The Memphis Tennessee Temple is a lovely place that represents both faith and beautiful design, and it proudly holds the title of the 80th dedicated temple in operation! Its exciting journey kicked off on September 17, 1998, with the announcement that sparked joy in the hearts of many. Just a few months later, on January 16, 1999, Elder Gordon T. Watts came to break ground, marking the start of something special.
The community came together for an open house from April 8 to 15, 2000, where everyone could stroll through and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before the official dedication on April 23, 2000, led by Elder James E. Faust. Fast forward to 2019, and the temple welcomed visitors once again with another open house from April 13 to 20, leading up to a joyful rededication ceremony on May 5, 2019, hosted by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.
Situated on a beautiful 6.35-acre plot, the Memphis Tennessee Temple features a stunning exterior of beige limestone, giving it a warm and inviting look. One of the first things you notice is the graceful spire, topped with a shining gold leaf angel Moroni, which adds a touch of elegance to the skyline. Inside, the temple is thoughtfully designed with two instruction rooms, two celestial rooms, and a baptistery, all spread out across a spacious 10,890 square feet. It’s a wonderful space for individuals and families to come together in worship and reflection.
Standing proudly at 83’9″ and sitting at an elevation of 323 feet, the temple is located at 4199 Kirby-Whitten Parkway in Bartlett. It even shares its parking lot with a chapel serving the Tennessee North stake, creating a friendly environment where everyone can feel connected.
As the first temple built in Tennessee, it holds a special place in the hearts of local members. The building underwent a big renovation starting on September 29, 2017, with improvements aimed at making it even more wonderful for visitors. One standout change was raising the steeple by 10 feet, making it even more impressive and visible to the community.
When you step inside the Memphis Tennessee Temple, you can’t help but feel a sense of peace and beauty. The gold leaf pinstriping in the instruction, celestial, and sealing rooms adds a lovely touch, while vibrant art glass featuring infinity bell flowers and lazy eight designs brightens the space. Throughout the temple, you’ll find charming antiqued bronze pendant lighting, along with a stunning neoclassic crystal and brass chandelier that shines in the celestial and sealing rooms.
The floors are adorned with beautiful Daphne white stone tile from Sorrento, Florida, creating an elegant walk through the entry, baptistry, and brides’ room. Plus, the rugs feature lovely patterns like the pawpaw flower field and lazy eight borders in soothing greens, blues, and creams that evoke a sense of warmth and welcome in the entry and waiting rooms.
In a nutshell, the Memphis Tennessee Temple isn’t just a beautiful building; it’s a warm and friendly sanctuary for the community, reflecting the commitment and faith of everyone who walks through its doors. It’s a place where individuals and families can come together to connect, worship, and grow spiritually.