The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' first temple in Knoxville will hold an open house this winter. When it does, non-Mormons will have a brief opportunity to see inside the private spiritual structure.
More than two years after ground was broken in January 2024, the construction of the Knoxville Tennessee Temple is nearly ready to open at 13001 Kingston Pike. It joins the state's existing temples in Memphis and Nashville.
For Mormons, the temple is separate from a church, where regular worship happens. In Knoxville, there are three locations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where all members are welcome, as are visitors.
Conversely, the temple is an exclusive, sacred space that's considered the house of God, with
much more specific rules. Aside from open houses shortly after a temple is built − or following major renovations − only certain Latter-day Saints can enter.
The open house period for the Knoxville temple is planned for Jan. 27-Feb. 13, 2027, excluding Sundays. A dedication will be held March 7.
Why was a temple built in Knoxville?
Attending temple is an essential act for Mormons, and at the time the Knoxville site was announced in 2022, the closest temples were in Nashville and Atlanta, Georgia.
During the groundbreaking, Elder Shayne M. Bowen called the new structure "the hope and the desire of Thy Saints in this part of the vineyard for many years." At that point, over 57,000 Mormons were living in Tennessee.
What happens in a temple?
The temple is a place where ordinances are performed and covenants are made. These include endowment, baptisms for the dead and sealing.
Certain specifics of what happens in the temple are kept secret, however. Rules in "General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" dictate that symbols related to temple covenants and holy information covenanted in the temple should not be discussed outside the sacred space.
Who can go inside a temple?
Specific guidelines clarify which LDS members can and cannot enter the temple.
The primary way entry is authorized is through a temple recommend, which is a privilege granted by church leaders to "worthy" members. It is expected that even Mormons who do not live near a temple have a current temple recommend, according to the General Handbook.
What will the Knoxville Tennessee Temple be like?
The building is roughly 30,000 square feet and sits on about five acres of land. It is one story tall and adorned with a gold cupola.
Hayden Dunbar Evans is the storyteller reporter. Email: hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com. Instagram: @knoxstoryteller.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: New Latter-day Saints temple almost ready to offer rare public tours
