In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord. Temples are considered by church members to be the most sacred structures on earth.
60-739: The Ogden Utah Temple (formerly the Ogden Temple ) is the sixteenth constructed and fourteenth operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . Located in Ogden, Utah , it was originally built with a modern, single-spire design, similar to the Provo Utah Temple . The temples in Ogden and Provo were designed to be sister temples and are the only ones dedicated by church president Joseph Fielding Smith . The temple became
120-455: A controversial race-based policy . As of 2023 , all temple ordinances are unavailable to lesbian , gay , or bisexual persons who are in a same-sex marriage or homosexual sexual relationship, and to all transgender individuals who are transitioning or have transitioned. These restrictions have also garnered criticism from both outside, and inside the LDS church. To qualify for
180-433: A conversation with Woodruff, Logan Temple president Marriner W. Merrill stated that the contemplated public announcement prohibiting additional polygamist unions was "the only way to retain the possession of our temples and continue the ordinance work for the living and dead which was considered of more importance than continuing the practice of plural marriage for the present." Latter-day Saint temple building halted until
240-542: A desire to continue the ordinance work in temples was a significant consideration preceding Wilford Woodruff's decision (announced in his Manifesto of September 1890 ) that the church would discontinue its practice of polygamy . In 1887 the US Congress passed the Edmunds–Tucker Act , which disincorporated the church and directed federal officials to begin seizing its assets, potentially including its temples. After
300-549: A global scale, church leaders announced an end to the one-year waiting period in most cases, except in relation to converts to the church, who are still required to wait a year after their own confirmation before entering the temple. Miles Goodyear Cabin The Miles Goodyear Cabin is a historic building in Ogden , Utah , built by trapper and trader Miles Goodyear on the Weber River in 1845 and
360-485: A lighted glass dome surrounded by four chandeliers. The temple includes six ordinance rooms and 11 sealing rooms. The temple was the first to have six ordinance rooms. It remains one of only four temples to have six ordinance rooms; the others being the Provo Utah, Jordan River , and Washington D.C. temples. The design has symbolic elements representing Biblical connections to Latter-day Saint theology. For example,
420-615: A location behind Fire Station #3 (also on Washington Avenue). In 1928 it was moved to Tabernacle Square next to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum. It was moved again in 2011-2012, along with the museum to a lot on the corner of 21st and Lincoln Avenue, as part of the remodel of the Ogden Utah Temple . The cabin was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The submission paperwork notes that
480-682: A temple for the use of the Norwegian Latter Day Saints. Meanwhile, Young urged the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo to redouble their efforts to finish the temple. By the end of 1845, the building was sufficiently finished to allow temple ordinances to be performed. Ordinances continued to be performed in early 1846 as the Mormons were forced to abandon the city. A small crew remained in the city and continued to work on
540-481: A temple in Ogden was announced by the First Presidency on August 24, 1967. The Provo Temple was also announced that day, marking the first time in church history that two temples were announced on the same day. A groundbreaking ceremony, signifying the beginning of construction, was held on September 8, 1969, with Tanner presiding. Joseph Fielding Smith offered the dedicatory prayer, and Hugh B. Brown broke
600-642: A temple recommend, an LDS Church member must faithfully answer the following questions which affirm the individual's adherence to essential church doctrine: A list of questions were first introduced in 1857 and used to qualify whether an individual could enter the Endowment House , before the first temple in Utah was built. They reflected the context of the times, including questions about ones belief in polygamy, branding an animal that one did not own, and using another person's irrigation water. Since then,
660-506: A temple, only church members in good standing who have a valid temple recommend are permitted to attend the ceremony. In many nations outside the United States, a civil ceremony, where required by the law of the land, has been immediately followed by a temple sealing. In the United States, a one-year waiting period between the civil ceremony and a temple sealing was required until 2019. In May 2019, to standardize sealing policies on
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#1732780533019720-400: Is a process which culminates in the participation by the couple in a ritual called the sealing ordinance; which involves pronouncing the couple as having a permanent marriage bond which persists even beyond death. This ceremony, among others, is taught as being vital to an individual's and family's exaltation status, following the final judgment . With the sealing ordinance being held inside
