Kirtland Temple Pictures
Kirtland Temple stands as a testament to the early days of the Latter Day Saint movement. Located at 9020 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, Ohio, this remarkable edifice overlooks the picturesque Chagrin Valley, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland. It was officially announced to the public on December 27, 1832, following divine instructions given to the early Saints to establish a house of God.
Early Beginnings and Construction
On June 1, 1833, the task of construction began, following revelations that included specific design elements from the Lord to Joseph Smith and other leaders. Amidst challenges, such as threats from hostile mobs, the building was diligently protected during the night. A cornerstone-laying gathering occurred on July 23, 1833, presided over by Prophet Joseph Smith, Apostle Sidney Rigdon, and Apostle Frederick G. Williams.
By the fall of 1833, church members had even erected a sawmill nearby to expedite the construction process. After years of dedicated effort, Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836, with about 1,000 attendees present. The dedication lasted an impressive seven hours, and participants experienced a significant outpouring of heavenly manifestations, which included visions, prophecies, and other extraordinary events. Joseph Smith later recounted that he beheld angels within the building during this monumental occasion.
A Change in Ownership and Preservation
On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, during the Jewish Passover, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Lord’s acceptance of the building. Over the next few years, as the Saints moved on, the Kirtland Temple remained a venue for public engagement and private reflection, even serving as a public school for an extended period.
In 1880, the Community of Christ (formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) regained ownership of Kirtland Temple, undertaking its restoration to preserve its historical integrity. This stewardship lasted for 144 years until ownership transferred to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 5, 2024.
Architectural Features
Kirtland Temple spans 15,000 square feet and reaches a height of 110.5 feet, featuring three stories. It is built on 5.8 acres and displays a fusion of Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival architectural styles. Notably, the exterior is adorned with sandstone stucco and is punctuated by a prominent steeple and cupola.
- The unique windows, crafted by Brigham and Joseph Young, were part of the artistic vision of early Latter Day Saint artisans. While there are no traditional paintings or murals adorning the interior, it features clean architectural lines and historical symbols, such as the Meander pattern.
- The Kirtland Temple interiors reflect a simple yet functional design. Natural light filters through clear and frosted glass, complemented by oil lamps that illuminate the space.
The Legacy of Kirtland Temple
Kirtland Temple continues to hold a vital place in the history of the faith. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977. The early Saints referred to it simply as the “Lord’s House,” a term reflective of its significance during that time.
As preparations continue for reopening on March 25, 2024, following careful renovations, the enduring legacy of Kirtland Temple remains firmly planted in the history and culture of the Latter Day Saint movement. Whether you are drawn by its architectural beauty or its rich history, Kirtland Temple remains an integral piece of Ohio’s religious landscape.