Solemn Assembly

Solemn assemblies are special, sacred meetings held for a variety of holy purposes. They require Latter-day Saints to bring an elevated sense of spirituality with them into the meeting. These assemblies have included the sustaining of new Church presidents, the dedication of a temple or another significant building (such as the Conference Center), the introduction of new scripture, the instruction of priesthood leaders and other special gatherings.

“Solemn assembly” is a phrase from the Hebrew Bible that describes significant gatherings that occurred during Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. The first temple in Jerusalem was dedicated during the time of a solemn assembly. Thus, the term has an ancient connection with temple dedication.

The Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of sacred revelations for the Church, contains several references of God asking Latter-day Saints to “call your solemn assemblies” (Doctrine and Covenants 133:6). The dedication of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836, was one such occasion. Many witnessed an outpouring of spiritual manifestations at that time. That landmark temple dedication set a precedent for later solemn assemblies.

09/06/2022