The Idaho Falls Idaho Temple was the first temple built in Idaho and is located on the picturesque banks of the Snake River on 1000 Memorial Drive. President George Albert Smith announced plans to build the temple on March 3, 1937, and it was dedicated on Sept. 23, 1945. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
SALT LAKE CITY — After more than 14 months of closures and limited services, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be moving 60 temples into their Phase 3 of reopening.
This change will once again allow for all living ordinances as well as a limited number of proxy ordinances for deceased ancestors by appointment.
Previous to Tuesday’s announcement, the church only had 27 of their 168 open and operating temples in Phase 3.
The exact dates of the reopenings have not yet been released, but the church said for the following 60 temples members will receive an email instructing them how to make online reservations in June or July.
In total, all of Utah’s 17 temples, which entered Phase 2B in April, are expected to enter Phase 3 in the next two months. They are:
The church said, “Key precautions are in place for temple workers and patrons, including masks worn at all times, limited numbers of patrons in the temple at a time, minimal staff in the temple, sanitization after each temple ceremony, careful social distancing and seating arrangements, and temperature checks at the entrance.”
“As individuals, as families and as church, we will be judged by how we treat the vulnerable and the disadvantaged in our societies,” said Elder Dale G. Renlund of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads around the world, it wreaks havoc among those who are already disadvantaged. Sadly, responses to the pandemic have been politicized and contentious. Ours need not be. As we anticipate performing more proxy ordinances in the temples, we do for others what they cannot do for themselves. Without these blessings, these deceased individuals are profoundly disadvantaged.
“The Savior taught that the second great commandment, after loving God, was “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” As it relates to this pandemic, especially in temples, that means social distancing, wearing a mask, and not gathering in large groups. These steps demonstrate our love for others and provide us a measure of protection. Wearing a face covering is a sign of Christlike love for our brothers and sisters.”
“Returning to the temples is something we have prayed for and looked forward to with great anticipation,” said Elder David A. Bednar also of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “We rejoice in the opportunity to again serve and worship in holy temples, even if our experience will be different because of constraining circumstances and additional sacrifices we are asked to make.”
The full list of temples that will enter Phase 3 of reopening in the next two months follows: