The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has acquired the Kirtland temple in Ohio, the oldest structure in the Mormon movement, after purchasing it from Community of Christ two years ago. The acquisition has sparked renewed attention to the historic site, which followers believe was where Joseph Smith founded key religious practices and rituals in the 1830s. The church teaches that Smith gathered early members there and initiated ceremonies that followers believe are central to LDS practice.
Simultaneously, the LDS church is preparing to dedicate a newly constructed temple in a Cleveland suburb, marking the first functioning LDS temple in northern Ohio in nearly two centuries. The new temple, scheduled for dedication on August 16, features modern architecture with design elements that echo the original Kirtland structure. This dedication coincides with another new temple in Brazil, as part of what the church describes as an unprecedented global expansion of temple sites.
The Kirtland temple remains historically significant for both the LDS church and Community of Christ, the separately evolved denomination that previously maintained the building. The LDS church acquired the Kirtland temple along with other historic properties and artifacts for $192.5 million in a transaction both church leaderships characterized as amicable. Community of Christ continues to hold several meetings at the temple annually and has stated the sale supports its mission priorities.
The Kirtland site draws tens of thousands of visitors annually, including church members on historical tours and the general public. The original structure, built beginning in 1831, features distinctive architecture reflecting both period construction styles and what early builders believed was divine guidance. In 1836, approximately 1,000 people gathered to dedicate the building, where a hymn was sung that the LDS church reports continues to be used at temple dedications today.
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