Orem Utah Temple
Dedication scheduled
Number188
Dedication21 January 2024, by D. Todd Christofferson[1]
Site15.39 acres (6.23 ha)
Floor area71,998 sq ft (6,688.8 m2)
Official website • News & images
Church chronology
←
Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple
Orem Utah Temple		 →
Red Cliffs Utah Temple
Additional information
Announced5 October 2019, by Russell M. Nelson[2]
Groundbreaking5 September 2020, by Craig C. Christensen[3]
Open house27 October-16 December 2023
Current presidentKenneth Lee Sorber
LocationOrem, Utah, United States
Geographic coordinates40°16′15″N 111°43′09″W / 40.2708°N 111.7193°W / 40.2708; -111.7193
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms4
Sealing rooms4
()

The Orem Utah Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) awaiting dedication in Orem, Utah. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 5, 2019, by church president Russell M. Nelson, during the church's general conference.[4][5] The temple will be the first in the city of Orem, the sixth in Utah County, and the 28th in the state of Utah.[6][7]

On December 11, 2019, it was announced the temple would be built on a 15.39-acre site owned by the church.[7] The site is south of Interstate 15's University Parkway exit on Geneva Road, near the Orem UTA Frontrunner station.[8][9] A three-story, 70,000 sq ft (6,500 m2) building was planned, the church also constructed a 20,000 square feet (1,900 m2) meetinghouse on the same property.[10] When the Orem temple was completed, it made Utah County home to the most temples of any county in the state.[11] The Orem temple is the third in a 4 mile radius, and will be the church's 188th temple.[12]

History

The Orem Temple was announced with seven others in 2019 during the women's session of general conference. This was the first time new temples had been announced in such a session.[13] On June 24, 2020, the church released a building rendering[14] and announced that a groundbreaking would be held on September 5, 2020.[15][16] Craig C. Christensen, president of the church's Utah Area, presided at the groundbreaking.[17] It was anticipated construction would take three years, with completion expected by fall of 2023.[18]

On July 25, 2022, a fire broke out in a utility room on the third floor of the temple.[19][20] The Orem Fire Department put out the fire using mostly foam to limit water damage to the structure.[21] On September 6, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced the fire was being investigated as an arson, and offered a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.[22]

By October 2023, construction was completed,[23] with journalists and other guests initially touring the temple, beginning on October 23, 2023.[7] In December 2023, Yahya Cholil Staquf, the leader of the world's largest Islamic organization,[24][25] visited the Orem temple with his delegation. The temple also gave "tactile tours," which was meant to allow those with disabilities to interact with textures and patterns of the temple.[26] The temple was also built to accommodate local college age students, with a collective total of 80,000 students at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.[27]

Stained Glass

Stained glass depicting various water elements and bullrushes, against a blue sky background. A metal frame outlines the glass and above the stained glass depicts a pattern of nine cherry blossoms. Masonry from the temple walls hold the window in place.
Stained glass from the exterior of the first floor of the Orem Utah Temple.

The stained glass windows behind the Orem temple were designed by Tom Holdman and his team, working with representatives from the church, and from FKFR Architects.[28] The city of Orem has an extensive agricultural history, including orchards producing cherries, peaches, apples, pears and apricots.[28] Part of the design process involved his team studying the culture, architecture, art, and natural surroundings of the temple.[29] Of the design choice, Holdman said: "We felt moved that it was the cherry that was going to be most important for the theme of the temple."[28]

Orem Utah Temple Orem Temple
Orem Utah Temple under construction

Once consensus was reached by the team, conceptual designs showcased what the elements could look like in the final product: it progressed from pen and pencil drafts, to watercolor, to the finished design in glass.[29] Cherry tree blossoms and branches are part of the main design on the two upper windows of the temple, and the cherries and leaves were meant to represent all seasons of a person's life.[28] On the first floor in a large stairwell, stained glass depicts branches with pink springtime buds, full pink blossoms on the second floor, and bright red cherries on the top floor.[12] An unnamed journalist on a tour suggested that the top floor, with the sealing and Celestial Room, "represented the fulness of the temple's blessings."[12] Elements in the windows are designed to reflect elements throughout the temple, including light fixtures, carpeting, and stonework.[29] The consistency was designed to help patrons experience harmony and peace.[29]

