The Temple As a House of Learning

Hugh Nibley, in a BYU graduation address, told how the "Doctrine and Covenants 109" describes the function and purpose of the temple as much the same as those of a university: A house where all seek learning by study and faith, by a discriminating search among the best books (no official list is given—you must search them out), and by constant discussion—diligently teaching "one another words of wisdom"; everybody seeking greater light and knowledge as all things come to be "gathered in one"—hence university (D&C 109:7, 14; 42:36)."

The Kirtland Temple was the first temple erected in this dispensation just after the Church was restored.

The School of the Prophets, a forerunner to temple worship, was established three years before the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. The school met in a room above the Newel K. Whitney Store. The School of the Prophets, allowed leaders of the new Church to study the gospel together.

Also See:

The School of the Prophets, at Mormon Think

School of the Prophets - 2013 Sweden at Mormon Think