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Mormon temples are some of the most recognizable religious structures in the world. Their unique design and symbolism have intrigued people for generations. With their towering spires and pristine white facades, they exude an air of both mystery and confidence.
But what makes Mormon temples so distinct? What secrets lie behind their imposing walls? Click on to uncover the hidden meanings behind these structures.
Joseph Smith founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in New York State in 1830. Mormon theology teaches that all good people become gods after death, gaining the power to create their own worlds. It's also known for its strict teachings and rituals.
Smith began modestly, gathering a few dozen followers into a church. His grand vision was to establish "cities of Zion." After expulsions from Missouri and Ohio, he and his followers settled in Illinois.
They settled in the abandoned town of Commerce on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Renaming it Nauvoo (Hebrew for "Beautiful Place"), Smith built his most successful settlement, including a temple completed after his death.
The original temple in Nauvoo, built in 1841, shows a departure from the religion’s humble beginnings. It was a large Greek Revival building with an imposing tower, a significant contrast to earlier churches.
Following Joseph Smith's murder by a mob in 1844, Brigham Young led his followers to the Great Salt Lake Valley, founding Salt Lake City in 1847.
The Mormons' history of persecution, including forced migration and the martyrdom of their leaders, influenced the architecture of their temples. The imposing, fortress-like exterior reflects their desire for security in a time of government scrutiny and fear of a theocratic state in Utah.
The massive Salt Lake Temple, begun in 1853 and completed 40 years later, is a prime example of the symbolic nature of temple architecture. Brigham Young instructed the architect to design the Salt Lake Temple with three towers on each side, symbolizing the church's leadership and priesthood.
The east towers, representing the higher Melchizedek priesthood, would be taller than the west towers, which symbolize the lower Aaronic priesthood.
In an effort to present a modern American image, the Mormon Church adopted various architectural styles in the early 20th century. Temples became powerful symbols of the faith, leading to the hiring of professional Mormon architects to design them.
Some temples featured single spires, while others had multiple spires. A few were inspired by the work of renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, known for his organic architecture and innovative designs.
Throughout the 20th century, Mormon temple architecture oscillated between traditional and modern styles, with Art Deco emerging as a popular choice. The Idaho Falls Temple, initiated in the late 1930s, resembles New York City skyscrapers of the era.
While today's temples may appear as a blend of abstract shapes and geometric forms, lacking a clear unifying exterior style, there are recurring features that transcend these diverse architectural expressions.
Temples often feature a tiered, wedding-cake-like design and are situated on prominent, well-landscaped sites. The near absence of crosses in Mormon architecture reflects a theological emphasis on the resurrected Christ rather than the Crucifixion.
They typically feature solid white or buff-colored walls with a few, small windows. Often adorned with a tall tower or spire(s), sometimes constructed of white marble, temples may also include a golden statue of the angel Moroni.
The symbolism of the angel is linked to the Mormon belief that Joseph Smith claimed to have had a vision in which an angel named Moroni revealed the location of buried golden plates. Smith retrieved these plates and translated them into English, resulting in the Book of Mormon
The church's growth in the mid-20th century coincided with suburbanization and car culture. Postwar temples, like those in Washington D.C. and Oakland, were strategically placed along major roads, visible to countless drivers. These towering structures, often resembling the Emerald City of Oz, served as powerful symbols of the church.
While practical factors like land costs and the need for additional buildings influenced the choice of suburban locations, Mormon leaders and architects still invested in buildings that tower above their surroundings, representing the church's presence and aspirations.
While the church was open to modern design, some experiments were met with criticism. The Cardston Alberta Temple, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, was seen as "awkward" and "unchurchlike" by some members, who preferred more traditional Gothic Revival elements.
Temples hold a sacred place in Mormonism, seen as not just "the house of the Lord" but as "the house of the Lord's elect." Only worthy members, who have proven their devotion, are permitted to enter. This exclusivity is why building temples is a priority for LDS church leaders.
The vast majority of Mormons are not qualified to enter temples. These sacred spaces "aren't used for ordinary worship, but for particular rituals (...) for the living and the dead," explains John G. Turner, religion historian and Brigham Young’s biographer. This unique purpose significantly influences the design and construction of Mormon temples.
While traditional churches often feature a large central sanctuary, Mormon temples are divided into several rooms where worshipers move through to perform specific rituals or ordinances.
These ordinances are sacred formal acts that allow Mormons to make covenants (agreements and promises) with God. These covenants demonstrate devotion and bring individuals closer to God.
Baptism is just one step in a series of ordinances that lead to spiritual salvation. While it's a crucial first step, it's the subsequent ordinances that unlock the highest levels of heaven. (Pictured: the baptistery of the New Zealand Temple, which includes a mural depicting the baptism of Jesus Christ).
Despite their majestic exterior, temples strive to create an intimate and domestic interior. This reflects the central role of the family in Mormon culture and theology. The rooms are often furnished with plush carpets, sofas, armchairs, and small tables, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Temples are adorned with murals depicting significant religious moments. They also feature projection rooms for the endowment ceremony, one of the final stages of the spiritual journey. While the ceremony originally involved a theatrical reenactment of the story of Adam and Eve, the church later transitioned to video formats as it expanded.
Marriage rooms are crucial in temples. According to Mormon belief, a man must enter into this covenant to progress to the highest level of heaven. When Mormons marry in the temple, they are sealed as eternal partners, with the potential to become gods and goddesses themselves.
Some aspects of temple rituals remain secret. Members must demonstrate knowledge of specific signs and tokens to progress through the temple. While the exact nature of these signs and tokens is closely guarded, they have been compared to similar practices in Freemasonry.
Sources: (Bloomberg) (Britannica) (Hoog) (EWTN)
Understanding the architecture of Mormon temples
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LIFESTYLE Religion
Mormon temples are some of the most recognizable religious structures in the world. Their unique design and symbolism have intrigued people for generations. With their towering spires and pristine white facades, they exude an air of both mystery and confidence.
But what makes Mormon temples so distinct? What secrets lie behind their imposing walls? Click on to uncover the hidden meanings behind these structures.