News
See the Planned Design for the Querétaro Mexico Temple
Details on the location and planned design for the Querétaro Mexico Temple were published today. The temple will be constructed on a 3.58-acre site located at Prolongación Tecnológico Norte 150 in the Colonia San Pablo neighborhood of Querétaro. Plans call for a two-story building of approximately 27,500 square feet. There are 13 dedicated temples in Mexico and one under construction in Puebla. Plans have been announced for three more including the Querétaro Mexico Temple, the Torreón Mexico Temple, and the Culiacán Mexico Temple.
Rendering and Location Released for the Cape Town South Africa Temple
The official exterior rendering for the Cape Town South Africa Temple was released to the public today. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 9,500 square feet with an accompanying arrival center and meetinghouse. The temple complex will constructed on a 3.79-acre site at 3 Liesbeek Road in the Observatory neighborhood of Cape Town. It will be the third temple built in South Africa, joining the Johannesburg South Africa Temple and the Durban South Africa Temple.
Cladding of the Richmond Virginia Temple Portico Columns Completed
Cladding of the four columns at the entrance to the Richmond Virginia Temple has been completed, and hanging brackets are being attached to the pediment and the upper west walls. Staples Mill Road has been expanded to accommodate a turning lane for the temple complex. The shared parking works well for the temple and meetinghouse since they operate on largely nonconflicting schedules.
Framing the Second Level of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple
Heavy framing of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple is progressing quickly with the majority of the ground level completed and numerous steel columns reaching the second level. Curbing has been poured for the south parking lot, but it is not yet paved. The temple is located in Tooele, which was first settled by three pioneer families on September 4, 1849. The city was incorporated three years later.
Building the Salvador Brazil Temple Foundation
An aerial view of the Salvador Brazil Temple site, taken from inside an airliner, shows the construction progress being made on the footings and foundations. The temple will be highly visible not only to airplane passengers descending into the Salvador International Airport, but also to rapid transit passengers at the Bahia Metro station and to the many motorists traveling Avenida Paralela—the main motorway for the state of Bahia.
Church Leaders Meet with His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
At a recent meeting with His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Elder Larry S. Kacher, first counselor in the Africa West Area presidency, and other Church representatives committed the Church's assistance with the digitization of records and archives and shared the news of the Kumasi Ghana Temple that will be built. "So many of these records are needed. If I lose them, I lose my history. If we have our history, we have our identity," said His Royal Majesty. He added, "Thank you for the temple you are about to build. I know that when we have that…it helps my people in terms of believing in our God, Jesus Christ."
Setting Reinforcing Steel for the Davao Philippines Temple
It has been just over a year since ground was broken for the Davao Philippines Temple, and signs of the superstructure are now becoming visible over the construction barrier. Columns of steel bars that will reinforce the concrete exterior walls of the temple are being set. The structural concrete package was awarded in several months ago, and concrete work has been underway for many weeks.
Framing Progress on the Taylorsville Utah Temple
On the east side of the Taylorsville Utah Temple, the steel frame has been installed for the glorious stained-glass windows that will sit above the grand staircase. Five panes of glass will be combined to form the semi-circular arched window: three pointed-arched panes connected at the top by two trapezoid-shaped panes. More steel beams have been installed over the opening where the steeple will be attached, and the work of sheathing and cladding continues. Watch a new video showing highlights of the past and future of construction at the Taylorsville Temple Progress Facebook group.
Cladding the Nine Spires of the Bangkok Thailand Temple
The top section of the center spire that rises over the Bangkok Thailand Temple has been clad in ornamental precast concrete panels. Cladding of all nine spires is anticipated to be completed by the end of the month. The multipurpose building that sits north of the temple has already been clad, and interior framing and system installation is underway. The mission president's residence is located on the top floor of the building, which will also house a stake center and Church offices. Watch the latest video update.
Exterior Lighting Fully Operational for the Belém Brazil Temple
The exterior lighting of the Belém Brazil Temple is now fully operational, creating a stunning nighttime landmark in the central region of Belém. The temple sits on a major motorway near the airport with three lanes of traffic going in each direction. Construction of the temple has been underway for approximately two years and three months. It is anticipated to be completed next year.
