News
Photo: Luciano Carvalho
Tower Walls in Place for the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple
Concrete forms have been stripped away from the walls of the central tower that rises over the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple. Two tiers of window openings are present on all four sides of the tower. The roof planned for the structure will be roughly pyramidal in shape and topped with a finial. Early work is also underway on the terraced landscaping planned for the grounds that slope behind the temple toward the street.
Photo: Garrett Ammesmaki | Cody Enterprise
Modular Units for the Cody Wyoming Temple Moved
The white modular units for the Cody Wyoming Temple that have been stored behind the Y-Tex building on Big Horn Avenue for the past year are being moved to private property adjacent to the temple site. "The church is not yet commencing construction of the temple," said President Edwards, Second Counselor in the Cody Wyoming Stake. Rather, the land where the modules were being stored is needed for a planned expansion, according to owner Glenn Nielson. The community dispute over the planned location for the temple has quieted down over the past few months, as lawsuits have been considered by a district judge. However, the judge is expected to conduct a hearing and issue a decision later this month.
Photo: Google
Structural Frame Rising for the Freetown Sierra Leone Temple
A satellite image taken last month of the Freetown Sierra Leone Temple site shows the progress being made on building the load-bearing walls and posts for the temple and ancillary building. A roof is being installed over the temple, starting on the west side, and the support for the baptismal font is visible on the east. The walls for the two-story ancillary building are nearly finished where patrons will have arrival and housing facilities.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Austin Texas Temple Groundbreaking Services Announced
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, ground will be broken for the Austin Texas Temple. Elder Michael A. Dunn, Second Counselor in the North America Southwest Area Presidency, will preside at the event and offer the site dedicatory prayer. Attendance at the temple site will be by invitation only. The 30,000-square-foot temple will be built on a 10.6-acre site adjacent to an existing meetinghouse located at 1801 E Park St in Cedar Park.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
June Groundbreaking Slated for the Santa Cruz Bolivia Temple
Groundbreaking services for the Santa Cruz Bolivia Temple have been scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2024. Elder Jorge F. Zeballos, president of the South America Northwest Area, will preside at the event and offer the site dedicatory prayer. Attendance at the temple site will be by invitation only. There is currently one dedicated temple in Bolivia, the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple. The Santa Cruz temple will be the second in the country, and a rendering has been released for the third, the La Paz Bolivia Temple.
Photo: Teixeira Duarte Eng Const BR
Open House and Dedication Scheduled for the Salvador Brazil Temple
The Salvador Brazil Temple will open to the public for free tours beginning Thursday, August 22, and continuing through Saturday, September 7, 2024 (excluding Sundays). Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the temple in two sessions at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. UTC on Sunday, October 20, 2024. Both sessions will be broadcast to all units in the temple district. Prior to the open house, a media day will be held on Monday, August 19, followed by two days of tours for invited guests.
Photo: Matthew Christensen
Installing the Ornamentation for the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple Spires
Crews have installed the golden finial and precast ornamentation that decorate the main central spire of the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple. Work has also begun on attaching precast panels to the four smaller spires, while wall panels are secured to the temple's exterior. Curbing has been poured for some of the driveway and parking areas, and more windows have been installed in the ancillary building. It is the first temple to be constructed in Cambodia.
Photo: Rofelix Media
Happy Saints of Zimbabwe Look Forward to a Temple in Harare
A group of happy saints stand in front of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple holding the Church publication from October 2010 entitled Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It explains the importance, purpose, and history of the Church's temples. The temple in Harare is the first to be constructed in the country of Zimbabwe. The area between the housing buildings is currently being landscaped.
Photo: Brent R.
Entrance Pavilions Rising North of the Salt Lake Temple
On the north side of the Salt Lake Temple, the concrete frames for the entrance pavilions have been erected, and steel framing for the roof of the west pavilion is underway. Between the pavilions, a tower crane rises through a rectangular opening, which will become a large skylight over the main foyer and recommend desk. Scaffolding has been removed from the east central spire where the brilliantly refurbished statue of the angel Moroni stands. Massive post-tension cables are being threaded through conduits in the transfer beams on the east and west sides of the temple foundation. Base isolators can also be seen on the west end.
Photo: Robert O'Connor
Beautiful Sunrise at the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple
Beams from the morning sun backlight the gray clouds over the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple on another day of construction. The structural frame for the temple topped out at the end of March, and a flag still flies over the steeple frame. On the exterior, the work of sheathing, waterproofing, and cladding all continue. The temple is rising on a picturesque site at the base of tree-covered hill in Springfield, Oregon.
