Dear Gramps,

What do the letters mean on the Kirtland temple pulpits? (MPI and MPC, I think.)

Roger, from California

Dear Roger,

As you know there are two sets of pulpits in each of the two floors in the Kirtland Temple. Those on the west are for the presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood and those on the east are for the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood. The initials on the pulpits on the west refer to the following: M.P.C. (Melchizedek Presiding Council), P.M.H.(Presiding Melchizedek High Priesthood), M.H.P. (Melchizedek High Priesthood), and P.E.M. (Presiding Elder Melchizedek).

Here is an interesting description of the two sets of pulpits from the autobiography of Heber C. Kimball–

In each of these rooms were built two pulpits, one in each end. Each pulpit consisted of four different apartments; the fourth standing on a platform raised a suitable height above the floor; the third stood directly behind and elevated a little above the fourth; the second in rear of and elevated above the third; and in like manner the first above the second. Each of these apartments was just large enough and rightly calculated to seat three persons, and the breastwork in front of each of these three last mentioned was constituted of three semi-circles joining each other, and finished in good style. The fourth or lower one, was straight in front, and had an elegant table leaf attached to it, that could be raised at pleasure for the convenience of administering the sacrament, etc. These pulpits were alike in each end of the house. One was for the use of the Melchizedek or High Priesthood, and the other for the Aaronic or lesser Priesthood. The first or highest apartment was occupied by the First Presidency over the whole Church; the second apartment by the Melchizedek High Priesthood; the third by the President of the High Priests’ Quorum; and the fourth by the President of the Elders and his two counselors. The highest apartment of the other pulpit was occupied by the Bishop of the Church and his two counselors; the next by the President of the Priests and his two counselors; the third by the President of the Teachers and his two counselors; and the fourth by the President of the Deacons and his two counselors. (Heber Kimball Autobiography, Journal excerpts, p.88 - p.89)

Gramps