Los Angeles California Temple Wiki
Quick Facts
ANNOUNCED
6 March 1937
ANNOUNCED BY
person and title
GROUNDBREAKING
22 September 1951
GROUNDBREAKING PRESIDED BY
David O. McKay
DEDICATED
11–14 March 1956
DEDICATED BY
David O. McKay
DEDICATION ORDER
10
LOCATION
10777 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90025-4718
United States
PHONE
(+1) 310-474-5569
Description
In the process of time the shores of the Pacific may yet be overlooked from the temple of the Lord.
-Brigham Young and Willard Richards, Letter to the Saints in California, August 1847
The Los Angeles California Temple (formerly the Los Angeles Temple) is the tenth operating and the second-largest temple, It is on Santa Monica Boulevard in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, California, United States. When it was dedicated in 1956, it was the largest of the church’s temples, though it has since been surpassed by the Salt Lake Temple due to later expansions. The temple serves 41 stakes in Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties.[1]http://lds.org/temples/district/0,11217,1915-1-46-2,00.html Archived March 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
The grounds include a visitors’ center, which was renovated in 2010, the Los Angeles Regional Family History Center, both of which are open to the public, and the headquarters of the church’s California Los Angeles Mission.
History
In August of 1847, Church President Brigham Young wrote a letter to the early Saints living in California, saying that “in the process of time, the shores of the Pacific may yet be overlooked from the temple of the Lord.”
Announcement
The Los Angeles Temple was announced on 23 March 1937 by church president Heber J. Grant, when the church purchased 24.23 acres (98,000 m²) from the Harold Lloyd Motion Picture Company. Construction was to begin soon thereafter, but financial difficulties relating to the Great Depression and World War II delayed the groundbreaking.[2]Orton, Chad M. (1987), More Faith Than Fear: The Los Angeles Stake Story, Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, ISBN 0-88494-646-0
Growth in the state of California and within the Church itself prompted President George Albert Smith to expand President Grants earlier plans for a temple that could seat 200 per session, into a temple that could seat 300 per session. Additionally he requested an Assembly room be added, something that had not been done since the Salt Lake Temple.[3]George Albert Smith Diary, 8 November 1949; Western Americana Collection, University of Utah[4]Edward O. Anderson, “The Los Angeles Temple,” Improvement Era 56 (April 1953): 225–26.[5]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956):804.
ANNOUNCED ORDER
9
| Date | 1937 03 27 |
| By | Heber J. Grant |
| Role | President |
| Via | Press Release |
⮜Preceded by Idaho Falls Idaho
Followed by Oakland California⮞
Unfortunately, the temple construction wouldn’t begin until 22 September 1951, as a result of delays caused by the Great Depression and World War II.
Render Released
One of the Earliest released renders for the Los Angeles California Temple was shown in the November 1941 Improvement Era. The proposed temple was shown as more or less looking like a much larger version of the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. The render would later be identified as having been created by Lorenzo S Young and Ramm Hansen.[6]Anderson, Paul L. “Mormon Moderne: Latter-Day Saint Architecture, 1925—1945.” Journal of Mormon History, vol. 9, 1982, pp. 71–84. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23285918. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
Render Released
The official render for the Los Angeles Temple was released in the April 1951 Improvement Era, and showed the temple more or less as it was built.[7]”The Los Angeles Temple” The Improvement Era, April 1951, p. 218.
This render had text over the two upper corners. it has been photoshoped to bring it back to a full rectangle shape.
Render Released
Another new official render, this time lacking the statues and the corner detailing of the prior render, was released in the November Improvement Ear. This render depicted the temple as it was finally constructed.
This render had text over the two upper corners. it has been photoshoped to bring it back to a full rectangle shape.
Groundbreaking
Ground was finally broken for construction on 22 September 1951. David O McKay presided over the event, which was attended by the members of the First Presidency, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, Presiding Bishopric and the Mayor of Los Angeles. After the ceremony President McKay gave the dedicatory prayer.[8]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956):802 250 invited guests were in attendance.
Construction began in earnest in August of 1952.[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.
