Boise Idaho Temple |
27th operating temple; closed for renovation; exterior marble being removed; anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2012 |
Physical Address
1211 South Cole RoadBoise, Idaho 83709-1871 United States |
Mailing Address
1211 S Cole RdBoise, ID 83709-1871 Telephone: 208-322-4422
Fax: 208-376-1128 |
Announcement: 31 March 1982
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 18 December 1982 by Mark E. Petersen
Public Open House: 1–19 May 1984
Dedication: 25–30 May 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Rededication: 29 May 1987 by James E. Faust (addition only)
Site: 4.8 acres.
Exterior Finish: Temple white granite from China.
Ordinance Rooms: Four ordinance rooms (stationary) and four sealing.
Total Floor Area: 35,996 square feet.
As of April 2012, the variegated marble that has characterized the exterior of the Boise Idaho Temple for nearly 30 years is being removed. The marble will be replaced with temple white granite from China—the same stone used on the exterior of the Draper Utah Temple. On the interior, crown moldings are going up along the newly sheetrocked walls. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2012.
On February 16, 2012, a new gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni was hoisted atop the tallest spire of the temple.
On Monday, July 11, 2011, the Boise Idaho Temple closed for an extensive 12-month renovation of the grounds and the interior including expansion of the basement. Following the renovation, the temple will be rededicated. During the closure, patrons will be accommodated at the Twin Falls Idaho Temple where clothing rental is not available, and ordinance work is generally scheduled by appointment. Please call 208-736-7070.
Interior. The interior of the temple will be fully renovated with new finishes and furnishings. Some areas will be remodeled or removed such as the cafeteria, clothing rental, laundry room, and restrooms. The structure will be reinforced with new shear walls, steel beams, floor joists, and floor sheathing. The mechanical mezzanine will be largely reconstructed, and mechanical access platforms will be added over hallways above a new suspended gypsum board ceiling. A fire sprinkler system will be installed throughout.
Landscaping. The current landscaping will be removed and replaced with a new landscaping plan featuring new concrete sidewalks, stairways, retaining walls, and planters; new plants, shrubs, and flowers; a new decorative water feature; and new benches and water fountains. Sections of the perimeter fence will also be modified.
Addition. On the south side of the temple, an existing 2,000-square-foot maintenance shop and storage area will be demolished. In its place, a 4,959-square-foot basement addition will be constructed to house a grounds shop, engineering/maintenance area, boiler room, and chiller room.
For travelers on Interstate 84, the Boise Idaho Temple is a landmark that cannot be missed. Positioned at the I-84 Cole Road Exit, the temple is characterized by its white exterior, large sloping roof, and six soaring spires. Adjacent to the north is a meetinghouse. The grounds of the temple are enhanced with a beautiful water feature and numerous mature trees.
The Boise Idaho Temple was the second temple built in Idaho, following the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple (1945).
The Boise Idaho Temple was the first six-spire temple built since the Washington D.C. Temple (1974) and the Salt Lake Temple (1893). The design, created to maximize efficiency, was adapted for 14 other temples built between 1984 and 1989.
The Boise Idaho Temple is a sister building to the Dallas Texas Temple and the Chicago Illinois Temple.
In 1939, President Heber J. Grant was invited to Idaho's capital where 15 prominent local businessmen offered to the Church any available site in Boise to build Idaho's first temple, but Idaho Falls was chosen due to the concentration of membership in Eastern Idaho. President Grant told the men that when membership increased in the Boise area, a temple would be built there.
On December 18, 1982, approximately 5,000 members huddled on the site of the Boise Idaho Temple to witness the groundbreaking ceremony where Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided.
During a special preview, numerous state officials including Idaho Governor John Evans, Lieutenant Governor David Leroy, and Secretary of State Pete Cenarusa toured the interior of the Boise Idaho Temple. Also part of the group were 246 ministers of other faiths and their family members.
About 70,000 visitors were expected to tour the Boise Idaho Temple during its 19-day open house, but expectations were exceed when 128,716 people toured the building. The usual number of convert baptisms more than doubled the month following the open house; people even called the mission office asking how to get baptized.
The Boise Idaho Temple was dedicated in 24 sessions—more dedicatory sessions than had been held for any temple since the Salt Lake Temple.
The Boise Idaho Temple operated at 102 percent of capacity during its first year of operation—a demonstration of the remarkable dedication of the Saints of the temple district.
Due to its high level of use, the Boise Idaho Temple was closed for renovation and expansion just two-and-a-half years after its dedication. The temple reopened in May 1987 with additional dressing rooms and office space and a new baptistry and cafeteria.
