Anchorage Alaska Temple Wiki
Quick Facts
ANNOUNCED
2 October 1997
ANNOUNCED BY
President Gordon B. Hinckley
GROUNDBREAKING
17 April 1997
GROUNDBREAKING PRESIDED BY
Elder F. Melvin Hammond
DEDICATED
9 January 1999
DEDICATED BY
President Gordon B. Hinckley
DEDICATION ORDER
54
LOCATION
13161 Brayton Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99516
United States
PHONE
(+1) 907-348-7890
History
The Church’s presence in Alaska has grown since the gold rush brought the first Latter-day Saints to the state in 1898. Missionaries came to Juneau for only a short time in 1913, and it was not until 1938 that Alaska had an official Latter-day Saint congregation. In 1961, Alaska’s first stake was organized.
Before the temple was dedicated in 1999, Church members in Alaska traveled first to the Cardston Alberta Temple, then to the Seattle Washington Temple after its dedication.
Announcement
The Anchorage Alaska Temple was announced on 4 October 1997, by Church President Gordon B. Hinckley in Priesthood Session of the 167th Semiannual General Conference. In the same general conference, President Hinckley announced that the Church would be constructing small temples in remote areas of the world where the number of Church members was not very large. There are many areas in the Church which are remote and where membership is small and not likely to grow much in the future. It was decided to begin building the smaller temples in an effort to reduce travel distances for much of the membership of the church. Many of these members could only make one temple trip in a lifetime due to the great distance and cost of such trips.[1]Hinckley, By President Gordon B. Some Thoughts on Temples, Retention of Converts, and Missionary Service. 2 Oct. 1997, www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1997/10/some-thoughts-on-temples-retention-of-converts-and-missionary-service?lang=eng&id=p16#p16.
“I believe that no member of the Church has received the ultimate which this Church has to give until he or she has received his or her temple blessings in the house of the Lord,” President Hinckley stated. “Accordingly, we are doing all that we know how to do to expedite the construction of these sacred buildings and make the blessings received therein more generally available.”[2]Hinckley, By President Gordon B. Some Thoughts on Temples, Retention of Converts, and Missionary Service. 2 Oct. 1997, www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1997/10/some-thoughts-on-temples-retention-of-converts-and-missionary-service?lang=eng&id=p16#p16.
ANNOUNCED ORDER
68
| Date | 1997 10 04 |
| By | Gordon B. Hinckley |
| Role | President |
| Via | General Conference |
⮜Preceded by Porto Alegre Brazil
Followed by Monticello Utah⮞
Announced 4 October 1997
- Anchorage Alaska
- The Colonies in Mexico
(Colonia Juarez Mexico) - Monticello Utah
When President Hinckley announced his concept of smaller temples in 1997, Anchorage topped the list of considerations for a pilot location. However, at the suggestion of Anchorage temple architect Doug Green, Monticello, Utah, was selected for the prototype because of its location near Church Headquarters.
From what was learned during that temple’s construction, Brother Green was able to implement nearly 300 improvements and modifications to the Anchorage temple blueprints that included innovations such as heated stairs and an entrance canopy. [3] Chad Hawkins, The First 100 Temples (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 2001) 149–151.
Groundbreaking
Groundbreaking
text
On 17 April 1998 Elder F. Melvin Hammond of the Seventy presided over the groundbreaking and site dedication for the temple Approximately 1,700 members attended the ceremony.[4]Church News Archives. “Ground Broken for New Temple in Anchorage.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/1998/4/25/23250775/ground-broken-for-new-temple-in-anchorage.
GROUNDBREAKING ORDER
63
| Date | 1998 04 17 |
| By | F. Melvin Hammond |
| Role | Seventy |
| Attendees | 1,700 |
⮜Preceded by Billings Montana
Followed by Campinas Brazil⮞
Render Released
The render for the Anchorage Alaska Temple was likely released at the Groundbreaking.
OFFICIAL RENDER
Construction
The construction of the 6,800 square foot temple took only nine months.
Open House
From 29 to 31 December 1998, the temple opened to the public for an open house. During its short 2½-day open house, the Anchorage Alaska Temple saw 14,131 visitors tour its interior prior to dedication. [5] Howlett, Sandi “Sacred Edifice Called a ‘Jewel Box’” ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 9 January 1999. Accessed 6 January 2015
OPEN HOUSE
| Start Date | 1998 12 29 |
| End Date | 1998 12 30 |
| Days | 2.5 |
| Attendees | 14,131 |
| Per day av. | 5,652 |
Dedication
Cornerstone
President Hinckley and a small group of other Church leaders entered a small heated structure temporarily built to provide shelter from the 18-degree weather. Inside, they placed mortar on the capstone, ceremonially completing the temple construction. A 21-person choir made up of members of the Anchorage Alaska Stake sang in the small structure, filling the air with music before President Hinckley returned inside the temple.[6]Heaps, Julie Dockstader “Northernmost Temple Dedicated
Some 6,000 Attend Services in Frigid Anchorage Winter.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/1999/1/16/23249428/northernmost-temple-dedicated-br-some-6-000-attend-services-in-frigid-anchorage-winter.
