Oakland California Temple Wiki
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Quick Facts
ANNOUNCED
23 January 1961
ANNOUNCED BY
President David O. McKay
GROUNDBREAKING
26 May 1962
GROUNDBREAKING PRESIDED BY
President David O. McKay
DEDICATED
17–19 November 1964
DEDICATED BY
President David O. McKay
DEDICATION ORDER
13
LOCATION
4770 Lincoln Ave
Oakland, California 94602-2535
United States
PHONE
(+1) 510-531-3200
Additional Facts
fact 1
fact 2
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Description
History
Before the Temple
1840s
The history of the Oakland California Temple traces back to early settlers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who came to California in the 1840s. These pioneers arrived by sailing ship in Yerba Buena (San Francisco) in July 1846. Two hundred thirty-eight women, men and children disembarked from the Brooklyn following a harrowing six-month journey from New York City, around Cape Horn at the bottom of South America, to Hawaii, then landing at Yerba Buena on a typical foggy summer day. The members who had traveled by ship around Cape Horn to California were told by Church President Brigham Young wrote in an 1847 letter “in the process of time, the shores of the Pacific may yet be overlooked from the Temple of the Lord.”[1]McKay, David O. (November 17, 1964), “Oakland California Temple: We invoke Thy blessing particularly upon Thy people in this temple district”, Church News
Soon after arriving in California, the settlers established the first newspaper, the first school, the first library and the first bank in California. They laid the foundation for an economy based upon farming, industry and commerce in Northern California. Starting in 1848 they became an essential source of goods, supplies and services for gold miners who came to California following the discovery of gold at Coloma in January 1848. The quiet village of Yerba Buena was quickly transformed into the vibrant city of San Francisco. Many of the early settlers came across the Bay to establish residences and farms in the East Bay, including Oakland, Fremont and Union City, as well as areas in the Central Valley
1928
In April 1928, Elder George Albert Smith had a spontaneous vision of the Oakland California Temple during a meeting with the San Francisco stake president at the Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill. President McDonald recalled: “President Smith suddenly grew silent, ceased talking, and for several minutes gazed intently toward the East Bay hills. ‘Brother Macdonald, I can almost see in vision a white temple of the Lord high upon those hills,’ he exclaimed rapturously, ‘an ensign to all the world travelers as they sail through the Golden Gate into this wonderful harbor.’ Then he studied the vista for a few moments as if to make sure of the scene before him. ‘Yes, sir, a great white temple of the Lord,’ he confided with calm assurance, ‘will grace those hills, a glorious ensign to the nations, to welcome our Father’s children as they visit this great city.”[2]Harold W. Burton and W. Aird Macdonald, “The Oakland Temple,” Improvement Era, May 1964, 380.
1934
A committee to locate the site for the Oakland California Temple was formed in 1934. City representatives were enthusiastic and showed the committee several sites, even offering two free of charge, but an unavailable parcel in the hills always impressed the committee as “the one.” The search was suspended after a site was acquired for the Los Angeles California Temple, but the committee remained hopeful. In 1942, wartime government regulations blocked plans that the owner of the hillside property had for a subdivision of luxury homes. He offered the entire 14.5 acres to a member of the original temple site committee for $18,000. Although the owner received higher offers, he remained true to his original offer once President McKay arrived in Oakland two months later to give his approval.[3]Richard O. Cowan and Robert G. Larson, The Oakland Temple: Portal to Eternity (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2014), pp. 17–40.
1942
The site where the Oakland Temple now stands was inspected by David O. McKay, then second counselor in the First Presidency, in 1942. Over the next many years, the initial 14.5-acre plot was purchased and additional adjacent parcels were acquired, making a total of 18.3 acres.
