Bentonville Arkansas

Bentonville Arkansas Temple Wiki

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Quick Facts

ANNOUNCED
5 October 2019

ANNOUNCED BY
President Russell M. Nelson

GROUNDBREAKING
7 November 2020

GROUNDBREAKING PRESIDED BY
Elder David A. Bednar

DEDICATED
17 September 2023

DEDICATED BY
Elder David A. Bednar

DEDICATION ORDER
181

LOCATION
1105 McCollum Dr
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712
United States

PHONE
(+1) 479-319-2616

Additional Facts

#1

A former University of Arkansas professor, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had organized two stakes in Arkansas, one being the Bentonville Arkansas Stake. He had previously served as a bishop and twice as a stake president in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

#2

The Bentonville Arkansas Temple dedication marked the first time in Church history that three temples were dedicated on the same day. The other two temples dedicated were the Brasília Brazil and Moses Lake Washington temples.

#3

This was the first Latter-day Saint temple in Arkansas.

Description

History

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first came to Arkansas when missionaries Henry Brown and Wilford Woodruff arrived there from Clay County, Missouri, on January 28, 1835. Jonathan Hubble and his wife were the first Arkansas converts. They were baptized on February 22, 1835.

For the next several decades many of the area’s new members chose to join the main body of the Church in the American West, but eventually a permanent presence in Arkansas was established. In 1914, a branch (a small congregation) was organized in Barney, Faulkner County, with over 100 members who had gathered to the city from the northern half of the state. Descendants of those early members still worship in local Latter-day Saint congregations today.

By 1930, Arkansas had three formally organized congregations, with other small groups of individuals and families worshipping throughout the Ozarks. The next three decades were difficult years due to the United States’ economy, weather conditions, and World War II. These challenges slowed the Church’s growth in Arkansas, but small gatherings continued. There were members in Fayetteville starting in 1930, and by 1952 a short-lived Bentonville branch had been created. Church members in Bentonville met in a home just two blocks from the city square. A permanent congregation was organized in Fort Smith in 1955.

The first stake (a geographical grouping of multiple congregations, similar to a diocese) in northwest Arkansas was organized in Fort Smith in 1978. Congregations followed in Siloam Springs, Springdale, Huntsville, Alma, Rogers and Bentonville. The Rogers Arkansas Stake was formed in 1991, and David A. Bednar, who currently serves as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the Church, was called as its first stake president. By the year 2000, Arkansas Church membership had passed 20,000. Today there are more than 35,000 members in 73 congregations, with a high concentration of those Latter-day Saints living near Bentonville.

Church members strive to follow Jesus Christ by prioritizing service and love for their fellow men and women. They serve in community and government positions, and youth and adults donate significant time and resources to their communities’ charitable organizations. The Church helps alleviate hunger in Arkansas through humanitarian aid and the distribution of truckloads of dairy and dry goods to local food banks and pantries. Local Latter-day Saints have also given thousands of volunteer hours in response to natural disasters, such as the 2011 Joplin tornado and the 2019 flooding in the Fort Smith area.

Historically, members of the Church in Arkansas have traveled long distances and sacrificed much to attend the temples in Salt Lake City, Mesa and Dallas. Currently, members travel to Oklahoma City and Kansas City. In October 2019, Church President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct Arkansas’s first temple in Bentonville. The Bentonville Arkansas Temple will serve Latter-day Saints in Arkansas and Missouri.

Announcement

On October 5, 2019, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct the Bentonville Arkansas Temple at the 189th Semiannual General Conference.[1]Nelson Russell, M. “Spiritual Treasures“. 189th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 5 October 2019, Web,[2]”President Nelson Announces Eight New Temples During General Conference,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 5 Oct. 2019.

The Bentonville Arkansas Temple will be the first temple built in Arkansas.

