The Restoration in Images

Kirtland, Ohio was a gathering place for the early saints, providing a brief refuge from persecution and a time for spiritual consolidation.  Joseph Smith arrived in Kirtland in February, 1831 and lived in the upstairs of the Whitney store .  The Whitney store was also the location for the School of the prophets.  Joseph and Emma moved to the Morley Farm in March of 1831.

The first temple was built in Kirtland.  Construction began on the 6th of June, 1833 and was dedicated on the 21st of January, 1836.  Abandoned a few years later as the saints left Kirtland due to mounting persecution and apostasy, the fact that this edifice still stands today is a tribute to the members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now known as the Community of Christ Church,  who sacrificed much  to preserve it.