View source for Anchorage Alaska Temple

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{LDS Temple/Anchorage Alaska Temple| format= Infobox LDS Temple }}

The '''Anchorage Alaska Temple''' is the 54th operating [[Temple (LDS Church)|temple]] of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS Church) and the first in [[Alaska]]. Dedicated on January 9, 1999, by [[President of the Church (LDS Church)|church president]] [[Gordon B. Hinckley]], it was among the earliest constructed under the church's initiative to build smaller temples, following the [[Monticello Utah Temple]]. Located in [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]], it serves church members in Alaska and the [[Yukon Territory]].

Architecturally, the temple has a single spire with a gold-leafed statue of the [[angel Moroni]] on its top. The design uses Alaskan motifs, including representations of fir trees on doorway pilasters and stained glass reminiscent of water. The west side displays the [[Big Dipper]] pointing to the [[North Star]], like the [[Flag of Alaska|Alaskan stated flag]]. Its exterior is Sierra white granite, and its interior includes two [[ordinance room]]s, one [[sealing room]], and a [[Baptism for the dead|baptistry]], and a total floor area of 11,937 square feet.

In April 2003, the temple underwent significant renovations, adding a second ordinance room, offices, dressing rooms, a waiting area, laundry facilities, and an elevator. The temple was rededicated by Hinckley on February 8, 2004. In January 2023, plans were announced to reconstruct the temple on an adjacent site, increasing its size to approximately 30,000 square feet. The existing temple remains operational during construction, with the new facility expected to be completed by 2026.

==History==
In 1997, church president Gordon B. Hinckley announced that the church would begin building smaller temples, with the first in [[Monticello, Utah]], and the second in Anchorage, Alaska.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Anchorage Alaska Temple |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/anchorage-alaska/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-20 |title=Read about the new presidents and matrons of 8 temples — from Alaska to Brazil |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2025/03/21/new-temple-presidents-and-matrons-alaska-to-brazil/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> The church announced that the temple would be constructed on an approximately 3.4-acre (1.4 ha) property located at 13111 Brayton Drive in Anchorage.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Anchorage Alaska Temple |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/anchorage-alaska-temple?lang=eng |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=Anchorage Alaska Temple to Be Reconstructed |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/anchorage-alaska-temple-to-be-rebuilt |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-24 |title=Anchorage Alaska Temple will double in size with reconstruction |url=https://www.deseret.com/2023/1/24/23569092/anchorage-alaska-temple-reconstruction-plans/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref> The preliminary plans called for a one-story structure of more than 6,800 square feet.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 17, 1998, marking the commencement of construction. This ceremony was presided over by [[F. Melvin Hammond]], a church [[general authority]], and attended by local church members and community leaders.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> During construction, challenges included the Subzero Alaskan weather conditions,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=1999-01-09 |title=Sacred edifice called a 'jewel box' |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/1999/1/9/23249467/sacred-edifice-called-a-jewel-box/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> but the construction was completed in approximately nine months.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=Plans for Anchorage Alaska Temple — resizing, reconstructing and relocating |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2023/1/23/23565588/anchorage-alaska-temple-resizing-reconstructing-relocating-plans/#:~:text=Enlarged%20a%20second%20time&text=After%20nine%20months%20of%20construction,closed%20for%20renovations%20and%20expansion |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

[[File:Anchorage Alaska Temple entrance by artchase.jpg|thumb|left|175px|The entrance of the Anchorage Alaska Temple]] The west side of the temple features the seven stars of the Big Dipper pointing to the North Star, a symbol found on the Alaskan state flag and also the [[Salt Lake Temple]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mangum |first=Diane L. |title=A Star Out of Stone |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/friend/2002/07/a-star-out-of-stone?lang=eng |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref> The temple walls are covered with Sierra white granite from near [[Fresno, California]].<ref name=":0" /> The design uses Alaskan motifs, such as likenesses of fir trees on the doorway pilasters.<ref name=":5" /> The stained glass is reminiscent of water, and evergreens and earth stones provide decorative elements on doorway posts.<ref>"Gathering of Saints", by Jasper and Lommel, p 320{{full|date=November 2012}}</ref>

Following completion of construction, a public open house was held from December 26, 1998, to January 2, 1999, with approximately 4,300 people visiting the temple.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple on January 9, 1999, with more than six thousand members from as far away as the [[Yukon]] in attendance, despite the freezing weather.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-01-16 |title=Northernmost temple dedicated Some 6,000 attend services in frigid Anchorage winter |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/1999/1/16/23249428/northernmost-temple-dedicated-br-some-6-000-attend-services-in-frigid-anchorage-winter/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> A remodel that culminated with a rededication on February 8, 2004, which increased the size from 6,800 square feet to 11,937 square feet (1,109.0 m²), and a total of two ordinance rooms and one sealing room. 

