The Monticello Utah Temple is a delightful reminder of faith and community, proudly standing as the 53rd dedicated temple in operation. Nestled at 365 N 200 W in Monticello, this beautiful temple occupies 1.33 acres and is elegantly wrapped in Turkish off-white marble that gleams in the sunlight.
One of its most charming features is the single attached spire, topped with a lovely gold leaf statue of the angel Moroni. Initially, it had a white angel Moroni, but after a lightning strike, it was replaced with the bright gold version that many have come to adore.
This wonderful journey began on October 4, 1997, when the announcement was made, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on November 17, led by Ben B. Banks. The construction of the temple was impressively quick, taking just eight months—making it the fastest temple built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! The doors opened for a special public open house from July 16 to 18, 1998, and the dedication followed soon after on July 26 and 27, officiated by the beloved Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley.
In 2002, the Monticello Utah Temple welcomed the public again for an open house from November 2 to 9, leading to a joyful rededication on November 17, also officiated by Hinckley. Inside, the temple offers a warm atmosphere with two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistery, all within its 11,225 square feet of sacred space.
Perched at 7,098 feet, the temple stands 66 feet tall, fitting nicely into the beautiful landscape around it. It even shares a parking lot with one of the local meeting houses, emphasizing its role as a friendly gathering place for the community.
This special temple, envisioned by the late Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley as a smaller yet meaningful house of worship, proudly holds the title of Utah’s 11th temple. More than just a building, the Monticello Utah Temple is a cherished landmark and a welcoming spiritual home that brings together people from all walks of life. With its rich history and warm spirit, it truly shines as a beacon of hope and faith in the region!