Kirtland, Ohio

Kirtland, Ohio, where the Lord told Joseph Smith and members of the newly organized Church of Jesus Christ to move to because religious freedom was trampled upon in the State of New York and persecution was raging.

Newel K Whitney, a resident of Kirtland, Ohio and had a store. When Joseph Smith arrived in Kirtland he went up to Newel and said, "Newel K. Whitney! Thou art the man!" Not knowing who Joseph was, Newel responded, "I could not call you by name as you have me."

Joseph answered. "I am Joseph the Prophet; you have prayed me here, now what do you want of me?" Later Joseph & Emma were invited to stay in the Whitney home and in the upstairs of the store, which also served as the Church headquarters.

Newel K. Whitney became the Bishop of Kirtland and his store was the first bishop's storehouse where saints would bring their "goods" to trade for other needed items."

Color of buildings indicated ones status or wealth - the least expensive paint color was red - which accounts for the color of barns. The most expensive paint color was yellow. The Whitney home was yellow.

The first school of the Prophets was in the room above the Whitney store and also where Joseph Smith received many revelations including the "Word of Wisdom" and the word of the Lord to build a Temple.

As people from Europe, England, Canada, and Easter United States read the Book of Mormon and heard the Gospel message, they too wanted to follow the Lord's call to gather.

Even in their impoverished condition the Saints went to work to obey God's command to build a House of the Lord.

It was in Kirtland that the first Temple of these latter days was built. Temple dedication was 27 March 1837. There the Priesthood keys and ordinances were restored and where the prophecy of Malachai was fulfilled on 6 April 1837.

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Malachai 4:5-6)


The land was beautiful and plenty of water made it possible for them to have a mill and ashery.

They made potash used in making fine china. It was a hot and lengthy process but brought in good money.



The saints in Kirtland worked hard and built up a thriving community. They shared their homes and food with those new to Kirtland.

To the right is the Johnson Inn which now serves as a museum.

The Smith's lived at the Johnson farm and it was here that Joseph Smith was dragged from their bedroom (located on the main floor)

and tar and feathered and on the next morning, scared and bruised Joseph, standing outside the home, preached his Sunday morning sermon. Joseph did the work of the Lord, no matter how much evil prevailed against him.

We also visited the home where Eliza R. Snow and Pres. Lorenzo Snow lived.

Again religious persecution drove the saints out of Kirtland as they reluctantly left their Temple and headed to Missouri.

The Community of Christ Church (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints or RLDS) have ownership of the Temple now and they take good care of it and give tours.

We were able to go inside and view where miraculous visions and gifts of the Holy Ghost were experienced by the faithful saints.