Location
2808 148th Avenue SE
Bellevue, Washington 98007-6453
United States
Contact
Telephone: (425) 643-5144
Facsimile: (425) 746-9864
Distribution Services: (425) 746-3440
Details
Announcement: 15 November 1975
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 27 May 1978 by Marion G. Romney
Public Open House: 7 October–8 November 1980
Dedication: 17–21 November 1980 by Spencer W. Kimball
Site: 23.5 acres.
Exterior Finish: Reinforced concrete faced with white marble aggregate and cast stone.
Ordinance Rooms: Four ordinance rooms (stationary) and thirteen sealing.
Total Floor Area: 110,000 square feet.
Temple Locale:
The Seattle Washington Temple is located off I-90 on a gently rising hill across from Bellevue College in Bellevue, Washington. The captivating landscaping that surrounds the temple features a cascading water feature, family-themed statues, and numerous brightly colored flowers, hedges, and trees. The site is surrounded by a grove of beautiful Washington evergreens.
Temple Facts:
The Seattle Washington Temple was the first temple built in the Pacific Northwest (and in the state of Washington).
The Seattle Washington Temple was originally named the Seattle Temple.
The Seattle Washington Temple is one of five temples featuring an angel Moroni statue holding the gold plates. (The other four temples are the Los Angeles California Temple, Washington D.C. Temple, Jordan River Utah Temple, and México City México Temple.)
Because the Seattle Washington Temple would be situated near the Bellevue Airfield, the proposed height of the spire was reduced, and a red strobe warning light was installed at the base of the angel Moroni statue. When the airfield closed in 1983, the light was permanently shut off.
The construction of the Seattle Washington Temple was opposed by various anti-Mormon groups. During the temple dedication, one group of women even chained themselves to the front gates as a demonstration of their opposition to the Church's position on the Equal Rights Amendment.
The Seattle Washington Temple was the last temple dedicated by President Spencer W. Kimball, whose ailing health prompted him to call Elder Gordon B. Hinckley as a third counselor in the First Presidency in July 1981. Seventeen more temples would be dedicated under Pres. Kimball's presidency before his death in November 1985.