The Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple was the first temple built in Oklahoma and became the 95th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Yukon, just west of Oklahoma City, the temple serves members throughout Oklahoma, southern Kansas, and surrounding areas. Though modest in size, it has become a cherished house of the Lord for thousands of Latter-day Saints across the region.
A Brief History
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple on March 14, 1999, as part of the Church's historic expansion of smaller temples around the world. The announcement brought great excitement to members who had previously traveled long distances to attend temples in neighboring states.
Groundbreaking services were held on July 3, 1999, with Elder Rex D. Pinegar presiding. The ceremony came just two months after the devastating May 3, 1999, Oklahoma tornado outbreak. During his remarks, Elder Pinegar spoke of the remarkable faith and resilience demonstrated by the people of Oklahoma and the blessing the temple would be for future generations.
Following a 14-day public open house from July 8–22, 2000, President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the temple on July 30, 2000, making it the 95th dedicated temple of the Church. After nearly two decades of service, the temple closed in 2017 for an extensive renovation. It reopened following a 7-day public open house, and President Henry B. Eyring rededicated the temple on May 19, 2019.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple is one of the Church's classic small temples introduced under President Gordon B. Hinckley's leadership. Its elegant single attached spire is topped with a gold-leafed angel Moroni statue, and the exterior is finished with beautiful beige limestone, giving the building a warm, timeless appearance.
Inside, the temple contains approximately 10,890 square feet and features two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry. While compact, its thoughtful design allows it to efficiently serve members from a large geographic area spanning Oklahoma and portions of Kansas.
One of the temple's most meaningful stories is its connection to Oklahoma's resilience. Announced shortly before the state's devastating tornado season and only a few years after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the temple became a lasting symbol of hope, faith, and healing for members throughout the region.
Visiting the Temple
The Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple is located at 12030 North Mustang Road in Yukon, Oklahoma. The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or an on-site distribution center. Visitors are welcome to walk the beautifully maintained grounds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the temple.
Fun Facts
- First temple built in Oklahoma.
- 95th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on March 14, 1999.
- Groundbreaking held on July 3, 1999.
- Dedicated by President James E. Faust on July 30, 2000.
- Rededicated by President Henry B. Eyring on May 19, 2019.
- Original public open house lasted 14 days.
- Renovation open house lasted 7 days.
- Built on approximately 1 acre.
- Approximately 10,890 square feet.
- Features two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Exterior finished with beige limestone.
- Serves members from Oklahoma and southern Kansas.
Final Thoughts
The Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple has blessed Latter-day Saints throughout the region since its dedication in 2000. Its peaceful design, meaningful history, and central location have made it a treasured house of the Lord for members across Oklahoma. Whether you're attending the temple or simply enjoying its beautiful grounds, the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple is a memorable stop on any temple journey.
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