Independence Temple

The **Independence Temple** is a house of worship and education in Independence, Missouri, United States. It belongs to the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). The temple is described by the church as being "dedicated to the pursuit of peace."

## History

In 1831, Joseph Smith declared that a temple would be built in Jackson County, Missouri. Early church members purchased 73 acres of land, later called the Temple Lot, and laid cornerstones for the planned structure. However, conflicts with local residents forced the Latter Day Saints to leave before building began.

Today, the original lot is owned by the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), while the Independence Temple stands on a nearby part of the larger Temple Lot owned by the Community of Christ.

Groundbreaking for the present temple took place on April 6, 1990, and the building was dedicated on April 17, 1994 by church president Wallace B. Smith.

## Design and structure

The temple was designed by architect Gyo Obata and has a distinctive spiral design inspired by a nautilus shell. The building’s stainless steel spire rises 300 feet (91 m) and symbolizes the church’s spiritual journey.

Visitors enter through an etched-glass archway depicting the Sacred Grove associated with Joseph Smith’s first vision. Inside, a rising spiral walkway leads through the building toward the main sanctuary. Along the path are works of art and a fountain symbolizing “living water” (John 4:10).

The main sanctuary seats about 1,600 people and contains a large pipe organ built by Casavant Frères with 60 stops, 102 ranks, and 5,685 pipes.

A large stained-glass mural, _The Field Is White, Already to Harvest_ (John 4:35), received an award from the American Institute of Architects. The temple’s bronze doors display the church’s seal — a lion, lamb, and child — with the word “PEACE.”

Outside, a world plaza features a large map of the Earth inlaid in brick, representing the church’s global mission.

## Purpose and worship

The temple represents the church’s commitment to the vision of Zion, the peaceable kingdom of God. It serves as a place of worship, education, and administration for the Community of Christ worldwide.

Each day at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, a Daily Prayer for Peace is held, focusing on a different nation.

Sacraments such as communion, laying on of hands, and ordination are performed in the temple. It is open to everyone, with no private or secret ceremonies. The first major event held there was the International Women’s Conference in June 1993.

## Facilities

The temple houses the church’s administrative offices, archives, museum, visitor center, gift shop, and meeting rooms. It also contains a meditation chapel with paintings by Jack Garnier showing sacraments being performed around the world, and a Japanese-style garden for quiet reflection.

Approximately 60,000 visitors tour the building each year.

## See also

- Community of Christ
- Temple Lot
- Gyo Obata
- Joseph Smith
- Casavant Frères

## External links

- Community of Christ Temple official self-guided tour
- Temple pipe organ

## Infobox (religious building)

- **name**: Independence Temple
- **image**: Independence_-_RLDS_Temple_01.jpg
- **caption**: The Independence Temple in Independence, Missouri
- **location**: Independence, Missouri, United States
- **denomination**: Community of Christ
- **website**: [https://www.cofchrist.org/ Community of Christ]
- **architect**: Gyo Obata
- **groundbreaking**: April 6, 1990
- **completed date**: April 17, 1994
- **capacity**: 1,600
- **height**: 300 ft (91 m)
- **materials**: Stainless steel, stone, glass