The Medford Oregon Temple was the second temple built in Oregon and has served members throughout southern Oregon and northern California since its dedication in 2000. Located in Central Point, just north of Medford, the temple is known for its peaceful setting in the Rogue Valley and its elegant, compact design. It is the 79th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Brief History
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Medford Oregon Temple on March 15, 1999, during the Church's historic expansion of smaller temples around the world. The announcement brought temple blessings much closer to members throughout southern Oregon, who had previously traveled several hours to the Portland Oregon Temple.
Groundbreaking services were held on May 20, 1999, with Elder D. Lee Tobler presiding. Following a seven-day public open house from March 24–31, 2000, President James E. Faust, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the temple on April 16, 2000. The Medford Oregon Temple became the 79th dedicated temple of the Church.
In 2021, the temple underwent a minor renovation that included replacing the gold-leafed fiberglass angel Moroni statue atop the spire and updating several building systems, helping preserve the temple for future generations.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the Medford Oregon Temple's most distinctive features is its location in the beautiful Rogue Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, evergreen forests, and nearby mountain ranges. The peaceful landscape provides a fitting setting for worship and reflection while serving members from a large geographic area across southern Oregon and northern California.
Like many temples announced during President Gordon B. Hinckley's worldwide temple expansion, the Medford Oregon Temple uses an efficient design while still providing all the sacred ordinances of the temple. The building contains two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry within approximately 10,700 square feet, making it one of the Church's smaller operating temples.
The exterior is finished with gray granite quarried from Mount Airy, North Carolina, and features a single attached spire topped by the angel Moroni. Its classic design complements the natural beauty of southern Oregon while maintaining the timeless appearance found in many temples built during that era.
Visiting the Temple
The Medford Oregon Temple is located at 3900 Grant Road in Central Point, Oregon. The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, or patron housing. However, it does feature an on-site distribution center, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the temple.
Fun Facts
- Second temple built in Oregon.
- 79th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on March 15, 1999.
- Groundbreaking held on May 20, 1999.
- Dedicated by President James E. Faust on April 16, 2000.
- Public open house lasted 7 days.
- Built on a 2-acre property.
- Approximately 10,700 square feet.
- Features two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Exterior finished with gray granite from Mount Airy, North Carolina.
- Includes an on-site distribution center.
Final Thoughts
The Medford Oregon Temple stands as a symbol of faith for Latter-day Saints throughout southern Oregon and northern California. Though modest in size, it has brought the blessings of the temple much closer to thousands of members across the Pacific Northwest. Its beautiful setting, timeless architecture, and enduring purpose make it a meaningful stop on any temple journey.
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