News
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for the Santos Brazil Temple
In his first assignment since beginning his service in the Brazil Area Presidency, Elder Ronald M. Barcellos of the Seventy presided at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Santos Brazil Temple on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Church members, friends, public officials, religious leaders, and invited guests gathered for the occasion, bringing together generations of Latter-day Saints from across the Baixada Santista region. The ceremony was held in the Jabaquara Ward meetinghouse, located on the very site where the 23,000-square-foot temple will soon rise.
Photo: Joseph D McFarland, DDS, MDS
Springfield Missouri Temple Footprint Takes Shape
Since the June 6 groundbreaking ceremony for the Springfield Missouri Temple, construction has advanced steadily. Concrete footings and foundation walls now define much of the temple's footprint, while crews continue forming and pouring the remaining sections of the foundation. Underground utility installations and gravel base preparation are also progressing across the site, laying the groundwork for vertical construction in the coming months.
Photo: Jeff Goebel
Tower Frame Rises for the Lone Mountain Nevada Temple
Construction of the Lone Mountain Nevada Temple continues to make impressive progress as the building's structural frame nears completion. The steel framework for the central tower has recently been erected, while installation of the architectural precast concrete panels is advancing around the lower levels of the exterior. With these additions, the temple's distinctive architectural design is becoming increasingly apparent.
Photo: Harvey Peterson
First Structural Steel Erected for the Missoula Montana Temple
Construction of the Missoula Montana Temple is advancing swiftly following last month's groundbreaking ceremony. Crews have established much of the reinforced concrete footings and foundation system, creating the base for the temple's structural frame. The first sections of structural steel have now been erected, marking the beginning of vertical construction. In the coming weeks, additional steel members will be installed as the superstructure continues to rise.
Photo: Kimberly Vosper Owens
Windows Installed in the Winchester Virginia Temple
Moisture-resistant wall sheathing now fully encloses the main body of the Winchester Virginia Temple, while windows have been installed throughout the building. The steel framework for the temple's central tower rises prominently above the roofline, which will support a spire and finial. On the grounds, concrete curbs have been poured along the future driveways and parking areas, reflecting steady progress on the site's infrastructure.
Photo: Teixeira Duarte Engenharia e Construções - Brasil
João Pessoa Brazil Temple Begins Vertical Construction
Construction of the João Pessoa Brazil Temple has reached a major milestone with the installation of the first tilt-up concrete wall panel. Using a large crawler crane, crews carefully lifted the massive panel and set it into its permanent position, marking the beginning of the temple's structural walls. Additional tilt-up panels will be erected in the coming weeks. The project began with a groundbreaking held six months ago.
Photo: Tania Torea
Two-Story Steel Frame Rises at the Wellington New Zealand Temple Site
Structural steel framing continues at the Wellington New Zealand Temple, where the temple's two-story frame has rapidly taken shape. A mobile crane remains on site to lift and position steel members while ironworkers complete structural connections throughout the building. With the primary steel framing nearing completion, the project is preparing for the installation of floor decking, exterior wall systems, and roof framing.
Photo: Tracy Richardson
Stone Cladding Advances Up the Kona Hawaii Temple Steeple
Stone cladding of the Kona Hawaii Temple steeple is underway. Scaffolding remains in place around the tower as crews install the remaining stone panels and prepare the structure for the future installation of the cupola and finial. At the front of the temple, extensive reinforced concrete hardscape walls have been completed, defining the elevated entrance plaza and establishing the framework for the surrounding landscaping and pedestrian walkways.
Photo: Teresa Lanenga
Orlando Florida Temple Renovation Enters Third Year
The renovation of the Orlando Florida Temple has entered its third year as steady progress continues on both the building and its surrounding grounds. The temple's familiar exterior remains largely unchanged, but extensive work is underway inside to modernize the building infrastructure, refresh the interior finishes, and enhance the sacred spaces for future generations of patrons. Exterior efforts are focused on site improvements, where newly planted palms, shrubs, and groundcover are becoming established throughout the property.
