The construction of the Jordan River Utah Temple and its maintenance costs for many years were funded entirely by monetary donations from local members. The temple site was likewise gifted to the Church.
Announcement: 3 February 1978
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 9 June 1979 by Spencer W. Kimball
Dedication: 16–20 November 1981 by Marion G. Romney
Rededication: 20 May 2018 by Henry B. Eyring
Site: 15 acres | 6.1 hectares
Architectural Features: Single attached central spire with an angel Moroni statue
Ordinance Rooms: Six instruction rooms (seat 175 each), sixteen sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 148,236 square feet | 13,772 square meters
Height: 219 feet | 66.8 meters
#churchofjesuschristtemples #templesofutah #temple #ldstemples #podcast #everytemplepodcast #lds #ldstemples #latterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormon #churchhistorymatters #church #podcast #gordonbhinckley #russellmnelson
The First Presidency of the Church — Church President Spencer W. Kimball; President N. Eldon Tanner, first counselor; and President Marion G. Romney, second counselor — announced plans to build a temple in Seattle, Washington, to a group of Latter-day Saints in the Seattle area on Nov. 15, 1975.
Saints had been waiting for this for so long, that many already had temple funds set aside to help with the construction, so they knew as soon as it was announced, donations were pouring in. 3.2 million raised by members from Alaska to oregon, 11 million dollar total cost
Because the Seattle Washington Temple would be situated near the Bellevue Airfield, the proposed height of the spire was reduced, and a red strobe warning light was installed at the base of the angel Moroni statue. When the airfield closed in 1983, the light was permanently shut off and later removed.
Announcement: 15 November 1975
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 27 May 1978 by Marion G. Romney
Public Open House: 7 October–8 November 1980
Dedication: 17–21 November 1980 by Spencer W. Kimball
Site: 23.5 acres | 9.5 hectares
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms, twelve sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 110,000 square feet | 10,219 square meters
Height: 179 feet | 54.6 meters
Elevation: 412 feet | 126 meters
#churchofjesuschristtemples #templesofutah #temple #ldstemples #podcast #everytemplepodcast #lds #ldstemples #latterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormon #churchhistorymatters #church #podcast #gordonbhinckley #russellmnelson
The Tokyo Japan Temple was announced to a very grateful crowd of Japanese members at an area conference in 1975. Despite the mission being closed for 24 years in the middle of the 20th century, missionary work was very successful after the war, and membership shot up from 8,000 to 50,000 very quickly by the time the temple was dedicated.
The recent renovation (2017-2022) beautified the interior and exterior of the building with culturally relevant patterns, and materials. Two stone lanterns sit on the grounds representing guides for spirits on their way.
Listen along to the episode to hear Janelle’s experience at this beautiful temple!
Announcement: 9 August 1975
Construction Commencement: 10 April 1978 (no groundbreaking ceremony)
Dedication: 27–29 October 1980 by Spencer W. Kimball
Rededication: 3 July 2022 by Henry B. Eyring
Site: 1.22 acres | 0.5 hectares
Architectural Features: Single attached end spire with an angel Moroni statue added in 2004
Ordinance Rooms: Two instruction rooms, five sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: Originally 52,590 sq ft 53,997 square feet | 5,016 square meters
Height: 178 feet 4 inches | 54.4 meters
#churchofjesuschristtemples #templesofutah #temple #ldstemples #podcast #everytemplepodcast #lds #ldstemples #latterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormon #churchhistorymatters #church #podcast #gordonbhinckley #russellmnelson
The Sao Paulo Brazil Temple is the first temple built in South America, President Kimball announced that there would be a temple built there at the beginning of an area conference. Church members were so excited they donated and sacrificed a lot to contribute to the construction, some even volunteered to make over 50,000 cement blocks for the exterior. The motto for the city is "I am not led, I lead" which is just fantastic. listen along with us as we talk (with a special guest) about the history of the temple in Sao Paulo!
