President Nelson Announces 17 New Temple Locations – Church News

In his closing address of the October 2024 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced the locations of 17 new temples, provided a timeline for completion of renovations to the Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square, and emphasized the role of temples in preparing Latter-day Saints for the Second Coming.

The 17 new temple locations are:

Juchitán de Zaragoza, Mexico
Santa Ana, El Salvador
Medellín, Colombia
Santiago, Dominican Republic
Puerto Montt, Chile
Dublin, Ireland
Milan, Italy
Abuja, Nigeria
Kampala, Uganda
Maputo, Mozambique
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Queen Creek, Arizona
El Paso, Texas
Huntsville, Alabama
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summit, New Jersey
Price, Utah

The new locations bring the total number of Lord’s houses in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – dedicated, under construction, or announced and planned – to 367. Of this number, President Nelson has declared 185 of these temples – or 50.4% – in almost seven years , since he was set apart as President of the Church in January 2018. This 50.4% ratio means that President Nelson has declared more than half of the Church’s total 367 temples.

The 17 locations announced this weekend, added to the 15 locations identified by President Nelson in April 2024, brings the total to 32 temples announced so far in 2024, marking the fourth time in as many years that President Nelson has announced more than 30 temples in one year. It announced 35 in 2022 and last year, and 34 new locations in 2021.

President Nelson noted that maintenance and renovation of the Salt Lake Temple and other areas of Temple Square have been ongoing for almost five years. “Current forecasts indicate that this work will be completed by the end of 2026.” – he said, expressing appreciation for everyone working on this huge project.

President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church, speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 194th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 6, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Prior to announcing the new locations, President Nelson confirmed the dedication or rededication of nine Lord’s Houses in five different countries over the past six months and the upcoming dedication of five additional temples before the end of 2024.

“Can you see what is happening before our eyes?” asked the Prophet. “I pray that we do not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord indeed speeds up His work.”

President Nelson explained that the Church is building temples at such an unprecedented rate because of the Lord’s instructions and temple blessings, which are helping to gather Israel on both sides of the veil.

“These blessings also help prepare a people who will prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord,” he said, declaring that “now is the time for you and me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is time for us to make discipleship our highest priority.”

Regular temple worship will help, President Nelson said.

“In the house of the Lord, our focus is on Jesus Christ. We learn from Him. We make covenants to follow Him. We get to know Him. As we keep temple covenants, we gain greater access to the Lord’s empowering power. In the temple we receive protection from the blows of the world. We experience in great abundance the pure love of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. In contrast to the turmoil of the world, we feel peace and spiritual certainty.

The prophet concluded his firm counsel regarding worship and ordinances in the house of the Lord.

“This is my promise to you: Everyone who sincerely seeks Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most annoying questions. You will better understand the joy of His gospel.”