News
Photo: Steele Knudson
Erecting the Steeple Frame for the Winchester Virginia Temple
Steel framing is being erected for the steeple of the Winchester Virginia Temple, which is rising over the front entrance of the building behind the portico. Framing is in place for the steeple pedestal and the lower tier of the tower. An upper tier will be added, which will eventually support a spire, topped with a finial. The construction project has been underway for six-and-a-half months.
Photo: Amy | Premier Construction News
Steel Frame Erected for the Birmingham England Temple
Over the several past weeks, the structural steel frame for the 38-meter (124.6-foot) high Birmingham England Temple has been erected, and framing is getting underway for the ancillary building, which will house patron lodging and office space. A total of 251.578 metric tons of steel will be used for the two buildings. The exterior stone has been selected from a supplier in Portugal, and the colors have been finalized.
Photo: Jonathan Hughes
Cladding the Tower Atop The Anchorage Alaska Temple
The tower that rises over the center of the Anchorage Alaska Temple is currently tented in plastic sheeting, as masons continue to clad the structure with stone panels. The work of cladding the temple's exterior began last spring and is now in the final stages. This new house of the Lord is a replacement for the original temple building, which continues to operate on site. Once the new building is dedicated, the old one will be demolished, and a new meetinghouse will be constructed.
Photo: Brent R.
Drilling Wells to Dewater the Heber Valley Utah Temple Site
Approval has been granted by the Utah Division of Water Rights for 20 wells to be drilled at the Heber Valley Utah Temple site to dewater the ground prior to construction. A 2023 study estimated that up to a million gallons of water would need to be pumped every day to prepare the property. A manager at the Utah Geological Survey says that although the number of gallons seems large, the dewatering project is relatively small in scale. The water will be pumped into large tanks and then discharged into Lake Creek, according to the dewatering application.
Photo: Google
Location Announcement Made for the Rapid City South Dakota Temple
The location for the Rapid City South Dakota Temple has been announced as a 4.86-acre site located at the northeast corner of Mount Rushmore Road and Moon Meadows Drive in Rapid City. Plans call for an 11,800-square-foot, single-story temple and an accompanying ancillary building. It will be the first Latter-day Saint temple constructed in the state of South Dakota.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Location and Rendering Published for the Iloilo Philippines Temple
On Monday, February 23, 2026, the location of the Iloilo Philippines Temple was announced as a 7.7-acre site located along Circumferential Road 1 at its intersection with Green Meadows Avenue in the Tacas neighborhood (barangay) of the Jaro district of Iloilo City. Plans call for a single-story, 18,850 square-foot temple, along with facilities for patron housing, an arrival center, a distribution center, and a meetinghouse.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Rendering and Location Revealed for the Santiago Philippines Temple
The official exterior rendering and location have been published for the Santiago Philippines Temple. The temple will rise on a 14.47-acre site located east of Camella Isabella Main Road in the Malvar neighborhood (barangay) of Santiago. Plans call for a single-story temple of 18,850 square feet, along with a patron housing facility, distribution center, and meetinghouse.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Location Announced for the Naga Philippines Temple
The location for the Naga Philippines Temple has been announced as a 9.11-acre site located at Lot 1045-A-1-A in the Concepcion Grande neighborhood (barangay) of Naga. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 18,850 square feet with an adjoining ancillary building and an on-site meetinghouse. There are currently three dedicated temples in the Luzon region of the Philippines, and plans have been announced five more in Naga, Laoag, San Jose del Monte, Santiago, and Tuguegarao City.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Houston Texas South Temple Renamed the Fort Bend Texas Temple
The Houston Texas South Temple has been renamed the Fort Bend Texas Temple. It will be the second temple constructed in Greater Houston, joining the Houston Texas Temple. The sacred structure will rise on a 15.7-acre site located north of Fort Bend Parkway on the west side of Sienna Parkway in Missouri City, Texas. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 46,000 square feet with an adjoining ancillary building and an on-site meetinghouse.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Groundbreaking Date Announced for the Teresina Brazil Temple
Elder Ciro Schmeil, First Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency, will preside at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Teresina Brazil Temple on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The temple will rise on a 3.6-acre site located at the convergence of Av. Raul Lopes and Rua Des. Pedro Conde in the Noivos neighborhood of Teresina. Plans call for a temple of approximately 25,420 square feet.
