The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. 

Responsibility and Ownership of Sacred Sites and Historic Documents Transfer to Church of Jesus Christ

Today, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the responsibility and ownership for the Kirtland Temple, several historic buildings in Nauvoo, and various manuscripts and artifacts officially transferred from Community of Christ to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for an agreed-upon amount. Together, we share an interest in and reverence for these historic sites and items and are committed to preserving them for future generations.

Discussions leading to this landmark agreement commenced in June 2021. “This exchange of assets is significant for our church,” said Stephen M. Veazey, president of Community of Christ. “Through funding from increased endowments, Community of Christ will have greater capacity to pursue our mission priorities around the world, including continuing to fulfill the divinely envisioned purposes for our Temple in Independence, Missouri.”

“We are deeply honored to assume the stewardship of these sacred places, documents, and artifacts,” said Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We thank our friends at Community of Christ for their great care and cooperation in preserving these historical treasures thus far. We are committed to doing the same.”

To read the full statement, CLICK HERE

Frequently Asked Questions Clarify the Transfer of Sacred Sites and Historic Documents

Today, Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the transfer of significant historical properties and artifacts related to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The following answers address frequently asked questions about the details of the transaction and future plans for the historic sites and artifacts.

  1. What was included in the transaction?

The transaction involves land, buildings, artifacts, and documents. The real estate, along with some artifacts, are in Kirtland, Ohio, and Nauvoo, Illinois, while artifacts and documents also come from Community of Christ Library and Archives in Independence, Missouri.

  1. What are the most significant items?

The most significant properties are the Kirtland Temple, the Smith Family Homestead, the Mansion House, the Nauvoo House, and the Red Brick Store. Significant documents and artifacts include manuscripts and the Bible used in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, seven letters from Joseph Smith to his wife Emma, John Whitmer’s history of the Church, original portraits of Joseph and Emma Smith, the cornerstone of the Nauvoo House, the original door of Liberty Jail, and a document with the title of “Caractors,” which may contain a sample of inscriptions from the gold plates. (See the appendix for a more detailed list of items transferred.)

  1. How did Community of Christ acquire these materials?

After the Saints left Kirtland in the 1830s, different parties controlled access to the temple over the years. In 1901, Community of Christ, then known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (“RLDS Church”) secured title to the Kirtland Temple through legal proceedings. The Smith family properties in Nauvoo remained in possession of Emma Smith after Joseph Smith’s death and she and her children eventually joined the RLDS Church. Thereafter, the properties passed through family connections to the RLDS Church. Other documents and artifacts were donated to the RLDS Church archives by their individual owners.

  1. Why did Community of Christ sell these materials now?

As Community of Christ President Stephen M. Veazey noted in the joint statement, the transfer of materials at this time enables their mission and priorities around the world.

  1. Why did The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchase these materials?

The sites and artifacts in this transaction relate to significant events and people in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  1. What is the relationship between the two churches?

The two churches enjoy a strong, respectful, and friendly relationship. For many decades, we have collaborated on numerous historical and humanitarian projects.

  1. Have there been previous transactions of historic materials between the two churches?

Yes. In 2012, Community of Christ sold to the Church of Jesus Christ several properties, including the Hawn’s Mill Massacre site and the Joseph and Emma Smith home in Kirtland. Five years later, Community of Christ sold the Printer’s Manuscript of the Book of Mormon to the Church of Jesus Christ.

  1. What was paid for the properties, artifacts, and documents?

The Church paid US$192.5 million without assigning specific values to the properties and items.

To read more of the FAQs, CLICK HERE

Appendix: List of Items Transferred

Historic Buildings that Will Remain Open to the Public in Kirtland, Ohio

Kirtland Temple, 9020 Chillicothe Road
Historic Buildings that Will Remain Open to the Public in Nauvoo, Illinois

Smith Family Homestead and Summer Kitchen, 935 South Main Street
Joseph and Emma Smith Mansion House, 890 South Main Street
Red Brick Store (reconstructed), 610 Water Street
Nauvoo House, 950 South Main Street
Historical Artifacts

Portraits of Joseph and Emma Smith, circa 1842, attributed to David Rogers
Original door of Liberty Jail, circa 1833
Book of Mormon “Caractors” document
Four pages from Revelation Book 1, including portions of revelations now known as Doctrine and Covenants 64, 65, 66, 76, 81, and 133
Seven letters from Joseph to Emma Smith, including letters written on 13 October 1832, 18 May 1834, 4 November 1838, 12 November 1838, 9 November 1839, 23 June 1844, and 27 June 1844
A history of the church, written by John Whitmer
Manuscript notes of an 1879 interview with Emma Smith by Joseph Smith III
Joseph Smith’s printed “Phinney” Bible (Cooperstown, New York, 1828) with his numerous markings as part of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible
Manuscripts of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible:
Old Testament manuscript 1 (June 1830–7 March 1831)
Old Testament manuscript 2, first part (8 March–5 April 1831)
Old Testament manuscript 2, second part (20 July 1832–2 July 1833)
Old Testament manuscript 3 (ca. late 1830–early 1831)
New Testament manuscript 1 (8 March–June 1831)
New Testament manuscript 2, Folio 1 (4 Apr 1831–26 Sep 1831)
New Testament manuscript 2, Folio 2 (26 Sep 1831–late 1831)
New Testament manuscript 2, Folio 3 (winter 1831–1832)
New Testament manuscript 2, Folio 4 (January/February 1832–31 July 1832)

To read the full list of transferred items, CLICK HERE