Brief Timeline of Events in Kirtland, Ohio

22 July 1789
22 July 1789

Turhand Kirtland Arrives

Turhand Kirtland, a stockholder and general land agent for the Connecticut Land Company (after whom the township is named), arrives in what later becomes Kirtland (source).

1818
1818

Kirtland Township Organized

1825
1825

Erie Canal Completed

Erie Canal is completed in northern New York state connecting the Hudson River with Buffalo and Lake Erie. Mormons and many others later use the Erie Canal for westward migration to Lake Erie and northeastern Ohio (source).

1826
1826

Newel K. Whitney Store Established

Newel K. Whitney General Store is established in an area now known as the “Kirtland Flats” (lowlands north of the present-day Kirtland Temple) (source)

Late October 1830
Late October 1830

Missionaries Arrive in Kirtland

On their journey to preach to "the Lamanites" (living in present day Oklahoma), Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Peter Whitmer, Jr., and Ziba Peterson arrive in Kirtland and stay to preach for a few weeks (see Background to D&C 32).

17 October 1830
17 October 1830

Sidney Rigdon Coverts

Sidney Rigdon is baptized after reading the Book of Mormon. Many in his congregation, including Newel K. Whitney, are baptized as well.

November-December 1830
November-December 1830

Sidney & Edward Leave Ohio to Meet Joseph

Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge leave Ohio and travel to Fayette, New York to meet the Prophet Joseph Smith for the first time. Joseph receives a revelation on behalf of each (see Background to D&C 35, D&C 36).

December 1830
December 1830

The Command to Gather to "the Ohio"

The New York Saints are commanded to gather to "the Ohio" (see Background to D&C 37-38). Kirtland becomes Church headquarters from 1831 to early 1838.

Early February 1831
Early February 1831

Joseph & Emma Arrive

Joseph, Emma, Sidney Rigdon, and Edward Partridge arrive in Kirtland, Ohio.

4 February 1831
4 February 1831

D&C 41 Received

Instructions are received as to how to obtain "the law" which the Lord promised to give in D&C 38:32, and Edward Partridge is called to be the first Bishop of the Church (see Background to D&C 41).

9 February 1831
9 February 1831

The "Law" is Received

The "law" of the Church is revealed (see Background to D&C 42).

May 1831
May 1831

NY Saints Begin to Arrive

Many saints from New York begin arriving in the Kirtland area. Various revelations received relative to that gathering (see Background to D&C 48 and Background to D&C 51).

3-6 June 1831
3-6 June 1831

Conference Held at Morley Farm

In February 1831, the Lord called all of the Elders of the Church to gather together for a conference (see Background to D&C 44). This conference was held on these dates at the Isaac Morley Farm in Kirtland. A significant milestone of priesthood restoration was achieved at this conference when men were ordained to the high priesthood for the first time in our dispensation. At the end of this conference Elders were called and sent to Jackson County, Missouri, for settlement (see Background to D&C 52).

8 June 1831
8 June 1831

D&C 53 Received

Sidney Gilbert is called to be the Church agent to assist the Bishop of the Church (see Background to D&C 53).

10 June 1831
10 June 1831

D&C 54 Received

Some of the saints who had traveled from Colesville, New York had previously settled at Leman Copley's farm in Thompson, Ohio. However, Leman Copely had now gone back on his consecrated offer to allow the Colesville saints to stay at his farm and confusion ensued. Their leader, Newel Knight, came to ask Joseph how to proceed. This revelation was the result (see Background to D&C 54).

14 June 1831
14 June 1831

D&C 55 Received

Recent convert William W. Phelps and his family had just arrived in Kirtland. He approached the prophet to inquire the Lord's will for him and this revelation was the result (see Background to D&C 55).

15 June 1831
15 June 1831

D&C 56 Received

A revelation of chastisement given to Ezra Thayre for failure to obey a commandment relative to his duties at Fredrick G. William's farm (see Background to D&C 56).

19 June 1831
19 June 1831

Joseph & Co. Leave for Missouri

In obedience to the revelation recorded in D&C 52, Joseph, Sidney, and several other elders travelled to Missouri where the Lord promised he would reveal to them the land of their inheritance (see D&C 52:41-42). He arrived in Missouri with a few of his brethren on 14 July and stayed until the second week of August when they set out to return to Kirtland, arriving on 27 August.

