News
Photo: Rofelix Media
Happy Saints of Zimbabwe Look Forward to a Temple in Harare
A group of happy saints stand in front of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple holding the Church publication from October 2010 entitled Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It explains the importance, purpose, and history of the Church's temples. The temple in Harare is the first to be constructed in the country of Zimbabwe. The area between the housing buildings is currently being landscaped.
Photo: Brent R.
Entrance Pavilions Rising North of the Salt Lake Temple
On the north side of the Salt Lake Temple, the concrete frames for the entrance pavilions have been erected, and steel framing for the roof of the west pavilion is underway. Between the pavilions, a tower crane rises through a rectangular opening, which will become a large skylight over the main foyer and recommend desk. Scaffolding has been removed from the east central spire where the brilliantly refurbished statue of the angel Moroni stands. Massive post-tension cables are being threaded through conduits in the transfer beams on the east and west sides of the temple foundation. Base isolators can also be seen on the west end.
Photo: Robert O'Connor
Beautiful Sunrise at the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple
Beams from the morning sun backlight the gray clouds over the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple on another day of construction. The structural frame for the temple topped out at the end of March, and a flag still flies over the steeple frame. On the exterior, the work of sheathing, waterproofing, and cladding all continue. The temple is rising on a picturesque site at the base of tree-covered hill in Springfield, Oregon.
Photo: Kent Taylor
Forming the Footings for the Knoxville Tennessee Temple Foundation
Inside the excavation pit at the Knoxville Tennessee Temple site, crews are forming the footings for the basement walls and baptismal font. Aggregate is being spread on the ground where the footings for the main level will be installed, and work continues on the storm drainage system. The temple is located in a wooded area in the suburb of Farragut.
Photo: Kael Wilcox
Cladding Progress at the Smithfield Utah Temple
Beautiful stone cladding is steadily moving up the south side of the Smithfield Utah Temple. The temple stands in a valley with deep pioneer roots, and the design reflects that heritage. Smithfield was settled in October 1859 by brothers Robert and John Thornley and their cousin Seth Langton, who were sent north from Salt Lake City by President Brigham Young to found a settlement on Summit Creek. The settlement was originally named Summit but was later renamed Smithfield after the first bishop, John Glover Smith, who was called in 1860.
Photo: Remi
Cladding the Syracuse Utah Temple Monument Sign
The concrete core and footing for the monument sign of the Syracuse Utah Temple have been installed, and several pieces of stone cladding are in place, coordinating beautifully with the temple exterior. Cladding of the temple began nearly two years ago, and very little remains to be completed. The Syracuse temple is the third to be constructed in Davis County, following the Bountiful Utah Temple (1995) and Layton Utah Temple (2024), which will be dedicated next month.
Photo: Santiago Garcia
Construction of the Antofagasta Chile Temple Nears Completion
Nearly 42 months ago, ground was broken for the Antofagasta Chile Temple that now stands as a beautiful landmark on the northern end of the city. On that occasion, Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America South Area presidency said in his dedicatory prayer, "I invite us all to…remove the rocks that weaken our foundation and prepare our spirits with firm foundations to support life's trials and to stand tall in the face of the adversity."
Photo: Julián Mansilla
Advancements on the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple Complex
The guardhouse and maintenance building for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple stand on the northeast side of the property, sharing the same brick exterior as the ancillary building. The temple is being faced with a light-colored stone, setting it apart from the other buildings. Cladding is nearly completed on two sides of the temple, and the roof has been shingled. It is one of seven temples dedicated, under construction, or planned for Argentina.
Photo: Sean Wilhelm
Scaffolding Coming Off the San Diego California Temple
Scaffolding has been a familiar sight at the San Diego California Temple for the past six months, but that is beginning to the change. As renovation of the sacred edifice progresses, scaffolding has been removed from the double towers where the refurbished white walls, blue glass, and gold-leafed tower ornaments sparkle under the sun. On the interior, modifications to the floor plan will allow for larger sealing groups.
Photo: Rodrigo Quib Cucul
Cupola Frame Added to the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
The cupola frame has been secured to the top of the tower that rises over the center of the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. The exterior walls are being wrapped in a vapor barrier to protect the porous concrete from moisture damage. Box fans are being used in some of the window openings to circulate fresh air through the building.
Photo: Google
Cincinnati Ohio Temple Location Released to the Public
On Monday, April 29, the location of the Cincinnati Ohio Temple was announced as a 35-acre site located at the intersection of Mason-Montgomery Road and Cedar Village Drive in the northern suburb of Mason. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 29,630 square feet. With detailed design plans still under development, a rendering and groundbreaking date will be released later.
