Detroit Michigan Temple
The Detroit Michigan Temple is the 63rd operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Detroit, Michigan, known as the capital of automobile manufacturing, is now home to a Latter-day Saint temple. The temple is located beside Woodward Avenue, a heavily traveled main road first built in 1815 by the Prophet Joseph Smith's uncle. Joseph Smith probably even traveled along this very road on his way to Pontiac, Michigan, where some of his mother's relatives lived.
The temple is located on the north part of the property that was purchased for the adjacent stake center in the 1950s, first used by the Detroit stake and now used by the Bloomfield Hills stake.
At the Detroit Michigan Temple groundbreaking, on October 10, 1998, Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy gave four suggestions to the families that attended. He suggested that families "Pray that temple construction will progress on time and without injuries or undue delays; hang a picture of a temple in the home where children will see it and think, "Someday I will go there;" gather family histories, perhaps starting simply by asking family members questions and writing down the answers; and obtain a temple recommend and always carry it worthily." [1]
Before the dedication of the Detroit Michigan Temple, the sacred building was opened to all those who wished to see it. About 28,000 people toured the temple, seeing the beautiful architecture and furnishings as well as learning about the purpose of Latter-day Saint temples.
President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Detroit Michigan Temple on October 23, 1999. In his dedicatory prayer, President Hinckley blessed that all those who entered might feel the Spirit and have their thoughts turned to God and His Son.
- May this structure shine as a bright and welcome light, a refuge from the storms and stresses of the world. May it be a house of peace and love and faith, where Thy children may find respite from the toil of their daily lives. [2]
The temple features a classic modern single spire design constructed with Imperial Danby white marble quarried in Vermont. The Detroit Michigan Temple has a total of 10,700 square feet, two ordinance rooms, and two sealing rooms.
Notes
- News of the Church, Ensign, Jan. 1999, 77
- News of the Church, Ensign, Jan. 2000, 74