1943
The 14.5 acres (59,000 m2) were purchased by the church on January 28, 1943.[4]LDS Church Almanac: 2008 Edition, 2007, p. 550 President Heber J. Grant announced the purchase of the site for the Oakland California Temple in the April 1943 General Conference: “I am happy to tell you that we have purchased in the Oakland area another temple site. The negotiations have been finally concluded and the title has passed. The site is located on the lower foothills of East Oakland on a rounded hill overlooking San Francisco Bay. We shall in due course build there a splendid temple.”[5]Richard O. Cowan and Robert G. Larson, The Oakland Temple: Portal to Eternity (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2014), pp. 17–40.
1957
On 20 July 1957 ground was broken for “the East Bay Interstake Center.” This Multi Stake Center occupies the East side of the property that had already been purchased for the eventual construction of a temple.
1959
The Interstake Center was dedicated by President McKay and opened on 16 October 1959.
Announcement
On 23 January 1961, President McKay gathered the stake presidents in the area to a special meeting and showed them sketches of a proposed temple. The design was very much like the temple as built but with the wings of the lower portion removed, and with windows that were not included in the final temple. Two two stake presidents, O. Leslie Stone (later called as an assistant to the Twelve) and David B. Haight (later called as an apostle), were appointed to head the temple committee.[6]Richard O. Cowan and William E. Homer, California Saints: A 150-Year Legacy in the Golden State (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1996), 337–64.
California Temples at Time of Announcement
Announced
- –
Under Construction
- –
Dedicated
- Los Angeles California [1956]
ANNOUNCED ORDER
10
| Date | 1961 01 23 |
| By | David O. McKay |
| Role | President |
| Via | General Conference |
⮜Preceded by Los Angeles California
Followed by Bern Switzerland⮞
Groundbreaking
David O. McKay performed a groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication on 26 May 1962. Both of His councilors, many general Authorities, and about 7,000 others were in attendance. The trio flew in and back the same day[7]Harold W. Burton and W. Aird Macdonald, “The Oakland Temple,” Improvement Era Vol 67, No. 5, p. 380, May 1964.[8]“Oakland California Temple.” Church News, www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/oakland-california.
GROUNDBREAKING ORDER
13
| Date | 2022 06 18 |
| By | David O. McKay |
| Role | President |
| Attendees | 7,000 |
⮜Preceded by Hamilton New Zealand
Followed by Washington D.C.⮞
Cornerstone
The cornerstone of the Oakland California Temple was laid one year after the groundbreaking on 25 May 1963 by President Joseph Fielding Smith of the quorum of the Twelve. The Tabernacle Choir sang at the event, in which an estimated 7,000 people again attended.[9]Richard O. Cowan and William E. Homer, California Saints: A 150-Year Legacy in the Golden State (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1996), 337–64.
Open House
The Oakland California Temple was open to the public for tours 5-31 October 1954. During the 24 days of the Open House 347,000 people toured the temple, an average of 14,458 per day. On the first Saturday of the open house, 24,000 visitors came to the temple.[10]Richard O. Cowan and William E. Homer, California Saints: A 150-Year Legacy in the Golden State (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1996), 337–64.
The open house in October of 1964 was so well attended that local Church leaders extended the open house for an additional week. Over 4,000 local Latter-day Saints served in various capacities in the four-week span, some 400 a day needed to keep the open house moving smoothly.[11]“Oakland California Temple.” Church News, www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/oakland-california.
In addition to the general tours that were given, there was a special tour given to Japanese speakers visiting the area. Two other tours also took place for people with hearing impairments.
| Start Date | 1954 10 05 |
| End Date | 1954 10 31 |
| Days | 24 |
| Attendees | 347,000 |
| Per day | 14,458 |
Dedication
The temple was dedicated over six sessions held during 17-19 November 1964. President David O. McKay gave the dedicatory prayer. At 91 years of Age, President McKay had recently suffered a stroke and was having difficulty speaking and standing. There was much concern from other General Authorities and members of his own Family that he would not be able to dedicate the prayer. At the proper time he was taken to the pulpit in a wheelchair, was assisted in standing, and, gripping the lectern for support, spoke as clearly as he had prior to the stroke. With assistance to stand each time, he was able to clearly deliver both a talk and a the dedicatory prayer at each of the first 4 of the 6 dedicatory sessions .[12]Richard O. Cowan and William E. Homer, California Saints: A 150-Year Legacy in the Golden State (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1996), 337–64.
