News
Photo: Josh Blair
Syracuse Utah Temple Spire Installed Yesterday
The two main segments of the Syracuse Utah Temple spire were lifted into place by crane yesterday and secured to the top of the tower. The spire adds significantly to the aesthetics of the beautiful building, which has been under construction for 27 months. The temple's unique design features curved exterior walls, two main floor baptistries, and a stunning column of stained-glass windows down the center of the facade.
Photo: Amataga Tiafala
Stone Cladding of the Auckland New Zealand Temple Resumes
Crews at the Auckland New Zealand Temple have resumed the installation of stone cladding on the exterior. The stone is moving up the facade of the building where it has reached the height of the top of the windows. Church members in Auckland are organized into 13 stakes and currently participate in temple ordinances at the Hamilton New Zealand Temple, about an hour-and-a-half drive to the south.
Photo: Jaren Bracken
Overhead View of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple Site
An overhead view of the Deseret Peak Utah Temple site shows the progress being made on planting trees and shrubs in the street medians, the roundabout, the parking lot islands, and the grounds outside the walkway surrounding the temple. Inside the walkway, concrete has been poured for the east plaza and pavers are being laid in the west plaza. Preparations are underway for concrete pours on the north and south sides.
Photo: Jocelyn Hatch Christensen
Inscription Stones Installed on the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple
Granite panels inscribed with the sacred words Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord have been installed above the arched opening in the east portico of the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple. The lettering will be painted later. Cladding continues on the exterior, and framing for the main entrance doors is underway. Additional sections of the bridge between the temple and meetinghouse have been installed, and preparations for curbing and asphalt are moving forward. Landscaping is progressing south of the temple where a plaza is located and numerous plantings are taking place.
Photo: Jared Fugal
Spire Cap Installed on the East Central Tower of the Salt Lake Temple
A structural spire cap has been installed on the east central tower of the Salt Lake Temple where the angel Moroni will stand. It is the fourth of six caps to be installed on the towers, giving back a sense of familiarity to the iconic east spires. The flowerbeds in the plazas east of the temple have been filled with gorgeous trees and flowers. Some planting has also begun in the northwest gardens where the new restroom facility and contemplation spaces are located.
Photo: Remi
Spire Segments Delivered to the Syracuse Utah Temple Site
The segments for the spire of the Syracuse Utah Temple were delivered by flatbed trailer today. The brass-colored structure will rise from the top of the windowed tower that sits over the front of the building. The temple is the third to be constructed in Davis County. The first was the Bountiful Utah Temple, dedicated in 1995. The second was the Layton Utah Temple, which is expected to be dedicated in 2024.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Open House Begins for the Okinawa Japan Temple
A public open house for the Okinawa Japan Temple will be held daily from Saturday, September 23, through October 7, except Sundays. Elder Erich W. Kopischke of the Seventy addressed invited guests and journalists at a media event held today. The design derives from traditional Okinawan architecture. The arches over the windows are inspired by portals in traditional stone walls, like those at the Shurijo Castle, Nakagusuku Castle and Sogenji Temple. The decorative floral band that connects the arches alludes to the traditional karamon gate. The exterior stone is Sunset Gold Chinese granite from Wenshang, Shandong Province. The art glass design is inspired by Okinawan bingata stencils and patterns. Many native plants adorn the temple, such as fountain palms, sago palms and Chinese hibiscus.
Photo: Joseline Garcia
Safety Fence Removed from the Cobán Guatemala Temple
The orange safety fence that stood along the street in front of the Cobán Guatemala Temple has been removed, as construction of this house of the Lord nears completion. Plans to build the temple were announced nearly 4 years ago at the October 2019 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A groundbreaking was held 13 months later in November 2020.
Photo: Derrik Walton
Building Permit Issued for the Cody Wyoming Temple
On Monday, September 18, the City of Cody issued a building permit for the Cody Wyoming Temple with a statement explaining the decision to move forward, despite pending petitions, cross-petitions, and injunctions filed by the Church and the Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods group in District Court. "With careful deliberation and a profound commitment to addressing community concerns, the City Council dedicated its efforts toward easing tensions and fostering collaboration among these groups to seek a resolution," the statement read. "During this time, the LDS Church representatives from Salt Lake City expressed that any further delay in the permit issuance would result in construction setbacks and significant financial losses, necessitating them to take legal action in federal court to recover damages and legal expenses." This federal lawsuit would be separate from the District Court appeals. "Engaging in a protracted legal battle does not align with our values, and we have a responsibility to be prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars," the statement said.
