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60-606: The Provo City Center Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), built on the site of the former Provo Tabernacle in Provo, Utah . Completed in 2016, the temple uses much of the external shell of the tabernacle that remained from the original building after a fire in December 2010. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 1, 2011, by church president Thomas S. Monson , during

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

240-461: A demolished Presbyterian church in New York.” The temple includes three instruction rooms, five sealing rooms, and one baptistry, each purposefully arranged for ceremonial use. Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics. Symbols Symbolism is important to church members. These include the temple itself, which is “a testament to

300-542: 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

360-538: 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. Gary E. Stevenson Gary Evan Stevenson (born August 6, 1955) is an American religious leader and former businessman who is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of

420-682: 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

480-642: 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,

540-506: 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

600-431: A tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site. Exterior The structure stands 150 feet tall, constructed with brick. The exterior is characterized by red sandstone brick, arched stained glass windows, blue conical towers, and blue gable roofs, elements which were each chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both

660-400: 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

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720-663: 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

780-612: The Utah Governor's Mansion , and the Salt Lake Assembly Hall . Stained glass from the original tabernacle was used in the reconstruction. The temple sits on a 5.6-acre plot, and the landscaping around the temple features gathering and contemplation spaces. The grounds also contain a pavilion with a replica of the Christus statue for visitors and wedding guests to wait in. These elements are designed to provide

840-537: 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

900-421: The 1850s, when the first tabernacle was built. The Provo Tabernacle hosted numerous events, including religious conferences, graduations, funerals, and lectures; notable visitors included U.S. President William Howard Taft and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff . These events highlight the tabernacle's role in creating a sense of community and promoting mutual understanding among residents of diverse backgrounds. When

960-579: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He served previously as the church's Presiding Bishop and was the fourteenth man to serve in that position. He has been a general authority of the church since 2008. Stevenson was appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October 2015. Currently, he is the eleventh most senior apostle in the church. Stevenson was born in Ogden, Utah , and

1020-461: 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,

1080-779: 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

1140-480: The Provo City Center Temple was Allen C. Ostergar Jr., with the matron being Nancy S. Ostergar. They served from 2016 to 2018. As of 2024, the president is Curtis Hoehne, with serving as matronJoanne Hoehne. Following completion of the temple, a public open house was be held from January 15-March 5, 2016 (excluding Sundays). During the open house, over 800,000 people visited the temple. The temple

1200-474: The Provo Tabernacle was destroyed by a fire in 2010, local residents mourned the loss of the landmark. The announcement that the structure would be rebuilt as a temple was met with excitement from church members. Prior to the temple’s dedication, a cultural celebration was held, during which over 4,500 local young church members performed. It featured dance and song performances about themes relevant to

1260-525: The Twelve. While keeping the exterior style of the Provo Tabernacle, the interior of the building was redesigned for its new function. Its architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the Provo region and its spiritual significance to the church. The changes to the interior were drawn from themes from Victorian architecture from several of the region's historic buildings including the Gardo House ,

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1320-415: The Twelve. As an apostle, he is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer and revelator . He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve along with Ronald A. Rasband and Dale G. Renlund , filling vacancies created by the 2015 deaths of L. Tom Perry , Boyd K. Packer and Richard G. Scott . This was the first time since 1906 that three new apostles were sustained. They are the 98th, 99th and 100th members of

1380-756: The Utah State University Foundation Board. In the LDS Church, Stevenson has served as a bishop and a counselor in a stake presidency . He served as president of the Japan Nagoya Mission from 2004 to 2007. Stevenson became a member of the LDS Church's First Quorum of the Seventy at the April 2008 general conference . During his time in the Seventy, Stevenson served both as a counselor and as president of

1440-604: The Vernal Utah, Copenhagen Denmark , and Manhattan New York temples.) It is one of only two Latter-day Saint temples not to include the name of the state/province or country in which the temple is located (the other being the Salt Lake Temple ). Following the temple announcement, Brigham Young University partnered with staff from the Church History Department to conduct an excavation of

1500-460: The church's general conference . The temple is the second in Provo, was the sixteenth in Utah, and the church's 150th worldwide. This temple has a distinctive exterior with Gothic-inspired stained glass windows. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on May 12, 2012, conducted by Jeffrey R. Holland . The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Thomas S. Monson on October 1, 2011, during