Accompanying President McKay on the trip were over 120 general authorities and their spouses, an extremely large number at that time. A dinner was held before the dedication for all of the Church leaders in attendance.
The dedication of the Oakland California Temple was the first to be transmitted by closed-circuit television to another building. Special tours of the temple were conducted each evening of the dedication for the benefit of those who had traveled long distances.
DEDICATION ORDER
13
| Date | 1964 44 47 |
| By | David O. McKay |
| Role | President |
| Sessions | 6 |
| Attendees | # |
⮜Preceeded by London England
Followed by Ogden Utah⮞
Construction Duration
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | 1 y, 4 m, 3 d |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | 2 y, 5 m, 22 d |
| Announced to Dedication | 3 y, 9 m, 25 d |
Dedicatory Order
GLOBAL
13
REGION
N. AM.
9
COUNTRY
U. S.
9
STATE
CALIFORNIA
2
COUNTY
ALEMEDA
1
CITY
OAKLAND
1
Summary
quick numbers on dedication order
Detail
Announced
- text
- text
Under Construction
- text
- text
Under Renovation
- text
- text
Dedication Order
The Oakland California Temple was the 13th temple built. It was the 2nd in California and the 9th in the United States. At the Time of its dedication there were no other temples under construction or being remodeled.
The Oakland California Temple is the 13th operating temple.
1969 Renovation
In 1969, it had been converted to a flower garden and sign holder for a scriptural passage from 3 Nephi 17 due to irreparable leaks.
1988 Renovation
Closure
On December 29, 1988, the Oakland California Temple closed for a major renovation to increase capacity and offer more efficient operation. [13]Satterfield, Rick. “Oakland California Temple,” https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/
Scope
A visitors’ center was constructed on site, replacing the small one that had operated in the west wing of the temple. The vacated space was repurposed as two waiting rooms—one for nonpatrons and the other for wedding parties. The recorder’s office was relocated, and a second chapel was added as an assembly room. Two sealing rooms that were located on either side of the Celestial Room were converted to small instruction rooms, giving the temple two large and two small instruction rooms. Replacement sealing rooms were added to the third floor.[14]Satterfield, Rick. “Oakland California Temple,” https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/
Reopening
The temple re-opened on 30 October 1990.[15]“Oakland California Temple”, MormonTemples.org, 15 February 2017. Accessed 27 July 2017.
2014 Renovation
In August 2014, work was completed on restoring the waterfall feature at the Oakland California Temple.
2017 Renovation
Announced
On 23 February 2017 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the Oakland California Temple will close in February 2018 for extensive renovation. The temple is expected to be closed for a period of at least a year. Per the Newsroom, as part of the renovation, the mechanical systems will be upgraded and the finish and furnishings will be refreshed.[16]Weaver, Sarah Jane, and Jason Swensen. “Two Landmark LDS Temples to Close for Renovations, Will Be Rededicated.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/2017/2/23/23211595/two-landmark-lds-temples-to-close-for-renovations-will-be-rededicated. The designers stayed true to the original vision conceived for the temple by architect Harold W. Burton, upgrading the historic mid-century structure to a mid-century modern masterpiece. The windowless temple had windows added for the first time to the main floor waiting area.
Commencement
As Scheduled, the temple closed 18 February 2018. The historic Bay area landmark, now over 50 years old, will be updated throughout and brought up to code.[17]Satterfield, Rick. “Oakland California Temple,” https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/
Opeh House/Rededication Announced
The public is invited to tour the newly renovated Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The open house runs from Saturday, May 11, through Saturday June 1, 2019, except for May 12, 19 and 26, 2019.
