As the place for the New Jerusalem was revealed and the Saints began to gather in Missouri, what must have been their anticipation, not just of building up Zion, but of the Savior’s second coming? The bishopric of Kirtland issued this decree: “…it is after the Lord has built up Zion that He will appear in His glory. We all look for the appearing of…our Savior Jesus Christ, but we shall look in vain until Zion is built, for Zion is to be [his] dwelling place…when He comes” (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 516).

“And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7: 18).

Hosanna to those days ahead
The Savior’s second coming
When all the earth in glorious bloom
Affords the Saints a holy home
Like Adam-ondi-Ahman
Our blessed Zion