Quick Facts
ANNOUNCED
2 April 2011
ANNOUNCED BY
President Gordon B. Hinckley
GROUNDBREAKING
3 December 2016
GROUNDBREAKING PRESIDED BY
Elder Larry Y. Wilson
DEDICATED
31 October 2021
DEDICATED BY
Elder Gerrit W. Gong
Additional Facts
#1
The exterior of this temple was constructed from Park Rose red brick, making it the first temple featuring red brick that was not a remodel or renovation.
#2
It was the first temple to be dedicated in nearly 20 months due to temple dedications being postponed in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.
#3
The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple was the ninth temple built in the country of Canada and the first built in the province of Manitoba.
Description
The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple is a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under construction in Winnipeg, Manitoba.[1]”Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho”. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. April 2, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2011. In Manitoba, there are 4,500 Latter-day Saints organized in 12 local congregations.
There are currently eight temples in Canada to serve the 194,000 Latter-day Saints. The other temples are located in Calgary, Cardston, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Regina, Toronto and Vancouver. The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple will serve members of the Winnipeg area who currently travel 400 miles (600 kilometers)—a 6½-hour drive—to the Regina Saskatchewan Temple.[2]The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho,” 2 Apr. 2011.
History
During a 12-city tour of Canada in 1998, President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed an audience of over 1,500 members who had gathered in the Winnipeg Manitoba Stake Center to hear the prophet’s words. “I have never been here before,” said President Hinckley. “I’ve seen it on the map. I knew it existed, but I’ve never been here.” The prophet was not the only one who had traveled long distances that day. Some members drove six hours each way to be at the meeting, and others arrived 12 hours early, waiting at the stake center for the meeting to begin.
President Hinckley complimented the Saints saying, “You look so good to me. You people pray. You pay your tithing. You’re good citizens. Thank you for being what you are.” He spoke of temple service and added, “I have asked your stake president how far you go to the temple. Some drive 14 hours.” He continued, “Some time you will have a temple. But not now. Keep on driving. I urge everyone of you, don’t wait for it.” The members were deeply moved by the prophet’s warmth and his stirring testimony. In his closing remarks, he said, “I just wanted to repeat, we love you.” He continued, “Every man, woman, boy and girl in this Church is important. The Lord will bless you as you serve Him in righteousness.”[3]Janet Kruckenberg, “Stake center filled for president’s visit,” 15 Aug. 1998, 27 Aug. 2010 .Church News
Announcement
Thirteen years after President Hinckley’s visit, President Thomas S. Monson announced the construction of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple at General Conference on Saturday, April 2, 2011. President Monson had served as president of the Canadian Mission from 1959 to 1962. He was instrumental in leading the growth of the Church in eastern Canada and spoke often about his experiences there.
Community Outreach
On August 25, 2016, a community open house was held for elected officials, multi-faith leaders, neighborhood group leaders, community residents, and local Church leaders regarding the proposed Winnipeg Manitoba Temple. Attendees viewed architectural drawings, including site plans, elevations, and a colored rendering of the temple. Information was presented on the history of the Church in Manitoba as well as the purpose and significance of temples to members of the Church.
The architect shared specific information regarding the building and plans for construction in the Bridgwater Forest community in south Winnipeg. Great interest, enthusiasm, and anticipation were evident as attendees asked questions and made comments. The Church anticipates applying for building permits with the City this fall with a groundbreaking to occur after approvals have been secured. Construction of the temple is expected to take approximately 20 months.[4]The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Winnipeg Mormons Host Community Open House for Proposed Temple,” 2 Sept. 2016.
Construction Approval
On September 12, 2016, plans for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple were officially approved by the local government.
Church leaders announced on 16 November 2016 that the groundbreaking would be held on Saturday, 3 December 2016 at 12:00 pm. A rendering of a light colored temple clad in local stone was released along with the announcement. [5]”Groundbreaking Announced for New Mormon Temple in Canada,” Newsroom, 16 November 2016, https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/groundbreaking-announced-for-new-mormon-temple-in-canada
Groundbreaking
On 3 December 2016, a groundbreaking ceremony to signify beginning of construction took place with Elder Larry Y. Wilson, a Seventy and executive director of the church’s Temple Department, presiding. Invited community, government, and interfaith leaders were also in attendance.[6]”Ground Is Broken for Winnipeg Manitoba Temple”, Newsroom, December 3, 2016
In his remarks, Elder Wilson said, “The temple helps us prepare to be better people, to choose good over evil, to be more kind, more loving, more like Jesus Christ. This is a unique design. There is not another temple in the world that looks like this.”
