A Temple in Atlanta
On 4 October, 2008, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to remodel the temple in Atlanta. Originally dedicated on 1 June, 1983, this is the only temple in Georgia. The temple was closed 1 July 2009 for renovation. Among the changes was the addition of large windows in the celestial room, adding more natural light, and art glass windows in other parts of the temple. The Atlanta Georgia Temple is located at 6450 Barfield in Sandy Springs.
Latter-day Saint temples are aesthetically beautiful buildings with meticulous landscaping. Everything about the architecture is designed to honor God and complement the local community.
After being closed for renovation, the Atlanta Georgia Temple was rededicated on 1 May 2011.
Temples differ from the tens of thousands of local meetinghouses throughout the world where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities — and where visitors are always welcome. Temples are used solely for the performance of sacred ordinances and religious instruction aimed at strengthening members’ relationships with God, their family and others around them.
To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are houses of the Lord, the most sacred places on earth. Temple services bind families together forever, teach the purpose of life and explain God’s plan of salvation. Temple attendance strengthens Latter-day Saints’ commitment to living Christian principles, emphasizes personal spiritual growth and increases devotion to family.
Temple facts
Temples are not constructed with large meeting rooms like a cathedral and are not designed to hold large numbers of people at one time. Rather, they are constructed for smaller groups that attend the temple throughout the day. The temple is closed on Sunday.
In keeping with our standards of temple building, the materials and workmanship will be of the highest quality, and the grounds will be created and maintained to bring a sense of peace and tranquility to those who enjoy the grounds and the surrounding community.
See our Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick facts about the Atlanta Georgia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was opened to the public during an open house from 9 to 23 April 2011, prior to the temple's rededication.
Announced: 2 April 1980 by President Spencer W. Kimball
Original dedication: 1-4 June 1983 by President Gordon B. Hinckley
Renovations begun: 1 July 2009
Public open house: Saturday, 9 April 2011 to Saturday, 23 April 2011, excluding Sundays
Rededication: Sunday, 1 May 2011, by President Thomas S. Monson
Location: 6450 Barfield Road, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328
Property size: 9.6 acres
Building size: 34,500 square feet
Building height: 93 feet 3 inches to tip of the angel Moroni statue
Interior features
- Natural light added to the central rooms by lifting ceilings
- Rich eucalyptus hardwood from sustainably-managed plantations in Brazil
- Four original oil paintings
- Two large giclee print murals
- Custom-designed bronze hardware for doors and fixtures
- New stonework featuring marble from Pakistan and Italy
Exterior features
- Newly gilded angel Moroni statue
- 45 new art-glass panels reflect original design with improved construction and backlighting. Some include crushed crystals from original chandeliers.
- Newly landscaped gardens incorporate southeast U.S. species for both drought tolerance and ornamentation. Magnolias, azaleas, dogwoods, gardenias and crape myrtles were selected to provide blooming color throughout the growing season.
Renovation features
- Installation of automatic fire sprinkler system
- Full replacement of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems
- New roof and water capture system
- 210,000-gallon cistern for capture of rainwater and use in irrigation, decreasing use of potable water
- ADA compliance and functionality throughout