Dedication
6,291 Church members attended a total of seven dedicatory sessions from January 9 to 10, 1999. President Hinckley offered the dedicatory prayer, in which he mentioned the global scope of temple work: “May this great work of temple building go forward across the earth to bless Thy people wherever they may be found. May all who come with hope and high expectation leave with satisfaction and gratitude, having tasted of the sweet things of Thy divine work.”[7] Anchorage Alaska Temple dedicatory prayer, in Church News, Jan. 16, 1999, [8]Dockstader, Julie “Northernmost temple dedicated Some 6,000 attend services in frigid Anchorage winter”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 16 January 1999. Accessed 10 April 2015
DEDICATION ORDER
54
| Date | 1999 01 09-10 |
| By | Gordon B. Hinckley |
| Role | President |
| Sessions | 7 |
| Attendees | 6,000 |
⮜Proceeded by Monticello Utah
Followed by Colonia Juárez Chihuahua Mexico⮞
Construction Duration
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | 0 y, 6 m, 16 d |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | 0 y, 8 m, 8 d |
| Announced to Dedication | 1 y, 3 m, 8 d |
Dedicatory Order
GLOBAL
54
REGION
N. AM.
32
COUNTRY
USA
28
STATE
ALASKA
1
COUNTY
ANCHORAGE BRGH
1
CITY
ANCHORAGE
1
The Anchorage Alaska Temple was the second of the smaller temples to be dedicated, preceded by the Monticello Utah Temple. It was the 54th temple in the world, the first in Alaska, and the 28th temple dedicated in the United States.
At the time of the Temple’s Dedication, there were 27 temples under construction, 13 Temples awaiting Groundbreaking, and no temples under renovation.
Announced
- Columbus Ohio
- Bogotá Columbia
- Halifax Nova Scotia
- Colonia Juarez Chihuahua Mexico
- Caracs Venezuela
- Madrid Spain
- Santo Dom ingo Dominican Republic
- Tampico Mexico
- Cochobamba Bolicia
- Recife Brazil
- Boston Massachusetts
- Billings Montana
- Campinas Brazil
- Albuquerque New Mexico
- Guayaquil Ecuador
- Porto Alegro Brazil
- Houston Texas
- St. Paul Minnesotta
- Bismarck North Dakota
- Hermosilla Sonora Mexico
- Regina Saskatchewan
- Detroit Michigan
- Spokane Washington
- Columbia South Carolina
- Memphis Tennessee
- Meridia Mexico
- Villahermosa Mexico
Under Construction
Under Renovation
Commencement
The Anchorage Alaska Temple opened for operation on 11 January 1999.
2004 Renovation
Less than five years after the temple was dedicated, it closed for 10 months to be expanded. The remodel, begun in April 2003, increased the temple’s 6,800 square feet to 11,937 square feet. A second instruction room, second sealing room, A gathering room and an expanded coatroom were added to the temple to facilitate with temple work.
Unlike the Monticello Temple, originally built on the same floor plan, where the expansion added on to one end of the temple, the original placement of the Anchorage Alaska Temple on a small hill required the temple be expanded to one side, the new addition taking on 2 stories.
Open House
Preceding its rededication, the Anchorage Alaska Temple was opened to the public for an open house 26-31 January of 2004. During that time it was toured by nearly 10,000 visitors, who traveled from all over the large state. [9]Howlett, Sandi “Icy Opening and a Warm Welcome”, ldschurchnews.com, 7 February 2004. Accessed 10 April 2015
Even though temperatures dipped below zero degrees, hundreds of local members volunteered to help organize and implement the temple open house for interested attendees.
OPEN HOUSE
| Start Date | 2004 01 26 |
| End Date | 2004 01 31 |
| Days | # |
| Attendees | 10,000 |
| Per day | A/D |
Cultural Celebration
Prior to the rededication of the temple a regional cultural event was held, featuring 600 local members of 4 local stakes. The presentation taught both he history of the state and the history of the Church in Alaska.[10]Howlett, Sandi. “The Story of Alaska.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/2004/2/14/23238914/the-story-of-alaska.
