News
Preparations Underway for the Pocatello Idaho Temple Groundbreaking
With three and a half weeks remaining before the groundbreaking ceremony is held for the 
Plans approved by City; awaiting issuance of building permitPocatello Idaho Temple, President Cameron Brower, Troy Dye, and Austin Dye of the Chubbuck Idaho Stake braved the elements to mark the center of the future location of the temple's Celestial Room. Ground will be broken at that very spot. Plans for the temple were approved last week by the local government.
Plans approved by City; awaiting issuance of building permitPocatello Idaho Temple, President Cameron Brower, Troy Dye, and Austin Dye of the Chubbuck Idaho Stake braved the elements to mark the center of the future location of the temple's Celestial Room. Ground will be broken at that very spot. Plans for the temple were approved last week by the local government.
Durban South Africa Temple Progresses in Spite of Blackouts
Due to a shortage of generating capacity, an implementation of rolling blackouts across South Africa has created some delays at the 
Grand staircase clad in marble; finishing Celestial Room ceiling; palm trees planted around entrance fountainDurban South Africa Temple. Despite the inconvenience, construction crews are moving forward. Marble cladding has been affixed to the grand staircase and continues to be attached to the baptismal font. The Celestial Room ceiling is being finished, and flooring has started in the foyer. Twelve palms trees have been planted around the entrance water feature.
Grand staircase clad in marble; finishing Celestial Room ceiling; palm trees planted around entrance fountainDurban South Africa Temple. Despite the inconvenience, construction crews are moving forward. Marble cladding has been affixed to the grand staircase and continues to be attached to the baptismal font. The Celestial Room ceiling is being finished, and flooring has started in the foyer. Twelve palms trees have been planted around the entrance water feature.
Landscaping Progress at the Frankfurt Germany Temple
Crews at the 
41st operating temple; closed for renovation; building accessibility ramp; installing irrigation lines; planting trees and shrubsFrankfurt Germany Temple are making headway on the hard and soft landscaping of the grounds. Pavers have been installed for the walkways, irrigation lines are appearing in the flowerbeds, and new trees are being planted. An accessibility ramp is being built from the sidewalk to the temple entrance.
41st operating temple; closed for renovation; building accessibility ramp; installing irrigation lines; planting trees and shrubsFrankfurt Germany Temple are making headway on the hard and soft landscaping of the grounds. Pavers have been installed for the walkways, irrigation lines are appearing in the flowerbeds, and new trees are being planted. An accessibility ramp is being built from the sidewalk to the temple entrance.
Grounds Renovation at the Bountiful Utah Temple
A renovation project is underway on the grounds of the 
47th operating templeBountiful Utah Temple, which is currently closed for two weeks of maintenance. The work is taking place on the east side of the temple where beautiful stairs, a cascading water feature, and a circular flowerbed were located.
47th operating templeBountiful Utah Temple, which is currently closed for two weeks of maintenance. The work is taking place on the east side of the temple where beautiful stairs, a cascading water feature, and a circular flowerbed were located.
First New Trees Planted at Mesa Arizona Temple Site
The work of rebuilding the grounds of the 
7th operating temple; closed for renovation; palm trees being planted; refurbishing exterior walls; replacing sections of roof; adding landscape elementsMesa Arizona Temple is in full swing, and today saw the first new trees for the north lawn planted—a row of stately palm trees. Footings are going in for other landscape elements, and electrical wiring is being run for landscape lighting.
7th operating temple; closed for renovation; palm trees being planted; refurbishing exterior walls; replacing sections of roof; adding landscape elementsMesa Arizona Temple is in full swing, and today saw the first new trees for the north lawn planted—a row of stately palm trees. Footings are going in for other landscape elements, and electrical wiring is being run for landscape lighting.
Stone Cladding Nearing Completion at the Raleigh North Carolina Temple
The majority of scaffolding has been removed along the rear side of the 
68th operating temple; closed for renovation; stone cladding of exterior walls nearing completionRaleigh North Carolina Temple as exterior stone installers get closer to completing their work. The remaining areas to be clad are largely concentrated on the front side of the building. Visitors can clearly see the ornate detailing featured in the stone panels over the windows.
