View source for Cardston Alberta Temple

{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}}
{{LDS Temple/Cardston Alberta Temple | format=Infobox LDS Temple }}
{{Infobox historic site
| name                 = Cardston Alberta Temple
| native_name          = 
| native_language      = 
| other_name           = 
| etymology            = 
| image                = 
| caption              = 
| alt                  = 
| locmapin             =
| location             = [[Cardston, Alberta|Cardston]], [[Southern Alberta]], [[Alberta]], Canada
| area                 = {{convert|10|acre|m2|abbr=on}}
| elevation            = 
| founded              = June 27, 1913
| founder              = 
| built                = 1913–1923
| original_use         = 
| current_use          = 
| architect            = 
| architecture         = [[Temple architecture (LDS Church)|LDS temple]]
| governing_body       = [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
| owner                =
| visitation_num       = 
| visitation_year      = 
| website              = [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/main/0,11204,1912-1-42-0,00.html Official LDS Cardston Alberta Temple page]
| designation1         = National Historic Site of Canada
| designation1_offname =
| designation1_date    = 1992
| designation1_number  =
| designation2         = 
| designation2_offname =
| designation2_date    =
| designation2_number  =
}}

The '''Cardston Alberta Temple''' (formerly the '''Alberta Temple''') is a temple of [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] in [[Cardston]], [[Alberta]]. It was the eighth temple constructed and is the sixth still in operation. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 12, 1912, by [[President of the Church (LDS Church)|church president]] [[Joseph F. Smith]], during the church's [[General Conference (LDS Church)|general conference]]. It was both the first temple built in Canada and outside the [[United States]]. There are four temples in the province of Alberta and ten operated by the church in Canada.

The temple's distinctive cross shape, one of two such temples built in this style (the other being the [[Laie Hawaii Temple]]), and absence of spires are distinctive characteristics of the structure. The temple was crafted by [[Harold W. Burton]] and [[Hyrum Pope]], drawing inspiration from American architect [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]. Their design was unique in use of geometric decorative elements, and with integration of the surrounding natural environment. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 9, 1913. 

== History ==
The intent to construct the temple was announced by church president Joseph F. Smith on October 12, 1912. It was built on an eight-acre plot named Tabernacle Block,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Cardston Alberta Temple {{!}} Church News Almanac |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/cardston-alberta |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=Almanac |language=en}}</ref> which was given to the church by [[Charles Ora Card]].

In 1992, the temple was declared a National Historic Site, and a plaque was dedicated in 1995.<ref>{{citation |title=Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints National Historic Site of Canada |website=Canadian Register of Historic Places |url=http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=12645&pid=0s}}</ref> A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, took place on November 9, 1913, with Smith presiding and was attended by local church members and community leaders.<ref name=":0" />

The temple faced various challenges during its construction, including delays due to [[World War I]]. Its construction took 10 years, with the final two years dedicated to interior furnishing and preparation for public use.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Cardston Alberta Temple {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/cardston-alberta-temple/ |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref>

As construction began, the [[Relief Society]] General Board started a penny subscription. They saved a penny each week, allowing them to contribute more than $13,000 to the construction of the Cardston Alberta and Laie Hawaii temples.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=The First Modern Temple |url=https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/cardston-temple-history?lang=eng |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=history.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref>

The temple was dedicated on August 26, 1923, by church president [[Heber J. Grant]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Cardston Alberta Temple |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/cardston-alberta-temple?lang=eng |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref> The site expanded to more than 10 acres (4.0 ha) in the mid-1950s. An addition was dedicated on July 2, 1962, by [[Hugh B. Brown]]. The first [[temple president]] was [[Edward J. Wood]], who served from 1923 to 1948. The temple was renovated in the 1990s, with [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] rededicating it on June 22, 1991.

In 1992, the temple was designated a National Historic Site by Parks Canada.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=The First Modern Temple |url=https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/cardston-temple-history?lang=eng |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints}}</ref> A plaque at the temple shows this designation. The temple is also on the Church Historic Landmark list.<ref name=":6" />

The temple received the “Cardston Beautiful Annual Beautification Award” in 2010, a local award for making the city more beautiful.<ref name=":0" /> Stan Johnson, a previous mayor of Cardston (and as of 2010, a counselor in the temple presidency), said the award was “a tremendous contribution that (was) made to the overall beautification of our community by the temple.”<ref name=":0" />

In 2020, like all the church's other temples, the 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>

== Design and architecture ==
The architectural style of the temple is characterized by a fusion of [[Ancient Greek architecture|Grecian]] and subtle [[Peruvian architecture|Peruvian]] influences, resembling designs of Aztec [[Aztec architecture|temples]] with traditional temple designs by the church.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-25 |title=Cardston Temple Centennial: Monument of Faith |url=http://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/cardston-temple-centennial--monument-of-faith |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref> Its architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the town of Cardston and the spiritual significance of the church. Inspired by the designs of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the temple embodies a fusion of [[Maya architecture|Mayan]]-Aztec and [[Prairie School]] architectural styles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints National Historic Site of Canada |url=https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=16 |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=www.pc.gc.ca |language=en}}</ref> At the time, the temple was unique, due to it not needing a large assembly hall. The [[Deseret Evening News]] said that the inside design would have similarities with contemporary temples, but “outside it is totally unlike any of them.”<ref name=":5" /> 

