Canada is set to welcome its tenth LDS temple, which is due to be built in Lethbridge, Alberta. The announcement of the temple has brought joy to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Southern Alberta, as well as neighboring communities. The temple is expected to bring immense blessings and provide a sacred space for members to worship and find solace. The temple’s groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 24, 2020, and its construction is expected to continue for the next four years. This 29,000 square foot temple will host a wide range of spiritual activities, including worship services, baptisms, marriages, and other religious ceremonies. We take a closer look at what the building of this temple means to the community and the LDS Church in Canada.
The Cardston Alberta Temple, located nearly an hour outside of Lethbridge, was the first temple to be built in Canada and the first to be constructed outside of the United States. Initially announced in 1913, the temple continues to serve as a significant place of worship for Canada’s Latter-day Saints community.
The Cardston Alberta Temple’s historical significance was highlighted during the recent general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Russell M. Nelson, the church’s prophet, announced twenty new developments, a majority of which pertained to new temple locations. These announcements included the Cardston Alberta Temple.
President Nelson emphasized that the construction of the temples remained a critical effort in fulfilling the church’s mission. He also added that the temple’s significance lies in its ability to serve as a holy house belonging to Jesus Christ. The temple is a place of worship where essential ordinances can be administered, and members can draw closer to the Lord. This experience can bless their lives in ways other forms of worship cannot.
Canada has nearly 200,000 Latter-day Saints, making up around 500 congregations. Thus, the announcement of a new temple came as welcome news to the community. According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having more accessible temples worldwide is crucial to benefit more members.
The announcement of twenty new temple locations, including the Cardston Alberta Temple, highlights the church’s dedication to this cause. The other temple locations are Retalhuleu, Guatemala; Iquitos, Peru; Teresina, Brazil; Natal, Brazil; Tuguegarao City, Philippines; Iloilo, Philippines; Jakarta, Indonesia; Hamburg, Germany; San Jose, California; Bakersfield, California; Springfield, Missouri; Winchester, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Although construction details of the temples were not specified in the announcement, the Latter-day Saints community worldwide received the news with joy. The announcement of new temples gives members more opportunities to connect with their spiritual convictions and faith.
In conclusion, the Cardston Alberta Temple’s historical significance and importance to Canada’s Latter-day Saints community were emphasized with its announcement as one of the twenty new temple locations. The Latter-day Saints community worldwide celebrates this announcement as it makes the temple more accessible to members, enabling them to connect with their spiritual convictions more deeply.