Finishing Up the Praia Cape Verde Temple Grounds
The pristine beauty of the cream-colored Praia Cape Verde Temple is accentuated by the rugged mountains and sprawling building developments on the island's interior. Benches have joined lamp posts on the hard surfaces of the temple grounds, and trees and shrubs continue to be planted beneath rich mulch. An ornamental fence surrounds the temple, creating a division from the meetinghouse and parking areas.
Angel Moroni Replaced on the Medford Oregon Temple
As part of a minor renovation project that began in July, the angel Moroni statue on the Medford Oregon Temple was replaced by crane on October 18. A new distribution center opened on November 11 in the stake center adjacent to the temple. The former Family History Center was renovated so that temple clothing and Church materials would be available to patrons. The temple was dedicated over 20 years ago on April 16, 2000.
Trees Delivered to the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple Grounds
Dozens of trees lie on the east side of the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple grounds where they will soon be planted into the new landscaping. The grounds renovation is being carried out in tandem with a new exit that was created for couples who are sealed in the temple. The Mount Timpanogos temple was the ninth temple built in the state of Utah and the second built in Utah County.
Forming the Foundation for the Tallahassee Florida Temple
The setting Florida sun catches the concrete shuttering that will form the foundation walls for the Tallahassee Florida Temple. The foundation sits on numerous piers (or columns) that transfer the weight of the building to the firmer soil beneath. Over the past six months, work has been limited to the substructure of the building, but construction will become more visible in the new year as framing of the superstructure gets underway.
Hot-Air Balloons Over the Red Cliffs Utah Temple
It's not an uncommon sight to see colorful hot-air balloons dot the sky over the Red Cliffs Utah Temple as part of their journey over the city of St. George. Passengers delight in seeing the temple from this aerial perspective and often snap a few photos to mark the occasion. Concrete panels continue to be attached to the exterior. The beautiful front facade of the temple has advanced the most including the ornamental parapet.
Rebar Set for the San Pedro Sula Honduras Temple Tower
Reinforcing steel bars have been installed over the entrance to the San Pedro Sula Honduras Temple ahead of the placement of concrete form panels. The panels will be filled with liquid concrete that will cure and harden around the steel bars to form strong walls for the tower that will support the steeple. The temple site is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of lush mountains.
East Lawn in Place at the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple
Landscaping of the vast grounds of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple continues to progress. Sod has been laid for the east lawn between the bridal plaza and the east monument sign where family and friends may wander as they wait to receive loved ones who are sealed in the temple. A temporary railing has been installed around this gathering plaza, and the retaining walls have been faced in ledge rock to match the curved wall where the monument sign sits.
The Mendoza Argentina Temple Is Featured in the News
On bright, sunny day in Las Heras, Argentina, a beautiful view of the rising Mendoza Argentina Temple was captured this week from Avenida Champagnat by a photographer for the media outlet Diario UNO. The article explains the importance of the temple to members in the region who have had to travel 380 miles (612 km) to the Córdoba Argentina Temple or cross the Andes to the Santiago Chile Temple. Forms and rebar are being set for the parapet, mechanical level, and tower base walls.
Staging Slab Poured for the Underground Addition to the Salt Lake Temple
As excavation for the three-level underground addition to the Salt Lake Temple nears completion, crews have poured a staging slab that will provide a level working surface for pouring the foundation. The addition will house two baptistries, additional sealing rooms, dressing rooms, and administrative offices. Demolition of the North Visitors' Center continues, which began the second week of November. It will be replaced with contemplation gardens and restrooms. Seismic strengthening of the temple foundation continues by way of the jack-and-bore process that positions pipes under the footings and fills them with reinforcing steel and concrete. A precision drilling machine is being prepared on the roof of the temple to vertically drill into the tower and wall columns where post-tension cables will be thread and anchored into the foundation below. At the Church Office Building plaza, footings and flag pole inserts are being installed for a display of the nations of the world.
