History
Photography of the original construction and dedication of the Washington D.C. Temple, plus photography of the latest renovation.
Original Construction - 1970s
The Washington D.C. temple’s exterior cladding is Alabama white marble, quarried in Sylacauga, Alabama. This quarry closed shortly after the temple was completed in 1974. The quarry reopened just before the renovation started in 2018. The unique colored marble is the only match for the temple’s exterior cladding. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Aerial view of the Washington D.C. Temple during construction in the early 1970s. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Crews form tower walls for the Washington D.C. Temple on January 14, 1972. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
An artist’s rendering of the grand staircase and stained glass window inside the Washington D.C. Temple. This feature runs the length of the east and west towers. The colored glass is illuminated at night and can be seen from the Capital Beltway. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Site plan and elevations of original concept of the Washington D.C. Temple. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Artist’s rendering of the Washington D.C. Temple. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Washington D.C. Temple during construction in the early 1970s. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
The early stages of construction of the Washington D.C. Temple in the early 1970s. The Church broke ground for the temple in 1968. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Crews prepare to install the angel Moroni on the Washington D.C. Temple in the 1970s. The statue symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Washington D.C. Temple during construction in the early 1970s. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Site plan and elevations of original concept of the Washington D.C. Temple, drawn February 10, 1969. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Site plan and elevations of original concept of the Washington D.C. Temple. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
An artist’s watercolor rendering of the original concept of the Washington D.C Temple. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
An artist’s watercolor rendering of the Washington D.C. Temple. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Original plans for the second floor of the Washington D.C. Temple. Like the Salt Lake Utah Temple, the Washington D.C. Temple has six towers and spires. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
This team of architects was assembled to design the Washington D.C. Temple. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Groundbreaking ceremony of the Washington D.C. Temple in 1968. ©2022 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
View of concrete base for baptismal font. 10 December 1971
View from crane tower of baptismal font area. 10 December 1971
