Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation

08/20/2026

Over the last century, the Auditorium has been a part of the Independence community. Today the teachers are holding their welcome back event. Many graduations have also been held here.

08/19/2026

Many thanks to the 2026 Alma Blair interns, Tiona Horning and Viryriana Flores-Zamudio, for their excellent contributions while serving at the Community of Christ Library-Archives this summer. Tiona and Viry helped process new items into the archival collection, research church history in Australia for our upcoming tour, reorganize collections storage, and assisted with archival requests received throughout the summer. A highlight of their summer contributions included curating a new window exhibit exploring the 100 year history of the Auditorium. We encourage everyone to check out the new exhibit and add to the continuing history of the Auditorium by leaving a few memories of your own. The new exhibit is located inside The Temple next to the museum. Thank you, Tiona and Viry!
A very special thank you to our generous donors for their continued support for the Alma Blair Internship Program.

08/13/2026

It must have been quite the sight a century ago to watch the iconic dome of the Auditorium rise above the Independence skyline. Here are some remarkable images of the dome under construction. All photos courtesy of Community of Christ Library and Archives.

07/09/2026

It is almost time for Spectacular to begin in historic Lamoni, Iowa. In recognition of the many youths gathering together, we share an Auditorium Centennial focus on the youth. Stride magazine was introduced to the church in 1956. This youth magazine focused on issues relevant to teenagers into the 1960s. In Stride Volume 2, Bishop Leslie DeLapp took readers on a tour of recent Auditorium construction projects.
All photos courtesy Community of Christ Library and Archives.
We wish all traveling to Spec a wonderful week, keep hydrated!

07/04/2026

Congratulations to our friends at the Community of Christ Deer Park Camp and Retreat Center as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the historic Grand Pavilion/Tabernacle this year. Thank you for preserving this magnificent historic structure for current and future generations! Additional appreciation for welcoming Barb Walden and Sally Roth this week at reunion! Mid-Atlantic Mission Center

06/30/2026

Newly revised schedule for this Friday’s events at Liberty Hall in Lamoni. We hope to see you there!

06/27/2026

What a glorious time shared this week with the good people at the Cedar Valley Nauvoo reunion at Camp Nauvoo. Many thanks to the “youth of all ages” who shared photos with the peace banner. May your work as peacemakers continue strong long after you depart the reunion grounds!

06/23/2026

Many thanks to our friends at the Brush Creek reunion (located in Xenia, Illinois) for a wonderful week exploring stories of awaken, risk, and bless within Community of Christ history! We are especially grateful for all the stories and storytellers who shared throughout the week and for the many photos you shared with the peace seal banner. ‘Til we meet again!

06/18/2026

In an article for the Herald written in 1953, Verda Bryant wrote of her Conference guest: “Friday came and went, but I noticed some new flat-heeled shoes appeared among my guest…those ramps in the Auditorium do things to your feet, and ‘comfort before looks’ is my motto.”
The Auditorium ramps took a long time to complete. May 22, 1962, was a designated day of giving to the on-going finishing projects. Fliers announced that there was still over a mile of unfinished ramps and corridors, and $25.00 would complete an foot in length, floor to ceiling.
Arguably, the ramps are a favorite architectural feature of the Auditorium, especially for generations of kids burning off energy by running them up and down. What are your favorite memories of the Auditorium Ramps?
All photos courtesy Community of Christ Library and Archives

06/03/2026

You can now find all of our "Your Story is Church History" online programs in one place. Follow the link below to hear a number of compelling personal stories from Community of Christ past and present leaders. Enjoy!

Your Story is Church History