Photo: Kent Taylor
Forming the Footings for the Knoxville Tennessee Temple Foundation
Inside the excavation pit at the Knoxville Tennessee Temple site, crews are forming the footings for the basement walls and baptismal font. Aggregate is being spread on the ground where the footings for the main level will be installed, and work continues on the storm drainage system. The temple is located in a wooded area in the suburb of Farragut.
Photo: Kael Wilcox
Cladding Progress at the Smithfield Utah Temple
Beautiful stone cladding is steadily moving up the south side of the Smithfield Utah Temple. The temple stands in a valley with deep pioneer roots, and the design reflects that heritage. Smithfield was settled in October 1859 by brothers Robert and John Thornley and their cousin Seth Langton, who were sent north from Salt Lake City by President Brigham Young to found a settlement on Summit Creek. The settlement was originally named Summit but was later renamed Smithfield after the first bishop, John Glover Smith, who was called in 1860.
Photo: Remi
Cladding the Syracuse Utah Temple Monument Sign
The concrete core and footing for the monument sign of the Syracuse Utah Temple have been installed, and several pieces of stone cladding are in place, coordinating beautifully with the temple exterior. Cladding of the temple began nearly two years ago, and very little remains to be completed. The Syracuse temple is the third to be constructed in Davis County, following the Bountiful Utah Temple (1995) and Layton Utah Temple (2024), which will be dedicated next month.
Photo: Santiago Garcia
Construction of the Antofagasta Chile Temple Nears Completion
Nearly 42 months ago, ground was broken for the Antofagasta Chile Temple that now stands as a beautiful landmark on the northern end of the city. On that occasion, Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the South America South Area presidency said in his dedicatory prayer, "I invite us all to…remove the rocks that weaken our foundation and prepare our spirits with firm foundations to support life's trials and to stand tall in the face of the adversity."
Photo: Julián Mansilla
Advancements on the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple Complex
The guardhouse and maintenance building for the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple stand on the northeast side of the property, sharing the same brick exterior as the ancillary building. The temple is being faced with a light-colored stone, setting it apart from the other buildings. Cladding is nearly completed on two sides of the temple, and the roof has been shingled. It is one of seven temples dedicated, under construction, or planned for Argentina.
Photo: Sean Wilhelm
Scaffolding Coming Off the San Diego California Temple
Scaffolding has been a familiar sight at the San Diego California Temple for the past six months, but that is beginning to the change. As renovation of the sacred edifice progresses, scaffolding has been removed from the double towers where the refurbished white walls, blue glass, and gold-leafed tower ornaments sparkle under the sun. On the interior, modifications to the floor plan will allow for larger sealing groups.
Photo: Rodrigo Quib Cucul
Cupola Frame Added to the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
The cupola frame has been secured to the top of the tower that rises over the center of the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. The exterior walls are being wrapped in a vapor barrier to protect the porous concrete from moisture damage. Box fans are being used in some of the window openings to circulate fresh air through the building.
Photo: Google
Cincinnati Ohio Temple Location Released to the Public
On Monday, April 29, the location of the Cincinnati Ohio Temple was announced as a 35-acre site located at the intersection of Mason-Montgomery Road and Cedar Village Drive in the northern suburb of Mason. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 29,630 square feet. With detailed design plans still under development, a rendering and groundbreaking date will be released later.
Photo: Alexander Zarkowski
Location for the Des Moines Iowa Temple Announced
The location for the Des Moines Iowa Temple has been announced as a 19.576-acre site at 9050 NW 62nd Avenue in the suburb of Johnston. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 18,850 square feet. It will be the first temple built in the state. Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in Iowa with more than 200,000 residents. An exterior rendering and groundbreaking date will be released later, as detailed design plans are still under development.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Exterior Rendering Released for the Lethbridge Alberta Temple
An exterior rendering for the Lethbridge Alberta Temple has been released. The temple will be constructed on a 9-acre site at the corner of Whoop Up Drive West and Mauretania Road West in Lethbridge. Plans call for a temple of approximately 45,000 square feet with an accompanying distribution center. The temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson in April 2023. The site location announced in September 2023.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
News Conference Held for the Salta Argentina Temple
Local government officials and more than 20 media organizations participated in a news conference this morning for the newly constructed Salta Argentina Temple. The temple's architecture and design reflect the region's rich heritage, honoring the cardon cactus flower, a prominent plant in the area, and the guarda pampa pattern motif, traditionally used in regional costumes and handcrafts. Free tours for the general public begin on Friday, May 3, and continue through Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., excluding Sundays.
