Exploring the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple
The Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple stands as the 143rd dedicated Temple in operation. Situated at 3901 SW 154th Ave, Davie, Florida 33331, it has become an essential site for many seeking a spiritual experience.
LDS Temple News Presents Fort Lauderdale Flordia Temple a House of the Lord
The journey towards this Temple began on October 3, 2009, when Prophet Thomas S. Monson announced its construction during a General Conference. The groundbreaking and site dedication occurred on June 18, 2011, led by Walter F. González. After much anticipation, the public open house took place from March 29, 2014, to April 19, 2014, drawing significant attention. The Temple was officially dedicated on May 4, 2014, by Apostle Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who expressed, “This is a special day and a special place.”
Architectural Features
Occupying 16.82 acres, the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple features a striking architectural style with an exterior finish of architectural precast concrete. One of its most notable features is a single attached end spire capped by a Gold-leafed Angel Moroni Statue.
Size and Structure
This single-story Temple spans an impressive 30,500 square feet and rises to a height of 99 feet 10 inches, sitting at an elevation of 5 feet. Within its walls are two instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry. It also holds the distinction of being the first Temple constructed in the city of Davie, as well as the first in Broward County, making it a significant addition to the state of Florida.
Recognition and Cultural Significance
On October 24, 2012, the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple received recognition as the ENR Southeast’s “Best Projects” award winner for 2014 in the Cultural/Worship category. The construction reached a notable milestone that same year with the installation of the Angel Moroni statue atop the spire.
Numerous Generations of One Family All Worshipped in the Same Building — Now It’s the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple
The exterior art glass features a long grass leaf motif in shades of blue, green, and earth tones, designed to reflect South Florida’s natural wetlands and coastline. The beautiful glass art, created by Architectural Nexus with Doug Solsburg, incorporates geometric shapes, palm trees, sun motifs, and local flora.
Inside, the Temple showcases original hand-painted murals by artist Brad Aldridge, inspired by South Florida’s unique landscapes. The interior is adorned with Schonbek chandeliers that enhance the Temple’s Neoclassical architectural style, while doors crafted from Red Grandis wood sourced from Ecuador add to its elegance. The bronze hardware on both interior and exterior doors complements the overall design.
A Unique Position
Notably, the Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple was the southernmost Temple in the contiguous 48 states until the 2023 dedication of the McAllen Texas Temple. It was also the first Florida Temple dedicated in the 21st century, standing alongside other dedicated Temples, such as the Gilbert Arizona Temple and the Phoenix Arizona Temple, both dedicated in 2014.
Prominent languages in the surrounding area include English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, reflecting the diverse culture of South Florida. During the cultural celebration, President Uchtdorf remarked that the youth in the area are “a sunshine for Florida,” emphasizing the positive impact the Temple hopes to embody within the region.
This Temple serves as a meaningful addition to the spiritual landscape of Florida, marking a significant chapter in the history of Latter-day Saints in the area.
LDS Temple News Presents Fort Lauderdale Flordia Temple