City councilor for South Winnipeg, St. Norbert Ward, Janice Lukes said, “The temple will definitely be an iconic building here in Winnipeg. Each faith community is a tremendous asset to the greater community.”
Terry Duguid, a member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, expressed appreciation for the Church’s community service efforts and stated, “While attending your event on behalf of Winnipeg Harvest I felt the spirit of your generosity.”
Belle Jarniewski, President of Manitoba Multi-Faith Council, said the new temple “will be a place to reflect, to share the peacefulness of the grounds and reflect on the beauty of the building itself.”
Due to limited space, attendance at the event was by invitation, with the general public invited to view the proceedings live from local Church meetinghouses.
Re-Design
After groundbreaking, it was rumored that the temple design was withdrawn and redesigned in some way. Though the groundbreaking had been held, there was no change to the site for several months.
Construction would not begin until summer of 2018, around 18 months after the groundbreaking.
In September 2018, after construction finally began in earnest on the temple, President Russell M. Nelson, then president of the Church, showed a new design for the temple to members in the Winnipeg Stake while visiting them on a tour through Canada.
The new design features a spire and entryway that has been moved forward, making a larger receiving area. The spire appears to be a bit shorter, and is now tin, rather than copper in color. The exterior appears to be brick, having been changed from the Tyndall stone. Many smaller details have been changed and modified on the temple exterior as well, but the overall design appears to be the same.
Dedication and Open House Announced
The Dedication and Open house dates for the long awaited temple were announced 30 April 202 in a press release from the Church.[7]”Winnipeg Manitoba Temple Open House and Dedication Dates Announced,” Newsroom, 30 April 2020.
Youth Devotional
At a special devotional broadcast held on Sunday, October 24, 2021—a week ahead of the dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple—Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles submitted three invitations to the listening youth. He said:
- If your circumstances permit, please plan to attend the October 31 dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple.
- Commit today to live worthy to hold a temple recommend; then use it to bless others.
- Let the holy temple “draw you close to God our Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ.”
Open House
he fifteen-day public open house for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple was held October 9 through October 23, 2021. Invited guest tours began two days earlier on October 7. “We know that the Latter-day Saints in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario are excited to share this sacred space with their friends and neighbors,” said Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela, the second counselor in the Church’s North America Central Area presidency. “This is the first temple in the province, and we believe it will be a wonderful addition to the community.”[8]”Long-Awaited Open House Begins for Winnipeg Manitoba Temple,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 7 Oct. 2021, https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/long-awaited-open-house-begins-for-winnipeg-manitoba-temple.
Dedication
On Sunday, October 31, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at the four dedicatory sessions for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple. It was the first temple to be dedicated in 20 months due to postponements made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Elder Gong counseled: “Find joy on the covenant path. You will find the Savior at the center of everything connected to the temple. Become part of the wonderful excitement and blessing of the work of salvation for family members and friends on both sides of the veil.”[9]Jason Swensen, “Church dedicates a temple — the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple — for the first time in 20 months,” Church News, 31 Oct. 2021,https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/10/31/23217575/winnipeg-temple-canada-elder-gong-dedication-covid-19-prairie-crocus/.
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | 5 y, 8 m, 1 d |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | 4 y, 10 m, 28 d |
| Announced to Dedication | 10 y, 6 m, 29 d |
The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple will be the first temple built in Manitoba.
Presidents and Matrons
| Presidents | Matrons | Years Served |
|---|---|---|
| George L. Spencer | Linda Millicent Aitken Spencer | 2021- |
Details
Location
The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple stands on a beautiful tract of land at the entrance to The Neighborhoods of Bridgwater, located in the southwestern portion of the city. The design for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple draws inspiration from the churches of old Winnipeg.
The temple site is located on 7.7 acres of land at 2 Center Street in Winnipeg.
Grounds
There are 128 trees planted on the temple grounds, including shade, flowering and evergreen varieties. There are also over 1,000 shrubs.
The exterior fence is fabricated with black painted-steel picket panels between brick and stone masonry gateposts. The brick matches the Park Rose brick on the temple, the stone cap is Indiana limestone and the base is San Sebastien granite from Quebec.
Location
15 Centre St
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 2C3
Canada
| Latitude | 49.8011 |
| Longitude | -97.1946 |
Phone
Elevation
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 766 | 234 |
Exterior
Cladding
The style of the temple was based on the concept of a little English country church. The design was influenced by the Copenhagen Denmark Temple, as well as small country churches in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. The building has a cruci-
form plan with a protruding entry.
