Key Highlights
- Dallin H. Oaks announces the first new temple during his presidency outside General Conference.
- Oaks cites the “large number of temples in early planning phases” as a reason for slowing down announcements.
- The first new temple announced under Oaks’ leadership is set to be built in Portland, Maine.
- This marks the first time an announcement was made on location by an apostle or area presidency leader outside General Conference since 1938.
New Temple Announcement Breaks Tradition for Latter-day Saints
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, a significant change was observed within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). During an area Christmas devotional in Portland, Maine, General Authority Seventy Allen D. Haynie announced the first new temple to be constructed under the leadership of Dallin H. Oaks.
Background on Temple Announcements
For nearly eight years under Russell M. Nelson’s tenure as church president, the tradition was for him to announce every new temple during General Conference. His enthusiasm for these announcements was widely known among members. However, with 93-year-old Oaks taking over in October 2025, a shift in this longstanding practice has occurred.
Reasons Behind the Change
In his address at the fall gathering, Oaks cited the “large number of temples now in the very earliest phases of planning and construction” as justification for slowing down announcements. This decision reflects a strategic approach to managing resources and ensuring that each temple is well-planned before it opens its doors.
First New Temple Under Oaks’ Leadership
The first new temple announced during Oaks’ presidency will be built in Portland, Maine. According to a letter read by Haynie from the governing First Presidency, “the specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later.” This marks an unprecedented change as such announcements have traditionally been made at General Conference.
“Such an announcement by a member of an area presidency has never occurred before,” Haynie explained. “Tonight, will be the first.” The decision to make this announcement on location signifies a new approach in managing temple construction and communication within the faith community.
Implications for Other States
This development also marks the first time an announced temple has been outside of General Conference since 1938. It highlights how the church is adapting to manage its growing network of temples, with six U.S. states—Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia—still lacking either existing or announced temples.
For Oaks to match Nelson’s record run of new temple announcements, he has one down and 199 more to go in achieving this goal. This shift underscores the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the LDS community as it continues to expand its network of sacred structures around the globe.
The decision to break with tradition is seen as a pragmatic approach that balances the need for transparency with careful planning, ensuring that each new temple serves the faithful effectively.
