Temple Architecture - a Brief Overview

Many people are surprised to learn that the inside of a Mormon Temple is not one large cathedral-like worship space, but rather a series of small rooms, each with a specific function and purpose.

For example, here is a floor plan for some of the newer temples, such as those in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Fort Collins, Colorado:

Temples can differ widely from each other in looks and layout. Some are one story, like the plan above, and others are two, three, or even four or more. Some, like the Salt Lake Temple, have staggered floors and therefore don't really have conventional 'stories'.  While all temples are unique, they all are used for the same purpose and have the same rooms or areas inside.  These include:
-guest waiting areas
-recommend desk
-offices
-dressing rooms
-bride's room
-baptistery and font
-confirmation rooms
-waiting chapel
-ordinance rooms
-celestial room
-sealing rooms
-interior waiting areas
-training rooms

I will be reviewing each of these rooms and their functions in future posts.

Since temples are meant to be special, sacred places built to glorify God, many of them have custom-built furniture, custom artwork, and other unique details. Newer temples are built with the surrounding culture in mind for both decor and architecture.  Floral motifs reflect plants found in the local area, murals depict the natural beauty nearby, and even exterior features have glimpses of traditional techniques (such as a mission-style facade in Mexico).

Visiting a Mormon Church: What to wear?

So, what should you wear if you visit a Mormon Church?

Well, technically, you can wear whatever you want. You aren't going to be turned away.

Most people like to have some guidelines so that they don't stick out, though. Unlike many Christian churches today that have adopted a 'come as you are' casual worship culture, most Mormons wear 'Sunday Best' (think business attire), even children. How you dress for worship often reflects your respect for God and your attitude toward faith.

Men:
Most men wear slacks with a white shirt and tie. Suits and sport coats or blazers are also common. You will see men wearing colored or even patterned button-down shirts with or without ties, but white is the standard. If you wear a hat, please remove it when entering the chapel.

Women:
Most women wear dresses or skirts that reach at least to the knee and tops that cover the shoulders.  Dress pants are rarely seen, but acceptable.  Dress styles range from more casual knit skirts and t-shirts to structured business-like suits and blouses.

Children:
Young children don't typically dress as formally as their parents. For boys, colored or patterned button-down shirts or polo shirts are quite common, but you will also see boys wearing suits or white shirts and ties. Teenage boys usually dress like the adult men.  Girls usually wear dresses or skirts like the women.

Examples of typical 'Sunday Best':

What if I'm attending an activity, not a worship service?
'Sunday Best' is only worn for Sunday worship services. If you were invited to attend a congregation activity, community event, youth group, or other non-worship activity, you can wear whatever you want. Most Mormons wear jeans and t-shirts to non-Sunday activities held at the church, unless a special type of dress might be needed (i.e. dances or sports)

*All photos in this post courtesy of the LDS Church (https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/)

Temple vs. Church - What's the Difference?

Originally this blog was meant to discuss just Mormon temples, but I have found the need to bring up church buildings as well. Regular Mormon church buildings (sometimes called 'meetinghouses', 'chapels', 'ward houses', or 'stake centers') are different than Temples. A church is where regular Sunday worship happens. (Click here to learn more about the difference between the two!)

There are several thousand Mormon church buildings around the world. Churches are very similar in purpose to any other Christian church - they are used for Sunday worship, Sunday School, weekday activities, scout troops, youth groups, service projects, community events, weddings, funerals, etc.  In areas with a larger Mormon population, one church building is often shared by two or three congregations.  Churches are almost always open to the public, and tours are available anytime if you are interested, simply contact the local members or missionaries. (I will be posting a virtual tour in the future)

Here are examples of Mormon church buildings (a.k.a. meetinghouses, chapels, etc)

A Mormon church in the United States

A Mormon church in Guatemala

A Mormon church in the United States

A Mormon church in Ireland

 

Temples, on the other hand, are quite rare. There are only about 150. They are rarely open on Sunday (currently only the Hong Kong China temple opens on Sunday). They are only open to members who have been recommended by their local leaders. They are only used for small ceremonies, not large worship services or classes.  They are considered the most sacred places on earth for Mormons.

Here are examples of Mormon Temples:

Mormon Temple in Ghana

Mormon Temple in Brazil

Mormon Temple in Taiwan

Mormon Temple in Denmark

 *Photos in this post courtesy of the LDS Church (https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/)