Announcement: 1 March 1975
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 20 March 1976 by James E. Faust
Public Open House: September 1978
Dedication: 30 October–2 November 1978 by Spencer W. Kimball
Public Open House: 17 January–14 February 2004
Rededication: 22 February 2004 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Site: 1.85 acres | 0.7 hectares
Ordinance Rooms: Two instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area:Originally 51, 279 sqft 59,246?? 55K square feet | 5,504 square meters
Height: 101 feet | 30.8 meters
#churchofjesuschristtemples #templesofutah #temple #ldstemples #podcast #everytemplepodcast #lds #ldstemples #latterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormon #churchhistorymatters #church #podcast #gordonbhinckley #russellmnelson
The Washington D.C. Temple is a monument of enlightenment. That is the word revealed to the architect when he feverishly put pencil to paper and designed this beautiful building. It has remarkably beautiful white Alabama Marble all around the outside and some stunning stained glass panels that go from the ground all the way to the top of the building on the ends. The marble exterior is in some places shaved to almost half an inch, which actually allows light to filter through it and helps illuminate the interior. Betty Ford came to the open house as a special guest in 1974 and requested a photo with President Spencer W Kimball.
Janelle shared this article about a special new painting that hangs in the temple since the 2022 rededication.
Announcement: 15 November 1968
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 7 December 1968 by Hugh B. Brown
Dedication: 19–22 November 1974 by Spencer W. Kimball
Rededication: 14 August 2022 by Russell M. Nelson
Site: 52 acres | 21.0 hectares
Exterior Finish: Reinforced concrete sheathed in 173,000 square feet of Alabama white marble
Architectural Features: Six attached spires with an angel Moroni statue
Ordinance Rooms: Six instruction rooms, ten sealing rooms, and one baptistry and an assembly hall
Total Floor Area: 156,558 square feet | 14,545 square meters
Height: 288 feet | 87.8 meters
#churchofjesuschristtemples #templesofutah #temple #ldstemples #podcast #everytemplepodcast #lds #ldstemples #latterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormon #churchhistorymatters #church #podcast #gordonbhinckley #russellmnelson
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple was one of the busiest temples in the church. Neighbor to Brigham Young University and the Missionary Training Center, it ran 50 session per day from 5:30am to 10:30pm. In 2021 President Nelson announced that the temple would be closed for demolition and rebuilt in a new, modern fashion. It is scheduled to be finished in 2027, we anxiously await it's reopening.
Announcement: 14 August 1967
Site Dedication: 15 September 1969 by Joseph Fielding Smith
Groundbreaking: 15 September 1969 by Hugh B. Brown
Public Open House: 10–29 January 1972
Dedication: 9 February 1972 by Joseph Fielding Smith (read by Harold B. Lee)
Rooms: Baptistry, celestial room, six ordinance rooms, 12 sealing rooms.
Total floor area: 130,825 square feet.
Dimensions: 200 feet by 184 feet; 175 feet high with a 118-foot spire on top of the building. with a Moroni added in 2003
#churchofjesuschristtemples #templesofutah #temple #ldstemples #podcast #everytemplepodcast #lds #ldstemples #latterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormon #churchhistorymatters #church #podcast #gordonbhinckley #russellmnelson
The Ogden Utah Temple was the first Temple built in the STATE of Utah, almost 80 years after Salt Lake City was finished. Built to be as efficient as possible (6 instruction rooms) it out-performed all other Utah temples combined in the first month of operation! In 2010 a major renovation was announced to change the exterior of the temple, and it was rededicated in 2014. Please check out our instagram to see if you can spot the differences of the temple before and after!
Announcement: 24 August 1967
Site Dedication: 8 September 1969 by Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer
Groundbreaking: 8 September 1969 by Hugh B. Brown
Dedication: 18–20 January 1972 by Joseph Fielding Smith
Rededication: 21 September 2014 by Thomas S. Monson
Site: 9.96 acres | 4.0 hectares
Exterior Finish: Granite, quarried and fabricated in China
Ordinance Rooms: Six instruction rooms, nine sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area:Originally 130,000- now 112,232 square feet | 10,427 square meters
Height: 188 feet 8 inches | 57.5 meters
#churchofjesuschristtemples #templesofutah #temple #ldstemples #podcast #everytemplepodcast #lds #ldstemples #latterdaysaints #churchofjesuschrist #mormon #churchhistorymatters #church #podcast #gordonbhinckley #russellmnelson
Another Bonus Episode with Olivia, we go through each of the newly announced temples and talk about where they are and how they will benefit the saints in those regions.
