Historic Temple Announcement Made in Portland, Maine
A new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be built in Portland, Maine, marking the first such structure in the state.
In a significant announcement delivered on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at a Christmas devotional for Latter-day Saints and friends of the Portland Maine stake, Elder Allen D. haynie,United States Northeast Area President,revealed plans for the construction of a temple in Portland. The announcement, made on behalf of the First Presidency of the church, was met with rejoicing by those in attendance.
“We are pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Portland,Maine,” read Elder Haynie,quoting the official statement from the First Presidency. “The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later. This is a reason for all of us to rejoice and thank God for such a significant blessing – one that will allow more frequent access to the ordinances, covenants, and power that can only be found in the house of the Lord.”
This new temple brings the total number of temples-operating, under construction, or announced-worldwide to 383. The decision to announce the temple in this manner represents a shift in the Church’s approach to such announcements. According to Elder Haynie, a recent decision by the First Presidency stipulated that future announcements should be made on location by either a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or an Area Presidency. He further noted that this marks the first time an announcement has been delivered by a member of an Area Presidency.
The change in announcement protocol was foreshadowed by President Dallin H. Oaks during the October 2025 general conference of the Church. At that time, President Oaks indicated a move toward a more deliberate pace in announcing new temples. “With the large number of temples now in the very earliest phases of planning and construction, it is appropriate that we slow down the announcement of new temples,” President Oaks stated. “Therefore, with the approval of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, we will not announce any new temples at this conference. We will now move forward in providing the ordinances of the temple to members of the Church throughout the world, including when and where to announce the construction of temples.”
however, Elder Haynie clarified that President Oaks’ statement did not signal a halt to all future temple announcements. He emphasized that the timing and location of future announcements would simply be resolute at a later date. He concluded by inviting those present “to prepare to enter a house of the Lord,” signaling a period of anticipation and planning for the arrival of the temple in Portland.
Why, Who, What, and How
What: A new temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be built in Portland, Maine, the first in the state. The announcement was made on December 14,2025,bringing the total number of temples worldwide to 383.
Who: Elder Allen D. Haynie, United States Northeast Area President, made the announcement on behalf of the First Presidency. President Dallin H. Oaks foreshadowed the change in announcement protocol during the October 2025 general conference.
Why: The church is shifting to a more deliberate pace in announcing new temples, focusing on progressing existing temple projects. The change also allows for announcements to be made locally, by Area Presidencies or members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This particular announcement was made to provide more frequent access to temple ordinances for members in Maine.
How: The announcement was delivered during a Christmas devotional for Latter-day Saints and friends in Portland, Maine. While the specific location and timing of construction were not revealed, Elder Hay
