(Feature photo can be found here: Idaho Falls Temple – Across the River by Kenny Latimer)

In December 2014, it was announced that the Idaho Falls Temple would be closed for extensive interior renovations. You can take a look at pictures of the interior of the temple right here. It was originally dedicated on September 23, 1945 by President George Albert Smith. So as one of the oldest temples in the church, it was in need of some extensive interior changes and upgrades.

Now, after more than a year of work, including several significant delays, the temple will finally be re-dedicated this coming weekend on June 4th. Prior to the re-dedication, local youth will put on a cultural celebration featuring music and dance on Saturday, June 3, 2017.

The Idaho Falls Idaho Temple was the eighth temple built in the world. It is one of four temples in Idaho; the other temples are Twin Falls, Boise, and Rexburg. A fifth Idaho temple is also under construction, which is the Meridian Idaho Temple, scheduled to be completed later this year on November 19, 2017.

Before we share some photos of the interior and exterior with you, here are a few facts that you probably didn’t know about the Idaho Falls Temple:

• It was the first temple built in Idaho.
• It was the only temple dedicated by President George Albert Smith.
• It was the first temple designed with a single, central spire.
• The east side of the temple originally had three reflecting ponds filled with water lillies and small fish. But in the 1960s, the ponds were converted to flowerbeds. Then in 2011, the flowerbeds were replaced with a waterfall feature.
• Once the exterior of the temple was finished in September 1941, the interior was supposed to be completed by the end of the next year. However, World War II shortages delayed the completion of the temple by four more years!

Idaho Falls Temple Twilight by Phill Monson

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Idaho Falls Temple – Across The River by Kenny Latimer

Idaho Falls Temple – Joy Runneth Over by Jon Adams

Idaho Falls Temple – River Reflection by Alan Fullmer

Idaho Falls Temple Historical Painting by Dustin Lyon.
This painting shows what the original ponds on the temple grounds looked like before they were removed.

Idaho Falls Temple Dusk by Brooks Crandell