Description
The Boise Idaho Temple is the 29th constructed and 27th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple is located in the city of Boise, Idaho.
History
The presence of the Church grew in Boise when missionaries arrived and established the first branch, or small congregation, in February 1903. Boise’s first stake — a large congregation similar to a Catholic diocese — was organized in 1913. The first temple in Idaho was completed in 1945, near the Snake River in Idaho Falls, and the Boise Idaho Temple was announced 37 years later, on 31 March 1982.
LDS Church leaders discussed building a temple in the western part of Idaho as early as 1939. President Heber J. Grant was invited to Idaho’s capital where 15 prominent local businessmen offered to the Church any available site in Boise to build Idaho’s first temple, but Idaho Falls was chosen due to the concentration of membership in Eastern Idaho. President Grant told the men that when membership increased in the Boise area, a temple would be built there.
Announcement
Forty-five years later, on March 31, 1982, Church leaders announced that a temple would be built in the Boise area. Church leaders wanted a site that would be easily accessible to travelers. After considering numerous locations, they decided on a property that was near an exit from Interstate 84. This location was ideal for those traveling along the highway, and it provided a visible landmark for pilots at the nearby airport.
Groundbreaking
On December 18, 1982, approximately 5,000 members huddled on the site of the Boise Idaho Temple to witness the groundbreaking ceremony where Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided.
Open House
During a special preview, numerous state officials including Idaho Governor John Evans, Lieutenant Governor David Leroy, and Secretary of State Pete Cenarusa toured the interior of the Boise Idaho Temple. Also part of the group were 246 ministers of other faiths and their family members.
70,000 visitors were expected to tour the temple during the nineteen-day open house. Instead, 128,716 attended, an average of 7,572 per day of the 17 days of the open house. The usual number of convert baptisms more than doubled the month following the open house; people even called the mission office asking how to get baptized.
Dedication
The Boise Idaho Temple was dedicated in 24 sessions to allow the many Church members within the temple district to attend. Gordon B. Hinckley, then the second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, offered the dedicatory prayer.
Dedication Order
The Boise Idaho Temple is the 29th constructed and 27th operating temple in the world. The 16 in the United States, and the 2nd temple built in Idaho, following the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple.
At the time of its dedication there were 11 Temples under construction, 7 temples awaiting ground breaking, and 1 undergoing renovation.
| Under Constructions | Awaiting Groundbreaking | Under Renovation |
| Sydney Australia | Frankfurt Germany | Manti Utah |
| Buenos Aires Argentina | Guayaquil Ecuador | |
| Manila Philippines | Las Vegas Nevada | |
| Guatemala City Guatemala | Portland Oregon | |
| Johannesburg South Africa | Toronto Ontario | |
| Dallas Texas | San Diego California | |
| Seoul Korea | Bogota Colombia | |
| Chicago Illinois | ||
| Stockholm Sweden | ||
| Denver Colorado | ||
| Freiberg Germany |
1986 Renovation
The Boise Idaho Temple operated at 102 percent of capacity during its first year of operation—a demonstration of the remarkable dedication of the Saints of the temple district. As a result, in October 1986, the temple was closed for renovation.
Rededication
The newly remodeled facilities were dedicated by Elder James E. Faust on 14 February 1987, with the new baptistry being dedicated 3 months later by Elder Faust on 29 May 1987. After reopening in 1987, the temple was able to serve more than 100,000 members in southwestern Idaho and part of eastern Oregon. [1]“Boise Idaho Temple,” LDS Church News
Rededication Order
When the Boise Idaho Temple was rededicated in 1987 there were 40 temples in operation (Including Boise.) At the time of its rededication there were 3 Temples under construction and 4 temples awaiting ground breaking.
