A Temple for Portland, Maine
During a Christmas devotional for Latter-day Saints and friends of the Portland Maine Stake on Sunday, December 14, 2025, Elder Allen D. Haynie, President of the Church’s Northeast United States Area, announced a temple to be built in Portland, Maine, as relayed by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We are delighted to share news of a temple planned for Portland, Maine. The exact site and construction timeline will be disclosed at a later date. This is truly a cause for celebration and gratitude,” the First Presidency conveyed, highlighting that the temple will enable more regular access to the sacred ordinances, covenants, and divine power associated with the Lord’s house.
Context and scope
This development brings the total count of temples worldwide—whether already in operation, under construction, or publicly announced—to 383. Portland will mark Maine’s first temple.
In sharing the news, Elder Haynie noted that during a recent First Presidency meeting, a decision was made: future temple announcements would be made on site by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or by an Area Presidency member, whenever the First Presidency directs. He added that such on-site announcements by an Area Presidency member have never occurred before, and tonight represented a historic first.
This reflects a broader shift cited by President Dallin H. Oaks in the Church’s October 2025 general conference. He indicated that temple announcements would be handled differently going forward.
In Oaks’s closing remarks, he explained that with many temples already in the early planning or construction stages, the Church would slow the cadence of new temple announcements. He stated that, with the approval of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, there would be no new temple announcements at that conference, and instead moves would be made to deliver temple ordinances to members worldwide, with the timing and location of future temple announcements to be announced later.
Interpreting the message
Elder Haynie clarified that Oaks’s message did not promise there would be no further temple announcements at all—only that the schedule and sites for future announcements would be determined at a later time. He invited attendees to prepare to enter the holy house and participate in its sacred ordinances.
What this means for members and observers
- The Portland project adds another milestone in the church’s global temple program, signaling ongoing growth and outreach. - The decision to coordinate announcements on-site marks a notable change in how the church communicates major milestones to the faithful. - The broader strategy appears to prioritize delivering temple ordinances to a growing membership while pacing new announcements.
As conversations continue, readers may have questions about how temple construction decisions are made, how site selection occurs, and how these changes affect local communities and members. Do you think this approach will alter how members engage with temple worship, or raise new debates about temple access and timing? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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