Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Maine received historic news during a Christmas devotional held Sunday evening, December 14, 2025, when it was announced that a temple will be built in Portland.
According to Church Newsroom, the announcement was delivered in person by Elder Allen D. Haynie, a General Authority Seventy and president of the United States Northeast Area, marking a significant departure from the traditional way temple announcements have been made for decades.
Elder Haynie read an official statement from the First Presidency, sharing the news with members gathered in the Portland Maine Stake:
“We are pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Portland, Maine. The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later. This is a reason for all of us to rejoice and thank God for such a significant blessing — one that will allow more frequent access to the ordinances, covenants, and power that can only be found in the house of the Lord.”
The First Presidency
The Portland Maine Temple will be the first temple built in the state, representing a major milestone for Latter-day Saints in the region. With this announcement, the total number of temples announced, under construction, or operating throughout the world reached 383.
Beyond the announcement itself, the setting and method of delivery were also notable. Elder Haynie explained that the First Presidency recently approved a new approach to announcing temples, allowing such announcements to be made locally by senior Church leaders when directed.
“In a recent meeting of the First Presidency of the Church, a decision was made that, when directed by the First Presidency, the announcement of the construction of a new temple should be made on location by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or a member of an Area Presidency,” Elder Haynie said.
He added that this moment represented a first in Church history. “Such an announcement by a member of an Area Presidency has never occurred before. Tonight will be the first time.”
Elder Haynie also addressed questions that had surfaced following recent remarks by Church leaders regarding temple announcements, offering clarity for members. “President Oaks did not say there would be no further announcements of new temples,” he said. “Only that the timing and location of future announcements would be determined later.”
For Latter-day Saints in Maine, the announcement carries deep spiritual and practical significance. Currently, Church members in the state travel long distances to attend the Boston Massachusetts Temple. The future Portland Maine Temple will greatly reduce that burden, making temple worship, sacred ordinances, and covenant participation more accessible to individuals and families across the region.
The announcement took place during a Christmas devotional titled “Come Let Us Adore Him,” a gathering focused on worshipping Jesus Christ through music and message. Elder Haynie was joined by his wife, Deborah Haynie, as members and guests filled the meetinghouse, many unaware that the evening would bring news that would permanently shape the future of the Church in Maine.
While no details about the temple’s specific location, design, or construction timeline have yet been released, the announcement itself signaled a new chapter of growth and preparation. Elder Haynie encouraged members to look ahead spiritually, inviting them to prepare their hearts and lives for the blessings that come from temple worship.
As plans move forward, the Portland Maine Temple will stand as a sacred house of the Lord, a place of peace, covenant, and connection to Jesus Christ, and a symbol of the Church’s continued commitment to gathering Israel and strengthening faith in communities around the world.
What do you think of this new way to announce temples? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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.
I think it is wonderful that the people that the temple will serve the most hears it first.
This is a delightful new method
Definitely inspired, another step forward.