Photo: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
President Dallin H. Oaks Dedicates the Urdaneta Philippines Temple
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the Urdaneta Philippines Temple today. It is the 190th dedicated temple in operation and the third in the Philippines. "I often tell people that the greatest period of my growth as an Apostle was the two years in the Philippines," said President Oaks, who served there as Area President from 2002 to 2004. Sister Kristen M. Oaks said, "We have so many memories here. It was an incredible time." Elder Carlos G. Revillo, Jr., a General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, said, "The presence of President and Sister Oaks here adds significance to the dedication. We deeply love them. To hear him dedicate this House of the Lord in Urdaneta is very significant. I see it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me and the Filipino saints."
Photo: Random Life Observer
Temples Dotting the Land in the Philippines
While Filipino Saints prepare for tomorrow's dedication of the country's third temple, the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, construction is advancing on three more temples: the Alabang Philippines Temple, the Davao Philippines Temple, and the Bacolod Philippines Temple (pictured). Seven additional temples have been announced the Philippines for a total of thirteen. Exterior cladding of the Bacolod temple is progressing.
Photo: Christine Lake
Cladding the West Side of the Montpelier Idaho Temple
On the exterior of the Montpelier Idaho Temple, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels are moving up the west walls. GFRC is a strong but lightweight alternative to architectural precast and natural stone that faithfully reproduces the look of these more expensive products. It allows for the widest possible range of artistic and architectural expression. Glass has been installed in several of the window openings, and much of the interior has been framed.
Photo: Tyler Moulton
Captivating Progress on the Demolition of the Provo Utah Temple
It's been eight days since Moroni left his post on the Provo Utah Temple, and much has happened since then. The entire steeple has been removed except for the base tier, major portions of the ground floor have been demolished, and the east retaining wall is coming out. Work recently began on removing the panels from the upper floors by using a breaker attachment that functions like a jackhammer. Numerous trees have been cut down and chipped into massive piles.
Photo: Brent R.
Curbing Installed for the West Parking Lot of the Lindon Utah Temple
Concrete crews have nearly finished installing the curbing for the west parking lot of the Lindon Utah Temple. Planters are in place for the front plaza and will soon be ready for the application of granite cladding. Framers are attaching studs to the base of the north steeple ahead of sheathing and granite cladding, while landscapers are preparing the grounds for grass sod and other landscaping by spreading topsoil over the bare ground.
Photo: Ebick Ngoma
Construction of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple Continues
Ivorian Saints look forward to the completion of their country's first temple, the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple. The West African country, known as Côte d’Ivoire in French, was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel in 1987 when just a handful of members who had been baptized in other countries lived there. Ten years later in 1997, the first stake was organized. Today, there are 20 stakes and 12 districts.
Photo: Norman R. Vado
Steeple Frame Erected for the Managua Nicaragua Temple
The steel frame for the steeple of the Managua Nicaragua Temple has been erected over the center of the pedestal. The tiered structure will feature a windowed lantern topped with a domed cupola and finial. The main floor exterior walls have been coated with a concrete sealer, and pilaster frames have been secured to the corners. Construction is also progressing on the on-site meetinghouse and ancillary building.
Photo: Robert Henningson
Hardscaping the Ephraim Utah Temple Grounds
Concrete crews have poured the walls for a landscape feature on the front lawn of the Ephraim Utah Temple. Progress is also being made on installing sidewalks and walkways. Sections of the cupola have been staged northwest of the temple where shingles are being attached before the cupola is fully assembled for installation. Exterior cladding continues to be secured to the south and west walls of the temple.
Photo: Jim Hughes
Excavation for the Foundation of the Anchorage Alaska Temple
Excavation has begun for the foundation of the new Anchorage Alaska Temple. At 30,000 square feet, the beautifully designed facility will greatly improve the patron experience in Alaska. The original temple was constructed on a sliver of land at the edge of the stake center parking lot. At just 6,800 square feet, the building was constructed in less than 9 months and soon proved to be undersized. Just four years after its dedication in 1999, the temple closed for an expansion that added over 5,000 square feet. The Alaskan saints now look forward to their new temple, which will serve for many years to come.
