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Oakland California Temple

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In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord. Temples are considered by church members to be the most sacred structures on earth.

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89-636: The Oakland California Temple (formerly the Oakland Temple ) is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oakland, California . Notable for its five-spire design influenced by Asian architecture , the temple stands on a hill with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area . The complex, sometimes referred to as Temple Hill, includes a visitors' center , a church employment center,

178-596: A FamilySearch Center (FSC), both church employment and materials distribution centers, the headquarters of the California Oakland–San Francisco Mission , and a small memorial to the Brooklyn . Set on 18.1 acres (7.3 ha), the temple grounds include a garden with integrated water features, drawing local photographers. The FSC offers volunteer assistance to individuals interested in tracing their family history. On average, four out of five visitors to

267-405: A barrel vault design. Jen Woo of Architectural Digest noted the interior design of the temple has "an abundance of Asian-inspired elements in reference to the diversity of the area" and its design is "an architectural gem". The design "echo[es] a Buddhist temple " to "incorporate the local culture of [the temple's] surroundings," explained Madeline Wells of SFGate . The executive director of

356-622: A stake conference twice a year under the direction of the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles . The stake president presides at these conferences, unless a general authority or area seventy is assigned to the conference. The stake president is responsible for organizing the conferences or assist in doing so under the direction of the general authority or area seventy as directed. The conferences are used to conduct stake business (primarily

445-432: A beacon. Claudia Cowan of Fox News reported that it has been dubbed the "beacon on the hill", underscoring its prominent visibility. The Federal Aviation Administration uses the temple as a landmark for visual navigation. The bright lights have prompted complaints about light pollution, along with the temple running a monthly utility bill up to $ 35,000. The interior was designed to focus on Jesus Christ. Sam Matthews of

534-465: A church stake. The leader of a district is the mission president , who selects a local district president as his agent. The district president may choose two men to assist him; the three together form the district presidency. The Community of Christ (previously the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) eliminated the designation of "stake" as an administrative unit. The church

623-452: A controversial race-based policy . As of 2023 , all temple ordinances are unavailable to lesbian , gay , or bisexual persons who are in a same-sex marriage or homosexual sexual relationship, and to all transgender individuals who are transitioning or have transitioned. These restrictions have also garnered criticism from both outside, and inside the LDS church. To qualify for

712-433: A conversation with Woodruff, Logan Temple president Marriner W. Merrill stated that the contemplated public announcement prohibiting additional polygamist unions was "the only way to retain the possession of our temples and continue the ordinance work for the living and dead which was considered of more importance than continuing the practice of plural marriage for the present." Latter-day Saint temple building halted until

801-548: A cultural hall that is large enough to fit two full-size basketball courts. The NBA's Golden State Warriors previously used the cultural hall as a practice facility. The concert hall is home to the Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra, Temple Hill Choir, Behold Dance Collective, and the Temple Hill Dance Company. In addition, the concert hall hosts other musicians, singers, and performance groups. Besides

890-536: A desire to continue the ordinance work in temples was a significant consideration preceding Wilford Woodruff's decision (announced in his Manifesto of September 1890 ) that the church would discontinue its practice of polygamy . In 1887 the US Congress passed the Edmunds–Tucker Act , which disincorporated the church and directed federal officials to begin seizing its assets, potentially including its temples. After

979-505: A few square miles in area. In contrast, a stake in another part of the world might require thousands of square miles to comprise a sufficient number of members. In December 2012, Jeffrey R. Holland organized the 3,000th stake in Freetown, Sierra Leone . At the end of 2015, there were 3,174 stakes in the LDS Church. As of December 31, 2019, the LDS Church reported 3,437 stakes. The stake

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1068-492: A global scale, church leaders announced an end to the one-year waiting period in most cases, except in relation to converts to the church, who are still required to wait a year after their own confirmation before entering the temple. Stake (Latter Day Saints) A stake is an administrative unit composed of multiple congregations in certain denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement . The name "stake" derives from

1157-410: A live version. The original design was meant to showcase modern air-conditioning and lighting advances, due to Burton's desire to build a building "without windows puncturing the facade". As occurred in 1964, when renovations were complete, a public open house was held from 11 May through 1 June 2019, excluding Sundays. The temple was rededicated on June 16, 2019, by Dallin H. Oaks . In 2020, like all

