Real Estate and Jesus Christ: Location, Location, Location

So you’ve probably heard of the Church of Latter Day Saints. But have you heard of the Restoration Church of Latter Day Saints?

Yeah. Me neither.

It was on a recent trip to Independence, Missouri when I was first introduced to this particular religion. I mean, how could I miss it? Upon a leisurely stroll through a middle-class neighborhood, I crossed some railroad tracks and there it was. A huge spire atop a building on a hill.

This awesome structure is 340 feet high and cost 35 million dollars. A resident of Independence explained to me that this is the location where RLDS members believe Jesus Christ will return. So, I guess you could say the spire is a sort of lightning rod for our Savior. And if you think that’s a bit interesting, then you haven’t heard anything yet.

Back in 1832, founder Joseph Smith pinpointed the exact location where a temple needed to be built for Jesus to return. The problem: this temple in Independence may be a few hundred yards off. You see, the RLDS sect separated from the main LDS church in 1991, but they weren’t the first. Another group known as the Hendrickites separated from the pack back in the 1800’s. And it was these Hendrickites that got into the market first, buying up the property of the exact prophesized site. The closest lot the RLDS group could get was across the street.

So the bad news is RLDS isn’t quite in the right spot. But the way I see it, they have no reason for worry. I mean, Jesus is known for some pretty amazing things. I can’t imagine him going to all the work of resurrecting and not being able to look across the street. I mean, it is kinda hard to miss.