Kirtland

We drove a long way after leaving Nauvoo. We stopped at our next destination in Kirtland, Ohio. Again, not a big name on the map, but important for us. Kirtland is where the first temple was built. Visting the Kirtland temple was an interesting experience. It is now owned by the Community of Christ church, formally known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They take wonderful tours through the temple. They tell of all the amazing architecture and woodwork. It's a great tour, but they miss the most important parts.

We believe that during a humble prayer offered by Joseph Smith, heaven was opened and Christ himself stood on the breastwork of the temple. Joseph and Oliver Cowdery also saw Moses, Elias and Elijah at this time. What an amazing thing to know, and it was passed over by the tour guide. We believe it, and I know it even more now. I'm grateful for that knowledge and for this experience. Other places in Kirtland were also wonderful to visit. The Newell K. Whitney store, which became the first Bishop's Storehouse, was a neat place to visit. Newell K. Whitney kept a record of every person who bought something in his store and what they bought. It was fun to see the record book and imagine what the lives and people were like back then.