1246-413: A materials distribution center, an auditorium , an inter-stake center , a rooftop terrace, and gardens where photoshoots for quinceañeras and other celebrations take place. The church purchased the site in 1943 and construction began in 1962. Following public tours in 1964, the temple was dedicated, and admittance became reserved for church members with a temple recommend . The temple stands on top of

1335-465: A modern five-spire design. The tallest of the five spires reaches 170 feet (52 m). The exterior of the temple is made of reinforced concrete faced with sierra white granite from Raymond, California . On the north and south faces of the temple are two decorative friezes ; it is the last temple of the church to have such. The temple, illuminated at night, stands out in the Bay Area and is referred to as

1424-418: A new stake also requires sufficient Melchizedek priesthood holders to fill the required leadership positions. At times the absence of available leadership constrains the creation of new stakes and the number of congregations within a stake can be much larger than normal. The geographical area encompassed by a stake varies between countries and regions based on membership density. In Utah, a stake might encompass

1513-418: A photoshoot location for quinceañeras and other celebrations. The temple was built on an 18.3-acre (74,000 m) plot, has four ordinance rooms (used for the endowment ), seven sealing rooms, and has a total floor area of 95,000 square feet (8,800 m). The temple and its associated complex of buildings has been referred to by church members as Temple Hill. This is the church's only temple built with

1602-530: A semi-regular basis. Area and regional conferences had been organized attempts to counteract this situation. A format has developed in the church such that groups of stakes are designated to receive a satellite broadcast from Salt Lake City. Using the recording studio at the Conference Center , general authorities deliver sermons that are broadcast to each designated stake. Each stake conducts its own opening hymns and prayers and conducts its own business before

1691-414: A stake conference. Some stakes are geographically large enough that multiple sessions of stake conference may held at different locations to accommodate those who live in distant areas. The multi-site stake conference has become more common in the current stake conference structure. As the number of stakes continued to grow, it became more difficult for general authorities to visit stake conferences, even on

1780-436: A stake is known as the stake president . The president is assisted by two counselors and the three together form a stake presidency. The stake presidency is assisted in turn by a twelve-member body, called the stake high council . The members of the stake presidency and stake high council hold the priesthood office of high priest . The stake presidency and the high council handle the administrative and judicial business of

1869-490: A stake presidency within a stake are shared between the district presidency and the mission presidency in a district. In addition to the presidency and high council, stake auxiliary leaders are called to oversee the operation of the various auxiliary organizations of the stake. The stake auxiliaries correspond to the ward-level auxiliaries, and include the Stake Relief Society (the church's women's organization),

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1958-654: A temple for the use of the Norwegian Latter Day Saints. Meanwhile, Young urged the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo to redouble their efforts to finish the temple. By the end of 1845, the building was sufficiently finished to allow temple ordinances to be performed. Ordinances continued to be performed in early 1846 as the Mormons were forced to abandon the city. A small crew remained in the city and continued to work on

2047-631: A temple recommend, an LDS Church member must faithfully answer the following questions which affirm the individual's adherence to essential church doctrine: A list of questions were first introduced in 1857 and used to qualify whether an individual could enter the Endowment House , before the first temple in Utah was built. They reflected the context of the times, including questions about ones belief in polygamy, branding an animal that one did not own, and using another person's irrigation water. Since then,

2136-499: A temple, only church members in good standing who have a valid temple recommend are permitted to attend the ceremony. In many nations outside the United States, a civil ceremony, where required by the law of the land, has been immediately followed by a temple sealing. In the United States, a one-year waiting period between the civil ceremony and a temple sealing was required until 2019. In May 2019, to standardize sealing policies on

2225-400: Is a process which culminates in the participation by the couple in a ritual called the sealing ordinance; which involves pronouncing the couple as having a permanent marriage bond which persists even beyond death. This ceremony, among others, is taught as being vital to an individual's and family's exaltation status, following the final judgment . With the sealing ordinance being held inside

2314-399: Is an intermediate level in the organizational hierarchy of the LDS Church. The lowest level, consisting of a single congregation, is known as a ward or branch . Stakes are organized from a group of contiguous wards or branches. To be created, a stake must be composed of at least five wards. A stake may have up to a total of 16 congregations. Most stakes are composed of five to ten wards. In

2403-535: Is one of the most visible manmade features along the Hayward Fault and can be seen from throughout the Oakland area." Harold W. Burton designed the temple's structure in 1962, combining three distinct design styles: Mid-century Modern, Asian, and Art Deco. Improvements during the 2019 renovation were led by architect David Hunter and interior designer Karen Willardson. Through the front courtyard are stairways which led to

