The Idaho Falls Idaho Temple is located right on the east bank of the Snake River in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It is a beautiful gleaming white structure constructed of reinforced concrete. The exterior is covered with a cast stone of quartz aggregate and white cement which gives it the bright white appearance.
It is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the “Mormons”).
Construction was started in 1939. Completion was delayed by World War II and the building was dedicated in 1945. It was the first Temple in Idaho, and only the tenth ever constructed. The church now has 138 worldwide. It was the first Temple built with a single spire design.
I’m going to venture off and display my architectural ignorance and say that the church has a vaguely art deco design. Given that, the building was inspired by a vision of an ancient Nephite temple by architect John Fetzer, Sr., who had prayed for guidance.
The Temple spire is topped by a statue of the Angel Moroni.
Temples are not used as churches for regular worship. They are considered to be a house of the Lord, and a place to make covenants, receive instructions, and perform special ordinances. After dedication, they are open only to members of the faith in good standing. Before dedication they are open for a few days to the public. This is called “Open House.” I toured the Oklahoma City Temple in 2000 during its Open House. I was very impressed with the building and the care that went into its construction.
Although the Temple itself is not open to the public there is an adjacent visitor center. We were on a family walk up and down the river so we didn’t go through the visitor center or view the adjacent gardens and water features. (We missed out!)
fascinating .. there’s an LDS temple on Broadway at 64th St and I got a sweet shot of its Angel Moroni a while back
An interesting construct that looks like it was built with legos.
It sure is an impressive sight! I would love to see what’s inside.
I agree with Gaelyn, looks like it was built with legos!! Interesting building/history and great captures.
That is a very special temple. wonderful architecture.
Impressive building!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Love the clean, crisp look of this temple. Very pretty.
It has a definite art deco look about it. Without the info I don’t think I would have realised it was a temple.
It is a neat looking temple, I have seen this building myself. During a stay in Idaho Falls. Great photos, thanks for sharing.
Indeed, an architectural gem! Magnificent in every facet. Thank your for sharing.
Cheers … visiting from Our World Tuesday.
Now, here’s something completely different:
http://turningboholano.blogspot.com/2012/08/balut.html
I have discovered, since reading your blog, that I’m never too old to learn! I would have thought that the Mormons (and any other religious groups) would have wanted “open day” every day, if only to try for conversion – how wrong am I? Fascinating and thank you for teaching this old dog new tricks:-)
we have some of these white temples too in New Zealand.
An amazing structure. I never saw anything like that before.