A Look Into the Rexburg Idaho Temple
The Rexburg Idaho Temple stands as the 125th dedicated Temple in operation, showcasing an impressive blend of beauty and architectural prowess. Located at 750 S 2nd E in Rexburg, Idaho, this five-story building is adjacent to the Brigham Young University–Idaho campus. Its remarkable height makes it visible for miles along the Highway 20 corridor, and it is considered the finest building in this quaint rural area. A beautifully landscaped garden lies just to the west, offering a serene space for quiet strolls and contemplation.
A Timeline of Construction and Dedication
The journey of the Rexburg Idaho Temple began when it was announced to the public on December 12, 2003, by Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. The groundbreaking and site dedication occurred on July 30, 2005, led by John H. Groberg, with an impressive attendance of 8,000 individuals.
A public open house took place from January 7 to January 26, 2008, where an astounding 200,000 attendees toured the interior. The dedication, initially intended for February 3, 2008, was postponed due to the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. President Thomas S. Monson then dedicated the Temple on February 10, 2008. His dedicatory prayer included a sincere hope that many who visited would reflect on their experiences with respect and gratitude.
Architectural Features and Materials
The Rexburg Idaho Temple covers 57,504 square feet and is built on a 10-acre site. Its exterior walls comprise 637 precast panels sourced from 45 different molds, showcasing a striking white quartz finish known as “China White.” This material helps maintain the radiant appearance, aided by a waterproofing compound that washes dust away with the rain.
The architectural features include a single attached end spire, topped with a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue, installed on September 21, 2006. Thousands witnessed this event, celebrating the 183rd anniversary of the first appearance of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith.
Interior Design
The interior highlights a stunning wheat motif throughout, created by Utah artist Tom Holdman. This motif reflects the vital agricultural heritage of the area, visible in approximately 700 art-glass windowpanes. Notably, the original murals were painted by Leon Parson, a Rexburg native and former faculty member at BYU-Idaho, illustrating the local wildlife and landscapes.
The interior is also adorned with exquisite brass and crystal light fixtures, while the doors are crafted from quarter-sawn sapele wood imported from Africa. A cast bronze hardware complements the beauty of these doors, and the exterior doors feature durable African wood. The railings surrounding the baptismal font are made from bronze and aluminum, showcasing the commitment to quality throughout the Temple.
Community Involvement in the Open House
The open house was incredibly popular, with reservations quickly filling up, leading planners to increase visitor estimates from the original 150,000 to over 200,000. During this time, the event relied heavily on the enthusiasm of over 10,000 volunteers, many of whom were BYU–Idaho students. Their contributions included hosting tours, directing traffic, and providing refreshments, serving over 60,000 gallons of punch and countless cookies during this welcoming period.
The First Temple in Rexburg and Idaho
The Rexburg Idaho Temple holds the distinction of being the first Temple built in the city of Rexburg and in Madison County, as well as the first in the state of Idaho. Its establishment came three and a half years after the announcement that Ricks College would transition to a four-year university, further emphasizing its significance in the area’s development.
In conclusion, the Rexburg Idaho Temple not only enhances the skyline of Rexburg but also plays a vital role in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region. Its dedication to quality, artistry, and community involvement reflects the reverence and appreciation that many feel towards this beautiful addition to Idaho’s architecture.