Oakland California Temple

{{Short description|Latter-day Saints Temple in Oakland, California, US}}

{{ LDS Temple/Oakland California Temple |format= Infobox LDS Temple }}

The Oakland California Temple (formerly the Oakland Temple) is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oakland, California. Notable for its five-spire design influenced by Asian architecture, the temple stands on a hill with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The complex, sometimes referred to as Temple Hill, includes a visitors' center, a church employment center, a materials distribution center, an auditorium, an inter-stake center, a rooftop terrace, and gardens where photoshoots for quinceañeras and other celebrations take place.

The church purchased the site in 1943 and construction began in 1962. Following public tours in 1964, the temple was dedicated, and admittance became reserved for church members with a temple recommend. The temple stands on top of the Hayward Fault Zone; it underwent major renovations and seismic upgrades, closing from 1989 to 1990 following the Loma Prieta earthquake and again from 2018 to 2019.

The temple's architecture, designed by Harold W. Burton, incorporates Art Deco and mid-century elements. Interior decorations include dark cherry wood ornamentation, along with original artwork of Jesus Christ and the California landscape. Since 1978, annual music and dance performances have accompanied the Christmas light displays, reflecting on the holiday themes and the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth. Temple Hill used to host "temple pageants", but they have since been discontinued. The reception of the temple has been largely positive. Jen Woo of Architectural Digest said that the temple is an "architectural gem", while others have complained about the light pollution coming from the temple.

History

{{See also|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California}}The building of the Oakland Temple, as well as other church temples in California, was considered as early as 1847. Church members who traveled by ship around Cape Horn to California were told by Brigham Young that "in the process of time, the shores of the Pacific may yet be overlooked from the Temple of the Lord."{{Cite web |date=2024-01-31 |title=Oakland California Temple: We invoke Thy blessing particularly upon Thy people in this temple district |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/1964/11/17/23264461/oakland-california-temple-we-invoke-thy-blessing-particularly-upon-thy-people-in-this-temple-distric/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Church News |language=en}}

In 1942, David O. McKay, then second counselor in the church's First Presidency, inspected the site where the temple now stands. The {{convert|14.5|acre|m2}} were purchased by the church on January 28, 1943.{{Cite web |date=2010-03-10 |title=Oakland California Temple |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2010/3/10/23228675/oakland-california-temple |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Church News |language=en}} The temple was announced in 1961,{{Cite web |title=Oakland California Temple Almanac |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/oakland-california/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Church News |language=en}} and construction began in 1962.{{citation |last=McKay |first=David O. |title=Oakland California Temple Groundbreaking |date=August 1962 |journal=Improvement Era |volume=65 |issue=8 |pages=584–585 |url=https://archive.org/details/improvementera6508unse |author-link=David O. McKay}}. Retrieved March 7, 2024. In October 1964, the temple opened briefly for visitors to tour.{{Cite web |last=Raguso |first=Emilie |date=2019-05-07 |title=Oakland Mormon temple to offer rare public viewing after renovation |url=http://www.berkeleyside.org/2019/05/07/oakland-mormon-temple-to-offer-rare-public-viewing-after-renovation |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Berkeleyside |language=en-US}}{{Cite book |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/multimedia/file/oakland-temple-media-kit.pdf |title=Oakland-temple-media-kit |publisher=Church of Jesus Christ Newsroom |pages=12 |access-date=2024-03-07}} Then, after McKay dedicated the temple with a prayer in November 1964, admittance became reserved for church members holding a current temple recommend.{{Cite web |title=History of the Oakland Temple – TempleHill.org |url=https://templehill.org/history-of-oakland-temple/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=26. Temple Recommends |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/eng/manual/general-handbook/26-temple-recommends |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}} A visitors' center was constructed adjacent to the temple in 1992.{{cite web |title=Oakland California Temple |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Church of Jesus Christ Temples}}

