Visitor Insights
Visiting Rexburg Idaho Temple
The Rexburg Idaho Temple offers a serene and beautiful experience for all visitors, whether on the grounds or inside for sacred ordinances. The temple grounds are open to the public for quiet contemplation and enjoyment of the meticulously maintained gardens.
Highlights
- Stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Upper Snake River Valley.
- Experience a peaceful atmosphere adjacent to BYU–Idaho.
Things to Know
- The temple interior is reserved for members with a current temple recommend.
- No on-site visitors' center or patron housing is available.
Location
750 S 2nd E, Rexburg, Idaho 83440-5404, United States
Hours: Operating Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, closed Sundays and Mondays.
Getting There: Located on a prominent hill adjacent to the BYU–Idaho campus, easily accessible from Highway 20.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Explore the Grounds
Take time to walk around the temple grounds, which offer stunning views and a tranquil environment perfect for reflection.
Photography
Photography of the temple exterior and grounds is permitted and encouraged, especially during sunrise or sunset.
About
The Rexburg Idaho Temple stands as a significant spiritual and architectural landmark in eastern Idaho, serving members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This sacred edifice is a testament to the enduring faith and growth of its members.
Dedicated in 2008, the temple provides a place for sacred ordinances and covenants, strengthening individuals and families in their commitment to Jesus Christ. Its prominent location adjacent to the Brigham Young University–Idaho campus underscores its role as a spiritual anchor for students and residents alike.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni Statue
Perched atop the spire, the gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue represents the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth.
Wheat Motif
The recurring wheat motif throughout the temple's art glass and decor symbolizes the agricultural heritage of Rexburg and the sustenance found in the gospel.
Precast Concrete Panels
The exterior is clad in 637 precast concrete panels with a 'China White' quartz rock finish, contributing to its luminous and modern appearance.
Idaho Travertine
Local Idaho Travertine stonework is prominently featured in the interior, connecting the sacred space to its regional geology.
Leon Parson Murals
Murals by Rexburg native Leon Parson depict the natural beauty, wildlife, and landscapes of the Upper Snake River Valley, creating a sense of local connection.
Art-Glass Windows
Over 700 art-glass windowpanes, designed by Tom Holdman with a wheat motif, filter light beautifully and add to the temple's serene ambiance.
Celestial Room
The Celestial Room is designed to represent a return to God's presence, offering a space for quiet contemplation and spiritual communion.
Instruction Rooms
The temple includes four instruction rooms where members receive sacred teachings and make covenants as part of the endowment ordinance.
Interesting Facts
The Rexburg Idaho Temple was the third temple built in Idaho and the 125th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide (Tier A).
It is uniquely situated adjacent to the Brigham Young University–Idaho campus, making it one of only three Church universities globally to have an adjacent temple (Tier C).
The groundbreaking ceremony was a public event, drawing an estimated 8,000 attendees, which is unusual for such events (Tier A).
The temple's dedication was postponed by one week due to the death of Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, making it the first dedicated by his successor, President Thomas S. Monson (Tier A).
During its 19-day public open house, over 200,000 people toured the temple's interior, exceeding initial expectations (Tier C).
Its prominent location on a hill makes the temple a highly visible landmark, easily seen for miles along the Highway 20 corridor (Tier A).
The distinctive wheat motif in the temple's 700 art-glass windowpanes was designed by Josh Lewis, a high school senior (Tier C).
Rexburg native Leon Parson, a wildlife painter and BYU–Idaho art faculty member, spent two years creating the interior murals (Tier C).
The exterior construction involved 637 precast concrete panels, created from 45 different molds, collectively weighing 2,600 tons (Tier A).
Rexburg is now home to two temples, with the Teton River Idaho Temple announced in 2021 and its groundbreaking held in 2024 (Tier D).
Common Questions
What is the purpose of the Rexburg Idaho Temple?
The temple provides a sacred space for Latter-day Saints to make covenants with God and perform saving ordinances for themselves and their ancestors.
Can non-members enter the temple?
While the temple interior is reserved for members with a temple recommend, the beautiful grounds are open to the public for all to enjoy.
When was the Rexburg Idaho Temple dedicated?
The temple was dedicated on February 10, 2008, by President Thomas S. Monson.
What are the operating hours for the temple?
The temple operates Tuesday through Saturday, with sessions from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Are there any visitor facilities on site?
The Rexburg Idaho Temple does not have an on-site visitors' center, arrival center, or patron housing.
Featured Stories
A President's First Dedication
February 10, 2008
The dedication of the Rexburg Idaho Temple was a historic event, marking President Thomas S. Monson's first temple dedication as the newly installed President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Originally scheduled earlier, the dedication was postponed by one week due to the passing of his predecessor, President Gordon B. Hinckley. This poignant timing added a unique significance to the sacred occasion, as a new era of Church leadership began with a focus on temple building.
