When you see Portland Oregon Temple pictures--or even drive past it on the highway--it looks like one of those LDS Temples that appears to have come right out of a storybook. With its white marble, textured spires, and gorgeous grounds, one might half-expect a knight in all his shining armor to trot on through.  

In this blog, we will cover some frequently asked questions about this beautiful building of worship. We also want to share with you some professional Portland Temple pictures done by two of our most prolific LDS temple photographers: Scott Jarvie and Robert A. Boyd. 

Church leaders announced the plans for the Portland Oregon Temple on April 7, 1984. About two and a half years later, on September 20, 1896, the groundbreaking began. The actual construction was completed by June of 1989 when it was then open to the public for the Open House. 

The temple itself, excluding the grounds, covers an astounding 80,500 square feet. They constructed the walls of this sacred building out of marble stone and used slate to create the intricately-carved collection of spires and domes on the top.  

Additionally, the Portland Oregon Temple has a Visitor’s Center on the grounds. This center is open to anyone. It provides additional information about why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints constructs temples, as well as unique history and facts about this particular building.

The Portland Oregon Temple was dedicated on August 19, 1989. The dedicatory prayer, as is true for many LDS temples, largely consisted of humble gratitude. As one passage reads:

“Please accept this house as the gift of thy thankful people. We consecrate it as thine abode. We set it apart for the great work for which it has been created, the administration of revealed ordinances to bless thy children, both the living and the dead.”

Additionally, the Portland Oregon Temple has a Visitor’s Center on the grounds. This center is open to anyone. It provides additional information about why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints constructs temples, as well as unique history and facts about this particular building.

The Portland Oregon Temple was dedicated on August 19, 1989. The dedicatory prayer, as is true for many LDS temples, largely consisted of humble gratitude. As one passage reads:

“Please accept this house as the gift of thy thankful people. We consecrate it as thine abode. We set it apart for the great work for which it has been created, the administration of revealed ordinances to bless thy children, both the living and the dead.”

Another passage from the prayer mentions some of the sacrifices on the part of Church members and others. The fact that the dedication mentions these efforts speaks deeply about the role they played in the planning and construction of the temple:

“We are grateful for all who have given of themselves and of their substance to the planning and erection of this beautiful edifice. It stands in quiet splendor among the trees of the forest. It is a place of peace and holiness, a refuge from the storms of life, a sanctuary in which to worship thee ‘in spirit and in truth.’"

As you can tell from any Portland Temple pictures, the building is a beautiful testament to the gratitude and faith of local Church members and their friends.

The better question might be what doesn’t set this temple apart. The Portland Oregon Temple has a style all it’s own, as some of the photos by our artists can attest.    

“We are grateful for all who have given of themselves and of their substance to the planning and erection of this beautiful edifice. It stands in quiet splendor among the trees of the forest. It is a place of peace and holiness, a refuge from the storms of life, a sanctuary in which to worship thee ‘in spirit and in truth.’"     

Just about every picture of an LDS Temple includes a few steeples. However, this temple’s steeples are different. They have a detailed pattern of flat diamond shapes carved into the surface. Additionally, spread among the spires on the roof are multiple domes. Nearly every angle contains a unique feature, and all of the temple's intricacies come together to create a magnificent whole.       

It is common for LDS Temples to have water features on the grounds. But we love the Portland Oregon Temple's reflection pool. The diamond shape mirrors the carved patterns on the temple steeples. The still waters themselves invite a sense of peace and tranquility to all who visit. The reflection pool furthers one of the purposes of the temple: to reflect Heaven and provide us with a place to focus our thoughts.    

So far, Oregon currently has two temples: Portland and Medford. The Medford Temple was constructed about eleven years after the Portland Temple's dedication on April 16, 2000. The two LDS temples look nothing alike aside from the characteristic white walls and the golden Angel Moroni statue. However, both have grounds overflowing with the stunning greenery native to Oregon's natural landscape.       

Have you been to the Portland Oregon Temple or the Visitors' Center? We would love to hear what sort of things stood out to you during your visit.

Still don't see the perfect photo? Check out our full collection of Portland Temple pictures.