New Stained Glass Exhibit Highlights the Life of Jesus Christ

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New Stained Glass Exhibit Highlights the Life of Jesus Christ

This article was contributed by a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed may not represent the views and positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the Church's official site, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.

By: Dallin Butler, GoForth Foundation

On September 1st, 2026, the Oakland Temple Visitors’ Center will reopen to the public after an extensive summer renovation. The new additions have ranged from fixing outdated mechanical systems and HVAC systems to adding a whole new stained glass exhibit.

“Working here has been incredible,” Marcus Wolfgram emphasized during a recent Facebook post. Marcus is a superintendent overseeing the Visitors’ Center additions. “It’s different when you show up, and you get to see the temple every day in the background, reminding us of the sacredness of the work that happens here on the temple grounds.”

Clearing out the torn-down fixtures made room for the Christus statue to be reinstated to its former location, which Wolfgram loved seeing when he arrived on site for work with his crew. “When you walk into the building… the first thing you see is the Christus statue; it helps remind us that Jesus Christ is out there. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World, and the more that we try to learn about Him and come unto Him, the more peace, the more joy that we’re going to have in this life.”

The outstretched arms of the *Christus* statue are a constant reminder of the loving kindness of the Savior, inviting all to come unto Him.

Beyond fixing mechanical problems and updating fixtures, a new stained glass exhibit has been installed: Believe in Him.

This masterpiece in stained glass highlights Biblical stories of Jesus Christ’s life, teachings, and miracles. At eight feet tall, each of the included seven panels is a spectacular showcase of light’s place in art. To celebrate the new addition to the Visitors’ Center, two new additions have been made to TempleHill.org: an exclusive interview with Lilly Gaskin, a BYU student who helped assemble the stained glass and write and record narration for an interactive app built to help visitors get the most out of their experience, and a new section of the website highlighting the symbolism interwoven within the light, colors, and stories of Believe in Him.

The interactive app uses AR, or augmented reality, to help visitors experience stained glass in a new light. Using the camera on your phone, you can scan the stained glass in front of you, and the glass transforms from a marvelous two-dimensional window into an interactive wonder. Tapping on the figures present on the app plays audio highlighting Bible scripture stories. The narration features Lilly Gaskin’s written work and the voice talent of her and her dad.

“I know that that glass is going to stand for centuries,” Gaskin remarked during the interview. “Glass does not just wear away. It will stay forever…. That’s the goal. Knowing it’s for the Lord and for His work ensures that what I do means something.”

Explore the new Believe in Him stained glass, open daily to the public starting September 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. All are welcome, and entrance and parking are free.

For more information, please see the new Believe in Him portion of TempleHill.org here.

The Believe in Him interactive app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Download the free app for the best experience during your visit!