Here at LDSDaily.com, we know that members of the church sure love temples. However, I would only hear about the status of a temple when it was announced, during the groundbreaking ceremony, the open house, the placement of the Angel Moroni, and the dedication. However, there is so much more going on with these sacred buildings that we just never hear about. So, we decided to post weekly (every Sunday) updates about the temples from around the world. What better way to stay up to date on what is going on with His holy houses.
Thanks to members of the church worldwide and our friends at LDSChurchTemples.com for providing these updates. If you have updates (including pictures or video) about a temple near you, feel free to send it to calledtoshare (at) ldsdaily.com.
Tucson Temple Update
Construction Update: Exterior panels were installed at the Tucson Arizona Temple. The dome is ready to be covered with shingles and topped with a “lantern” on which the Angel Moroni will be placed. The height of the building will be 86.6 feet.
Temple Facts: The Tucson Arizona Temple was announced in the October 2012 session of General Conference. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2015 by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The temple will be approximately 34,000 square feet, will serve members from ten stakes. The Tucson Arizona Temple will be the sixth temple in Arizona. Estimated completion is late 2017 to early 2018.
Star Valley Temple Update
Construction Update: The Star Valley Wyoming Temple is nearing its final steps. The Angel Moroni statue is planned to be placed on the spire on April 25 at 11:00 am.
Temple Facts: The Star Valley Wyoming Temple was announced in the October 2011 session of General Conference. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in April 2015 by Elder Craig C. Christensen. The temple will be approximately 17,000 square feet, will serve members in the following six stakes: Afton Wyoming Stake, Kemmerer Wyoming Stake, Montpelier Idaho Stake, Montpelier Idaho South Stake, Soda Springs Idaho Stake, and Thayne Wyoming Stake. The Star Valley Wyoming temple will be the first built in the state of Wyoming. The dedication will be held on October 30.
Sapporo Temple Update
Construction Update: The Sapporo Japan Temple is nearing its dedication date of August 21. New photos are available of the temple.
Temple Facts: The Sapporo Japan Temple was announced in the October 2009 session of General Conference. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2011 by Elder Gary E Stevenson. Temple grounds will also be occupied by by a mission office, temple missionary housing, temple patron housing, a arrival center, and a future meetinghouse. The open house will begin on Friday, July 8 and continue through Saturday July 23, 2016. The temple will be dedicated on Sunday, August 21, 2016.
Paris Temple Update
Construction Update: The Paris France Temple landscaping has been progressing. New photos show the planting of trees and other elements. The exterior of the housing facility is complete.
Temple Facts: The Paris France Temple was announced in the October 2011 session of General Conference by President Thomas S. Monson. The groundbreaking ceremony was not held, making this temple one of two that did not have a traditional groundbreaking ceremony. Temple grounds will include a housing facility, temple president residence, underground parking, and landscaped grounds open to the public. It is estimated to be completed in late 2016 or early 2017.
First Temple Visitors’ Center in South America
Construction Update: The São Paulo Brazil Temple will be receiving a new visitors’ center. The housing facility is rarely used and will be the location of the visitors’ center. This will be the first visitors’ center in South America. A metro station is currently under construction next to the site as well.
Temple Facts: The The São Paulo Brazil Temple was announced in the the 1975 São Paulo Brazil Area Conference by President Spencer W. Kimball. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 1976 by James E. Faust. The temple is approximately 59,246 square feet and was the first temple in South America. It was rededicated in 2004 and is the 17th operating temple.
Four New Temples Announced
In a General Conference session on April 3, President Thomas S. Monson announced four new temples.
- Harare, Zimbabwe
- Quito, Ecuador
- Belém, Brazil
- Lima, Peru
New Video Featuring Temples
The Mormon Newsroom released “The World Report” which featured a new video with the groundbreakings of five temples and a few dedications and cultural celebrations.
