Visitor Insights
Visiting Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple
Temples are sacred spaces reserved for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold a current temple recommend. Public open houses are held periodically, allowing anyone to tour the interior before dedication or rededication.
Highlights
- Experience a peaceful, reverent atmosphere.
- Learn about sacred ordinances and covenants.
- Witness beautiful architecture and craftsmanship.
Things to Know
- Temple clothing rental is not available at this location.
- Appointments for ordinances can be scheduled online, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Location
12030 N Mustang Rd, Yukon, Oklahoma, United States
Hours: Operating hours vary; please check the official Church website for current schedules.
Getting There: Located in Yukon, Oklahoma, the temple is accessible by car with ample on-site parking available.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Check the official Church website for current operating hours and any temporary closures or special events.
Dress Respectfully
When visiting the temple grounds, modest attire is encouraged to maintain the sacred atmosphere.
Silence Your Phone
To preserve the tranquility of the temple and its grounds, please silence mobile devices.
About
The Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple stands as a beacon of faith for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the region. Dedicated to the worship of God and the performance of sacred ordinances, it is a testament to the enduring Christian heritage of its members. This temple provides a sacred space for individuals and families to draw closer to Jesus Christ.
Originally dedicated in 2000, the temple underwent extensive renovations from 2017 to 2019, enhancing its beauty and functionality. Its design now subtly integrates local Oklahoma motifs, connecting the sacred structure to the cultural heritage of the state. It continues to serve a wide district, offering a peaceful sanctuary for worship and reflection.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni
A gold-colored statue of the ancient prophet Moroni, holding a trumpet, symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Portuguese Beige Limestone
The temple's exterior is clad in this light beige limestone, sourced from Portugal, providing a refined and durable finish.
Indian Blanket Wildflower Motif
Subtle decorative elements incorporate Oklahoma's state wildflower, connecting the temple to its local cultural heritage.
Wheat Motif
Wheat designs are integrated into the temple's interior and exterior, symbolizing sustenance and the bounty of the land.
Native American Dreamcatcher Motif
Local Native American dreamcatcher patterns are subtly woven into the design, honoring indigenous culture.
Classical Architectural Elements
The design incorporates classical details like egg and dart, rosettes, and acanthus leaves, reflecting timeless elegance.
Single Spire
The temple's prominent single spire, raised during renovation, draws the eye heavenward and signifies its sacred purpose.
Interesting Facts
The Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple was the first temple constructed in the state of Oklahoma (Tier A).
Its groundbreaking ceremony in July 1999 occurred just two months after a devastating tornado impacted the area, acknowledging community resilience (Tier A).
The original site included land purchased for a meetinghouse and an additional parcel donated by sellers, previously a local baseball field (Tier C).
During the 2000 open house, guided tours proved significantly more effective than self-guided options (Tier C).
The temple district originally served approximately 44,000 members across Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri (Tier C).
The renovation project closed the temple for over a year and a half, significantly updating both the interior and exterior (Tier A).
The exterior stone, Moleanos limestone, involved shipping 1.6 million pounds of cubic blocks from Portugal to China for fabrication (Tier C).
The 2019 rededication held personal significance for President Henry B. Eyring, whose great-grandfather served a mission in the Indian Territory (Tier A).
The temple's renovated design features local motifs such as the Indian Blanket wildflower, wheat, and Native American dreamcatchers (Tier A).
Common Questions
What is the purpose of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple?
The temple is a sacred house of the Lord where members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make sacred covenants and perform ordinances.
Can non-members of the Church visit the temple?
While temples are reserved for members after dedication, public open houses are held before dedication or rededication, allowing everyone to tour the interior.
What architectural style defines the temple?
The temple features a classic modern, single-spire design, which was updated during renovation to incorporate classical architectural elements.
What symbolic elements are prominent on the temple?
A gold-colored statue of the Angel Moroni crowns the steeple, and local Oklahoma motifs are integrated into the design.
Featured Stories
Groundbreaking Amidst Adversity
July 3, 1999
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple took place just two months after a devastating tornado struck the area. Elder Rex D. Pinegar acknowledged the community's profound faith and resilience, emphasizing that the temple would be a symbol of hope and divine protection.
A New Sanctuary for Oklahoma
July 30, 2000
President James E. Faust dedicated the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple as the 95th operating temple of the Church, marking a significant milestone for Latter-day Saints in the region. The dedication followed a public open house that welcomed approximately 40,000 visitors, introducing the sacred edifice to the wider community.
Rededication with Personal Resonance
May 19, 2019
Following extensive renovations, President Henry B. Eyring rededicated the temple, a moment with deep personal significance for him as his great-grandfather had served a mission in the Indian Territory. The rededication celebrated not only the temple's renewed beauty but also the enduring legacy of faith in Oklahoma.
Timeline
Temple Announced
The First Presidency announced plans to construct the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple.
component.timeline.announcementGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Rex D. Pinegar presided over the groundbreaking, acknowledging the community's resilience after a recent tornado.
component.timeline.groundbreakingPublic Open House Begins
A public open house commenced, welcoming approximately 40,000 visitors to tour the newly completed temple.
