On the last night of my recent trip to Los Angeles I was driving along Santa Monica Blvd on my way back to my hotel in Hollywood and I saw a giant glowing tower off to the left. Curious what as to what it might be, I drove in that direction and discovered that it was the massive Los Angeles Mormon Temple. The grounds surrounding the temple were decorated with one of the largest Christmas lights displays I’ve seen in a long time. So I’m sure you know were this story is going by now. That’s right, I parked the car and started to explore the temple grounds, shooting a bunch of photos.
Dedicated in 1956, it was the first Mormon temple in California and is the second largest, the first of course being the main temple in Salt Lake City. I must say, the Mormons definitely know how to build an impressive temple. For years I’ve seen The Oakland Temple from afar and one of these days I would like to go up there and photograph that one as well.
Here Are A Few Related Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Temple of Forgiveness by David Best & Tim Dawson
- Pop-Up LEGO Zen Buddhist Temple
- David Best Hayes Green Temple
- Burp Castle, New York’s Temple of Beer Worship
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovely shots… Salt Lake City’s temple also features an amazing light display from Thanksgiving through New Years. But the lightforms aren’t nearly as other-worldly as the lit-up joshua trees.
:)
good luck photoing the Oakland one. Im not saying its impossible. But it is private property and guarded. They might be more lax now. But they don’t let just anyone in.
It’s only the inside of the temple that’s guarded from photogs. If you’re just there sightseeing and not creating a nuisance, I’m sure you’ll get great photos.
Ah, the giant hand lotion bottle of the Latter-Day Saints! I’m afraid that as a former Angeleno I’m going to have to 180 the sentiment here and give a huge thumbs-down to this eyesore of the skyline. And as a former resident of the beautiful country of Guatemala, I can attest to this pattern of the mormon church crapping all over local customs by cramming their concrete temples and fences throughout even the remotest village. Oh, and I hope you didn’t fail to notice the endless waste of water on the ill-fitting green grass surrounding the fortress–er, temple. Perfect fit for the desert climate, no?
This Mormon temple is beautiful, I wish they would build one near my home, maybe then our land would be worth more, but thats beautiful that truly is a House Of The Lord
You’re pics are great. The subject matter on the other hand looks like Sing Sing all decked out in lights.
I think they’re beautiful temples! I feel privileged to live near one and I visit it as often as possible. I’ve visited a lot of them so far, and I hope I can visit the Los Angeles Temple sometime soon! I love to see the temple.
Actually the temple was dedicated in 1956. Construction began in 1951. The land was aquired in 1937, but construction was delayed by the depression and WWII.
The location was formerly the site of the Harold Lloyd Studios.
Dee: Thanks for the correction, I’ve updated the post.
Isn’t this temple gorgeous? I love your pictures of it!
Did you get a chance to photograph the various pentagrams carved into the temple exterior?
I enjoy the fact that lots of people from all walks of life get the meaning of the spirit of those who believe in something larger than themselves. Structures, gardens and buildings that attest to God, man and nature and honor this planet of ours, are nothing but a testament of what it means to be part of this unfolding universe. Thanks for the pictures.
I have lived in So-Cal for 21 years and have never been down there to see the lights. Next Christmas I plan to make a special trip down there. The Mormon Church really must have some great architects. All the churches I have seen around are modest and not big eye sores like some churches that stick out like a sore thumbs. Nice photos!!
It is very nice to see brightens my day every year i see them last year was even better me and a bunch of my friends put the lights up on a set of trees.but i always feel so good when i get to see them,i have not seen them at other temples though except for maybe salt lake temple/temple square its always so nice to see them.