New Mormon Temple in Philadelphia Accepting Visitors

From August 10th until September 9th, Philadelphia-area residents and visitors will have a chance to do something not many secular people can claim: visiting the inside of a Mormon temple. The Church of Latter Day Saints just built its 152nd temple worldwide, and it’s in Philadelphia – the first temple in the state of Pennsylvania. The Church is notable for not allowing non-members within the walls of its temples, even for special occasions like weddings – only consecrated Mormons may enter. When a new temple is built, however, before it is dedicated the Church offers press and locals the chance to come and visit certain, non-sacred areas of the temple.

Shown is the Celestial Room of the new Philadelphia Mormon temple, which will be dedicated next month.

The Philadelphia temple is nineteen stories high, built in colonial style, and is topped by a golden angel. It consists of 61,000 square feet. In honor of its historic location, much of the temple’s architecture and styling takes a cue from the 18th century. It will serve an estimated 40,000 Mormons in the Philadelphia region, as well as countless visitors from around the world. Visiting a temple is a very special experience for LDS members, who will often save their money and travel far to get to a temple.

Reporters and visitors were allowed inside and within a “visiting room,” but they were not allowed to go into the temple’s most sacred spaces, which include “a baptismal fountain, instruction rooms, a sealing room, holding areas for wedding parties, and finally, the holiest space, known as the celestial room.” Milan Kunz, an Elder in the LDS Church, told CBS Philly that “a temple is a place of peace, inspiration, learning, and sacred ceremonies.” Reporters were not allowed to bring cameras within the temple, but church leaders provided video and pictures of the inside of the temple.

It’s believed that 150,000 people will take advantage of the temple’s open house during the month it goes on.