The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple, a sacred edifice of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), is visible in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love. It is the only temple of its sort in Pennsylvania, and the fourth in the Mid-Atlantic area of the United States, serving nearly 40,000 Church members from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland.
History & Design
LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson announced the temple on October 4, 2008, at the church’s 178th Semiannual General Conference. The temple location, which was announced on November 19, 2009, is located on the northeast corner of Logan Square, across from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. On September 17, 2011, Henry B. Eyring, the First Counselor in the Church’s First Presidency, oversaw the groundbreaking ceremony. On September 18, 2016, Eyring consecrated the temple in three separate sessions.
The temple’s facade is inspired by neoclassical architecture from the early American Republic, with two connected end spires containing an angel Moroni statue, granite walls, and a copper-clad dome. The interior design incorporates Philadelphia’s colonial and federal styles, including themes of the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, and the American flag. The temple’s overall floor size is 61,466 square feet, which contains two instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, one baptistry, and a celestial room.
Significance and Purpose
The temple represents the LDS Church’s presence and progress in Pennsylvania, where key events in Church history happened, including the Book of Mormon translation and the restoration of priesthood power. It also demonstrates the LDS Church’s appreciation for Philadelphia’s religious tradition and diversity, a city where the founding fathers created ideals of religious liberty and tolerance.
The temple serves as a center of worship and service, allowing LDS Church members to conduct holy ordinances and create covenants with God. It is a refuge of serenity and pleasure, where members may sense God’s presence and love through Jesus Christ. Periodic open houses allow the public to learn about the LDS Church and its teachings. The temple is encircled by a public-access manicured plaza including a reflecting pool and magnificent landscaping.
Conclusion
In the end, the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple is a beautiful building with a spiritual meaning in the middle of the City of Brotherly Love. Its neoclassical style and thoughtful interior represent the past and ideals of both the LDS Church and the city itself. It is a spiritual center for thousands of Church members. The temple is open to everyone, not just members of the LDS faith. It does this by hosting open houses and having a nicely landscaped area where people can gather.