CULTURAL CELEBRATION
| Date | 2004 02 07 |
| Title | In the Shadows of the Mountains |
| Location | # |
| Performers | 600 |
| Attendees | # |
Rededication
President Hinckley conducted the rededication on 8 February 2004. [11]Howlett, Sandi,“Anchorage Alaska Temple Rededicated by Prophet”, ldschurchnews.com, 14 February 2004. Accessed 10 April 2005
REDEDICATION
| Date | 2004 02 08 |
| By | Gordon B. Hinckley |
| Role | President |
| Sessions | # |
| Attendees | # |
Construction Duration
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | TBD |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | 0 y, 10 m, 7 d |
| Announced to Dedication | TBD |
Dedicatory Order
At the time of the Temple’s Rededication, there were 6 temples under construction, 6 Temples awaiting Groundbreaking, and 2 temples under renovation.
Announced
- Aba Nigeria
- Helsinkin Finland
- Newport Beach California
- San Antonia
- Manhattan New York
- Copenhagen Denmark
Under Construction
- Harrison New York
- Kyiv Ukraine
- Sacramento California
- Curitiba Brazil
- Panama City Panama
- Rexburg Idaho
Under Renovation
- Apia Samoa
- Sao Paulo Brazil
Reopening
The temple once again commenced operation on 9 February 2004.
Scope
The known scope of this renovation is as follows
- changing rooms
- office space
- a laundry area
- a patron waiting room
- a separate instruction room with a capacity of 50 people
Stake Center Fire
On, Thursday, March 22, 2007, an accidental fire erupted in the 30-year-old stake center adjacent to the Anchorage Alaska Temple, destroying most of the roof and causing extensive damage; it was rebuilt over the next year. The following day, a water line burst in the temple basement, flooding it with 3–5 feet of water; the building was quickly restored to working order.
2024 Reconstruction
On 23 January 2023 the First Presidency announced that the Anchorage Temple would be closing in about a year for a complete reconstruction. Instead of enlarging the existing small structure, perched on a small rise at the edge of the property, they announced that the existing Stake Center would be removed, and a larger 30,000 square foot temple would instead be built at that location. Then, after completion of the new temple, the original temple would be removed and a new Chapel built at the spot the Temple currently sits upon.[12]“Anchorage Alaska Temple to Be Reconstructed.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 23 Jan. 2023, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/anchorage-alaska-temple-to-be-rebuilt.
OFFICIAL RENDER
Commencement
Dismantling the Stake Center
Begining on 17 February of 2024, the Church began donating anything usable from the Stake Center to local organizations that could use them.
The meetinghouse’s curtains, trim, finished wood and wheelchair ramp went to a children’s theater that burned down three years ago in Kenai, a 150-mile drive south of the temple grounds.
Pews, chairs and the basketball rims and backboards from the building’s cultural hall were collected for a new recreation center for the community of Nenana, more than 300 miles to the north.
The podium was removed to be reused by the Islamic Community Center of Anchorage.
First United Methodist Church collected pews out of the chapel.
Items from the kitchen, such as a stove, were collected by New Hope Baptist Church.
Individuals representing more than 25 faith and civic organizations came to haul off materials from the old meetinghouse, to be used in religious and community locations in and around Anchorage and beyond.[13]Taylor, Scott. “Alaska Meetinghouse’s Furnishings, Materials Donated.” Church News, 22 Feb. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2024/2/20/24078007/brayton-alaska-stake-center-furnishings-materials-donated-anchorage-temple.
Demolishing the stake Center
By 2 March 2024, demolition had begun on the original Stake Center sitting where the new Temple would go.
Presidents and Matrons
| Temple President | Temple Matron | Years Served |
|---|---|---|
| Rodney Dean Metcalf | Terry Louise Potter Metcalf | 2022– |
| James Lewis McCarrey III | Barbara Norton McCarrey | 2019–2022 |
| Melvin Roy Nichols | Sharon Lynn Malott Nichols | 2016–2019 |
| Dennis Earl Cook | Beatrice Olga Blair Cook | 2013–2016[14]“New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 4 May 2013. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| Melvin Reed Perkins | Sharon Anne Varni Perkins | 2010–2013[15]“New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 5 June 2010. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| Lloyd V Owen | Peggy Eathel Tuel Owen | 2007–2010[16]“New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 11 August 2007. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| Gary Everett Cox | Joyce Stephenson Cox | 2004–2007[17]“New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 4 September 2004. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| Merrill Dean Briggs | Janet Jensen Briggs | 1999–2004[18]“New Temple President”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 28 November 1999. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
Details
Location
The Anchorage Alaska Temple stands just east of highly traveled Seward Highway in southern Anchorage. A beautiful grove of trees and the majestic Chugach Mountains create a stunning backdrop for this holy house. The Anchorage Alaska Temple is farther north than any other LDS temple in the world.
Site
The temple is part of a complex with the Anchorage Alaska Stake Center; the two buildings share a common parking lot and a 5.54 acre site. The Stake Center, built in the mid to late 1970s, occupies the center of the site, with the Temple in the south east most corner.[19]Walter, Byron D. “Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony”, Mission.net, 19 April 1998. Accessed 6 January 2015
LOCATION
Address
13161 Brayton Dr
Anchorage, Alaska 99516
United States
| Latitude | 61.1017 |
| Longitude | -149.8406 |
Phone
Elevation
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 208 | 63.4 |
Site
| Acres | Hectares |
|---|---|
| 5.4 | 2.2 |
Site
While there was no change to the location of the temple, the expansion moved the front of the temple farther north than it had been originally.
