Medford Oregon Temple

Coordinates: 42°22′23.96639″N 122°55′57.88559″W / 42.3733239972°N 122.9327459972°W / 42.3733239972; -122.9327459972
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Medford Oregon Temple
Map
Number79
DedicationApril 16, 2000, by James E. Faust
Site2 acres (0.81 ha)
Floor area10,700 sq ft (990 m2)
Height71 ft (22 m)
Official website • News & images
Church chronology
←
Fresno California Temple
Medford Oregon Temple 		→
Memphis Tennessee Temple
Additional information
AnnouncedMarch 15, 1999, by Gordon B. Hinckley
GroundbreakingMay 20, 1999, by D. Lee Tobler
Open houseMarch 24–31, 2000
Current presidentKelly E Thompson
Designed byDan Park, Church A&E Services, Joseph E. Marty, Architect
LocationCentral Point, Oregon, U.S.
Geographic coordinates42°22′23.96639″N 122°55′57.88559″W / 42.3733239972°N 122.9327459972°W / 42.3733239972; -122.9327459972
Exterior finishGray granite quarried from Mount Airy, North Carolina
Temple designClassic modern, single-spire design
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms2 (two-stage progressive)
Sealing rooms2
(edit)

The Medford Oregon Temple is the 79th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[2][3][4]

The intent to build the temple was announced on March 15, 1999, by the church's First Presidency.[5] It was the state's second, after the Portland Oregon Temple.[6] It is located midway between the Oakland California and Portland Oregon temples. As of 2010 it served nine stakes in northern California and Oregon.[7]

History

The temple was announced by the First Presidency on March 15, 1999, in a letter to local church leaders.[5] A groundbreaking ceremony, marking the commencement of construction, was held on May 20, 1999, with D. Lee Tobler, a general authority presiding, with local church members and community leaders attending.[8]

After construction was completed, the church announced on February 19, 2000 the public open house that was held from March 24-25 and 27-31, 2000.[9] During the open house nearly 35,000 people toured the building,[10] James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the Medford Oregon Temple on April 16, 2000.[11]

Design and architecture

Designed by Dan Park and church architectural services, it uses a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design and reflects both the cultural heritage of the area and its spiritual significance to the church.[12]

The temple is on a 2-acre plot,[11] is 77 feet tall,[12], and is constructed with gray granite quarried from Mount Airy, North Carolina.[13] The temple has a total floor area of 10,700 square feet and includes two endowment rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry.[6]

The design uses elements representing Latter-day Saint symbolism, to provide deeper meaning to its appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members and includes a statue of the angel Moroni on the steeple, which represents “the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”[14]

Temple presidents

The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each typically serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[9][15]

Serving from 2000 to 2004, the first president was Richard M. Ericson, with Kathleen M. Ericson as matron.[15] As of 2025, Kenneth B. Brinkerhoff is the president, with Kim R. Brinkerhoff serving as matron.[16]

Admittance

In February 2000, the church announced the public open house that was held on March 24-25 and 27-31, 2000. The temple was dedicated by James E. Faust on April 16, 2000, in four sessions.[17]

Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[18]

See also

Temples in and near Oregon (edit)
= Operating
= Under construction
= Announced
= Temporarily Closed

References

  1. ^ Several dozen temples, built from identical plans.
  2. ^ "LDS Church Plans to Build Second Oregon Temple in Medford Area" (NewsBank paywall). The Columbian. Vancouver, Washington. (AP). March 26, 1999. p. E8.
  3. ^ "Mormon Temple Will Rise in Southern Oregon". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon. March 24, 1999.
  4. ^ "Mormons Plan 2nd Ore. Temple". The Seattle Times. Seattle, Washington. (AP). April 4, 1999.
  5. ^ a b "Six more temples announced; total now 108". Church News. March 27, 1999. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Medford Oregon Temple". Church News. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  7. ^ "Medford Oregon Temple". Church News. March 8, 2010.
  8. ^ "Oregon temple is another ensign". Church News. May 29, 1999. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Dedication date announced for Medford Oregon Temple". Deseret News. February 19, 2000. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  10. ^ Fattig, Paul (March 26, 2000). "Curious converge at temple". Mail Tribune.
  11. ^ a b "Medford Oregon Temple". ldschurchtemples.com.
  12. ^ a b "Medford Oregon Temple". Church News. March 8, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  13. ^ "Medford Oregon Temple (facts and figures)". Church News. April 22, 2000. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  14. ^ "Angel Moroni Statues on Temples". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. September 15, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  15. ^ a b "Presidents and Matrons of the Medford Oregon Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  16. ^ "Learn about the new leaders of 8 temples around the world, including 2 that will be dedicated soon". Church News. February 13, 2025. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  17. ^ "Rise of sacred edifice reflects rebuilt lives All involved relate rekindled faith, renewed testimony". Church News. April 22, 2000. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
  18. ^ "Inside Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
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