Kirtland Ohio Temple Pictures
Standing on a bluff overlooking the Chagrin Valley in northeastern Ohio, the Kirtland Temple was the first temple built in this dispensation, dedicated by Joseph Smith on March 27, 1836. It was here, on April 3, 1836, that the Savior appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and priesthood keys were restored through the ancient prophets Moses, Elias, and Elijah. After nearly a century and a half under the ownership of Community of Christ, the temple was purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 5, 2024, and remains open for free tours to visitors of all faiths. Our collection of Kirtland Temple pictures, art prints, and paintings captures this sacred landmark of the Restoration.
Sunrise
by Rory Wallwork
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Afternoon Painting
by Brent Borup
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Sunset
by Alan Fullmer
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Flora Watercolor Painting
by Katauna Davis
About the Kirtland Ohio Temple
Built by early Latter-day Saints who had gathered to Kirtland, Ohio, beginning in 1831 following a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Kirtland Temple was constructed through great personal sacrifice, with many members contributing labor, materials, and finances despite deep poverty. The School of the Prophets, a forerunner to temple worship, met in a room above the nearby Newel K. Whitney Store years before the temple's completion. On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, during the Jewish observance of Passover, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery within the temple and accepted it as His house. In the sacred events that followed, the ancient prophets Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared and restored essential priesthood keys, including the keys for gathering Israel and for the eternal sealing of families.
Within a few years, most Latter-day Saints had left Kirtland as the Church gathered first to Missouri and later to Nauvoo, Illinois, and the temple was used for a time as a public school before Community of Christ (then known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) secured legal ownership in 1880 and carefully restored the building. On March 5, 2024, ownership of the Kirtland Temple transferred to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of a larger agreement that also included several historic sites in Nauvoo, Illinois. President Russell M. Nelson said the Church was deeply honored to assume stewardship of these sacred places, and after a brief closure to prepare for the transition, the temple reopened to public tours on March 25, 2024. Rather than functioning as an operating temple, the Kirtland Temple continues to serve as a historic site, open for free tours to members of all faiths.
Kirtland Temple Photos, Art & Prints
The Kirtland Ohio Temple's classic Federal-style architecture, set on a bluff above the peaceful Chagrin Valley, gives photographers a striking view of one of the most historically significant buildings in the Church's history. Its distinctive arched windows and colonial New England-inspired design set it apart from any other Latter-day Saint temple. Our collection features photography and fine art capturing this sacred birthplace of temple worship in every season.
Kirtland Temple prints make a meaningful and inspirational gift for members who cherish the history of the Restoration and for anyone drawn to this remarkable chapter of Church history. Perfect for weddings, mission homecomings, new homes, and other milestone occasions.