Temple reopens for public tours

The historic Kirtland Temple has reopened for public tours, under the new direction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Public tours will begin at 10 a.m. from the temple’s Visitor’s Center, located at 7809 Joseph St., in Kirtland, according to a news release. Tours are free and will run every half-hour, with the last tour departing at 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Sunday tours will run from 1 until 4 p.m.

For the first time in decades, tours will include the third floor of the temple, which housed the office of the faith’s founder, Joseph Smith, the release stated.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased the Kirtland Temple from the Community of Christ Church earlier this month. Discussions leading to the sale of the temple began between the two churches in 2021.

The Kirtland Temple, dedicated by Joseph Smith in 1836, marked the beginning of temple worship among Latter-day Saints, the release stated. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the Kirtland Temple was the site of heavenly visitations from ancient prophets, apostles and Jesus Christ, himself.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently operates 188 temples worldwide.

The planned Cleveland Temple — announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson in 2022 — will be located in Independence. No groundbreaking ceremony date has been announced.

The Kirtland Temple will remain a historic building, and will be operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of its historic sites located just down the hill from the temple, the release stated.