Photo: Viola Katoa
Finish Work Progressing Inside the Neiafu Tonga Temple
Construction of the Neiafu Tonga Temple has entered its final stages as crews focus on completing the building's interior. Finish work is progressing throughout the temple, including the installation of light fixtures, mirrors, tile, millwork, and other architectural elements. Craftsmen are carefully completing the finishing touches that will prepare the house of the Lord for its opening. Dates for the public open house and dedication will be announced once construction is complete.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Three New Statues Added to Temple Square
Three new statues depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ have been unveiled at Temple Square as the historic renovation of the Salt Lake Temple enters its final stages. On July 15 and 16, crews installed “Jesus Christ with the Woman at the Well,” “Jesus Christ and Mary at the Tomb” and “Jesus Christ Ordains Apostles.” In the coming weeks, “Jesus Christ With Mary and Martha” and “Jesus Christ Blessing the Children” will be added, bringing the total number of newly installed sculptures at Temple Square to 12.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Colorado Springs Colorado Temple Groundbreaking Date Announced
Elder Karl D. Hirst of the United States Central Area Presidency will preside at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Colorado Springs Colorado Temple on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The service will be broadcast online to accommodate all who would like to participate. The temple will be constructed on a 18.6-acre site located south of the intersection of Flying Horse Club Drive and Barossa Valley Road where preliminary site development is underway.
Photo: Mahonry Aguilar
Torreón Mexico Temple Open House and Dedication Dates
A public open house for the Torreón Mexico Temple has been announced for October 22 through November 7, 2026 (excluding Sundays). The open house will begin with a media day on Monday, October 19, followed by two days of tours for invited guests. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside at the dedication on Sunday, November 22. The dedicatory session will be broadcast to congregations in the temple district.
Photo: Lawson Electric
Lighting the Exterior and Grounds of the Knoxville Tennessee Temple
The architectural and landscape lighting systems for the Knoxville Tennessee Temple have been installed and activated, highlighting the beauty of the temple and its surrounding grounds in the evenings. Parking areas have been striped with stalls and traffic lanes, reflecting the near completion of site development. Inside the temple, craftsmen are completing final details. Dates for the open house and dedication have not yet been announced.
Photo: Sulaiman S. Turay
Installing Pavers on the Freetown Sierra Leone Temple Grounds
Installation of the hardscape is progressing at the Freetown Sierra Leone Temple, where crews are laying interlocking pavers along the main driveways and throughout the parking areas. The landscaped strip in front of the temple entrance now features mature royal palms, planted flower beds, and a prominent monument sign that remains wrapped in protective plastic. With the exterior stone cladding complete and the cupola crowning the central tower, construction efforts have shifted to completing the grounds and finishing the temple's interior.
Photo: Doug
Fairbanks Alaska Temple Modules Anchored to Concrete Foundation
The prefabricated modules for the Fairbanks Alaska Temple have been permanently anchored to the concrete foundation, establishing the temple's main structural form. Manufactured off site and assembled on site, modules significantly accelerate construction. Crews are now installing windows throughout the building to enclose the interior in preparation for the next stages of work. Nearby, the steel framework for the temple tower has been staged on site.
Photo: Scott Ririe
Spire and Finial Installed Atop the Vancouver Washington Temple
The spire and finial were installed atop the Vancouver Washington Temple tower yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the temple's construction. Manufactured by Munns Manufacturing of Tremonton, Utah, the spire arrived at the site on Wednesday, July 22. Before it was lifted into place, crews from Munns attached the decorative skirting at ground level. After the spire was securely fastened to the tower, the crew completed the installation by placing the finial at its peak.
Photo: Allan Morton
A Pioneer Day View of the Teton River Idaho Temple
The Teton River Idaho Temple stands as a dramatic reminder of the enduring faith of the pioneers who settled the Upper Snake River Valley. Framed by the majestic Grand Teton Mountains on the eastern horizon, the temple continues to make impressive progress as crews advance exterior finishing work and site development. With the spire now crowning the central tower and stone cladding extending across much of the exterior, the temple is becoming an increasingly prominent landmark in northern Rexburg.
Photo: Brent R.
Exterior and Site Work Continue at the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple
Exterior work is progressing on the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple, with windows now installed in all openings and granite cladding covering much of the ground-floor exterior walls. Site development is also advancing across the property. At the temple's north and south entrances, landscaping continues to take shape as crews install gates and fencing. Trees have also been planted in the parking lot islands, adding to the ongoing transformation of the temple grounds.
Photo: Michael Bennett
Landscaping and Interior Work Advancing at the Grand Rapids Michigan Temple
Site development and interior finishing work are moving forward at the Grand Rapids Michigan Temple. Across the temple grounds, crews are installing hardscape elements, including walkways, curbs, and concrete planters. With much of the exterior stone cladding in place, work has been focused on the interior where skilled craftsmen are working on the many detailed finishes required before the temple can open for use.
