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San Diego California Temple
Temple of the LDS Church From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The San Diego California Temple is the 47th constructed and 45th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is located in San Diego, California.[1][2] The intent to build the temple was announced on April 7, 1984, by Gordon B. Hinckley, then a counselor in the First Presidency, during general conference.[3] It is the third in California—following the Los Angeles and Oakland temples.[3][4]
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Located near the La Jolla community of San Diego, it was built with two main spires, with four smaller spires at the base of each main spire. The East spire has an angel Moroni statue.[3] This temple was designed by architects William S. Lewis Jr., Dennis Hyndman, and Shelly Hyndman, with an exterior made with marble chips in plaster.[3][4][5] A groundbreaking ceremony, signifying the beginning of construction, was held on February 27, 1988, with church president Ezra Taft Benson presiding.[3]
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History
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Perspective
The intent to construct the temple was announced on April 7, 1984, during general conference.[6] It was intended to serve members in Southern California and parts of Mexico.[7] On February 27, 1988, a groundbreaking ceremony was held.[6] Benson presided at the ceremony, with his second counselor, Thomas S. Monson, dedicating the site.[3]
The temple design was done by Dennis and Shelly Hyndman, a Roman Catholic couple, and the public open house held from February 20 to April 3, 1993,[3] was the first time they had toured a Latter-day Saint temple.[4][8] Approximately 720,000 visitors attended the open house, exceeding the anticipated 650,000 attendees.[3]
The temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley, then first counselor in the First Presidency, with 23 sessions held from April 25 to April 30, 1993.[3] Hinckley conducted 13 of the sessions, with Monson conducting the other 10.[3] The dedication was attended by approximately 49,270 people.[7]
In 2010, the temple underwent maintenance to the exterior, including cleaning, recaulking, and repair of the roof.[9]
In April 2023, the church announced that the temple would close in July 2023 for extensive renovations.[10] The completion date for the renovation, including dates for the public open house and rededication, will be announced later.[10]
In 2020, like all the church's others, the San Diego California Temple was closed for a time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]
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Design and architecture
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Perspective
The temple is on a 7.2-acre (2.9 ha)site near the La Jolla community of San Diego, adjacent to Interstate 5, making it a prominent landmark for travelers.[3][8][12] The temple was given the designation of “Headliner of the Year” in 1993 by the San Diego Press Club, awarded in the landmark category.[8] The temple's grounds are meticulously landscaped, featuring manicured lawns and a variety of plants.[4]
Its exterior has bright white finish, from the use of marble chips in plaster.[13] It has two main spires (at 190 feet tall),[13] each accompanied by four smaller spires at their bases, totaling ten spires—the most of any Latter-day Saint temple.[3][4] The eastern spire has a statue of the angel Moroni.[4] Connecting the towers at the center is a star-shaped atrium filled with a garden.[14]
Inside, the temple has 72,000 square feet (6,700 m2) of space, and includes four ordinance rooms and eight sealing rooms.[3] The two-story celestial room serves as the centerpiece, featuring towering art glass windows, suspended light fixtures, and a grand staircase leading to an upper-level balcony.[14] This room provides access to the central atrium, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces.[4]
A distinctive design element of the temple is the repeated use of the "Seal of Melchizedek", an ancient symbol represented by an eight-pointed star formed by two overlaid squares offset by 45 degrees.[15] This symbol appears extensively throughout the temple's design, including in doors, windows, and other architectural details.[16] It is estimated that this symbol was used over 10,000 times in design of the temple and its facilities.[15] When a reporter from a tour took this symbol for identification to Latter-day Saint scholar Hugh Nibley, he said that the design is the seal of Melchizedek.[15] This symbol is said by Ernest Lehenbaur to point symbolically to Jesus Christ.[15]
Renovations
In April 2023, the church announced that the San Diego California Temple would close in July 2023 for extensive renovations.[17] The temple closed on July 31, 2023.[10] Details regarding the specific enhancements and structural updates have not been publicly disclosed. The completion date for the renovation, along with dates for the public open house and rededication, will be announced at a future time.[18]
During the closure, church members can attend other temples in the region, including the Newport Beach California, Redlands California, and Los Angeles California temples.[10][17] Additionally, the Tijuana Mexico Temple is located approximately 36 miles to the south, across the Mexico–United States border.[10]
Cultural and community Impact
During its six-week public open house from February 20 to April 3, 1993, approximately 720,000 visitors toured the temple.[3][13] In recognition of efforts to increase public awareness during the open house, the Public Relations Society of America awarded the church its prestigious Silver Anvil Award in the category of special events and observances by non-profit organizations.[13] The temple was given another award, the “Headliner of the Year” in 1993 by the San Diego Press Club, awarded in the landmark category.[12]
Although the temple does not have a visitors' center, the church maintains the Mormon Battalion Historic Site in Old Town, San Diego, approximately 10 miles south of the temple.[4]
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Temple presidents
The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each typically serving a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[19] Several notable individuals have serve as the temple president, including the first president, J. Clifford Wallace (1998–1999), along with emeritus general authorities Joe J. Christensen (1999-2002) and David E. Sorensen (2005-2008).[20] As of 2020, the James P. Little is the president, with Kay M. Little serving as matron.[21]
Admittance
Following completion of construction, a public open house was held from February 20 to April 3, 1993, with approximately 720,000 visitors touring the temple.[3] The temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley, with 23 sessions held from April 25 to April 30, 1993, attended by approximately 49,270 church members.[7]
Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[8]
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Gallery
At twilight (2008)
(2011)
(2011)
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The stained glass wall of the West spire
The angel Moroni on the east spire
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See also
|
Temples in California () Los Angeles Temples
Temples in the Los Angeles metropolitan area ()
|
- Comparison of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by geographic region
- Temple architecture (Latter-day Saints)
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California
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References
External links
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