The temple was announced by Thomas S. Monson on April 6, 2013.[8] On May 4, 2015, the church announced that the temple would be constructed on a property located at 300 South Cove Drive in Cedar City.[9] On August 8, 2015, L. Whitney Clayton presided at a groundbreaking to signify the beginning of construction.[2][3] A public open house was held from October 27 through November 18, 2017, excluding Sundays.[10] The temple was dedicated on December 10, 2017 by Henry B. Eyring.[11][12]
In 2020, like all others in the church, the Cedar City Utah Temple was closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[13]
Design and architecture
The building’s architectural style was intended to reflect pioneer-era temples.[14] Designed by Architectural Nexus, its architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the southern Utah region and its spiritual significance to the church.[15]
The temple is on a 9.5-acre plot,[16] and its landscaping features “a mix of native plants and traditional ornamentals appropriate for the climate.”[15] These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site.
The structure stands three stories tall, constructed with beige precast concrete panels.[16] It has an attached end tower with a statue of the angel Moroni.[17] The exterior is characterized by art glass windows depicting local flora.[15]
The interior has motifs of local wildflowers and juniper berries, using a color palette inspired by the natural landscapes of southern Utah.[14] The temple also houses two stained-glass windows from a Presbyterian church in New York,[18] as well as eight artworks by local artists.[19]
The design has elements representing the region’s pioneer heritage, providing spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function.[20] Symbolism is important to church members and include the temple’s rich color palette and depictions of local wildflowers.[14]
Temple 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.[21]
The first president and matron, serving from 2017 to 2020, were Daniel M. Jones and JoAnn D. Jones.[21][22] As of 2024, the president and matron are John W. Yardley and Pamela R. Yardley.[23]
Admittance
Following the completion of the temple, a public open house was held from October 27-November 18, 2017 (excluding Sundays). Over the course of the open house, more than 187,000 people visited the temple. The temple was dedicated by Henry B. Eyring on December 10, 2017.[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.[24]
