 "Mount Temple" was laid down at Armstrong Whitworth & Co. shipyard in Walker and launched on 18 June 1901 (yard number 709), with Mrs. Swan, wife of Colonel Henry Frederick Swan, being the sponsor.At the time, she was the largest ship ever built at Low Walker Yard.After successful completion of sea trials on 19 September 1901, during which the ship was able to maintain an average speed of over several runs on the measured mile on the Tyne in very unfavorable weather, she was transferred to her owners and immediately departed for New Orleans.