Photo: Alexander Zarkowski
Location for the Des Moines Iowa Temple Announced
The location for the Des Moines Iowa Temple has been announced as a 19.576-acre site at 9050 NW 62nd Avenue in the suburb of Johnston. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 18,850 square feet. It will be the first temple built in the state. Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in Iowa with more than 200,000 residents. An exterior rendering and groundbreaking date will be released later, as detailed design plans are still under development.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Exterior Rendering Released for the Lethbridge Alberta Temple
An exterior rendering for the Lethbridge Alberta Temple has been released. The temple will be constructed on a 9-acre site at the corner of Whoop Up Drive West and Mauretania Road West in Lethbridge. Plans call for a temple of approximately 45,000 square feet with an accompanying distribution center. The temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson in April 2023. The site location announced in September 2023.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
News Conference Held for the Salta Argentina Temple
Local government officials and more than 20 media organizations participated in a news conference this morning for the newly constructed Salta Argentina Temple. The temple's architecture and design reflect the region's rich heritage, honoring the cardon cactus flower, a prominent plant in the area, and the guarda pampa pattern motif, traditionally used in regional costumes and handcrafts. Free tours for the general public begin on Friday, May 3, and continue through Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., excluding Sundays.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
President Dallin H. Oaks Dedicates the Urdaneta Philippines Temple
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the Urdaneta Philippines Temple today. It is the 190th dedicated temple in operation and the third in the Philippines. "I often tell people that the greatest period of my growth as an Apostle was the two years in the Philippines," said President Oaks, who served there as Area President from 2002 to 2004. Sister Kristen M. Oaks said, "We have so many memories here. It was an incredible time." Elder Carlos G. Revillo, Jr., a General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, said, "The presence of President and Sister Oaks here adds significance to the dedication. We deeply love them. To hear him dedicate this House of the Lord in Urdaneta is very significant. I see it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me and the Filipino saints."
Photo: Random Life Observer
Temples Dotting the Land in the Philippines
While Filipino Saints prepare for tomorrow's dedication of the country's third temple, the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, construction is advancing on three more temples: the Alabang Philippines Temple, the Davao Philippines Temple, and the Bacolod Philippines Temple (pictured). Seven additional temples have been announced the Philippines for a total of thirteen. Exterior cladding of the Bacolod temple is progressing.
Photo: Christine Lake
Cladding the West Side of the Montpelier Idaho Temple
On the exterior of the Montpelier Idaho Temple, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels are moving up the west walls. GFRC is a strong but lightweight alternative to architectural precast and natural stone that faithfully reproduces the look of these more expensive products. It allows for the widest possible range of artistic and architectural expression. Glass has been installed in several of the window openings, and much of the interior has been framed.
Photo: Tyler Moulton
Captivating Progress on the Demolition of the Provo Utah Temple
It's been eight days since Moroni left his post on the Provo Utah Temple, and much has happened since then. The entire steeple has been removed except for the base tier, major portions of the ground floor have been demolished, and the east retaining wall is coming out. Work recently began on removing the panels from the upper floors by using a breaker attachment that functions like a jackhammer. Numerous trees have been cut down and chipped into massive piles.
Photo: Brent R.
Curbing Installed for the West Parking Lot of the Lindon Utah Temple
Concrete crews have nearly finished installing the curbing for the west parking lot of the Lindon Utah Temple. Planters are in place for the front plaza and will soon be ready for the application of granite cladding. Framers are attaching studs to the base of the north steeple ahead of sheathing and granite cladding, while landscapers are preparing the grounds for grass sod and other landscaping by spreading topsoil over the bare ground.
Photo: Ebick Ngoma
Construction of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple Continues
Ivorian Saints look forward to the completion of their country's first temple, the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple. The West African country, known as Côte d’Ivoire in French, was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel in 1987 when just a handful of members who had been baptized in other countries lived there. Ten years later in 1997, the first stake was organized. Today, there are 20 stakes and 12 districts.
Photo: Norman R. Vado
Steeple Frame Erected for the Managua Nicaragua Temple
The steel frame for the steeple of the Managua Nicaragua Temple has been erected over the center of the pedestal. The tiered structure will feature a windowed lantern topped with a domed cupola and finial. The main floor exterior walls have been coated with a concrete sealer, and pilaster frames have been secured to the corners. Construction is also progressing on the on-site meetinghouse and ancillary building.