ANNOUNCED ORDER
213

Date2019 10 05
ByRussell M. Nelson
RolePresident
ViaGeneral Conference

⮜Preceded by Port Moresby Papua New Guinea
Followed by Bacolod Philippines⮞

Location Announced

On April 23, 2020, the location of the Bentonville Arkansas Temple was announced as an 8.8-acre site behind the stake center for the Bentonville Arkansas Stake, at 1101 McCollum Road. The building stands on I-49 near its junction with Highway 72, providing excellent access to members living throughout the region.[3]”Bentonville Arkansas Temple Location Announced,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 23 Apr. 2020.

Render Released

On August 28, 2020, an official exterior rendering of the Bentonville Arkansas Temple was released.[4]“Update on Three US Temples.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 28 Aug. 2020, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/update-on-three-us-temples.

Render of the Bentonville Arkansas Temple. Copyright Intellectual Reserve.

Groundbreaking Announced

At the same time as the Render was released, the Church announced thee groundbreaking for the Bentonville Arkansas Temple.[5]“Update on Three US Temples.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 28 Aug. 2020, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/update-on-three-us-temples.

Groundbreaking

Presiding from a remote location, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the site for the Bentonville Arkansas Temple at a small groundbreaking ceremony held on November 7, 2020. Elder Bednar is a former University of Arkansas professor. He helped organize two stakes (a group of congregations) in Arkansas, including the Bentonville Arkansas Stake. He and his wife, Susan, spent 14 years in Fayetteville, a city around 30 miles south of Bentonville. “This is a moment that for most of my life, I never could have imagined would occur even in this moment,” said Elder Bednar. “It’s also a moment that I wish would never end.” Elder Bednar, who was once a professor at the University of Arkansas, has assisted in the organization of two Arkansas stakes including the Bentonville Arkansas Stake. The 25,000-square-foot temple will be constructed on a field next to the stake center.[6]The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Church Breaks Ground for Bentonville Arkansas Temple,” 7 Nov. 2020.

Sister Bednar said, “I’m grateful that we have a temple coming in northwest Arkansas. It thrills my heart. I can’t even tell you how grateful I am. I wish that we could all jump for joy and that we could be together to give each other hugs and celebration of this wonderful, wonderful moment.”

GROUNDBREAKING ORDER
194

Date2020 11 07
ByDavid A. Bednar
RoleApostle
Attendees#

⮜Preceded by Salta Argentina
Followed by Red Cliffs Utah⮞

A small group of Church leaders gathered locally to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bentonville Arkansas Temple. Other church leaders at the ceremony included Elder James B. Martino, president of the North America Southeast Area and Elder David Harris, an Area Seventy. Elder Martino said, “Groundbreaking is an interesting word. According to sources, ‘groundbreaking was considered a representation of breaking the earth, to make a sacred deposit that would endorse a firm foundation. How appropriate of a description. Truly, this is the symbolic act to begin a foundation for a most sacred building.”

Ground was broken the same day for the Red Cliffs Utah Temple.[7]Groundbreaking Held for Red Cliffs Utah Temple, Newsroom, churchofesuschrist.org, 7 November 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.

Dedication, Open House Announced

On 13 February 2023 the Open house and dedication dates were announced for the Bentonville Arkansas Temple. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Brasilia Brazil Temple dedication and open house.[8]“News for Temples in Brazil and the United States.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 13 Feb. 2023, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/news-for-temples-in-brazil-and-the-united-states.

Open House

A media day was held for the newly constructed Bentonville Arkansas Temple on Monday, June 12, followed by tours for invited guests from Tuesday, June 13, to Friday, June 16, 2023. The public was invited to tour the temple from Saturday, June 17, through Saturday, July 1, with no tours held on Sundays.

Start Date2023 03 13
End Date2023 06 16
Days82
Attendees#
Per dayA/D

Dedication

“It is a miracle of remarkable proportions,” said Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles about the region. “… To have seen the hand of the Lord guiding this kind of growth and strength in the Church over such a short period of time is remarkable.” This rapid growth eventually led to a house of the Lord.

