UTAH TEMPLE A FAMILY’S LEGACY
Family watches temple rise on ancestors’ former farmland
ART GLASS
Cherry trees bloom in temple windows
UTAH TEMPLES RISING
Temple construction continues throughout the state
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Table of Contents A New Temple Rises...............................................................4 Orem Utah Temple Open House Information ........................6 Orem Utah Temple Dedication...............................................8 A Temple by the Numbers......................................................9 From Design to Spire............................................................10 Breaking Ground...................................................................14 Construction of a Temple......................................................16 Arson on the Temple Site......................................................18 From Family Farm to Sacred Ground...................................20
UTAH TEMPLE 2 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
A Single Spire.......................................................................24 The Art of Glass....................................................................26 Inside the Temple Walls........................................................30 Orem: A City Blooms on a Hill............................................32 What’s Next for Utah Temples?............................................36 Utah Temples Under Construction........................................38 Temples Undergoing Renovation..........................................41 A County Full of Temples.....................................................42 Provo Temple Renovation.....................................................46
This magazine produced by the Daily Herald Publisher: Jim Konig Content & Editor: Christi C. Babbitt Graphic Design: Marcia C. Harris Cover & Table of Contents Photos by: Brent Ririe
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A New Temple Rises “As the Church grows, more temples will be built so that more families can have access to that greatest of all blessings, that of eternal life. We regard a temple as the most sacred structure in the Church. Whenever plans are announced to construct a new temple, it becomes an important part of our history. As we have discussed here tonight, you sisters are vital to the work of the temple, and the temple is where you will receive your highest spiritual treasures.” - President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oct. 5, 2019
Opening Arti
On Oct. 5, 2019, following this statement, President Russell M. Nelson announced the construction of eight new temples, including one in Orem, Utah. It was a historic moment — the first time new temples had been announced during the women’s session of the Church’s General Conference. Local residents didn’t have to wait long to see the project go forward. Ground was broken for the Orem temple on Sept. 5, 2020, less than a year after it was announced. In that short time, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world, and COVID restrictions meant very few people could attend this temple’s groundbreaking. The structure’s construction, however, was another matter. With its site located immediately adjacent to a busy stretch of Interstate 15 near Utah Valley University, the Orem temple’s rise from ground to spire was uniquely visible to Utah County residents. Thousands of drivers and passengers passed by the structure every day, making it one of the most viewed temple construction sites in the state. It will also be the most easily accessible temple in Utah County, with its entrance located just a few blocks from the University Parkway and I-15 interchange and a FrontRunner commuter rail station located
4 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
nearby. Interestingly, the Taylorsville Utah Temple, which was announced at the same time as the Orem Temple, has also been built next to a major freeway interchange. It’s now been just over three years since shovels first turned over the dirt of a former farm, beginning construction of what now is an impressive 70,000-square-foot, 3-story edifice topped with a single spire. Travelers on I-15 and FrontRunner trains have watched as steel beams were put in place, stone panels attached and art glass windows installed. One question must have been on their minds: what is it going to look like on the inside? The wait for that answer is now over. The public is invited to view the interior of the Orem Utah Temple during an open house beginning Friday, Oct. 27, and running through Dec. 16 (excluding Sundays and Thanksgiving Day). The temple will officially open after dedication ceremonies Jan. 21, 2024, after which it will only be open to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The new Orem temple is one of 28 temples either operating or under construction in the state of Utah. Reserve some time now to view this magnificent structure that will serve as a landmark in Utah Valley for many years to come.
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Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 5
Temple Open House
On Friday, Oct. 27, a unique opportunity begins for the public: the Orem Utah temple will open to visitors. Generally, only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may enter the church’s temples. When a new or recently remodeled temple opens, however, an open house for the public may be held, during which the public can tour the interior of the building. That time has come for residents of Orem and of Utah Valley who have watched the new temple rising from former farmland next to Interstate 15.
Following a media day on Oct. 23 and private tour sessions for invited guests through Oct. 26, the public open house for the temple will begin Friday, Oct. 27, and continue daily (excluding Sundays and Thanksgiving Day) through Dec. 16. The public is invited to take advantage of this open house opportunity and view the inside of the building and learn more about what happens inside its doors. Even after the open house is complete, all are welcome to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the temple.
Orem Utah Temple Public Open House DATES
Daily beginning Friday, Oct. 27, and continuing through Saturday Dec. 16 (excluding Sundays & Thanksgiving Day)
TIMES
Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
ADDRESS
1451 S. 1100 West, Orem
TOUR DURATION
The open house includes a walking tour that lasts about 40 minutes.
6 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
ADMISSION/RESERVATIONS
Admission is free; reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, visit churchofjesuschrist.org/featured/ orem-open-house.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Comfortable shoes and modest dress are recommended. The tour is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are not permitted in the temple. Please refrain from smoking on temple property.
PARKING
Parking will be available at designated off-site locations where shuttles will take visitors to the temple. Admittance to the temple grounds will be by shuttle bus only. The only exception for parking on temple property will be for vehicles with a valid state-issued disabled plate or placard. All shuttle buses will be equipped with wheelchair lifts. Additional information, including shuttle parking locations, will be provided upon making a reservation.
Photo: Orem Utah Temple celestial room. Courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Utah Temple Open Houses The Orem Utah Temple open house will be the fifth longest ever held for a Utah temple. At 51 days long, this open house is the same length as that held for the Provo City Center Temple in 2016. From Oct. 27 to Nov. 11, the Orem temple open house will occur concurrently with the open house of the St. George Utah Temple, which is being held following a renovation of that historic structure. Following is a list of Utah temple open houses and their length. Saratoga Springs Utah Temple: April 15 to July 8, 2023 - 85 days Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple: June 1 to Aug. 1, 2009 - 62 days Draper Utah Temple: Jan. 15 to March 14, 2009 - 59 days St. George Utah Temple (after temple renovation): Sept. 15 to Nov. 11, 2023 - 58 days Orem Utah Temple: Oct. 27 to Dec. 16, 2023 - 51 days Provo City Center Temple: Jan. 15 to March 5, 2016 - 51 days Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple: Aug. 6 to Sept. 21, 1996 - 47 days Bountiful Utah Temple: Nov. 4 to Dec. 17, 1994 - 44 days
Jordan River Utah Temple (after temple renovation): March 17 to April 28, 2018 - 43 Days Jordan River Utah Temple (original opening): Sept. 29 to Oct. 31, 1981 - 33 days Payson Utah Temple: April 24 to May 23, 2015 - 30 days Brigham City Utah Temple: Aug. 18 to Sept. 15, 2012 - 29 days Logan Utah Temple (after temple renovation): Feb. 5 to March 3, 1979 - 27 days Cedar City Utah Temple: Oct. 27 to Nov. 18, 2017 - 23 days Provo Utah Temple: Jan. 10-29, 1972 - 20 days
People wait in line to tour the Payson Utah Temple on April 25, 2015, during the temple’s open house.
8 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
Orem Temple Dedication The Orem Utah Temple will be dedicated on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in two sessions (12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.). The dedicatory sessions will be broadcast to all units in the Orem Utah Temple district.