The temple has four [[ordinance room]]s, five [[sealing room]]s, and a floor area of 88,562 square feet (8,227.7 m2). Spanning an area of {{Convert|81,700|sqft|m2}} on 10 acres of land and is constructed with white granite sourced from a quarry near Kootenai Lakes in [[Nelson, British Columbia|Nelson]], [[British Columbia]]. The exterior features a singular central tower with a pyramid roof, hand-shaped stone, and stained-glass windows, while the interior consists of woods and materials imported from all over the world, hand-painted [[Mural|murals]], and a sculpted [[water feature]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cardston Alberta Temple {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/cardston-alberta-temple/ |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref>
[[File:Cardston Alberta Temple.jpg|alt=The Cardston Alberta temple sits in the middle of the photo, in the style of a Mayan/Aztec design meshed with the Prairie School architectural styling. A large grassy lawn can be seen in the foreground, along with a blue sky.|thumb|Cardston Alberta Temple during the day]]
One of the focal points of the temple is the placement at the town’s central square, enclosed within a stone wall and views of [[Chief Mountain, Alberta|Chief Mountain]]. Its octagonal shape under a pyramidal capped roof and [[Greek cross]] layout with arms facing cardinal directions are distinct features that symbolize its historical significance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temple Dimension Statistics {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/statistics/dimensions/ |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref>

The design uses symbolic elements from the [[Bible]], which provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. The temple is situated on top of a small hill with prairies. The surrounding landscaping includes large trees, flower gardens, and paved walkways.[[File:L.D.S. Temple. Cardston.jpg|alt=refer to caption|thumb|A view of the Cardston Temple, circa the 1920s.]]
== Renovations ==

The temple has undergone two major renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. The most significant renovation project commenced in 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The First Modern Temple |url=https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/cardston-temple-history?lang=eng |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=history.churchofjesuschrist.org}}</ref>

The renovations ensured the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and accommodated the evolving needs of the church and its members.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Cardston Alberta Temple {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/cardston-alberta-temple/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref>

Some aspects of this modernization included updates to the [[electrical]] and [[mechanical systems]], adding an entryway to the front of the building, and renovating the interior. These enhancements were made with consideration of its original decorating and design. Throughout the renovation process, care was taken to maintain the temple's historical significance. To ensure the renovations maintained the original design ethos while incorporating modern advancements, attention was given to the architecture and refurbishment of the interior.<ref name=":3" /> The renovated temple was rededicated on June 22, 1991, by Gordon B. Hinckley.<ref name=":0" />

== Cultural and community impact ==
In 1887, Charles Ora Card and other members of the church came to the area as refugees and established a settlement at Lee Creek, Alberta, now Cardston. A tabernacle was built to support the church's membership expansion. Cardston was chosen for the site to construct a temple in Canada. Since the church already owned the land where the tabernacle stood, the decision was made to dismantle it and build the temple in its place.

The temple has made an impact on both the cultural landscape and the local community. Since its establishment in 1913, the temple has been a place of worship for members of the church, while also representing the history of the pioneers who settled the area. At the time, the temple symbolized growth and expansion of the church beyond the United States.

The temple and its surrounding grounds often serve as a gathering place for various community events, including open houses, weddings, church activities, worshiping God, and performing ordinances and ceremonies members consider sacred. These events highlight the temple's role in fostering a sense of community and promoting mutual understanding among residents of diverse backgrounds.

The government of Canada named the temple a Historic Site on September 16, 1995.<ref name=":0" />

== Presidents or matrons ==
Since its dedication in 1923, the temple has been overseen by a series of temple presidents and matrons. Each typically serve a term of three to five years, except the first president, who served for 25 years. The temple president is responsible for the administration of its operations and spiritual guidance for both patrons and staff.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Presidents and Matrons of the Cardston Alberta Temple {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/cardston-alberta-temple/presidents/ |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}</ref>

The first temple president, Edward James Wood, served from 1923 to 1948. Under his leadership, the temple established itself as a center of spiritual activity and community engagement in Cardston, Alberta.<ref name=":4" /> As of 2022, Forast Brent Thomas is serving as temple president.<ref name=":4" /> Other notable temple presidents, or [[temple matron|matrons]], include [[Merlin R. Lybbert]] (1994–97); [[Elaine L. Jack]] (1997–2000); and [[Ardeth G. Kapp]] (2000–03).<ref name=":4" />

== Admittance and use ==
The temple is a central place of worship and spiritual ceremonies for members of the church. Entry into the temple is available to those who hold a valid [[temple recommend]].

