The Joseph Smith Papers Documents, Volume 5: October 1835-January 1838

Covers nearly two and a half years of Latter-day Saint history as it documents some of the highest and lowest points of Joseph Smith’s life. The fall and winter of 1835-1836 saw a flurry of activity to finish the House of the Lord in Kirtland as well as Joseph Smith’s work to unify the priesthood quorums. In March 1836, the Saints dedicated the new temple to God and expierienced tremendous outpouirings of His Spirit, many of which are documented here. The story of the next twenty-two months is one of financial hardship and challenges to the Prophet’s leadership. The establishment and failure of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank loom large. The volume ends with Joseph Smith, fearful for his life, departing Kirtland to move his family to Missouri.