68th operating temple; closed for renovation; stone cladding of exterior walls nearing completionRaleigh North Carolina Temple as exterior stone installers get closer to completing their work. The remaining areas to be clad are largely concentrated on the front side of the building. Visitors can clearly see the ornate detailing featured in the stone panels over the windows.
Nighttime Flyover at the Arequipa Peru Temple
The 
Installing window frames; exterior lighting installed; interior work progressingArequipa Peru Temple is a stunning sight at night—a physical manifestation of the spiritual light that emanates from the holy structure. "Verily, thus saith the Lord:…every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me…shall see my face and know that I am; and that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:1–2).
Installing window frames; exterior lighting installed; interior work progressingArequipa Peru Temple is a stunning sight at night—a physical manifestation of the spiritual light that emanates from the holy structure. "Verily, thus saith the Lord:…every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me…shall see my face and know that I am; and that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:1–2).
Seattle Washington Temple Closes for Extended Maintenance
The 
19th operating templeSeattle Washington Temple closed yesterday for roof repairs that are anticipated to take at least a month. The temple was dedicated almost 40 years ago on November 17, 1980, by President Spencer W. Kimball. It was first temple constructed in the Pacific Northwest.
19th operating templeSeattle Washington Temple closed yesterday for roof repairs that are anticipated to take at least a month. The temple was dedicated almost 40 years ago on November 17, 1980, by President Spencer W. Kimball. It was first temple constructed in the Pacific Northwest.
Stone Cladding Progress at the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple
With the tower and rear side of the 
94th operating temple; closed for renovation; tower clad in stone; cladding of exterior walls continuesBaton Rouge Louisiana Temple covered in granite, the process of stone cladding has reached approximately the halfway point. Temporary glass has been installed in the window openings, and crews are hanging drywall and making other progress on the interior.
94th operating temple; closed for renovation; tower clad in stone; cladding of exterior walls continuesBaton Rouge Louisiana Temple covered in granite, the process of stone cladding has reached approximately the halfway point. Temporary glass has been installed in the window openings, and crews are hanging drywall and making other progress on the interior.
Accommodation Facilities Razed at Hamilton New Zealand Temple
Heavy equipment is hard at work behind the 
11th operating temple; closed for renovation; patron accommodation facilities demolished; preparing ground for replacement facilitiesHamilton New Zealand Temple as the ground is prepared for the construction of new accommodation facilities, including an arrival center and housing for patrons and temple missionaries. The former patron accommodation blocks were demolished to make way for the new structures.
11th operating temple; closed for renovation; patron accommodation facilities demolished; preparing ground for replacement facilitiesHamilton New Zealand Temple as the ground is prepared for the construction of new accommodation facilities, including an arrival center and housing for patrons and temple missionaries. The former patron accommodation blocks were demolished to make way for the new structures.
Groundbreaking Date Set for the Praia Cabo Verde Temple
Elder Paul V. Johnson, president of the Europe Area, will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for the 
Preparing for groundbreakingPraia Cabo Verde Temple on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Attendance at the site will be by invitation only, but the services are anticipated to be broadcast to meetinghouses within the proposed temple district. The temple and an adjoining meetinghouse will be constructed on the east side of Avenida Cidade de Lisboa in the Tahiti Chã de Areia neighborhood. Construction is expected to last about two years.
Preparing for groundbreakingPraia Cabo Verde Temple on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Attendance at the site will be by invitation only, but the services are anticipated to be broadcast to meetinghouses within the proposed temple district. The temple and an adjoining meetinghouse will be constructed on the east side of Avenida Cidade de Lisboa in the Tahiti Chã de Areia neighborhood. Construction is expected to last about two years.
Argentina Missionary Training Center Closing in July
A news release from Church headquarters has announced that Argentina's missionary training center, located next to the 
39th operating templeBuenos Aires Argentina Temple, will be closing in July 2019. Plans for future use of the facility will be determined in coordination with local leaders. Missionaries who would have attended this center will receiving training at centers in Mexico or Brazil.
39th operating templeBuenos Aires Argentina Temple, will be closing in July 2019. Plans for future use of the facility will be determined in coordination with local leaders. Missionaries who would have attended this center will receiving training at centers in Mexico or Brazil.
Grand Staircase to Be Clad in Stone
Templates have been cut for the stone that will clad the grand staircase inside the
Grand staircase clad in marble; finishing Celestial Room ceiling; palm trees planted around entrance fountainDurban South Africa Temple while tile continues to be laid on certain walls and floors. Painters, electricians, plumbers, and roofers are making progress inside and outside the building. On the grounds, the water feature is being waterproofed, and plants are filling the planter boxes.