LOCATION
Address
13161 Brayton Dr
Anchorage, Alaska 99516
United States
| Latitude | 61.1017 |
| Longitude | -149.8406 |
Phone
Elevation
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 208 | 63.4 |
Site
| Acres | Hectares |
|---|---|
| 5.4 | 2.2 |
Site
The temple sits on the north half of the lot, faceing south east, towards the new stake center. The location overlaps slightly the site of the original Stake Center.
LOCATION
Address
13161 Brayton Dr
Anchorage, Alaska 99516
United States
| Latitude | 61.1020 |
| Longitude | -149.8418 |
Phone
Elevation
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 205 | 63 |
Site
| Acres | Hectares |
|---|---|
| 5.4 | 2.2 |
Exterior
1997
The exterior of the temple measures on Google Earth as being m ( ft . long,) by m ( ft.) wide and has an estimated footprint of m ( sq ft.)
Cladding
The temple is clad in gray and white quartz-flecked Sierra White Granite from Fresno California.
Windows
Room
Window
The windows on the Anchorage Alaska Temple are stained glass with dual panels, the windows are in sets of four.
The stained glass has been described as being reminiscent of water, and stylized evergreens with patterns resembling native designs are used to adorn interior furnishings.
EXTERIOR
Finish
Sierra White Granite
Architectural Features
Single attached spire right of original entrance
Specifications
| Feet | Meters | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 55 | 16.76 |
| Width | 77 | 23.5 |
| Length | 106 | 32.3 |
| Footprint | 6563 | 609.7 |
2004
Cladding
The exterior of the temple measures on Google Earth as being m ( ft . long,) by m ( ft.) wide and has an estimated footprint of m ( sq ft.)
Water Course
All new additions to the temple were clad in the same gray and white quartz-flecked Sierra White Granite from Fresno California.
Windows
The north windows of the temple were removed and placed into the new north facade of the temple, in an identical configuration.
The bottom story received new single pane windows featuring similarly patterned art glass.
Transom panel
text
Spandrel panel
text
EXTERIOR
Finish
Sierra White Granite
Architectural Features Asymmetrical wandering floorplan.
Specifications
| Feet | Meters | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 55 | 16.77 |
| Width | 133 | 40.54 |
| Length | 106 | 32.3 |
| Footprint | 11,149.73 | 1,035.9 |
2027 (estimated)
Cladding
text
Water Course
text
Windows
text
Transom panel
text
Spandrel panel
text
Exterior Finish
text
Architectural Features
text
Specifications
| Feet | Meters | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | # | # |
| To Shoulder | # | # |
| Width | # | # |
| Length | # | # |
| Footprint | # | # |
Symbolism
Inscriptions 1999
Celestial Room
The words Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord are inscribed in two different locations on the original Anchorage Alaska Temple: (1) on the east side of the temple on the exterior wall of the Celestial Room, on the base of the spire near the original entrance.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
INSCRIPTION DETAILS
| Order: | Holiness > House |
| Location: | East East side above Celestial Room windows |
| Language: | English |
| Type: | Engraved |
| Color: | Unfinished |
| Setting: | Granite |
| Font: | Michelangelo |
| Glyph | None |
| ChurchName | Yes |
| Temple Name | No |
| Dates | No |
Spire
The second inscription of the Anchorage Temple is on the base of the spire at about eye height. Unlike the Celestial Room inscription, it is in English, inscribed into the stone, and painted black.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
INSCRIPTION DETAILS
| Order: | Holiness > House |
| Location: | North base of the spire near the entrance |
| Language: | English |
| Type: | Engraved |
| Color: | Black |
| Setting: | Granite |
| Font: | Michelangelo |
| Glyph | None |
| ChurchName | No |
| Temple Name | No |
| Dates | No |
Cornerstone
The cornerstone of the Anchorage Alaska Temple is located on_____, east face of the temple. Like the Celestial Room inscription, it is also engraved into the stone and unpainted.