Vernal Utah Temple: Oct. 11-25, 1997 - 15 days Ogden Utah Temple: Dec. 16-30, 1971 - 15 days St. George Utah Temple (after temple renovation): Oct. 15–25, 1975 - 11 days Monticello Utah Temple: July 16-18, 1998 - 3 days Manti Utah Temple (after temple renovation): June 6-8, 1985 - 3 days Salt Lake Temple: April 5, 1893 - 1 day
A Temple ANNOUNCED October 5, 2019
GROUNDBREAKING & SITE DEDICATION September 5, 2020
OPEN HOUSE
October 27 - December 16, 2023
SITE
15.39 Acres
BY THE NUMBERS
OREM UTAH TEMPLE 1471 S. GENEVA ROAD, OREM
DEDICATION
ART GLASS
Scheduled for January 21, 2023 (2 Sessions)
380 art glass window panels containing approximately 105,600 pieces of stained glass
ORDINANCE ROOMS 4 instruction rooms, 4 sealing rooms, 1 baptistry
19TH TEMPLE
Completed in Utah
6TH TEMPLE
Completed in Utah County
20,000 SQ. FT. Meetinghouse also constructed on site
Sources: churchofjesuschristtemples.org, Holdman Studios
Photo by Brent Ririe
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 8
Photo by Brent Ririe
10 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
From Design to Spire THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A TEMPLE FROM CHURCHOFJESUSCHRIST.ORG Each temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a house of the Lord. And each is a beautiful building meant to last many years thanks to high-quality materials and rigorous building standards. The creation of these sacred structures is much like the construction of any other building. The process is also unique because of the significant role temples play in Latter-day Saint theology. Funding & Selecting a Site Temples are built using Church funds set aside for that purpose. The Church pays for the costs without a mortgage or other financing. Once the decision is made to build a temple in a certain area, the First Presidency then prayerfully chooses the precise spot on which to build — a pattern that has been in place since the Church of Jesus Christ’s beginning. For example, soon after entering the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847, Brigham Young identified the block of land on which to build the Salt Lake Temple. Bill Williams, who has been a Church architect since 2003, says the Church looks for sites “that would have prominence, be in an attractive neighborhood, a neighborhood that would withstand the test of time.”
DESIGN PHASE
After the temple site is selected and the Church determines how large the building will be, a team of architects creates potential exterior and interior designs. While the purpose of each of the Church’s temples is the same, many aspects of each structure’s inner and outer look and feel are unique and tailored to the local people and area. To create a look and feel that is just right for a specific temple, architects solicit several sources. Williams said his team meets with locals to “understand the nature of the people, the country that they live in, Latter-day Saints that are there and how we can better fit the temple” to them. A critical aspect of the planning process is sustainable design, a concept that Williams says seeks to reduce a temple’s long-term operational cost. “Whatever we can do to make the environmental systems, the mechanical systems energy efficient, to make the interior materials have longevity so that they don’t wear out straightaway, anything we can do to conserve water, it’s great for us as the owner because it makes that long-term cost less. That’s what it means to be sustainable.” In selecting building materials, the Church set-
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 11
tles for nothing but the best. The pattern for this is found in the Bible’s description of Solomon’s Temple in 1 Kings 7. They used the finest materials and workers. The Church of Jesus Christ follows the same pattern. The role of inspiration is critical to temple design. Design meetings begin with prayer. The design process can take up to two years. All along the way — from architectural detail clear down to colors and carpet swatches — the First Presidency is involved and provides final approvals.
CONSTRUCTION
Because of the high standards for building its temples, the Church sends representatives across the world to search out the best contractors. The Church uses many contractors, and the complexity of temple design requires the very best that most workers have ever had to give on a project. The high building standards are in place for two main reasons: first, Latter-day Saints believe their temples are the holiest places on earth and tributes to God; second, the Church builds these temples to last hundreds of years. Church representatives ensure the construction companies are financially stable and able to meet Church regulations (including prohibitions against smoking, drinking and loud music on the construction site, though construction workers do not have to be Latter-day Saints). The Church then invites
Photo by Brent Ririe
those selected companies to the bidding process. Once a company is chosen, construction typically takes 24 to 48 months, depending on the location. For temple sites outside the United States, construction can take more time for a variety of reasons. For example, some countries might have more manual labor to do things that in the United States could be done with equipment. Other things can slow down the process, such as additional fees incurred by local governments. Although it can be a challenge to find qualified contractors, the high
bar is worth it for both the Church and the workers. Not only do temple construction projects supply jobs in local communities, they also provide opportunities that many construction workers consider to be the zenith of their careers.
OPEN HOUSE & DEDICATION
Latter-day Saints who live the highest standards of the faith are permitted to enter a dedicated temple. Therefore, once construction is complete, and prior to the temple’s dedication, the Church opens the temple doors to the public for several weeks for free tours. These open houses are a rare opportunity for anyone in the community to walk through a temple and learn more about Latter-day RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL Saint beliefs. $ 00 RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL Typically within a week or two after PEST CONTROL RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PEST CONTROL the open house concludes, a Church PEST CONTROL HERA IL Y HE R AL L ILY DA L Y HE R A D DA LY H E R A D leader formally dedicates the temple. I L LD I A D A D RESIDENTIAL ANDDCOMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PEST CONTROL O O E E This is done by offering a dedicatory E E S PEST CONTROL S F O O PEST CONTROL E E T B T B H H F E E S S F T B T B H H F T T T T OF E S T B THEUTAH THE BESTOF UTAH VALLEY UTAH VALLEY H E HERA R Y Y prayer to consecrate the temple for VALLEY A L L UTAH VALLEY I LD LD I BEST BEST 2 0 1 9 BEST BEST 2020 DA DA UTAH VALLEY UTAH VALLEY 2019 2020sacred purposes for which the those ER 2 0 1 9 W E R 2020 utahpestsolutions.com A S AW S OF OF E ER ’ CHOICE W E R ’ C HO I C E is utahpestsolutions.com temple THutahpestsolutions.com THE W built. A S’ C S’ HOICE EA
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Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 13
Breaking Ground A NEW TEMPLE UNDERWAY
On a sunny September day in 2020, a small group of invited guests gathered to break ground for the Orem Utah Temple. “The Orem Utah Temple will become an added refuge of strength in an increasingly uncertain world — a holy place where we learn and live more fully the great plan of happiness made possible by our Savior, Jesus Christ,” said Elder Craig C. Christensen, Utah Area President, who presided at the event. The number of attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony, held on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, was limited due to local government restrictions put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “In the coming months, the Orem Utah Temple will rise toward the heavens from this beautiful spot of ground overlooking one of the most heavily
14 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
traveled areas in Utah,” said Elder Evan A. Schmutz of the Utah Area Presidency during the event. Elder Schmutz grew up in Orem.