The temple will be formally rededicated on Sunday June 16, 2019, in three sessions. Prior to the rededication of the temple, a youth devotional will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019.[18]“Public Invited to Tour Newly Renovated Oakland California Temple.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 18 Dec. 2018, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/public-invited-tour-newly-renovated-oakland-california-temple.
Open House
text
| Start Date | 2019 05 11 |
| End Date | 2019 06 01 |
| Days | # |
| Attendees | # |
| Per day | A/D |
Youth Devotional
Preceding the rededication was a youth devotional the night before with the Oakses and the Bednars. President and Sister Oaks both spoke from the pulpit, then Elder and Sister Bednar led a youth panel in the 1,600-seat auditorium of the Interstake Center, adjacent to the temple.
Rededication
After the 16-month renovation process, the prominent San Francisco Bay Area temple was ready to be rededicated. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, rededicated the renovated temple and was accompanied by his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who was also with his wife, Sister Susan Bednar.
Of the opportunity to come to the rededication, Elder Bednar said, “Happy does not begin to describe how it makes me feel. I think it is one of the ultimate tender mercies.” The moment was made so sweet, as Elder Bednar grew up in the Bay Area and was at the dedication of the Oakland California Temple in 1964. Elder Bednar received his temple endowment at the Oakland temple as well.
While the beauty of the temple was immense, Elder Bednar said the focus should be — and always is — on the ordinances and the covenants of the temple, rather than the edifice itself.
President Oaks spoke of the renovations of the 50-plus-year-old temple. “It is not just a restoration of the physical facilities, but it is a rehabilitation of people who have strayed from the covenant path and who will be inspired to get back on by this wonderful house of the Lord.”
The rededication sessions of the Oakland California Temple were among the Church’s first to have speakers selected from outside the traditional group, being general authorities and general officers, their spouses, and the temple presidency and temple matron and her assistants.
President Oaks emphasized how the service should be not only a rededication of the temple building but also of the members themselves. “It is a unique opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the Lord’s work,” President Oaks said, “and to extend to members of our family an understanding of temple work and the purposes of the temple as well as to reach out to people who we think will be interested in the restored gospel.”
REDEDICATION ORDER
#
| Date | 2019 06 16 |
| By | Dallin H. Oakes |
| Role | 1st Counselor |
| Sessions | # |
| Attendees | # |
⮜Preceeded by #
Followed by #⮞
Construction Duration
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | – y, – m, – d |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | – y, – m, -d |
| Announced to Dedication | – y, – m, – d |
Presidents
| Temple President | Temple Matron | Years Served |
|---|---|---|
| John C Hodgman | Victoria Joyce Kelly Hodgman | 2022– |
| Charles Wesley Walton | Lizabeth Wood Walton | 2018–2022 |
| William Ray Southwick | Lynda Jane Davis Southwick | 2014–2018 |
| Richard Cless Crockett | Priscilla Rose Crockett | 2011–2014 |
| Richard Allen Hunter | Nan Greene Hunter | 2008–2011 |
| Darwin B. Christenson | Sandra Joelene Lyon Christenson | 2005–2008 |
| Ernest Walter Westover | Frances Pond Westover | 2002–2005 |
| Ewles Marshall McCoy | Suzanne Webb McCoy | 2001–2002 |
| Kay H Clifford | Edna Ruth Jones Clifford | 1999–2001 |
| Durrel Arden Woolsey | LaRae Wood Woolsey | 1996–1999 |
| Orlin Charles Munns | Opalgene Rawson Munns | 1993–1996 |
| Julius Barrow Papa | Leona Belle Bartlett Papa | 1990–1993 |
| Lorenzo Neville Hoopes | Stella Bobbie Sorensen Hoopes | 1985–1990 |
| Roland Donald Smith | Virginia Stohl Smith | 1983–1985 |
| Richard Ballantyne Sonne | Norma Hanson Sonne | 1977–1983 |
| Wallace Lowell Castleton | Laura Rynders Castleton | 1972–1977 |
| Thomas Osmond Call | Verna McMurdie Call | 1968–1972 |
| Delbert Franklin Wright | Gertrude Lyon Patton Wright | 1964–1968 |
Details
Location
Located in the city of Oakland, California, at 4770 Lincoln Ave.[19]Candland, Evelyn (1992), An Ensign to the Nations: History of the Oakland Stake, Oakland, CA: Oakland California Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, OCLC 78984818
Site
Commanding a sweeping view of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Oakland California Temple is a highly recognized East Bay landmark. The magnificent rooftop gardens and extensive grounds are distinguished by a cascading waterfall and creek-style water feature running from fountain to fountain in front of the temple entrance—lined with colorful gardens and towering palm trees.