2492-425: Is serving as president. Notable presidents include Lorenzo Hoopes (1985–1990) and Durrel A. Woolsey (1996–1999). In the nearby meetinghouse, local church members performed a pageant (an annual theatrical production ) for many years. The pageant, commonly known as the "Temple Pageant", was a musical stage production rehearsing the history and legacy of the church. It was one of only a few "temple pageants" around

2581-800: Is then dedicated as a "House of the Lord", after which only members who are deemed "temple-worthy" by their congregational leaders are permitted entrance. Temples are not churches or Meetinghouses designated for public weekly worship services, but rather are places of worship open only to the faithful where certain rites of the church must be performed. The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). There are temples in many U.S. states, as well as in many countries across

2670-492: The Tracy Press said: "The temple’s interior décor is subdued, with shades of tan and brown and traditional furnishings." Religious themed paintings and others depicting California are found throughout the temple. The walls feature white oak paneling accented by marble flooring. The temple houses a diverse collection of art, including murals , relief artwork , and paintings. This includes relief murals depicting Jesus Christ in

2759-680: The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake , and opened a year later in October 1990. A 4.2 magnitude strike-slip earthquake occurred in the area in July 2007. The auditorium and temple closed again for seismic retrofit in February 2018, while the visitors' center and gardens remained open. The work was finished in May 2019. According to a report from Philip Stofer of the United States Geological Survey , "The temple

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2848-500: The Book of Isaiah : "enlarge the place of thy tent; stretch forth the curtains of thine habitation; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes" ( Isaiah 54:2). A stake is sometimes referred to as a stake of Zion . The first Latter Day Saint stake was organized at church headquarters in Kirtland, Ohio , on February 17, 1834, with Joseph Smith as its president. The second stake

2937-546: The Garden of Gethsemane and a representation of Adam and Eve . Many areas feature wall-to-wall mirrors, crystal lighting fixtures, and seating with Asian-inspired designs. Some of the features of are used for baptisms include gold leaf ceiling decorations, marble pillars, and bronze banisters. Sealing rooms contain panels of dark cherry wood, marble altars with backlighting, and mirrors placed to create an effect of infinite reflections. Some sealing rooms also include ceilings with

3026-653: The Hayward Fault Zone ; it underwent major renovations and seismic upgrades , closing from 1989 to 1990 following the Loma Prieta earthquake and again from 2018 to 2019. The temple's architecture, designed by Harold W. Burton , incorporates Art Deco and mid-century elements. Interior decorations include dark cherry wood ornamentation, along with original artwork of Jesus Christ and the California landscape. Since 1978, annual music and dance performances have accompanied

3115-588: The Tabernacle was considered a "portable temple" by the children of Israel in the Old Testament. The first Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies were performed in Kirtland, Ohio , but differed significantly from the endowment performed on the second floor of Joseph Smith 's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois, and the Nauvoo Temple . Kirtland ordinances included washings and anointings (differing in many ways from

3204-576: The succession crisis , Brigham Young assumed control of the church's headquarters at Nauvoo, Illinois. While he and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve made contingency plans for abandoning the city, he may have hoped that it would not prove necessary. For example, in early 1845, Young convened a conference at the Norwegian colony at Norway, Illinois , and announced a plan to build a Latter-day Saint town there with

3293-480: The Christmas light displays, reflecting on the holiday themes and the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth . Temple Hill used to host " temple pageants ", but they have since been discontinued. The reception of the temple has been largely positive. Jen Woo of Architectural Digest said that the temple is an "architectural gem", while others have complained about the light pollution coming from the temple. The building of

3382-457: The City of Zion plan and designated four of these to contain temples: Salt Lake City (1847), St. George (1871), Manti (1875), and Logan (1877). The St. George Temple was the first to be completed in 1877, followed by Logan (1884) and Manti (1888). The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete because of various setbacks and delays. It was dedicated in 1893. In the late 1880s and in 1890,

3471-465: The FSC at Temple Hill are not members of the church. Since 1978, the temple and visitors' center have hosted an annual Christmas lights display, starting with 50,000 lights and expanding to 500,000 by 1998. In addition to the lights, various displays and artwork of the birth of Jesus and the Christmas narrative are placed on the temple grounds and in the visitors' center. The displays on the temple grounds and in