Photo: Bruno Lima | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Brasília Brazil Temple Dedicated by Elder Andersen
"Brazil will never be the same after the dedication of this temple," said Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the dedication of the Brasília Brazil Temple on Sunday, September 17, 2023. "And we should not be the same either," he added. He called the temple unique because of its location in Brazil’s capital city and said, "The influence of the temple will touch the entire nation." He, and all who spoke in the dedicatory sessions, spoke in Portuguese without the aid of live interpretation.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Bednar Returns to Arkansas to Dedicate the Bentonville Arkansas Temple
"We are blessed to witness and participate in the ongoing fulfillment of prophecies that holy houses of the Lord will dot the earth," said Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at today's dedication of the Bentonville Arkansas Temple. "Surely the Lord is hastening His work in marvelous ways all around the world." When the Bednars came to live in Northwest Arkansas in August 1980, there were only about 2,000 Latter-day Saints in the area of the new temple district. Now there are between 35,000 and 40,000 members of the Church.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Elder Cook Dedicates the Moses Lake Washington Temple
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Moses Lake Washington Temple today. He quoted from an October 2018 address by President Russell M. Nelson, saying "I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples." Elder Cook was accompanied by his wife, Sister Mary Cook; Elder Mark A. Bragg, General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s North America West Area, and his wife, Sister Yvonne Bragg; and Elder Shayne M. Bowen, also a General Authority Seventy and assistant executive director of the Temple Department, and his wife, Sister Lynette Bowen.
Photo: Bruce Christensen
Steeple Framing Progress at the Smithfield Utah Temple
Framing of the steeple on the south end of the Smithfield Utah Temple is making excellent progress. The structure will have an octagonal-shaped body with four windows topped with a domed cupola, lantern, and finial. The exterior of the temple is at various stages of completion with some portions still being framed and other portions sheathed and waterproofed. Temporary lighting can be seen on the main level where early interior work is progressing.
Photo: Colorado Grand Junction Temple Facebook page
Visitors' Trailer at the Grand Junction Colorado Temple to Close Temporarily
A rainbow patch was recently captured above the horizon at the Grand Junction Colorado Temple site where stone cladding of the building's exterior continues. A metal manufacturer is currently producing the shingles for the cupola and the finial that will rise from the top. The missionary couple at the visitors' trailer is reminding guests that the trailer will be temporarily closed from October 5–24, 2023.
Photo: Mike Ladle
Exterior Lighting of the Tallahassee Florida Temple
The exterior lighting system for the Tallahassee Florida Temple is operating, bathing the beautiful building in heavenly light at night. Construction has progressed smoothly over the past 27 months with portions of the landscaping and interior left to be completed. "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5).
Photo: Templo de Salvador (Obra) Instagram page
Weeds Cleared Around the Salvador Brazil Temple Site
Crews can be seen along the terraced hillside northeast of the Salvador Brazil Temple where numerous weeds have been cleared. Cladding of the intricate upper structures of the temple continues with both the northeast and northwest parapets completed. Following the dedication of the Brasília Brazil Temple this Sunday, the Salvador temple will be the next in line for dedication in Brazil.
Photo: Okinawa Japan Temple Facebook page
Preparing for the Open House of the Okinawa Japan Temple
Open house tents are going up at the Okinawa Japan Temple where open house committee members are busily working to make the final preparations. The open house will begin with a media event held on Thursday, September 21—one week from today. The public is warmly invited to tour this newly constructed house of the Lord from Saturday, September 23 through Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Photo: Steve Miller
Trees Delivered to the Syracuse Utah Temple Grounds
Soft landscaping is getting underway on the grounds of the Syracuse Utah Temple where trees have been delivered for planting. The majority of the hardscape is in place, and irrigation lines have been installed. The temple is one of ten currently under construction in the state of Utah at various stages of the completion. The Orem Utah Temple is finished and will be dedicated in January while the Heber Valley Utah Temple has had a groundbreaking, but full-scale construction has not yet begun.
Photo: Yorba Linda LDS Temple Instagram page
First Concrete Pour for the Yorba Linda California Temple
The first concrete pour for the footings of the Yorba Linda California Temple took place last month on Tuesday, August 15. Concrete workers carefully leveled each load that was delivered by the numerous cement trucks. Crews are now forming the walls for the partial basement and setting rebar for the footings of the main level. Guests to the construction site receive wonderful presentations on the project at the on-site Information Center.
