New Temple Milestones Announced Across Latin America and the United States

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a series of upcoming milestones for temples in Brazil, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the United States, marking continued expansion and increased access to temple worship for members around the world. The Church Newsroom update includes open house and dedication dates for three temples in Latin America, along with a groundbreaking date for a new temple in Montana.

These developments reflect both logistical progress and a broader spiritual emphasis on bringing temple ordinances closer to members. Church leaders continue to frame temple construction as a central part of strengthening individuals and families through sacred covenants.

Brazil: Belo Horizonte Temple Nears Completion

In Brazil, the Belo Horizonte Temple has entered its final phase before dedication, with a media day scheduled for June 10, 2026. Invited guests will tour the temple on June 11 and 12, followed by a public open house running from June 13 through June 27, excluding Sundays.

The temple will be dedicated on August 16, 2026, with the dedicatory session broadcast to congregations throughout the district. This event will mark another major addition to the Church’s presence in a country that continues to see steady growth in membership.

Brazil is home to more than 1.5 million Latter-day Saints who gather in over 2,000 congregations. The Belo Horizonte Temple will join an expanding network of temples across the country, including locations in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and several other major cities.

When the temple was first announced in 2021, Russell M. Nelson emphasized the spiritual significance of temple ordinances. He taught that these sacred experiences bring power and strength into the lives of those who participate.

Guatemala: Expanding Access in a Growing Region

In Guatemala, preparations are underway for the Miraflores Guatemala City Temple, which will become the country’s fourth operating temple. A media day will take place on August 24, 2026, followed by invited guest tours on August 25 and 26.

The public will be invited to attend an open house from August 27 through September 12, excluding Sundays. The temple will then be dedicated on October 11, 2026, under the direction of Gerrit W. Gong, with the session broadcast to congregations in the surrounding district.

More than 292,000 Latter-day Saints live in Guatemala, meeting in nearly 440 congregations. The Miraflores temple will strengthen an established network that already includes temples in Cobán, Guatemala City, and Quetzaltenango.

Church leaders have also begun construction on a temple in Huehuetenango and announced another in Retalhuleu. These efforts reflect continued growth and an increasing need to make temple worship more accessible across the country.

Nicaragua: A First Temple for the Nation

In Nicaragua, the Managua Temple will mark a historic milestone as the country’s first temple. A media day will be held on September 7, 2026, followed by private tours on September 8 and 9.

The public open house will run from September 10 through September 26, excluding Sundays. The temple will be dedicated on October 18, 2026, with Ronald A. Rasband presiding.

Nearly 104,000 Latter-day Saints live in Nicaragua, gathering in more than 100 congregations. Until now, many members have traveled outside the country to participate in temple ordinances, making this temple a long-anticipated development.

When the temple was announced in 2018, President Nelson described the Church’s message as an invitation to come unto Jesus Christ and receive the blessings of the temple. His words reflected the broader purpose behind temple expansion efforts worldwide.

Montana: Groundbreaking in Missoula

In the United States, the Missoula Montana Temple will begin construction with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 6, 2026. José A. Teixeira will preside at the event, marking the official start of the project.

The temple was originally announced in April 2022 and will serve members across western Montana and surrounding regions. Its construction will expand access for those who currently travel long distances to attend existing temples.

Montana is home to more than 52,000 Latter-day Saints who meet in nearly 140 congregations. The state currently has temples in Billings and Helena, and the addition of the Missoula Temple will further strengthen the Church’s presence in the region.

Church leaders have consistently emphasized the importance of temples as sacred spaces distinct from regular meetinghouses. These buildings are dedicated to ordinances that unite families and individuals beyond this life, reinforcing their central role in Latter-day Saint worship.

A Global Effort to Bring Temples Closer

Across all four announcements, a consistent pattern emerges of steady growth paired with intentional outreach. Each open house invites the public to better understand the purpose of temples, while each dedication formally sets apart a space for sacred worship.

These milestones highlight the Church’s continued effort to bring temple blessings closer to members around the world. As new temples open and others move toward completion, they represent both physical progress and a deepening commitment to the faith’s central teachings.