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Orlando Florida Temple

Coordinates: 28°30′26.5″N 81°30′34.1″W / 28.507361°N 81.509472°W / 28.507361; -81.509472
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Orlando Florida Temple
Closed for renovation
Map
Number46
DedicationOctober 9, 1994, by Howard W. Hunter
Site13 acres (5.3 ha)
Floor area70,000 sq ft (6,500 m2)
Height165 ft (50 m)
Official website • News & images
Church chronology
←
San Diego California Temple
Orlando Florida Temple 		→
Bountiful Utah Temple
Additional information
AnnouncedApril 6, 1991, by Ezra Taft Benson
GroundbreakingJune 20, 1992, by James E. Faust
Open houseSeptember 10-30, 1994
Current presidentBoyd P. Hoglund
Designed byScott Partnership Architects
LocationWindermere, Florida, U.S.
Geographic coordinates28°30′26.5″N 81°30′34.1″W / 28.507361°N 81.509472°W / 28.507361; -81.509472
Exterior finishWhite precast concrete with marble chips
Temple designClassic modern, single-spire design
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms4 (stationary)
Sealing rooms5
Clothing rentalYes
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The Orlando Florida Temple is the 48th constructed and 46th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and was the first to be built in Florida. Located near Windermere, Florida, it was built with a modern single-spire design.[1] It is the second largest LDS temple in the Eastern United States, after the Washington D.C. Temple. The intent to build the temple was announced on February 17, 1990.[2]

History

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The intent to construct the temple was announced on February 17, 1990, with a groundbreaking on June 20, 1992, conducted by James E. Faust.[3] The temple was dedicated on October 9, 1994, by church president Howard W. Hunter.[4] Orlando is one of two temples dedicated by Hunter, the other is the Bountiful Utah Temple.[3] The temple was built on a 13-acre (53,000 m2) plot, has four ordinance rooms and five sealing rooms, and has a total floor area of 70,000 square feet (6,500 m2).

In 2020, like all the others in the church, the Orlando Florida Temple was closed for a time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]

On February 12, 2024, the church announced that the temple would close for renovations.[6] The temple closed on July 1, 2024,[7] and is anticipated to reopen in June 2026.[8]

Design and architecture

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The building has a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. The temple sits on a 13-acre plot, and the landscaping around the temple includes water features, palm trees, and shrubs.[1][3] These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site. The Orlando Florida Temple closed for renovations on July 1, 2024,[7] and is expected to reopen in June 2026.[8]

Exterior and interior

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The structure is constructed with white precast concrete with marble chips.[9] The exterior has a tower that tops the building, and tall, arched windows around it.[3] The temple includes a baptistry, a celestial room, four ordinance rooms, and five sealing rooms, each arranged for ceremonial use.[3]

Temple presidents

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The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[10]

The first president of the Orlando Florida Temple was Jack F. Joyner, with the matron being Margaret E. Joyner. They served from 1994 to 1997.[10] Prior to the temple's closing for renovation in July 2024, Brent R. Holladay was the president, with Dana Holladay serving as matron.[3]

Admittance

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Following the completion of the temple, a public open house was held from September 10-30, 1994 (excluding Sundays). During the open house, over 90,000 people toured the temple.[11] The temple was dedicated by Howard W. Hunter in 12 sessions from October 9-11, 1994.[12] Like all the church's temples, it 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.[13]

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  • Nativity displayed on the temple grounds, December 2008
    Nativity displayed on the temple grounds, December 2008
  • View of southern side of temple
    View of southern side of temple
  • James E. Faust and Alexander B. Morrison at the Orlando Temple groundbreaking
    James E. Faust and Alexander B. Morrison at the Orlando Temple groundbreaking
  • Orlando Florida Temple at sunrise
    Orlando Florida Temple at sunrise

See also

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class=notpageimage|
Temples in the Southeastern United States (edit)
  • = Operating
  • = Under construction
  • = Announced
  • = Temporarily Closed

References

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  1. ^ a b "Orlando Florida Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "A new temple will be built in the Orlando,". Church News. February 17, 1990. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Orlando Florida Temple". Church News. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  4. ^ Davis, James D. "The Look of Mormon: Religious group multiplies -- and diversifies", Daytona Beach News Journal, Florida, 7 July 2012. Retrieved on 10 August 2019.
  5. ^ Stack, Peggy Fletcher. "All Latter-day Saint temples to close due to coronavirus", The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 March 2020. Retrieved on 28 March 2020.
  6. ^ "Orlando Florida Temple to close in July 2024 for extensive renovations". Church News. February 12, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "One temple closes for renovations, another set to reopen after renovations". Church News. July 1, 2024. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Orlando Florida Temple". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  9. ^ "Orlando Florida Temple". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Presidents and Matrons of the Orlando Florida Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  11. ^ "90,000 tour temple; give glowing reports". Church News. October 1, 1994. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  12. ^ "Temple is dedicated in Sunshine State; 20,670 attend sessions". Church News. October 15, 1994. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  13. ^ "Inside Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
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