Announcement:
5 October 2019Groundbreaking and Site Dedication:
7 November 2020 by David A. Bednar (remotely)Site:
8.8 acres | 3.6 hectaresArchitectural Features:
Single attached central towerOrdinance Rooms:
Two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistryTotal Floor Area:
25,000 square feet | 2,323 square metersElevation:
1,269 feet | 387 metersGroundbreaking Ceremony
Presiding from a remote location, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the site for the Bentonville Arkansas Temple at a small groundbreaking ceremony held on November 7, 2020. "This is a moment that for most of my life, I never could have imagined would occur even in this moment," said Elder Bednar. "It's also a moment that I wish would never end." Elder Bednar, who was once a professor at the University of Arkansas, has assisted in the organization of two Arkansas stakes including the Bentonville Arkansas Stake. The 25,000-square-foot temple will be constructed on a field next to the stake center.1
Temple Design
The Bentonville Arkansas Temple will be a single-story temple of approximately 25,000 square feet with a center spire. It will stand next to an existing meetinghouse.
Temple Rendering
On August 28, 2020, an official exterior rendering of the Bentonville Arkansas Temple was released.
Temple Site
On April 23, 2020, the location of the Bentonville Arkansas Temple was announced as an 8.8-acre site behind the stake center for the Bentonville Arkansas Stake. The building stands on I-49 near its junction with Highway 72, providing excellent access to members living throughout the region.2
Temple Announcement
On October 5, 2019, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct the Bentonville Arkansas Temple at the 189th Semiannual General Conference.3
Temple Facts
The Bentonville Arkansas Temple will be the first temple built in Arkansas.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, "Church Breaks Ground for Bentonville Arkansas Temple," 7 Nov. 2020.
- "Bentonville Arkansas Temple Location Announced," The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 23 Apr. 2020.
- "President Nelson Announces Eight New Temples During General Conference," The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 5 Oct. 2019.