Kirtland Temple, Temple in Kirtland, US

Kirtland Temple is a white-facade meeting house in Kirtland, Ohio, its gabled front topped by a staged square tower with a balustrade, louvered section and dark domed cap. Vertical bands of alternating light and dark stripes edge the facade, which holds a round gable window, four pointed-arch windows and three green doors. The design mixes Federal, Greek Revival and Gothic Revival elements.

The building was finished in 1836 under the direction of Joseph Smith and became the first structure of its kind for the Latter Day Saint movement. Over the following decades, ownership changed hands several times and the building served different faith groups as a meeting place.

The temple takes its name from the settlement where church members gathered during the early 19th century. Today, visitors come to see the painted wooden pews and carved pulpits that show how an early American religious community arranged its meeting spaces.

Visitors can access both floors, with larger assembly spaces located on the lower level. Smaller rooms on the upper floor were originally intended for instruction and study purposes.

The exterior was not originally white: a local minister in the 1830s reported grey-blue walls, and the roof is thought to have been red, with olive-green doors; only the doors keep that colour today. Berea sandstone was quarried at the base of Gildersleeve Mountain, and members donated glass and pottery that was ground into stucco.