Nauvoo Illinois Temple - Definition and Overview

Nauvoo Illinois Temple was dedicated in 2002. It is considered one of the preeminent Mormon temples, resting on the site of violent religious strife forcing the exodus of followers to Utah.

Nauvoo Illinois Temple was the one hundred thirteenth dedicated church temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is the third church temple that has been built in Illinois (the 1840's Nauvoo temple and Chicago Illinois Temple being the others).

Located in the town of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Illinois Temple's construction was dedicated on October 24, 1999 by LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley. The structure itself was built in the Greek Revival style of architecture using limestone block quarried in Russellville, Alabama. It is built in the same location as an original structure that was dedicated in 1846.

Church leaders and architects carefully worked to replicate the original exterior design of the Nineteenth century temple which was burned by arsonists after the forced Mormon exodus from the area. Construction materials and furniture were derived from the original design as well. The completion and official dedication was celebrated on June 27, 2002, on the anniversary of the death of Joseph Smith.

Resources

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Official Site (http://www.lds.org/)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Visitors Site (http://www.mormon.org/)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temples Site (http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/)
• LDSChurchTemples.com profile (http://ldschurchtemples.com/cgi-bin/pages.cgi?nauvoo&operating)