Los Angeles California Temple

The Los Angeles Temple was the first built in California and is one of five temples to feature the angel Moroni statue holding the gold plates. Originally, the statue was installed to face southeast but was later turned to face east at the request of President David O. McKay.

I was able to visit this temple on a work trip in Los Angeles in the spring of 2010. We passed it on our way to catch a flight at LAX airport.

Provo Temple

The Provo Utah Temple was the first built in Utah County and the first that I entered. The design comes from the scripture, "The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way: and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night." Exodus 13:21

The Provo Temple is dubbed as the busiest temple. It sits on Provo's east bench surrounded by Rock Canyon and overlooks Utah Lake.

This temple feels like home to me, and some of my greatest memories happened inside its walls.

Washington D.C. Temple

The Washington D.C. Temple is the tallest temple reaching 288 ft. This temple, like the Los Angeles Temple, features the statue of angel Moroni with the gold plates. The temple was dedicated in 1974 by Spencer W. Kimball.

I spent the summer along the eastern coast with my family and was able to spend a Sunday afternoon at the temple and visitor's center. The giant trees on the amazing 52-acre wooded site surround and protect the temple. It was surreal to see the temple built in what felt like a beautiful forest.