Visitor Insights
Visiting Meridian Idaho Temple
The Meridian Idaho Temple grounds are open to the public, offering a serene environment for quiet reflection and enjoyment. While the temple interior is reserved for members with a current temple recommend, visitors are welcome to explore the beautifully landscaped gardens. There is no dedicated visitors' center on site.
Highlights
- Explore the meticulously maintained grounds and gardens.
- Enjoy scenic walkways and tranquil ponds.
- Experience a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation.
Things to Know
- The temple interior is not open for public tours after dedication.
- Dress respectfully when visiting the temple grounds.
- No dedicated visitors' center is available on site.
Location
7355 N Linder Rd, Meridian, ID 83646, United States
Hours: Temple operating hours for members are available on the official Church website; reservations are recommended.
Getting There: Located at 7355 N Linder Rd, Meridian, ID, the temple is easily accessible by car with ample parking available on site.
Get DirectionsAbout
The Meridian Idaho Temple stands as a beacon of faith for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in central Idaho. Dedicated in 2017, it is the fifth temple built in the state, serving a rapidly growing Latter-day Saint community. Its design harmonizes with the natural beauty of the region, drawing inspiration from the Sawtooth Mountains and local agriculture.
As a sacred edifice, the temple provides a place for members to participate in eternal ordinances and make covenants with God, central to their Christian worship and belief in eternal families. The temple's presence underscores the Church's commitment to strengthening faith and community in Meridian and the surrounding areas. Its grounds offer a tranquil space for public contemplation and enjoyment.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni Statue
Perched atop the dome, the gold-leafed Angel Moroni symbolizes the restoration of the gospel and the heralding of Christ's Second Coming.
Octagonal Shape
The recurring octagonal shape in the dome and baptismal font symbolizes rebirth and resurrection, reflecting Christian themes of new life.
Syringa Flower
Idaho's state flower, the white syringa, is prominently featured in art glass and carpets, symbolizing purity, growth, and local heritage.
Camas Flower
The camas flower, native to Idaho, is integrated into the interior design, representing the beauty of creation and the blossoming of faith.
Titanium Cupola Cap
The distinctive octagonal dome is covered with titanium surfacing that changes color with the sunlight, symbolizing divine light and glory.
Baptismal Font with Oxen
The baptismal font, supported by twelve oxen, represents the twelve tribes of Israel and is used for baptisms for the dead, connecting to biblical practice.
Prairie School Style
The architectural style, characterized by horizontal lines and minimal ornamentation, integrates the temple with the surrounding Idaho landscape and agricultural themes.
Interior Color Palette
The white, gold, turquoise, and bronze color scheme symbolizes purity, divinity, heaven, and earth, pointing to the sacred nature of the temple.
Interesting Facts
The Meridian Idaho Temple is the 158th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide and the fifth in Idaho (Tier A).
Its announcement in 2011 was the first in Idaho by Church President Thomas S. Monson (Tier A).
The temple's architectural style, Prairie School, is a departure from the traditional tall spires of many Latter-day Saint temples (Tier B).
The titanium surfacing on the octagonal cupola cap changes colors from blue-gray to gold to bronze depending on the sunlight (Tier A).
The interior of the temple includes marble quarried from Egypt, Italy, and Spain (Tier A).
The temple's design incorporates advanced seismic standards, with exterior cladding connected to the steel frame to absorb earthquake energy (Tier A).
During its three-week public open house, over 200,000 people toured the temple, including community and civic leaders (Tier A).
The Meridian Idaho Temple is located approximately 8.8 miles from the Boise Idaho Temple, one of the shortest distances between two temples outside of Utah (Tier A).
The interior features over 100 paintings, including 10 original pieces, with two murals depicting Idaho's mountains and wilderness (Tier A).
The temple site also includes a 21,000 square-foot meetinghouse (Tier A).
Common Questions
What is the purpose of the Meridian Idaho Temple?
The temple provides a sacred space for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to make covenants with God and perform eternal ordinances.
Can the public enter the Meridian Idaho Temple?
After its dedication, the temple interior is reserved for members of the Church with a current temple recommend, but the grounds are open to all visitors.
What architectural style does the Meridian Idaho Temple feature?
The temple features a Prairie School architectural style, characterized by horizontal lines and integration with the surrounding landscape.
Are there visitors' facilities at the Meridian Idaho Temple?
While the grounds are open to the public, there is no dedicated visitors' center on site.
What is the significance of the Angel Moroni statue on the temple?
The Angel Moroni statue symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the heralding of His Second Coming.
Featured Stories
A Community's Anticipation
2011-2017
The announcement of the Meridian Idaho Temple in 2011 sparked immense joy and anticipation among local Latter-day Saints. As construction progressed, the community watched with excitement, seeing the temple rise as a symbol of faith and growth in their rapidly expanding city.
Source: The Church News
The 'Be Strong' Cultural Celebration
November 18, 2017
On the eve of the temple's dedication, 6,000 youth from the temple district gathered for a vibrant cultural celebration. Titled 'Be Strong, Steadfast, and Immovable,' the event showcased local talent and celebrated the rich heritage and future promise of the Latter-day Saint community in Idaho.
Source: LDS Living
Open House: A Bridge to the Community
October-November 2017
Before its dedication, the Meridian Idaho Temple opened its doors to over 200,000 visitors during a three-week public open house. This period allowed community members of all faiths to experience the beauty and sacred purpose of the temple, fostering understanding and goodwill.
Source: East Idaho News
Timeline
Temple Announced
President Thomas S. Monson announced the Meridian Idaho Temple during the 181st Annual General Conference.
component.timeline.announcementSite Announced
The specific site for the temple was announced at 7345 North Linder Road in Meridian.
