The dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple was written in the attic office of temple. In that same office, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph at the time he received D&C 137—the vision of the celestial kingdom. In the lower, inner court the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery were visited by Jesus, who accepted the temple, and by Moses, Elisha, and Elijah, who came to restore priesthood keys (D&C 110).
During this “Pentecostal” period, there were many manifestations. Angels appeared to many, heavenly singing was heard, people spoke in tongues and interpreted, and a bright light shown on the roof after the dedication.
People were asking what the letters on the pulpits in the inner courts of the temple stood for, so here they are:
On the East Side--
B.P.A. Bishop Presiding (over) Aaronic Priesthood
P.A.P. Presiding Aaronic Priest
P.T.A. Presiding Teacher Aaronic
P.D.A. Presiding Deacon Aaronic
On the West Side—
M.P.C. Melchizedek Presiding Council (presidency of the Church, which served as the presidency of the Kirtland Stake)
P.M.H. Presiding Melchizedek High Priesthood (Quorum of the Twelve or Stake High Council)
M.H.P. Melchizedek High Priesthood (representing the High Priests Quorum)
P.E.M. Presiding Elder Melchizedek (representing the Elders Quorum)
Source: Clarence L. Fields, History of the Kirtland Temple, p. 28
Times and Seasons 6 (June 1833), 786-87
Henry Howe, Historic Collections of Ohio, p. 282
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