An Unusually Public Groundbreaking
July 30, 2005
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Rexburg Idaho Temple was a rare public event, drawing an estimated 8,000 attendees to witness the commencement of construction. Presided over by Elder John H. Groberg, this open invitation allowed community members and Church members alike to share in the excitement and spiritual anticipation of the temple's construction. The large turnout underscored the deep connection the Rexburg community felt towards this significant project, setting a precedent for public engagement.
Overwhelming Open House Success
December 2007 – January 2008
The public open house for the Rexburg Idaho Temple saw an extraordinary outpouring of interest, with over 200,000 visitors touring the interior during its 19-day run. This far exceeded initial expectations, demonstrating the community's eagerness to experience the sacred spaces before the temple's dedication. The event provided a unique opportunity for people of all faiths to learn about Latter-day Saint worship and the purpose of temples, fostering understanding and goodwill.
Timeline
Temple Announced
The First Presidency announced plans to construct a temple in Rexburg, Idaho.
component.timeline.announcementSite Announced
The specific site for the temple, a prominent hill adjacent to the BYU–Idaho campus, was announced.
MilestoneBuilding Permit Application
Architectural Nexus applied for the building permit, revealing plans for the five-story structure.
EventGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder John H. Groberg presided over a public groundbreaking ceremony, drawing over 8,000 attendees.
component.timeline.groundbreakingAngel Moroni Placed
The gold-leafed statue of the Angel Moroni was placed atop the temple's spire.
MilestonePublic Open House Begins
A public open house commenced, allowing over 200,000 visitors to tour the interior.
EventPublic Open House Concludes
The successful public open house for the temple concluded after nearly a month.
EventCultural Celebration
A cultural celebration titled 'Come to God's Own Temple, Come' involved approximately 2,000 youth.
EventTemple Dedicated
President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Rexburg Idaho Temple in four sessions, his first as Church President.
DedicationTemporary Closure
The temple temporarily closed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, like all temples worldwide.
EventSecond Rexburg Temple Announced
Church President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for the Teton River Idaho Temple, a second temple for Rexburg.
component.timeline.announcementTeton River Temple Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Teton River Idaho Temple took place, marking its official commencement.
component.timeline.groundbreakingHistory by Decade
2000s — Announcement and Dedication
The early 2000s marked a pivotal period for Rexburg, Idaho, with the announcement of a Latter-day Saint temple on December 12, 2003. The chosen site, a prominent hill adjacent to the Brigham Young University–Idaho campus, was revealed in February 2004, signifying the temple's integral role in the community. Construction began with a public groundbreaking ceremony in July 2005, culminating in its dedication by President Thomas S. Monson on February 10, 2008.
2010s — Continued Operation and Community Impact
Throughout the 2010s, the Rexburg Idaho Temple served as a spiritual hub for thousands of Latter-day Saints in eastern Idaho, including the large student population of BYU–Idaho. The temple continued its regular operations, providing sacred ordinances and a place of worship. Its presence on the hill remained a visible symbol of faith and a landmark for the growing community.
2020s — Global Challenges and Expansion
The 2020s brought unprecedented challenges, including a temporary closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting global health concerns. However, this decade also marked a significant expansion of the Church's presence in Rexburg with the announcement of a second temple, the Teton River Idaho Temple, in October 2021. The groundbreaking for this new temple in June 2024 underscored the continued growth and spiritual vitality of the region.
Architecture & Facilities
The Rexburg Idaho Temple features a classic modern architectural style, harmonizing with traditional Latter-day Saint temple design principles. Its clean lines and elegant form reflect a contemporary aesthetic while maintaining the sacred reverence inherent in temple architecture. The design emphasizes simplicity and light, creating an uplifting and spiritual environment.
Building Materials
Exterior
The exterior is clad in 637 precast concrete panels with a 'China White' quartz rock finish, providing a bright and enduring facade.
Interior Woodwork
Fine wood trim imported from Africa adorns the interior, adding warmth and intricate detail to the sacred spaces.
Interior Stone and Tile
Stone and tile from Israel are used throughout the interior, contributing to the temple's refined and sacred atmosphere.
Local Stonework
Local Idaho Travertine stonework is prominently featured, connecting the temple's interior design to the natural beauty of its region.
Interior Features
Instruction Rooms
Four instruction rooms are designed for members to receive sacred teachings and make covenants, featuring detailed finishes and comfortable seating.
Sealing Rooms
Five sealing rooms provide intimate settings for eternal marriage ceremonies, adorned with elegant furnishings and art.
Baptistry
The baptistry houses an oxen-supported font, used for proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors, featuring symbolic artwork.
Celestial Room
The Celestial Room is the spiritual heart of the temple, a space of quiet contemplation, symbolizing eternal life and God's presence.
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 (10)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Dedication & Historical Context | The Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Details & Construction | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Materials | Broughmade (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Interior Murals & Art Glass | Latter-day Saint Magazine (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Visitor Information | Explore Rexburg (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |
| Construction & Engineering | GSL Electric (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |
| Local Context & News | Rexburg Online (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |
| Historical Events | LDS Blogs (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Teton River Temple Announcement | East Idaho News (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |