Oakland, California - Mormon Temple
The building of the Oakland California Mormon temple was announced on May 26, 1962. With its completion the Oakland temple was the thirteenth operating Mormon temple worldwide.
The temple in Oakland had been long awaited. In 1924, Elder George Albert Smith, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles saw a vision. In the vision a great white temple stood in the Oakland hills. Land for the temple was purchased as early as 1943, but construction did not start until 1961.
David O. McKay held a groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication on May 26, 1962. The site of the temple is 18.3 acres. The site of the temple is so prominent that ships entering San Francisco Bay use the temple as a navigation landmark.
The Oakland California Mormon temple was open to the public for tours October 5-31 1954. Those who attended the open house toured the 95,000 square foot temple, were able to see the four ordinance rooms, seven sealing rooms, Celestial room, baptistery and other facilities needed to accommodate ordinances according to Mormon beliefs. The design of the temple is modern with five spires (the only temple with five spires) and Oriental influence, which is designed to represent the large Asian population in Northern California. The exterior features decorative friezes including one of the Savior.
The temple was dedicated in multiple sessions held during November 17-19, 1964. President of the Church at the time, David O. McKay gave the dedicatory prayer. Near the temple members of the Mormon Church in the area put on a yearly pageant called the "Temple Pageant". The pageant includes hundreds of actors, dancers, singers, tech crewmembers and a balcony choir.
Other Links:
Temple (Mormonism) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Teachings About Temples - Lightplanet
Mormon Temple Ordinances - ReligionFacts.com