The Nauvoo Illinois Temple is one of the most historically significant temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Standing on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the temple is a faithful reconstruction of the original Nauvoo Temple built by the early Saints in the 1840s. Dedicated in 2002, it became the 113th dedicated temple of the Church and serves members throughout western Illinois and eastern Iowa.
A Brief History
The original Nauvoo Temple was announced by the Prophet Joseph Smith on August 31, 1840. Construction began in 1841 as thousands of Latter-day Saints worked tirelessly to build a house of the Lord despite tremendous hardship. The temple was dedicated in May 1846, just months before many of the Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo during their westward exodus. Tragically, the temple was destroyed by arson in 1848, and the remaining walls were severely damaged by a tornado in 1850 before the ruins were eventually removed.
More than 150 years later, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced during the April 1999 General Conference that the Church would rebuild the Nauvoo Temple on its original site. Groundbreaking services were held on October 24, 1999, and after a 47-day public open house attended by more than 331,000 visitors, President Hinckley dedicated the reconstructed temple on June 27–30, 2002—exactly 158 years after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Nauvoo Illinois Temple is unique because it is a faithful reconstruction of the original Nauvoo Temple. While modern building methods were used, great care was taken to reproduce the appearance and many architectural details of the original structure, allowing visitors to experience a temple that closely resembles the one built by the early Saints.
Unlike most temples, the Nauvoo Illinois Temple and its angel Moroni statue face west, overlooking the Mississippi River in the direction the pioneers began their journey to the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the few temples featuring four progressive ordinance rooms with beautifully hand-painted murals depicting the Creation, Garden, and World. The temple also houses the largest baptismal font in the Church.
Another unique feature is the temple's setting within historic Nauvoo. Surrounded by restored pioneer homes, historic Church sites, and beautiful gardens, the temple stands at the center of one of the most important locations in Latter-day Saint history. During the summer months, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the historic sites, performances, and the annual Nauvoo Pageant.
Visiting the Temple
The Nauvoo Illinois Temple is located at 50 North Wells Street in Nauvoo, Illinois. While the temple does not have a public visitors' center, it does include an arrival center for family members and guests waiting during temple ordinances. The beautifully landscaped grounds are open to visitors and offer stunning views of the Mississippi River and historic Nauvoo.
Fun Facts
- Second operating temple in Illinois.
- 113th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Faithful reconstruction of the original Nauvoo Temple built in the 1840s.
- Original temple announced on August 31, 1840.
- Reconstructed temple announced on April 4, 1999.
- Groundbreaking held on October 24, 1999.
- Dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on June 27–30, 2002.
- Public open house lasted 47 days and welcomed 331,849 visitors.
- Built on a 3.3-acre site.
- Approximately 54,000 square feet.
- Features four progressive instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Contains the largest baptismal font in the Church.
- Angel Moroni faces west, overlooking the Mississippi River.
Final Thoughts
The Nauvoo Illinois Temple stands as a powerful reminder of the faith, sacrifice, and devotion of the early Latter-day Saints. Rebuilt on the site of the original temple, it connects modern worshippers with one of the most significant chapters in Church history. Whether you're attending the temple, exploring historic Nauvoo, or simply enjoying the peaceful grounds overlooking the Mississippi River, the Nauvoo Illinois Temple is an unforgettable destination on any temple journey.
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