KIRTLAND, Ohio — Despite major construction at historic Kirtland in northern Ohio, there is still much to see and do, said Elder David M. Brown, visitors center director.
During the past year, word spread that much of Kirtland was under construction, which has prompted many to postpone visiting the area. But with the completion in early July of a new road that will route traffic around historic Kirtland, visitors will find a safe and comfortable area to view historic sites. Visitors this summer will also get early glimpses of construction of new facilities and renovation of several existing structures. Among the new facilities will be a visitors center.
Currently, 24 missionaries greet guests in a temporary visitors center where the film, "I Remember Kirtland," is shown. Tours of the Newel K. Whitney Store are also given. Here visitors see the store just as Joseph saw it that day in February 1831 when he strode up the stairs and introduced himself to Newel K. Whitney. Missionaries explain the historical significance of this store where the Prophet and his family lived and where 17 revelations were received, and where the School of the Prophets was held. The store received a Presidential Award signed by President Ronald Reagan for its authentic restoration.
Missionaries also greet visitors at the Isaac Morley Farm where many early saints gathered and where 13 revelations were received by the Prophet. The fourth general conference of the Church was held at this site, and here, Joseph prophesied of the growth of the Church — how it would fill North and South America and the world.
The restoration of the John Johnson Home in Hiram, Ohio, will be completed this fall. Missionaries currently conduct tours of the site and greet visitors in a temporary visitors center. Visitors view slides of the interior of the home while missionaries recount the events that surround the 15 revelations that were received here by the Prophet.
Additional construction in Kirtland includes a new visitors center, the John Johnson Inn, an ashery, the sawmill and the restoration of the Whitney home.
The crowning moment of a visit to Kirtland, said Elder Brown, is a visit to the beautiful Kirtland Temple with its commanding presence atop the hill. Here visitors stroll beautiful gardens and sense something of the drama that surrounded the construction and dedication of the first temple in this dispensation.
"There was a closed-down feeling when we arrived a few months ago," said Elder Brown. "But last month, during a typically slow time of the year, there were more than 4,000 visitors at these sites.
"Kirtland deserves more than just a one-day visit. There is a wonderful message here to be told."