D&C Section 94

D&C 94 — Building Zion through Order and Design (May 6, 1833)

The Context of Revelation in Kirtland

In early May of 1833, the small community of Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, was filled with energy, vision, and revelation. The Prophet Joseph Smith and his counselors in the First Presidency were deeply engaged in establishing the foundations of Zion—spiritually, doctrinally, and physically. Doctrine and Covenants 94 was received on May 6, 1833, the same day as the profound revelation now known as D&C 93. While D&C 93 unveiled the eternal nature of intelligence, light, and truth, Section 94 focused on the tangible organization of the Church on earth. It provided specific instructions on the construction of sacred buildings, emphasizing the connection between spiritual order and physical preparation.

To the Saints, this revelation represented a call to transform divine ideals into physical reality. It was an invitation to make Kirtland not just a place of gathering but a reflection of celestial order. The Lord’s detailed instructions concerning temples and Church buildings were not merely about architecture—they were about holiness, stewardship, and the orderly growth of His kingdom.

A Revelation of Order and Preparation

Doctrine and Covenants 94 outlines the Lord’s pattern for establishing the physical center of His Church. The Saints were commanded to build two important structures: one for the work of the Presidency and one for printing and publishing. These buildings were to stand near the House of the Lord (the Kirtland Temple), forming a sacred complex where revelation, education, and worship would unite.

The revelation called for a “house for the presidency,” where the First Presidency could meet, receive revelation, and conduct the work of the Church. This was not simply an administrative office—it was a spiritual workshop. The Lord declared that it should be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof.” Every part of it, from cornerstone to roof beam, was to symbolize consecration and purpose.

The second structure was a “house for the work of the printing.” In this building, the Saints would publish Church materials—including scripture, revelation, and Church instruction. This was critical in a time when the restored gospel was spreading rapidly and needed accurate representation. The press would serve as a means of education, enlightenment, and unity. The Lord’s inclusion of this building in a sacred command reveals the divine value of communication and truth dissemination.

Building as a Spiritual Act

D&C 94 teaches that building, when done under divine direction, becomes a sacred act. The Lord’s focus on precise planning—down to the layout of the lots and the alignment of the buildings—reflects His eternal nature as a God of order. These instructions echo the ancient patterns given for the tabernacle of Moses and Solomon’s temple, where every measurement and material carried symbolic meaning.

For the Saints, the construction of these buildings represented both physical labor and spiritual dedication. The Lord expected unity, diligence, and purity in the process. Each cut of timber, each stone laid, was to be an act of worship. By creating order in the physical environment, the Saints were learning to establish order in their hearts.

In modern application, D&C 94 continues to teach that the Lord values preparation, precision, and consecration in all His work. Whether it be a temple, a meetinghouse, or a personal goal, divine endeavors require both vision and structure. The Lord does not separate the physical from the spiritual—He sanctifies both.

The Sacred Symbolism of Space

The specific placement of these buildings in Kirtland was more than practical urban planning—it was symbolic geography. The Lord instructed that the “house for the work of the presidency” and the “house for printing” be located near the temple, forming a triad of sacred purpose. The temple represented worship and revelation, the presidency building represented governance and priesthood order, and the printing house represented education and communication.

Together, these buildings formed the nucleus of Zion’s spiritual, administrative, and intellectual life. Each function supported the others, showing that in the Lord’s kingdom, revelation, leadership, and knowledge are interdependent. The Lord was teaching the Saints that the organization of Zion must reflect divine harmony—every element working together for the advancement of truth.

This pattern would influence future Church development. From Kirtland to Nauvoo and eventually to Salt Lake City, the concept of building sacred spaces as expressions of divine order continued to shape Latter-day Saint communities. The Lord’s instructions in D&C 94 laid the foundation for a long tradition of purposeful, inspired design that continues in temple architecture and Church planning today.

Obedience and Consecration in Building Zion

Another key principle from D&C 94 is the relationship between obedience and consecration. The Saints were called to build these houses “according to the pattern which I have given you.” This phrase emphasizes that divine work must be done according to divine direction. It was not enough to build with enthusiasm; they were to build with exactness, following the Lord’s revealed order.

This principle applies to every aspect of discipleship. Whether constructing a temple or establishing a family, the Lord expects His children to follow revealed patterns. Faith is expressed not only through belief but through disciplined action. D&C 94 transforms construction into a metaphor for covenant living—obedience and order are the materials of spiritual architecture.

The command to dedicate the houses wholly unto the Lord also ties into the law of consecration. The Saints were not building for personal benefit but for the advancement of God’s work. Every effort, every sacrifice of labor or material, became an offering of faith. This sanctified the act of creation itself, transforming carpentry and craftsmanship into acts of divine devotion.

Continuing Relevance of D&C 94

While D&C 94 focuses on a specific historical moment in Kirtland, its principles remain timeless. The Lord’s emphasis on order, dedication, and unity applies to modern disciples striving to build Zion in their own spheres of influence. Whether constructing temples, organizing congregations, or establishing homes, the same spiritual laws guide the work: plan with purpose, act with obedience, and dedicate all to the Lord.

This revelation also underscores the holistic vision of the gospel. God’s work is not confined to sermons or scripture—it extends into architecture, art, education, and community. D&C 94 reveals that the Lord’s glory is reflected not only in revelation and doctrine but in the beauty and order of things built under His direction.

For the early Saints, these instructions in 1833 transformed Kirtland into a beacon of divine order. For us today, they serve as a reminder that Zion is both a place and a principle—a community and a condition of the heart. When we dedicate our efforts, families, and homes to God, we, too, participate in building Zion.

A Legacy of Divine Design

D&C 94 stands as a testament to the Lord’s desire for harmony between heaven and earth. It connects the spiritual to the physical, reminding us that building Zion requires both revelation and organization. The revelation’s lasting message is that everything constructed for the Lord—whether a sacred building or a faithful life—must be established in light, truth, and divine purpose.

Just as the Saints of 1833 were called to prepare holy ground in Kirtland, modern disciples are called to build sacred spaces in their hearts, homes, and communities. Through obedience, consecration, and divine design, we continue the same eternal work—establishing Zion in preparation for the glory of God to fill the earth.