International Style

The decision to build temples internationally brought unusual challenges. The temple would have to present ordinances in nearly a dozen languages and do so in a smaller space. President McKay testified that “when the revelation came” to make temples accessible to the Saints abroad, he was also told how to make the same ceremonies and covenants available “to the Saints on the outskirts of Zion.”^[1]David O. McKay, Dedication Proceedings, New Zealand Temple, 20–23 April 1958, manuscript, Church Archives. Edward O. Anderson, who was still supervising construction of the Los Angeles Temple, received the assignment to plan the new structure. As early as 1937 Anderson had been considering how the temple endowment could be presented in just two rooms (an endowment room and a celestial room) instead of five (Creation, Garden, World, Terrestrial and Celestial).

In 1990, the temple was closed for extensive remodeling and refurnishing, reopening 2½ years later following an open house and rededication. The original cream-colored terra cotta exterior was replaced by gleaming white stone. The interior was remodeled so the temple now has four floors instead of three. that four 70-seat ordinance rooms replaced the single 250-seat auditorium; this made it possible to have a new endowment session begin every half hour rather than only once every two hours.

In 1990, the London England Temple closed for major remodeling and refurbishment, which included the addition of a fourth floor, upgrading of mechanical systems, replacement of worn furnishings, repainting of all interiors, cleaning of exterior, and more.

On Monday, December 15, 2008, an 8-foot statue of the angel Moroni was added by helicopter to the 160-foot high spire of the London England Temple for the first time.

Hamilton has had many small renovations, and one major. The entrance was enclosed in 1968, and opened up again in 1986. On July 23, 2018, the Hamilton New Zealand Temple closed for an extensive renovation project that included seismic strengthening, upgrades to electrical and mechanical systems, improvements to the floor plan, and replacement of all finishes and furnishings. Accompanying facilities were also upgraded, including the parking lot, patron and missionary housing, and visitors’ center.