Kirtland, Ohio

We decided to finish our U.S. Church History Tour since we did everything in the western states on our move out to Indiana (see here), so right before our move away from Indiana, we had to tour the church history sites in the eastern states.... starting with Kirtland, Ohio.

We've been to Kirtland before, but never realized it was sitting right on Lake Erie.  We went to this beautiful park that had walked down to the Lake.

Brock's first time in swings, loved it.

We first went to the Historical Kirtland Visitor's Center with the Newel K. Whiteney Store, where Joseph Smith lived upstiars in the rooms, and where one of the four visions of Jesus Christ took place.

We saw the Mill, the Ashery, and the other old homes on the property.

Then we went to tour the Kirtland Temple. Such a difference it was to view it since the tour guide was from the Community of Christ and even though I tried, the spirit was not there with her as she was explaining all the history of the temple.

The John Johnson Farm is so amazing to see and view.  There are so many incredible stories here that you hear of Joseph and Emma's struggle with those who didn't believe.

It was right out the back door of the Johnson Farm where Joseph Smith was dragged out by mobbs and then tarred and feathered.  He took on those steps the very next day to preach a sermon where his attackers were listening and watching.

We also went to the Morely Farm, which only part of the property was owned by the church.  But there was this cabin (in painting above) used to be on the property where Joseph Smith organized the first priesthood quorum.

In the top floor of the visitor's center in Kirtland, they always have some amazing church art on display. This was my new favorite that I saw.

MORE to come: Amish Country, Niagra Falls, Palmyra, Winter Quarters in Omaha and then..... SANTA FE!