Grand staircase clad in marble; finishing Celestial Room ceiling; palm trees planted around entrance fountainDurban South Africa Temple while tile continues to be laid on certain walls and floors. Painters, electricians, plumbers, and roofers are making progress inside and outside the building. On the grounds, the water feature is being waterproofed, and plants are filling the planter boxes.
Inscription Stone Installed at the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
Both halves of the 3-inch thick, 750-pound stone bearing the inscription Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord were installed over the entranceway to the 
Holiness to the Lord inscription stone installed; landscaping grounds with trees, plants, and irrigation linesPort-au-Prince Haiti Temple this morning. On the temple grounds, soft landscaping is underway with the addition of palm trees, plants, and irrigation lines.
Holiness to the Lord inscription stone installed; landscaping grounds with trees, plants, and irrigation linesPort-au-Prince Haiti Temple this morning. On the temple grounds, soft landscaping is underway with the addition of palm trees, plants, and irrigation lines.
New 3D Model for the Kinshasa DRC Temple
With five weeks remaining before the public open house begins for the 
Preparing for public open houseKinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple, temple modeler Brian Olson has produced an updated model of the temple featuring a virtual flight over the property accompanied by local nature sounds. You'll see the royal palm trees along the entrance driveway, the beautiful hand-laid pavers, and the other Church buildings on site.
Preparing for public open houseKinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple, temple modeler Brian Olson has produced an updated model of the temple featuring a virtual flight over the property accompanied by local nature sounds. You'll see the royal palm trees along the entrance driveway, the beautiful hand-laid pavers, and the other Church buildings on site.
Lighting the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Steeple
The steeple of the 
95th operating temple; closed for renovation; exterior lighting tests underway; stone cladding entrance; landscaping progressingOklahoma City Oklahoma Temple shines like a beacon at night under the new exterior lighting system that is being installed and tested. With three and a half months remaining before the temple is rededicated, crews are continuing finish work inside, completing the exterior stone cladding, and preparing to fill the grounds with plants and flowers.
95th operating temple; closed for renovation; exterior lighting tests underway; stone cladding entrance; landscaping progressingOklahoma City Oklahoma Temple shines like a beacon at night under the new exterior lighting system that is being installed and tested. With three and a half months remaining before the temple is rededicated, crews are continuing finish work inside, completing the exterior stone cladding, and preparing to fill the grounds with plants and flowers.
January Update on the Mesa Arizona Temple
Arizona's balmy winter weather is delivering ideal temperatures for contractors at the
7th operating temple; closed for renovation; palm trees being planted; refurbishing exterior walls; replacing sections of roof; adding landscape elementsMesa Arizona Temple. The on-site water storage tank has been completed, and work has started on running electrical wires and pouring footings for hard landscaping elements. Portions of the roof have been removed for replacement over the east and north extensions of the temple, which were originally courtyards that were later enclosed. Watch the most recent video update.
7th operating temple; closed for renovation; palm trees being planted; refurbishing exterior walls; replacing sections of roof; adding landscape elementsMesa Arizona Temple. The on-site water storage tank has been completed, and work has started on running electrical wires and pouring footings for hard landscaping elements. Portions of the roof have been removed for replacement over the east and north extensions of the temple, which were originally courtyards that were later enclosed. Watch the most recent video update.
Pocatello Idaho Temple Groundbreaking Slated for March 16
The First Presidency has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the
Plans approved by City; awaiting issuance of building permitPocatello Idaho Temple, which will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Attendance at the temple site will be by invitation only, but the general public is invited to watch the live proceedings at local meetinghouses. The temple will be constructed east of the stake center for Pocatello Idaho Highland Stake, located on Satterfield Drive.
Plans approved by City; awaiting issuance of building permitPocatello Idaho Temple, which will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019. Attendance at the temple site will be by invitation only, but the general public is invited to watch the live proceedings at local meetinghouses. The temple will be constructed east of the stake center for Pocatello Idaho Highland Stake, located on Satterfield Drive.
