Description

The Fort Collins Colorado Temple will serve approximately 44,000 members of the Church from northern Colorado and southern Wyoming.

History

The first Latter-day Saint congregation in Colorado was organized in January 1897,^[1]The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho,” 2 Apr. 2011. one year after a mission was established in the area. Several Church immigrants settled communities in Conejos County, Manassa, Richfield, and Sanford. Today there are approximately 140,000 members residing in the state.

Announced

On 2 April 2011, during the 181st Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Thomas S. Monson announced plans to build the Fort Collins Colorado Temple.^[2]”Church Announces New Temples in Canada, Colorado and Idaho“. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. April 2, 2011. Retrieved June 30, 2011.

The site for the temple was announced on 8 July 20111.^[3]Walker, Joseph (. “Fort Collins LDS temple site announced,” Deseret News, 8 July 2011. Last accessed July 11, 2011

Russell McClure, a local Church leader, said, “We feel this new temple will be a great asset not only to members of the Church in Colorado and the region but also to the people of Fort Collins, who will benefit from the peace and beauty a temple brings.”^[4] “Site Announced for Fort Collins Temple,” Mormon Newsroom, July 8, 2011.

The developers applied to rezone the land to accommodate a structure designed to service this tri-state region. The property was originally zoned to support only homes and neighborhood centers that, act “as a focal point for neighborhood activity,” and may include, “a grocery store or supermarket and other neighborhood oriented retail services.”^[5]Fossil Creek Reservoir Area Plan, City of Fort Collins, Colorado Due to an intergovermental agreement between the Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins,^[6]Larimer County and City of Fort Collins Intergovernmental Agreements, City of Fort Collins, Colorado the developer first pursued the rezoning through Larimer County, followed by an annexation and rezoning process through the City of Fort Collins.

On September 6, 2011, a land-use hearing was held at the Larimer County commissioners hearing room for the proposed site of the Fort Collins Colorado Temple. The property owners’ request for a four-lot plat to be reconfigured into three lots and for a residential restriction to be lifted was granted, clearing the way for potential approval of the temple. Some neighbors in the Westchase neighborhood wanted commissioners to deny the request and to stop plans for the temple due to traffic concerns. Others expressed worry over property values, displaced wildlife, and increased vehicle emissions.

Church spokesman Eric Adams noted that the impact on traffic would be minimal, as the temple does not draw large crowds at any one time. Worship is practiced in small groups spread out over the day with the largest room in the temple holding 50 people. The temple and meetinghouse across the street would operate on noncompeting schedules—the temple being used primarily on Fridays and Saturdays with modest use Tuesday through Thursday (closed Sundays and Mondays) and the meetinghouse being used primarily on Sundays with modest use on weekdays.^[7]Pat Ferrier, “Residents want Larimer County to block LDS temple,” The Coloradoan 26 Aug. 2011, 26 Aug. 2011 .

On September 14, 2011, a development review outreach neighborhood meeting was held in the Roundhouse Room of Fossil Ridge High School to discuss the development review process for the temple.

On September 20, 2011, a petition was accepted by the Fort Collins City Council to initiate annexation proceedings for the proposed site of the Fort Collins Colorado Temple—an 18-acre parcel located east of S Timberline Rd and south of Trilby Rd. The requested zoning for the annexation is Urban Estate (U-E) where a Place of Worship is a permitted use. A single-family home currently occupies the property. City staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.

On October 3, 2011, a representative of Landmark Engineering held a Conceptual Review meeting with the City. Preliminary documents reviewed at the meeting indicate that the single-level temple will be 26,600 square feet with a 100-foot spire and 274 parking spaces. A temple president residence is also planned for construction south of the temple.

On October 20, 2011, the Planning and Zoning Board held a hearing to receive public comment on the proposed annexation of the intended temple site. Following the hearing—where no public input was given—the Board unanimously recommended the ordinances to the City Council. This decision was later invalided, however, due to improper notification of the meeting to residents.

