Columbia River Washington Temple Photography
Emmanuel Masters Murphy, baptized in Tennessee, is believed to be the first member of the Church in South Carolina. When the first missionary arrived in November 1839, he encountered eager individuals ready for baptism, thanks to the dedicated Murphys. Legend has it Murphy visited Joseph Smith shortly before Smith’s martyrdom at Carthage Jail, where Smith shared a prophetic vision of an upcoming war in South Carolina and urged him to warn others.
The temple, located in a scenic area of Columbia, South Carolina’s capital, is set in a lush, wooded neighborhood. Surrounded by well-maintained homes and welcoming churches, it is framed by native loblolly pines and oaks. Landscaping with crape myrtle, holly, mums, and dogwoods adds to the region’s rich flora.
During the temple open house, Deputy Chief of Staff Michael LeFever, filling in for Hurricane Floyd-affected Governor James Hodges, expressed his excitement about visiting this beautiful temple and enjoyed a VIP tour. The governor also sent a personal letter praising church members’ hard work in creating this special place.
That morning, the Wilcox family from Asheville received the sad news that their son Brad had tragically died in a car accident the night before the scheduled dedication. Sister Wilcox chose to honor her commitment to sing at the dedication, supported by priesthood blessings for comfort. President Gordon B. Hinckley’s uplifting words about the Plan of Salvation and temple teachings brought them comfort and peace.
The Columbia, South Carolina, Temple is the first of its kind in the state. Its groundbreaking was a historic moment, happening at the same time as the Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico Temple.
During the ten-day open house, nearly 20,000 visitors enjoyed touring the temple’s interior. Announced on September 11, 1998, the temple spans 10,700 square feet. Groundbreaking and site dedication took place on December 5, 1998, led by Gordon T. Watts. The open house season ran from September 30 to October 9, 1999, and the temple was beautifully dedicated on October 16 and 17, 1999, by Gordon B. Hinckley. It sits on a generous 3.6-acre lot, featuring an elegant exterior made of Vermont-quarried Imperial Danby White marble and topped with a shining gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue on a tall spire.
Inside, you’ll find two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a reverent baptismal font, all thoughtfully built to honor sacred traditions. Located at an elevation of 307 feet, this temple stands as a symbol of hope and faith, inspiring everyone who visits.