Exploring the Los Angeles California Temple
The Los Angeles California Temple is a significant place within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its history and design reflect a blend of architectural beauty and community engagement.
Los Angeles California Temple by LDS Temple News
The Los Angeles California Temple was announced on March 6, 1937, marking a pivotal moment for church members in the region. As the 10th dedicated Temple of the Church, its construction began after World War II postponed initial plans. This delay allowed for important modifications that enhanced its capacity, adding 300 patrons to each session.
The groundbreaking occurred on September 22, 1951, led by Prophet David McKay. His remarks during the dedication emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it was one of the most memorable dedicatory services ever held, with a notable assembly of general authorities attending.
The public open house ran from December 19, 1955, to February 18, 1956, attracting a remarkable turnout of over 632,361 attendees. The formal dedication took place from March 11 to March 14, 1956, under the leadership of Prophet McKay.
Architectural Features
Occupying 13 acres, the Los Angeles California Temple stands at 257 feet tall with a total area of 190,614 square feet. Its exterior showcases Mo-Sai stone facing—a blend of crushed quartz and white Portland cement sourced from Utah and Nevada—alongside a wainscot made from Rockville granite from Minnesota. This combination not only enhances its appearance but also helps resist vandalism.
The Angel Moroni
One of the most striking features of the Los Angeles California Temple is the single spire topped with a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue, measuring 15½ feet tall. This statue holds special significance as it is one of five Temples where the Angel Moroni holds the Gold Plates. Other Temples featuring this unique design include the Jordan River Utah Temple, Washington D.C. Temple, Seattle Washington Temple, and Mexico City Mexico Temple.
Interior Design
Inside, the Temple houses four instruction rooms, a baptistry, and ten sealing rooms. The progressive-style ordinance rooms—Creation Room, Garden Room, World Room, Terrestrial Room, and Celestial Room—are adorned with beautiful hand-painted murals, contributing to an inspiring atmosphere.
The Temple’s interior also includes a priesthood assembly room that can seat 2,000 people, equipped with three pulpits on each end. Notably, it was the second Temple to feature a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue, following the Salt Lake Temple.
Recent Updates
Over the years, the Los Angeles California Temple has undergone significant renovations. In 1981, it closed for 10 weeks to remodel and add two rooms with audiovisual equipment, allowing for more frequent sessions. In 2003, the Temple returned to a progressive-style presentation.
In November 2005, a comprehensive seismic overhaul took place, focusing on the baptistry, leading to its reopening on July 11, 2006—coinciding with the Temple’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Grounds and Surroundings
The Temple is situated on Santa Monica Boulevard in Westwood, surrounded by an array of flora, including Canary Island pine, palm, olive, rare Chinese ginkgo, and bird-of-paradise trees. The grounds are adorned with two fountains and a large reflection pool, creating a tranquil setting.
Certain annual events, such as the winter season, saw the grounds illuminated with thousands of Christmas lights, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the Temple grounds host several family-themed statues, along with a family history center.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles California Temple not only serves as a place of spiritual significance but also as a testament to beautiful architecture and community involvement. Its rich history and exquisite design make it an integral part of the fabric of Los Angeles.