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What did the pulpit letters stand for in the Mormon temple in Kirtland?

Dear Gramps,

I recently saw some photographs of the Mormon Kirtland Temple located in Independence, MO. In the temple are various pulpits for the Aaronic and Melchizedek priests. On these pulpits are letters or initials in gold. I tried to locate the meaning of these letters on the pulpits, but with no success. Could you please explain what these pulpits were for and what significance the letters on these pulpits had. Thanks,

Wayne B., from California

Dear Wayne B.,

In the first place, the Kirtland Temple is in Kirtland, Ohio, not Independence, Missouri. The four tiers of pulpits on the east side of the assembly room on the main floor are for the Melchizedek priesthood presidencies, and those on the west for the Aaronic priesthood presidencies. The initials on the pulpits, beginning with the lowest tier, are as follows:

Facing east–

“P.E.Q.” (Presidency of Elders Quorum).

“P.H.P.Q.” (Presidency of High Priests Quorum)

“P.S.Z.” (Presidents of Seventy). Perhaps the Z was meant to be a Q for “Quorum.”

“P.M.P.H.” (Presidency of Melchizedek High Priests).

Facing west–

“P.D.Q.” (Presidency of Deacons Quorum)

“P.T.Q.” (Presidency of Teachers Quorum).

“P.P.Q.” (Presidency of Priests Quorum).

“P. A. P.” (Presidency of Aaronic Priesthood).

Gramps

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