The Washington D.C. Temple is the 16th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Kensington, Maryland, about 10 miles north of the United States Capitol, the temple serves members throughout Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Its six gleaming white spires make it one of the Church's most recognizable landmarks and the tallest temple in the world.
A Brief History
President David O. McKay announced plans for the Washington D.C. Temple on November 15, 1968, marking the first temple to be built in the eastern United States. Groundbreaking took place just a few weeks later on December 7, 1968, with President Hugh B. Brown presiding. Construction continued for nearly six years as workers created what would become one of the Church's most iconic temples.
Before its dedication, the temple welcomed the public during a remarkable 46-day open house from September 17 through November 2, 1974. More than 758,000 visitors toured the temple, including First Lady Betty Ford, making it one of the largest public open houses in Church history. President Spencer W. Kimball dedicated the temple over ten dedicatory sessions from November 19–22, 1974.
The temple underwent a major renovation beginning in 2018 that modernized its systems while carefully preserving its historic character. Following the renovation, another public open house was held from April 28 through June 11, 2022, welcoming more than 340,000 visitors, including members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and thousands from the surrounding community. President Russell M. Nelson rededicated the temple on August 14, 2022.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Washington D.C. Temple is famous for its breathtaking six-spire design, inspired by the Salt Lake Temple. Rising 288 feet (87.8 meters) above the surrounding landscape, it remains the tallest temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The exterior is covered with approximately 173,000 square feet of Alabama white marble, which allows portions of the building to softly glow as sunlight passes through the thin marble panels.
Inside, the temple contains approximately 156,558 square feet and features six instruction rooms, ten sealing rooms, and one baptistry. It is one of only four temples in the Church with six instruction rooms and the only one outside Utah. The temple's beautiful stained-glass windows gradually transition from rich reds and oranges to blues and white, symbolizing the journey toward purity and eternal life. Bronze medallions throughout the temple depict themes of creation, eternity, and the plan of salvation.
Another distinctive feature is the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center, which includes a full-size replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus statue, interactive exhibits, concerts, seasonal events, and the annual Festival of Lights during the Christmas season. The visitors' center is free and open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
Visiting the Temple
The Washington D.C. Temple is located at:
9900 Stoneybrook Drive
Kensington, Maryland 20895
The temple features:
- A Visitors' Center that is open to the public.
- An on-site distribution center.
- Temple clothing rental.
- Beautiful reflection pools and landscaped grounds.
- Free parking for visitors.
Fun Facts
- 16th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- First temple built in the eastern United States.
- Announced on November 15, 1968.
- Groundbreaking held on December 7, 1968.
- Dedicated by President Spencer W. Kimball on November 19–22, 1974.
- Rededicated by President Russell M. Nelson on August 14, 2022.
- Built on a 52-acre site.
- Approximately 156,558 square feet.
- Features six instruction rooms, ten sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- The tallest temple in the Church at 288 feet.
- Exterior finished with Alabama white marble.
- One of only five temples where the angel Moroni holds the gold plates in his left hand.
Final Thoughts
The Washington D.C. Temple is one of the most recognizable and beloved temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From its towering six spires to its beautiful marble exterior and welcoming visitors' center, it has inspired millions of people over the past five decades. Whether you're attending an ordinance, touring the visitors' center, or enjoying the peaceful grounds, the Washington D.C. Temple is an unforgettable stop on any temple journey.
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