ERECTED
1999
| Location | TBD |
| Faces | TBD |
| Material | Granite |
| Set | Outset |
| Edge | Chamfer |
| Type | Engraved |
| Finish | Unfinished |
| Language | English |
Star Stones
Doug Green, a member of the Church and the temple architect, wanted to find ways to make the Temple uniquely Alaskan, despite the temple sharing what was then intended to be the floor plan for more than 40 planned temples. He prayed for inspiration, and on one of his trips to Salt Lake City, he noticed something on the, Salt Lake Temple that he hadn’t seen before—the seven stars of the Big Dipper pointing to the North Star. That symbol is found on the Alaskan flag, and is now depicted on the west side of the Anchorage Alaska Temple.[20] “Gathering of Saints”, by Jasper and Lommel, p 320
The stones surround the 3 windows of the baptistry on the temple’s west end. The stars are placed in an arrangement of the Big Dipper, including one extra large stone for the north Star
Inscriptions 2004
Celestial Room
The words Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord are inscribed in two different locations on the original Anchorage Alaska Temple: (1) on the east side of the temple on the exterior wall of the Celestial Room, on the base of the spire near the original entrance.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
INSCRIPTION DETAILS
| Order: | Holiness > House |
| Location: | East East side above Celestial Room windows |
| Language: | English |
| Type: | Engraved |
| Color: | Unfinished |
| Setting: | Granite |
| Font: | Michelangelo |
| Glyph | None |
| ChurchName | Yes |
| Temple Name | No |
| Dates | No |
Spire
The second inscription of the Anchorage Temple is on the base of the spire at about eye height. Unlike the Celestial Room inscription, it is in English, inscribed into the stone, and painted black.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
INSCRIPTION DETAILS
| Order: | Holiness > House |
| Location: | North base of the spire near the entrance |
| Language: | English |
| Type: | Engraved |
| Color: | Black |
| Setting: | Granite |
| Font: | Michelangelo |
| Glyph | None |
| ChurchName | No |
| Temple Name | No |
| Dates | No |
Entrance
The Second inscription is on the North-North West side of the temple above the new entrance.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
INSCRIPTION DETAILS
| Order: | Holiness > House |
| Location: | North above Entrance |
| Language: | English |
| Type: | Engraved |
| Color: | Black |
| Setting: | Granite |
| Font: | Michelangelo |
| Glyph | None |
| ChurchName | No |
| Temple Name | No |
| Dates | No |
Cornerstone
The cornerstone of the Anchorage Alaska Temple is located on_____, east face of the temple. Like the Celestial Room inscription, it is also engraved into the stone and unpainted.
ERECTED
1999
| Location | TBD |
| Faces | TBD |
| Material | Granite |
| Set | Outset |
| Edge | Chamfer |
| Type | Engraved |
| Finish | Unfinished |
| Language | English |
Star Stones
Doug Green, a member of the Church and the temple architect, wanted to find ways to make the Temple uniquely Alaskan, despite the temple sharing what was then intended to be the floor plan for more than 40 planned temples. He prayed for inspiration, and on one of his trips to Salt Lake City, he noticed something on the, Salt Lake Temple that he hadn’t seen before—the seven stars of the Big Dipper pointing to the North Star. That symbol is found on the Alaskan flag, and is now depicted on the west side of the Anchorage Alaska Temple.[21] “Gathering of Saints”, by Jasper and Lommel, p 320
The stones surround the 3 windows of the baptistry on the temple’s west end. The stars are placed in an arrangement of the Big Dipper, including one extra large stone for the north Star
Inscriptions 2027
Spires and Finial
Spires 1999
There is a single spire on the Anchorage Alaska Temple. The spire sits next to the original entrance. While not detached from the building, the spire pillar sits upon the ground rather than on the temple like most small temples.
SPIRE
| Spires | 1 |
| Location | Right of entrance |
| Finish | Granite |
| Type | tower |
| shape | Square |
| Tower shape | Square |
Finial
The Angel Moroni statue was placed upon the single spire of the temple on 17 December 1998. The statue is a gilded fiberglass replica of LaVar Wallgren’s 5′ 11″ statue holding a scroll in the left hand.
FINIAL
| Sculptor: | LaVar Wallgren |
| Commissioned: | 1997 |
| Completed: | 1999* |
| Material: | Fiberglass |
| Height: | 5’ 11” (1.8 m) |
| Weight: | – lbs (- kg) |
| Currently On: | 5 temples |
Temple Details
| Placed | 17 December 1998 |
| Faces | East North East |
| Color | Gold Leaf |
Spire 2027
Interior
1999
Motif
The temple design incorporates Alaskan motifs, such as likenesses of fir trees on the doorway pilasters. [22] “Gathering of Saints”, by Jasper and Lommel, p 320
Services Rooms
The temple has no food services and no clothing rental.
Entry/Waiting Area
The Entry and Waiting Area of the temple is directly under the spire of the temple, and sits between the Baptistry and First Instruction Room.
GENERAL INTERIOR
| Area | 6,800 sqf (631.7 m2) |
| Floors above grade | 1 |
| Floors below Grade | 0 |
| Baptistries | 1 |
| Initiatories | 2 |
| Endowment Rooms | 1 |
| Sealing Rooms | 1 |
Baptistry
The Anchorage Alaska Temple has a single baptistry. It is located to the right of the main entrance of the temple, along the centerline of the structure, at the temple’s west end.
