The Washington D.C. Temple: Divine by Design

by Dale Van Atta

The Washington D.C. Divine by Design is a timeless book which captures the creation and operation of the iconic temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in the D.C. area. This book will certainly be a keepsake. The center of this book includes a beautiful, full-color, multi-page pictorial of the temple's history. The Washington D.C. Divine by Design is filled with rich historic detail, riveting imagery, and faith-promoting experiences relating to this famous landmark.

Genres: Religion, Church

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Marjean · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Informative history of the southern Maryland property the Lord reserved for His first temple east of the Mississippi River. Nothing short of Divine intervention could have kept that property from development. First claimed by the King of England when the first colonists arrived and protected until a group of men acting for the Church could purchase it.

Fascinating story about the proposed floor plans and the angelic statue holding the gold plates placed atop of one of the six spires, (and the problems the statue created for DC aircrafts).

I loved the stories about the amazing landscaping for the property and the need to host open house tours for many months to accommodate the enormous number of visitors and VIP's worldwide who wanted tours.

It describes the need for temple worker and visiting temple patron housing. As well as the need for a Visitor's Center and adjoining Stake Center. If the DC temple is your temple, I highly recommend this book.

[Paul Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. In the first half the chapters are organized by subject, but they are roughly chronological. Some chapters go through the land—from the coming of Europeans to its purchase, folks whose vision brought the temple, design, art work, landscaping, construction, and open house. The second house is still roughly ordered, but more about the people and work, including the Christus, Festival of Lights, and changes. Throughout Van Atta mixes brief biographies of those involved, including all 16 temple presidents. It is wonderful to catch just a glimpse of the miracles and hard work that went (and go!) into this magnificent House of the Lord.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of so many details for how the DC Temple came to be and has been very spiritually uplifting to read and be reminded of the Lord’s work and tender mercies in the minute details. Now when I attend the temple, I am able to appreciate all of these details and miracles associated with all who work in the temple or helped it come to be.

[Sarah (Matthews) Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the insight into the process and decisions and fun stories and miracles that occurred to make the DC temple a reality. Was touched by so many spiritual experiences surrounding every facet of the temple.
A well-researched, well laid out history. Would recommend to all!

[Allen Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched, insightful, and interesting. Loved learning the stories behind the building of this Temple and key people involved.

[Ann Amadori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, uplifting book -

[John Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this temple and this book helps explain how we got this sacred structure