Editor’s note: This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aims to inform readers across the state.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has bought a cherished piece of its history: the Kirtland Temple.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Salt Lake City-based church announced the purchase of the valuable property, the first temple built by the followers of faith founder Joseph Smith.

The church also acquired a number of historical documents along with historic sites in Nauvoo, Ill., from the Independence, Mo.,-based Community of Christ.

The two churches announced the agreement in a joint statement, noting that the Kirtland Temple will reopen March 25 to the public as a historic building.

Likewise, in Nauvoo, the Smith Family Homestead, the Mansion House and the Red Brick Store will also reopen March 25 for year-round public tours at no charge.

For more on when Utah will drop its COVID-19 restrictions, read this story at sltrib.com.

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