Immediately next to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Visitor Center and the Community of Christ Temple sits the ‘Temple Lot’. For these faiths (faiths that believe The Book of Mormon is holy scripture), this plot of land is like the equivalent of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem–a land desired and sought after by all the sects. Some call this the Mormon Holy Land.
In his day Joseph Smith Jr. prophesied that a temple would be built on this spot in preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Some find it ironic that one of the smallest branches from the Church of Jesus Christ ended up being the ones that held onto the most valued piece of property. The larger groups–having no other option– have purchased property as close as possible to this lot.
History
Independence, Missouri is the headquarters of the Church of Christ-Temple Lot. This is a small group (ranging from a few hundred to a thousand or so members) who, after the death of Joseph Smith banded together around a former missionary named Granville Hedrick to organize their own church. Many informally refer to the members of this church as the Hedrickites , nicknamed for their religious leader who was ordained in July of 1863.
The Church of Christ Temple Lot has held onto the temple lot for nearly 150 years. The lot spans for about 2 acres, and houses a small building serving as the headquarters for the church. The headquarters on the temple lot has been burned by case of arson a couple of times in its history.
Present
As of 2013 The Church of Christ Temple Lot had about 7,300 members–the majority of them residing near the Temple Lot itself. The Temple Lot remains as an empty, nicely kept, green field with a small modern building serving as the church headquarters.
What there is to see
The primary thing to do at this site is too walk the block and find the cornerstones that were laid for a temple.
If you would like to participate in any of the Church of Christ’s activities, the Church hosts a number of events every year that anyone is welcome to attend. Some of these include a yearly General Conference as well as a Youth Camp each summer. Some of the more frequently occurring events include regional Reunions, Rallies and Retreats.
Tips and Logistics
- RV Parking: There is little to no parking at the site. Best options are at the Church of Jesus Christ visitor center to the south east or at one of the Community of Christ multiple parking lots.
- The volunteer guides in the Church of Christ Temple Lot building are friendly and are happy to explain their beliefs to you.
Camping
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park
Features include:
- Picnic table, fire ring, and grill are available at each site
- Shower and laundry facilities
- Playground
- Water/Electric Sites available
- Tents and RV’s welcome
Rates:
Unimproved – $20/night
Electric – 30 amp $25/night
Electric- 50 amp $35/night
Wallace State Park
Wallace State Park is a fantastic place that includes options for lodging, sleeping in your tent or RV.
Features and tips include:
- Picnic sites scattered throughout the campground
- Visitors can fish in the park’s six-acre lake
- Modern restrooms and hot showers
- Campground open year-round
Directions
From the Harry S Truman Library and Museum (about 5 min)
- Head southeast toward N Pleasant St
- Slight right onto N Pleasant St
- Turn right onto US-24 W
- Turn left onto N River Blvd
From Adam-ondi-Ahman (About 1h 30 min)
- Get on I-35 S in Colfax Twonship from MO-13 S, MO-6 W and US-69 S
- Continue on I-35 S to KCMO. Take exit 60 from I-435 S
- Follow MO-12 E/E Truman Rd to N River Blvd in Independence
From Far West Temple Site (about 1h)
- Get on I-35 S in Lathrop Township from NW State Hwy D and MO-116 W
- Continue on I-35 S to KCMO. Take exit 60 from I-435 S
- Follow MO-12 E/E Truman Rd to N River Blvd in Independence
From Watkins Woolen Mill State Park (about 40 min away)
- Take Old Quarry Rd and State Hwy JJ to MO-210 W in Fishing River Township
- Continue on MO-210 W. Take MO-291 S to N River Blvd in Independence
- Turn left onto N River Blvd
Near by Attractions
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
On the topic of many of these posts on sites in Missouri it’s of interest to note that President Harry S. Truman was actually from Independence Missouri and his wife was a member of what was then the RLDS church. The Truman Library is one of fourteen Presidential Libraries operated by the Federal government.Presidential Libraries are administered by the National Archives and Records Administration as part of the nation’s record-keeping system. The Truman Library & Museum is just a 5 minute drive around the corner from this site, and definitely worth a drop-in.
Independence Missouri Visitor Center
The Independence Missouri Visitor Center is essentially the starting point for all Missouri Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints history sites. It is built upon land that was once purchased to establish the center place of Zion. Across the street from it are several sites of interest.
Liberty Jail
Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are familiar with this jail even though Liberty, Missouri was never a major gathering place for the Church of Jesus Christ.
Haun’s Mill
‘Haun’s Mill’ is a site that commemorates the killing of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in what is known as ‘Haun’s Mill Massacre’. While today there is little more than a field, markers are set to remind us of the event and early history of the Church.
Adam-ondi-Ahman
This valley is believed to be a place with ancient history associated with Adam. It is of significance to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today because it has been dedicated as a temple spot, and known as an important gathering spot.
Far West
For a couple years members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints went about building up a stake in Far West before being forced to leave. Following the command of the Lord, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and some others actually came back one night to dedicate the land as a future spot for a temple site. Today it is still regarded as such and has cornerstones laid for a future temple.
Richmond Cemetery
Oliver Cowdery, one of the three witnesses and an early scribe for Joseph Smith, is buried somewhere in this small cemetery. He died in Richmond after rejoining the Church at Winter Quarters and coming back to Richmond to talk David Whitmer (his brother-in-law) into going west with him. Other members and pioneers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are buried here including Jacob Whitmer (one of the eight witnesses). The Church erected a large monument to the three witnesses who saw the plates on which the Book of Mormon was written.
Community of Christ Temple and Auditorium
Independence is the headquarters of the Community of Christ (formally known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or “RLDS”). This group traces its beginning to 1860 when Joseph Smith III agreed to take leadership. For some time they were located in Nauvoo, Illinois and Lamoni, Iowa, before moving to Independence, Missouri. This site has options for tours, concerts, and open participation in ceremonies at both their temple and auditorium.