History Revisited

Elder Bednar tours Kirtland historic sites with grandchildren, Community of Christ apostle

See photos of Church leaders touring historic sites in Kirtland as well as additional photos of the Smith home dedication

By Trent Toone Aug 26, 2023 11:25 p.m. EDT

The sun rises on the Kirtland Temple in Kirtland, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

History Revisited

Elder Bednar tours Kirtland historic sites with grandchildren, Community of Christ apostle

See photos of Church leaders touring historic sites in Kirtland as well as additional photos of the Smith home dedication

By Trent Toone Aug 26, 2023 11:25 p.m. EDT

KIRTLAND, Ohio — Before dedicating the newly restored Joseph and Emma Smith Home on Saturday, Aug. 26, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve participated in a tour of the new historic site and the Kirtland Temple with family members and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Bednar was joined by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar; Elder Kyle S. McKay, a General Authority Seventy and the Church’s historian and recorder, and his wife, Sister Jennifer McKay; Elder Allen D. Haynie, a General Authority Seventy who serves as the Church’s North America Northeast Area president, and his wife, Sister Deborah Haynie; and Bishop L. Todd Budge, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, and his wife, Sister Lori Budge.

Elder Bednar dedicates Joseph and Emma Smith Home in historic Kirtland, Ohio

The group was accompanied by some special guests, including one of the Bednars’ sons and his family, who traveled from out of state.

“It is a privilege to be here at these sites that are so crucial in the history of the Restoration,” their son said, adding that the experience was enhanced because it was shared with family.

Opportunities to spend time with their grandparents only comes a few times a year, so the children didn’t hesitate. Their grandson described the experience as “incredible.”

Elder David A. Bednar talks with Community of Christ Apostle Lachlan Mackay near the Kirtland Ohio Temple.

One of their granddaughters added, “It is a really special experience, a once-in-a-lifetime thing that I will never forget.”

Another granddaughter agreed, “It has been spectacular to be here,” she said. “I love all the times where the tour guide asked us to imagine the things that went on in the home and all the love that Joseph and Emma felt for their family.”

After the Smith home, the tour moved to the Kirtland Temple, led by Lachlan E. Mackay, an apostle in the Community of Christ and a descendant of Joseph Smith.

Apostle Mackay was thrilled to see the Church restore the Joseph Smith home.

“It has been wonderful and exciting, I have long dreamed of seeing that house restored,” he said. “I am very much appreciative of all the hard work.”

The sun rises on the Kirtland Ohio Temple in Kirtland, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

As they walked along, Apostle Mackay said he and Elder Bednar became better acquainted and discussed the April 3, 1836 vision where Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple (Doctrine and Covenants section 110). Apostle Mackay relished the opportunity to lead Church leaders through the Kirtland Temple and discuss the shared heritage of the two faiths. He described the relationship between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ as “strong.”

“I love sharing the temple with people who are as passionate about the story as I am, and they clearly are,” he said. “So very nice and a privilege to share the space.”

Following are photographs of the Church leader tour as well as additional photos of the Smith home dedication.

Graves of early Church members, including the Smith family, in Kirtland, Ohio, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

Elder David A. Bednar and Community of Christ Apostle Lachlan Mackay walk into the Kirtland Ohio Temple in Kirtland, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

Dedication attendees walk past the cemetery to the Joseph and Emma Smith home in Kirtland, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

The Joseph and Emma Smith home front room in Kirtland, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

Attendees listen to the dedicatory prayer of the Joseph and Emma Smith home in Kirtland, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

Graves from early Latter-day Saints, including John Johnson, in Kirtland, Ohio, on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.

Sisters missionaries pose for a photo during the dedication of the Joseph and Emma Smith home in Kirtland, Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023.