Discovering the Nashville Tennessee Temple
The Nashville Tennessee Temple, the 84th dedicated Temple in operation, stands at 344 Ernest Rice Ln, Franklin, Tennessee 37069. Located 15 miles south of Nashville, this beautiful temple complements the picturesque neighborhood of Franklin, right next to the Franklin Tennessee Stake Center. Surrounding the Temple are two expansive 100-acre horse farms and the historic Battle Ground Academy, creating an idyllic setting that enhances the beauty of its grounds.
This is the Nashville, Tennessee Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Nashville Tennessee Temple was announced to the public on November 9, 1994, by the Prophet Howard W. Hunter. Following this announcement, the groundbreaking and site dedication occurred on March 13, 1999, led by John K. Carmack. The event took place on a chilly, rain-soaked day and attracted approximately 1,500 attendees from central Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Elder Carmack made an interesting comparison, likening the persistence needed to secure the Temple’s site to that of Jacob from the Old Testament, who patiently waited over seven years to marry Rachel.
Open Houses and Dedication
An open house for the Nashville Tennessee Temple took place from May 6 to May 13, 2000, attracting an impressive 24,300 attendees. The Temple was officially dedicated by Apostle James E. Faust on May 21, 2000, during four sessions that saw a total attendance of 6,052.
Architectural Features
The Nashville Tennessee Temple is situated on 6.86 acres and features a stunning exterior finish of imperial danby white marble. Its design includes a single attached end spire topped with a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue. Inside, the Temple encompasses 10,700 square feet and includes two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry. The Temple rises to a height of 22 meters, positioned at an elevation of 653 feet, and is a single-story design.
Historical Significance
This Temple holds distinction as the first built in Nashville and the second in Tennessee, following the Memphis Tennessee Temple, which was dedicated just a month earlier. Originally envisioned as a regional Temple to serve much of the Upper South, the Nashville Tennessee Temple was constructed concurrently with the Memphis Tennessee Temple. Notably, its construction occurred while the local stake center was undergoing remodeling.
Community Impact
Several couples celebrated the sealing of their marriages on the opening day of the Nashville Tennessee Temple. In the dedicatory prayer, an excerpt emphasized the Temple as an expression of faith in the afterlife and the work being done to bring blessings to those who will accept the ordinances performed within its walls.
The journey to establish this Temple began between 1995 and 1998 when Church leaders sought to rezone a piece of land in Forest Hills, Tennessee. After failing to secure the necessary court orders, those plans were abandoned, and the land later became the site of a city hall. Ultimately, on April 25, 1998, Church leaders announced their decision to build the Nashville Tennessee Temple at its current location, signaling a significant moment in the region’s spiritual landscape.
The Nashville Tennessee Temple is not just a center for spiritual growth but also a testament to the faith and dedication of those who envisioned and contributed to its creation.
Nashville, Tennessee Temple by LDS Temple News.