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 education. It is "dedicated to the pursuit of peace." This impressive building stands tall in the Independence skyline. It has become the main center for the Community of Christ church. This church was formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The Community of Christ built the Temple after a special message, called a revelation, was shared at their 1984 World Conference. This message came from their church prophet-president, Wallace B. Smith. The idea for the Temple had been discussed for over 150 years by earlier church leaders. Construction on the Temple began on April 6, 1990. The completed building was officially opened on April 17, 1994.
Contents
Temple Design and Features
The Temple was designed by an architect named Gyo Obata. Its shape looks like the spiral shell of a nautilus. A tall stainless steel spire rises about 300 feet (91 meters) into the sky. Inside, the building displays many pieces of art. This art includes both modern and traditional religious works from all over the world.
To enter the main worship area, you walk through an archway made of etched glass. This glass shows a picture of the Sacred Grove. This is where Joseph Smith had his first important spiritual experience. After the archway, you follow a gently rising path made of textured stone. This path spirals around the edge of the building. Along the path, you can see artworks and a fountain. The fountain represents "living water" from the Bible. This area is meant for quiet thought.
The Temple's main worship area can seat about 1,600 people. It has a large pipe organ made by Casavant Frères. This organ has 60 stops, 102 ranks, and 5,685 pipes. When you leave the spiral path, you enter an exit area. Here, there is a large stained glass wall called "The Field is White, Already to Harvest." It shows pictures of rice and wheat. This artwork even won an award for religious art. Next to it are big bronze exit doors. These doors show the church's symbol: a peaceful lion, lamb, and child from the Bible, along with the word "PEACE." Wide steps lead from the Temple to a world plaza. This plaza has a map of the world made from bricks laid into the ground.
Visiting the Temple
The public is always welcome to visit the Temple. Every 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 each day. There is also a meditation chapel inside. It has paintings by Jack Garnier that show religious ceremonies happening in different parts of the world. This chapel opens onto a peaceful Japanese-style meditation garden. It's a quiet place for individuals or small groups to visit.
The Temple building also holds the church's historical records. It is home to the Temple School and the main administrative offices for the church headquarters. There are theaters used for visitors, meetings, presentations, and classes. You can also find a museum and a gift shop. The Temple has become a popular place to visit, with guided tours available. Around 60,000 people visit the Temple each year.
Temple's Purpose and Activities
The Temple is seen as a symbol of the church's mission. It is closely connected to the church's ideas about Zion. Zion means the peaceful Kingdom of God, which Jesus Christ first taught about.
One of the first big events held at the Temple, even before it was officially opened, was the International Women's Conference in June 1993. The Temple does not have any private ceremonies. It is open for everyone to attend. The religious ceremonies performed there include communion, helping the sick through prayer and touch, and ordaining people to serve in the priesthood.
Six special ministry centers were created when the Temple was built. Ken Robinson, a former leader in the church, said that the Temple "gives form to our commitment to Jesus Christ." He also said it "is at the center of meaning and identity for members of...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. There, he said that a temple to the Lord would be built in that spot. Early members of the Latter Day Saints bought a 73-acre (30-hectare) piece of land. This land became known as the "greater temple lot." At that time, a part of this property was set aside as the exact spot for a temple, and cornerstones were laid. However, the church members were forced to leave the county before any building could begin. The original specific temple site is now owned by the Church of Christ (Temple Lot).
The Community of Christ's Temple is built on this larger "greater temple lot." Also on this land are the Auditorium, the main chapel for the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), and a visitor center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
See also
- Minar (Firuzabad)
