Jordan River Utah Temple

The Jordan River Utah Temple (formerly the Jordan River Temple) is the 20th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located in South Jordan, Utah. The intent to build the temple was announced on February 3, 1978, by church president Spencer W. Kimball during a press conference in the Church Office Building. The temple is the first in the city of South Jordan, the second in Salt Lake County, and as of 2024 is one of thirty in the state of Utah.

The temple has a single spire design and is one of the only temples with an Angel Moroni holding the gold plates. This temple was designed by Emil B. Fetzer, showcasing its modern architectural design. A groundbreaking ceremony to signify the beginning of construction was conducted by Kimball on June 9, 1979.

History
The temple was announced by church president Spencer W. Kimball on February 3, 1978. The site for the temple was selected due to its significance to the church and the local community. In 1880, William Holt, a 19-year-old English immigrant, bought 15 acres of land from his uncle Jesse Vincent for $2.00 an acre. This land remained in the Holt family until Alma Holt and his family donated the parcel of land to the church.

Unlike many of the temples, which are built mostly with tithing funds, the site was given to the church and all of its construction was paid for by members in the 134 stakes within the temple district. At the time, payment from local building funds was the established church practice but was later abandoned to respond to the need for temples and meetinghouses in developing areas of the world.

A site dedication and groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 9, 1979. The ceremony and dedication were presided over by Kimball. Instead of the usual small ceremonial shovel-full of dirt at the groundbreaking, Kimball used a large power scoop shovel to begin the building process.

Following completion of construction, the temple was open to the public for tours from September 29 through October 31, 1981. Over half a million people toured the temple during its open house. The temple was dedicated on November 16, 1981 by Marion G. Romney, a counselor in the First Presidency.

Design and architecture
The building has modern aspects blended with traditional temple designs. Designed by Emil B. Fetzer, the temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of South Jordan and the spiritual significance of the church.

Site

The temple sits on a 15 acre (61. ha) plot, and landscaping around the temple features fountains, conifer and deciduous trees, and other flowers and plants found in the gardens. These elements are designed to provide a peaceful setting which enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site.

Exterior

The structure stands four stories tall and is made of cast stone with white marble chips. To reduce the weight, some of the towers contain fiberglass and cemlite. The exterior is characterized by drape-motif-inspired windows, a single spire, and stained glass windows. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both the local culture and broader church symbolism.

Interior

The temple is the fourth largest Latter-day Saint temple (but second-largest in Utah) and has a total of 148,236 square feet (13,771.6 m2), one baptistry, one celestial room, six ordinance rooms which are used for the endowment ceremony, and sixteen sealing rooms (used for marriage ordinances). The interior features stained glass, dark wood accents, and crystal chandeliers, designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment. Elements members of the church find symbolic are integrated into the design.

Dedication
Marion G. Romney, a member of the church's First Presidency, dedicated the temple in fifteen sessions held during November 16–20, 1981. More than 160,000 members attended the dedicatory services. Thirty of those in attendance at the dedication were elderly members who had been at the dedication of the first temple in the Salt Lake Valley, the Salt Lake Temple. Most had been very young at the time but still remembered the event. The temple serves Latter-day Saints in Southern Salt Lake County, Utah. Geographically, it is the smallest Latter-day Saint temple district in the world, but the temple is one of the church's busiest.

Symbols
Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements from the Bible and Book of Mormon, providing deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members and for them, the central spire represents reaching upwards to heaven. With his right hand, Moroni holds a horn to his lips, symbolizing the spreading of the gospel throughout the world and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which will be announced by trumpet-blowing angels. In the temple, baptismal fonts rest on the back of 12 oxen, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the strength and power of God's work.

Renovations
Over the years, the Jordan River Temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. On August 7, 2015, the church announced that beginning February 15, 2016, the temple would close for renovations that were anticipated to be completed during the latter part of 2017.

The renovations focused on several key areas such as interior systems like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical systems. The general floor plan remained the same. Interior walls were removed to remodel the celestial room, the bride’s room, initiatory areas, and the baptistry, including the addition of a separate baptistry entrance. Other renovations included a bride and groom exit at the west side of the temple instead of the front to greet friends and family. Escalators were replaced with staircases. These changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards.

Throughout the renovation process, care was taken to maintain the temple's historical and spiritual significance. Artisans and specialized craftsmen were employed to ensure the artwork was cohesive with the interior designs and were in keeping with the original design.

Following renovations, a public open house was held from March 17 through April 28, 2018, excluding Sundays and two Saturdays associated with the church's general conference. The temple was rededicated by Henry B. Eyring on May 20, 2018.

Presidents
Since its dedication in 1981, the temple has been overseen by a series of temple presidents, each serving for a term of approximately three years. The president oversees the administration of its operations and provides spiritual guidance for both temple patrons and staff.

Notable presidents include H. Burke Peterson (1985–87); William Grant Bangerter (1990–93); LeGrand R. Curtis (1996–99); Ben B. Banks (2002–05); and Robert L. Backman (2005–08). The first president of the Jordan River Utah Temple was Donovan Herbert Van Dam, who served from 1981 to 1985. As of 2022, James Scott Lundbert is serving as president.

Admittance
Like all those in the church, the temple 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.