Toronto Ontario Temple

Last updated

Toronto Ontario Temple
Toronto temple2.jpg
Toronto Ontario Temple
Number44
Dedication25 August 1990, by Gordon B. Hinckley
Site13.4 acres (5.4 ha)
Floor area57,982 sq ft (5,386.7 m2)
Height171 ft (52 m)
Official website News & images
Church chronology

Las Vegas Nevada Temple

Toronto Ontario Temple

San Diego California Temple
Additional information
Announced7 April 1984, by Spencer W. Kimball
Groundbreaking10 October 1987, by Thomas S. Monson
Open house218 August 1990
Designed byAllward-Gouinlock Inc.
Location Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Geographic coordinates 43°44′39.61679″N79°44′45.81240″W / 43.7443379972°N 79.7460590000°W / 43.7443379972; -79.7460590000
Exterior finishWhite cast stone
Temple designModern, single-spire design
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms4 (stationary)
Sealing rooms6
Clothing rentalYes
( edit )

The Toronto Ontario Temple is the 44th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The intent to build the temple was announced to local leaders on the morning of April 7, 1984, and then referenced by Gordon B. Hinckley, second counselor in the First Presidency, during the general conference session which followed. [1] It was the second temple built in Canada (after the Cardston Alberta Temple), becoming the first country in the world, outside the United States, to have two temples in its borders. [2] [3]

Contents

The temple is located on 5.26 hectares (13.0 acres) in Brampton, which is 32 kilometres (20 mi) west of Downtown Toronto. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify beginning of construction, was held on October 10, 1987, with Thomas S. Monson presiding. [1]

History

The intent to build the temple was announced on April 7, 1984. [4] On June 22, 1986, Thomas S. Monson, then a counselor in the First Presidency, created the LDS Church's 1,600th stake in Kitchener, Ontario, and again commented that a temple would be built in the Toronto area. [5] Monson returned for the groundbreaking ceremony on 10 October 1987. The temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley on 25 August 1990. [6] [7] The temple's exterior totals 57,982 square feet (5,386.7 m2), [7] four ordinance rooms and six sealing rooms.

Two LDS Church presidents hold ties to Toronto. John Taylor and his wife immigrated to Toronto in 1832, while Monson served as president of the church's Canadian Mission, headquartered in Toronto, from 1959 to 1962. [8]

In 2020, like all others in the church, the Toronto Ontario Temple was closed for a time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [9]

On May 1, 2023, the First Presidency announced that the Toronto Ontario Temple would close for renovations. [10] The temple closed on October 23, 2023, [1] and was projected to reopen in December 2024. [11]

Design and architecture

The building’s design was inspired by the Denver Colorado Temple. [12] On October 4, 1990, the Toronto Ontario Temple was given an award of excellence from the Development Design Awards program. [1] [13] The temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the Ontario region and the spiritual significance to the church.

Site

The temple sits on a 13.4-acre plot in Brampton, which is a suburb of Toronto. The building is located on the intersection of Bramalea Road and Bovaird Drive, facing east. [12]

Exterior

The structure stands 171 feet tall, with an area of 57,982 square feet, constructed with white cast stone. [12] The exterior has “a three-tiered tower that sits on a square base and has a spire that leads up to a point,”, an element chosen for its symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions. [1] The design uses elements that reflect both the local culture and broader symbolism to the church.

Interior

The temple includes four ordinance rooms, six sealing rooms, a baptistry, and a celestial room, each arranged for ceremonial use. [1]

Symbols

The design has elements using Latter-day Saint and Biblical symbolism, providing deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members, and symbols include the angel Moroni statue that tops the building, representing “the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” [14] Another example is the temple’s eastward orientation, which reflects the ancient Israelite tradition of building east-facing temples and symbolizes “watching for the second coming of Christ, which has been likened to the dawning of a new day.” [15]

Renovations

On May 1, 2023, the First Presidency announced that the temple would undergo renovations. [5] The temple closed on October 23, 2023, [1] and is expected to reopen in December 2024. [11] The church has not released specifics about the renovation process for the temple. [16]

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. [17]

