New Developments in the Mormon Church: Groundbreaking Dates Announced

The Mormon Church, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently made significant announcements regarding the construction of new temples across the United States and Nigeria. These developments aim to enhance spiritual opportunities for members and provide access to sacred facilities where they can engage in worship and community service.

Jacksonville Florida Temple: Groundbreaking Scheduled

The First Presidency of the Mormon Church has set the groundbreaking date for the much-anticipated Jacksonville Florida Temple on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Elder Massimo De Feo, First Counselor in the United States Southeast Area Presidency, will preside over the event, which is open to invited guests only.

President Russell M. Nelson announced the Jacksonville Florida Temple during the General Conference in October 2023, highlighting, “The ordinances and covenants of the temple are of eternal significance.” This temple will mark the fifth house of the Lord in Florida, joining the existing Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, and the renovation of the Orlando Temple, along with the upcoming Tampa Temple.

Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple: New Location Revealed

In addition to the developments in Florida, the Mormon Church has also revealed the location for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple. This temple will be built on a 10.91-acre site at the intersection of Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard, featuring a single-story design of approximately 29,630 square feet.

Idaho is home to a robust Latter-day Saints community, with over 480,000 members in nearly 1,300 congregations. This temple announcement aligns with the Church’s ongoing efforts to expand spiritual resources in regions with substantial membership.

Calabar, Nigeria: A New Temple for Nigeria

The Mormon Church also announced the location for the Calabar Nigeria Temple, which will serve the growing membership in the region. The new temple will encompass a 26,000-square-foot single-story layout on a 7-acre site along Atekong Drive in Calabar, Cross River State. This facility is essential, as over 250,000 Latter-day Saints in Nigeria currently gather at one operating temple, located in Aba.

President Nelson emphasized the global reach of temple building, stating, “The Lord is directing us to build these temples to help us think celestial.” This new temple will not only serve as a spiritual hub but also as a significant landmark for the community.

The Importance of Temples in the Mormon Church

Temples of the Mormon Church differ significantly from standard meetinghouses, where members gather for weekly worship services. Each temple is regarded as a house of the Lord, a place where Church members can access sacred rituals and teachings that strengthen their faith and enhance family connections.

In temples, members make eternal covenants and seek guidance.
They provide peace and answers to life’s profound questions.
Temples stand as symbols of the Church’s commitment to its members.

With the addition of these new temple sites, the Mormon Church continues to fulfill its mission of making sacred spaces more accessible to its growing membership worldwide.

Conclusion

The announcements regarding the Jacksonville Florida Temple, Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple, and Calabar Nigeria Temple signify a new chapter for the Mormon Church and its global community. By providing additional opportunities for spiritual worship, the Church is poised to strengthen its outreach and enhance the faith journey of members across diverse regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a temple in the Mormon Church?

Temples are considered houses of the Lord where members can participate in sacred ordinances, make eternal covenants, and seek peace and guidance.

How many temples exist in Florida?

With the addition of the Jacksonville Florida Temple, Florida will have five temples, enhancing accessibility for nearly 180,000 members.

Where will the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple be located?

This temple will be constructed on a 10.91-acre site at the corner of Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

What are the dimensions of the new temples?

The Jacksonville Temple will be about 29,000 square feet, while the Coeur d’Alene Temple is approximately 29,630 square feet, and the Calabar Temple will be 26,000 square feet.

When will the groundbreaking for these temples take place?

The Jacksonville Temple groundbreaking is set for January 24, 2026, while locations for the other temples have been announced but dates are yet to be confirmed.