The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced groundbreaking dates for three new temples. Photo credit: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced groundbreaking dates for temples in California, Idaho, and Utah today. The Church also released a rendering of the planned Ephraim, Utah temple.
The Church’s President Russell M. Nelson first announced the opening of the temples in April 2021.
Utah’s newest temple is set for Smithfield. The groundbreaking ceremony will be on June 18. Utah currently has 14 operating temples, though several more are under construction or announced.
The temple in Yorba Linda, California will also have its groundbreaking ceremony on June 18. The temple will be the ninth temple in California.
In Burley, Idaho, the groundbreaking will be on June 4. The Burley temple will be the seventh temple in Idaho.
The Church differentiates temples from meetinghouses or chapels. Each temple is considered a “house of the Lord” and is designated for ceremonies like weddings or baptisms. Meetinghouses and chapels are where members attend weekly services.
In May 2021, the Church announced a temple would be built in Ephraim, Utah. It also announced new renderings of the planned temple were now available. The temple will be built in Ephraim at the intersection of 200 North and 400 East.