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

The Manti Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....

Dan Rascon

‘I stand in awe’: Church leaders prepare to rededicate historic Manti Utah Temple

The historic Manti Utah Temple is just days away from opening to the public after a two-and-a-half-year renovation.

7 days ago

White stone building on a hill...

Larry D. Curtis

Meticulously restored Manti Utah Temple ready for public open house

The Manti Utah Temple, a jewel of Utah pioneer industry and art, now renovated and restored, is ready to host guests for an open house starting Thursday.

8 days ago

The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services called on the Attorney General to investigate a ...

Andrew Adams

Utah agency calls for investigation into Salt Lake bar’s ‘No Zionists Allowed’ policy

A local bar, Weathered Waves, A Six Sailor Cider Bar, posted a "No Zionists Allowed" policy and has since been under fire.

12 days ago

The Melchizedek Priesthood pulpits on the first floor of the Kirtland Temple. Photograph by Val Bri...

Shara Park

Church historian weighs in on historical acquisition of Kirtland Temple

Church historian Glenn Rawson weighed in on the acquisition of the Kirtland Temple historic sites, documents, and artifacts from the Community of Christ.

13 days ago

The Kirtland Temple was the first temple built by the Saints in the latter days. (The Church of Jes...

Eliza Pace

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquires the Kirtland Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced it purchased the Kirtland Temple and several other historic buildings and artifacts from the Community of Christ for an agreed-upon amount. 

14 days ago

Elder Mack Jared Chappell, a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died Sa...

Mark Jones

Church missionary dies from unknown medical condition

A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has died, according to the church.

15 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

First temple in Virginia opens its doors to the public