Groundbreaking Announced for the Yigo Guam Temple
Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, president of the Asia North Area, will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for the 
Preparing for groundbreakingYigo Guam Temple on Saturday, May 4, 2019. The temple and an adjoining meetinghouse will be constructed on the site of an existing meetinghouse located at the corner of Marine Corp Drive and Milalak Drive in the village of Yigo. Attendance at the site will be by invitation only, but the ceremony is expected to be broadcast to chapels within the proposed temple district. Construction of the temple is anticipated to take two years.
Preparing for groundbreakingYigo Guam Temple on Saturday, May 4, 2019. The temple and an adjoining meetinghouse will be constructed on the site of an existing meetinghouse located at the corner of Marine Corp Drive and Milalak Drive in the village of Yigo. Attendance at the site will be by invitation only, but the ceremony is expected to be broadcast to chapels within the proposed temple district. Construction of the temple is anticipated to take two years.
Public Tours Underway at the Rome Italy Temple
Tours of the 
Preparing for dedicationRome Italy Temple officially began this week for the general public. After donning white booties, guests are guided to the stake center for a video presentation, followed by a walking tour of the temple. Exquisite Italian details are incorporated throughout the temple complex, creating an immediate connection for Italian visitors.
Preparing for dedicationRome Italy Temple officially began this week for the general public. After donning white booties, guests are guided to the stake center for a video presentation, followed by a walking tour of the temple. Exquisite Italian details are incorporated throughout the temple complex, creating an immediate connection for Italian visitors.
Institute Building and Meetinghouse Closed for Demolition in Lima, Peru
Members of the Habish Ward gathered for a parting photograph on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Their meetinghouse has been closed for demolition in preparation for construction of the 
Existing institute building and meetinghouse closed on January 27, 2019 in preparation for demolitionLima Peru Los Olivos Temple. The adjoining institute building will also be razed to make room for the temple, a patron housing facility, and missionary housing facility. No groundbreaking date has been announced.
Existing institute building and meetinghouse closed on January 27, 2019 in preparation for demolitionLima Peru Los Olivos Temple. The adjoining institute building will also be razed to make room for the temple, a patron housing facility, and missionary housing facility. No groundbreaking date has been announced.
Hong Kong China Temple to Undergo Renovation
The First Presidency has announced that the 
48th operating templeHong Kong China Temple will close on July 8, 2019, for an extensive renovation. The temple was originally constructed in the 1990s as a multipurpose Church facility housing a temple, a meetinghouse, a small mission office, and apartments for the temple and mission presidents with access provided by different elevators that go only to certain floors. The Church has since constructed a beautiful meetinghouse, housing facilities, mission office, and distribution center across the street, reclaiming many of the functions that were once housed in the temple.
48th operating templeHong Kong China Temple will close on July 8, 2019, for an extensive renovation. The temple was originally constructed in the 1990s as a multipurpose Church facility housing a temple, a meetinghouse, a small mission office, and apartments for the temple and mission presidents with access provided by different elevators that go only to certain floors. The Church has since constructed a beautiful meetinghouse, housing facilities, mission office, and distribution center across the street, reclaiming many of the functions that were once housed in the temple.
Spire Attached to the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
The crowning addition was made to the
Holiness to the Lord inscription stone installed; landscaping grounds with trees, plants, and irrigation linesPort-au-Prince Haiti Temple this morning when the temple's spire was hoisted into place atop the steeple by a truck-mounted crane. The exterior walls have been clad in stone with the exception of the walls for the canopy entrance. The temple is scheduled to be dedicated on September 1, 2019.
Holiness to the Lord inscription stone installed; landscaping grounds with trees, plants, and irrigation linesPort-au-Prince Haiti Temple this morning when the temple's spire was hoisted into place atop the steeple by a truck-mounted crane. The exterior walls have been clad in stone with the exception of the walls for the canopy entrance. The temple is scheduled to be dedicated on September 1, 2019.
Exterior Lighting at the Arequipa Peru Temple
Exterior lighting of the
Installing window frames; exterior lighting installed; interior work progressingArequipa Peru Temple is creating a splendid nighttime sight around the community of Carmen Alto. The first lighting tests coincided with the Church's "Light the World" initiative during the month of December, and the fully lit temple was on display while fireworks filled the sky to celebrate the New Year.