780-663: The Tabernacle was considered a "portable temple" by the children of Israel in the Old Testament. The first Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies were performed in Kirtland, Ohio , but differed significantly from the endowment performed on the second floor of Joseph Smith 's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois, and the Nauvoo Temple . Kirtland ordinances included washings and anointings (differing in many ways from
840-589: The succession crisis , Brigham Young assumed control of the church's headquarters at Nauvoo, Illinois. While he and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve made contingency plans for abandoning the city, he may have hoped that it would not prove necessary. For example, in early 1845, Young convened a conference at the Norwegian colony at Norway, Illinois , and announced a plan to build a Latter-day Saint town there with
900-644: The City of Ogden. The move was to accommodate a new parking structure built as a part of the temple remodel. The Miles Goodyear Cabin was located adjacent to the Weber Stake Relief Society Building as part of the pioneer museum from 1928 to late 2011, when it was moved to the new pioneer museum location. The largest of the other structures on site is the Ogden Stake Tabernacle, constructed in 1956. The large tower on
960-410: The City of Zion plan and designated four of these to contain temples: Salt Lake City (1847), St. George (1871), Manti (1875), and Logan (1877). The St. George Temple was the first to be completed in 1877, followed by Logan (1884) and Manti (1888). The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete because of various setbacks and delays. It was dedicated in 1893. In the late 1880s and in 1890,
1020-779: The First Presidency also dedicated a number of temples during Monson's administration. As of October 2018, Monson's successor, Russell M. Nelson , has dedicated the Concepción Chile Temple . The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). It has been suggested that recent temple construction represents an attempt by church leadership to “re-energize” congregations in
1080-453: The angel Moroni covered in gold leaf was added to the temple's spire, almost 30 years after the temple was dedicated. On February 17, 2010, the church announced that major exterior and interior renovations that would significantly modify the look of the temple. The temple was closed for these renovations on April 2, 2011. The upgrades included replacing electrical, heating, and plumbing systems with modern, energy-saving equipment. The structure
1140-405: The broader church symbolism. The interior has stained glass and decorative carpets, both of which make use of a desert rose and prairie grass motif. There are also a number of paintings throughout the temple, which feature Christ as a central figure or nature scenes related to the outside landscape. The temple’s celestial room is intended to create a spiritually uplifting environment, and features
1200-540: The church’s fifth in Utah, and second along the Wasatch Front , dedicated almost 79 years after the Salt Lake Temple . It was the first to be dedicated in the state of Utah, as the previous ones were dedicated when Utah was still a territory. The temple’s original design was crafted by Emil B. Fetzer with a modern architectural style. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction,
1260-406: The condition of exaltation after the final judgment . They are also taught that a vast number of dead souls exist in a condition termed as spirit prison , and that a dead individual upon whom the temple ordinances are completed will have a chance to be freed of this imprisoning condition. In this framework ordinances are said to be completed on behalf of either the participant, or a dead individual
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#17327805330191320-573: The cultural heritage of the Wasatch Front and the spiritual significance to the church. The temple sits on a 9.96-acre plot, and the surrounding landscaping includes a large water fountain. These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site. Other buildings are located on the same block as the temple. The first building constructed was the Weber Stake Tabernacle (1855) on
1380-640: The dead , washing and anointing (or "initiatory" ordinances), the endowment , and eternal marriage sealings . Ordinances are a vital part of the theology of the church, which teaches that they were practiced by the Lord's covenant people in all dispensations . Latter-day Saints cite various Old Testament references to temple ordinances such as those found in Exodus 29:4–9 , Exodus 28:2–43 and Leviticus 8:6–13 . The words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" can be found on LDS temples as referenced in Exodus 28:36 . Likewise
1440-420: The dead. The initiatory, endowment, and sealing ceremonies are today performed only within a temple. The sealing ordinance can be performed on behalf of dead couples; so long as the two living participants are of opposite sex they need not be married. It is also performed on behalf of living couples who wish to be legally married. In this manner, the ordinance is typically performed as a celestial marriage , with
