KIRTLAND, Ohio — Members of different faith backgrounds, including Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, came together to celebrate their shared religious heritage in the Kirtland Temple on June 16.
The gathering of close to 300 listened to a tender devotional message that centered on the rich history and power of the Kirtland Temple. The program concluded with everyone standing together to sing a rousing rendition of the hymn, “The Spirit of God.”
In his closing prayer, Seth Bryant, a historian and Community of Christ member, petitioned for the Lord to “turn hearts,” provide peace and “let the story continue in this holy house.”
The devotional and hymn fest marked the end of the 59th Mormon History Association Conference and many left the event dabbing cheeks with tissues.
“I couldn’t imagine a better way or better place to end the conference,” said David Howlett , an eighth-generation Community of Christ member who serves as this year’s MHA president .