The Bentonville Arkansas temple was dedicated in two sessions on 17 September 2023, by Elder Bednar. He was joined by his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, as well as Elder Vern P. Stanfill, a General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s North America Southeast Area.

The temple was dedicated in conjunction with the Mosesl Lake washington and Brazilia Brazil Temples.

DEDICATION ORDER
181

Date2023 09 17
ByDavid A. Bednar
RoleApostle
Sessions2
Attendees#

⮜Preceeded by Brasília Brazil
Followed by Moses Lake Washington⮞

Dedicatory Prayer

Construction Duration

SpanDuration
Announced
to
Groundbreaking		1 y,
1 m,
2 d
Groundbreaking
to
Dedication		2 y,
10 m,
10 d
Announced
to
Dedication		3 y,
11 m,
12 d

Dedicatory Order

GLOBAL

181

REGION
N. AM.
116

COUNTRY
U.S.
86

STATE
ARKANSAS
1

COUNTY
BENTON
1

CITY
BENTONVILLE
1

Summary

The Bentonville Arkansas Temple was the 181st temple dedicated in the world. It was the 116th in North America, the 86th in the United States of America, the 1st in Arkansas, the 1st in Benton County, and the 1st in Bentonville.

At the Time of Dedication there was 1 temple scheduled for groundbreaking, 80 awaiting groundbreaking, 6 scheduled for dedication, 42 under construction, 4 scheduled for renovation, and 4 under renovation, and 1 scheduled for rededication.

Detail

Scheduled for Dedication

Announced

Scheduled for Dedication

Under Construction

Scheduled for Renovation

Under Renovation

Scheduled for Rededication

Presidents and Matrons

Temple PresidentTemple MatronYears Served
Scott Boyd ClarkSandra Gail Curtis Clark2023–

Details

Location

An 8.8-acre site behind the stake center for the Bentonville Arkansas Stake has been chosen as the location for the temple. The building stands on I-49 near its junction with Highway 72, providing excellent access to members living throughout the region.

Site

The primary tree planted on the grounds is the dogwood tree, along with other local trees and shrubs.

Location

1105 McCollum Dr
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712
United States

Latitude#
Longitude#

Phone

(+1) 479-319-2616

Elevation

FeetMeters
1,268387

Site

AcresHectares
18.627.5

Site

Exterior

The temple is a steel-frame structure with a precast exterior.

The design drew inspiration from local historic buildings, like the neoclassical Benton County Courthouse, the colonial-revival-style Massey Hotel and the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock.

In front of the entrance stands two small arches next to a larger arch framing the outside edge of the portico.

Cladding

text

Water Course
Windows

The primary designs of the art glass include the dogwood blossom, one of the first spring flowers in the area. Sunbursts and diamond designs are also featured, recognizing Arkansas as home to the only diamond mine in the United States. Red, yellow, and blue patterns are reminiscent of a quilt, speaking to Bentonville’s small-town American heritage.

Transom panel

Above each of the exterior windows is a small transom panel, formed of the same precast concrete as the rest of the exterior, featuring a depiction of a dogwood flower.

Exterior Finish

Precast Concrete

Architectural Features

text

Specifications

FeetMeters
Height111′ 8″34.0
To Shoulder##
Width##
Length##
Footprint##

Symbolism

Inscription
Location

There is a single inscription on the temple, above the entryway portico. The inscription is on a plaque framed in a routered edge.

HOLINESS TO THE LORD ◊ THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Order:Holiness > House
Location:above the entrance
Language:English
Type:Engraved
Color:Black
Setting:Precast
Font:Michelangelo
Glyph◊
ChurchNameNo
Temple NameNo
DatesNo
Cornerstone

The cornerstone is left of the entrance of the temple.

