Welcome to the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple, the 196th dedicated temple in operation! Located at 2093 Powell Road in Cranberry Township, this beautiful new addition is more than just a building; it’s a welcoming space for the Latter-day Saints in the area.
The excitement really kicked off on April 5, 2020, when beloved Prophet Russell M. Nelson made the big announcement. Fast forward to August 21, 2021, when Elder Randall K. Bennett led a heartfelt groundbreaking ceremony, encouraging everyone to embrace a day of “emotional and spiritual building” in their lives and families. You could feel the hope and energy in the air!
Mark your calendars, because the temple will open its doors to the public for an open house from August 16 to August 31, 2024! This will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see the temple’s beauty before it gets officially dedicated on September 15, 2024, by Apostle Dieter F. Uchtdorf. It’s going to be a momentous occasion!
Spanning over 5.8 acres, the temple features a stunning exterior finished with beautiful granite from Portugal. Its unique architectural design includes a striking single attached central spire, giving it that classic temple charm—though it’s interesting to note that it doesn’t have the typical gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious 32,240 square feet that includes two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a lovely baptistry, all designed to foster a sacred feeling. The warm green-patterned carpet throughout the temple, complemented by soft gold accents, along with cozy nylon rugs in the entry and waiting areas, creates a welcoming atmosphere.
The interior is graced with Crema Ella marble from Turkey, adding a touch of elegance and serenity. Don’t miss the celestial room, which features a lovely organic leaf pattern, inviting all who enter to reflect and find peace. The sealing room and celestial room shine brightly with crystal chandeliers, bringing warmth with beautifully frosted glass lighting accented with brass and crystal.
This temple is particularly special as it’s the second one built in Pennsylvania, serving around 100,000 Latter-day Saints in the greater Pittsburgh area. Pennsylvania holds a special place in church history, too! It was where Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and where he, along with Oliver Cowdery, received the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist in a nearby forest—a monumental occasion that involved their baptism in the Susquehanna River.
The rendering of the temple was released to the public on January 19, 2021, and since then, the excitement has only grown. The Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple is not just a beautiful building; it represents the hopes and dreams of a devoted community. We can’t wait for the day when we can all come together to celebrate this lovely new landmark and enjoy the wonderful spirit it brings to our lives!