Installing window frames; exterior lighting installed; interior work progressingArequipa Peru Temple is creating a splendid nighttime sight around the community of Carmen Alto. The first lighting tests coincided with the Church's "Light the World" initiative during the month of December, and the fully lit temple was on display while fireworks filled the sky to celebrate the New Year.
New Stake Center Lost to Fire in St. George, Utah
A nearly completed stake center for the St. George Utah East Stake that had been under construction across the street from the 
1st operating templeSt. George Utah Temple was lost to fire in the early hours of Saturday morning, just one day after an announcement that the temple would be closed for renovation late this year. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but it is being treated as a criminal investigation.
1st operating templeSt. George Utah Temple was lost to fire in the early hours of Saturday morning, just one day after an announcement that the temple would be closed for renovation late this year. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but it is being treated as a criminal investigation.
Ceremonial Shovels Commemorate the Bangkok Thailand Temple Groundbreaking
Elder Robert C. Gay of the Presidency of the Seventy was joined by Church and community leaders on Saturday, January 26, 2019, to break ground for the construction of the 
Groundbreaking held on January 26, 2019; full-scale construction pendingBangkok Thailand Temple—the first to be constructed in mainland Southeast Asia. Elder David F. Evans, president of the Asia Area, offered the dedicatory prayer. A public open house and dedication will be held following construction of the temple.
Groundbreaking held on January 26, 2019; full-scale construction pendingBangkok Thailand Temple—the first to be constructed in mainland Southeast Asia. Elder David F. Evans, president of the Asia Area, offered the dedicatory prayer. A public open house and dedication will be held following construction of the temple.
Renovation Announced for the St. George Utah Temple
On November 4, 2019, the
1st operating templeSt. George Utah Temple will close for a major renovation to extensively reinforce the structural integrity of the building and to upgrade all of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The interior will be cosmetically refreshed throughout. Construction is expected to be completed in 2022.
1st operating templeSt. George Utah Temple will close for a major renovation to extensively reinforce the structural integrity of the building and to upgrade all of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The interior will be cosmetically refreshed throughout. Construction is expected to be completed in 2022.
São Paulo Brazil Temple Visitors' Center Opens
On January 20, 2019, the doors officially opened for first temple visitors' center in South America on the grounds of the 
17th operating templeSão Paulo Brazil Temple. The former patron housing facility was renovated and repurposed as a visitors' center, accommodation center for traveling patrons, and an office building for the Brazil Area. The visitors' center features exhibits centered on Jesus Christ, the family, missionary work, temples, the Book of Mormon, and Church pioneers in Brazil.
17th operating templeSão Paulo Brazil Temple. The former patron housing facility was renovated and repurposed as a visitors' center, accommodation center for traveling patrons, and an office building for the Brazil Area. The visitors' center features exhibits centered on Jesus Christ, the family, missionary work, temples, the Book of Mormon, and Church pioneers in Brazil.
Pouring Concrete at the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
A cement mixer at the
Holiness to the Lord inscription stone installed; landscaping grounds with trees, plants, and irrigation linesPort-au-Prince Haiti Temple is churning out concrete for the walkways and parking lots on the temple grounds. Inside, the hanging of drywall has been completed, and millwork has begun including the installation of door frames and crown moldings. Stone is being laid in the baptistry. An open house for the temple will be held in August 2019.
Holiness to the Lord inscription stone installed; landscaping grounds with trees, plants, and irrigation linesPort-au-Prince Haiti Temple is churning out concrete for the walkways and parking lots on the temple grounds. Inside, the hanging of drywall has been completed, and millwork has begun including the installation of door frames and crown moldings. Stone is being laid in the baptistry. An open house for the temple will be held in August 2019.
Framing the Meetinghouse at the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple Site
Despite the snow and freezing temperatures, laborers at the 
Pouring the temple foundation; framing and sheathing the meetinghouseWinnipeg Manitoba Temple site are pressing on and making progress on the two buildings. Much of the meetinghouse has been framed, and roof trusses are on site ready to join the building's two wings together. The foundation for the temple is being poured, revealing the location of the baptistry on the east side of the edifice.
Pouring the temple foundation; framing and sheathing the meetinghouseWinnipeg Manitoba Temple site are pressing on and making progress on the two buildings. Much of the meetinghouse has been framed, and roof trusses are on site ready to join the building's two wings together. The foundation for the temple is being poured, revealing the location of the baptistry on the east side of the edifice.