ERECTED

2023

LocationSouth side
FacesSouth
MaterialPrecast
SetFlush
EdgeFlush
TypeEngraved
FinishUnfinished
LanguageEnglish

Spires and Finial

Spires

A single-attached central tower on a square base sits atop the temple, with circular, arched and rectangular windows beneath the tower’s dome.

Spire Details

Spires1
Locationcenter
Finishprecast
Typedome
shapebeveled square
Tower shapesquare
Finial

The dome on top of the tower is topped with atall finial, ornamenteed with spheres of decreasing size.

Spire Details

Finishmetal
Placed2021 08 12
Colorgray
Height#
Weight#

Interior

This house of the Lord features two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms and a baptistry.

Soft, gold broadloom carpets are used for the general areas and instruction rooms. Wall-to-wall wool rugs are used in the celestial, sealing, and bride’s rooms. Area rugs are rendered in blues, greens, golds, and hints of pink. The general stone used for the flooring is vagnelia marble quarried and fabricated in Turkey.

Decorative interior painting features soft blues, greens, and golds, with a touch of pink for the dogwood blossoms. It includes several patterns reminiscent of quilting and lace tatting to evoke Bentonville’s small-town American feel.

The interior art glass is similar to that of the exterior, using the same patterns and colors.

The temple’s decorative light fixtures are made of glass, bronze, and crystal.

Decorative wood inlay repeats the dogwood blossom, diamond, and quilting motifs found throughout the temple.

Font railings are turned vertical posts, reminiscent of early American furniture. The materials are bronze with an antique brass finish and glass.

The exterior entry doors are bronze with a center art glass panel. The interior doors are mahogany and use bronze hardware with an antique brass finish. The dogwood blossom motif is used here as well.

Ceilings were constructed of gypsum board, acoustic ceiling tile, and additional fiberglass reinforced gypsum.

The temple’s original artwork includes “Falls in Springtime” and “A Sunlit Distant Shore” by Brad Aldridge and “Obedient unto the Commandments of the Lord” by Dan Wilson.

Area32,240 f2
(2,995.19 m2)
Floors above grade1
Floors below Grade0.5
Baptistries1
Initiatories
Endowment Rooms2
Sealing Rooms2
Baptistry

There is a single baptistry in the Bentonville Arkansas Temple

Baptistries:1
Location:South center
Exterior Windows:Yes
Artwork:Yes
Artwork Type:Framed
Oxen:12.25
Type:1/4
Hoof:Visible
Color:Tarnished Bronze
Layout:Even Distribution
Font Exterior:Cream Stone
Interior:Pale Blue tile
Shape:Round
Bowl Shape:Round
Pillar:Reeds
Stairs:Single, Center
Font Well:Interior
Initiatory Spaces

text

Style#
Type#
Rooms#
*Estimated

Instruction Rooms

Two stationary instruction rooms sit side by side behind the celestial room, which is directly under the spire.

Rooms2
TypeStationary
Capacity#
MuralsN
Total Muraled Rooms0
Mural TypeNA
*Estimated

Celestial Room

The Celestial Room of the temple sits directly underneath the lone spire of the temple.

Sealing Rooms

2 sealing rooms sit at the back of the temple.

Sealing Rooms2
Largest Capacity#
Cafeteria
Yes
Clothing Issue
Yes

Contractors

Architect

VCBO Architects was the Architect on this temple project.

General Contractor

The General contractor for this temple was Parkway Construction and Architecture

Projects by Parkway Construction and Architecture

ProjectYears
Raleigh North Carolina [renovation]2017-2019
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
McAllen Texas2019-2023
Tallahassee Florida2020-2024
Rexburg Idaho [renovation]2022
Elko Nevada2021-

Other Contractor

Structural steel was fabricated and installed by B&B Erectors of Dallas, Texas.

The exterior precast was fabricated and installed by Gate Precast of Hillsboro, Texas.

The Exterior was clade in Precast from Gate Precast.

