Washing and anointing

In preparation for the temple endowment, a person, generally over the age of 18, is sprinkled with water, then anointed with perfume or oil as a cleansing before God.

[2][5] The LDS Church introduced washings and anointings in the Kirtland Temple in 1836, before revising the rituals in Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842.

[1] The modern LDS Church only performs these rites in temples set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes according to a January 19, 1841 revelation that Joseph Smith stated was from Jesus Christ.

To ensure religious purity, Mosaic law required that designated individuals receive a ritual washing, sometimes in preparation for entering the temple.

As the Latter Day Saints were completing their first temple in Kirtland, Ohio, founder Joseph Smith led many of the prominent male church members in a pre-endowment ritual patterned after similar washings and anointings described in the Bible.

"[17] Soon after the temple's dedication on 27 March 1836, about 300 Latter Day Saint men participated in a further ritual washing of feet and faces.

[4][18] After the Latter Day Saints left Nauvoo, women continued to administer washings and anointings in their homes as well as in temples.

[19] In one instance Ezra T. Benson called on women who were ordained to wash and anoint to get rid of a disease affecting the Cache Valley.

[19] This practice of washing and anointing in the home was curtailed in the 1880s and by the April 1921 general conference, the consensus was that blessings performed by Melchizedek Priesthood holders should be sought whenever possible.

Sarah Cleveland and Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who were counselors in the Relief Society Presidency, administered to Abigale Leonard "for the restoration of health."

Minute notes also indicate that Sister Martha Sessions may have laid her hands on Eliza R. Snow to give her a blessing during this meeting.

[21] In the following Relief Society meeting, on April 28th, 1842, Joseph Smith said that anyone who has faith can give priesthood blessings to heal the sick.

[24] These modern rites are now only performed for LDS Church members in temples set apart and dedicated for sacred purposes, according to a January 19, 1841 revelation that Joseph Smith stated was from Jesus Christ.