At one point or another, visitors to Oakland look up into the Oakland hills, and say “What is that?”. Commanding a hill, and bright white in the sunshine, is the Oakland Mormon Temple, an architecturally stunning building that is 170 feet high sitting on 18.3 acres. It is located in Lincoln Heights neighborhood and adjacent to the Redwood Heights and Oakmore neighborhoods. Whether you are a tourist or resident, the building invites one to visit. It has an outstanding view of all of Oakland, and Alameda. Famous landmarks in San Francisco can be seen clearly, including the Bay Bridge and Candlestick Park. Once you arrive, however, there is more to see than the view.
Visitors are encouraged to walk the grounds. Running from the entrance towards the temple itself is a large, handsome creek with water running between fountains that are installed at different points. Lush and colorful gardens line either side of the creek, as do statuesque palm trees. Many people come on a regular basis to sit quietly and listen to the water, or just to include this as part of their daily walk through the hills. It’s white exterior is made of concrete with a Sierra white granite facing, which causes it to shine in the sun. It is lit at night, and can be seen for miles. For those who want to know more about the church and it’s history, there is a public visitor center. Inside, another attraction is that of a reproduction of Thorvaldsen’s “Christus” statue. Most residents of Oakland look forward to the Christmas season, however with regard to the temple. During the early part of December, every bit of the gardens, fountains, trees and walkways are adorned with beautiful lights which shimmer and shine, and can be seen for miles. The parking lots are crowded each night with those walking or driving by to enjoy the warmth of the Christmas holidays and fellow celebrants. This temple has earned it’s right to be called an Oakland landmark.
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