3560-761: The First Presidency also dedicated a number of temples during Monson's administration. As of October 2018, Monson's successor, Russell M. Nelson , has dedicated the Concepción Chile Temple . The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). It has been suggested that recent temple construction represents an attempt by church leadership to “re-energize” congregations in

3649-603: The Latter Day Saint movement. After the death of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young assumed the leadership of the church and led its members to the Salt Lake Valley. The first stake established there was the Salt Lake Stake, established October 3, 1847, with John Smith as president. At the time of Young's death in 1877, there were 20 stakes in operation with a total of approximately 250 wards . New stakes are created when

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3738-569: The Oakland Temple, as well as other church temples in California, was considered as early as 1847. Church members who traveled by ship around Cape Horn to California were told by Brigham Young that "in the process of time, the shores of the Pacific may yet be overlooked from the Temple of the Lord." In 1942, David O. McKay, then second counselor in the church's First Presidency , inspected the site where

3827-530: The San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley stakes. The center includes two chapels for sacrament meetings, an auditorium, a gymnasium, several classrooms, and offices. As of May 2021, the building is used by 14 congregations in the English, Spanish, Chinese, and Khmer languages. The nearby auditorium seats 1,600 people, and has a 60-foot (18 m) stage. When more seating is needed, the auditorium can be extended into

3916-612: The Stake Primary (for children under 12 years of age), the Stake Young Men Organization and Young Women Organization (for youth 12 to 18 years of age), and the Stake Sunday School organizations. Typically, the stake-level auxiliary leadership consists of a presidency (made up of a president and two counselors), a secretary, and perhaps additional assistants or board members with specific responsibilities within

4005-532: The United States and Canada, a minimum of 3,000 members is required to create a stake; elsewhere, a minimum of 1,900 members is required. For a stake to be created, there must be at least 99 active, full- tithe -paying Melchizedek priesthood holders living in the stake boundaries. In late 2023, the First Presidency announced plans to standardize requirements for becoming a ward which would take effect in 2024. Stakes may be compared to dioceses in other episcopal Christian denominations. The presiding officer in

4094-513: The Young Men and Young Women organizations, may also coordinate activities with other stakes in the general area as well. This is especially common of youth dances, and occasionally of youth conferences. All stake leaders are lay members who serve without remuneration. Today, stake presidents generally serve for seven to eleven years. In the past, lengths of tenure have varied, with some stake presidents serving for many decades. Each stake will hold

4183-418: The appointment and sustaining of stake officers) and to disseminate counsel and guidance from the stake presidency. Speakers at stake conferences generally include the three members of the stake presidency and other stake members, called upon by the stake presidency, to speak on assigned topics. When a general authority or area seventy presides, he is the featured speaker. The general session (for all members of

4272-589: The area around Nauvoo in 1840. Immediately after the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, there was a schism in the Latter Day Saint movement . In 1846, all of the existing stakes, including the Nauvoo Stake, were discontinued as a result of the exodus of the majority of the Latter Day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is the largest denomination in

4361-460: The auditorium building. The slowly creeping fault has offset minor parts of the building, and led to the formation of cracks on the pavement from time to time. The rate of creep is about 0.6 inches (16 mm) per year, which may alleviate tension in the fault. The fault zone is regarded as dangerous, with geologists in 2009 estimating a 33% chance of a large earthquake occurring before the year 2040. The auditorium and temple were closed for refit after

4450-428: The boundaries of the stake. The stake center is where functions of the stake such as stake conferences, stake meetings, and stake activities are usually held. There are usually offices for conducting stake business in the stake center. During the mid-to-late 19th and early-20th century, in areas with larger LDS populations, stake tabernacles were used for most of the larger activities now performed at stake centers, while

4539-415: The broadcast begins. Another advantage of this format is that in stakes that are geographically large it is easier to hold stake conference in more than one location. In each stake, one of the meetinghouses is designated the stake center . This building is usually the largest meetinghouse in the stake, but where stakes are large in area the stake center may be chosen because it is more centrally-located in

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4628-508: The church's Temple Department, Larry Wilson, also noted the building was partly modeled after the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat . Since its dedication in 1964, the temple has been overseen by temple presidents and matrons , who oversee all its operations. Each typically serve a term of about three years. The first president, Delbert Franklin Wright, served from 1964 to 1968. As of 2022, John C Hodgman