The original render of the temple features an exterior of Tyndall Stone, a local stone rich with fossils. However a later released render shows the exgterior of what would bvecome the completed temple, an exterior constructed from Park Rose red brick. This is the first temple featuring red brick that was not a remodel or renovation (Copenhagen Denmark being the only other red brick Temple. Other renovation temples with brick exterior are Vernal Utah and Provo City Center.) It was also only the second non renovation temple dedicated with a brick exterior, after the Johannesburg South Africa Temple, which brown/orange brick exterior.
The foundations of the temple are clad in San Sebastian Granite.
Exterior Finish
Park Rose red brick, San Sebastian Granite
| | Feet | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 105 | 32.0 |
| Width | 97 | 29.57 |
| Length | 130 | 45.42 |
| Footprint | 9,057.002 | 841.422 |
Roofing
The roofing is a terra cotta clay tile that resembles natural slate. The Slate Gray Ludo slate tiles were manufactured in New Lexington, Ohio, by Ludovici Roof Tiles. The roof materials were installed by Westwood Roofing of Winnipeg.
Roofing
Terra Cotta Clay Tile
Windows
The art glass throughout the building features the Prairie Crocus design in purple, green and gold. The glass was created by the architectural design team and Holdman Studios in Lehi, Utah, and installed by Glass 8 of Winnipeg.
Spire and Finial
Spire
While the initial render showed a copper spire, The dedicated temple features a slender brass colored steeple over the main entrance.
Architectural Feature
Single attached end spire with an angel Moroni statue, South-west center end.
Finial
An Angel Moroni statue, a fiberglass copy of Karl Quilter’s 1982 statue, was placed atop the brass colored spire on 15 July of 2020.
| Sculptor: | Karl Quilter |
| Commissioned: | 1978 |
| Completed: | 1982 |
| Material: | Fiberglass |
| Height: | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Weight: | ~300 lbs (181.4 kg) |
| Currently On: | 101 temples |
Winnipeg Temple Finial
| Finish: | Gold Leaf |
| Placed: | 15 July 2020 |
| Faces: | South West by South |
Interior
The interior was designed to have an understated classical elegance that would not detract from the sacred ceremonies that occur in the temple. The rooms are done in soft purples, aqua and green. The Prairie Crocus, the provincial flower of Manitoba, is a prominent motif throughout the temple. It is seen in the art glass, rugs, woodwork carvings and door hardware.
The doors throughout the building are fabricated with rails and stiles and feature decorative patterns in African Mahogany. They were supplied and installed by Art Magic Carpentry of Winnipeg. The decorative antique brass hardware was fabricated in India by Arte Hardware.
| Area | 16,100 f2 (1,496 m2) |
| Floors above grade | 1 |
| Floors below Grade | 0 |
| Baptistries | 1 |
| Initiatories | 2 |
| Endowment Rooms | 1 |
| Sealing Rooms | 1 |
The stone tile found throughout the temple was quarried in Turkey and installed by Antex of Winnipeg. The main tile is called Mieli Sand and the accent tile is called White Cliffs. The carpet was fabricated by Bentley Carpet of California. The carpet carving in the Celestial Room and Sealing Room was done by Halfmoon Studio of Salt Lake City, Utah. The handmade area rugs in the main entry corridor and the carpet in the Bride’s Room were designed specifically for the temple and feature the Prairie Crocus. They were made in Guangdong, China.
The furniture in the temple is done in neoclassical style using Sheraton and Hepplewhite furniture. The chairs and sofas were made by companies in Italy, North Carolina, Michigan, New York and Utah. Several of the desks and tables feature the Prairie Crocus motif.
The light fixtures are in traditional, neoclassical and Romanesque styles and are made of crystal and brass with an antique gold or gold finish. The fixtures were fabricated by St. Louis Lighting in Missouri and Swarovski Lighting of Plattsburgh, New York. The installation was done by McCaine Electric of Winnipeg.
The medium-stained millwork is African Mahogany. The cornice moldings, window casings and panel molding are made of Canadian Poplar. The millwork was fabricated and installed by Art Magic Carpentry of Steinbach, MB.
Entry
Manitoba is known as the Keystone Province because of its location in the country. Arches and keystones are a prominent feature throughout the temple, beginning with the large entry portal.