Beginning February 2018, the temple closed for renovations.{{citation |title=Oakland California and Washington D.C. Temples to Close for Renovation |date=February 23, 2017 |work=Newsroom |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/oakland-california-washington-dc-temples-close-renovation |access-date=2024-03-07 |publisher=LDS Church}} The restoration updated the electrical system, refurbished furniture upholstery, replaced paneling, restored front door functionality, and, leveraging technological advances, repaired the originally leaking reflecting pool. A new visitors' waiting area was added that features windows which gather light reflected from the pool outside.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-06 |title=Oakland California Temple Opens Doors to the Public After Renovation |url=http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/oakland-temple-open-house |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}} The original design for the temple did not include windows; however, the renovation introduced windows to the design.{{Cite web |title=Appendix E: Architectural Features of the Oakland Temple {{!}} Religious Studies Center |url=https://rsc.byu.edu/oakland-temple-portal-eternity/appendix-e-architectural-features-oakland-temple |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=rsc.byu.edu}} Before renovations, this temple was unique among temples of the church due to it being the only one without windows. This change was partly to create a theater-like setting, as this was the first temple to feature a film presentation of the endowment ceremony instead of a live version. The original design was meant to showcase modern air-conditioning and lighting advances, due to Burton's desire to build a building "without windows puncturing the facade". As occurred in 1964, when renovations were complete, a public open house was held from 11 May through 1 June 2019, excluding Sundays.{{citation |title=Public Invited to Tour Newly Renovated Oakland California Temple |date=2018-12-18 |work=Newsroom |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/public-invited-tour-newly-renovated-oakland-california-temple |access-date=2024-03-07 |publisher=LDS Church}} The temple was rededicated on June 16, 2019, by Dallin H. Oaks.{{citation |title=President Oaks Rededicates Oakland California Temple: Latter-day Saint youth meet with President Oaks and Elder David A. Bednar in special devotional |date=2019-06-16 |work=Newsroom |url=https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-oaks-rededicates-oakland-california-temple |access-date=2024-03-07 |publisher=LDS Church}}{{Cite web |title=See Inside the Renovated Oakland California Temple - Church News and Events |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/see-inside-the-renovated-oakland-california-temple?lang=eng |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=www.churchofjesuschrist.org}}

In 2020, like all the church's temples, the temple was closed for a time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Stack, Peggy Fletcher.[https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2020/03/26/all-latter-day-saint/ "All Latter-day Saint temples to close due to coronavirus"], The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 March 2020. Retrieved on 7 March 2024. The temple reopened for normal services on April 19, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Toone |first=Trent |date=2023-12-19 |title=Which Latter-day Saint temples have reopened? |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/5/27/21271115/temples-reopen-lds-mormon-covid-pandemic-latter-day-saint-closure-marriage-worldwide-health/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}

Temple Hill site

Besides the Oakland California Temple, there are several other buildings on the Temple Hill site.{{Cite web |title=TempleHill.org – Feel Welcome. Feel the Spirit. Feel Inspired. |url=https://templehill.org/ |access-date=March 18, 2024 |language=en-US}} The inter-stake center, built in the 1950s, remains the oldest church building at the site. Originally referred to as the tri-stake center, the building served the San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley stakes.{{citation |last=Hill |first=Greg |title=Temple Hill: Oakland's highly visible spiritual gathering place |date=2007-09-15 |newspaper= |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2007/9/15/23232680/temple-hill-oaklands-highly-visible-spiritual-gathering-place/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |publisher=Church News}} The center includes two chapels for sacrament meetings, an auditorium, a gymnasium, several classrooms, and offices. As of May 2021, the building is used by 14 congregations in the English, Spanish, Chinese, and Khmer languages.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Sunday Church Services |url=https://templehill.org/sundayservice/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=TempleHill.org |language=en-US}}File:Oaklandfront.JPGThe nearby auditorium seats 1,600 people, and has a {{convert|60|ft|m|adj=on}} stage.{{cite web |last1=Taylor |first1=Scott |date=June 16, 2019 |title=3,000 youth welcome President Oaks, Elder Bednar to devotional prior to Oakland temple dedication |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-06-16/3000-youth-welcome-president-oaks-elder-bednar-to-devotional-prior-to-oakland-temple-dedication-154562 |access-date=7 March 2024 |website=Church News}} When more seating is needed, the auditorium can be extended into a cultural hall that is large enough to fit two full-size basketball courts. The NBA's Golden State Warriors previously used the cultural hall as a practice facility. The concert hall is home to the Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra, Temple Hill Choir, Behold Dance Collective, and the Temple Hill Dance Company.{{Cite web |title=Temple Hill Events – Upcoming Events & Calendar – TempleHill.org |url=https://templehill.org/events/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Events |first=Temple Hill |title=Temple Hill Events |url=https://templehillevents.com/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Temple Hill Events |language=en-US}} In addition, the concert hall hosts other musicians, singers, and performance groups.{{cite web |title=Oakland Temple Hill Events |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/locations/oakland-temple-hill?lang=eng |access-date=7 March 2024 |website=churchofjesuschrist.org |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}} Besides the three resident organizations and the temple pageant, many Brigham Young University performing arts groups have performed in the auditorium.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Wide Array of Events Presented on Temple Hill|url=https://www.deseret.com/1994/8/27/20767424/wide-array-of-events-presented-on-temple-hill/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Bringing The Magic to Three Countries |url=https://pam.byu.edu/news/bringing-the-magic-to-three-countries/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=Performing Arts Management |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=BYU Vocal Point Performance in Oakland |url=https://localunits.churchofjesuschrist.org/events/details/church-of-jesus-christ-san-ramon-1st-ward-presents-byu-vocal-point-performance-in-oakland/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |language=en}}

The Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1985. It has 52 members, about a third of whom are not Latter-day Saints. It has other sponsors besides the church and is a non-profit organization that offers free concerts.{{Cite web |last=Haddock |first=Sharon |date=June 17, 2010 |title=The 586-mile commute of an orchestra director |url=https://www.deseret.com/2010/6/17/20121817/the-586-mile-commute-of-an-orchestra-director/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=Deseret News |language=en}} As of February 2024, Jay Trottier has been the conductor, a position he has held since 2012.{{Cite web |title=Temple Hill Symphony Concert Program – TempleHill.org |url=https://templehill.org/symphony-concert-program/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |language=en-US}}

= Visitors' center =

File:Oakland_Temple_statue_of_Jesus_in_the_visitors_center.jpg's Christus in the visitors' center|alt=Thorvaldsen's Christus statue in the Oakland California Temple Visitors' Center. ]]

Adjacent to the temple is a visitors' center which includes artwork, displays, and a reproduction of Thorvaldsen's Christus statue. The visitors' center is staffed by volunteers, and is open to the public.{{cite web |title=Oakland Temple Visitors' Center |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/locations/oakland-temple-visitors-center?lang=eng#d |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=churchofjesuschrist.org |publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}} The visitors’ center was remodeled in 2004, receiving new exhibits emphasizing the life of Jesus Christ and the organization of the church by Joseph Smith.{{cite web |last1=Cowan |first1=Richard O. |last2=Larson |first2=Robert G. |title=Building Bridges |url=https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/oakland-temple-portal-eternity/building-bridges |access-date=7 March 2024 |website=Religious Studies Center}}

The site includes a FamilySearch Center (FSC), both church employment and materials distribution centers, the headquarters of the California Oakland–San Francisco Mission, and a small memorial to the Brooklyn.{{Cite web |date=2002-11-09 |title=Plaque commemorates 1846 arrival of Brooklyn |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2002/11/9/23241342/plaque-commemorates-1846-arrival-of-brooklyn |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Church News |language=en}} Set on {{Convert|18.1|acre|ha}}, the temple grounds include a garden with integrated water features, drawing local photographers.{{cite web |last1=Baldassari |first1=Erin |date=June 17, 2019 |title=For Catholic quinceañeras, Oakland's Mormon temple is place to be |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/06/17/for-catholic-quinceaneras-oaklands-mormon-temple-is-place-to-be/ |access-date=7 March 2024 |website=The Mercury News}} The FSC offers volunteer assistance to individuals interested in tracing their family history. On average, four out of five visitors to the FSC at Temple Hill are not members of the church.

= Christmas =

File:Oakland Mormon Temple at Christmas.JPG

Since 1978, the temple and visitors' center have hosted an annual Christmas lights display, starting with 50,000 lights and expanding to 500,000 by 1998.{{Cite book |last1=Cowan |first1=Richard O. |title=The Oakland Temple: Portal to Eternity |last2=Larsen |first2=Robert G. |date=November 3, 2014 |publisher=Brigham Young University |isbn=978-0842528603 |location=Salt Lake City, Provo |page=202 |language=en}} In addition to the lights, various displays and artwork of the birth of Jesus and the Christmas narrative are placed on the temple grounds and in the visitors' center. The displays on the temple grounds and in the visitors' center are part of a broader holiday observance at the temple.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-21 |title=The very best Bay Area holiday light displays |url=https://www.ktvu.com/news/the-very-best-bay-area-holiday-light-displays |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=KTVU FOX 2 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rasilla |first=Azucena |date=2021-12-22 |title=This week in Oakland: Where to see holiday lights |url=http://oaklandside.org/2021/12/21/this-week-in-oakland-where-to-see-holiday-lights/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=The Oaklandside |language=en-US}}