A second hearing was held on November 3, 2011, where several residents voiced concerns over the proposed development’s impact on traffic and on the environment including endangered species. Others expressed their support for the facility, which would beautify the area and not pose the perceived adverse effects.^[8]”Colo. LDS temple moving forward with city support,” KSL, 4 November 2011

On December 6, 2011, the temple site was annexed into the City of Fort Collins and zoned appropriately. The City Council held a Hearing and First Reading for the annexation ordinance on November 1, 2011. A Second Reading was held on November 15, which was made official on November 25. A Hearing and First Reading for the zoning ordinance was also held on November 15; the Second Reading was held on December 6.

On October 15, 2012, the City of Fort Collins Current Planning Division facilitated a neighborhood meeting to discuss the potential development plan for the Fort Collins Colorado Temple. Although a formal application for the temple had not yet been submitted, the proposed building was reportedly 30,000 square feet with roughly 280 parking spaces. The developer’s consulting team presented preliminary site plans and gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the team. The official rendering of the temple was released to the public in conjunction with the meeting.

On February 21, 2013, the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved plans for the Fort Collins Colorado Temple, following a public hearing. Concerns expressed by those in attendance included the height of the steeple and the additional traffic, though it was explained that the temple is designed for small groups participating in religious training and sacred ceremonies.

Plans call for a 30,389-square-foot temple rising 112 feet to the top of the angel Moroni statue. One resident asked that the steeple be lowered to 100 feet, but it was explained that the steeple had already been lowered to its lowest height for visibility throughout the 16-acre site, that steeple height is exempt from the height limit, and that other landmark buildings in the city are taller. The Church did agree to turn off lighting of the steeple and angel Moroni statue by 10:00 p.m. and to widen Timberline Road, adding turn lanes and a sidewalk.

Several Westchase residents expressed their support for the project, which is less intrusive than another high-density residential development and adds to the “rich culture” of the neighborhood.^[9]Pat Ferrier, “LDS temple gets go-ahead from Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Board,” The Coloradoan 21 Feb. 2013, 22 Feb. 2013 .

Groundbreaking

On August 24, 2013, Latter-day Saints, along with Church, civic and community leaders, attended the temple’s groundbreaking ceremony. Church leader Ronald A. Rasband presided over the event.

In his remarks, Elder Rasband spoke about the temples built in ancient times and compared them to the temples built today. He said, “In the dedication of Solomon’s temple, King Solomon asked ‘will God dwell on the earth?’ The Lord answered … ‘my name shall be there.’ That sounds familiar to what we’re starting here in Fort Collins, Colorado.”^[10] “Church Leaders Break Ground for a Second Colorado Temple,” Mormon Newsroom, Aug. 24, 2013. ^[11]Briggs, Austin (August 24, 2013). “Northern Colorado Mormons break ground on Fort Collins temple“. Published by Fort Collins Coloradoan.^[12]Sterzer, Rachel (August 24, 2013). “Elder Rasband breaks ground for Fort Collins Colorado Temple“. Deseret News

The groundbreaking ceremony was broadcast to Latter-day Saint meetinghouses in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. A choir of 45 Church members from Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley sang for the event.

As construction progressed, the temple was vandalized on August 23, 2015, along with other places of worship in the local area.^[13]Potter, Chelsea (August 25, 2015). “LDS Church releases statement after vandals damage Fort Collins Temple construction site“. Deseret News.^[14]de la Rosa, Katie (August 24, 2015). “Vandals damage Fort Collins LDS temple construction site“. Coloradoan.

Open House

A public open house was held from August 19 through September 10, 2016, excluding Sundays.^[15]”Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Second temple in this western state“, Newsroom, LDS Church, February 18, 2016[dead link]

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced an open house for the Fort Collins Colorado Temple held on Friday, 19 August 2016, through Saturday, 10 September 2016, except for the Sundays of 21 August, 28 August, and 4 September 2016.

