Richmond Virginia Temple
In April 2018, President Russell M. Nelson announced that a temple would be built in Richmond, Virginia. The Richmond Virginia Temple will be the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the state of Virginia. The two-story edifice of just over 36,000 square feet will be built at 10915 Staples Mill Road in Glen Allen, Virginia, a suburban neighborhood just outside Richmond. Latter-day Saints in Virginia, eastern West Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina will be served by the temple. An adjacent 16,000-square-foot meetinghouse will also be built.
During an open house attended by neighbors, Church members, and journalists held on Wednesday evening, 28 August 2019, in Richmond, Virginia, Church representatives unveiled eight interior and exterior renderings, showing what the new temple is expected to look like. The design plans and renderings draw heavily from historical American traditions. According to Bill Williams, director of temple design, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the University of Virginia, Williamsburg and other sites throughout the state have influenced the design of the temple. Williams told Newsroom, "Temple patrons and visitors will notice simple yet beautiful ornamentation, hearkening back to the humble beginnings of the United States." He continued, "Interlocking diamond chains and accents of the flowering dogwood – Virginia’s state tree and flower – will be found on the inside and outside of the temple. The landscaping design is inspired by historic Williamsburg and will help contribute to a reverent, peaceful atmosphere for all who come here."
The site plan for the property where the temple will be built was also shared. Just prior to the open house, Church representatives held a briefing for local leaders to showcase plans for the temple and answer questions.
Brent Roberts, managing director of the Church’s Special Projects Department, commented, "Many hours of work and planning have gone into the design for this beautiful temple. We are pleased to share these renderings with Church and community members so they can look forward to the completion of this sacred structure and anticipate the blessings it will bring to this area."
Mike Waters, the Church’s local director of public affairs in the Richmond area, said, "This temple will greatly bless both our members and the communities in which we live. It’s also historically significant to have this temple located only a few miles from where the Virginia General Assembly in 1786 enacted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. The freedom to worship as we see fit started here and that freedom continues to manifest itself today through this inspiring edifice."
A groundbreaking date will be announced later.
