Groundbreaking of the Smithfield Utah Temple
The groundbreaking of the Smithfield Utah Temple was presided over by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on June 18, 2022. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was also in attendance and conducted the event. Both Apostles have roots in Cache Valley, where Smithfield is located.
In his remarks to those in attendance, Elder Cook said, “We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before. We honor them and their legacy and express gratitude for what they accomplished. It is in the Lord’s temples where sacred ordinances are performed, not only for us, but for those who have gone before that we express our gratitude in an eternally significant way.”
Timeline of the Smithfield Utah Temple
April
04
2021
June
18
2022
Groundbreaking
The Smithfield Utah Temple groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 18, 2022, with Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presiding. Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles conducted the gathering. In-person attendance at the event was limited to invitation only, but it was broadcast to those in the temple district.
The Smithfield temple was announced April 4, 2021, by Church President Russell M. Nelson. The groundbreaking and site dedication for this house of the Lord were held on June 18, 2022, and presided over by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Architecture and Design of the Smithfield Utah Temple
According to plans and exterior renderings, the Smithfield Utah Temple will be a three-story building of approximately 81,000 square feet. Around the building will be columns of arched windows, with arched entryways in front of the entrance.
A tall domed cupola will sit atop the building, near the front, with a smaller dome on the opposite end. The temple will stand on a site of 13.3 acres, with tall trees and purple, white, yellow and pink bushes adorning the grounds.