Property and design

Located in Orem's Lake View area, the 71,998 sq ft (6,688.8 m2) temple is built on nearly 16 acres of property, along the backdrop of the Wasatch front, near Utah Valley University.[30] The property was originally owned by a Norwegian pioneer family which subsequent generations farmed until the church bought the land in 2004.[31] The land was originally used for fruit orchard farming, and the design features many motifs that reflect local history, such as elements of both cherry blossoms and trees as a repeating theme.[32]

Exterior

The exterior follows its own interpretation of the Art Nouveau style, focusing on classical architecture proportioning and symmetry.[30] The temple's exterior is paneled with white Portuguese granite, complimented with light colored bronze doors, window frames, and paneling.[30] Each story has glass art design; the design on the first story mirrors the nearby wetlands, containing elements of water, cat-tails, bullrushes, grasses, and a scene with a dragonfly and a snowy egret.[33][34] The second and third story windows have cherry tree elements with blossoms, fruit, and leaves meant to represent local orchards.[33] The frieze along the roof parapets are designed to represent the local mountains and flora and fauna that grows nearby.[30] Featuring a steel steeple, the Orem Utah Temple stands out as one of the taller temples of the church, measuring 218 feet (66 m).[35][36] It is the first temple in Utah County to not to include a statue of the angel Moroni.[37]

A planted garden in a grounded concrete box is seen in the center, leading to the tall granite parapets of the Orem Utah Temple. On the left, a white tent (from the open house) is seen leading up to the temple entrance.
The front of the Orem Utah Temple

Interior

The temple interior has one baptismal font, along with four ordinance and four sealing rooms.[35][37] The stone flooring features diamond and circle patterns with a cherry leaf border, and as the space transitions to the ordinance rooms, carpeting is introduced that replicates these designs while incorporating more abstract floral patterns.[38]

The temple features marble wainscoting, wooden columns, and coffered ceilings that progressively grow more intricate, culminating in the celestial room, while the woodwork throughout the building is painted.[7] Designs for aforementioned elements are designed to be subtle to bring attention to ordinances rather than the building itself.[7] Interior walls have cream, tan, and green tones, with a cherry finish on the furniture.[35] Artwork designs have elements that are based on a modified Art Deco design, with curved lines and cattails, with gold leaf line work highlighting specific elements.[35] Light fixtures are cylindrical and transitional, made from brass, crystal and glass, and carry the same cherry tree motif.[35] Paintings mentioned include local meadows and Bridal Veil Falls.[23] The temple contains some original artworks, including one called "Christ Ordaining the Twelve".[12] Others show scenes on and around local Utah Lake, with ducks, geese and pelicans on the water and flying in the sky.[12]

Access

A public open house was held from October 27 until December 16, 2023.[39] The temple is scheduled to be dedicated in two sessions on January 21, 2024[40] by D. Todd Christofferson.[41] Following its dedication, temple access will only be available to church members with a current temple recommend.[42]

See also

Temples in Utah ()
Wasatch Front Temples
Temples along the Wasatch Front ()
  • = Operating
  • = Under construction
  • = Announced
  • = Temporarily Closed
()

