Flournoy House

The Flourney Home is a small, redbrick building built in 1826 by Jones H. Flourney. It is one of the oldest homes in Independence and was one of the first brick homes built in the area. In 1831, Bishop Edward Partridge purchased part of the Flourney property across from the home for the building of a temple. An 1831 revelation instructed Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to travel from Kirtland, Ohio, to Independence, Missouri, to seek land for their inheritance (Doctrine and Covenants 52: 3-5). While in Independence, Joseph received another revelation identifying the “center place” of Zion (Doctrine and Covenants 57: 1–3). The Lord described the spot as “consecrated for the gathering of the saints,” and “the land of promise.” It was to be a place for the Latter-day Saints to build homes and temples and prepare for the Savior’s return to the earth.

Following the Lord’s command, Bishop Partridge began to purchase property for the gathering of the Saints. This included 63 acres of land from Jones H. Flournoy in December 1831. A portion of this property was designated for the building of a temple. The Partridge family also continued living on the property until the winter of 1833.

What to Expect

The original Flourney House is part of the Heritage Plaza owned by Community of Christ. The home stands four blocks west of its original location. In the 1980s, locals learned that a parking lot would replace the site. They worked to move the home to its present, protected site in 1989. Visitors are welcome to explore the outside of the building and take pictures. Tours of the building’s interior are by appointment only. To learn more about the Heritage Plaza and schedule a tour of the Flourney Home, check the Community of Christ website here.