“(The temple) will act as a beacon, drawing the gaze of millions as they pass by this hallowed ground, and inviting the devoted service of hundreds of
A small group of invited guests participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Orem Utah Temple.
thousands of faithful Latter-day Saints, as the ordinances of salvation are offered to the living and the dead,” Elder Schmutz said. Elder Christensen offered the dedicatory prayer during the groundbreaking. “We acknowledge, dear Father, the great legacy of faith that exists among the many Saints who live in this part of Thy vineyard and the rich heritage that has prepared the way for the construction of yet another temple in this beautiful valley,” he said in the prayer. Elder William K. Jackson, a General Authority Seventy, said during the ceremony that having other temples in close proximity to the new Orem temple did not diminish its eternal importance or significance. “Human nature has taught us that proximity and ease can lead to complacency,” Elder Jackson said. “That is something to be challenged. Schedule time to attend the temple. … For many of our brothers and sisters around the world, the temple is a once-in-a-lifetime experience due to distance and expense, but I testify to you that their reverence and commitment to the temple is amazing.” He continued, “This temple will be a place of personal revelation and learning. It will be a refuge, a sanctuary of peace in an often cluttered and noisy world. It will serve to mend, help, strengthen and encourage all who come here to worship and be edified.” “I feel blessed,” said Alberto Puertas, a local bishop in Orem. “If I were to speak for the community, I think we’re all feeling rejoiceful in the moment and the occasion, and I’m also extremely grateful.” All photos courtesy of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
An architectural rendering of the Orem Utah Temple is shown during the groundbreaking ceremony for the temple.
A family grabs shovels to turn over some dirt during the groundbreaking event for the Orem Utah Temple.
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 15
All photos by Brent Ririe
16 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
ConstructionOF A TEMPLE
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 17
Arson AT THE TEMPLE SITE
The Orem Utah Temple became a subject of headlines in July of 2022 when a suspicious fire was discovered at the construction site. Reports were made late on the night of July 25, 2022, that flames could be seen in the temple structure. Calls reportedly came in from apartments overlooking the temple and from motorists traveling on Interstate 15 next to the temple construction area. The fire was confined to one room on the third floor of the temple. Construction materials were damaged. “The fire department arrived after most of (the fire) was out,” Sean Hirst, information officer for the fire department, said at the time. “There was mostly just light smoke and firefighter extinguished what was left.” The fire was later ruled to be arson. On Sept. 6, 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Orem Police Department, issued a notice offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson at the temple. As of the publication of this magazine, the case is still open and unsolved. Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
18 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
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Northern Utah Temples
Northern Utah Temples
Layton Utah Temple
Syracuse Utah Temple 1025 S. 2500 West, Syracuse Total floor area: 89,000 square feet Site: 12.27 acres Ordinance rooms: Four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, two baptistries Announced: April 5, 2020 Groundbreaking: June 12, 2021 Estimated completion: Early to mid-2024 th Anticipated to be Utah’s 24 dedicated temple Temple: Distance from Ogden Utah Temple lot to Syracuse Utah 12.4 miles (26-minute drive)
Photo by Chad Fournier
Salt Lake Valley Temples
Utah Temple mple/
Information: https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/syracuse-utah-te
Photo by Rory Wallwork
April 1, 2018, by Construction of the Layton Utah Temple was announced on of Latter-day Saints. It President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ others being in Salta, was one of seven new temples announced at that time, the de Oro, Philippines; Argentina; Bengaluru, India; Managua, Nicaragua; Cagayan Richmond, Virginia; and a major city in Russia (yet unknown). tem for the Layton temA very small group of people attended the groundbreaking ple on May 23, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. with the Wasatch The temple site is located on the east side of Davis County either I-15 or US-89, Mountains serving as a backdrop. It is easily reachable via being situated between these two major thoroughfares. Station Park, a large The Layton temple site is just a 12-minute drive away from restaurants and a shopping center in Farmington that includes major retailers, a world-class dancing movie theater. Central to Station Park is Fountain Square, choreodaily that are water fountain that provides shows every hour, on the hour graphed with music and lighting.
on April 5, 2020, by Construction of the Syracuse Utah Temple was announced of Latter-day Saints. It President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ others being in Bahía was one of eight new temples announced at that time, the Republic of the Blanca, Argentina; Tallahassee, Florida; Lubumbashi, Democratic Emir United Arab EmirCongo; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Benin City, Nigeria; Dubai, ates; and Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. for invited guests The temple’s groundbreaking was held on June 12, 2021, a broadcast of the only; those within the temple district were able to watch di and executive dievent. Elder Kevin R. Duncan, General Authority Seventy the groundbreaking rector of the Church’s Temple Department, presided over grew up less than a ceremony. According to thechurchnews.com, Elder Duncan was bishop of mile and a half north of the temple site, and his great-grandfather the Syracuse Ward. Slough Waterfowl This temple is just four and a half miles east of the Howard also a 15-minute Management Area on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. It’s Park in the Great drive from the causeway that leads to Antelope Island State Salt Lake.
Oquirrh Mountain
1400 E. Oakhills Drive (approximate), Layton Total floor area: 87,000 square feet Site: 11.87 acres Announced: April 1, 2018 Groundbreaking: May 23, 2020 Estimated completion: Late 2022 to early 2023 th Anticipated to be Utah’s 19 dedicated temple Distance from Syracuse Utah Temple to Layton Utah Temple: 9.3 miles (17-minute drive)
Information: churchofjesuschristtemples.org/layton-utah-temple
/
Photo by Chad Fournier Photo by Chad Fournier
Photo by Chad Fournier
Utah’s Temple Trail | 27
11022 S. 4000 West, South Jordan 26 | Utah’s Temple Trail Total floor area: 60,000 square feet Site: 11 acres Ordinance rooms: Four instruction rooms (two-stage progressive), seven sealing rooms, one baptistry Announced: Oct. 1, 2005 Groundbreaking: Dec. 16, 2006 Time to completio n: About 2.5 years Dedicated: Aug. 21–23, 2009, by Thomas S. Monson 130th dedicated temple in operation 13th dedicated temple in Utah Distance from Jordan River Utah Temple Utah Temple: 4.8 to Oquirrh Mountain miles (13-minute drive)
Photo by Chad Fournier
The opening of the Oquirrh Mountain city became home Utah Temple marked to two temples. South the first time one Utah Temple, opened Jordan’s Nine dedicatory sessions were held nearly 28 years previously first temple, the Jordan River for the temple from Sunday, Aug. 23. This temple was in November of 1981. 2006. Aug. 21 was Friday, Aug. 21, to originally called the South Jordan President name was announced day, and attendees Utah Temple, but sang “Happy Birthday” Thomas S. Monson’s 82nd birthas the Oquirrh Mountain its official ceremony breaking ceremony. to him following Utah Temple during outside the temple. The change was made a brief cornerstone Church services were ing Jordan River Utah’s history on to avoid any confusion its groundcanceled for the Utah Temple. Aug. 23, 2006, to with the existfirst time in allow members to tion. The name comes attend the temple’s from the Oquirrh dedicaMountain miles along the west The temple is set range, which extends side of the Salt Lake on a bluff on the about 30 west side of the Salt temple. The word Valley and serves it visible from all “oquirrh” is a Goshute Lake Valley, making around the valley. as a backdrop for this master-planned It sits on the edge word meaning “wooded Lightning struck of the Daybreak, community. It is also the temple’s Angel mountain.” a large about a 15-minute Moroni statue on rain storm. The strike Kennecott Bingham June 13, 2009, during drive from Rio Tinto Canyon Mine, one blackened the statue a of the largest man-made during the temple’s tions in the world. in several places. The In-person tours are open house and just damage occurred open-pit excavaoffered; check hours two months before placement statue com/visit/. was installed on Aug. its dedication. A reat riotintokennecott. 11, 2009, 10 days before its dedication. Information: https://churcho fjesuschristtemp
Photo by Chad Fournier
Photo by Chad Fournier
https://www.uen.org/utah_hist
38 | Utah’s Temple Trail
les.org/oquirrh-mountain-utahory_encyclopedia/o/OQUIRRH temple/ _MOUNTAINS.shtml
Utah’s Temple Trail | 39
Siblings Nila Briem, Martin Clinger and Elaine Schofield are shown at their family farm located next to the site of the Orem Utah Temple. The land where the Orem temple now stands was part of the homestead of the siblings’ great-great-grandfather Niels Williamson.
