Kirtland, Ohio

One of the reasons that we have always wanted to take a drive East is to see some of the historical sights for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Saints lived in Kirtland, Ohio from 1830 to 1838. Despite financial hardship, the members were able to build a temple to the Lord.
The Kirtland temple still stands. And because it is no longer owned by the Mormons, it is open for tours through the Community of Christ.
The temple required so much sacrifice. The people barley had a roof over their head, but they eagerly contributed time, and money to build the temple.

We stopped for the night just outside Cleveland, and took a tour the next morning.
Many important revelations were shown to Joseph Smith during the Kirtland era. It was also a trying time for his family as persecution continued to follow them, and they lost children shortly after birth.

Joseph and Emma Smith rode the 300 miles from Palmyra New York to Kirtland in an open sleigh in the middle of Winter. Emma was seven months pregnant. They stopped first at the general store of Newel K. Whitney. Whitney and his wife, who was an excellent record keeper, had been praying to know if the church was true after they had listened to missionaries preaching.
When Joseph walked into the store he called Newel K. Whitney by name. He told him he was Joseph Smith and that Whitney had prayed him there, so what did he need from him?
The early Saints lived in Kirtland one year longer than they did in Nauvoo. Much of what Joseph was directed to do in establishing the Church was revealed here. Just a few miles from the temple is the Johnson Farm, which we did not visit. It is the sight of the mob attack on Joseph and his family, which left him tarred and feathered, and his infant son sick to the point of death after being exposed to the elements by the mob, while already not well.
I like the big, heavy, green doors on the temple. They are original to the building.

The tour of the temple was good. But I loved the tour of the general store. The building is 80% original, and it was the cutest thing ever!
We stopped at the visitors center first, which is run by missionaries from our church. They have a short movie they show before the tour. It, like all the church movies, was really well done, and the kids loved it. It was perfect to give them an idea of why we were looking at all these old buildings. The re enactments really stuck with them.
Joseph and Emma lived above the store, with a kitchen in the back, for about a year and a half. The upper floor of the store includes a small room, with a tiny fireplace that was designated the School of the Prophets. We were encouraged to be very reverent and allow the Spirit to teach us as we entered the room. Our kids were cooperative with this! Except for their many child like questions and observations.
Many revelations were given in this room, including the revelation to build a temple, the Word of Wisdom, and instructions on translation.
This spot remains sacred even today. Many men had visions in the upper room of this store. Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ also appeared in this room.

I am sure that it was difficult for the Whitneys to leave this charming store, and their home across the street, and head to the unknown, with no home. Their faithfulness in the face of persecution is so touching.
I feel like I am forgetting important details of this stop, and I can't get my mind in recall mode. I will make edits as I remember! Better to post it now, before my mind loses more information! Wow! I must be getting old!