Discovering the Draper Utah Temple
Nestled in the scenic hills of Draper, Utah, at 14065 Canyon Vista Ln, the Draper Utah Temple stands as a significant expression of spiritual devotion and architectural beauty.
A Journey in Time
The journey to the completion of the Draper Utah Temple began with its announcement on October 2, 2004. Groundbreaking and site dedication followed on August 5, 2006, conducted by Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. During this event, he remarked, “It is a great tribute to our people. They are so faithful in temple attendance, and it is for this reason that we construct this beautiful house of the Lord.”
The temple opened its doors to the public from January 15 to March 14, 2009, attracting an impressive 684,721 guests eager to explore its interior. The formal dedication took place from March 20 to 22, 2009, led by Prophet Thomas S. Monson.
Architectural Highlights
Covering an expansive 58,300 square feet and standing 166 feet tall at an elevation of 5,136 feet, the temple showcases a stunning exterior finished in white granite sourced from China, complemented by limestone from France. A standout feature is its single attached central spire, adorned with a gold-leafed Angel Moroni, which was installed on July 8, 2008.
Inside, the Draper Utah Temple offers four instruction rooms, five sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The largest sealing room can accommodate 80 patrons. The ordinance rooms feature hand-painted panoramas reminiscent of the beautiful mountain scenes surrounding Draper and offer unique vistas of Draper’s Corner Canyon and the Salt Lake Valley.
Unique Design Elements
The design reflects Utah’s natural beauty, with a theme inspired by the sego lily, the state flower. The temple incorporates Makore wood from Africa, adding a touch of elegance to its interiors. It also boasts 221 exterior windows and 50 interior windows, featuring the Log Cabin quilt pattern, a tribute to the early pioneers. The intricate details extend to the 432 door panels, which comprise 35,420 hand-cut pieces of glass.
Natural light beautifully illuminates the baptistry, strategically located on the downhill western side of the temple, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Accessibility and Amenities
For those who wish to visit, the temple is conveniently located on a lot that also houses a meeting house. To accommodate guests, the parking lot offers 492 spaces, ensuring ample availability.
As the twelfth temple constructed in Utah and the third in the Salt Lake Valley, the Draper Utah Temple stands as a remarkable representation of faith and dedication, both in its creation and in the hearts of those who cherish its role in their lives. Whether you’re interested in its architecture, the stories it holds, or the beautiful surrounding landscape, the Draper Utah Temple is surely worth exploring.