Visiting Kirtland.....and the Church Sites

While we were in Ohio, we had a few extra days after the Bronco game to visit parts of Kirtland and learn more about the beginnings of the church. WE stopped at the Johnson Farm and got a tour of their home and what impact the Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife had on their family. We went into the original town of Kirtland where the first temple was being built, but missed going into it since they close at 4:00 and we were about 15 minutes too late. The Kirtland Temple is owned and operated by the Church of Christ. We also walked into the town of Kirtland where N.K. Whitney had his store and sold many goods to the people and walked into their home that housed the School of the Prophets and was a small place for Emma Smith to call home for about 18 months. What a spiritual experience to be there where the Prophet Joseph Smith stood and received revelation of the Book of Mormon and was able to bring the gospel back on this earth.
While we were there, we were able to look up Justin's great, great grandpa Lorenzo Dow Young, brother to Brigham Young and find that he helped in the construction of the Kirtland Temple. How awesome that we have pioneer heritage in the early days of the church.
The original Johnson Farm where so many historical events happened in bringing forth the gospel and translating the Book of Mormon.

The fireplace that Sister Johnson used which was filled with many children in their home. Their family was quite wealthy back then and they enjoyed the conveniences of having 2 fireplaces in their home with many windows throughout their whole house.

The original store of Newel K. Whitney, which housed the Bishops Store house, the School of the Prophets and was also a home to Emma and Joseph for about 18 months. Justin great, great grandpa purchased goods in this store at one time during the 1830's.

An original piece of furniture that was engraved by N.K.Whitney. He brought the chair from New York and then moved it to Kirtland, Ohio where it still stands.