The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues construction on its first temple in Pennsylvania. Since the groundbreaking in Philadelphia almost three years ago, the temple continues to rise as it becomes part of the city’s skyline. The building’s frame has reached its full height and a temporary wall will be installed shortly so that crews can begin work on the inside come fall.
Big D Construction from Utah has joined together with L.F. Driscoll in Philadelphia to build the temple. Project Manager, Tom Stepanko, has wanted to work on this project since it was first proposed and is grateful for the rare opportunity to construct such a beautiful building. Deseret News reports that Stepanko and his crew are not members of the Church but are enjoying work on the temple:
The workers are very respectful, and they’ve gained an appreciation for the LDS Church. I’d describe it as almost reverent.
The construction crews aren’t the only ones who are gaining an appreciation for the Church. Jennifer Tapner, executive director of a retirement living high-rise at Logan Square, near the temple site, says the Church members have built some great ties with the community:
Everyone who has represented the LDS Church has truly been a pleasure to deal with. They have gone out of their way to build a strong relationship with the community and minimize any and all disturbances one might think of when dealing with a construction project so large.
The 53,000-square-foot temple will correspond with the historic feel of the city. There will be two towers similar to the clock tower on Independence Hall, located just one mile away. It is expected that the interior will be patterned after Independence Hall, and the architecture and furnishings will match that of buildings from the 1700’s. Tapner says she is excited for the construction to be complete:
We look forward to the beautiful enhancement to our cityscape.
The Philadelphia Temple will serve more than 35,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. For many years, the closest temple for these members has been the Manhattan New York Temple and the Washington D.C. Temple.
For updates on the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple, visit mormontemples.org.
