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Church of Christ-Temple Lot: A Sacred Site in Independence

Visit the Church of Christ-Temple Lot in Independence, MO, a historically significant site for the Latter Day Saint movement and a place for reflection.

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The Church of Christ-Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri, holds significant historical and spiritual importance for the Latter Day Saint movement. It marks the location designated by Joseph Smith in 1831 for the construction of a temple, intended as the center of the New Jerusalem. The grounds offer a serene space for reflection and insight into the movement's early aspirations.

A brief summary to Church of Christ-Temple Lot

Local tips

  • Visit the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' nearby visitor center for additional context on the history of the Temple Lot.
  • Check out the Community of Christ Temple and other religious sites in the area to learn about the broader Latter Day Saint movement.
  • Consider visiting during a service or community event to engage with the local congregation.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Church of Christ-Temple Lot is located at 200 S River Blvd, Independence, MO. If you are already visiting the Community of Christ Temple or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' visitor center, it is a short walk northwest. Be mindful of the surrounding roads and parking lots as you make your way to the site.

  • Public Transport

    As of January 1, 2025, Independence has implemented the IRIS on-demand rideshare program to replace most fixed bus routes. Use the IRIS app or call 816-205-8221 to book a ride to the Church of Christ-Temple Lot. The fare is $5 per person per trip. Alternatively, RideKC Freedom paratransit is available for $3 per one-way trip within Independence. The 24 Route bus line into downtown Kansas City is still running.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From anywhere in Independence, a taxi or ride-share service like zTrip can provide transportation to the Church of Christ-Temple Lot. Expect to pay around $10-$20 for a ride within the city. Note that Independence is partnering with zTrip and RideCo for its IRIS on-demand transit service.

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Discover more about Church of Christ-Temple Lot

The Church of Christ (Temple Lot), located in Independence, Missouri, occupies a unique place in Latter Day Saint history. This unassuming plot of land, now a grassy field with a few trees, is revered as the site designated by Joseph Smith in 1831 for a temple that would serve as the heart of the New Jerusalem. In the early 1830s, Independence was envisioned as the gathering place for Latter Day Saints, but conflicts with local residents led to their expulsion. While many followers journeyed west with Brigham Young, others remained, determined to return to Independence and fulfill the original vision of building a temple. The Church of Christ (Temple Lot), also known as Hedrickites, was the first group to resettle in the area in 1867 and acquired the Temple Lot. Ownership of the broader Temple Lot property is divided between the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and the Community of Christ. Despite a failed attempt to construct a temple in 1929, the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) retains ownership of the 2.5-acre plot, maintaining it as a place of reflection and historical significance. Visitors can explore the grounds, view the original cornerstone markers discovered in 1929, and learn about the church's history and beliefs. The church affirms its founding date to April 6, 1830, claiming to be the sole legitimate continuance of the original Church of Christ. Today, the Temple Lot stands in contrast to the surrounding development, offering a tranquil reminder of the early Latter Day Saint movement and its enduring hopes for a New Jerusalem.

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