References

  1. ↑ Temples in 2023, Part 2: This year’s 11 dedications the most in more than 20 years, Church News, 30 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  2. ↑ "President Nelson Announces Eight New Temples at October 2019 General Conference", Newsroom, LDS Church, 5 October 2019
  3. ↑ "Groundbreaking Date Announced for Orem Utah Temple", newsroom, LDS Church, 24 June 2020, retrieved 28 September 2023
  4. ↑ Toone, Trent (2019-10-05). "8 new Latter-day Saint temples announced by President Nelson at women's session". Deseret News. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  5. ↑ "Latter-day Saint temples coming to Orem and Taylorsville, upping Utah's eventual total to 23". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  6. ↑ "Latter-day Saints break ground for sixth Utah County temple". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Orem Utah Temple Open House Media Day". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  8. ↑ Walch, Tad (2019-12-11). "Orem temple will be located at nexus of major growth close to two Provo temples". Deseret News. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
  9. ↑ "LDS temples sites chosen in Orem and Taylorsville". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  10. ↑ "LDS temples sites chosen in Orem and Taylorsville". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  11. ↑ Orem Utah Temple Magazine. Daily Herald. Oct 27, 2023. p. 42.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 "Photos: See the first images from inside the new Orem Utah Temple". Deseret News. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2024-01-13.
  13. ↑ "President Nelson Announces New Temples During General Conference". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2019-10-05. Retrieved 2024-01-13.
  14. ↑ "Orem Utah Temple groundbreaking date, rendering released". Church News. 2020-06-24. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  15. ↑ Walch, Tad (2020-06-24). "Orem temple groundbreaking scheduled in September". Deseret News. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  16. ↑ "Orem LDS Temple groundbreaking is set for September". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  17. ↑ Emily Andersen (2020-06-24). "Church announces groundbreaking date for Orem Temple". The Daily Universe. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  18. ↑ "Groundbreaking for new Orem Temple announced". KSLNewsRadio. 2020-06-24. Retrieved 2020-07-19.
  19. ↑ Reavy, Pat (26 July 2022). "Fire breaks out inside Orem Latter-day Saint temple". KSL (radio network). Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  20. ↑ Tavss, Jeff (26 July 2022). "Fire breaks out in under construction Orem Temple". WTVT. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  21. ↑ Jacobson, Matthew (26 July 2022). "City investigating fire at under-construction Orem Temple". KUTV. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  22. ↑ Taylor, Scott (6 September 2022). "In arson investigation, ATF offers $5K reward for info on Orem Utah Temple fire". The Church News. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  23. 1 2 "Orem Utah Temple opens for tours this week with unique features inside". heraldextra.com. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  24. ↑ "Leader of 100 Million Muslims Visits Temple Square". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  25. ↑ Esposito, John (2013). Oxford Handbook of Islam and Politics. OUP USA. p. 570. ISBN 9780195395891.
  26. ↑ "Tactile tour helps people with disabilities experience Orem temple". Church News. 2023-12-07. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  27. ↑ "How the Orem Utah Temple will bless young adults, community members". Church News. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  28. 1 2 3 4 Orem Utah Temple Magazine. Daily Herald. October 27, 2023. p. 27.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Orem Utah Temple Magazine. Daily Herald. Oct 27, 2023. p. 29.
  30. 1 2 3 4 "Orem Utah Temple". FFKR Architects. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  31. ↑ "Orem Utah Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  32. ↑ "Orem's new LDS temple blossoms to life — see the first photos from inside". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  33. 1 2 "Orem Utah Temple Fact Sheet" (PDF). Church of Jesus Christ Newsroom.
  34. ↑ "Latest News on the Orem Utah Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  35. 1 2 3 4 5 "Take a look inside the new Orem Utah Temple with photos, video". Church News. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  36. ↑ "City of Orem, City Council Meeting" (PDF). Orem City Council Planning Commission Notes: 31, 175. 2020.
  37. 1 2 "FULL OF TEMPLES A County". issuu. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  38. ↑ "Orem Utah Temple Open House Media Day". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-28.
  39. ↑ "Orem Utah Temple Public Open House". Temple Open Houses. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
  40. ↑ Ashcraft, Emily; June 20, KSL com | Posted-; P.m, 2023 at 3:42. "Open house, dedication dates announced for Orem Utah Temple". www.ksl.com. Retrieved 2023-10-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  41. ↑ "Temples in 2023, Part 2: This year's 11 dedications the most in more than 20 years". The Church News. Retrieved 2023-12-30..
  42. ↑ "What Happens in Latter-day Saint Temples? | Come unto Christ". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
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