From Family Farm to Sacred Ground
UNIQUE HISTORY READIES LAND FOR TEMPLE
Born in Norway in 1820, Niels Williamson was a sailor who gave up the sailing life when he married Pernille Johnson in 1844. The Williamson family later became one of the first three families to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Brevik, Norway, area. In 1866, Niels, Pernille and their children Mary Pauline, Bertel Martin and John William left Norway to join members of the church who were gathering in the Utah Territory. In 1871, under the Homestead Act of 1862, Niels filed a claim on 160 acres of land near
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the eastern shore of Utah Lake. Niels likely never considered the possibility that his farmland would one day be home to one of his church’s most holy sites. Today, however, more than 150 years later, that’s exactly what has happened. A portion of those original 160 acres is now home to the newly completed Orem Utah Temple. The property’s unique history has seen it passed down through just two generations between 1870 and 2004 and kept enough of it intact to accommodate the building of a temple. “We owe a lot to the predecessors and
Niels Williamson
the people who lived in this area,” said Niels Williamson’s great-great-granddaughter Elaine Schofield, who still lives on family land located on the south side of the temple lot. “I really feel like they laid the groundwork for the blessing of having a temple now.”
THE LAND’S HISTORY
Shortly after purchasing his homestead land (at $1.25 per acre), Niels Williamson divided it among his three children. Mary Pauline Williamson Clinger received the southern portion of the property, where she and her husband James Henry Clinger built their home. Bertel Martin Williamson received the center portion, including where the temple is now located. The youngest son, John William Williamson, was given the northern portion. Forty acres located between the portions provided to Bertel Martin and John William were sold to John Johnson, who was also a Norwegian. Bertel Martin, known as “Uncle Mart,” married a Swede named Ingri Anderson in 1868. They had no children, and, after 50 years of marriage, Ingri died in 1918. In 1921, Mart married Anna “Annie” Carolina Henrikson, who was in her 30s. They had two children: Margaret and Martin LeRoy Williamson. Margaret was born when her father was 76 years old and Martin LeRoy was born when his father was 77 years old. Uncle Mart died in 1928. When Anna died in 1946, her daughter Margaret Williamson Camp inherited the property. She, her husband Leslie Camp and their seven children lived there until 1963 when they left the area for employment. During the time the Camps lived there, they had a large vegetable garden, a tall swing set and a pasture for their horse. The rest of the farm was rented to neighbors who referred to it as either
Shown are Bertel Martin & Anna Karolina Henriksson Williamson and their children Margaret and Martin LeRoy Williamson in 1927.
Annie’s or Margaret’s farm. After the Camps moved, the home was rented often to friends or family members. Margaret Williamson Camp loved the land and the connection she felt to her father and her Norwegian roots. She had numerous lucrative offers from developers to buy the land, but she would not sell it. In 2004, the Church of Jesus
Christ offered to buy the property with the intent to build on it, and Margaret agreed to sell. “Margaret, who was 82 years old at the time, knew that her father would be happy to have a church on his land,” states a history of the Orem Temple site compiled by Niels Williamson’s great-great-granddaughters Nila Clinger
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Briem and Adele Clinger Leavitt. “Just think how thrilled both of them are knowing that a temple is on the land they loved. Margaret said that it was ‘with a heavy heart’ that she sold the farm.”
RAISED ON THE FAMILY FARM
Herschel Clinger, a grandson of Mary Williamson, and his wife Edith Scorup Clinger rented the adobe home built by Uncle Mart on what is now temple property before purchasing property south of Uncle Mart’s home. There, they ran a farm and raised their five children: Jim Clinger, Nila Briem, Elaine Schofield, Martin Clinger and Adele Leavitt. While the five siblings were growing up, they spent a lot of time at the farm next door where the temple now stands. Their relatives lived there, and the children played hide and seek in the corn field, built huts, climbed the apricot tree and enjoyed the big swing set on the property. Family members continued farming the temple property until it was sold to the Church, and Martin still farms the adjacent property where he was raised. Elaine still lives in a home on the family property.
Bertel Martin & Ingri Anderson Williamson are pictured in front of their home, which was located on the property where the Orem Utah Temple now stands.
had a hunch right then.” Throughout the construction process, the family has had a front-row seat for every step. Attendance at the temple’s
groundbreaking ceremony was extremely limited due to COVID pandemic restrictions, but the Clinger siblings were able to watch from a fence line
A TEMPLE RISES
On Oct. 5, 2019, the Church announced construction of the Orem Utah Temple, and Clinger family members had an inkling their former family farm would be the location. “When they announced in (General) Conference that they were going to build a temple in Orem, we thought, that’s kind of neat,” said Martin Clinger. “Later that week, I saw the engineering company over there going through and drilling test holes and such, and I
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Members of the Clinger family watch the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Orem Utah Temple from their family farm adjacent to the temple site on Sept. 5, 2020.
c
Sin
between the properties. “When I drive up the driveway and I see the temple, I look at the progress and I just am thrilled with the progress, the beauty, just knowing it’s there,” Nila said. When asked how their ancestor Niels Williamson might feel about the temple, Elaine, Nila and Martin agreed they hope he would feel he did the right thing in deciding to make the move to Utah and divide his property among his children. “I would like to hope he thinks that it’s a great blessing,” Martin said. - Historic information source: “History of the Orem (Lake View) Temple Site: A brief history of the family who settled the land where the Orem Temple will be,” compiled by Nila Clinger Briem and Adele Clinger Leavitt
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A Single Spire
THE MISSING ANGEL MORONI STATUE The completed Orem Utah Temple is missing an item that Utah residents have become quite accustomed to seeing perched on top of their local temples: an Angel Moroni statue. The Saratoga Springs Utah Temple, dedicated Aug. 13, 2023, is topped with an Angel Moroni, as are the Red Cliffs Utah Temple in St. George and the Layton Utah Temple in Layton, both of which are nearly complete. However, the Orem temple does not have the iconic statue, and it appears this absence of the statue will be common for future Utah temples and temples around the world. All Utah temples announced in or after April of 2019 — Deseret Peak, Orem, Taylorsville, Syracuse, Lindon, Smithfield, Ephraim and Heber Valley — have official architectural renderings showing their designs lack the statue. All Utah temples announced before April of 2019, excepting three pioneer-era temples, are currently topped with Angel Moroni statues. This means that, for a brief time, the Orem Utah Temple will be the only modern-era temple in Utah without the statue. Architectural renderings have not been released for all worldwide temples announced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in or after April of 2019. However, a review of the architectural renderings that have been released for worldwide temples announced in that time frame showed none of them feature an Angel Moroni in the design. The Salt Lake Temple was the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to have an angel Moroni statue placed atop one of its spires.