GROUNDBREAKING ORDER
9
| Date | 1951 09 22 |
| By | David O McKay |
| Role | President |
| Attendees | 250 |
⮜Preceded by Burley Idaho
Followed by Yorba Linda California⮞
Open House
The temple was open to the public 19 December 1955 through 18 February 1956. Those who attended the open house were taken on tours of the 190,614 square foot temple. Some 662,401 visitors toured the temple
| Start Date | 1955 12 19 |
| End Date | 1956 02 18 |
| Days | 54 |
| Attendees | 662,401 |
| Per day | 12,266 |
Dedication
The dedication of the Los Angeles California Temple was held 11-14 March 1956. David O. McKay gave the dedicatory prayer. All the general authorities of the Church and members of local stake presidencies and bishoprics were in attendance for at least one session. Nearly 50,000 Church members attended the Temple’s eight dedicatory sessions.
DEDICATION ORDER
#
| Date | 1956 03 11 |
| By | David O. McKay |
| Role | President |
| Sessions | 8 |
| Attendees | 50,000 |
⮜Preceeded by Bern Switzerland
Followed by Hamilton New Zealand⮞
Construction Duration
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | – y, – m, – d |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | – y, – m, -d |
| Announced to Dedication | – y, – m, – d |
Dedication Order
The Los Angeles California Temple was the 10the operating temple completed by the church. At the time of it’s dedication there were 2 other temples under construction.
| Temples under Construction |
| London England |
| Hamilton New Zealand |
Renovation 1981
The temple has seen various changes since it was dedicated 50 years ago.
Closed for renovations
The Los Angeles California Temple closed for remodeling and refurbishment in January 1981, which was the year of its 25th anniversary. Renovations included installing new air conditioning systems, acoustical ceilings, audio-visual equipment, seating, carpet and furnishings.
Originally, patrons progressed through each ordinance room as part of one session. This was later changed to have patrons remain in one ordinance room for the entire session. As part of this, one ordinance room was split and it’s beautiful murals removed.
Temple reopened
The Los Angeles temple was reopened in March 1981, 10 weeks after the building was closed for remodeling. Although the building was not formally rededicated, patrons celebrated the temple’s 25th anniversary starting March 21, 1981, with 36 continuous hours of temple endowments. A total of 15,439 endowments were performed over 72 sessions in this time.
Renovation 2003
2003
In 2003, the temple reverted to a progressive-style presentation of the endowment (but still using a film) and completely renovated the Terrestrial room.
Renovation 2005
Closed for renovations
In late November 2005 the temple closed for major renovations. The temple required seismic retrofitting for current earthquake standards. As part of the renovation, the 50 year old ventilation systems were updated and the entrance foyer interior was completely remodeled. It was hoped that the temple would be open in March of 2006 for the 50th anniversary, but due to construction delays the temple was not reopened until July 2006.[10]“News from the Church”, Church News & Events, LDS Church, July 10, 2006, archived from the original on October 29, 2009, retrieved 2012-10-08
The renovation also included reconstruction of the baptistry, which had long been plagued by mold due to poor ventilation.[11]“Los Angeles California Temple”, MormonTemples.com, June 11, 2008, retrieved 2012-10-08
Temple reopened
Construction finished in July 2006, the year marking the 50th anniversary of this house of the Lord.
Renovation 2010
2010
In 2010 a two-year renovation and update for the Los Angeles Temple visitor’s center was completed. [1] The renovation includes the latest technology in interactive media. One new exhibit takes visitors to the Holy Land in a 2-D presentation. “The center was expanded by about 20 percent to 12,817 square feet. The renovation includes a 180-seat theater, complete with a multipurpose space for films, cultural performances and traveling exhibits.” The Savior is the focus of the exhibit. The center re-opened to the public on August 7, 2010, and has added some historical exhibits. There are a history of the Los Angeles Temple, including previously unseen video, interviews from President David O. McKay and a “testimonial from the first June bride,” as well as artifacts from the 1956 dedication.