| Under Constructions | Awaiting Groundbreaking | Under Renovation |
| Frankfurt Germany | Guayaquil Ecuador | |
| Las Vegas Nevada | Toronto Ontario | |
| Portland Oregon | San Diego California | |
| Bogota Columbia |
2011 Renovation
Announced
On 20 May 2011 the First Presidency announced the closing of the Boise Idaho Temple for an extensive renovation that would include the interior as well as the landscaping
Commencement
On July 11, 2011, the Boise Idaho Temple closed for an extensive 15-month renovation that included a new baptistry entrance, removal of the cafeteria and clothing rental, expansion of the basement, new walls and trim work, raised ceilings, new finishes and furnishings, updated mechanical systems. The structure has been reinforced with new shear walls, steel beams, floor joists, and floor sheathing, mechanical access platforms were added over hallways above a new suspended gypsum board ceiling. A fire sprinkler system was installed throughout, and the floor plan was reconfigured to make it more efficient.[2]Christensen, Glenna (July 21, 2012), “Renovation of LDS Boise temple will be completed soon”, Idaho Statesman, archived from the original (NewsBank) on July 21, 2012
The former landscaping was removed and replaced by a new landscaping. The landscaping features new sidewalks (that now connect to the public sidewalks), stairways, benches, planters, and retaining walls; new plants, shrubs, and flowers; a beautiful reflecting pool encased in stone; and a new exterior lighting system. Sections of the perimeter fence were also modified
On the exterior of the temple the pearl gray marble tile cladding was replaced with temple white granite because the adhesive used to attach the original tile began to seep through and change the appearance of the walls.[3]Satterfield, Rick, Boise Idaho Temple, LDSChurchTemples.com, archived from the original on October 25, 2012, retrieved October 26, 2012.
This was especially noticeable when the walls were wet, as the spots where the adhesive was would appear as darker spots on the tiles.
On the south side of the temple, an existing 2,000-square-foot maintenance shop and storage area was demolished. In its place, a 4,959-square-foot basement addition was constructed to house a grounds shop, engineering/maintenance area, boiler room, and chiller room.
Open House
Preceding the rededication an open house was held between October 13 and November 10, excluding Sundays.[4] “Boise Idaho Temple Open House, Rededication Dates Announced”, Newsroom (News Release), LDS Church, retrieved October 26, 2012.[5]Roberts, Bill (October 10, 2012), “Inside the Mormons’ sacred space in Boise”, Idaho Statesman, retrieved October 26, 2012.[6]Funk, John (October 11, 2012), “Temple Opens Doors: Boise LDS landmark renovated, will reopen in November”, Idaho Press-Tribune, retrieved October 26, 2012.[7]Corr, Justin (October 13, 2012), Thousands tour renovated LDS temple, KTVB, archived from the original on October 17, 2012, retrieved October 26, 2012.
Community interest was evidenced by the over 11,000 visitors who toured the temple on the first day of the open house. All told, over 170,000 people attended the 25 day open house, an average of 6,800 per day.
Cultural Celebration
A cultural celebration including 9,200 Mormon youth and featuring 4,000 dancers, 99 fiddlers , and 1,000 singers was held 17 November 2012, the night before the rededication of the temple. In the celebration, “Treasure the Light,” participants expressed gratitude for the temple, their families and their heritage. Sixty youth from the temple’s district participated in a committee to provide their ideas and inspiration for the performance. They chose to focus the performance on the Light of Christ and the blessing of His gospel in their lives.
Church President Thomas S. Monson spoke to the youth at the cultural celebration and expressed his fond memories of similar performances and cultural experiences in his own youth. He also told them how proud he was of them.
Rededication
The Boise Idaho Temple was rededicated on November 18, 2012 by Thomas S. Monson in three sessions.[8]Staff (November 19, 2012), “President Thomas Monson dedicates Boise Idaho Temple”, Idaho Press-Tribune, retrieved November 26, 2012
The temple dedication sessions were broadcast to local LDS Church buildings through closed-circuit television, so that Latter-day Saints for whom there is no room in the temple can participate in the event.
In the rededicatory prayer of the Boise Idaho Temple, President Monson prayed for the youth: “Our Father, strengthen the youth. … Give them the courage to stand firm for truth. Bless them with a lengthened view of their eternal possibilities. We express our gratitude for all who have participated in the preparations for this day of rededication. They have labored in a spirit of consecration, and the fruits of their labors are beautiful to behold.”[9]Boise Idaho Temple dedicatory prayer, in Church News, Nov. 4, 2012, .
