Seattle Washington Temple
19th operating temple
© 2004, Rick Satterfield. All rights reserved.
Address
2808 148th Avenue SEBellevue, Washington 98007-6453
United States
Telephone: (+1) 425-643-5144
Services
Clothing rental availableCafeteria available
NO patron housing available
Distribution center nearby
Announcement:
15 November 1975Groundbreaking and Site Dedication:
27 May 1978 by Marion G. RomneyPublic Open House:
7 October–8 November 1980Dedication:
17–21 November 1980 by Spencer W. KimballSite:
23.5 acresExterior Finish:
Reinforced concrete faced with white marble aggregate and cast stoneOrdinance Rooms:
Four ordinance rooms (stationary) and thirteen sealingTotal Floor Area:
110,000 square feetTemple Locale
The Seattle Washington Temple is located off I-90 on a gently rising hill across from Bellevue College in Bellevue, Washington. The captivating landscaping that surrounds the temple features a cascading water feature, family-themed statues, and numerous brightly colored flowers, hedges, and trees. The site is surrounded by a grove of beautiful Washington evergreens.
Temple Facts
The Seattle Washington Temple was the first temple built in the Pacific Northwest (and in the state of Washington).
The Seattle Washington Temple was originally named the Seattle Temple.
The Seattle Washington Temple is one of five temples featuring an angel Moroni statue holding the gold plates. (The other four temples are the 
10th operating templeLos Angeles California Temple, 
16th operating temple; closed for renovation; repairing spiresWashington D.C. Temple, 
20th operating templeJordan River Utah Temple, and México City México Temple.) It is also one of few temples to have a west-facing Moroni.
Because the Seattle Washington Temple would be situated near the Bellevue Airfield, the proposed height of the spire was reduced, and a red strobe warning light was installed at the base of the angel Moroni statue. When the airfield closed in 1983, the light was permanently shut off and later removed.
The construction of the Seattle Washington Temple was opposed by various anti-Mormon groups. During the temple dedication, one group of women even chained themselves to the front gates as a demonstration of their opposition to the Church's position on the Equal Rights Amendment.
The Seattle Washington Temple was the last temple dedicated by President Spencer W. Kimball, whose ailing health prompted him to call Elder Gordon B. Hinckley as a third counselor in the First Presidency in July 1981. Seventeen more temples would be dedicated under Pres. Kimball's presidency before his death in November 1985.