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Tallahassee Florida Temple

Coordinates: 30°31′12″N 84°14′18″W / 30.520127°N 84.2382219°W / 30.520127; -84.2382219
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Tallahassee Florida Temple
Under Construction
Map
NumberTBD
DedicationDecember 8, 2024, by Elder Patrick Kearon
Site4.97 acres (2.01 ha)
Floor area29,000 sq ft (2,700 m2)
Height204 ft (62 m)
Church chronology

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Additional information
Open houseNovember 4, 2024 - November 23, 2024
Geographic coordinates30°31′12″N 84°14′18″W / 30.520127°N 84.2382219°W / 30.520127; -84.2382219
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms2
Sealing rooms2

Introduction

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The Tallahassee Florida Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tallahassee, Florida. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 5, 2020, by the church president Russell M. Nelson, during the church's general conference.[1] The temple will be the third in Florida, and will be the state’s westernmost temple.[2]

The temple has a single attached central tower.[3] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on June 5, 2021, conducted by James B. Martino.[4] Reflecting the Church's dedication to sacred spaces, the Tallahassee Florida Temple reflects its deep-rooted commitment to spiritual practices and community enrichment.

History

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The temple was announced by Russell M. Nelson on April 5, 2020.[1] The site for the temple was selected due to its significance to the church and the local community.

On January 13, 2021, the church announced that the temple would be constructed on a 4.97-acre property located at 2440 Papillion Way in Tallahassee. The preliminary plans called for a single-story structure of 29,000 square feet.[5]

The groundbreaking ceremony, a pivotal moment in the temple's history, took place on June 5, 2021, marking the commencement of construction. This ceremony was presided over by James B. Martino and attended by local church members and community leaders.[4]

Once the temple is completed, a public open house will be held from November 4–23, 2024. After the open house, the Tallahassee Florida Temple is scheduled to be dedicated on December 8, 2024, by Patrick Kearon.[6]

Throughout its history, the Tallahassee Florida Temple will serve as a center of spiritual growth and play a vital role in the lives of church members in the region.

Design and Architecture

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The building has a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. The architectural work reflects both the cultural heritage of Tallahassee and the spiritual significance of the church.

Site

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The temple sits on a 4.97-acre plot, and the landscaping around the temple features trees and colorful bushes. A distribution center is also being constructed on the site, near a pre-existing meetinghouse.[2]

Exterior

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The structure stands 204 feet tall,[3] constructed with pale precast concrete.[6] The exterior is characterized by a central five-tiered tower topped with a golden dome,[2] elements which were each chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both the local culture and the broader Church symbolism.

Interior

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The temple includes two sealing rooms, two instruction rooms, and a baptistry,[3] each purposefully arranged for ceremonial use.[7] Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics.

Symbols

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Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements representing Latter-day Saint and Biblical symbolism, which provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. For example, “The baptistry, like those in all temples, will contain a large, elevated pool supported by 12 carved oxen representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel.”[7]

The Tallahassee Florida Temple not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as an architectural landmark in Tallahassee, Florida, embodying the Church's commitment to creating sacred and aesthetically inspiring spaces.

Temple Presidents

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Upon its dedication in 2024, the Tallahassee Florida Temple will be overseen by a Temple President and Temple Matron. The roles of Temple President and Temple Matron encompass the administration of temple operations and spiritual guidance for both temple patrons and staff.[8]

The first President of the Tallahassee Florida Temple is Douglas Dean Gilbert, who will serve alongside Temple Matron Kathy Faye Tate Gilbert.[9]

Admittance

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On July 1, 2024, the church announced that a public open house would be held from November 4–23, 2024 (excluding Sundays).[10] The temple is scheduled to be dedicated by Patrick Kearon on December 8, 2024.[11] Like all temples of the church, the Tallahassee Florida Temple is not used for 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.[12]

References

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  1. ^ a b Saints, President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day. "Go Forward in Faith". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  2. ^ a b c "Tallahassee Florida Temple". Church News. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  3. ^ a b c "Tallahassee Florida Temple". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  4. ^ a b "Ground broken for new Tallahassee temple, the third in Florida". Church News. 2024-01-11. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  5. ^ "Tallahassee Florida Temple Location Revealed". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2021-01-13. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  6. ^ a b "Open House and Dedication Date Announced for the Tallahassee Florida Temple". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2024-07-01. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  7. ^ a b Brown, Marina (2022-08-30). "Building a Temple of Celestial Proportions". Tallahassee Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  8. ^ "Presidents and Matrons of the Tallahassee Florida Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  9. ^ "Learn about the new leaders of these 8 temples — from Boise to Brazil". Church News. 2024-02-22. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  10. ^ "First Presidency announces dedication, open house dates for Tallahassee Florida Temple". Church News. 2024-07-01. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  11. ^ "Dedication and open house announced for the new Tallahassee Florida Temple". LDS Living. 2024-07-01. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
  12. ^ "Inside Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-08-24.