Kirtland, a month late, but here it is

As promised, Kirtland:

This was our official last day of our trip from Utah to Virginia!  

We started out in the visiter's Center where we watched a short video. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints certainly knows how to put a good, spiritual video together! 

Tour begins at a few other little buildings.  They were authentic, but they had been added to so the missionaries could have a place to stay.

Here is the N.K.Whitney store.  Back in the 1800's, Mr. Whitney was a rather wealthy man seeking for more in his religious beliefs. He had heard about the prophet Joseph Smith and prayed to meet him one day.  The day finally arrived, and the first words out of Joseph Smith's mouth to Mr. Whitney were, "...you prayed me here, now what will you have me do?"

This is Mr. Whitney' store.  Because of its location near the river, he was able to include imported goods in his store.

This is the main store.  Next to it, (not in this picture) was the actual trade room. Behind this and the trade room is a living space.  Upstairs was an additional living space.  Mr. Whitney didn't live in this store.  In fact, he had a nice home just next door. Joseph and his family stayed upstairs.

Here, upstairs is the original table where the prophet put forth the temple plans for the Kirkland temple. 

Here are some of the original floor boards. (and part of my shoe...)

This little room is the 'School of the Prophets.' They treated this room much like a temple.  They would remove their shoes prior to entering. This is the room that inspired the 'Word of Wisdom.'  Thank you Emma Smith.

This is a representation of what Orson Hyde would have slept on while a hired hand for Newel K. Whitney.

This is Newel K. Whitney's home.  From this angle it doesn't look big, but it was for them.

The Kirtland temple is still owned by The Community of Christ.  They charge for tours, plus no pictures inside the temple were aloud.  We were able to go on three different floors.  We went up the steep, winding staircases. The top floor was the main study area for the Prophet and his counselors. In fact, they had the original chair that Joseph Smith used. The second floor was for the priesthood meetings.  And the main floor was for everyone.  They have had to restucco the outside, its not the original color with a blue tint (from the fine-china the woman sacrificed.) 

The Saints were forced from their homes (many killed), their constitutional rights were unrecognized and later resettled in Nauvoo. The adversary knew that a great work was rolling forth, just like in Daniel.  He did everything in his evil power to prevent the Lord's work, but as we see today, nothing can stop the Lord and His plan from reaching all corners of the earth!