30 August 1831
30 August 1831

D&C 63 Received

This revelation was received three days after Joseph and a few of his brethren returned home from their journey to Independence, Missouri. The saints in Kirtland were anxious to know the Lord's will about Zion. This revelation was the result of Joseph inquiring on their behalf. Additionally, in the short absence of the prophet, apostasy had begun to spring up in the hearts of some. This is also addressed in the revelation (see Background to D&C 63).

11 September 1831
11 September 1831

D&C 64 Received

This revelation was received only weeks after Joseph and others had arrived back from Independence, Missouri. Disagreements between various brethren on that journey (including Joseph) caused feelings between them requiring their forgiveness of one another. Additionally, some of the brethren who had been commanded to go up to Zion were preparing to travel to Missouri. This revelation addresses both circumstances (see Background to D&C 64).

12 September 1831
12 September 1831

Joseph & Emma move to Hiram, Ohio

Joseph & Emma move to Hiram, Ohio to live with John Johnson's family to renew his work on the Bible translation project which Joseph had set aside while traveling to and from Missouri.

4 December 1831
4 December 1831

D&C 72 Received

On his journey away from Hiram, Ohio to fulfill a local mission commanded in D&C 71 Joseph stopped in Kirtland to counsel together with a group of high priests about their temporal and spiritual welfare. A series of three related revelations were received at this time (combined now as D&C 72), concerning the calling of the Church's second bishop and the maintaining of orderliness in the gathering to Missouri  (see Background to D&C 72).

August 1832
August 1832

John Murdock Called to Preach

John Murdock is called to preach in the "eastern countries" (see Background to D&C 99).

12 September 1832
12 September 1832

Joseph and Emma Move back to Kirtland

6 November 1832
6 November 1832

Joseph Smith III Born

Joseph Smith III is born at the Newel K. Whitney Store. He later becomes the first president of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (now the Community of Christ) from 1860-1914.

22-23 September 1832
22-23 September 1832

D&C 84 Received

Joseph said, "The Elders during the month of September began to return from their missions to the Eastern States, and present the histories of their several stewardships in the Lord's vineyard; and while together in these seasons of joy, I inquired of the Lord, and received on the 22nd and 23rd of September, the following revelation on Priesthood" (History of the Church, 1:286-287). (See Background to D&C 84)

27 November 1832
27 November 1832

Joseph's Letter to W. W. Phelps

After returning to Kirtland on 6 November 1832 from a trip with Newel K. Whitney to New England, Joseph answered letters he had received from hi Missouri brethren. This letter was likely written written as a response to William W. Phelps and a portion of this letter now constitutes D&C 85. (See Background to D&C 85)

6 December 1832
6 December 1832

D&C 86 Received

While reviewing and editing the manuscript of his Bible translation, Joseph said, "I received the following revelation explaining the parable of the wheat and tares." (See Background to D&C 86)

25 December 1832
25 December 1832

D&C 87 Received

While contemplating world and national turmoil, Joseph said, "I received the following revelation and prophecy on war." (History of the Church, 1:301) (See Background to D&C 87)

27-28 December 1832, 3 January 1833
27-28 December 1832, 3 January 1833

D&C 88 Received

This revelation was received at a conference of high priests assembled to seek the Lord's will concerning Zion. The prophet designated this revelation "The Olive Leaf."  (See Background to D&C 88)

17 January 1833
17 January 1833

School of the Prophets Organized

The School of the Prophets is organized in the Newel K. Whitney Store. The school meets on 22-23 January.

27 February 1833
27 February 1833

Word of Wisdom (D&C 89) Received

This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was received in the School of the Prophets. (See Background to D&C 89)

8 March 1833
8 March 1833

D&C 90 Received

This revelation was a continuing step in establishing the First Presidency of the Church. (See Background to D&C 90)

9 March 1833
9 March 1833

D&C 91 Received

This revelation was received as Joseph inquired inquired concerning the Apocrypha between the Old and New Testaments in his version of the Bible. (See Background to D&C 91)

15 March 1833
15 March 1833

D&C 92 Received

This revelation instructed Frederick G. Williams regarding his duties in the United Firm. (See Background to D&C 92)

18 March 1833
18 March 1833

First Presidency Officially Organized

This was done in obedience to D&C 90. (See Background to D&C 90)

6 May 1833
6 May 1833

D&C 93 Received

Little is known of the background behind this theologically rich section. The first portion appears to address material related to Joseph's work on the New Testament translation which he had recently completed. (See Background to D&C 93)

1 June 1833
1 June 1833

D&C 95 Received

Instruction given relative to the building of the Kirtland temple which the Lord commanded to be built in D&C 88:119-36. (See Background to D&C 95)