An original painting called “The Work of the Sabbath, John 5:12” hangs in the main corridor just past the entry. The painting was commissioned for this temple. The artist is Albin Veselka of Rexburg, Idaho.
Baptistry
The porcelain mosaic blue tile in the font basin and the marble in the font base were fabricated in Turkey and installed by Antex of Winnipeg. The glass panels were created by Vitrum in Langley, British Columbia. The guardrails have an African Mahogany handrail. The newel posts and support structure are machined from solid aluminum, finished in a bronze-coloured powder coating. They were fabricated by General Metals of Winkler, Manitoba. The twelve oxen supporting the font are a bronze-finished resin casting fabricated by 3D Art in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Prefinished decorative casting for the ceiling bulkheads and upper friezes were sculpted and fabricated by Allen’s Commercial Arts in Logan, Utah.
| Baptistries: | 1 |
| Location: | East Cneter |
| Exterior Windows: | Yes |
| Artwork: | Yes |
| Artwork Type: | Framed |
| | |
| Oxen: | 12 |
| Type: | 1/4 |
| Hoof: | Visible |
| Color: | Oiled Bronze |
| Layout: | Even Distribution |
| | |
| Font Exterior: | Cream Stone |
| Interior: | Cream Tile |
| Shape: | Octagon |
| Bowl Shape: | Octagon |
| Pillar: | Reeds |
| Stairs: | Single, Center |
| Font Well: | Interior |
Initiatory
There are 2 initiatory rooms in the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple, 1 each attached tto the changing roomss.
| Style | Attached |
| Type | Progressive |
| Rooms | 2 |
Instruction Room
The decorative paint in the Bride’s Room, Instruction Room features geometric elements with the Prairie Crocus. It was installed by Jenny Baker of Foothills, Alberta. Prefinished decorative casting for the ceiling bulkheads and upper friezes were fabricated by Allen’s Commercial Arts in Logan, Utah.
The altars in the Instruction Room are made of wood from Canada and upholstered with mohair fabric from Italy and Belgium.
The instruction spaces have wainscot paneling made of wood moldings with a stone base. The wainscot begins with less detail in the first room in the temple and transitions to more detailed design in the Instruction Room and Celestial Room. The wainscot was fabricated and installed by Art Magic Carpentry of Steinbach.
| Rooms | 1 |
| Type | Stationary |
| Capacity | 40 |
| Murals | No |
| Total Muraled Rooms | 0 |
| Mural Type | None |
Sealing Room
The decorative paint in the Sealing Room features geometric elements with the Prairie Crocus. It was installed by Jenny Baker of Foothills, Alberta. Prefinished decorative casting for the ceiling bulkheads and upper friezes were fabricated by Allen’s Commercial Arts in Logan, Utah.
The altars in the Sealing Room are made of wood from Canada and upholstered with mohair fabric from Italy and Belgium.
| Sealing Rooms | 1 |
| Largest Capacity* | 33 |
The instruction spaces have wainscot paneling made of wood moldings with a stone base. The wainscot begins with less detail in the first room in the temple and transitions to more detailed design in the Instruction Room and Celestial Room. The wainscot was fabricated and installed by Art Magic Carpentry of Steinbach.
The walls in the Sealing Room feature damask wall inserts made in Korea.
Celestial Room
The decorative paint in the Celestial Room and Sealing Room features geometric elements with the Prairie Crocus. It was installed by Jenny Baker of Foothills, Alberta. Prefinished decorative casting for the ceiling bulkheads and upper friezes were fabricated by Allen’s Commercial Arts in Logan, Utah.
The walls in the Celestial Room and the Sealing Room feature damask wall inserts made in Korea.
Brides Room
The original painting “Why Weepest Thou” is located just outside the Bride’s Room. The artist is Albin Veselka of Rexburg, Idaho. IT was commisioned just for this Temple.
The decorative paint in the Bride’s Room features geometric elements with the Prairie Crocus. It was installed by Jenny Baker of Foothills, Alberta. Prefinished decorative casting for the ceiling bulkheads and upper friezes were fabricated by Allen’s Commercial Arts in Logan, Utah.
Contractors
Architect
The architect for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple was Abbarch Architecture of Vancouver, British Colombia.
Projects by Abbarch Architecture
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Vancouver British Columbia | 2006-2010 |
| Calgary Alberta | 2008-2012 |
| Calgary Alberta (Landscape | 2008-2012 |
| Winnipeg Manitoba | 2011-2021 |
General Contractor
The Contractor for this temple was PCL Construction from Edmonton Alberta.
