In the early days of the LDS Church, when the Church was centered in Missouri, members had planned to build temples in Far West and Independence, Missouri. Severe persecution prevented them from ever doing so. After an Extermination Order was given from Governor Lilburn W. Boggs and Church leaders were arrested, the Latter-day Saints were forced from their Missouri homes at gunpoint in the middle of winter.
Those in the eastern part of Missouri heard of the injustices to the Mormons and offered them refuge for a time. Because of its strong roots in Latter Day Saint history members were excited when the announcement came in December of 1990 that a temple was to be built in Missouri. LDS Church PresidentGordon B. Hinckley broke ground for the temple on October 30, 1993 and it was dedicated upon completion on June 1, 1997.
The St. Louis Missouri Temple stands as a memorial to the early Mormons in Missouri and the hardships they went through. The temple has a total of , four ordinance rooms, and four sealing rooms. Its has a white granite exterior and a spire topped with a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni.