The Monticello Utah Temple is one of the most historically significant temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in southeastern Utah near the Four Corners region, it was the eleventh temple built in Utah and the 53rd dedicated temple of the Church. Although modest in size, the Monticello Utah Temple changed the future of temple construction by becoming the prototype for President Gordon B. Hinckley's revolutionary small-temple program.
A Brief History
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Monticello Utah Temple during the October 1997 General Conference on October 4, 1997. The announcement introduced a new concept for smaller temples that could be built more quickly and economically, bringing temple blessings closer to members living far from larger population centers.
Groundbreaking services were held on November 17, 1997, with Elder Ben B. Banks presiding. Construction moved at a remarkable pace, and after a two-day public open house on July 16–18, 1998, President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple on July 26–27, 1998, making it the 53rd dedicated temple of the Church.
Originally, the temple measured only about 7,000 square feet, making it the smallest operating temple in the Church. As temple attendance quickly exceeded expectations, the building closed in 2002 for a major expansion that nearly doubled its size. Following a seven-day public open house, President Hinckley rededicated the enlarged temple on November 17, 2002. Today, the temple contains approximately 11,225 square feet while retaining its original appearance.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Monticello Utah Temple is unique because it was the first of the Church's smaller temples, establishing the pattern for dozens of temples that followed around the world. Its success demonstrated that beautiful, functional temples could be built much faster than traditional large temples, dramatically increasing temple access for members worldwide.
Another fascinating feature involves its angel Moroni statue. When dedicated in 1998, the temple featured a white six-foot Moroni statue, created specifically for the original small-temple design. Church leaders later determined the white statue was difficult to see against cloudy skies, so in 1999 it was replaced with the now-familiar gold-leafed Moroni. The original white statue was preserved and placed in the Church History Museum collection.
The temple's exterior is finished with beautiful Turkish off-white marble and features a single attached spire. Nestled against the backdrop of the Abajo Mountains, the temple serves members throughout southeastern Utah and portions of southwestern Colorado, providing a peaceful setting in one of the most scenic parts of the American Southwest.
Visiting the Temple
The Monticello Utah Temple is located at 365 North 200 West in Monticello, Utah. The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or an on-site distribution center. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds and admire the surrounding mountain views.
Fun Facts
- Eleventh temple built in Utah.
- 53rd dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on October 4, 1997.
- Groundbreaking held on November 17, 1997.
- Dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on July 26–27, 1998.
- Rededicated on November 17, 2002 following a major expansion.
- Originally the smallest operating temple in the Church.
- First temple built using President Hinckley's small-temple design.
- Constructed in just eight months and nine days, one of the fastest temple construction projects in Church history.
- Built on a 1.33-acre property.
- Approximately 11,225 square feet after expansion.
- Features two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Originally featured a white angel Moroni statue, later replaced with a gold-leafed version.
Final Thoughts
The Monticello Utah Temple occupies a special place in Church history. Its innovative design transformed the way temples are built, making sacred ordinances more accessible to members around the world. Though modest in size, its influence has been enormous, and its beautiful setting among the red rocks and mountains of southeastern Utah makes it a memorable stop on any temple journey.
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