Bountiful Utah Temple

The temple's history began in 1897, when John Haven Barlow Sr. purchased of land from the United States government. Because of lack of water and the steep terrain, little could be done with the land. In 1947, some of the land was cleared and four hundred apricot trees were planted. In the spring of 1983, flash flooding caused a great deal of damage in Bountiful, resulting in the decision to build a dam across the canyon to limit the flow of water during heavy rainstorms. The city requested the use of the soil from the future temple site, so construction crews removed over two hundred thousand cubic yards of soil, leaving the area on which the temple would later be built. Plans to build the temple were announced by the First Presidency on May 28, 1988. Preliminary plans were for a four-story structure of more than 104,000 square feet. On May 22, 2016, lightning struck the top of the temple, damaging the angel Moroni statue, causing it to lose part of its head and back. The statue, made of fiberglass and covered in gold leaf, was replaced two weeks later. The temple has four ordinance rooms and eight sealing rooms. It is the eighth in the state of Utah. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. In 2020, like all the church's others, the Bountiful Utah Temple was temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. == Design and architecture ==

Though not tied to a specific style of architecture, the building has a modern architectural style with a single spire and uses a traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. Designed by architect Allen Ereckson, its architecture uses both the cultural heritage of Bountiful and its spiritual significance to the church. A month before being dedicated, Bountiful's mayor gave the temple an award for beauty and as a landmark to the city. The interior design uses colors that progress from darker to lighter shades. The temple has four ordinance rooms and eight sealing rooms, each designed for ceremonial use. ==Presidents==

The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff. Serving from 1995 to 1998, the first president of the Bountiful Utah Temple was Harold C. Yancey, with Beverly Yancey serving as matron. As of 2025, the current president is David R. Webster (2024- ). Notable presidents of the temple include James O. Mason (2000–03) and Robert H. Garff (2012–15). == Admittance ==

On November 4, 1994, the church announced the public open house that was held from November 4 to December 17, 1994 (excluding Sundays). The temple was dedicated by church president Howard W. Hunter on January 8, 1995, with 28 total sessions held between the 8th and January 14. Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. ==See also==