Kirtland, City of Revelation: A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast

Episode 0: “Series Introduction”

This introductory episode previews the limited-series podcast on the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio. It describes the significant role Kirtland played in that history, particularly in the way the members of the church came to understand the place of divine revelation in their lives.

Episode 0 Transcript

Episode 1: “Missionaries in Kirtland”

This episode explains the history of Kirtland, Ohio, as well as how the preaching of four missionaries in the area in 1830 led to the conversion of hundreds of men and women.

Guests: Matt Grow, Elizabeth Kuehn, Mark Staker

Episode 1 Transcript

Episode 2: “Go to the Ohio”

This episode examines the circumstances of Joseph Smith’s move from New York to Ohio, and the work he did once he arrived to translate scripture and to establish greater order in the church.

Guests: Mark Ashurst-McGee, Matt Grow, Elizabeth Kuehn, Mark Staker, Jonathan Stapley

Episode 2 Transcript

Episode 3: “A Stake of Zion”

This episode tells the story of the establishment of Zion in Missouri and how that effort affected the growth and development of the church. The episode considers what the establishment of a new city in Missouri meant for Kirtland and how church members understood these events as they looked forward to the second coming Jesus Christ.

Guests: David Grua, Chase Kirkham, Brent Rogers, Mark Staker

Episode 3 Transcript

Episode 4: “Publishing Revelation”

This episode illuminates the challenges church leaders faced in publishing the revelations of Joseph Smith, as well as their efforts to care for the poor and to establish the School of the Prophets designed to train men to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Guests: Joseph Darowski, Matthew Godfrey, Sharalyn Howcroft, Robin Jensen, Jenny Reeder.

Episode 5: “Temple and Scripture”

This episode explains the efforts of church leaders to redeem Zion, including a march that became known as Zion’s Camp. The episode also explores the building of the Kirtland Temple, the publication of the Doctrine and Covenants, and Joseph Smith translation of the Book of Abraham.

Guests: Matthew Godfrey, Christian Heimburger, Sharalyn Howcroft, Robin Jensen, Elizabeth Kuehn, Kerry Muhlestein, Jenny Reeder, Brent Rogers.

Episode 5 Transcript

Episode 6: “An Endowment of Power”

This episode tells the story of the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, the solemn assembly that featured the long-promised endowment of power, and some of the spiritual manifestations that occurred in the temple. This episode also explains how these spiritual moments quickly gave way to contention and dissent in Kirtland.

Guests: Chase Kirkham, Elizabeth Kuehn, Jonathan Stapley, Jennifer Reeder, Brent Rogers

Episode 6 Transcript

Episode 7: “The Fate of the Kirtland Temple”

This episode reflects on the history of Kirtland after Joseph Smith moved away from the city. It considers the challenges faced by church members still living in the area and contests over the ownership of the Kirtland Temple.

Guests: Christian Heimburger, David Howlett, Elizabeth Kuehn

Episode 7 Transcript

Episode 8: “The Legacy of Kirtland”

This episode tells the story of how Kirtland became a historic site and the challenges associated with restoring and reconstructing historic buildings. Scholars and church leaders reflect on the historical and spiritual legacy of Kirtland.

Guests: Matt Grow, Jenny Lund, Elder Kyle S. McKay, Benjamin Pykles

Episode 8 Transcript