Oakland California Temple |
13th operating temple |
Phone Number: 510-531-3200.
Site: 18.3 acres.
Exterior Finish: Reinforced concrete faced with Sierra white granite from Raymond, California.
Temple Design: Modern, five-spire design with Oriental motif.
Number of Rooms: Four ordinance rooms and seven sealing.
Total Floor Area: 95,000 square feet.
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 26 May 1962 by David O. McKay
Public Open House: 5–31 October 1964
Dedication: 17–19 November 1964 by David O. McKay
Commanding a sweeping view of the San Francisco Bay Area, the 170-foot Oakland California Temple is a highly recognized East Bay landmark. The magnificent grounds are distinguished by a creek-style water feature running from fountain to fountain toward the temple entrance—lined with colorful gardens and towering palm trees. An inner courtyard features an enchanting waterfall that feeds a large reflecting pool. On site is a public visitors' center, which includes numerous displays and an inspiring reproduction of Thorvaldsen's Christus statue. Also on the grounds is the East Bay Interstake Center—open to any who wish to attend Sunday services.
The Oakland California Temple was the second temple built in California, following the Los Angeles California Temple (1956).
The Oakland California Temple is the only Latter-day Saint temple with five spires.
The Oakland California Temple was originally named the Oakland Temple.
The Oakland California Temple was originally built with two large ordinance rooms each seating 200 persons.
The exterior of the Oakland California Temple features two 35-foot sculpted panels depicting Jesus teaching in the Holy Land (north side) and Jesus appearing to the Nephites (south side).
In 1942, the site for the Oakland California Temple was purchased after 14 years of negotiations due to various obstacles that blocked its purchase.
Over 347,000 visited the Oakland California Temple during its month-long open house. Even on the final Saturday, people stood in line for almost two hours in the rain waiting to get inside.