BAPTISTRY
| Baptistries: | 1 |
| Location: | West end center |
| Exterior Windows: | Yes |
| Artwork: | No |
| Artwork Type: | None |
| Oxen: | 12 |
| Type: | 1/4 |
| Hoof: | Visible |
| Color: | White, Matte |
| Layout: | Even Distribution |
| Font Exterior: | White Stone |
| Interior: | White Tile |
| Shape: | Dodecagon |
| Bowl Shape: | Dodecagon |
| Pillar: | Reeds |
| Stairs: | Single, Center |
| Font Well: | Interior |
Initiatory Spaces
There is one initiatory space attached directly to each of the changing rooms. There is one Room per changing room area, for a total of 2 booths.
Each Room is partitioned into 4 progressive spaces.
INITIATORY
| Style | Attached |
| Type | Progressive |
| Rooms | 2 |
Instruction Rooms
On the other side of the entrance from the baptistry, is the temple’s instruction room.
INSTRUCTION ROOM
| Rooms | 1 |
| Type | Stationary |
| Capacity | 50 |
| Murals | None |
| Total Muraled Rooms | None |
| Mural Type | None |
Celestial Room
The Celestial Room, a place for prayer and meditation representing Heaven, is at the east end of the temple on the center line, next to the Instruction Room.
The 700-pound Celestial Room chandelier of the Anchorage Alaska Temple features thousands of Hungarian crystals and 140 lights that make the room’s windows appear gold from the outside.
Sealing Room
The Anchorage Temple has one sealing room, located to the side of the Celestial room and Instruction Room.
SEALING ROOM
| Sealing Rooms | 1 |
| Capacity | 30* |
Brides Room
The Brides room on the Original temple design was separated from the sealing room by a movable partition wall, allowing the Brides’ room to be added to the sealing room, if more space was needed for that room.
2004
The expanded temple contains two endowment rooms, set up in a progressive presentation, with 2(?) sealing rooms.
Motif
The temple design incorporates Alaskan motifs, such as likenesses of fir trees on the doorway pilasters. [23] “Gathering of Saints”, by Jasper and Lommel, p 320
Services Rooms
The temple has no food services and no clothing rental.
Entry/Waiting Area
The Entry and Waiting Area of the temple is directly under the spire of the temple, and sits between the Baptistry and First Instruction Room.
| Area | 6,800 sqf (631.7 m2) |
| Floors above grade | 2 |
| Floors below Grade | |
| Baptistries | 1 |
| Initiatories | 2 |
| Endowment Rooms | 2 |
| Sealing Rooms | 2 |
Baptistry
The Anchorage Alaska Temple has a single baptistry. It is located to the right of the main entrance of the temple, along the centerline of the structure, at the temple’s west end.
| Baptistries: | 1 |
| Location: | West end center |
| Exterior Windows: | Yes |
| Artwork: | Yes |
| Artwork Type: | Framed, Opposing |
| Oxen: | 12 |
| Type: | 1/4 |
| Hoof: | Visible |
| Color: | White, Matte |
| Layout: | Even Distribution |
| Font Exterior: | White Stone |
| Interior: | White Tile |
| Shape: | Dodecagon |
| Bowl Shape: | Dodecagon |
| Pillar: | Reeds |
| Stairs: | Single, Center |
| Font Well: | Interior |
Initiatory Spaces
There are two initiatory spaces attached one each directly to each of the changing rooms. There is one Room per changing room area, for a total of 2 booths.
Each Room is partitioned into 4 progressive spaces.
| Style | Attached |
| Type | Progressive |
| Rooms | 2 |
Instruction Rooms
On the other side of the entrance from the baptistry, are the temple’s two, progressive style instruction rooms.
Instruction A
A mural of Alaska’s mountainous terrain adorns the wall of the first instruction room.
Instruction B
The second Instruction Room of the temple. Location TBD.
| Rooms | 2 |
| Type | Stationary |
| Capacity | 40 |
| Murals | Yes |
| Total Muraled Rooms | 1 |
| Mural Type | Half Wall |
Celestial Room
The Celestial Room, a place for prayer and meditation representing Heaven, is at the east end of the temple on the center line, next to the Instruction Room.
The 700-pound Celestial Room chandelier of the Anchorage Alaska Temple features thousands of Hungarian crystals and 140 lights that make the room’s windows appear gold from the outside.
