First Presidency Tours Salt Lake Temple as Renovation Nears Completion

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints toured the Salt Lake Temple on Friday, December 12, 2025, as the historic building entered the final phase of its extensive renovation. As reported by Church Newsroom, the visit offered Church leaders a firsthand look at progress made on the structure that has stood at the heart of Temple Square for more than a century.

Church President Dallin H. Oaks, accompanied by his wife, Kristen, was joined by his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson. President Christofferson’s wife, Kathy, also attended the tour, along with the Presiding Bishopric, whose responsibilities include overseeing the Church’s temporal and physical resources. Together, the leaders moved through portions of the temple that are nearing readiness after years of careful restoration and seismic upgrades.

Renovation work on the Salt Lake Temple began on December 30, 2019, temporarily closing the building to allow for structural reinforcement, modernization, and preservation of its historic character. As construction advances toward completion, the temple is preparing for its next chapter, including a public open house scheduled to take place from April through October 2027. During that time, members of the public will be invited to tour both the temple interior and the surrounding areas of Temple Square before the building is rededicated for sacred use.

During the December tour, the First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric visited several key interior spaces, including one of the temple’s two baptistries, marriage sealing rooms, and other rooms used for sacred ordinances. Church leaders have remained closely involved throughout the renovation process, offering guidance and oversight as updates were made to preserve the temple’s spiritual purpose while ensuring its long-term safety and functionality.

The significance of temples within the faith was emphasized publicly just weeks earlier during the October 2025 general conference. In his remarks, President Oaks taught, “The ordinances received [in temples] enable us to return as eternal families to the presence of our Heavenly Father.” His statement reflected the central role temples play in the worship and spiritual life of Church members worldwide.

For Latter-day Saints, temples are regarded as houses of the Lord—places set apart from the world where individuals and families draw closer to Jesus Christ. Within these sacred walls, worshippers learn about God’s plan for His children, make covenants to live Christlike lives, and participate in ordinances believed to unite families eternally. The Salt Lake Temple, as the Church’s most recognized and historic temple, holds particular spiritual and symbolic importance for members across the globe.

As renovation efforts move steadily toward completion, the December 2025 visit underscored both progress made and anticipation for what lies ahead. When the doors of the Salt Lake Temple open again—first to the public and then to worshippers—it will stand renewed, strengthened, and prepared to continue its sacred mission for generations to come.

What are your thoughts about the Salt Lake Temple renovation? Are you excited or nervous to see the changes? Share with us in the comments!

Holly Wallace

Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.