4 June 1833
4 June 1833

D&C 96 Received

Revelation given to a group of high priests who assembled to know the will of the Lord regarding stewardship for the French Farm (recently purchased property upon which the Kirtland temple would be built. (See Background to D&C 96)

5 June 1833
5 June 1833

Construction on the Kirtland Temple Begins

23 July 1833
23 July 1833

Cornerstones of the Kirtland Temple Laid

2 August 1833
2 August 1833

D&C 97 Received

This revelation received as Joseph sought the Lord's will relative to the persecuted saints in Jackson County, Missiouri. (See Background to D&C 97)

2 August 1833
2 August 1833

D&C 94 Received

This revelation (received immediately after D&C 97) was received regarding the building of additional buildings in Kirtland. (See Background to D&C 94)

6 August 1833
6 August 1833

D&C 98 Received

This revelation was also received regarding the persecution of the saints in Jackson County, Missouri. (See Background to D&C 98)

5 October 1833
5 October 1833

Joseph & Sidney Go on Mission to the East

16-17 December 1833
16-17 December 1833

D&C 101 Received

Joseph had received word that the situation in Missouri had deteriorated considerably. Saints had been driven from Jackson County. Joseph inquired of the Lord about this situation. (See Background to D&C 101)

18 December 1833
18 December 1833

The Evening and the Morning Star Published

18 December 1833
18 December 1833

Joseph Smith Sr. appointed Patriarch to the Church

17 February 1834
17 February 1834

First Stake and High Council Organized

The first stake in the Church is organized at Kirtland, with Joseph Smith as president. The First Presidency serve as the Kirtland Stake presidency. The first high council in the Church is created. (See Background to D&C 102)

24 February 1834
24 February 1834

D&C 103 Received

Revelation received after brethren from Missouri arrived to counsel with Joseph concerning the relief and restoration of Saint in Missouri to the lands they had been driven from. (See Background to D&C 103)

23 April 1834
23 April 1834

D&C 104 Received

Revelation received in a council meeting regarding the dissolution of the United Firm. (See Background to D&C 104)

Spring 1834
Spring 1834

John Johnson Family Moves to Kirtland

The Johnson family sell their home and land and move to Kirtland to operate an inn.

8 May 1834
8 May 1834

Zion's Camp March Begins

Saints begin the Zion's Camp march from Ohio to Missouri to assist their fellow Saints there.

October 1834
October 1834

Latter-day Saints' Messenger and Advocate Published

25 November 1834
25 November 1834

D&C 106 Received

Revelation given in behalf of Warren Cowdery. (Background to D&C 106)

5 December 1834
5 December 1834

Oliver Cowdery Appointed as an Assistant President of the Church

5 December 1834
5 December 1834

Oliver Cowdery Appointed as an Assistant President of the Church

January 1835
January 1835

Joseph prepares the Lectures on Faith for Publication

14 February 1835
14 February 1835

Quorum of the Twelve Organized

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is organized according to the instructions given in D&C 18:26-47. 

28 February 1835
28 February 1835

First Quorum of the Seventy Organized

April 1835
April 1835

Major Portion of D&C 107 Received

26 December 1835
26 December 1835

D&C 108 Received

21 January 1836
21 January 1836

D&C 137 Received

D&C 137 is an excerpt from a vision Joseph received in the Kirtland Temple in the midst of anointings and blessings. (See Background to D&C 137)

January-April 1836
January-April 1836

Season of the Kirtland Endowment

In a series of significant events during these months the Lord poured out upon the saints the endowment of power he had promised them on multiple occasions (see D&C 38:32; 43:16; 95:8; 105:11-12, 33).

27 March 1836
27 March 1836

The Kirtland Temple Dedicated

3 April 1836
3 April 1836

D&C 110 Occurs

Joseph and Oliver see Christ, who accepts of the Kirtland Temple. They receive keys from Moses, Elias, and Elijah (see Background to D&C 110). This is a crucial final step in the process of Melchizedek Priesthood restoration. 

2 November 1836
2 November 1836

Kirtland Safety Society Formed

In an effort to make money to pay off the Church's debts acquired to build the Kirtland Temple, Joseph and Church leaders organized the Kirtland Safety Society bank (actually a private joint-stock company). 

February-December 1837
February-December 1837

The Kirtland Apostasy Occurs

During this season, some of the leading brethren get caught up in greed and pride and turn against Joseph. 

