Modesto California Temple: A New House of the Lord in the Central Valley
Announcement and Key Dates
The Modesto California Temple is a new House of the Lord planned for Modesto, California. Its address is adjacent to 4300 Dale Road, Modesto, California.
The Prophet announced the temple to the public on April 3, 2022, during General Conference. A rendering was released on December 19, 2022. On October 7, 2023, Gary B. Sabin presided at the groundbreaking and dedication of the land.
Modesto California Temple Public Open House
The public open house is scheduled from October 16 through October 31, 2026, excluding Sundays. The event began with a media day on Tuesday, October 13, followed by two days of tours for invited guests.
Dedication
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside at the dedication on Sunday, November 22, 2026. The dedicatory session will be broadcast to congregations in the temple district.
Location, Size, and Design
The Modesto California Temple is being built on 17.63 acres. It will have 30,000 square feet, stand at an elevation of 81 feet, and have a single-story design.
Its architecture features a single attached end spire. It will not have a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue. The exterior finish has not been specified in the information provided.
Exterior Art Glass
Patterned blue-green glass, framed with pale gold mullions, appears in the temple’s art glass. The tall, arched windows in the steeple feature the patterned panes, and matching art glass appears in the exterior and entry doors, adding visual depth to the facade. The glass is designed to be backlit at night, creating a bright, glowing effect.
Interior and Exterior Details
The temple will have two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
Significance in California
The Modesto California Temple will be the first temple built in the city of Modesto and the first temple built in Stanislaus County. It is the 10th temple built in the state of California.
Other temples in California at the time of the Modesto announcement included the Feather River California Temple, Fresno California Temple, Los Angeles California Temple, Newport Beach California Temple, Oakland California Temple, Redlands California Temple, Sacramento California Temple, San Diego California Temple, and Yorba Linda California Temple.