In the 1840s, as the population and activity in Nauvoo increased, so did the focus on the primary construction project, the Nauvoo Temple. Over a five-year period from 1841 - 1846, the principal building emphasis in the growing city centered on completion of the temple. The building, intended as a sanctuary of significant spiritual blessings for the Saints, was dedicated in 1846, with the dedicatory prayers being offered by Joseph Young in a private ceremony on April 30, and in a public ceremony on May 1 by Orson Hyde.

Construction of the historic temple required enormous effort in time and resources. In addition to establishing their own homes and businesses, Nauvoo residents contributed both time and money to the inspiring and challenging construction project. Men volunteered a tithe, or one day in ten to labor on the temple, while women donated clothing and meals to assist the work force.

The temple followed the inspiration and vision of Joseph Smith with the design implemented through the efforts of the architect, William Weeks. Distinctive architectural features in the classical Greek style temple included symbolic sun, moon and star stones, a zinc-domed bell tower punctuated with green shutters and a dramatic, triple-arched entry portico.

Following the westerly exodus of the Saints in 1846, the temple was vacated. Eventually, the structure was partially destroyed by arson and a subsequent tornado. It was then dismantled for local building projects.

Wilford Wood negotiated the repurchase of the temple lot in 1937, eventually leading to the repurchase of each portion of the block at various times through 1967.

In April 1999, Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church, announced in General Conference that the Nauvoo Temple would be rebuilt as a memorial to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the early Saints who sacrificed so much to construct the original. Ground was broken in October of that year, and on June 27, 2002, the reconstructed Nauvoo Temple was dedicated.

To learn more about the purpose of temples, please click here.