The Redlands California Temple is the fifth temple built in California, the third in Southern California, and the 116th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Redlands, the temple serves members throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Its elegant granite exterior, peaceful gardens, and deep connection to early Latter-day Saint history in Southern California make it one of the region's most meaningful temples.
A Brief History
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Redlands California Temple on April 21, 2001, the same day the Newport Beach California Temple and Sacramento California Temple were announced. Groundbreaking services were held on December 1, 2001, with Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf presiding.
Following a 28-day public open house from August 9 through September 6, 2003, President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple on September 14, 2003, making it the 116th dedicated temple of the Church. Thousands of members from across Southern California attended the dedication, celebrating the arrival of a temple much closer to home for members throughout the Inland Empire.
The temple stands on land connected to the Church's earliest settlement in Southern California. In 1851, under the direction of Brigham Young, Latter-day Saint pioneers established a colony in the San Bernardino Valley. Early plans even reserved a city block for a future temple, though one was never built before the settlers returned to Utah. More than 150 years later, the Redlands California Temple fulfilled that long-held vision.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the most unique aspects of the Redlands California Temple is the extraordinary community effort that helped build it. More than 15,000 people donated rocks that were placed in the temple's foundation. Families gathered stones from meaningful locations throughout the western United States, while Primary children painted pictures and wrote messages on many of the rocks before they were incorporated into the temple.
The temple features approximately 17,300 square feet with two progressive instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and a baptistry. Its exterior is finished with light gray granite, and a graceful 130-foot central spire is topped with a 13½-foot angel Moroni statue, which was installed by crane in March 2003 as hundreds of onlookers gathered to watch.
Inside the temple, visitors will find beautiful artwork that reflects the region's history. Behind the reception desk is a restored stained-glass panel that originally came from a San Bernardino meetinghouse built in 1930. The temple also honors the area's diverse pioneer heritage, including descendants of early settlers, Native American communities, and families whose roots stretch back to California's earliest days.
Visiting the Temple
The Redlands California Temple is located at 1761 Fifth Avenue in Redlands, California. The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or an on-site distribution center. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the peaceful gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the temple.
Fun Facts
- Fifth temple built in California.
- Third temple built in Southern California.
- 116th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on April 21, 2001.
- Groundbreaking held on December 1, 2001.
- Dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on September 14, 2003.
- Public open house lasted 28 days.
- Built on a 4.6-acre site.
- Approximately 17,300 square feet.
- Features two instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- More than 15,000 donated rocks were placed in the temple's foundation.
- Built near the site of the Church's historic 1851 San Bernardino colony.
Final Thoughts
The Redlands California Temple beautifully connects the Church's pioneer heritage in Southern California with the needs of modern Latter-day Saints. Its elegant design, rich historical significance, and remarkable community involvement make it one of California's most meaningful temples. Whether you're attending an ordinance or simply enjoying the peaceful grounds, the Redlands California Temple is a memorable stop on any temple journey.
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