(Feature photo can be found here: Atlanta Temple – Heavenly Light by Rory Wallwork)

The Atlanta Georgia Temple stands on a gentle hillside in the community of Sandy Springs. The grounds a beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by large trees on nearly every side, creating a spiritual refuge to all who visit. The temple itself is highlighted by a wall of heavenly stained glass that softly glows at night beneath the temple’s single spire. It’s a site that can’t be missed for anyone driving along the road in front of the temple.

The Atlanta Temple was originally announced on April 2, 1980. Almost a year later, nearly 10,000 members gathered on the site of the future temple to witness the groundbreaking ceremony, held on March 7, 1981. It was to be the first temple in the southeastern United States, as well as the first in the state of Georgia. A little more than two years after the construction began, the temple was dedicated on June 1, 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley. This was one of 98 temples that President Hinckley dedicated or rededicated!

After being in operation for over 26 years, the temple was closed in July 2009. It remained closed for nearly two years while crews worked on a complete remodel of the interior, renovation of the exterior, and re-landscaping of the surrounding grounds. Changes on the interior of the temple included higher ceilings in the foyer, a non-patron waiting room, a high-capacity sealing room, progressive ordinance rooms with murals, and art glass illuminated with daylight-style lighting in the Celestial Room. Clothing rental was removed, and food vending was relocated. After the significant changes were made, the temple was re-dedicated on May 1, 2011 by Thomas S. Monson.

One thing that we think is wonderful is that the crystal from the original Celestial Room chandelier was crushed and incorporated into the Celestial Room art glass windows of the newly-remodeled temple. And also, marble from the original altars was laid into the pulpit of the chapel. What a beautiful way to re-use the priceless materials from the original temple!

Before we share these beautiful temple pictures with you, here are a few facts about the Atlanta Temple that you may not know:

• It was the 21st temple in the world and the first and only temple in Georgia.
• It was originally dedicated on June 1, 1983 by Gordon B. Hinckley.
• The original design that was proposed did not have a spire or gold Angel Moroni statue. Both of these elements were added to the design and incorporated into the final structure when it was built.
• The angel Moroni statue that originally stood atop the Atlanta Temple was later replaced by a casting made by LaVar Wallgren of the statue created by Torlief Knaphus. This is the statue that stands atop the temple today, and is the same as that on the Idaho Falls Temple and the Boston Temple.

Atlanta Temple – Golden Sunset by Rory Wallwork

Atlanta Temple – For Eternity by Rory Wallwork

Atlanta Temple – Front Sunset by Lance Bertola

Atlanta Temple – Heavenly Light by Rory Wallwork

Atlanta Temple – Crescent Moon by Alan Fullmer

Atlanta Temple – Summer Sunset by Rory Wallwork

Atlanta Temple – Peace Be Still by Dustin Bitter

Atlanta Temple – Pastel Sunrise by Rory Wallwork

Atlanta Temple – Watercolor Painting by Mei Teng Kok

Atlanta Temple – Last Light by Rory Wallwork

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