Historian’s Corner: Decisions at World Conference pt 3

Historians Corner, Vol. 3, No. 3, April 23, 2025
By Stephen Thompson, Canada West Mission Centre Historian​

In the previous column in this series, we highlighted the prophetic call at the 1984 World Conference for the ordination of women to the priesthood, as provided in Section 156:9a–d of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. As we discussed, this has had a profound impact on the church.

Just as significant were verses 3 to 6 of Section 156, presented here in their entirety:

3 My servants have been diligent in the work of planning for the building of my temple in the Center Place. Let this work continue at an accelerated rate, according to the instructions already given, for there is great need of the spiritual awakening that will be engendered by the ministries experienced within its walls.
5 a. The temple shall be dedicated to the pursuit of peace. It shall be for reconciliation and for healing of the spirit.
b. It shall also be for a strengthening of faith and preparation for witness.
c. By its ministries an attitude of wholeness of body, mind, and spirit as a desirable end toward which to strive will be fostered.
d. It shall be the means for providing leadership education for priesthood and member.
e. And it shall be a place in which the essential meaning of the Restoration as healing and redeeming agent is given new life and understanding, inspired by the life and witness of the Redeemer of the world.
6 Therefore, let the work of planning go forward, and let the resources be gathered in, that the building of my temple may be an ensign to the world of the breadth and depth of the devotion of the Saints.
--Community of Christ. Doctrine and Covenants. Herald Publishing House. Kindle Edition.

Instructions concerning the nature and purposes of a temple in Independence had been received in prior years as parts of inspired documents included in the Doctrine and Covenants. Section 156, however, was the proverbial “kick in the pants” for the church to “get on with it!”

Between April 1984, when this direction was received, and April 1994, when the finished Independence Temple was dedicated, many complex tasks occurred to facilitate construction, including:

•    Determining the primary and secondary purposes and functions of the temple
•    Selecting an architect (Hellmuth, Obata, and Kassabaum of St. Louis, Missouri) and construction firm (J.E. Dunn Construction Company of Kansas City)
•    Approving the final design—the “nautilus” spiral that would reach 300 feet into the sky and change the Independence, Missouri skyline
•    Beginning fundraising toward a $60 million goal
•    Planning for the initial activities to happen in the temple
(Scherer, pp. 480–481)
​
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 6, 1990 (the 160th anniversary of the church’s founding). The first “dedicatory function” hosted in the temple was the International Women’s Conference in September 1993. Gail Mengel, then Director of Women’s Ministries, led the planning over two-and-a-half years with approximately 300 volunteers. She shares this anecdote:

“It was late in 1992 when President Smith called me to talk about the dedication of the temple. He explained that the organ would not be installed for the dedication planned for April of 1993. I remember holding my breath and thinking, oh no, they can’t cancel our event now. But instead, President Smith told me the International Conference for Women would now be the first dedicatory event. The church dedication would move to the World Conference of 1994. No pressure, of course!”

She goes on to share how successful the event was, with 4,700 women from 28 countries attending a four-day event that was “life-changing for many.”
(Mengel, pp. 9–10)

Several “pre-dedicatory” events were held between August and December 1993. The official dedication took place during the 1994 World Conference on April 17, 1994. The service was attended by 1,800 people in person, with thousands more standing outside on World Plaza and watching via cable television and satellite broadcast. (Scherer, p. 486)

What about the fundraising effort? It was highly successful. Members and friends of the church donated over $62 million, exceeding both the goal and the final cost of construction.

Since its completion, the Independence Temple’s ministries have focused on its dedication to peace, reconciliation, healing, strengthening faith, and preparation for witness. The apostles and seventies go out into the world with these priorities as the focus of their ministry. Programs and materials have been created for leaders and members to support this work in congregational settings.

A few key ministries that continue today include:
•    The daily Prayer for Peace held in the temple sanctuary, focusing on a different nation each day
•    The International Peace Award, recognizing individuals and organizations who promote peace in ways consistent with Community of Christ values
•    Hosting of the Community of Christ–Graceland University Seminary

The approval of Section 156 by the 1984 World Conference continues to impact the church in diverse and meaningful ways—through both the ordination of women and the ministries of the temple.

Do you have an experience related to either of these initiatives that you would be willing to share? I am always delighted to hear from readers. [email protected]

Works Cited:
Gail E. Mengel, “Woman’s Place: Coming of Age,” in Restoration Studies, Vol. XIII, John Whitmer Historical Association and Community of Christ Seminary Press, 2012; pp. 1–12.

Mark A. Scherer, The Journey of a People: The Era of Worldwide Community, 1946–2015, Community of Christ Seminary Press, 2016.