Nauvoo Temple

In the 1840′s, as the population and activity in Nauvoo increased, so did the focus on the primary construction project, the Nauvoo Temple. Over a five-year period from 1841-1846, the principal building emphasis in the growing city centered on completion of the temple. The building, intended as a sanctuary of significant spiritual blessings for the members of the faith, was dedicated in 1846.

Construction of the historic temple required enormous effort in time and resources. In addition to establishing their own homes and businesses, Nauvoo residents contributed both time and money to the inspiring and challenging construction project. Men volunteered a tithe, or one day in ten, to labor on the temple, while women donated clothing and meals to assist the work force.

The temple followed the inspiration and vision of Joseph Smith with the design implemented through the efforts of the architect, William Weeks. Distinctive architectural features in the classical Greek style building included symbolic sun, moon and star stones, a zinc-domed bell tower ornamented by green shutters and a dramatic, triple-arched entry portico.

Following the westerly exodus of the Latter-day Saints in 1846, the temple was vacated. Eventually, the structure was partially destroyed by arson and a subsequent tornado. It was then dismantled for local building projects.

In April 1999, Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the LDS Church, announced in General Conference that the Nauvoo Temple would be rebuilt as a memorial to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the early pioneers who sacrificed so much to construct the original. Ground was broken in October of that year, and on June 27, 2002, the reconstructed Nauvoo Temple was dedicated.

To learn more about the purpose of temples, please click here. (A new window will open and you will be redirected to lds.org)