Originally created in 1969, the index was intended to help track the performance of temple ordinances for the deceased.

This resulted in these members being unable to participate in some temple ordinances.

Black people were permitted to be members of the church, and to participate in some temple ordinances, such as baptism for the dead.

Once black people were allowed to participate in temple ordinances, they could also perform the ordinances for their ancestors.

Smith used the house as a personal home, a public boarding house, a hotel, and as a site for the performance of temple ordinances.

Latter-day Saints believe that the human family tree all the way to Adam will have its temple ordinances completed.

The building was used primarily for performing temple ordinances.

It is unclear whether it was ever used to administer temple ordinances.

By the end of 1845, the building was sufficiently finished to allow temple ordinances to be performed.

The untranslated words are no longer used in temple ordinances and have been replaced by the English version.