photo from the online brochure/webpage
The Church of the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has built a new temple in Gilbert, a suburb of the Phoenix metro area. The new temple is open to the public for tours for 1 month prior to its dedication this coming weekend. A group of eight of us toured the five story building last Wednesday. Cameras were not allowed inside the temple. My friend Nancy took some fabulous photos outside, that she graciously shared with me. If my name is not on the photo, it belongs to Nancy. Thanks, Nancy!
While Mormons gather for worship in the much smaller worship houses, temples are for quiet reflection, marriage ceremonies, proxy baptisms of ancestors and ordinances that are unique to the faith. For members, the temple is the house of the Lord and the most sacred place on Earth.
The highly detailed ivory exterior will feature high quality pre-cast concrete and stone accentuated with fine rustications and beautifully crafted art glass windows. The floor plan includes a sub-basement for mechanical equipment; a basement for the baptistry; a first floor for the entry, dressing rooms, and administrative offices; a second floor for the chapel and endowment rooms; and a third floor for sealing rooms, waiting rooms, and a child care center.
the front walk way
500,000 people, Mormons and non-Mormons were expected
to tour the facility during the one month open house
One intriguing feature is the baptismal font that rests on 12 bronze oxen, said to be a feature of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
...pristine white carpet; the tall art-glass windows with the agave patterns; and the 18-foot high, 1,500-pound crystal chandelier placed strategically in front of a large mirror...
a pool on the south side of the temple
The wrought-iron fenced grounds will include fountains, shaded plazas, and lush landscaping featuring 10 kinds of trees, 5 palm varieties, and 24 species of shrubs, ground covers, and vines with trellises, arbors and pergolas placed throughout the site.
with waterfalls and green tile
The color scheme is blue, green and earth tones; the design motif is agave; the interior stone is limestone; the woods are eucalyptus, white oak and painted hardwoods; and the chandeliers are Swarovski crystal.
One of the tour guides told us the white granite marble
came from Jordan and Israel.
The green tile theme was carried throughout the building,
in the carpet, tiled floor, stained glass windows, couches,
benches, chair coverings...a soft, comforting sage green
representing the agave plant
a fabulous photo by Nancy of the flower beds in front of the temple
85,000 square feet
gold-leafed angel Moroni statue atop the single central spire
our lunch destination
An interesting, opulent couple of hours followed
by a tasty Italian lunch
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