When we went to the church visitors center in Independence, we were surprised at how diverse the church history is at the site. On the way to the visitors center, the building that really catches your eye is the temple of the Community of Christ church (formerly Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). It looks like a huge silver candy sort of thing. But this temple is across the street from the visitors center, and their large auditorium and church headquarters is across the other street. Kitty corner is the Church of Christ headquarters, another break-off church. This whole are is considered the temple lot, where Zion will be rebuilt. One of the things I learned at the visitors center is that Joseph Smith designated 24 different temple buildings on the site. The visitors center was nice, with some great presentations, and a very nice sister missionary that gave us the tour. She even said she could tell we were kind and gentle people. We could see how the saints had found a bountiful land. But it was so sad the persecution they suffered here.
We took a walk around the area, including historic downtown. Harry Truman this, Harry Truman that. I guess he was President and all. We were surprised that we ran into other break-off churches, such as the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We saw the spot where some of the church's historical events occurred, such as the trashing of the printing press, although those old buildings aren't there any more. Then we found an italian restaurant for lunch. As we wrapped up our walk and headed back to the car at the visitors center, we contemplated taking a tour of the Community of Christ temple, but decided we really didn't feel like it. Not sure why.
Then we went to Liberty Jail. This is where Joseph and Hyrum and others were locked up without a conviction or even a trial for more than 4 months. They suffered in really awful conditions in the cold, dark, stinking dungeon. The jail site is original, with the visitors center built around a cut-away replica of the jail itself. Seeing this caused me feelings of cynicism about our hard-won liberties. But it's time to move on. Just like we all try to get along with the citizens of Missouri and with the other churches that broke off from ours (although from their perspective, it was the "Brighamites" that broke off from the church as restored by Joseph Smith.
2 comments:
I wish you could have seen "Burdens of Earth" when it was done here on BYU-I...we might have a DVD I could buy and show you sometime. It's one of maybe five good LDS scripts in the world, and it's about the time the prophet and others spent in Liberty Jail. I helped run Q&A sessions after each performance, and got to see the show quite a few times; it was such a great experience! I learned so much from the hardship and hope that was experienced in Liberty Jail. Each of the actors researched a ton, and it was just a really great experience. Thank you again for sharing this journey with everyone...I look forward to reading about your adventures every day!
Interesting to read your account of your visit to Independence MO. Missourians are quite proud of Harry Truman, 'the man from Missouri'! Fascinating person, we could use him in office now. :o) The Community of Christ (former RLDS) has become just another generic Christian church with all the changes they have made to get away from their roots and not be identified as LDS or tied to Joseph Smith. Such a shame! Yes, the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does believe they are the successors of the original church, with the same doctrine as in the beginning years--not in the later years before Joseph was martyred, when other ideas/doctrine were added. The Remnant Church is the ONLY one of the many groups claiming the early church as their roots that has a lineal descendant of Joseph Smith, Jr. as their prophet, seer and revelator. President Frederick N. Larsen is the gr gr grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. It is 'young' and small, but growing. Remnant is a perfect name--the remnant left that is staying true to the original gospel.
Of course, that is contrary to what you believe, I know--just wanted to let an LDS 'cousin' know a little more about it. And I literally have many cousins in the LDS church. :o)
God bless.
Post a Comment