John Johnson Inn
John Johnson Inn Facts
- This Inn is located on the original foundation.
- Today, kiosks play short films depicting the lives of early Kirtland saints and their religion as well as demonstrate how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practices the same teachings in the 21 st century.
- Visitors can search for their ancestors in a database of about 1800 families who became members of the Church during the 1830's.
The First Red Brick Building in Kirtland is a Legacy
Purchased from Peter French in 1833, John Johnson was later given stewardship under the Kirtland United Order. When church printing presses were destroyed by mob action in Illinois, the inn became the site of a temporary printing office. Church leaders published revelations and books of scripture, along with a hymnal to provide guidance to Church members. Here a first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants is displayed in a dimly lit archival showcase, as is a second edition of the Book of Mormon. Other encased facsimiles are a reminder of Joseph Smith's enormous contributions. Until other Church materials and pamphlets were printed at the Johnson Inn, missionaries would hand-copy revelations and doctrines and teach from them directly.
A richly warm and beautiful oil on canvas painting by Walter Rane illustrates the somber occasion of an apostle being set apart and ordained for missionary service in 1833. It invites those who view it to become a part of that historical moment. Orson Pratt recalled, "I left with the twelve …for Fairport ... and went immediately on board of a steamboat which the Lord in His mercy provided ... at the very moment we arrived which was according to our prayers." On May 4, 1835, the Twelve Apostles, ordained to be special witnesses, left as a group from this place for missions.
The first church patriarch, Joseph Smith Sr., was ordained at the Johnson Inn. However, the first patriarchal blessing was given at that time by Joseph Smith, Jr. who held the keys of all priesthood blessings. Countless others received this revelatory, personal blessing here as well.