Music and dance performances that reflect on the themes of Christmas and the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth occur each year. The Nutcracker ballet,{{Cite web |title=The Nutcracker |url=https://www.ilrcsf.org/events/the-nutcracker/ |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco |language=en-US}} a sing along of Handel's Messiah,{{Cite web |last=Wade |first=Tony |date=2013-11-29 |title=Solano Chamber Society continues Handel's 'Messiah' tradition |url=https://www.dailyrepublic.com/diversions/entertainment/solano-chamber-society-continues-handel-s-messiah-tradition/article_0ca2d07a-727e-5645-af8d-741e5654a599.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=DailyRepublic.com |language=en}} and musical performances by Jenny Oaks Baker,{{Cite web |title=Violinist Jenny Oaks Baker in concert with Temple Hill Orchestra – Free! |url=https://www.walnutcreekmagazine.com/events/134846/violinist-jenny-oaks-baker-in-concert-with-temple-hill-orchestra-free- |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=www.walnutcreekmagazine.com |language=en}} have taken place during the Christmas Season at the Temple Hill Auditorium.{{Cite web |title=Christmas – TempleHill.org |url=https://templehill.org/christmas/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |language=en-US}}

= Hayward Fault =

The Hayward Fault runs directly underneath the auditorium building.{{Cite book |last=Kieckhefer |first=Bob |title=The October 17, 1989 Earthquake: Geology & Impacts |date=June 1990 |publisher=Northern California Geological Survey |pages=55 |language=en}} The slowly creeping fault has offset minor parts of the building, and led to the formation of cracks on the pavement from time to time.{{cite web |last=Stoffer |first=Philip W. |date=2008 |title=Where's the Hayward Fault? A Green Guide to the Fault |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1135/of2008-1135.pdf |access-date=March 8, 2024 |publisher=United States Geological Survey}} The rate of creep is about 0.6 inches (16 mm) per year, which may alleviate tension in the fault. The fault zone is regarded as dangerous, with geologists in 2009 estimating a 33% chance of a large earthquake occurring before the year 2040.{{cite news |last=Perlman |first=David |date=October 16, 2009 |title=Creeping Hayward Fault might ease quake tension |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Creeping-Hayward-Fault-might-ease-quake-tension-3214322.php |access-date=March 8, 2024 |work=SF Gate}} The auditorium and temple were closed for refit after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and opened a year later in October 1990.{{cite news |last=Mara |first=Janis |date=February 27, 2018 |title=Oakland's landmark Mormon Temple closing for year for renovations |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2018/02/27/oaklands-landmark-mormon-temple-closing-for-year-for-renovations/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |work=East Bay Times}} A 4.2 magnitude strike-slip earthquake occurred in the area in July 2007.{{cite news |last1=Tucker |first1=Jill |last2=Lagos |first2=Marisa |date=July 20, 2007 |title=2007 quake hit Berkeley with similar magnitude, similar epicenter, similar time |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/2007-quake-hit-Berkeley-with-similar-magnitude-2580659.php |access-date=March 8, 2024 |work=SF Gate}} The auditorium and temple closed again for seismic retrofit in February 2018, while the visitors' center and gardens remained open. The work was finished in May 2019.{{cite news |author=Staff |date=May 10, 2019 |title=Rare, limited-time public invitation inside Oakland's Mormon Temple. Here's when |url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article230136919.html |access-date=March 8, 2024 |work=Modesto Bee}} According to a report from Philip Stofer of the United States Geological Survey, "The temple is one of the most visible manmade features along the Hayward Fault and can be seen from throughout the Oakland area."{{Cite book |last=Stoffer |first=Philip W. |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1135/of2008-1135.pdf |title=Where's the Hayward Fault? A Green Guide to the Fault: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey |year=2008 |pages=39,72 |access-date=March 8, 2024}}

