Temples

Temples play an integral role in the gathering of Israel, and building temples is an ongoing part of the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From the earliest temples built by Joseph Smith in Kirtland and Nauvoo, to the temples of early Utah, to the temples that dot the earth today, these sacred buildings demonstrate the faith and dedication of faithful members who come to worship and perform saving ordinances.

Kirtland Temple Dedicatory Prayer (1836)

This broadside contains the prayer that was read by Joseph Smith at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple on the afternoon of March 27, 1836. The text of the prayer was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1876 as section 109.

Architect’s Renderings of Nauvoo Temple (circa 1841–1845)

The distinctive design of the weather vane for the original Nauvoo Temple featured an angel with a trumpet.

Wilford Woodruff’s Account of the Salt Lake Temple Dedication (1893)

Wilford Woodruff began writing a daily journal shortly after joining the Church in 1833 and continued writing until his death in 1898.

Preliminary Sketch of Small Temple Floor Plan (1997)

The concept of small temples has greatly accelerated temple building in recent years.