| Nashville Tennessee Temple | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Interactive map of Nashville Tennessee Temple | ||||
| Number | 84 | |||
| Dedication | May 21, 2000, byJames E. Faust | |||
| Site | 6.86 acres (2.78 ha) | |||
| Floor area | 10,700 sq ft (990 m2) | |||
| Height | 71 ft (22 m) | |||
| Official website •News & images | ||||
| Church chronology | ||||
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| Additional information | ||||
| Announced | November 9, 1994, byHoward W. Hunter | |||
| Groundbreaking | March 13, 1999, by John K. Carmack | |||
| Open house | May 6–13, 2000 | |||
| Current president | Douglas Shane Cruze | |||
| Designed by | Robert Waldrip and Church A&E Services | |||
| Location | Franklin, Tennessee, United States | |||
| Geographic coordinates | 35°56′55.82039″N86°51′37.18439″W / 35.9488389972°N 86.8603289972°W /35.9488389972; -86.8603289972 | |||
| Exterior finish | Imperial Danby white marble | |||
| Temple design | Classic modern, single-spire design | |||
| Baptistries | 1 | |||
| Ordinance rooms | 2 (two-stage progressive) | |||
| Sealing rooms | 2 | |||
| (edit) | ||||
TheNashville Tennessee Temple is the 84th operatingtemple ofthe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,[2] and is located inFranklin, Tennessee, United States, approximately 20 miles (32 km) southwest of centralNashville. The intent to build the temple, the first in Tennessee, was announced August 7, 1994, bychurch presidentGordon B. Hinckley.[3] The temple has a single spire with a statue of theangel Moroni at its top, and is built from Imperial Danby white marble, using a simplified, contemporary temple design. The temple is on a 4.98-acre site adjacent to an existing meetinghouse.
A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify beginning of construction, was held on March 13, 1999, withJohn K. Carmack, a churchgeneral authority, presiding. The temple was later dedicated byJames E. Faust on May 21, 2000, in four sessions. Over 24,000 people toured the building during a public open house held earlier that month.[2] The interior has twoordinance rooms and twosealing rooms, arranged to support the church's ordinances.
The intent to build the Nashville Tennessee Temple was announced November 12, 1994.[4] It was originally to be built in the affluent suburb ofForest Hills, but the plan was turned down by city commissioners due to zoning rules.[5][6] At the time of its completion, the temple served church members in central and eastern Tennessee and western Kentucky.[7]
On May 11, 1999, the church announced that the temple would be constructed on a 4.98-acre (2.02 ha) property located adjacent to an existing meetinghouse in Franklin, Tennessee, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Nashville.[7] The preliminary plans called for a single-story structure of more than 10,000 square feet.[7]
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 13, 1999, marking the commencement of construction. This ceremony was presided over by John K. Carmack, president of the church’s North America SoutheastArea, and attended by local church members and community leaders.[7]
Following completion of construction, a public open house was held from May 6–13, 2000. According to the church, more than 24,000 people toured the temple during the open house.[7][8]
The Nashville Tennessee Temple was dedicated on May 21, 2000 by James E. Faust, then second counselor in the church'sFirst Presidency.[8][7]
The building has a contemporary adaptation of classical design elements, coupled with a traditional Latter-day Saint temple layout. Designed by the church’s in-house architectural team, and Robert Waldrip, its architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the American South and its spiritual significance to the church.[7][9]
The temple is on a 6.86-acre plot,[9] and the surrounding landscaping includes lawns, trees, and carefully curated garden beds
The structure is one story, has a total floor area of 10,700 square feet (990 m2), and is constructed with Imperial Danby white marble quarried in Vermont. The exterior has a single spire topped with a statue of the angel Moroni, symbolizing the restoration of the gospel and the call to gather Israel.[10] The temple's design emphasizes simplicity and reverence.[8][7]
The interior uses simple design choices, centered around the ordinance and sealing rooms, designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment. The temple includes two ordinance rooms and two sealing rooms.[8][7]
The design has elements representing the purity and holiness of the temple.[11] Symbolism is important to church members and includes the white marble to represent purity, the spire pointing heavenward, and the angel Moroni as a herald of theSecond Coming.[8][7][11]
The church's temples are directed by atemple president and matron, each typically serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[12]
Serving from 2000 to 2004, Buryl G. McClurg was its first president, with Diane W. McClurg serving as matron.[13][14][15] As of 2025, Robert D. Dennis is the president, with Holly C. Dennis serving as matron.[13]
A public open house was held from May 6 to May 13, 2000 (excluding Sunday). The temple was dedicated by James E. Faust on May 21, 2000.[8]
Like all the church's temples, it is not used forSunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a currenttemple recommend can enter for worship.[16]
= Operating
= Under construction
= Announced
= Temporarily Closed