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The statue was crafted by Springville sculptor Cyrus E. Dallin. The three temples completed prior to the Salt Lake Temple — the St. George, Logan and Manti temples — have never had an Angel Moroni statue placed on them. Logan and St. George have weather vanes and the Manti temple has a simple spire atop one of its two towers. The Los Angeles Temple, dedicated in 1956, was the second temple to feature the sculpture. The Washington D.C. Temple was the third; it was dedicated in 1974. The original design of both the Ogden and Provo temples called for an Angel Moroni statue, but the statue was later eliminated from the design. Both temples were built without the statue, with the Ogden temple dedicated in January of 1972 and the Provo temple dedicated in February of 1972. Beginning with the Boise Idaho Temple in 1984, the statues became more common. The Ogden temple received an Angel Moroni statue in 2002, and, in 2003, the Provo temple had an Angel Moroni statue placed on its spire. An extensive renovation of the Provo Utah Temple will begin early in 2024. An architectural rendering depicting the future design of that temple shows that when the renovation is complete, it will still have a single spire, but that spire will not have an Angel Moroni statue. According to the Church’s website, churchofjesuschrist.org, “While the Angel Moroni statue occupies a prominent place on many temples throughout the world — symbolizing the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ — it is not a requirement of temple design. Some temples may include the statue, while others may not.”
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The Art of Glass
BEAUTY BLOOMS IN OREM TEMPLE WINDOWS
In 1984, Orem native Tom Holdman enrolled in a stained glass class at Orem High School where art teacher James Cloward placed the first piece of colored glass into Holdman’s hands. That moment was pivotal, not only in Holdman’s life but in the lives of all those who will enter the new Orem Utah Temple. Holdman is now owner of Holdman Studios, an art glass studio located at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi that has created or provided design assistance
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for art glass windows installed in more than 150 temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world. Some of its more recent projects include the Red Cliffs Utah Temple in St. George, the Layton Utah Temple, the Lindon Utah Temple, the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple, the Cobán Guatemala Temple — and the Orem Utah Temple. “If it wasn’t for that course in Orem High School, this glass wouldn’t exist
in the Orem temple,” Holdman said. “James Cloward helped show me the possibilities that glass could do. So, when Orem was announced, we felt it was strongly within our art journey.” The idea of making art glass his career came while Holdman was serving a mission in Dallas, Texas. “I was heading home in a few days, and my mission president asked if I could extend a few months,” Holdman said. “When I was seeking for my confirmation (through prayer), I felt enter into my heart that I
needed to do stained glass as my occupation. And it took me off guard.” When he returned home, he set up an art glass studio in his parents’ two-car garage, made a work bench out of two trash cans and a piece of wood and started knocking on doors asking people if they wanted stained glass windows. “Then God helped to open the doors before me so my skills could be honed on the craft of stained glass,” Holdman said. “Really, through inspiration, I feel that a higher power has honed me and all the artists at Holdman Studios for this great work.”
CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN GLASS
Orem City has a rich agricultural history, including orchards producing cherries, peaches, apples, pears and apricots. This history led to the idea of using an orchard tree as a motif in the temple’s stained glass windows. Holdman Studio designers worked with representatives of the Church and FFKR Architects, the architectural firm that designed the temple, to create and finalize the windows’ design. “We felt moved that it was the cherry that was going to be most important for the theme of the temple,” Tom Holdman said. Cherry tree blossoms and branches are now the main design element in the windows on the upper two floors of the Orem temple. Cherries and leaves have also been added to the branches to represent all seasons. “I think we go to the temple in every season of our lives,” said Tom Holdman’s wife Gayle. “The temple is available for all the seasons of our lives.” Aaron Yorgason, vice president and lead designer of Holdman Studios, acted as head artist for the Orem temple project, with Leticia Larson serving as head designer and other artists and designers assisting. Yorgason said the artistic approach utilized in depicting the cherry
Window panels are assembled at Holdman Studios for doors inside the Orem Utah Temple. Photos courtesy of Holdman Studios.
tree branches in the Orem temple is unique among temple art glass designs. “There’s not been a design that approached the branch in this way,” Yorgason said. “There’s direction and movement within the branches that lead your eye, and so you’re being uplifted by God’s creations.” Depicted with the branches is blue sky with hints of brilliant yellow. “Notice our methodical use of where the yellow is, almost like there is this glow coming from heaven, there is that light that comes from heaven,” Tom Hold-
man said. “The sky is just as important as the cherries and branches because it gives the impression that you are looking heavenward and the heavens are being opened.” At the bottom of the windows is an art deco-style design that Gayle Holdman said reminds her the art deco style of the SCERA Center for the Arts, one of Orem’s most historic buildings. “I was very excited about the concept because when I first got to Orem, one of the first things I saw was the SCERA Center … and so, in my mind, that
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hearkens to one of Orem’s beginnings,” she said. On the first floor of the temple, the windows depict marshland flora and fauna as well as water, bringing to mind Utah Lake, which lies to the west of the temple. “Orem was a passion project for us,” Tom Holdman said. “It was like full circle from when I knocked on my first door in Orem and asked them if they wanted a stained glass window to now being able to do a monumental art glass installation on an edifice of this importance.”
THE POWER OF STAINED GLASS
Stained glass has a long history; created around A.D. 1000 in Europe, it was used as an education tool to help people who could not read learn the stories in the Bible. “From the beginning, it was created as its own language,” Tom Holdman said. “As you look at a visual image, it speaks to you; whether you speak English or Spanish or Japanese, you understand it. Whether you are a member of our church or of a different church, it still speaks to you and you understand
Pieces of stained glass are assembled for an Orem Utah Temple window at Holdman Studios.
it. And that’s the power of art, and it is enhanced by stained glass.” Unlike other forms of art, stained glass has the additional aspect of light. How one experiences the art will differ depending on whether one is inside or outside, or whether it’s a sunny day or a cloudy one. This fact makes viewing art glass a fascinating and engaging experience. “As the sun rolls across the sky, the stained glass will alter and change,” Tom Holdman said. “So it’s not just one piece of art, but hundreds of pieces of art, and so it is an ever-moving experience.” Yorgason said having art glass in a temple adds a great deal to the visitor’s experience. “It’s a huge factor in the overall aura or feel of the interior,” he said. “It’s a large part of the patron experience because when you’re in the
218 E. University Pkwy. - Orem
temple, there’s a lot of time when you’re reflecting” and can take time to view the stained-glass windows. Both Tom Holdman and Yorgason, who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said they have felt inspiration from heaven while working on temple projects. “No individual dictates the design. The team makes choices together and the team decides the direction. There are a thousand directions the design could go, and the team directs it down the pathway, and inspiration helps us complete it quicker,” Yorgason said. “I feel like our team gets inspiration from above, that God is the ultimate artist and we are tools in his hand. I absolutely believe that,” Tom Holdman said.
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Photos courtesy of Holdman Studios unless otherwise indicated.