From the temple grounds and terrace are spectacular views of the Bay Area, including downtown Oakland, the Bay Bridge, Yerba Buena Island, downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Other buildings on site
Interstake Center
The temple is not the oldest building of the LDS Church at the site. Between the temple and the front gate is a multi stake center that is used for many activities, and that dates back to the 1950’s. This building was originally referred to as the Tristake Center, serving the needs of the San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley stakes.[20] Hill, Greg (Sep 15, 2007), “Oakland’s Temple Hill—A beacon for members”, Church News
This building includes two chapels for sacrament meetings, an auditorium, a gymnasium and several classrooms and offices. The auditorium seats 1,600 people and has a 60-foot (18 m) stage. Besides the three resident organizations and the temple pageant, many Brigham Young University performing arts groups have performed in the auditorium.[21]“Contact & Temple Grounds”, thchoir.org, Temple Hill Choir
Location
4770 Lincoln Ave
Oakland, California 94602-2535
United States
| Latitude | # |
| Longitude | # |
Phone
Elevation
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 664 | 202 |
Site
| Acres | Hectares |
|---|---|
| 18.1 | 7.3 |
Visitors Center
The site has a visitors center opposite the multi stake center that was opened in 1992. In the front lobby is a duplicate statue of the Christus, similar to the one in the visitors center of the Salt Lake temple. There is also a Family History Center, an LDS Employment Center, an LDS Distribution Center and the headquarters of the California Oakland–San Francisco Mission.[22] Hill, Greg (Sep 15, 2007), “Oakland’s Temple Hill—A beacon for members”, Church News In addition, a small memorial to the Brooklyn is located to the side of the property.
The visitors’ center has free tours around the grounds and atop the temple daily.
And it Came to Pass Pageant
In the nearby Interstake Center, local members performed a Latter-day Saint pageant (an annual theatrical production) for many years. The pageant, commonly known as the “Temple Pageant,” was a musical stage production rehearsing the history and legacy of the LDS Church. It was one of only a few “temple pageants” around the country; others include the Easter Pageant in Mesa, Arizona, and the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, Utah. Until its retirement, it was the only such pageant performed indoors as well as the only one to be fully accompanied by a live orchestra. Initially, the pageant consisted of three acts performed over three consecutive nights; however, it was eventually shortened to an hour and a half.[23] Rott, Dale (Summer 2005), “Intersections Between Theatre and the Church in the United States: 1930-1990” (PDF), Journal of Religion and Theatre, 4 (1)[24]Ghaznavi, Shanna (July 1999), “Stars under the Sky”, New Era[25]Rees, Bridget (June 5, 2007). “LDS Pageants”. LDS Living Magazine. ISSN 1540-9678.
In November 2007, a letter sent to stake and mission presidents in the region from D. Todd Christofferson, then of the Presidency of the Seventy, indicated that the pageant would no longer be held.
