Kirtland Temple

Kirtland Temple
Historic site
Dedication	March 27, 1836, by Joseph Smith
Site	5.8 acres (2.3 ha)
Floor area	15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2)
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Kirtland Temple → Nauvoo Temple
Additional information
Announced	December 27, 1832, by Joseph Smith
Groundbreaking	June 5, 1833
Location	Kirtland, Ohio, United States
Geographic coordinates	41°37′31″N 81°21′44″W / 41.62528°N 81.36222°W / 41.62528; -81.36222
Exterior finish	Sandstone and stucco
Temple design	Federal Georgian and New England Colonial
Notes	Community of Christ-owned until March 5, 2024. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-owned since March 5, 2024.
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Kirtland Temple
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
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Location	Kirtland, Ohio
Coordinates	41°37′31″N 81°21′44″W / 41.62528°N 81.36222°W / 41.62528; -81.36222
Built	1833
Architect	Smith, Joseph; Et al.
Architectural style	Gothic, Federal
NRHP reference No.	69000145[1]
Added to NRHP	June 4, 1969

The Kirtland Temple is the first temple built by adherents of the Latter Day Saint movement, located in Kirtland, Ohio, and dedicated in March 1836. Joseph Smith, the movement's founder, directed the construction following a series of reported revelations, and the temple showcases a blend of Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival architectural styles.^[2] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Prior to March 5, 2024, the temple was owned and operated by Community of Christ (previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS)) for over a century before ownership transferred to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Construction of the Kirtland Temple was a community effort involving significant contributions from church members, including the establishment of a sawmill and an ashery to supply building materials. The temple features unique architectural elements such as adjustable pews and dual pulpits, reflecting its multifunctional use for worship and education. The third floor was used for academic and religious instruction, emphasizing the importance of Hebrew studies to the faith's theological development.

The dedication on March 27, 1836, was attended by approximately one thousand people and included traditional rites such as the Hosanna Shout. Reports of visions and spiritual experiences by church leaders, including the restoration of certain priesthood keys through ancient prophets Moses, Elias (understood to be the Biblical prophet Malachi), and Elijah, were documented and later canonized in the Doctrine and Covenants. These keys represented various aspects of religious authority, including the gathering of Israel, the gospel of Abraham, and sealing powers. Not long after the dedication, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery reported seeing Jesus Christ "standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit."

Throughout its history, the Kirtland Temple has undergone various ownership changes and legal disputes, ultimately maintaining its status as a place of worship and historical significance within the Latter Day Saint movement. Today, it continues to serve as a historic site, open year-round for guided tours, meetings, and events, attracting visitors from around the world, and around 100,000 visitors annually. The temple's rich history, architectural distinctiveness, and ongoing religious and community use make it a unique landmark in American religious history.