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All the United States Missouri Independence Independence Temple

Independence Temple

This otherworldly church spire reaches up toward the heavens.

Independence, Missouri

Added By
Leland Moore
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Independence Temple.   Ecjmartin1/Public Domain
Independence Temple.   Ecjmartin1/Public Domain
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
With its top in the Heavens   ddarksword / Atlas Obscura User
The spire of Independence Temple.   ianlefk / Atlas Obscura User
Looking up at the spire from inside the Sanctuary.   John_Hamer/CC BY-SA 3.0
Community of Christ Temple and spire.   Ecjmartin1/Public Domain
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About

Independence Temple is eye-catching even to the undevout; it’s unlike any other place of worship built before or since. Construction of the spire—designed in the shape of a nautilus shell reaching up to the heavens—required four years and over 300 panels of custom-built stainless steel, and all this in the days of early 1990s software imaging. The final effect is truly otherworldly. 

The structure serves as the headquarters of the Community of Christ Church, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS). Unveiled in 1988 by Community of Christ President Wallace B. Smith, the temple is rife with biblical symbolism, with award-winning fountains and murals along "Worshiper's Path."

The structure is also huge: The Temple Sanctuary seats 1,600 while the auditorium seats 5,800. There is also a Meditation Chapel and a colorful Children's Peace Pavilion. The Temple also houses two giant organs, one of which boasts an impressive 6,334 pipes. The Community of Christ welcomes visitors of alternate faiths, which is fortunate because Independence Temple is a sight to be seen, inside and out. 

Related Tags

Temples Churches Architectural Oddities Engineering Religion Mormons Christianity Architecture Sacred Spaces

Know Before You Go

Open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Prayers for peace at 1 PM every day. Admission is free.

Community Contributors

Added By

Hermit

Edited By

AF, Molly McBride Jacobson, elf3, mbushutah...

  • AF
  • Molly McBride Jacobson
  • elf3
  • mbushutah
  • Collector of Experiences
  • ddarksword
  • lmschueler
  • ianlefk
  • beetlejess

Published

December 9, 2016

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Sources
  • http://www.azahner.com/portfolio/independence-temple
  • https://www.cofchrist.org/visit-independence
  • http://www.spiritualtravels.info/articles-2/north-america/religious-landmarks-in-independence-missouri/community-of-christ-landmarks-in-independence-missouri/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Temple
Independence Temple
Shalom Circle
Independence, Missouri, 64050
United States
39.091082, -94.426071
Visit Website
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Independence

Independence

Missouri

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Photo of Independence

Independence

Missouri

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