Organizations
Symphony
The Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1985. It has 52 members, about a third of whom are not Latter-day Saints. It has other sponsors besides the LDS Church and is a non-profit organization that offers free concerts. It is currently directed by John Pew.[26]Haddock, Sharon (June 17, 2010), “The 586-mile commute of an orchestra director”, Deseret News
Public Affairs
There is also a Temple Hill Public Affairs Council which seeks to use the resources on the location to raise awareness of the LDS Church and its mission. As of 2007, it was directed by Lorenzo Hoopes.[27] Hill, Greg (Sep 15, 2007), “Oakland’s Temple Hill—A beacon for members”, Church News
The Temple Hill Choir and Behold Dance Collective—The Temple Hill Dance Company are also based here.[28]About Us”, templehillevents.com, Temple Hill Events[29]“Tapestry Performance”, beholddance.org, Behold Dance Collective
The exterior of the temple is reinforced concrete faced with sierra white granite from Raymond, California. The exterior features decorative friezes including one of the Savior. The back (south side) is a depiction of Christ descending from heaven to the people of the American continent soon after his resurrection in the Holy Land. The front (north side) illustrates Christ preaching his gospel to the people. The temple was built on an 18.3-acre (74,000 m2) plot, has four ordinance rooms, seven sealing rooms, and has a total floor area of 95,000 square feet (8,800 m2).
Exterior
Exterior
The design of the temple is modern with five spires and Oriental influence, which is designed to reflect the large Asian population in Northern California. Its architect was Harold W. Burton.[30]Candland, Evelyn (1992), An Ensign to the Nations: History of the Oakland Stake, Oakland, CA: Oakland California Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, OCLC 78984818
The courtyard of the temple features a large reflecting pool with a waterfall cascading down the side of the temple from an upper level. The temple was originally built to feature both pool and waterfall, but due to leaking from the water fall it was replaced. The pool was filled in and became a planting bed, and the waterfall was covered with a bronze plaque bearing a scripture from 3 Nephi chapter 17, from the Book of Mormon, relating how Christ blessed the children during his visit to the people of ancient America. In front of the garden plaque there was a statue of children staring at the plaque. The plaque was removed and the waterfall and pool restored in 2012-2014 for the Temples 50th anniversary.
To either side of the waterfall there are two staircases that lead to a terrace on the roof of the lower part of the temple.
The tallest spire reaches 170 feet.
Exterior Finish
text
Architectural Features
text
Specifications
| Feet | Meters | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 170 | 51.8 |
| To Shoulder | # | # |
| Width | # | # |
| Length | # | # |
| Footprint | # | # |
Cladding
Clean, monolithic, and minimalistic, with little ornamentation, the exterior of the building is faced with Sierra White granite.
The exterior of the Oakland California Temple features two 35-foot sculpted panels which can be seen up close from the terrace garden that surrounds the temple, occupying the main floor roof.
The relief sculpture on the north side ornaments the building and depicts Christ and His teachings, found in Matthew 5 and 6. The relief sculpture on the south side of the temple depicts the Savior as described in 3 Nephi 11:8–20 in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The five-spire design of the building hints at buildings of far-eastern origins, such as the Taj Mahal in India and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and reflects the diversity of the residents in the area.
Water Course
Windows
text
Spandrel panel
Cladding
Windows
Symbolism
Inscriptions
Cornerstone
Spires and Moroni
Spire
Moroni
| None | |
Interior
1964
1964
| Area | 80,157 f2 (7,447 m2) |
| Floors above grade | 3 |
| Floors below Grade | 0 |
| Baptistries | 1 |
| Initiatories | 12* |
| Endowment Rooms | 2 |
| Sealing Rooms | 7 |
Baptistry
text
| Baptistries: | 1 |
| Location: | Center |
| Exterior Windows: | No |
| Artwork: | No |
| Artwork Type: | none |
| Oxen: | 12 |
| Type: | 1/4 |
| Hoof: | Visible |
| Color: | Brass |
| Layout: | 3 spread each at Compass |
| Font Exterior: | Precast |
| Interior: | Gray Tile |
| Shape: | Octagon |
| Bowl Shape: | Square |
| Pillar: | Reeds |
| Stairs: | Dual, Opposing |
| Font Well: | Exterior |
Initiatory Spaces
text
| Style | attached |
| Type | progressive |
| Rooms | 12* |
Instruction Rooms
With the introduction of the new International temples, the endowment had begun to be presented in film format. This had allowed for a single room for the entire endowment ceremony. In the Oakland Temple this concept was taken one step further, and 2 separate rooms were provided. This allowed for sessions to be started every hour and 15 minutes in alternate rooms, instead of once every 2 and a half hours in a single or series of 4 progressive rooms. [31]Harold W. Burton and W. Aird Macdonald, “The Oakland Temple,” Improvement Era Vol 67, No. 5, p. 380, May 1964.(These two rooms would later be be increased to 4, thorugh take less used space to add rooms on the other 2 sides of the celestial.)