4717-588: The church's temples, the temple was closed for a time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic . The temple reopened for normal services on April 19, 2022. Besides the Oakland California Temple, there are several other buildings on the Temple Hill site. The inter- stake center, built in the 1950s, remains the oldest church building at the site. Originally referred to as the tri-stake center, the building served

4806-406: The condition of exaltation after the final judgment . They are also taught that a vast number of dead souls exist in a condition termed as spirit prison , and that a dead individual upon whom the temple ordinances are completed will have a chance to be freed of this imprisoning condition. In this framework ordinances are said to be completed on behalf of either the participant, or a dead individual

4895-437: The conductor, a position he has held since 2012. Adjacent to the temple is a visitors' center which includes artwork, displays, and a reproduction of Thorvaldsen's Christus statue. The visitors' center is staffed by volunteers, and is open to the public. The visitors’ center was remodeled in 2004, receiving new exhibits emphasizing the life of Jesus Christ and the organization of the church by Joseph Smith . The site includes

4984-399: The congregations in existing stakes or districts have grown sufficiently to support a stake. Districts may be elevated to stakes and are then no longer presided over by a mission president . New stakes are also frequently formed by dividing an existing stake (or by creating three stakes from two existing stakes, etc.). In addition to the size and number of local congregations, the creation of

5073-411: The country. Until its retirement, it was the only such pageant performed indoors as well as the only one to be fully accompanied by a live orchestra. Initially, the pageant consisted of three acts performed over three consecutive nights; however, it was eventually shortened to an hour and a half. In November 2007, the pageant was officially retired due to concerns about the cost of production, and because

5162-585: The dead , washing and anointing (or "initiatory" ordinances), the endowment , and eternal marriage sealings . Ordinances are a vital part of the theology of the church, which teaches that they were practiced by the Lord's covenant people in all dispensations . Latter-day Saints cite various Old Testament references to temple ordinances such as those found in Exodus 29:4–9 , Exodus 28:2–43 and Leviticus 8:6–13 . The words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" can be found on LDS temples as referenced in Exodus 28:36 . Likewise

5251-420: The dead. The initiatory, endowment, and sealing ceremonies are today performed only within a temple. The sealing ordinance can be performed on behalf of dead couples; so long as the two living participants are of opposite sex they need not be married. It is also performed on behalf of living couples who wish to be legally married. In this manner, the ordinance is typically performed as a celestial marriage , with

5340-587: The endowment rather than live actors. Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated a temple in Ogden, Utah , and Harold B. Lee dedicated its twin in Provo, Utah . Spencer W. Kimball began a plan to build many more smaller temples according to standardized plans. Twenty-one temples were dedicated during his presidency, including the tiny Papeete Tahiti Temple —which has a floorspace of less than 10,000 square feet (900 m ). This trend has continued. Nine additional temples were dedicated in

5429-498: The face of flat numerical growth. Most temples are built facing east, the direction from which Jesus Christ is prophesied to return. The spires and towers on the east end of multi-spired temples are elevated higher than spires and towers on the west side for this same reason, and to represent the Melchizedek, or higher, priesthood. Some temples, such as Salt Lake , Chicago , and Washington D.C. , have triple spires on each side of

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5518-512: The first members of Smith's Quorum of the Anointed , or Holy Order, as it was also known, were made on May 3, 1842. The walls of the second level of the Red Brick Store were painted with garden-themed murals, the rooms fitted with carpets, potted plants, and a veil hung from the ceiling. All the while, the ground level continued to operate as Smith's general mercantile. After the early events of

5607-460: The idea the marriage bond lasts after their death, or for "time and all eternity". A "time only" modification can be made to the ordinance, such as when the surviving widow of a celestial marriage wishes to legally remarry. In addition to the ordinances listed above, 19th-century temples were host to other ordinances that are no longer practiced such as the baptism for health and baptism for renewal of covenants. In 1922, Heber J. Grant discontinued

5696-413: The majority of the membership around the globe would never see the pageants. Temple (LDS Church) Upon completion, temples are usually open to the public for a short period of time (an "open house"). During the open house, the church conducts tours of the temple with missionaries and members from the local area serving as tour guides, and all rooms of the temple are open to the public. The temple

