What if I told you that a temple in San Diego has a fascinating backstory? The San Diego California Temple is not just a building. It is a landmark. It stands near La Jolla. Its double towers rise above I-5.
This temple is the 45th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is currently closed for renovations. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2025.
The temple’s story began on April 7, 1984. Church President Spencer W. Kimball announced its construction. It was the third temple built in California. The Los Angeles California Temple and the Oakland California Temple came first.
William S. Lewis, Jr. was the design architect. Dennis Hyndman was the project architect. Shelly Hyndman handled the interior design. Interestingly, the Hyndmans were Roman Catholic. They had not toured a Latter-day Saint temple until 1989. That was when the Las Vegas Nevada Temple held its open house.
The original design was impressive. The sacred building spanned 72,000 square feet. It included four ordinance rooms and eight sealing rooms. The temple sits on a 7.2-acre site on Charmant Drive. It stands 190 feet tall. The temple has two main spires. Each spire has four smaller spires at its base. A gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni tops the east spire.
Inside, a star-shaped atrium connects the towers. A colorful garden fills the atrium. The two-story Celestial Room is breathtaking. It features art glass, light fixtures and a grand staircase.
President Ezra Taft Benson broke ground on February 27, 1988. This was his first trip outside the Salt Lake Valley after a heart attack. It was also his first time presiding over a temple groundbreaking.
On December 23, 1991, the angel Moroni statue was installed. This day was the 186th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s birth. A flock of seagulls circled the statue three times. This was a symbolic event for the Church.
Latter-day Saints have lived in San Diego for a long time. Mormon Battalion soldiers entered San Diego on January 29, 1847. They completed a long march from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple from April 25–30, 1993. President Benson could not attend due to his health. Almost 50,000 people attended the 23 sessions.
The San Diego California Temple has a beautiful Christmas lights display. This tradition started in 2008. Over 150,000 lights decorate the grounds. More than 300 young adults help set up the display.
The lights stay on through New Year’s Day. The Church wants to share the message of Jesus Christ. They hope to create a welcoming environment. The San Diego California Temple stands as a beacon of faith. It reflects dedication and community spirit.