Sealing Room
The Anchorage Temple has one sealing room, located to the side of the Celestial room and Instruction Room.
| Sealing Rooms | 1 |
| Capacity | 30* |
Brides Room
Baptis
Individuals and Contractors
Project Manager
Cory Karl was Project Manager for the Church.[24] “Anchorage Alaska Temple” ldschurchnewsarchive.com. Accessed 10 April 2015
Cory Karl Projects
| Project | Years* |
|---|---|
| Anchorage Alaska | 1997-1999 |
| Billings Montana | 1996-1999 |
| Bismarck North Dakota | 1998-1999 |
| Edmonton Alberta | 1998-1999 |
| Manhattan New York | 2002-2004 |
| Regina Saskatchewan | 1998-1999 |
| St. Paul Minnesota | 1998-2000 |
Architect
The temple was designed by Doug Carlson of McCool Carlson & Green Architects. [25] “Anchorage Alaska Temple” ldschurchnewsarchive.com. Accessed 10 April 2015 [26]McCool, Carlson & Green Architects (Project Page) To date this was his only temple, though he was involved in the expansion as well.
General Contractor
H. Watt and Scott was the General Contractor.[27] “Anchorage Alaska Temple” ldschurchnewsarchive.com. Accessed 10 April 2015 To date this is the only temple by this contractor.[28]”Anchorage LDS Temple,” hwatt.com
Project Manager
TBD
Architect
The temple was designed by Doug Carlson of McCool Carlson & Green Architects. [29] “Anchorage Alaska Temple” ldschurchnewsarchive.com. Accessed 10 April 2015 [30]McCool, Carlson & Green Architects (Project Page)
General Contractor
Westland Construction was General Contractor for the Renovation and expansion.[31]
”Anchorage Alaska Temple Expansion” gowestland.com. Accessed 10 April 2015
Other Projects by Westland Construction
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Monticello Utah (Renovation) | 2000-2002 |
| Anchorage Alaska (Renovation) | 2002-2004 |
| Apia Samoa (Renovation) | 2002-2003 |
| Manti Utah (Renovation) | ? Before 2009 |
| Seattle Washington (Renovation) | ? Before2009 |
| Vernal Utah (Renovation) | ? Before 2009 |
| Columbus Ohio (Renovation) | 2019-2023 |
| Chicago Illinois (Renovation) | 2013-2015 |
| Provo Utah (Renovation) | 2013-2014 |
| St. George Utah (Renovation) | 2013-2014 |
| Suva Fiji (Renovation) | 2014-2015 |
| Port-au-Prince Haiti | 2015-2019 |
| Jordan River Utah (Renovation | 2016-2018 |
| Hamilton New Zealand (Renovation) | 2017-2022 |
| Memphis Tennessee (Renovation) | 2017-2020 |
| Oklahoma City Oklahoma (Renovation) | 2017-2019 |
| Praia Cape Verde | 2018-2021 |
| Columbus Ohio | 2019-2023 |
| St. George Utah (Renovation) | 2019-2023 |
| Neiafu Tonga | 2019- |
| Orem Utah | 2019-2024 |
| Pago Pago American Samoa | 2019- |
| Provo Utah (Renovation) | 2021- |
| Querétaro Mexico | 2022- |
| Ephraim Utah | 2022- |
| Freetown Sierra Leone | 2022- |
| Provo Utah (Renovation) | 2022- |
| Toronto Ontario (Renovation) | 2023-2025 |
| Anchorage Alaska (Renovation) | 2024- |
Project Manager
Architect
FFKR Architects designed the new version of the temple.
Projects by FFKR Architects
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Vernal Utah | 1994-1997 |
| Nauvoo Illinois | 1999-2002 |
| Salt Lake | 2000-2002 |
| Harrison New York | 2002 |
| Salt Lake | 2003 |
| Draper Utah | 2004-2009 |
| Laie Hawaii | 2007-2010 |
| Philadelphia Pennsylvania | 2008-2016 |
| Brigham City Utah | 2008-2012 |
| Kansas City Missouri | 2008-2012 |
| Nauvoo Illinois | 2008 |
| Hartford Connecticut | 2010-2016 |
| Tucson Arizona | 2012-2018 |
| Provo City Center Utah | 2012-2016 |
| Provo Utah | 2013-2014 |
| Salt Lake | 2014 |
| Abidjan Ivory Coast | 2015 |
| Laie Hawaii | 2015 |
| Pocatello Idaho | 2017-2021 |
| Draper Utah | 2018 |
| Kona Hawaii | 2018 |
| Orem Utah | 2019-2024 |
| Taylorsville Utah | 2019-2024 |
| Hong Kong China | 2019-2022 |
| Deseret Peak Utah | 2019-2024 |
| Salt Lake | 2019- |
| Columbia River Washington | 2019 |
| Nauvoo Illinois | 2020 |
| Anchorage Alaska | 2024- |
General Contractor
Westland Construction was General Contractor for the Reconstruction of the temple.
