The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans today to remodel and architecturally change the appearance of the Ogden Utah Temple and its grounds. Elder William R. Walker made the announcement in downtown Ogden with Mayor Matthew R. Godfrey.
“The Ogden Utah Temple has been a beacon of faith in downtown Ogden for nearly forty years and has blessed those who have served and worshipped within its walls,” Elder Walker said. “We hope these improvements will not only better serve Church members but also add to the beauty of downtown Ogden for all to enjoy.”
Elder Walker went on to explain that the temple’s entire exterior will be reshaped with new stone and art glass. The entrance to the temple will also be moved from the west side to the east side, where it will face Washington Boulevard.
Inside the temple, some rooms will be reconfigured, but the core building design will remain the same. As has been the case in renovations of other temples, old electrical, heating and plumbing systems will be replaced with modern, energy-saving equipment. Other notable improvements include underground parking and a complete re-landscaping of the temple block with a major water feature.
“We are excited with the announcement today of improvements to both the building and the grounds,” said Bishop Keith B. McMullin of the Presiding Bishopric. “These improvements will not only help us meet the increased needs at a busy temple but will also be part of the enhancement and beautification of downtown Ogden.”
Mayor Matthew Godfrey praised today’s announcement as a major step forward in the city’s downtown revitalization plan. “I am thrilled with the announcement today,” he said. “The improvements to the temple and the grounds will be a beautiful addition to our city.”
The Ogden Utah Temple currently serves approximately 76 stakes and is comprised of approximately 261,928 Church members. During the construction project, members are encouraged to attend the Logan Utah and Bountiful Utah temples.
The Ogden Utah Temple was originally dedicated in 1972 as the 14th operating temple for the Church and the fifth in Utah. There are now 152 temples announced or under construction worldwide.
Latter-day Saint temples provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God and where the highest sacraments of the faith occur, such as the marriage of couples for eternity. Temples differ from the tens of thousands of local meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities.
The first Utah temple was completed in St. George in 1877, followed by Logan in 1884, Manti in 1888, Salt Lake City in 1893 and Ogden in 1972.