Photo: Oscar Lawrence
Verdant Grounds of the Neiafu Tonga Temple
The lush green grass and foliage on the grounds of the Neiafu Tonga Temple are flourishing under the warm tropical conditions. The meticulously landscaped gardens are reflective of the natural beauty of heaven and provide a place for individuals to contemplate or for friend and family groups to gather. The arched transom window over the main entrance has been installed, matching the arched windows in the steeple.
Photo: Kalun Merrill
Carving Italian Travertine for the Manhattan New York Temple
The same travertine quarries that built ancient Rome are now supplying the exterior cladding panels for the Manhattan New York Temple, which has been closed for major renovation for nearly two years. Prized for its strength and beauty, the durable stone was used for Rome's most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and Bernini's great colonnade. The stonecutting firm fulfilling the order for the temple has been carving travertine for four generations. The made-to-measure panels are like puzzle pieces that are secured to the exterior walls, using an identification system that pinpoints the panels' precise locations.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for the Fairview Texas Temple
Elder Jonathan S. Schmitt, First Counselor in the United States Southwest Area Presidency, presided at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Fairview Texas Temple on Saturday, February 21, 2026. In his site dedicatory prayer, he prayed for blessings over the local residents, saying: "Beginning today — and moving forward through construction and beyond — we plead with Thee for blessings to be poured out upon this community. We pray a blessing to be upon all Thy children in this beautiful community of Fairview, Texas, and surrounding municipalities."
Photo: Brent R.
Sheathing Reaches the Tower Frame of the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple
Sheathing of the exterior surfaces of the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple has reached the base of the tower frame, while cladding of the ground level with prefabricated granite panels progresses up the south and southwest walls. In the west parking lot, lamp posts are being wired and secured to concrete bases. The temple is a replacement building for the sixth temple built in Utah, located on the same site.
Photo: Scott Ririe
Structural Framing Tops Out for the Vancouver Washington Temple
A major milestone was recently reached at the Vancouver Washington Temple. The steel frame for the tower was erected, and a topping out ceremony was held by the steelworkers to mark the placement of the final, highest structural beam. Steel shear studs are being arc-welded to the metal floor decking, and rebar is being hoisted to each floor for installation prior to pouring the concrete floor slabs. Installation of the parking lot curbing also continues.
Photo: James Lee
Steeple Cladding in Place at the Kaohsiung Taiwan Temple
The exterior cladding panels and ornamental grilles for the beautiful steeple of the Kaohsiung Taiwan Temple have been installed. There is presently one dedicated temple in Taiwan, located in the capital city of Taipei. It was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley in November 1984, and it currently serves Church members from 16 stakes. The temple in Kaohsiung will be the second temple dedicated on the East Asian island.
Photo: Midwest Latter-day Saints Facebook page
Through the Picture Windows of the Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center
A breathtaking element of the new visitors' center rising across from the Nauvoo Illinois Temple is the bay of arched picture windows that frame the magnificent house of the Lord beyond. The 13,200-square-foot facility is expected to be completed during the second half of 2026. In addition to views of the temple, the visitors' center will feature exhibits on the original temple, a Tiffany stained-glass window of Jesus Christ, a children's area, and a theater.
Photo: C.Tex
Overhead View of the Natal Brazil Temple Site
A recent aerial view of the Natal Brazil Temple site shows the progress of the buildings currently under construction, including the guardhouse at the property entrance, the southeast-facing temple, the ancillary building with housing and arrival facilities, and the grounds maintenance building. While exterior cladding of the main body of the temple progresses, installation of the steel frame for the steeple is getting underway.
Photo: Jacob Oscarson
Church Headquarters Announces Temporary Closure of Conference Center
The Conference Center will be closed to the public from March 30, 2026, through March 1, 2027, except for general conference and other major scheduled events such as Luz de las Naciones and the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. The purpose of the closure is "to facilitate critical construction, infrastructure upgrades and exhibit development in preparation for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration," an official memo stated. "This operational pause is essential to allow project teams to execute a significantly expanded scope of work and ensure the facility is fully prepared to support the elevated guest experience planned for 2027."
Photo: Jenee Ricks
Open House Details Released for the Lindon Utah Temple
The Lindon Utah Temple Public Open House page has been published with details on attending the much-anticipated open house. All are welcome to tour the interior of the temple from Thursday, March 12, through Saturday, April, 11, 2026, excluding Saturday, April 4, and Sundays. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Parking will be available on site. Longer lines and wait times are anticipated the first three days of the open house, after school hours on weekdays, and on weekends.
