The Kirtland Temple was built by impoverished pioneers using ground-up pottery for glistening walls.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Dedicated in 1836, the Kirtland Temple stands as the first house of worship built by the Latter Day Saint movement. Constructed by members living in poverty, the building features unique architectural elements and a history of visions, eventually becoming a central site for global visitors and historical research.

The construction of the Kirtland Temple, directed by Joseph Smith, was a monumental community effort that began in 1833. Because funds were scarce, members contributed labor and materials, including lumber from a 16-acre forest and sandstone from Stannard Quarry. To achieve a distinctive aesthetic, they mixed crushed pottery and glassware into the exterior stucco, creating walls that appeared to glisten in the light. The building’s design, which blended Federal, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival styles, included adjustable pews and dual pulpits to accommodate both worship and academic instruction.

The temple’s dedication on March 27, 1836, was a significant event attended by approximately 1,000 people. Following the service, Smith and Oliver Cowdery reported a series of spiritual experiences, including a vision of Jesus Christ and the restoration of priesthood keys by ancient prophets. These accounts were later canonized in the Doctrine and Covenants. Unlike later temples in the movement, the Kirtland structure was not initially used for ordinances like baptisms for the dead or full endowments, which were instituted later in Nauvoo.

Ownership of the temple has been marked by legal disputes and shifts within the Latter Day Saint movement. For over a century, it was held by the Community of Christ, formerly known as the RLDS Church, which secured title through adverse possession after a failed 1880 lawsuit. In a major development on March 5, 2024, the site was transferred to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of a $192.5 million acquisition. Today, the temple remains a National Historic Landmark, welcoming about 100,000 visitors annually for tours and historical reflection.

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