Adam-ondi-Ahman
Doctrine and Covenants 116:1
1 Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.
President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:
“Adam-ondi-Ahman was not just a small spot resting on the brow of the hill, but this name has reference to the surrounding territory. One can obtain a beautiful view from this ancient altar overlooking the valley through which courses Grand River. It was in this valley where Adam called together the faithful of his posterity three years before his death and blessed them [see D&C 107:53]. It will be in this same valley where the Ancient of Days [Adam] shall sit at the grand gathering of the worthies who have held keys of the dispensations, and where Adam will make his report, likewise all others who have been given keys, and our Savior shall be crowned King of kings and take His place as the rightful ruler of the earth.
“The name, Adam-ondi-Ahman, was revealed some years before this visit, whether or not Joseph Smith knew definitely of its location we do not know. In a revelation given in March 1832, the Lord refers to Adam-ondi-Ahman . . . wherein He speaks of the authority of Adam and the establishing of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and declares that Adam holds the keys of salvation under the direction of the Holy One, ‘who is without beginning of days or end of life,’ who is Jesus Christ [see D&C 78:15–16]. One of the hymns sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple was by Elder William W. Phelps, known as ‘Adam-ondi-Ahman’ [see Hymns (1985), no. 49]. The name, therefore, was well known before this visit to Tower Hill, and before the Prophet had pointed out this place as the one where Adam visited his posterity, and where he will come at the grand council. . . .
“[The Prophet Joseph Smith said,] ‘Adam-ondi-Ahman is located immediately on the north side of Grand River, in Daviess County, Missouri, about twenty-five miles north of Far West. It is situated on an elevated spot of ground, which renders the place as healthful as any part of the United States, and overlooking the river and the country round about, it is certainly a beautiful location’ [History of the Church, 3:39].”
(Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 2:89–90.)
