About the Kirtland Temple
An air of reverence about the Kirtland Temple touches believer and nonbeliever alike. This sturdy structure in the quaint, quiet village of Kirtland in the northeastern Ohio hills stands as a symbol of the sacrifice and the dedication of a small group of devoted Christians in the 1830's.

Located just east of Cleveland, the Kirtland Temple was the first house of worship for the followers of Joseph Smith, Jr., who founded the Latter Day Saint movement in western New York in 1830.

The Kirtland Temple symbolizes the eternal principle that human efforts can be directed by the will of God. Latter-day scripture contains some specific instruction about the building of the Temple. In obedience to this direction, the Latter Day Saints soon began construction of the building. They quarried sandstone from south of the Temple and cut native timbers from the surrounding forests. When the traveling ministers were home from their missions, they worked on the walls or at the quarries.

The Temple, begun in 1833 and dedicated in 1836, was one of the largest buildings in Northern Ohio. It is a combination of Greek, Georgian, Gothic, and Federalist architectural styles. The building has been designated a National Historical Landmark and has been recognized by The Architects Society of Ohio and The Ohio Historical Society.

The pulpits and the pews are among the distinctive features of the interior. Two sets of pulpits grace the main floor with another two sets on the second floor. The seats in the pew boxes are benches that can be shifted from the back to the front, thus making it possible for the congregation to face either the front or the rear pulpits.

The main floor of the Kirtland Temple was used for various services of worship, and the second floor was a school for the ministry. The third floor contained rooms for the "Kirtland High School," during the day and Church quorum meetings in the evening. The west third floor room was Joseph Smith, Jr.'s office.

Today the Kirtland Temple is open for tours through the year. The building is also used at various times for special services and classes.