A Quiet First: LDS Church Announces Maine Temple in Historic Shift
Something unexpected happened for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it caught many people by surprise. For years, temple announcements had become a signature moment of General Conference, often delivered personally by the church president to a worldwide audience. This time, tradition was quietly set aside.
When October’s General Conference concluded, many members noticed something missing. Newly sustained church president Dallin H. Oaks did not announce any new temples. That alone felt unusual, especially after the energetic pace set by his predecessor, President Russell M. Nelson, who made temple announcements a defining feature of his presidency. President Oaks acknowledged that legacy with warmth, noting how much joy those moments brought. But he also explained that with so many temples already in early planning and construction phases, it was time to slow the rhythm and rethink how announcements would be made.
Also Read:- Cold Nights Linger, but Warmer Days Are Just Around the Corner
- Steelers Break Out for Big Win Over Dolphins, Keep AFC North Lead
That explanation came into focus just weeks later, and not from a global pulpit. Instead, the first new temple of the Oaks presidency was announced quietly and locally, during a Christmas devotional in Portland, Maine. Elder Allen D. Haynie, a General Authority Seventy and president of the church’s U.S. Northeast Area, stood before local members and read a letter from the First Presidency. It confirmed that a temple would be built in Portland, marking the first Latter-day Saint temple ever announced for the state of Maine.
The moment was described as reverent rather than loud. Instead of cheers, there were gasps, tears, and quiet emotion. The announcement stated that the specific location and construction timeline would be shared later, but emphasized that this temple would bring sacred ordinances closer to members who have long traveled hours to attend the Boston Massachusetts Temple. For many families, that distance had been part of their faith journey for generations.
What made this moment historic wasn’t just the location. Elder Haynie explained that a decision had been made for future temple announcements to sometimes occur on location, delivered by area leaders rather than solely during General Conference. That had never happened before. In fact, this marked the first temple announcement outside of General Conference since the Ephraim Utah Temple was announced in a special broadcast years ago.
Under President Nelson, 200 temples were announced in less than eight years, more than half of the church’s total operating or planned temples worldwide. By comparison, this new era has begun with a single, deeply personal announcement. With the Maine temple now planned, only six U.S. states remain without a temple announced or built.
For members in Maine, the announcement wasn’t about numbers or records. It was felt as a blessing, a recognition of decades of faith, and a Christmas gift delivered in the most intimate way possible.
Read More:
0 Comments