In 2020, like all the church's others, the Anchorage Alaska Temple was closed for a time in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>Stack, Peggy Fletcher. [https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2020/03/26/all-latter-day-saint/ "All Latter-day Saint temples to close due to coronavirus"], ''[[The Salt Lake Tribune]]'', 26 March 2020. Retrieved on 28 March 2020.</ref>

In January 2023, the church announced plans to relocate the Anchorage Alaska Temple to an adjacent spot currently occupied by a meetinghouse at 13111 Brayton Drive.<ref name=":6" /> The new building will be approximately 30,000 square feet, an increase from its current 11,937 square feet,<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> four times the original size, and 150% of the 2nd version's size.<ref name=":6" /> Construction on the new building began in early 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by 2026.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":7" /> The existing temple remains open while the new one is constructed. Following dedication of the temple in its new location, the existing structure will be decommissioned and removed, and a meetinghouse will then be built on the land.<ref name=":7">{{citation|url=https://kutv.com/news/local/plans-announced-to-rebuild-relocate-anchorage-alaska-temple|title=Plans announced to rebuild, relocate Anchorage Alaska Temple|first=Victoria|last=Hill|work=KUTV CBS Channel 2|date=January 23, 2023|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref>

== Design and architecture ==
The Anchorage Alaska Temple is on a 5.4-acre (2.2 ha) plot, adjacent to a meetinghouse.<ref name=":0" /> The landscaping includes native Alaskan flora and is designed to complement the natural surroundings.<ref name=":2" />

The temple is a single-story structure constructed with Sierra white granite quarried near Fresno, California.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Anchorage Alaska Temple {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/anchorage-alaska-temple/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> It features a single spire topped with a gold-colored 6-foot statue of the angel Moroni, and a total height of 55 feet.<ref name=":5" /> The west side of the temple displays the seven stars of the Big Dipper pointing to the North Star, a symbol also represented on the Salt Lake City Temple.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-20 |title=Why There Are Sun, Moon, and Star Symbols on Temples (+Their Deeper Meaning) |url=https://www.ldsliving.com/why-there-are-sun-moon-and-star-symbols-on-temples-their-deeper-meaning/s/84269#:~:text=Close-up%20of%20the%20Big,the%20sun,%20or%20Heavenly%20Father |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=LDS Living |language=en}}</ref> 

The interior has a baptistry, two ordinance rooms, and a sealing room.<ref name=":2" /> Its celestial room has a 700-pound chandelier with thousands of Hungarian crystals and 140 lights, which give off a gold-colored ray of light through the windows. The interior furnishings continue the Alaskan motifs, with water-inspired stained glass and stylized evergreen patterns.<ref name=":0" /> The state flower, the [[Myosotis|Forget Me Not]], is also included.<ref name=":5" />

Symbolism is important to church members and includes the seven stars of the Big Dipper pointing to the North Star, representing guidance and direction, which is also found on the Salt Lake Temple.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" />

=== Renovations and reconstruction ===
A significant renovation began in April 2003, and included the addition of a second ordinance room, offices, new dressing rooms, a waiting room, laundry facilities, and an elevator.<ref name=":8" /> The renovated temple was rededicated on February 8, 2004, by church president Gordon B. Hinckley.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anchorage and São Paulo Temples Rededicated; Idaho Site Announced |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2004/04/news-of-the-church/anchorage-and-sao-paulo-temples-rededicated-idaho-site-announced?lang=eng |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref>

On January 23, 2023, the church announced it would replace an existing meetinghouse with the enlarged temple, along with releasing a rendering of the new structure. It is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026, and during construction, the existing temple remains functional and open. This will increase the square footage of the temple 150%, while being four times the original size. The meetinghouse and the temple will effectively swap spots on the site when completed.<ref name=":6" />

