controversy, he confessed his fault for entering into any controversy concerning so small a matter as the sound of a Hebrew letter, and asked the forgiveness of the whole school, and was cheerfully forgiven by all.”¹⁷

It was good news when William E. McLellin returned from New York and announced that Professor Seixas had been hired: “Elder M’Lellin returned from Hudson, and reported to the school that he had hired a teacher to teach us the term of seven weeks, for three hundred and twenty dollars; that is, forty scholars for that amount; to commence in about fifteen days. He is highly celebrated as a Hebrew scholar, and proposes to give us sufficient knowledge during the above term to start us in reading and translating the language.”¹⁸

On January 18, 1836, the Prophet recorded that the School of the Elders began meeting in the Temple, next to the room where the Hebrew school had begun meeting on January 4. “Attended the Hebrew school. This day the Elders’ school was removed into the Temple, in the room adjoining the Hebrew school.”¹⁹ The next day, January 19, 1836, Joseph recorded that the members began reading their Hebrew Bibles with good success, this despite not having a mortal teacher.

Spent the day at school. The Lord blessed us in our studies. This day we commenced reading in our Hebrew Bibles with much success. It seems as if the Lord opens our minds in a marvelous manner, to understand His word in the original language; and my prayer is that God will speedily endow us with a knowledge of all languages and tongues, that His servants may go forth for the last time the better prepared to bind up the laws, and seal up the testimony.²⁰

Joseph Smith Studied Hebrew with Frederick G. Williams and Others

The Prophet made several references in his journal concerning his study of Hebrew, often in the company of his counselors, even before the school had engaged a teacher: “Weather cold and freezing, with a moderate fall of snow. In the forenoon studying Hebrew with Dr. Frederick G. Williams and President Cowdery.”²¹ “At home. Read Hebrew in company with Dr. Williams, President Cowdery, Brother Hyrum Smith and Orson Pratt.”²² “Commenced again studying the Hebrew language, in company with Brothers Parrish and Williams.”²³

Professor Seixas arrived in Kirtland and began teaching Hebrew to the brethren on January 26, 1836.²⁴ From the first class taught by Prof. Seixas to the last, on March 29, 1836, Joseph studied Hebrew every day except nine (of a total of sixty-four days); seven of those nine days were Sundays, the other two days were Saturdays, one of which was immediately preceding the temple dedication.

Hebrew studies and Egyptian came together on January 30, when Prof. Seixas was shown the ancient record. “Attended school, as usual, and waited upon several visitors, and showed them the record of Abraham. Mr. Seixas, our Hebrew teacher, examined it with deep interest, and pronounced it to be original beyond all doubt. He is a man of excellent understanding, and has a knowledge of many languages which were spoken by the ancients, and he is an honorable man, so far as I can judge yet.”²⁵ Joseph expressed the desire to master many languages. “Attended the school and read and translated with my class as usual. My soul delights in reading the word of the Lord in the original, and I am determined to pursue the study of the languages, until I shall become master of them, if I am permitted to live long enough. At any rate, so long as I do live, I am determined to make this my object; and with the blessing of God, I shall succeed to my satisfaction.”²⁶

After speaking with Prof. Seixas about religion, Joseph felt that his teacher would eventually embrace the gospel.

I conversed with Mr. Seixas on the subject of religion, at my house this afternoon. He listened with attention, and appeared interested with my remarks. And I believe the Lord is striving with him, by His Holy Spirit, and that he will eventually embrace the new and everlasting covenant, for he is a chosen vessel unto the Lord to do His people good; but I forbear lest I get to prophesying upon his head. This evening President Rigdon and myself called at Mr. Seixas’ lodgings and conversed with him upon the subject of the school. Had a pleasant interview.²⁷

The Prophet continued to study and translate Hebrew daily with the brethren, although Brigham Young had to drop out of the class. “At four o’clock met Professor Seixas and the school committee at the printing office, to make some arrangements for the advancement of the several classes. . . . Elder Brigham Young was obliged to leave the Hebrew class and superintend the painting of the lower room [of the temple] until finished.”²⁸

While the study and translation of Hebrew was going on, preparations were being made for the dedication of the temple. Surely the parallel between the ancient temple of Solomon, Herod’s temple in the days of Christ, and this modern Kirtland temple were uppermost in the First Presidency’s mind. One wonders if Professor Seixas was among those in the community who saw the light and heard the rushing of the wind at the dedication on March 26. In any event, the school was back to studying Hebrew on Monday, March 28, and on Tuesday, March 29, the last day of class, the Prophet wrote, “Attended school, which was the last day of our course of lectures in Hebrew, by professor Seixas.”²⁹

Egyptian Artifacts and Papyri Characters

Concurrent with the study of Hebrew was the Prophet’s study and translation of Egyptian occasioned by the arrival of Michael Chandler in Kirtland in July 1835 with his mummies and papyri. “On the 3rd of July, Michael H. Chandler came to Kirtland to exhibit some Egyptian mummies. There were four human figures, together with some two or more rolls of papyrus covered with hieroglyphic figures and devices. As Mr. Chandler had been told I could translate them, he brought me some of the characters, and I gave him the interpretation.”³⁰

The Cleveland Whig (an opposition newspaper to the Democratic Northern Times published and edited by Frederick G. Williams) printed a cynically negative notice on the purchase of the Egyptian mummies by the Church and named Williams as the one who travels about the country attempting to “gull multitudes into a belief of its truths.”

