LDS Temple News Presents Jordan River Utah Temple a House of the Lord
The Jordan River Utah Temple stands as the 20th dedicated House of the Lord in operation. Located at 10200 S Temple Drive in South Jordan, this House of the Lord has been a significant landmark since its announcement on February 3, 1978.
History of the House of the Lord
The groundbreaking and dedication of the Jordan River Utah Temple occurred on June 9, 1979, overseen by the Prophet Spencer W. Kimball. Following its construction, a public open house took place from September 29 to October 31, 1981, allowing many to explore its interiors prior to its dedication, which spanned from November 16 through November 20, 1981, led by Apostle Marion G. Romney.
The temple was later renovated, which led to a second public open house from March 17 to April 28, 2018. The second dedication, after extensive renovations, was held on May 20, 2018, with Apostle Henry B. Eyring presiding. The renovation itself began on February 15, 2016.
Architectural Features
The Jordan River Utah Temple is built on a generous 15 acres, with an exterior finish of cast stone complemented by white marble chips. While the central spire appears to be of the same material, it incorporates fiberglass in a lightweight product called cemlite. Noteworthy features include a single attached spire topped with a gold-leafed statue of Angel Moroni.
Internally, this large temple spans an impressive 148,236 square feet and reaches a height of 219 feet, sitting at an elevation of 4,438 feet. The layout includes six instruction rooms, sixteen sealing rooms, and one baptistry, marking it as one of only four temples with six instruction rooms, alongside the Ogden Utah Temple, Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple, and Washington D.C. Temple.
Community Contributions and Function
Initially named the Jordan River Temple, the name was changed in 1999. The construction and maintenance of this House of the Lord were made possible through generous monetary donations from local members, with the temple grounds generously gifted to the Church.
Remarkably, the Jordan River Utah Temple was dedicated by President Marion G. Romney, who served as the second counselor in the First Presidency. It is one of only five temples that include a statue of Angel Moroni holding the gold plates, sharing this distinction with the Los Angeles California Temple, Washington D.C. Temple, Seattle Washington Temple, and Mexico City Mexico Temple.
In summary, the Jordan River Utah Temple serves not only as a sacred place of significance but also as a testament to the dedication and support of its local membership. Its extensive history, architectural beauty, and community involvement make it a notable feature within the state of Utah.