Temple Milestone: President Russell M. Nelson Announces 17 New Locations and Completion Date for Salt Lake Temple Renovations

Milan, Italy – During the October 2024 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced the addition of 17 new temple locations for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This brings the total number of temples, including those dedicated, under construction, or announced, to 367 worldwide. Since assuming his role as President of the Church in January 2018, President Nelson has announced 185 of these temples, marking more than half of the total number.

The new temple locations include areas such as Santa Ana in El Salvador, Abuja in Nigeria, and Queen Creek in Arizona. These additions, combined with the 15 temples announced in April 2024, make for a total of 32 new temples announced in 2024 alone. President Nelson’s commitment to temple building has been consistent, with 30 or more temples announced in each of the past four years.

President Nelson emphasized the significance of temples in assisting Latter-day Saints in their preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He highlighted the ongoing renovations of the Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square, with a projected completion timeline set for the end of 2026. The President expressed gratitude to all those involved in the extensive renovation project.

Prior to unveiling the new temple locations, President Nelson acknowledged the recent dedications of nine temples in five countries over the past six months, with five more temples set for dedication before the year’s end. He urged members to recognize the acceleration of temple construction as a sign of the Lord hastening His work and emphasized the importance of prioritizing discipleship.

President Nelson’s message centered on the transformative power of temple worship, stating that in the temple, individuals have the opportunity to focus on Jesus Christ, make sacred covenants, and experience His love abundantly. He encouraged all members to make temple worship a central aspect of their spiritual lives, promising that sincere seekers of Jesus Christ will find Him within the walls of the temple.

As the Church continues to expand its temple presence globally, President Nelson’s leadership has been instrumental in facilitating this growth. The announcement of new temple locations serves as a testament to the Church’s commitment to providing sacred spaces for worship, reflection, and connection with deity. Members are encouraged to partake in temple worship as a means of drawing closer to the Savior and preparing for His anticipated Second Coming.