The temple is used for living and proxy (acting on behalf of someone who has passed on) ordinances such as [[Baptism for the dead|baptisms for the dead]], endowment ceremonies, and [[Sealing (Mormonism)|sealings]] which are fundamental to church doctrine.

Before its dedication, the temple was open to the public during an open house. This allowed individuals of all faiths to experience the temple's architecture and learn about the practices and beliefs of the faith.

The temple was dedicated on July 27, 1913, by Joseph F. Smith. An addition was dedicated on July 2, 1962, by Hugh B. Brown, and following renovations, it was rededicated on June 22, 1991, by Gordon B. Hinckley.<ref name=":3" />

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Laying of last stone on Mormon Temple at Cardston, Alberta, Sunday, Sept 23 Photo A (HS85-10-33442).jpg|alt=An old photo of a lot of men in suits and trenchcoats standing on top of the stone structure of the Cardston Alberta temple. Poles and wires are seen from the top.|Laying of last stone on the temple
File:Capstone laying on Cardston Temple LCCN93506506.jpg|alt=The Cardston temple at a distance, as if on a postcard. People can be seen at a distance standing on top of the structure, an old car sits in the middle of the shot, sitting on a hill, among other hills of dirt. |Capstone laying on Cardston Temple
File:L.D.S. Temple Cardston AB.jpg|alt=An old black and white photo styled as a postcard, with a close-up of the side of the Cardston Alberta temple. Two braziers are seen to the side, along with climbing ivy up a side wall in the foreground.|A close-up of the side of the temple
File:Cardston-alberta-808x480-VRL 68149 4845006.jpg|alt=Modern photo of the cardston temple, with its signature Mayan-Aztek and Prairie School architecture style.|Modern photo of the temple
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Christianity|Latter Day Saints}}
{{LDS Temple Map Group Alberta}}
* [[Comparison of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
* [[Torleif S. Knaphus]] — sculpted the large [[bas relief]] titled ''Christ the Fountainhead'' on the exterior of the building and also the life-size oxen holding the baptism font 
* [[LeConte Stewart]] - painted murals and other art work in the temple
* [[List of National Historic Sites of Canada in Alberta]]
* [[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)]]
* [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{citation |first= Paul L. |last= Anderson |authorlink= Paul L. Anderson |date=July 1977 |title= First of the Modern Temples |journal= [[Ensign (LDS magazine)|Ensign]] |url= https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1977/07/first-of-the-modern-temples?lang=eng }}
* {{citation |first= Susa Young |last= Gates |authorlink= Susa Young Gates |title= Dedication of the Alberta Temple |journal= [[Improvement Era]] |date=October 1923 |volume= 26 |issue= 12 |pages= 1139–1141 |url= https://archive.org/details/improvementera5811sunse }}
* {{citation |url= https://archive.org/stream/conferencereport1923sa#page/n125/mode/2up |date=October 1923 |first= Andrew |last= Jenson |authorlink= Andrew Jenson |work= [[General Conference (LDS Church)|[General] Conference Report]] |title= Elder Andrew Jenson (Assistant Church Historian.) |pages= 125–132 }}
* {{citation |first= Paul L. |last= Anderson |authorlink= Paul L. Anderson |date=July 1978 |title= Paintings from the Alberta Temple |journal= [[Ensign (LDS magazine)|Ensign]] |url= https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1978/07/paintings-from-the-alberta-temple?lang=eng }}
* {{citation |first= Hugh B. |last= Brown |authorlink= Hugh B. Brown |title= The LDS Concept of Marriage |journal= [[Improvement Era]] |date=August 1962 |volume= 65 |issue= 8 |pages= 570–575 |url= https://archive.org/details/improvementera6508unse }} (Has accompanying color photographs of interior of Cardston Alberta Temple)
* {{citation |first= C. Frank |last= Steele |title= Trek to the North |journal= [[Improvement Era]] |date=August 1962 |volume= 65 |issue= 8 |pages= 568–569, 590–591 |url= https://archive.org/details/improvementera6508unse }}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/cardston-alberta-temple?lang=eng Cardston Alberta Temple Official site]
*[https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/cardston-alberta-temple/ Cardston Alberta Temple] at ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org
* {{cite web |first= Nathan |last= Augustine |title= The Cardston Alberta Temple |url= http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/4909/alberta.html |work= Nathan's Exhaustive Guide to the Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints |accessdate= 2006-12-26 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20060210114237/http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/4909/alberta.html |archivedate= 2006-02-10 }}

{{LDS-North-America}}
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[[Category:1923 establishments in Alberta]]
[[Category:20th-century Latter Day Saint temples]]
[[Category:Replicas of Solomon's Temple]]
[[Category:Cardston]]
[[Category:National Historic Sites in Alberta]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures on the National Historic Sites of Canada register]]
[[Category:Churches completed in 1923]]
[[Category:Temples (LDS Church) in Alberta]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Cardston County]]
[[Category:20th-century churches in Canada]]