In the rededicatory prayer of the Boise Idaho Temple, President Monson prayed for the youth: “Our Father, strengthen the youth. … Give them the courage to stand firm for truth. Bless them with a lengthened view of their eternal possibilities. We express our gratitude for all who have participated in the preparations for this day of rededication. They have labored in a spirit of consecration, and the fruits of their labors are beautiful to behold.”
Rededication Order
When the Boise Idaho Temple was rededicated in 2012 there were 140 temples in operation (Including Boise.) At the time of its rededication there were 14 Temples under construction, 13 temples awaiting ground breaking, and 1 undergoing renovation.
| Under Constructions | Awaiting Groundbreaking | Under Renovation |
| Tegucigalpa Honduras | Concepcion Chile | Ogden Utah |
| Gilbert Arizona | Lisbon Portugal | |
| Phoenix Arizona | Urdanetta Philippines | |
| Cordoba Argentina | Fort Collins Colorado | |
| Philadelphia Pennsylvania | Meridian Idaho | |
| Rome Italy | Winnipeg Manitoba | |
| Trujillo Peru | Paris France | |
| Fortaleza Brazil | Barranquilla Colombia | |
| Fort Lauderdale Florida | Durban South Africa | |
| Sapporo Japan | Kinshasa D. R. C. | |
| Payson Utah | Star Valley Wyomin | |
| Indianapolis Indiana | Tucson Arizona | |
| Tijuana Mexico | Arequipa Peru | |
| Provo City Center |
Presidents
| Temple President | Years Served |
|---|---|
| President A. Brent Belliston | 2015– |
| President W. Leigh Brinkerhoff | 2012–2015 |
| President Wenden W. Waite | 2008–2011 |
| President Harold G. Hillam | 2005–2008 |
| President Peter J. Williams | 2002–2005 |
| President Weldon R. Tovey | 1999–2002 |
| President C. Leon Johnson | 1996–1999 |
| President Jay L. Christensen | 1993–1996 |
| President Lloyd A. Hamilton | 1990–1993 |
| President B. Clair Johnson | 1987–1990 |
| President Seth D. Redford | 1984–1987 |
Details
The temple site is located near an exit from Interstate 84 and is very visible to those traveling along the highway and is also a visible landmark for pilots at Boise Airport.
The Boise Idaho Temple was the first of a new six-spired design that and served as a pattern for fourteen other temples built between 1984 and 1989. The design sought to maximize efficiency and space and could also be built at a much lower cost and in a shorter amount of time.
The Boise Idaho Temple is a sister building to the Dallas Texas Temple and the Chicago Illinois Temple.
Landscaping
Adjacent to the north is a meetinghouse. The grounds of the temple are enhanced with a beautiful water feature and numerous mature trees.
A peaceful water feature on the grounds reflects the sky and the temple’s white granite, and the surrounding benches invite visitors of all faiths to enjoy the tranquility found there.
Exterior
Cladding
The original temple exterior was pearl gray marble tile installed by Vermont Marble Co. with a slate roof.
The new temple still sports a new slate roof, but the exterior marble has been replaced with Temple White Granite, giving the building a lighter appearance.
Windows
Originally the Boise Temple contained 6 Cut glass windows on the east end, and a large arched glass window on the baptistry featuring a pattern of etched frosted glass in a representation of the tree of life.
The east windows were removed completely during the renovation. The baptistry was replaced with a stunning art glass window depicting a forest scene, and throught the temple interior Traditional Art Glass Designed by Holdman Studios, Lehi, Utah can be found.
Symbolism
Inscriptions
There are 2 inscriptions on the Boise Idaho Temple. Both are on the 2 east most faces of the lower section of the east spire. The text is raised metal letters in a brass like color.
HOLINESS
TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE
OF THE LORD
Prior to the renovation the temple contained 2 inscriptions as well, in the same location. The letters were also raised brass, but the layout was different and contained the name of the Church.
HOLINESS TO THE
LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE
LORD
THE CHURCH OF
JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY
SAINTS
Cornerstone
The cornerstone was originally placed on one of the faces of the temple that ended up inside the temple since the 1987 expansion project On 29 August 2012 during the renovation the corner stone was relocated to the northeast corner on the exterior of the temple.
Spires and Moroni
Spire
The Boise Idaho Temple has 6 spires in 3 heights. The highest, the eastern spire, is 112 feet high. The west end spire is about 10-15 feet shorter. The 4 corner spires are each 70 feet high.
