The Blue Star Memorial Temple

(Go to The Purpose of the Temple | About the Temple Teachings)

Construction of the Blue Star Memorial Temple was begun in 1923 under the guidance of Dr. William H. Dower, second Guardian in Chief of the Temple of The People. The Temple was built as a memorial to the first Guardian in Chief, Francia A. LaDue, known as Blue Star.

The architect was Theodore Eisen of Los Angeles, who was hired to bring the inspirations and directions of Dr. Dower into manifestation. The center stone was laid in a ceremony held January 19, 1923, the birthdate anniversary of Blue Star. Plans were drawn, discussed and finalized by March, and construction began in April.

Although it had been hoped that The Temple would be completed by August in time for the annual Convention, the unusual shape dictated a much longer construction time. The building, still roofless, was consecrated on August 12, 1923. The unusual roof took longer to engineer; the building was completed in 1924. Facilitated by donations of time, materials, and money, the interior was furnished with chairs, cork carpeting, and other necessary items by Convention in August of 1925. The backs and seats of the chairs were covered with blue fabric and the gold carpet was laid in the early 1970s.

Like other sacred constructions such as Stonehenge, the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico, and the cathedrals of Europe, the Temple was built on lines of mathematical and geometrical symbolism. One of the basic numbers used in the Temple design is the number 7. 7 is the key number of the Universe. This sacred number has many symbolic applications. Among them are the 7 openings in the head; the 7 colors of light; the 7-pointed star; 7 days in a week; 7 notes between octaves; and the 7-fold division of all creation. One example is a tree which has seven parts: root, trunk, branches, leaves, blossom, fruit, and seed. Each person is a 7-fold being with 3 higher and 4 lower principles.

Temple members share the goal of conscious unity in the Heart of God. The Temple building is a symbol of this Heart Consciousness. The greatest commandment of the Temple is to practice the Golden Rule, to manifest the impulse of unity in every thought, word, and deed, and to honor all life. The Temple motto is “Creeds Disappear, Hearts Remain.”

Dimensions

The inside dimensions, 4