News
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."
Photo: Jeff Marble
Landscaping the Grounds of the Auckland New Zealand Temple
A fresh layer of asphalt has been paved in the parking areas around the Auckland New Zealand Temple. On the beautiful grounds next to the temple, grass sod has been laid and numerous trees and shrubs have been planted. Scaffolding remains around the steeple frame where crews are securing the final pieces of stone cladding to the exterior of the structure. Construction has been underway for almost 4 years.
Photo: Google
Hardscaping the Nairobi Kenya Temple Grounds
A satellite image taken last month of the Nairobi Kenya Temple grounds shows the progress being made on the hardscape. The temple stands on the west side of the property and the ancillary building on the east. The two facilities each have entrance plazas that will be connected by walkways and a central landscape feature. Solar panels are mounted on the east roof of the ancillary building.
Photo: Dawn Annette Jorgensen
Forming the Structural Walls for the Modesto California Temple
Wall forms are rising over the concrete footings and foundation for the Modesto California Temple. The insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks are the same product used for the Yorba Linda California Temple. They stay in place after the concrete is poured, acting as an insulator and moisture barrier. The temple is the second to be constructed in California's San Joaquin Valley after the Fresno California Temple. A third temple is slated for construction in Bakersfield.
Photo: Lee R Cowan
Angel Moroni Is Removed from the Provo Utah Temple
The angel Moroni statue was removed from the spire of the Provo Utah Temple early this morning. A 300-ton crane was used to lift the gold-leafed figure off of the building, which is slated to be razed and rebuilt as the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple. Temple Hill Drive, the street between the temple and the missionary playing field, has been closed to all vehicular traffic. Over the past few days, demolition crews have been removing the entrance hardscape and taking down trees. The front portico has also been removed.
Photo: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - India
Construction of the Bengaluru India Temple Resumes
Construction activity has sprung up again at the Bengaluru India Temple site. Scaffolding and debris nets have returned to the temple, and crews can be seen scattered across both buildings. Plans to construct the first temple in India were announced at the April 2018 general conference, just a few months after President Russell M. Nelson was ordained and set apart as the 17th President of the Church.
Photo: Nathaniel Jones
Preparing to Reconstruct the Stockholm Sweden Temple
Protective wood slats have been placed around the trunks of mature trees near the construction entrance to the Stockholm Sweden Temple site. The old building was razed earlier this year, and preparations are being made for constructing the replacement building. The exterior of the new temple will be very similar to the original, but the interior will be divided into two levels to increase the overall square footage.
Photo: Nia Kioa
Plastering the Exterior Walls of the Neiafu Tonga Temple
The Neiafu Tonga Temple has become a distinguished landmark on the beautiful island of Vava'u. The copper-colored spire rises against a backdrop of cloudy azure skies, drawing the eyes heavenward. The exterior walls of the temple are being plastered, turning the rough surfaces of the concrete block smooth. Progress is being made on the roof and on the body of the steeple.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Building Permit Approved for Nauvoo Temple Visitors' Center
Construction may begin on a visitors' center planned to stand across the street from the Nauvoo Illinois Temple. A building permit was approved last week, and a timeline for the project is being established. "This is definitely a big step forward," said Acting Mayor Tacy Nelson. The approval comes after months of community discussion over concerns with zoning, traffic, safety, and appropriateness of the location. "The city and the LDS Church have come to kind of an agreement, and I think we’re both happy with how things are going to move forward," said the mayor. The 13,200-square-foot building will feature a Tiffany stained-glass window of Jesus Christ, a children's area, a theater, exhibits on the original temple, and picture windows facing the current temple with a 121-stall parking lot open to the public and community.
Photo: Google
Kananga Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple Location Announced
On April 15, 2024, the location for the Kananga Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple was officially announced as a 1.6-acre site located at Avenue Ilunga and N1 in Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Plans call for a one-story temple of approximately 11,000 square feet, along with patron housing and arrival facilities. No exterior rendering has been released, and no groundbreaking date has been announced.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Dedication Details Announced for the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple
A public open house for the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple will be held from Friday, August 16 through Saturday, August 31, 2024, excluding Sundays. Before the public tours, a media day will occur on Monday, August 12, 2024, followed by three days of tours for invited guests. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the temple in two sessions on Sunday, September 15, 2024. The dedicatory sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. EDT. All units in the temple district will receive the broadcast.
Photo: Darryl May
Groundbreaking Date Announced for the Cleveland Ohio Temple
Groundbreaking services for the Cleveland Ohio Temple will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, First Counselor in the North America Northeast Area Presidency, will preside. Cleveland is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie about 20 miles from the Kirtland Temple. The new temple will be constructed on Brecksville Road in the suburb of Independence. Plans call for a temple of approximately 9,000 square feet with a 100-foot spire. Site preparations are already underway.
Photo: Cristián Lozano / Diario UNO
Open House Dates Announced for the Mendoza Argentina Temple
A public open house for the Mendoza Argentina Temple has been announced for Thursday, August 22, through Saturday, September 7, 2024, excluding Sundays. Before the public tours begin, a media day will be held on Monday, August 19, followed by tours for invited guests on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 20–21, 2024. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the temple in two sessions on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. UTC. The proceedings will be broadcast to all units in the temple district.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Layton Utah Temple Opens for Public Tours
The open house for the Layton Utah Temple kicked off today with a news conference attended by members of the media. Free public tours will be offered beginning Friday, April 19, and continuing through Saturday, June 1, 2024, with no tours held on Sundays. Reservations can be made online. The design motifs were influenced by the agricultural heritage of Layton, featuring seedlings, leafy branches, and cherry blossoms. The temple will be dedicated by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Photo: Jay Pala
Gorgeous Views from the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple Site
The walls of the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple can be seen rising behind the lush vegetation along Hubert Murray Highway against the stunning blue waters of Walter Bay. The temple is the first house of the Lord in Papua New Guinea. Plans to construct the temple were announced at the October 2019 general conference. The groundbreaking was held nearly one year ago on April 22, 2023.
Photo: Randy Christensen
Scaffolding Coming Off the Grand Junction Colorado Temple
Scaffolding is being removed from the steeple of the Grand Junction Colorado Temple, revealing the beautifully completed stonework. Portions of the ornamental fence have been installed, and work is progressing on the hardscape. Much more landscaping will take place over the spring and summer. Next Tuesday marks the two-year anniversary of the temple groundbreaking.
Photo: Dana Henriksen
A Beautiful Spring Morning at the Lindon Utah Temple
The beautiful snow-capped peaks of Mount Timpanogos play backdrop to the steeple frames of the Lindon Utah Temple, which catches the rays of the morning sun. Framing and sheathing is being added to the base of the south steeple while stone installers continue to hang granite on the exterior of the building. More window frames are being installed, including the frames for the celestial room windows on the east side.
Photo: Yorba Linda LDS Temple Instagram page
Stone Cladding Begins at the Yorba Linda California Temple
Along the base of the Yorba Linda California Temple, installation has begun on a footing course of granite. The temple's two-toned exterior will combine a brownish red granite with a cream-colored marble. The marble will cover the majority of the exterior surfaces while the granite will be used for accent moldings along the base and around windows and entryways. Framing and utility rough-ins are progressing on the interior.
Photo: Luciano Carvalho
Aerial View of the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple
A recent aerial view of the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple shows the progress being made on building the frame for the tower. The front side of the temple faces toward an ancillary building that is rising at the base of a tree-covered hill. At the rear side of the temple, the ground slopes steeply down to street level. Stormwater management has been incorporated into the landscape design to handle the large amounts of moisture that fall during the rainy seasons.
Photo: Rory Wallwork
Installing Art Glass in the Syracuse Utah Temple
Gorgeous panes of art glass are being installed on the top floor of the Syracuse Utah Temple. The vibrant sheets of glass will run from the top floor to the ground floor in a breathtaking swath of floral shapes and colors down the east facade. The Holiness to the Lord panel has been prominently installed, also on the east side. Fence posts are being clad in stone that matches the temple exterior.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Taylorsville Utah Temple Opens for Public Tours on Saturday
The public is invited to tour the interior of the Taylorsville Utah Temple from Saturday, April 13, through Saturday, May 18, 2024. Free reservations are available online. A news conference and tour was held for the media this morning with Elder Kevin W. Pearson, Utah Area President; Elder James R. Rasband, assistant executive director, Temple Department; and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency; were in attendance. Invited guests will tour the temple through Friday, April 12. The temple will be dedicated by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Rasband to Dedicate the Manti Utah Temple
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will rededicate the Manti Utah Temple at 5:00 p.m. MDT on Sunday, April 21, 2024. The three-week public open house for the temple recently concluded on Friday, April 5. There were 230,665 guests who toured the historic edifice.
