The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Announces Expansion in Kirtland, Ohio

April 1, 2024

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pleased to announce an exciting development in its ongoing efforts to enhance its historical sites. In a move that reflects the Church's commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich history, we are pleased to reveal plans for the expansion of our operations in Kirtland, Ohio.

The significance of Kirtland in the history of the Church cannot be overstated. It was in this quaint town that many key events took place, including the construction of the first Latter-day Saint temple outside of Missouri, the establishment of the School of the Prophets, and the receipt of revelations that are now canonized as scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants.

In line with our dedication to honoring our heritage and facilitating meaningful experiences for members and visitors alike, the Church has acquired additional land in Kirtland, Ohio. This acquisition serves as a testament to our enduring commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of early Latter-day Saint pioneers.

As part of this expansion, the Church will shift some of its operations to the new facilities located on this historic land. While specific details are still being finalized, the intention is to create spaces that will accommodate various functions, including visitor centers, administrative offices, and areas for educational and religious purposes.

This development underscores the Church's ongoing efforts to make its historical sites more accessible and engaging to members and visitors from around the world. By expanding our presence in Kirtland, we aim to provide individuals with enhanced opportunities to learn about the inspiring events that unfolded in this sacred place and to deepen their connection to their faith and its roots.

Furthermore, this expansion represents a collaborative effort between the Church and the local community. We are committed to working closely with residents and officials in Kirtland to ensure that this development is carried out in a manner that respects the town's heritage and contributes positively to its future.

In conjunction with this announcement, we invite members and friends of the Church to join us in celebrating this milestone. As we look forward to the completion of this project, we express gratitude for the opportunity to continue preserving and sharing the inspiring legacy of Kirtland and its importance in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For more information and updates on this expansion project and other Church initiatives, please visit newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often informally known as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church, is a global faith with millions of members worldwide. Established in 1830 by Joseph Smith, the Church teaches that it is the restoration of the original Christian Church founded by Jesus Christ. With a commitment to service, community, and faith, Latter-day Saints strive to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and make a positive impact on the world around them.

Thought for the week 4:

"The strength and depth of a relationship based on any form of love, as well as the level of commitment, is directly related to the amount of charity integrated in the relationship by each side."
(From my book "You Can!")

Thought for the week 3:

"You lose the right to criticize public opinion when you withhold your opinion from the public."

(From my book "You Can!")

Thought for the week 2:

"The value of your life is not the sum of your actions and deeds, but it is the current condition of the spiritual and physical raw materials you received at its outset."

(From my book "You Can" )

Thought for the week 1:

"Hope arises when we recognize the light that constantly surrounds us and consciously sense it. Hopelessness arises when we ignore that light."

(From my book "You Can" )

Poem: Light

Light is all around us and it brightens up our day.

If surrounded by deep darkness, it lets us see the way.

The sun sends light directly and attaches to every ray,

What every plant has need of, its beauty to display.

When light is felt we’re strengthened, happy and content,

While it warms and enlightens us, we see it’s heaven sent.

Without light our souls do suffer, we mourn and we cry,

In its absence our spirit, like a plant will wither and die.

Our spirits need light, like our bodies need water.

Yes, each one of us is either a son or a daughter,

Of heavenly parents that sent us off from above,

With a gift, the light of Christ, a token of their love.

As we go through life we are surrounded by light,

Some of it is physical and we see it shining bright.

More is unseen by our eyes but felt within our heart.

Although it’s there we feel it, only after doing our part.

Divine hints of purpose, constantly urging us along,

Perhaps giving words of comfort in the lyrics of a song.

It’s the counsel and direction we hear from time to time,

When facing great high mountains that we must climb.

Light makes us happy in spite of trials we might face,

With hope and trust abounding, our worries to replace.

Light is what gives us vision helping us to continue on,

It is what in the darkest night, carries us until dawn. 

Light is felt when we are humble, we mourn or we feel sad,

We are blind to light when we hate, are angry or are mad.

We radiate light if we have charity, are friendly or are kind,

Brightening our environment and enlightening our mind.

May we see all that light around us and use it every day,

To uplift those here with us in a special and unique way,

That our world may become brighter, darkness driven away,

Nearer to Thee, happy and enlightened, this is what I pray.

Raymond Dautel

February 2010

light map

light map is designed to help readers to find light in their lives. I invite everyone to step out of the shadows and into the light.

Shadows are found everywhere in our world and in our lives. They can easily develop from sickness, worries, hate, distrust, pain, crime, etc. Being in shadows we cannot experience the joy, and peace that comes from abiding in light. When we are in light we feel inspired, motivated, uplifted, hope, charity and joy. My personal wish and desire is to help people to overcome the challenges of depression, trials and difficulties in order to feel and recognize the light around us.

Currently I am in the publishing process for my book "You can - Feeling Down and Overwhemed by Life's Challenges? Welcome to the Club!" I am looking forward to getting it out there so that it can help people to have hope and courage and to take control of their lives. Since it will still take a few months before it will be available, I want to use this opportunity to reach out and offer small light moments to brighten your day.

I will be posting thoughts and poems here periodically. Feel free to spread the word and this link so that many can enjoy the additional light in their lives.