Summit Hoodie - San Antonio Temple

Temple Name and Location:

• San Antonio Texas Temple — San Antonio, Texas, United States
  

Temple Number:

• 120th operating temple of the Church
  

Date Announced:

• June 24, 2001 by President Gordon B. Hinckley
  

Date Groundbreaking:

• March 29, 2003 – site dedication and groundbreaking, presided by Elder H. Bruce Stucki
  

Date Dedicated:

• May 22, 2005 by President Gordon B. Hinckley in four sessions
  

First Temple President:

• Alfred R. Otte (2005–2008) with Matron Sonya S. Otte
  

Construction Challenges:

• Built on a hill overlooking San Antonio—requiring significant grading and site stabilization
  
• A natural cave system was discovered beneath the temple site, home to federally endangered karst invertebrates (e.g. Rhadine infernalis and Cicurina baronia), requiring pre-construction biological surveys and endangered‑species protections
  
• Permitting delays occurred to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act, including habitat assessments, relocation plans, and coordination with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  
• The gold-leafed angel Moroni (13 ft) was installed via crane in September 2004 due to elevation and logistics

Symbolism:

• Tree of Life art glass (celestial room) — floor-to-ceiling windows depict the Tree of Life, a Book of Mormon symbol of the love of God and of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. 

• Every window is custom art glass by Tom Holdman — a unifying, temple-specific visual language across the building. 

• Locally sourced stone in the windows — agate discovered during site excavation was incorporated into the temple’s stained glass, echoing the prophecy “I will make thy windows of agates” (3 Nephi 22:12). 

• Precious materials in the glazing — Holdman’s windows include agate, fossilized red coral, and carbuncle, tying the building’s “gates” and “windows” to scriptural stone imagery. 

• Indigo and star motif inside the central spire — a heaven-looking theme that sets this temple’s interior apart. 

• Angel Moroni atop the single spire — a worldwide LDS temple emblem symbolizing the preaching of the gospel to all nations. 

• Landscape as symbol — walkways, trees, and water features were composed to reflect the “rugged beauty of South Texas,” rooting the sacred space in its place.

Changes Over Time:

• No major renovations yet; newly dedicated in 2005

Piece of Trivia:

• Public open house April 16–May 7, 2005 saw ~69,000–70,000 visitors; about 2,700 attended on opening day alone
  
• The evening before dedication featured a cultural celebration at the Alamodome with 20,000 attendees, over 4,000 singers/dancers, fireworks, horses, and presentations on Texas history and family values