Stannard Quarry
Construction of the temple began in early June of 1833. Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Lorenzo D. Young, and Reynolds Cahoon rode south in search of a quarry where stone suitable for the temple walls might be secured. Lorenzo's wagon was loaded with stones and taken back to the construction location. Fifteen year old George A. Smith also helped haul the first load of rocks from the quarry to the temple site. Hyrum Smith and Reynolds Cahoon immediately began digging a trench with their own hands where the foundation was to be laid.
The prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. was foreman and helped quarry the stone. Heber C. Kimball recorded the following when the brethren returned to Kirtland from the march of Zion's camp:
Joseph said, "Come brethren, let us go into the stone quarry and work for the Lord." The prophet went himself and worked at quarrying stone like the rest of us. Each Saturday we brought out every team and wagon and hauled the stone that had been cut to the temple site.
This schedule continued until the temple was finished.
Elder Kimball reported that those who did not have a team went to work in the stone quarry and prepared the stones for hauling to the temple. The presidency, high priests, and elders all worked together to assist in the work. Usually, on Saturday, they could transport to the temple site sufficient rocks to keep the masons busy for the entire week.