House of the Lord 

Summary

The sacred edifice in Kirtland, Ohio, since known as the Kirtland temple. Although the term temple in the early days of the church designated a category of buildings, the proper name applied to the structure in Kirtland was “House of the Lord.” JS and the Latter-day Saints also referred to it as “the chapel” and, in rare instances, “the temple.”1 Revelations relating to the construction of the House of the Lord in Kirtland made clear that it would serve as a place of religious instruction and a place of God’s presence, where he would manifest himself to faithful Latter-day Saints and endow his servants “with power from on high.”2 The building became a focal point for the religious community, providing a place for church meetings, office space for church leaders, rooms for schools, and sacred space for ordinances and revelation.3 The term “House of the Lord” was intended to be used more widely than just in Kirtland. In June 1833, JS and the presidency directed that twenty-four temples were to be built in Independence, Missouri, eighteen of which would bear proper names beginning with “House of the Lord.”4 See also geographical listings for “House of the Lord, Kirtland” and “House of the Lord, Far West.”