The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has purchased the Kirtland Temple—the first temple built in this dispensation—from the Community of Christ church, leaders of both faiths announced Tuesday, March 5, in a joint statement.
The landmark agreement also includes the purchase of several significant buildings in Nauvoo, Illinois, and important manuscripts and artifacts.
“Together, we share an interest in and reverence for these historic sites and items and are committed to preserving them for future generations,” wrote the leaders in the statement, dated March 5.
Discussions leading to this agreement have been ongoing since June 2021, according to the statement.
“We are deeply honored to assume the stewardship of these sacred places, documents, and artifacts,” said President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We thank our friends at Community of Christ for their great care and cooperation in preserving these historical treasures thus far. We are committed to doing the same.”
Community of Christ President Stephen M. Veazey said the exchange of assets is significant for his church. “Through funding from increased endowments, Community of Christ will have greater capacity to pursue our mission priorities around the world, including continuing to fulfill the divinely envisioned purposes for our temple in Independence, Missouri.”
The Kirtland Temple will remain an historic building and will not be converted into an operating Latter-day Saint temple, according to the question-and-answer statement released by the Church of Jesus Christ and the Community of Christ.
The Kirtland Temple, as well as the other historic buildings—all in Nauvoo—closed on March 5 to facilitate the transfer of ownership and will reopen to the public on March 25.
You can read more about the transaction, assets, and the other items included in the agreement on Church News.
► You may also like: Which Latter-day Saint temples are under construction around the world?