Another humbug. We are credibly informed that the Mormons have purchased of Mr. Chandler, three of the mummies which he recently exhibited in this village; and that the prophet Joe has ascertained, by examining the papyrus through his spectacles, that they are the bodies [of] Joseph, (the son of Abraham,) and king Abimelech and his daughter. With this shallow and contemptible story, Williams has commenced travelling about the country, and will, no doubt, gull multitudes into a belief of its truth. Surely one half of the world are fools.³¹

It is interesting to note that Nancy C. Williams suggested it was President Williams’s twelve-year-old son, Ezra, who exhibited the Egyptian antiquities in the surrounding communities.

On the third of July, Michael H. Chandler came to Kirtland, exhibiting several Egyptian mummies in whose coffins were found two rolls of Papyrus, rolled in linen and saturated with bitumen. These were placed in the care of Dr. Williams and were taken by his son Ezra to exhibit in the surrounding communities. A fee was charged and Mr. Chandler, who had been told that the Prophet could translate the characters on the Papyrus, took them to him.³²

But it is more likely that it was President Williams who went “traveling about the country” with the antiquities and that young Ezra accompanied him.

A Scribe for the Book of Abraham?

In 1842, the Prophet published in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons “A Translation of some ancient Records that have fallen into our hands, from the Catecombs of Egypt, purporting to be the writings of Abraham, while he was in Egypt, called the book of Abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus,” together with three facsimiles.³³ It is believed, however, that the major work on an Egyptian alphabet and grammar and the translation of the book of Abraham took place earlier with the scribal help of Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, and perhaps Frederick G. Williams, as the initials F. G. W. are found on the back cover of Egyptian Mss #7, ca. 1837.³⁴

Joseph Smith made several references to his study of Egyptian and his translation of the papyrus in his history: “October 1 [1835].—This afternoon I labored on the Egyptian alphabet, in company with Brothers Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps, and during the research, the principles of astronomy as understood by Father Abraham and the ancients unfolded to our understanding, the particulars of which will appear hereafter.”³⁵

Mummies Kept by President Frederick G. Williams

Just as with the study of Hebrew, President Williams was also involved with the study of Egyptian, and, as had been reported by the Cleveland Whig, Joseph mentions that it was Frederick who kept the mummies for a time. “Exhibited the alphabet of the ancient records, to Mr. Holmes, and some others. Went with him to Fredrick [sic] G. Williams’, to see the mummies.”³⁶

Christopher Crary, a long-time resident of Kirtland, recalls seeing the mummies, which to his mind, were not pleasing to look upon.

After the building was finished they (the Mormons) started a school, principally, I believe, if not exclusively, for teaching the Hebrew language. They procured several mummies from Egypt, and Smith by revelation or interpretation, found some of them to be very distinguished characters and co[n]temporaries of either Aaron, Joseph or Moses. They were not very pleasing objects to look upon—dried skeletons and as black as coal tar. Whether this was from age, the materials used for embalming, or were real negroes, I could not tell.³⁷

Additional references by Joseph to the study and translation of Egyptian include the following: “Went, in company with Dr. Williams and my scribe, to see how the workmen prospered in finishing the House of the lord. . . . I returned home and spent the day in translating the Egyptian records.”³⁸ That the translation of at least a portion of the book of Abraham was completed by the end of the year is shown in the details Joseph shared with his visitors. “Elders William E. M’Lellin, Brigham Young, and Jared Carter, called and paid me a visit with which I was much gratified. I exhibited and explained the Egyptian records to them, and explained many things concerning the dealing of God with the ancients, and the formation of the planetary system.”³⁹

In the midst of his studies and translations of Hebrew and Egyptian, Joseph included a singular reference to having studied Greek one day. “In the forenoon, at home, studying the Greek language. And also waited upon the brethren who came in, and exhibited to them the papyrus.”⁴⁰

A description of the Egyptian artifacts together with an overview of how they came to be in Kirtland, written by Oliver Cowdery, was copied into Joseph Smith’s history.

