The temple has a single attached spire with a statue of the angel Moroni.[4] The temple was designed by Phillips, Smith, Conwell Architects, using a traditional architectural style.[5] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on May 26, 2001, conducted by Kenneth Johnson, a general authority and president of the church’s Australia/New Zealand Area.[6]
History
The temple was announced on July 20, 1998,[2] the first of several temples announced for Australia that month.[6] The site chosen for the temple was the location of a stake center built in 1956, making it one of Australia’s oldest Latter-day Saint meetinghouses.[3] Local opposition to the temple delayed construction, but the project was able to proceed following negotiations and minor changes to the design.[7]
Entrance to Temple grounds
On 26 May 2001, Kenneth Johnson presided at the groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication. Construction of the temple began in November 2001 and took 18 months.[4]
A public open house was held from 10 May through 7 June 2003. The Brisbane Australia Temple was dedicated on 15 June 2003 by LDS Church presidentGordon B. Hinckley. It was the 80th temple dedicated by Hinckley during his tenure as church president.[3]
In 2020, like all the church's others, the Brisbane Australia Temple was closed for a time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]
Design and architecture
The building has a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. Designed by Phillips, Smith, Conwell Architects, the temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the Brisbane area and its spiritual significance to the church.[9]
The temple is on a 0.86-acre plot overlooking the Brisbane River, with surrounding landscaping of water fountains, palm trees, and stepped gardens.[3]
The structure was constructed with light gray granite.[10] The interior has several original artworks, including a painting in the foyer of Mt. Mitchell by Queensland artist Ken Wenzel.[7] Mt. Mitchell is a landmark located near Queensland’s border with New South Wales.[3] Additionally, the first ordinance room “features a mural on three walls painted by Utah artist, Linda Curly-Christensen. The scene shows the Glasshouse Mountains, a panoramic part of Queensland in the hinterland north of Brisbane.”[7]
The design has elements representing Latter-day Saint symbolism, to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members and include the statue of the angel Moroni on top of the temple’s spire. The statue represents “the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”[12] As with many Latter-day Saint temples, the statue on the Brisbane Australia Temple faces east, to symbolize the scriptural belief that Jesus Christ will arrive from the east during the Second Coming.[13]
Temple presidents
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.[14]
Serving from 2003 to 2006, the first president of the Brisbane Australia Temple was John D. Jeffrey, with Lois G. Jeffrey as matron.[14][15] As of 2025, Garth S. Pitman is the president, with Joanne D. Pitman serving as matron.[16]
Admittance
After construction was completed, a public open house was held from May 10 to June 7, 2003 (excluding Sundays).[17] During the open house, over 50,000 people toured the temple.[18] The temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley on June 15, 2003, in four sessions.[3]
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.[19]
1 2 "Brisbane Australia Temple". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
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