Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple: What We Know So Far
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple is one of the most significant new temple projects announced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in recent years. Announced by President Russell M. Nelson on October 3, 2021, the temple represents a major expansion on a prominent site in Provo and reflects a thoughtfully designed, large-scale sacred building for the region.
Announcement, name change, and context
- The temple was publicly announced on October 3, 2021 by Prophet Russell M. Nelson.
- A public rendering of the temple was released on November 24, 2021.
- The building was originally designated the Provo Utah Temple but was renamed the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple on February 20, 2024.
- At the time of the announcement the Church reported roughly 16.8 million members worldwide and there were about 500 congregations in the state of Utah.
Location and site
- Address: 2200 Temple Hill Dr, Provo, UT 84604.
- The temple site covers approximately 17 acres. This is larger than the previous temple site of roughly 15 acres; the increase is in part due to removing the road that used to run in front of the old temple.
- The site sits at an elevation of about 4,876 feet (1,486 meters) above sea level.
Design and exterior
- The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple will feature an exterior finished in granite.
- Its roofline will include a single attached central spire. The design does not include a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue; the previous Angel Moroni that served the earlier building is currently in storage.
- The temple is being designed as a large structure, encompassing roughly 163,000 square feet and rising to about 81 meters (approximately 265 feet, 6 inches).
Parking and nearby facilities
- The temple will not share a parking lot with a meetinghouse. There is, however, a meetinghouse and associated parking located off to the corner across the street from the temple site.
Construction and timeline
- Groundbreaking and construction began on February 24, 2024.
- The project is currently expected to be completed in late 2027.
Significance
- When completed, the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple will be identified as the sixth temple in the state of Utah according to the project information provided.
- Its large footprint, granite exterior, and prominent spire will make it a notable landmark on Temple Hill in Provo, serving members in the area and contributing to the Church’s continued presence in Utah.
Summary of key facts
- Announced: October 3, 2021 (President Russell M. Nelson)
- Rendering released: November 24, 2021
- Renamed: February 20, 2024 (from Provo Utah Temple to Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple)
- Construction start: February 24, 2024
- Expected completion: Late 2027
- Address: 2200 Temple Hill Dr, Provo, UT 84604
- Site acreage: 17 acres (previous site ~15 acres)
- Floor area: ~163,000 sq ft
- Height: ~81 m (265 ft 6 in)
- Exterior: Granite
- Spire: Single attached central spire; no gold-leafed Angel Moroni (previous statue in storage)
- Parking: Does not share a lot with a meetinghouse; meetinghouse parking is across the street
- Elevation: ~4,876 ft (1,486 m)
- Stated as the 6th temple in Utah
- Context at announcement: ~16.8 million church members worldwide; ~500 congregations in Utah
As construction progresses, additional details on interior layout, dedicatory plans, and public open houses will be announced by the Church. For now, the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple stands as a major new temple project with a clear timeline and distinctive design features that will shape its role on Temple Hill and in the Provo community.