The first president of the Toronto Ontario Temple was Arnold N. Roberts, with the matron being Audrey C. Roberts. They served from 1990 to 1993. [17] As of 2024, Tyrone Wong is the president, with Sui Y. Wong serving as matron. [1]

Admittance

Following the completion of the temple, the church announced that a public open house would be held from August 2–18, 1990 (excluding Sundays). [1] The temple was dedicated in 11 sessions by Gordon B. Hinckley from August 25–27, 1990. [1] 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. [11] [18]

See also

Temples in Canada ( edit )

Alberta Temples

ButtonRed.svg = Operating
ButtonBlue.svg = Under construction
ButtonYellow.svg = Announced
ButtonBlack.svg = Temporarily Closed

( edit )

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Illinois Temple</span> Temple of the LDS church

The Chicago Illinois Temple is the thirty-fifth temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the second of three church temples that have been built in Illinois. The intent to build the temple was announced during a press conference on April 1, 1981, by church president Spencer W. Kimball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bern Switzerland Temple</span> Temple of the Latter Day Saints in Switzerland

The Bern Switzerland Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was the church's first temple in Europe and the second outside of North America, after the Laie Hawaii Temple. The intent to build the temple was announced on July 1, 1952, by church president David O. McKay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">London England Temple</span> Church in Surrey, England

The London England Temple is the twelfth operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is located in Newchapel, Surrey, England. Despite its name, it is not located in London or Greater London. The intent to build the temple was announced on 10 August 1953, by the church's First Presidency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Las Vegas Nevada Temple</span> Latter-day Saint Temple in Nevada

The Las Vegas Nevada Temple is the 43rd operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple was announced in April 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardston Alberta Temple</span> Historic site in Alberta, Canada

The Cardston Alberta Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cardston, Alberta. It was the eighth temple constructed and is the sixth still in operation. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 12, 1912, by church president Joseph F. Smith, during the church's general conference. It was both the first temple built in Canada and outside the United States. There are four temples in the province of Alberta and ten operated by the church in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ogden Utah Temple</span> Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple

The Ogden Utah Temple is the sixteenth constructed and fourteenth operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Ogden, Utah, it was originally built with a modern, single-spire design, similar to the Provo Utah Temple. The temples in Ogden and Provo were designed to be sister temples and are the only ones dedicated by church president Joseph Fielding Smith. The temple became the church’s fifth in Utah, and second along the Wasatch Front, dedicated almost 79 years after the Salt Lake Temple. It was the first to be dedicated in the state of Utah, as the previous ones were dedicated when Utah was still a territory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">São Paulo Brazil Temple</span> LDS Temple in São Paulo, Brazil

The São Paulo Brazil Temple is the 19th constructed and 17th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in the Brazilian city of São Paulo, it was the first Latter-day Saint temple built in South America, and the first to use a single story, single spire design. The spire is 101 feet tall. The intent to build the temple was announced on March 1, 1975, by church president Spencer W. Kimball at an area conference. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on March 20, 1976, conducted by James E. Faust.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orlando Florida Temple</span> Temple of the LDS Church

The Orlando Florida Temple is the 48th constructed and 46th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , and was the first to be built in Florida. Located near Windermere, Florida, it was built with a modern single-spire design. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boise Idaho Temple</span> Latter-day Saints temple in Boise Idaho

The Boise Idaho Temple is the 29th constructed and 27th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple is located in the city of Boise, Idaho. The intent to build the temple was announced on March 31, 1982, by Gordon B. Hinckley under the direction of church president Spencer W. Kimball during a press conference. The temple was the second to be built in Idaho and is the only Idaho temple dedicated by Hinckley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Preston England Temple</span>

The Preston England Temple is the 52nd operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple is located in the town of Chorley, 10 miles (16 km) south of Preston, in Lancashire, England. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 19, 1992 by Gordon B. Hinckley, then serving as first counselor in the First Presidency, during the rededication of the London England Temple. It was the second temple built in Great Britain, and the sixth built in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palmyra New York Temple</span> Temple of LDS church

