During his opening remarks today at the first session of the semiannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced that two new temples will be built, one in Twin Falls, Idaho, and the other in the Salt Lake Valley.
When completed, the Twin Falls Idaho Temple will be the fourth temple in Idaho. Dedicated temples serve Latter-day Saints in areas surrounding Boise and Idaho Falls. Plans were announced previously to construct the Church's third Idaho temple in Rexburg.
The new temple in the Salt Lake Valley will be the third temple in the Salt Lake area and the 12th in Utah. President Hinckley indicated that continued growth may require a fourth temple in the Salt Lake area.
Following President Hinckley's announcement in Salt Lake City, President Brad R. Hobbs, president of the Twin Falls Idaho Stake said, "It's fitting that the Church would recognize the growth and development of Twin Falls and the Magic Valley and select it for a temple during this year of centennial celebration for Twin Falls."
Unlike meetinghouses where Sabbath worship and weekly activities take place, temples are open throughout the week and close on Sundays.
To members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are the house of the
Lord, the most sacred place on earth. Temple services bind families
together forever, teach the purpose of life and explain God's plan
of salvation. Temple attendance strengthens Latter-day Saints'
commitment to living Christian principles, emphasizes personal
spiritual growth and increases devotion to family.