Newel K Whitney Store -

Newel K Whitney Store

My visit to the Newel K Whitney store, in Kirtland, Ohio, was an emotional experience.  Traveling with my husband on a recent business trip to Erie, Pennsylvania, I discovered Kirtland, was only a little more than an hour away.  I ventured out for the first day of our trip and drove, by myself, over to see some of the most important places of the latter-day restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Janice, Newel K Whitney store

I followed the signs guiding me to the LDS visitor center, and was met by a wonderful couple serving a mission there.  They proceded to give me a personal tour of several restored buildings.  One of the buildings we entered was the Newel K Whitney Store.  Here the Prophet Joseph Smith was led by inspiration, and greeted Mr Whitney, "Newel K Whitney, you are the man.  You have prayed me here, now what do you want of me?"

Bill in the room where the School of the Prophets was held

Within the walls of this modest store, many revelations were received.  The vision of the first latter-day temple was given, and many more sacred events occurred.  This building sustained the lives of those who had dedicated themselves to serving the Lord.  It held the first Bishop's storehouse, where goods were distributed to those in need, and where the Prophet and his family found refuge for a period of time.  The seeds of the kingdom were planted here, and the school of the Prophets was held.  In all reality I was standing in a temple.  A few days later, Bill and I returned to visit together.

What I learned, while sitting in the School of the Prophets, is that a temple can exist anywhere the Lord needs to do his work.  And what makes a place a temple, is not the place itself, but the spirit and the work done within that place.  After all, didn't Moses speak with God on the top of a mountain?    So, I ask myself, what can I do to make my own home a place where the spirit can dwell, and where I, and anyone who enters, can receive revelation from Heaven?