5785-508: The modern portion) and the washing of the feet ordinance. For nearly four years, beginning in 1842, Smith's Red Brick Store functioned as a de facto temple—the site of the first washings, anointings, endowments, and sealings. In contrast, the grand edifice known as the Nauvoo Temple was in operation for only two months before the Latter Day Saints left Illinois for the West. Preparations to initiate

5874-430: The organization. The stake auxiliary leaders provide oversight, advice and counsel for the ward-level auxiliary leaders and organize stake-wide activities. Other stake specialists may be called to organize activities—typically sports or drama programs—which are more suitable for the larger numbers of people available to a stake and might be difficult for a ward to carry out on its own. Stake auxiliary leaders, especially in

5963-406: The pool outside. The original design for the temple did not include windows; however, the renovation introduced windows to the design. Before renovations, this temple was unique among temples of the church due to it being the only one without windows. This change was partly to create a theater-like setting, as this was the first temple to feature a film presentation of the endowment ceremony instead of

6052-480: The practice of baptisms for health in the church. The second anointing is a rare, but currently practiced ordinance for live participants, and (less commonly) vicariously for deceased individuals, though, it is usually only given in absolute secrecy to a small number of members after a lifetime of service. The LDS Church booklet " Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple " explains that Latter-day Saints "do not discuss

6141-629: The presidency of Ezra Taft Benson and two in the brief presidency of Howard W. Hunter . Under church president Gordon B. Hinckley , the church dedicated 77 temples. In 1997, Hinckley introduced a standardized, smaller temple plan designed to bring temple services to smaller or remote congregations at a reduced cost. The first of this new generation of temples was completed in 1998 with the Monticello Utah Temple . The original plan called for 6,800 square feet (630 m ), later increased to 10,700 square feet (990 m ). Subsequent revisions to

6230-468: The presidency of Joseph F. Smith , who announced two additional temples: Cardston, Alberta (1913), and Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi (1915). Cardston became the first Latter-day Saint temple dedicated outside of the United States. Smith broke with the previous tradition (established since Kirtland) of building temples with upper and lower courts. Temples previously had been ever larger, but the Laie Hawaii Temple

6319-430: The recommend, indicating their approval of that member's worthiness. The individual also signs the recommend, acknowledging the responsibility to remain eligible to hold the recommend. Most recommends are valid for two years. Temple ordinances have historically been unavailable to some members. For about 130 years (between 1847 and 1978) all LDS endowment-related temple ordinances were denied to all Black women and men in

6408-505: The same sex as the participant ("on behalf of the dead" or "by proxy"). Ordinances performed in the temple include: Most ordinances are performed by proxy only on participants who have already completed the ordinance. Similarly, most ordinances are completed only one time for a participant in a lifetime and all subsequent temple ordinance participation is seen as acting for a dead individual. Baptism, confirmation, and priesthood ordination are usually performed in temples only when on behalf of

6497-409: The stake offices were located in what was known as a stake house . In areas with fewer members and no stake tabernacle, a stake house was used like a modern stake center for both meetings and offices. A church district is a geographical, administrative unit composed of a number of congregations called branches. A district is a subdivision of a mission of the church and in many ways is analogous to

6586-421: The stake) is usually held on Sunday. This general session may be held in a local tabernacle if available. If held in the stake center , the general session may be divided into multiple sessions, by ward, so that all stake members may be accommodated in the building. A session for all adult members is generally held on the preceding Saturday evening. A priesthood leadership session is also held in conjunction with

6675-506: The stake. The three members of the stake presidency are given the honorific title " president ". In an area where there are insufficient congregations to form a stake, a district is formed to oversee the congregations. The presiding officer in a district is called the district president. The district president may or may not have counselors, depending on the number of members in the district. A district council of up to twelve individuals may also be formed. Duties which would be carried out by

6764-539: The standard design further increased the size and complexity of the temples. The majority of the temples dedicated under Hinckley's tenure were of the smaller design, but one particularly noteworthy achievement was the rebuilding of the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois , known as the Nauvoo Illinois Temple . Hinckely's successor, Thomas S. Monson , dedicated 26 temples during his time as church president. His counselors in

6853-728: The temple for time only. It may only be used in conjunction with a standard temple recommend. A limited-use recommend is available to members who have not yet received their endowment or who have not been a member for one year. These may also be issued to a group for a single visit to the temple, to youth 11 and older, or to others for specific cases. Those without recommends occasionally need to enter temples after dedication during fires, medical emergencies, or building inspections. They are escorted by temple personnel during such visits. Temples may offer introductory tours to new local firefighters and emergency medical technicians during regularly scheduled maintenance periods. The LDS temple wedding