The public mind has been excited of late, by reports which have been circulated concerning certain Egyptian mummies and ancient records, which were purchased by certain gentlemen of Kirtland, last July. . . . The record of Abraham and Joseph, found with the mummies, is beautifully written on papyrus, with black, and a small part red, ink or paint, in perfect preservation. The characters are such as you find upon the coffins of mummies—hieroglyphics, etc.; with many characters of letters like the present (though probably not quite so square) form of the Hebrew without points.⁴¹

The numerous visitors to see the ancient artifacts prompted the suggestion that they be placed on display at the Johnson Inn, to be seen only during certain hours. “Elder Coe called to make some arrangements about the Egyptian mummies and records. He proposes to hire a room at John Johnson’s Inn, and exhibit them there from day to day, at certain hours, that some benefit may be derived from them. I complied with his request, and only observed that they must be managed with prudence and care, especially the manuscripts.”⁴²

Effect of Presidents Smith and Williams Studying Hebrew and Egyptian Together

The study of Hebrew and Egyptian in late 1835 and early 1836 forms an interesting chapter not only at the School of the Elders, but also in the lives of the Prophet and his second counselor. To begin with, it marked the end of Frederick G. Williams’s tenure as the Prophet’s full-time scribe. “I commenced writing for Joseph Smith Jr. July 20th 1832 as may be seen by S Rigdon permission dated as above from which time up to the commencement of the Hebrew School in Kirtland I was constantly in said Smiths employ.⁴³

Second, the study of Hebrew and of Egyptian deepened their understanding of the ancient temples and their ordinances, as well as the grand cosmic plan of God for his children, which enhanced their appreciation of and preparation for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple.

Third, the study of Hebrew and of Egyptian strengthened the association between Frederick and Joseph and raised it to a higher level. Williams had been the Prophet’s personal scribe for the past four years, the President’s counselor for the past three years, his disciple in the School of the Prophets for the past two years, his missionary companion at different times, and his physician for the past five years, and all of these activities had kept the two of them in close proximity, had enlivened them spiritually, and had formed a bond of trust between them. Now with the study of Hebrew and Egyptian, they would draw closer together intellectually.

Fourth, their study and translation of Hebrew and Egyptian established a context for the Lehi travel statement that has the ancient prophet’s party landing in Chile when they arrived in the promised land. A fuller treatment of the Lehi statement—plus the Hebrew translations and Book of Mormon characters that appear with it and its connection with the Kirtland Temple—is presented in chapter 21.

The Prophet’s Son Named for Frederick G. Williams

The experiences shared by Joseph and Frederick while studying Hebrew and Egyptian, plus the spiritual manifestations associated with the temple, would result in a kind of capstone expression of the Prophet’s love and respect for his older companion, some eighteen years his senior. Joseph and Emma, in token of their regard and admiration for Frederick G. Williams, chose to name their second son after their close friend, family doctor, and counselor. Frederick Granger Williams Smith was born in Kirtland on June 20, 1836, and lived to maturity.⁴⁴ Lovina and Burr Riggs, Frederick’s daughter and son-in-law, would name their daughter after Emma.⁴⁵

Trustee of the Kirtland School

The expanded curriculum of the School of the Elders would lead to the creation of a new and separate entity called the Kirtland School, which also met in the same building and which held classes during the spring, as well as winter. An important distinction between the two schools was that the Kirtland School’s enrollment included women and children (some 130). It soon morphed into the Kirtland High School. The members of the First Presidency were not only the presidents of the School of the Elders (which transferred its location to the Kirtland Temple on January 18, 1836,⁴⁶ but they were also the trustees of the Kirtland School, as can be seen in a descriptive notice written by the head teacher, William E. McLellin, which appeared in the February 1835 issue of the Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate.

Kirtland, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1835

Having been requested by the Trusties [sic] of the “KIRTLAND SCHOOL,” to give a small sketch of the number of students who have attended this institution, and of their progress in the different sciences, I cheerfully comply with the request, having been an instructor therein from its commencement, in Dec.—last.

The school has been conducted under the immediate care and inspection of

JOSEPH SMITH jr.

F. G. WILLIAMS,

SIDNEY RIGDON,

& O. COWDERY.

Trustees

When the school first commenced, we received into it both large and small, but in about three weeks the classes became so large, and the house so crowded, that it was thought advisable to dismiss all the small students, and continue those only who wished to study the sciences of penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar and geography. Before we dismissed the small scholars, there were in all about 130 who attended. Since that time there have been, upon an average, about 160, the most of whom have received lectures upon English grammar, and for the last four weeks about 70 have been studying geography one half the day, and grammar and writing the other part.

T. Burdick’s arithmetic, S. Kirkham’s grammar and J. Olney’s geography have been used, with N. Webster’s dictionary, as standard.