Design

Harold W. Burton designed the temple's structure in 1962, combining three distinct design styles: Mid-century Modern, Asian, and Art Deco.{{citation |last= Candland |first= Evelyn |year= 1992 |title= An Ensign to the Nations: History of the Oakland Stake |location= Oakland, CA |publisher= Oakland California Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |oclc= 78984818 }}{{Cite web |last=Woo |first=Jen |date=2019-05-15 |title=Mormon Temple in Oakland Hills Is Remodeled in Line with Art Deco Original |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/mormon-temple-in-oakland-hills-is-remodeled-in-line-with-art-deco-original |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=Architectural Digest |language=en-US}} Improvements during the 2019 renovation were led by architect David Hunter and interior designer Karen Willardson. Through the front courtyard are stairways which led to the temple rooftop garden terrace.{{Cite web |title=Rooftop Garden Terrace |date=April 14, 2020 |url=https://templehill.org/rooftop-garden-terrace/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |language=en-US}} From the temple grounds and terrace, several neighboring landmarks are visible, including downtown Oakland, the Bay Bridge, Yerba Buena Island, downtown San Francisco, the Sutro Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Madeline |date=2021-12-08 |title=Why this beautiful Bay Area landmark is not open to the public |url=https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/Oakland-California-Temple-best-views-in-Bay-Area-16680702.php |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=SFGATE |language=en}} The grounds have flowers, palm trees, and water features, including fountains and a waterfall.{{Cite web |title=A Monumental Site for a Monumental Building |date=April 4, 2021 |url=https://templehill.org/a-monumental-site-for-a-monumental-building/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |language=en-US}} Additionally, local photographers use the Temple Hill gardens as a photoshoot location for quinceañeras and other celebrations.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Why the Oakland temple is a popular spot for quinceaneras photoshoots (and a whole lot more) |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2019/6/23/23215158/oakland-temple-president-oaks-ballard-quinceaneras/ |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=Church News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Quinceañeras – TempleHill.org |url=https://templehill.org/quinceaneras/ |access-date=March 25, 2024 |language=en-US}}

The temple was built on an {{convert|18.3|acre|m2|adj=on}} plot, has four ordinance rooms (used for the endowment), seven sealing rooms, and has a total floor area of {{convert|95000|sqft|m2}}.{{citation |last=Satterfield |first=Rick |title=Oakland California Temple |work=LDSChurchTemples.com |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/ |access-date=March 8, 2024}} The temple and its associated complex of buildings has been referred to by church members as Temple Hill.

= Exterior =

File:Oakland Mormon Temple3.jpg visible in the distance|alt=San Francisco's three pronged Sutro Tower on a mountain in the distance, with the Oakland Califorina Temple visible in the foreground.]]

This is the church's only temple built with a modern five-spire design. The tallest of the five spires reaches {{Convert|170|ft|m}}.{{cite web |last1=Hegarty |first1=Peter |date=May 7, 2019 |title=A peek inside Oakland's Mormon temple, seldom viewed by outsiders |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2019/05/06/a-peek-inside-oaklands-mormon-temple-seldom-viewed-by-outsiders/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=East Bay Times}} The exterior of the temple is made of reinforced concrete faced with sierra white granite from Raymond, California. On the north and south faces of the temple are two decorative friezes; it is the last temple of the church to have such.

The temple, illuminated at night, stands out in the Bay Area and is referred to as a beacon.{{Cite web |title=DRONEVIEW7: Landmark Oakland Temple a sacred, scenic 'beacon' for Bay Area |url=https://abc7news.com/oakland-mormon-temple-church-of-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints-hills/5302055/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en}} Claudia Cowan of Fox News reported that it has been dubbed the "beacon on the hill", underscoring its prominent visibility.{{Cite web |date=2014-05-01 |title='Visible as a beacon': Oakland Temple celebrates 50th year of service |url=https://www.deseret.com/2014/5/1/20540621/visible-as-a-beacon-oakland-temple-celebrates-50th-year-of-service |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=Deseret News |language=en}} The Federal Aviation Administration uses the temple as a landmark for visual navigation.{{cite web |last1=Cowan |first1=Claudia |date=May 21, 2019 |title=Mormon temple long shrouded in secrecy briefly opens doors to the public |url=https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/mormon-temple-long-shrouded-in-secrecy-briefly-opens-doors-to-the-public |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=Fox News}}{{Cite web |last=Pimentel |first=Jay |date=November 2020 |title=Visible as a Beacon |url=https://templehill.org/visible-as-a-beacon/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Templehill.org |language=en-US}} The bright lights have prompted complaints about light pollution, along with the temple running a monthly utility bill up to $35,000.{{Cite news |last=Rafkin |first=Louise |date=September 3, 2011 |title=The Oakland Temple |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/us/04bcintel.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

