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OGDEN -- Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made an announcement Wednesday about major renovation to the Ogden Utah Temple.
The Ogden Utah Temple was dedicated in January of 1972. Church leaders say it's one of the busiest in the world, with 262,000 members attending from Northern Utah and Wyoming.
- Dedicated in 1972
- Was the 5th operating temple in Utah;
- and the 14th temple for the Church
- Serves approximately 76 stakes
- and approximately 261,928 Church members
Church leaders decided it was time for an upgrade, inside and out.
The exterior will have a new shape, with new stone and art glass. The temple entrance will change from the west side to the east side. It will have new landscaping and underground parking as well as new electrical, heating and plumbing systems.
The Ogden Tabernacle, which sits next to the temple, will also have an upgrade and will lose its steeple.
There are currently 152 temples operating, announced or under construction worldwide.
"The Ogden Utah Temple has been a beacon of faith in downtown Ogden for nearly forty years and has blessed those who have served and worshipped within its walls," said Elder William R. Walker, executive director of the Church's Temple Department. "We hope these improvements will not only better serve Church members but also add to the beauty of downtown Ogden for all to enjoy."
The first Utah temple was completed in St. George in 1877, followed by Logan in 1884, Manti in 1888, Salt Lake City in 1893 and Ogden in 1972.
"The core of the temple will remain the same, meaning the fundamental structure of the temple's interior. But the exterior will change, as the visual illustrates, and brings it up to standard with modern technology and materials," said Bishop Keith B. McMullin of the Presiding Bishopric.
This temple renovation, Church officials say, goes hand-in-hand with the renovation of downtown Ogden.
The temple changes will take anywhere from 18 months to two years.
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Story compiled with contributions from Carole Mikita and Marc Giauque.