Photo: Dan Day
Stone Cladding Revealed at the Austin Texas Temple
Scaffolding has been removed from the southeast corner of the Austin Texas Temple, revealing the beautiful exterior stonework that features cornices, columns, and pediments. A light-colored stone was chosen for the main body of the temple, and a darker stone was selected for the base course. Cladding is underway at the northeast corner of the building, while framing is progressing on the interior.
Photo: Clayton Hudgins
Foundation Work Underway for the Jacksonville Florida Temple
Foundation work is getting underway for the Jacksonville Florida Temple, following groundbreaking services that took place three weeks ago. Before the formal ceremony was held, preliminary site preparations included the creation of a beautiful detention pond and retaining wall with a semicircular feature. The footings for a grounds maintenance building have been poured in the corner of the property, just south of the retaining structure.
Photo: Belo Horizonte Brazil Pampulha Stake
Beautiful Horizon at the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple
The sun begins to rise at the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple, creating a beautiful horizon in the city known by the same name. The highly populated metropolis of Belo Horizonte ("Beautiful Horizon" in English) is built on many hills, and the temple is no exception. Standing on a hillside in the Pampulha region, this house of the Lord is like a glorious beacon guiding the way home. The temple is nearly finished, but no dates have been announced yet for the open house and dedication.
Photo: Chris Miasnik
Welcome Center to Close at the Montpelier Idaho Temple
With construction of the Montpelier Idaho Temple drawing closer to completion, the welcome center has been slated for closure in the next few weeks. Walk-in hours have concluded, but appointments will still be accepted for a short time. The temple is a glorious addition to this Bear Lake community, which was settled by pioneer saints in 1863. The open house and dedication dates have not yet been announced.
Photo: Teri Draper
Steeple Scaffolding Removed from the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple
The final pieces of scaffolding have been removed from the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple, bringing the dream of a temple on the island closer to reality. American Samoa was originally announced for a temple in 1977, but a location change came in 1980 when the First Presidency stated that the temple would instead be built in Samoa (on the island of Upolu) along with temples for Tonga and Tahiti. In April 2019, almost 40 years later, President Nelson announced plans for a temple in American Samoa.
Photo: Tanner Belinski
Major Construction Completed at the San Diego California Temple
Construction work has been completed by the general contractor at the San Diego California Temple, which has been under major renovation for the past two-and-a-half years. Crews have carried out repairs to the roof and window seals, refurbishment of the exterior and stained glass, and renovation of the interior, including minor reconfigurations. No dates have been announced yet for the open house and rededication.
Photo: Oscar Lawrence
Foundation Work Underway for the Wellington New Zealand Temple
Drilling and excavation is underway for the foundation of the Wellington New Zealand Temple, while concrete footings are being formed and poured for the foundation of the ancillary building where patron lodging and arrival facilities will be housed. The temple will rise in the community of Porirua, located in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Construction has been underway for the past six months.
Photo: Stewart Sarti
Temple Leaders Called Over the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
César Augusto Hernández Galindo and Marie Judith Peñate Escobar de Hernández of the Guatemala City Mariscal Stake have been called as president and matron of the new Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. President Hernández is a patriarch and temple sealer and former bishop and high councilor. Sister Hernández is a temple worker and former stake Relief Society president.
Photo: Cristian Molina
President and Matron Called Over the Managua Nicaragua Temple
Johnny Cristobal Andino Delgado and Lucia del Carmen Tiffer Ramírez de Andino of the Managua Nicaragua Villa Flor Stake have been called as president and matron of the new Managua Nicaragua Temple. President Andino is a Sunday school teacher and temple ordinance worker and former bishop, bishopric counselor, branch president and high councilor. Sister Andino is a Relief Society teacher, Sunday school teacher and temple ordinance worker and a former stake Relief Society president, stake Young Women president, ward Relief Society president and ward Young Women president.
Photo: Scott Ririe
Framing Reaches the Roof Level of the Vancouver Washington Temple
Structural framing for the Vancouver Washington Temple has progressed swiftly over the past two weeks. The heavy steel structure has already reached the roof level, and work has begun on framing the platform for the steeple. The edifice is rising in the beautiful Vancouver suburb of Camas, located just north of the Columbia River and the Washington-Oregon border. Footings have been poured for the maintenance building.
