(Feature photo can be found here: Albuquerque Temple – Fading Light by Rory Wallwork)

The beautiful and unique Albuquerque New Mexico Temple adorns the arid landscape of northeastern Albuquerque in the residential neighborhood of North Albuquerque Acres. Despite being in the middle of a desert, the high elevation allows for the temple grounds to be adorned with a lush oasis of green grass and vibrantly colored flora. It’s a pleasure to stroll through the sacred grounds, which provide you with a wonderful sense of peace and separation from the rest of the busy world. During the dedicatory prayer, President Gordon B. Hinckley asked the Lord that the temple “be a sanctuary of peace, a refuge from the noise of the world. May it be a house of quiet contemplation concerning the eternal nature of life and of Thy divine plan for Thy sons and daughters as they walk the road of immortality and eternal life.” We feel like the temple accomplishes exactly that.

The exterior of the temple features moonstones, a sunstone, and starstones (similar to the Salt Lake Temple) that appear in their astronomical order from the earth (starstones highest and moonstones lowest). For example, four phases of the moon can be seen in the circular areas on the west face of the temple. A sun is depicted in the Celestial Room art glass, featured prominently high up on the east side of the temple.

At the main entrance, a stunning water feature delights patrons as they enter and leave the sacred structure.

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

• It was the 73rd temple in the world and the first and only (for now) temple in New Mexico.
• It was dedicated on March 5, 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
• More than 6,500 members crowded on the 10-acre site to participate in the groundbreaking services.
• During the ten-day public open house, approximately 70,000 visitors toured the temple!

Albuquerque Temple – Spring Morning by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – Spring Sunrise by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – A Place of Refuge by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – Morning Rose by Alan Fullmer

Albuquerque Temple – Sunset Glow by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – For Eternity by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – Fading Light by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – Golden Sunset by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – Blue Dawn by Rory Wallwork

Albuquerque Temple – Sunset Southwest by Gavin Vanderbeek

Albuquerque Temple – Radiant Light by Dustin Bitter

Albuquerque Temple – Vibrant Sunrise by Lance Bertola

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