The Oakland California Temple is a gem in the bay area, it literally and figuratively lights up the neighborhood, and we have a lovely guest to talk about her love for this temple, and all temples. The Oakland Temple has a large inter-stake center next door that hosts over 1,000 events a year, and was once used by the Golden State Warriors as a practice facility -- we think. Anyway, please listen and if you learn something share the podcast with a friend.
Announcement: 23 January 1961
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 26 May 1962 by David O. McKay
Dedication: 17–19 November 1964 by David O. McKay
Rededication: 16 June 2019 by Dallin H. Oaks
Site: 18.1 acres | 7.3 hectares
Architectural Features: Central spire surrounded by four smaller spires
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms, seven sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 80,157 square feet | 7,447 square meters
Height: 170 feet | 51.8 meters
The London England Temple is actually located in a rural area 25 miles south of London. The grounds include stunning gardens, an very ancient oak tree, a distribution center, and an old Manor House! Moroni was not installed until 2008. This was the first temple in the United Kingdom.
Announcement: 10 August 1953
Dedication: 7–9 September 1958 by David O. McKay
Rededication: 18–20 October 1992 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms, eight sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: Originally 34,000 sqft. Now 42,652 square feet | 3,962 square meters
Height: 156 feet | 47.5 meters
The theme of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple and the neighboring Church College of New Zealand (1958-2009) is "Build for Eternity". The temple and the school were built by labor missionaries, these are young individuals and families who consecrated their lives for 2 years to building these projects. And their efforts have eternal effects and reach far beyond what we can comprehend. The people of New Zealand and the South Pacific were so incredibly grateful to have access to a temple.
Announcement: 17 February 1955
Dedication: 20–22 April 1958 by David O. McKay
Rededication: 16 October 2022 by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Site: 35 acres | 14.2 hectares
Ordinance Rooms: Two instruction rooms, five sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 45,251 square feet | 4,204 square meters
Height: 156 feet | 47.5 meters
This is a special pre-General Conference episode of the Every Temple Podcast where we talk to our new friend Olivia about her educated guesses for where new temples may be announced. If you have any guesses please add them in the comments on Spotify or on our Instagram and Facebook pages!
We will meet up with Olivia after conference to review what she got right and what she thinks about the temples that are announced!
This temple is a BIG deal. It is the second biggest temple the church has built. The first temple to plan for a parking lot! A Moroni that is totally unique to this temple!
And you gotta check out these oxen. (you know how I love the oxen)
Church members in California fundraised over 1.6 million dollars to help with the cost of the temple.
"Head Architect Edward O. Anderson next explained that the temple was seven years in the making—three and a half to design and three and a half to build. “Never have I enjoyed anything so much,” he affirmed."
Check out the ebook I used for research: Beacon on a Hill, the Los Angeles Temple
https://rsc.byu.edu/book/beacon-hill
Announcement: 6 March 1937
Public Open House: 19 December 1955–18 February 1956
Dedication: 11–14 March 1956 by David O. McKay
Architectural Features: Single attached end spire with a unique angel Moroni statue
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms (four-stage progressive), ten sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 190,614 square feet | 17,709 square meters
Height: 257 feet | 78.3 meters
The Bern Switzerland Temple begins a new era of temple building, and operation. This is the first temple in Europe, the eastern hemisphere and in a multi-lingual area. Brother Gordon B. Hinckley pioneered the use of films in temples at this time in order to accommodate all the different languages of the members in Europe.
Initially the temple was built with just one big instruction room, and sessions began every 2 hours. In the 90's the room was divided into 4 smaller instruction rooms, now sessions could run every 30 minutes.
Moroni wasn't added to the temple spire until 2005.
Built between 1937 and 1945, this temple is a special building for many Idaho Latter Day Saints. Because it is built on the banks of the Snake River it is called The Temple by the River, and is surrounded by some very scenic views.
This temple has amazing murals - Janelle's favorite even. And the best looking oxen Toni has seen in a baptistry! please join us as we talk and learn about the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple!
Announcement: 3 March 1937
Dedication: 23–25 September 1945 by George Albert Smith
Rededication: 4 June 2017 by Henry B. Eyring
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms (four-stage progressive), seven sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: Originally 48,500, now 85,624 square feet | 7,955 square meters
Height: 156 feet | 47.5 meters
This week we have another amazing guest! My friend Laurie Jayne loves the Mesa Arizona Temple and shares some great stories and history with us!