1560-513: The church's Asia North Area , based in Tokyo , Japan. On March 31, 2012, he was released from the First Quorum of the Seventy and sustained as the church's Presiding Bishop . Stevenson was released as presiding bishop six days after he was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve and was succeeded by Gérald Caussé . In October 2015, he was sustained as an apostle and member of the Quorum of

1620-512: The church's general conference. The temple was announced concurrently with those to be built in Barranquilla, Colombia ; Durban, South Africa ; Kinshasa, DR Congo ; and Star Valley, Wyoming , along with the temple in Paris, France which had been previously announced. At the time, this brought the total number of temples worldwide (either completed, under construction or announced) to 166 and

1680-417: The commencement of construction, with Jeffrey R. Holland presiding, and attended by local church members and community leaders. During construction, the temple faced various challenges, including the fragility of the existing structure. In order to add two basement levels, the exterior was stabilized and placed on stilts while the ground underneath it was excavated. Following its completion, a public open house

1740-406: 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

1800-640: 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

1860-420: 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

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1920-493: 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

1980-504: 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

2040-457: 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

2100-524: 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

2160-546: The foundation was removed and donated to the city of Provo. In addition to the archaeological work done on the site, the church and the architects prepared to design and build the temple by conducting in-depth research on the Provo Tabernacle as well as other buildings designed by the same architect, including the Manti Utah Temple , and other examples of Victorian-style architecture and interior design. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 12, 2012, marking

2220-460: 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

2280-415: The local culture and broader church symbolism. Interior The interior features a Victorian design theme, reflecting the original Provo Tabernacle. The interior is decorated with a flower motif, African mahogany , and walnut wood, as well as repurposed design elements from the Provo Tabernacle that survived the fire. The main entrance features “an early-1900s stained-glass depiction of Christ, reclaimed from

2340-587: 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

2400-410: The new temple and the history of the tabernacle, such as “pioneer history, personal sacrifice, patriotism, the arts, and service.” The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff. The first president of

2460-535: The number of temples in Utah to 16. Provo became the second city in the LDS Church to have two temples, the first being South Jordan, Utah , with the Jordan River and Oquirrh Mountain temples. It is the second tabernacle in Utah to be converted to a temple, the first being the Vernal Utah Temple , and the fourth Latter-day Saint temple converted from an existing building. (The three previous being

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2520-490: 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

2580-486: 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

2640-639: 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

2700-476: 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

2760-406: The reality of spiritual rebirth and renewal through receiving and honoring temple covenants.” Another example of symbolism in the temple is the inclusion of the lotus flower in the interior’s floral motif. Lotus flowers have been an important religious symbol across the world for centuries, and often represent purity and rebirth. The temple's site has been a gathering place for community events since

2820-430: 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

2880-505: 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

2940-553: 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

3000-728: 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

3060-444: 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

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3120-432: 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

3180-758: 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

3240-404: The temple site. The remains of the original meetinghouse were discovered in 2011 with the use of a ground-penetrating radar study, and in 2012 an archaeological excavation was undertaken in order to fully investigate the remains of the building. The excavation uncovered the foundation and basement of the structure, in which numerous artifacts were also recovered. Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony,

3300-613: 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

3360-460: 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

3420-439: Was dedicated by Dallin H. Oaks on March 20, 2016. Like all the church's temples, it 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 the public for a short period of time (an "open house"). During

3480-411: Was held from January 15 through March 5, 2016, excluding Sundays. The temple was dedicated on March 20, 2016, by Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles . Russell M. Nelson , the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles , was in attendance at one of the three sessions. Also in attendance at one or more sessions were M. Russell Ballard and Gary E. Stevenson , both of the Quorum of

3540-641: Was raised primarily in the state's Cache Valley area. He was an LDS Church missionary in the Japan Fukuoka Mission in the mid-1970s. After this, he attended the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University (USU). Prior to his call as a general authority, Stevenson worked as the chief operating officer of ICON Health & Fitness. He has also served on the Marriott School of Management National Advisory Council and

3600-627: 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

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