Here stands The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This church has a rich history deeply intertwined with New York. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ story began with Joseph Smith.
In 1820 a young Joseph Smith prayed in Palmyra New York. He experienced a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This pivotal moment set the stage for a new religious movement. In 1823 an angel named Moroni visited Smith. The angel revealed the location of golden plates. These plates contained what would become the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra in 1830. Soon after Joseph Smith and his followers established the Church of Christ. This took place in Fayette New York. Early branches formed in Palmyra Fayette and Colesville. The church officially became The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1838.
In July 1840 a group of converts arrived from Liverpool England. They landed in New York Harbor. The church’s presence in New York City grew. In 1934 the New York New York Stake was created. It was the first stake east of the Mississippi. From the 1930s to 1944 the church met in the former Manhattan Congregational Church. Later the stake moved to 142 West 81st Street.
On April 6 2000 the Palmyra New York Temple was dedicated. This was 170 years after the church’s organization. The temple overlooks the Sacred Grove and other historic sites. The first temple in New York City was dedicated on June 13 2004. It is the Manhattan New York Temple.
The Manhattan New York Temple is located at Two Lincoln Square. This six-story building originally included a visitors center a Family History Center and a chapel. In 2002 the building was transformed to include an urban temple. Architect Frank Fernandez gutted and soundproofed the upper and lower floors. This accommodated the new temple. A spire topped with a statue of the angel Moroni was added.
As of January 2024 New York has 17 stakes and 2 missions. The New York New York City Mission was organized on May 6 1839. The New York Syracuse Mission was created on January 26 1964. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown. Official church membership in New York was 0.41% of the population in 2014.
Today The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to be an integral part of New York’s religious landscape. Its history is etched into the very soil of upstate New York. Its future is intertwined with the lives of its members throughout the state. The Manhattan New York Temple stands as a testament. It honors the enduring legacy of faith and community.