26 Jul - Independence, MO, Community of Christ Temple and Auditorium

A student from Grace University, housed on this site, guided us through the temple. We began in the Meditation Chapel, which contained paintings of the 8 sacraments (ordinances): baptism, confirmation, communion or Lord’s Supper (what we call the Sacrament), marriage (for time only), baby blessings, blessing the sick, evangelist’s (Patriarchal) blessing, and ordination to the priesthood (which women have been able to do since 1968). There was also a Japanese floral arrangement in 3 levels, symbolizing earth, humanity, and spirit dwelling together. The room looks out on a beautiful Japanese meditation garden donated by Independence’s sister city in Japan. The oil lamp for the daily prayer ceremony is also currently in the chapel due to renovation in the Sanctuary.

Our next stop was the Lobby, where we saw the flags from 50 nations where this church has congregations. They are aligned in order of chronology from the U.S. to Nigeria. There is a wooden cross with 360 pieces of wood of more than 100 varieties from the 50 nations. In the intersection of the two cross pieces is an olive branch in the shape of a dove, symbolizing peace in two different ways. Across the hall was the opening to the Sanctuary. We saw a beautifully etched glass window with a garden theme. The guide said it represented Joseph’s First Vision, where God spoke again to man.

We then passed a representation of the burning bush as we entered the Sanctuary through the Worshipper’s Path. This is an ascending path up to the worship area. It represents man’s ascending path to God and His descending path of communication to us. We passed several beautiful pieces of art, including “once was lost…now is found,” a depiction of the return of the prodigal son etched in black reflective granite (see yourself in the story as God accepts you back into His presence after you have sinned), a rough-hewn cross with a light casting the shadow of the cross across the path (we have to acknowledge Christ’s sacrifice for us), a tree of life (Revelations 22), and a reflecting pool entitled, “Whosoever dinks of the water that I shall give…will never thirst” (granite pool resembling a baptismal font and overflowing with God’s love for us).

The worship area is in the shape of a Nautilus seashell, spiraling upward and inward in degrees of discipleship. The tower is 195 feet tall and has a blinking light to warn incoming aircraft. The organ has 102 ranks and 5685 pipes, including outward protruding trumpet pipes. The room seats 1600, with about 1200 on the main floor. The auditorium across the street seats 5800 people and the organ is a little bigger. The sanctuary is not used for Sunday worship, only for individual worship and for special occasions where a large space is needed.

We left the worship area for the benediction or going forth hall. A wooden statue of Christ is at the top of the stairs. This statue is carved entirely out of one piece of wood, except for the hands. We then looked at a stained glass window, entitled “The Field Is White, Ready to Harvest.” (D&C 4, John 4:35) This showed sheaves of wheat both in the field and being harvested. This also symbolizes everyone’s need to be nourished in Christ. We passed by some pictures of this church’s leaders (first presidency, quorum of 12, presiding bishopric) before proceeding outside, where we stood on the world plaza (a map of the world is portrayed in the brickwork) and saw the bronze Doors of Peace with the child leading the lamb and the lion together. These doors are directly behind the wooden statue of Christ at the top of the stairs. The idea is to worship, then go forth through Christ to bring peace to the world. Our guide also pointed out the original stone church across the street where congregations have their Sunday worship services.

Some of our group visited the museum on the bottom floor of the temple. Here they saw the original door of the Liberty Jail and the manuscript of Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible, signed by him. The Community of Christ owns 40 of the original 63 acres purchased by Edward Partridge in 1831.