Day Trips
Stop 1 - Community of Christ Temple
201 S. River
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 45 minutes
816-833-1000 www.cofchrist.org
One of two unique facilities serving as the international headquarters for the Community of Christ. The temple features a 1,600-seat sanctuary, a spiral ceiling rising nearly 200 feet above the floor, a 102-rank Casavant pipe organ, a chapel overlooking meditation garden, and a worshipers path with carved glass panels.
NOTE: Temple Sanctuary and Worshipper's Path flooring are currently being refurbished. Modified tours include a video and photo gallery representing these spaces.
Stop 2 - Community of Christ Auditorium
1001 W. Walnut
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 45 minutes
816-833-1000 www.cofchrist.org
This green domed building features a 15-minute video presentation and tour of conference chamber with 100-Rank Aeolian Skinner organ, one of the largest church organs in U.S. - 6,334 pipes have speaking length from ¼ inch to 32 feet. Free organ recitals are held from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday and daily in June, July and August.
Stop 3 - Church of Christ (Temple Lot)
200 S. River
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 30 minutes
816-833-3995 www.churchofchrist-tl.org
The Church traces its origin to 1830 and Joseph Smith Jr. who dedicated the site for the "Temple of the Lord". Visitors may watch a video explaining the history of the Church and view historical artifacts, including two original marker stones for the temple, laid in 1831 and found during modern excavation in the 1920s. The temple site is on the National Historic Register and the Mormon Walking Trail.
Stop 4 - Mormon Visitors Center
937 W. Walnut
Independence, MO 64050 www.lds.org
Allow 1 hour
816-836-3466
Learn about the key role the Mormons played in the early and tempestuous history of Independence and why thousands followed a young prophet to Independence in the 1830s. The story of the Mormons is colorfully brought to life in the totally remodeled Mormon Visitors Center. See rare artifacts, exhibits, videos, and artwork documenting the history and beliefs of the Saints.
Stop 5 - Restoration Heritage Plaza
1034 W. Lexington
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 30 minutes
816-461-6578
Tour three 1800s facilities that played a central role in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or commonly known as Mormon), Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (RLDS or today known as Community of Christ), and Church of Christ (Temple Lot) settlements in Independence. Visit the Luff House home of early RLDS Radio programming, the study of Frederick M. Smith, early president of the RLDS church, and the Flourney Home, site where early leaders purchased property for future temples.
Stop 6 - Drive by Community of Christ Stone Church
1012 W. Lexington
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 10 minutes
816-254-1800
The cornerstone for the Stone Church constructed of sandstone was laid on April 6, 1888. The first service held in the completed church was in the spring of 1892. The Stone Church sponsored the first Boy Scout troop established west of the Mississippi River. View beautiful stained glass, designed by noted stained-glass artist Ron Dixon, installed in 1970 to replace the original windows. Tours are available by appointment only.
Stop 7 - Lunch & Shopping on the Historic Independence Square
Main & Lexington
Allow 2 hours
Enjoy lunch on the Historic Independence Square which once served as the rallying point for wagon trains heading west and many of Harry's favorite haunts. Families can enjoy a sandwich or full-course meal at one of the several eateries on the Square. Any remaining time can be spent in one of the antique or specialty shops.
Stop 8 - Driving Tour of Historic Churches
Trinity Episcopal Church
409 N. Liberty
Independence, MO 64050
816-254-3644
Bess Truman's church - Trinity Episcopal - was founded in 1837 and recognized as a mission in 1944. This is the oldest Episcopal Church in Jackson County. It is also the church where Bess and Harry Truman, the 33rd President, were married on June 28, 1919. Open for Tours.
Second Baptist Church
116 E. White Oak Avenue
Independence, MO 64050
816-461- 6020
Said to be the oldest African-American church in Missouri, organized in 1864 by a group that first met in 1861 in a one-room house. The cornerstone for the current building was laid in 1886. Not open for tours.
St. Mary's Catholic Church
611 N. Liberty Street
Independence, MO 64050
816-257-0122
In 1822, the Rev. Charles de la Crois, a Catholic missionary, established St. Mary's as a French and Indian Mission. St. Mary's was the first Catholic church in Jackson county.
Tour by appointment only.
First Presbyterian Church
100 N. Pleasant St.
Independence, MO 64050
816-252-6662
In 1913, the Liberty Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church (established in 1826) and the First Presbyterian Church (established in 1841) merged. Harry Truman attended Sunday School and met Bess Wallace here.
Tour by appointment only.
Optional: Missouri Mormon Walking Trail
Beginning at Walnut & River, across the street from the Community of Christ Auditorium, the trail is one mile long with 14 plaques depicting key early Mormon sites. Brochure available at key sites.