The Nashville Tennessee Temple is the second temple built in Tennessee and has served members throughout central and eastern Tennessee and western Kentucky since its dedication in 2000. Located in the picturesque city of Franklin, about 15 miles south of downtown Nashville, the temple is known for its peaceful rural setting, beautiful white marble exterior, and fascinating history. It became the 84th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Brief History
President Howard W. Hunter announced the Nashville Tennessee Temple on November 9, 1994. Originally, the Church planned to construct a much larger regional temple in Forest Hills, just south of Nashville. However, after several years of zoning challenges and legal proceedings, Church leaders decided to relocate the project and adopt President Gordon B. Hinckley's new smaller temple design instead. This decision allowed construction to move forward much more quickly while still meeting the needs of members throughout the region.
Groundbreaking services were held on March 13, 1999, with Elder John K. Carmack presiding. Despite cold temperatures and heavy rain, approximately 1,500 members attended the ceremony. Following a seven-day public open house from May 6–13, 2000, President James E. Faust, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the temple on May 21, 2000, making it the 84th dedicated temple of the Church.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the Nashville Tennessee Temple's most unique stories is the dramatic change in its design. What was originally envisioned as a large regional temple ultimately became one of President Hinckley's smaller temples after the original site was abandoned. This transition became an early example of how the Church could bring temples closer to members while adapting to local circumstances.
The temple features a graceful single attached spire topped with the angel Moroni and is finished with elegant Imperial Danby white marble. Inside, the temple contains approximately 10,700 square feet and includes two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry. Though modest in size, it efficiently serves members across a large temple district in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Another interesting feature is the temple's peaceful location. Situated beside the Franklin Tennessee Stake Center and surrounded by horse farms and rolling countryside, the temple provides a quiet atmosphere for worship while remaining easily accessible from the greater Nashville metropolitan area. Today, the temple serves 12 stakes across central and eastern Tennessee and western Kentucky.
Visiting the Temple
The Nashville Tennessee Temple is located at 344 Ernest Rice Lane in Franklin, Tennessee. 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 peaceful surroundings throughout the year.
Fun Facts
- Second temple built in Tennessee.
- 84th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on November 9, 1994.
- Groundbreaking held on March 13, 1999.
- Dedicated by President James E. Faust on May 21, 2000.
- Public open house lasted 7 days.
- Built on a 6.86-acre property.
- Approximately 10,700 square feet.
- Features two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Exterior finished with Imperial Danby white marble.
- Originally planned as a much larger regional temple before being redesigned as one of the Church's smaller temples.
Final Thoughts
The Nashville Tennessee Temple is a beautiful example of how inspiration, perseverance, and adaptability helped bring temple blessings to members throughout the Upper South. From its unique planning history to its peaceful setting in Franklin, the temple has blessed thousands of Latter-day Saints since its dedication in 2000. Whether you're attending the temple or simply walking its beautiful grounds, the Nashville Tennessee Temple is a memorable stop on any temple journey.
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