.jpg?ssl=1 "Proposed Portland Temple")
Key Takeaways:
- A new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be built in Portland, Maine, as announced by the First Presidency.
- This will be the first temple in the state of Maine and brings the total number of temples worldwide to 383.
- The announcement was made by Elder Allen D. Haynie, United States Northeast Area President, at a Christmas devotional in Portland, Maine.
- The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later.
- The announcement marks a new approach to announcing temple construction, with the First Presidency determining the timing and location of future announcements.
Introduction to the Announcement
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the construction of a new temple in Portland, Maine, as part of its ongoing efforts to expand its presence and provide more opportunities for its members to participate in temple ordinances. The announcement was made by Elder Allen D. Haynie, United States Northeast Area President, at a Christmas devotional held for Latter-day Saints and friends of the Portland Maine Stake on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The First Presidency of the Church expressed its pleasure at the announcement, stating that it is a significant blessing that will allow more frequent access to the ordinances, covenants, and power that can only be found in the house of the Lord.
The Significance of the Announcement
The announcement brings the total number of temples worldwide to 383, with the Portland Maine temple being the first in the state. This is a significant milestone for the Church, which has been expanding its temple presence in recent years. The announcement is also notable for its departure from the traditional method of announcing temple construction, with Elder Haynie being the first member of an Area Presidency to make such an announcement. As part of the announcement, Elder Haynie shared that the First Presidency had decided to change the way temple announcements are made, with the timing and location of future announcements to be determined later.
The New Approach to Temple Announcements
In the October 2025 general conference of the Church, President Dallin H. Oaks noted that the Church would be changing its approach to announcing new temples. He stated that with the large number of temples in the early phases of planning and construction, it was appropriate to slow down the announcement of new temples. However, he did not rule out future announcements, stating that the timing and location of such announcements would be determined later. Elder Haynie emphasized that President Oaks’ statement did not mean that there would be no further announcements of new temples, but rather that the Church would be taking a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to making such announcements.
The Importance of Temples in the Church
Temples are a central part of the doctrine and practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are considered houses of the Lord, where members can participate in sacred ordinances and make covenants with God. The construction of a new temple in Portland, Maine, will provide members in the area with greater access to these ordinances and covenants, and will be a source of joy and celebration for the local community. As Elder Haynie invited those in attendance to prepare to enter a house of the Lord, he emphasized the importance of temples in the lives of Church members and the role they play in bringing people closer to God.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The announcement of the Portland Maine temple is a significant event for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members. It marks a new chapter in the Church’s efforts to expand its presence and provide more opportunities for its members to participate in temple ordinances. As the Church continues to grow and develop, it is likely that we will see more announcements of new temples in the future. For now, the members of the Portland Maine Stake and the surrounding community can look forward to the construction of a beautiful new temple, and the blessings and opportunities it will bring. The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later, and the Church will continue to provide updates on the progress of the project.
