Visitor Insights
Visiting Spokane Washington Temple
The Spokane Washington Temple welcomes visitors to walk its peaceful grounds and admire its classic modern architecture. Located in Spokane Valley, the manicured gardens and quiet atmosphere provide a reflective space for people of all faith backgrounds.
Highlights
- Glowing white Imperial Danby granite exterior against surrounding evergreen foliage
- West-facing entrance plaza framed by mature shade trees and manicured lawns
- Soaring 71-foot central spire topped by the gold-leafed Angel Moroni
Things to Know
- Interior access is reserved for Latter-day Saints with valid temple recommends
- Public visitors are welcome to walk perimeter paths and photograph the grounds
- Reverent conduct and modest attire are requested while visiting the site
Location
13715 E 4th Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, USA
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday for ordinance sessions; grounds open daily to the public.
Getting There: Located just south of Interstate 90 in Spokane Valley via Exit 289 or 291 onto 4th Avenue.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Photography Advice
Capture stunning reflections off the white granite during morning golden hour from the main western plaza.
Public Restrooms
Facilities are accessible in the adjacent Spokane Washington Stake Center during weekday operating hours.
Seasonal Garden Views
Visit between May and June to see colorful floral displays framed by lush green lawns.
About
Dedicated in August 1999, the Spokane Washington Temple stands as a sacred sanctuary of holiness and worship in Spokane Valley, Washington. It was constructed as part of an unprecedented global temple-building initiative designed to bring sacred rites closer to local congregations.
Rooted in the ancient biblical tradition of sacred space, the temple serves as a holy sanctuary where humanity connects with God. While Latter-day Saints gather in chapels on Sundays for general Christian worship, temples are reserved for sacred higher covenants such as eternal sealings and endowments.
The temple serves thousands of faithful Latter-day Saints across eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Its peaceful white granite exterior and serene grounds offer a physical manifestation of holy ground set apart from the secular world.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni Statue
Symbolizes the restoration of the everlasting gospel and the herald calling all nations to Christ.
Twelve Oxen Baptistry
Echoes the Molten Sea in Solomon's Temple, representing the twelve tribes of Israel carrying salvation worldwide.
Single Central Spire
Draws the eye skyward, reminding worshippers of humanity's upward spiritual journey toward divine perfection.
Imperial Danby Granite
Brilliant white stone reflecting sunlight, symbolizing purity, holiness, and enduring divine truth.
Custom Art Glass Windows
Geometric glass designs filtering natural light, representing divine revelation and spiritual illumination.
Westward Facade Orientation
Aligns the principal entry and spire statue west toward the main plaza and arriving patrons.
Two Stage Ordinance Rooms
Progressive instructional rooms physically illustrating humanity's journey back to the presence of God.
Celestial Room Chandelier
Radiates brilliant crystal light within the highest ordinance room, symbolizing heavenly glory and eternal peace.
Interesting Facts
On October 10, 1998, groundbreakings for Spokane and Detroit occurred simultaneously, a first in Church history. (Tier A)
The temple was constructed on land previously used as a softball field for the adjacent stake center. (Tier A)
A truck driver delivering the font oxen offered a prayer of gratitude in the nearby trees upon arrival. (Tier C)
The replacement Angel Moroni statue installed in 2009 was rotated 180 degrees to face the west entry facade. (Tier C)
More than 51,900 people toured the temple during its open house, surpassing the regional Church population. (Tier A)
Spokane was built as part of President Hinckley's groundbreaking initiative for smaller standardized temples. (Tier A)
Dedicated in mid-August 1999, the dedicatory weekend experienced unseasonably frigid summer weather. (Tier A)
The temple district initially served Saints across eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. (Tier A)
Common Questions
Who can enter the Spokane Washington Temple?
Active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with valid recommends may enter the interior.
Can non-members tour the grounds?
Yes, the exterior grounds and surrounding gardens are open to visitors of all backgrounds daily.
What materials were used to construct the exterior?
The exterior is clad in pre-cast panels of Imperial Danby / Bethel White Granite from Vermont.
When was the Angel Moroni statue reoriented?
The original statue was replaced and rotated to face west toward the entry plaza in March 2009.
Featured Stories
Simultaneous Historic Groundbreakings
October 10, 1998
On October 10, 1998, Latter-day Saints in eastern Washington gathered for a landmark groundbreaking presided over by Elder F. Melvin Hammond. At that exact hour, members in Michigan convened for the groundbreaking of the Detroit Michigan Temple. This marked the very first time in Church history that two temple groundbreakings took place on the exact same day, signaling a rapid global expansion.
Source: Church News Records
The Truck Driver's Sacred Delivery
April 1, 1999
In April 1999, independent long-haul truck driver Brother Rush Hashid arrived at the Spokane construction site after driving across several states. Upon unsealing his heavy freight, he realized he had safely transported the baptismal oxen and the Angel Moroni statue. Overcome with deep gratitude for transporting such holy items, he walked into a quiet nearby grove of trees to offer a tearful prayer of thanks.
Source: Regional Historical Accounts
Aligning Moroni to the West
March 24, 2009
Nearly a decade after the temple's dedication, construction crews assembled at the Spokane site to replace the original Angel Moroni statue. Unlike most LDS temples where the statue faces east, church architects specifically reoriented the new statue 180 degrees to face west. This change aligned Moroni directly with the temple's primary architectural facade and front entry driveway.
