new temple

 Cleveland (Independence) Ohio Mormon Temple. 30 November 2026.

27 June 2026 during a public open house viewing

The first Mormon Temple is in neighbouring Lake County, Kirtland [click] and built in the 1830s.  The second was in Nauvoo Illinois, built during the 1840s, destroyed by fire 1848, new building 2002. The third is in St. George Utah, built in the 1870s. All four, and this Cleveland one have cupolas. The first was built in the late federal style, and some elements of that style continued in the other three mentioned, and others.

 

Normally Gentiles (non-Mormons) are not permitted in their temples, nor are Mormons without temple recommends; but currently the building is not dedicated, and there is a period of weeks that there is a viewing open to the general public & Mormon visitors from outside the area.

 

From the first foto, it appears that the product that appears stone like is pre-fabricated and slid into place.  In this project pre-fabricated modules were also used. The Mormons are in a period of temple building world wide. [(click) Construction Status:  61 Under Construction, 8 Under Renovation, 105 Announced] Almost simultaneously with Cleveland, San Diego (La Jolla) is having a public viewing of their renovations; nearer: recently Pittsburgh, and soon one in Cincinnati.

 

We went on a Saturday, and the ample parking lot was nearly full.  Additional parking was available at AAA  across the street.  They had a large slew of Mormon volunteers to guide people throughout.  Everyone was required to wear disposable booties. The place was meant to be immaculate. Over all the rooms were furnished like a quality hotel.

 

I came to see the architecture and art.  Mormon paintings of Jesus were plentiful, and large. They were respectful, but slightly bland, and had a factory production aesthetic.  There was a walk in and down baptistry with twelve cast oxen heads on the exterior.  What stood out in quality was one huge chandelier, and some other good light fixtures. Stained glass windows were also numerous, some had a white trillium, the state wildflower, on top. Whatever studio made them, made them well. I asked a couple of the guides. One did not know, and the other just remembered they were from Orem Utah.

Not quite authentic looking.