offices of church headquarters, theaters used for visitors and also for meetings, presentations, and classes, a museum and gift shop. The building has become a popular attraction with guided tours available. Approximately 60,000 people visit the temple each year. Temple ministries The temple is regarded as a symbol of the church's mission and has long been closely associated with the denomination's developing theology of Zion, or the peaceable Kingdom of God, first advocated as basileia tou theou by Jesus Christ. The first major event held at the temple prior to its dedication was the International Women's Conference in June 1993. The temple has no private ceremonies and is open to everyone. The sacraments performed there are communion, administration to the sick (laying on of hands), and priesthood ordination. Initially, six temple ministries centers were created in response to the building of the temple. The temple according to Ken Robinson, former member of the First Presidency, "gives form to our commitment to Jesus Christ" and that it "is at the center of meaning and identity for members of...Community of Christ" Temple lot Wallace B. Smith's great-grandfather and founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, Joseph Smith, visited Jackson County in 1831 and prophesied that a temple to the Lord would be built there. The early Latter Day Saints purchased a parcel of land known as the "greater temple lot." At that time a portion of the property was dedicated as the site for a temple, and cornerstones were laid. However, the church members were driven from the county before any construction began. The original temple site proper is now owned by the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). The Community of Christ's temple is built on the greater temple lot, as is the Auditorium, the headquarters chapel of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and a visitor center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Community of Christ also owns the temple in Kirtland, Ohio, the first temple built by Latter Day Saints, which continues to be a place of worship and education. As part of its educational ministry that site is open as a National Historic Landmark. Notes References Laurie Smith Monsees, The Temple: Dedicated to Peace, Herald House: 1993. Marilyn Chiat, North American Churches, Publications International, Ltd.: 2004, p. 72. Michael J. Crosbie, Architecture for the Gods. (Watson-Guptill Publications: 2000), pp. 66–72. External links Temple pipe organ