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 The improvements range from replacing outdated HVAC and lighting systems to adding a beautiful new stained glass exhibit.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 demolished 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 seven panels is a spectacular showcase of the role light can play in art. To celebrate the new showcase exhibit at the Visitors’ Center, two featured sections have been added to TempleHill.org: an exclusive interview with Lilly Gaskin, a BYU student who helped assemble the stained glass and create narration for an interactive visitor application, and a new section highlighting the symbolism woven throughout the light, colors, and stories of Believe in Him.

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

“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 exhibit, 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!