The first donation toward a Latter-day Saint temple in Arizona came almost 33 years before its announcement. On Jan. 24, 1887, Helena Roseberry — a widow from Pima, Arizona — gave $5 to Elder Moses Thatcher of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for a house of the Lord in her home state. That money was held dear in Salt Lake City until a temple was announced for Arizona on Oct. 3, 1919.
This is our eighth episode of our first season, so today we are talking about the impressive Cardston Alberta Temple! And I’m so glad I picked Janelle to be my cohost because she has some history with this temple! Listen until the end to hear the craziest baptism story I've heard!
The Deseret Evening News reported that the inside design “would be similar to other temples in the Church, but outside it is totally unlike any of them.” The architects' goal was “to conform to the peculiar requirements of such a building rather than to imitate any [architectural] style.”
Architects Harold Burton and Hyrum Pope drew their inspiration from famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose designs “were bold in form, original in their geometric decorative details, and carefully blended with their natural surroundings.”1 They were particularly influenced by Wright’s Unity Church in Oak Park, Illinois.
"each of the ordinance rooms ... is decorated with different inlaid and panelled hardwoods, which include oak, birdseye maple, South American walnut, African mahogany, rosewood and ebony. There is a hierarchal order in the use of the woods, so that the decoration begins in the lower rooms with small panels of simply grained, light-coloured woods and culminates in the Celestial room with large and elaborate panels of the richest woods."
Announcement: 27 June 1913
Public Open House: Tours offered during the final years of construction (1920–1923)
Dedication: 26–29 August 1923 by Heber J. Grant
Rededication: 2 July 1962 by Hugh B. Brown (addition only)
Re-re-dedication: 22–24 June 1991 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms (four-stage progressive), five sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 88,562 square feet | 8,228 square meters
Height: 85 feet | 25.9 meters
In December of 1850 the first missionaries arrived in Hawaii to preach the gospel. They organized a branch and built a meetinghouse, and in 1852 George Q Cannon began the hawaiian translation of the Book of Mormon, this process took two years. By that time there were thousands of baptized church members and a branch on each island.
In 1865 land was purchased in Laie on the east coast of Oahu for a gathering place for the saints
June 1915 The church in hawaii was 65 years old, the gathering in Laie was 50 years old
President Joseph F Smith dedicated the site for the future construction of the temple as he was there on business. It was announced at October conference that year, and construction began in 1916
Site Dedication: 1 June 1915 by Joseph F. Smith
Announcement: 3 October 1915
Dedication: 27–30 November 1919 by Heber J. Grant
Rededication: 13–15 June 1978 by Spencer W. Kimball
reRededication: 21 November 2010 by Thomas S. Monson
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms (four-stage progressive), five sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 42,100 square feet | 3,911 square meters
Height: 50 feet | 15.2 meters
Today's temple is the beautiful and impressive and iconic Salt Lake Temple!
And because it’s such a big deal, we have a guest for today’s Podcast! My friend Becky has joined us. I love talking to Becky about anything because she has unique perspectives, and a jaw dropping story to tell us!
There is so much to talk about, there's no way we can hit every story or fact that I wish we could. In fact, to prepare I just read a 400 page book called “Forty Years: the saga of building the Salt Lake Temple” by Mark Henshaw, it came out in 2020.
The Manti temple site was dedicated as President Brigham Young traveled back to Salt Lake after dedicating the newly finished St George Temple. In the same month he also traveled to Cache Valley to dedicate the site for the Logan Utah Temple.
The Manti Utah Temple was built on a rattlesnake-infested site, known as the Manti Stone Quarry. Once Brigham Young designated the site for a temple, it became known as Temple Hill. The quarry's stone, Manti oolite, is the same cream-colored stone used for the temple exterior.
Announcement: 25 June 1875
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 25 April 1877 by Brigham Young
Public Dedication: 21–23 May 1888 by Lorenzo Snow
Rededication: 14–16 June 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Rededication: 21 April 2024 by Russell M. Nelson
Ordinance Rooms: Four instruction rooms, nine sealing rooms, and one baptistry
Total Floor Area: 74,792 square feet | 6,948 square meters
Height: 179 feet | 54.6 meters
