In a joint statement released on Tuesday, March 5, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ announced the acquisition of the Kirtland Temple — the first temple built in this dispensation — by the former from the latter.
This landmark agreement also encompasses the purchase of several notable buildings in Nauvoo, Illinois, along with significant 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.
According to the statement, discussions leading to this agreement have been ongoing since June 2021.
“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.”
President Stephen M. Veazey of the Community of Christ expressed the significance of the asset exchange for his church, stating, “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.”
Despite the transfer of ownership, the Kirtland Temple will retain its status as a historic building and will not be converted into an operating Latter-day Saint temple, as outlined in a question-and-answer statement jointly released by both churches.
Effective March 5, the Kirtland Temple and the other historic buildings in Nauvoo have closed temporarily to facilitate the transfer of ownership, with plans to reopen to the public on March 25.
Further details regarding the transaction, assets, and additional items included in the agreement will be provided in subsequent communications, as stated in the joint statement.
