March 2025
In 2024, the sacred stewardship of the Kirtland Temple was passed from Community of Christ to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—along with several historic buildings in Nauvoo, Illinois, and a number of significant documents and artifacts.
The purchase of property and artifacts by the Church has always had a higher purpose beyond their temporal value. The council involved in purchasing the Kirtland Temple, with its accompanying properties and artifacts, sought to provide more opportunities for people to visit historically significant places and feel the presence of the Spirit for themselves. “The Church did not consider itself deficient or incomplete without these historic properties,” explains Elder Kyle S. McKay, the Church’s historian and recorder. “But these things do provide a magnificent reminder of God’s dealings with His people—sacred evidence of the greatest Restoration ever.”
After coming to an agreement, the Church of Jesus Christ and Community of Christ jointly announced the change in ownership on March 5, 2024. A mere 20 days after the transaction, the Kirtland Temple and historical buildings in Nauvoo were opened for free public tours under the Church’s stewardship.
Hillary Kirkham, a curator with the Church History Department, says, “When visitors come, they can be in these buildings and see these artifacts or these documents, and the Spirit can testify to them.”
The process and completion of the transaction was considered an answer to many prayers from those involved. When pondering which artifacts, documents, and buildings to potentially purchase, the Church History Department looked to those places or items that were foundational to Church history and, in this case, would help illustrate the story of the Restoration. Each of the items included in the transaction can inspire and inform those wanting to learn more about this time period in Church history.
The Kirtland TempleAt the core of the transaction is the Kirtland Temple and its grounds, visitors’ center, and maintenance shop. Constructed between 1833 and 1836, the Kirtland Temple is one of a few places in the world where records confirm that Jesus Christ visited the exact location. The prophets Moses, Elijah, and Elias, who restored priesthood keys, also appeared there. The first temple built by Latter-day Saints, the Kirtland Temple was the scene of heavenly manifestations documented in the Doctrine and Covenants (see sections 109, 110, and 137).
Since the temple’s purchase, visitors have come from various U.S. states and countries around the world to see the Kirtland Temple and experience the sacred space for themselves.
Eighteen city blocks that had previously been called the Joseph Smith Historic Site by Community of Christ were transferred to the Church. Buildings include the Smith Family Homestead; Joseph and Emma Smith’s Mansion House; the reconstructed Red Brick Store, where the temple endowment was introduced and the Relief Society was founded; the Nauvoo House; and other historical buildings and sites with ties to Church history.
The precious documents and artifacts transferred during the transaction include translation materials used by Joseph Smith, manuscript pages of early revelations, a Church history manuscript, and more. From March to October 2024, the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah, displayed a selection of artifacts, including the original door of Liberty Jail, letters from Joseph Smith to his wife Emma, portraits of Joseph and Emma Smith painted during their lifetimes, and manuscripts and documents related to the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants.
People have found meaning and spiritual connection at the Church’s historic sites. Whether in person or through technology, they can draw nearer to heaven and feel the unifying power. You can help others feel the same connection.
As Church members experience our sacred past, they grow in their faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel, get helpful answers to questions, and receive spiritual strength and perspective.
Learn a little about how the Gheen family’s service in Nauvoo 175 years ago helped the Church grow.