Photo: Jared Fugal
Forming the Entrance Pavilions at the Salt Lake Temple
On the north side of the Salt Lake Temple, forming is progressing for the walls of the west entrance pavilion on top of the three-story underground addition. The recommend desk will be located on the top level of the addition under an immense skylight. Patrons entering through the pavilions will descend one level to the main foyer before passing into the temple. On the south side, construction of the visitors' pavilions is moving above ground. Framing, duct work, and wiring is getting underway on the basement level where replica ordinance rooms will give guests an ongoing temple open house experience.
Photo: John Lowe | J.H.L. Photography
Steeple Installed on the Farmington New Mexico Temple
A major construction milestone was reached for the Farmington New Mexico Temple yesterday. The steeple, which had been assembled on site in two segments, was hefted by crane and secured to the top of the building at the center of the steeple pedestal. Narrow panes of stained glass were glazed in the steeple before it was set in place. Most of the building has been clad in stone.
Photo: Google
Location of the Lagos Nigeria Temple Site Revealed
The location for the Lagos Nigeria Temple has been announced by the First Presidency as a 2.7-acre site located at the intersection of Rumens Road and Bourdillon Road in the Ikoyi neighborhood of Lagos. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 19,800 square feet. An arrival center and patron housing will also be constructed on the site. No rendering or groundbreaking date have been released.
Photo: Google
Location Announced for the Benin City Nigeria Temple
The First Presidency has announced the location for the Benin City Nigeria Temple, which will be built on a 2.17-acre site at 16 Commercial Avenue in Benin City. Plans call for a two-story temple of approximately 30,700 square feet with an accompanying arrival center and patron housing facility. Detailed design plans are still being developed. No rendering or groundbreaking date have been released at this time.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Updated Rendering Released for the Kona Hawaii Temple
The Kona Hawaii Temple will close at the end of the day on Saturday, September 30, for an extensive renovation and enlargement project. An updated exterior rendering for the temple has been released, which features a shorter steeple and no angel Moroni statue. Kailua-Kona is located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The renovations are expected to be completed by late 2025.
Photo: Google
Structures Removed from the Tarawa Kiribati Temple Site
A satellite image of the Tarawa Kiribati Temple property captured in June shows that the former structures on site have been removed. The location and rendering for the temple were released almost two and a half years ago, but no groundbreaking date has been announced. The temple will stand on the 0.8-acre property across from the Kiribati House of Parliament in Ambo, South Tarawa.
Photo: Ethan Searle
Cladding the North End of the Burley Idaho Temple
White billowy clouds slowly drift over South Central Idaho where crews are busily working to construct the Burley Idaho Temple. With cladding largely completed on the east and west sides of the building, work is now progressing on the north end where the baptistry and celestial room will be located.
Photo: Beth Ar
Construction of the Salta Argentina Temple Wrapping Up
Construction of the Salta Argentina Temple is drawing to a close. Once the building is turned over to the Church, the temple will be furnished and prepared to receive guests at a public open house. The dates for the open house and dedication have not yet been announced. Once dedicated, it will become the third temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in operation in Argentina.
Photo: Robert O'Connor
Structural Walls Rising for the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple
The exterior walls for the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple are making their upward climb. Although metal forms are traditionally used to cast concrete walls in place, this project will use insulated concrete forms—a newer product that was also used in the construction of the Moses Lake Washington Temple. Insulated concrete forms combine insulation, moisture protection, and steel bar holders into interlocking, stay-in-place blocks that are more efficient and effective than traditional methods.
Photo: GRUPO Negrense
Steeple Frame Staged for the Bacolod Philippines Temple
The steeple frame for the Bacolod Philippines Temple has been staged on site well in advance of its installation. Foundation walls for the temple are in place, and work has begun on installing the floor deck for the main level. The ancillary building has been framed and sheathed, and drywall installation is underway on the interior. Numerous building projects are underway in the booming city, which is considered the Philippines' third fastest growing economy.
Photo: Keith Bond
Building the Structural Walls for the Port Vila Vanuatu Temple
Scaffolding has been erected and concrete blocks are being set for the structural walls of the Port Vila Vanuatu Temple. Work began on the foundations for the temple and ancillary building shortly after the groundbreaking was held five months ago. The groundbreaking was delayed by one month because the island was impacted by cyclones shortly before the originally scheduled event.
