Chapter 44
George Q. Cannon, who later became a counselor in the First Presidency, recalled: "Previous to his death, the Prophet Joseph manifested great anxiety to see the [Nauvoo] temple completed, as most of you who were with the Church during his day, well know. 'Hurry up the work, brethren,' he used to say,—'let us finish the temple; the Lord has a great endowment in store for you, and I am anxious that the brethren should have their endowments and receive the fullness of the priesthood.' He urged the Saints forward continually, preaching unto them the importance of completing that building, so that therein the ordinances of life and salvation might be administered to the whole people, but especially to the quorums of the holy priesthood; 'then,' said he, 'the Kingdom will be established, and I do not care what shall become of me.'"2