Exploring the Los Angeles California Temple
The Los Angeles California Temple stands as a testament to history and architectural design, revealing a rich narrative within its walls and grounds. This impressive site is significant not only for its beauty but also for its importance in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
LDS Temple News Presents Los Angeles California Temple a House of the Lord
The journey of the Los Angeles California Temple began on March 6, 1937, when its construction was first announced. As the 10th dedicated Temple of the Church, it faced delays due to World War II. This period allowed for necessary modifications to ensure that the layout could accommodate an additional 300 patrons in each session.
On September 22, 1951, the groundbreaking ceremony was led by Prophet David McKay. At the dedication service, McKay remarked that this was one of the most memorable dedications ever held in the Church, noting the attendance of many general authorities and describing the gathering of attendees as unprecedented.
The public open house ran from December 19, 1955, to February 18, 1956, drawing an impressive turnout of over 632,361 individuals. Following this, the temple was officially dedicated from March 11 to March 14, 1956, by Prophet David McKay himself.
Architectural Features
The Los Angeles California Temple is situated on a sprawling 13-acre site. The exterior covers a total area of 146,000 square feet and is adorned with Mo-Sai stone facing and Rockville granite, materials chosen for their aesthetic appeal and resilience against vandalism.
Significant Elements
- Angel Moroni Statue: One of the most notable features is the gold-leafed statue of Angel Moroni, standing at 15 1/2 feet tall. Sculpted by Millard Mallin, it was placed atop the temple on October 3, 1954. This Angel Moroni is one of only five that holds the Gold Plates, alongside those at the Jordan River Utah Temple, Washington D.C. Temple, Seattle Washington Temple, and Mexico City Mexico Temple.
- Interior Spaces: Inside the temple, there are four progressive instruction rooms, ten sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The total square footage is 190,614, with an impressive height of 257 feet and an elevation of 289 feet.
- Assembly Room: The temple features a large priesthood assembly room capable of seating 2,000 people, equipped with three pulpits at each end.
Design and Decor
The progressive-style ordinance rooms, including the Creation Room, Garden Room, World Room, Terrestrial Room, and Celestial Room, are enhanced with beautiful hand-painted murals, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the interior.
The temple closed for remodeling during its 25th anniversary in 1981, incorporating new audiovisual equipment and allowing for sessions every half hour. The renovation in 2003 shifted the presentation style back to progressive while still utilizing film, showcasing a commitment to both tradition and modernity.
Grounds and Additional Features
Located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Westwood, the temple grounds are lush with Canary Island pine, palm, olive, and rare Chinese ginkgo trees, complemented by two fountains and a large reflection pool.
Additionally, a family history center can be found on-site, along with statues that celebrate family themes. During the festive season each December, the grounds become a spectacle of holiday lights, creating a captivating visual experience for all who pass by.
In 2005, the temple underwent seismic renovations, including enhancements to the baptistry. It reopened on July 11, 2006, coinciding with its 50th anniversary of dedication, ensuring its longevity and continued significance within the community.
The Los Angeles California Temple not only serves as a place of spiritual significance but is also a rich historical and architectural feature of Los Angeles. Its story continues to evolve, reflecting the dedication of its builders and the ongoing commitment to its mission.