Other Projects by Westland Construction
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Monticello Utah (Renovation) | 2000-2002 |
| Anchorage Alaska (Renovation) | 2002-2004 |
| Apia Samoa (Renovation) | 2002-2003 |
| Manti Utah (Renovation) | ? Before 2009 |
| Seattle Washington (Renovation) | ? Before2009 |
| Vernal Utah (Renovation) | ? Before 2009 |
| Columbus Ohio (Renovation) | 2019-2023 |
| Chicago Illinois (Renovation) | 2013-2015 |
| Provo Utah (Renovation) | 2013-2014 |
| St. George Utah (Renovation) | 2013-2014 |
| Suva Fiji (Renovation) | 2014-2015 |
| Port-au-Prince Haiti | 2015-2019 |
| Jordan River Utah (Renovation | 2016-2018 |
| Hamilton New Zealand (Renovation) | 2017-2022 |
| Memphis Tennessee (Renovation) | 2017-2020 |
| Oklahoma City Oklahoma (Renovation) | 2017-2019 |
| Praia Cape Verde | 2018-2021 |
| Columbus Ohio | 2019-2023 |
| St. George Utah (Renovation) | 2019-2023 |
| Neiafu Tonga | 2019- |
| Orem Utah | 2019-2024 |
| Pago Pago American Samoa | 2019- |
| Provo Utah (Renovation) | 2021- |
| Querétaro Mexico | 2022- |
| Ephraim Utah | 2022- |
| Freetown Sierra Leone | 2022- |
| Provo Utah (Renovation) | 2022- |
| Toronto Ontario (Renovation) | 2023-2025 |
| Anchorage Alaska (Renovation) | 2024- |
Region
TEMPLES IN UNITED STATES by state
Total: 158
TEMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA by country
Total: 209
Sources and Links
References
| ↑1, ↑2 | Hinckley, By President Gordon B. Some Thoughts on Temples, Retention of Converts, and Missionary Service. 2 Oct. 1997, www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1997/10/some-thoughts-on-temples-retention-of-converts-and-missionary-service?lang=eng&id=p16#p16. |
|---|---|
| ↑3 | Chad Hawkins, The First 100 Temples (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 2001) 149–151. |
| ↑4 | Church News Archives. “Ground Broken for New Temple in Anchorage.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/1998/4/25/23250775/ground-broken-for-new-temple-in-anchorage. |
| ↑5 | Howlett, Sandi “Sacred Edifice Called a ‘Jewel Box’” ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 9 January 1999. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| ↑6 | Heaps, Julie Dockstader “Northernmost Temple Dedicated Some 6,000 Attend Services in Frigid Anchorage Winter.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/1999/1/16/23249428/northernmost-temple-dedicated-br-some-6-000-attend-services-in-frigid-anchorage-winter. |
| ↑7 | Anchorage Alaska Temple dedicatory prayer, in Church News, Jan. 16, 1999, |
| ↑8 | Dockstader, Julie “Northernmost temple dedicated Some 6,000 attend services in frigid Anchorage winter”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 16 January 1999. Accessed 10 April 2015 |
| ↑9 | Howlett, Sandi “Icy Opening and a Warm Welcome”, ldschurchnews.com, 7 February 2004. Accessed 10 April 2015 |
| ↑10 | Howlett, Sandi. “The Story of Alaska.” Church News, 11 Jan. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/2004/2/14/23238914/the-story-of-alaska. |
| ↑11 | Howlett, Sandi,“Anchorage Alaska Temple Rededicated by Prophet”, ldschurchnews.com, 14 February 2004. Accessed 10 April 2005 |
| ↑12 | “Anchorage Alaska Temple to Be Reconstructed.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 23 Jan. 2023, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/anchorage-alaska-temple-to-be-rebuilt. |
| ↑13 | Taylor, Scott. “Alaska Meetinghouse’s Furnishings, Materials Donated.” Church News, 22 Feb. 2024, www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2024/2/20/24078007/brayton-alaska-stake-center-furnishings-materials-donated-anchorage-temple. |
| ↑14 | “New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 4 May 2013. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| ↑15 | “New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 5 June 2010. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| ↑16 | “New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 11 August 2007. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| ↑17 | “New Temple Presidents”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 4 September 2004. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| ↑18 | “New Temple President”, ldschurchnewsarchive.com, 28 November 1999. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| ↑19 | Walter, Byron D. “Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony”, Mission.net, 19 April 1998. Accessed 6 January 2015 |
| ↑20, ↑21, ↑22, ↑23 | “Gathering of Saints”, by Jasper and Lommel, p 320 |
| ↑24, ↑25, ↑27, ↑29 | “Anchorage Alaska Temple” ldschurchnewsarchive.com. Accessed 10 April 2015 |
| ↑26, ↑30 | McCool, Carlson & Green Architects (Project Page) |
| ↑28 | ”Anchorage LDS Temple,” hwatt.com |
| ↑31 | ”Anchorage Alaska Temple Expansion” gowestland.com. Accessed 10 April 2015 |
Last updated on: 21 January 2026