Since the year 1827 I have taught school in five different States, and I have visited many schools in which I was not engaged, as teacher; but in none, I can say with certainty, have I seen students make more rapid progress, than in this. I expect myself to leave the institution, but yet, I have a great desire to see it flourish. I therefore most cheerfully recommend it to all those whose circumstances and situation will allow them to attend, as being a place where strict attention is paid to good morals as well as to the sciences.

W. E. M’Lellin

Notice—The spring term of the “Kirtland School” will commence on the 20th of April next. Young gentlemen and ladies from a distance can obtain board, in respectable families for $1,00 to $1,25 per week.

The Trustees of this institution design introducing the higher branches of English literature, at as early a period as possible.

{Editor.}⁴⁷

Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith Are Two of the Students

One of the early students of the school was thirty-four-year-old Heber C. Kimball, who made a brief mention of it in his journal, extracts of which were published in the Times and Seasons. “On the 22d of December a Grammar school was opened in Kiatland [sic], under the superintendence of Sidney Rigdon and William E. McLellin teachers,—and nearly all the elders and myself, and many of the sisters commenced going to school. Most of us continued about six weeks.”⁴⁸

Another student at the Kirtland School was eighteen-year-old George A. Smith, who first studied Hebrew in the School of the Prophets soon after his return to Kirtland from a successful mission.

We arrived home Nov. 2, 1835 and was welcomed by Pres. Joseph Smith the Prophet. We had traveled on foot 1850 miles, held 75 meetings and baptized eight persons, conversed with and bore testimony to every body with whom we had an opportunity.

I found my Father living in a small house near cousin Joseph’s overseeing his farm and other property. I assisted him a few days at work on the farm, closing the fall work and then commenced going to the School of the Prophets, which school was held in the room under the Printing Office, taught by Joseph Smith Junr & Sidney Rigdon. I studied English grammar about 6 weeks; the school was removed to the attic story of the Temple. I undertook to study the Hebrew Language under Professor Seixas but failed for the want of eye sight.⁴⁹

The next year, when George A. Smith returned again to Kirtland (October 10, 1836), he studied history, grammar, geography, and Latin at the Kirtland School. He was then asked to teach a beginning grammar class.

I went to school on the upper part of the Temple, studied [Samuel] Whelpley’s Compendium of History, [Samuel] Kirkham’s Grammar, [Jesse] Olney’s Geography, and [Friedrich] Jacob’s Latin Grammar. The School was in three departments, the first or juveniles were taught by Elias Smith, the more advanced by Marcellus F. Cowdery, and Professor Haws taught the classics. He requested me to take charge of a grammar class of beginners, proffering if I would lecture them one hour a day to give my tuition free, he said I would have no difficulty as they were all beginners, and that although I had studied but a few weeks, I could keep ahead of them, but as soon as I commenced lecturing, all the scholars in the class and those studying Grammar, Greek, and Latin, took their seats with my class of beginners and criticized me; they bothered me many times but I usually adjourned the class without letting them know my perplexity. I made very little proficiency in studying Latin, which I attempted for a few weeks.⁵⁰

President Williams and the Plans for the Temples, Cities, and Stakes of Zion

Although the “word” may be received, the organization of the Church constituted, and the members trained in their ministry at the School of the Prophets, Joseph had been taught in a revelation received in New York on January 2, 1831, that before Zion could be fully established, its people would need to be “endowed with power,” and it was for that purpose that he was commanded to go to Ohio, where “I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high.”⁵¹ Closely linked with the heavenly power in ancient days were the holy temples, and that pattern was again followed in the restoration dispensation. It is no surprise, therefore, that temples were central to the plan for establishing the kingdom of God on the earth, and that their construction was an early priority.

On July 20, 1831, the Lord revealed that the center temple of Zion was to be built near Independence.⁵² The temple site, as I have noted, was dedicated by the Prophet soon thereafter, on August 3, 1831, with Frederick G. Williams in attendance. Later, as a member of the First Presidency, Williams helped draft plans that called for twenty-four temples to be built in Zion. Those temples had various purposes, not unlike the various purposes of the three houses of the Lord that were to have been built in Kirtland. One of the Zion temple plans, drawn and signed F. G. Williams in the bottom right-hand corner, is in the Church History Library in Salt Lake City.⁵³ President Williams was a principal player in the construction of the Kirtland Temple⁵⁴ and its dedication on March 27, 1836, which I will consider separately. We do not know if Brother Williams was present at the laying of the cornerstones of the Far West Temple on July 4, 1838, but it is very likely that he was at the general conference held in Nauvoo on October 3, 1840, when the decision was adopted to build the Nauvoo Temple, for Frederick G. Williams had been “received into the fellowship of the Church” at the general conference held in Nauvoo on April 8, 1840.⁵⁵