| Rooms | 2 |
| Type | Stationary |
| Capacity | 200* |
| Murals | N |
| Total Muraled Rooms | 0 |
| Mural Type | NA |
The Oakland California Temple was the first temple in the United States designed for film presentation of the endowment and the first temple to have more than one instruction room connected directly to a central celestial room. To simulate a progressive presentation, slide projectors were used to shine photographic murals on the walls representing the various stages of the endowment. Later, indirect lighting was used to symbolize the transition from one stage to another.
The increased frequency and capacity provided by these two rooms, plus the work being done at the other temples, (plus the church’s first computerized system for managing names and records) caused a new situation, in that for the first time in the history of temple work members were doing work for more names than they could submit. This led to Employees at Church headquarters being authorized to pull names from vital record that had been microfilmed. This easy and inexpensive method of recording names in turn led to the creation of the Church’s branch Genealogical libraries.[32]Richard O. Cowan and William E. Homer, California Saints: A 150-Year Legacy in the Golden State (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1996), 337–64.
Celestial Room
text-images
Sealing Rooms
The Oakland California Temple has 7 sealing rooms, ont he third floor of the temple.
| Sealing Rooms | 7 |
| Capacity | # |
Cafeteria
Yes
Clothing Issue
Yes
1990
1990
| Area | 80,157 f2 (7,447 m2) |
| Floors above grade | 3 |
| Floors below Grade | 0 |
| Baptistries | 1 |
| Initiatories | 12* |
| Endowment Rooms | 4 |
| Sealing Rooms | 7 |
Baptistry
text
| Baptistries: | 1 |
| Location: | Center |
| Exterior Windows: | No |
| Artwork: | Yes |
| Artwork Type: | Framed |
| Oxen: | 12 |
| Type: | 1/4 |
| Hoof: | Visible |
| Color: | Brass |
| Layout: | 3 spread each at Compass |
| Font Exterior: | Precast |
| Interior: | Gray Tile |
| Shape: | Octagon |
| Bowl Shape: | Square |
| Pillar: | Reeds |
| Stairs: | Dual, Opposing |
| Font Well: | Exterior |
Initiatory Spaces
text
| Style | attached |
| Type | progressive |
| Rooms | 12* |
Instruction Rooms
The Oakland California Temple was originally built with two auditorium-style instruction rooms each seating 200 persons for film presentation of the endowment. In 1990, two smaller instruction rooms were created from the second-floor sealing rooms. (In 2019, center aisles were added and seating capacity was reduced to improve the functionality of those spaces.)
| Rooms | 4 |
| Type | Stationary |
| Capacity | 200/68* |
| Murals | N |
| Total Muraled Rooms | 0 |
| Mural Type | NA |
Celestial Room
text-images
Sealing Rooms
The Oakland California Temple has 7 sealing rooms, ont he third floor of the temple.
