The Pocatello Idaho Temple is the sixth temple built in Idaho and the 170th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located on the city's east bench overlooking the Portneuf Valley, the temple serves members throughout southeastern Idaho and surrounding communities. Its prominent hilltop location, elegant granite exterior, and panoramic views have quickly made it one of Idaho's most recognizable temples.
A Brief History
President Thomas S. Monson announced the Pocatello Idaho Temple during the April 2017 General Conference on April 2, 2017. For many members in southeastern Idaho, the announcement fulfilled a hope that had existed for generations. In fact, Pocatello had been considered as a possible location for Idaho's very first temple in the 1930s, but the project ultimately moved to Idaho Falls because extending utilities to the proposed hillside site proved impractical during the Great Depression.
The temple site was officially announced on September 7, 2018, along with the first exterior rendering. Groundbreaking services followed on March 16, 2019, with Elder Wilford W. Andersen presiding. More than 2,500 local youth helped prepare the site just days before the ceremony by clearing sagebrush and vegetation from the property in less than thirty minutes.
Following a 35-day public open house from September 18 through October 23, 2021, which welcomed more than 250,000 visitors, President M. Russell Ballard dedicated the temple on November 7, 2021, making it the 170th dedicated temple of the Church. Elder Neil L. Andersen, who grew up in Pocatello, also participated in the dedication.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the Pocatello Idaho Temple's most distinctive features is its commanding location. Standing nearly 195 feet tall, the temple sits high above the city and can be seen from Interstate 15 and Interstate 86, especially at night when the building is beautifully illuminated. The grounds include nearly 500 trees, thousands of flowers, and a north-side plaza designed for bridal parties and visitors.
The temple is finished with Temple White granite from China and features a graceful single attached central spire topped with the angel Moroni. Inside, the temple contains approximately 71,125 square feet with four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and a baptistry. Decorative art glass throughout the temple features Idaho wildflowers, including the syringa, Idaho's state flower, along with bitterroot blossoms and colors inspired by the region's sagebrush, golden grasses, and sunsets.
One particularly meaningful feature is a historic stained-glass window depicting Jesus Christ holding a lamb. The artwork was salvaged from a church in the eastern United States, carefully restored, and incorporated into the temple's chapel. Even the grand staircase contains naturally occurring vertebrate fossils embedded within its travertine limestone. In 2022, the project received the Engineering News-Record Mountain States Best Project Award in the Cultural/Worship category.
Visiting the Temple
The Pocatello Idaho Temple is located at 3100 Butte Street in Pocatello, Idaho. 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 landscaped grounds and enjoy sweeping views of the Portneuf Valley and surrounding mountains.
Fun Facts
- Sixth temple built in Idaho.
- 170th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on April 2, 2017.
- Groundbreaking held on March 16, 2019.
- Dedicated by President M. Russell Ballard on November 7, 2021.
- Public open house lasted 35 days and welcomed more than 250,000 visitors.
- Built on a 10.94-acre property.
- Approximately 71,125 square feet.
- Features four instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Exterior finished with Temple White granite from China.
- Decorative art glass features Idaho wildflowers, including the syringa.
- Contains a restored historic stained-glass window depicting Jesus Christ with a lamb.
- Grand staircase includes naturally occurring vertebrate fossils in the stone.
Final Thoughts
The Pocatello Idaho Temple stands as the fulfillment of generations of faith and anticipation among Latter-day Saints in southeastern Idaho. Its commanding hilltop location, beautiful craftsmanship, and meaningful symbolism make it one of Idaho's most impressive temples. Whether you're attending an ordinance or simply enjoying the peaceful grounds overlooking the valley, the Pocatello Idaho Temple is a memorable stop on any temple journey.
Stay Connected
Are you working toward visiting every temple in the United States?
Sign up for our email list to receive new temple guides, travel inspiration, product updates, and exclusive offers.
You can also explore our My Temple Journey books, designed to help you record the memories, promptings, and spiritual experiences from every temple you visit.
Visit https://broughmade.com to learn more and begin your temple journey today.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
0 comments