Kirtland Temple
A National Historic Landmark

Kirtland Temple History

Constructed in the 1830s, this National Historic Landmark was the first temple built by Joseph Smith and his followers as they sought to "restore" primitive Christianity. Distinctive design features include tiers of elaborately carved pulpits on both ends of the large meeting rooms. The temple served as the center of community life for two thousand Latter Day Saints by 1838. Within a year, all but one hundred were gone. Explore the navigational tabs above to discover the temple story, solve the mystery of their sudden departure, and learn how the temple has been preserved over the past two centuries.

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The Top of the Kirtland Temple
Photo © 2008 Community of Christ

 

 

 
 

Kirtland Temple Mission Statement:
Engaging visitors in the legacy of the Kirtland Temple, embracing the sacred and secular significance of the historic site, and promoting religious tolerance and open dialogue among all people.

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Copyright 2012 Community of Christ