Planned Design Unveiled for the Provo Utah Temple
Church officials have given the public a glimpse of the planned design for the Provo Utah Temple, which will be reconstructed following the dedication of the Orem Utah Temple. The three-story edifice will stand at the same location as the existing building and feature striking gold accents including the spire. Just as it was constructed originally, the temple will not have an angel Moroni statue. A statue was added in 2003 as part of a renovation project that also turned the spire from gold to white. No specific date for the closure of the temple has been announced.
Exterior Rendering Released for the Smithfield Utah Temple
The official exterior rendering for the Smithfield Utah Temple was released today, featuring a historical design inspired by the pioneer era when the nearby Logan Utah Temple was built. The new three-story temple will be approximately 81,000 square feet and follow a floor plan similar to the Lindon Utah Temple. The temple will be constructed on a 13.3-acre site at the intersection of N 800 West and W 100 North in Smithfield.
The Orem Utah Temple Is an Impressive Sight
The Orem Utah Temple is looking more magnificent each day and is especially catching the attention of travelers on Interstate 15 and FrontRunner—the local commuter train. Scaffolding still surrounds the ground floor of the temple where stone cladding continues, but it has been temporarily removed from around the steeple. A vapor barrier is being attached to the exterior of the meetinghouse, and work has begun on shingling the roof.
Building Planters Around the Bentonville Arkansas Temple
Blockmasons at the Bentonville Arkansas Temple are installing low-profile block walls around the entrance and foundation of the temple to form the raised flower beds that will bring color and vibrance to the landscaping. The concrete block will be clad in stone that beautifully coordinates with the temple. Soft landscaping has also begun with the delivery and planting of numerous trees in the outlying areas of the grounds.
Steel Structure for the Syracuse Utah Temple Begins
After five months of below-grade construction at the Syracuse Utah Temple site, the first steel beams and columns have been placed for the superstructure of the building. Heavy framing for the three-story temple will continue over the coming weeks, giving spectators of the project a better sense of the size and visibility of the building. Fresh curbing and pavement surround the rising structure.
Richmond Virginia Temple Portico Columns
The steel poles that support the pediment over the entrance to the Richmond Virginia Temple are being clad in rounded stone panels to form the beautiful columns of the building's classical portico. On the south side of the temple, white decorative lintel stones have been installed over the windows, matching the white body of the steeple. Richmond is among the oldest cities in America. It was named after the English town of Richmond, which is now part of London.
Structural Framing of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple Underway
Construction of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple has moved above ground with the assistance of a skyscraping crawler crane that is lifting heavy metal beams and columns that are being bolted together and fastened to the concrete foundation to form the steel superstructure of the building. The 70,000-square-foot temple and a 20,000-square-foot meetinghouse are rising on the west side of Tooele.
One-Year Anniversary for the Cobán Guatemala Temple
A new photograph of the Cobán Guatemala Temple was taken on Sunday, marking the one-year anniversary since the groundbreaking ceremony was held. Construction began in earnest about six months ago when construction equipment arrived. Excavations have been carried out, and work is now underway on pouring footings, digging utility trenches, and installing conduit.
Installing Stained Glass in the Columbus Ohio Temple Steeple
The first panes of stained glass have been installed in the steeple of the Columbus Ohio Temple. The elegant design features a string of pink magnolia blossoms against a dotted diamond background that is framed in a dark blue border. The steeple is being assembled on a staging pad on the ground before it is hoisted by crane and secured to the roof.
Hardscaping the Feather River California Temple Grounds
At the main entrance to the Feather River California Temple, concrete walls have been poured for six planters of various shapes that have been wired for path lighting that will brighten the walkways leading to the front door. Planter footers have also been poured at the rear side of the building near the baptistry windows. Construction activities at the meetinghouse include roofing, brick laying, and window installation. Watch the latest video update on the temple.
Ninety-Five Percent of Reopened Temples Have Entered Phase 3
The Bogotá Colombia Temple and Arequipa Peru Temple are the latest to join the number of temples in Phase 3, bringing the total to 153 of the 161 currently operating temples. That means 95 percent of reopened temples are now offering proxy ordinance work to patrons. There are two temples that have paused operations, one in Phase 1, one in Phase 2, four in Phase 2-B, and nine closed for renovation. No temple has reopened in Phase 4 yet.
