Announcement: 24 August 1967
Site Dedication: 8 September 1969 by Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer
Groundbreaking: 8 September 1969 by Hugh B. Brown
Public Open House: 16–30 December 1971
Dedication: 18–20 January 1972 by Joseph Fielding Smith
Temple Renovation
On February 17, 2010, the Church announced that the Ogden Utah Temple block will undergo a complete overhaul, which will reshape the existing temple into a beautiful new east-facing, stone-clad temple with art glass windows. While the interior structure will remain largely the same, some rooms will be reconfigured, and all interior design and auxiliary systems will be updated. The adjacent tabernacle will also sustain changes including the removal of its steeple, which will lend more prominence to the temple. The current above-ground parking structure will be replaced with surface and underground parking. All landscaping will be redone, featuring two new beautiful water features on the east and west sides of the temple.
On January 4, 2011, the First Presidency announced by letter the official closing date of the temple as Saturday, April 2, 2011. Construction is expected to last approximately 2–3 years. Following the renovation, the temple will be rededicated. Members are encouraged to attend other nearby temples during the closure.
Temple Facts
The Ogden Utah Temple was the fifth temple built in Utah and the second built along the Wasatch Front.
The Ogden Utah Temple was the first temple dedicated in the state of Utah; the four previous temples were dedicated in Utah Territory over 78 years earlier.
Ground was broken for the Ogden Utah Temple on the 96th birthday of President David O. McKay. He passed away just 4 months later. The temple was subsequently dedicated on the second anniversary of his passing.
I thought it would be a great opportunity to visit the temple with the kids so they can show their kids what it used to look like.
The flowers were beautiful, as usual.
This was taken in front of the fountain. For some reason it wasn't on. Bummer.
The kids loved this little "Island" in front of the temple.
This is the tabernacle. I'm not sure what changes will be made, but thought we should remember the original.
It was a little sad to think that such a magnificent building will be torn down. I'm sure that the new temple will be spectacular. I guess I'm just a sentimental girl.
You can't visit the Ogden Temple without a trip to Farr's Ice Cream. Today was no different.
Gavin chose Play Doh. One of my favorites, too!
Kate didn't really care what flavor she had, as long as it was "PINK!!!" She ended up with Cherry Chocolate Chip.
I decided to branch out from my usual Play Doh and try Cream Cheese and Blackberry. Delicious!
As long as we were making some memories, I thought it would be fun for them to remember how much an ice cream cone from Farr's cost. Do you remember when our parents would tell us that ice cream used to cost 5¢? Well, now it's $1.99 (really? For an ice cream cone?) One day when an ice cream cone cost $5, my kids will laugh at this picture!
We had such a fun day today! In fact, it came pretty close to a perfect day. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have the rest of the family with us.
