Discovering the Bountiful Utah Temple
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of Bountiful, Utah, the Bountiful Utah Temple stands as the 47th dedicated Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located at 640 S Bountiful Blvd, this remarkable edifice serves as a testament to dedication and faith.
A Brief History
The journey to the Bountiful Utah Temple began on February 2, 1990, when it was officially announced to the public. The subsequent groundbreaking and site dedication took place on May 2, 1992, presided over by Prophet Ezra Taft Benson. This significant event drew a crowd of 7,500 in attendance on site, with an additional 2,500 participating remotely.
The Temple opened its doors to the public during an extensive open house from November 4 to December 17, 1994. This event attracted an astonishing 870,361 attendees, thanks to the hard work of 45,000 dedicated volunteers who contributed their time and effort.
The dedication of the Bountiful Utah Temple occurred from January 8 to January 14, 1995, under the leadership of Prophet Howard W. Hunter. Remarkably, in his brief tenure as Prophet, he dedicated only one other Temple, the Orlando Florida Temple. The Bountiful Utah Temple required 28 dedicatory sessions, with a total of 201,655 witnessing this momentous occasion.
Architectural Features
Covering nine acres, the Bountiful Utah Temple offers a spacious two-story parking garage, which can be best accessed from the west side of the grounds. The exterior is finished in elegant Bethel white granite, featuring a single attached central spire topped with a gold-leafed painted Angel Moroni statue.
Boasting a significant size, the Temple spans 104,000 square feet and stands 176 feet tall, with an elevation of 5,160 feet. Its prominent location on the east bench allows it to be easily seen across Bountiful and along the I-15 freeway. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Great Salt Lake from this vantage point.
Unique Elements
As the first Temple built in Davis County, the Bountiful Utah Temple also holds the distinction of being the eighth Temple constructed in the state of Utah. Its floor plan shares similarities with the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, although the grounds provide unique and differing perspectives.
An interesting historical note: the Angel Moroni statue experienced a striking incident on May 22, 2016, when it was hit by lightning. The statue was replaced on June 1, 2016, with one originally intended for the Meridian Idaho Temple, further enhancing the Temple’s storied history.
Conclusion
The Bountiful Utah Temple stands as a significant testament to the beliefs and dedication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Bountiful area. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and the breathtaking views it offers make it a site of interest for many. Whether one is drawn to its stunning granite façade or the inspiring stories that have unfolded within its walls, the Bountiful Utah Temple continues to be a place of importance in the hearts and minds of those connected to it.