Presidents and Matrons
| Temple President | Temple Matron | Years Served |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Kezerian Wilde | Cheryl Anne Harp Wilde | 2024– |
| Richard LeGrand Wirthlin | Joni Jane Stone Wirthlin | 2023–2024 |
| Maurice Man-Ho Lam | Elizabeth Wai-Yin Wong Lam | 2020–2023 |
| Larry James Larsen | Kristie Elmina Burton Larsen | 2017–2020 |
| William Frederick Reynolds | Lani Petersen Reynolds | 2014–2017 |
| Reece Randall Huff | Kay Whiteley Taylor Huff | 2011–2014 |
| Grant R Brimhall | Avis Marie Ardian Brimhall | 2008–2011 |
| Richard Morris Andrus | Darlene Ann Hill Andrus | 2004–2008 |
| Paul Rene Hatch | Dorothy Jo Lanier Hatch | 2001–2004 |
| Nile Alma Sorenson | Charlene Wight Sorenson | 1998–2001 |
| Glen Harris Walker | Christie Cannon Walker | 1995–1998 |
| Heber Avon (Von) Packard | Sheila Dunkerley Packard | 1992–1995 |
| Wayne Adelbert Reeves | Madge Kemp Reeves | 1989–1992 |
| Jack B. McEwan | Betty Clark McEwan | 1986–1989 |
| Allen Claire Rozsa | Dawna Ruth Phillips Rozsa | 1982–1986 |
| Robert Leatham Simpson | Jelaire Kathryn Chandler Simpson | 1980–1982 |
| Richard Clare Stratford | Vera Calder Stratford | 1975–1980 |
| Myrthus Wesley Evans | Mae Kohler Evans | 1970–1975 |
| Benjamin Leon Bowring | Leone Rampton Bowring | 1956–1970 |
Details
Location
Located at 10777 W. Santa Monica Boulevard in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, the temple sits atop a small hill above the intersection of Overland Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard.
Landscape
The Los Angeles Temple was the first temple explicitly designed for automobile accessibility: with its parking facilities being larger than those of any temple built previously and with no direct pedestrian connection between the front doors and Santa Monica Boulevard.
The well manicured grounds are open to the public and are filled with various plants, including Canary Island Pine trees, several varieties of palm trees, Bird of Paradise trees, olive trees, and rare Chinese Ginkgotrees. At the left and right of the temple are two fountains, and at the front is a large reflection pool. Several family-themed statues further beautify the grounds. In December, the temple grounds are decorated with thousands of multi-colored lights in celebration of Christmas.
Numerous church facilities are on its grounds including a meetinghouse, a baseball field, the headquarters of the church’s California Los Angeles Mission, and apartments (used by missionaries, temple workers, temple patrons, and visiting church officials).
Location
10777 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, California 90025-4718
United States
| Latitude | # |
| Longitude | # |
Phone
Elevation
| Feet | Meters |
|---|---|
| 4,506 | 1,373 |
Site
| Acres | Hectares |
|---|---|
| 13.3 | 5.4 |
Exterior
Cladding
The Temple is faced with Mo-Sai stone facing, a mixture of crushed quartz and white Portland cement panels, which were etched with acid in such a way that the stone crystals sparkled in the light. The Buehner brothers of Salt Lake City received the contract to provide the stone, which they regarded as a fulfillment of their father’s prophetic patriarchal blessing decades before, which stated that his family would “help erect temples of this Church.” Previously the Buehner brothers had also made the Facade for the Idaho Falls Temple.
There are more than 2,500 panels on the temple exterior, some of them more than 14 feet in height. [ref name=”buehner”]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 769 (advert).[/ref]
Water Course
The water course around the base of the exterior is Rockville granite from Minnesota.
Exterior Finish
text
Architectural Features
text
Specifications
| Feet | Meters | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 289 | 88 |
| To Shoulder | # | # |
| Width | # | # |
| Length | # | # |
| Footprint | # | # |
Symbolism
Inscription
Location
Left of door
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD LOS ANGELES TEMPLE
Above door
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
Right of door
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
| Order: | House > Holiness |
| Location: | Left and right of the main door, above the main door (south east side of temple.) |
| Language: | English |
| Type: | Engraved letters/Raised letters |
| Color: | Gilt/Brass |
| Setting: | Precast Stone panel/oxidized brass plate |
| Font: | TBD |
| Glyph: | [none] |
| Church Name: | Yes |
| Temple Name: | Yes |
| Dates: | No |
Cornerstone
text
text
| Location | |
| Faces | |
| Material | |
| Set | |
| Edge | |
| Type | |
| Finish | |
| Language |
Spires and Finial
Spires
This was the first temple with an angel Moroni statue since the Salt Lake Temple. In October of 1954, a 15 foot statue was placed atop the spire of the temple. Unlike other statues that were bronze or copper, this one was aluminum to satisfy Los Angeles zoning regulations. When the statue was installed it faced southeast, as the temple does. President David O. McKay asked that the statue be turned 90 degrees. The statue now faces North East, with the trumpet pointing due east.
