The Ogden Utah Temple is a beloved landmark and stands as the 14th dedicated temple in operation. Its journey began on August 24, 1967, when excitement filled the air with its announcement. Just a couple of years later, on September 8, 1969, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer held the first site dedication, a moment that truly brought the community together. That same day, Hugh B. Brown took part in the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of something special.
Fast forward to December 16-30, 1971, when the temple opened its doors for the first public open house, allowing 181,000 eager visitors to come in and experience the beauty and serenity it offers. The official dedication followed from January 18-20, 1972, with Joseph Fielding Smith blessing the temple, making it a cherished place for many.
In 2014, the temple celebrated its second open house from August 1 to September 6, and just a few weeks later, on September 21, it was rededicated by Prophet Thomas S. Monson, reminding everyone of its importance in the community.
Nestled on 9.96 acres right in the heart of downtown Ogden, the temple dazzles with its stunning granite exterior, which was carefully crafted in China. The wonderful central spire, topped with a golden angel Moroni statue, truly makes it a sight to behold. Inside, you’ll find six instruction rooms, nine sealing rooms, and one baptistry, all within a spacious 112,232 square feet—a welcoming sanctuary for all.
Reaching a height of 188 feet 8 inches and sitting at an elevation of 4,299 feet, the temple blends beautifully with its surroundings, featuring lovely water features, vibrant trees, and well-kept grounds that invite visitors to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
It’s also worth noting that the Ogden Utah Temple is the fifth temple built in Utah and proudly holds the title of being the first dedicated in the state, a full 80 years after the previous four were consecrated while Utah was still a territory. One particularly touching moment during its dedication was when Prophet Harold B. Lee stepped in to finish the dedicatory prayer after Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith needed a break.