Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Temple Locale

The site of the Independence Temple, or Temple Lot (questions and answers) is located southwest of the intersection of Lexington Street and River Boulevard in Independence, Missouri. On site is the headquarters of the Church of Christ. East and south of the Temple Lot are the Community of Christ Temple and Auditorium, respectively. And southeast of the Temple Lot on Walnut Street is the visitors' center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also on Walnut are the Missouri Independence Mission office and the stake center for the Independence Missouri Stake.

Temple Facts

The Independence Temple was the first temple commanded to be built in this dispensation.

The Temple Lot is located in Jackson County—revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith to be the location of the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve were driven out, they dwelt in Adam-ondi-Ahman.

Bishop Edward Partridge paid $130 for the original 63.27-acre parcel that constitutes the larger Temple Lot.

In a revelation given on July 20, 1831, the Lord designated the location for the Independence Temple and declared Independence as the center place for the city of Zion.

On August 2, 1831, in obedience to a commandment received the day before, twelve men representing the twelve tribes of Israel assembled at a private location twelve miles west of Independence to consecrate the land for the gathering of the Saints and to symbolically lay the foundation for the city of Zion by solemnly placing the first log for a house.

Joseph Smith presided over the dedication of the Independence Temple site on August 3, 1831, and laid the northeast and southeast cornerstones (or corner markers).

Joseph Smith revealed his plan for the City of Zion in June 1833, which featured a complex of 24 temples in the center of a city with wide streets crossing at right angles.

A mob attacked the settlement of the Saints in Independence on July 20, 1833, destroying their press. Persecution increased in the ensuing months and by November, the Saints were forced to flee and locate temporarily in Clay County and then in Caldwell County where they established Far West.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began purchasing property in Independence in 1904, eventually acquiring nearly 20 of the original 63 acres.

While excavating for the foundation of a temple in 1929, the Church of Christ discovered the northeast and southeast cornerstone markers. The Great Depression set in shortly thereafter, and the temple was never built, but the stones are now on display in the headquarters building for the Church of Christ.

In 1971, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated a visitors' center, which offers insight into the significance of the past and future of the area.

Prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, a magnificent edifice—the New Jerusalem Temple—will be erected on the location of the Temple Lot.