Exploring the Los Angeles California Temple
The Los Angeles California Temple holds a significant place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since its announcement on March 6, 1937, this 10th dedicated Temple has been a focal point for numerous activities and engagements for many.
Los Angeles California Temple media by LDS Temple News
Construction faced delays due to World War II, allowing for modifications that increased capacity by accommodating an additional 300 patrons per session. Ground was broken for the Los Angeles California Temple on September 22, 1951, under the direction of Prophet David McKay. During the dedication, President McKay remarked on the remarkable attendance, calling it one of the most memorable dedicatory services in the Church’s history.
The public was granted access to the Temple from December 19, 1955, through February 18, 1956, with an impressive turnout of over 632,000 attendees. The Prophet David McKay dedicated this significant building from March 11 to 14, 1956.
Architectural Features
Spanning 13 acres, the Los Angeles California Temple encompasses 146,000 square feet, topped with a striking end spire crowned by a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue. This statue, sculpted by Millard Mallin, stands at 15 ½ feet tall and was installed on October 3, 1954. The building’s exterior is adorned with Mo-Sai stone facing, blending crushed quartz with white Portland cement sourced from Utah and Nevada, while the wainscot is made of Rockville granite from Minnesota, adding durability and elegance to its design.
The Temple includes significant features: four instruction rooms, ten sealing rooms, a baptistry, and a priesthood assembly room, which can accommodate up to 2,000 individuals.
Grounds and Surroundings
Located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Westwood, the grounds are beautifully landscaped with an array of trees including Canary Island pines and rare Chinese ginkgo. Two fountains and a serene reflection pool enhance the beauty of the environment, providing a tranquil space for contemplation.
In December, the grounds come alive with thousands of Christmas lights, creating a magical winter atmosphere. The facility also houses a visitor center and a family history center, further enriching the overall experience for attendees.
Renovations and Upgrades
The Los Angeles California Temple has undergone several renovations to enhance its facilities. It closed for 10 weeks in 1981 to undergo remodeling and refurbishment, adding two new rooms and audiovisual equipment, allowing for more frequent sessions. Notably, in 2003, it reverted to a progressive-style presentation while undergoing renovations, including a complete makeover of the Terrestrial Room.
In November 2005, significant seismic upgrades were initiated, and after extensive renovations to the baptistry, the Temple reopened on July 11, 2006, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its dedication.
Special Features of the Angel Moroni Statue
The Los Angeles California Temple is unique among its peers, being one of only five temples where the Angel Moroni holds the gold plates, a feature shared with the Washington D.C. Temple, Jordan River Utah Temple, Seattle Washington Temple, and Mexico City Temple.
For those curious about architectural beauty and historical significance, the Los Angeles California Temple stands out as a noteworthy component of the Latter-day Saints’ journey.