| Sealing Rooms | 7 |
| Capacity | # |
Cafeteria
Yes
Clothing Issue
Yes
Contractors
| Project Manager | W.B. Mendenhall | |
| Architect | Harold W. Burton | |
| Supervising Architect | Arthur Price | |
| Contractor | Leon M. Wheatley Co. | |
| Construction Superintendant | Robert C. Loden | |
| Additional Contractor | Jacobsen Construction |
Region
TEMPLES IN UNITED STATES (EXCEPT UTAH) by state
TEMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA (EXCEPT US & MEXICO) by country
| Canada | 11 | Calgary · Cardston · Edmonton · Halifax · Lethbridge · Montreal · Regina · Toronto · Vancouver · Victoria · Winnipeg |
| Costa Rica | 1 | San José |
| Dominican Republic | 1 | Santiago · Santo Domingo |
| El Salvador | 1 | San Salvador · Santa Ana |
| Guatemala | 6 | Cobán · Guatemala City · Huehuetenango · Miraflores Guatemala City · Quetzaltenango · Retalhuleu |
| Haiti | 1 | Port-au-Prince · |
| Honduras | 2 | Tegucigalpa · San Pedro Sula |
| Mexico | 26 | |
| Nicaragua | 1 | Managua |
| Panama | 1 | Panama City |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | San Juan |
| United States | 143 |
Sources and Links
References
| ↑1 | McKay, David O. (November 17, 1964), “Oakland California Temple: We invoke Thy blessing particularly upon Thy people in this temple district”, Church News |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Harold W. Burton and W. Aird Macdonald, “The Oakland Temple,” Improvement Era, May 1964, 380. |
| ↑3, ↑5 | Richard O. Cowan and Robert G. Larson, The Oakland Temple: Portal to Eternity (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2014), pp. 17–40. |
| ↑4 | LDS Church Almanac: 2008 Edition, 2007, p. 550 |
| ↑6, ↑9, ↑10, ↑12, ↑32 | Richard O. Cowan and William E. Homer, California Saints: A 150-Year Legacy in the Golden State (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1996), 337–64. |
| ↑7, ↑31 | Harold W. Burton and W. Aird Macdonald, “The Oakland Temple,” Improvement Era Vol 67, No. 5, p. 380, May 1964. |
| ↑8, ↑11 | “Oakland California Temple.” Church News, www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/oakland-california. |
| ↑13, ↑14, ↑17 | Satterfield, Rick. “Oakland California Temple,” https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/ |
| ↑15 | “Oakland California Temple”, MormonTemples.org, 15 February 2017. Accessed 27 July 2017. |
| ↑16 | Weaver, Sarah Jane, and Jason Swensen. “Two Landmark LDS Temples to Close for Renovations, Will Be Rededicated.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/2017/2/23/23211595/two-landmark-lds-temples-to-close-for-renovations-will-be-rededicated. |
| ↑18 | “Public Invited to Tour Newly Renovated Oakland California Temple.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 18 Dec. 2018, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/public-invited-tour-newly-renovated-oakland-california-temple. |
| ↑19, ↑30 | Candland, Evelyn (1992), An Ensign to the Nations: History of the Oakland Stake, Oakland, CA: Oakland California Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, OCLC 78984818 |
| ↑20, ↑22, ↑27 | Hill, Greg (Sep 15, 2007), “Oakland’s Temple Hill—A beacon for members”, Church News |
| ↑21 | “Contact & Temple Grounds”, thchoir.org, Temple Hill Choir |
| ↑23 | Rott, Dale (Summer 2005), “Intersections Between Theatre and the Church in the United States: 1930-1990” (PDF), Journal of Religion and Theatre, 4 (1) |
| ↑24 | Ghaznavi, Shanna (July 1999), “Stars under the Sky”, New Era |
| ↑25 | Rees, Bridget (June 5, 2007). “LDS Pageants”. LDS Living Magazine. ISSN 1540-9678. |
| ↑26 | Haddock, Sharon (June 17, 2010), “The 586-mile commute of an orchestra director”, Deseret News |
| ↑28 | About Us”, templehillevents.com, Temple Hill Events |
| ↑29 | “Tapestry Performance”, beholddance.org, Behold Dance Collective |