RELIGION

First temple in Virginia opens its doors to the public

Mar 21, 2023, 2:27 PM

The Richmond Virginia Temple, clad with Moleanos stone articulated with a Jeffersonian version of a...

The Richmond Virginia Temple, clad with Moleanos stone articulated with a Jeffersonian version of a Doric order (found in Greek and Roman architecture), is located near a wooded area of the Glen Allen community just outside of Richmond. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)

(Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Virginia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing to welcome guests as part of its public open house.

The doors officially open to the public beginning Saturday, March 25, but invited guests will get to tour the new structure as early as Tuesday, March 21.

The open house will remain open until Saturday, April 15, with the exceptions of Sundays and Saturday, April 1 (for General Conference). Following the open house, the temple will be dedicated by President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency on Sunday, May 7.

“The dedicatory sessions  — 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — will be broadcast to all congregations in the Richmond Virginia Temple district,” stated a news release from the Church.

The exterior of the Richmond Virginia Temple is clad with Moleanos stone articulated with a Jeffersonian version of a Doric order (found in Greek and Roman architecture). Added to this are interlocking diamond circles and the dogwood blossom (the Virginia state flower). These elements are found on buildings throughout the Richmond, Virginia area. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)

The Richmond Virginia Temple, which was announced by President Russell M. Nelson in April 2018, is the first one in the state. Located at 10915 Staples Mill Road in Glen Allen, Virginia, the single-story structure stands at nearly 165 feet tall.

Some of the building’s art glass, according to the release, even comes from an old Protestant church on the East Coast of the United States.

The sealing room in the Richmond Virginia Temple is where families are united for eternity through marriage. The room features an altar in the middle with a crystalline chandelier above it. The mirrors, positioned across from each other, reflect endless images to represent eternity. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The exterior of the Richmond Virginia Temple is clad with Moleanos stone articulated with a Jeffersonian version of a Doric order (found in Greek and Roman architecture). Added to this are interlocking diamond circles and the dogwood blossom (the Virginia state flower). These elements are found on buildings throughout the Richmond, Virginia area. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The Richmond Virginia Temple, clad with Moleanos stone articulated with a Jeffersonian version of a Doric order (found in Greek and Roman architecture), is located near a wooded area of the Glen Allen community just outside of Richmond. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) Instruction rooms of the Richmond Virginia Temple are where Latter-day Saints make promises to God and receive a deeper understanding of Jesus and his teachings in an effort to become better disciples. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The celestial room of the Richmond Virginia Temple is designed to be a tranquil respite that represents the progression toward Heavenly Father's presence. The influence of Jeffersonian architecture, popular throughout Virginia, can be found in the décor and design cues of the temple as evidenced in the celestial room. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The celestial room of the Richmond Virginia Temple is designed to be a tranquil respite that represents the progression toward Heavenly Father's presence. The influence of Jeffersonian architecture, popular throughout Virginia, can be found in the décor and design cues of the temple as evidenced in the celestial room. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The colonial design accentuates the foyer of the Richmond Virginia Temple. A nod to Jeffersonian motifs is found in the richly-colored area rug that displays a period-correct octagon pattern incorporated with the dogwood blossom (the Virginia state flower). One hundred-year-old repurposed art glass from a protestant church depicting Jesus with His sheep greets visitors upon entering. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The grand staircase in the Richmond Virginia Temple is reflective of colonial design and constructed of Peruvian walnut with vibrant colors of the era incorporated in the stair's carpet runner. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) Painted wood doors reflect the colonial design of the Richmond Virginia Temple accented with oil-rubbed bronze hardware that includes a small dogwood blossom (the Virginia state flower). (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The meticulous craftsmanship of one of several crystal chandeliers in the Richmond Virginia Temple is showcased. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc. The crystal chandelier in a sealing room in the Richmond Virginia Temple showcases the Jeffersonian-influenced design that includes the incorporation of octagons with a guilloche (interlocking circle) border accented with dogwood blossoms (the Virginia state flower). (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The majority of the millwork throughout the Richmond Virginia Temple is painted to reflect similar techniques seen in early colonial-style interior architecture. Inlaid gold leaf and period-appropriate molding garnish the paneled altar found in the sealing room where families are united for eternity through marriage. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) The baptistry in the Richmond Virginia Temple. Jesus commanded that all must be baptized to return to the presence of God. Devout Latter-day Saints can make offerings of proxy baptism for their ancestors that did not have that opportunity while living. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)

KSL 5 TV Live

Religion

Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he attends the world's first meeting of the 'Educational Eco-...

Delia Gallagher, Xiaofei Xu, Rob Picheta and Sophie Tanno

Pope Francis meets Martin Scorsese after recovering from fever

Pope Francis Saturday addressed a conference attended by prominent artists and directors including Martin Scorsese, a day after he canceled his regular work schedule due to a fever.

1 day ago

A 20-year-old Latter-day Saint missionary, Elder Izaak Orion Card, died in a traffic accident in Br...

Cassidy Wixom

Brazil bus accident kills Latter-day Saint missionary, injures 3 others

A traffic accident in Brazil killed a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and injured three other missionaries, the church announced Saturday.

1 day ago

(Russell M. Nelson/Facebook)...

Madison Swenson

President Russell M. Nelson says he’s using walker to help with his balance

President Russell M. Nelson, 98, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revealed Tuesday that he's using a walker in order to help with his balance, but is otherwise in good health.

12 days ago

Elder Alvin F. Meredith III of the Seventy, who was named the new president of BYU-Idaho on May 16,...

Madison Swenson

Elder Alvin ‘Trip’ Meredith III named as next BYU-Idaho president

Elder Alvin "Trip" Meredith III has been named the 18th president of Brigham Young University-Idaho.

12 days ago

A rendering of the McAllen Texas Temple. (Intellectual Reserve, Inc.)...

Madison Swenson

Open house, dedication dates announced for McAllen Texas Temple

Open house and dedication dates for the McAllen Texas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been announced.

13 days ago

FILE: (Ladd Egan/KSL TV)...

Tad Walch, Deseret News

In CBS’s ‘60 Minutes’ segment on church finances, it missed the sweeping rags-to-riches history of faith

On Sunday night, the CBS news program “60 Minutes” aired a segment about the financial assets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

13 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Asian little girl playing arcade game on the computer machines at the shopping mall outlets...

Get Out Pass

Family Fun Activities in Utah You Have to Try This Summer

These family fun activities will entertain you all summer, so if you ever feel stuck in a rut wondering what to do, refer to this guide!

Woman IT specialist in elegant suit working on notebook computer in data center next to server rack...

Les Olson

Your Complete Guide to Outsourcing IT Services

This guide covers everything you need to know about the different benefits of outsourcing IT services to meet your small business needs.

diverse group of friends dance outside under string lights...

Lighting Design

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Lighting

Read for the most frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting to help narrow the search for your home.

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Close up of an offset printing machine during production...

Les Olson IT

Top 7 Reasons to Add a Production Printer to Your Business

Learn about the different digital production printers and how they can help your company save time and money.

First temple in Virginia opens its doors to the public