Photo: Scott Ririe
Interior and Exterior Progress on the Vancouver Washington Temple
Glass windows are being installed throughout the Vancouver Washington Temple while crews continue to secure stone cladding to the exterior walls. Inside, sheetrock is being hung on the steel stud framing, marking a significant step forward in completing the interior spaces. Meanwhile, fabrication of the temple's spire has been completed and is being prepared for shipment to the construction site in Camas.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Groundbreaking Date Announced for the Maceió Brazil Temple
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Maceió Brazil Temple will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Elder B. Corey Cuvelier of the Brazil Area Presidency will preside at the event. The temple site is located on Avenida Durval de Góes Monteiro in the Jardim Petropolis neighborhood of Maceió. There are currently 11 dedicated temples in Brazil and 5 under construction. Plans have been announced for 7 more temples, including the temple in Maceió.
Photo: Jonathan Hughes
Tower Roof Revealed Atop the Anchorage Alaska Temple
The tower of the new Anchorage Alaska Temple has begun to emerge from beneath its protective enclosure. Crews have opened the tenting at the top, revealing the completed roof while maintaining weather protection around the lower portions where scaffolds are still erected. The original temple, seen in the background, will continue to operate through the construction of the replacement temple. Afterward, it will be razed to accommodate the construction of a new meetinghouse.
Tarawa Kiribati Temple Awaits Next Phase of Construction
The latest photograph of the Tarawa Kiribati Temple shows the interconnected modules assembled on the foundation with windows installed in the framed openings. While the overall appearance of the temple has changed little in recent months, crews continue to make gradual progress as they prepare for the next phase of construction. Church members living on this remote Pacific atoll will be greatly blessed by the presence of the temple.
Photo: Cole Robison
Construction Barrier Removed from Main Street Plaza
The majority of the construction barrier separating Main Street Plaza from the east side of the Salt Lake Temple has been removed, revealing the temple's elegant permanent ornamental fencing and lantern-topped posts. Demolition of the former Plaza Hotel is nearing completion, while restoration work continues on the historic Beehive House and Lion House. A six-month public open house, known as the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, is scheduled to run daily from April 5 through October 1, 2027, welcoming visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Photo: Noy Ugay
Fort Worth Texas Temple President and Matron Called
Tommy Lawrence Hamilton and Debra Diane Prather Hamilton of the Hurst Texas Stake have been called as president and matron of the new Fort Worth Texas Temple. President Hamilton is a temple preparation instructor and temple sealer and former stake presidency counselor, bishop and high councilor. Sister Hamilton is a temple preparation instructor and temple worker and former ward Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Young Women presidency counselor and ward Primary presidency counselor.
Photo: Temple de Cali, Colombia Facebook page
Front Portico Panels Installed at the Cali Colombia Temple
The exterior of the Cali Colombia Temple continues to take on its distinctive identity as crews install ornate stone panels across the front portico. Recently, engraved stones bearing the sacred inscription—Holiness to the Lord – The House of the Lord (in Spanish)—were set above the main entrance, marking an important milestone in the exterior finishing work. Across the street, reinforced concrete walls are rising for the ancillary building, where structural construction continues.
Photo: Dan Day
West Elevation Stonework on the Austin Texas Temple
Stone cladding continues to transform the exterior of the Austin Texas Temple. Recent progress shows scaffolding removed from much of the west and north elevations, revealing the exquisite stonework with its classical detailing. At the center of the structure, crews are preparing the tower for its exterior finishes. Site development is progressing on the east side of the property, where hardscape features are taking shape.
Photo: Google
Location Announcement Made for the Medellín Colombia Temple
The location of the Medellín Colombia Temple has been announced as a 3.05-acre property located at Carrera 52 #4-96 in the Guayabal neighborhood of Medellín. Plans call for a single-story temple of 10,471 square feet and an accompanying ancillary building. It will be the fourth temple constructed in Colombia. The Bogotá Colombia Temple was dedicated in 1999 and the Barranquilla Colombia Temple in 2018. The Cali Colombia Temple is currently under construction.
Photo: Google
Goiânia Brazil Temple Site Location Revealed
The location of the Goiânia Brazil Temple has been announced as a 5.54-acre property located northwest of the intersection of Avenida Rio Verde and Rua Capitão Breno in the Loteamento Faicalville neighborhood of Goiânia. Plans call for an 18,850-square-foot, single-story temple. The temple is the first to be constructed in the state of Goiás where members are currently served by the Brasília Brazil Temple, located in the Federal District.