Projects by Gate Precast

TempleYears
Orlando Florida1990-1994
Kansas City Missouri2008-2012
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
McAllen Texas2019-2023

The exterior art glass was designed by Bovard Studio of Fairfield, Iowa, in conjunction with VCBO Architecture.

The landscape architecture was provided by Ecological Design Group (EDG), located in Rogers, Arkansas.

The landscape contractor is Superscapes of Carrollton, Texas.

All ceilings were designed by VCBO Architecture.

Crown moldings found throughout the temple were fabricated by Masterpiece Millwork.

Masterpiece Millwork

TempleYears
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
Moses Lake Washington2019-2023

Masonite International of Tampa, Florida, fabricated the doors.

Projects by Masonite International

TempleYears
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
McAllen Texas2019-2023
Helena Montana2021-2023

Decorative hardware was manufactured by Luna Bronze, located in Heber City, Utah.

Projects by Luna Bronze

TempleYears
Richmond Virginia2018-2023
McAllen Texas2019-2023
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
Saratoga Springs2019-2023

The exterior entry doors were fabricated by Ellison Bronze of Falconer, New York.

Projects by Ellison Bronze

Indianapolis Indiana2010-2015
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
Moses Lake Washington2019-2023

The railings in the baptistry were fabricated by Smith Design of Gunter, Texas.

Projects by Smith Design

TempleYears
Pocatello Idaho2017-2021
McAllen Texas2019-2023
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023

Millwork was fabricated by Masterpiece Millwork of Lindon, Utah.

Projects by Masterpiece Millwork

Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
Moses Lake Washington2019-2023

The crystal fixtures were designed by Schonbek (Swarovski) in Plattsburgh, New York.

The bowl fixtures throughout the temple were designed by VCBO Architecture.

The decorative paint was done by Iconography of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Projects by Iconography

TempleYears
Richmond Virginia2018-2023
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
Moses Lake Washington2019-2023

The general stone used for the flooring is vagnelia installed by Peritia Stone of Waterloo, Iowa.

Wall-to-wall wool rugs are designed by Rugs International of Georgia .

Projects by Rugs International

TempleYears
Paris France2011-2017
Cedar City Utah2015-2017
Richmond Virginia2018-2023
Bangkok Thailand2019-2023
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
McAllen Texas2019-2023
Moses Lake Washington2019-2023
Okinawa Japan2019-2023
Saratoga Springs2019-2023
Quito Ecuador2019-2022
Helena Montana2021-2023

Soft, gold broadloom carpets designed by Mannington Mills of Salem, New Jersey,

BNA Consulting was the Electrical Engineer.

Holdman Studios of Lehi, Utah, fabricated the art glass.

Projects by Holdman Studios

ProjectYears
Snowflake Arizona2000-2002
San Antonio Texas2001-2005
Manhattan New York2002-2004
Rexburg Idaho2003-2008
Draper Utah2004-2009
Twin Falls Idaho2004-2008
São Paulo Brazil2004
Laie Hawaii2005
San Salvador El Salvador2007-2011
Rome Italy2008-2019
Cordoba Argentina2008-2015
Trujillo Peru2008-2015
Gilbert Arizona2008-2014
Laie Hawaii2008-2010
Payson Utah2010-2015
Tijuana Mexico2010-2015
Ogden Utah2010-2014
Paris France2011-2017
Boise Idaho2011-2012
Winnipeg Manitoba2011-2021
Suva Fiji2014-2015
Cedar City Utah2015-2017
Mesa Arizona2015?
Saratoga Springs2017-2023
Pocatello Idaho2017-2021
Memphis Tennessee2017-2019
Raleigh North Carolina2017-2019
Oklahoma City Oklahoma2017-2019
Tokyo Japan20172022
Idaho Falls2017
Red Cliffs Utah2018-2024
Phnom Pehn Cambodia2018
Orem Utah2019-2024
Bentonville Arkansas2019-2023
Tallahassee Florida2020
Elko Nevada2021
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania2021-2024