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A concept drawing for the Orem Utah Temple art glass windows is shown.
Concept art for a window at the Orem Utah Temple is shown.
An art glass window is shown on the Orem Utah Temple. Photo by Brent Ririe.
Designing art glass windows for a temple is very much a collaborative effort, said Tom Holdman, owner of Holdman Studios. Church representatives as well as architects and designers meet together with Holdman Studios artists to discuss and draft ideas. “When a temple is announced, we then work together as a team,” Holdman said. “We think about how we can help the patron when they enter (the temple) to make it feel like they are home, how
to help them to feel comfortable so they can go into their inner self and feel the impressions that they need to hear.” As part of the design process, Holdman said his team studies the culture, architecture, art and natural surroundings of the temple’s location. When the specific design elements are decided upon, the Holdman team starts drawing up ideas of what those elements might look like in glass. It starts with simple pencil and pen sketches and progresses
to watercolor concept art. Design elements included in the windows are often reflected in many other aspects of a temple’s design, including in light fixtures, carpets, decorative molding and even stonework on the temple’s exterior. Holdman said temple patrons may not consciously notice this, but they will feel the harmony it creates. “They feel a congruency through the temple, and that helps them feel more at peace with themselves,” he said.
Designing Glass for a Temple
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Orem Utah Temple Sealing Room
Orem Utah Temple Instruction Room
Orem Utah Temple Staircase
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All Photos courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Inside
THE TEMPLE WALLS Orem Utah Temple Baptistry
Orem Utah Temple Brides’ Room
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Aerial view of orchards and agricultural land in Orem prior to 1960s. Photo Courtesy of Orem City
Orem:
A CITY BLOSSOMS ON A HILL
In the mid-1800s, settlers arrived in an area known as the Provo Bench. The area was also called Sharon, a biblical name for a level strip between mountains and the sea and a name that acknowledged Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. The rocky land had good soil, but there was no water available. Settlers worked hard to bring irrigation to the bench, and the area became filled with fruit orchards growing apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and plums. The
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ground was also good for strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Incorporated in 1919, Orem City was named after Walter C. Orem, president of the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad in the early 1900s. Walter never lived in Orem, but his trains went back and forth on State Street to Salt Lake City taking produce and livestock to the big city markets. During the past 100 years, the city has changed from an agriculturally based economy to one of Utah County’s retail and business centers. Orem has been home to WordPerfect, Xactware,
Blendtec, Omniture (now Adobe) and a myriad other high-tech and manufacturing companies. Utah Valley University, the state’s largest public university, is located here, and the city’s population has grown to 96,000. Now, the city is home to Utah’s newest temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The city’s agricultural heritage is honored in the design of the Orem Utah Temple, with images of cherry blossoms appearing in its art glass as well as in many architectural elements of the building’s exterior and interior.
TIMELINE OF A FEW MILESTONE EVENTS IN OREM’S HISTORY 1877: The first permanent residents of
what would become Orem, Thomas and Mary Ann Benson Cordner, establish a homestead in the area at approximately 1200 East 200 South. The Cordners are also credited as the area’s first commercial fruit producers, growing strawberries and raspberries.
1883: The first public elementary
school opens, serving students in first through eighth grade.
1885: Newell K. Knight Sr. plants
the first peach trees. Later, Stephen L. Bunnell introduces apples to the area, and pears, cherries, apricots and prunes also become commercial crops.
1904: The historic Olmsted Power
Plant, located at the mouth of Provo Canyon, begins transmitting electricity. Photo Courtesy of Orem City
May 5, 1919: Orem officially becomes a city.
1937: An Orem resident digging a wa-
1919: Pleasant Grove Canning is
built, becoming Orem’s first major industry.
ter trench at his home unearths what appears to be a large tooth. The find leads to the discovery of a complete skeleton of a woolly mammoth that lived millennia ago.
1921: Lincoln High School, Orem’s
1938: The James G. Stratton property
first high school, is completed.
is purchased for a town hall.
1923: James W. Wilson is appointed Orem’s first town marshal.
1929: The Voice of Sharon weekly
newspaper is established. In 1942, it is renamed the Orem-Geneva Times.
1933: The Sharon Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints creates the Sharon Cooperative Educational Recreational Association, or SCERA. “Cooperative” in the SCERA name was later changed to “Community” and then to “Cultural.” At first, this association showed movies at Lincoln High School.
Photo used by permission, Utah State Historical Society
Geneva Steel is shown from the air in 1956.
1941: The U.S. Government selects
1,681 acres in Vineyard as the location to build a steel plant for use during World War II. The steel mill brought an economic boom to Orem.
Photo Courtesy of Orem City
1936: A SCERA swimming pool is created.
Pictured is a World War II prisoner of war camp located at about 900 North and 700 East in Orem.
1943: A federal internment camp is Passengers prepare to board the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad from Orem to Salt Lake circa 1913.
1913: Orem inter-urban railroad built. The railroad extended from Salt Lake City to Payson and helped transport millions of pounds of fruit and vegetables across the country. The system was built by Walter C. Orem, the city’s namesake.
Photo Courtesy of Orem City
The SCERA Center for the Arts.
1941: The SCERA auditorium opens
its doors at 745 S. State. The daylong celebration includes a screening of the movie “Shepherd of the Hills” starring John Wayne.
built in northeast Orem with the intent to have its prisoners work on local farms. Japanese-Americans as well as Italian and German prisoners of war were all housed at the camp at various times.
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 33
1973: The highly anticipated Univer-
1981: Orem Community Hospital
Photo Courtesy of Orem City
1984: The SCERA Shell outdoor am-
sity Mall opens in Orem with anchor stores ZCMI and JCPenney.
renamed Utah Valley Community College.
The Timpanogos Bowl
1946: The Timpanogos Bowl is con-
1947: Scott Thompson becomes the city’s first fire chief.
Osmond Studios, Orem
1977: The Osmond family builds
a 91,000-square-foot television production studio in Orem, which became the filming location for the Donny & Marie television show as well as other productions.
1977: Utah Technical College moves from Provo to its current location near the University Parkway and Interstate 15 interchange in Orem.
1956: Orem High School opens. It was
opens. With a cost of nearly $1.3 million, its design is described by the Orem-Geneva Times as “a symphony of curves.”
Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
1990: The Timpanogos Storytelling
Festival is founded by Karen Ashton, the wife of WordPerfect founder Alan Ashton. State College and begins awarding four-year degrees.
1980: Mountain View High School opens.
1981: The Mervyn’s department store opens at the University Mall.
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Photo Courtesy of Orem City
1993: UVCC becomes Utah Valley
later demolished to make way for a new Orem High School building.
1970: The current Orem City Building
phitheater opens.
1987: Utah Technical College is
Photo Courtesy of Orem City
structed. This large sports amphitheater served as a venue for rodeos, car races, horse races and other events for more than 20 years. It was eventually sold and developed into residential properties.
opens as a maternity hospital.
1996: Timpanogos High School opens. 1998: JCPenny leaves the University Mall to open in the Provo Towne Center mall.
1998: Timpanogos Regional Hospital opens in Orem.
