The Los Angeles California Temple: A Testament of Faith and Community
The Los Angeles California Temple stands as the 10th dedicated Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since its announcement on March 6, 1937, it has played an important role in the faith and practices of its members.
Los Angeles California Temple Temple News
Construction of the Los Angeles California Temple began amidst the backdrop of World War II, which led to a delay that allowed for modifications to its design. This resulted in the capability of accommodating an additional 300 patrons in each temple session. The groundbreaking occurred on September 22, 1951, under the direction of Prophet David McKay. In his remarks at the dedication, President McKay expressed the profound significance of the occasion, noting its memorable nature and the large gathering of general authorities present.
The public open house spanned from December 19, 1955, to February 18, 1956, drawing an impressive turnout of over 632,361 attendees. The Temple was officially dedicated by Prophet David McKay from March 11 to 14, 1956.
Architectural Features
Spanning 13 acres, the Los Angeles California Temple has an exterior covered with Mo-Sai stone— a blend of crushed quartz and white Portland cement sourced from Utah and Nevada. The wainscot utilizes Rockville granite from Minnesota, a selection that not only enhances the aesthetics but also serves practical purposes, aiding in graffiti removal.
The Temple’s architectural highlights include a single attached end spire crowned with a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue, which stands at 15.5 feet tall. This particular statue, sculpted by Millard Mallin and placed on the Temple on October 3, 1954, is one of five angelic representations that hold the Gold Plates. Other notable Temples featuring this design include the Jordan River Utah Temple, Washington D.C. Temple, Seattle Washington Temple, and Mexico City Mexico Temple.
Interior Design and Facilities
At 190,614 square feet, the Los Angeles California Temple integrates beautifully designed spaces, including four instruction rooms, ten sealing rooms, and a baptistry. The interior includes hand-painted murals in its progressive-style ordinance rooms, including the Creation Room, Garden Room, World Room, Terrestrial Room, and Celestial Room.
Notably, the priesthood assembly room can accommodate 2,000 individuals and contains three pulpits at each end.
Renovations and Modernization
The Temple underwent significant changes throughout its history. In 1981, it closed for ten weeks for remodeling, introducing audiovisual equipment that enabled sessions to occur every half hour. By 2003, the Temple reverted to its original progressive-style presentation while still employing film for visual narratives. A seismic overhaul took place in 2005, leading to a reopening on July 11, 2006, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its dedication.
Grounds and Atmosphere
Located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Westwood, the grounds include a variety of trees, such as Canary Island pines, palms, olives, rare Chinese ginkgo, and bird-of-paradise trees. The beautiful landscape features two fountains and a large reflection pool. A family history center is also available on-site, along with several family-themed statues.
In December each year, the grounds are transformed with thousands of Christmas lights, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles California Temple remains a crucial component of the faith journey for many, with its beautiful architecture, rich history, and serene grounds working in harmony to inspire those who engage with it. As it stands tall at 257 feet and at an elevation of 289 feet, both its presence and its mission continue to resonate within the community.