Ohio's historic Kirtland temple purchased as LDS church prepares newest temple dedication
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has acquired Ohio's original Kirtland temple and is set to dedicate a modern temple in Independence, creating the state's oldest and newest LDS temples.
The historic Kirtland temple, constructed in the 1830s and regarded as the movement’s first temple, was purchased two years ago by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Community of Christ for $192.5 million and remains accessible to visitors as a heritage site. Guided tours led by Elder Brian Garner attract thousands, with 2025 visitor figures surpassing 53,000. On the same morning, members gathered in Independence, about 30 miles away, to preview a newly erected temple slated for dedication on Aug. 16, the first functioning LDS temple in northern Ohio since one outlet century.
Its modern architecture includes a cupola that mirrors the Kirtland structure, symbolizing continuity. Church spokesperson Mathias Held highlighted the regional significance, while attendees expressed deep personal connections to the historic site. Community of Christ, which managed the Kirtland property for decades, said the sale enhances its mission capacity, and its historic sites manager Seth Bryant reflected on the building’s lasting spiritual importance.
Why it matters
The story shows how a major religious organization preserves its heritage while expanding its presence in a historic region.
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