6942-457: The temple now stands. The 14.5 acres (59,000 m) were purchased by the church on January 28, 1943. The temple was announced in 1961, and construction began in 1962. In October 1964, the temple opened briefly for visitors to tour. Then, after McKay dedicated the temple with a prayer in November 1964, admittance became reserved for church members holding a current temple recommend. A visitors' center

7031-444: The temple ordinances outside the temples". To enter the temple, an individual must be baptized, and after one year, may seek a temple recommend , which authorizes admission to the temple. The person is interviewed by their bishop , during which the candidate is asked a series of questions to determine worthiness to enter the temple. The individual is also interviewed by his or her stake president . The bishop and stake president sign

7120-432: The temple recommend questions have changed significantly, though less so in recent years. The standard temple recommend authorizes a member who has been baptized at least one year prior to take part in all temple ordinances and is valid for two years. A recommend for living ordinances is given to individuals who are participating in the endowment for the first time, being sealed to a spouse, or anyone being married in

7209-724: The temple representing three different offices in both the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthood . A statue of the Angel Moroni , stands atop many temples built after the Salt Lake Temple. The statue design represents the Latter-day Saint belief that Moroni was the angel spoken of in Revelation 14. LDS Church members perform rituals (termed ordinances ) within temples. They are taught that temple ordinances are essential to achieving

7298-582: The temple rooftop garden terrace. From the temple grounds and terrace, several neighboring landmarks are visible, including downtown Oakland , the Bay Bridge , Yerba Buena Island , downtown San Francisco, the Sutro Tower , and the Golden Gate Bridge . The grounds have flowers, palm trees, and water features, including fountains and a waterfall. Additionally, local photographers use the Temple Hill gardens as

7387-594: The temple until April 30, 1846, when it was formally dedicated in a private ceremony by Joseph Young , the senior of the Seven Presidents of the Seventy . It was used for three months, then abandoned in late summer 1846. The completed temple was eventually destroyed by fire, and the remaining structure was later demolished by a whirlwind . Upon reaching the Great Basin , Brigham Young began to build settlements based on

7476-414: The three resident organizations and the temple pageant, many Brigham Young University performing arts groups have performed in the auditorium. The Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1985. It has 52 members, about a third of whom are not Latter-day Saints. It has other sponsors besides the church and is a non-profit organization that offers free concerts. As of February 2024, Jay Trottier has been

7565-567: The visitors' center are part of a broader holiday observance at the temple. Music and dance performances that reflect on the themes of Christmas and the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth occur each year. The Nutcracker ballet, a sing along of Handel's Messiah , and musical performances by Jenny Oaks Baker , have taken place during the Christmas Season at the Temple Hill Auditorium. The Hayward Fault runs directly underneath

7654-460: The world. Several temples are at historical sites of the LDS Church, such as Nauvoo, Illinois , Palmyra, New York , and Salt Lake City, Utah . The importance of temples is often emphasized in weekly meetings, and regular participation in "temple work" is strongly encouraged for all Latter-day Saints (LDS). Within temples, members of the church make covenants , receive instructions, and perform sacred ceremonies and ordinances , such as baptism for

7743-428: Was constructed adjacent to the temple in 1992. Beginning February 2018, the temple closed for renovations. The restoration updated the electrical system, refurbished furniture upholstery, replaced paneling, restored front door functionality, and, leveraging technological advances, repaired the originally leaking reflecting pool. A new visitors' waiting area was added that features windows which gather light reflected from

7832-648: Was organized in Clay County, Missouri , later that year on July 3, with David Whitmer as president. The Missouri stake was relocated to Far West, Missouri , in 1836, and the Kirtland Stake dissolved in 1838. A stake was organized at Adam-ondi-Ahman in 1838 and abandoned later that year due to the events of the Mormon War . In 1839, the church's central stake was established at Nauvoo, Illinois , with William Marks as its president. Additional stakes were established in

7921-609: Was smaller than the Nauvoo Temple had been. Both Cardston and Laie were dedicated under church president Heber J. Grant , as was a temple in Mesa, Arizona . George Albert Smith dedicated the next temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho . David O. McKay dedicated five additional temples including one in Bern, Switzerland —which was the first temple dedicated in Europe and the first temple to use film recording of

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