Construction of the Auditorium was a major undertaking, illustrating the vision of church Prophet/President Frederick M. Smith who provided the building's inspiration.

Construction was virtually halted during the Great Depression when the church struggled under a massive debt.

[1] The Auditorium Organ includes an antiphonal console and pipes in the rear balcony of the oval chamber.

In addition to religious use, the Auditorium is available for high school and college graduations and cultural events in the Independence and Kansas City area.

On July 5, 2007, former United States President Bill Clinton gave the keynote address at the Auditorium commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Truman Presidential Library.