A Visit to Kirtland

While we were in Central Ohio we decided to make a day trip to Kirtland.  It is a small settlement in northern Ohio where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered shortly after the Church was founded.  Between 1831 and 1838, Joseph Smith ans early members of the Church estanlished Church headquarters in Kirkland, built a temple and laid a foundation of strength for the future.

We visited the Isaac Morley Farm.  This farm became a gathering place for many Church members who came to Kirtland.  Joseph Smith lived at the farm for six months in 1831.  There he received 13 revelations, which are now included in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Newel K. Whitney Store was an important gathering place in the community.  Whitney generously provided rooms in the store forChurch meetings, offices, and a home for Joseph Smith and his family.  The school of the prophets room was especially sacred to me.

The Whitney home was quite fancy, with both a summer and winter kitchen.  I loved how there was a compartment above the central fireplace where blankets were warmed before bedtime.

The sawmill, powered by water, provided lumber for the construction of the Kirtland Temple.

Potash was produced at the Ashery.  They exported it to eastern markets and were paid a phenomenal amount of money ($200/barrel).  Funds from this enterprise were used to help sustain the Church.

They have reconstructed the Johnson Inn.  It is filled with interactive exhibits and there is a wonderful film recounting the growth of the Church while it was in Kirtland.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Kirtland and have a greater appreciation for the early Saints.