Region

TEMPLES IN UNITED STATES (EXCEPT UTAH) by state

Alabama2Birmingham · Huntsville
Alaska1Anchorage · Fairbanks
Arizona7Gilbert · Mesa · Phoenix · Queen Creek · Snowflake · The Gila Valley · Tucson · Yuma
Arkansas1Bentonville
California12Bakersfield · Feather River · Fresno · Los Angeles · Modesto · Newport · Oakland · Redlands · Sacramento · San Diego · San Jose · Yorba Linda
Colorado4Colorado Springs · Denver · Fort Collins · Grand Junction
Connecticut1Hartford
Florida5Fort Lauderdale · Jacksonville · Orlando · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia1Atlanta
Hawaii4Honolulu · Kahului · Kona · Laie
Idaho10Boise · Burley · Coeur d’Alene · Idaho Falls · Meridian · Montpelier · Pocatello · Rexburg · Teton River · Twin Falls
Illinois2Chicago · Nauvoo
Indiana1Indianapolis
Iowa1Des Moines
Kansas1Wichita
Kentucky1Louisville
Louisiana1Baton Rouge
Maryland1Washington D.C.
Massachusetts1Boston
Michigan2Detroit · Grand Rapids
Minnesota1St. Paul
Missouri3Kansas City · Springfield · St. Louis
Montana3Billings · Helena · Missoula
Nebraska1Winter Quarters
Nevada4Elko · Las Vegas · Lone Mountain · Reno
New Jersey1Summit
New Mexico2Albuquerque · Farmington
New York2Manhattan · Palmyra
North Carolina2Charlotte · Raleigh
North Dakota1Bismarck
Ohio3Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus
Oklahoma2Oklahoma City · Tulsa
Oregon3Medford · Portland · Willamette Valley ·
Pennsylvania3Harrisburg · Philadelphia · Pittsburgh
South Carolina1Columbia
Tennessee3Knoxville · Memphis · Nashville
Texas10Austin · Dallas · El Paso · Fort Worth · Houston South · Houston · Lubbock · McAllen · McKinney · San Antonio
Utah30
Virginia3Richmond · Roanoke · Winchester
Washington6Columbia River · Moses Lake · Seattle · Spokane · Tacoma · Vancouver
Wisconsin1Milwaukee
Wyoming3Casper · Cody · Star Valley

TEMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA (EXCEPT US & MEXICO) by country

Canada11Calgary · Cardston · Edmonton · Halifax · Lethbridge · Montreal · Regina · Toronto · Vancouver · Victoria · Winnipeg
Costa Rica1San José
Dominican Republic1Santiago · Santo Domingo
El Salvador1San Salvador · Santa Ana
Guatemala6Cobán · Guatemala City · Huehuetenango · Miraflores Guatemala City · Quetzaltenango · Retalhuleu
Haiti1Port-au-Prince ·
Honduras2Tegucigalpa · San Pedro Sula
Mexico26
Nicaragua1Managua
Panama1Panama City
Puerto Rico1San Juan
United States143

Sources and Citations

References

References
↑1 Nelson Russell, M. “Spiritual Treasures“. 189th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 5 October 2019, Web,
↑2 ”President Nelson Announces Eight New Temples During General Conference,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 5 Oct. 2019.
↑3 ”Bentonville Arkansas Temple Location Announced,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 23 Apr. 2020.
↑4, ↑5 “Update on Three US Temples.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 28 Aug. 2020, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/update-on-three-us-temples.
↑6 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Church Breaks Ground for Bentonville Arkansas Temple,” 7 Nov. 2020.
↑7 Groundbreaking Held for Red Cliffs Utah Temple, Newsroom, churchofesuschrist.org, 7 November 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
↑8 “News for Temples in Brazil and the United States.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 13 Feb. 2023, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/news-for-temples-in-brazil-and-the-united-states.