589 LINDON PARK DRIVE, LINDON SKU: 263507 2001: Geneva Steel closes; hundreds of employees lose their jobs. 801-434-4242 34 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
Sources: - “City of Orem: A Centennial Benchmark” by Charlene Winters - “Sagebrush to Steel: An Orem Centennial History 1861-1961” by Clyde E. Weeks Jr. - “It Happened In Orem: A Bicentennial History of Orem, Utah” by the Orem Bicentennial History Committee - orem.us/university-place---orem.html - facebook.com/oremcity
2001: The Orem Owlz, a Minor
League Baseball team, begins play in Orem.
2002: Nordstrom opens in the University Mall.
2008: The Village at University Mall
opens, anchored by a 16-plex Cinemark theater.
The Orem 100-year celebration at Orchard Park
2019: Orem City turns 100 years old. 2023: The Orem Utah Temple opens.
Utah Valley University
2008: Utah Valley State College becomes Utah Valley University.
2015: University Mall is renamed University Place.
Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society
Calder’s service station, Orem, 1929
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 35
What’s Next for Utah Temples
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With the completion of the Orem Utah Temple, a total of nine more temples are currently under construction in Utah and three existing temples are undergoing renovation in the state. These temple sites stretch from Smithfield, located about 11 miles from Utah’s northern border with Idaho, to St. George, situated about 8 miles from the state’s southern border with Arizona. When all these temples are completed, Utah with have a total of 28 operating temples within its borders.
Syracuse Utah Temple construction site.
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 37
Utah Temples
LAYTON UTAH TEMPLE
1400 E. Oakhills Drive, Layton Announced: April 1, 2018 Groundbreaking: May 23, 2020 Total floor area: 87,000 sq. ft. Site: 11.87 acres Major construction completed; temple president and matron called.
RED CLIFFS UTAH TEMPLE
1555 South Red Cliffs Temple Lane, St. George Announced: Oct. 7, 2018 Groundbreaking: Nov. 7, 2020 Total floor area: 96,277 sq. ft. Site: 15.12 acres Construction completed; temple furnished; open house coordinators called; temple president and matron called.
DESERET PEAK UTAH TEMPLE
2400 N. 400 West, Tooele Announced: April 7, 2019 Groundbreaking: May 15, 2021 Total floor area: 70,000 sq. ft. Site: 17.98 acres Grass sod laid on the grounds; stone cladding completed; landscaping and interior work progressing; construction estimated to be completed in mid- to late 2024.
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Photo courtesy Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Under Construction
TAYLORSVILLE UTAH TEMPLE
2603 W. 4700 South, Taylorsville Announced: Oct. 5, 2019 Groundbreaking: Oct. 31, 2020 Total floor area: 70,460 sq. ft. Site: 7.5 acres Major construction nearing completion; open house coordinators called; temple president and matron called; construction estimated to be completed in mid- to late 2023.
SYRACUSE UTAH TEMPLE
1025 S. 2500 West, Syracuse Announced: April 5, 2020 Groundbreaking: June 12, 2021 Total floor area: 88,886 sq. ft. Site: 12.27 acres Sheathing and cladding underway; hardscaping of the grounds underway; construction estimated to be completed in late 2024 to early 2025.
LINDON UTAH TEMPLE
Approx. 850 E. Center, Lindon Announced: Oct. 4, 2020 Groundbreaking: April 23, 2022 Total floor area: 87,005 sq. ft. Site: 11.87 acres Installing and waterproofing sheathing; stone cladding underway; pouring curbing; roofing maintenance building; construction estimated to be completed in mid- to late 2025. Photo by Brent Ririe
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 39
Utah Temples Under Construction SMITHFIELD UTAH TEMPLE
800 W. 100 North, Smithfield Announced: April 4, 2021 Groundbreaking: June 18, 2022 Structural framing underway; construction estimated to be completed in late 2025 to early 2026.
EPHRAIM UTAH TEMPLE
200 N. 400 East, Ephraim Announced: May 1, 2021 Groundbreaking: Aug. 27, 2022 Total floor area: 81,000 sq. ft. Site: 13.3 acres Erecting steel superstructure; construction estimated to be completed in late 2025 to early 2026.
HEBER VALLEY UTAH TEMPLE
1400 E. Center St., Heber City Announced: Oct. 3, 2021 Groundbreaking: Oct. 8, 2022 Total floor area: 88,000 sq. ft. Site: 17.9 acres Full-scale construction pending. Photo courtesy Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Sources: • Churchofjesuschristtemples.org • Newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
40 - Orem Temple Magazine 2023
Temples Undergoing Renovation
ST. GEORGE UTAH TEMPLE
250 E. 400 South, St. George Closed for renovation: Nov. 4, 2019 Total floor area: 143,969 sq. ft. Site: 6.5 acres Ordinance rooms: Three instruction rooms, 18 sealing rooms, one baptistry Public open house began Sept. 15 and continues through Nov. 11, 2023. Rededication to occur on Dec. 10, 2023.
SALT LAKE TEMPLE
50 W. North Temple Street, SLC Closed for renovation: Dec. 29, 2019 Total floor area: 253,000 sq. ft. Site: 10 acres Ordinance rooms: Five instruction rooms with separate veil room, 23 sealing rooms, two baptistries Renovation estimated to be completed in 2026. Photo courtesy Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
MANTI UTAH TEMPLE
510 N. 200 East, Manti Closed for renovation: Oct. 2, 2021 Total floor area: 74,792 sq. ft. Site: 27 acres Ordinance rooms: Four instruction rooms (four-stage progressive), eight sealing rooms, one baptistry Renovation estimated to be completed in early 2024.
Orem Temple Magazine 2023 - 41
A County Full of Temples
The Lindon Utah Temple construction site. Photo by Brent Ririe
The Orem Utah Temple is the latest temple to be completed in Utah County, but it is not the last. The Lindon Utah Temple is currently under construction in Lindon; its completion is anticipated for mid- to late 2025. The completion of the Orem temple makes Utah County home to more
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temples than any other county in the state. Salt Lake County is in second place; it will have a total of five temples when the Taylorsville Utah Temple is completed. The Orem temple is the sixth temple to be completed in Utah County, and the Lindon temple will bring the total to seven.
Overall, Utah is home to 28 temples either completed or under construction. These temples serve the 2.2 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who live in Utah, a number reflecting more than 60% of the state’s population. Here is an overview of Utah County’s six other temples from north to south.
SARATOGA SPRINGS UTAH TEMPLE
987 S. Ensign Drive, Saratoga Springs Total floor area: 87,000 square feet • Site: 22.7 acres Ordinance rooms: Four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, one baptistry Dedicated: Aug. 13, 2023 18th dedicated temple in Utah • 179th dedicated temple worldwide Perched on a slight rise not far from the western shore of Utah Lake, this temple’s location provides breathtaking views of the lake and the Wasatch Mountain range on the eastern side of Utah Valley. New homes have been constructed on the road leading to the temple, but currently the edifice is mostly surrounded by open fields. A set of ornamental panels installed between windows on the outside of the temple depict local natural features including Utah Lake, marsh grasses and great blue herons, a bird featured on the Saratoga Springs City logo. Along with the temple, a 21,000-square-foot meetinghouse was built at the temple site.
