Temples rising: Why the church is building new sacred houses from Idaho to Africa

In a powerful demonstration of its global reach and focus on eternal families, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has unveiled detailed plans for three sacred houses of the Lord, spanning from the American Northwest to the heart of West Africa. The announcements, featuring architectural renderings and specific locations for temples in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Calabar, Nigeria, alongside a groundbreaking date for the Jacksonville Florida Temple, signal a significant phase in the Church’s worldwide temple-building program.

This coordinated release underscores a strategic shift from announcement to execution, following recent counsel from the First Presidency to focus on completing the dozens of temples already in the pipeline.

Florida’s First Coast Prepares for a Sacred Landmark

The River City is about to receive a new spiritual beacon. A groundbreaking service for the Jacksonville Florida Temple is set for Saturday, January 24, 2026. The ceremony, which will be presided over by Elder Massimo De Feo of the Southeast Area Presidency, will mark the official beginning of construction on the 29,000-square-foot edifice.

The temple, announced by President Russell M. Nelson in October 2023, will sit on a serene, 6.6-acre plot at 3323 Loretto Road. For Florida’s nearly 180,000 Latter-day Saints, this represents a growing accessibility to the faith’s most sacred ordinances. The Jacksonville temple will be the state’s fifth, joining dedicated temples in Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee, a renovated Orlando temple, and the recently commenced Tampa temple.

President Nelson has repeatedly emphasized the profound importance of these structures, stating at the time of the announcement, “The ordinances and covenants of the temple are of eternal significance. We continue to build more temples to make these sacred possibilities become a reality in each of your lives.”

Coeur d’Alene’s Lakeside Landscape to Feature a New Spire

In Idaho, the release of the official rendering for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple has generated excitement among local members. The design depicts a single-story, 29,630-square-foot temple of classic elegance, which will be constructed on a prominent 10.91-acre corner at Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard. The site plans also include a meetinghouse for weekly worship services and an ancillary building, creating a multi-purpose spiritual complex.

This temple, first announced in October 2024, will serve a state deeply rooted in Church history and membership. With over 480,000 Latter-day Saints in Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene temple will become the tenth in the state, alleviating the load on other facilities in Boise, Idaho Falls, Meridian, and Rexburg. President Nelson’s words at the temple’s announcement resonate deeply with the faithful in the region: “Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple. You will feel His mercy. You will find answers to your most vexing questions. You will better comprehend the joy of His gospel.”

A Beacon of Hope Rising in Calabar, Nigeria

Perhaps the most poignant of the announcements comes from West Africa, where the growing Latter-day Saint community in Nigeria continues to be blessed with increased access to temples. The Church has released the design and location for the Calabar Nigeria Temple, a beautiful, single-story structure of approximately 26,000 square feet. It will be built on a 7-acre site at Atekong Drive, accompanied by patron housing, arrival facilities, and a meetinghouse—essential features for members who may travel great distances to attend.

Announced in October 2023, the Calabar temple is a testament to the vibrant faith of Nigerian Latter-day Saints, who now number over 250,000 in 840 congregations. It will be the country’s fifth temple, joining the existing Aba Nigeria Temple, the soon-to-be-completed temples in Lagos and Benin City, and other announced temples in Eket, Abuja, and Uyo. This rapid expansion in Nigeria fulfills a vision President Nelson shared when he said, “The Lord is directing us to build these temples to help us think celestial. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. His Church has been restored to bless all of God’s children.”

Together, these developments in Florida, Idaho, and Nigeria paint a picture of a dynamic, international faith. They represent a tangible commitment to providing what Church leaders call the “crowning blessings” of the gospel to members everywhere, turning prophetic announcements into concrete and beautiful realities that will grace skylines and sanctify lives for generations to come.

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the purpose of a Latter-day Saint temple?
A1: Unlike local meetinghouses for Sunday worship, temples are considered “houses of the Lord.” They are sacred spaces where members participate in ordinances, make covenants with God, and seek to unite their families for eternity.

Q2: When will the Jacksonville Florida Temple be built?
A2: The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for January 24, 2026. This marks the start of construction, though a final completion or dedication date has not yet been announced.

Q3: Where will the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple be located?
A3: It will be built on a 10.91-acre site at the corner of Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The plans include the temple, a meetinghouse, and an ancillary building.

Q4: How many temples will there be in Nigeria?
A4: With the new Calabar temple, Nigeria will eventually have five temples. The Aba temple is currently operating, temples in Lagos and Benin City are under construction, and temples in Calabar, Eket, Abuja, and Uyo have been announced.

Q5: Who announces new temples?
A5: The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only one who can officially announce a new temple, which typically happens during the Church’s semi-annual General Conference.