MilestoneRendering Released
The official rendering of the temple and its site plan were released to the public.
MilestoneProject Approved
The Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission approved the temple project application.
EventGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder David A. Bednar presided over the groundbreaking, marking the official start of construction.
component.timeline.groundbreakingAngel Moroni Placed
The 13-foot-6-inch statue of the Angel Moroni was placed atop the temple, completing the exterior.
MilestonePublic Open House Begins
A public open house commenced, allowing over 200,000 visitors to tour the temple interior.
EventCultural Celebration
Approximately 6,000 youth participated in a cultural celebration titled 'Be Strong, Steadfast, and Immovable'.
EventTemple Dedicated
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf dedicated the Meridian Idaho Temple in three sessions.
DedicationTemporary Closure
The temple temporarily closed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, like all other temples worldwide.
EventHistory by Decade
2010s — Announcement and Construction
The 2010s marked a period of significant growth for Meridian, Idaho, and for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the region. In April 2011, Church President Thomas S. Monson announced the Meridian Idaho Temple, a much-anticipated addition to the state's spiritual landscape. The groundbreaking ceremony in August 2014, presided over by Elder David A. Bednar, officially commenced construction, drawing widespread community interest.
2016-2017 — Completion and Dedication
By July 2016, the temple's exterior was largely complete with the placement of the Angel Moroni statue, a significant milestone. The following year, a public open house welcomed over 200,000 visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the sacred interior. The culmination of years of planning and construction arrived on November 19, 2017, when President Dieter F. Uchtdorf dedicated the Meridian Idaho Temple, marking its official opening for sacred ordinances.
2020s — Continued Operation and Global Events
Since its dedication, the Meridian Idaho Temple has served thousands of Latter-day Saints, providing a sacred space for worship and covenants. In 2020, like all other temples worldwide, it temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting its operations to ensure the safety of its patrons. The temple continues to be a spiritual anchor for the growing Latter-day Saint community in Idaho.
Architecture & Facilities
The Meridian Idaho Temple features a distinctive Prairie School architectural style, characterized by its emphasis on horizontal lines, minimal ornamentation, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. This design philosophy, also seen in earlier Latter-day Saint temples, integrates the edifice harmoniously with Idaho's natural environment, drawing inspiration from the nearby Sawtooth Mountains and the region's agricultural heritage.
Building Materials
Exterior
The temple is constructed with creamy white precast concrete, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing facade that reflects the local environment.
Dome Cap
The distinctive octagonal dome is covered with titanium surfacing, which shifts in color from blue-gray to gold to bronze depending on the sunlight.
Interior Stone
The interior features exquisite marble quarried from various international locations, including Egypt, Italy, and Spain, adding to its sacred ambiance.
Art Glass
Custom art glass windows throughout the temple incorporate floral motifs, such as the camas flower and white syringa, reflecting Idaho's natural beauty.
Interior Features
Celestial Room
This room, symbolizing a return to God's presence, is adorned with a serene color palette and intricate floral patterns, fostering a sense of peace.
Sealing Rooms
Used for eternal family ordinances, these rooms feature elegant finishes and art glass depicting local flora, emphasizing eternal connections.
Instruction Rooms
The temple contains three instruction rooms, designed for progressive teaching, featuring a color palette of white, gold, turquoise, and bronze.
Baptistry
The baptistry houses a font supported by twelve oxen, a symbolic representation used for baptisms for the dead, with rich interior finishes.
Murals
Over 100 paintings grace the interior, including 10 original pieces, with two prominent murals depicting Idaho's majestic mountains and wilderness.
Temple Grounds
The 15.73-acre site features extensive landscaping with scenic walkways, tranquil ponds, and a variety of trees and shrubbery, including native conifers and hundreds of rose bushes, creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere for visitors.
Additional Facilities
The temple site includes a 21,000 square-foot meetinghouse, providing additional space for local congregational worship and community activities adjacent to the temple.
Religious Significance
As a house of the Lord for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Meridian Idaho Temple is a sacred space where members participate in ordinances and make covenants central to their Christian faith. It serves as a spiritual sanctuary, emphasizing eternal principles and the divine nature of family.
The core spiritual purpose of the temple is to provide a place where sacred ordinances can be performed, allowing individuals to draw closer to God and prepare for eternal life with their families. It is a symbol of God's love and a testament to the enduring nature of covenants.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Members perform baptisms on behalf of their deceased ancestors, reflecting the Christian belief in salvation for all and the importance of vicarious work.
Endowment
The endowment is a series of sacred instructions and covenants that provide members with greater understanding of God's plan and empower them to live a consecrated life.
Sealing
Families are sealed together for time and all eternity, a unique Latter-day Saint ordinance that emphasizes the eternal nature of family relationships, central to Christian teachings.
Celestial Room
The Celestial Room represents a return to the presence of God, a place of profound peace and spiritual reflection, symbolizing the ultimate goal of eternal progression.
Instruction Rooms
These rooms are where members receive sacred instructions and make covenants, deepening their understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and their divine potential.
Baptistry
The baptistry houses the baptismal font, where vicarious baptisms for the dead are performed, connecting living members with their deceased ancestors through saving ordinances.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (9)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | churchofjesuschristtemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-29 |
| Announcement & Construction | The Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-29 |
| Dedication & Cultural Celebration | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-29 |
| Architectural Description & Materials | Photogent (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-29 |
| Interior Design & Symbolism | LDS Living (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-29 |
| Seismic Design & Engineering | BHB Engineers (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-29 |
| Interior Art & Motifs | FHE On The Road (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-29 |
| Open House & Public Reception | East Idaho News (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-29 |
| Exterior Cladding & Construction | Jacobsen Construction (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-29 |