1500-544: The endowment rather than live actors. Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated a temple in Ogden, Utah , and Harold B. Lee dedicated its twin in Provo, Utah . Spencer W. Kimball began a plan to build many more smaller temples according to standardized plans. Twenty-one temples were dedicated during his presidency, including the tiny Papeete Tahiti Temple —which has a floorspace of less than 10,000 square feet (900 m ). This trend has continued. Nine additional temples were dedicated in
1560-504: The face of flat numerical growth. Most temples are built facing east, the direction from which Jesus Christ is prophesied to return. The spires and towers on the east end of multi-spired temples are elevated higher than spires and towers on the west side for this same reason, and to represent the Melchizedek, or higher, priesthood. Some temples, such as Salt Lake , Chicago , and Washington D.C. , have triple spires on each side of
1620-457: The faithful where certain rites of the church must be performed. The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). There are temples in many U.S. states, as well as in many countries across
1680-524: The first members of Smith's Quorum of the Anointed , or Holy Order, as it was also known, were made on May 3, 1842. The walls of the second level of the Red Brick Store were painted with garden-themed murals, the rooms fitted with carpets, potted plants, and a veil hung from the ceiling. All the while, the ground level continued to operate as Smith's general mercantile. After the early events of
1740-466: The fort was sold to Mormon settlers, along with livestock and the surrounding area for $ 1,950 (equivalent to about $ 63,765 in 2023). In the 1850s the cabin was sold and moved. It was moved several more times during the next 50 years to various locations along Washington Avenue in Ogden. In 1919 it was donated to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and was displayed on a parade float. It was then moved to
1800-495: The ground. On September 7, 1970, a cornerstone -laying ceremony was held. The site was a 10-acre (40,000 m) lot called Tabernacle Square that the church had owned since the area was settled. In 1921, church president Heber J. Grant inspected it as a possible temple site, but decided the time was not right to build. At the time of construction, the Ogden Temple differed from those built previously. The original design
1860-460: The idea the marriage bond lasts after their death, or for "time and all eternity". A "time only" modification can be made to the ordinance, such as when the surviving widow of a celestial marriage wishes to legally remarry. In addition to the ordinances listed above, 19th-century temples were host to other ordinances that are no longer practiced such as the baptism for health and baptism for renewal of covenants. In 1922, Heber J. Grant discontinued
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1920-587: The modern portion) and the washing of the feet ordinance. For nearly four years, beginning in 1842, Smith's Red Brick Store functioned as a de facto temple—the site of the first washings, anointings, endowments, and sealings. In contrast, the grand edifice known as the Nauvoo Temple was in operation for only two months before the Latter Day Saints left Illinois for the West. Preparations to initiate
1980-399: The north side of the building was removed during the renovation completed in 2014. The structure is four stories tall, constructed with granite. The exterior has a central single spire and gold statue of the angel Moroni , two elements chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both the local culture and
2040-486: The practice of baptisms for health in the church. The second anointing is a rare, but currently practiced ordinance for live participants, and (less commonly) vicariously for deceased individuals, though, it is usually only given in absolute secrecy to a small number of members after a lifetime of service. The LDS Church booklet " Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple " explains that Latter-day Saints "do not discuss
2100-639: The presidency of Ezra Taft Benson and two in the brief presidency of Howard W. Hunter . Under church president Gordon B. Hinckley , the church dedicated 77 temples. In 1997, Hinckley introduced a standardized, smaller temple plan designed to bring temple services to smaller or remote congregations at a reduced cost. The first of this new generation of temples was completed in 1998 with the Monticello Utah Temple . The original plan called for 6,800 square feet (630 m ), later increased to 10,700 square feet (990 m ). Subsequent revisions to
2160-476: The presidency of Joseph F. Smith , who announced two additional temples: Cardston, Alberta (1913), and Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi (1915). Cardston became the first Latter-day Saint temple dedicated outside of the United States. Smith broke with the previous tradition (established since Kirtland) of building temples with upper and lower courts. Temples previously had been ever larger, but the Laie Hawaii Temple
2220-554: The public for a short period of time (an "open house"). During the open house, the church conducts tours of the temple with missionaries and members from the local area serving as tour guides, and all rooms of the temple are open to the public. The temple is then dedicated as a "House of the Lord", after which only members who are deemed "temple-worthy" by their congregational leaders are permitted entrance. Temples are not churches or Meetinghouses designated for public weekly worship services, but rather are places of worship open only to