Spire Details
| Spires | 1 |
| Location | southeast center |
| Finish | Mo-Sai |
| Type | tower |
| shape | square |
| Tower shape | square |
Moroni
text
Events
| Placed | 19 October 1954 |
| Reguilded | 1962 |
| Reguilded | 1985 |
| Reguilded | 1998 |
| Sculptor: | Millard Malin |
| Commissioned: | 1951 |
| Completed: | |
| Material: | Welded Aluminum |
| Height: | 15’ 5.5” (4.7 Meters) |
| Weight: | 2,101 lbs. (953 kilograms) |
| Currently On: | 1 Temple |
| Finish: | |
| Placed: | 1954 10 19 |
| Faces: | North East by East |
Interior
This was the last temple designed to use live actors instead of a film to present the endowment. The motion-picture presentation soon replaced the live actor presentation, and the progressive presentation (in which patrons moved from one room to another through four rooms) was replaced with stationary ordinance rooms (i.e., patrons remained in a single room for the entire ceremony). It has since been returned to the room to room style, but keeping the film for presentation.
| Area | 81,000 f2 (7,525 m2) |
| Floors above grade | 3 |
| Floors below Grade | 1 |
| Baptistries | 2 |
| Initiatories | # |
| Endowment Rooms | 4 |
| Sealing Rooms | 10 |
Baptistry
text
| Baptistries: | 1 |
| Location: | Center |
| Exterior Windows: | No |
| Artwork: | Yes |
| Artwork Type: | Mural, Opposing |
| Oxen: | 12 |
| Type: | 1/4 |
| Hoof: | Visible |
| Color: | Bronze |
| Layout: | 3 spread each at Compass |
| Font Exterior: | Bronze |
| Interior: | Bronze |
| Shape: | Round |
| Bowl Shape: | Round |
| Pillar: | Reeds |
| Stairs: | Single, Center |
| Font Well: | Exterior |
Instruction Rooms
Creation Room
Garden Room
World Room
Terrestrial Room
| Rooms | 4 |
| Type | Progressive |
| Capacity | # |
| Murals | Y |
| Total Muraled Rooms | 3 |
| Mural Type | Full Wall |
Celestial Room
The Celestial room of the temple features murals on the walls, making it one of only three temples that have murals in the Celestial room; Hamilton New Zealand and the Idaho Falls Idaho Temples are the other two. The corner pillars in the Logan Utah Temple Celestial Room portray a heavenly landscape as well.
Sealing Rooms
| Sealing Rooms | 10 |
| Capacity |
Assembly Hall
| Assembly Hall | 1 |
| Capacity | 2,000 |
Clothing Issue
Yes
Contractors
Architect
Architect Edward O. Anderson [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 802.[/ref]
Projects by Edward O. Anderson
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Idaho Falls Idaho | 1937-1945 |
| Los Angeles California | 1937-1956 |
| Bern Switzerland | 1952-1955 |
| Mesa Arizona [renovation] | 1953-1955 |
| London England | 1955-1958 |
| Hamilton New Zealand | 1955-1958 |
| St. George Utah [renovation] | 1956-1958 |
| Salt Lake [renovation] | 1962-1966 |
Exterior Manufacture
Mo-Sai Precast Otto Buehner and Company [backref name=”buehner”]
Mason Contractor
Mason Contractor Thomas B. Child and Company [backref name=”buehner”]
Project Manager
Super intendant Vern Loader [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 804 (photo).[/ref]
General Contractor
General Contractor Jacobsen Construction [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 771(advert),804 (photo).[/ref]
Projects by Jacobsen Construction
| Project | Years |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles California | 1937-1956 |
| Oakland California | 1943-1964 |
| Washington D.C. | 1968-1974 |
| Seattle Washington | 1975-1980 |
| Laie Hawaii | 1978 |
| Logan Utah | 1979 |
| Salt Lake | 1992 |
| Billings Montana | 1996-1999 |
| Logan Utah | 1996 |
| Colonia Juárez Chihuahua Mexico | 1997-1999 |
| Monticello Utah | 1997-1998 |
| Ciudad Juárez Mexico | 1998-2000 |
| Hermosillo Sonora Mexico | 1998-2000 |
| Fresno California | 1999-2000 |
| Nauvoo Illinois | 1999-2002 |
| Reno Nevada | 1999-2000 |
| Newport Beach California | 2001-2005 |
| San Antonio Texas | 2001-2005 |
| Apia Samoa | 2003-2005 |
| Rexburg Idaho | 2003-2008 |
| Tegucigalpa Honduras | 2006-2013 |
| Mexico City Mexico | 2007-2008 |
| The Gila Valley Arizona | 2008-2010 |