Photo: Robert Henningson
Hardscaping the Ephraim Utah Temple Grounds
Concrete crews have poured the walls for a landscape feature on the front lawn of the Ephraim Utah Temple. Progress is also being made on installing sidewalks and walkways. Sections of the cupola have been staged northwest of the temple where shingles are being attached before the cupola is fully assembled for installation. Exterior cladding continues to be secured to the south and west walls of the temple.
Photo: Jim Hughes
Excavation for the Foundation of the Anchorage Alaska Temple
Excavation has begun for the foundation of the new Anchorage Alaska Temple. At 30,000 square feet, the beautifully designed facility will greatly improve the patron experience in Alaska. The original temple was constructed on a sliver of land at the edge of the stake center parking lot. At just 6,800 square feet, the building was constructed in less than 9 months and soon proved to be undersized. Just four years after its dedication in 1999, the temple closed for an expansion that added over 5,000 square feet. The Alaskan saints now look forward to their new temple, which will serve for many years to come.
Photo: Brent Molen
Half of Floor Slab Poured for the Fort Worth Texas Temple
Half of the floor slab for the main level of the Fort Worth Texas Temple has been poured and cured with plumbing pipes rising through the concrete surface. When the second half of the slab is poured, an opening will be formed over the walls for the baptismal font. Plans for the temple were announced at the October 2021 general conference, and the groundbreaking was held two years later in October 2023.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Cobán Guatemala Temple Open House News Conference
On Monday, April 22, representatives from various media outlets participated in a news conference for the open house of the Cobán Guatemala Temple. Following two days of invited guest tours, the public will be received at the temple for free tours of the interior from Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, May 11, 2024, with no tours held on Sundays. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. The exterior design is inspired by Spanish Colonial architecture. Other design details reference geometric patterns typical of the local textiles of Cobán.
Photo: James Gammell
Site Location of the West Jordan Utah Temple Revealed
The location of the West Jordan Utah Temple was announced today as a 16.1-acre property located west of Highway 111 at approximately 7148 South. Plans call for a multi-story temple of approximately 85,000 square feet and an on-site meetinghouse with shared parking. "Time in the temple will help you to think celestial and to catch a vision of who you really are, who you can become, and the kind of life you can have forever," said President Russell M. Nelson at the April 2024 general conference before announcing the temple. "Regular temple worship will enhance the way you see yourself and how you fit into God’s magnificent plan. I promise you that."
Photo: Marijo Young
Site Location for the Lehi Utah Temple Announced
The site location for the Lehi Utah Temple has been announced as a 22.48-acre property located northwest of the intersection of 3950 North and Center Street in Lehi on the hill behind Belmont Elementary School and Viewpoint Middle School. Plans call for a multi-story temple of approximately 85,000 square feet with a new meetinghouse and shared parking lot. It will be the eighth temple constructed in Utah County.
Photo: Google
New Location Selected for the Tampa Florida Temple
A new location has been announced by the First Presidency for the Tampa Florida Temple. The single-story temple of approximately 29,000 square feet will be constructed on a 12-acre site located at 9445 Camden Fields Parkway, Riverview, Florida. The first Latter-day Saint congregation in the Big Bend region was created in 1897. By 1904, there were 1,230 Church members in Florida, and today, there are nearly 173,000.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
President Russell M. Nelson Rededicates the Manti Utah Temple
In a surprise appearance, President Russell M. Nelson rededicated the Manti Utah Temple on Sunday evening, April 21, 2024. Sanpete County is the home of the prophet's pioneer ancestors who helped settle the valley. "We rejoice in this renewed temple," said President Nelson at the rededication. "And we cherish the blessings that come from obedience to the solemn promises made here." President Nelson was joined by his wife, Wendy; Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (who had previously been announced as the presiding authority at the rededication) and his wife, Melanie; Elder Kevin W. Pearson, Utah Area President, and his wife, June; and Elder Kevin R. Duncan, executive director of the Church’s Temple Department, and his wife, Nancy.
Photo: Frank Lewis
Furnishing the Interior of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple
Recent deliveries of furniture and artwork have been made to the Deseret Peak Utah Temple, as construction on the project draws closer to completion. Construction began nearly three years ago when Elder Brook P. Hales of the Quorum of the Seventy presided at the groundbreaking. In his site dedicatory prayer, he said: "Please bless all that will live in this temple district that they will feel the godly power of this sacred edifice."
