Unique Religious Heritage in Independence, MO

Tour, Then Give Thanks

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. October 14, 2008

INDEPENDENCW, MO, November 8, 2007. Visit landmark religious sites and attractions of Mormon-based faith groups and churches in Independence, Missouri. Independence, Missouri offers unique churches and faith-focused attractions.

Plan a journey to historic Independence, Missouri, where you can explore the roots of the Mormons and then pause to worship in one of the many churches which sprang from their early beliefs, as well as historical churches of other faith traditions.

The first members of The Church of Christ, also known as Mormons, arrived in frontier Independence in 1831. Within months, hundreds of "saints" arrived, bought land, cleared farms, and built sturdy log homes. Leader Joseph Smith, Jr. declared this to be Zion, a city of God, placed a marker stone dedicating the site for a temple and drew up a plat for a city of 15,000 to 20,000 residents. By 1833, differences between the Mormons and Missouri "old settlers" rose to the level of armed conflict and by 1835, the Mormons were driven from the state.

The story of the Mormons in Independence is colorfully reflected through displays, interactive kiosks, a furnished log cabin and historical audio/visual presentations in the Independence Mormon Visitors Center. Art, videos and interactive exhibits explain the modern beliefs and doctrines of the Mormons, now known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When Joseph Smith was killed, Brigham Young led the majority of Mormons West to Utah. Among followers who remained in the Midwest were two groups who would return to Independence. One group, now called The Church of Christ Temple Lot, returned in 1867 and purchased the temple lot property, which can be toured today. In their visitors center located on the lower level of their church, you may watch a video and view historical artifacts, including two original marker stones laid for the temple in 1831.

Members of the other, known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, began returning in the late l880s. In 1920, Independence became the church's official headquarters, where it remains. Now known as The Community of Christ, this Church built and maintains two major Independence landmarks.

The Community of Christ Auditorium boasts a 6,000 seat conference center with one of the largest free-standing church organs in the United States. Following a tour, families may visit the upstairs Children's Peace Pavilion, a hands on interactive experience created to foster peace.

The Church's Temple, with its stunning architecture and modernistic silver spire, echoes the shape of a nautilus seashell and houses a sanctuary in which the ceiling rises 200 feet from the floor. Another world class organ, Japanese meditation garden, and worshipper's path filled with artwork, make this a peaceful tour experience. The Temple also includes a museum and gift shop/bookstore. A "Prayer for Peace" is held daily at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary. Free organ concerts are also held daily in the summer and every Sunday in the fall, winter and spring.

A marked "Missouri Mormon Walking Trail" includes 14 sites, from the 1827 Log Courthouse (which is open for tours) to sites of former homes, jail, schools and businesses significant to the era. Free brochures with a map are available at Mormon-related sites or from the city's Tourism department

Historic Catholic, Episcopal, Baptist and Methodist churches dating from the 1800s are still used for worship in Independence. These include the church where Harry and Bess were married, and the state's oldest operating African-American church, which has been meeting since 1860. Tours are not offered at these churches, but you can drive by or step inside to take a walk back in time. All tours and events at the churches and above attractions are free of charge.

Additional tourism sites and attractions include the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, Truman Home, Vaile Mansion, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Chicago and Alton Depot, 1859 Jail and Marshal's Home, National Frontier Trails Museums, covered wagon rides, Puppetry Arts Institute, Leila's Hair Museum, and charming shops and restaurants surrounding the historic Jackson County Courthouse on the Square .

For a Visitors Guide, (which lists names and addresses of historic churches) lodging information, or a calendar of events, call Independence Tourism, 816-325-7111, 800-748-7323 or go to www.visitindependence.com.