EventTemple Dedicated
President James E. Faust dedicated the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple as the 95th operating temple of the Church.
DedicationRenovation Announced
The Church announced plans for extensive renovations to the temple, scheduled to begin in October 2017.
RenovationTemple Closes for Renovation
The temple closed its doors to begin a significant renovation project, altering its exterior and upgrading the interior.
RenovationRenovated Open House Begins
A public open house for the renovated temple began, attracting over 21,000 visitors, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
EventTemple Rededicated
President Henry B. Eyring rededicated the extensively renovated Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple.
DedicationTemporary COVID-19 Closure
The temple, like all other temples worldwide, temporarily closed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
EventHistory by Decade
1990s — Announcement and Groundbreaking
The 1990s brought the exciting announcement of a temple for Oklahoma City on March 14, 1999. Just months later, on July 3, 1999, the groundbreaking ceremony took place, a poignant event held shortly after a devastating tornado had swept through the area. Church leaders highlighted the community's faith and strength during this challenging time.
2000s — Dedication and Initial Operation
The new millennium saw the completion and dedication of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple. A public open house in July 2000 welcomed thousands of visitors, followed by its dedication on July 30, 2000, by President James E. Faust. This marked the temple as the 95th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide.
2010s — Extensive Renovation and Rededication
In April 2017, the Church announced plans for extensive renovations, which commenced in October of that year. The temple closed for over a year and a half, undergoing significant exterior and interior upgrades. It was rededicated on May 19, 2019, by President Henry B. Eyring, revitalizing its sacred purpose for the growing membership.
2020s — Continued Service and Global Challenges
The temple resumed its sacred operations following the rededication, continuing to serve Latter-day Saints in its district. Like all other temples globally, it experienced a temporary closure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the Church's commitment to public health while maintaining its spiritual mission.
Architecture & Facilities
The Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple features a classic modern architectural style, characterized by clean lines and a single, prominent spire. During its 2017-2019 renovation, the design was carefully realigned to incorporate and emphasize historic and classical architectural elements commonly found in the southeastern United States, creating a timeless and elegant aesthetic.
Building Materials
Exterior Cladding
The exterior is clad in Portuguese Beige (Moleanos) limestone, sourced from Portugal and meticulously fabricated in China, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Structural Frame
The single-story structure is framed with a combination of wood and steel, ensuring both stability and design flexibility.
Interior Finishes
The interior features high-quality finishes, including fine woods, stone, and fabrics, chosen to create a serene and reverent atmosphere.
Steeple
The steeple, raised by 10 feet during renovation, is a prominent feature, crowned with a gold-colored statue of the Angel Moroni.
Interior Features
Ordinance Rooms
The temple contains two ordinance rooms designed for progressive instruction in sacred covenants, featuring enhanced spatial volume after renovation.
Sealing Rooms
Two sealing rooms are present, where eternal family relationships are solemnized through sacred ordinances.
Baptistry
A dedicated baptistry is included for proxy baptisms for the dead, a central practice in Latter-day Saint worship.
Interior Motifs
The interior design incorporates local floral motifs, such as the Indian Blanket wildflower, and other cultural patterns, rooting the temple in its Oklahoma setting.
Temple Grounds
The temple grounds are meticulously landscaped with expansive lawns and mature trees, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere for visitors and patrons.
Additional Facilities
Visitor services are provided during public open house periods, offering information and guided tours of the temple's interior.
Religious Significance
As a sacred edifice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple holds profound religious significance within the Christian theological framework of its faith. It is a dedicated house of the Lord, set apart from regular worship buildings, where members engage in eternal covenants and ordinances.
The core spiritual purpose of the temple is to provide a place where Latter-day Saints can make and renew sacred covenants with God, receive divine instruction, and participate in saving ordinances for themselves and on behalf of their deceased ancestors.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Members perform proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased individuals who did not have the opportunity to receive this ordinance during their lifetime, reflecting a belief in universal salvation.
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 more Christ-centered life.
Sealing
Eternal marriage and family relationships are solemnized in sealing rooms, where couples and families are 'sealed' together for time and all eternity, a central doctrine of the faith.
Covenant Path
The temple experience is central to the Latter-day Saint 'covenant path,' a journey of spiritual progression marked by promises made to God and blessings received, leading to eternal life.
Eternal Families
A foundational belief is that families can be eternal. Temple ordinances, particularly sealings, enable family relationships to continue beyond mortal life, uniting generations.
Divine Instruction
Within the temple, members receive spiritual instruction and gain a deeper understanding of the nature of God, the purpose of life, and the mission of Jesus Christ.
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 (6)
| 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 |
| Historical Timeline & Dedication | The Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| General Information & Overview | Photogent (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Historical Timeline & Renovation Details | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Design & Materials | Brandon Ro Architecture (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Exterior Stone Sourcing | Bestview Stone (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |