President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Saturday, May 1, that the faith will build a new temple in Ephraim, Utah.
In a prerecorded message played at a press conference inside the Manti Tabernacle (seven miles, or 11 kilometers, south of Ephraim), the prophet said the new house of the Lord will be an important addition for the Churchβs growing membership in the area β including students at Snow College. βWe care about their well-being and their future,β President Nelson said.
The temple in Ephraim is the 252nd temple in the Church and the 27th in Utah.
Prophet Tells Latter-day Saints in Central Utah That a New Temple Is Coming to Ephraim – powered by Happy Scribe
My dear brothers and sisters, thank you for your participation with us on this special occasion.
I regret that I cannot be with you in person, but I am grateful for the technology that allows me to speak with you.
Now from church headquarters, we have been giving much prayerful thought to the hearty pioneers who labored and sacrificed to make it possible for faithful members of the church to receive their blessings in the Mantei, Utah, temple.
Over time, countless craftsmen, artists and laborers have created this unique treasure. We have also given prayerful foresight to the growing number of faithful members of the church who now live or will yet live in this central sector of Utah.
In addition, we have considered the thousands of students who come to Snow College in pursuit of their education. We care about their well-being and their future. In the April 2019 general conference, we announce that the Mantei, Utah temple would need renovation. This pioneer temple needs mechanical upgrades and other changes to keep it useful and safe. It also needs to be revised. To offer the revealed ordinances and covenants to members who speak languages other than English.
That will be made possible by filmed presentations, as in other temples.
To begin this multi-year project, we will close the Mantei Utah temple around next October 1st.
We have continued to seek the direction of the Lord on this matter. We have been impressed to modify our earlier plans for the Mantei, Utah temple so that the pioneer craftsmanship, artwork and character will be preserved. Including the painted murals loved by so many, we will leave those murals where they are located now inside the Mantei Utah temple.
Now, may we turn our attention to Manti’s, neighboring city, Ephraim? After much study and prayer. And with our deep gratitude for the Lord responding to our pleadings, I’m pleased to announce that we have been impressed.
To build a new temple in Ephraim, Utah.
These decisions will expand future opportunities for members in this Temple District to participate in sacred temple ordinances and at the same time allow us to preserve the unique classical character and useful life of the historic Mantei, Utah, temple.
As you can imagine, many details remain for later decisions, I have asked selected church leaders to meet with you today to respond to any questions you may have.
I am most grateful for their help. Now, on behalf of the first presidency, may I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your faithful devotion to the work of the Lord?
You comprise a stalwart part of the Lord’s Vineyard. I express my love for you and my testimony that we are engaged in the work of almighty God. Jesus is the Christ, this is his church, we are his servants.
I saw testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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