DAY 10: Kirtland, OH

Had no idea before coming here but Kirtland is right outside of Cleveland just miles from Lake Eire

Groundskeeping here is meticulous

The Johnson Inn

The Newel K Whitney Store. Joseph passed through those doors introducing himself as the prophet who they had prayed there. Joseph and Emma lived on the second floor for 6 months

This was Orson Hyde's bed while he worked as a storekeeper for Bishop Whitney and first became acquainted with the gospel

The small room on the second story of the Newel K Whitney store where the School of the Prophets was held. Lectures on Faith given here. Revelations of the Word of Wisdom and Oath & Covenant of the priesthood also received here

Kirtland Sawmill where the wood work for the Kitland temple was performed operated by Joel H Johnson who later wrote the hymn 'High on a Mountain Top.' He also contributed greatly to the building of the Salt Lake Temple

Kirtland Ashery

The only Ashery still standing in North America. President Hinckley specifically asked for it's restoration

So what is an Ashery? I had no idea until today. It was owned by Newel K Whitney and was a very profitable enterprise for him. Saints brought in ashes collected from fire and were paid $0.75 for a small bag. The ash was turned to potash and though a heating process into porcelain. During the three years while the temple was being built Newel K Whitney consecrated all profits to the church.

The Kirtland Temple. The Community of Christ does not allow pictures inside any of it's buildings

In front of the original 800 pound doors

Drew was nervous about going into the temple before he was 12.

At the end of the tour they let us sing 'The Spirit of God.' Pretty amazing to be able to sing that hymn in that location. (Drew served as the conductor by the way.)

Learned that the Kirtland temple has 3 levels:
Level 1: House of Worship (open for all Saints)
Level 2: House of Learning (priesthood only - to prepare them for missions)
Level 3: House of Order (church offices / headquarters)

Outside the windows of the first floor of Kitland Temple where Jesus Christ came to accept the temple and appeared to Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon.

Right across the street from the temple

The Morley Farm about 1.5 miles from the temple where the law of consecration was first unsuccessfully practiced. Joseph and Emma also lived there for a time. It was at the log cabin (later destroyed by a fire) where Joseph prophesied the church would fill North and South America and then the whole world. Also prophesied that the church would eventually be established in the Rocky Mountains

Site of the log cabin

Historic Johnson Farm (35 miles south of Kirtland)

While living at this farm Joseph was taken from his bed during the middle of the night and tarred and feathered. The infant Joseph Murdoch died 3 days later.

Joseph & Emmas downstairs bedroom he was taken from.

Outside windows of Joseph & Emma's room

Second floor of Johnson home where D&C 76 was received and where Joseph and Sidney saw the three kingdoms of glory