Birmingham England Temple
At the April 2022 General Conference on April 3, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct the Birmingham England Temple. The temple in Birmingham will be England's third. The London England Temple was the first (dedicated in 1958), followed by the Preston England Temple (dedicated in 1998).
“Positive spiritual momentum increases as we worship in the temple and grow in our understanding of the magnificent breadth and depth of blessings we receive there,” the prophet said. “I plead with you to counter worldly ways by focusing on the eternal blessings of the temple. Your time there brings blessings for eternity,” he said, as 17 new temples, including the Birmingham England Temple, were announced.[1]
Missionaries were sent to England in 1837, only seven years after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established. England is home to the oldest continuous congregation of the Church. Today, the Church has close to 187,000 members in 315 congregations in the United Kingdom.[2] Preston, England, is home to the oldest continuous congregation of the Church, dating to 1837.[3]
During the 19th century, more than 52,000 converts emigrated from Britain to join the main body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States. By 1870, nearly half of all of Utah’s population consisted of British immigrants.[4]
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[hide]Location
The Birmingham England Temple is being built on a 2.7-acre site located at 185-187 Penns Lane, Sutton, Coldfield, Birmingham, England. Plans call for a one-story temple of approximately 10,800 square feet, with patron housing and arrival facilities.
Groundbreaking Held
The groundbreaking services for the Birmingham England Temple were held on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Elder Scott D. Whiting, Europe North Area President, presided.
"Today marks a joyous occasion as we break ground for the Birmingham England Temple" Elder Whiting said. "This holy house will stand as a beacon of faith, peace and devotion to Jesus Christ for generations to come. We pray that it will bless not only those who enter its doors but also the surrounding community, as a symbol of love, service and unity."[5]
After offering the dedicatory prayer, Elder Whiting and his wife, Sister Jeri Whiting, led the ceremonial turning of the soil. They were joined by government officials, including Douglas Wright MBE DL, High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands, and Councillor John Perks, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield. Friends from various faiths, academics, representatives from community and charity organizations, and other Church leaders were also invited to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony.
The temple groundbreaking marks a historic milestone for the Church in the United Kingdom, where more than 180,000 members of the Church reside. For Latter-day Saints in the region, the groundbreaking was a moment of joy and anticipation. Local members and community leaders have expressed excitement and gratitude for the construction of the temple, recognising it as a significant addition to Sutton Coldfield.
Councillor Alex Yip, who serves as the local councillor to the temple site, said, "The construction of the Birmingham England Temple is a wonderful and exciting addition to our Sutton Coldfield community, a Royal Town, known for its welcoming spirit and rich diversity. The new temple reflects the inclusive nature of our community, where people of all backgrounds and faiths live, work and can worship side by side."[6]
Videos
External Links
- Official Birmingham England Temple page
- Birmingham England Temple page
- Temples—The Church News Almanac
- What Is the Purpose of the Temple?
