Idaho Falls Idaho Temple
Key events in its history include the groundbreaking ceremony held on December 19, 1939, and its dedication, conducted by George Albert Smith on September 23, 1945.The exterior features a center spire, tapered tower architecture, and overview of Snake River, while the interior is adorned with hand-painted murals and stained glass windows.Designed by John Fetzer, the temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of Idaho Falls and the spiritual significance of the church.[11][12] Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements representing the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which provide church members with deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function.In the temple, baptismal fonts rest on the back of 12 oxen, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the strength and power of God’s work.Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal.These changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and to accommodate the evolving needs of the church and its members.Artisans and craftsmen specializing in preservation and restoration were employed to ensure that both the exterior and interior renovations were in keeping with the original design ethos while incorporating modern advancements.The adjacent visitors' center, equipped with exhibits on teachings from modern prophets, the importance of families, and the Book of Mormon, which provides educational resources for both members and non-members with an in-depth understanding of the restoration of the church and the temple's unique place in its history.