In his first address as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson spoke to the world in a broadcast from the annex of the Salt Lake Temple.
“As a new Presidency, we want to begin with the end in mind,” he said. “For this reason, we’re speaking to you today from a temple.”
President Nelson, who turns 101 on September 9, 2025, has maintained this focus on the house of the Lord throughout his ministry.
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Historic Temple Announcements
There are 382 temples currently operating, under construction or announced. Two hundred of these houses of the Lord were announced by President Nelson over the past seven years — more than half of the temples announced since the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Why are we building temples at such an unprecedented pace? Why? Because the Lord has instructed us to do so,” President Nelson said in October 2024. “The blessings of the temple help to gather Israel on both sides of the veil.”
Jesus Christ and the Temple
President Nelson has repeatedly emphasized the connection between covenants made in temples and Latter-day Saints’ relationship with Jesus Christ.
- “Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple” (October 2024).
- “Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Each is His holy house” (April 2023).
- “The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple” (October 2021).
- “Because Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do in the temple, as you think more about the temple you will be thinking more about Him” (April 2020).
Invitations and Promised Blessings
The Prophet has extended the invitation to regularly worship in the house of the Lord.
“Regular temple worship will enhance the way you see yourself and how you fit into God’s magnificent plan. I promise you that,” he said.
In his October 2022 general conference address, President Nelson promised that “increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.”
Spiritual Preparation for the Future
In his most recent address, President Nelson urged the world to prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior Jesus Christ by increasing time spent in the temple.
“We do not know the day or the hour of His coming,” President Nelson said, “but I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that ‘“great and dreadful day.’”
Additional Resources
- Learn more about the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- See what happens in temples.
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