2280-430: The recommend, indicating their approval of that member's worthiness. The individual also signs the recommend, acknowledging the responsibility to remain eligible to hold the recommend. Most recommends are valid for two years. Temple ordinances have historically been unavailable to some members. For about 130 years (between 1847 and 1978) all LDS endowment-related temple ordinances were denied to all Black women and men in
2340-505: The same sex as the participant ("on behalf of the dead" or "by proxy"). Ordinances performed in the temple include: Most ordinances are performed by proxy only on participants who have already completed the ordinance. Similarly, most ordinances are completed only one time for a participant in a lifetime and all subsequent temple ordinance participation is seen as acting for a dead individual. Baptism, confirmation, and priesthood ordination are usually performed in temples only when on behalf of
2400-550: The southeast corner of the block. It was demolished in 1971 in conjunction with the construction of the temple. The Weber Stake Relief Society Building , completed in 1902, was located on the western portion of the block. It was deeded to the Weber County Daughters of the Utah Pioneers in 1926, who used it as a pioneer museum. In January 2012, it was moved approximately one block west to a lot donated by
2460-553: The standard design further increased the size and complexity of the temples. The majority of the temples dedicated under Hinckley's tenure were of the smaller design, but one particularly noteworthy achievement was the rebuilding of the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois , known as the Nauvoo Illinois Temple . Hinckely's successor, Thomas S. Monson , dedicated 26 temples during his time as church president. His counselors in
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2520-728: The temple for time only. It may only be used in conjunction with a standard temple recommend. A limited-use recommend is available to members who have not yet received their endowment or who have not been a member for one year. These may also be issued to a group for a single visit to the temple, to youth 11 and older, or to others for specific cases. Those without recommends occasionally need to enter temples after dedication during fires, medical emergencies, or building inspections. They are escorted by temple personnel during such visits. Temples may offer introductory tours to new local firefighters and emergency medical technicians during regularly scheduled maintenance periods. The LDS temple wedding
2580-444: The temple ordinances outside the temples". To enter the temple, an individual must be baptized, and after one year, may seek a temple recommend , which authorizes admission to the temple. The person is interviewed by their bishop , during which the candidate is asked a series of questions to determine worthiness to enter the temple. The individual is also interviewed by his or her stake president . The bishop and stake president sign
2640-432: The temple recommend questions have changed significantly, though less so in recent years. The standard temple recommend authorizes a member who has been baptized at least one year prior to take part in all temple ordinances and is valid for two years. A recommend for living ordinances is given to individuals who are participating in the endowment for the first time, being sealed to a spouse, or anyone being married in
2700-758: The temple representing three different offices in both the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthood . A statue of the Angel Moroni , stands atop many temples built after the Salt Lake Temple. The statue design represents the Latter-day Saint belief that Moroni was the angel spoken of in Revelation 14. LDS Church members perform rituals (termed ordinances ) within temples. They are taught that temple ordinances are essential to achieving
2760-613: The temple until April 30, 1846, when it was formally dedicated in a private ceremony by Joseph Young , the senior of the Seven Presidents of the Seventy . It was used for three months, then abandoned in late summer 1846. The completed temple was eventually destroyed by fire, and the remaining structure was later demolished by a whirlwind . Upon reaching the Great Basin , Brigham Young began to build settlements based on
2820-429: The temple was fluted and decorative metal grillwork was added between the stone. Gold windows with directional glass also added to the beauty of the temple. The building was designed to look timeless and modern, but still in line with traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. The original design was by Emil B. Fetzer, with the renovated version designed by Richardson Design Partnership. The temple's architecture reflects
2880-432: The temple's structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. The most significant renovation project commenced in 2011. In 2001 and 2002, both the exterior of the temple and the surrounding grounds underwent significant changes. Weather damage to the exterior of the temple was repaired and the spire, which was originally a yellowish-gold, was painted bright white. A fiberglass statue of
2940-431: The temple. The temple was rededicated on September 21, 2014, by Thomas S. Monson. Like all others in the church's, the Ogden Temple is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. Temple (LDS Church) Upon completion, temples are usually open to
