This temple is the first ever in the New York metro region serving the more than 42,000 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Previously, most members in the area had to travel to Boston to visit a temple.

This particular temple is unusual because of its location in midtown Manhattan. Most Latter-day Saint temples are free-standing structures surrounded by manicured gardens in suburban settings. However, the Manhattan temple, similar to the Church's temple in Hong Kong, was built in an existing building and rises six stories above ground in an urban setting one block west of Central Park. Temple visitors will use four of the building's levels; the other levels house a chapel, classrooms and church offices.

The temple will be the second in New York state (the Palmyra New York Temple was dedicated in 2000) and the 119th in the world.

Latter-day Saint temples differ from the tens of thousands of local meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities, and where visitors are always welcome. Temples are used solely for the performance of sacred ordinances and religious instruction aimed at strengthening members' relationships with God and their fellow man.

The building, designed by Frank Fernandez of New Jersey-based F. Fernandez A.I.A., celebrates the Church's New York roots while also incorporating elements reflecting its international headquarters in Utah. The building is adjacent to other city buildings and blends into the surrounding urban landscape.

Among its many unique features is a soundproofed inner shell, which creates a quiet, peaceful atmosphere where members can enjoy spiritual reflection. Its sculpted carpets, decorations, artwork and furnishings speak of beauty and excellence.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York, in 1830. Today it is among the world's fastest-growing religions, with nearly 12 million members globally.