Major Updates for Five Temples Worldwide
In an inspiring announcement, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revealed key milestones for five temples spanning four continents. These include the open house and dedication dates for the Farmington New Mexico Temple, along with groundbreaking ceremonies for the Benin City Nigeria Temple, Lagos Nigeria Temple, Budapest Hungary Temple, and Natal Brazil Temple. These developments signify the Church’s growing presence and commitment to serving members worldwide.
Farmington New Mexico Temple: A Sacred Addition to New Mexico
A momentous occasion is on the horizon for New Mexico as the Farmington New Mexico Temple moves closer to completion. The temple’s open house will begin with a media day on Monday, July 14, 2025. Invited guests will tour the temple on July 15 and 16, followed by a public open house from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.The dedication will take place on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in a single session presided over by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This sacred event will be broadcast to all congregations within the temple district, uniting members in worship and reflection.
Announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the April 2021 general conference, the Farmington Temple will be the second in New Mexico, alongside the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple. The Latter-day Saint community in New Mexico, which has supported those in need since the Great Depression, now numbers more than 69,000 members in nearly 140 congregations.
Lagos Nigeria Temple: A Spiritual Beacon in West Africa
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Lagos Nigeria Temple will reach a key milestone with its groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by Elder Alfred Kyungu, Africa West Area President. This sacred edifice will rise on a 2.7-acre site at the intersection of Rumens Road and Bourdillon Road in Lagos’ Ikoyi neighborhood. Plans call for a one-story temple covering approximately 19,800 square feet, along with an arrival center and patron housing to enhance members’ experiences.
This temple, announced by President Nelson during the April 2018 general conference, carries a profound message. As President Nelson said, “We invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life.”
Benin City Nigeria Temple: Strengthening Nigeria’s Growing Faith Community
Nigeria’s spiritual landscape will further flourish with the Benin City Nigeria Temple’s groundbreaking, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2025. Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran, First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, will preside over this sacred occasion.The temple will be built on a 2.17-acre site at 16 Commercial Avenue in Benin City. Plans include a two-story building covering approximately 30,700 square feet, along with an arrival center and patron housing.
The Benin City and Lagos temples will join the Aba Nigeria Temple, dedicated in 2005, in serving Nigeria’s rapidly growing Latter-day Saint population, which now includes nearly 233,000 members in 810 congregations. Additional temples are planned for Abuja, Calabar, and Eket, underscoring the Church’s deep roots and expanding reach in the region.
Budapest Hungary Temple: A Testament to the Church’s European Heritage
Hungary will witness a historic event on Saturday, June 21, 2025, as groundbreaking services are held for the Budapest Hungary Temple. Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, Europe Central Area President, will preside over the event.
This temple will stand on a 5.92-acre site in the Harsánylejtő neighborhood of Budapest. The design includes a one-story building of about 18,000 square feet, complemented by an arrival center and patron housing.
The Church’s history in Hungary dates back to 1885, though missionary efforts paused during the turbulent years following World War I. The Church was officially recognized by the Hungarian government in 1988, and the first meetinghouse was dedicated the following year. Today, Hungary is home to more than 5,000 Latter-day Saints in 21 congregations.
Natal Brazil Temple: Strengthening Brazil’s Role as a Church Stronghold
Brazil’s vibrant Latter-day Saint community will celebrate another milestone with the groundbreaking of the Natal Brazil Temple on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Elder Mark D. Eddy, Second Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency, will preside over the event.
The temple will be constructed on a 5.53-acre site in the Nova Parnamirim neighborhood of Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, and will feature a single-story building of about 19,800 square feet. It will be the first temple in this northeastern state, reflecting the Church’s continued growth across Brazil.
The Natal Temple will be the 23rd operational temple in Brazil, with eight additional temples announced and three more under construction. Brazil, home to nearly 1.5 million Latter-day Saints in almost 2,200 congregations, plays a pivotal role in the Church’s global mission. As President Nelson said in April 2017, “Brazil is part of the heart of the Church.”
Significance of Temple Ceremonies
Temples are central to the faith and practices of Latter-day Saints. Within these sacred spaces, members learn about the purpose of life, forge eternal bonds with their families, and make covenants to follow God’s commandments. They commit to living the higher law taught by Jesus Christ, including service, chastity, and faithfulness.
The recent milestones announced for these five temples reflect the Church’s commitment to extending these blessings to members around the world, strengthening communities, and fostering faith in every corner of the globe.
- Religion World Bureau
