Introduction to Ohio Historic Sites
Historic Kirtland served as the Church’s headquarters from 1831 to 1838. There, Joseph Smith received many revelations, leading to significant growth in the Church and the construction of the Kirtland Temple.
“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—that by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.”
Whitney home and store in Kirtland, Ohio.
Historic Kirtland
Historic Kirtland is located in northeast Ohio, approximately 20 miles (32 km) east of Cleveland.
In December 1830, Joseph Smith—then living at theWhitmer Home in Fayette, New York —received a revelation commanding the Saints to “assemble together at the Ohio” (Doctrine and Covenants 37:3 ).
In a second revelation, the Lord explained that He wanted to “gather … a righteous people” and promised the Saints that in Ohio He would “give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:31–32 ).
In February 1831, Joseph Smith and his wife Emma—then several months pregnant—made the nearly 280-mile journey on icy roads from Fayette to Kirtland. In Kirtland, Joseph found a small but growing group of enthusiastic converts. Soon, additional Saints from the branches in Manchester; Fayette; and Colesville, New York, would also gather in the Kirtland area.
In December 1830, Joseph Smith—then living at the
In a second revelation, the Lord explained that He wanted to “gather … a righteous people” and promised the Saints that in Ohio He would “give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high” (
In February 1831, Joseph Smith and his wife Emma—then several months pregnant—made the nearly 280-mile journey on icy roads from Fayette to Kirtland. In Kirtland, Joseph found a small but growing group of enthusiastic converts. Soon, additional Saints from the branches in Manchester; Fayette; and Colesville, New York, would also gather in the Kirtland area.
Johnson Home in Hiram, Ohio.
The John and Elsa Johnson Home
From September 1831 to September 1832, Joseph and Emma Smith lived in the home of John and Elsa Johnson, wealthy converts with a large and prosperous farm in Hiram, Ohio, about 40 miles (64 km) south of Kirtland.
While living in this home, Joseph Smith continued work on his inspired revision of the Bible—a catalyst for a significant number of revelations. In November 1831, during a conference of the elders of the Church, the decision was made to publish a compilation of Joseph Smith’s revelations, eventually known as theDoctrine and Covenants .
Later, while translating the gospel of John, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received a revelation known at the time as simply “the Vision ,” which restored knowledge of the three degrees of glory attainable in the Resurrection (see Doctrine and Covenants 76 ).
While living in this home, Joseph Smith continued work on his inspired revision of the Bible—a catalyst for a significant number of revelations. In November 1831, during a conference of the elders of the Church, the decision was made to publish a compilation of Joseph Smith’s revelations, eventually known as the
Later, while translating the gospel of John, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received a revelation known at the time as simply “
The Kirtland Temple as seen from the Joseph and Emma Smith Home.
During the seven years that the Church was headquartered in northeast Ohio, the Church underwent significant growth, innovation, and change.
As Joseph Smith grew into his role as leader of the Church, the revelations he received shaped, refined, and extended the Restoration of the gospel.
The revelations during this period restored knowledge and practices that remain distinctive aspects of Latter-day Saint belief and practice. They introduced new priesthood offices, created many of the administrative structures of the Church today, and introduced the beginnings of temple ordinances.
In Kirtland, the Saints built a thriving community centered around the construction of the “House of the Lord”: the temple atop the crest of the hill.
Today, visitors to Historic Kirtland and the John and Elsa Johnson Home can explore, both in-person or digitally, the places where Joseph Smith and his fellow Saints lived, where they learned truths as they were restored to the Lord’s prophet, and how they responded with faith, diligence, and perseverance.
In these places, we are able to see how revelation is received and how following the guidance of prophets can bless our lives. These locations and stories can inspire people to strengthen their own faith in Jesus Christ, make and keep covenants with God, share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, and build up the communities where they live.
As Joseph Smith grew into his role as leader of the Church, the revelations he received shaped, refined, and extended the Restoration of the gospel.
The revelations during this period restored knowledge and practices that remain distinctive aspects of Latter-day Saint belief and practice. They introduced new priesthood offices, created many of the administrative structures of the Church today, and introduced the beginnings of temple ordinances.
In Kirtland, the Saints built a thriving community centered around the construction of the “House of the Lord”: the temple atop the crest of the hill.
Today, visitors to Historic Kirtland and the John and Elsa Johnson Home can explore, both in-person or digitally, the places where Joseph Smith and his fellow Saints lived, where they learned truths as they were restored to the Lord’s prophet, and how they responded with faith, diligence, and perseverance.
In these places, we are able to see how revelation is received and how following the guidance of prophets can bless our lives. These locations and stories can inspire people to strengthen their own faith in Jesus Christ, make and keep covenants with God, share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others, and build up the communities where they live.