Template:Featured Temple
For a five-week period, St. George, Utah, will be home to both the Church’s oldest operating temple — the St. George Utah Temple — and the newest — the Red Cliffs Utah Temple — until the dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple on April 28, 2024. The two temples in St. George are located just 3.5 miles apart.
- President Jeffrey R. Holland recounted how he and his wife, Sister Patricia Holland, were driving in the proposed area of the new temple, knowing the need for a name since St. George has had its namesake temple for nearly a century and a half. He recalled his wife looking north toward Pine Valley and mentioned Red Cliffs as a possibility because of the dominating geological feature.[1]
- They later suggested Red Cliffs as a name option to the First Presidency, the Apostle said, adding that the name represents not only the immediate area but also honors much of the entire temple district that encompasses the Virgin River region.[2]
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the temple in two sessions on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
The Manti Temple closed for a major renovation in October 2021 and will be rededicated on April 21, 2024.
A joint statement from the Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was released on March 5, 2024:
- Today, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the responsibility and ownership for the Kirtland Temple, several historic buildings in Nauvoo, and various manuscripts and artifacts officially transferred from Community of Christ to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for an agreed-upon amount. Together, we share an interest in and reverence for these historic sites and items and are committed to preserving them for future generations.[3]
“We are deeply honored to assume the stewardship of these sacred places, documents, and artifacts,” said Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We thank our friends at Community of Christ for their great care and cooperation in preserving these historical treasures thus far. We are committed to doing the same.”[4]
Included in the transfer are original elements of the Kirtland temple, including an oval window frame, front door keystone and frame, stone arch, windows, and pieces of original stucco and sandstone.[5]
The Kirtland Temple will remain an historic building. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans to reopen it March 25, 2024, for public tours at no charge.
