Boise Idaho Temple |
27th operating temple |
Phone Number: 208-322-4422.
Site: 4.8 acres.
Exterior Finish: Light colored marble face with a slate roof.
Temple Design: Modern adaptation of six-spire design.
Number of Rooms: Four ordinance rooms and four sealing.
Total Floor Area: 35,325 square feet.
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)
For travelers on Interstate 84, the Boise Idaho Temple is a difficult landmark to miss. Positioned at the I-84 Cole Road Exit, the temple is characterized by its variegated exterior, large sloping roof, and six soaring spires. Adjacent to the north is a meetinghouse. The grounds of the temple are enhanced with 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 all expectations were exceed when 128,716 people toured the building. More than double the usual number of converts were baptized 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—far beyond expectations.
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.