The spires on the Boise Idaho Temple are comprised of tall stacked tall cubes. The East and west spire are three stacked cubes each. The spire on the east rises to the height of the Temple on the bottom cube, with the upper cubes and the steeple rising above the temple. The west spirte rises to the height of the temple on the second cube. The remaining four towers are 2 tall cubes each with a steeple on top. The spires of the temple are rotated 45 degrees in relation to the long axis of the temple, so their edges point to the four compass points.
Moroni
The Angel Moroni Statue was placed upon the temple on 15 September 1983. The statue is a fiberglass recast of a statue carved in 1982 by Karl Quilter. The statue is atop the tallest, east most spire and faces east.
On February 16, 2012, a new gold-leafed angel Moroni was placed atop the eastern spire of the Boise Idaho Temple as part of the renovation project. The new statue is identical to the original, is on the same spot, and facing the same direction as the original.
Interior
Upon entering the temple, patrons see reproductions of two of Carl Bloch’s paintings of Jesus Christ: “Christus Consolator” and “The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus in the Temple.” Just behind the entrance desk, a stained-glass panel depicts shining trees fed by an azure stream and provides one of the first glimpses of the temple’s tree and flower motif. Representations of Lewis’s Mock-Orange Syringa — the white, four-petal state flower of Idaho — along with its leafy branches are found on gilded mirror frames, in glass panels and in carpet and upholstery patterns throughout the temple.
The remodeled interior features ivory tones with the rich contrast of vibrant blues. African mahogany woodwork and hardwoods from the United States combined with Marble (Aegean White and Golden Tan) add warmth and ambiance.
In the celestial room — a room symbolizing heaven on earth — a domed art-glass ceiling infuses the interior with light and color. Trees designed in the glass stand out against the rich blue of the glass sky. Their higher branches, dense with ivory flowers and green leaves, reach toward the pastel blue at the top of the dome.
The Baptistry features wall murals and a sky painted dome ceiling by Decorative Painter Dale Jolley, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Individuals and Contractors
| Architect | Church architectural staff |
| Architect | Ron Thurber & Associates |
| Project Manager | Jerry Sears |
| Contractor | Comtrol Inc. |
| Architect 2012 | CTA Architects Engineers |
| Mechanical Engineer 2012 | Heath Engineering Company |
| Contractor 2012 | Jacobsen Construction |
| Chandeliers | Schonbek Worldwide Lighting, Inc. |
Sources and Links
External links
- LDS.org(official)
- MormonTemples.org (official)
- MormonNewsroom.org (official)
- LDSChurchTemples.com
- LDSChurchNewsArchive.com
- Wikipedia
- MormonWiki
- Comtrol Inc Project Page
Additional Articles
Sources/Citation
References
| ↑1 | “Boise Idaho Temple,” LDS Church News |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Christensen, Glenna (July 21, 2012), “Renovation of LDS Boise temple will be completed soon”, Idaho Statesman, archived from the original (NewsBank) on July 21, 2012 |
| ↑3 | Satterfield, Rick, Boise Idaho Temple, LDSChurchTemples.com, archived from the original on October 25, 2012, retrieved October 26, 2012. |
| ↑4 | “Boise Idaho Temple Open House, Rededication Dates Announced”, Newsroom (News Release), LDS Church, retrieved October 26, 2012. |
| ↑5 | Roberts, Bill (October 10, 2012), “Inside the Mormons’ sacred space in Boise”, Idaho Statesman, retrieved October 26, 2012. |
| ↑6 | Funk, John (October 11, 2012), “Temple Opens Doors: Boise LDS landmark renovated, will reopen in November”, Idaho Press-Tribune, retrieved October 26, 2012. |
| ↑7 | Corr, Justin (October 13, 2012), Thousands tour renovated LDS temple, KTVB, archived from the original on October 17, 2012, retrieved October 26, 2012. |
| ↑8 | Staff (November 19, 2012), “President Thomas Monson dedicates Boise Idaho Temple”, Idaho Press-Tribune, retrieved November 26, 2012 |
| ↑9 | Boise Idaho Temple dedicatory prayer, in Church News, Nov. 4, 2012, . |