Kirtland Temple Temple News
Situated on a bluff in northeastern Ohio, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland, the Kirtland Temple stands majestically overlooking the Chagrin Valley. Established in the early 1830s, its construction and history reflect the dedication of the early Kirtland Saints and have left a lasting legacy.
The Origins of the Kirtland Temple
On December 27, 1832, the Lord instructed the Saints to establish a house (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:119). This important event marked the beginning of a significant journey for the early church members. By June 1, 1833, the Lord expressed His displeasure regarding the lack of progress on the house. In the same revelation, He also revealed the design of what would become the Kirtland Temple (Doctrine and Covenants 95).
Construction began on June 6, 1833. During this period, the temple required protection from threatening mobs and vandals, requiring guards to oversee the site at night. A cornerstone-laying event took place on July 23, 1833, presided over by the First Presidency, including Prophet Joseph Smith and Apostles Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams.
By the fall of 1833, church members built a sawmill to expedite the building process, showcasing their commitment to this significant undertaking.
A Momentous Dedication
The Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836, led by Prophet Joseph Smith. Approximately 1,000 individuals were in attendance during this historic occasion that lasted for seven hours. That day was marked by extraordinary experiences, including an outpouring of heavenly manifestations. Joseph Smith documented that many attendees began to speak in tongues and prophesy, and the temple filled with angels, as described in Section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants. A notable phenomenon occurred when a noise akin to a rushing wind filled the space, astonishing nearby residents.
Later Years and Restoration
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, an extraordinary event took place when the Lord appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery within the temple’s walls, indicating His acceptance of the building. The record of this experience can be found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 110, detailing the restoration of priesthood keys through ancient prophets.
Despite the remarkable dedication, the temple’s usage evolved, as two years later, many Saints moved away from Kirtland, and the temple transitioned to private use and later served as a public school. In 1880, the Community of Christ reclaimed ownership and restored the temple to its original condition, overseeing it for 144 years.
On March 5, 2024, ownership of the Kirtland Temple transferred to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for an agreed amount, with major preparations set in place for its reopening on March 25, 2024.
Architectural Features
The Kirtland Temple, built on 5.8 acres, embodies various architectural styles, including Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival. It spans 15,000 square feet and reaches a height of 110.5 feet. With three stories, the temple includes two large assembly rooms complemented by unique two-way pulpits and movable pews. The design was inspired by revelations received by Prophet Joseph Smith, incorporating both spaces for worship and education.
Intriguingly, Kirtland Temple has no baptismal font or instruction rooms, reflecting its historical context; early Saints referred to it as the “Lord’s House.” The absence of traditional art and murals in the interior highlights its architectural simplicity, focusing on natural light and utilizing historically accurate oil lamps.
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- Exterior Features
- Interior Layout
- The Journey Ahead
Conclusion
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, the Kirtland Temple represents a profound narrative in the history of the church. Its ongoing significance reflects the commitment of both past and present members, ensuring that its historical and spiritual legacy endures for future generations.