Overview: A milestone-filled year for temples
2025 proved to be a landmark year for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marked by a steady cadence of temple milestones across the globe. The year featured nine temple dedications, the construction starts of 20 new temples, and the announcement of 16 additional temple locations. Taken together, these milestones reflect a sustained emphasis on temple worship, spiritual outreach, and geographic expansion that aligns with the church’s longer-term goals.
Dedications: Sacred milestones completed
Among the year’s most meaningful moments were the nine temple dedications. Each dedication signified not only the completion of a physical structure but also the dedication of a space for personal and family worship. For members, these dedications often mark turning points for community life, offering regular timetables for peaceful reflection, service opportunities, and the chance for families to participate in sacred ordinances. The dedications spanned diverse regions, reflecting the church’s ongoing aim to provide closer access to temples for members who previously faced longer travel times.
The spiritual impact
Temple dedications in 2025 highlighted a shared sense of renewal. Local leaders spoke about the temple’s role in strengthening faith, fostering families, and inviting intergenerational participation in sacred work. For attendees, the ceremonies were more than formalities; they were affirmations that minutes spent on quiet reflection can translate into long-term spiritual growth.
Construction starts: Building the next generation of temples
With 20 new temple construction starts announced or begun in 2025, planners and builders faced the practical challenges of large-scale construction while maintaining reverence for the sacred purpose of these buildings. The starts occurred in varied climates and landscapes, from urban centers to rural towns, underscoring the church’s commitment to bringing temples closer to members around the world. The timeline for these projects typically includes site preparation, design refinements, and coordination with local authorities to ensure respectful integration into communities.
What construction means for members
Construction starts usually generate anticipation among members who have waited years for a closer temple. The process often spurs local volunteer efforts, from philanthropic fundraising to community service. When construction is announced, leaders emphasize the temple’s future role in uplifting families, providing opportunities for worship, and facilitating temple ordinances that members view as essential to their spiritual journey.
New temple locations: Expanding access and presence
The church also announced 16 new temple locations in 2025, revealing a strategic expansion that aims to improve geographic access and reduce travel burdens for adherents. Location choices reflect demographic shifts, community needs, and the desire to serve members in both established and developing regions. Each announced site represents potential for future construction, partnerships with local authorities, and a new chapter in regional church life.
Community impact and planning considerations
New locations often involve careful coordination with civic officials and residents. While the announcement signals ambition, it also invites questions about how temples will integrate into local neighborhoods, how traffic and land use will be managed, and how spiritual programs will be adapted to address regional cultural contexts. The church emphasizes service opportunities, educational outreach, and interfaith dialogue as components of thoughtful, long-range planning.
Looking ahead: What the milestones mean for 2026
As 2025 closes, church leaders and members look to 2026 with a sense of continuity. The ongoing construction starts already set the stage for more dedicated temples and new locations in the years to come. The momentum suggests a continued focus on making temple worship more accessible, enhancing spiritual education, and reinforcing the church’s role in communities worldwide. For researchers, members, and observers, the year’s milestones offer a meaningful snapshot of a global religious movement in motion.