23 July 1837
23 July 1837

D&C 112 Received

Thomas B. Marsh approaches Joseph Smith with his concerns about the Twelve. Joseph receives D&C 112 on his behalf. (See Background to D&C 112)

November 1837
November 1837

Kirtland Safety Society Closes

The Kirtland Safety Society is forced to close its doors.

22 December 1837
22 December 1837

Brigham Young Flees

Brigham Young fled Kirtland due to threats on his life. 

End of December 1837
End of December 1837

Joseph's Dismal Summary

Joseph writes, "Apostasy, persecution, confusion, and mobocracy strove hard to bear rule at Kirtland, and thus closed the year 1837" (History of the Church, 2:529).

12 January 1838
12 January 1838

Joseph & Sydney Flee Kirtland

6-8 March 1838
6-8 March 1838

Kirtland Camp Meetings Begin

Seven Presidents of the Seventy hold a series of meetings in Kirtland to know what they are to do. The "Kirtland Camp" is organized.

6 July 1838
6 July 1838

Kirtland Camp Happens

Over 500 saints leave their homes, businesses, land, and temple in Kirtland to begin a 3 month journey to Northern Missouri.

Kirtland Aftermath

19 January 1841
19 January 1841

Kirtland Prophecy Received

Joseph Smith receives a revelation at Nauvoo, Illinois, that says in part, “I, the Lord, will build up Kirtland” (D&C 124:83). This revelation becomes known as the “Kirtland Prophesy.”

19 January 1841
19 January 1841

Kirtland Prophecy Received

Joseph Smith receives a revelation at Nauvoo, Illinois, that says in part, “I, the Lord, will build up Kirtland” (D&C 124:83). This revelation becomes known as the “Kirtland Prophesy.”

24 May 1841
24 May 1841

First Kirtland Stake Discontinued

1840s-1850s
1840s-1850s

Kirtland Temple Becomes Schoolhouse and Stable

The Kirtland Temple is leased and used by the Western Reserve Teachers Seminary and as a schoolhouse. Tradition includes reports that the temple is used as a stable for animals. (See Source)

1840s-1850s
1840s-1850s

Kirtland Temple Becomes Schoolhouse and Stable

The Kirtland Temple is leased and used by the Western Reserve Teachers Seminary and as a schoolhouse. Tradition includes reports that the temple is used as a stable for animals. (See Source)

23 February 1880
23 February 1880

RLDS Church Obtains Kirtland Temple

The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now the Community of Christ) obtains legal title o f ownership to the Kirtland Temple, awarded by the Court of Common Pleas, Lake County, Ohio. They begin restoration of the temple.

1970
1970

Kirtland is Established as a Village

1971
1971

Kirtland is Incorporated as a City

1977
1977

Kirtland Temple becomes National Historic Landmark

14 October 1979
14 October 1979

The Rebuilding of Kirtland Begins

President Ezra Taft Benson states that the rebuilding of Kirtland is to begin and prophecies are to be fulfilled. He prays to lift the “scourge” placed on Kirtland. Ground is broken for the Kirtland LDS meeting house.

17 October 1982
17 October 1982

Kirtland Ward Building Dedicated

President Ezra Taft Benson dedicates the Kirtland LDS Ward building in Kirtland, Ohio.

16 October 1983
16 October 1983

Kirtland Stake Organized

President Ezra Taft Benson dedicates the Kirtland LDS Ward building in Kirtland, Ohio.

1984
1984

Newel K. Whitney Store Restored

4 May 1986
4 May 1986

Destruction of Stake Center

An arsonist’s fire destroys the Kirtland Ohio LDS Stake Center and Family History Center, destroying books, microfilms, microfiche, and Kirtland manuscripts.

November 1987
November 1987

Stake Center Reopens

Kirtland Ohio LDS Stake Center and Family History Center reopen. The Kirtland Heritage Collection is located in the Family History Center.

25-29 June 2002
25-29 June 2002

Open House Held for Restored buildings in Kirtland

Open houses are held at several new and restored buildings in Kirtland, including a new spacious LDS Visitors’ Center (replica of a gristmill), the Newel K. Whitney Store, the Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney Home, the John Johnson Inn, the Little Red School House, an ashery, and a sawmill (with a working waterwheel) built on the east branch of the Chagrin River. (See Source)

18 May 2003
18 May 2003

Historic Sites Dedicated

President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates restored sites, known as “Historic Kirtland,” as a part of Ohio’s bicentennial celebration (Ohio became a state in 1803).