Dedication of the Redlands California Temple
During the open house of the Redlands California Temple, guests described their experience touring the temple as precious, beautiful and heartwarming.
“This is the most beautiful place I have seen,” said one guest. “I don’t want to leave.”
Another said of his experience of leading tours during the open house: “It was a precious experience to walk through the temple with those who don’t have an understanding of the gospel. It is heartwarming to recognize that they felt the Spirit and the peace there in rich abundance.”
Church President Gordon B. Hinckley presided over the dedication ceremony on Sept. 14, 2003. “We are grateful for the spirit of hospitality which we have experienced here,” the Prophet said during the dedicatory prayer. “May it increase that we may live in harmony with our neighbors, walking as examples before them.”
John and A. Maopa Finau were among those who attended the dedication ceremony. “It has blessed our family to be a part of this dedication,” said Sister Finau.
Another member explained how special the dedication of the Redlands temple was. “We’ll always remember this day,” he said.
President Hinckley was accompanied by his wife, Marjorie Hinckley; Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and members of the North America West Area presidency — Elder Lynn G. Robbins, president; Elder Val R. Christensen, first counselor; and Elder Ned B. Roueche, second counselor.
Dedicatory prayer excerpt: “May it be sacred to all who enter its doors, and may these portals never be breached by anyone unworthy to enter. May those who pass by look upon it as the house of the Lord and do so with reverence and respect. Hold back the hand of the vandal or anyone who would in any way deface it. May it stand strong against the storms of nature.”
Read the dedicatory prayer of the Redlands California Temple here.
Timeline of the Redlands California Temple
The First Presidency announced a temple for Redlands, California, on April 21, 2001. Just seven months later Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Redlands California Temple. Visitors were welcomed to tour the temple from Aug. 6 to Sept. 6, 2003. President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Redlands temple on Sept. 14, 2003.
Architecture and Design of the Redlands California Temple
The Redlands temple was built at a total of 17,279 square feet and stands on 4.55 acres. The exterior is light-gray granite and features a single-spire design. Three arched windows are found on the front-facing wall of the structure.
The grounds of the house of the Lord are decorated with palm trees, flowers, shrubs and a fountain.