== Temple presidents ==
The church's temples are directed by a [[temple president]] and matron, each typically serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-24 |title=2025 Temple Leadership Assignments |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2025-temple-leadership-assignments |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}</ref>

Serving from 1999 to 2004, the temple's first president was Merrill D. Briggs, with Janet J. Briggs serving as matron.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-11-28 |title=New temple president |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/1998/11/28/23249709/new-temple-president-85/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-09-04 |title=New temple presidents |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2004/9/4/23237849/new-temple-presidents-127/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}</ref> As of 2025, Wesley D. Newman is the president, with Linnea K. Newman serving as matron.<ref name=":1" />

== Admittance ==
After construction was completed, a public open house was held from December 29 to 31, 1998 (excluding Sundays).<ref name=":8" /> The temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley on January 9, 1999, in seven sessions.<ref name=":0" /> Following extensive renovations, a second open house was held from Jan 27 to Jan 31, 2004.

Like all the church's temples, it is not used for [[Lord's Day|Sunday worship]] services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current [[temple recommend]] can enter for worship.<ref name=":3" /> 

==See also==
{{Portal|LDS Church}}
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="font-size: 85%;"
|-
|{{LDS Temple Map Alaska}}
{{ubl
 |1=[[File:{{LDSmap|status=Operating}}|10px|link=Template:LDSmap]] = Operating
 |2=[[File:{{LDSmap|status=Under construction}}|10px|link=Template:LDSmap]] = Under construction
 |3=[[File:{{LDSmap|status=Announced}}|10px|link=Template:LDSmap]] = Announced
 |4=[[File:{{LDSmap|status=Temporarily closed}}|10px|link=Template:LDSmap]] = Temporarily Closed
}}
|}
* [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alaska]]
* [[Comparison of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
* [[List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
* [[List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by geographic region]]
* [[Temple architecture (Latter-day Saints)]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Additional reading==
* {{citation |url= https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/1998-11-14/open-house-dedication-set-for-alaska-temple-14714 |title= Open house, dedication set for Alaska temple |date= November 14, 1998 |newspaper= [[Church News]] }}
* {{citation |url= https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/1999-01-02/alaska-temple-opens-doors-to-the-public-14953 |title= Alaska temple opens doors to the public |date= January 2, 1999 |newspaper= Church News }}
* {{citation |url= https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/1999-01-09/sacred-edifice-called-a-jewel-box-br-nearly-15-000-visit-open-house-of-alaska-temple-14325 |title= Sacred edifice called a 'jewel box': Nearly 15,000 visit open house of Alaska temple |first= Sandi |last= Howlett |date= January 9, 1999  |newspaper= Church News }}
* {{citation |url= https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/1999-01-16/northernmost-temple-dedicated-15012 |title= Northernmost temple dedicated |first= Julie A. |last= Dockstader |date= January 16, 1999 |newspaper= Church News }}
* {{citation |url= https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2004-02-07/icy-opening-and-a-warm-welcome-24882 |title= Icy opening and a warm welcome |first= Sandi |last= Howlett |date= February 7, 2004  |newspaper= Church News }}
* {{citation |url= https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2004-02-14/the-story-of-alaska-24923 |title= The story of Alaska |first= Sandi |last= Howlett |date=February 14, 2004 |newspaper= Church News }}
* {{citation |url= https://www.thechurchnews.com/archive/2004-02-14/temple-in-alaska-24921 |title= Anchorage Alaska Temple rededicated by Prophet |first= Sandi |last= Howlett |date= February 14, 2004 |newspaper= Church News }}

==External links==
{{Commonscatinline}}
* {{Official|https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/anchorage-alaska-temple/}}
* [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/anchorage-alaska-temple?lang=eng Anchorage Alaska Temple details]



{{LDS-Temple-USA}}

[[Category:20th-century Latter Day Saint temples in the United States]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Anchorage, Alaska]]
[[Category:Temples (LDS Church) completed in 1999]]
[[Category:Temples (LDS Church) in Alaska]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in Alaska]]
[[Category:Religious organizations based in Alaska]]