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 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.