Source: Spokane Temple Documentation
Timeline
First Missionaries Arrive
Latter-day Saint missionary work officially begins in the Inland Northwest territory.
Seattle Temple Dedicated
Washington State receives its first temple, though eastern members face long highway travel.
Smaller Temple Concept Introduced
President Gordon B. Hinckley announces plans to build smaller standardized temples globally.
Temple Announced
The First Presidency formally announces plans for the Spokane Washington Temple.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Elder F. Melvin Hammond presides over the groundbreaking on the same day as Detroit Michigan.
Sacred Cargo Arrival
Interior art glass, baptismal font oxen, and the Moroni statue arrive at the site.
Public Open House Begins
Over 51,900 visitors tour the temple interior during the nine-day public window.
Dedication by Gordon B. Hinckley
President Hinckley dedicates the temple across eleven solemn sessions over three days.
Columbia River Temple Dedicated
A new temple opens in Richland, adjusting district boundaries in southern Washington.
Statue Reorientation
A replacement Angel Moroni statue is installed and rotated 180 degrees to face west.
Moses Lake Temple Dedicated
Additional temple availability in central Washington further streamlines the Spokane district.
History by Decade
1990s — Announcement, Groundbreaking, and Dedication
In 1997, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced a revolutionary plan to construct smaller temples worldwide. On August 13, 1998, the Spokane Washington Temple was officially announced, with groundbreaking following on October 10, 1998. Construction proceeded rapidly, leading to a public open house in August 1999 that welcomed over 51,900 visitors before its dedication by President Hinckley on August 21, 1999.
2000s — Regional Expansion and Architectural Updates
During the 2000s, the temple served a vast geographic area extending across eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The dedication of the Columbia River Temple in 2001 helped share the regional patron load. In March 2009, a replacement Angel Moroni statue was lifted atop the spire and reoriented to face west toward the main entrance plaza.
2010s–Present — Maturation and Local Integration
The Spokane Washington Temple continued to provide essential ordinances for thousands of local families into the 2010s and 2020s. Boundary refinements occurred as additional Washington temples were constructed, including the Moses Lake Temple in 2023. Today, the structure remains a treasured center of spiritual life and community unity throughout the Inland Northwest.
Architecture & Facilities
The Spokane Washington Temple features a Classic Modern, single-spire architectural design characterized by symmetrical geometric lines, a bright stone facade, and a soaring central spire topped by a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue.
Building Materials
Exterior Cladding
Pre-cast panels of Imperial Danby / Bethel White Granite imported from Vermont quarries.
Art Glass
Custom geometric art glass windows with arched heads that filter natural light into celestial spaces.
Spire Finish
A four-tiered central spire capped with a gold-leafed spire tip and Moroni statue.
Interior Millwork
Detailed white hardwood trim and molded accents accentuating the solemn interior design.
Interior Features
Celestial Room
Features luminous crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and light carpeting symbolizing heavenly peace.
Baptistry
Houses a sacred baptismal font supported by twelve life-sized cast metal oxen facing outward.
Ordinance Rooms
Two instruction rooms arranged in a two-stage progressive layout for ordinance presentation.
Sealing Rooms
Two intimate rooms equipped with central altars where families are sealed for eternity.
Temple Grounds
The temple grounds encompass 2.0 acres featuring manicured lawns, seasonal flowerbeds, concrete walkways with stone curbing, and evergreen trees that shield the sanctuary.
Additional Facilities
Adjacent to the Spokane Washington Stake Center, which provides meetinghouse space and visitor parking.
Religious Significance
Within Christian and Abrahamic traditions, sacred spaces represent holy ground where divine covenants bridge heaven and earth. The Spokane Washington Temple fulfills this ancient sanctuary tradition for Latter-day Saints.
To provide a dedicated House of the Lord where members make sacred covenants and receive essential ordinances for time and eternity.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Vicarious baptisms performed on behalf of deceased ancestors, mirroring ancient biblical proxy concepts.
Endowment Ceremony
Sacred instruction regarding creation, mortality, and covenants of righteousness and obedience to God.
Eternal Marriage Sealing
Holy matrimony joining husband, wife, and children together for eternity under divine authority.
House of the Lord
Unlike Sunday meetinghouses used for public worship, the temple is dedicated exclusively as a holy sanctuary. It offers a quiet haven where patrons ponder eternal truths and seek spiritual renewal.
Sacred Covenants and Salvation
In accordance with LDS theology, the ordinances performed within the Spokane temple extend the blessings of salvation to past, present, and future generations.
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 (8)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-15 |
| Public Open House & Dedication | Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2026-02-15 |
| Architecture & Design | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2026-02-15 |
| Symbolism & Sacred Ordinances | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-15 |
| Timeline & Key Events | Washington State Official Portal (opens in a new tab) | A | 2026-02-15 |
| Featured Stories & Heritage | LDS Temple Photography (opens in a new tab) | D | 2026-02-15 |
| Regional Temple Context | Photogent Records (opens in a new tab) | D | 2026-02-15 |
| Visitor Insights & Access | Budget Travel (opens in a new tab) | D | 2026-02-15 |