More than 105,000 guests toured the new Fort Collins Colorado Temple during the three-week public open house of the Church’s 153rd temple including local government, business, academic, religious and judicial leaders from Colorado and Wyoming. Governor Matt Mead, the governor of Wyoming, and first lady Carol Mead attended, as well as Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Donna Lynn. Fort Collins Mayor Wayne Troxell, members of the city council and local ecclesiastical leaders toured the temple as well.

A member of the local coordinating committee for the Fort Collins Colorado Temple, George F. Rhodes commented, “We had a variety of state and local officials, as well as a number of leaders of other churches in the area who visited the temple. The English language does not adequately describe what it feels like to have a temple here. People reported that they enjoyed peaceful feelings as they visited the temple. Day after day people felt peaceful, they felt calm, they noted all of the art that depicts the life and ministry of Christ.”^[16]Holman, Marianne, “Fort Collins temple open house: A ‘wonderful experience’ for visitors, volunteers,”Church News, Deseret News, 8 October 2016

Cultural Celebration

On 15 Saturday October 2016, the day before the temple dedication, Church leaders enjoyed a performance by young Latter-day Saints who presented through song and dance the history of the Church in Colorado and Wyoming. The cultural celebration was held at Hughes Stadium on the campus of Colorado State University.

President Uchtdorf reminded the youth that they are an ensign to the nation and a light to the world. He exhorted, “Therefore, make the values of the temple the focus of your life. Take on the shine of the life of Christ, and harmony will be among you. Unity will be among you and you will be a majestic example of the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”^[17]”Fort Collins Colorado Temple Is Dedicated,“ Newsroom, 16 October 2016

Dedication

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Fort Collins Colorado Temple on Sunday, 16 October 2016, in three sessions – 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The dedication was broadcast to members of the Church in Colorado and in the Fort Collins Temple district. The three-hour block of meetings was canceled for that Sunday.

President Uchtdorf directed the completion of the temple with the traditional cornerstone ceremony. He placed mortar around the cornerstone and invited others to do the same. During the ceremony, he remarked, ““We seal this [cornerstone] and remind each other that it really is the Savior, it is Jesus Christ, who is the cornerstone in our lives and in His Church, and that’s why it is called the Church of Jesus Christ.” Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elders Ulisses Soares, C. Scott Grow and Wilford W. Andersen of the Seventy; and Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of the Church, also participated with President Uchtdorf in the dedication. ^[18]”Fort Collins Colorado Temple Is Dedicated: 153rd Mormon temple in the world, second in Colorado“, Newsroom, LDS Church, October 16, 2016^[19]”Fort Collins Colorado Temple Is Dedicated,“ Newsroom, 16 October 2016

Dedication Order

When the temple is complete, it will be the second Mormon temple in Colorado, following the Denver Colorado Temple, dedicated in 1986.

Details

Location

Located about 57 miles north of Denver in northern Colorado, Fort Collins rests against the Cache la Poudre River at an elevation of 5,004 feet. The Fort Collins Colorado Temple’s 15-acre site is at the intersection of Timberline Road and Trilby Road on the southeast corner.

With the majestic Rocky Mountains creating a glorious backdrop, this temple will be a beautiful landmark for the community in Fort Collins, Colorado.

A Chapel (used for Sunday worship services and weekly Church activities) is across the street from the site.

Exterior

Spire

Moroni

On August 26, 2015, a statue of the angel Moroni was placed atop the single central spire of the temple.^[20]”Angel Moroni Lifted to the Top of the Fort Collins Colorado Temple“, Newsroom, LDS Church, August 27, 2015

Interior

The new 42,000-square-foot (3,900 m2)^[21]”Public Invited to Tour Fort Collins Mormon Temple”, Newsroom, LDS Church, August 16, 2016