The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has acquired the historic Kirtland temple in Ohio, the oldest structure in the Mormon movement, from the Community of Christ denomination. The building, located northeast of Cleveland, dates to the 1830s when Joseph Smith gathered with early followers of what became known as Mormonism. Smith and his associates reported experiencing visions and divine revelations at the site, which adherents believe established foundational spiritual practices for the movement.
The Kirtland temple was dedicated in 1836 with approximately 1,000 attendees. Its architectural design features assembly halls with multiple pulpits across different levels, reflecting the emerging priesthood hierarchy in early LDS practice. The structure represents the first building designated as a “temple” in Smith’s movement, distinguished from regular meetinghouses by its elevated spiritual significance within the faith. The LDS Church acquired the property in 2024 for $192.5 million in a transaction described by both churches’ leaders as amicable.
The acquisition of the Kirtland site coincides with significant activity in the region. The LDS Church is preparing to dedicate a new temple in a Cleveland suburb on August 16, which will serve as the first functioning LDS temple in northern Ohio in nearly two centuries. The new structure employs modern design but includes architectural elements, such as its cupola, that reference the historic Kirtland building. Church officials characterized the timing as symbolically fitting, given that the new temple stands in the region where the first LDS temple was constructed.
The Kirtland temple continues to operate as a public historic site, having welcomed more than 53,000 visitors in 2025. The building remains open to the general public, distinct from newer LDS temples which restrict access to members in good standing. The Community of Christ, which maintained the property for most of its history after early schisms within Smith’s original movement, continues to hold several meetings at the Kirtland temple annually despite the ownership transfer.
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