Kirtland Temple Photography
The Kirtland Temple holds a significant place in the history of early Mormonism, built during a period of spiritual and community development among the Saints. Located at 9020 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, Ohio, this site overlooks the picturesque Chagrin Valley and rests on a bluff approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland.
The Origins and Construction of the Kirtland Temple
The journey toward the Kirtland Temple began with divine instruction. On December 27, 1832, the Lord urged the Saints to establish a house of God, as documented in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119. Just a few months later, on June 1, 1833, the Lord chastened the Saints for their slow progress in building this sacred space.
Construction officially commenced on June 6, 1833. During this period, the construction site required protection from hostile groups, leading to nighttime guards being stationed to safeguard it from potential threats. A cornerstone-laying event took place on July 23, 1833, presided over by prominent leaders such as Prophet Joseph Smith and Apostles Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams.
By the fall of that year, additional efforts were made to expedite the building process, including the establishment of a sawmill on Stoney Brook. Ultimately, the Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836, an event that approximately 1,000 individuals attended, experiencing a notable outpouring of extraordinary manifestations such as visions, prophecies, and angelic appearances.
The Dedication and Early Events
The dedication on March 27, 1836, lasted for an impressive seven hours. Joseph Smith recounts that during the dedication, a noise resembling a rushing wind filled the Temple. This extraordinary moment was marked by communal expressions of inspiration and divine encounters. On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, the Lord appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery inside the Kirtland Temple, accepting it as His house. This occasion was documented in Doctrine and Covenants Section 110.
Following the dedication, the Saints experienced an outflow of spiritual gifts, signifying the importance of the Temple during its early years. However, just two years later, many Saints abandoned Kirtland, leading to varied uses for the building, including its conversion to a public school for many years.
A Change in Stewardship and Preservation
In 1880, the Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, reclaimed ownership of the Kirtland Temple. Their stewardship aimed to restore and maintain the site as closely to its original condition as possible, a commitment that lasted for 144 years.
On March 5, 2024, ownership transitioned to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a negotiated amount. Following a brief closure for updates, the Temple is scheduled for reopening on March 25, 2024.
Architectural Features
The Kirtland Temple spans 15,000 square feet and is three stories tall, towering at an elevation of 765 feet. Constructed at a height of 110.5 feet, it stands on 5.8 acres, featuring exterior finishes of sandstone and stucco with plaster. Architectural styles include Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival influences, highlighted by a large steeple and cupola.
Inside, the design emphasizes simplicity with two large wooden assembly rooms adorned with two-way pulpits and movable pews. Notably, the interior features no traditional art or murals; instead, it employs natural light through its windows and relies on historically accurate oil lamps for illumination.
The exterior doors exhibit distinctive olive green coloring and feature Federal-style elements, while inside, the doors consist of classic New England-style Gothic or Federal paneling. Interestingly, the Kirtland Temple does not feature a baptismal font, instruction rooms, or sealing rooms.
Final Thoughts
The Kirtland Temple is a vital piece of religious and cultural history. Not only does it represent the early struggles and triumphs of the Saints, but it also offers a glimpse into the architectural and spiritual aspirations of its time. The narrative of this space continues to unfold, with its rich legacy shaping future generations.