History
In the first few years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith received instructions from the Lord to build a temple. That temple was to be built in Kirtland, Ohio. Built from sandstone and years of labor, the temple was completed on March 27, 1836. The Temple was only used for about two years since most of the Church members were forced to abandon Kirtland in 1838. At that time the Temple was ruined and its ownership challenged. The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as the Community of Christ Church gained title to the building in 1880. In 2024 the temple was sold to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The layout of the Kirtland temple is significantly different from that of other temples in the Church of Jesus Christ today because it’s function was different. It’s three floors lack commodities associated with the restored church’s temple worship, such as a font for baptisms. The lower courts inside of the Kirtland temple were used primarily for worship services while the second floor was used for education, and housed the “School of mine apostles”. The third floor was used for general academic classes during the day and quorum meetings in the evenings. Church offices, including that of Joseph Smith were also located on that floor.
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Present Day
Must See
Tips and Logistics
Where to Stay
Directions
Near by Attractions
Present Day
The same bricks and stone from the original construction are still there today. Unlike the Nauvoo temple, the Kirtland temple was never completely abandoned. The temple has been restored and maintain s a significant historic site. The tours is it for a chance to view amazing early nineteenth century architecture and building techniques as well as learn of the powerful events that occurred in the building.
Today there are over 50 worship and educational meetings held inside of it each year.
Orientate Yourself in Relation to the Past
As you stand in front of the Kirtland Temple, facing the entrance:
- The cemetery to your right is where Hyrum Smith’s first wife, Jerusha, is buried as well as Louoisa and Thaddeus, twins of Joseph and Emma Smith. Mary Duty Smith, grandmother of the prophet, is also buried here. At one time there was a Methodist Church on the same property as the cemetery, but it burned down.
- The old home to your right, across from the cemetery, was the home of Joseph Smith Sr.
The old building across the street from the Joseph Smith, Sr., home was the home of Joseph and Emma. Joseph operated a variety story from this same site.
As you turn further to the right:
- The building directly across the street is a Community of Christ meetinghouse
- If you look across the street you’ll see the same white house that used to belong to Sydney Rigdon. However, the house has changed over the years it was actually much smaller in his day.
- After that if you look further down the street to the south you’ll see the former home of Hyrum Smith.
- Next to the temple, on the south, is the Kirtland Safety Society Bank.
- Behind the temple was the print shop.
Must See
- Specialty tour “Basement to Bell tower Tour”. This tour begins at the visitor center but it is not offered every day so check with the guides to see when this is available.
This is for those who want to see the behind the scene makeup of the temple. You can climb into the crawl spaces on either side of the vaulted ceilings, go up the winding stairs of the belfry, view the basement and stone pillars and log supports, and open the door of the bell tower and look out over Kirtland.
Tips and Logistics
- Parking tip: The parking options at the Temple are limited especially for RV’s. You may need to find parking on the side streets of the building. The Kirtland Stake Center (red brick chapel) is North-east of the temple. You can start by turning west at the Whitney store and go about two blocks until you see it on the right side of the road just before you go up a long hill. Plenty of parking is available.
- Quick Stop:
As you drive along this section and near Kirtland (between Punderson State Park and Kirtland on State Route 306), you will see an entrance on the left side of the road that leads to Chapin Forest Park. In this park there is the quarry from which the Saints took the stones for the temple. It makes a nice stop if you have the time.
Where to Stay in your RV
Punderson State Park (about 25min away)
There are very limited camping options right near Kirtland, OH. Our recommendation is Punderson State Park. This Ohio state park is just south of the Kirtland area. This location is rather convenient because it is on your way to the Historic Johnson Family Farm. We find Punderson State Park to be a great base location to explore the Kirtland Ohio area. This State Park includes overnight options for tents, cabins for rent, RV hookups (electricity and water) and dump stations and if you’re feeling posh you can sleep in one of the Manor rooms . Punderson State Park is often remembered for its beautiful boardwalks, golf courses, and 150 acre lake.
Other highlights include:
- boats for rent
- fishing
- hiking
- naturalist program
- showers
- small laundry
- nature walks
Directions
From Cleveland Ohio (about 25min):
- Get on OH-2 E from W 3rd St
- Take I-90 E to OH-306 S/Broadmoor Rd in Willoughby. Take exit 193 from I-90
- Turn right onto OH-306 S/Broadmoor Rd
- Continue to follow OH-306 S
- Destination will be on your right
From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (about 2h 15min)
- Get on I-579 N/Vetrans Bridge
- Take I-279, I-76 W, I-80 W, I-480 W and I-271 N to OH-306 S/Broadmoor Rd in Willoughby . Take exit 193 from I-90 E
- Turn right onto OH-306 S/Broadmoor Rd
- Continue to follow OH-306 S
- Destination will be on the right
Near by Attractions
Historic Kirtland Visitor’s Center (3min North)
This Center is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and oversees many village sites from the time of the beginnings of the church in Kirtland.
Adjacent Village Sites
- The Kirtland Ashery
- Isaac Morley Farm
- John Johnson Home
- Johnson Inn Resource Center
- Newel K. Whitney Store
- Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney Home
- Sawmill
- Schoolhouse
- Kirtland Temple Stone Quarry
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