| Atlanta Georgia | 2009-2011 |
| Quetzaltenengo Guatemala | 2006-2011 |
| Laie Hawaii | 2010 |
| Boise Idaho | 2011-2012 |
| Meridian Idaho | 2011-2018 |
| Mexico City Mexico | 2012-2015 |
| Provo City Center Utah | 2012-2016 |
| Saratoga Springs | 2019-2022 |
| Oakland California | 2019 |
| Pittsburgh Pennsylvania | 2021-2024 |
| Richmond Virginia | -2023 |
| Salt Lake Renovation | 2019-2026 |
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Systems Edmund P. Evans Plumbing and Heating [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 785 (advert).[/ref]
Tiling
Floor Tile Gladding McBean and Co.[ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 790 (advert).[/ref]
Sheet Metal
AC/Sheet Metal Hodge Sheet Metal Products[ref name=”verts”]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 831 (advert).[/ref]
Sound Design
Sound System Altec Lansing Corporation/Frazer & Hansen LTD. [backref name=”verts”]
Interior Decoration
Interior Decoration Frandsen’s Interiors [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 835 (advert).[/ref]
Scaffolding
Scaffolding Patent Scaffold Co. [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 836 (advert).[/ref]
Irrigation
Lawn Sprinkler Wallace F. Hammer [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 842 (advert).[/ref]
Wall Coverings
Wall Cover Joanna Western Mills Co. [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 845 (advert).[/ref]
Hardscape
Hardscape (Curb, Gutter, Retaining Walls, Street) Burgess-Whitehead & Co. [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 846 (advert).[/ref]
Electrical
Electrical J. S. Jacobs[ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 847 (advert).[/ref]
Fencing
Fencing Burkett Fence Co. [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 854 (advert).[/ref]
Landscaping
Landscaping Superior Landscaping and Tree Service [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 855 (advert).[/ref]
Equipment Manufacture
Equipment Manufacture Worley & Co. [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 864 (advert).[/ref]
Woodwork
Woodwork Fetzer’s Salt Lake Cabinet and Furniture [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 866 (advert).[/ref]
Painting
Painting and Wall Furnishing Klass Brothers [ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 867 (advert).[/ref]
Chillers
Chillers Carrier Corporation[ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 868 (advert).[/ref]
Pipe Line Contractor
Pipe Line Contractor Sam B. Pearce[ref ]Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956): p. 876 (advert).[/ref]
Region
TEMPLES IN UNITED STATES by state
Total: 159
TEMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA by country
Total: 210
Sources and Citations
References
| ↑1 | http://lds.org/temples/district/0,11217,1915-1-46-2,00.html Archived March 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Orton, Chad M. (1987), More Faith Than Fear: The Los Angeles Stake Story, Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, ISBN 0-88494-646-0 |
| ↑3 | George Albert Smith Diary, 8 November 1949; Western Americana Collection, University of Utah |
| ↑4 | Edward O. Anderson, “The Los Angeles Temple,” Improvement Era 56 (April 1953): 225–26. |
| ↑5 | Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956):804. |
| ↑6 | Anderson, Paul L. “Mormon Moderne: Latter-Day Saint Architecture, 1925—1945.” Journal of Mormon History, vol. 9, 1982, pp. 71–84. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23285918. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025. |
| ↑7 | ”The Los Angeles Temple” The Improvement Era, April 1951, p. 218. |
| ↑8 | Edward O. Anderson,“The Los Angeles Temple”, Improvement Era 58, (November 1956):802 |
| ↑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. |
| ↑10 | “News from the Church”, Church News & Events, LDS Church, July 10, 2006, archived from the original on October 29, 2009, retrieved 2012-10-08 |
| ↑11 | “Los Angeles California Temple”, MormonTemples.com, June 11, 2008, retrieved 2012-10-08 |
Last updated on: 3 October 2025