3000-520: The temple’s outward appearance, bringing it in line with more recent temples, such as the Draper Utah Temple . The Ogden Utah Temple renovation project differed greatly from other recent temple renovations, in that the new design bore little resemblance to the original temple design. On April 25, 2014, the church announced that with renovations nearing completion, a public open house would be held from August 1 to September 6, 2014. The temple
3060-621: The temple’s single spire is meant to invoke Exodus 13:21, in which God appears as a pillar of cloud and then a pillar of fire in order to lead his followers. Additionally, the desert rose motif used throughout the temple’s interior symbolizes “the prophecy in Isaiah about the desert blossoming as the rose, imagery that inspired the Mormon pioneers who settled Utah and areas of the Mountain West.” Several renovations have occurred to strengthen
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#17327805330193120-519: The world. Several temples are at historical sites of the LDS Church, such as Nauvoo, Illinois , Palmyra, New York , and Salt Lake City, Utah . The importance of temples is often emphasized in weekly meetings, and regular participation in "temple work" is strongly encouraged for all Latter-day Saints (LDS). Within temples, members of the church make covenants , receive instructions, and perform sacred ceremonies and ordinances , such as baptism for
3180-429: Was also strengthened to meet new seismic requirements. Additional improvements included construction of a new underground parking structure, complete relandscaping of the temple block, and renovation of the adjacent Ogden Tabernacle, including removal of its spire and the addition of a new pipe organ, which was created by the same builder who constructed the organ in the church’s Conference Center . The temple's interior
3240-456: Was held from December 16-30, 1971, during which time over 150,000 people visited the temple. After the open house, the temple was dedicated from January 18-20, 1972, by Joseph Fielding Smith, and subsequently closed to the general public. Following the temple’s renovation and before its rededication another open house was held from August 1 to September 6, 2014. During this open house, the church reported between 500 and 600 thousand visitors toured
3300-516: Was held on September 8, 1969, conducted by N. Eldon Tanner . The temple was dedicated by Smith in six sessions from January 18-20, 1972. During a renovation completed in 2014, the exterior and interior were extensively changed. The temple was rededicated on September 21, 2014, by Thomas S. Monson in three sessions. The temples in Ogden and Provo were planned due to overcrowding in the Salt Lake , Manti , and Logan temples. The intent to construct
3360-628: Was rededicated in three sessions on September 21, 2014, by church president Thomas S. Monson . All of the church's temples are overseen by temple president and matron, who typically serving for three years. The temple president and matron are responsible for the administration of temple operations and spiritual guidance for both the patrons and staff. The first temple president and matron in Ogden were Andrew R. Halversen and Luana P. Halversen, who served from 1972 to 1976. As of 2024, Kent J. Arrington and Michele K. Arrington are serving as temple president and matron. Prior to its dedication, an open house
3420-413: Was reduced from 131,000 to 115,000 sq ft, but through an improved design, there is more usable space following the reconstruction. These changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and to accommodate the evolving needs of the church and its members. The most visible aspect of the renovation was the complete reconstruction of the temple’s exterior. This modernized
3480-627: Was smaller than the Nauvoo Temple had been. Both Cardston and Laie were dedicated under church president Heber J. Grant , as was a temple in Mesa, Arizona . George Albert Smith dedicated the next temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho . David O. McKay dedicated five additional temples including one in Bern, Switzerland —which was the first temple dedicated in Europe and the first temple to use film recording of
3540-436: Was the foundation of the first permanent European settlement in Utah. It is the oldest building in the state of Utah not built by Native Americans . The cabin is constructed of sawn cottonwood logs, measuring roughly 14.33 feet (4.37 m) by 17.75 feet (5.41 m). The cabin was built in 1845 by Miles Goodyear at a location he called Fort Buenaventura . The fort also included a stockade, garden, and fruit trees. In 1847
3600-639: Was very contemporary and the lot chosen was in downtown Ogden, surrounded by businesses and offices. The Ogden Temple was dedicated on January 18-20, 1972, by church president Joseph Fielding Smith, a few weeks before the Provo Temple was dedicated. In 2020, like all the church's other temples, the temple was closed for a time in response to the coronavirus pandemic . The Ogden Temple was originally constructed with 115,000 square feet (10,700 m) and four floors, one below ground. The temple included six ordinance rooms and eleven sealing rooms. The stone on
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