What is a Temple?
Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are places where individuals can go to make sacred promises with God, feel His Spirit, and escape from the hectic demands of day-to-day life.
Why do Latter-day Saints Build Temples?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been building temples since the 1830s. Temples are considered houses of God, places of holiness and peace separate from the preoccupations of the world. They provide a place where Church members can make formal promises and commitments to God to follow His son, Jesus Christ, and live righteous lives. God promises to bless and strength those who stay true to these sacred promises.
Temples are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.
Learn more about why Latter-day Saints build temples by watching the video below.
For additional questions, please visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
What Happens Inside Temples?
Having faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, is the central principle associated with temple worship. Within temples we learn more about Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness for us as His spirit children. Sacred two-way promises, or covenants, between God and someone can be strengthening and enobling if the person is true to living the promises that they have made to keep the commandments and live a virtuous life.
Selct here to learn more about what happens inside of temples and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center. Breathtaking views of the temple, interactive activities, and free events and performances throughout the year are just a few highlights of the visitors’ center. Admission and parking are free and booking a tour, which is optional, can be done here.
Families can be Together Forever
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that each human born on Earth lived first as a spirit in heaven with God, our Heavenly Father. Each one of us comes to Earth to be tested through the mortal experience. By following the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ here on Earth, each of us may return to the presence of God, where we will live eternally with our families.
The Latter-day Saint teaching that family relationships on Earth continue after death is distinctive among Christian faiths. To last beyond mortality, marriages must take place in a temple. Couples who join the Church after they are already married may also have their marriages “sealed” in identical ceremonies, and their children may be sealed to them. Thus, Latter-day Saint (sometimes called “Mormon”) temples are not places of regular Sunday or congregational worship. They are built specifically for these “eternal marriages” and other individual and family-centered ceremonies. For the promises of the temple to remain in effect, a husband and wife must love and be faithful to each other throughout their marriage and continue to follow a course of Christian service and commitment throughout their lives.
Christian Beliefs
We’re members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Latter-day Saints for short. We’re your neighbors, friends, and family members—a community of believers trying to be a little better each day with Jesus Christ’s help.
Interior Renderings
On February 27, 2020, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following renderings that show the planned completion of the temple. Click here to view the full gallery of interior renderings.
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