MOUNT TIMPANOGOS UTAH TEMPLE
742 N. 900 East, American Fork Total floor area: 107,240 square feet • Site: 16.7 acres Ordinance rooms: Four instruction rooms, eight sealing rooms, one baptistry Dedicated: Oct. 13-19, 1996 9th dedicated temple in Utah • 49th dedicated temple worldwide The Provo Utah Temple was dedicated in February of 1972. Utah County then waited nearly 23 years before its second temple, the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, opened in American Fork. Gordon B. Hinckley, serving as first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church at the time, announced during the October 1993 General Conference that “another temple in Utah County” would be built “to relieve the pressure on the Provo Temple, which is operating far beyond its designed capacity.” The architecture of the Mount Timpanogos Temple is similar to that of the Bountiful Utah Temple, which was dedicated in January of 1995.
LINDON UTAH TEMPLE
Photo courtesy Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
850 E. Center Street, Lindon Total floor area: 81,000 square feet • Site: 12.7 acres Ordinance rooms: Four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, two baptistries Estimated completion: Early to mid-2025 Anticipated to be Utah’s 25th dedicated temple Church President Russell M. Nelson announced on Oct. 4, 2020, during General Conference that Lindon, Utah, would be welcoming a temple. The exact location of the Lindon temple was announced about two and a half months later. The temple is anticipated to feature elements honoring the agricultural heritage of the area, including the linden tree flower. Chilly, wet spring weather forced guests at this temple’s groundbreaking indoors at a nearby chapel except for the symbolic turning of the ground with shovels. Landscaping for the Lindon temple will include a gathering area in the northeast corner of the site where bridal parties can take photos with the temple and Mt. Timpanogos in the background.
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PROVO UTAH TEMPLE
2200 Temple Hill Drive, Provo Total floor area: 128,325 square feet • Site: 17 acres Ordinance rooms: Six instruction rooms, 12 sealing rooms, one baptistry Dedicated: Feb. 9, 1972 6th dedicated temple in Utah • 15th dedicated temple worldwide Ground was broken for the Provo Utah Temple — originally named the Provo Temple — just one week after the Ogden Utah Temple. It was the first time in church history two temple groundbreakings were held in the same month. The Provo temple is one of the church’s larger temples and one of only four temples with six instruction rooms (the others are the Jordan River Utah Temple, the Ogden Utah Temple and the Washington D.C. Temple). It was also the first temple to be built in Utah County. This temple’s central spire originally had a golden color. Thirty-one years after its dedication, an Angel Moroni statue was added to the spire, and the spire’s color was changed to white.
PROVO CITY CENTER TEMPLE
50 S. University Ave., Provo Total floor area: 85,084 square feet • Site: 5.6 acres Ordinance rooms: Three instruction rooms, five sealing rooms, one baptistry Dedicated: March 20, 2016 16th dedicated temple in Utah • 150th dedicated temple worldwide Just nine months separated the dedication of Utah County’s third temple, the Payson Utah Temple, and its fourth temple, the Provo City Center Temple. Constructed utilizing the brick exterior walls of the former Provo Tabernacle, which was almost completely destroyed in a devastating fire in December 2010, this temple was created through painstaking efforts to honor and restore the beauty and style created by the pioneers in the former tabernacle. Crews dug out 40 feet of ground below the former tabernacle to accommodate two new underground stories, expanding what was a 35,000-square-foot tabernacle to an 85,000-square foot temple. The brick walls of the tabernacle were balanced on a system of steel and concrete piles while this work went on underneath them.
PAYSON UTAH TEMPLE
1494 S. 930 West, Payson Total floor area: 96,630 square feet • Site: 10.63 acres Ordinance rooms: Three instruction rooms, seven sealing rooms, one baptistry Dedicated: June 7, 2015 15th dedicated temple in Utah •146th dedicated temple worldwide Known as the “Apple Blossom Temple,” this building’s design motif is centered on apple blossoms and wheat, reflecting the local area’s agricultural heritage. On the temple’s lower floors, the blossoms are depicted as buds; as one moves to higher floors, the buds open up and are ultimately depicted as fully bloomed. The temple is unusual in that it has two major entrances, each with a temple recommend desk. When first constructed, the grand building was surrounded by fruit orchards and agricultural fields, despite being just a mile away from the I-15 freeway. Since then, home developments have begun to grow up around the temple.
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Provo Temple Renovation
ONE TEMPLE’S OPENING BRINGS ANOTHER’S CLOSURE
For Utah County residents, the opening of the Orem Utah Temple is both a beginning and an ending: the beginning of a new location for service and worship, but the end of an iconic valley landmark. On Oct. 3, 2021, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced during the church’s General Conference that upon the opening of the Orem temple, the Provo Utah Temple would close for renovation. Later, the church released an architectural rendering showing that the exterior of the Provo temple will undergo a complete change, with the familiar, almost-circular building altered to feature more traditional angles. The new design will still feature a single spire, although it lacks the Angel Moroni statue now perched above the current temple. The Provo Utah Temple will close for its renovation at the end of the day on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. During its closure, members of the temple district are encouraged to attend other temples as their circumstances permit.
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The Church of Jesus Christ originally announced construction of the Provo Utah Temple on Aug. 14, 1967, and broke ground for the structure on Sept. 15, 1969. Construction lasted about two and a half years, and the temple was dedicated on Feb. 9, 1972. The Provo temple is Utah’s sixth dedicated temple, but it missed being the fifth by only by a few weeks. The Ogden Utah Temple, which had the same circular white design as the current Provo Utah Temple, was dedicated on Jan.
Ogden Utah Temple
Photo courtesy Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
18-20, 1972, approximately three weeks before the Provo temple was dedicated. The Ogden Utah Temple underwent an extensive renovation from 2011 to 2014, during which its exterior was completely redone. With its planned renovation, the Provo temple is again following in the Ogden temple’s path. Before construction of the Ogden and Provo temples, Utah members of the Church attended the four pioneer temples in the state: St. George, Logan, Salt Lake City and Manti. The Salt Lake
Temple was the last of these four to be completed, opening its doors in April of 1893. Nearly 80 years passed between the opening of the Salt Lake Temple and the opening of Utah’s next two temples in Ogden and Provo. An estimated 70,000 people attended the two dedicatory services for the Provo Utah Temple in 1972. The services themselves were held in the temple’s celestial room. Through closed circuit television, the proceedings were also viewed by groups seated throughout the temple as well as on the Brigham Young University campus in the Marriott Activity Center, the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse and the de Jong Concert Hall. The dedication was held under the direction of Church President Joseph Fielding Smith, who also wrote the dedicatory prayer. However, the prayer was read in both sessions by Elder Harold B. Lee, who at the time served as First Counselor in the Church’s First Presidency. At 128,325 square feet, the Provo temple is one of the Church’s larger temples and one of only four temples with six instruction rooms, the others being the Jordan River Utah Temple, the Ogden Utah Temple and the Washington D.C. Temple. It was also the first temple to be built in Utah County.
The Provo Utah Temple pictured in 1972. Photo courtesy University Archives, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University
The Provo Utah Temple pictured in 2007 before the spire was change from gold to white and the Angel Moroni statue was added. Photo courtesy Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Crowds attend the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Provo Utah Temple on May 21, 1971. Photo courtesy University Archives, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University
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