Independence Missouri - Community of Christ

Church sites in Missouri begin at the Independence Visitors� Center. This center honors both past and present with exhibits depicting experiences of Mormon settlers in Missouri between 1831 and 1839. There are also exhibits about the importance of families, the Book of Mormon, and messages from modern prophets. Basically, it's tailored for new or non-members. For those who have been in the church awhile, if you ever questioned what would happen to the LDS Church if it was led by a bunch of uninspired non-priesthood holding brethren.....take a tour of the Community of Christ temple.

The Independence Temple was the first temple commanded to be built in this dispensation. Bishop Edward Partridge paid $130 for the original 63.27-acre parcel. 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. Joseph Smith presided over the dedication of the Independence Temple site on August 3, 1831 and laid the northeast and southeast cornerstones. By 1838 the persecution of locals had driven out the saints from the area. Years later in 1904, the Church began purchasing property in Independence, 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 Church of Christ never built their temple and the stones are now on display in that Church's visitors' center room. Prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the New Jerusalem Temple will be erected on the location of the Temple Lot. Until the LDS Church can acquire that exact location that was dedicated in 1831, I personally don't believe you will see a temple in Independence.
Wake up Church of Christ....you missed the boat somewhere along the way!

The Community of Christ tour ends with a visit to their small museum were there are several artifacts that LDS members will find very interesting.

The site of the Independence Temple is located southwest of the intersection of Lexington Street and River Boulevard. On much of the site is the headquarters of the Church of Christ. To the east and south of the Temple Site are the Community of Christ (former Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) Temple and Auditorium. And southest of the Temple Site is the visitors' center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as the the Missouri Independence Mission office and the Independence Missouri Stake Center.

Independence Missouri - LDS, Community of Christ and Church of Christ Sights