On May 11 a special virtual tour of the historic Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was launched. The tour, now available online, takes visitors on a guided journey of the interior of the temple led by Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Lesa, along with Elder Dale G. Renlund, also of the Quorum of theTwelve Apostles, and his wife, Ruth.
“A temple is the most sacred place of worship in our Church, and we are delighted that you would join us for a tour,” said Elder Renlund.
“Jesus Christ is the central focus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our temples,” says Sister Stevenson in the video. “We regard the temple as ‘the house of the Lord.’ As you enter the temple, you will notice the beautiful paintings and other artwork that turn our hearts and thoughts towards Christ and His gospel.”
The Church of Jesus Christ has 282 temples in operation, under construction or announced around the world. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the most sacred places of worship. Prior to the dedication of a temple, the public is invited to attend an open house to see the beauty of the temple and learn about the commitments Church members make with Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Washington D.C. Temple in-person open house will continue through June 11, 2022. Open house ticket information is available at dctemple.org.
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The Washington D.C. Temple was the Church’s first temple built east of the Mississippi River since the Nauvoo Temple more than a century earlier. Most major Church history sites — including Palmyra, Kirtland and Nauvoo — are within the original boundaries of the Washington D.C. Temple district.
The groundbreaking for the temple was held in 1968, and construction began in 1971. This house of the Lord was dedicated in 1974 by President Spencer W. Kimball and became the faith’s 16th operating temple.
The Washington D.C. Temple shares some features with the Church’s iconic Salt Lake Temple: six spires and a similar footprint. This was by design.