= Interior =

The interior was designed to focus on Jesus Christ.{{cite news |last1=Wilensky |first1=David |date=May 14, 2019 |title=A journey into the Holy of Holies — in a Latter-day Saints temple |url=https://www.jweekly.com/2019/05/14/a-journey-into-the-holy-of-holies-in-a-latter-day-saints-temple/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |newspaper=J}} Sam Matthews of the Tracy Press said: "The temple’s interior décor is subdued, with shades of tan and brown and traditional furnishings." Religious themed paintings and others depicting California are found throughout the temple.{{cite web |last1=Matthews |first1=Sam |title=Inside a sacred building, shrouded in mystery |url=http://www.ttownmedia.com/tracy_press/our_town/inside-a-sacred-building-shrouded-in-mystery/article_83950260-72b8-11e9-85b6-4ba79fb47bc3.html |access-date=March 3, 2024 |website=Tracy Press|date=May 10, 2019 }} The walls feature white oak paneling accented by marble flooring. The temple houses a diverse collection of art, including murals, relief artwork, and paintings.{{Cite web |title=Oakland Temple |date=April 19, 2020 |url=https://templehill.org/oakland-temple/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |language=en-US}} This includes relief murals depicting Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane and a representation of Adam and Eve.

Many areas feature wall-to-wall mirrors, crystal lighting fixtures, and seating with Asian-inspired designs. Some of the features of are used for baptisms include gold leaf ceiling decorations, marble pillars, and bronze banisters. Sealing rooms contain panels of dark cherry wood, marble altars with backlighting, and mirrors placed to create an effect of infinite reflections. Some sealing rooms also include ceilings with a barrel vault design.

Jen Woo of Architectural Digest noted the interior design of the temple has "an abundance of Asian-inspired elements in reference to the diversity of the area" and its design is "an architectural gem". The design "echo[es] a Buddhist temple" to "incorporate the local culture of [the temple's] surroundings," explained Madeline Wells of SFGate. The executive director of the church's Temple Department, Larry Wilson, also noted the building was partly modeled after the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat.

Presidents

Since its dedication in 1964, the temple has been overseen by temple presidents and matrons, who oversee all its operations. Each typically serve a term of about three years.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-02 |title=2023 Temple Leadership Assignments |url=http://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/2023-temple-leadership-assignments |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Presidents and Matrons of the Oakland California Temple {{!}} ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org |url=https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/presidents/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}} The first president, Delbert Franklin Wright, served from 1964 to 1968. As of 2022, John C Hodgman is serving as president. Notable presidents include Lorenzo Hoopes (1985–1990) and Durrel A. Woolsey (1996–1999).

''And it Came to Pass'' Pageant

{{See also|List of pageants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}

In the nearby meetinghouse, local church members performed a pageant (an annual theatrical production) for many years. The pageant, commonly known as the "Temple Pageant", was a musical stage production rehearsing the history and legacy of the church. It was one of only a few "temple pageants" around the country. Until its retirement, it was the only such pageant performed indoors as well as the only one to be fully accompanied by a live orchestra. Initially, the pageant consisted of three acts performed over three consecutive nights; however, it was eventually shortened to an hour and a half.{{citation |last=Rott |first=Dale |title=Intersections Between Theatre and the Church in the United States: 1930-1990 |date=Summer 2005 |journal=Journal of Religion and Theatre |volume=4 |issue=1 |url=http://www.athe.org/associations/12588/files/Rott.pdf |access-date=March 8, 2024}}{{citation |last=Ghaznavi |first=Shanna |title=Stars under the Sky |date=July 1999 |journal=New Era |url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/1999/07/stars-under-the-sky?lang=eng |access-date=March 8, 2024}} In November 2007, the pageant was officially retired due to concerns about the cost of production, and because the majority of the membership around the globe would never see the pageants.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-10 |title=Elder Christofferson explains why the Hill Cumorah Pageant was a blessing and why it ended |url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/7/9/23218135/elder-christofferson-devotional-why-hill-cumorah-pageant-ended |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=Church News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Building Bridges {{!}} Religious Studies Center |url=https://rsc.byu.edu/oakland-temple-portal-eternity/building-bridges#:~:text=As%20a%20result,%20Church%20officials,in%20some%20form%20or%20another |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=rsc.byu.edu}}

References

External links

{{Commons category-inline|Oakland California Temple}}
[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/oakland-california-temple?lang=eng Oakland California Temple Official site]
[https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/oakland-california-temple/ Oakland California Temple] at ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org

Category:20th-century Latter Day Saint temples in the United States

Category:Religious buildings and structures in Oakland, California

Category:Temples (LDS Church) completed in 1964

Category:Temples (LDS Church) in California

Category:1964 establishments in California