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  • Latest News
    • Latest News
    • Church History Book Club
    • Christmas Eve Service
    • Autumn Lecture Series
    • Emma Smith Hymn Festival
    • Women's History Tour
  • We Are All Storytellers
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    • Plano Stone Church
    • Heritage Plaza
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Latest News

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

1/12/2021

 
   For good measure, we'll say it one more time: Thank you!
   Your generosity helped us reach the goal in December's "$25,000 in 25 Days" fund-raising campaign.
   The money, coming in a year when the historic sites have been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is especially appreciated. Though historic properties such as the Temple in Kirtland, Ohio, and the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois, have been shuttered, maintenance expenses have continued.
   Your contributions to the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation also have helped us develop education resources, run online lecture series, and increase the ways we share church heritage.
   If you'd like to continue your donations, press on the "Donate" button on this website's home page.
   Again, thank you!

Campaign Offers Hope for New Year

12/8/2020

 
   OK, this has been a tough year. Nobody would dispute that.
   The pandemic forced closure of the properties supported by the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation through at least March 31, 2021. During this time, expenses have kept arriving, even when visitors could not. To help compensate, numerous online resources and events have been held.
   Now as we turn to 2021, this season of giving reminds us of opportunities.  One opportunity is to support historic sites by contributing to the “$25K in 25 Days” campaign.
   Donations may be made through the US Postal Service at Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, P.O. Box 338, Nauvoo, IL 62354. Donations also can be made by calling (440) 477-9562.
   And of course you can contribute online by clicking on the “Donate” button of this website’s home page. We thank you for your support and wish you a merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.


Session to Offer Insights into Congregational History

12/7/2020

 

   Many people carry only a big-picture view of history, focusing primarily on widely famous events and places.
    But history takes place at other levels, too.
   So Rachel Killebrew, Community of Christ librarian/archivist, will lead a workshop at 1:30 p.m. (CST) Friday, December 11, to help people learn more about preserving their congregation’s story and maybe even about serving as a congregational historian.
   A special topic will focus on how to preserve congregational historical treasures, including print and audio-visual resources.
   If you’re interested, the Zoom link is  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81220365419?pwd=ODlqSDUyaHVkOHRTbU5MTitITEVXdz09.
   The session will be recorded, and an archived video link will be available at www.CofChrist.org for those unable to attend.

Mesle-Morain Joins Foundation Board

11/16/2020

 
     The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation welcomed Sherry Mesle-Morain to her first board meeting November 14.
     Mesle-Morain, who lives in Lamoni, Iowa, said the favorite job in her career was working as director of Financial Aid Services for Graceland University.
     She said her favorite period in church history was the mid-20th century, when the church struggled to transition from the one and only true church to a world church.
     In a biography she presented to the board, she wrote: “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues in finding stories to tell that add to visitors’ understanding of our church history at our historic sites.”

Bolton to Present Bonus Lecture

11/16/2020

 
     Former Apostle Andrew Bolton will provide a bonus for the Autumn Lecture Series by exploring the story behind the Community of Christ peace seal.
      The event will begin at noon (Central Time) November 21. It will conclude with the Daily Prayer for Peace at 1:00 p.m.
     The church seal, beloved by members and used all over the world, has helped the church transform from a past that included violence to a people pursuing peace.
    Andrew will examine Isaiah 11:1–10 and a hymn that inspired the seal. The presentation will include art, color, and design.
      To register, visit the Autumn Lecture Series tab under Latest News on this website.

Seth Bryant Steps away as Kirtland Site Director

10/14/2020

 
The Kirtland Temple in Ohio and the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation took a major hit at the end of September when Site Director Seth Bryant took his energy and creativity to the VA. 
During his four years as site director, he oversaw numerous improvements and maintenance projects. He also designed a new website, started an online museum store, and began the project to offer virtual reality tours. 
In addition, he served as an ex-officio board member of the foundation, participated in numerous Storyteller events, and more. Foundation Executive Director Barbara Walden referred to him as a “minister of church history.” 
Because of the pandemic, all Community of Christ historic sites will remain closed until at least March 2021. This will provide time for leaders to search for a replacement. ​

Tom Morain, a Blessing to Church History, Passes Away

10/12/2020

 
Lovers of church history lost someone special Saturday, October 10.
Tom Morain, who made a huge impact on church history sites, church education, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, and more, passed away.
He was passionate about sharing church history. Besides serving on the foundation board, he contributed at Storyteller events, educational and fundraising sessions, reunions, and more.
He led history classes, hymn festivals, and worship services. He wrote grants and talked to potential donors.
We’ll all miss him.
​

Hit Lecture Series to Receive Fall Encore

9/20/2020

 
     The Summer Lecture Series was a hit, so it was only natural that leaders would follow with a Fall Lecture Series.
     Beginning October 1 The eight-week series will run at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) on Thursdays. The theme will be “Church History Without Boundaries” with speakers focusing on the global history in Community of Christ.
The speakers:
October 1--John-Charles Duffy, “A Global Family”
October 8--David Howlett, “The Story of Community of Christ in India”
October 15--Dima Hurlbut, “The Story of Community of Christ in Southeastern Nigeria”
October 22--Barbara Walden, “Community of Christ History in the Holy Land”
October 29--Andrew Bolton, “Latter-day Saint British Isles Missions, 1837–1863”
November 5--Steve Shields, “The Church Encounters Asia. Beginnings: Korea”
November 12--Seth Bryant, “1830s Latter-day Saint Missiology
November 19--John Hamer, “R.C. Evans of Canada: From the RLDS First Presidency to Schismatic Church Leader”
     For more information, visit www.historicsitesfoundation.org/autumn-lecture-series.html.

Service to Honor Church Heritage

9/18/2020

 
     The Historic Sites Foundation will be involved Sunday in an online Heritage Day Service with the Beyond the Walls/Toronto Congregation. John Hamer will preside at the event, 11:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time. 
     Among participants with strong historic ties will be Barbara Walden, David Howlett, Rachel Killebrew, and more. Donations will go to the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation for preserving and sharing church heritage. Check YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kufjs7_HzmE. 
  

Historic Sites Closed for Rest of Year

8/17/2020

 
​     It was a decision everyone wanted to avoid. But leaders, concerned for the welfare and safety of staff members, volunteers, and visitors, felt it had to be made.
     Historic Sites Director Lachlan Mackay and directors of each historic site recently announced that because of the COVID-19 pandemic the properties would be closed until the end of the year.
     Among the properties affected are the Kirtland Temple in Ohio; the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois; Liberty Hall in Lamoni, Iowa; Heritage Plaza in Independence, Missouri; and the Plano Stone Church in Illinois.
     Despite the closure, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation continues online efforts to promote church heritage while performing maintenance of the sites. Your financial support is appreciated.
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Community of Christ
Historic Sites Foundation

PO Box 338
Nauvoo IL 62354
217-453-2246

info@historicsitesfoundation.org
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Historic Sites
Kirtland Temple
Joseph Smith Historic Site
Liberty Hall
Plano Stone Church
Heritage Plaza

  • Latest News
    • Latest News
    • Church History Book Club
    • Christmas Eve Service
    • Autumn Lecture Series
    • Emma Smith Hymn Festival
    • Women's History Tour
  • We Are All Storytellers
  • Historic Sites
    • Kirtland Temple
    • Joseph Smith Historic Site
    • Liberty Hall
    • Plano Stone Church
    • Heritage Plaza
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Donate