The Palmyra New York Temple is the 77th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced on February 9, 1999. It was the first temple built in New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boston Massachusetts Temple</span> Temple of the LDS Church

The Boston Massachusetts Temple is the 100th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple</span> Latter-day Saints temple in American Fork, Utah, United States

The Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple is the 49th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple is located in American Fork, Utah and is the second temple built in Utah County and the ninth in Utah. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 3, 1992, by Gordon B. Hinckley during the church's general conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Oregon Temple</span>

The Portland Oregon Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located on 7 acres (28,000 m2) of land near the intersection of Highway 217 and I-5 in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 7, 1984 by church president Spencer W. Kimball, during the church's general conference. Dedicated in 1989, the Portland Oregon Temple was the church's first temple in Oregon and the 42nd in the church. Prior to its dedication by Gordon B. Hinckley, over 314,000 people attended the public open house.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suva Fiji Temple</span>

The Suva Fiji Temple is the 91st operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 5, 1998, by church president Gordon B. Hinckley during the church's general conference. The temple is the first to be built in Fiji.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Draper Utah Temple</span> Latter-day Saints temple in Draper, Utah, United States

The Draper Utah Temple is the 129th temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was dedicated by church president Thomas S. Monson on March 20, 2009, with additional sessions also held through March 22. The intent to build the temple was announced by church president Gordon B. Hinckley on October 2, 2004, during the church's general conference. Prior to the dedication, the temple was open to the public from January 15, 2009 through March 14, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rexburg Idaho Temple</span>

The Rexburg Idaho Temple is the 125th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced by the First Presidency on December 12, 2003, in a letter to local church leaders. The temple was the third in Idaho, and the first in the state in the 21st century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gilbert Arizona Temple</span> LDS Church temple in Arizona

The Gilbert Arizona Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3301 South Greenfield Road, at the corner of East Pecos Road in Gilbert, Arizona. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 26, 2008, by church president Thomas S. Monson in a press release. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held in 2010. The temple was designed by the architectural firm Architekton. The temple was dedicated in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mexico City Mexico Temple</span> Temple of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico City, Mexico

The Mexico City Mexico Temple is the 28th constructed and 26th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 3, 1967, by church president Spencer W. Kimball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rome Italy Temple</span> Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rome, Italy

The Rome Italy Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rome, Italy. The temple serves church members in Italy, as well as Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Albania, and parts of Romania. Thomas S. Monson, the LDS Church's president, announced the temple in 2008, a groundbreaking took place in 2010, and the temple opened after its dedication in 2019. The temple is the first in Italy and the 162nd worldwide.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Toronto Ontario Temple". Church News. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  2. Germany became the second country outside the United States to have two temples when Germany reunified six weeks later.
  3. "Temple Interesting Facts | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  4. Presidency, President Gordon B. Hinckley Second Counselor in the First. "The Sustaining of Church Officers". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  5. 1 2 Toone, Trent. "8 interesting facts about the Toronto Ontario Temple as it hits the 25-year mark", Deseret News , 27 August 2015. Retrieved on 27 March 2020.
  6. Condren, Dave. "NEW TEMPLE MARKS ORIGIN OF MORMONS", Buffalo News , 26 March 2000. Retrieved on 27 March 2020.
  7. 1 2 "Toronto Ontario Temple". Newsroom. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  8. Knowles, Hannah. "Historical timeline of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presidents", KUTV , 3 January 2018. Retrieved on 27 March 2020.
  9. 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.
  10. "Temple in Canada to close this fall for renovations". Church News. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  11. 1 2 3 "Renovation of the Toronto Ontario Temple Announced". news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  12. 1 2 3 "Toronto Ontario Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  13. "City gives excellence award to Toronto Ontario Temple". Church News. 27 October 1990. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  14. "Angel Moroni Statues on Temples". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 15 September 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  15. Cowan, Richard (2012). "Latter-day Saint Temples as Symbols". Journal of Book of Mormon Studies. 21 (1): 2 via BYU ScholarArchive.
  16. "Toronto Ontario Temple to be renovated in October". Deseret News. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  17. 1 2 "Presidents and Matrons of the Toronto Ontario Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  18. "Inside Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 19 October 2024.