Other Contractor
| Ludovici Roof Tiles | Roof Tile Manufacture |
| Westwood Roofing | Roof Installation |
| Glass 8 | Window Installation |
| General Metals | Railing and metal fabrication |
| 3D Art | Oxen Casting |
| Jenny Baker | Decorative Painting |
| Art Magic Carpentry | Doors and Hardware, Millwork, Wainscotting |
| Arte Hardware | Door Hardware |
| Halfmoon Studio | Carpet Carving |
| St. Louis Lighting | Lighting fixtures |
| Swarovski Lighting | Lighting fixtures |
Dimensional Trimwork
Allen Interior Arts created and cast the dimensional trimwork in the ordinance rooms.
Projects by Allen Interior Arts
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Winnipeg Manitoba | 2019-2021 |
| Saratoga Springs Utah | 2020-2022 |
Art Glass
Holdman Studios did the Art Glass on this temple.
Projects by Holdman Studios
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Snowflake Arizona | 2000-2002 |
| San Antonio Texas | 2001-2005 |
| Manhattan New York | 2002-2004 |
| Rexburg Idaho | 2003-2008 |
| Draper Utah | 2004-2009 |
| Twin Falls Idaho | 2004-2008 |
| São Paulo Brazil | 2004 |
| Laie Hawaii | 2005 |
| San Salvador El Salvador | 2007-2011 |
| Rome Italy | 2008-2019 |
| Cordoba Argentina | 2008-2015 |
| Trujillo Peru | 2008-2015 |
| Gilbert Arizona | 2008-2014 |
| Laie Hawaii | 2008-2010 |
| Payson Utah | 2010-2015 |
| Tijuana Mexico | 2010-2015 |
| Ogden Utah | 2010-2014 |
| Paris France | 2011-2017 |
| Boise Idaho | 2011-2012 |
| Winnipeg Manitoba | 2011-2021 |
| Suva Fiji | 2014-2015 |
| Cedar City Utah | 2015-2017 |
| Mesa Arizona | 2015? |
| Saratoga Springs | 2017-2023 |
| Pocatello Idaho | 2017-2021 |
| Memphis Tennessee | 2017-2019 |
| Raleigh North Carolina | 2017-2019 |
| Oklahoma City Oklahoma | 2017-2019 |
| Tokyo Japan | 20172022 |
| Idaho Falls | 2017 |
| Red Cliffs Utah | 2018-2024 |
| Phnom Pehn Cambodia | 2018 |
| Orem Utah | 2019-2024 |
| Bentonville Arkansas | 2019-2023 |
| Tallahassee Florida | 2020 |
| Elko Nevada | 2021 |
References
| ↑1 | ”Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho”. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. April 2, 2010. Retrieved June 30, 2011. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho,” 2 Apr. 2011. |
| ↑3 | Janet Kruckenberg, “Stake center filled for president’s visit,” 15 Aug. 1998, 27 Aug. 2010 .Church News |
| ↑4 | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Winnipeg Mormons Host Community Open House for Proposed Temple,” 2 Sept. 2016. |
| ↑5 | ”Groundbreaking Announced for New Mormon Temple in Canada,” Newsroom, 16 November 2016, https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/groundbreaking-announced-for-new-mormon-temple-in-canada |
| ↑6 | ”Ground Is Broken for Winnipeg Manitoba Temple”, Newsroom, December 3, 2016 |
| ↑7 | ”Winnipeg Manitoba Temple Open House and Dedication Dates Announced,” Newsroom, 30 April 2020. |
| ↑8 | ”Long-Awaited Open House Begins for Winnipeg Manitoba Temple,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 7 Oct. 2021, https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/long-awaited-open-house-begins-for-winnipeg-manitoba-temple. |
| ↑9 | Jason Swensen, “Church dedicates a temple — the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple — for the first time in 20 months,” Church News, 31 Oct. 2021,https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/10/31/23217575/winnipeg-temple-canada-elder-gong-dedication-covid-19-prairie-crocus/. |
What cities in the USA are part of the Winnipeg Temple district? What stake centers in the USA (North Dakota, Minnesota) will this dedication be broadcast?
I don’t follow temple districts and boundaries as much as I do the architecture itself, but it is my understanding that the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple was built to serve a single Stake, The Winnipeg Manitoba Stake. The stake essentially covers the whole of the province, so it is a big Area, and is currently assigned to Regina Saskatchewan Temple. We will probably see more and more temples like this one as time goes on.