Provo Utah Temple photographed creatively by LDS Temple News
The Provo Utah Temple holds a remarkable place in the history of the Church, being the 15th dedicated Temple in its operation. Located at 2200 N Temple Dr, Provo, UT 84604, it has been a significant part of the landscape since its announcement on August 14, 1969, by the Prophet during General Conference. The groundbreaking event, conducted by Apostle Hugh B. Brown on September 15, 1969, marked a historic moment, coinciding with another groundbreaking ceremony for the Ogden Temple just a week earlier—an unusual occurrence where two Temples began construction in the same month.
Architectural Features
The Provo Utah Temple was an impressive 128,325 square feet, built on a 15.4-acre site. Its exterior finish utilized Bianco Sardo granite sourced from Sardinia, Italy. A defining architectural element is the single attached central spire topped with a Gold-leafed Angel Moroni Statue. The design included bronze-colored glass panels and gold anodized aluminum grills for its windows, lending a unique touch to its exterior.
Interior Details
The interior of the Provo Utah Temple was dressed in mid-1970s aesthetics, featuring framed, spiritually themed oil paintings and high-quality prints highlighting the life of Christ and local landscapes. The interior lighting was adorned with exquisite brass and crystal chandeliers, providing a sense of elegance. Heavy wood doors made of rich walnut or mahogany, embellished with distinctive custom bronze doorknob plates, created a welcoming entrance. Notably, the railings around the baptismal font were crafted from brass, further enhancing the Temple’s grace.
Surrounded by Nature
Positioned on Provo’s east bench, near the mouth of the magnificent Rock Canyon, the Temple offered a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. The grounds included cascading water features and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with flowers, shrubs, and trees. The Provo Missionary Training Center, where many young missionaries prepare for service, is located just across the street. Additionally, Brigham Young University borders the Temple to the southwest, reinforcing the connection between education and faith in the region.
The Path to Reconstruction
In October 2021, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for the closure and subsequent reconstruction of the Provo Utah Temple. The Temple will be closed for demolition, with the closure date set for February 24, 2024. The newly reconstructed Temple will be named the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple. This endeavor marks the third reconstruction of a Temple relocated from its original footprint, following the Apia Samoa Temple and the Anchorage Alaska Temple.
A Legacy of Temples in Provo
Since its dedication in 1972, and later renamed in 1999, the Provo Utah Temple has had a significant influence, being part of a remarkable pairing with the Provo City Center Temple, which was completed in 2016. This connection continues the tradition of having multiple Temples in the same city, a feature also seen in South Jordan, Utah.
In summary, the Provo Utah Temple has been an integral part of the religious fabric of the area and continues to symbolize the faith of its members. As it prepares for its transformation, it remains a beacon of spiritual significance anchored in history and community.