Independence Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Temple |
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Viewed from the west in 2021
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Community of Christ |
| Location | |
| Location | Independence, Missouri |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Gyo Obata |
| Groundbreaking | April 6, 1990 |
| Completed | 1994 |
The Temple in Independence, Missouri, is a special building for worship and learning. It is "dedicated to the pursuit of peace," meaning it's all about finding and promoting peace. This impressive building stands out in the city's skyline. It is the main center for the Community of Christ, a church that used to be called the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Community of Christ built the Temple after a special message, or revelation, was shared at their 1984 World Conference. This message came from their church leader, Wallace B. Smith. The idea for the Temple had been talked about for over 150 years by previous church leaders. Work on the Temple began on April 6, 1990. The building was finished and officially opened on April 17, 1994.
Contents
Building Design and Features
The Temple was designed by an architect named Gyo Obata. Its shape looks like the spiral shell of a nautilus. A shiny stainless steel spire (a tall, pointed top) rises 300 feet (91 m) into the sky. Inside, the Temple has many beautiful artworks. These include both modern and older religious art from all over the world.
To enter the main worship area, you walk through a glass archway. This archway shows a picture of the Sacred Grove. This is where Joseph Smith, an early church leader, had his first special experience. After the archway, a gently rising path made of textured stone spirals around the building. Along this path, you can see more artworks and a fountain. The fountain represents "living water," a symbol from the Bible.
The Temple's main worship area can seat about 1,600 people. It has a very large pipe organ with many pipes and sounds. When you leave, you'll see a big stained-glass wall called "The Field is White, Already to Harvest." This artwork shows rice and wheat and even won an award for religious art. The large bronze exit doors have the church's symbol. This symbol shows a peaceful lion, lamb, and child, inspired by a Bible verse from Isaiah 11:6. The word "PEACE" is also on the doors. Outside, wide steps lead to a world plaza with a map of the globe made from bricks.
Temple Activities and Visitors
The Temple welcomes everyone. Each day at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, there is a Daily Prayer for Peace. This prayer is offered for a different country around the world. There is also a quiet meditation chapel. It has paintings showing religious ceremonies happening in different places. This chapel opens onto a peaceful Japanese-style meditation garden. It's a good place for individuals or small groups to visit.
The Temple building also holds the church's historical records. It has the Temple School, which is for learning. The main offices for the church headquarters are also here. There are theaters used for visitors, meetings, and classes. You can also find a museum and a gift shop. The Temple has become a popular place to visit, and guided tours are available. About 60,000 people visit the Temple each year.
Temple's Purpose and Meaning
The Temple is a symbol of the church's main goal. It is strongly connected to the church's ideas about Zion. Zion means the peaceful Kingdom of God, an idea first taught by Jesus Christ. The first big event held at the Temple, even before it was officially opened, was an International Women's Conference in June 1993.
The Temple does not have any secret ceremonies. It is open for everyone to attend. The religious ceremonies performed there include communion (a shared meal), helping the sick through prayer and touch, and ordaining (officially appointing) priesthood members. According to Ken Robinson, a former church leader, the Temple "shows our commitment to Jesus Christ." He also said it is "at the center of meaning and identity" for members of the Community of Christ.
History of the Temple Lot
Wallace B. Smith's great-grandfather, Joseph Smith, was the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. He visited Jackson County in 1831. He said that a temple to the Lord would be built there. Early members of the church bought a large piece of land, about 73 acres (30 ha), known as the "greater temple lot." At that time, a part of this land was set aside for a temple, and the first stones were laid. However, the church members had to leave the county before any building could begin. The exact spot for the original temple is now owned by another church, the Church of Christ (Temple Lot).
The Community of Christ's Temple is built on this larger temple lot. Also on this land are the Auditorium, which is the main chapel for the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), and a visitor center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
