Fire Destroys Kirtland Ohio Stake Center

The Kirtland Ohio Stake center was destroyed by fire May 4. The blaze broke out at about 2:00 A.M. and was controlled by 9:00 A.M., according to Stake President Zane F. Lee. The cause of the fire is unknown at present.

The entire building was destroyed, including the genealogical library and some rare volumes it contained. While many original documents and photographs were lost, copies of most of the materials are on file in Salt Lake City.

The tragedy brought renewed interest in the stake center’s genealogical library among members and nonmembers alike, and many area residents have donated additional historical and genealogical material to the facility.

Rebuilding efforts are now under way, and the genealogical library has already reopened.