Seattle Washington Temple
The Seattle Washington Temple is the 19th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Plans to build a temple in Seattle, Washington were announced by the Church on May 27, 1978. With its completion, the Seattle temple became the first temple in Washington state. The Spokane Washington Temple was dedicated in 1999 and the Columbia River Washington Temple was dedicated in 2001. Two additional temples are under construction in Moses Lake and Tacoma.
Latter-day Saint history in the area goes back to 1854, when members of the Church came to work on the railroads. A few Latter-day Saint missionaries were also sent to the area. During these early years, members of the Church faced intense persecution and missionary work was slow. The first stake was created in 1938 and membership soon grew rapidly in the area. In 1960 there were 11,000 members in Washington, by 1970 there were 67,000, and by 1980 there were 138,000. Today there are well over a quarter of a million members of the Church in Washington.
A groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication were held for the Seattle Temple on May 27, 1978. Marion G. Romney of the First Presidency presided at the ceremony and dedication. The temple site is 23.5 acres near Bellevue Airfield. Because of its proximity to the airfield the height of the spire was reduced and a red warning light was installed under the angel Moroni statue. But when the airfield closed in 1983 the light was removed.
The temple was open to the public for tours October 7- November 8, 1980. Those who took the tours of the 110,000 square foot temple were able to see the four ordinance rooms, twelve sealing rooms, celestial room, baptistry, as well as learn more about Latter-day Saint beliefs associated with the temple.
Spencer W. Kimball, President of the Church at the time, dedicated the Seattle Washington Temple in multiple sessions held from November 17th through the 21st, 1980. The Seattle temple serves members in western Washington and British Columbia.
