Independence Visitor’s Center Re-opens By Brittany Karford, Church Magazines Just about everything is different than it used to be inside the Independence Visitors' Center in Independence, Missouri, which recently reopened after more than a year of renovations. Closed for 13 months, the visitors' center opened its 2 new theatres, 23 exhibits, and unique interactive children’s area to the public last Saturday. For those who knew the old center well, the new features give more than a historical context of Independence. “It's really almost completely different,” says Sister Jorgensen, who served in the center prior to its closure. Before, she says, missionaries did most of the tour, which emphasized the background of Independence. And that was for a good reason—the center stands 70 miles south of Adam-ondi-Ahman and a stone’s throw away from the site consecrated for a temple by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Needless to say, the center still retains a historical presence, with features such as a log cabin exhibit and a replica of the Phelps printing press. But it also incorporates the rich historical background of Independence with its marvelous future through a focus on Christ and His role in the eternal plan of happiness for Heavenly Father's children. Many who visit the center comment about the Christus statue standing at the entrance. It replaces the 28-foot mural that once stood in the entryway. “You see Christ is the centerpiece of our religion—it is just so clear,” says Jose Mendoza, a member of the Independence Third Ward. He received a tour of the center in Spanish along with his father-in-law. “My father-in-law does not easily express his feelings,” Brother Mendoza said. “But after the tour, he said to me: ‘I have no doubt that God exists.’ It was incredible—to see him almost in tears over what he saw and felt. Whether you are a member or not, you can be touched by the message delivered there.” The center's 3 missionary couples, 16 sister missionaries, and additional volunteers are excited to share the gospel through the center, where interactive exhibits answer questions about the gospel and the Lord's plan for families. Visitors can also see some 30 different Church films on request, including the new production, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. “Before, we were telling people about the plan of salvation,” said Paul Tonga, who worked as a host in the old center. “Today we show them.” After visiting the center with his wife, Brother Tonga could not wait to return with his seven children and eighteen grandchildren. “The message is there for families and individuals—whoever decides to follow Christ,” he said. Yet the most notable change for Elder Robert Poll, who is serving a mission as director of the center, is the spirit inside. “It's a special atmosphere that's here now,” he says. He adds that it reminds him of the reverent feeling inside a temple visitors' center and notes that one day a temple will stand in Independence. “We feel as if the eyes of Joseph Smith are on us here,” he says. The Independence Visitors' Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week, free of charge.