Atop a small hill the Los Angeles California Temple stands. Its gleaming white Mo-Sai stone facing shimmers in the sun. This majestic structure is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and architectural ingenuity.
The Los Angeles California Temple wasn’t built overnight. Announced in 1937 its construction was delayed by the Great Depression and World War II. The groundbreaking finally happened in 1951. Imagine the excitement of the day. The plans were revised. They added a priesthood assembly room. This was unusual for temples built after the Salt Lake Temple. The temple’s capacity was increased to accommodate 300 patrons per session.
This was the first temple since Salt Lake to have an angel Moroni statue. Originally facing southeast President David O McKay requested it be turned east. This temple was also unique. It was the last to use live actors for endowment presentations. Later motion pictures replaced the live actors. The progressive presentation where patrons moved from room to room was replaced with stationary rooms. In 2003 they changed it back. They used films but kept the progressive style. They also completely renovated the Terrestrial Room.
The temple’s grounds are beautiful. They are open to the public. Canary Island Pine trees and palm trees provide shade. Bird of Paradise and olive trees add color. Rare Chinese Ginkgo trees are striking. Two fountains and a reflection pool add to the serene atmosphere. Family-themed statues add beauty. At Christmas thousands of lights illuminate the grounds. The grounds are extensive. They house many church facilities including a meetinghouse a baseball field and apartments for missionaries and temple workers. The land was originally purchased from the Harold Lloyd Motion Picture Company. The sale of residential lots from the remaining land helped fund the temple’s construction. It was the first temple specifically designed for automobile access a feature that reflects the times.
The Los Angeles California Temple is an impressive structure. It’s 369 feet long 269 feet wide and 257 feet high. The angel Moroni statue atop the spire is 15 feet tall. The architect Edward O Anderson designed it with Mayan influences. The interior boasts a baptistry celestial room four ordinance rooms ten sealing rooms and a large assembly room. The celestial room features stunning murals a rarity among temples.
The Los Angeles California Temple is more than a building. It is a place of worship a historical landmark and a beautiful addition to the Los Angeles landscape. It tells a story of faith hope and the enduring spirit of its people. Its story continues to unfold each day.