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Show Page 55 "solemn assembly," the principal spiritual purpose for the gathering at Kirtland. In preparation for this event, Joseph Smith had introduced the ordinances of washing and anointing to symbolize the purity and holy calling required of the priesthood. Those who assembled in Kirtland for these ordinances sensed a revelation of higher things and anticipation of a spiritual outpouring that would "endow" the Church with the power to fulfill its destiny. According to Orson Pratt, "We were commanded to wash our bodies with pure water and to be anointed with holy oil which we accordingly did and the power of the Lord rested down upon the authorities 12 of the church." This was in keeping with the ancient practice of the priests of Israel, said Oliver Cowdery; after washing with water, the 13 brethren laved each other with whiskey perfumed with cinnamon. Joseph Smith introduced here the ordinance of washing of feet, taken from the fourteenth chapter of John, typifying apostolic equality and service in the priesthood. This latter ordinance was never idly practiced in the Church after that; as John Whitmer pointed out, it belonged to the "ordained" 14 and not to the whole Church. These spiritual exercises culminated in the dedication ceremony itself, a week-long celebration of the gifts of the spirit. As the dedication service began March 27, 1836, a "white-haired figure in robes" entered and took a seat in the chamber - in one witness' view, it was the Apostle 15 Peter come to accept the house. No mention of this apparition is made by Orson Pratt; however, the dedicatory prayer of Joseph Smith greatly inspired this fervent missionary. The Prophet prayed that "thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power...unto the ends of the 16 earth...." Three days later Orson gathered with the authorities of the Church to receive the washing of feet. This ceremony was attended with another |